Saxapahaw United Methodist Church
September 16, 2020
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A Good Life ~
A Community of Role Models
By Pastor Mitzi
Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. — Deuteronomy 34:9
I don’t remember a time when I did not know Jesus. Perhaps this is not remarkable for someone who has grown up in the church; but what is remarkable is that I grew up in the church at all! Until I was in high school, I was not part of a church-going family. My grandmother, though, had given me a beautiful children’s Bible story book. As soon as I could read, I read it again and again. Even better were the times when someone read it to me. I found its stories and pictures full of adventure, life, and mystery. The book was lost long ago, but I can still call up many of its illustrations in my head.
I lived in more than a dozen towns before I was 12, but remarkably there was always a neighbor, friend, or teacher who arranged to take me to church with them – not just worship, but children’s and youth activities, too. Each Sunday morning from kindergarten on, you would have found me putting on my best dress, polishing my shoes, picking up my mother’s childhood Bible, and sitting on the front porch waiting for my ride. I believe God placed these saints in my life to ensure I would know Christ and the depth of his love for me. I LOVED church — the joy and smiles of adults who barely knew me, the kindhearted Sunday school teachers, and the symbols and mysteries of worship. Church offered the community and continuity I longed for.
This past Sunday, fully one-third of our congregation was children. They sat with parents, grandparents, and neighbors. My hearts soars to see them there! In a time when so many of our children sit in front of screens all week for school, Sunday mornings offer a rare chance for them to enjoy community! If you have any children in your circle of influence, I urge you to prayerfully consider how you might step into the gap and be the Church for them. Who knows? One day it may be them writing a church newsletter!
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Updated Worship Schedule!
All services on Sundays @ 11:00 am
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September 20, Indoor Worship Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. Advance sign up requested. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
- September 27, Outdoor Worship ~ Praise on the Porch, on front lawn
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October 4, Indoor Worship Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. Advance sign up requested. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
- October 11, Outdoor Worship ~ Praise on the Porch, on front lawn
Things to know for Indoor Worship:
Click here for our Healthy Gathering Policy.
Things to know for Outdoor Worship:
- In the case of rain, we'll meet indoors
- Please wear a mask. We have extras.
- Please bring a chair and distance at least 6 feet from other families. We will provide chairs for those who need them.
- Children will be asked to remain at their seats for the children's message.
- A no-contact drop-box will be provided for tithes and offerings.
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A Good Life:
Life-Giving Rhythms for Uncertain Times
Fall Retreat @ Saxapahaw UMC
Saturday, September 26
8:30 am– 12:30 pm
**Planning to attend? Sign up here by THIS Sunday.
We need at least 8 participants to hold the retreat.**
Men, Women, and Older Youth Welcome
- 8-8:30 am Coffee Gathering (At tables outdoors)
- 8:30 am Program (Please bring a bible)
- 12-12:30 pm Bring a bag lunch. Please bring one personal serving of your favorite kind of bread.
The Lord calls out to his worker in the midst of a crowd, “Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? (Psalm 34:12) If you hear the call and your heart cries, “Yes!” then God speaks these words to you. – Prologue to the Rule of St. Benedict
Recent events have set us afloat in time. The rhythms and patterns we have long counted on to provide our lives structure and meaning have shifted under our feet. In this half-day retreat, we will explore the practices of prayer, rest, work, and community that have helped 1500 years of Christians satisfy their deep yearning to experience daily the gracious presence God regardless of what’s going on in the world around them.
Sign up by calling Laurie Newlin (336) 266-0743 or registering here.
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Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost
September 20, 2020
Indoor/Virtual Worship @ 11:00 am
Join our Indoor/Virtual Worship @ 11:00 am either in person or by FaceBook Live, Zoom or phone.
Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. Advance sign up requested. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
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
To view the recorded worship service later, click here.
As always, you are welcome to share this opportunity with a friend or neighbor - all are welcome!
*Jesus For President small group canceled due to low participation.
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Youth News
Youth Group meets this Sunday from 5:00-6:30 pm for games, snacks, spiritual growth and fun.
Please note that our Young Disciples program for 3-5 graders is being suspended due to low turnout for that age group. We will continue to discern how to best serve children in this time of social distancing.
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Congratulations to
Trevor Newport!
Congratulations to Trevor Newport who graduated this year from Alamance Burlington Early College with not only a high school diploma, but also with an Associate's Degree.
Trevor plans to continue his studies at Appalachian State University where his first goal is a BS in mathematics.
Way to go Trevor!
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Mourning Nannie Lou McBane
In the midst of life, we are in death;
from whom can we seek help?
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth. -- Psalm 124:8
Nannie Lou McBane
March 16, 1935 - September 11, 2020
We mourn the loss of Nannie Lou McBane who was for many years an active member of Saxapahaw UMC. SUMC members know her as the sister of Hoover Dixon and mother of Wendy McBane. Others in our community may know her from her years of service as a volunteer with the Moore's Chapel Cemetery Association or as a quilter and teacher of quilting. She passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center after a brief period in Hospice care.
O, Lord, we pray for those, anywhere, who mourn this day for strength, mercy, and peace. Amen.
Cards may be sent to:
Wendy McBane
1542 Petty Rd.
Graham NC 27253
Hoover Dixon
1462 Petty Rd.
Graham NC 27253
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Notes from our Community
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"We thank you so much for the meals the church brings us. They are good and we pray for your church every day." --Fred and Pat Tilley
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"Thank you very much for your generous donation! Our van was totaled so this will help us start a fund to replace it. God always makes a way." --Moore's Chapel Baptist Church.
(Note: The Saxapahaw Trustees donated $1000 to Moore's Chapel after the church suffered significant acts of vandalism).
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The Hawbridge School Expansion!
We are excited to announce that mobilization on our “upper school” begins the week of September 21, 2020!
The new school will serve grades 8-12 while the original building will house our “lower school” for grades K-7. The anticipated opening is August 2021. Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available in October. http://thehawbridgeschool.org/expansion-updates/
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Financial Support for
Those in Need
Saxapahaw UMC offers two financial resources for local families and individuals in need:
Micro Loan Program - Loans of $250 to $2,500 along with relational support. During the pandemic health crisis, all or part of the loan may be forgivable. Loan applications confidentially reviewed by Pastor Mitzi Johnson and our Finance Team. To learn more, click here.
Pastor's Discretionary Fund - Smaller grants ($30 and $150) for one-time crisis assistance (utility bills, medicines, etc.)
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Need Someone To Talk With?
Pray With?
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Contact Pastor Mitzi
919-522-5540 (voice or text)
Pastor Mitzi observes Sabbath on Mondays but can still be reached in case of immediate need.
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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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