This Week at
Forrest Burdette
Memorial UMC
 
2848 Putnam Avenue
Hurricane WV 25526
304.562.5903
  
 
Tuesday, April 3
8-9:00 a.m. Open Gym for Walking
10:00 a.m. C ommunity Cupboard
6:30 p.m.  Hooks & Needles -201
6:30 p.m.  Girl Scouts 8317 -FH/Basement
7:00 p.m.  UMW -110/Parlor
7:00 p.m.  Civic Chorus -Sanctuary
6:30 p.m.  AAU 4th Grade BBall -Gym
  
Wednesday, April 4
8-9:00 a.m. Open Gym for Walking
9:30 a.m. Preventicare -Little Narthex
No Midweek Bible Study
We Care will meet next week, 4/11
No Evening Small Groups
No C.O.O.L. Kids
6:30 p.m. Clark Small Group
6:30 p.m. Uth -Basement
7:30 p.m. Praise Band -Sanctuary
 
Thursday, April 5
8-9:00 a.m. Open Gym for Walking
10:00 a.m. Circle of Friends -111
6:00 p.m. ACDS -111
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice -Sanctuary
 
Friday, April 6
8-9:00 a.m. Open Gym for Walking
9:30 a.m. Preventicare -Little Narthex
10:00 a.m. C ommunity Cupboard
 
Saturday, April 7
7:30 a.m. Emmaus Prayer Group -110
 
Sunday, April 8
Communion
Acts 4:32-35
"What Kind of Community?"
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship
2:30 p.m. Membership to Discipleship Seminar Follow-Up -FH
5:00 p.m. Handbell Practice -Choir Rm
6:00 p.m. Men's Group -111
6:00 p.m. Worship -Chapel
7:30 p.m. Men's Pick-Up Basketball
 
Upcoming Events
April 8-15: Please bring in individually wrapped candy/non-perishable food items for college care packages.
 
April 27-28: Bus trip to Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster PA, to see the production "Jesus". Visit the Connection Center or see Don Gatewood for more information. 6 slots still available!
 
May: Forrest Burdette serves at the Christian Community Cupboard. Be on the lookout for the sign-up board and grocery bags in the Narthex soon, in April.

 E-Connection

 April 3, 2018
       
         
     I am writing this piece in honor and appreciation of my friend and mentor, Allen Harrah. I met Allen in 1999 when he introduced me to some of the ideas of building a world-class instrument for Forrest Burdette. Even though I had played organ since college, I knew very little about pipe organs...much less a huge combination instrument with pipe, digital, and MIDI sounds. I watched as he became more engrossed in the details of the installation, and I became more and more amazed at the scope of the instrument. I remember thinking that the people of Forrest Burdette had no earthly idea of the magnitude of what they were getting! I also watched as the United Methodist Women raised money for the renovation of the chancel area and organ and saw it unfold before my very eyes. The sanctuary became more beautiful as each phase was completed.
     The first time I sat at the console as it was being built at Colby Brothers in Johnson City, Tennessee, I felt like Mickey Mouse! It was then that I really understood how large this console was going to be. I was awestruck to say the least. I also accompanied Allen to Lancaster, Pennsylvania on 9-11-01 to have Walker Electronics see the specifications of the organ. I saw their eyes light up at the detail and vastness of what Allen designed. On our trip to Lancaster we heard at lunch in Hagerstown that the twin towers had been hit. All the way across central Pennsylvania we would see megatrons flashing the message that all entrances to Manhattan were closed. It was a memorable trip for more than one reason.
     Aside from the organ, I remember the day the nine-foot Baldwin concert grand was moved into the sanctuary. Allen graciously provided that instrument for use in our sanctuary. It is a 1954 vintage Baldwin that once graced the recital hall at University of Charleston. Allen acquired the piano, and it has been rebuilt twice. It has made a huge impact on the way I play for worship!
     The early days of the organ's use at Forrest Burdette were culture shock for many in the congregation! But now, fifteen years later, it seems to have become a very accepted part of our worship. It is still an amazing instrument to me, and I feel the possibilities for the future are limitless. It is truly a world-class instrument and is recognized in organ circles everywhere.
     Most importantly to me is the example of excellence that Allen has modeled to me. We have very similar viewpoints on this subject. Aim for the best in the world, not just Hurricane, Putnam County, West Virginia, or even the United States. Allen is a living example of giving your best, and he will always be an inspiration to me! I thank God for him and our continuing friendship every day!
      
Mike Barnhouse
   
"We Care" Meets Next Wednesday, 4/11
Instead of meeting on the first Wednesday in April, the We Care group will meet on April 11, at noon, in room 111.
                                
PipeSounds Presents "Hollywood Magic"
Join us on April 15, at 3:00 p.m., as we welcome back guest organist Rob Richards, artist at the El Capitan Theater in Disneyland.  Our annual pops concert is sure to delight with the theme "Hollywood Magic".  Adults $10; students and children free.  Mr. Richards will perform a concert for the students of Conner St. Elementary School on Friday, April 13, at 1:00 p.m.
                                  
Flocking Insurance
Make sure you get your Flocking Insurance Policy early in April  at the Connection Center. $25 will help keep those pesky birds away from your precious lawn.  Also, for $30 we will send them to a "friend's" yard, but act fast as there are only a limited number of opportunities each season! We always appreciate the fun you all have with this annual mission trip fund raiser.
                                  
Fund Raiser for the Estep Family
Our Cub Scout Pack Cubmaster, Sheena Estep, and her family lost their home to fire in early March.  Since that time, some have stepped up with monetary donations for the family, which they appreciate very much. Another fund raising opportunity for the family is taking place this Saturday, April 7, at St. Timothy's in-the-Valley Episcopal Church (3434 Teays Valley Rd).  A spaghetti dinner ($10) will take place, 5-6 p.m., followed by BINGO, 6-9 p.m. (20 games for $20).  For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, call 304-419-5303.
                                  
Construction Update
The "ramp" entrance to COM and the 2nd floor classrooms is now open. Work continues on the northern exterior wall of Byrd Hall. Drywall finishing on the 2nd floor of Byrd Hall continues. In March over $43,000 was received for the Building Fund. Because of your support, the bank loan will be considerably less than the $2 million maximum that was approved, which will obviously lower our monthly payments.
                                
This Week's Birthdays
4/2 -  Judy Cleveland, Alex Dean, Paul Landin, Michael Myers, Tom Turner
4/3 - Ryan Anders, Virginia Clark, Missi Fisher, Clay Jackson, Jacqui Meeks, Doug Pitzer, Allison Weiss
4/4 - Norma Cooper, Patsy Elliott, Charlie Johnson
4/5 - Amy Crook
4/6 - Mark Akers, Michael Fruth, Carl Proffitt
4/7 - Ann Hinshaw, McKenzie Myers, Amy Nitzel, David Shanklin
4/8 - Chris Brown, Morgan Brown, Karen Campbell, Karlee Edwards, Gail Samson, Kristin Smith, Trent Surface, Jennifer Weiss, Clarence Woodworth
                                                                    
Coming Up This Sunday
Communion
Acts 4:32-35   "What Kind of Community?"