I am sure you feel like I do, that fall has arrived much too quickly!  Where has the summer gone? I have heard that “time flies when you are having fun”… having fun yet?

Well, I am glad you asked!  Yes I am!  I pray that you also are finding moments and times of fun, of laughter, of delight and joy.  

Are you wondering about my fun?  My fun is planning our fall!  September is always a productive month as we prepare for leadership for 2021, and as we reflect on our plans and look to the 2021 budget.  These are important parts of who we are and what we want to accomplish for the Lord in the next year.  If you are called to serve or assist in the ministry planning for the coming year, I pray you will hear the affirmations from us and God in our search of leadership, and say yes.

And there is more fun!  Brian and Jackson Smith are putting the finishing touches on our new Labyrinth, located to the left of the Worship Center.  Jackson’s vision for a prayer labyrinth is meeting us where we are in our spirits!  We need prayer in this time of unrest and pandemic life!

Both Kim and I are are working in concert to offer a full compliment of experiences on prayer for October.

Look for some special opportunities as we hold a Blessing and Dedication of the Labyrinth soon.  Kim is hard at work in creating some amazing fresh ideas for  Intergenerational/Youth ministry that work with the “sheltering-in” circumstances.  I will be hosting a number of Zoom class/experiences that launch you to take your own walk every week in October.  Finally, I hope to have a Special Worship Service to conclude the month of Prayer that makes space for us to name our losses and griefs, concluding with a walk to give each time to be silent and walk the Prayer Labyrinth.

This is the Good News!  Plan now to be part of this moving and dynamic time in which we are in touch with God in personal and life affirming ways. I call that fun!  
Peace, Pastor Lisa    

Worship Information

Sunday, September 6th,   Scripture – Isaiah 55:10-13
                                            Sermon – “Hope in Desperate Times”

PLANNING TO JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP?
 we are now worshipping outside at the Pavilion across the street from the sanctuary. 

Thank you for continuing to show hospitality and concern for one another by adhering to our guidelines of social distancing, wearing masks until seated in your chair, as well as other items you can read about below. Bring: Waiver (see below); masks; seating of your choice; umbrella for shade; bug spray; hand sanitizer.  Finally, bring your heart ready and seeking God!

If you are new to Drive-in Worship and have not filled out an Individual worship Waiver below, Please print and fill It in and bring it with you to Drive-In Worship.  We take your health seriously!  With your help, we will maintain records of attendance should we be required to notify you.  Your participation in bringing the Waiver, safe distancing, masks on, etc. will allow us to keep one another out of harms way during this pandemic. Let’s do our best!

Please click on the following link to print Worship waiver:
https://www.cokeschapel.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COVID-19-Acknowledgement-and-Compliance-Waiver-for-Worship-1.pdf
for further information on Health guidelines:
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

BIBLE STUDY RESUMES!  We are now meeting by Zoom, a live, online computer based source designed so we can see and hear one another – our first meeting was wonderful!  We are currently completing the book of Mark, with each study a “stand alone” discussion.  Tuesdays, 10:00 am, bring your bible and prepare for a great learning discussion.  Led by Pastor Lisa.  Interested? Contact Lisa at ldempsey@cokeschapel.org to get your invitation. 

UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL  SEPTEMBER edition now available for pickup at the Pavilion from the box marked “Upper Room”.  Pick up your daily devotional today!  This is one way we can remain in the same heart as we share the daily readings together.

Sunday, September 6 – 9:00 AM – Parking Lot “drive in” Outdoor Worship – arrive early 8:30 for parking
Monday, September 7 –  LABOR DAY – office closed
Tuesday, September 8 – 10:00 AM – Bible Study by Zoom contact Pastor Lisa … ldempsey@cokeschapel.org
Sunday, September 13 – 9:00 AM – Parking Lot “drive in” Outdoor Worship – arrive early 8:30 for parking

Note For All Building Users:  Our guidelines from Church Council recommend meeting outside at this time.  Please reserve the Pavilion for your meetings or gatherings through the church office, wear masks and practice social distancing until we advise of a change. 
As we return to gatherings and meetings please remember to contact Brenda in the office to clear use of the pavilion and assure your use is placed on the office calendar and on-line calendar. 

News on the Stotlers!

At the end of 2019 Elliott and Katherine Stotler announced that they were ending their time of service with TMS Global in South Africa.  Since then, they have been waiting for God to reveal to them their new opportunity to serve.
Just this month, Elliott has embarked on a new ministry role as Executive Director of Venezuela Now.  As of now, he will be based in Atlanta. When travel to Venezuela is opened up, there will probably be more direct involvement with the people and ministries there.
We will soon send out an update on the Stotlers’ story . . . 

