March 30th, 2018
This Week at Memorial...
|
|
Several years ago, the Indianapolis Colts, with Peyton Manning at quarterback, scored twenty-four points in the last six minutes of a game to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was called the "Greatest Comeback” in the history of the National Football League.
This Sunday we will gather for worship at Memorial to celebrate the REAL “Greatest Comeback Ever”, the glorious coming out of the tomb by Jesus Christ. We are asking everyone to bring a bell to ring at the closing of the services to make it a joyous celebration.
We are expecting large crowds at all of our worship services on Easter. As a form of hospitality to our visitors, you may want to come to 8:00AM worship instead of your usual time, or plan to make room for everyone by opting to sit in the overflow area at the 11:00AM Worship. Consider parking a little farther away and leave parking spots closest to the entrances for visitors. Let’s do all we can to welcome our visitors on Easter and make their worship experience enriching and joyful.
Let’s also welcome our Bishop as he comes to preach for us and sense the joy of the everlasting Christ. It should be a “bell ringer” Easter Sunday.!
-Pastor Riley
|
|
|
The Common English translation of Sunday's Scriptures
John 20:1-18 (CEB)
Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.” Peter and the other disciple left to go to the tomb.
They were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and was the first to arrive at the tomb.
Bending down to take a look, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he didn’t go in.
Following him, Simon Peter entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.
He also saw the face cloth that had been on Jesus’ head. It wasn’t with the other clothes but was folded up in its own place.
Then the other disciple, the one who arrived at the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. They didn’t yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.
Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb. She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot.
The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve put him.”
As soon as she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni” (which means
Teacher).
Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold on to me, for I haven’t yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, ‘I’m going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.” Then she told them what he said to her.
|
|
TODAY: Good Friday Worship
, “Seven Last Words of Christ“, March 30
th
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Worship will begin at 12:00PM in the Sanctuary. This time of prayer and reflection will include Music and meditations on the seven last words of Christ. Please enter and prepare for worship in silence, in reflection of the story.
|
|
The Annual Community Easter Celebration
Memorial and First Presbyterian Church join again to co-host the annual Community Easter Celebration, Saturday, March 31
st
, from 10:00AM – 1:00PM between the two churches on N. 6
th
Street. Invite your friends and neighbors to this free street party with egg hunts, face painting, bounce houses, free lunch, games, and more. Egg Hunt times are: 0-2year olds at 10:30AM, 3 year olds & Pre K at 11:00AM, Kindergarten & 1st grade at 11:30AM, 2nd & 3rd grades at Noon, and 4th & 5th grade at 12:30PM. This free even is fun for the whole family and is dog-friendly.
|
|
Easter Sunday (Bring your Flowers and Bells)
On Sunday, April 1
st
, as we rejoice in Easter, we will welcome the Bishop of the Florida Conference to Memorial! Bishop Ken Carter will be preaching at all three worship services. Please remember to bring some flowers from your yard (or Publix) to add to our beautiful, Easter flower cross. Also, as part of the celebration, please bring a bell from your home (any size and any sound.) We will be ringing the bells together during worship to proclaim that Christ is risen!
|
|
Special Easter Taizé Worship, April 1
st
Continue the celebration of Resurrection Sunday by attending a special Taizé Worship, April 1
st
at 6:00PM at our sister church, Trinity. Taizé worship, inspired by the Taizé Christian community in France, is a calm, centering worship. Our own Ingrida Barrow will provide the special music for this beautiful, Easter worship. The service begins at 6:00PM tonight. Taizé is always the first Sunday of the month at 6:00PM (except May, due to Shrimp Fest)
|
|
Disciple’s Path Class Beginning in April 4th
Newcomers and long-time members find taking "A Disciple's Path" deepens their relationship with God and their understanding of the history and social principles of the United Methodist Church. The class is also a good introduction to Methodist beliefs for those considering joining the church.
Pastor Drew
facilitates Wednesdays at 6:00PM in room 302. Child care is available. Be sure to come by the front office and get a book BEFORE class beings!
Morning Men’s Small Group
All men are invited to participate in a new men’s bible study at Beach Diner. Our first meeting will be on April 5th at 7:00AM. We decide as a group which books or topics to study together. The group will be facilitated by David Bowers and Pastor Drew.
Stay-At-Home-Moms!
