NEWSLETTER
May 13, 2008
Garrison Keillor
on Methodists
We make fun of Methodists for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed, and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese.
But nobody sings like them. If you were to ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Methodist-less place, to sing along on the chorus of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their underwear. But if you do this among Methodists, they'd smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!
Many Methodists are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. I do believe this: People, these Methodists, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you can call up when you're in deep distress.
*If you're dying, they will comfort you.
*If you are lonely, they'll talk to you.
*And if you are hungry, they'll give you tuna salad.
*Methodists believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.
*Methodists like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.*Methodists believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don't notify them that they are there.
*Methodists usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins.
*Methodists believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing the plate.
*Methodists think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace.
*Methodists drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.
*Methodists believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
And finally,
+ You know you are a Methodist when: it's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service.
+ You hear something funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can.
+ Donuts are a line item in the church budget,
just like coffee.
+ And lastly, it takes ten minutes to say good-bye!
Youth Stuph
by Stephen
Greetings!
I write to you this week with a burden on my heart. Our Youth are In Need! And what they need… is you! How awesome is that! Our Students need you! What an amazing opportunity and privilege to step up into what God is doing in the lives of our students here at Tuckston. Here’s how you can help:
Host Homes and Chaperones:
This summer we are hosting weekly meetings for our students. We are also going on many fun and exciting day trips. We need homes to meet at and adults to chaperone and love our students as they take part in our youth events.
Sunday School Teachers:
Our Students need direct adult mentorship from mature Christians in our community who are strong enough to commit to teaching, being present, and walking with the Students as they grow in their Faith. You will be the hands and feet of Christ as you train our students in the way they should go so that when they are old they will NOT turn from it (Prov. 22:6).
Male Small Group Leaders:
Our Student Ministry is blessed to have great involvement from the Wesley Foundation at UGA. College students freely volunteer their time to mentor and love our students. We pull the majority of our Small Group Pastors from Wesley. However, a common trend in children and youth ministry, as well as public education, is that we are losing male leadership. This year, Wesley had 33 college students sign up to help with youth ministry leadership in churches in Athens. Only 4 of 33 were males, only 4, that’s 12%!!!! Our male Students need Men of God who are brave enough to mirror what God desires a Man to be. As a Small Group Pastor you will Shepard a group of 10 or less students by being present at our Sunday Night Harbor where you will participate in the event and lead a Small Group time. You will also have weekly contact with the students outside of church through community outreach, sporting events, etc… Don’t underestimate this need. Many students in our community do not have male involvement in their lives, much less Men of God who pray with them, pray for them, mentor them, and guide them along the narrow path of Truth. Men, read Ezekiel 22:30. Let’s build the wall and stand in the gap for our students, and when God looks down, He will find us going about His work diligently!
No rotations, No substitutes, No fear, and No excuses. This is the life that God calls us to. This is the passion that changes lives. This is the resolve that guides churches. This is the attitude of Christ! And we will give no less than this to our Students. These Students are our opportunity to make the most from our Past, to live for Christ in our Present, and to multiply His impact in the Future.
Will you answer the call? Will you commit your Prayers, your Presence, your Gifts, and your Service? Of course you will. You’ve already made that very promise!
To respond to this need please either e-mail me or call me directly! I would love the opportunity to explain to you in more detail what each position will entail. Then I will pray with you as you discern God’s call. I look forward to the flooding response from our wonderful congregation as God’s people step up into what He is visioning for the lives of our Youth!
Love,<>< stephen
stephen@tuckston.org
706.372.4313
tuckstonyouth.com
“Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother – this is the first commandment with a promise: so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
As parents and teachers in the church, we want our children to learn and practice the commandment “Honor your father and mother”. When we do this, we also need to remember the verses that follow about how we as parents are to relate to our children. We are not to provoke our children to anger. We are to teach them to live out lives in obedience to God and to those who God places in authority. We are to teach them what God’s Word says. We are to guide them in experiencing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and in following God’s ways. It isn’t always easy. But we have God as our guide providing wisdom as we seek to be godly parents. We have a community of faith through whom we can find encouragement and support.
I would encourage you to take time as a family to celebrate the unique persons God has created each of you to be. Take time to pray, read the Bible, and serve others together. Think of other ways you can honor God and grow in God’s grace as a family. Try the following idea or come up with some of your own.
