From the Senior Pastor
G
United Methodist Church
841 Quapaw Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Brighten your Church, O God with the promise of your kingdom
and waken our hearts to its light. Bid us hasten with faith
undimmed to greet the bridegroom’s return and to enter the
wedding feast. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.
November 5, 2014
Building Faith, Bringing Hope, and Reaching Out in Love
Opening Prayers, Canterbury Press, page 118
The Holy Gospel for November 9 sounds like a text for Advent. During
Advent we not only recall the first coming of Jesus as a babe at
Bethlehem, we also remember this babe who was born at Bethlehem
will one day come again with power and great glory as judge and ruler
of all. (During Advent we also remind ourselves Christ continually
comes to each of us).
The text I’m referring to is St. Matthew 25:1-13, which is the Parable of
the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids. The parable begins with ten young
virgins who go to wait at the home of the bride for the coming of the
bridegroom and the beginning of the marriage festivities; however, the
bridegroom is delayed and the waiting drags on beyond what is
planned. The young women fall asleep only to be awaken by the cry,
“Look! Here is the bridegroom!” They awake and tend to their lamps in
preparation for the bridegroom’s arrival. Five of these young women
were prepared with extra oil for their lamps while the other five brought
no extra oil and had to go buy some. While they were gone they missed
out on the bridegroom’s arrival. Upon the bridegroom’s arrival the
celebration begins and the door is closed and locked. The five
unprepared maidens are left out!
The point is clear: people of faith should be ready to receive Jesus
whenever he returns at his Second Coming, which is a belief we profess
in The Apostles’ Creed: Jesus “will come again to judge the living and
the dead.” In the Nicene Creed we say: “He will come again in glory to
judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.”
God’s kingdom has been opened to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. As
we wait for the return of Christ and the consummation of his kingdom,
we wait by loving God and loving others – by living out kingdom values
in our daily lives. The Beatitudes read on November 2 reveal the
character marks of those who belong to the Kingdom of God (St.
Matthew 5:1-12). The Summary of the Law read on October 26 teach us
to love God and our neighbor (St Matthew 22:34-40). Both of these
scriptures prepare us for reading the Parable of the Wise and Foolish
Bridesmaids by teaching us how to live so as to be prepared for the
return of our Lord. Are you ready?
Continued on page 2
Continued from Page 1
Wake, awake for night is flying; the watchmen on the heights are crying:
Awake, Jerusalem, at Last! Midnight hears the welcome voices and at the thrilling cry
rejoices; come forth, ye virgins, night is past; the Bridegroom comes, awake; your lamps
with gladness take: Alleluia! And for his marriage feast prepare, for ye must go and meet
him there. (The United Methodist Hymnal, #720)
- George E. Rook
Welcome!
It is a pleasure to welcome Bobbie Johnston and David and Robin Oliver as our newest members. Bobbie
was received into membership on Thursday, October 30 while David and Robin were received into
membership during the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, November 2. All were received by transfer from
another congregation in the city. Welcome!
In Sympathy
Sympathy is extended to the family of Edith Hildreth. The service is 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 7th at
the Chapel of Hot Springs Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Morning Star Cemetery.
Stewardship Campaign Has Begun!
John Wesley, the primary founder of the Methodist movement, frequently spoke about money and its
relationship to our lives as followers of Christ. Regarding money, his most famous words to the early
Methodists were to gain, save, and give all that one can. Perhaps less famous were his concerns that
many Methodists were quite content to follow two-thirds of his advice; that is, many were gaining and
saving, but few were truly giving as much as they could. Some things change very little. One of the key
roles for the committee on finance is to encourage contemporary United Methodists to continue to take
John Wesley’s complete message to heart.
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly nor under compulsion, for God
loves the cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7)
Please give all that you can. Cheerfully complete your pledge card and return by Loyalty Sunday,
November 23.
Pat Penor
Finance Committee Chairman 2015
UMW Meetings...
November 11th 10:00 a.m. Mary
Esther Circle
November 24th 6:30 p.m. Deborah
Circle-GAUMC
For the month of November
the Outreach Store is collecting
1 pound bags of dried Pinto
Beans!
This N’ That
Wheelchair Available: Thanks to the Outreach Store for passing along a donated wheelchair for on site
church use!
Worship Folder: Each Sunday a large print version of our Worship Folder is available from the ushers.
Hearing devices are also available from the ushers.
Hospital Visitation: Our Grand Avenue clergy share in hospital visitation. If you would like a visit when you
are hospitalized, please contact the Church Office so we will know you are there and would like a visit
(501-623-5626).
Inclement Weather Policy: If the Hot Springs Public Schools are closed (or road conditions are bad enough
on the weekends for them to be closed), Grand Avenue United Methodist Church will be closed,
including for Sunday worship at all services.
Christmas Program
On Sunday, December 14 the children of Grand Avenue will present their annual Christmas program
during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
Rehearsals will be held during children's church on November 23, November 30 and December 7. This
year the program will include children from age 4 through 6th grade.
