Senoia United Methodist Church.... A Missional and Discipling Congregation 
The Weekly Connection 
May 28, 2020
Pastor Ashley is available for you as usual. Until we can return to regular business hours, please contact her if you would like an appointment, communicate via email, or talk over the phone.

ashley.jenkins@ngumc.net or (770) 561-0183  or (770) 599-3245
Please submit articles or photos for the Weekly Connection to office@senoiaumc.org
Worship Connection 
Sunday, May 24, 2020
7th Sunday of Easter


Join us on Facebook:

Scripture:
Acts 1:1-11

Enjoy the return of music!

Sunday, May 31, 2020
Pentecost


Join us on Facebook:

Scripture:
Acts 2:1-21

Enjoy the return of music &

Wear red for Pentecost

In this edition of the Weekly Connection:
  • Order of Worship for Sunday May 31
  • Video of Last Sunday's Service
  • Music Video
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • We Are Not Alone
  • What is Pentecost?
  • New Book Study: ZOOM Info
  • I-58 Mission - Clothing needs
  • 2020 Census
  • Ideas for Celebrating Pentecost at Home
  • SUMC Vision
  • Church Calendar
  • Church Staff
Thank you for your continued faithfulness. With your help we have been able to continue to minister to you and our community.
Order of Worship for This Sunday May 31
(The sanctuary will not be open this Sunday)
Join Us at 11am on Facebook Live
or
View the Video Afterwards online at

Worship
Pentecost
 
11:00
  We Gather to Worship
Prelude

Announcements

Chimes and Lighting of Candles

Call to Worship
Come, Holy Spirit,
The wind of God, the breath of Life.
Come, Holy Spirit,
Our Advocate, our Counselor.
Come, Holy Spirit,
Teacher of Wisdom, Reminder of Christ.
Come, Holy Spirit,
Granter of forgiveness, giver of peace.
Come, Holy Spirit.
May we feel God breathing through our worship.
May we receive the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Hymn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx UMH 539 *lyrics at the end
O Spirit of the Living God

Opening Prayer
Exalted God,
you are the constant lover
who never forsakes us;
you are the mother
who cradles her children,
you are the teacher
patiently repeating your words for us.
We worship you.

Jesus Christ,
in you we are convinced
God loves us;
through you,
we are formed
into your people;
with you,
we serve those
the world has forgotten.
We follow you.

Holy Spirit,
you are the power
that gives us peace;
you are the wisdom
that reveals the broken
in our midst;
you are the spokesperson
to whom we are deaf.
We welcome you.
Amen.



Children’s Moment

Hymn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx UMH 455 *lyrics at the end
Not So In Haste, My Heart


We Grow Through the Spoken Word
   
Scripture    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Acts 2:1-21

Offering

Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
 
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer

Response
Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight,
May this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ. Amen.

Sermon
 
Hymn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx UMH 420 *lyrics at end
Breathe On me, Breath of God


We Go to Serve
Benediction                                                              

Chimes

******************* Lyrics *******************
O Spirit of the Living God

1 O Spirit of the living God, 
thou light and fire divine, 
descend upon thy church once more, 
and make it truly thine. 
Fill it with love and joy and power, 
with righteousness and peace; 
till Christ shall dwell in human hearts, 
and sin and sorrow cease. 

2 Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow 
until our minds are free 
from mists of error, clouds of doubt, 
which blind our eyes to thee. 
Burn, winged fire! Inspire our lips 
with flaming love and zeal, 
to preach to all thy great good news, 
God's glorious commonweal. 

3 Teach us to utter living words 
of truth which all may hear, 
the language all may understand 
when love speaks loud and clear; 
till every age and race and clime 
shall blend their creeds in one, 
and earth shall form one family 
by whom thy will is done. 

4 So shall we know the power of Christ 
who came this world to save; 
so shall we rise with him to life 
which soars beyond the grave; 
and earth shall win true holiness, 
which makes thy children whole; 
till, perfected by thee, we reach 
creation's glorious goal!

Not So In Haste, My Heart

1 Not so in haste my heart!
Have faith in God, and wait;
Although He linger long,
He never comes too late.

2 He never cometh late;
He knoweth what is best;
Vex not thyself in vain;
Until He cometh, rest.

3 Until He cometh, rest,
Nor grudge the hours that roll;
The feet that wait for God
Are soonest at the goal.

4 Are soonest at the goal
That is not gained with speed;
Then hold thee still, my heart,
For I shall wait His lead.

Breathe on me, Breath of God

1 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.