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE REPORT

Financial Snapshot for August: 
Income needed for projected budget:  $20,400.00
Income collected after 5th Sunday:      $20,967.00
 
Thank you for your generosity and kindness.  Matthew 6:19-21 tells us to store up our treasures, not here on earth, but in  heaven for they will last for eternity…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Amen

Important news:  Trustees and Finance are now preparing Cokes Chapel to renew our loan for the Child Care Center and Youth House.  The bank will review our financial picture and other aspects of the church.  At this time, particularly, it is important to reflect consistent, stable giving.  

Click on this at our website: cokeschapel.org to view ways to give a one time gift, or regularly
                        

Your Communion offering at work:
A Special note of thanks:  A heartfelt thank you to Cokes Chapel for assisting in payment on my car note.  I am a single parent, working, and find it difficult to make ends meet.  Your generosity made a difference in my month and in my ability to go to work. Thank you!

There will be no UMM meeting on September 12th or for the foreseeable future. After talking to several men, we have decided that because of the threat of COVID-19, we will not be meeting until it is safe for us to do so. 

BUILDING USE AND ENTRY

Reminder:  Cokes Chapel Childcare is now using the Worship Center for classrooms to accommodate our social distance requirements.

Due to our Child Safety Policy, until further notice, Monday-Friday, no entry allowed through the worship center doors between 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
Sally Jones (mother of Carol Ross)
Richard Harkins (brother of Roger Harkins)
Howard & Margie Jones
Caroline Huckaby
Leigh Cunningham (daughter-in-law (James) of Cornelia)
Craig Cox
Larry & Debbie Carter
Bob Caldwell, father of Lorraine Burt
Bill Carter, brother of Sandy Cavender
Wanda Moore
Van Askew
Mike Kimball
Betty, sister of Carole Smith
Dylan, grandson of Carole & Larry Smith
Mitchell Flynn, Sr., father of Mickey Flynn
Betsy, daughter of Margie Jones
Nancy Lenard

ONGOING PRAYERS

Prayers for our children and youth as they resume school, for teachers and parents who are guiding and supporting this new kind of learning.  Prayers for our Child Care staff and families for continued health, protection and assistance in their daily school process.  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.

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Sunday, August 30th,  Scripture – Matthew 16:21-28
                                       Sermon – “Give it Over”

PLANNING TO JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP?

Reminder – we are now worshipping outside at the Pavilion across the street from the sanctuary. 

Thank you for continuing to show hospitality and concern for one another by adhering to our guidelines of social distancing, wearing masks until seated in your chair, as well as other items you can read about below.

Bring: Waiver (see below); masks; seating of your choice; umbrella for shade; bug spray; hand sanitizer.  A heart ready and seeking God!

If you are new to Drive-in Worship and have not filled out an Individual worship Waiver below, Please print and fill It in and bring it with you to Drive-In Worship.  We take your health seriously!  With your help, we will maintain records of attendance should we be required to notify you.  Your participation in bringing the Waiver, safe distancing, masks on, etc. will allow us to keep one another out of harms way during this pandemic. Let’s do our best!

Please click on the following link to print Worship waiver:
https://www.cokeschapel.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COVID-19-Acknowledgement-and-Compliance-Waiver-for-Worship-1.pdf
for further information on Health guidelines:
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

BIBLE STUDY RESUMES!  We are now meeting by Zoom, a live, online computer based source designed so we can see and hear one another – our first meeting was wonderful!  We are currently completing the book of Mark, with each study a “stand alone” discussion.  Tuesdays, 10:00 am, bring your bible and prepare for a great learning discussion.  Led by Pastor Lisa.  Interested? Contact Lisa at ldempsey@cokeschapel.org to get your invitation. 

UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL now available for pickup at the Pavilion.  A box marked “Upper Room” holds the newest edition in regular and large print.  Stop by and pick your daily devotional now!  It is one way we can all remain in the same heart and prayer life as we share the same readings daily as a community.

