AUMC NEWSLETTER

Ayden United Methodist Church    *     P.O. Box 335,  Ayden,  North Carolina,  28513     *    Telephone – 252-746-6524

Sowing Seeds

      Seasons come and seasons go.  There is a cycle to all things in the universe.  Just as winter’s cold grasp holds the world until the warmth of spring’s warm light gives birth and new life to the world, so too in our journey of life, we change with the seasons.  In the fall or winter we prepare the soil so the seeds we plant might find root deep in the soil, so they might hold fast when the harshness of the weather tears at the new plant.  There are seasons to sow and to plant.  There are seasons to harvest.  My season here at Ayden United Methodist Church was to plant new seeds.  Sometimes seeds that have been planted bear fruit but the seeds that are harvested from the plant are not strong because of disease or overuse.  It takes new and fresh seed to have strong and fruitful plants.  I came and tilled the soil and planted new seed.

It was stated by a few here at Ayden that I came here with an agenda, and I did.  My agenda was to listen to God’s voice and follow Jesus through the Holy Spirit to wherever it led me and the church.  The voice I heard called for change, to grow, to become strong, to follow Jesus, to reach out to the community in service, to be inviting, to love, to hold each other accountable for who we are supposed to be—the body of Christ.  Just as in the parable of the sower there are many types of soil, some rocky, some hard, some with thorns, and some that are fertile.  The sower sows the seed; the ground that receives the seed determines how the plant will grow.  The body of Christ requires participation from everyone, it is inclusive, the harvest is great, and the need is for many workers that bring many gifts to the field.  I worked hard to find those workers who had a heart for Christ and a spirit that was willing to be led by the Holy Spirit.  To accomplish this, it meant new workers with new ideas and gifts that would be willing to be bold for Jesus and not accept the status quo.  Jesus expects us to bear fruit and change people’s lives by living the gospel and the gospel never accepts the status quo.

I was so excited when I came to Ayden, and I leave with that same excitement.  I have seen the potential that is here waiting to be let loose.  The next pastor will be in my prayers.  My prayer will be that they will love you as I have loved you.  Although my time here has been short,  I  have truly enjoyed being in ministry with each of you.  The ability to see growth in so many people in the church has been a blessing.  I have given you my best.  I have prayed for you daily.  I have loved you with my whole heart.  I have been a faithful witness for Christ.  I have had to make hard decisions but that is part of the call to lead God’s people.  Being a follower of Jesus Christ has never been for the faint of heart.  In the days and weeks to come we will continue to move forward…there is no such thing as a lame duck pastor when it comes to ministry.  There are meetings to attend, visits to make, sermons to write, people to love and ministry to be completed.

I bid you all good bye.  I hope the seeds that I have sown have strengthened the church and touched your life in a positive way.  In the days and weeks to come I will depart and you will welcome someone new.  I pray that their gifts and talents will continue to move Ayden UMC forward.  I was glad to be a servant for Christ in your midst.

Al Hocutt, Pastor AUMC

 

Sunday School Survey

     As most of you know, the Sunday School attendance has been decreasing with each year.  We, as members of the Education Team, are seeking the input of all the members of AUMC as to what can be done to improve participation.  This is a short questionnaire and should not take long to complete.  Thank you for helping us learn more about how to encourage more involvement in the programs of AUMC.

1.  I attend Sunday School on a regular basis.        Yes     No

2.  I have children who are attending SS on a regular basis.        Yes     No

3.  I have children who are of an age that they could be attending SS but they do not.     Yes     No

4.  I have ideas of how to improve attendance at SS.    Yes     No

5.  Which of the following need to be changed/added to enrich the SS program?

a.  Study/Instructional Materials

b.  Crafts

c.  Food

d.  Music (vocal and/or instrumental)

e.  Bible Studies for Sunday morning

f.  Regular Sunday night programs for children and adults that would include Bible study, food, crafts/games, music, etc.

g.  Other

6.  I am an adult but have not been attending SS due to no class for my interests.     Yes     No

7.  If answer to question 6 is “Yes,” please tell us what your interests might be.

Thank you for your time and thoughts.  Please drop your completed survey by the church office or leave on the table in the narthex in the next few days.

–The Education Team

ACCC Yard Sale

     A little rain did not deter the volunteers who manned the yard sale, last Saturday, benefitting the Ayden Christian Care Center.  Moved from the parking lot into the Fellowship Hall, the sale netted $1,049.00, plus an additional $285.00 for Bill and Bunny Clothier’s unique birdhouses…giving the ACCC a total of $1,334.00.  Dishes, glassware, clothing, toys, purses, electronics and home-baked goods were among the items sold.

AUMC members involved in the sale were Jim and Madelaine White, Bobbie Brown, Bill and Bunny Clothier, Stacy Bawtinhimer and Shelly Cooper.  They are most grateful for the excellent quality and number of items donated for the sale.  Bunny pointed out that $1,000.00 buys 5,500 pounds of food for the center to distribute to families in need.

Continuing in Love

     Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels unawares.           –Hebrews 13:1-2

As we continue along our journey of faith, we encounter so many different people.  Some are easy to love while others are more difficult; and we have to remind ourselves that Christ commands us to love everyone we meet, whether brother, sister or stranger.  For all are created in the image of God.  And all are precious in God’s sight.

For a gift of $5.00, you can honor someone with whom you share your faith journey while helping a woman, child or youth in need.  The gift could also be in memory of someone who touched your life as you were beginning your faith journey.  All proceeds from this project go to United Methodist Women Mission Giving.

Honorees will receive a card letting them know that they have been honored and by whom.  This is a wonderful way to recognize a birthday, anniversary, special accomplishment, or to let someone know how much you appreciate him/her.

Give your donation (checks payable to Ayden UMW) and list of honorees to Camilla Godwin…746-6979.