Or mail your offering to:
Senoia UMC
P.O. Box 98
Senoia, GA 30276
The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world.
Sunday Worship
Day by Day
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best--
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Played by  Jim Preece
Lyrics by Lina Sandell
Scavenger Hunt
Here is a fun idea for your kids, youth and you, too! 

A ZOOM Scavenger Hunt!!!! Have your folks get online Wednesday, June 3, at 11 am. 

Barb and Ashley will give them instructions on things to find in their house. It will be fun and great to see everyone! 

Barb and Ashley have some ideas to make it fun for all ages - including letting the younger ones get a head start.


Prize will be based on the age of the winner!
 
ZOOM Link - 



All SUMC folks are invited to join us. Kids of all ages! Join us too!
We are not alone:
Pentecost 2020
On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. The story in Acts 2 describes a powerful wind and tongues of fire as the Holy Spirit was poured out on people from all over the world who came to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish feast. At the first Pentecost over 3000 people were baptized, creating the first church. This is why Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Christian church.

The word Pentecost comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth. The Jewish Festival of Pentecost (called Shavuot, meaning "weeks" in Hebrew) falls on the fiftieth day after the original Passover. On that day, God gave the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Christian festival of Pentecost falls on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.

Pentecost for Christians culminates the celebration and work of the church begun on Easter Day. In early Christianity, Easter Day was the primary day for baptisms. The newly baptized were then trained in basic Christian doctrine, including the meaning of the sacraments they had now experienced, as they prepared to take up their ministries in the life of the church. On Pentecost, Christians celebrate the commissioning of new members into ministry.

Two colors are historically associated with Pentecost. Red is a visual reminder of the “tongues of fire" that empowered the apostles and others to proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection in many languages to the crowds of pilgrims from many lands (Acts 2:3). White is also used because Pentecost was the major day for baptisms in the early church. Those being baptized were given new white robes to wear as a sign they had taken off the world, died to sin, and were raised with the risen Christ to new life. This is why Pentecost may be referred to as "Whitsunday" or "White Sunday."

The Season after Pentecost is the time of the church year to support new disciples and the whole congregation in living out the gifts we have been given in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have questions? Talk with Pastor Ashley.

This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
New Book Study for June
B ook S tudy with Barb

The Book Study with Barb starts next Monday, June 1. Join on Monday evenings at 7:00 on Zoom and to discuss the book by Adam Hamilton, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

The books are in and Barb will be glad to deliver one to you. Just give her a call.

This is just one more way for us to stay connected this summer! Call Barb with questions.  (419) 680-2103

Zoom Meeting Details:

Topic: Bible Study with Barb!
Time:07:00 PM Eastern Time

Use This Link to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 196 787 919
The I-58 Mission.
People are afraid; they’re out of work; they’re in need. They need the Body to BE the hands and feet. YOU can help!
💗 You can drop off donations on Pastor Ashley's porch. You can drop off when you come for Drive Thru Prayer or any other convenient time. Drop off times at
I-58 are Monday through Wednesday 10:00-3:00.
💗 Every time you go to the store pick up 10 of their needed items.
💗 Order & ship needed items straight to: The I-58 Mission. 2450 Hwy 85, Senoia 30276
💗 You can send grocery store gift cards or even PayPal funds to: thei58mission@gmail.com
A Special Note from I-58
As we work diligently to cloth the children we serve, we desperately need your help. Below is a list of needs:
  • New girls’ undies in sizes 4T, 8, 14 and 16
  • New women’s undies in sizes 4-9 (for teens)
  • Girls’ tops and shorts in sizes 14, 16, and 18
  • Women’s 2X tops for teens
  • Women’s shorts in sizes 2 and 4 for teens

Fun and pretty clothes for our kids and teens is so esteeming! Thank you for helping us love them well.

Donations can be dropped off at the mission Monday through Wednesday from 10 until 3. They can also be shipped to us at 2450 Highway 85 in Senoia


Always accepting food and other essentials
for everyday living.

