November 2013

Being Thankful...Giving Generously...Putting God First! But are we? As we enter the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, thoughts of thankfulness and giving are automatic in most of our minds. We think of all of the things God has given us and the prayers that have been answered for ourselves and our family and we give thanks! Many will soon be out in the rush to buy that per-fect Christmas gift or get the best deal at a midnight sale...and we will all soon be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the coming seasons. But do our actions reflect what is in our hearts? At this time of year, our church is also preparing for the seasons with plans for a Thanksgiving luncheon for our community friends, a Hanging of the Green to decorate our church and planning services of Advent and musical concerts for Christmas. EPFM is also holding a church retreat to train new leaders (Nov. 8 & 9th) and prepare for 2014 in the life of our church. Setting up a budget to fulfill our hopes and dreams for the future are being planned now and it is time to give, share and serve! November 17th has been designated as Loyalty Sunday at East Point First Mallalieu UMC. This is a time for you to make a commitment to your church and Jesus Christ as you think about how YOU can use the gifts and offerings God has given YOU. Many of us will say that “I am giving all that I can give and I can’t afford any more”. If we are giving all that we can give, I think we can be assured that God is aware of that. But God asks, “what are you doing with the gift I gave you?” We can all give more without it costing a cent. God wants us to put our gifts and talents to work in his kingdom too. Jesus, in the Old Testament tradition, cared for the poor and those suffering. He urged his disciples to have compassion for the lame, the hungry and the blind. He also encouraged them to visit the sick and to be worthy and generous stewards. Here at EPFM, the finance team is constructing the budget for 2014, planning for material expenses in the way of electricity, water, heat and keeping the building in great shape, but also making NEW places for ministry and activities to take place. This is the first big renovation in many years and we are doing a NEW THING! Grants are being written, new teams are planning for children, youth and adults. New faces can be seen in leadership...It’s an exciting time in the life of EPFM, but where do YOU fit in? As we move closer to Nov. 17th, you will hear from several different people in our congregation and staff about how your giving is working in the kingdom and in their lives. By giving to our church, we become a part of the purpose for which it was created: to spread the Good News about salvation. When we give of our time and talent, we are actively involved in our church’s mission (Winning Souls and Making Disciples for Christ). When we give our wealth, we support that mission with our own power of life. The stewardship of all life will lead some to enter full-time Christian service which we have a great number that have followed that path from EPFM. To all, it will mean an on-the-job witnessing, no matter what our abilities, our bank accounts, or our jobs. Christian stewardship means the glad contribution of time and abilities to the work of our local church at EPFM and the church-related causes around the world. We are a connectional church and part of something bigger than any of us will ever see or realize.

“For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Son, that whoever believed in HIM would not perish, but have eternal life.” What is our response to God’s gift to each of us?

Birthdays for November

W O R D

T

A L K

SPOTLIGHT’S on Children & Youth

Elementary...Cortez Cobb Cortez is a 2nd grader at Discovery Montessori. His favorite subject is science. He loves to play soccer and wants to be a teacher and soccer coach when he grows up. Cortez is a new member of our church and attends Sunday school and sings in

the Children’s choir.

The proud mom is Jesia Cobb

Middle School… Zykira Wilson

Zykira is a top 7th grader at Bear Creek Middle School. She plays clari-net in the band. Her favorite subjects are language arts, reading, math and Spanish. She wants to be a lawyer when she grows up and be part of the CSI and also a chef!

The proud aunt is Shirley Harps.

High School…Kiara Rawls

Kiara is a freshman at the Carver School of Arts in Atlanta. Her favor-ite subjects are reading and lan-guage arts. Kiara is involved in a theatre class, debate team and re-ceived a certificate of achievement. Her hobbies are cooking and danc-ing. Kiara is a faithful member of the Sunday school, acolytes on a

regular basis and sings in the youth choir. Alfreda Rawls is the proud grandmother.

College— Erin Gore Erin is a sophomore at Spelman Col-lege, majoring in early childhood edu-cation. She works as an office assis-tant in the testing assessment area of The Career Planning department. She is a member of the NAACP, co-social chair of Pretty Brown Girls and Do Better, both social and service organi-zations. She enjoys dance and fash-ion. Erin has blessed us with her liturgical dance in

many worship services. The proud mother is Dion-

dria Gore and grandmother, Teressa Reid.

