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G Chat March 20, 2020

Dear folks,

Our G-chat is taking a different focus as we address the Pandemic.  New efforts to be in touch and care for you are in process. There will be more in here about proactive service and ministry than “events”, all of which have been canceled until further notice.

Your leadership of Cokes has stepped up to take more on to serve and keep us informed!

> I ask you to pray for our Cokes leadership, for our congregation, our Child Care Center on the front lines of ministry, for our community and world.  Pray for me and all pastors who are also seeking to pastor and serve in love.

> You can expect a weekly G-Chat by the end of the week.  I continue to write a daily meditation and post on my email page (friend me if you haven’t) and on the Cokes Chapel Facebook page (connect there too!)

> I plan to do a video Worship/meditation and prayer for Sunday.  It will be posted on my personal and Church page of Facebook.  If you need help getting on either of these, just go to Facebook, join, and “like” or Friend those two sites.

You are loved, prayed for and very special to me and God,

Pastor Lisa

P.S. I really mean this – Lord help me! – you will have a video recorded Message and prayer posted on email/Facebook page at 11:00 am on Sunday for our worship time together in spirit.

 

Launching new Phone Tree Care Team, Thursday, March 19!

Cokes Care Phone Tree Team is now formed as we “hunker down” for this time of social distancing to reach out to our congregation.  Each of you should get a phone call in the next few days from one of our team.  If you don’t, please reach out to Pastor Lisa 770-598-5066. We are still refining our Directory and will be making it available to you very soon!

 

The purpose of the Phone Tree call is to check in with each of you and let you know we care.  You will be asked if there you are self quarantined and do not have help, can we do anything for you – groceries, meds delivered, etc? Our goal is to continue this throughout this time when we are unable to meet for worship and small groups.  Callers will share more as they speak personally with you.

 

Thank you to our new Phone Tree Care Team: Keith Simpson, Lynda Hawkins, Larry Carter, Kelly Bomba, Bob Hatch, Jean Raines, Raven Ferrell, and Carma McCallie. Be expecting a call!


Your Prayer Team has a special prayer prepared for you that will come by separate email.  You are being prayed for!  If you have a prayer request, please reach out to Pastor Lisa by email ldempsey@cokeschapel.org or 770-598-5066 or Debbie Carter by debbiecarter30263@charter.net

or 678-233-4980.


 

Your Finance Chair, Vivian Snyder sent a church-wide email yesterday, Thursday, to keep you updated.  Please check out the “Ways to Give”.  An easy way to keep up is to mail your tithe/giving to Cokes Chapel UMC, 4096 Lower Fayetteville Rd, Sharpsburg, GA 30277, or drop your envelope in the small black mailbox to the right wall/outside the office door.

Remember that your giving to the ministry of Cokes is important to sustaining how we can serve.  We are praying for you, your needs and your concerns too.  We trust that your discipleship will continue in all areas of prayer, worship, giving, service, and witness. It may be taking new forms, but it still can happen!

 


 

The Food Pantry has been Busy on your Behalf!

This last week has been good as we have been having had provisions to give to those facing food scarcity and hard to see how this current Pandemic is affecting our community.

 

Due to this week’s demand, our pantry needs a strong influx of the following supplies:  

It would be very helpful if you could bring your cans already marked on the front of your cans (large enough to see!) with Sell Date

 

These items are in short supply, or out of stock*.

Any or all items will be greatly appreciated!

16 oz. Bag Spaghetti*

16 oz. Bag Egg Noodles*

26 oz. Spaghetti Sauce*

  1 box Crackers*

10 oz. Can of Soup

  5 oz. Can of Tuna* or other meat*

  1 box Cereal*

16 oz. Bag of rice regular size

16 oz. Bag of Dry Beans

  7  oz. Box Macaroni and  Cheese*

  1 small jar Peanut Butter

  1 jar Jelly

Cans of fruit

Cans of vegetables – except:

   no corn, green beans or                         

            sweet peas for now

Just Honk! For food drop off: The office has limited hours, Monday-Wednesday, 10-2 pm, which may be shortened, so call before coming. Betsy will be in the Fellowship Hall this Monday, March 23, from 10-11 am. For drop off. During this time, we will offer curbside pickup – just pull in the handicap space next to the walkway and honk the horn!

A special thanks to every member, and the UMW and Sherba Peek for keeping our pantry ready to serve. Thank you for your generosity!

