This has been an Easter like no other! The constant in all of this is that God Loves us so much that he gave His Son for us so that we may have abundant life with Him.
Here, at Flowery Branch United Methodist Church, He still calls us to serve and to love. Even keeping a safe distance, we are feeding His sheep through the Food Ministry, we are helping our neighbors by sewing masks for those that need them and we are praying mightily for those in our church family, our friends and loved ones, for our church and for the First Responder's and those on the front line of this COVID 19 virus.
Listed below are some ways our church continues to serve as we are called to do.
Tithes and offerings: You have been good to mail in your tithe or use the online giving button on this website. The Easter offering totaled $3150 with $160 for the Food Ministry. This goes a long way to help pay salaries, pay the bills and help our ministries like Family Promise, the Food Ministry and mission work thru the United Methodist Church.
Food Ministry - 45 Families (167 people) were given food for a nice Easter dinner and supplies to last for a few weeks. Kathy Prater and the team will continue this month on an as needed basis providing food to those in need, however, we will not provide the monthly boxes in May to give everyone a break and keep safe til June or July. Pray for this ministry and the families you support - It is a difficult time for many and the need is great.
Mask Makers - Five women in the church are happy sewing face masks for those that need them. So far they have made close to 60 masks that have been distributed to at risk people in our congregation, First Responder's, nurses and senior/ nursing homes. If you need masks, please email or call the church and we will get some out to you as soon as possible.
Prayer Team - the Prayer Partners continue to pray each Tuesday at 10:00 am and as needs arise, emails or phone texts are sent with special requests. If you have a prayer need - a request or a thanksgiving - please let us know. You may call Pastor Chris or call the church office. Prayer is a strong connectional bond with our Savior that we need every hour and every day.
Messages from Pastor Chris
A note of encouragement from Pastor Chris 3/19/2020 FBUMC family,
I hope this finds you well! Wanted to take some time to update you all on some church activities and upcoming events, as well as encourage you all to continue in being the body of Christ together. I know for me, as well as you all, this has been quite a difficult time. A lot has been taken away from many of us. Some have been sent home from work and school. We've lost the opportunity to celebrate events, and the opportunity to worship. However, the reason we are doing these things is so that we can better love our neighbors. The most loving thing for us to do in this time is to mind the social distancing that is being placed on us and our communities. By doing this, we are able to do our part in caring for one another. I do want to assure you our distance and inability to meet does not prevent us from being the body of Christ together. I would like to encourage you to do something kind for someone during this time. Write and send them a letter or a note of appreciation and love. Have your grandkids draw and color pictures to send to someone who needs a pick me up. Call and check on your church family and friends.
Though we are in this space of waiting and sometimes boredom, we are not prevented from serving God in other ways. I want to encourage you to be innovative in your loving of neighbor during this season of our lives as the world is always in need of more love, especially in times such as these. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chris McCain Christopher.mccain@ngumc.net 334-790-5418
Be sure to tune into our Facebook page this Sunday for a time of worshiping God through the power of technology. Hope to see you there!
March 13, 2020
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PASTOR CHRIS
Dear Flowery Branch UMC family,
In the wake of all that is happening in our area and around the world with regards to the Corona Virus, our Bishop of the North Georgia Conference has requested that our churches cancel all meetings and activities for the next two weeks, including Sunday morning worship. Just as many schools, colleges, and jobs have been closing and preparing for an extended absence due to this virus, so too must our churches. I know there are many of you who feel this is an appropriate measure and what we must do to ensure the health of ourselves, our families, and our communities. I know too that there are some who deem this as an overreaction to a less than serious threat. While this may seem so I assure you that these extra steps of caution may prove to be exactly what was needed to snuff out this virus. Yes, there are those of us who could quite easily overcome this virus, but we must be mindful of those in our families and communities who may be more at risk due to their age or health circumstances. While we might not be at their level of risk, we are still able to be carriers of a virus that could infect these more at-risk individuals resulting in a tragedy. I urge you to be mindful of your interactions with individuals in the coming days especially those who are more at-risk. Be sure to take extra steps of precaution in cleanliness to keep you and your loved ones safe. I know you all have seen and heard numerous lists of precautionary measures we can and should be taking to help prevent the spread of this virus, so I won't go into great detail here. My primary request is that you just be mindful that you too can be a carrier of this disease to those whom it may be a greater threat.
