G Chat October 22, 2020

         
      “In-Person” Worship in our Sanctuary 
                                       NEW TIME: 10:00 am

As we return to indoor worship, we continue to social distance, wear masks and provide sanitizer in consideration of one another’s health safety.  Thank you for abiding by these guidelines!  For those who remain sheltered in, worship will be videotaped and uploaded for you sometime Sunday afternoon. You may refer to the recent “Returning to Inside Worship” from Pastor Lisa for further details.

From your pastor:
Last spring, I was awarded a month long sabbatical from the North Georgia Conference for 20 years of service to the UMC.  I had scheduled that time for May, however the Covid event started just prior to that time, so I canceled.  Since the Sabbatical program is currently not functioning due to COVID difficulties, I have been reminded to take some time by using vacation, November 1-21.  I am thankful that I serve a church that supports my need for rest and renewal, and am grateful for you!

Filling the pulpit on these 3 Sundays will be Kim Reindl, our All Saints service, on November 1. November 8 and 15, Reverend Joe Watson, a retired elder in the UMC will be leading worship.  Reverend Watson was recommended by our District Superintendent Susan Landry.  In case of pastoral concerns, please contact Larry Carter at 770-871-0051.

I will be back in the pulpit on Sunday, November 22, and “rair’in” to go for our Advent season.  God has good plans for Cokes Chapel!  As we all anticipate the beginnings of the Christmas season and the birth of our Savior, may each of you find moments of rest and renewal also.  You are in my prayers even when away, when resting and yes, on vacation! 
Love and peace, Pastor Lisa

“Finding Our Way”   Join us in this sermon series through out October for a month-long focus on prayer.  Jesus’ taught on prayer throughout his ministry.  Prayer is the lifeblood to our faith. Prayer is  a sacred time when we open to the Holy Spirit to reveal, teach, comfort, and heal.  

October can provide fresh focus for strengthening our prayer life. Let’s saturate our hearts and lives with prayer for the benefit of our soul and to the glory of God.  May this season be full of the presence of God as we pray, grow, witness and serve one another and the world! 

Peace, Pastor Lisa

Worship Information

Sunday, October 25th in the Sanctuary 10:00 am
                                   Scripture:  Matthew:  4:1-12                                                                                              Sermon:  “A Way of Blessing”

 We continue to maintain our Covid guidelines of social distancing, wearing masks, as well as other items you can read about here:  https://www.cokeschapel.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Worship-Guidelines-for-Individuals.pdf
https://www.cokeschapel.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Guidelines-for-Individuals.pdf

Donations Needed!
 
Candy and Trinkets are needed for Fall Celebrations in the
Cokes Chapel Childcare Center.

 
Given current restrictions both within the Cokes Chapel Childcare Center (CCCC) and the church due to COVID-19, the annual Trunk-or-Treat children’s event will not take place this year.  In lieu of the event, the CCCC will host several fall activities within their individual classrooms. 
 
As a Cokes Chapel family, we still have the opportunity to support the ministry of our CCCC through the donations of candy and prizes/trinkets.  During the month of Octoberplease bring any donations with you to worship on Sunday mornings or drop them off in the plastic bin outside the church office.  THANK YOU!
 

Sunday, October 25 – 10:00 AM – Worship in the Sanctuary & by radio in the parking lot
                                         – Youth Praise Pop-Ins – 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Monday, October 26       – Staff Meeting – 12:45 @ Pavillion/Fellowship Hall
                                         – SPR Meeting – 6:30 @ Pastor Lisa’s home outside
              rescheduled:      – Zoom Labyrinth Group – 6:30-8:30 pm evening TBD
Tuesday, October 27       – Weekly Daytime Zoom Labyrinth Group – 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, October 28 – Prayer Meeting – Eubanks Sunday School Room
                                         – Council Meeting – 6:30-8:30 pm – Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 1  – 10:00 Daylight Savings Time 
                                    – Worship, All Saints Day, in the Sanctuary & by radio in the parking lot.     
                                    – Pastor Lisa begins vacation through Nov. 20
 
Wednesday, November 4 – Prayer Meeting – Fellowship Hall

Note For All Building Users:  Our guidelines from Church Council regarding Covid still remain in place for social distancing, masks and sanitary cleaning following use.
 

Leaders and Committee Chairs – please remember to contact Brenda in the office at office@cokeschapel.org or request meeting space and assure there will be no conflict of use.  Please do not announce meetings without clearing date and time with the office.