Each child must attend at least one of the rehearsals in order to participate and be present for the final
rehearsal during Sunday School (9:45 a.m.) on December 14.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of the people listed below. We hope all of our
children will be able to be part of the program.
Ellen Clements, Carla Haynie, Carol Scrivner, Mary Tom Taylor
Debbie’s Doodle’s
All of us continue to make preparations for the changing of seasons and this poem
by Glenna Baugh, sums up our feelings. ONE LAST LOOK. “ Take one last look at
autumn leaves blowing gently in the breeze, Each changing season God sends and
we know each season ends. Take one last look as autumn leaves fall from the
beautiful trees standing so tall, Season changes never bring sadness, each new
season is a time of gladness. Thank you, God, for one last look and the beauty of
this day. As autumn begins to fade we know another season is on the way.” With
each leaf you rake, thank God for your life and count His blessings you have
received. Happy November….Peace from Perry
Keenagers will have their Thanksgiving Dinner at Noon on
Thursday, November 20th in the Fellowship Hall. Turkey and
dressing will be provided, bring your favorite side dish. We will visit
West Shores afterwards. All are invited to attend and bring a friend!
Memorials
In Memory of James Sims
Janice Carhart
Bob & Ellen Clements
Deborah Circle
Cliff & Cynthia Keheley
Joe & Carol Peters
Upper Room Class
Skip & Kay Holland
In Memory of Carl Ray Turner
Deborah Circle
Bob & Ellen Clements
Cliff & Cynthia Keheley
Jim & Jean Lucas
Joe & Carol Peters
Mary Tom Taylor
Upper Room Class
Linda Stanley
In Memory of Mary Jo Dahl
Jim & Jean Lucas
Dickey & Martha Dale Cooley
Clara Jane Presock
Virgil & Earlene Goodwin
In Memory of Verna Salazar
Skip & Kay Holland
Cliff & Cynthia Keheley
Dickey & Martha Dale Cooley
Morris & Shari Coston
In Memory of Carolyn Cox
Shirley Green
In Memory of Audrey Tedford
Bob & Pat Heusel
In Memory of Melba Ramsay
Johnnie Fisher
In Memory of Pam Warren
Jim & Jean Lucas
Deborah Fink
In Memory of Myrl Thrash
Virgil & Earlene Goodwin
In Memory of Joe Helen Cook
Jim & Jean Lucas
In Memory of Ted Chancey
Jim & Jean Lucas
A New Beginning
Esther and Mary Martha Circles have combined to form Mary Esther Circle. This has been a prayerful
and methodical process:
1. Last spring, the idea of combining our 2 Circles was introduced in each Circle;
2. Early this September, the executive committees of both Circles met together, developing an
11 point questionnaire, covering concerns such as the name, day and time of meeting, and possible
officers, locations, providing programs and refreshments, outside speakers, local Mission focus, and
need for telephone and transportation committees;
3. The questionnaire was presented at the September meetings of each Circle, giving each
member the opportunity to offer her thoughts and suggestions. Those not present were contacted by
phone and given the same opportunity;
4. The executive committees met early in October to combine their results. Finding agreement
to combine the 2 Circles, the results were: Mary Esther Circle to meet the second Tuesday of the month
at 10:00 a.m., with refreshments to be served at the beginning and locations to include the Fellowship
Hall, Louise Hale’s home, West Shores and a picnic. Suggestions were also given for speakers and our
Mission focus. A slate of officers was developed from the questionnaire, with the office of Mission
Coordinator added.
5. Esther Circle was invited to Mary Martha’s October 14th scheduled meeting at Louise Hale’s
home. The above results were shared and ratified. It was also agreed that our 2015 local Mission focus
would be Safe Haven and Ouachita Childrens Home, and that monthly postcard reminders would
continue, with phone calls and transportation to be added as needed. It was also agreed that Mary
Esther Circle would begin with the next November 11th meeting in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m.,
with the World Thank Offering program to be given by Jewel Larue and refreshments by Becky
Castleberry. Our December meeting will be on Tuesday, December 9th at West Shores.
We are looking forward to being a stronger witness and disciple in Mission. If you have been wondering
about joining a Circle, now would be an exciting time to begin! We look forward to seeing YOU on
Tuesday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall!!
Thanks,
Mary Kratz, Chairman
501-262-0633
MISSION/OUTREACH NEWS
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: When Samaritan’s Purse first began collecting shoe box gifts in 1993, they
thought 28,000 gifts was a lot. Twenty years later, in 2013, God worked through people like you to reach
almost 10,000,000 children! The folks involved in this ministry believe that the Lord has supplied all
these gifts for one purpose, and that is “to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
Already Samaritan’s Purse Ministries has seen 1.1 million shoebox recipients trust Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior through Operation Christmas Child’s discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. Many
of them are now little evangelists, eager to share their faith with family and friends. The goal for OCC
this year is 10,000,000 boxes. Have you done your part to continue this amazing evangelism program?
