November 30, 2016
Connect with us: 
  Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube 
In This Issue

Sunday Sermon

Adult News

Youth News

Children's News
   
Preschool News
 
UMM News
 
UMW News
 
MORE
 

MISSIONS:

SafeHouse
 
HOPE Ministry
   
Join Our Mailing List
Please help the Norcross Coop!!

There are still 10 children and 2 families that need to be sponsored from Simpsonwood UMC.
The Deadline to deliver gifts to SUMC (Bryan Coats) is Sunday, December 4th. If you can take a Wiseman card (for an individual child) or a Nativity card (for an entire family) please pick one up from the  Family Life Center or Narthex Christmas tree!! 

 
If you can't pick one up til Sunday that will be ok as long as you can have the gifts back to Bryan Coats by first thing on Monday morning. Thanks so much for all you do for our community and beyond!!!


Jim Sampson is coordinating volunteers to assist with parking for the Norcross Coop ' s Gift distribution at Norcross 1st UMC.
 
Click here for the signup genius.
 
 
Please help the Preschool!!

The following items are for sale in the Education Building, Building B:
 
4 25" Victorian Wreaths for $32 each
3 36" Victorian Wreaths for $47
2 Classic Sprays for $25 each
5 Victorian Sprays for $30 each
2 Cranberry Sprays for $30 each
1 Tree for $35
3 Centerpieces for $35 each

All proceeds benefit the preschool!!

To hear  the
Sermon from 
November 27


"Praying for Advent:
Prayers of Desperation"
Dr. Brian Clark







"Praying for Advent:
Prayers of Desperation"
Rev. Amanda Lane
Joining Sunday
December 11 at all services.

Simpsonwood UMC is having a Joining Sunday on Sunday, December 11th, for all non-members who have attended Simpsonwood 101.  Dr. Brian Clark and Rev. Amanda Lane would like to invite you all to become members of our church.  Please respond to mullrich@simpsonwoodumc.org if you are interested, and let us know at which service you would like to join.

SUNDAY ON MONDAY

 

7:00 pm

In the Chapel at 
Simpsonwood Park!

Please join us there!!

 

 

NOTE: Park ONLY in designated parking.

  

TONIGHT AT 6:30PM

SAVE THE DATES
DECEMBER 9-11

The Bethlehem countdown has begun. We want everyone to participate as we celebrate our 25th anniversary/ Work behind the scenes in a support team or take an upfront role in the village.

Sign-ups available now. 
See below

Please pray about how you will serve. 

To sign up to be a character or shop keeper: Click here.

To sign up to be on the support team:


Want to help with worship on Christmas day?!
We are looking for folks to read scripture and pray prayers.  Both children and adults!
If you will be worshiping with us on Sunday, December 25 and want to help, contact Richard Hamrick: rhamrick@simpsonwoodumc.org

Stewardship Update
 
2017 Greater Things
Stewardship Journey
Pledges Received: 179
Pledge $'s Received: $999,216
Pledges Needed: $1,163,748
 
Thank you to everyone who has turned in their pledge cards.
 
If you have not turned in your pledge card, please prayerfully consider your pledge.
Simpsonwood needs your support! 
To submit your Commitment Card y ou can:
  • Mail it in or place it in the offering plate or 
  • go to our website and click the pledge now button
  • click the button here:

2016 Holiday Bell-Ringing at Belk at The Forum
Saturdays in November and December

The holidays are upon us and we will again be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army of Gwinnett outside of Belk at The Forum.  The bell ringing begins this Saturday and I am still in need of a couple of shifts to be filled.  I hope you will consider doing it again this year and invite others to do so as well.  Spots are beginning to fill up and I know some of you have already signed up (Thank you!).  
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Again, thank you for volunteering and for supporting The Salvation Army and its missions right here in Gwinnett.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Mark Willis
 


There will be no Refuel Family Night dinners for the rest of 2016.
Dinners will resume on January 11th.
 

FREEDOM FOR THE FUTURE 

 

Thank you to everyone who has been contributing to our  
 
Freedom for the Future 

debt reduction efforts.

As of today, here is where we are with our Freedom to the Future Journey:

151 pledges = $984,061

Already received and paid on the loan:  $751,786

The loan balance is now $83,466


 

What a great response from our members!

 

  
 

JOIN US SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH
2016 Christmas Cantata
"Lead Me Back to Bethlehem"
Gym, Family Life Center
8:45am and 11:00am

________________________

If you would like to learn more
 about our
 music ministry at Simpsonwood UMC please contact:
Director of Worship Ministry



Children's Ministry News    
        
Adopt a Child or Family: Supporting HOPE Ministry and Norcross Cooperative Ministries
Sponsorship information is available from the trees in Building A or Building C. Return gifts for NCM by Sunday,
December 4.
   
My door is always open if you need anything!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Director of Children's Ministry
 

Youth News this Week

What is going on in YOUR youth program?
Make sure to click on our blog.
 

Service Spotlight
*December 1 - SafeHouse Outreach
*Help in the Youth Department: contact Michelle  at  mwehrheim@simpsonwoodumc.org
 
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9 NIV
 
Website has info for fall! 
Check us out at:
www.simpsonwoodyouth.org 
 
You can follow Youth on Instagram @simpsonwoodyouth to see pictures & get reminders. 

Director of Student Ministries

Detailed information on above events can be found in our weekly email sent out on Mondays or contact our youth office at 770-441-2181.
 
Visit our web site - www.simpsonwoodyouth.org to sign up for our email if you are not already receiving them.

 

Like us on Facebook
Click the icon to see our Facebook page!
_____________________________

The preschool will be offering a Christmas Gift Shop on Thursday, December 8th, 9:30-2:00:
In the FLC (Holy Rock).
Local vendors will be selling artwork, decorations, jewelry, and much more. 
Make sure to stop by and shop!!
 
12/13: 4's Nativity Program at 12:00 in the Sanctuary
12/16: 3's Christmas Musical at 12:00 in the Sanctuary
12/21: Last day of school
 
12/22-1/5: Christmas Break

 
Sally H. Katz
Director, Simpsonwood Preschool


Limited openings still available for  
for the school year 2016-2017.  
 Click here for the registration form.
_____________________________


Sally H. Katz
Director, Simpsonwood Preschool
Voted one of the top preschools for 2016 by Inside Gwinnett Magazine
    


770-441-9444  

UMW Treasurer Needed
Our UMW Treasurer is nearing the end of her 4 year term of office  which is most allowed for an individual.   A UMW officer period runs for 2 years but Pam was gracious to extend to a 2nd term.   Please prayerfully consider if you can assist doing this position which would include training until year end and move into the role in  January.  If you want information  on what this entails please contact Pam Reilly  770-242-6579. 
__________________

SUMC Circle Meetings 
 
JOY Circle
Second Tuesday of Every Month 
(Except June, July, August)

Joy Circle will meet Wednesday, December 14th at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Duluth at Piatto Restaurant located at 3140 Main Street (near Huthmaker's Music and Red Clay Foundry). Join us for lunch as we wind up 2016. Please bring any "Thanks Offerings" with you. 
 


Blessings-Peggy
JOY Circle Leader:

  
Friendship Circle
First Wednesday of Every Month 
(Except June, July, August) 
 
Our next circle meeting will be:
Date: Wed., December 7, 9:30am-12:00pm 

Hostess: Monica Metz
4164 Treaddur Bay Lane
770-242-9811

Please join us for our Christmas Brunch and Fellowship! 
NO study in December.

Study: What Makes You Happy by Andy Stanley
Friendship Circle Leader:


Grace Circle
First Tuesday of Every Month 
(Except June, July, August)

Date: Tuesday, December 13
Time: 7:00-9:00pm

NO Study: We will have a devotional from Julie Mabe

Where:  Marilyn Mraz's Home
5672 Bloomingdale Ct.
Peachtree Corners  30092

Grace Circle Leader:

Grace Circle Membership:

Circle of Peace
First and Third Wednesdays of the Month
(Except June, July) 

Meeting Dates: First and Third Wednesday of Every Month
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Location:
Building A, Room 107
Study: Broken and Blessed: God Changes the World One Person and One Family At a Time
by Jessica Lagrone
Leader:
Liz van Hees 

Circle of Peace Leader:
Men of Simpsonwood UMC


If you would like to become involved with our active and involved SUMC Men's Group please contact me. 
 
In His Service,
404-754-0843

 
LIFE Group
LIFE Now has its own 
Facebook page!!
Like us on Facebook

Click the icon to see the page!!