Saturday, August 29 – 9:30 – 4:30 – Virtual Electronic Annual Conference 
Sunday, August 30 – 9:00 AM – Parking Lot “drive in” Outdoor Worship – arrive early 8:30 for parking
Monday, August 31 – 9:30 AM – Staff Meeting @ Pavillion
Tuesday, September 1 – 10:00 AM – Bible Study by Zoom contact Pastor Lisa        ldempsey@cokeschapel.org
Sunday, September 6 – 9:00 AM – Parking Lot “drive in” Outdoor Worship – arrive early 8:30 for parking

Note For All Building Users:  Our guidelines from Church Council recommend meeting outside at this time.  Please reserve the Pavilion for your meetings or gatherings through the church office, wear masks and practice social distancing until we advise of a change. 
As we return to gatherings and meetings please remember to contact Brenda in the office to clear use of the pavilion and assure your use is placed on the office calendar and on-line calendar. 

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE REPORT

 
Financial Snapshot for August:
Income needed for projected budget:  $20,400.00
Income collected after 4th Sunday:      $21,282.30
 
Finance wants to say thank you for being the most generous community a church could hope to have. Thank you for your commitment and your generous donations.  We could not have continued our ministry without your show of faith and gratefulness to God for His bountiful gifts.  Winston Churchill stated it like this, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Amen

Special Offering:  This Sunday, August 30, we will receive offerings to support Wesley Woods. Wesley Woods makes up a huge part of the North Georgia Annual Conference’s ministry for older adults.  Each year churches have made an offering on Mother’s Day for those who need financial assistance to reside in one of the ten Wesley communities.  Because of the pandemic, this year’s offering was delayed until August. Please plan to contribute to this outreach opportunity.  Most of those who reside in one of the Wesley Woods communities need some financial assistance annually.

Cokes Chapel will receive offerings this Sunday, August 30 to send to Wesley Woods.  You may give online by designating your offering by clicking on the button that reads “special offering”, as well as drop your gift in the Office door mail slot, or in the offering plate Sunday.  Caring for others is our privilege and joy through Wesley Woods ministry!

Important news:  Trustees and Finance are now preparing Cokes Chapel to renew our loan for the Child Care Center and Youth House.  The bank will review our financial picture and other aspects of the church.  At this time, particularly, it is important to reflect consistent, stable giving.  

Click on this at our website: cokeschapel.org to view ways to give a one time gift, or regularly
                        

MINISTRY MESSAGE:  INTER-GENERATIONAL & YOUTH MINISTRY, August 26, 2020: 
 
In Inter-generational Ministry, as we seek to open ourselves to God’s teaching through all the ages and stages of life, we will be offering a Fall focus on prayer.  Please look for more information to come in the weeks ahead!  This will be an opportunity for youth and adults to partner together to both learn about and practice prayer!
 
 In this week’s Inter-generational Sunday School lesson, we will read about the prophet Deborah in Judges 4:1-16.  The lesson focuses on how we can learn from Deborah about how God uses leaders who display wisdom, fairness, humility and a cooperative spirit . If you would like to be included in the email list and receive this lesson, please contact Kim Reindl at kim.reindl@gmail.com.  Each lesson includes commentary to help enlighten your study, questions for thought and reflection, as well as an optional activity that can be done at home with children and/or youth. 
 
Finally, in Youth Ministry, along with our coming focus on prayer, we are also developing plans to prepare youth for Peer Ministry Leadership.  Our hope is to equip young people with tools to be the loving presence of Christ in their relationships and within their spheres of connection.  Adult leadership training is currently underway. 
 
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

Reminder:  Cokes Chapel Childcare is now using the Worship Center for classrooms to accommodate our social distance requirements.

Due to our Child Safety Policy, until further notice, Monday-Friday, no entry allowed through the worship center doors between 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
Richard Harkins (brother of Roger Harkins)
Howard & Margie Jones
Caroline Huckaby
Leigh Cunningham (daughter-in-law (James) of Cornelia)
Judy Cunningham (daughter-in-law (Mike) of Cornelia)
Craig Cox
Larry & Debbie Carter
Bob Caldwell, father of Lorraine Burt
Bill Carter, brother of Sandy Cavender
Wanda Moore
Van Askew
Mike Kimball
Betty, sister of Carole Smith
Dylan, grandson of Carole & Larry Smith
Mitchell Flynn, Sr., father of Mickey Flynn
Betsy, daughter of Margie Jones
Nancy Lenard

ONGOING PRAYERS
 

Prayers for our children and youth as they resume their school education, for teachers and parents who are guiding and supporting this new kind of learning.  Continue to pray for one another and for our country for comfort, peace, freedom from anxiety, depression and fear. May God surround us and protect us during this difficult time.

Our mailing address is: