Senoia United Methodist Church.... A Missional and Discipling Congregation 
The Weekly Connection 
July 30, 2020
Please submit articles or photos for the Weekly Connection to office@senoiaumc.org
Worship Connection 
Sunday, July 26, 2020
8th Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture:
 Matthew 13:44-52

Sunday, August 2, 2020
8th Sunday After Pentecost

Please note: All Worship Services will begin at 10am and
take place in the Meditation Garden and side yard. Bring your chair or drive up in your golf cart.

Join us in person or
on Facebook at 10am:

Scripture:
 Joshua 1 :1-9




This Sunday we will have Holy Communion
Use this LINK to see how to take Holy Communion
with our new cups and wafers
In this edition of the Weekly Connection:
  • Order of Worship for Sunday August 2
  • Video of Last Sunday's Service
  • Blessing of the Schools & Backpacks
  • Blood Drive
  • Connexion Groups: Upcoming Gatherings
  • I-58 Mission Meat Drive
  • Teacher Appreciation at Local Schools
  • 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 August 2
Worship will be in
the Meditation Garden & Side Yard
Or
Join Us at 10am on  Facebook Live
Or
View the Video Afterwards in your edition of Funday Sunday or online at
 
Worship
9th Sunday after Pentecost
 
10:00
 
 We Gather to Worship
 
Prelude & Announcements

Chimes

Blessing of Teachers, Students and Staff 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Leader:  O Holy God, the time is come when school begins. As these your children begin their studies, we ask a blessing on each one of them.  
Keep them safe and help them know you are with them
every step of the way.  O Lord of Life and Love,
People:   Hear our prayer.
Leader:  Bless, O God, all who will teach our children in the coming days
and weeks and months.
Give them the wisdom to find inspiration for each child.
Give them the energy and creativity and love that will make
their work a blessing to our children.
Keep them safe and healthy.  O Lord of Life and Love,
People:   Hear our prayer.
Leader:  Bless, O God, all school administrators that they may be
faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to their care.
Make them fair and merciful, able to do their crucial work
with a spirit of grace and compassion.
Keep them safe and healthy.  
O Lord of Life and Love,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader:  Bless, O God, each one gathered here that we will seek
every opportunity to grow in our knowledge and love of you.
Grant that we may see you more clearly, love you more dearly,
follow you more nearly. O Lord of Life and Love,
People:   Hear our prayer.
Leader:  And bless, O God, these our cherished children,
those whom we have promised to love and nurture at their baptism.
Keep them safe, keep them excited, keep them ever seeking
to learn more and to develop their gifts.
Grant that through their study, they may gain the tools to grow
in love and faith and service, all their days. O Lord of Life and Love,
People: Hear our prayer. Amen.

Hymn   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx TFWS 2004 *lyrics at the end
Praise the Source of Faith and Learning

Affirmation of Faith   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  UMH 881
Apostle's Creed
 
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
Gloria Patri 
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
 
 
 
We Grow Through the Spoken Word
   
*Gospel Lesson           xx         Joshua 1 :1-9

Invitation, Confession & Pardon xxxxxxxxxxxx See Below

Offering Interlude

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                              

Holy Eucharist   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx See Below

Hymn                        xxxxx                          TFWS 2237 *lyrics at end
As a Fire Is Meant for Burning


We Go to Serve
Benediction & Chimes



************ Those Assisting in Worship Today ************

Ushers: Scott Tinsley & Bob Tinsley
Counters: Jean Cotton & Jon Hughes
_____________________


************ Scripture (CEB)************
After Moses the Lord’s servant died, the Lord spoke to Joshua, Nun’s son. He had been Moses’ helper. 2 “My servant Moses is dead. Now get ready to cross over the Jordan with this entire people to the land that I am going to give to the Israelites. 3 I am giving you every place where you set foot, exactly as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will stretch from the desert and the Lebanon as far as the great Euphrates River, including all Hittite land, up to the Mediterranean Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you during your lifetime. I will be with you in the same way I was with Moses. I won’t desert you or leave you. 6 Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I pledged to give to their ancestors.

7 “Be very brave and strong as you carefully obey all of the Instruction that Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t deviate even a bit from it, either to the right or left. Then you will have success wherever you go. 8 Never stop speaking about this Instruction scroll. Recite it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it. Then you will accomplish your objectives and you will succeed. 9 I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

************ Invitation, Confession & Pardon ************

INVITATION
 
         Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him,
who earnestly repent of their sin
and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON. 
Merciful God,
     we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
     through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
All pray in silence.
 

Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God's love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
 

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
 
 
Glory to God. Amen.

************ Holy Eucharist ************

On the night in which he gave himself up for us,
he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
    "Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
    Do this in remembrance of me."
 
 
    When the supper was over, he took the cup,
           gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
    "Drink from this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
    Do this, as often as you drink it,
           in remembrance of me."

 
    And so,
in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice,
in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
 
    Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
 
    
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
       and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
       that we may be for the world the body of Christ,
redeemed by his blood.
 
   By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other,
and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory
and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

Through your Son Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father,
now and forever. Amen.

************ Lyrics ************


Praise the Source of Faith and learning
Praise the source of faith and learning
that has sparked and stoked the mind
with a passion for discerning
how the world has been designed.
Let the sense of wonder flowing
from the wonders we survey
keep our faith forever growing
and renew our need to pray.
 
God of wisdom we acknowledge
that our science and our art
and the breadth of human knowledge
only partial truth impart.
Far beyond our calculation
lies a depth we cannot sound
where your purpose for creation
and the pulse of life are found.
 
May our faith redeem the blunder
of believing that our thought
has displaced the grounds for wonder
which the ancient prophets taught.
May our learning curb the error
which unthinking faith can breed
lest we justify some terror
with an antiquated creed.
 
As two currents in a river
fight each other’s undertow,
till converging they deliver
one coherent steady flow,
blend, O God, our faith and learning
till they carve a single course,
till they join as one, returning
praise and thanks to you, the Source.
 
Tune: Hyfrydol (Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him)
Music published in “The Faith We Sing,” Abingdon Press


As a Fire is Meant for Burning
As a fire is meant for burning
with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission,
giving glory to God’s name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs,
but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations,
finding neighbours everywhere.

 

We are learners; we are teachers;
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit,
we would live to God’s delight.

 

As a green bud in the springtime
is the sign of life renewed,
so may we be signs of oneness
’mid earth’s peoples, many hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens
when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance
of God’s new and glorious dawn.

  © 1992, GIA Publications (Ruth Duck)
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.
Worship Last Sunday
We need a few volunteers to stay after the Sunday service
to move tables out of the Fellowship Hall to the hallway
to accommodate the Blood Drive
Senoia Area
Blood Drive on August 3rd 


A blood drive is scheduled for Monday, August 3rd, here at the Senoia United Methodist Church from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. This blood drive is co-sponsored by the Senoia Optimist Club. If you are unable to give, you are encouraged to notify others who may be able to donate.

Many blood drives have been cancelled throughout the U.S. in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including one at the Senoia UMC that was scheduled for May 4th. As a result, there's currently an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to give now.

Due to ongoing concerns relative to COVID-19, the following changes are anticipated for the August 3rd blood drive:

1. Donors will be asked to enter the front door of the sanctuary where they can sign-in and wait while social distancing. (Signs will point the way.) The church will fog before the blood drive to sanitize the area.
2. All staff, donors and volunteers are required to wear masks and have temperature checked before admittance into the blood drive.
3. All chairs and donor beds in the Fellowship Hall will be 6 feet apart, and the staff has increased its cleaning/sanitizing of all items.
4. While the sealed snacks and beverages provided by the Red Cross will still be available, the local drive will not provide its “famous” grilled cheese sandwiches. Similarly, we will not provide the coupons associated with local area businesses. This will eliminate another “touch point” in our effort to not spread the virus. We're sorry about these changes, but hope that you will understand our desire to take extra care during this trying time.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment for the upcoming blood drive either by signing up online at: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). NOTE: If the appointment schedule is full (most recent drives have been full), walk-ins will likely not be able to donate.

Effective June 15th, the Red Cross will test all donors in their blood drives for COVID-19 antibodies. Participants will be notified 7-10 days after the donation with the results. While these tests can be very expensive from other sources, there is no charge in conjunction with the Red Cross blood drives.

Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 Antibody testing:

• The COVID-19 antibody test used by the Red Cross is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
• The Red Cross is not testing to diagnose an illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 28 days.
• The blood donation process will not change — donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation. There will be no charge to donors.
• Due to the anticipated high demand, appointments are highly encouraged.
• Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days of their donation through the Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
• Donors need to have a successful donation to receive the COVID-19 antibody test results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for testing.

Note: Positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity; a positive antibody test indicates potential exposure to the virus.

