Our Souper Bowl of Caring effort this year netted 49 bags of groceries for the Decatur area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM).
At the request of DEAM, most of the groceries were taken to the DEAM Food Pantry at Avondale Estates First Baptist Church, as the Trinity Episcopal Church location has a limited storage area. Some items greatly needed at Trinity, such as dishwashing soap, were taken there.
Jeff Cardell is a member of Mt. Bethel UMC. He's also a new missionary destined for Romania. After worship on February 7th, Jeff gave a short talk about his calling and Romania itself.
Among other things he pointed out that the United Methodist Church does not have a presence in Romania. Missionaries must work through existing religious organizations in that country. Jeff will be working as a missionary through Greater Europe Mission (GEM).
As soon as he garners enough support funds, Jeff will be headed to Romania to help in the development of the College Ministry at Betel Church in Timisoara.
Make any donations to "Greater Europe Mission". You can donate online at www.GEMission.org/Donate/ or by mail to:
Greater Europe Mission
18950 Base Camp Road
Monument, CO 80132
If you donate by check, please put "Jeff Cardell, account #09570" on a separate piece of paper, not on the check itself.
Once again members came through in helping others. Donated items and money let us put together 96 health kits for people in Haiti in desperate need of them.
After worship on January 31st, several members of the Missions Work Area along with some others checked completed kits and assembled others. The next Wednesday Marty hauled the Health Kits to Conyers, where they were loaded on a trailer.
Avondale Pattillo members (and more) came through for overseas children again. We donated 45 shoe boxes full of good stuff for kids ages (2 - 14) to local drop-offs for Operation Christmas Child. That's more than last year -- despite tough economic times!
This ministry of Samaritans' Purse provides children in need with toys, school items, hygiene items, and more. These shoeboxes shine the light of God's love throughout the world.
On November 8, members gathered to make Advent banners and also a mosaic cross made from shards of broken coffee cups.
The idea came from Ahren, our current Contextual Education student (aka "Intern"). Ahren pointed out that we are all broken people. We bring this brokenness together at the cross of Christ and are transformed into something new and beautiful. The mosaic cross symbolizes the diversity of all peoples united in the body of Christ.
What a beautiful tie-in with our church's tag line, "A diverse congregation united in Christ". This special cross will be displayed in the sanctuary building during Advent.
November 8th saw a great guest sermon by Rev. Renita Thomas and a comfort food luncheon that was full of warm friendship.
On display at the catered luncheon from Our Way Cafe was the Mosaic cross created by Avondale Pattillo people at the Advent workshop.
Our first sing-a-long on the front lawn was a great success. A good sized crowd showed up on the cool autumn afternoon and lent their voices to the songs.
Julia, Thelma, and Julie got the ball rolling for this first event of its kind. Then Julie began gathering up a gaggle of guitarists. Bongo Larry was a natural percussive addition since Peggy was one of the plucky strummers. And Jennifer volunteered to be MC for this historic event.
Ahren stoked the fires of the portable fire pit so all could make and enjoy S'Mores during the two breaks. Other helpers kept people plied with hot chocolate or hot apple cider. The songs themselves ranged from traditional to praise. All were well received and everyone had a fun time.
On this beautiful day, the surroundings included a front lawn tree seemingly "on fire" -- just one more reminder of the beauty of God's world. This event went over so well it's bound to be repeated. And if we're lucky, we'll hear more of the sassy strummers (and Bongo Larry) -- including more during worship (they played that Sunday morning).