Know someone who needs assistance? Contact Pastor Lisa at 770-598-5066.


From our Cokes Chapel Child Care Director (Sent to the CCCC Board, summarized for brevity)           
 

March 20, 2020

Good morning everyone,

Bringing you an update….

About other daycares: still open in this area. They have changed the hours and reduced the staff from what I have heard.

 

Our Daycare/Services: classrooms of 10 or less. Established separate playgrounds due to low numbers. Playgrounds are sprayed down in the evening. The playground was professionally cleaned/sanitized Wednesday.

 

Active Health practices: temperatures are monitored throughout the day. Teachers know symptoms and are able to focus on the children. Also, our parents are being very cautious about keeping sick children at home.

 

Current attendance: about 1/3 of our normal attendance. Several are critical workers and have no support system. Other parents are literally bringing their children so they can :

            1. Work from home without distraction

            2. Provide us income so that we can stay open to serve other families that so desperately need our services and

            3. Help be able to cover payroll for our teachers during this time.

I know this to be accurate because I have spoken to several parents this morning about it and our plan for this next week. Today have 20 families that are depending on our care, 15 families are here to help support our business and other families. For those 20 families, we have heard over and over and over about how thankful they are.

We are literally operating on a day-to-day schedule for our parents. They understand the potential to close if that develops. I send a daily email to the parents keeping them updated.

Kristin McCoy, Director of CCCC

Man in Red Drops By! 
Your Leaders in Action! A suggestion was made to put an envelope slot in our Office door to accept your gracious giving.  Thank you for your support and our attentive leadership.  Cokes is who we are in Christ because of You!

A special thanks to Tony Pennington, Don & Barbara Cobb’s long time construction resource. He can do almost anything. Tony showed up the day Don called and installed our shiny new door slot you see! Wouldn’t take a dime for doing it for us! Thank you, Tony! Need his help with home projects?  Contact him at (404) 427-3875.

PRAYER LIST

Current
Alvin Warren, as he moves to Benton House
Burt Taylor
Terri Cannon, friend of Jean Raines
Van Askew, uncle of Jim Askew
Jerry Freeman
Dorothy Croft, Mike Croft’s
mother
Bob Brown, Pat Harkins
brother
Peggy Blackmon, sister of
Paul Snyder
Jill, friend of Carol Ross

Ongoing
Stan Smith, M. Smith’s husband
Roger Harkins
Darius Allen, Marie Allen’s son
Cera Carter
Mick Moore
Jake Thomas, brother-in-law of Lorraine Burt
Pastor Wayne Ellis & Family
Jones family, Howard & Margie, etal
Glenn Etheridge (Pastor)

Homebound:
Marie Allen
Merlene Smith
Joyce Taylor
Claudette Schunk
Jerry & Del Lenox
 
 

Copyright © 2020 Cokes Chapel UMC, All rights reserved.

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G Chat March 6, 2020

Easter Hydrangeas
We will be decorating our church with hydrangeas on Easter Sunday.  If you would like to purchase one of these beautiful flowers in honor of or in memory of someone, please fill out the signup sheet in the narthex or Worship Center. Then put $20 cash or check – made out to Cokes Chapel UMW – in the provided envelope and place in the collection plate.  The deadline for ordering hydrangeas is March 29, 2020.

Reminder:  Town Hall meeting on the future of the UMC here in North Georgia and beyond, with Bishop Sue on Sunday, March 29, at Fayetteville First UMC 3:30


All men are invited to our new United Methodist Men’s Group!! 
The UMM are hosting breakfast on Saturday, March 14th at 8:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.  We will have breakfast, do a bit of business, and most exciting – we are fortunate to have Louis Johnson, President of the North Georgia Conference of UMM as our guest speaker.  I promise that you won’t get bored! Questions? Cliff Seyler at cliffcfc14@gmail.com or 252-562-3077.
 
 


MARCH 22, 2020 is UMCOR SUNDAY.  If your heart leads you give, please write UMCOR in the memo of your check/or envelope.
UMC congregations take part in a special offering, providing for United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) ministry. UMCOR alleviates human suffering around the world in disaster relief/supplies, disaster risk reduction, health, and humanitarian development. This annual offering covers the cost of administration so 100% of giving to a specific UMCOR project, like the hurricane that hit Puerto Rico.  Your sacrificial gift makes a difference!


