We are LOOKING FOR a few good VOLUNTEERS!

The 11:00 Worship service needs Sound Technicians with experience for stage set-up and running of sound during rehearsal and the church  service, including 

-A knowledge (or willingness to learn) of the mixing/EQ process 

-knowledge of sound equipment (what is needed and how to set up) 

Morning tasks include: 

-pre- check equipment to assure all is working properly before worship & able change out as necessary 

-knowledge of live streaming helpful

Victories Piling Up

By Doug Thrasher

I attended worship at Little River UMC recently to visit with one of our new pastors in the District, Dr. Gale Siebert.

They were serving Holy Communion that day and in her homily Gale spoke to the scripture, “Come to me all you (as opposed to the Southern “all y’all”) who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:29) She also spoke a little regarding the phrase, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:30) I really appreciated her pastoral preaching and truly felt as if I had come to the person, Jesus, in whom I could find rest for my soul. (Yes, DSs have souls.)

But, what arrested me and got me to pondering while Communion was being served was the next verse: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:31)

I found myself thinking about the yoke. A yoke is usually a wooden instrument that joins two oxen or horses together in order for them to work in tandem to accomplish some task that an animal would not normally do by itself. Here, Jesus says to us to take His yoke upon us, which means to me that Christians are to take the second side of the yoke, Christ being in the other side. It means that we are doing a work in tandem with Jesus, our strength and His strength together, to accomplish a task that we would not normally do by ourselves — make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

But, here’s the kicker. We’re not supposed to do this work by ourselves. We are yoked to Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

I played Church League Basketball for many years. One year, we had two guys who were each 6’7” or taller that joined the church and played for our team. We went undefeated that year. I also learned something — basketball is a different game when you’ve got the big men on your team.

In Jesus Christ we are yoked to the “Big Man.” He makes it easy. He makes the burden light. We simply need to work beside Him, and we’ll see the victories piling up!

Rev. Doug Thrasher is District Superintendent of the Atlanta Roswell District. You may contact him at doug.thrasher@ngumc.net.

LUTHERSVILLE FOOD PANTRY VISIT

Luthersville Senior Center is one of the charitable organizations that Cokes Chapel sponsors on a regular basis.  Although the name might be familiar to many in our congregation, it is most likely that the majority do not know exactly what our role is or what the Center is all about.  

For many years, our volunteers went to Luthersville on a regular basis, delivering items of clothing, food, and other needs to the Center.  In most recent years, we have provided money for food to be purchased for the meals prepared for these senior citizens. 

This past week, Pastor Lisa and several members made the trip to Luthersville to see what actually takes place on a day to day basis. 

When we arrived, bringing food for the day’s meal, we were greeted by two of their volunteers, and taken into the kitchen where they prepare lunch for the elderly three days a week.  The first thing we noticed was no air conditioning in the kitchen or in the cafeteria area where they serve the meals.  (This is an old school that has been converted to serve many functions.  Luckily, we were informed that the City Council has recently approved funds to air condition these rooms!!  – However, too late for the 90 plus degree days we have been experiencing.)

Our next stop was the activity room (air conditioned, yea!!!) where all types of events take place.  We were introduced to approximately 20 ladies who make up their quilting group; these quilts are not made with a sewing machine – but every stitch is by hand.  There were probably 10 to 15 quilts completed, some ready to take to the Cotton Pickin’ Fair in Gay, GA to sell.  Proceeds from these quilts go toward the operation expenses of the Center.  We gathered around the table with the ladies who were having their daily devotion, and listened to some beautiful testimonies.   While sitting around the table, Pastor Lisa was given some quilting squares and a needle and thread – we thought we would have to leave her there, she was so caught up in the pure delight of sewing (one of her favorite pastimes.)