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TRANSCRIPT
The Tower September
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF GULF SHORES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 2015
About an hour up the road in Mobile, Austal USA has a contract with the U.S. Navy to construct the LC-10 combat ship, which is one of the world’s most versatile ships. The ship is designed to destroy mines, hunt submarines, intercept drugs, and rush humanitarian relief to distant shores.
On June 14, Second Lady Jill Biden travelled to Mobile for the Christening Ceremony of the USS Gabrielle Giffords, the fifth ship in this series. Also present was former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords for whom the ship is named. In 2011 Mrs. Giffords was serving as a Congresswoman from Arizona when she was shot along with eighteen other people in Tucson, Arizona, but she miraculously survived.
The ship was launched and moved from its construction facility to drydock on February 26, 2015. The ship was scheduled to be completed and delivered to the Navy in August 2015. The launch of a new ship is a big deal and an exciting event.
We believe you are going to love the exciting new launches scheduled for this fall at GSUMC. These new ministries are being birthed through our recent visioning process and represent a growing edge in the life of our church.
September launches a new two-year spiritual growth plan for our people. Our congregation will have the opportunity to grow in seven different areas of Christian life and understanding that include these important emphases: Bible, Prayer, Worship, Spiritual Gifts, Methodism, Finances, and Evangelism. (Pastor Jody shares further information pg 3)
October launches growth opportunities in our worship life. On October 4th, the current 9:45 A.M. Sunday service will shift from the Auditorium to the Sanctuary. While this service will continue virtually unchanged, the new setting will provide this service opportunity for growth.
November launches a new worship opportunity that also includes a small group component. This service, The Bridge, will meet in the auditorium beginning November 1st at 9:30 A.M. This service will be led by Rev. Julianna Cooper, who will be the primary preacher, and Jeff Jones will lead a new band that is being assembled even now. This service will be designed to include youth and their families.
Celebrate Recovery is a new ministry that reaches out to persons in recovery. Cody has just recently formed a ministry team to plan for the launch of this service that will gather on a weekday evening.
All of these new ministries are in keeping with our vision statement which says: We believe it is God’s desire that we
address the “needs of at risk kids and families” in creative ways by……
Partnering with schools and parents
Providing more opportunities for recovering or lost people
Prayerfully beginning to design faith groups to build relationships with us and also adding a new worship component to build a relationship with God.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43: 19
Pastor Glenn
Rev. Glenn Butler
The worshippers at GSUMC are its ministers.
The staff who assist them are-
Senior Minister Rev. Glenn Butler
Minister of Discipleship/Children
Rev. Jody Hanna Kranz [email protected]
Youth Minister
Rev. Julianna Cooper [email protected]
Director of Worship Arts
Cody Johnson [email protected]
Assoc. Director of Worship Arts
Jeff Jones [email protected]
Mother’s Day Out Director
Lana Crawford [email protected]
Servant Ministries Director
Amelia Fletcher [email protected]
Dir. of Finance & Business Ops.
Beth Gordon [email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Jasmine Lam-Shults [email protected]
Admin. Programs Coordinator
Lee Stringfellow [email protected]
Church Hostess
Jo Davis [email protected]
Technical Director
Britt Hawkins [email protected]
Nursery
Amy Amacker & Pam Barnett
Daybreak Respite Director Dolly Crewes
On our recent high school mys-tery trip, our group toured a global village at the campus of SIFAT, an organization that works to bring appropriate technologies to third-world countries. Our guide stopped us at the edge of a giant ditch and told us we had to cross a rope bridge in order to go any further, just as many peo-ple living in the jungle did daily with all sorts of necessi-ties on their heads or strapped to their backs. The rope bridge enabled access to otherwise inaccessible lands. It provided access to work, food, medicine, and much more to those living in the jungle or rain forest. The problem to my eyes was this “rope bridge” resembled something a trapeze artist might walk across in order to entertain the masses. And to my eyes, it led more “up” than “across.” There was no way I was crossing that thing. Except I had to, that is if I wanted to not walk a mile around the giant ditch in order to eat lunch. The guide crossed it with ease, then everyone else in our group followed includ-ing the adults. It was my turn. “I’m too old for this!” I think I said out loud. So with my hus-band behind me (to catch me if I fall, I said), I took hold of the arm-handle ropes and put one foot in front of the other on the “foot rope.” I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. Deep-breathing kept me from hy-perventilating from the stress of it all. But I made it across. Bridges are important! They
enable us to access places we need to go that would other-wise be inaccessible. I have heard the Cross of Christ re-ferred to as a bridge, con-necting us imperfect human beings to our Great, Loving, Holy God. And I have also heard the Cross referred to as a bridge connecting you and me together as Christians. God’s design was for the Cross to not only connect us to Him, but also to connect us together as the followers of Jesus. And not just so we can sit beside each other in wor-ship services. So we can learn together, grow together, and hold one another up when times are tough. So we can pray for one another and learn how to love and live like Jesus together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says “Two are better than one…if either should fall, one can pick up the other….Also, one can be overpowered, but two togeth-er can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.” How thankful am I that the rope bridge in the global vil-lage was a three-ply cord! In fact, it was actually strong enough to hold the weight of many people walking across it at the same time. And when you are connected to a group of other believers in Christ --- God weaves himself into the strands of those relationships to keep you and I from snap-ping from the pressures of daily living in a fallen world. GSUMC offers many opportu-nities for you to connect with other believers beyond merely