E Q G W W K B H S P G K X Z N

Q D I N C P M B Z U T U Y E O

A S D V I O E Z X W S V O U I

K Q A N O V E M B E R E B F T

Y A D S T N I A S L L A J N A

Y T L A Y O L G W R Y H E W I

E B S W P P P M S L Q M E Q C

V V L D E R E A I K T T P C E

I K E A N M A M D I N H O H R

G P C T O E A Y M L E A H T P

R E U R E F I M E V U N H K P

O F I S Y R O R O R N K X T A

F E E A R C A L F V I F D G E

S A N G E L S N G H T U U X J

E R A H S I P V S T Y L X Y A

Raven Jackson 1

Tre’Kemp 2

Nathaniel Fisher 3

Michael Flowers 3

Deven Jones 4

Peggy Robinson 4

Skyla Simpson 4

Quintin Avery 6

Jodeci Tate 6

Dana Avery 7

Tequila Douglas 9

Sharon Underwood 10

Lynette Gilmore 11

Anthony Robinson 12

Wilbur LaPolt 13

Katrina Wilson 13

Yvonne Tigner 14

Joy Jackson 15

Joel Mayner 16

Kiara Rawls 18

Chandler Simpson 18

George Lacy 19

Tia Sims 19

Destiny Rawls 20

Harold Smith 23

Lavenia Jackson 24

Krishna Stuckey 24

Sharon Ponder 26

Wendell Smith 26

Scharee Jackson 27

Timothy Lyons 27

Rogie Mae Bowen 28

Russ Madison 28

Geri Porter 28

Richard Harriott 29

Marion Johnson 30

All Saints Day

Angels

Appreciation

Commitment

Forgive

Family

Friends

Hope

Jesus

Love

Loyalty

Memories

November

Peace

Prayer

Share

Thankful

Thanksgiving

Unity

Veterans

What’s Going On? Don’t Miss Out!

Young Adult Bible Study… A Reality Check

It is dedicated to looking at modern situations with a realistic outlook and a Biblical perspective. All young adults

invited. Contact Minister Steven McNeal for more information at

smcneal057@gmail.com

Begin your holidays doing a

NEW THING!

NEW WEBSITE AT EPFM

www.epfmumc.org

Check it out! On the Contact Us page, there is a place to update your information at the

church. Any change of address,

phone number or email will help us in communicat-

ing with you. Give us feedback on what is

working & what is not!

www.epfmumc.org

Thanksgiving Baskets To Older Adults & Shut-ins

The Older Adult Ministry

will be collecting food items through Nov. 24th.

These non perishable items will be placed in a

holiday basket and delivered to our sick and shut-in members on

November 25th by the Older Adult Team. For more information and to

serve on this team, please contact Mary Ford at 404-768-2869.

God’s Creation 2014 Calendars on SALE NOW !

$ 6.00 Each Great gifts for any occasion

See Dana Avery or Sylvia Cobb

Or stop by the Crossroads to pick up your copies!

Wesley Walk 2013...The finish Line

Saturday, October 26th was a very COLD brisk morning but the follow-ing members wrapped up in sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves and made the 6.2 mile walk around Stone Mountain Park. Our church was represented by John and Loraine Smith, Teressa Reid, Stephanie McMichael, Bessie Allen, Willeen Bowens, Ernestine Sumlin and one 9 year old girl by the name of Danisha Allen.

We started the walk at 7:30 a.m. and finished around 9:30 a.m. Thanks to all of the members and friends who gave a donation to help support the Bethlehem Senior Center. If you did not give a dona-tion and would still like to make a contribution, it’s not too late. Please see any of the following names listed above TODAY. Our final report is due Sunday, November 10, 2013. Thank you for all you do to represent our church.

Ernestine Sumlin, Team Leader

United Methodist Student Day Offering is Sunday,

November 24th. United Methodist Student Day calls

the church to support students as they

prepare for life in uniting faith with

knowledge. The offering provides

scholarships and student loans for

qualified United Methodist applicants.

Your gifts to United Methodist Stu-

dent Day helps students continue their

education and their faith journey as

they strive to make a difference in the

world and discern what God has

planned for them.

Reach Out & Touch….Make This World a Better Place!

Veterans Day 2013 is November 11, 2013

This federal and state holiday honors almost 25 million veterans in the U.S. and stems back to World War I. The first Veteran's Day was held in the year 1919.It is now celebrated to include all veterans, of wars, con-flict and active duty service men. Show your appreciation and gratitude to the veterans and active military men and women on Monday, November 11 by giving them a card of thanks or a nice gift. Acknowledge them during your church or community organization or invite them over for lunch or dinner. On this special day, many restaurants and retail stores will provide free meals and savings to those veterans. For more information visit http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/ or www.VetFriends.com. to get a listing of 2013 bargains for veterans.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veteran Crisis Line is a department of Veterans Affairs resource that connects service members in crisis as well as provides their families with information and support in time of need. "People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point—and well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide." For more information and confidential support, call 1.800.273.8255 or visit website at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

