Saxapahaw United Methodist Church
July 8, 2020
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Message from
Our Interim Pastor,
Mitzi Johnson
It’s good to be here!
In 2015, I spent 10 days with Sue and Jim on a clergy trip to Israel and Palestine. In snatches of conversation between holy sites and hotel rooms, Sue shared with me the many good things happening at Saxapahaw UMC. I knew the broader area a little. As a Duke seminarian, I had interned at Clover Garden UMC in White Cross and at New Sharon in Hillsborough.
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Pastor Mitzi Johnson, Gordon, Abigail (22), Graham (14) and their Alaskan husky, Ava
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When I was appointed to University UMC church in Chapel Hill in 2014, my family and I spent our first free Saturday in Saxapahaw grabbing a snack from the General Store and enjoying an impromptu picnic along the river. We dreamed of returning to do some rock hopping on the Haw River.
Life has a way of presenting unexpected twists and turns, so we never got to do that. Instead, we headed to the mountains – first to minister at Lake Junaluska Conference Center, and later -- when I missed church pastoring so much my heart hurt – to a small church in an artsy river town south of Asheville (Saluda UMC) where I served as an interim pastor.
And now? We’re back home in the middle of the state. We had forgotten how hot and humid it is here. Mercy! The warmth of the people more than make up for it. Not to mention the rolling hills, beautiful farms, good food, and resilience of the wider community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve among you.
In upcoming weeks, I look forward to meeting you in one of our “Meet the Pastor” conversations (live or online). Can’t make one of those? Let’s talk at Wednesday Bible Study, or Tuesday evenings at “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made,” or at Connections on Sunday mornings, or at Young Disciples or Youth Group. I’ll also be reaching out to lay leaders to learn more about what’s happening in the church’s various ministries.
One thing that this pandemic has taught us, is that connection and relationship are vital. I can’t wait for you to meet my family, and I look forward to meeting yours. We have six months to hear and share our stories, to grow in love for God and one another, to learn to follow Christ more closely, and simply to enjoy our common gifts. So much can happen in six months.
Thanks be to God.
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Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
July 12, 2020
Genesis 25:19-34; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Connections Worship @ 9:00 am
Informal worship with a sermon, prayer, and small-group discussion.
To connect via Zoom on Sunday morning at 9 am, click
here
.
To connect via phone: Dial +1 646 558 8656, enter, meeting ID:
950 4846 3698
, then #.
Virtual Sanctuary Worship @ 11:00 am
Join our Virtual Sanctuary Worship @ 11:00 am either via FaceBook Live, Zoom or phone. There is no need to sign up – simply prepare your heart to encounter God and then follow the connection information below.
To connect via FaceBook on Sunday morning at 11 am, click
here
.
To connect via Zoom, click
here
.
To connect via phone: Dial +1 646 558 8656, enter, meeting ID:
922 1185 4642
, then #.
Sermons on Demand
To view the recorded worship service, click
here
.
As always, you are welcome to share this opportunity with a friend or neighbor - all are welcome!
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"Meet the Pastor" Sessions
Our interim pastor, Mitzi Johnson, began her appointment at Saxapahaw United Methodist Church on Monday, July 6, 2020. She is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and UNC Chapel Hill, and has served as a pastor at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, as the Programming Director at Lake Junaluska, and pastor at Saluda United Methodist Church.
She and her family have moved to the Triangle area in anticipation of her new appointment in January 2021. Be prepared to welcome her on Sunday, July 12, 2020.
Pastor Mitzi has scheduled four different "Meet the Pastor" sessions.
Sunday, July 12, 2-3 pm @ church
Monday, July 13, 10-11 am via Zoom
Tuesday, July 14, 10-11 am @ church
Wednesday, July 15, 7-8 pm via Zoom
Please review the available slots
here
to sign up. Thank you!
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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made:
An Introduction to the Creative Life of Faith
Tuesdays starting
July 14 through August 4,
6:30 pm - 8 pm
Bible study led by Mel Hansen-Holloway is open to entire households and people of all ages (Please note: Elementary kids will enjoy the activities and be able to follow along ok. Pre-K kids may struggle to stay engaged in what we are talking about, but they will enjoy the art/play.)
Presented via Zoom. (Links will be posted as we get closer.) The study will work best with visual, but calling in will also work. For those calling in, Powerpoint slides will be available at the church on each Saturday night before the next class. Creative supplies will be needed for this class and are available at the church. Please pick them up before the first class, and follow the instructions when choosing the supplies. Donations to cover the cost of supplies are appreciated, but not required.
For more information and to participate, contact Mel Hansen-Holloway at
mellghh@gmail.com
.
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The Youth of Saxapahaw United Methodist Church Are On The Move!
Join us as we grow in our faith, strengthen our friendships, and have fun!
Young Disciples:
All children and youth, grades 3 through 12, are welcome to participate
in person as we gather at Saxapahaw UMC on
1st and 3rd Sundays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Following best practices, we gather wearing masks and remain at least 6 feet apart while we are indoors.
Join us as we study scripture, play games, and grow together in our faith.
June date: June 19.
Youth Group:
All youth, grades 6 through 12, are welcome to participate in person as we gather at Saxapahaw UMC on 2nd and 4th Sundays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Following best practices, we gather wearing masks and remain at least 6 feet apart while we are indoors. All are welcome as we strengthen our friendships, study scripture, and have fun.
June dates: June 12 & June 26.
We are truly grateful to Rondell Holloway and Mary Cardinale for their faithful leadership with our children and youth! Thank you!
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Farmer's Market
Every Sunday
at Saxapahaw UMC
There will be a Farmer's Market every Sunday in the church's parking lot from 3 pm to 4:30 pm.
Vendors are observing the 3Ws (Wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, wash or sanitize your hands often) at the Farmer's Market.
We strongly encourage you to wear a mask and observe the 3Ws while supporting our local farmers!
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Financial Support for
Families in Need
Saxapahaw United Methodist Church is blessed to be a blessing to others.
In the midst of this pandemic, as the unemployment rate soars and families struggle to make ends meet, there are two financial resources available for local families and individuals.
Micro Loan Program
The mission of this program is to empower individuals and families in our community to make a change in their lives by connecting them to relational and financial resources. Loan amounts are between $250 and $2,500, and all or part of the loan may be forgivable because of the pandemic. Loans will be reviewed by Pastor Mitzi Johnson and members of the Finance Team. All information is completely confidential.
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Funds are available for smaller needs and emergencies. Typically these are one-time financial obligations, such as part of an electric bill (so the power will not be turned off) or payment for a necessary medication. Typically these requests are between $30 and $150.
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Need Someone To Talk With?
Pray With?
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Contact Pastor Mitzi
919-522-5540 (voice or text)
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Need Someone To Talk With?
Pray With?
Contact Pastor Bailey, Pastor of Discipleship
704-840-4072 (voice or text)
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Have Information for the E-Newsletter, Calendar, Bulletin, or Prayer List?
Contact Laurie Newlin, Administrative Assistant
336-266-0743 (voice or text)
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Saxapahaw United Methodist Church | PO Box 268 | Saxapahaw, NC 27340 | 336-525-2545
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