Peggy’s Ponderings
The UnitedMethodistChurch is unique in that it guarantees each ordained minister a place to serve. It guarantees that you will always have a minister for Commonwealth – whether we are a church individually or combined with other churches. Some other denominations struggle with securing ministers or even keeping ministers. I believe that the structure of the UnitedMethodistChurch is a gift – in that within its structure we can do so many things to make our communities – and even our world – a better place. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) serves in disaster scenes all over the world. We are a United Methodist presence wherever there is a crisis. I’m proud to be a United Methodist. I’m proud that Commonwealth United Methodist is a UnitedMethodistChurch and that the money we pay for our apportionments goes to help others. That’s what a church ought to do. A church is a mission organization.
Our United Methodist Discipline says this:
“Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers and the redemption of the world. The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world … the local church is a strategy base from which Christians move out to the structures of society…therefore, the local church is to minister to persons in the community where the church is located, to provide appropriate training and nurture to all, to cooperate in ministry with other local churches, to defined God’s creation and live as an ecologically responsible community, and to participate in the worldwide mission of the church, as minimalexpectations of an authentic church.”
I hope you will read those words from the Discipline again. Which of those things do we do well? What are our strengths and weaknesses?
You see, the church is not all about us – whether we’re warm or comfortable – whether we agree or disagree. Yes, we care about one another. Yes, we nurture you in the faith. Yes we celebrate births and sacraments. We celebrate marriages and provide a sacred time for the passing of our loved ones. Yes we preach the Gospel. But our true purpose is to make disciples – to go out into the world serving others in the name of Christ. We can serve others on Commonwealth Avenue or all across North Carolina. We can serve others in Korea and Africa. John Wesley believed the world was his parish. I do too.
We need to look at a broader view of Christianity. In today’s society, the world is drawn closer together through advanced technology. What happens in one part of the world affects us. The world is indeed our parish.
So during 2012, I want us to think of ways we can go outside the walls of this church to serve others and to make disciples. God has blessed us. God has blessed this church. Let’s find ways to bless others.
See you on Sunday. Come and be blessed.
Peggy
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LOST & FOUND
A CardPass was found in the narthex on 1-8-12. It can be claimed in the church office.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.
Worship Service – 11:00 a.m.
February 12, 2012
The 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture: Mark 1: 40-45
Sermon: “Belief in Jesus”
“A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’” (Mark 1: 40)
February 12 Worship Assistants:
Steward: John Beaver
Ushers: Patricia Borchert and
Dawn Beaver
Acolyte: Mackenzie Garlick
Nursery: Kay Little
Counters: Jackie Samuels
and Perry Beaver
LENTEN SERVICES
Here at Commonwealth our Community Lenten Services will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22. I will be preaching on the 22nd and Commonwealth will be responsible for the meal. Please call Jackie Samuels if you can help.
Please note the schedule below:
Feb. 22, Peggy Bridgers preaches (Commonwealth provides lunch); Tom will assist.
Feb. 29, Tom Tate preaches (Plaza provides lunch); Nancy will assist.
March 7, Nancy Kraft preaches (Holy Trinity provides lunch); Kyle will assist.
March 14, Kyle McCain preaches (St. Luke provides lunch); Garry will assist.
March 21, Garry Baldwin preaches (Midwood provides lunch); Mike will assist.
March 28, Mike Harris preaches (Kilgo provides lunch); Peggy will assist.
Good Friday, April 6,
All will assist.
EasterSunrise Service, April 8, Preacher to be announced.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
“Call Him Savior”
Our Lenten Bible Study begins on Wednesday, February 22. We will again have 2 classes –one that begins at 2:00 p.m. and one that begins at 6:30 p.m. Choose the time that’s best for you.
The class will last for 7 weeks and the cost of the books is $9. You may pay at the beginning of the first class.
You do not have to be a member of the church to attend. Everyone is welcome.
Call the church to register or fill out one of the registration forms.
We have the Bible Study on tape for the visually impaired.
