The Light of Love and Hope in Our Community July 2015

Publication of Bright Star United Methodist Church, Douglasville, Georgia 30135-3223 Volume 28, Issue 7

The Purpose of Bright Star United Methodist Church:

As a beacon of light, we will bring people to Jesus Christ, create disciples, share

and develop our spiritual gifts, and live a life that magnifies God.

Sunday School

and Worship

9:30 - 10:30 Sunday School

11:00 - 12:00 Traditional Service

The

Bright Star Beacon

Bright Star United Methodist Church

Welcomes New Pastor We are so excited to wel-

come our new pastor and his

family! Joining us will be

Reverend Terry Hunter; his

wife, Laura; daughter, Anna;

and his four legged buddy,

Barnabus.

Terry comes to us from

Williamson United Methodist

Church. His undergraduate

degree is a BS in Applied Mathematics. He and Laura both

attended Georgia Southern University. He also has a degree

in Computer Science from Columbus State University. His

Master of Divinity degree is from Candler School of Theology.

Terry and his family have served in four appointments.

They began their ministry serving as pastor for The Rock /

Yatesville / Colluden UMC’s by Thomaston while he was a

seminary student. Then they were blessed to be in the ministry

with the good people of Midway UMC in Griffin, Georgia for

seven years before God sent them to Williamson UMC where

they served for two years.

We welcome Terry, Laura, Anna, and Barnabus

and hope that their transition here is pleasant and sat-

isfying. We receive them with open arms!

We rejoice in the changes that are happening in

our church and know that God is leading us to a new

and exciting future. This is a new time for Bright Star!

Jeremiah 3:15 - And I will give you pastors

according to mine heart, which shall feed you with

knowledge and understanding.

Greetings in the love and grace of Christ Jesus!

It has been two years since my family has moved due to

appointments. Though my family really did not have to move because we never really left the Griffin area. We still had

friends that were close by and made new friends at the church. Now Laura, Anna, and I are moving after being in

the area for eight years. Therefore, I have recently been reflecting on what it “really” means when a pastor vows to

“go where sent.” It is easy to mistakenly think all that means

is a physical move. We pack up in one place and unpack in another. And then “it is finished.” However, the reality for a

pastor is a move is more of a spiritual journey than a physical one. God is reminding my family of that truth with

great clarity right now.

For me, the move has been a chance to reconnect with my

human vulnerability. Imagine what it’s like going from one place where you know everybody AND you know what every

group does - to another place (literally overnight) where it feels like all your relationships have been taken from you

because you don’t know anyone!

When Pastor Thom and I were walking through campus, I

had to ask him, “So where is the restroom?” It is humbling and perhaps that is one of the great hidden strengths of our

United Methodist itinerant system. A move strips away a

pastor’s sense of worldly comfort. That feeling of drowning in the unknown can be of great value because it reminds us

how vulnerable we are, and for me, it has brought me to my knees before the one thing that is the only thing that is the

same yesterday, today, and forever – the ONE TRUE LIVING

GOD!

As I knelt on my knees in your beautiful sanctuary lovingly enveloped by the Holy Presence that is profoundly present

there, I was reminded of Micah 6:8 where Divinity answers humanity’s question, “What does God require of me?” The

answer was, “To do justice, give loving kindness, and walk

humbly with our God.”

Well, I found where the restroom is - so I can’t wait to see what’s next because rather than proclaiming “It is finished,”

I am hearing God shout in my heart, “It is only beginning!”

I can’t wait to find out what God is already doing through you. Just know that it’s okay to lead your new pastor around

by the hand for a while. You will find a welcoming humble spirit in me as we walk together towards the center of God’s

heart in this time of transition. You are all in my prayers and I hope my family is in yours.

In Him,

Terry “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.” Ps 127:3

Kim Kreider, Children’s Dir.

Why is the sky blue? Why is the ocean so big? Why aren’t

there any more dinosaurs? Why can’t I see God? Why is the grass so green? Can you see my hand (as they shove it under the door of the bathroom)? And they most favorite question of all time ARE WE THERE YET? Questions, as

Pastor Terry said it this past Sunday - it isn’t so much the

answer, as it is the question. The beautiful thing is, this is how kids learn and how they grow closer to you. Commu-

nications is the key – it unlocks questions, gives answers, gives insight to what a person is feeling, thinking and just

who they are.

Bright Star has always been open, loving and giving to our

community and with that said, we have an opportunity to connect with the children at Bright Star during Vacation

Bible School. These beautiful creatures that God has blessed us with need you. I am very pleased to let you

know that a great deal of our youth & three young adults

have stepped up and said “I want to help!” But they can-not do everything – we are in need of group leaders for

elementary and preschool.

Pam Landers issued a challenge – if you say that you can help, we will find a place where your talents can be used. I

promise you that you will gain so much from being with

these children, that it will be a highlight of your year and it is only two nights!