–Camilla Godwin

Pass the Honey

(or Grape Syrup), Please

     All of us like the thick, very sweet product of the beehives that can be used in recipes and desserts.  It is a natural sugar.  Fortunately, honey can be had at a good price and we don’t have to run the risk of bee stings as those in the Bible had to do to secure it.  I have read that honey is the food that never spoils.

There was another type of “honey” to the Jews which was not the real thing.  This type of “honey” was grape juice which had been boiled down until it was thick with the consistency of molasses.  Since grapes were usually in greater abundance than the actual bee product, this manmade “honey” was easier to obtain.  In Genesis 43:11, Jacob sent gifts by his sons to Pharaoh in Egypt to buy grain.  These gifts were balm, spices, nuts and grape syrup (“honey”).  Along with these, Jacob had to send his son, Benjamin, too.

Grape syrup “honey” was also another commodity that the Jews used for trade with other nations as mentioned in Ezekiel 27:17.  This grape syrup was used as a sweetener, like jam or mixed with water like a beverage.  As with grapes, sweet syrup was also made with dates and called “date honey.”

We see several references to honey in the Bible.  Psalms 19:24 says, “Pleasant words are like honey.”  Who knows—David and Solomon may not have been referring to the real beehive product.

–Bill Norris

Welcome New Choir Director

     We welcome Rosa Creech as choir director for AUMC.  Rosa began her duties in March, and has already blessed our services with her beautiful lyric soprano voice.  A graduate of UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, she also serves as a private vocal instructor at the Music Academy of Eastern North Carolina.

On April 21, Rosa will marry David Marsh, a student in the new dental school at East Carolina University.  David is already participating in our choir and playing the piano for the early service.   Rosa is  looking forward to working with tone chimes and with our youth.

–Andrea Norris

 

Youth News

     The youth of our church have been very active with a variety of fun activities in March.  A visit to Camp Don Lee, a youth family cookout, and a Sunday afternoon of painting flower pots and filling them with spring plants were enjoyed by many youth.

The following activities are planned for the next several weeks:

April 7 – Easter Egg Hunt

April 25 – MYF Meeting, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

May 13 – Camp Don Lee Open House

[This will be a good time to get to know the camp for those going for the first time, and a good time to get excited about camp for those who have already been.  Excellent food will be available.]

June 3 – Bowling, 3:00 p.m.

–Allyson Meyer

And Now You Know…

     Did you ever look at the Paraments on Sunday morning, the cloths on the pulpit and altar table, and wonder why the colors change at different times of the year or on special occasions, and if there is a schedule of sorts or just someone’s color choice for the week?  (Not that your mind would wander during the service… just before or after, certainly!)  Now you can put your mind to pondering the more weighty questions of life, because these are the meanings and seasons behind the color changes.

Purple – used during Advent…a time of preparation, and Lent…a time of penitence.

White – symbolizes joy.  It commemorates the pivotal points in the life of Jesus and is used at Christmas, Easter, and other special days.

Red – symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit.  It is used on Pentecost and for Ordination and Installation, and for church dedications.

Green – symbolizes “Ordinary Time,” which is generally the two time periods between the seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.

And now you know!

 

Sympathy

     Our church family grieves with the families of Corabob Turnage and Caleb Buck as they mourn the loss of these loved ones.  We care.

 Memorial Day

     As the end of May approaches, there are different thoughts in the minds of many of us.  For many of our younger folks and some older ones, too, it’s a day off from school or work…a time for the beach or cookouts or short trips and lots of fun.  For others of us, there are thoughts of a parent, sibling or friend who was injured or killed in the service of our country.  “Lest we forget…,” is often a phrase used in special Memorial Day services.

In our church, we are fortunate to have several former members of the military.  Two will be highlighted here.  Look for more to be in this space when Veteran’s Day nears in November.

Bill Clothier retired from the U.S. Navy with the grade of Master Chief Petty Officer and thirty years service.  A few years ago, Bill and his five brothers had a reunion and spent some time remembering their individual stints in the military…a total of 69 years and three Purple Hearts among them.  Can you imagine the worry and pride this gave their mother!

Martha Liggett was sworn into the U.S.Naval Reserves on August 24, 1943.  Heeding the daily radio messages to “help your country…join the Navy…be a WAVE,” she had to get her father’s written permission to join since she was under 21.  After basic training, she chose the Hospital Corps.  Martha has chronicled her experiences on a base in New York state as she achieved Hospital Apprentice first class, then on to Pharmacist Mate third class, and the meeting and marrying of her husband Edward.

Ronald McDonald House

     Ayden UMC began collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in 2004.  This house serves as a home away from home for families who do not live in the Greenville area and have sick children in the hospital.  To date, we have collected 883 pounds of tabs (approximately 1,324,500 tabs).  A gallon zip-lock bag holds about two pounds of tabs.

We have collected them for four families, two from our congregation and two that are friends of members of the congregation.  Several schools and businesses have helped us through the years with this project.   Under the efforts of Max Stroud, 1,500 tabs came from a military group in Iraq, and are now imbedded in a special window in the Durham Ronald McDonald House in special recognition.

Help us to continue this project by putting your tabs in the container on the table in the Stroud Building.  If you have too many for the container (how wonderful would that be?!!), simply leave the bag beside the container.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         –Camilla Godwin

 Bible School

     “Operation Overboard,” is the title of this year’s Bible School program…Monday-Friday, July 16-20.  It’s time to “dive in” and discover our underwater universe.  Dare to go deep with God.

 

Calendar of Events

April:

Sat., 7^th –    11:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt – Hot dogs

Sun. 8^th –    6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service & Breakfast

    8:45 a.m. Early Service

   10:55 a.m. Traditional Easter Service with Special Music

Mon., 9^th –  7:00 p.m. Church Council Called Meeting

Tues., 10^th – Final Tuesday Mornings with Al, lunch at Rucker Johns at 12:30 p.m                 .

Sun., 15^th – 7:00 p.m. Church Council regular meeting

Sat., 21^st –  7:00 p.m. First Annual Sharing Our Blessings Concert to benefit Ayden Christian Care Center, hosted

   by   First Baptist Church, featuring Men of Faith and Heavenly Sunshine

Sun., 22^nd – 3:30 p.m. MYF

 May:

Sun., 13^th – Mother’s Day Service

    Youth Outing, Camp Don Lee Open House

Sun., 27^th – Memorial Day Sunday

June:

Sun., 3^rd –    Youth Outing, Bowling

Sun., 17^th –   Father’s Day Service

Occurring on a regular, weekly schedule  :

      Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., the Prayer Team meets in the Sanctuary

      Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., Backpacks are packed for distribution at Ayden Elementary School

Backpack Buddies

     Our Missions and Evangelism Teams are sponsoring Weekend Backpacks.  This program helps supplement meals for hungry children during the weekends at home…away from the breakfasts and lunches provided in school.  Backpacks containing food and religious materials will be distributed to twenty-five students at Ayden Elementary School each Friday in a very private manner…their classmates will not be aware of the situation.  The empty backpacks will be returned to the church on Mondays.  The teams hope to expand the program to Ayden Middle School in the near future.

Ayden Christian Care Center will help in obtaining some of the food and our volunteers will bring the items to the church on Thursday mornings. Our church is responsible for financing and for supplying the volunteers, so please help these teams in their support of this important endeavor.  Your monetary donations should be written to AUMC, with “Backpack Buddies” written in the memo space.  Your time can be given on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to prepare the bags for their Friday delivery.

Contact Stacy Bawtinhimer for further details.

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Editor:  Page Worthington

Associate Editor:  Andrea Norris

 

AUMC NEWSLETTER

Ayden United Methodist Church    *     P.O. Box 335,  Ayden,  North Carolina,  28513     *    Telephone – 252-746-6524

 

Sports and God

 

For as long as I can remember there have been signs and large sheets held up at sporting events with John 3:16 written upon them.  Notre Dame even has Touchdown Jesus, as the statue is called, at the end zone.  And many sports figures point skyward, making the sign of the cross on their chests, giving thanks to God, then their moms, and then they say they are going to Disney World.  My question is why is Tim Tebow being attacked for showing his faith?

 

Mr. Tebow’s actions are no different than others, but he is being singled out.  As I ponder this question many things come to mind.  I don’t know really anything about Mr. Tebow other than he was a very good college quarterback and drafted to the NFL to play for the Denver Broncos.  The other things I have learned of him are through the sports and regular media outlets.  None is positive.  Mr. Tebow has been mocked for making the kneeling stance and has started a movement of people doing “tebowing” showing up on YouTube and other video sites.

 

I am of the opinion that the problem people are having is Mr. Tebow is genuine in his faith.  While other sports figures point to heaven as a way of thanking God they never were outspoken about their faith.  Tim Tebow is not afraid to make the profession of faith that Jesus Christ is his salvation.  And that is the heart of the problem.  It would seem that we live in a world where everything is fine in life until a person confesses Jesus as his/her savior.  Is that why Christians don’t share the good news with others, out of fear of being mocked or laughed at?  When did it become necessary to apologize for being a Christian?

 

Persons are outright angry and show hate toward Mr. Tebow just because he lives his faith in all aspects of his life.  They not only attack his faith but him personally.  He is held under a different lens than others.  Genuine faith, I guess, causes others to fear what they have no idea about.  Until we become like Tim, unafraid to be genuine in all aspects of our lives and without fear confess Jesus Christ as our savior, then those who are seen as a minority will always be mocked.  Jesus and his disciples were seen as a minority.  Jesus knew that at his death those that he called would run and hide and even deny him.  Does history repeat itself?  Tim Tebow could have stopped praising God from the pressure that has been put upon him.  Instead he has remained faithful.

 

We can learn a lesson from Tim Tebow.  Many will never accept the fact that Jesus can make a difference in people’s lives.  Those who profess to follow Jesus Christ cannot be afraid to tell others that they are Christian and then live it in our everyday lives.

Pastor Al Hocutt

##################

 

Where Are the Disciples?

     Are they in the Scriptures many years ago?  Some are, but some are in our church congregation.  They drive the church bus on Sunday to take the disabled members to church.

     These Disciples have paid for a training course to drive our bus.  On Sunday morning they will come to the bus parking lot at 9:45.  They will pick me up at 10:15.  If I am having trouble getting to the bus, they will help me.  Then they will get Doris Levin, next will be Martha Liggett, then on to Britthaven for the wheel chair members Becky McCay and Ed Levin.  That requires getting them from the building into the bus and firmly anchored to the floor. 

     When we get to the church, we go down the lift one at a time.  Dicky Godwin helps us on the elevator and Wilton Pate greets us at the top and tenderly gets us off.

     After church, we go down the elevator, are lifted to the bus and driven home.

     And I say to myself, “What a wonderful God.”

     Under Vance Sullivan’s leadership, these Disciples have scheduled themselves for six months of Sundays.  [See their schedule for six disabled members further in this newsletter.]

–by Harvey Gwyn

Bus Driver Schedule

(Clip and Save!)

     We are extremely fortunate to have a careful and devoted group of drivers for our church bus.  If you are a regular rider and are not going to ride on the upcoming Sunday, please call the driver listed for that date.  If you do not usually ride but need a ride to church, please call the driver listed for that Sunday.

Stacy Bawtinhimer – (h) 439-0699 or (c) 349-3273

John Buck – (h) 524-3611 or  (c) 560-4700

Allen Jackson – (h) 746-4717 or (c) 916-2589

Vance Sullivan – (h) 746-4271 or (c) 864-5293

January 15 –   John Buck

January 22 –   Stacey Bawtinhimer

January 29 –   Vance Sullivan

February 5 –   Stacey Bawtinhimer

February 12 – Allen Jackson

February 19 – John Buck

February 26 – Vance Sullivan

March 4 –       Stacey Bawtinhimer

March 11 –     Allen Jackson

March 18 –     John Buck

March 25 –     Vance Sullivan

April 1 –         Stacey Bawtinhimer

April 8 –         Allen Jackson

.     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .

“Like Us” on facebook!

     We’re making plans to enter into the 21^st Century!  We are in the process of setting up a page on facebook to keep you updated on the activities of Ayden United Methodist Church.  If we “friend” you, be sure to accept.  That way you’ll always be one of the first to know what’s going on with your church.  This is aimed in particular toward our younger members.  Our more “senior” members will continue to find things in the bulletin and newsletter.  Stay tuned for further developments!                        –by Camilla Godwin/Worship Team

 

Scholarships

     Scholarships are available for the following schools:  Methodist College, Wesleyan College, Louisburg College and Greensboro College.  Help is available for any of our church family wishing to apply.  Applications for the Whitehurst Scholarship are also available in the church office, with a March 1 deadline for completion.

 

Friday Night Fun and Fellowship

     Lift yourself from the doldrums of January.  Join us on Friday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. for food, fun and fellowship.  We’re staging another Friday Night Out – a chili supper, the perfect cold weather dinner.  We’ll have at least ten pots of chili for you to taste and compare.  And over a dozen desserts to savor!  We’re doing chicken nuggets for the kids and any adults who don’t want chili.  So bring yourself, your family and a healthy appetite on down to the church.  What a great way to start 2012!                                        –by Camilla Godwin

Lilies

     It’s not too early…the Worship Team has already begun planning for Palm Sunday and Easter.  Anyone interested in placing a lily (lilies) in the church on Easter may do so by contacting Camilla Godwin at 746-6979.  She will order the flowers and place them in the sanctuary after they are delivered.  Your only responsibility will be to pay for yours and then to remove it (them) after services on April 8.  If you absolutely do not want to take it home, it may be left and Al and Paula will plant them at the parsonage.  Our order is limited to thirty-six, so go ahead and get your call in early.                       –by Camilla Godwin/Worship Team

Congratulations!

     Congratulations to Bob Smith, who received the Special Missionary Recognition Award for 2011 from the Ayden United Methodist Women. This is a small “thank you” for all Bob does for our church.  This is the highest award given by UMW.  A Gift to Mission has been sent in his honor.                         –by Camilla Godwin

What a Wonderful World

     As the black musician Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong used to sing, “What a Wonderful World,” he reminds me to write about:

A Dentist

     I became aware that a poverty-stricken woman had a sore tooth but no money to have a dentist remove it.  So I asked my dentist of many years, “Would you pull the tooth of a poverty person with no money and a $400.00 a month income.  Without hesitation, he said, “Yes.”  What a Wonderful World!

 

A Retired Hairdresser and Her Blind Husband

     Every Thursday a retired hairdresser and her blind husband spend the day going to homes and helping by doing hair and running errands.  –A live-alone elderly widow with many medical problems.  –A lady confined to her bed needing hair care and errands run.  –Two ladies at their homes needing someone to drive for them.  –A very elderly lady needing hair care and shopping.  What a Wonderful World!

 

My Church    

     On Sundays, church members help me on the church bus along with my disabled friends, then more church members help me off the bus and on to the elevator and into the church.  I greet many friends, pray, listen to inspiring music and have my soul graced by Al’s words.  And when I see those great

young acolytes walk down the aisles, kneel at the altar, and light the candles, I say, “What a Wonderful World!”                                                                                                                                            –by Harvey Gwyn

Don’t Care for Chili???

     Please come to the night of fun and fellowship, anyway.  There will be chicken nuggets and other goodies for you.  We don’t want you to stay away!

Jannes and Jambres

    I love to watch a good magician at work and I’ll bet you do, too.  David Copperfield, along with others who are very good at their trade, really intrigues me.  Yet, all of us know that behind all their manipulations there is deception.  Whenever a magician instantly produces a dove or makes an elephant disappear, you can be sure of one thing—this has been practiced and rehearsed until it is down to perfection.  Also, a good magician never gives away his secrets.

     Enter Jannes and Jambres, two people you probably haven’t heard of.  They’re only mentioned in the Bible in one place and that is II Timothy, 3:8. Paul describes them as “teachers who fight truth as they fought against Moses.”  They are not mentioned in the Old Testament.

     When Moses demanded of the Egyptian pharaoh that God wanted the Jews released and allowed to go home, Pharaoh needed some convincing.  When Aaron threw down his rod and it became a snake, Pharaoh’s magicians could do the same.  The same for turning water into blood, and the plague of frogs was also accomplished.  No doubt, Jannes and Jambres were probably behind this and delighted in discrediting Moses before Pharaoh.  However, after this plagues came in succession that the magicians could not duplicate—such as lice, flies and death of the Egyptian livestock.  You know the “rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey used to say, and it’s all described starting with chapter seven in the Book of Exodus.

     As the Israelites were on the move toward the Promised Land, God decreed to them in Deuteronomy, 18:10-11 that no Israeli was to practice magic.  God also included child sacrifice, witchcraft, fortune telling, snake charming, or calling on the spirits of the dead.  These were an abomination to Him.  To God, this was a violation of several of His Ten Commandments.  It showed the “worship of other gods,” the “making of false images” to be substituted for God, and “bearing false witness” which shows deception.

     Even though God set this into law, we still see evidence of magic as a practice throughout the Bible.  Several had made themselves famous; such as Simon the Sorcerer in Acts, 8:9-25; Elymas in Acts, 13:6-8; and the witch at En Dor who King Saul consulted to bring forth the spirit of Samuel in I Samuel, 28:7.

    Yet, people in ancient times had anything from trust to fear of these individuals.  One could assume that it was largely due to ignorance and superstition without really concentrating on the source of their “power” –deception.  In our day, much of this magical “power” is attributed to smoke, mirrors, snake oil, and not keeping an eye on the hand that’s not moving.  Watch my right hand carefully, now!                   –by Bill Norris

AUMC Lay Persons of the Year

     Tracy Stroud and Bob Smith were chosen as 2011 Lay Persons for Ayden United Methodist Church.  Both members are very active in many different facets of our church life.