Create a poster journal. Write categories such as “Thank you, God, for...,” “Help me, God, with...” and “God, please bless....”Hang the poster in a central place so all family members can write on it throughout the week. On the weekend, talk about the entries. Keep a Bible handy for reference. (from May Group Publishing Children’s Ministry Newsletter)
God bless you and your family, Mrs. Michele
A special thanks to Anna Crook, Maria Bowman, and Kim Fuller for leading our Children’s Choir in the musical presentation of Fish Tales. The children did an awesome job. Thanks to Jody Daniels for running the sound, to Joel and Melissa Schofield and Stacy Wurst for creating the scenery, and to all parents for pitching in and helping make this program possible.
A special thanks to Mary Rodgers for coordinating our Wednesday Starz of Faith Ministry and to all those who taught and assisted this past school year. A special thanks to Randy Wood for leading our Club 56 group.
VBS announcement about registration (see bulletin)
Michele’s Kids Corner
Prayer of the Week
Father, we come to you asking for our church and our Brothers and Sisters in the family of Christ around the world that we would grow in our understanding of the Holy Spirit. May the fruit of the Spirit be evident in our lives, flowing from us as the character of Christ—rivers of His love, joy, peace, and patience—His kindness, goodness, and faithfulness—His gentleness and self-control. May those You bring across our paths see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. In Jesus name. Amen. (Taken from Galatians 5:22-23a; John 7:38; Colossians 1:27b) By: Jim & Kaye Johns
Announcements
Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship needs additional help. Please call Michael Williams at 706-743-8473 for more information.
Church Office Volunteers are needed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month to help with newsletter mailings. Please contact the church office 706-353-1311 if you can help.
A very large, solid oak, roll top computer desk is for sale by the Brazil Mission Team. It can be seen in the FLC for a short time. For more details call David or Hilda Fletcher at 706-548-5633 or email at pop.fletcher@charter.net.
Annual Conference Volunteers are needed to assist with registration of the clergy who will be attending Annual Conference which will be held at the Classic Center. Early registration will be on Monday, June 16 from 5:00-7:30pm, and registration begins at 8:00 on Tuesday, June 17. A few individuals will be needed Wednesday through Friday also. Please contact Kathy Whitaker at 706-354-8800 or kathywhitaker.rn@gmail.com.
Do you have Musical Talents that you would like to share with Tuckston? Come join our Meditative Music rotation on Sunday mornings from 10:45-11:00. Please contact Maryann Steele at albertakeet@yahoo.com for more information.
Adventure Bound 101 invites all college/career young adults to our small group/class that meets on Sunday mornings at 11:00 in the fellowship hall. We are pleased to have Rob and Walker McNiff as our new leaders and Phyllis Carney will continue to host our social functions. All graduating high school seniors are invited to join us as we start our newest adventures.
River of Life - June 25-29, 2008 is a fun and fulfilling work-project ministry to the economically poor and elderly families in the Athens area. Several teams of youth and adults from different churches participate. Each day the work teams will go out to minister by painting, yard clean-up, building wheelchair ramps, porches, etc. No special skills are required. Tuckston will be assembling a team to participate in this event. Please contact Steve Cooper 706-255-5518 or steve@steve-cooper.com to sign up.
VBS Needs - Plastic table cloths (round and square-blue/green/pink/orange/yellow), bright colored beach towels, boogie boards, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, life preservers, fishing nets, crab baskets, beach balls, bathtub boats and fish, coolers, inflatable raft, life jackets, toilet paper tubes, baby food jars, plastic hangers, plastic frosting containers and coffee scoops.
Mark your calendars! Relay for Life is May 16th at Cedar Shoals H.S. Football Stadium at 6:30pm until 8:00am (May 17).
Tuckston License Plates are available in the church office for $5.00. There is a limited number available.
Welcome Tuckston’s Newest Members
George and Heather Whitaker, 192 Whisperwood Lane, Athens, Ga. 30605, 706-425-2793.
Baylee Barnard, 1030 Churchill Lane, Watkinsville, Ga. 30677, 706-310-0610.
Karley Dixon, 116 Southland Drive, Watkinsville, Ga. 30677, 706-769-5882.
Lexie Wood, 1140 Moores Grove Road, Winterville, Ga. 30583, 706-742-5318.
James Wooten, 130 Ponderosa Drive, Athens, Ga. 30605, 706-369-7959.
Chance Fowler, P.O. Box 65, Arnoldsville, Ga. 30619, 706-742-7024.
Rebecca Schofield,368 Greystone Terrance, Athens, Ga. 30606, 706-548-3668.
Jordan Pringle, 25 Lanier Lane, Crawford, Ga. 30630, 706-743-5841.
Katie Pilson, 49 Bowen Farm Road, Crawford, Ga. 30630, 706-743-8308.
Benjamin Giles, 132 Busbin Lane, Colbert, GA 30628, 706-742-7167.
Our Christian Love & Sympathy to
The family of Katherine Hancock who died on April 27, 2008.
Robert Dean in the death of his sister, Carol Dean on April 24, 2008.
JoAnn Pace in the death of her father, Kenneth McCarty on May 5, 2008.
Thank You
Dear Tuckston Family, You blessed my mommy and daddy so much with the delicious dinner you brought to them! I smelled the salad, green beans, chicken, pasta and cookies from a distance. In eleven months I will be able to eat those food items; I can’t wait! Mommy and Daddy were able to focus on me more by simply heating up the food. I praise the Lord for your generous, giving spirits. Love, Jeffrey Cornelius, age 1 month
It was a blessing seeing the team for Relay for Life making and serving spaghetti last Sunday! We especially appreciate the hard work of Daniel and Mark Costello - it was great food and working in the kitchen with them was a pure blast. You should have heard the banter! I would like to give a big thank you to them for their dedication, cooking experience and fun attitude. Thank you to all who pitched in to make this a wonderful event! Steve Cooper
Dear Tuckston Family, Our family has been so touched by your love and support during my mother’s illness and death this past year. We have been truly sustained by your constant prayers. The wonderful meal by Pathmakers and the TLC coffee following her service meant so much to all of us, as did the many cards we received. We are grateful for and blessed by your continued love and support.
Joe & Pam Mize, Rae Preston & Kathy & Donny Ogle
Tuckston Finances
Budgeted Receipts in April were $58,000 with $83,300 needed to meet budget. An unplanned replacement of furnaces in the Family Life Center and other planned items caused April expenditures to exceed receipts by $25,500. Budgeted receipts for 2008 are below 2007 at this point by $35,000. Outlays are below budget for this time of the year, but receipts are further behind. A 25% increase in our giving is needed to meet budget this year.
Deadlines
The deadline for article submission in the bulletin is noon on Tuesday. The deadline for the newsletter is the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
Nursing Homes/Retirement Centers
Barbara Barton, Luna Chandler, Hilda Hancock, Dycie Schneider (Morningside); Johnnie McGarity, (Quiet Oaks); Nina Eberhart, Roger Lanier (Winterville Retirement); Lois Bryant, (St. Mary’s Long Term Care); Anne Clark (Tift Health Care Nursing Home, room 43B, 2002 North Tift Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794, 229-382-5094); Linda Brown, (University Nursing Home)
Tuckston Staff
Sheila Bookout Senior Pastor
Parsonage Phone - 706-549-7072
email - sheila126@bellsouth.net
Wiley Carney Assistant Pastor
Home Phone -706-742-8989
email - wiley240@bellsouth.net
Stephen Sauls Minister to Youth
Office Phone - 706-353-1311
email - stephen@tuckston.org
Michele May Children’s Pastor
Home Phone - 706-613-2050
email - michele45@bellsouth.net
Herb Owen Pastor Emeritus
Kathy Tasker Administrative Assistant
Teresa Ebel Part-Time Secretary
Phil Lomax Bookkeeper
Todd Ferguson Music Director
Dustin Sosebee Worship Leader
Nancy Robertson Organist
Marie Evans Nursery Director
Home Phone - 706-549-0937
email - fmevan@aol.com
Connie Bowen Director, Tuckston Learning Cntr
email - cebowen2001@yahoo.com
Norm Fuller Building Manager
Home Phone - 706-549-3573
Cell Phone - 706-338-3614
email - normfuller@charter.net
Web Site: www.tuckston.org
Tuckston - 706-353-1311; FAX - 706-353-9022
email - Tuckston@bellsouth.net
Tuckston Learning Center - 706-548-8400
www.tuckstonlearningcenter.com
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BULLETIN
First Sunday after Pentecost
May 18, 2008
GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE
PRELUDE (8:20) “Hymn of Promise”
(11:00) Bells “Morning Has Broken”
GREETING/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (11:00)
“Oh, I Know The Lord’s Laid His Hands On Me”
*HYMN NO. 64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
ACTS OF PRAYER
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer no. 895
COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN’S MINISTERS
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offertory (8:20) “The Gift of Love”
(11:00) Bells “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross”
*Doxology No. 95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
Children K-2nd grade are invited to Rainbow Kids (Children’s Church) following the Children’s Moments. They meet in room 103 in the Family Life Center (gym).
