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

*       *       *       *       *

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

 

 

 

 

AUMC NEWSLETTER

 Ayden United Methodist Church*PO Box 335, Ayden, NC, 28513

Phone 252-746-6524

_____________________March 16, 2011_________________________

DUST

By Rev. Al Hocutt

I first thought about making the title “Lent: Not the type found in our belly buttons”, but Paula said nope.  I wanted something up beat and funny for the Season of Lent.  But I settled on “Dust”.  The other seasons of the Church calendar are filled with celebrations, joy, peace, excitement, light, food, fellowship, beautiful cantatas and hymns, baptisms, and everything bright and wonderful.  The Season of Lent on the other hand, begins with reminding us that we are dust and to dust we will return.  Nothing bright and beautiful here!  Why is our attitude or understanding of the Season of Lent and Easter so negative?

In the early years of my ministry I would be sad and even depressed during the Season of Lent.  I sometimes could not get through a service without tears in my eyes.  I would always think about Jesus in prison being mocked, slapped, spit on, beat, and being made fun of while hanging on the cross.  Knowing that Jesus did all of this just for me and my sins is very overwhelming because I know I am not worthy of the love of God.  I have heard from many congregants that they too feel unworthy.  I have to give credit to Duke Divinity School for giving me a new outlook for Lent.

Lent is a time of reflection for our lives.  Lent is an expression of God’s love toward us.  While we struggle dealing with the thoughts of Jesus dying for us, we are being surrounded by God’s love and the light of Christ.  God’s plan for all humanity is salvation and salvation comes to us through the death of Christ; literally the death of God, so we might catch a glimpse of the kingdom of God.  Jesus’ death offers to us salvation and eternal life.  We are reminded that sin came into the world by one man-Adam, and sin was taken away by one man-Jesus.

The Season of Lent is a time of celebration for us and the Church.  Lent prepares us for the celebration of Easter, the triumphant resurrection from the dead by Jesus.  I remind you that resurrection from the dead was a common occurrence.  The difference is that Jesus was raised from the dead and then ascended into heaven as foretold about the Messiah.  Others who were raised from the dead, Lazarus etc., died again and were buried.  We do have to come to terms with the darkness, death and the absence of Jesus but we need to remind ourselves of the renewal of life that the Season of Lent and Easter holds for us.  Dust we are and dust we shall return, but dust and dirt gives new life to the seeds that are planted in them.  Let us grow in this Season of Lent and live out the promise of new life in Christ Jesus!

Pastor Al

*****

Church Council Meetings

Church Council meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month at 7:00 pm.  Theses meetings are open to all church members.  Members are encouraged to attend in order to get a better understanding of the workings of our church in accordance with the United Methodist Discipline, and to develop an awareness of the effort that goes into making our church a viable and productive house of worship.  Chare Conference meetings, while not held this often, give members of the church an opportunity to vote on committee formations and other church-related actions..

Church Calendar

Ongoing  – Pre-school Registration

March 20 – Under Construction Group,

3:00 p.m. (See related article)

March 27 – Revitalization Team Meeting

April 17 – Palm Sunday

April 21 – Holy Thursday Service, 7:00 p.m.

April 22 – Good Friday Service, 7:00 p.m.

April 24 – Sunrise Service, 7:00 a.m.

April 24 – Easter Service, 11:00 a.m. only

May 8 – Mother’s Day

May 30 – Memorial Day, church office closed

June 12 – Pentecost

June?? – Bible School – To be announced

June 16–18 – Annual Conference, Raleigh

June 19 – Father’s Day

July 4 – Independence Day, office closed

.     .     .     .     .

In Memoriam

Our sympathies and concerns go to the families and friends of members of our church family who have passed away since our last newsletter:  Edna Stokes, Mac Whitehurst, Djurdjija Bukorovic, and Lou Petty.  They will be missed.

.          .          .          .          .

Easter Lilies

Anyone interested in placing a lily in the church on Easter Sunday may do so by contacting Camilla Godwin at 746-6979.  She will order the flowers and place them in the sanctuary.  The cost to you will be $13.00, with any leftover amounts being donated to the Altar Fund.  Only thirty-six orders will be accepted, so call early.  Plan to remove your lily after the 11:00 a.m. Easter service.

.     .     .

New Music Director

We welcome Alison Ponzi who will serve as our new music director.  She has over fifteen years’ experience in teaching various forms of music.  Her undergraduate work was completed at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut.   She received her Master’s Degree in music performance, summa cum laude, at East Carolina University.  In addition, she has done intensive study at the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, New York.

Most recently, Alison served as early service praise and worship music director at Jarvis United Methodist Church in Greenville, and has served as music minister in two other Pitt County churches.    She is currently teaching at the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina in Greenville.

Alison resides in Greenville with her daughter Elizabeth who is a J.H. Rose freshman and talented violinist.

–alan pearce

.          .          .