 

Just a hint – Something Special is coming! – Sunday, Nov. 15 and 22

Our United Methodist Women are sponsoring an Old Fashioned Bake Sale to fund their ministry coffers. Whether you make something for the sale or purchase something one of these Sundays, you can be assured that the funds will go towards the mission and ministry of Cokes Chapel.
Mark your calendar, strike off “preparing desserts for Thanksgiving” or other family gatherings during the holidays!  
More to come – but if you wish to contribute your “famous” or “favorite” home made dessert, please contact Ann Navin right away so we can get an idea of the various goodies!  call Ann or text at 678-469-5851


Thanksgiving Baskets
We will again be helping people in our community to have a special Thanksgiving dinner.  Due to the corona virus and our desire to keep everyone safe, we are going to provide gift cards to families.  They will use the grocery cards to buy their own food, and it will not be necessary for our folks to spend so much time in stores.
HOW to participate: To donate money to purchase gift cards for food, please give funds to Caroline Huckaby or Betsy Bagley.  If you prefer to write a check to the church, be sure to designate “Thanksgiving Food” on the “for” line on your check.  

Growing Your Faith Through GENEROSITY

Matt. 6:1-4  “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Stewardship is utilizing and managing all the resources (our time, talents and resources) that God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation. Being a faithful generous steward is a choice you make.  Let us take this basic idea of biblical stewardship using the following story;

 

A wealthy man was preparing to leave on a trip when he learned of a family that had suffered a great loss and was nearly destitute. He had compassion on them but was pressed to depart so he called for his son and gave him a check, saying: “I am leaving on a trip and I have compassion for the family who has suffered such a loss. Please take this check, keep what you need for your own expenses and give the remainder to this family as a gift from me. If you are still in need, tell me. Remember, I love you and will always take care of you.” 

Week # 2…the son grew frustrated by his father’s request.

He would be obedient, but not joyful. Begrudgingly he took his portion and delivered the remainder to the family in need. Seeing it they rejoiced and told everyone of his generosity, praising and thanking him for the gift. The son accepted the praise and never told them it was from his father. If he couldn’t keep the money, at least he could enjoy the praise and honor for his lavish generosity.

When the father returned and learned of his son’s actions, he was sad. “While you gave a good amount, your heart was not right. Why, when I gave to you so selflessly, did you keep the glory for the gift for yourself?”

We must hear Scripture as it teaches us to give as God gives to us; joyfully and lavishly:  “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (2 Cor. 8:2-4)

Scripture teaches us to give with a desire for God to receive all the glory: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:10-14)

The Moral: We glorify God when we give in his name.

Rodin, Scott Dr. R, (2018, April17-19, The Outcome Conf, Dallas, TX) A Generosity Parable/How will you write your story’s ending? Retrieved from https://outcomesmagazine.com/a-generosity-parable/

Financial Snapshot:
Growing  Our Faith…

Monthly projected operating funds needed: $20,400
Actual operating funds collected as of  October 22nd: $18,973
 
Matthew 6: 21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Thank you for your heartfelt generous contributions.

                                                             

Rodin, Scott Dr. R, (2018, April17-19, The Outcome Conf, Dallas, TX) A Generosity Parable/How will you write your story’s ending? Retrieved from https://outcomesmagazine.com/a-generosity-parable/

Visit our website: cokeschapel.org to give regularly or make a one time gift.
                        

We will be resuming Prayer next Wednesday, October 25th at 5:30.  We will meet in the Eubanks Sunday School room this week due to Church Council meeting in the Fellowship Hall.  We will return to meeting in the Fellowship Hall the following weeks.  Everyone try to arrange your schedule to attend, if you aren’t there we will miss you.  We will wear masks and social distance. 

MINISTRY MESSAGE:  INTER-GENERATIONAL, YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY, October 21, 2020: 
 
In Inter-generational Ministry, Prayer Partnerships will be continuing throughout the fall.  Youth and college age young adults have been partnered with adults in our congregation to pray for each other during the months of October through December.  This is an opportunity for the church family to hold and support one another in prayer across the generations.  Prayer partners are praying for each other daily, communicating prayer needs and celebrations on a weekly basis, and joining with the larger group of Prayer Partner Participants monthly, via Zoom, to engage a prayer focus and for breakout time with their partner. 
 
Inter-generational Sunday School will continue with “at home” lessons until the beginning of Advent on November 29th, when the hope is to begin gathering again in-person with the start of an Advent Study. This week’s lesson continues our focus on covenant with the story of Joshua and God’s covenant with the people as found in Joshua 24:14-28.  If you would like to be included in the email list and receive this “at home” lesson, please contact Kim Reindl at kim.reindl@gmail.com.  Each lesson includes Bible facts to help enlighten your study, questions for thought and reflection, as well as opportunity for spiritual practice. 
 
In Youth Ministry, our youth gathered in person this past Sunday for a time of fall fellowship!  We met outdoors at the Youth House for pizza and circle time, a Cemetery Scavenger Hunt (a great way to learn about the rich history of Cokes Chapel!), and a “Speedy Pumpkin Decorating Contest!”
 