If you will be out of town or not able to attend VBS, we are

in great need of financial donations. You can write a check

to BSUMC and in the memo field write in VBS. In the past we’ve been able to match your donations with the cost of

our expenses, which means no funds were used from the church’s budget.

In HIS Service,

Kim Kreider

July 17 - 19

Friday & Saturday – 5:30 snack supper

and 6:00 – 8:30 pm VBS

Sunday – 9:30 am – noon (celebration

for everyone at 11:00)

Families encouraged to come join your

children for 11:00 am celebration on

Sunday

Volunteers of all types needed! See Kim

Kreider or Pam Landers

Walking Sundays will be the last Sundays in July

(26) and August (30) this summer, weather permit-

ting. A Walking Sunday is a great time of fellowship

with church family and with our community. We

simply walk through the surrounding neighborhoods

and visit folks who are out in their yards on Sunday

mornings. By doing this, we have the opportunity to

meet people around us, introduce ourselves as Bright Star mem-

bers, find out if Bright Star can help them in any way and invite

them to church as we talk. It is a very casual and relaxed way to

open doors to the Kingdom and to Bright Star. Plan to wear com-

fy shoes and join us!

Summer Camps for youth and children are

open for registration: Pottery Camp dates:

July 13-16. Morning classes 10am-noon; after-

noon classes 1-3pm. Cost: $40 per

child/teen. Includes: clay, glazes,

instruction, use of kiln, snacks, recreation and daily

devotion. Pottery projects will be ready for pick up

by August 1.

Our newest Outreach Ministry is the Young Adults/

College and Career (YAC) Ministry! If you know

anyone who is out of high school and up to 30 years

old, invite them to join us at the Waddle’s pool (5696

Central Church Rd) on Wednesday evening at 6:30.

We’ll be grilling dogs, swimming, chatting and having devotions

by the pool. Doesn’t get any better than this!

Bowling Ministry: Join our bowling team, Diamonds and Dirt,

every Tuesday at 2pm at the Bowling Alley on Fairburn Road!

For $2 per game and shoe rental, you can enjoy a

cool afternoon in the A/C as you boost your bowl-

ing average and/or just enjoy the fellowship of

those bowling. This is NOT intended to be com-

petitive bowling, just a lot of fun!

Academies will resume in the fall! Keep your

eyes open for the dates and topics when we get

to summer’s end!

Remember to pray. We will be saying hello to our new Pastor,

Terry Hunter. Keep him and his family in your prayers throughout

the summer. Also, pray for the life of Bright Star and those who

will walk through our doors in the near future. God has big plans

for us this summer! Let’s expect great things in His Name and do

great things in His Name!

Susie Munday, Outreach Coordinator

'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice

and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him,

and he with Me.’ Revelation 3:20

Work Day: July 10 10 am-4 pm & Lunch is included. We will meet at Midway

UMC and be following up on some of our River of Life Job

sites. Bring your friends and old clothes so we can get the job

done and have lots of fun Friday night! Once we finish - go

home, clean up, pack your bags and get ready to play!

Lock In at Midway: 7pm - 8am Basketball, Movies, Games, Food & More

to thank all of those who helped work!

Join Us for a Night of Fun & Praise

at Midway with all of our friends!

Please RSVP to:

Melissa Logan

Midway UMC Youth Director

Email: ladyv8er@yahoo.com or call: (404) 372-7498

10th -

11th

Schedule No Wednesday night activities during summer

July 5th: No youth

July 10th: Work Day (River of Life extended project)

July 10th: Lock-in at Midway

July 12th: No youth

July 19th: Pool Party 5 -7 pm

July 26th: Movie night at church 5-7 pm

Bright Star Academies

Report for May 2015

Monthly Operating Budget Required: $33,818.92

Operating Budget Received: $33,217.27

Year to date Operating Budget Required: $169,094.60

Operating Budget Received to Date: $158,244.03

Financial Facts Current Mortgage Balance: 06/15/15 $1,631,811.57

Monthly mortgage pmt. $10,858.39

Finance/Stewardship

Food items can be

brought to the church

anytime during the month

and put in the food box in

Driskell Hall.

Pastor Terry and Laura Hunter and

the Bright Star family

extend deepest sympathy to:

The family of Betty Bivins

Barbara Wills and her family

in the death of her father

Hope everyone is enjoying their

summer break. Our book for the

summer is “Sportin’ a ’Tude” by

Patsy Clairmont. We invite all

ladies to join us on Wednesday

nights at 6:30 in Driskell Hall.

Kelly Roberts & Connie Jacobus

CHURCH WIDE

MISSION PROJECT

Bright Star Church will continue to save the

TABS from cans, as a project to raise money

for Ronald McDonald House of Atlanta.

When you are ready to turn yours in, put the

tabs in a plastic bag and place in the the

Hilltoppers mail box.

Jim/Melba Brock will be collecting the tabs and seeing that they

are take to RMH in November.