Tracy Stroud was chosen for her leadership of AUMC’s visionary and successful stewardship campaign and involvement in youth activities.  She practices law for the firm of Colombo, Kitchin, Dunn, Ball & Porter, L.L.P. in the area of employment, administrative and healthcare law.  She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the East Carolina University Society of Law Alumni.  She is a 2011 graduate of the Greenville-Pitt County

Chamber Leadership Institute.  Tracy lives in Winterville, is married to Max Stroud, and has three children…Meredith, Ginny and Max III.

Bob Smith was most supportive of our successful 2011 Vacation Bible School, “The Shake-It-Up Café,” with not only his culinary talents and his photography skills, but his willingness to take the lead in setting up the various stations required.  Bob’s technological and problem-solving skills have been invaluable to all church leaders who rely on the church computer.  Bob is a retired chemical engineer from Burroughs-Wellcome and also the retired executive director of the Lions’ Industries for the Blind in Kinston.  He is married to Betty L. Smith and they are parents of two adult children, Robert Smith and Elizabeth S. Overcash.  They have four grandchildren.

AUMC is very proud and fortunate to honor these two worthy members of our church.                 –by Andrea Norris

 

Souper Bowl of Caring

     More than twenty years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group:  “Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.”

Since that day, more than $81 million has been raised for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring.  It has become a powerful movement that is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.

This will be our twelfth year of participation.  In that time, we have collected $5,165.83 for Ayden Christian Care Center.  For the past two years, we have also collected canned goods and non-perishable food items.

Our goal is $1,095 and 168 food items.  This is extremely important for ACCC, as they have lost so much of their funding in recent years.  If your donation is identifiable by check or an envelope, notification will be given to the church office for your record of giving.  Every penny, 100%, of your gift goes to ACCC.  There is no headquarters, office or other administrator involved.                                                                –by Camilla Godwin

God’s Exclusive Formula

     All of us like the aroma of perfume, especially the ladies.  In events of birthdays, Christmas, or even

Valentine’s Day, perfume is usually a safe item that will make the wife or girlfriend happy.  Prices can range from expensive to downright cheap.  Even today, there are perfumes for men.

The Bible is filled with references to perfume.  The oils of many different herbs and plants were used, some imported from Arabia and Persia.  One of them was spikenard, which was used to anoint the feet of Jesus in Luke, 7:38. Ruth and Esther were users of perfume in their books.

With water usually not in great abundance and people not being able to wash off unpleasant body odors, we can assume that perfumes were used to a large extent as deodorants.  The hot climate of Palestine and the surrounding area assured that.

However, there was a perfume in the Bible which was exclusively God’s.  In Exodus, chapter thirty, starting with verse twenty-two, God instructed Moses to collect the choicest of spices—myrrh (18 lbs.), cinnamon (9 lbs.), and cassia (18 lbs.), all of which was to be ground up and pulverized and then added to one and a half gallons of olive oil.  Sounds like quite a formula, doesn’t it?  For your information sweet cane was also known as calamus, a fragrant reed-like grass growing along streams and river banks.  Cassia was a plant with a flavor and aroma similar to cinnamon.

God put a limit on His perfume, though.  It was to be used exclusively in the Tabernacle for the Ark of the Covenant, the table and the priests, just to name a few of the recipients.  Then, God went further to say that the perfume would never be used by anyone else and never to be made by anyone except the priests.  Apparently this was a mixture of God’s favorite scents, therefore the heavenly aroma was off-limits to all others.  The law also forbade anyone else from copying the formula for personal use with a penalty of being excommunicated.  What a patent!                                                                                                 –by Bill Norris

 

Congratulations!

     Congratulations to Bob Smith, who received the Special Missionary Recognition Award from the Ayden

United Methodist Women for 2011.  This is a small “thank you” for all Bob does for our church.  This is the highest award given by UMW.  A Gift to Mission has been sent in his honor.                         –by Camilla Godwin

 

Fall, 2011 Events

     Thank you to Wilbur Jackson for your sermon, First a Word of Encouragement, at our Home Coming and Heritage Sunday Service.  The interaction between you and the congregation was very good.  The music was great, thanks to our music team.  We do appreciate you.  Thanks to everyone (it took a whole bunch of people) who made it a nice time.  In the fellowship hall we ate some delicious food, had warm fellowship and enjoyed taking a look at a huge display of materials from our church’s past.  In one of those pictures there seemed to be more children at that time in our church than we have attending worship today.  We want more children in our church.  Parents, please bring your children.

     In October, two lay people—Tracy Stroud and Bob Smith—were recognized.  We applaud them for their dedication and hard work to make Ayden UMC a better place of worship. 

     Also in October, we recognized our veterans.  Several were with us for the Sunday service, with some helping as ushers and color guard.  We thank Jim and Madelaine White, Laverne Olrogge, Ray Rouse, Ken Sumrell, Bill Clothier and Phil Barth for helping with our worship service.

     Our All Saints Day service honored our Saints that passed since the last All Saints Day:  Esther Gibson, John Clark Noble, Gen Gwyn, Mac Whitehurst, Edna Stokes, Lou Petty and Mary Helen Garris.

     Christmas activities included the special Hanging of the Greens service, the children’s Christmas play, our choir’s Christmas Cantata given during the morning service hour, and our annual Christmas Eve Communion and Candle Lighting.  These events highlighted the Christmas Season for all involved and in attendance.                                                                                                                         –by Judy Reynolds

Church Calendar

–The Efird Bible Study continues on Monday evenings  at 7:00 p.m. with Danny Harris.

–Tuesday Mornings with Al continues on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Al Hocutt.

–The Prayer Team meets in the sanctuary on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

–Tone Chimes Practice is in the sanctuary on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.

–Chancel Choir Practice is in the sanctuary on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

 

Jan. 22 – VBS Planning Committee, 4:00 p.m.

Jan. 27 – Friday Night Out!  Chili Social, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 – Communion & Souper Bowl of Caring

Feb. 12 – Scout Sunday (Girl and Boy Scouts)

Feb.22 – Ash Wednesday service, 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 4 – Communion

Mar. 11 – Daylight Savings Time Begins!

Apr. 1 – Palm Sunday, Communion,  8:45 & 10:55

Apr. 5 – Maundy Thursday service, 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 8 – Easter Sunday:

            Sunrise Service – 6:30 a.m. followed by continental breakfast in Fellowship Hall

            Early service – 8:45 a.m.

            Second service – 10:55 a.m.

Apr. 15 – Worship Team Meeting, 4:00 p.m.

 

Education Team

     The Education Team will meet Sunday, January 22, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss Vacation Bible School plans, Sunday School attendance and ways to increase it, needs for adding and/or revamping classes, etc.

–by Betty Smith

Editor:  Page Worthington

Associate Editor:  Andrea Norris

Church Calendar

September:

18 –                                        Revitalization Individual Meetings, Afternoon

`               18 – 4:00 – 6:00 pm –         Revitalization Team

19 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study, Gospel of Mark

20 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al, Revelation

21 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

21 – 7:00 pm –                     Choir

21 – 7:00 pm –                    Kitchen Team Meeting

22 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

25 –                                        Homecoming  Service   (no early service)

25 – 6:00 pm –                    Finance Team

26 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study, Gospel of Mark

27 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al, Revelation

28 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

28 – 7:00 pm –                    Choir

29 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

October:

2 –                                          Holy Communion

2 – 4:00 pm –                       Revitalization Team;

2 – 6:00 –                              Worship Team

3 – 7:00 pm –                       Efird Study

4 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

5 – 6:00 pm –                        Tone Chimes;

5 – 7:00 pm –                        Choir

6 – 6:30 pm –                       Disciple I Study

9 –                                          Laity Sunday, Lay Person of the Year

9 – 3:00 pm –                       AUMW;

9 – 7:00 pm –                       Church Council

10 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

11 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al

12 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

12 – 7:00 pm –                     Choir

13 – 630 pm –                      Disciple I Study

15 – 7:00 pm –                    AUMM Meeting

16 – 4:00 pm –                    AUMC Hosts Charge Conference

17 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

18 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al

19 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

19 – 7:00 pm –                    Choir

20 – 6:30 pm –                     Disciple I Study

21 – 6:00 pm –                    Chicken on a Mission Preparation

22 –                                        Chicken on a Mission!

23 – 3:00 pm –                    M & M Circle Meeting

24 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

25 – 10:00 am –                  Joy Circle;

25 – 11:00 am –                  Tues. w/ Al

26 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

26 – 7:00 pm –                     Choir

27 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

31 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

November:

1 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

2 – 6:00 pm –                       Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

3 – 6:30 pm –                       Disciple I Study

6 –                                          Holy Communion;  All Saints Day

7 – 7:00 pm –                       Efird Study

8 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

9 – 6:00 pm –                       Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

10 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

11 –                                        Veteran’s Day…Church Office Closed

13 –                                        Veterans Sunday and Rogation Sunday

13 – 3:00 pm –                    AUMW;  7:00 pm – Ch. Council

14 – 7:00 pm                        Efird Study

15 –                                        Tuesdays with Al

16 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

17 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

20 –                                        Dedicate Christmas Child Shoeboxes

21 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

22 – 10:00 am –                  Joy Circle; 11:00 am – Tues. w/ Al

23 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

24 – 25                                  Thanksgiving Holidays, Ch. Office Closed

27 –                                        First Day in Advent

 Talented Church Members

     Several members of our church participated in the Ayden Art Show at the 2011 Collard Festival.

John Curry won First Place in nature photography and Best in Show for his photo entitled “Mud Dwellings.”

Gary Bawtinhimer won Third Place for animal photography for his photo, “Friends.”

Bill Clothier entered three photographs in the animal category: “Male Eastern Bird with Grub,” “Yellow Finch” and “Green Lizard.”

Natalie King won the Student Viewers’ Choice in youth art work ages eighteen and under, with her painting, “Night Flight.”  Natalie was also a participant in the Miss Ayden Scholarship Pageant.

-By Andrea Norris

*          *          *

Coming Home

For Homecoming

     Reverend Wilbur Jackson will be our guest minister for Ayden United Methodist Church’s 2011 Homecoming service.  He has served in Methodist churches in the state of North Carolina for over forty-four years.

Reverend Jackson grew up in Ayden and shares many fond memories of those years.  (His sister, Sue Jackson Noble, continues her membership and service here in our church.)  He graduated from Ayden High School and went on to High Point College (now High Point University) to complete his undergraduate work.  He received his Master’s Degree from Duke University’s Divinity School.

One of five young men to leave Ayden Methodist Church in a short period of time to study for the ministry, four of whom completed their church studies and served in various callings, he now lives with his wife Carolyn in Knightdale.  He has three children and two step-children, and he and Carolyn thoroughly enjoy their seven grandchildren.

Reverend Jackson is looking forward to speaking again in the church that gave him his earliest studies of the Bible, and to renewing old friendships from years past.

Welcome home, Wilbur!

*       *       *       *       *

Bible Studies

     Not being a one-size-fits-all congregation, there just might be a Bible study group of interest to you in our church over the next several weeks.  Beginning Monday, September 19^th, at 7:00 p.m., Danny Harris will begin another high-interest Efird Study, concentrating on the New Testament Gospel of Mark.  It will continue each Monday evening until the study ends.

On Tuesday, September 20^th, at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Hocutt will host Tuesdays With Al—a study of the New Testament Book of Revelation.  This will continue each Tuesday morning until the conclusion of the study.

On Thursday, September 22^nd, the Disciple I Study will begin at 6:30 p.m. under Rev. Hocutt’s leadership and will continue each Thursday evening until the study concludes.  There is no limit on attendance to any of these studies.

*       *       *       *       *

 

Welcome!

     We always look forward to welcoming new members into our AUMC family.  Please make a point

to speak to and get to know Billiejean Flynn, and the Cox family:  Jimmy, Joanne, Miranda and Shayna.  We look forward to actively participating in church activities with these new people.

*     *     *     *

*

AUMC Preschool

     We are so excited to be starting our fourth year of preschool!  School started on September 6^th and we welcomed many new and veteran faces.  Our current enrollment totals twenty-seven, with five teachers on staff.  In the upcoming months we have many exciting activities planned, including a trip to the pumpkin patch.  If you are interested in enrolling for our fall program, please contact us soon as there are very limited spaces.  Please follow our fun on Facebook under Ayden UMC Preschool.                                                                                   –By Susan Moore

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Operation Christmas Child

     Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love to children in desperate situations around the world.  Since 1993 Samaritan’s Purse has collected more than eighty-six million boxes.  The mission of Operation Christmas Child remains the same.  What has changed over the past eighteen years is the enormous growth of the project—a dozen sending countries and territories, more than one hundred thirty receiving countries, over 500,000 volunteers, and a discipleship program that is now being offered to children in sixty countries.

Last year 8.2 million boxes brought smiles to the faces of hurting children in places like earthquake-devastated Haiti and war-scarred Sudan.  Beyond the boxes themselves, these tangible expressions of God’s love open doors to share the greatest gift He offers—the gift of the Savior.

 

 

Once again, it is time for the members of Ayden UMC to think about preparing our boxes.  This is our thirteenth year of participation in this ministry which is based right here in our own state.  Our total to date is seven hundred fifty-eight boxes, prepared with love, filled with hopes and prayers that they find their way to the child who needs them most.  Fill your box with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy, etc.  Your boxes will need to be in the church sanctuary in time for their dedication on Sunday, November 20^th.  Brochures will be available beginning in mid-October.  As always our hope is for “one more than last year!”  Our goal will be eighty-nine.  Join us in spreading “good news of great joy,” (Luke 2:10) to children across the globe.

Questions?  Contact Donna Harris at 746-2297 or Camilla Godwin at 746-6979.-                                 -By Camilla Godwin

[Editor’s note:  It’s a lot of fun to do two boxes…one for a boy and one for a girl.  We could easily surpass the goal if each of us put together a pair of boxes!]

*       *       *       *       *

Hurricane Clean-Up

     Some of our church members and their neighbors were blessed by special Hurricane Irene clean-up crews following the big end-of-August storm.  On the last Saturday and Monday in August, a work team from Aldersgate UMC in Durham arrived to cut, trim and haul tree debris.  These were members of Rev. Hocutt’s former pastorate.  Another work team, including Bishop Al Gwinn and our District Superintendent Beth Hood and others from the NC Annual Conference Headquarters in Garner (the “Methodist Building”), came to lend helping hands where they were most needed.  “Friends in need are friends indeed!”  And we thank them for their generous gifts of time and muscle.

*              *              *

A Visit With Polly

     I visited with Polly Burke on August 15^th in Mayodan, NC.  Polly looked good, and she seemed content at North Point Retirement Home.  Although she doesn’t drive, she has her sister nearby to take her places and to good restaurants.

Polly said she enjoyed the church newsletter very much, and she asked me to please tell everyone, “Hello,” and that she misses the people here in Ayden.

If you would like to send her a card, she would love to hear from you.  Her address:

North Point, Room 22

6970 NC Hwy 135

Mayodan, NC 27027-                                                                                                                                                         -By Betty Carraway

*       *       *       *       *

 

Choir & Tone Chimes

     [Editor’s Note:  With most of our summer activities behind us, it may be time to choose a new place to express yourself by your gift of music.  One does not need to be able to read music in order to perform music.  So don’t let that be a hindrance!  However, staying on pitch is a definite plus!]

 

The Christmas cantata, “A Thrill of Hope,” will be presented on December 11^th at 3:00 p.m.  Dress rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 10^th  (TBA).  It includes a children’s choir, so all children and youth are invited to participate!  We are also looking for two adult narrators.

Tone chimes rehearse every Wednesday evening at 6:00, followed by choir rehearsal at 7:00.  New members at either or both groups are welcomed at any time!                                                                    –Alison Ponzi, Music Director

*              *              *

Calling Our Great Cooks!

     Following our Homecoming Service on Sunday, September 25^th, we will adjourn to the Fellowship Hall for a covered dish dinner.  Dust off your favorite recipes and bring meats, veggies, salads, breads, desserts, etc.  Please bring extras for the many guests we may have.  AUMC cooks are the greatest cooks in eastern North Carolina!

*       *       *       *       *

Poinsettias

     It’s never too early to begin thinking and planning for the holidays.  Anyone interested in placing a poinsettia(s) in the church during the Advent season may do so by contacting Camilla Godwin at 746-6979.  She will order the flowers and place them in the sanctuary after they are delivered.  Your only responsibility will be to pay for yours and then to remove it (them) after services on December 18^th.  Our order is limited to thirty-six, so go ahead and get your call in early.                                                                                                                                          –By Camilla Godwin

*          *          *

Veteran’s Day Musings

     Etched onto the wall of a sentry box in Gibraltar is an unsigned indictment from an unknown soldier.  You imagine him there many wars ago keeping watch and weighing his prospects for a normal life and safe return home for himself and his fellow soldiers.

God and soldier, all men adore

In time of danger and not before.

When the danger is passed and all things righted,

God is forgotten, and the soldier is slighted.

     No one knows if he came home safe, but we do know that many thousands died so that we may live free.  Let us not forget what Veterans Day is really about as we spend this holiday with family and friends.  Without God and the soldiers who gave their lives for us, we would not have Peace, Freedom and Belief that we enjoy.                                                          –Submitted

*          *          *

St Peter Was Not There,

But God and Several Disciples Were

     Thursday following Irene, our Methodist Bishop and his Assistant Bishop from Raleigh with four ministers and several disciples showed up at my house at 9:00 a.m. armed with chain saws and assorted tools.  With Pastor “Al’s” help they worked until 2:30.  Everything was stacked up by the street, leaving a beautiful back yard.

God had to be there.  All these people were volunteers.  They were not asked for.  They were showing God’s love for an over-aged World War II veteran with arthritis and heart problems.                                          –By Harvey Gwynn

*       *       *       *       *

Al’s Tuesday Meetings

     On Tuesdays we meet with Pastor Al for an hour to discuss the scriptures and how to be better Christians.  The title for this period could be “Search for Biblical Knowledge.”  But no, it’s “Al’s Meeting.”

Al tells us his knowledge learned from his studies, his experience, and his Duke teachers.  He talks a little, then he gets us to talk.  He shows such great knowledge and so effectively slips it in.  It is such a pleasure to be there.

He asks questions, we ask questions.  One time we cried a little.  We laugh a lot.  Al can tell a good joke.

We pray a lot.  Not only is Al concerned about his flock, he takes on the world’s problems.  We all pray for him.  If this comes to the Bishop’s desk, he is doing such great work helping us; don’t bother him, praise him.                                                       –By Harvey Gwynn

*       *       *       *       *

The Web Maker

     If the question was posed, “What do you think is the second most despicable creature aside from snakes,” the answer would probably be the spider.  People don’t like them.  They seem to be saying, “Look, but don’t touch.”

I saw an article in our local paper a few days ago as to the signs of fall.  One sign was the morning dew on spiders’ webs.  They seem to be especially showy in autumn.

In the Holy Land, hundreds of different species of spiders were found.  No mention was made in the Bible as to any of them being poisonous.  A spider’s skill at spinning threads into a web is one of nature’s miracles.  However, we know that any spider’s web is fragile and can’t stand up to the broom or any mechanical approach.  Bildad assured Job in all his travails (Job 8: 14), “A man without God is trusting in a spider’s web.  Everything he counts on will collapse.”  Bildad and several of Job’s “friends” were trying to persuade  Job to “fess-up” as to all his wrong doings.

Spiders, like snakes, can be beneficial animals with the insects they catch in their webs.  If a fly or mosquito gets entangled in the spider’s web, why doesn’t the spider also get tangled up?  The answer is oil.  Oil on the spider’s body prevents this.

The spider’s web has always been a symbol of intrigue and urgency.  The urgency is to clear it away, especially if in the house.  Life, like the spider’s web, can be delicate, too, when we trust in our own devices to keep us from getting ensnared.                                                                                                                                          –By Bill Norris

    *          *          *

Hurricane Irene

     AUMC survived the onslaught of Hurricane Irene in much better shape than many folks in our town.  Even at that, there is some physical damage to the building and grounds that is currently being addressed.  The doors to our outdoor sign at the front of the church literally “went with the wind.”  The basement flooded when the power shut down and the pump was no longer running, ruining our Christmas tree but none of the beautiful, handmade ornaments.  The Plexiglas covering one of our unique stained glass windows was sucked away by powerful winds, but no damage was done to the window itself.  Fence posts along the lot behind the education building floated up and out of their holes when a nearby drain overflowed from the heavy rainfall.  Tree limbs fell or dangled waiting to be cut.

Insurance covers some of these items, but not all  including flood waters.  The parsonage and grounds also suffered some minor damages.

*       *       *

Editor:  Page Worthington

Associate Editor:  Andrea Norris

Church Calendar

 

October:

2 –                                          Holy Communion

2 – 4:00 pm –                       Revitalization Team;

2 – 6:00 –                              Worship Team

3 – 7:00 pm –                       Efird Study

4 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

5 – 6:00 pm –                        Tone Chimes;

5 – 7:00 pm –                        Choir

6 – 6:30 pm –                       Disciple I Study

9 –                                          Laity Sunday, Lay Person of the Year

9 – 3:00 pm –                       AUMW;

9 – 7:00 pm –                       Church Council

10 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

11 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al

12 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

12 – 7:00 pm –                     Choir

13 – 630 pm –                      Disciple I Study

15 – 7:00 pm –                    AUMM Meeting

16 – 4:00 pm –                    AUMC Hosts Charge Conference

17 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

18 – 11:00 am –                  Tuesdays with Al

19 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

19 – 7:00 pm –                    Choir

20 – 6:30 pm –                     Disciple I Study

21 – 6:00 pm –                    Chicken on a Mission Preparation

22 –                                        Chicken on a Mission!

23 – 3:00 pm –                    M & M Circle Meeting

24 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

25 – 10:00 am –                  Joy Circle;

25 – 11:00 am –                  Tues. w/ Al

26 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;

26 – 7:00 pm –                     Choir

27 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

31 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

November:

1 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

2 – 6:00 pm –                       Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

3 – 6:30 pm –                       Disciple I Study

6 –                                          Holy Communion;  All Saints Day

7 – 7:00 pm –                       Efird Study

8 – 11:00 am –                    Tuesdays with Al

9 – 6:00 pm –                       Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

10 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

11 –                                        Veteran’s Day…Church Office Closed

13 –                                        Veterans Sunday and Rogation Sunday

13 – 3:00 pm –                    AUMW;  7:00 pm – Ch. Council

14 – 7:00 pm                        Efird Study

15 –                                        Tuesdays with Al

16 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

17 – 6:30 pm –                    Disciple I Study

20 –                                        Dedicate Christmas Child Shoeboxes

21 – 7:00 pm –                    Efird Study

22 – 10:00 am –                  Joy Circle; 11:00 am – Tues. w/ Al

23 – 6:00 pm –                    Tone Chimes;  7:00 pm – Choir

24 – 25                                  Thanksgiving Holidays, Ch. Office Closed

27 –                                        First Day in Advent