ANTHEM (11:00)
Bells & Chancel Choir “Praise to The Lord, The Almighty”
SERMON
*HYMN NO. 77 “How Great Thou Art”
*BENEDICTION
*CHORAL RESPONSE (11:00) “Amen”
*POSTLUDE “Rise Up, O Men of God”
*stand as you are able
If you desire to profess your faith in Jesus Christ, receive the Sacrament of Baptism or if you are a Christian and wish to make this community of believers your home, I invite you to join the pastors at the altar rail during the singing of the last verse of the closing hymn. “…and the heavens opened up with the rejoicing of the angels.”
Available from the Ushers
Hearing Assistance Devices
Large Print & Braille Hymnals
Dr. Sheila Bookout, Senior Pastor
Rev. Wiley Carney, Assistant Pastor
Rev. Michele May, Children’s Pastor
Rev. Herb Owen, Pastor Emeritus
Stephen Sauls, Youth Pastor
Todd Ferguson, Choir Director
Nancy Robertson, Organist
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Flowers are placed on the chancel today in honor of Duncan Wolfe’s 2nd birthday by Grandpa and Grandma Moseley.
There will be a meeting for all Vacation Bible School Classroom Guides today at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided. The meeting should last 30-45 minutes.
Red Cross Blood Drive – Tomorrow from 2-7 p.m. in the gym here at Tuckston.
Covered Dish Luncheon next Sunday, May 25th at 12 noon to honor Lester Bonner. After more than 20 years of service to Tuckston Lester is retiring. Bring a covered dish and give Lester our special Tuckston thank you and best wishes. You may also participate in honoring Lester’s faithful service by contributing to a love offering received on his behalf. Mark your check: “Lester Love Offering.”
Adventure Bound 101 invites all college/career young adults to our small group/class that meets on Sunday mornings at 11:00 in the Fellowship Hall. We want to invite all graduating high school seniors to join us as we kick off our spring/summer activities. All students attending school away or locally are welcome to join the fun as we start our newest adventures.
Annual Conference Volunteers - Volunteers are needed to assist with registration of the clergy who will be attending Annual Conference which will be held at the Classic Center. Early registration will be on Monday, June 16 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm, and registration begins at 8:00 on Tuesday, June 17. A few individuals will be needed Wednesday through Friday also. Please contact Kathy Whitaker at 706-354-8800 or at kathywhitaker.rn@gmail.com.
Do you have musical talents that you would like to share with Tuckston? Come join our Meditative Music rotation. We play on Sunday's from 10:45-11:00. Email Maryann Steele at albertakeet@yahoo.com.
Tuckston License Plates - The church office has a limited quantity for sale at $5.00 each.
The Brazil Team has a solid oak large roll top computer desk for sale. It was donated to help raise funds for the mission trip this June. It can be seen for a short period of time in the Family Life Center. For more details call David or Hilda at 706-548-5633 or email pop.fletcher@charter.net.
Volunteers Are Needed to help with Tuckston’s newsletter for two hours on two Tuesday mornings a month. If you would like to help, please call the Church office at 706-353-1311.
VBS will be Sunday, June 8th through Friday, June 13th - Supplies needed are: plastic table cloths (round and square, blue, green, pink, orange, yellow), brightly colored beach towels, boogie boards, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, life preservers, fishing nets, crab baskets, beach balls, bathtub boats and fish, coolers, life jackets and a boat ( inflatable boat or raft), toilet paper tubes, baby food jars, plastic hangers, plastic frosting containers and coffee scoops.
2008 River of Life June 25th-29th - River of Life is a fun and fulfilling work-project ministry to the economically poor and elderly families in the Athens area. Please contact Steve Cooper 706-255-5518 steve@steve-cooper.com to sign up.