We are forming a new class just for you. Karen Schmitt, a former stay-at-home-mom herself, will lead a class on the book Sacred Parenting. The class will focus on building relationships with other moms. Children are more than welcome to come and build relationships with other kids. The text,
Sacred Parenting
, “...illustrates how God can transform lessons in raising children into opportunities to grow in the image of Christ.” If this class sounds interesting, come to an introductory meeting Wednesday, April 18
th
at 10:45AM in the Multipurpose Room. Questions? Contact Karen at
karen@mumconline.com
.
Love to Stay: Date Night Study for Married Couples
Pastor Drew is leading a three session study based on the book
Love to Stay
by Adam Hamilton. Each night will be a date night format with catered dinner and childcare included. The study is based on Scripture and extensive survey data focusing on how to grow closer in faith and building a marriage that lasts. The sessions will be at 6:00PM on April 13th , 27th, and May 11th. Each session costs $30 per couple. The deadline to register is April 5th. Contact
Pastor Drew
or the church office for more information or to register.
Have Questions for the Pastors?
Come to “Coffee with the Pastors”, Monday, April 16
th
at 6:30PM in the Multipurpose Room. Learn about membership expectations, getting connected, and enjoy fellowship with newcomers. RSVP to karen@mumconline.com. Childcare is available.
New Wednesday Night Class Begins April 4th
Roger Antworth will begin a new Wednesday night study the week after Easter. The study is "
On This Spirit Walk" The Voices of Native American and Indigenous Peoples
written by Henrietta Mann Anita Phillips. All are welcome to join the class in Room 305 at 6:00PM on Wednesday's after dinner.
|
|
You can still volunteer for the Community Easter Celebration!
If you have not yet signed up to volunteer, you can still come to the celebration between 10:00AM & 1:00PM and find Pastor Drew or a staff member to get plugged in to a volunteer spot!
There is alway help needed setting up (between 8:30AM - 10:00AM) and cleaning up (between 1:00PM and 2:00PM).
|
|
Serve at Memorial:
Volunteers Needed! Volunteers are currently needed at Memorial in a few areas:
- Help with Sunday Attendance Pads
- TECH help for Sunday services
- Help with Donuts
- Help with Chancel Choir
- Ushers, Greeters, Liturgists (8:00AM especially)
- Acolytes to serve on Sunday
- The F-Troop (helping Johnny set up chairs for worship or dinners in Maxwell Hall)
- Liturgists for the 8:00AM Worship Service
If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please contact
Pastor Drew.
Tech volunteers are needed at all three services!
Since we now have more tech possibilities in the Sanctuary, we have added new components to our weekly worship. Please contact
joan@mumconline.com
if you are interested in learning more about serving in this way. We have a rotating team of volunteers at all services so you would be needed about once a month. You would be asked to shadow a tech for several weeks to learn our system. The 8:00AM and 11:00AM duties are not as involved as the 9:30AM responsibilities. Our church really needs volunteers in this area right now. Please consider serving in this way. You do not need to be a computer “guru” to do what is required.
|
|
Come to Memorial's "EarthDay Party", for Lunch & Fun, Sunday, April 15th!
Join the congregation for lunch and a fun program as we celebrate God's Creation with an "EarthDay Party!" Join the church family for fellowship and lunch (provided) at 12:15PM in Maxwell Hall. Then our own Barbara Bruce will lead a fun and informative program on God's beautiful creation, our Earth! You won't want to miss the hands-on event for all ages! (nursery will be open for ages 4 and under.)
|
|
Church-Wide Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Sat, April 21st
The Bible tells us that we are the caretakers of God’s creation, and our Social Principles affirm this. In support of these beliefs, the Wilma Bunch Circle and Memorial's Children/Youth Ministries are sponsoring a church-wide Earth Day Beach Cleanup,Saturday, April 21
st
.
All ages are encouraged to participate together in this event! Join the church family at
11:00AM
(or come by after the softball game) at Main Beach Park as we clean a section of the beach with the support of the
NOAA Marine Debris Program and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Marine Debris Citizen Science Program
. Stay for a hotdog lunch and fellowship at 12:45PM at a main beach pavilion. Please bring one refillable water bottle per person to help us limit the amount of trash we produce (extra water provided) and a side dish to share. Also, please wear your red Memorial T-shirts or a plain red shirt. For questions contact Pastor Carrie at
pastorcarrie@mumconline.com.
Concert with a Cause, April 29th
The Nassau Community Band will headline the next Concert with a Cause April 29th at 7:00PM in Maxwell Hall. The Nassau Community Band has over 50 members from Nassau County, North Jax, and St. Mary’s. Some of our church family are involved, too! A love offering will be collected for the Kenya Partners.