Shoeboxes with instructional flyers inside are available in the sanctuary of GAUMC. Our church ingathering will be during 10:50 worship service on Sunday, November 16, 2014. More information
including videos of children who have received the boxes is available on the internet at
samaritanspurse.org or at facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes.
Grand Avenue United Methodist Church will once again serve as the regional RELAY CENTER FOR
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. During the week of November 17-24, individuals, families, churches and
other organizations will bring their filled shoeboxes to our church to be packed and relayed to Little Rock.
Can you help? Please sign-up with Ana in the church office if you can volunteer during any of the times
listed below:
Relay Center Hours:
Sunday
Monday
11/17
Tuesday
11/18
Wednesday
11/19
Thursday
11/20
Friday
11/21
Saturday
11/22
1:00-4:00
9:30-12:30
9:30-12:30
1:00-4:00
9:00-12:00
10:00-1:00
11/23
11/24
2:00-5:00
9:00-12:00
WESLEY FOUNDATION ARKADELPHIA: GAUMC will provide lunch for students at Henderson State
University and Ouachita University in Arkadelphia on Tuesday, December 5. Support from local churches
is important for the mission of the United Methodist Student Center on college campuses. If you are
available on that day, sign-up with Ana in the church office.
OZARK MISSION PROJECT: Last week received a call from the director of the Ozark Mission Project asking if
Grand Avenue UMC could once again host a week’s mission camp next summer. The Administrative
Council of our church has already voted to support OMP’s summer camps in 2015 in whatever way they
need. So we said “YES” to serving as the mission headquarters for an OMP camp during the week of
June 21-27, 2015. Thanks to all the individuals and groups who make this work so effectively from year
to year….and get your calendar marked for that week next summer, PLEASE!
FEED THE HUNGRY: The response of GAUMC members to help feed the hungry folks of Hot Springs
through our three-fold mission project has been amazing. If you missed that information and need a place
to help in fulfilling Jesus’ command to feed the hungry, please consider the following as the Body of
Christ called Grand Avenue United Methodist Church continue to do the following:
Donate used clothing and household items to the United Methodist Thrift Shop on Albert Pike Road,
Hot Springs….
Pledge $20 a month to the Backpacks for Kids food program that feeds 28 students each weekend
from Hot Springs Intermediate and Middle Schools…
Donate food items to GAUMC for the pantry the Area Agency on Aging takes to seniors whose
income won’t make it through the month….or offer to serve as the church liaison to that agency to
make sure what we donate is what they need.
Talk to Ana in the church office to find out how you can sign-up and be counted on to help.
Interested in a Sewing Ministry?
The Congregational Care Committee is interested in re-starting the Prayer
Shawl Ministry with the idea of expanding that effort into a Sewing Circle
for the Church. Women (and men) who enjoy or want to learn all types of
needle work (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilting or sewing machine)
are encouraged to come to an organizational meeting to consider what might
be done. Ideas include different kinds of prayer shawls along with newborn
baby caps for hospitals, church banners, and communion linens. Other
ideas are also welcome! If you are interested in this type of ministry, please
come to the organizational meeting Sunday, November 16 following the
10:45 a.m. service in the Fellowship Hall.
The
Keenagers
Ukulele
Band
entertained
guests at
Shangri-La
Resort along
with
Accordion
player, Bill
Kratz!
Non-Profit
G
U S Postage Paid
United Methodist Church
Hot Springs, AR 71901
841 Quapaw Avenue
Permit No. 170
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Upcoming Dates...
Thursday, November 6
9:30 a.m.
Disciple Study
Saturday, November 8
10:00 a.m.
UMW Fall Conference-First
UMC, Hot Springs
Sunday, November 9
8:30 a.m.
Worship
9:15 a.m.
Fellowship
9:45 a.m.
Sunday School
10:45 a.m.
Worship
Noon
New Member Potluck Lunch
Monday, November 10
10:00 a.m.
Ukulele Band
Noon
Outreach Appreciation
Luncheon
Tuesday, November 11
10:00 a.m.
Mary Esther Circle-FH
Noon
Bible Study
5:00 p.m.
Tutoring
5:30 p.m.
Agape/Dinner
7:15 p.m.
Meeting
Wednesday, November 12
5:30 p.m.
Jubilee Bells
6:30 p.m.
Choir Practice
Special Note…
Thursday, November 13
9:30 a.m.
Disciple Study Deadline for the next
Grand Ave News is
6:30 p.m.
UMM
November 17th
Sunday, November 16
8:30 a.m.
Worship
9:15 a.m.
Fellowship
9:45 a.m.
Sunday School
10:45 a.m.
Worship
Noon
Sewing Organizational Mtg.
12:15 p.m.
Choir Practice
Monday, November 17
10:00 a.m.
Ukulele Band
5:30 p.m.
Finance Committee