sitting in a pew and shaking hands during the greeting time. This Fall we are excited to launch a new worship service that will provide not only the opportunity to connect to God in worship, but also the opportuni-ty to connect with one another in small groups as part of the wor-ship experience. This model is one that has proven especially effective in engaging young people and their families in worship on Sunday morning. We are working out the details so it will be a worship service that is accessible to persons of all ag-es. Oh, and we’re calling it “The Bridge.” If the vision of “The Bridge” resonates with you, we would love for you to consider being a part of our growing team of servant leaders. Please email Jeff [email protected] or [email protected] if you would like to find out how you can help. -Rev. Julianna Mobley Cooper #TheBridge
New To Our Family
Pat Fountain joined 8/21
Cathy Hagans joined 6/21
Sanctuary 8:30 Traditional
11:00 Traditional
www.gulfshoresumc.org
Auditorium 9:45 Contemporary
Ron & Janie MacBeth joined 6/21
Diane Blalock joined 8/21
Check out our webpage for sermons, upcoming events, photos, bulletins, newsletters & more! www.gulfshoresumc.org You can also find us on facebook, twitter, gsumc youtube channel & Instagram!
A 2 YEAR PLAN FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Open to all adults who want to grow spiritually and develop a strong faith foundation
The WORSHIP + 2 PLAN includes:
I. I. WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Worship Services – Sunday, 8:30 am, 9:45 am, and 11:00 am
+
II. COMPLETION OF 7 BASIC CLASSES – offered over 2 years – 1 credit each
1. Disciple 1 Fast Track – a 24-week survey course of the Bible - fall 2015
2. One class on Prayer - fall 2015
3. One class on Methodism – coming spring 2016
4. One class on Worship – coming summer 2016
5. One class on Spiritual Gifts – coming fall 2016
6. One class on Giving – coming fall 2016
7. One class on Evangelism – coming fall 2016
Our first classes for credit toward completing WORSHIP + 2 PLAN begin in September:
Registration is required for WORSHIP + 2 Plan classes. You may register online at www.gulfshoresumc.org
or complete a paper registration form:
DISCIPLE 1 FAST TRACK – a 24-week survey of the Bible NOTE: Minimum of 8 registrations is needed to offer each Disciple Fast Track class! Notify the church office
if you have already completed Disciple I and credit will be given.
Choose one of the following classes for DISCIPLE 1: > DISCIPLE 1 - Wednesday, 10 am – 11:15 am in B 206 – Beginning September 9
Facilitators: Pastor Glenn and Pastor Janie MacBeth > DISCIPLE 1 - Wednesday, 6 pm – 7:15 pm in Fellowship Hall – A 137 – Beginning September 9
Facilitator: Pastor Glenn > DISCIPLE 1 - Sunday, 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm in Thee Coffee Shop – B 207 – Beginning September 13
Facilitators: Pastor Jody & Con Kranz
Choose one of the following classes on PRAYER:
> REAL LIFE PRAYER AND COMMUNICATION WITH GOD – Wednesday, 6 PM – 7:15 pm, Room A130
Beginning September 9, Facilitator: Rev. David McLean > TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY – Tuesday, 10 am – 11:15 am, Rm B106
Beginning September 15 , Facilitator: Pastor Janie MacBeth
Launching this September…
Touching lives across the community & world…. On August 29, we passed the 10 year milestone for the landfall of Katrina. Your hands and feet were busy cleaning, repairing, cooking, and ministering to children from Gulfport to Bayou La Batre. Thanks to all you served so faithfully and with such love. (see thank you note). We have had a very busy summer…music camp, VBS, and special projects. Our collection of jeans for recycling went well. 200 pair have been donated! They will be turned into insulation for homes across the country as they are built by groups such as Habitat for Humanity. Habitat helps families provide a home to raise their children in stable environments. Oh the places those jeans will go and You will touch lives in so many places! Ronald McDonald House in Mobile serves as a place for families with critically ill children to stay for free. Most of these homes are close to hospitals. The soda tabs are an easy way
for all of us to help defray the costs of operation of these facilities. They never charge a family for anything and they can stay as long as they need. Over $5000 a year is made by the recycling of these tabs. You touch families and children…and the volunteers in our region. This is an on-going project for us, so drop your tabs by Servant Ministries any time. School supplies and financial aid to families beginning the new academic year is provided. In partnership with Christian Service Center and local school counselors, you touch through your donations children in our immediate area and have given them a helping hand. Preparedness is an important topic for coastal communities. As we reach the center of the tropical season, our church preparedness team has met with city and county leaders to plan our place to serve. Several members of the team have taken training and attended
workshops to help us be better prepared. We have touched our own communities time and again. Huggy Bear Fund in loving memory of Craig Hatcher has been established under Servant Ministries. The fund will be used for aid to school children and families. Donations may be made to GSUMC Servant Ministries: Huggy Bear
Blessings & Peace,
Amelia
Fletcher
Servant Ministries 251.968.2549
Bread Ministry Volunteer of the Month! Charlotte Hawkins, always has a
smile & a hug for everyone! “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” - Romans 15:5
The Bread Ministry has gone strong all summer. Volunteers
to help pick up food during the week or work the weekly
distribution always welcomed. You touch 80 to 105
individuals each Thursday. Contact Elle Lee or Servant
Ministries for more information.
