AUMC NEWSLETTER

Ayden United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 335, Ayden, North Carolina 28513
Telephone – 252-746-6524
September 19, 2012

From the Minister’s Desk

This week, the cool crisp morning air has reminded me that the seasons are about to change again and that although it may seem like we have just begun our time together, we’ve actually been alongside one another in ministry for nearly three months now.
I have spent much of that time listening. Listening to the members of this church tell their stories. Listening to the frustrations that we sometimes encounter in living life together. But most of all, listening to the hopes and dreams of this congregation as we look toward our shared future.
I have also been listening to the words of scripture, particularly Proverbs 29:18, which reminds us that “without vision the people perish.” This refrain has been running through my mind since we began our work together in July, highlighting the important role that a shared vision plays in the life of a local congregation.
Sometimes this verse is used to initiate program changes in the church, or to bolster a capital campaign or building project, because it seems to clearly say, “We need to set goals for our church—or else!” When in fact, this verse has the potential to be even more powerful and transformative if we pause for a moment to consider the word translated here as “vision.”
In Hebrew, this word for “vision”—chazon—has nothing to do with setting goals. It is neither practical nor programmatic; it is prophetic. It’s the same word used throughout Hebrew scripture for the way that the Old Testament prophets receive the word of God. The book of Isaiah begins with a vision. The prophet Daniel received his vision in a den of lions.
Vision, in this sense, is not about a list of goals or a five-year plan—it is about listening intently for the voice of God. It is about being a community that waits eagerly for God to reveal the future plans that he has for us, and about having the courage to act on those plans.
Over these next few months, I want very much for our church to enter into a time of collective visioning in the sense that I have spoken about here. I want us to still our hearts, and to ask some very specific questions as a community. I want us to ask these five questions: Who are we? Why are we here? What do we believe? Who are the people in our community who are not currently committed to Jesus Christ and what would it take for us to reach them? And finally, what is God calling us to be and do in this community in this next season of ministry?
I pray that if we spend time together in conversation, asking these questions and discerning the spirit at work among us, we too will receive a vision that will lead us into an exciting new chapter of ministry together!

Rev. Jim McConnell

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Homecoming 2012

Homecoming—the act of coming home. That is exactly what Lib Stroud Campbell is doing…coming home to Ayden. Lib, the daughter of Helen and Clay Stroud, grew up here, attending Ayden Christian Church and graduating from Ayden High School…Class of “64. She earned her B.A. degree from Meredith College. After raising a family [note: she and Tom Campbell have been married forty-seven years, and have two children and four grandchildren], and spending many active years in her local Methodist Church, she returned to college and earned her Master of Divinity degree from Duke University.
Lib is now retired as Pastor Emeritus of Spiritual Formation at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. She leads Spiritual Formation Retreats in her ministry called Tending the Garden of the Soul. She also writes a blog called avirtualchurch.com, and facilitates a group in lectio divina, a prayerful reading of the Scriptures at St. Mark’s.
Lib’s Homecoming sermon is titled “Heritage and Blessing.” Her scripture choices for the service are Psalm 22:25-31, and Matthew 5:1-12a. In addition, Lib’s sister, Laine Stroud Lipson, will provide special music. The Worship Team is very excited to welcome Lib and Laine home to the church of their grandparents.                                              –by Camilla Godwin

Homecoming Dinner

Immediately following the Homecoming Service in the sanctuary, lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall to all church members and visitors. Please plan to bring your favorite dish(es) and leave it(them) on one of the tables in the hall of the Stroud Building, or put it in the fridge if needed. Special Whitehurst BBQ will also be on the menu!

Calendar of Events

Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – Prayer Team Meets
6:00 p.m. – Tone Chimes
7:00 p.m. – Chancel Choir
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. – Pack Backpacks

09-23-12 Homecoming – 11:00 a.m. (No early service)
10-06-12 Yard Sale to Benefit Ayden Christian Care Center
10-07-12 Worldwide Communion Sunday
11-04-12 All Saint’s Sunday – Communion
11-11-12 Veteran’s Sunday
11-18-12 Christmas Shoeboxes Dedication Harvest Table Decorated

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New Sunday School Class

Danny Harris is leading a newly formed Sunday School class in the study of the Gospel of John in the New Testament. The class is for the twenty-to-forty-somethings of our church. In addition to increasing their understanding of the writings of John, one of their initial goals is to outgrow the small space in which they meet…and they have almost met that goal, already! Come and join this group and help set some even bigger goals to aid in the growth of our church!