Learn More About Memorial & Get Connected
Are you a newcomer ready to learn more or a long-time attender looking to get better connected within the church? Then attend Memorial Orientation, April 15
th
at 9:30AM in Room 302. Contact Karen Schmitt with questions.
|
|
Around the United Methodist Church
|
|
|
This Week at Memorial
March 30th - April 5th
TODAY:
Good Friday Worship
Worship will begin at
12:00PM
in the Sanctuary. This time of prayer and reflection will include Music and meditations on the seven last words of Christ.
TODAY:
Lamb Early Education Center is closed for Good Friday.
SATURDAY:
Community Easter Celebration
10:00AM – 1:00PM
between the two churches on N. 6
th
Street. Invite your friends and neighbors to this free street party with egg hunts, face painting, bounce houses, free lunch, games, and more.
SUNDAY:
Interdenominational Easter Sunrise Service
The Ministerial Association of Nassau Country invites the community to the Interdenominational Easter Sunrise Service ON Easter morning at 6:30AM in Ft. Clinch State Park at the fort. The sermon will be given by Rev. Julie Jensen, the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Bring a chair (and maybe some bug spray) and come worship as the sun rises on Easter!
SUNDAY MORNING:
Easter Sunday, April 1
st
As we rejoice in Easter, we will welcome the Bishop of the Florida Conference to Memorial! Bishop Ken Carter will be preaching at all three worship services. Please remember to
bring some flowers
from your yard (or Publix) to add to our beautiful, Easter flower cross. Also, as part of the celebration,
please bring a bell from your home
(any size and any sound.) We will be ringing bells to celebrate the resurrection of Christ!
SUNDAY NIGHT:
Easter Taizé Worship
Continue the celebration of Resurrection Sunday by attending a special Taizé Worship, A
pril 1
st
at 6:00PM
at our sister church, Trinity Our own Ingrida Barrow will provide the special music for this beautiful, Easter worship
SUNDAY:
SWEL (Single Women Enjoying Lunch)
The ladies will meet on Easter at
Patio Place
at 12:15PM Please RSVP weekly to
Marilyn Perkins.
MONDAY:
The church office in the Partin Center will be closed.
MONDAY:
The Monday Memorial Singers
will meet on
March 26th at 10:00AM at Council on Aging.
All are invited to join this group who visit a different assisted living facility each week to sing favorite hymns to the residents. Click
HERE
for the schedule!
WEDNESDAY:
Dinner is baked Ham and begins at 5:00PM. Classes and small groups resume at 6:00PM.
WEDNESDAY:
Disciple’s Path
Class Begins April 4th
This class is designed for those new in their faith, or long-time Christians those who want to learn more about Methodism or those who want to jump-start their relationship with God.
Disciple’s Path
explores the history of Christianity, beliefs of the United Methodist Church, and how we live out our faith through prayer, Scripture, giving, and service. Pastor Drew facilitates Wednesdays at 6:00PM in Room 302. Childcare is available. Pick up a book in church office before the class begins!
Mark Your Calendars:
TODAY
-Good Friday Worship, 12:00PM. in the Sanctuary
March 31
st
–
Community Easter Celebration, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
April 1
st
– Interdenominational Sunrise Easter Worship, 6:30AM,
in Ft. Clinch State Park (at the Fort)
April 1
st
–
Easter Sunday,
Bishop, Rev. Ken Carter, Preaching
April 1
st
–
Easter
Taizé Worship, 6:00PM, Trinity
April 2nd
- Church Office Closed
April 4th
- Disciple's Path Class with Pastor Drew Begins, 6:00PM
April 13
th
–"Date Night” Study Session 1, 6:00PM
April 14
th
– SPECIAL Men’s Monthly Breakfast
8:00AM in Maxwell Hall
April 15
th
-
Memorial Orientation, 9:30AM
April 15th
- "
EarthDay Party" Lunch & Fun in Maxwell Hall at 12:15PM
April 16
th
– Coffee with the Pastors, 6:30PM, Multipurpose Room
April 18
th
–
Stay-at-Home Mom Group, 10:45AM, Multipurpose Room
April 21st
-
Church-wide Earth Day Beach Cleanup, 11:00AM at Main Beach Park
April 22nd
-
Confirmation Sunday
April 22nd
-
Liturgist training, 12:15PM, Multipurpose Room
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