Operation Christmas Child

It is never too early to begin thinking about your shoe box for Samaritan’s Purse.  If you purchase several things for the box each month, by Fall it will be nearly complete.  This will allow you to take advantage of sales when they occur.  You will be able to get really good deals on school supplies for your box(es) in July and August.

Last year our church met our goal of eighty-eight boxes.  This year we will be looking for at least eighty-nine…but wouldn’t it be wonderful to have over one hundred on Collection Sunday!  In 2010 over 8.17 million were shipped around the world, with more than 5.5 million coming from here in the United States.

If you packed a shoe box last year, won’t you consider doing two this year?  Or if you did two, maybe you would like to add a third one.  If you have never done one, you don’t know the fun you are missing. [ed. note: Sharing the shopping fun with a grandchild is a hoot!] Collection Sunday will be the Sunday preceding Thanksgiving.

If you are just too busy at this point in your life, we do have a solution.  Most people spend around $25.00 per box.  For a donation in that amount, we have several people who have volunteered to shop and pack your box for you.  You can’t beat that!

–camilla godwin

.       .       .       .       .

Methodist Men

Our small but active Ayden United Methodist Men’ group has reached a level of success in their peanut sales endeavor.  They have accrued enough profit that they are now capable of funding specific projects for the church.  Their first big project is the very noticeable and much appreciated grading and gravelling of the west parking lot.  They hope it is the first of many such useful works.

The men would like to broaden their sales area for the peanuts, by placing at wholesale a case (or five or ten) with local merchants who could then set their own prices.  They ask for suggestions as to possible retailers, and for volunteers to make the connection and to deliver the cases.

The AUMM also want to promote their group and to encourage many new, active members.  They especially encourage younger men in the church to attend and participate as well as all those of more mature ages [ed. How’s that for being politically correct?]  who have dropped out or never joined over the years.  They meet on the second Thursday of each month and are beginning to add meals prepared by one or more of the members to the evening’s activities.  [Wives…this is an excellent opportunity to avoid cooking for one night!]

–derrick moore

.       .       .       .       .

Under Construction Group

Betty Smith will host the Under Construction Group at her home on Sunday afternoon, March 20^th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  This is open to anyone who is interested in participating in any of a variety of crafts, needle work or other related activities:  knitting, crocheting, sewing, beading, Chrismons, etc.  The main purpose of this first meeting is to set meeting times, plan projects, offer ideas, and have a good time!  Bring something you are currently working on, something you have been planning to work on and have just not begun, and any materials you would like to show or share.

–betty smith

.          .          .

Building Memories at Camp Don Lee

Some of our AUMC members remember going to Camp Don Lee sixty years ago and can still tell you about learning to sail, sleeping on the pier, and singing around a campfire.  A few of us returned as camp counselors and recall the experiences of teaching young, impressionable minds about God’s wonderful world of nature and how He can shape our lives.

Camp Don Lee is about finding new friends that share the fun, the adventures, the stories and the challenges.  Camp Don Lee is about sharing with others the “secrets” and “wonders.”  Camp Don Lee is about really growing closer to God, to others, and to ourselves.  Faith formation and Bible studies are an integral part of this growth experience.

Camp Don Lee is FUN!  Look at the programs and activities they offer:  sailing, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, team- building activities, group sing-a-longs, late-night campfires with s’mores, dances with DJ’s, archery, and arts and crafts, to name but a few.

Camps are available from June 26^th to August 6^th for elementary, middle and high school ages.  They include traditional camps, marine science camps, sailing camps for one, two and three weeks, and adventure camps.  Half-week camps for younger elementary ages are also available.

The Ayden UMC has an excellent camping ministry that encourages our youth to have the Camp Don Lee experience.  The church provides monetary assistance to all children from our church that choose to go.  Please contact the church office for further information.

Applications may be printed, completed, and faxed to Camp Don Lee:

FAX Number –            1-800-661-9908

Telephone –                 1-800-535-5475

E-mail address –          info@donleecenter.org

Web site –                    www.donleecenter.org

–andrea norris

Missions Team

This year’s Valentine’s Day Dinner was quite different from past years, and members of the Grifton United Methodist Church also attended.  The Wesleyan Group, students from East Carolina University under the leadership of campus minister Scott Wilkerson, prepared the delicious dinner…including decorating, serving, entertaining and cleaning up.  This was a fund-raiser for one of the group’s mission trips to help build a Habitat for Humanity house for a burned out family in a poor section of what we mainlanders have always considered a tropical paradise.

Singing, playing the piano and guitar, the sixteen students and their minister entertained the crowd for what many considered a much too short time…”we could have listened for another hour or more!”  Our church members in attendance donated a total of $1464.00 to the students’ mission fund.  The Grifton members contributed their gifts under their own church name.

Our Missions Team hopes to send a group from our church on a planned mission trip to a more local area in the near future…a group to consist of all ages and areas of expertise.  The team welcomes any and all ideas for raising funds for their first mission venture, and also ideas for a destination.

–bobbie brown

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I Met God in the Morning

Poem by Ralph Cushman

when my day was at its best,

And His presence came like sunrise,

like a glory in my breast.

All day long His presence lingered,

all day long He stayed with me,

And we sailed in perfect calmness

o’er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,

other ships seemed sore distressed,

But the winds that seemed to drive them

brought to us a peace and rest.

Then it was that I remembered

with a keen remorse of mind,

When I too had loosed the moorings

with His presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret

learned from many a troubled way,

You must meet God in the morning,

if you want Him through the day.

–submitted by jane thiel

Youth Activities

Thanks to parents of some of our youth and to some of the Daily Life Sunday School Class members, plans are now taking shape to revitalize our youth fellowship activities.  With scheduled meetings on the first and third Sundays, activities and meals are being lined up. The first meeting included a hotdog supper with all the trimmings provided by the AUMM and their wives.  The next meeting will be a trip to the bowling lanes in Greenville, with admission and shoe rental included.  The only cost to the young folks will be for any snacks they wish to purchase.

Currently, the ages range from second grade through twelfth.  In the near future, the groups will be divided with the younger half meeting first, then joining the older half for a light meal, followed by the older group having their meeting activity. The April 17^th activity for both groups will be the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Volunteers are more than welcome and needed for leading, feeding and/or planning for these special members of our church family.

–tracy stroud

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Easter

Several years ago, I wrote about the extraordinarily early date of Easter (March 23^rd in 2008), and that we would never see it on that date again until 2160.  Not in our lifetime.

This year, Easter occurs on a date which we have never seen nor will ever see again.  It will be on April 24^th.  That’s pretty late for the holiday to occur.  The last time Easter occurred on this date, James Buchanan was President of the United States and the country was edging toward a great Civil War.  That was in 1859.

You all know that Easter can occur on the first Sunday on or after the full moon on or after the spring equinox.  It can date anywhere between March 22^nd and April 25^th.  The last time it did fall on March 22^nd was when our country was very young, in 1818.  As recently as 1943, if you can call it “recently,” Easter was on April 25^th.

Are there any certain dates on which Easter Sunday occurs the most?  In looking at the calendar for the 1900’s, Easter happened five times (the most) on April 12^th.  Curiously, there were twelve other calendar dates in which Easter occurred four times.  Two of these were April Fool’s Day (April 1^st) and “settle-up-with-Uncle-Sam-day” (April 15^th).

Having fed you all these figures and your mind’s begging for numerical relief, I can happily report that Easter will happen again on April 24^th in 2095.  I hope our grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy it!

–bill norris

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Souper Bowl of Caring

For the eleventh year, our church participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring on February 6th.  In 2010 our donations had almost doubled our goal, reaping $1,083.00 for the Ayden Christian Care Center (ACCC).  This year our goal was, as always, “just $1.00 more,” but that seemed pretty daunting.  We are proud to report that we not only met our goal but received a few dollars more.  We donated $1,094.00 to ACCC along with one hundred sixty-seven items of non-perishable food.  To date, our church has given ACCC $5,166.00 just by standing at the doors with a soup pot.

–camilla godwin

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Daily Life Sunday School Class

The newly organized Daily Life Sunday School Class is for those interested members of the church who are college-age to forty-something.  Tracy Stroud and Derrick Moore, among others, are teaching the class from the book Ordinary People—Extraordinary God…a fifty-two week devotional.

With Tate Stroud leading the way, the class organized and carried out their first Boston-butt pork roast sale in conjunction with the annual spring yard sale.  Proceeds benefit the campership program for our youth.  To date, the project has raised over $1,100.00 and will be used to pay the registration fees for any of our youth attending Camp Don Lee and to fund camper scholarships for any who may not be able to afford the camp session cost.

–tracy stroud

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Bible Studies

Among our church’s greatest strengths are our varied Bible study groups.  Currently in progress are:  Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., the Beth Moore series, “Believing in God,” facilitated by Paula Hocutt, and the same study for those who need a Tuesday evening session, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesdays with Al, a Lenten series, from 11:00 a.m. to 12;00 noon;  and second Sundays at 3:00 p.m., the UMW series, “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible.”

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Bus Ministry

Thanks in large part to the leadership of Vance Sullivan, our church bus is being put to good use.  Please call the church office to add your name to the rider list if you need transportation to any of our church services or other church-related events.  In addition to Vance, our other drivers on occasion are Alan Jackson and Stacy Bawtinhimer.  We give them a big THANK YOU for helping us to utilize this wonderful resource.

Editor:  Page Worthington                          Associate Editor:  Andrea Norris

Thanks in large part to the leadership of Vance Sullivan, our church bus is being put to good use.  Please call the church office to add your name to the rider list if you need transportation to any of our church services or other church-related events.  In addition to Vance, our other drivers on occasion are Alan Jackson and Stacy Bawtinhimer.  We give them a big THANK YOU for helping us to utilize this wonderful resource.