Sharing Space

Weekly Newsletter of New Beginnings UMC

October 18, 2020

This Week’s Activities

Sunday 10/18 8:30a Traditional Worship 9:45a Adult Sunday School 11:00a Contemporary Worship Service Monday 10/19 8:00a Church office open 6:30p Scouts BSA Pack 413 6:30p Finance 7:00p Brothers in Christ Men’s Group 1 7:00p Couples Class Meeting Group

Tuesday 10/20 8:00a Church office open 10:00a Staff Meeting 6:00p Stephen Ministry 6:30p Scouts BSA Troup 413

Wednesday 10/21 8:00a Church office open 6:00p Servant Stitchers Prayer Shawl Group 7:00p Brothers in Christ Men’s Group 2 7:00p Brothers in Christ Men’s Group 3

Thursday 10/22 8:00a Church office open 8:00a Morning Prayer Group 6:00p Praise Team Practice

Friday 10/23 Church Office is closed

Sunday 10/25 8:30a Traditional Worship 9:45a Adult Sunday School 11:00a Contemporary Worship Service 5:30p Youth Fellowship

Scheduled expectations broken

The Lord said to Moses: “This is the land that I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob when I promised: ‘I will give it to your descendants’. I have shown it to you with your own eyes; however, you will not cross over into it.” Then Moses, the Lord’s servant, died—right there in the land of Moab, according to the Lord’s command. -Deuteronomy 34:4-5

This is one of the most interesting plot twists in all of Scripture. Moses has earned the right to cross that river and enter the promised land with his people. From the burning bush that first called him out of shepherding, through the Red Sea and the seasons of whining and complaint he has endured, it only seems right that Moses should gain entry to the land of promise.

What catches our attention here is that, while later interpreters will spend countless pages trying to make sense of this turn of events, Deuteronomy simply states it is a result of the misdemeanor at Meribah (see also Numbers 20:1-13). It appears that Moses did not wholeheartedly trust in God for provisions and keep the letter of the law, and as a result God will keep both him and his brother from setting foot in the promised land.

It’s easy to read a passage like this and become distracted by the seemingly harsh and graceless way in which God treats Moses. Perhaps the deeper truth revealed in the telling of this story is the nature of disappointment, that sometimes life, even the life of faith, does not make much sense. Wonderful would-be parents are unable to conceive a child. Prayers raised on the oncology floor seem to fall on deaf ears when the news comes back grim. After promises are made, relationships can be broken, and those bonds that once brought joy can turn abusive and controlling leaving one or both partners looking for a way out. The one who is right and true and colors within the lines finds herself standing atop Pisgah, so close to what she desires but unable to touch it. Life is filled with disappointments along the journey, that can keep us from seeing and being grateful for the blessings that also fill our lives.

Continued on page 2

Continued from page 1 Serving Opportunities in Children’s Ministry A dynamic and impactful Children’s Ministry is a team effort! We are looking for team members willing to serve two times a month. All materials, curriculum and training is provided. Want to know more about sharing God’s Word with our children? Contact Sarah Pruitt at childrens@newbeginningsumc.org.

G.I.F.T. Sunday School Class Sunday at 9:45am Room 1 Normal people are stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Many of their relationships are, at best, strained and, in most cases, just surviving. And when it comes to God, the majority believe in him, but the teachings of scripture rarely make it into their everyday lives. Simply put, normal isn't working. Craig Groeschel’s “WEIRD (Because Normal Isn’t Working)” will help you break free from the norm to lead a radically abnormal (and endlessly more fulfilling) life. Anyone is welcome to join this class.

The word ‘disappointment’ means what it sounds like, to miss an appointment. To have a scheduled expectation broken, a previously calendared promise erased. The greater the promise, the more devastating its disappearance.

Like Job, most people who have been through hardship after hardship have a long list of complaints and possibly a jaded worldview. God has quite the rap sheet, and it’s no wonder that so many well-intentioned followers of Christ find their faith dashed against the rocks of disappointment. It’s hard to be grateful when the thing you most want and need and desire and pray for is taken away. It’s definitely an act of faith and trust.

