​Wednesday, September 11, 2019
 
Greetings, Church,
 
Our most recent Bible Story ABCs lesson was David and Goliath. David says to Goliath, “...I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts...” (1 Samuel 17:45) Although callow and smaller in stature, David ran boldly towards Goliath with God’s strength. 👣👣👣 We can meet our challenges, heartbreaks, and fears, knowing that God is with us. WE ARE STRONGER WITH GOD.
 
On this day 18 years ago, 9-11, we remember and recall how people clung to God and one another in the face of fear and devastating tragedy. We needed that strength. Countless community servants, religious leaders, neighbors, and perfect strangers surrounded one another with care. First responders rescued, sacrificed, and persevered for the community. As we remember 9-11, we said thank you to our Iredell County Sheriff Department this week. Nancy Harris and Jill Rufty delivered neighborly gratitude and goodies to Sheriff Campbell and others for their service to our community and to our Island Ford/West Statesville neighborhood. We are definitely stronger with God and one another, so we continue to meet people in our neighborhood so that they know our church is invested and cares. Let’s be a church for the neighborhood!!
 

 
Nancy Harris is leading a ministry of kindness and hospitality and has folks joining in. If you would like to meet our neighbors and share gratitude and goodies, you can join this ministry team in providing people in neighboring businesses with something home baked and personally delivering them. WHAT IS NEEDED?
**Individuals to home bake a cake or batch of cookies.
**Individuals to deliver a cake or batch of cookies.
**Individuals to bake and deliver.
 
This ministry team needs folks doing a combination of baking and/or delivering. Delivery will require a very simple introduction and acknowledgement that our church is present and open to the community as needed. Please contact Nancy Harris or call the church office to indicate your willingness to bake and/or deliver in our neighborhood.
 
Now, just a few additional reminders as we share our mission--to make and nurture disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world—and as we love and care for one another and others.
 
  • Wednesday Evening Bible Study: We will continue Wednesday evening Bible TONIGHT—Wednesday, September 11—from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join us in the Monticello Chapel, as we explore the stories of the early church and study the Book of Acts. All are welcome!
  • UMCOR Hurricane Relief: If you would like to donate for hurricane relief, you may give your designated gift to Monticello UMC. We will then send the collection to UMCOR. 100% of all donations go directly to relief efforts through UMCOR.
  • Quilting Ministry: The quilting ministry group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Their fellowship and collective work continue with children’s care bags and other mission projects. Join the fellowship and sewing. All skill levels welcome. Or come and learn.
  • Children’s Church: Children and youth Sunday school has resumed for the school year, and now children’s church is back!! Tim Moore and Christy Stone will lead children’s church for elementary age kids during 11 a.m. worship.
  • Register Now for At the Well Experience: Ladies, it’s not too late to make plans to attend!! Monticello UMC will host At the Well Experience this coming Saturday, September 14. Breakfast and fellowship will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 10:00 a.m. Join us for a biblical women’s experience like no other. Come seeking encouragement and renewal through compelling stories, drama, and comedy. Register free online at www.atthewellexperience.com. Invite a friend.
  • Ed Kilbourne Storytelling and Song Concert: Ed Kilbourne will be singing in concert at Broad Street UMC, Statesville on Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary (access from Broad St.). Ed is profound and funny, engaging and entertaining, and shares music and stories in inspiring ways. All are welcome!
  • Senior Adult Bible School with Ed Kilbourne: Ed Kilbourne has a new take on classic fun! He will lead a Bible school for senior adults at Broad Street UMC, Statesville Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, September 16-18 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon with a light lunch provided each day. You will laugh. You will learn. You will enjoy the beautiful music. All are welcome! Register free online at www.broadstreetumc.org/kilbourne.
  • September Mission of the Month: Iredell Christian Ministries (ICM) is a food pantry and crisis center in Statesville. Consider giving canned vegetables or other non-perishable foods (e.g., peanut butter, instant mash potatoes, boxed dressing, or boxed “hamburger helper”). We will welcome Joy Morrison to Monticello UMC, as she updates us on ICM.
  • Weekly Prayer List: We will start fresh with a new prayer list for the Sunday morning bulletin on Sunday, September 22. Please notify Kallie in the church office by Monday, September 16, if there is a name of a person who you would like to remain on the list.
  • Youth Mission Presentation: We can look forward to hearing from Monticello youth about their summer mission service and their discipleship experiences on Sunday, September 22 during 11 a.m. worship. Come out and support our youth!! They are a blessing!!
  • SAVE THE DATE: We will have a Homecoming celebration and fall picnic on Sunday, October 13. We will host a covered dish lunch and enjoy fellowship and fun for the kids. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for special worship at 11:00 a.m. with our picnic to follow.
 
May the love of Christ be with you so that you may share that love with others.
 
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Amy
amyspiv@hotmail.com