IN THIS ISSUE:“The Difference” by Tim Steffen

Generations on the Move: Music Ministryan interview with Ellen, Brooks, & Wesley Hanson

Age-Level Ministry News...and more!

MARTHA BOWMAN UMCMARCH 2014 NEWSLETTER

Tim SteffenSenior Pastor

tsteffen@marthabowman.org

For my February birthday, I purchased a recreational kayak. Some have suggested it is symptomatic of a midlife crisis.

Others have implied that it is too late to give it that label! Regardless, within 24 hours of the purchase, I paddled with it on a local lake. I have no early regrets in taking up this sport.

My shopping process included two outfitters. One is a large national chain. They provide a huge inventory, capable staff and a slightly better price of the boat and accessories for this vessel of interest. The other outfitter was a smaller family owned business, with a handful of employees. The inventory was held in an old building with less room, yet they too had the specific kayak I had been searching to locate.

My sense was the larger outfitter offered an inviting environment, yet the staff seemed to have less energy and limited time for my questions. The small outfitter staff acted like I was the only one they had seen all day. More than one representative seemed genuinely interested in assisting me. They willingly pulled boats from the backroom to insure the boat I wanted was a good fit. The sales associate never made me feel that my questions were unintelligent. Most of all, multiple sales persons entered into my enthusiasm regarding the product, even sharing a few stories about their experience! The small team of people helped close the deal with lines like, “You are going to love kayaking. They may not get you out of this boat!” Guess where I made my purchase? Why? The smaller outfitter moved me from seemingly buying a product to having a meaningful experience.

That day made me think about the nature of congregations. Many large churches definitely have the amenities, they offer far more programs for ministry, and they can provide a larger staff. Megachurches have grown in popularity in recent decades because their environment is attractive and inviting. Yet, I am encouraged by churches like Martha Bowman who offer the same message as the megachurches. Our advantage? We still can provide the time needed with those exploring a deeper faith. We can help people to feel comfortable, by allowing questions to be raised. Our personal enthusiasm can be contagious when telling our life changing experience with Jesus Christ and our meaningful story of how Martha Bowman Church has been important to us. When it comes to church, I am not convinced size really makes the biggest difference. I believe the personal touch leading them in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ matters most. May we continue to be a Christ based community that is committed to “outfitting people” for the adventure of faith. How effectively we do that is what will make the difference.

- Tim

From the Senior Pastor: “The Difference”

Finance ReportYTD 1/31/2014 YTD 2/24/2014

Sources of Funds 85,100 157,515

Uses of Funds 101,408 164,491

Sources Over (Under) Uses 16,308 6,976

Memorial Gifts

Gift in memory of Mrs. Kitty Oliver by Ian and Nancy Kistler

Gifts in memory of Mrs. Hazel Tyson by Ian and Nancy Kistler, Chuck and Cele Minshew

Gift in honor of Dr. Charles Kellum by Mr. Michael Kaminski

Gift in memory of Mrs. Kay Gilbert by Pat and Glenna Meyer

Gifts in memory of Cherie Rowell by: Tom and Joan Howard, Sam and Sharon Dolliver, Anita Lankford Butler

by Tim Steffen

**Prepaid Jan-April budgeted apportionments in the amount of $38,112

MARTHA BOWMAN UNIVERSITY LENTEN TERM - STARTS MARCH 12THLNT 1102 | Habits for the Way | Room 216 | 6:30 p.m.Facilitators: Tim Steffen, Anthony McPhail, and John Horton (This will be the only course offered during the Lenten Term).Whether you have followed Christ your entire life or you are a new believer, there are always ways in which you can grow in your faith. The season of Lent has historically been a time in which Christians have focused on spiritual habits that strengthen the Christian walk. This Lent, our three pastors will be co-leading a Martha Bowman University course that focuses on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, studying scripture, communion, and more! We invite you to join us in this six-week journey full of reflection, insightful teachings, and meaningful conversations. Fellowship Supper: 5:30 in the CLC | Nursery: Provided Age-Level Ministries: See weekly calendar on Age-Level Ministries page

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - MARCH 5TH Each year our congregation gathers together on Ash Wednesday to prepare ourselves spiritually for the Lenten season, which is the forty-day period (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. Ash Wednesday services are meaningful experiences that focus on the themes of repentance and mortality, but with an eye towards the hope found in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Come be a part of this year’s service, as we reflect together on this grace at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Fellowship Supper: 5:30 p.m. in the CLC | Nursery: Provided Kids: Will attend the service

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH 3RDMonday, March 3rd at 6:00 p.m. The primary purpose of this special called meeting is to hear a report from the Facilities Task Force about their proposals.

