Ayden United Methodist Church

The September/October 2014 edition of the AUMC newsletter is now available. To view a PDF version, click here. Headlines from this edition include:

• Wilbur Jackson to Speak at Homecoming on Sept. 28
• Missions Committee Supports Outreach
• Eva Cade Class to Organize Prayer Chain
• Backpack Buddies Needs School Supplies, Volunteers
• Youth Sunday School Expands to Three Classes
• Children & Youth Choir to Start Sept. 24
• Chicken on a Mission Returns Oct. 18
• Welcome New Members
• Be a Hero: Participate in ‘Trunk or Treat’
• Youth Look Forward to Hiring New Intern
• Correction
• Pastor Jim and Family Express Thanks
• Good Soil Garden Provides Produce for Those in Need
• Kids Share Their Camping Stories
• AUMC to Participate in Project AGAPE
• Church Calendar
• Annual Conference a Life Changing Experience
• AUMC’s Operation Christmas Child Aims for 112 Boxes
• King Estate Donates to Church Funds

by Sandra Jones

For the second year, I was blessed to be able to attend and participate in the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. I was among more than 1,600 participants sharing personal stories in small group sessions, singing and praising God! Every session began with praises to God both by prayer and song. I know that God was smiling, not down on us but amidst us as His presence was truly felt.

There were many outstanding events and programs held throughout the three days. I would like to touch briefly on the one that I feel changed my life.

Dr. Matthew Sleeth and his wife Nancy held several workshops, and I attended two of them. Dr. Sleeth is a former Emergency Room Physician (Chief of Staff as well) who gave up his medical career to read and study the Bible for a while, and then start on his awesome journey of sharing some of his ideas and findings.

His book, 24/6 is awesome. (I have a copy should anyone want to read it). No, it wasn’t 24/7 but 24/6 is CORRECT. The focus of this book, and the workshop, was to encourage all of us to have a true Sabbath day. You are probably thinking, well, I have Sunday already. But do we treat Sunday as a true Sabbath? I now realize that I have failed to do this as I should.

For example, one of our Ten Commandments is, “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it HOLY.” “Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:15).

I was reminded in the book, “24/6”, that we cannot turn back the hands of time. Our 24/7 world is not going to change. Life will only get more intense. New communication tools, new technology are only going to continue to emerge. We must make a conscious choice to have a weekly day of rest. And just maybe it doesn’t have to always be on Sunday? I encourage you to read Dr. Sleeth’s book.

Also, I encourage you to read Nancy’s book, Almost Amish. See how we can begin to go back to a much simpler way of life and be happier. Having always thought that I was a simple person, I now realize I am not “simple enough.” I plan to work on these two parts of my life, actually having a Sabbath day (a day of rest), and trying to slow down and live a more simple life.

Again, I encourage you to read these two books, and if interested in discussing this any further, I will be happy to share! You can read more information about the Sleeths at www.blessedearth.org.

There was just so much of God’s spirit in “this place.” No one was embarrassed to raise their hands in praise and/or prayer. What joyous sights and sounds! There were other discussions not so interesting, like budgets, resolutions, statistics, but they were necessary. We have great conference leaders, especially Bishop Hope Morgan Ward.

The finale for me was the “Rock Opera” on Friday evening. It was a musical about “The Third Day,” a follow-up to Jesus Christ Superstar. Wonderful, just wonderful! One of the songs in this musical was “I have changed”. As I listened to the words, I realized that this conference had changed me, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend. May God bless our church and our Conference.

Editor’s Note: Sandra Jones is lay member for Annual Conference for Ayden UMC. As lay member, Sandra participated in Annual Conference in Greenville in June. 

Ayden UMC will have a hot dog fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 6 during the Ayden Collard Festival. We will be selling hot dogs, potato chips, drinks, cookies and brownies.

Any help with donations of cookies and brownies will be greatly appreciated. If you can help, please drop off your baked goods on Friday, Sept. 5 between 10 a.m. and noon in the Stroud Building.

For more information, contact the church office at 252-746-6524.

Recently AUMC broke ground on a community garden with the goal of producing enough fresh vegetables to supplement the food the Ayden Christian Care Center (ACCC) gives out to people and families in need.

The garden has already yielded several bags of yellow squash that have been given to the ACCC for distribution.

Want to get involved?

The garden has been planted with squash, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and brussel sprouts. Volunteers are needed to maintain the garden, especially with watering and weeding.

Have a garden of your own?

Members who currently have or are planning on planting a garden are encouraged to plant an extra row to donate the produce to the ACCC. The church will collect the vegetables and drop them off to the ACCC.

Need more info?

For more information or to volunteer to be a part of this important ministry, contact Allyson Meyer or Stacey Bawtinheimer.