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NEW DIRECTORY COMING SOON
The New Directory is coming soon. Let us know as soon as possible of any address or phone number changes. We want it to be as accurate as possible.
ROOM-IN-THE-INN
2011-2012
Our next night of responsibility will be Sunday,February 19. The following Monday is a holiday.
If you can help in any way – let Donna know as soon as possible.
RESPONSIBLITIES
Evening 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Greet guests, help them settle in, prepare supper, make bag lunches for next day, set tables, make coffee, set dessert table, set up serving table, lay out bacon on parchment for breakfast, clean kitchen.
Overnight People
Two people needed for each night.
Next Morning
4:15 to 6:30 A.M.
Cook breakfast, make coffee, serve, make sure dirty linens are ready for pick-up, check bathrooms and empty trash, clean kitchen and mop floors.
OUR STEWARDSHIP
SUNDAY SCHOOL
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
FEBRUARY 5, 2012
Sunday School 11
Church 38
CHURCH GIVING
FEBRUARY 5, 2012
Budget, Memorial $2599.00
“Souper Bowl” $83.00
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2011 STEWARDSHIP REPORTS
A few weeks ago, the 2011 Contribution Statements were mailed. Please check to see if there are errors. If there are, call the church office and any error will be corrected.
If you do not receive a statement and need one, please let the church office know.
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MEMORIAL
In Memory of R. C. Pridgen
By: Carroll York
PLEASE NOTE!
Worship Committee Meeting after church this Sunday, February 12.
Members of the committee are: Kay Little, Peggy D. Bridgers, Janice M. Rose, Mary Pearre, Alice Shepherd, Jack Rose, Sandra Pearre, Adriane Beaver, Frances Pridgen, Marie Rich, Sue Morrison, Sonya Garlick.
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Shepherd’s Center East
Valentine’s Tea
English Tea and Entertainment
St. Stephens UMC
February 12, 2012
3:30 p.m. - Cost $25.00
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Wesleyan Circle
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
12:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Cooperative Parish Committee
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
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Room-in-the-Inn
Sunday, February 19, 2012
4:00 p.m.
Kilgo UMC Fellowship Hall
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Church Office Closed
On President’s Day
Monday, February 20, 2012
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Ash Wednesday Lenten Service
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
12 Noon - Sanctuary
Lunch 12:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
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Lenten Bible Study
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2:00-3:30 pm. and 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
MEMORIAL UMC JOY CLUB TRIP
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012
Wohlfhart Haus Dinner Theater
Wytheville, VA
“Patsy Cline” Musical
Call Janice Rose at 704-536-5753 if you are interested in going. The price of the trip is$75.00 per person which includes one meal, transportation, andticketto the play.
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A THANK YOU
FROM LOAVES & FISHES
We recently received a thank you from Beverly Howard, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes. We contributed 354 pounds of food to the pantry. Thanks for your generosity. Keep it up! Meeting hunger needs is a year-long effort.
OUR PRAYER LIST
Phyllis Baker, Emma Grace Barnes, Milton Burgess, Bobbie Denny, Joann Fitzsimmons, Nancy Godfrey, The Gulledge Family, Bobbie Hagler, The Hardy Family, Sandy Hirsch, The Jackson Family, David Jones, Scott Keever, Jennie Kehoe, Louise and Horace Lee, Martha Lee, Anne and Sarah Lever, Lucille McConnell, Evelyn McRae, Stephen Mims, Jackie Nolan, Edna Ormand, Charles Page, The Pridgen Family, Bill Richardson, LaVerne Roberts, Leonard Robinson, Hannah Rushing, Larry Shepherd, Edith Simmons, Lynne Skelton, Gerald Smith, Tara Snider, Nancy Schwaiger Stacey, Jim Trollinger, Cathy Weaver, Margery Weaver, O.J. Weaver, Mabel Winn, Jerry Wood
AND OUR CARE FACILITY RESIDENTS
Mable Davis, Dorothy Fitzpatrick, Maxine Kincaid, Hazel Lands, Judy Ledwell, Ann Pike, Ralph Stephenson, Jean Stoneman, Ellen Williams