If you would like to continue participating in worship by giving, I assure you this is much appreciated. While our ministries may seem to be temporarily suspended our church expenses are not. You may send a check to our Church that we may count towards an offering at PO box 490, Flowery Branch GA, 30542. If you’d like to be in contact with me, feel free to call or email me with any concerns or prayer requests you may have.
In the meantime, I ask that you continue to be in prayer with me for our medical professionals, our government and its leaders, and all of those who have been affected by this virus. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chris McCain Christopher.mccain@ngumc.net 334-790-5418
Prayers are needed for the Schofields. The Doctors told Mark this week that the ulcer in his stomach is cancer. Mark has asked for prayers that it hasn’t spread. Mark and Melinda are strong in their faith and know that God has them in His care! Pray for these appointments and for strength, courage and healing from the Great Healer! Their address and number is: Mark and Melinda Schofield 4172 Evian Way Gainesville, GA 30507 404-933-1111 (Mark) 404-665-6148 (Melinda)
Baby Eva Mae McCain is coming in May! While her baby shower has been delayed until further notice, Eva Mae still needs our prayers for a safe delivery and that her Mama stayalthy through this difficult time.
Women’s Bible Study of Daniel: We will meet online using Zoom on Sunday evenings at 5:30p If you would like to join us please contact Bea Terrell 404-406-8908 or Julie Goodrow 678-203-4107. Prayer Partners Tuesdays at 10am are praying from home. If you would like to pray with us please call Bea Terrell 404-406-8908 and she will add you to our email prayer list.
The following ongoing events and activities have been temporarily canceled at least through April 5. Trustees’ Corner There's always a need for volunteers to help with projects to keep our little church shining like a light in the community. See any of the board members to say you will help. Your Board members are always available to you and are just a phone call away. If you see something, say something. If you have a concern or suggestion, please speak up and let someone know: Greg Brewer, Chair (770-842-0365) Jan Brewer, Secretary (678-362-1307) Bea Terrell, (614-315-9322) Bob Kepner, (614-315-9322) Mike Sampson (404-414-0708) and Kathy Scott (770-316-6395).
Men’s and Women’s Groups —(UMM and UMW) Our next meeting will be Sunday, March, 15th. This meeting will be a special time of fellowship as we gather to celebrate with a luncheon following morning worship. All are invited to attend.
United Methodist Women – Our missions this year include Murphy Harpst Children's home, our missionary in China, Connie Wieck and our food ministry to families in Flowery Branch. We also support our youth ministry with scholarships to summer camps.
United Methodist Men - Our mission this year has been to help others by serving as 'Mr Fix-it' by mowing yards and helping the elderly with yard work or other projects as needed. See Mark Schofield or Mike Sampson - call the church office 770-967-3441 to volunteer.
The Choir Loft – Dana Jackson – We are gathering at 7p each Wednesday. The choir is practicing music for Easter and Holy Week. Come help us celebrate this season of reflection. You don't have to have a beautiful voice to sing in the choir, just a desire to worship Him in a special way.
Women study - Daniel Bible Study - Sundays at 5:30p We are following along with Beth Moore in her study guide on the book of Daniel. Be encouraged and learn how to stand strong in your faith - to be a Daniel and step up to the pressures we face in our culture today. Note - during this time we are meeting online - if you are interested in joining us please contact Bea Terrell - 404-406-8908, to be added to the conferencing line.
Men's Bible Study - John Hunter leads this Bible study every Sunday at 6pm. They are studying "What's the Bible All About?" Join them and see if you find some answers to your questions about the Bible.
Prayer Partners - We meet every Tuesday at 10:00am in the library
Girl Scouts- Tuesday, 3/9 & 3/23 at 6:30pm Cub Scouts- Every Tuesday at 6:30pm
New School of Music- Classes on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons