"This book of the law shall not depart from your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
—Joshua 1:8
Would you believe I wrote that from memory? I’m not sure what translation it’s from, but when I was a wild and reckless teenager my dad made me memorize it. He also took me through the book of Joshua in a Bible study, chapter by chapter.
I’ve never forgotten those mornings with my dad (even though I didn’t want to be there at the time), nor have I forgotten the verses that jumped off the page and right into my heart all those years ago.
When I am afraid of what I’m walking into, I remember God telling Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
When I am tempted to go my own way and hit “pause” on following the Lord, I remember Joshua, at the end of his life, charging the Israelites, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
When I feel I have been waiting and waiting, and I begin to doubt if God will make good on his promises to me, I can hear Joshua telling the elders, "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” And I am reminded again that, age after age, my God is a Promise-Keeper to all who wait for him.
Back in February about 60 of our kids committed to reading the entire book of Joshua (24 chapters) in 24 days. Not only that, but they committed to journaling their way through each chapter and sending their thoughts to me each day. That meant I got OVERLOADED with texts from Vineville Youth every morning, but guys, it was AMAZING! I can't tell you how proud I am of these kids - YOUR kids!
I promised them if they completed the challenge, I would take them on a reward (read: free) trip to celebrate. That trip is happening on April 28th, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them and put a bow on what turned out to be an amazing journey through God’s Word…together. Of all the things the Youth of Vineville can do together, I can scarcely think of anything better than that!
I cannot overemphasize how much I believe in the value of getting kids to read God's Word for themselves. Long after they've graduated from 3C and can no longer come to hear me teach the Scriptures on 3C, I want every kid who comes through our doors to know that they can open their Bibles and meet with the God of the Universe one on one, and there they can find wisdom, instruction, comfort, and hope today, and all the days of their lives.
Mike
*If you’d like to contribute to the reward trip on April 28th, let Mike know or send your gift to Vineville marked "reward". Any additional funds above our cost that we receive will go towards the next Scripture Challenge Trip.
|
|
WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, April 23, 2023
|
9:00 a.m. CLC
11:00 a.m. Sanctuary
Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr.
Loosening the Bonds:
A Living Hope
1 Peter 1:17-23
MUSIC
Praise Band (9 am)
Elizabeth Morgan (11 am)
Chancel Choir (11 am)
ONLINE WORSHIP
|
|
Last Sunday it was announced that after serving faithfully and effectively for six years, Rev. Jon Brown will be moving in June. Jon has had a great ministry at Vineville and we were in hopes that it would continue, but we are part of a connectional system. While we often think of the church as our church, we are part of an itinerate system. We trust those who are looking at the bigger picture with regard to pastoral leadership. As the appointment process unfolded, Bishop Graves and the Cabinet had a church that they felt Jon was well suited to serve. After a time of prayer and conversation, Jon and Sarah decided this was his next step in ministry. Jon’s new church will be just two blocks from the church that Sarah serves, which will be good for their family. Opportunities for clergy couples to serve in close proximity do not come along often, so this relieves the worry about possible long commutes.
Jon shared this with our committee and I wanted to share it with you as well:
Having the opportunity to serve at Vineville for 6 wonderful years has been such a blessing. You offered a gracious welcome when we first arrived and an abundance of love and care as our family has grown. Your support through my ordination process and all that has transpired in my time at Vineville have given me such great joy. By God’s grace, you have fostered spiritual growth and leadership capability in me. Likewise, I have witnessed Vineville grow in its faithfulness to God. I don’t think there are words that could accurately capture my gratitude and love for this place, the staff, and all the special people that make up the Vineville family.
As a part of the connectional system, I knew the bittersweet day would come when I would need to faithfully say yes and go. That was a part of my vow as an elder in The United Methodist Church - to both order the life of the Church and to go where sent. That time has come and I do so with a mix of sadness that this chapter is coming to a close, but also with joy and confidence knowing you all have graciously shaped and helped prepare me for fruitful ministry in my next appointment at Warner Robins First United Methodist Church.
In the days to come, we will have opportunities to celebrate Jon, his family, and their ministry with us. He will be preaching Confirmation Sunday, April 30th, and again on June 4th. Jon will still lead the mission team to Costa Rica in June. He will start his new appointment upon his return. Jon has had a great ministry at Vineville. He has been an important part of our staff. His gifts and spirit will be missed, but we know that he will be a blessing to the church is goes to lead.
Sincerely,
Matt
Matt Shoemaker
Staff Parish Relations Committee Chairperson
|
|
On Sunday May 14th, the United Methodist Women (UMW) will light candles to honor and remember our mothers. Members can donate $5 to have a candle lit in memory or honor of a special mother/grandmother, etc. Names will be included in an insert on Mother’s Day in the worship bulletins for the 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. services. The proceeds will benefit local and global missions.
Candle order forms can be picked up in the CLC Lobby or you can order in Realm. The deadline to order candles will be Monday, May 8.
|
|
As you know, VUMC has always been committed to serving our community and making a positive impact. We are excited to announce the upcoming annual volunteer opportunity with Rebuilding Macon, a local organization dedicated to repairing and revitalizing homes for those in need. Rebuilding Macon is currently undertaking several construction projects in our community, and they are in need of volunteers to assist with various tasks such as painting, carpentry, plumbing, and landscaping. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.
We need you to volunteer your time and skills to help with our Rebuilding Macon project. Whether you are an experienced handyman or have little to no construction experience, there will be tasks suitable for everyone. Your willingness to volunteer, even for just a few hours, will help us reach our goals in a timely manner. The workday will be Saturday, April 29th, and we will meet at VUMC for breakfast before heading to the job site. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Watson at watson@wargoland.com or call/text him at (478) 808-9819.
A few details about the day/project:
- Jobsite Address: 1040 Courtland Avenue (off Pio Nono near Hillcrest Avenue)
- There will be breakfast at the church starting at 7 am
- We will depart for the job site around 8:30 am
- If you cannot make it to breakfast, you are welcome to meet us at the project site
- If you can only make it for a few hours, that is fine. You can come and go as needed to fit into your schedule
Work to be performed:
- Demo & reconstruct the back wooden staircase (about 4-5 steps) at the back of the house
- Install a new back door & screen door
- Paint house trim
- Clean up landscaping
Let us come together to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving through this worthy cause.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Watson Argo
|
|
DISTRICT CONFERENCE AT VINEVILLE THIS SUNDAY |
|
On Sunday we will host the North Central District Conference at 4:00 in the sanctuary. This is a time of both worship and work. The work will be very short. We will handle a few business items to organize the district for the upcoming Conference year electing officers and approving the budget before turning to a time of worship. For the service, Vineville is providing the music, and our superintendent, Rev. Craig Hutto, will preach. After worship, we are hosting a reception for Craig and his wife, Mary Louise. In June, Craig will be taking an appointment at the North Georgia Annual Conference. We want to show our appreciation as Craig has been a faithful and effective leader in a difficult season. We wish him well in his next place of ministry. Our new superintendent, Dr. Paula Lewis, will be with us as well. We say goodbye to Craig and welcome Paula.
We could use some greeters as well as some help with the reception. If you can help, email Jimmy, jasbell@vinevillemethodist.org, or call the office. Let’s show our Vineville hospitality to the district and our appreciation for Craig.
|
|
Combined Adult Sunday School Class for Memorial Day Weekend
Sunday, May 28 at 10 am
We are so excited that Robin Hughes will be teaching our combined class on this holiday weekend. Make it a point to be at Sunday school to connect with others and grow in your faith!
|
|
CARING TIMES THREE TAKES OFF |
|
What started out as a dream and an idea is now a reality! Isn’t Vineville UMC an amazing place? Last week a team of volunteers met to make our first round of casseroles which looked so yummy. If you volunteered to cook, never fear your turn to be in the kitchen is coming soon. On Sunday, Club 345 under Reese’s wonderful leadership met with one of the newest members and volunteers to learn how to bake a pound cake in addition to writing notes that will be included with the food deliveries. Together these two groups stocked the freezer. Now we are ready to deliver them to the doors of members who are sick, grieving, recovering from surgery, new to our community, or welcoming new babies.
If you know of anyone who would benefit from one of these Caring deliveries, please let Teresa Edwards know. Today I am thanking God for all the ways that people will be reminded of God’s love and care through this kind offering of food and love. Listen out next week for all the details on our second “C” - cards. Enjoy these photos from our cooking adventures this week.
|
|
A Bible Study on Those Who Encountered the Risen Christ
April 19, April 26, and May 3
10:30 - 11:45 in the library
Teresa Edwards - Leader
Join Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and the Men on the Road to Emmaus in the wondrous excitement of meeting the Risen Lord in this 3-week Easter Bible Study.
All you need is your Bible, a spirit open to learning, and the desire to meet Christ anew! Let’s discover together the true beauty of the Easter season.
|
|
WEEKDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
|
COMMON PRAYER
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m.
Prayer Center
TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE
IN-PERSON
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Chapel
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
|
|
ATTENDANCE
Sunday, April 16
9:00: 85
11:00: 233
Online: 222
|
HOSPITAL VISITATION
April 21-23
Dr. Jimmy Asbell
478-397-3309
ALTAR FLOWERS
Sunday, April 23
In loving memory of our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Yancey by Ron and Ellen Thompson
ALTAR GUILD
Sunday, April 23
Kay Green, Brenda Mallory,
Jean McLendon, Ellen Thompson
BAPTISM
Anne Thatcher Argo
Daughter of Watson and Emmy Argo
|
|
NEW MEMBERS
Roy and Kathy Griffis
Evie Crumbliss
Roz Sprayberry
IN MEMORY
Steve Durkee
Beverly Cross Hall
Barbara Flournoy
Susan McDuffie
Ferd Kay
Beverly Cross Hall
Cash Stanley
Harriett Durkee
Allen Sanders Fellowship Class
|
|
We have several ways to give to the church. You can mail a check to the church or click here to give online. Thank you for your generosity.
|
|
478.745.3331
www.vinevillemethodist.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