Cemetery Scavenger Hunt:



Speedy Pumpkin Decorating Contest:




Finally, in Children’s Ministry, in lieu of Trunk or Treat, we will continue to support the work of our Childcare Center through the donations of candy and prizes/trinkets to be used in their in class celebrations.  During the month of October, please bring any donations with you to worship on Sunday mornings and place them in the bin in the narthex or drop them off anytime in the bin outside the church office.
 
God is at work all around us!  May we hold each other by heart and lift each other by prayer as we journey together, and apart! 
With love,
Kim
(Kim Reindl, Director of Inter-generational, Youth & Children’s Discipleship; kim.reindl
@gmail.com)


BUILDING USE AND ENTRY

Worship Center Activities: Our Child Safety Policy does not allow for entry through the Worship Center doors due to the Child Care Center program, from Monday-Friday, from 6:00 am and 6:30 pm.  No exceptions.  Should you need to access the Worship Center, please check in through the CCCC office to gain entry.  

PRAYER TEAM

Cokes Chapel Prayer Team is praying for all of you. Your requests, concerns, and praises are important to us. Please let us know if you need anything or have a special prayer request. I am available and happy to pray with you by telephone or just be a listening ear. Please join us in daily praying for God to heal our world. Claim it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ and give thanks to God for all things. Contact Debbie at DebbieCarter30263@charter.net or 678-233-4980.  
 

IN OUR HEARTS & PRAYERSCURRENT

Ralph Hammond (brother-in-law of Michael Ross)
Burt Taylor
Julie (friend of Pat Harkins)
JoAnn (Sandy Cavender’s sister)
Jerry Chappell  (father of Nadja Williamson)
Allan and Nancy Kinnard (son and DIL of Margie Jones)
Sally Jones (mother of Carol Ross)
Richard Harkins (brother of Roger Harkins)
Leigh Cunningham (daughter-in-law (James) of Cornelia)
Craig and Cindy Cox
Larry & Debbie Carter
Betsy, daughter of Margie Jones
Nancy Lenard

ONGOING PRAYERS
Jeff Kemmerer (Sherrie Kemmerer’s husband and Sandra Oliver’s son-in-law)
Stan Smith, Marcia Smith’s husband
Jerry Freeman
Roger Harkins
Mick Moore
Pastor Wayne Ellis, Robin & Family 
Jones Family, Howard & Margie, etal
Glenn Etheridge (Pastor)

Continue to pray for one another and for our country for comfort, peace, freedom from anxiety, depression and fear. May God surround, protect and bring us assurance of God’s almighty hand with us during this difficult time.


From the family of Cera Elizabeth Carter: 
Dear Cokes Chapel Church Family,
Thank you all so much for your prayers, we felt them!  The outpouring of love expressed through cards, calls, food, hugs and being there for us is deeply appreciated.   We Love You,
                                                                                              Love, Debbie and Larry

From Wesley Woods Foundation . . . 
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful Mother’s Day Offering gift of $75 from Cokes Chapel UMC to support the mission and ministry of Wesley Woods.  In addition to this gift, we have received additional gifts designated for the Mother’s Day Offering from your church for a grand total of $125.  We are especially grateful for your generosity during these uncertain times when older adults are even more vulnerable.  Thank you again , for the role of your congregation in helping Wesley Woods celebrate older adults for the lives they have lived, the wisdom they share and everything they have left to teach us.  We hold you with gratitude in our prayers.   Gratefully, Diane Vaughan, President

From One Roof . . . 
Thank you for your $607.33 donation to One Roof.  
God Bless!   JA Churchill, Treasurer

 
Show our Shut-ins some Love!  A note from you would brighten their day and make a difference.  You don’t even have to “know” them, just sign the card, “your Coke’s Chapel Family”.
 
Consider sending one card each week to rotate through the list, and let the Cokes Chapel love shine out!
 
Marie Allen 355 Millard Farmers Industrial Blvd. Apt. 212 Newnan, GA 30263
Jerry Freeman 28 Sweetwater Place, Sharpsburg, GA 30277-1882
Jerry & Del Lenox 45 Soliel Ct. Sharpsburg, GA 30277-2307
Mick Moore 4661 Highway 34E, Sharpsburg, GA 30277-3509
Merlene Smith 25 Newnan Lakes Blvd.c/o Benton House Newnan, GA. 30263
Claudette Schunk 519 Perkins Rd. Apt. 222 Palmetto, GA. 30268-2365
Joyce Taylor 152 Riva Ridge Ln   Newnan, GA 30263-6713
Al Warren 14 Hampshire Ln   Newnan, GA 30265-6058
 
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Cokes Chapel UMC

4096 Lower Fayetteville Road, Sharpsburg, GA

SharpsburgGA 30277

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