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Sunday morning we will receive a special Human Relations Day offering.
If you are anything like me, there have been times you've wondered if what you are doing matters. Maybe it's a task at work, a task at home, or even something as simple as working on your golf swing!
E
very time I
pull a
weed
in
the
yard am
I making a difference?There are times when we do something that seems small, yet it has ripple effects that reach far and wide. Far greater than weeding. In fact, Jesus says in Matthew 10:42, "that whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple - truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward." Even a cup of cold water makes a difference.
Sun
day
,
we are going to give even more than that. Our giving is going to make a difference in our town, our city, and will have ripple effects all the way around the world.
I thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving.
Our giving is making a huge difference in the lives of so many around us. God will do amazing things with more than a cup of cold water.
In supporting the Human Relations Day Offering we are giv
ing more than
a cup of water today.
Our generous giving to God
always has ripple effects in our c
hurch, community
and the world.
Marvin
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- GriefShare begins Wednesday, January 10, 1:00 pm, room 4
- Sweet Life Cafe - Angels starts Thursday, January 11, 12:00 pm room 1
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BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC - SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
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Need your blood pressure checked?
The blood pressure clinic will be open this Sunday, January 14, 9:15 am in the Parlor. Don't hesitate to stop by and have your blood pressure taken.
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"COFFEE FRIDAY" - JANUARY 19
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Don't miss "Coffee Friday" beginning January 19, 9:30 am in Lindsay Hall. Come enjoy a cup of coffee and meet new friends!
Rev Marvin will present a program regarding his views on heaven and o
f course we will have donuts and cookies for you to enjoy with your java.
After January, we will meet the first Friday of the month at
9:30.
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HANDBELL WORKSHOP - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
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Do you love the bell choir? The beautiful sounds of the bells and chimes?
Don't miss the the Handbell Workshop on Saturday, January 20, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Lindsay Hall.
Our guest speaker is Libbie Randels, representative from
Handbell Musicians of America. There is no charge, you are welcome to participate, or if you would like to just observe.
Sign up in Lindsay Hall or call the church office. If you have any questions please email Mary Sievert, marysievert24@
gmail.com.
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LURA TURNER BENEFIT DINNER - SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
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Lura Turner Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities invites everyone to our 8th Annual Spaghetti Dinner, January 27 at Madison Baptist Church, 7202 N. 12th Street, Phoenix.
Dinner seating times:
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Tickets:
Adults - $17.50 Children 12 and under - $10.00
The evening will feature door prizes, 50/50 raffle, gifts for sale by Hidden Treasures Antiques and Collectibles, candy bouquets by S&L Creations, Igor Glenn and the Jazz Cowboys, with dinner provided by Personal Touch Catering and dessert by Mary Coyle's Ice Cream.
To reserve your tickets, call Lura Turner Homes at 602-943-4789.
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SINGLES OUTING - NO NO NANETTE
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The Singles are off and running to their next event -
No No Nanette, Hale Theater, Friday, February 16!
Sign up in Lindsay Hall and purchase your tickets ($24) by
Sunday, January 28 with monies/check to Roger Warren or dropped off in the church office.
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A new short-term, small group Lenten Book study based on Adam Hamilton's C
REED: What Christians Believe and Why
,
begins in February.
Facilitator and leader Rev. Jim Wood offers two options with the same material, a class Tuesday mornings,
9:00 - 10:30 am or Thursday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
Hamilton
believes that powerful answers to many of our complicated questions are contained in the Apostles' Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In C
REED,
he explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe, and why it matters, which in turn leads class participants to confront and examine their own core beliefs and go beyond reciting the Creed's familiar words.
For your convenience two orientation sessions will be held, one Thursday, February
1
,
7:00 pm
and another the following Tuesday, February
6
, beginning at
9:00 am
. The six-week,
90
-minute, class sessions begin two weeks later.
Cost for the participant book is $14, couples may share the same book. Those taking the study will also need to bring their Bibles and notebook for journaling. A video component featuring Hamilton will viewed in each session for enhancing discussion.
Sign up sheets for either class are found in Lindsay Hall. For additional information contact Rev. Jim Wood at (480) 802-1092. Class size is limited so register early!
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It's the first Sunday of a new year, what better time to talk about finances.
First
, about two months ago I spoke to you about our upcoming November cash crunch. You responded and exceeded the budget by 14%. As I told the Finance Committee after we finished the November financials, this congregation is amazing! You made what we expected to be a difficult road into a magic carpet ride. Thank you! Because of your generosity, we collected 95% of what we budgeted for 2017, that's 13% more than the previous year. Again, thank you!
Second, regarding the budget for 2018. Remember, we raised the budget by about 20% for 2017? The reason for that increase was to put ministries in place we as a congregation thought were appropriate. We spent more in 2017 than 2016, but because we couldn't get all the ministries in place, we did not spend all of the monies in support. So, we kept the budget at the same level for 2018. Hold onto your hats, more ministries are in the works for 2018!
Finally,
information about our PAY IT OFF program. We didn't raise enough to burn the mortgage at the 30th anniversary celebration but, during 2017 we reduced our indebtedness by approximately $150,000! We don't have to quit there. You may continue to help reduce the mortgage, over and above your commitment to the budget, by marking your check PAY IT OFF. The second part of the Pay It Off campaign was a portion of the monies raised were set aside for a big ministry project. We have accumulated over $7,000 for that purpose. What will it be?
I personally thank each and every one of you who so generously support our ministries here at Sun Lakes.
Let us enter 2018 with the confidence from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord "Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I wish each and everyone of you a blessed New Year!
Bill Wessels
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If you are not a member of UMW, we invite you to join us in 2018 and walk with us as we endeavor to achieve the UMW purpose.
Our monthly meetings include fun, fellowship, food, and inspirational or educational programs.
If you would like to join us, come to our next group meeting on Wednesday, January 17 at 1:00 pm in Lindsay Hall. Reverend Marvin Arnpriester will install the 2018 officers, and Sharon Szabo will pay tribute to members who have passed on during 2017. Coffee and dessert will be provided by the Reading/Bible Circle. No signup, no charge...just come and enjoy!
Ladies, mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Saturday, February 10
- The annual Women's Retreat from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm in Lindsay Hall. This year, Reverend Jean Newell and Bev Tarpley will present, "Love is at the Heart of It."
Wednesday, March 21
- Potluck and an exciting Rockathon Fundraiser beginning at 12:00 Noon. Program by Becky Cholewka, attorney, on "Defining Your Legacy by What You Leave Behind."
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CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED JANUARY 15
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The church office will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Be sure to check the calendar in the bulletin, some committees will meet this day even though the church office is closed.
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...to Loretta Overson and family on the death of her husband, Harlan Overson, Friday, December 22. Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 9, 11:00 am in the Chapel with lunch to follow in Lindsay Hall.
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The vision of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is to be
a Beacon of HOPE
with Unconditional Love and Acceptance.
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