NEW OFFICE HOURS:

MONDAY—FRIDAY

8AM—12NOON

Homebound: Dot Driskell June Hinson Marvienne Pinder Peggy Helton Isaac Holden

Requested: James Tanner Melba Jones Ava Nicole Voyles

NOTICE TO ALL SENIOR ADULTS

You are invited to meet other seniors for lunch on the first

Tuesday of each month at the

Hope see you there at 11:30. Melba Brock

Average Sunday School Attendance (May).. ..................... 63

Average Morning Worship Attendance (May) ................ 128

The Christian Community Business Directory

is now available

Provided free of charge by

local business owners

One copy per family,please

Congrats to our very talented Performing Arts Campers who

performed

You were FABULOUS!

The Sewing Ministry will now be meeting only when necessary, probably on a Saturday or Wednesday. Please watch for emails and announcements in church.

As always, let us know when you need to request a prayer quilt. This is our main ministry to Bright Star.

Thank you, Bea West

Sharon and I want to thank you, our Bright Star church family,

for all the wonderful cards, the gifts, the great reception, and all

your kind words of gratitude and well wishes. But more than that,

we want to thank all of you for your love, your support, and your

friendship over the last eight years. We have laughed together, cried

together, and given thanks for being blessed with each other.

Please know that we have packed all your love for us and are tak-

ing it with us to Ellijay. Thank you again and may God’s love be

with you all.

Thom and Sharon Shores

Bill and I would like to thank Bright Star Friends for allow-

ing us to have many years of service to you. Thank you for

your support, caring words and actions, hugs, and cards. Our

next adventure - retirement - is sure to be exciting! We

will continue to think of you and pray for you.

Bill and Cindy Roberts

Thank you for all the texts, emails, and cards in regards to the

passing of my Dad. I’m grateful for my church family.

Barbara Wills

News from PRC MedicalDouglas County Pregnancy Resource Center

3030 Chapel Hill Road, Douglasville, 30135

partnersofprc.com

Here is the first publicity for the 2015 PRC

Medical Walk for Life. Bright Star UMC has

had teams walking the last two years with

great support from our church family. We’re

looking forward to even more walkers for this

year’s Walk. Watch for more information, and

thanks for your ongoing support!

Annual Walk for Life

Saturday, September 19th

O'Neal Plaza -Downtown DouglasvilleRegistration 9 am-Walk starts 10 am

Raise $150 & get a free Walk T-Shirt

plus a silver Precious Feet Pin

Contact Laura Frank at 770-316-7201 to

become a Bright Star Team Walker!

2014 Walk for Life raised $67,600 and PRC Medical

helped save 1,112 at-risk Babies from the tragedy

of abortion.

Help us reach our 2015 goal of $80,000 to help

even more Moms and Babies.

Will YOU help us leave more FOOTPRINTS

for those who cannot?

Ivan and I would like to thank all of you who supported us with your prayers and/or your presence at our Night of Worship at Provi-dence on Sunday night. It was great to see so many of you there! Thank you for your continued prayers for our family.

We love you all! Ivan and Ros

to Cumming 1st UMC who purchased the painting

“Atonement” by Richard Jacobus

for their permanent collection.

It is to be displayed in their Narthex.

We are happy and blessed to

announce the baptism of

Lily Clodfelter

Gavin Clodfelter

Caleb Turner

Daniel Turner

What a joyous thing to celebrate!

Congratulations!

PRC Medical is a ministry of Bright Star UMC

Congratulations

BRIGHT STAR STAFF-READY TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOU!

Rev. Terry Hunter, Pastor ............................ (770) 949-2555 Pre-School Director ........................................ (678) 715-1787 Parsonage .............................................. (770) 942-3018 www.brightstarpreschool.com Email terry.hunter@ngumc.net .............. Andrew Vick, Youth Director ........................... (770) 815-7214 Kim Daniels, Office Manager ......................... (770) 949-2555 Ivan Winslett, Assoc. Director Of Music ............ (770) 949-1828 Email office@brightstarumc.org ............ Katie Plumley, Director of Music/Drama............ (678) 391-2775 ............................................................. Kim Kreider, Children’s Director ....................... (770) 949-5818 Don Allen, Custodian .................................... (770) 949-2555 Sara Denham, Nursery ................................... (770) 949-2555 ............................................................. Richard Jacobus, Stephen Ministry Referrals ... (770) 920-9046

Bright Star United Methodist

Church is a Stephen Ministry

congregation.

The Bright Star Beacon Published monthly by

Bright Star United Methodist Church 3715 Bright Star Road

Douglasville, Georgia 30135

(770) 949-2555 FAX: (770) 949-9956

E-Mail: office@brightstarumc.org

Web Page: www.brightstarumc.org

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The deadline for the next newsletter is

Monday, July 27, 2015 12:00 Noon

The Purpose of Bright Star United Methodist Church: As a beacon of light, we will bring people to Jesus Christ, create disciples, share and devel-op our spiritual gifts, and live a life that mag-nifies God.