ALTAR FLOWERSIf you would like to have flowers placed on the altar in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the church office.

USHERS NEEDEDRomans 12:13 tells us, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” We are seeking more men and women who are willing to usher in our Traditional and Contemporary Services. If you are willing to serve, please contact Dottie Vaughn at 477-1901, ext. 111 or dvaughn@marthabowman.org. We will have an orientation meeting Sunday, March 16th at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

CHERRY BLOSSOM RACE - MARCH 22NDThe 12th Annual Cherry Blossom Road Race will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014.Start Times: 5K & 10K at 8:15 a.m., 1 Mile Run/Walk at 9:15 a.m. at Howard Middle School, 6600 Forsyth Road Macon, GA. If you are interested, please contact the race director: racedirector@cherryblossomroadrace.com. They need runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors. Proceeds of The Cherry Blossom Road Race benefit Wesley Glen Ministries!

Announcements

Prayer ListCircle of Concern: Brittany Foster, Margaret Gordon, Betty Henderson, Gladys Hollis, Tommy Martin, Julie Melvin, Lydia Moss, John Rohde, James Shepard

Christian sympathy is extended to the following:Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Cherie Rowell (sister of Deborah Chambless) upon her death.

Extended Family:Doris Almgren (Hinton Harris’s sister), Julie Bardroff, Barbara Bradberry (friend of Barbara Nolen), Cameron (Raleigh Cate Chance’s boyriend), Steven Colley, John DeLancett (Bruce Childers’s Brother-in-law), Julie Henderson, Family of Nick Gergenti (family member of Becky Collinsworth), Jimmy Glenn (Sunnee Glenn’s brother-in-law), Jeni Kenny (Jim Hundley’s niece), The Cammie McCook Family (per Teri Hall’s request), David Moore, Tripp Poole (Rod and Cristy Holmes’s Nephew), Rob Scott’s Mother, Carolyn Sherwood (Carolyn Jackson’s Mother), John Teague (friend of Jeff Hanson). Active Military:Just as we have been trying to clean up and revise our circle of concern, we also want to make sure we have an up to date listing of active military personnel with connections to our church family. We are currently receiving names to put on the military prayer list, which will be published in our bulletins and newsletters, and we invite you to submit the names of your loved ones that are serving our country. Praying for these men and women is a vital part of our ministry as a praying church, and we look forward to releasing the updated list in mid-March.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS• Cory and Dana Cummings, and Noah joined February 16, 2014 • Barbara Dean joined February 2, 2014

“Generations on the Move” is a feature that highlights different ways that people in our congregation are involved both within our church and our community. Each month we will take a topic of interest and interview two to three people from our congregation from different generations, but that share a common interest. This month we are focusing on “music”, and we interviewed Ellen Hanson, our Director of Traditional Worship Music, and her two sons Brooks and Wesley, who are both involved with our Youth Choir and Youth Band (Brooks also plays with our Contemporary Worship Band). The video of the full interview can be viewed in its entirety by visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarthaBowmanUMC. This article highlights some of the key excerpts from their interview.

Anthony: How long have you been involved in Music Ministry?

Ellen: I got involved in the music ministry when I was in probably the 7th grade and high school – through the youth choir; we were the contemporary group in the Fort Valley (United) Methodist Church.

Wesley: One year. I’m in the Youth Choir, and I lead worship for Pursuit (senior high youth worship service).

Brooks: I’ve been playing bass in the CLC Worship Service for two years now, and then leading worship downstairs in the youth services – Pursuit and Merge.

Anthony: Was there a specific experience, or were there certain individuals that had an impact on you being involved in music ministry?

Wesley: Well, my mom kind of influenced me in a music(al) way. She’s a really good singer and I’ve just kind of taken after her.

Anthony: Gosh, you are really good at this answering thing!

Ellen: My youth choir director in high school was a huge influence on me. He gave me opportunities to sing, he gave me my first solo, and he was a great choral conductor. When I choose music and when I direct, I still even to this day think, “how would Alden do this?” I think he was one of the giants in my music ministry beginnings.