Welcome Tuckston’s Newest Members:
George and Heather Whitaker, 192 Whisperwood Lane, Athens, GA 30605, 706-425-2793
Baylee Barnard, 1030 Churchill Lane, Watkinsville, GA 30677, 706-310-0610
Karley Dixon, 116 Southland Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677, 706-769-5882
Lexie Wood, 1140 Moores Grove Road, Winterville, GA 30583, 706-742-5318
James Wooten, 130 Ponderosa Drive, Athens, GA 30605, 706-369-7959
Chance Fowler, P.O. Box 65, Arnoldsville, GA 30619, 706-742-7024
Rebecca Schofield, 368 Greystone Terrance, Athens, GA 30606, 706-548-3668
Jordan Pringle, 25 Lanier Lane, Crawford, GA 30630, 706-743-5841
Katie Pilson, 49 Bowen Farm Road, Crawford, GA 30630, 706-743-8308
Benjamin Giles, 132 Busbin Lane, Colbert, GA 30628, 706-742-7167
Praise – It was a blessing seeing the team for Relay for Life making and serving spaghetti last Sunday! We especially appreciate the hard work of Daniel and Mark Costello – it was great food and working in the kitchen with them was a pure blast. You should have heard the banter! I would like to give a big thank you to them for their dedication, cooking experience, and fun attitude. Thank you to all who pitched in to make this a wonderful event! Steve Cooper
Dear Tuckston Family, Our family has been so touched by your love and support during my mother’s illness and death this past year. We have been truly sustained by your constant prayers. The wonderful meal by Pathmakers and the TLC Coffee following her service meant so much to all of us, as did the many cards we received. We are grateful for and blessed by your continued love and support. In His Love, Joe & Pam Mize, Rae Preston & Kathy, Donny & Jared Ogle and our extended family.
Dear Tuckston Family, You blessed my mommy and daddy so much with the delicious dinner you brought to them! I smelled the salad, green beans, chicken and pasta, and cookies from a distance. In eleven months I will be able to eat those food items; I can’t wait! Mommy and Daddy were able to focus on me more by simply heating up the food. I praise the Lord for your generous, giving spirits. Love, Jeffrey Cornelius, age 1 month.
Fellowship Supper Reservations
**Please make reservations no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday**
Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.
Adults (13 & Over) - $5.00 Children (12 & Under) - $2.50 Smiley - $2.00
Family (1 or 2 adults with children living in the same household) - $20.00 maximum
Would you like a standing reservation? _____ yes ______ no
Name _________________________________________________________________________
_____ # Adult meals _____ # Children’s meals _____# Smiley meals
Menu: Salad, Rolls, Dessert.
Smiley:
Today:
7:15 a.m. UMM
8:20 a.m. Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
12:15 p.m. VBS Director Mtg
5:30 p.m. The Harbor
7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting
Mon.: 9:00 a.m. Aerobics
1:00 p.m. Girl Scout COA
2:00 p.m. RC Blood Drive
4:30 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer & Worship
6:30 p.m. Stephens Ministry
Tues.: 9:00 a.m. Aerobics
4:30 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer & Worship
6:00 p.m. Intercessory Prayer
6:30 p.m. Reunion Group
7:00 p.m. Finance Committee
7:05 p.m. Intentional Men
Wed.: 1:00 p.m. Bridge
4:30 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer & Worship
5:30 p.m. Youth Choir
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thur.: 7:00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Senior Aerobics
4:30 p.m. Sanctuary Prayer & Worship
7:30 p.m. Worship Band
Sat.: 10:00 a.m. VBS Decorating
Sun. May 25:
8:20 a.m. Worship Service
9:00 a.m. Brazil Biscuit Sell
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Covered Dish Luncheon
CHRISTIAN SERVICE– May 25 - Nursery: (9:15 Infants) Renee Morcom; (9:15 Wobblers) Misty Guest; (9:15 2 Year Olds) Cindy Nessmith; (10:45 Infants) Kristi Longmire; (10:45 Wobblers) Elaine Martin; (10:45, 2-Year Olds) Kathy Whitaker; (10:45 3-Year Olds) Gwen Lott; (10:45 4 & 5 Year Olds) Melanie Ford. Acolytes: (8:20) Wills and Alex; (11:00) Garrison Hefner and Kevin McEachern. Greeters: 9:15 and 10:45 – Colleen Scott’s Team. Med. Music: John Wampler.
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