FIRST THINGS MARCH 2020 · 3/2/2020  · tions of ashes and repentance in Esther, Samu-el, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. By the 10th century, ... she nonetheless brought with her a resume

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FIRST THINGS MARCH 2020

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

501 Church Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-337-7903

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sweetwaterumc.org

Church Staff:

Ron Fisher, Pastor Pam Haislip, Administrative Asst.

Crystal Ragan, Associate Pastor Jacqueline Mason, Children’s Minister

Margareth Urias, Music Minister _____________, Organist

Melinda Hendricks, Custodian Janet Standridge, First Kids Director

“Glorifying God—Offering Christ

Making Disciples—Serving Others”

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. It was authorized by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. According to Christian scholars, Ash Wednesday was not considered to be a biblical requirement, but the practice of repenting in dust and ashes accom-panied by fasting can be found in Esther 4:1, Job 42:6, Jonah 3:5-6, and Daniel 9:3-4. Q: Excuse me, but why do you have dirt on your forehead? A: Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the day many Christians mark as the first day of Lent, the time of reflection and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Clergy all over the world dis-pense ashes, usually made by burning the palm fronds distributed on last year’s Palm Sunday, making the sign of the cross on the bowed fore-heads before them. As they “impose” or “dispense” the ashes, the pastor reminds each Christian of Genesis 3:19: “For dust you are and to dust you shall return.”

REFLECTIONS from PASTOR Ron

Q: Well, that’s cheerful. Why would anyone want to start a workday on such a downer? A: It isn’t intended to be a downer. It’s supposed to be a reminder that our lives are short and we must live them to the fullest. OK, maybe it’s a little bit of a downer — that verse from Genesis is what God said to Adam and Eve when he ex-pelled them from the Garden of Eden for their sins. But there’s a big party the night before Ash Wednesday. That’s Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” a secular observance that evolved out of “Shrove Tuesday,” the last hurrah – usu-ally marked by eating of pancakes or other sweet foods – before the solemnity and pen-ance of Lent set in. Q: OK, so don’t invite me over for dinner un-til Lent is over in 40 days. A: Fun fact: Lent is actually longer than 40 days. There are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, but most churches don’t count the Sundays as part of Lent.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

February 26 @6:30pm in the sanctuary

(No Wednesday night classes)

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tions of ashes and repentance in Esther, Samu-el, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. By the 10th century, the monk Aelfric tied the practice, which dates to the eighth century, to the period before Easter, writing, “Now let us do this little at the beginning of our Lent that we strew ashes upon our heads to signify that we ought to repent of our sins dur-ing the Lenten fast.” By the 11th century, the practice was widespread throughout the church — until Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, threw the practice out in the 16th century be-cause it was not biblically based. There’s no Lent in the Bible, either, though many Christians see it as an imitation of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and battling with Satan in the desert.

Q: When can you wash the dirt off your face?

A: No one is required to keep the ashes on his

or her face after the ritual. But some Christians

choose to, perhaps as a reminder to themselves

that they are mortal and fallible, while others

may choose to leave them on as a witness to

their faith in the hope others will ask about them

and open a door to sharing their faith.

Q: I thought only Catholics marked Ash Wednesday? A: Today, most “liturgical churches” — those with a regular, calendar-based liturgy, or set of rituals and observances — mark the day, includ-ing Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans and other Protestants. Q: Do you have to go to church before or af-ter work to get your ashes? A: Many churches, ministries and clergy offer “ashes to go,” which can range from dispensing ashes on subway and train platforms, on street corners and other urban crossroads. Some en-terprising Christians even offer ashes in a drive-thru. Q: I don’t remember reading about Ash Wednesday in the Bible. Where did the prac-tice come from? A: That’s true; there is no mention of Ash Wednesday in the Bible. But there is a tradition of donning ashes as a sign of penitence that pre-dates Jesus. In the Old Testament, Job repents “in dust and ashes,” and there are other associa-

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Anne Wilson departs Administrative Assistant position after 7 years’ service Starts a new chapter in her life

Anne Wilson’s last official day as Church Administrative Assistant was January 31st. And on that occasion church staff posted a sign on her office door that read “Today I close the door to the past…open the door to the future…take a deep breath…step through…and start a new chapter living uncorked in my life.” That was cer-tainly a fitting reflection given her service to our church.

Anne and Colin moved to Sweetwater in 2007 to be closer to Anne’s son and family who reside in Loudon. Not really looking for a job, she nonetheless brought with her a resume of experience, travels, and education, that made her a solid candidate for any position she sought. For example, she had lived in two countries and 5 states before coming to Tennessee. Her mother was a member of the famed Radio City Rockettes. Anne actually audi-tioned and was offered a position with the dance troupe but declined as she did not see herself being a big city girl. After high school she attended Florida Southern College, receiving her BS in Business Administration, and went on to teach at the high school level for a time. After marrying Colin, they lived in Vancouver, Canada, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant for a major corporation in a job Anne best describes as “highly stress-ful.”

Finally in Sweetwater, the Wilson’s came to Sweetwater UMC in 2008. Anne had not worked in 20 years when she heard Greer Heatherly was leaving the Administrative Assistant position. She applied for the posi-tion…really wanting the job, but thinking she would not really get it. And here she is 7 years later leaving her “favorite job.” As she enters a new chapter in her life, Anne hopes she and Colin can do some traveling. She also wants to get into meaningful volunteer work, take some classes including possibly getting back into exercise like yoga or Zumba. She’ll continue her hobby of reading and mentioned that she would like to learn to “sign” for the deaf.

While Pam Haislip has now assumed the duties as Administrative Assistant, we certainly want to wish Anne all the best in the future and thank her for her contributions to our church. We look forward to seeing her and Colin on Sundays and hearing of new adventures in their lives!

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CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY CHOIR

I’m so excited to announce that the Chil-dren’s Choir will be traveling in time once again! After going “Back to the Manger” and “Back to the Cross,” we will be going “Back to the Beginning”!

I hope the kids are ready to embark on an adventure using the time machine H.O. 2000 to visit the years of 2000, 1995, 1978, 1955, 1808, and finally, making it all the way back to Creation and the Garden of Eden.

ALL KIDS K- 5th grade are invited to join the choir. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00pm in the Choir Room. The musical will be held at 5pm on Sunday, May 3.

CHANCEL CHOIR The choir will be presenting the Easter Cantata “The Day He Wore My Crown” on Sunday, April 5th at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. This cantata takes every heart on a journey from the crowds cry-ing out, “Hosanna!” to the passion of Christ on the cross, and finally to the glory of His resurrection. Come and ex-perience the majesty of the everlasting King with these heart-changing songs that continue to speak to all genera-tions.

MUSIC MINISTRY

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT

CONNECTION

If you are new to the church and have never at-

tended WNC, you are in for a nice treat. There are

so many activities going on to suit the needs of all

ages.

The Preschool Bible and Choir (ages 2-5) will meet

from 4:30-5:00 pm in the classroom across from

the church office starting February 12th.

The Children’s Choir (ages K-5) meets on Wednes-

days from 5-6:00 pm in the choir room in prepara-

tion for the Children’s Easter Musical.

Dinner and fellowship in the FLC start at 5:30 pm.

Chef Nathan Hendricks will prepare the meals and

we will need a few people to help serve each week

and maybe offer a hand in clean up.

Then at 6:30 pm adults are welcome to attend an

Adult Study group as listed below.

The children (ages K-5) can attend WEB

(Wednesday night Bible) with Miss Jacqueline. We

will also have a nursery available at 6:30.

WNC STUDY GROUP TOPICS

STUDY GROUPS will run from Feb. 12-Apr. 1, 2020 (No classes on Mar. 25—Spring Break)

IS JESUS REAL TO ME? No Book

Facilitated by Alan & Bonnie Cleveland Old Wesley Classroom

A study of 21 questions from John Wesley’s Holy Club of Oxford. Is Jesus my Savior only or is He also Lord

of my life? We will look at these questions as they relate to pride, humility, trust, obedience, and reverence,

among other themes.

HOW HAPPINESS HAPPENS Book $9.00

Facilitated by Peggy Young Starting Point Classroom

How long has it been since you felt a level of contagious, infectious, unstoppable happiness? For many of

us the answer is, “Well, it’s been a while.” In this study you will discover a way of life—backed by Jesus’

teaching and modern research—that produces a happiness that lasts, a reliable joy that endures through

any season.

JESUS: THE GOD WHO KNOWS YOUR NAME postponed until Fall session

ENTERING THE PASSION OF JESUS cancelled

“Sweet” Fundraiser!

Starburst Easter eggs from The Squir-

rel’s Nest will be available for order

through the church office.

Made with the finest ingredients—pure

butter, sugar and real vanilla!

Choose creamy milk chocolate or rich

dark chocolate with either butter cream

or coconut cream filling.

Pick up dates will be Thursday and Fri-

day, April 9-10, 9am-noon. Cost is $4.50

per egg. 100% of the monies collected

will go toward the building fund to pay

off the Family Life Center principal

debt.

Order forms are available in the church

office and Sunday School rooms. The

deadline for ordering is March 14.

These make delicious Easter treats for

your loved ones!

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Young at Heart March TripYoung at Heart March TripYoung at Heart March Trip

The Salvage Shop Revival, March 6, 10:30 am-3:30pm: Join us on the church bus for a trip to Knoxville for lunch and shopping at this new-ly opened architectural salvage store and an-tique shop . Signup sheets are in the confer-ence room and Sunday School classrooms.

Future EventsFuture EventsFuture Events

April 30-March 1: overnight trip to Noah’s Ark in Kentucky

May 9: Dalton Air Show

TBD: True Purpose mission—personal supplies (flyer coming soon)

Young at Heart PotluckYoung at Heart PotluckYoung at Heart Potluck

Sunday, March 1 @ noon in FLC

Bring your favorite dish and join us for

good food and fellowship! This month

we will have a Trivia Contest. Come join

the fun and test your knowledge of all

things trivial! See you there.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

TO OUR SENIORS BORN IN marchTO OUR SENIORS BORN IN marchTO OUR SENIORS BORN IN march

Young at Heart Dinner with Youth

Sunday, March 22, 6pm in FLC

The Young at Heart group is pleased to in-

vite our youth to join us for a potluck dinner

on Sunday, March 22 at 6pm in the FLC.

We really enjoy spending time our youth and

getting to know them! Seniors are invited to

bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Mar 2 Peggy Young

Mar 4 Larry Hicks

Mar 4 Pam Haislip

*Mar 5 Jane Cochran

Mar 6 Jill Stover

Mar 7 Peggy Dupes

Mar 9 Leah Butcher

Mar 17 Bill Walker

Mar 19 Bob Fugitt

Mar 21 Robert Hickey

Mar 23 Colin Wilson

Mar 24 Mildred Langley

Mar 28 Debbie Frye

Mar 29 Lynette Johnson

Mar 30 Jody Smithey

Mar 30 Judy Shope

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MINISTRIES

NEEDED: SERVANT(S) TO SHOW HOW MUCH

“WE CARE” We are very much in need of someone to or-

ganize meals for those individuals who have

just come home from the hospital due to ill-

ness or surgery. Can you please find it in your

heart to take on this very important and re-

warding responsibility? It can be done by tele-

phone or on-line with Mealtrain, or a combina-

tion of both. We can show you how to set it

up. If a team of two people stepped up, it

would be even better. Please contact the

office if you are willing to help.

MISSIONS

Sager Brown Mission Trip

The date for the Mission Trip to Sager

Brown has been set for September 13-18.

There is still time to sign up. Registration

deadline will be Wednesday, March

4th. Please contact Vanessa Metzmeier at

770-286-2110 with any questions!

Thank You,

Vanessa Metzmeier

Chairperson, Missions

Saturday, March 14

9:00 am @ Dinner Bell

Ladies, bring some friends and

join us for a yummy breakfast

and fellowship. You might

make some new friends.

EVENTS FOR THE LADIES — MARCH

SECOND TUESDAYS FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

Second Tuesdays is a place to connect with other women on the second Tuesday of each month in Knoxville. You are welcome to join us at 6:45 pm for light refreshment and good conversation, then we’ll dive into worship and the Word. If you are interested, please meet in the church parking lot on Tuesday, March 10 and we can carpool. We must leave by 5:15 pm. Contact Karen

Sadikoff for further information.

Location: The Watershed at Cedar

Springs Presbyterian 9132 Kingston Pike,

Knoxville, TN

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Message from Miss Jacqueline

We’re so tired of all this rain! Despite the school closings, we finally had our TASK Valentine’s Day party

a week late. But a party is good anytime, right? Our kids are collecting dog and cat food for their mission

project. If you want to donate, please put items in my office. Our kids made cards for the residents at

Wood Village nursing home, and they loved them! Just letting y’all know we have good kids, and I love

them dearly!!

TASK KIDS ANNUAL SHAMROCK HUNT

On March 17 at 3:15 pm the TASK kids will have a St. Patrick’s Day party

and their Annual Shamrock Hunt. This is an event the kids really love.

SPRING BREAK

Spring Break this year is March 24-27.

There will be no classes during this week.

WEB (Wednesday Evening Bible) for kids grade K-5

Wednesdays at 6:15pm (after WNC dinner)

Easter egg hunt for TASK will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 3:30. We would

appreciate help hiding the eggs and also providing snacks for about 45 kids.

PRESCHOOL CHOIR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Looking forward to Children’s Spring musical on Sunday, May 3rd @ 5:00 pm.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Mark your Calendars for July 19-23 for VBS!