There is a need for all blood types. You are encouraged to please schedule an appointment to donate blood today.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood. ™

The Senoia Area blood drive is typically held at the Senoia United Methodist Church on a quarterly basis. The events traditionally fall on the first Monday of February, May, August, and November. After the upcoming event on August 3rd, the next blood drive for the Senoia area is scheduled on November 2nd.
Upcoming Gatherings
August Bible Study
Bible Study with Barb will be starting a new study on Wednesday, August 5 , on the Beatitudes from the book of Matthew. We meet at 7:00 each Wednesday evening, either in person in the Fellowship Hall (all social distancing and wearing masks observed) OR via Zoom. The Zoom info is listed below. Some days I tire of hearing on the TV or radio, “In these trying times…..” and yet we have to live through these trying times, whether it’s Covid or any other difficulties that come our way. But isn’t it great that we can take time out each week and think about all the blessings we do have?

Blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and more. Join us on Wednesday evenings and we will all be blessed together. We can overcome “these trying times.” Because we are all blessed! Call or text me, Barb Combs (419-680-2103) if you have any questions.  
Zoom info:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 196 787 919

************************************************************
Giving & Gratitude:
Meeting Monday, August 3, at 7:00pm. All are welcome!

The Giving & Gratitude Connexion Group is currently studying the fruit of the spirit, using the book Living by the Fruit of the Spirit, by Dan Aycock.
Each week is stand-alone, so if you can only attend on differing weeks,
that’s OK. You can come and join us any week you are able
or interested in that week’s fruit.
On Monday, August 3, at 7:00 in the Fellowship Hall, we will look at the fruit of joy. Joy is the echo of God’s life within us! We have great discussions and fellowship every time we meet. Come and join us as we learn more about all the fruits of the spirit. If you would like a copy of the book, let me (Barb Combs) know and I can get it to you. I hope to see you on Monday, August 3 at 7:00!

************************************************************
Spirit Journey
Our Connexion Group, Spirit Journey, is currently studying parables of the Bible. We meet on the 2 nd & 4 th Thursday mornings at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall (social distancing and wearing masks observed). Some bring a lunch or snack along with them to enjoy while we’re gathering. You can also join us via Zoom. The Zoom info is listed below.

Each week we discuss a different parable, following the book Inverted by Tom Ellsworth. I have books for anyone wanting to join us; however, a book isn’t necessary to follow along. You can read the parable in the original book, the Bible!! Our next gathering will be on Thursday, August 13 , with the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). This is open to everyone! Come and see what it’s all about! Call or text me, Barb Combs (419-680-2103) if you have any questions.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 841 362 62727


Please text or call me, 419-680-2103, with all your questions about these groups. Blessings, Barb
Where's the Meat???
Meat collection!
There was a critical shortage of meat .

Our ministry partner, I-58 mission, desperately needs meat! Their clients need meat for a balanced diet. We are collecting meat the next 2 Sundays outside. We will have coolers and ice to place the meat.  Ground beef and chicken is most needed.  Judith Glover, our dear church members and I-58 pantry coordinator, will freeze the meat if its close to expiring. If you buy large packages of meat, Judith will divide them up into family size packs.

If you are not able to drop some off on Sunday mornings, consider dropping off at I-58 M-W from 10-2.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!


💗 You can drop off donations on Pastor Ashley's porch. 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

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.
Christians In Action:
Teacher Appreciation
Serving Lunch at Eastside:
Eastside Elementary School: SUMC will provide a lunch of Publix sandwiches, chips, drinks and cookies. Volunteers are needed at the church at 10:30am, Wednesday, August 5, to help wrap, carry the drinks and coolers, and then go to the school for the delivery (social distancing with masks, of course). We need to make sure they are served on Wednesday, August 5, around 11:30.
Providing Goody Bags to Coweta Charter:
Coweta Charter School: SUMC will provide goody bags to the teachers. They will include school supplies, snacks and other goodies. Volunteers are needed to help pack the bags after church Sunday, August 9th.
If you would like to help in any way with our Teacher Appreciation efforts, please contact Jean Cotton at (770) 599-0993.
Or mail your offering to:
Senoia UMC
P.O. Box 98
Senoia, GA 30276

Sunday 8/2
10:00am Worship in the
Meditation Garden & Side Yard
and via Facebook Live

Monday 8/3
1:00pm Blood Drive
7:00pm Giving & Gratitude Connexion

Wednesday 8/5
Church Office Open Virtually Due to Fogging
10:30am Teacher Appreciation Prep and Service
7:00pm Bible Study - Beatitudes


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:
The office is open. Staff is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9-3, either in person, on line, or by phone.
Please call for an appointment.
Masks are required upon entering the building.
Thank you.