Brooks: I never really had much experience with contemporary music until I was in the youth group, and that was a really big thing for me… I really got more out of that than traditional music; it was more of a worshipful experience for me, and I remember I had just started playing guitar and David Darnell was always saying, “you really have a heart for this stuff...” He was a big part of it. I still talk to him about that kind of stuff to this day – about playing guitar and leading worship.

Anthony: For people in our church, they know Ellen Hanson as being a big part of our Traditional Worship Music Ministry, and now Wesley and Brooks are involved in Youth Ministry (music), which is more contemporary in nature. What are some of the things, Ellen, that really draw you to traditional music?

Ellen: Traditional hymns are the heart of the Traditional Service, and there’s so much wonderful Christian history and theology that’s tied up in these beautiful, beautiful hymns. So many of them are just melodically beautiful, and theologically strong. We’ve got lots of Charles Wesley hymns, and they tie us to Christians from our past. They tie us to the saints who’ve

gone before us. When we sing these songs we learn about God, we learn about God’s nature, and then we’re passing that down through singing hymns. I learned most of my theology through hymns.

Anthony: Wesley and Brooks, what do you like about contemporary music?

Wesley: Personally, I like the words. I get a lot out of them.

Brooks: I feel like it’s more personal, and not just the words, (but) I just connect better with it. Also the setting of more contemporary services, it’s more free flowing.

Anthony: Now Ellen, you have two boys involved in music ministry that’s somewhat different than what you’ve done throughout your career, what do you appreciate about the type music that they do?

Ellen: I think any music that draws you closer to God is worthwhile and beautiful, and I’m really grateful that they’re involved in music ministry and that they’re strengthening their relationship with God, and they’re becoming great musicians. They’re working hard at it, and I feel that the style

Generations on the Move: “Music Ministry”by Anthony McPhail

of music is not as important as how it speaks to you and how it strengthens your relationship with God.

Anthony: What does it mean to worship corporately to you?

Brooks: It’s doing what you can to give back to God, so other people can witness that and see what you’re doing and be able to worship (as well).

Ellen: I think singing hymns, whether it’s in contemporary or traditional, it’s something that the body of Christ can do together. And they draw together and they sing these songs and they’re worshiping together; they’re singing as one voice and it’s a really wonderful thing. It’s where the worshipers can get involved and not just be receivers.

Anthony: What do you feel is the role of music in the church today?

Ellen: I think music has a really strong role in the church, and it can be a great role or a divisive role. There are so many distinctions and hard lines drawn between the types of worship services, and people have very closely held likes and dislikes about music, and it really can divide congregations if they’re not careful. The hymns that we sing today were yesterday’s contemporary music, and a lot of the contemporary music we’re singing today, in ten years is going to be considered passé. It’s going to be interesting to see what type of music in ten years is going to be considered contemporary. It’s hard to see into the future, but music is a very, very important part of worship, and it really does color the whole worship experience.

Brooks: I would say it voices things you can’t say on your own; it gives you words and melody to what you feel, what you think. And it obviously is a big deal in a church; we have two different services with one type of music and another type of music (in the other service), but it’s the same message just different music.

Anthony: Wesley, what do you personally get out of the experience of serving in music leadership?

Wesley: It feels good when you’re up there and somebody down on the floor is having a great time feeling God and praising God. I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just nice to be a vessel for God.

Anthony: What would you say to someone who has some sort of musical gifting, but is sitting on the sideline? Why is it important for others to get involved?

Ellen: There are lots of reasons to get involved in music ministry, especially if you’re sitting on a musical gift. Other people will be so blessed by your gift. You will be blessed by the fact that you’re participating in worship and participating in the music ministry, and just the fact of joining a small group and being a part of the body of Christ in the larger church.

Wesley: Well if God has given you an ability to do something, you should act on it.

The Hansons’ involvement in the Music Ministry is merely a glimpse into the vast array of music opportunities available at Martha Bowman. In addition to the Chancel Choir and Contemporary Worship Band, which our congregation sees on a weekly basis, we also have a wonderful brass ensemble (Bowman Brass), hand bell choir (Wesley Ringers), and age-level choirs for preschool, elementary and youth ages. There are plenty of opportunities to serve in these vital ministries, and you can contact Dottie Vaughn, Administrative Assistant for Music Ministries at dvaughn@marthabowman.org for more information on joining one of these groups.

“I think any music that draws you closer to God is worthwhile & beautiful...”

Anthony McPhailAssociate Pastor

amcphail@marthabowman.org

PANCAKES & PJ’S MARCH 30TH You heard right – PJ’s! Come to church in your pajamas. It will be the full workings of a sleepover; forts, pillow fights and pancakes! Come in PJ’s and bring your favorite pillow! (Same Sunday schedule as usual). SAVE THE DATES: Sunday June 22nd – Thursday June 26th Vacation Bible School: Jungle Safari, for 3k – 5th grade! Get this event on your calendar, tell your friends, and be watching for more info soon!

PRESCHOOL AND NURSERYMother’s Morning Out Registration for the Summer Session & 2014/2015 school year is now open! Here are a few details:

• Mondays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.• For ages 6 months-5 years old• A once per year $20 registration fee is required to hold your child’s spot• Tuition: $58 per month for one day per week & $116 per month for 2 days per week• Summer Session: June 2nd - July 31st. Except VBS week (June 23 & 26)• Fall Session: Starts August 4th

Our Mother’s Morning Out program is a wonderful way to give your little ones the opportunity to build relationships with caregivers, and to make friends. Let us be a part of your child’s life this summer and fall. We will teach them about Jesus, manners, and even academics! We will love them, build their social skills, craft away, and make them laugh. We also recognize that sometimes parents just need a break! You will receive the blessing of many hours of time to do what you need to do. For more information, please feel free to contact me.

YOUTHLOVE GOD. FEED THE HUNGRY. DO THE FAMINE. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students in the U.S. and around the world unite to do the Famine. Join us in learning about hunger, raise funds to help the hungry, and then go hungry yourselves for 30 hours. 30 Hour Famine is March 7th-8th. The famine is exactly what the name implies...30 hours without food. You are encouraged to raise a minimum of $90 to support World Vision, and the fight against global hunger. We also tackle other social issues we face today. This year’s focus is bullying. This event is very fun, but challenging, so if you are ready to go deeper...Do The Famine.

Age-Level Ministries

Weekly ActivitiesPRESCHOOL & NURSERYSunday

9:40 AM Sunday School - PreK Wing

11:00 AM Worship - PreK Wing

Monday

9:00 AM Mother’s Morning Out -PreK Wing

Wednesday

5:15 PM PreK Choir - Rm 124

6:00 PM Fellowship Supper - CLC

6:30 PM Bible Time - PreK Wing

Thursday

9:00 AM Mother’s Morning Out - PreK Wing

iKIDSSunday

9:40 AM Sunday School - Reef

11:00 AM iKid’s Worship - Reef

Wednesday

5:15 PM iPraise Choir - Rm 103

6:00 PM Fellowship Supper - CLC

6:30 PM iConnect - Reef

YOUTHSunday

9:40 AM Sunday School -Youth Area

5:15 PM Youth Choir - Choir Room

6:15 PM Student Pursuit (HS)* - Youth Room

Tuesday

6:45 AM Wake-Up! Middle School Breakfast - Chick-fil-A

Wednesday

5:30 PM Fellowship Supper - CLC

6:15 PM Underground (MS)** - Youth Area

7:00 PM Small Groups (MS)** -Various Locations

*HS - High School, **MS - Middle School

Ashley Griffin, Director of Youth Ministriesagriffin@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 116

Elizabeth Hammock, Director of iKids Ministriesehammock@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 115

April Foster, Director of Preschool and Nursery Ministriesafoster@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 121