At this time they are NOT accepting any other clothing
or items for the Clothes Closet.
Be Counted! Complete the 2020 Census

The census asks every household to answer nine questions . These questions are: how many people live in the house or apartment, whether the property is owned or rented, phone number, name, sex, and then a few questions about the age, race, and ethnicity of each person. The answers to these questions are used to help enforce anti-discrimination laws, set federal funding levels, and much more.

  • Census data is used to figure out how much money programs and state/local governments will get from the Federal Government to pay for certain services.
  • Police departments, and town and city planners are among many public-sector entities who count on these annual results to plan services and policies: from building roads and power plants to attracting jobs and planning emergency evacuations.
  • An accurate census count of all the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in our country brings critical funding and resources to our schools and communities.
Ideas for Celebrating Pentecost at Home

Editor's Note: Many of these ideas are adapted from a story by the Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton, retired staff member of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.

Pentecost, an important day in the life of the church, can be a wonderful opportunity for family worship, discussions about church and the Holy Spirit, and a celebration of our faith. Pentecost is celebrated the seventh Sunday after Easter, May 31, 2020.

On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. There was a powerful wind and tongues of fire (see Acts 2:1-41).

With the gift of the Spirit, the disciples were able to tell people from all over the world about Jesus in ways each could understand. The Bible reports that about 3,000 people were baptized that day, creating the first church.

Creatively celebrating Pentecost in the home can be a wonderful addition to your family's devotional life, as you give thanks to God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the church.

Here are some ideas to help get you started.

Wear red: Red is the color of Pentecost, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's arrival with tongues of fire. Go through your closets and find red clothes to wear to church on Pentecost Sunday to join in the celebration!

Tell the story: Read together the story of Pentecost in Acts 2. Imagine the scene. Ask each family member what they will try to remember from the story.

Pretend to be Peter: Peter was concerned that some people misunderstood the disciples' faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. If you were Peter today, what would you want to say to help others understand what it means to follow Jesus?

Bake together: Make a cake to celebrate the birth of the church. Red icing and candles serve as great reminders of the Spirit coming as individual flames and resting on each of the disciples.

Enjoy the wind: Make and fly a kite. Blow bubbles and watch the wind carry them away. Play with pinwheels. Talk about all the wind does, even though you cannot see it.

Balloons: Use balloons to celebrate. Some balloons rise, while others do not. The difference is the air inside. Helium is invisible, but we can see its effects on the balloon.

Learn the story of your church: Talk to an older member of your church or research the history of your congregation. Ask members what the church was like when they began attending. Share your own memories of Sunday School, church, and people who have been important in helping you grow in faith.

Make decorations: Make a banner, draw some pictures, or find another way to express the day artistically. Post your creations around your home as reminders of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the church.

Pentecost in a box: Greeting cards, red streamers and birthday candles, gathered in a box, make for a simple way to sit down and experience Pentecost with one another. Learn more.

Pray together: The Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton shares the following prayer for families to use:

Gracious God. We are reminded again when the first believers in Jesus were given the courage to tell others about Jesus. We believe you give us that same courage to tell others about Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. You know, O God, that sometimes we are fearful and we feel alone. But just like that Pentecost long ago, we, too, are surrounded by your love and presence. Help us live in such a way that others see in us a reflection of your love. Help us have the courage to tell others about the difference it makes in our lives to trust in your love and care. Help us see those around who want to be in the fellowship of Christians. Help us to witness to one another so that we grow in faith. Through the power of your Holy Spirit and the witness of your son, Jesus the Christ, we pray today. Amen.


This story was first published on May 25, 2017 and updated May 21, 2020.

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications.
Or mail your offering to:
Senoia UMC
P.O. Box 98
Senoia, GA 30276
Sunday 5/31
Pentecost
11:00am Worship via Facebook Live

Monday 6/1
7:00pm Book Study via ZOOM

Wednesday 6/3
11:00am Scavenger Hunt

Rev. Ashley Jenkins , Pastor 

Barb Combs, Director of Programs

Jim Preece , Organist/Choir Master 

Lee Berry , Administrative Assistant & Finance Secretary 

Bereatha Brooks , Nursery Coordinator 

Polly Watson , Housekeeping 

Gail Noble and John Felbinger , A/V Technicians

Office Email:  office@senoiaumc.org
(770) 599-3245

Office Hours:
At this time staff is working remotely