Thanksgiving Day is November 28, 2013

Celebrated the 4th Thursday in November each year, this day is a federal holiday celebrated to express thanks for spiritual and material blessings. The first official Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln to be held . It is a day millions of people get together for family gathering to pre-pare delicious family or traditional meals or gather at their favorite restaurant. Then later shop at the favorite shopping centers for Thanksgivings sales and bargains as we enter a new season. Let's use this time to be a blessing to those not so fortunate, who live alone or are homeless and would love to be invited to dinner. Check out your own neighborhood to see if there may be a family in need. Many college students are here in town and cannot afford to go home for the holidays. Let's reach out to them during the holidays by sending them a gift card for a scrumptious meal or inviting them over to have Thanksgiving with your family.

Holidays Blues

If you know of someone who is sad, depressed or lonely, check out these websites from WEBMD, print arti-cles and share: http://www.webmd.com/depression/holidays07/holiday-dos-donts http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/alone-for-holidays http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/emotional-survival-guide-for-holidays Also provide them with our church prayer line on Thursdays* at 8:30PM eastern time at -1.605-475-4000, access code 256 897# (use a phone with free unlimited calling features) Reach out & touch someone… Let's do our part church family and make the difference in the lives of others. Submitted By Outreach Team, Jackie DeWitt, Chair

Church Retreat Nov. 8th & 9th

N O T

J U S T

F O R

L E A D E R S

Church Retreat Invites All to the Table

Can you hear the words of Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me?” The songstress in-vites a person to come away to explore the joy and beauty of life. Well, EPFM wants to invites its congregants to come away from the daily joys and concerns of life for a time of prayer, planning and playing. It is wonderful opportunity to get to know each other in an informal way through wor-ship, teaching, recreation, and tons of fun. The focus for the 2013 retreat will be The Call and Commitment to Jesus: A Lifelong Journey. It is designed to remember the congregation that in Baptism, we become members of Christ’s – the Universal Church. But, the call continues and challenges us to grow as Disciples of Christ – that’s truly a lifelong journey. Discipleship is costly! Luke 9:23 reminds us that “[Jesus] said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. On Friday, participants will hear the sage words of Dr. Edward P. Wimberly, pastoral counselor and interim President of the Interdenominational Theological Center along with a scrumptious meal, small group discussion and a special “Afterglow” in the sec-ond story café. Saturday, we will start with early morning prayers followed by a day of conversations, intense playing and end by gathering around the table for Holy Com-munion. Every member is strongly encouraged to attend this vital meeting. Early bird registra-tion is $20 and late registration is $35 after November 4th. You may register after wor-ship service in the crossroads or stopping in the office.

Join us this year as we seek God’s will for our church. Come...Share…Pray...Discuss...Plan...Commune...Serve

Hanging of the Green November 29th 6pm Preparing our church for the Advent Season is liturgically known as Hanging of the Green. Our church family meets on the Friday evening prior to the beginning of Advent and we hang wreaths, put candles in the windows, decorate our Chrismon tree and hang banners. We sing carols and fellowship along with a snack supper following in the library. Our entire church family is invited and encouraged to participate!

Young Adults Leading Toiletries and Clothes Drive for Tri-Cities High

Beginning in December we will be trying a new pilot program for our children and youth. The Rota-tion Sunday School program will be offered for students ages 6 to 17. We will be testing several curricu-lums during the pilot phase of the new model of learning and teaching. The Bible will be taught in an in-teractive and engaging approach. We are seeking to bring the Bible to life for our children and youth. In addition, we believe each person learns differently. We are working to use the gifts of our church in this new approach. The general structure of the children’s Sunday school will begin with breakfast and an overview of the theme of the day. Afterwards the children will go to a learning station where they will study the story in an in-depth manner. Some of the stations related to the bible lesson might be games, arts and crafts, drama, music, and science. Sunday school routinely ends at 10:45 a.m. “As a recipient of the Butler Fund Grant, we are trying to fulfill one of the requirements of the

grant,” said Ernestine Sumlin. “The grant provides matching funds to our church from May 2013 until May 2014. We want to strengthen the outreach ministries of not only our chil-dren and youth, but to those in the community. We’re trying something new, but we can’t do it without your help and YOUR children”.

If you would like to serve or learn more about the Sunday School ministries, please see Bernice Rector.

Sunday School and Summer Enrichment Program Teams Up to Offer Rotation Sunday School

Christmas Concert Planned...December 8th 4pm at East Point First Mallalieu UMC

We are joining together with Headland Heights UMC and Tri-Cities High School Chorus to present an uplifting musical worship. Put this on your calendar NOW!

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… I was naked and you gave me clothing.” —Matthew 25:35-36

Scripture reminds us that we are called to care for the least of them. Sometimes, the least are some of our closest neighbors. They are often lacking life’s basic needs – toiletries and clothing. The Young Adult Ministry is working to provide toiletries and clothing to the students at Tri-Cities High School. “We are collecting items as a response to Tri-Cities Principal Dan Sims’ invitation for us to get involved,” said Megan Kemp, an educator and leader of the young adults ministry. “We hope this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the church and community, particularly Tri-Cities.” You can help us serve our youth at Tri-Cities by: *providing clothing and personal products such as hair comb/brush, travel size shampoo, travel size soap,

tampons/panty liners, travel size lotion, deodorant, travel size tissue packs, travel size baby wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand towel

*creating care boxes *writing a personal note of encouragement *delivering items to the school *bringing new or gently used clothing to the church. Look for the two decorative wardrobe boxes in the

church crossroads area.

Outreach, Get Acquainted & Planning Session—November 23rd 9:30am-noon

Community Thanksgiving Luncheon Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, our church along with the food bank, sponsors a community luncheon for participants and friends of the food bank, our community. This year the event will be held on November 27th in the fellowship hall at 11am.

Lunch will be served as well as the clothes closet and food bank open. Please make time to come and serve in this important ministry of our church.

Fulfilling EPFM’s Mission in our Community and Beyond…

Please join us in the church library at 9:30AM to celebrate our successes and plan our 2014 Outreach ministries. RSVP REQUIRED by calling 404 697 5491. We are looking for volunteers with a heart to serve others and who will abide by our church mission: reaching souls and making disciples for Christ. A light breakfast will be served. This is the meeting where ANYONE can come and offer to serve as the hands & feet of Christ! Jackie DeWitt, Outreach Team Leader

Food Bank Trivia Questions…

How many can you answer correctly?

1. The Food Pantry provides a limited amount of food to individuals and families facing either food emergencies or ongoing food needs. True or False 2. The Food Pantry at EPFM serves residents of East Point, Georgia only. True or False 3. All Volunteers who help out at the Food Pantry receive a free box of food. True or False 4. By paying my tithes each Sunday, I am entitled to free food from the Food Pantry. True or False 5. People who receive food from the food pantry have to attend worship or prayer service. True or False 6. To volunteer for the food Pantry, you have to be a member of the church. True or False 7. There are designated guidelines on how to run the Food Pantry. True or False 8. Food Pantry food comes from manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, caterers, food drives and individuals. True or False 9. All recipients who receive food boxes must complete an application. True or False 10. Donations to the Food Pantry and trained volunteers are always needed at EPFM UMC. True or False Compiled by Outreach Ministry Jackie DeWitt, Chair Ann Douglas, Food Bank Manager

Answers:1.True 2. False 3. False 4. False 5. False 6. False 7. True 8. True 9. True 10. True

“I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you

were doing it to me!” Matt. 25:40

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Movie Night

2nd Story Café’

8pm

2

3

All Saints Sunday

4

Trustees 6:30pm

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

5

Stream Leaders Mtg.

Bible Study 6:30pm

6

Fellowship Dinner

6pm

Choir 6:30pm

7

Line Dancing 5pm

Community Bible

Study 7pm

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

8 9

10

Revival 3pm

Union Chapel

UMC

All Invited

11

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

12

UMW 10:30am

Library

Bible Study 6:30pm

13

Fellowship Dinner

6pm

Choir 6:30pm

14

Line Dancing 5pm

Community Bible

Study 7pm

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

15 16

New Members

Reception /Class

9:30-11:30am

17

Loyalty Sunday

Bring your pledge

& tithes to Christ!

18

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

19

Bible Study 6:30pm

UMM 6:30pm

20

Fellowship Dinner

6pm

Choir 6:30pm

21

Line Dancing 5pm

Community Bible

Study 7pm

Admin Council 7pm

Choir Christmas

Practice 6:30pm

22 23

Outreach Stream

Meeting

9:30-noon

24

Higher Education

Student Day Offering

Holiday Basket

Food Collection

25

Holiday Basket

Delivery to Sick

& Shut-ins

26

Bible Study 6:30pm

27

Community

Thanksgiving

Luncheon 11am

28

29

Hanging of the Green

6pm Sanctuary

30

November 2013

Trustees of the Month G.W. Banfield, Celeste Smith-Carter, Winston Jones

Church Retreat at EPFM Friday 6pm –9pm

Saturday 8:30am-2pm

1st Sunday Advent… December 1st