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A Good-Bye

Few of us at Ayden United Methodist Church can say we have not interacted with Harvey Gwyn in one way or another over the past many years that he was involved in our church. Whether it was in the choir, in a Sunday School class, a Bible Study group, a family-night dinner, in the grocery or drug store…wherever it might have been…something about the encounter was almost always memorable. That twinkle in his eye as he started to speak, was the only warning he gave before zinging the listener with a question, a tease, a barb…never to hurt, but always to get a reaction and/or to create thinking!
Harvey left us with a wealth of “Harvey-isms:” memories of thank-you and birthday notes or calls, time spent to make a child feel important when family issues were making him feel less than important, personal jokes that many times reflected on earlier ones, caring and asking about all our extended families (and remembering most of their names!), and the obvious love and pride he had for his own family.
At age ninety-seven, our oldest church member left us; but his wit, concern and love for our church family will continue in our minds and hearts.

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New Conference Leaders

Our new conference leaders can be “met” at web- sites on the internet. North Carolina Annual Conference Bishop Hope Morgan Ward’s website is: www.nccumc.org/bishop. Read her bio and other information, then click on “Districts Meet With Bishop Ward,” to see her introductory video.
The new District Superintendent of the newly formed Sound District (of which we are part) is Linda Taylor. Her website: www.sounddistrictnc.org. Click on “About the Sound District” to read about her.

Family Fun Day

On August 26th, the families of AUMC had a day of worshipping, eating, and enjoying the fellowship of our church family. It began with a coffee social between the two services and ended with a homemade ice cream competition, with many enriching activities in between!
Following a hot dog and salad lunch, a variety of classes and opportunities was offered, including arts and crafts, music, and sports activities (badminton, corn hole, ladder golf), plus classes and discussions for adults. The Records and History Team used the afternoon to work on the church scrapbook.
What a good start to the fall launch of our established and newly formed Sunday School classes. Thank you, Betty Smith, for your leadership in coordinating this successful event, and to the many others who gave of their time and talents.

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A Veteran’s Story!

[Our beloved Dr. Ed Levin shares one of his wonderful stories for our Veteran’s Day highlight…in his own words:]
“Ed Levin served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was an Air Force medic. His first assignment was at Camp Kearns, Utah, near Salt Lake City. His next place of service was in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. He landed at Attu after a marvelous sea voyage marked by amazing sea sickness. Ed didn’t sleep very well since his bunk in the hold of the victory ship was in the process of inventing Rock and Roll. There were fifty or more happy soldiers trying to throw up into one bucket. None of us earned the marksman’s badge despite our best efforts. Since the atmosphere below decks was something less than stimulating, Ed spent most of the time on deck, shivering but happy, mostly.
“From Attu, Ed was transferred to the nearby island of Shemya. He went to work in the dispensary of the 204th Squadron of the 11th Air Force, which had four-engine B-24 Bombers. The B-24’s were bombing the Japanese Kurile Islands and associated shipping. The trip to and from the target was long, cold and impeded by heavy fog and strong cross winds.
“As time went on, Ed was put in charge of the dispensary where he treated minor illnesses and injuries. Any serious cases or wounded crew members went directly to the base hospital. No one ever shot at Ed in anger or in any other mood.
“The base personnel soon learned to appreciate Ed. Two men showed up on sick call one morning with slight colds. Ed gave each man 4 oz. of elixir of terpin hydrate with codeine (which is no longer on the market). After gratefully drinking it down and before they had become unaware of their surroundings, they loyally told their buddies who was passing out the spirits. The major, our medical officer, put an end to Ed’s largesse by giving the next “sick” men 1 ½ oz. of the elixir.
“Ed served 33 months in the USAAF. After declining the request to re-enlist, Ed was flown home to Ft Dix, NJ and by train to Manhattan, NYC, and to his dear wife and son Ed, Jr. He planned to become a mechanical engineer, but God had something else in mind.”

Youth News

Fall Calendar:
Sunday, 09-16 – This was MYF Kickoff, with games, devotion time, and hands-free meal!
Sunday, 09-30, 2:00-5:30 pm – Outing to Captain Bly’s Shipwreck Cove in New Bern mini-golf, arcade
Sunday, 10-14, 2:00-5:30 pm – Outing to Briley’s Farm
Sunday, 10-28, 2:00-4:00 pm – Meet at church weather permitting, will walk to park for games, devotion time and snack
Sunday, 11-04, 4:00-7:00 pm – Meet at church shopping for shoebox materials, dinner and packing of shoeboxes for
Operation Christmas Child…please bring additional items (new) for shoeboxes ( i.e.  art supplies,                                       toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys, etc.)
Sunday, 11-18, 2:00-4:00 pm – Meet at church games, devotion time, make Christmas ornaments
Sunday, 12-02, 2:00-4:00 pm – Meet at church decorate Christmas tree, make treats to sell at Christmas Parade
Thursday, 12-06, 6:30 pm – Meet at church Ayden Christmas Parade sell hot chocolate, coffee and treats beside the                                                                                         church as a fundraiser
Sunday, 12-16, 4:00-6:00 pm – Meet at church go Christmas caroling, followed by party
–by Allyson Meyer & Dee Stroud

Youth Sunday School Class:

The Youth Sunday School Class is exploring the topics of justice and holy living. The students have looked at ways they can bring hope to people in our town who need it most. One of the ways discussed was to donate food and volunteer time to the Ayden Christian Care Center. We also discussed how we can live holy lives by reading, praying and applying scripture in our daily lives. By learning God’s word, we realize that the Holy Spirit brings it back to us to help us when we need a defense against the enemy. In Ephesians, Chapter 6, we learned why it is important to honor our parents and respect those in authority over us; and that if we do, we receive a promise from God that things will go well for us and we will live a long life. We also reviewed Ephesians, Chapter 6, and learned more about the “Armor of God” and how to be strong when faced with conflicts. We invite all the teenagers to join us in the Youth Class every Sunday.

Calling All Youth to Pilgrimage, November 9-11:

This year’s Youth Pilgrimage at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC, promises to be a great weekend with dynamic speakers and music. Andy Lambert, a featured 2012 Pilgrimage Speaker, has a special passion for reaching youth for Christ. His preaching connects people across generations and cultures. He is considered by many to be the funniest man in youth ministry today. Also speaking at Pilgrimage is 19-year-old Zach Hunter, author, activist and honored by CNN as a modern day hero. Zach launched the “Loose Change to Loosen Chains” campaign while in 7th grade. He and his school and youth group students raised awareness and funds to help end modern day slavery a problem facing 27 million people in the world today. Today, students around the world are doing the “LC2LC” campaign. He’s leading a new generation of activists who are putting their faith into action to address some of the most serious problems facing the world today. You won’t want to miss the chance to go to Pilgrimage as an Ayden Methodist Youth. Go to http://nccpilgrimage.org/ to learn more about the events. Contact Tammy Buck now at 524-3611 to sign up. Early registration is taking place now!                                                                                                                                                  –by Tammy Buck

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How Mournful!

In today’s times, the tradition of a funeral is one of a gathering of family and friends to see and re-acquaint with each other and to share in grief, all of this with quiet dignity. It was the usual custom of the Irish to celebrate the person’s life with partying and drinking, while declaring that the deceased had moved on to a better life.
In the Bible, one’s love for the departed was shown by the amount of grief that could be poured out at the funeral. This was to be accomplished by the volume of noise that was to be made. Into this scene came what seems to us as an odd profession—the professional mourner. When necessary, these weepers and wailers were booked for the occasion and then sent to the departed one’s home for the ceremony. Most likely, the professional mourner wouldn’t even know the dead person; and for some who really needed it, this was a source of income.
At the appointed time, the mourners would come in, find a good spot, compose themselves and begin to wail. If the involved family had the means, musicians were brought in to accompany the weeping/wailing with tambourines, drums or flutes. Mourners could be both men and women and they could indeed sing along, too. Upon leaving the house, the procession would then move through town to the burying spot. We can imagine the noise.
Jesus was called to the house of Jairus, in Mark, Chapter 5, in which Jairus’ daughter had died. Jesus said she was only asleep. In this case, the mourners and musicians had already set up in the living room.
Another Biblical custom upon death was that the man or woman would be buried as soon as possible. There was no waiting for kinfolks to come from miles away and no time to lose, since the body begins to decompose shortly after life ceases.
The professional mourner goes all the way back to the time of Jeremiah, Ch.9, v.17 and Amos, Ch.5, v.16. Quite a way to go!                                                                                                                                                                                                                –by Bill Norris

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Our Sympathy

We extend our sympathy and caring to the families of two members of AUMC whose recent deaths have left a void in the lives of our church family. Johnni Barber and Harvey Gwynn are remembered fondly and missed sorely.

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 ninety-four-million boxes. The mission of Operation Christmas Child remains the same. What has changed over the past nineteen 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. This year Operation Christmas Child plans to reach the 100 millionth child!
Last year over eight million boxes brought smiles to the faces of children the world over. 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.
This year, through a generous donation, we will have GO boxes. These boxes come to us flat with easy assembly—no more hassle trying to wrap the top and bottom of a box. They are red and green with the logo of Operation Christmas Child and are the size of a standard shoe box.
Once again, it is time for the members of Ayden UMC to think about preparing our boxes. This is our fourteenth year of participation in this ministry which is based right here in our own state. Our total to date is eight hundred fifty-two boxes prepared with love and 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 18. Brochures will be available beginning in mid-October.
As always, our hope is for “one more than last year!” Our goal will be ninety-five. 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

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Local Art Show

The Ayden Collard Festival Art Show called out to all artists and a number in our church heeded this call. Congratulations to Gary Bawtinhimer, John Curry and Page Worthington for their beautiful photographs! All won ribbons for their efforts…in fact, Gary won a ribbon on each of his three entries. Between them, they had eight entries in the categories of Wildlife and Landscape. In the Youth section, Iris and Daphne Meyer entered photographs they had taken on their summer trip to Washington (state), and Nathan Stroud entered three pieces of original artwork.
The Art Show committee owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Andrea Norris for her efforts in keeping a scrapbook of each year’s show. This scrapbook is a “work of art” in itself, thus qualifying her as an artist, also!        –by Camilla Godwin

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Thank You!

Thank you to Donna and Danny Harris for the gift of a beautiful crystal pitcher to the church. It will be used during the sacrament of baptism, holding life-giving water which will be poured into the baptismal font. The symbolism in seeing that water through the glass of the pitcher, and hearing it as it flows into the font is very powerful. –by Camilla Godwin

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 23rd. Our order is limited to thirty-six, so go ahead and get your call in early.                                                                                                                                                                                             –by Camilla Godwin

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Eva Cade Sunday School Class

The Eva Cade Sunday School Class has just completed study on justice, drawn from the Adult Bible Studies International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teachings. With teachers Mary Alice Davenport, Bill Norris, Marlene Salyer, Sandra Jones and Tammy Buck, we learned that by treating everyone justly, we are doing God’s will. While simply put, we came to see that behaving justly toward all may not be something we actually do well. We looked at how justice is defined, how it was enacted in the Old Testament and how we can be a people of justice today. We asked ourselves if we fall short in seeking justice for the oppressed in our community. God is the source of unfailing justice. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NRSV) reads, “What does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord.” We acknowledge that we have fallen short of God’s standard, but with God’s help, we can be a people of justice, working for justice in our community, as God intended. All ages are welcome and invited to join us in our next series on “Faith,” from the books of Hebrews and Acts.                                                                                                                       –by Tammy Buck

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Heartfelt Thank You!

“Every time I think of each of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with great joy; for you have been my partners throughout my journey as I experienced this issue of health.
“Again, thanks to each of you for sharing Jesus with me through your actions of generosity. Your love and compassion have given me much joy and comfort. May the good Lord continue to richly bless each of you.” …from Betty Jo Sumrell
[Ed. note: This has been a shared blessing for all of us at AUMC, as we have watched this very special lady’s courageous battle to regain much of her quality of life. A true Life-Lesson.]

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to Patti Burke on her selection as Teacher of the Year at Belvoir Elementary School where she teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) to young, non-English-speaking children. She was chosen for this honor by her peers at Belvoir.

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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

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.

************************************************************************************************************************

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