But there is also great power in those who see their own stories as a part of something greater. Scripture tells us, Moses knows ahead of time that his ministry will end just short of his intended destination. He keeps on going. He spends his last breaths in blessing and praise, leading the Israelites onward. Maybe he wasn’t taking this journey just for himself.

None of us can assign meaning to someone else’s suffering and hardship, but when the sufferer can see purpose even on Pisgah, healing can occur, purpose and hope can be found. In our day of instant gratification and convenience, many of us have forgotten the discipline of disappointment.

It’s never our work to assign meaning to others’ dashed hopes and dreams or to command joy in the face of disappointment. But what we can do is look to the faith of Moses, sitting alone with his God watching the horizon of his life’s work, feeling not resentment but gratitude. What we all need is some perspective on Pisgah, to cling to the central claim of our faith: that a greater story is being told. We can rejoice and give thanks for our place in that story, despite disappointments we’ve encountered along the way.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Christopher

Wedding Wishes for Pastor Christopher Pastor Christopher and Christine Goettel are going to be married on Sunday, October 25th at Pretty Place Chapel in Greenville and we want to send them best wishes! This Sunday and October 18th we will have a marked table and box at the back of the sanctuary for any cards and gifts you may want to bless them with.

They are also registered at Amazon and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

You may also drop off any cards or gifts at the church office M -Th 8:00-4:00pm during the week.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Diestler at lisa.diestler@newbeginningsumc.org.

Pink Sunday This Sunday October 18th Each October we like to remember breast cancer awareness month by wearing pink to church. Show your support by wearing pink to church this Sunday.

Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat Cancelled We are sad to announce that the Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat scheduled for Sunday, October 18th has been cancelled. We are hoping that we can bring it back and celebrate with the community in 2021.

Worship Schedule for 10/25-11/8 Pastor Greene will be out from 10/25-11/8. Below is the following guest pastor schedule:

Oct. 25: Reverend Kathy James Nov. 1: Reverend Paul Wood Nov. 8: Maggie Cantey—NBUMC Director of Student Ministries

On-call Pastors for emergencies only:

Rev. Heather Humphries Pastor, United Methodist Church of the Covenant Cell phone: 864-680-2305

Rev. Wes Craven (10/25-11/5) Cell phone: 828-329-3797

Maggie Cantey Director of Student Ministries Cell phone: 803-530-2500

3K– 5th Grade

KidLink

KidLink Fall Family Take-Home Begins this Sunday Church Office Hallway A take-home activity kit has been prepared for every family in Children’s Ministry. “Jesus Brings S’More Joy” kits will be available for pickup outside the church office beginning today, October 18th. If you can’t pick up at church, we will drop off the kit at your house. Contact Sarah Pruitt at childrens@newbeginningsumc.org.

Sunday School / KidLink AM Sunday at 8:00am While we can’t meet in person, Mrs. Sarah provides Sunday School / KidLink AM Worship materials each week by email. You can use these at home or on your tablet during Sunday Worship. If you are not on her mail list, please contact Sarah.

KidLink Newsletter Mrs. Sarah puts out a weekly newsletter to connect parents with Sunday school lessons and ways to stay involved. It is also full of ideas and resources for parents, grandparents and caregivers to do with the kids. If you would like to be included, please email Sarah.

For more information on any Children’s Events, Contact Sarah Pruitt at childrens@newbeginningsumc.org

6-12th Grade

Youth Fellowship this Sunday Sunday October 18th from 5:30– 6:30pm Youth Bldg All youth from 6th-12th grade are invited. Snacks will be provided.

Asbury Hills is Hiring Summer Staff for 2021 Are you ready for a Summer that will change your life? For many, working at Asbury Hills is the best experience ever. If you are 18 or older, numerous camp positions are available for those who want to serve and share Christ with young people. For more information visit their website at https://asburyhills.org/summer-staff/.

Scheduled Meetings

Finance Monday, October 19th at 6:30pm Zoom Contact Howard Cleveland at 864-680-4155.

Stephen Ministry Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00pm Room 4 Contact Cathy Blair at 864-431-9611 or Sandra Shaw at 864-497-9918.