 
A Ministry for Empty Nesters and Active Adults of All Ages.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, December 15:
LIFE will be attending the production of Charlie Brown Christmas at the Lionheart Theatre in downtown Norcross...showtime is 7:30 PM. Tickets for the show are $10 each.  There are many places to eat in the area so we suggest that everyone go on their own to eat and just meet at the Lionheart...you do not have to meet at the same time, your name will be with the box office.  Tickets are $10 each and your PAID RESERVATIONS must be made by December 3.  Make your checks to SUMC --memo/LIFE Dec Event.  Hope you will join us for this happy Christmas outing!!
 
Tuesday, December 20:
NCM Linen Sorting: If you would like to go call or email Pam Reilly at 770-242-6579 or  pwrjr@aol.com

Friday, January 13:
the 13th Potluck dinner at church.....more info to come....save the date!!!


NOTICE!!!
Please make certain that you add me to your email list so you will get my emails.    Thanks, Barb    BBaumgarth@aol.com

Click here for a brochure with more information about LIFE Ministry.

If you would like any information about the LIFE events please contact Barb Baumgarth or Richard Hamrick.

Young Harris Scholarship Fund
 
The Young Harris Scholarship Fund has funds available whenever we have interested applicants from our church youth. Chris Mixer, Director of Student Ministries, and Michelle Wehrheim, Youth Administrative Assistant, make information about Young Harris and the available scholarship known to eligible students at Simpsonwood.
 
Students that receive the Simpsonwood scholarship usually receive matching funds from the United Methodist Leadership Scholars program (UMLS). The UMLS program is designed to encourage active UM students to attend a United Methodist-related college or university by offering these funds. The UMLS program is part of the UMHEF funds (Higher Education Funding).
 
 
Scholarship Committee policies:
 Application Deadlines
  • Applicants must come before the SUMC YHC Scholarship Committee by November 1.
  • Applicants should apply to YHC by mid-October.
    • Applicants should come before the SUMC YHC Scholarship Committee as soon as they  are accepted to YHC to apply for scholarship funds.
 
Please contact Linda Romarion in the church office for further information:  770-441-2181   lromarion@simpsonwoodumc.org
 

Can you crochet or knit??

We Need YOUR Help!

The Prayer Warriors are almost completely out of prayer shawls to give to the precious members and friends that are going through a difficult time and need prayer. We use the shawls to remind them that they are being prayed for on a weekly basis in our Prayer Warriors ministry. 

 

We need shawls for men and women, young and old!! If you can minister in this way please contact Jann Roeder. We have some funds to help you to purchase the yarn.  

Thanks so much for all you do!!

Yoga @ Simpsonwood 

The next six week session would include the following dates:
Nov 3, 10, 17
Dec 1, 8, 15

Thursdays at 9:30am
 

The cost is $50 for 6 weeks, $10 to drop into single classes. 

Even if you haven't joined us before, newcomers are welcome! 


Thank you,
Jill Knueppel, LMT, MDiv, APP, RYT
Ga MT 000378
jklivewell@att.net
404-840-5612
Mission Opportunities
Mission Opportunities for 
November/December 2016
 Click here.
 SERVING AT SAFEHOUSE

 

First Thursday 

of Every Month

December 1

January 5

February 2 

 

 

 

We could really use a few more volunteers on Thursday nights. 

If you can join us please let me know!!

 

Various ways you can offer serving support:

  • Bake Cookies, brown chicken and cook rice the Thursday morning of at 9am
  • Prepare casseroles and salad  - Thursday at 1pm
  • Pack and load church van   -  Thursday at 4:30pm
  • Drive the Van   -  Thursday at 5
  • Participate at Safehouse ( package the food, interact with the visitors, deliver the message / scripture )
    • Meet at church by 5pm to carpool / ride in the van
    • Meet at Safehouse by 6:15pm
  • Deliver the message  
  • Music

  Contact Scott Adams for more information. 

HOPE Ministry.........
SUMC's ONLY home-grown ministry!!

HOPE Ministry is really short on funding right now through the end of 2016. If you would like to make a donation to help our 6 wonderful families that would be awesome. Write a check to SUMC with HOPE Ministry in the memo line.

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!!

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18, 19 NKJV)
 
Please let
Jann Roeder know if you would like to become 
more involved with HOPE Ministry.
There are always fun and exciting ways to be HIS hands and feet.

Jann Roeder
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church