Women’s Lunch Bunch
 will be going to Barnstormer’s Grill on Thursday, March 12th.  The bus will be leaving the church parking lot at 10:30 am.  Questions contact Vivian Snyder at 770-304-6563.


Outreach:  The Outreach Committee requests pop-top ravioli cups for the Backpack Buddies.  Drop donations in the Narthex or Worship Center.  Monetary donations designated for Backpack Buddies will also be accepted.  Please contact Jessica Askew at jaskew40@att.net with any questions.
 


Labyrinth Update:
Despite the rain, progress is being made! Jackson Smith and the planning team wish to thank you for your support and donations in constructing and funding our prayer labyrinth.  As progress is made, we are able to project a cost of $ 3,000.00.  To date, Cokes family and others have given $ 1,200. in donations. This is phenomenal!  Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Thank you.
 
If you have not yet given to the Prayer Labyrinth project and wish to support its construction and supplies, you may write the check/donate cash to Cokes Chapel UMC and designate on the memo line of the check or envelope “Labyrinth” to assure your gift is credited to the proper place.

Prayer Labyrinth First Use! Our Prayer labyrinth will be ready on Good Friday, Friday, April 10 for a walk.  Integrating prayer into the Friday service will enhance our reflections and preparation for Easter Sunday.  The Worship will be set up with stations that will allow you to read, reflect and stop to remember Holy Week at different points, including the Prayer Labyrinth.  This inaugural use of the prayer walk can open our spirits to a richer experience on Easter morning!
 


 
Church Work Day – Saturday, April 4thjoin your church family for a church-wide beautification day.  The congregation is asked to donate flower packs and help plant.  You may also contribute to the cost of loads of dirt or mulch to get ready for Easter.  Kevin Beam will help with planting.  Designate checks to “outdoor flowers”.  We will be starting at 8:00 am.  Wear gloves and work boots.  Bring your own shovel, rake or wheelbarrow. 



G Chat February 28, 2020

We will continue to do blood pressure checks the 1st Sunday of each month in the acolyte/communion room after worship.  Stop by THIS SUNDAY!

Trustees have scheduled two Church Workdays:
Saturday, March 7thjoin your church family for outdoor spring cleaning.  Starting at 8:00 am we will pick up garbage, debris, do power-washing, wood-chipping and/or burn.  Congregation, Scouts, and Youth are asked to pitch in to get ready for Easter!  Wear gloves, and bring your own work tools, rake, shovel, weed wacker, wheelbarrow and cheerful spirit.
 
Saturday, March 21stjoin your church family for a church-wide beautification day.  The congregation is asked to donate flower packs and help plant.  You may also contribute to cost of loads of dirt or mulch to get ready for Easter.  Kevin Beam will help with planting.  Designate checks to “outdoor flowers”.  We will be starting at 8:00 am.  Wear gloves and work boots.  Bring your own shovel, rake or wheelbarrow. 


Outreach:
The Outreach Committee is requesting donations of pop-top ravioli cups for the Backpack Buddies food drive.  Donations may be dropped off in the Narthex or Worship Center.  Monetary donations designated for Backpack Buddies will also be accepted.  Please contact Jessica Askew at jaskew40@att.net with any questions.


Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts would like to share that the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come. 
 
Scouting programs will continue.  Regular unit meetings and activities, other Scouting adventures and countless services projects will continue at Cokes Chapel.
 
For additional information see www.BSArestructuring.org.

Labyrinth Update:
Jackson Smith has begun the installation of our Prayer Labyrinth.  It is located outside the Worship Center, on your left, facing the building. Our labyrinth will add a new ministry dimension to our church and community.  It will also be registered with the National Labyrinth Society.  Building a labyrinth is a costly project.  Your donations would be greatly appreciated.  Any unused funds will be donated to Cokes Chapel. Please designate funds by writing “labyrinth” in the memo section of the check or on the envelope. I am very excited about this project because of its uniqueness and benefit to the church and the community.  Thank you so much for helping me accomplish my goal!   
Yours in Christ, Jackson Smith

If you are interested, join us on Monday, March 3rd at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a labyrinth planning meeting.  We will discuss the Grand Opening and fundraising.  Questions contact Pastor Lisa

 
Our New United Methodist Men’s Group is off to a great start!
Our next meeting is a breakfast meeting on Saturday, March 14th at 8:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.  We will have breakfast, do a bit of business, but the most exciting part of the meeting will be our speaker!  We are fortunate to have Louis Johnson, President of the North Georgia Conference of United Methodist Men coming.  I promise that you won’t get bored!  He will help us to get started the right way!  Questions?  Contact Cliff Seyler at cliffcfc14@gmail.com or call him at 252-562-3077.

A note from the Finance Committee:

GENERAL FUNDS are those funds donated to the church for general operating costs including payroll, programs, insurance (i.e. buildings, workers comp) mortgages (Youth House, CCCC building, bus lease), capital improvements (i.e. HVAC), maintenance repairs, utilities, plus other smaller expenses.

Currently, we have a number of aging buildings and support the utilities for three buildings (utilities run $12,000 annually).  All the Cokes ministries require your faithful and generous donations.  Keeping the lights on and maintaining repairs is as important to our ministries as providing Holy Communion…it is all part of worshipping our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 



G Chat February 21, 2020

THIS SUNDAY:
Housing & Homeless Offering:
Cokes Chapel UMC will collect the North Georgia Conference Housing and Homeless Offering on February 23rd.  100% of this offering goes to ministries serving our neighbors experiencing poverty.  See insert for more information. 
Please prayerfully consider supporting this important work on February 23rd.

Ash Wednesday
Plan on joining us for Ash Wednesday services this Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
 
Cokes Chapel Childcare Center Volunteer Opportunity:
The Childcare Center is looking for members of the congregation and/or community to come speak to the children about their current and/or past jobs.  The children love to interact and ask questions. There are various opportunities and time slots available the weeks of February 24th-28th and March 2nd-6th.  If you’d like to volunteer to speak to the children.  Contact kmccoy@cokeschapelchildcare.com or call the office at 770-253-6414.
 


Outreach:
The Outreach Committee is requesting donations of pop top ravioli cups for the Backpack Buddies food drive.  Donations may be dropped off in the Narthex or Worship Center.  Monetary donations designated for Backpack Buddies will also be accepted.  Please contact Jessica Askew at jaskew40@att.net with any questions.


Carma McCallie and Mike Kimbell invite their
Cokes Chapel family to join them on Saturday,
February 29, 2020 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon
as they exchange wedding vows.  Reception
immediately following in the Contemporary
Worship Center.

 
To the congregation from Committee on Finance:
Designated Funds are funds set aside from the General Fund for a specific use or purpose, such as our current Labyrinth project. 
 
If you are designating funds to a special group (i.e. Youth Ministry), event (i.e. Angel Tree), memorial fund (i.e. John Hagen memorial stone), mission (i.e. Missionaries) or special offering (i.e. new carpet or landscaping), you MUST write the title of the group, event, mission, etc. at the bottom of your check or designate the funds with title written on the front of an offering envelope with your check or cash inside.  All funds that are not designated will go into general funds and used for the operation of our ministries.
 
Boy Scouts
 The Boy Scouts would like to share the following information from their national organization with the church family.
 
Today, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come. 
 
It is important to know that Scouting programs will continue.  Regular unit meetings and activities, other Scouting adventures and countless services projects will take place as usual.
 
For additional information see www.BSArestructuring.org.

Labyrinth:

Dear friends,
My name is Jackson Smith.  I am a Life Scout working toward my Eagle Scout rank.  A big step in this process is the Eagle project, and I am looking for help to complete it. 
My project is building a prayer labyrinth at Cokes Chapel UMC in Sharpsburg GA.  A prayer labyrinth is a form of meditation through movement.  It is a winding path that as you get closer to the center, you get closer to God.
This prayer labyrinth will add a new worship ministry to our church and community.  It will also be registered in the National Labyrinth registry with the Labyrinth Society.  However, building the labyrinth is a large and fairly costly project.  This is where you can help.  I am seeking monetary donations to help me build it.  Any amount would be greatly appreciated, and unused money, if any, will be donated to Cokes Chapel.  Please send checks or cash to:
                                              Cokes Chapel UMC
                                              4096 Lower Fayetteville Rd
                                              Sharpsburg, GA 30277
 
Write “labyrinth” in the memo section of the check and it will go into a designated church holding account. 

I am very excited about this project because of its uniqueness and benefit to the church and the community.  Thank you so much for helping me accomplish my goal, even if it’s just by giving me your time. 
                                             

Yours in Christ,                                                                                                                 
Jackson Smith

P.S.  If you have an interest in labyrinths, you can find where one is located near you at labyrinthlocator.com.  It is a worldwide registry of labyrinths.