Interested in cooking a meal for the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile? Send an email or phone Servant Ministries. Looking at Sept 22 or October. Need 5 people and cooking for 50
Early Response Training for new and training for renewal is
being planned for September. Check the church calendar for dates.
ON GOING: Don’t forget we collect Box Tops for Education,
Campbell Soup labels, soda tab collections, and fronts of cards. Out dated canned foods are accepted by the ZOO.
Fall Projects UMCOR School Kits
VBS 6th graders provided UMCOR with 50
school kits. Our congregation had
members sew the fabric bags required. The
items were shipped
to Baldwin, LA.
Many of these kits go internationally
and so you have touched the lives
around the world.
Day Break Respite lovingly ministers to our seniors. On Mondays and Wednesdays we touch the lives of families dealing with aging issues. Volunteers always welcomed to be a companion from 10-2 or any time with your talents of music, crafts, or arts. Contact Dolly Crewes, Terry Fowinkle, or Servant Ministries and be touched by the love of these dear seniors and their supporting families.
4th of July fun at DayBreak Respite and
Mother’s Day Out!
Servant Ministries - Calling God’s People! ..meeting physical needs in a spiritual way! Dear Gulf Shores UMC,
It has been 10 yrs but we have not forgotten the help you gave
us after Katrina, 2005. The Coast has made a lot of progress, but still has a long way to go. We would not have been where we are without your help.
As for our Church, we have a beautiful place to worship & to ful-fill our obligations to Our Father. We do not have a Fellowship Hall, per se, but that will come when our congregation increases. In the new bldg. design, the previous fellowship hall was converted into an office suite. The old office was 1st used as a volunteer house and now is a Food Pantry.
We use a large room in the Sunday School (Wesley Academy) area as the Fellowship Hall. We had to close Wesley Academy.
Forever grateful for your help and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Yours in Christ, Dot McDaniel, member Mississippi City UMC
As an update to the K9sforWarriors donation: $ 3000.00 will be mailed to their headquarters. You will touch the lives of recovering veterans for a long time to come as they take care of their service dogs (who were once rescue dogs) and step toward healing.
Tutoring Report by June Young
The Afterschool tutoring program begins October 20, 2015 and will conclude March 24, 2016. Contributions assure that we can continue the program for another year. The Gulf Shores Woman’s Club, The Gulf Shores United Methodist Women, The Gulf Shores Men’s Snowbird Coffee Club and the Michigan Snowbird Club contributed to the program again this year. Thank you for supporting our children!
Last year, we were able to work with 20 students. A huge thank you goes to our bus, van driver, and parents who helped with transportation during the year. We were happy to welcome Mike Fowler to the driving team. He volunteered to drive one day a week along with Bob Stoddard. Larry Davis substituted for us this year when our drivers were unavailable and Bill Partridge was ready to step in also. We moved to Bldg. C this year and found that to be a good fit for our program. We are always looking for books on our readers’ instructional levels. Having timely, engaging children’s books is a priority and finding quality hardback books for a few dollars is a never-ending search and thrill!
The dedicated tutors who worked with the students last year included previous tutors. Chris Bailey (Site Coordinator), Connie Bass, Sue Carpenter, Kay Jones, Shirley Krages (Safe SanctuaryTrainer), Pat Krider, Jeannine Newsome, Barb Patty, Sue Phillips (Van Chaperone), Carol Walls, Donna Jo Webb, and June Young (Site Coordinator). We were blessed to welcome some new local tutors to the program this year. They included Ginny Chaney, who served as a van chaperone her first year, Barbara Epperson, Betty Gregory, Ellen Roberts, and Donna Langer.
We were also happy that many of the snowbirds who tutored in the past returned this year. They included Aloma and J.W. Blaylock (WA), Joan Jansma (MI), who also chaperoned students on the van, Donna McCormick (MI) and Ella Reff (IN).
We are committed to one-on-one tutoring with the students and believe this is one of the ways, in addition to personal interest in the students, that the program is successful. To assure the one-on-one attention, we have substitute tutors as well. Local substitutes included Lorraine Gatti, Charlene Gibson, Tom Hutton, Nancy Norris, and Maggie Stoddard. Snowbird tutors included Scott and Diane Clark (OH), Dorothy Gense (MN), Ann Kucinski (MN) and Carol Moen (MN). After ten years of tutoring AND coordinating I am going to be the in-house substitute for the coming year however, I know I’ll still be working with a student most tutoring days.
We have a Christmas party for the children and for the last few years have had a “mystery reader” to read a storybook to the students. We’ve been lucky to get outstanding readers including our very own Reverend Glenn Butler and Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. This past year Lulu’s provided Billy Claus himself to read the book Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island written by Lucy Buffet. He also brought a couple of Lulu Belles and a stuffed animal for each child. To say the children were enchanted by Billy Claus reading his own story is an understatement, and perhaps even more so for the tutors. Now I am charged with getting him there for all subsequent Christmas parties. We hope our giant Valentine’s card and personal messages helped to convince him! Please contact June at 251-948-3620 if you can participate in the tutoring program. You will be welcomed with open arms by your fellow
tutors, the finest group of volunteers you will ever meet!
Save The Date!
1st Saturday
in November
Nov. 7th
Mother’s Day Out Summer Program
The children had a great summer! They also enjoyed both the parade at Daybreak Respite and a visit from Bon Secure Wildlife Refuge.
7th - 12th Grade
SUNDAY SCHOOL IN THEE COFFEE SHOP 9:45—10:30 A.M. EVERY WEEK!
SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH EVERY
WEEK 5:30—7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
YOUTH FALL KICK-OFF SEPTEMBER 9!
NOTE
NEW TIME SCHEDULE FOR SNY!! 5:30-7:30
SNY Sept. 6
Clean Crossroads & Movie Night
5:30—8:30
You can earn 2 service hours
LAKE FOREST RANCH CAMPERS & ADULT LEADERS
Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. Hebrews 12:1
SUMMER FUN
DINNER MENU & SERVERS
Sept. 9 - Samaritan Fried Chicken Caesar Salad, Summer Corn Soup, Wheat Rolls, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Sept. 16 - Wesleyan Ham, Potato Salad, Green Beans, Garlic Cheese Biscuit, Apple Cobbler w/ice cream Sept. 23 - Fellowship BLT Pasta Salad, Asian Chicken Salad, Fresh Fruit Salad, Rolls, Butterscotch Brownies Sept. 30 - UMM Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Yellow Rice, Black Bean Salad, Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes, Sherbet
Dinner Time: 5 - 6 pm
Bldg B, Auditorium
Dinner Cost: Adults $8
Children under 10 $2.75
Family cap of $21
Wednesday Night Connection
Resumes September 9th
Wednesday Night Adult Classes
4 - 5 pm Early Bird Bible Study, “Ephesians”
Bldg B, Room 201, led by Floyd Williams
6 - 7:15 pm Beth Moore Bible Study, “1st & 2nd Thessalonians”
Bldg B, Room 206, led by Sandra Guy
Young Adult Class, “The Five Love Languages of Children”
Bldg B, Thee Coffee Shop, led by Kimberly Hollis & Lindsay Taylor
Disciple Fast Track Bldg A, Fellowship Hall, led by Rev. Glenn Butler
Real Life Prayer & Communication with God Bldg A, Room 130, led by Rev. David McLean
Gospel of John Bldg A, Room 114, led by Nancy Atteberry
Prayer Shawl Knitting Bldg B, Auditorium, led by Ann Wise
Wednesday Night Children & Youth Classes
3:30 - 5 pm Youth Choir, 6th - 12 th grade (Auditioned) Bldg A, Choir Room
5:30 - 6 pm Children’s Music, 4yrs - 1st Grade, Bldg A, Fellowship Hall Children’s Handbells, 2nd - 4th grade, Bldg A, Sanctuary
Children’s Puppets, 5th - 6th grade, Bldg A. Room 138
5 – 7:15 pm Nursery (Birth - 3 yr olds) Bldg B, Room 203, Amy Amacker & Krystal Bodiford
6 - 7:15 pm Pre-K & K Class Bldg B 201, led by Tanner Howard & Becky Kranz
1st & 2nd Grade Bldg C 101, led by Laura Shoemaker & Margaret Crompton
3rd & 4th Grade Bldg C 102, led by Shannon Anderson
5th & 6th Grade Bldg C 103, led by Jill Borden, Dane Bodiford & Jody Kranz
Youth (7th - 12th Grade) 6 - 7:15 pm Bldg C, Crossroads, led by Julianna Cooper & youth leaders
All women are encouraged to find a place in our UMW. The September UMW circle meetings
are listed below: please note some changes due to Labor Day!
Agape Circle –First Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 pm. Thee Coffee Shop, Bldg B.
Contact person is Andrea Pattillo (968-2653).
Samaritan Circle– First Thursday, Sept. 3 at 1:00 pm. in Thee Coffee Shop, Bldg B.
Contact person is Joan Partridge (943-2589)
Balcony Sisters – Second Monday, Sept. 14, at 6:00 pm. in Thee Coffee Shop, Bldg B.
Contact person is Sandra Guy (943-2147).
Bible/Prayer Circle – Second Monday, Sept. 14 at 10:00am in Room 206, Bldg B.
Contact person is Carol Walls (948-7074)
King’s Daughters – Time and date to be announced.
Contact person is Pam Livingston
“How long will we sing? How long will we pray?
How long will we write and send? ...
Until all are fed we cry out! Until all on earth have bread. … “
Bryan McFarland YouTube Until All Are Fed
As Gulf Shores United Methodist Women begin 2015-2016 year, we are challenged with the words
to this song that we heard at the BayPines District UMW Mission study on Saturday, August 22. Six
members of our group were present and learned of the struggles and hardships of Latin American
people. We urge all women to find your place in a circle group as we “cry out until all are fed!”
The times and places and contact people are listed below. Give one of them a call.
Come join us for Breakfast! The United Methodist Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, September 12th 7am Fellowship Hall
Guest Speaker: James L. Humphrey, CPP, CFE
Jim served with the Detroit Police Department from 1963-1985. Jim received several
recognitions such as “Policeman of the Year” and his crime prevention efforts were
recognized by President Reagan as a national model. Jim was commissioned by the
National Institute of Justice to assist in the development of National Crime Prevention
programs for both law enforcement & community involvement. All men are invited &
encouraged to hear this speaker, enjoy breakfast & fellowship.
Adult Sunday School Schedule
8:30 am - Torah Class, Bldg B, Room 206 This class of early risers enjoys exploring the Old Testament in depth through study and discussion.
9:45 am
Sea-Kers, Bldg A, Room 114 This class uses both Adult Bible Study curriculum and DVD series for discussion and growth.
Wesleyan Class, Bldg B, Room 201 Class members rotate leadership as they offer in-depth Bible study each week.
Movers, Bldg A, Fellowship Hall Class of young adults, single & married w/children, does topical studies using both media & discussion for application to daily life.
Fellowship Class, Bldg C, Room 103 Class members rotate leadership & use both media & topical Bible studies for their discussion.
Son Followers, Bldg C, Room 101 This class is interested in scripture and focus on learning while sharing life experiences as they relate to the study. Winter visitors are welcome!
10:00 am
Busy Parents, Couples & Singles Class, Bldg C, Room 104 Class members use multi-media to aid in their Bible study and application to daily life.
Children & Youth Sunday School Schedule
Nursery (infants - 3 yrs. old) Traditional Services
8:30 am - 12 noon, Bldg A, Room 122
Nursery (infants - 3 yrs. old) Contemporary Service
9:30 - 10:45 am, Bldg B, Room 203
9:45 am Sunday School (4 yrs. - 4th grade)
All ages meet & start in Gathering Room, Bldg A, Room 130
4yrs - K, Bldg A, Room 128
1st & 2nd grade, Bldg A, Room 134
3rd & 4th grade, Bldg A, Room 130
9:45 am (5th & 6th grade)
Meet in Bldg B, Room 206
10 - 10:35 am (Youth 7th grade & up)
Meet in Bldg B, Thee Coffee Shop
Kids Own Worship (Children’s Church)
Meets in Bldg A, Room 130
after Doxology at the 11 am service.
Don't miss award-winning Bulgarian cellist, Boyan Bonev, in recital Sept. 20th at 2:30 in the sanctuary! He will be playing classical music as well as music by traditional Bulgarian composers.
Thanks to our Chancel Choir for a stirring Patriotic concert this summer! They helped raise almost $3,000.00 for "K9s For Warriors" and those in attendance were blessed by the beautiful music.
Make plans to join us for "Broadway and More" on Sept. 27th at 7 pm in the sanctuary. The concert will feature music from "Jesus Christ Superstar," "The Beatles in Revue" and other Broadway and Pop favorites!
Fine Arts Camp 2015 was a HUGE success! The theme was "80's Rock!" and the campers enjoyed classes in guitar, violin, dance and music, culminating in a big concert at the end of the week!
Tuesday, September 1 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Christian Yoga Class, C 101, 11 am Grief Support, Coffee Shop, 11 am Al-Anon Meeting, C 103, 5:30 pm AA, C 101, 5:30 pm & 8 pm Agape Circle, Coffee Shop, 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 2 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm, 6:00 pm AA Meeting, C 101, 8 pm Thursday, September 3 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm ESL Class, C 101, 8:30 am Bread Ministry, C 103, 9 am Samaritan Circle, Coffee Shop, 1 pm Friday, September 4 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Christian Yoga, C 101, 10 am Handbells, Sanctuary, 10 am Sunday, September 6 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary, 8:30 & 11 am Contemporary Worship, Aud, 9:45 am Sunday School Classes, see page 9 Thee Coffee Shop Open, 9-11 am Sunday School Schedule, see page 5 Kids Own Worship, A 130, 11:30 am Sunday Night Youth, CR, 5:30 - 8:30 pm Monday, September 7 Labor Day Church Office CLOSED Mother’s Day Out CLOSED Narcotics Anonymous, C 101, 7 pm Tuesday, September 8 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Too Busy Not To Pray, B 206, 10 am Caring & Sharing, A 105, 10:30 am Christian Yoga Class, C 101, 11 am Al-Anon Meeting, C 103, 5:30 pm AA, C 101, 5:30 pm & 8 pm Wednesday, September 9 Wed. Night Resumes Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Disciple 1 Fast Track, B 206, 10am Early Bird Bible Study, B 201, 4 - 5 pm Dinner, Aud, 5 - 6 pm Wed. Nite Class Schedule (see pg 7) Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm, 6:00 pm AA Meeting, C 101, 8 pm Thursday, September 10 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm ESL Class, C 104, 8:30 am Bread Ministry, C 101, 9 am Friday, September 11 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Christian Yoga, C 101, 10 am Handbells, Sanctuary, 10 am The City Harmonic, Aud, 6:30 pm Saturday, September 12 UMM Breakfast, FH, 7 am Sunday, September 13 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary, 8:30 & 11 am Contemporary Worship, Aud, 9:45 am Sunday School Classes, see page 9 Thee Coffee Shop Open, 9-11 am Sunday School Schedule, see page 5 Kids Own Worship, A 130, 11:30 am Sunday Night Youth, CR, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Monday, September 14 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Ladies Bible/Prayer Circle, B 206, 10 am Contemporary Band Rehearsal, Aud, 5:30 pm
Upcoming Events Balcony Sisters, Coffee Shop, 6 pm Narcotics Anonymous, C 104, 7 pm Tuesday, September 15 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Too Busy Not To Pray, B 206, 10 am Christian Yoga Class, C 101, 11 am Grief Support, Coffee Shop, 11 am Al-Anon Meeting, C 103, 5:30 pm AA, C 101, 5:30 pm & 8 pm Wednesday, September 16 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Disciple 1 Fast Track, B 206, 10am Early Bird Bible Study, B 201, 4 - 5 pm Wed. Nite Class Schedule (see pg 7) Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm, 6:00 pm AA Meeting, C 101, 8 pm Thursday, September 17 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm ESL Class, C 104, 8:30 am Bread Ministry, C 101, 9 am Stephen Minister Supervision, Coffee Shop, 6 pm Friday, September 18 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Christian Yoga, C 101, 10 am Handbells, Sanctuary, 10 am Sunday, September 20 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary, 8:30 & 11 am Contemporary Worship, Aud, 9:45 am Sunday School Classes, see page 9 The Asking Class, Crossroads, 9:45 am Thee Coffee Shop Open, 9-11 am Sunday School Schedule, see page 5 Kids Own Worship, A 130, 11:30 am Bulgarian Cellist, Boyan Bonev, Sanctuary, 2:30 pm Blessing of the Pets, Church Front Lawn, 3 pm Sunday Night Youth, CR, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Monday, September 21 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Contemporary Band Rehearsal, Aud, 5:30 pm Narcotics Anonymous, C 104, 7 pm Tuesday, September 22 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Too Busy Not To Pray, B 206, 10 am Christian Yoga Class, C 101, 11 am Grief Support, Coffee Shop, 11 am Al-Anon Meeting, C 103, 5:30 pm AA, C 101, 5:30 pm & 8 pm Wednesday, September 23 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Disciple 1 Fast Track, B 206, 10am Early Bird Bible Study, B 201, 4 - 5 pm Dinner, Aud, 5 - 6 pm Wed. Nite Class Schedule (see pg 7) Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm, 6:00 pm AA Meeting, C 101, 8 pm Thursday, September 24 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm ESL Class, C 104, 8:30 am Bread Ministry, C 101, 9 am Friday, September 25 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Christian Yoga, C 101, 10 am Handbells, Sanctuary, 10 am Saturday, September 26 Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary, 10 am Sunday, September 27 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary, 8:30 & 11 am Contemporary Worship, Aud, 9:45 am Sunday School Classes, see page 9 Thee Coffee Shop Open, 9-11 am
Sunday School Schedule, see page 5 Kids Own Worship, A 130, 11:30 am Sunday Night Youth, CR, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Broadway & More Concert, Sanctuary, 7 pm Monday, September 28 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Contemporary Band Rehearsal, Aud, 5:30 pm Narcotics Anonymous, C 104, 7 pm Tuesday, September 29 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Too Busy Not To Pray, B 206, 10 am Christian Yoga Class, C 101, 11 am Al-Anon Meeting, C 103, 5:30 pm AA, C 101, 5:30 pm & 8 pm Wednesday, September 30 Mother’s Day Out, 9 am - 2:45 pm Respite Sr. Daycare, Coffee Shop, 10 am Disciple 1 Fast Track, B 206, 10am Early Bird Bible Study, B 201, 4 - 5 pm Dinner, Aud, 5 - 6 pm Wed. Nite Class Schedule (see pg 7) Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm, 6:00 pm AA Meeting, C 101, 8 pm
Mark your calendar now! Nov. 15th, a Pre-Fellowship Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet… Whether you decide to join with us or not in January, please join new & old friends to celebrate this harvest time of year! More info. to follow in the October newsletter. To help with this dinner please call Sondra Leef 334-464-4787.
Sunday, September 20th 3 pm Church Front Lawn
IS NOW OPEN!!!
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
10 am - 4 pm
Danny Kennamer Gael Hatcher Myrt Bains Dean Carrol Lucy Causey Carol Walls Kay Nichols Tem Blalock Richard Jenkins Marcia Middlebrooks Larry Davis Evelyn Plotz Diane Hutton Susan Brent Ann Littlegreen Pat Wiley Irene Walker Lillian Glass Pat Wilbanks Paige Lay LC Rawlins Muriel Swoger Ann Talbert
Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Prayer List:
Charlie Hill Dennis Thomas Marsha Hinnen Betty Moran Christine Ray Pam Dixon John Palmer Art & Zoanne Perez Mary O’Day Shirley Mock Emily Steiner Janet Chapman Richard Wagner Betty Shackelford Terry Hanners Ken Thomas Stefani Prince Pat Hogan Ann & Harold Earll Henry Kaiser Wren Johnson
Military Prayer List:
Chris Bookout Dustin Brown Nick Caron Niklas Cook Tyler Cox Kurk Devereaux Zackary Devereaux Christopher Edwards Jason Garcia Richard Guyer III Heath Harrison Jay Hasenbein Jill Hawley Austin Hill Lt. Joe M. Kidd Johnathan Kolanowski
Trey Leggett Chris Martin Donnie MacGregor Andrew McCarthy Lt. Benjamin Parks Ethan Simantel Capt. Caleb Spandridge Kevin Stillings Chris Stone James Sullivan Barry Titsworth Sam Yoh Evan Walker Stone Wilters Dominic Zottoli
Our Extended Family Prayer Concerns continued: Shannon Blackburn, daughter-in-law of Jim & Jeanie Blackburn Martha & Ed Hoffman Casey Laws, father of Jada & Jaci Laws Bess Bentley, mother of Becky Gallups Charles Anderson, Son-in-law of Martha and Jim McCord Earlene Hancock, friend of Stacey Brackett Beverly Freeman, friend of Pete & Dona Ford The Brewster Family Adrienne Blum, daughter of Bud & Sondra Leef Paul & Kristina Wayne & Martha Howard Kimberly Hunter & Patricia Bailey, friends of Judy & Kent Vesper Susan Jackson, daughter of Denny & Shirley Owens Linda Tedder, friend of Ruth Schenkenberger Marty Jordan, son of Bob & Judy Jordan Kevin McGee, husband of Money McGee Maria Williamson, niece of Don & Peggy Cunningham Rob Wells, Sherry Rutledge, Alison Grundish, Jim Weaver, & Al Prince friends of Roger & Nancy Atteberry Archie Fairley, friend of Annette Ross Lyn Napier, Kay Davis, LP & Joanne Owens, family of Carol Leggett Sonya Moye & Peggy Godfrey, family of Denise Cooper Vera Draughn & Mary Squires, friends of Denise Cooper Herman Majors, father of Shannon Anderson Shelia Wanninger, sister of Velma Moore Delores Blair, mother of Marsha Guyer Dick Moskun, & Family, friends of Bert & Shirley Krages Johnnie Bryant & Bill Kelly, friends of Denise Cooper Larry Stearley, husband of Nancy Stearley Bill Stott & Wayne Harrelson, friends of Shannon Anderson Wayne Ward, family of Mitch Ferguson Ricky & Candy Lewis, Raymond Harrison, friends of Louise & Holly Sample Kay Herrin, friend of Gary & Carol Owen Jackie Tally, friend of Holly Sample Kristina Tucker, friend of Dr. Lyle & Denise Cooper Judy Harland, friend of Kay Nichols Bill Buck, friend of Jerry & Janice Wilcox Jeannie Mitchell, family of Suzanne Wilbanks Delores Davis, family of Sissy Lattof Wayne Harrelson, husband of Angela Harrelson Paula Murphy, friend of Elaine Harper Stanley Folsom, brother of CB Brierty Darian Colley & Charlene Wilson, friends of Stephanie Barnett Matt, Jonna, Caleb, Malachi & Charis Conway, family of Rick Conway Vickie Loper, friend of Rick Conway Lisa Goetsch, daughter of Carol Brownyard Grady Lamb, son-in-law of Mavis Wagner Herb Kaltz, friend of Jim & Pat Humphrey Michael Grasso, son of Cindy & Dennis Grasso Annie Harris, mother of Annette Ross Tommy Laws, uncle of Jada & Jaci Laws Gloria Mulcahey, mother of Mike Liebel Tracy Baswell, daughter of Susan Kennamer J Schenck, family friend of Rachael Osborn Family Holly Park & William Lowrey, friends of Lisa Simantel Christy Hipsh, daughter-in-law of Christine Hipsh Neil McMillan, nephew of Steve & Gayle McMillan Bill & Karen Sabatino, friends of Craft Farm residents Paxton & Avery, grandchildren of Pat Beeson Mary & Wayne Walker, friends of Heather Loper Jerry Crompton, husband of Margaret Crompton Steffan Chapman & Molly Jones, family of Rick & Michelle Conway Hannah Rose Bittick, Stephen & Cassie Bittick, friends of Carol Leggett Mildred Drew & Mason Montgomery, family of Dr. Lyle & Denise Cooper Derek Godbold, friend of & Kenny Kaiser, cousin of David & Henry Kaiser Stephanie Russell, niece of & Brenda Snyder, friend of Cathy Russell Robin Fowler, niece of Pat & Mike Fowler Charlene Brown, friend of Pat Fowler Carol Phelps, friend of Jerry & Margaret Crompton Jackie Mullens, friend of Jan McVey
Our Extended Family Prayer Concerns : Delaney Wilcox family of Jerry & Janice Wilcox Lori Trosper, daughter of Brad & Jo Strycker Joe Parrott, grandson of Dr. Charles & Laura Parrott Kevin & Jan Keene, family of Sunny & Kurt Keene George Montgomery, father of Rebecca Beall Ron Davison, family of John & Mary Moore Denise Harrison & Dale Harrison, family of Bill & Shirley Harrison Clarence Downs, father of Pam Livingston Debbie Dennis, Mother’s Day Out Teacher Coach Jacy Todd, nephew of Debbie Dennis Bill Horton, winter guest Ron West, GSFD Mark Register Matt Savionia Kelly Dimmick Carol Rocell Shirley Mowry Andrew & Alisia Gloria Feinstein Danny Durastanti
The north parking lot has now been cleaned, sealed and re-striped. A big thank you goes to the United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Men and Mother’s Day Out for their generous donations. We appreciate the continued support of each of these organizations in addition to the creativity of the Finance Committee!
GSUMC Board of Trustees
1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy PO Box 374
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Change Is Inevitable
Decades ago in my career with IBM, I taught change management processes. I usually started my welcome to the class participants with the saying “Change is inevitable — except from a vending machine”. Starting in September, a bit of change is coming to our very own GSUMC campus! New room numbers will be used to direct us to our fall events in September.
For a while now, we have had the letters A, B & C visible on the outside of our buildings. Next time you come onto our church campus, look for the letters on the buildings, if you haven’t noticed them earlier. Building A is our main campus where the Prayer
Tower, the original entrance to the church, is visible to all as they drive by on Hwy 59. Our address for the Main Campus is 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway. Our address for the South Campus is 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway, better known as Paradise Isle Shopping Center or just the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. Buildings B and C make up our South Campus. (Additional letters and address numbers will be forthcoming soon on our buildings in South Campus.)
The next phase of our “change management” implementation is to renumber the interior rooms in each of our buildings. Dare we hope the numbers flow to be logical and contiguous throughout our three buildings? We hope the answer is a resounding “Yes”!
As you plan to attend events in September, look for new room numbers which will consist of the Building identifier and a three digit room number. Room E16 in Building A will become A130. Classroom 103 in Building B where we have Wednesday night activities and the Wesleyan Sunday School class on Sunday mornings will become B201. (We are reserving B100 numbers for any future activities that may occur if Family Dollar leaves our shopping center (which I hope does not happen any time soon!)
The numbers will change and run throughout the Main and South Campuses. New maps with our new room numbers will be available throughout the church campus. We have a staff commitment that we will all use the new numbering system starting in the fall so please be patient with us as we learn the new numbers. Change is never easy! In no time,though, we will all feel comfortable with our new room identifiers. Remember what Benjamin Franklin said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished!”
Beth Gordon, Director of Finance & Business Operations