Certified Lay Servant Course If you are interested in becoming a group leader or teacher, but don’t feel quite equipped to start, the Certified Lay Servant course may be what you need to boost your confidence. A certified lay servant may choose to lead a Bible study, start a prayer ministry, teach Sunday school, participate in a prison ministry or visit the elderly and shut-ins. After the Basic Course, you must complete a lay Servant Advanced Course to become a certified lay servant. Completing this course is a stepping stone to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker. Applications are available at the lobby Welcome Center desk or at the below link: https://www.umcsc.org/home/wp-content/uploads/LSM-Application-Local-Church-Lay-Servant-Cert.-Lay-Servant-Cert.-Lay-Speaker-Cert.-Lay-Minister-8-9-19-fill.pdf All applications are due to Pastor Christopher by November 8th.

For more information on any Youth events, Maggie Cantey at youth@newbeginningsumc.org

Servants 10/18/20

Ushers 8:30 11:00 Mike Russell Sarah Rice Nita Russell David Rice Rusty Daniels Susan Blackwood

Offering Steward 8:30 Steve Byerly 11:00 Jane Wofford

Security/Medical Team 8:00-Noon

George Troncoso Fred Weisbecker Doug Chivers

As you arrive: Three entrance doors will be open. The front, back and office hallway doors. Hand sanitizer is available. Please maintain 6 feet of separation from anyone other than household members.

Attendance Taking: As you come into the building, you will be welcomed by a greeter who is taking attendance. They may recognize you, but not know your name. Please help them out by giving them your name as you come in the building. We are keeping a record of attendance at each service in case of a COVID-19 notice is necessary.

Masks/Face coverings: Masks or coverings are REQUIRED at the 8:30 service and OPTIONAL but requested at the 11:00 service. Please bring your own if you have one. There will be a small supply at available at each entrance.

Bulletins: We will have bulletins available again on September 13th. For upcoming activities, please check this newsletter, the church calendar on the website and social media.

Coffee: The coffee bar will not be available at this time, but please feel free to bring your own. Remember to take your cups and belongings when you leave.

Congregational Singing: Because of the distance germs can spread during singing, neither service will include singing. Hymnals have been removed for the time being.

Offering: To avoid contact, we will not be passing the offering plates. Baskets and envelopes will be available at each exit to place your offering.

Communion: Individual serving cups/bread will be served starting September 7th.

Prayer Requests: Please submit your prayer requests to prayerlist.nbumc@gmail.com or call the church office.

Sunday School: Adult Sunday School classes return September 13th. Children and Youth Sunday School classes are suspended until further notice.

KidLink AM / Nursery: Children’s/Student ministries will continue with online platforms and will not meet on campus at this time. Both services are “family friendly” and children of all ages are encouraged to attend worship.

Playground: The playground is open under parental supervision only.

Small Groups under 10: You ARE allowed to meet in Room 6/7, KidLink Main, Sanctuary or Picnic shelter. You must reserve your space with Lisa Diestler in the church office - communications@newbeginningumc.org.

Cleaning of common touch surfaces will take place before, between and after services by our cleaning company.

Ways to Give • Place an offering in the collection plate on Sunday. This

can be a check, money order or cash.

• Send a check or money order in the mail.

• Give online through the church website:

www.newbeginningsumc.org. Click on the “Give” tab and

register to donate online.

• Set up “New Beginnings UMC” as a bill pay at your local

bank.

• Give by text on your cell phone. Funds can be donated

from your bank account or credit card. Text 864-952-0918

and follow the prompts to send your donation.

Welcome back to church! Please take a moment to review guidelines in

place for your comfort and safety.

One can CAN make a difference.

As you are grocery shopping this week, pick up an extra can of food for the food pantry and drop it off in the cart in the

back of the sanctuary. Your donation will make a difference!

All donations for October go to Upstate Family Ministries

10/11/2020

Our Presence In Person Online

Traditional 49 34

Contemporary 103 26

Sunday Total 152 60

Our Gifts YTD Actual

Last week’s giving $6,280.00

Income $395,758.95

Expense $315,467.18

Loan & Mort. Def $77,918.17

Boys & Girls in Kindergarten—5th Grade are invited to

Join Cub Scouts!

/palmettocouncil Adventurestartshere.org

For more information about units in our area and to register for Cub Scouts visit Adventurestartshere.com

Additional questions can be emailed to Todd Davis at Todd.Davis@Scouting.org

Scouting’s response to the challenges of COVID-19 Scouting is flexible. Scouting families can choose to do many activities virtually

with other Scouts, in-person or as a family unit on their own time. Through virtual

content, we have been able to provide even more resources to families to ensure

they can “Scout On!” When Scouting in-person comprehensive safety measures

are taken.

Parents, why should you join? The mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make moral and ethical choices over their lifetime. Now, more than ever, we need young people with great values! While Scouting uses the great outdoors as a classroom, Scouting’s leadership programs can be delivered through many different methods including virtually! Scouting is a flexible, year-round program that focuses on

teaching youth to be the best version of themselves!

Sunday School 9:45am

Office Hours 8:00am- 4:00pm Monday – Thursday Closed Friday

Prayer Requests To submit a prayer request:

• Email to prayerlist.nbumc@gmail.com

• Write them on the Sunday Bulletin Communication Card.

• Visit the Prayer tab on our website.

If want to pray for concerns please send an e-mail to: prayerlist.nbumc@gmail.com to be added to the list.

Congregational Care

• Congregational Care Information: Sue Miller jimmysue81@hotmail.com 864-590-2651

• For a phone call or visit: Sue Miller jimmysue81@hotmail.com 864-590-2651

• For cards or mail: Nancy Hallgren nhall39@bellsouth.net 864-578-9761 For congratulatory, illness or death.

• For Meals: due to illness, surgery or accident or funeral services. Sue Miller jimmysue81@hotmail.com 864-590-2651

• Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer shawls for anyone who is seriously ill or going through a serious life challenge. Jane Wofford woffordjane@gmail.com 864-494-1176

• Stephen Ministry: Christian care for those experiencing a life challenge or crisis. Rev. Dr. Christopher Greene pastor@newbeginningsumc.org 864-599-1303

Registration for Child Care (note: Child care suspended until further notice) Child care is available free of charge for all church ministry meetings and church -sponsored events (unless indicated). No reservations are needed for worship services. Reservations required 48 hours in advance.

• Complete the Child Care request on the Sunday Bulletin Communication Card.

• Visit the Nursery tab and register on the church website.

Church Calendar The official church event calendar is on our website. Contact Lisa Diestler at communications@newbeginningsumc.org.

Fellowship Class Which Way Lord? by Rob Fuquay Leaders: Cathy Blair & Sandra Shaw Room 4, M & M Center

Foundation Class Study of the book of Hebrews Leader: Brian Cannon Lecture and Bible Study Room 6, M & M Center

Living By Grace Class Class will not meet at this time– plan to Resume at a later date.

Live It Class Study of the Book of John Leader: Rev. Wes Craven Room 7, M & M Center

G.I.F.T. Class - Growing in Faith Together Weird by Craig Groeschel Leader: Phil Griswold Room 1, M & M Center

Weathering the Storm - Young Adults Christianity’s Family Tree by Adam Hamilton Leader: Frank Adams Room 5, M & M Center

210 Rainbow Lake Road Boiling Springs, SC 29316 Phone: 864-599-1303

Parsonage Phone: 864-285-4175

www.newbeginningsumc.org

Rev. Dr. J. Christopher Greene Pastor pastor@newbeginningsumc.org

Sarah Pruitt Children’s Ministry Director childrens@newbeginningsumc.org

Maggie Cantey Director of Student Ministries youth@newbeginningsumc.org

Lisa Diestler Communications Lead communications@newbeginningsumc.org

Richey Blackwood Director of Contemporary Music Ministries praise.team@newbeginningsumc.org

Tonya Miller Financial Administrator finance@newbeginningsumc.org

Ryan Hyatt Worship Tech Coordinator media@newbeginningsumc.org

facebook.com/newbeginningsumc

twitter.com/NBUMC

@nbumcsc @nbumcstudentministry @nbumcsckidlink

youtube.com/user/newbeginningsumcsc

Children’s and Youth Sunday School and 11:00 KidLink Worship are not meeting

in person at this time.