iKIDS

SERVER SCHEDULE: 8:30 Traditional 11:00 Traditional 11:00 Contemporary

Worship Leader Carolyn Bradley Worship Leader Carolyn Bradley Host Brad Harrison

Ushers John Rohde, Jimmie Powell, Larry Defore Ushers

Richard Norton, Ellen Phillips, John Higgison, David Haney

Scripture Reader Walt Miller

Greeters Peggy Defore, Carol Blann Greeters (9:40) Merrilyn Farmen,

Sherry Scruggs Prayer Table Becky Harrison

Intercessory Prayer Cecil & Jane Canady Intercessory Prayer Ushers

Andy Greenway, Pat & Kent Moorhouse, Dendy McCuen,Kathy Geeslin

Greeters (10:55) Harold & Carolyn Lemley, Joyce Lasater

Communion Servers

Shirley Carmean, Ed Burns, Hank & June O’Neal

Communion Servers

Nancy Bethune, Bruce Childers, Michael & Donna Phillips

Worship Leader Jimmie Powell Worship Leader Judy DeLancey Host Leslie Samuelson

UshersSteve Alford, Guy White, Donnie Davidson

UshersEd Burns,Shirley Chapman,Maureen & Mike King

Scripture Reader Smokey Sutherland

Greeters Judy DeLancey, Larry Freels, Rita Hale Greeters (9:40) Hank O’Neal,

Bobbie Googe Prayer Table Susan Haney

Intercessory Prayer Jim & Rhonda Lidstone Intercessory Prayer Jimmie Powell Ushers

Kent Elliott, Kevin Adams, Mark Friar, Lynn Faulkner,Camille Wilson

Greeters (10:55) Anna Jones, Sally Morgan

Worship Leader J.C. Daniel Worship Leader Andrew Strickland Host Communion

Ushers

Robert DeLancey, Bruce Gerwig, Merrilyn Farmen, David Becker

UshersPaul Firth,Wende & BernardMeyer von Breman

Scripture Reader

Greeters Beth Mines, Cathie Resseau Greeters (9:40) Brenda Chapman,

Melba Wilkinson Prayer Table

Intercessory Prayer Kim Lanford Intercessory Prayer Ushers

Lee & Becky Oliver, Jeff & Stephanie Surles, Joshua & Kristina Bynum

Greeters (10:55) Shauna Davis, Sara Forehand

Communion Servers

Witt & Stephanie Gaither, Matt & Wendy Brown, Lynn Faulkner, Joyce F. Lasater

Worship Leader Laurie Gerwig Worship Leader Jane Canady Host Rachel Fortuna

UshersJimmy Melvin,Rich Mines,Cathie Resseau

Ushers Michael Piccone, Norm Zerkus Scripture Reader Sam Huggins

Greeters Mary Dell Gardner, Diane Melvin Greeters (9:40) Lynn Faulkner,

Carol Alford Prayer Table Sam Huggins

Intercessory Prayer Sunnee Glenn Intercessory Prayer Virginia Tyndall Ushers Randy & Betsy Griffin,Smokey Sutherland

Greeters (10:55) Dona Reid, O’teria Seagle

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Worship Leader Charles Lewis Worship Leader Jeff Hanson Host Cindy Martin

UshersSteve Alford, Guy White, Donnie Davidson

Ushers Dave Seagle, Bill Bethune Scripture Reader Smokey Sutherland

Greeters Don & Barbara Nolen Greeters (9:40) Prayer Table Becky Harrison

Intercessory Prayer Intercessory Prayer Ushers

Kent Elliott, Kevin Adams, Mark Friar, Lynn Faulkner,Camille Wilson

Greeters (10:55) Hank O’Neal

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Calendar of Events

Looking AheadNEW SERIES BEGINNING MARCH 9THWho is Jesus? This question is an essential one because it points us towards understanding the “author and perfecter of our faith.” During the Lenten season, we will seek to answer this by looking at the seven “I Am” statements that Jesus made about himself in the Gospel of John. Each of these statements reveal important characteristics about the nature of Christ, which will help us to better understand his role in our lives.

Martha Bowman United Methodist Church500 Bass Road Macon, GA 31210P: (478)477-1901 F: (478) 471-6378www.marthabowman.org

Sunday ServicesTraditional | 8:30 a.m. | Historic SanctuaryContemporary | 11:00 a.m. | Christian Life CenterTraditional 11:00 a.m. | Historic Sanctuary

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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For a complete list of weekly calendar events, please go to www.marthabowman.org/newsevents/calendar.

MARCH 2014

Joy Circle Mtg/ 10:00 AM/Library

sermon archives www.marthabowman.org/mediafacebook facebook.com/marthabowmanumctwitter twitter.com/marthabowmanumcinstagram instagram.com/marthabowmanumc

30 31

Kairos Training Mtg/ 8:30 AM/Rm 216

MERGE/ 6:15 PM/Youth Area

Adult Tijuana Interest Mtg/ 2:00 PM/Rm 142

Usher Orientation/ 9:30AM/Sanctuary

Pancakes & PJ’s/Reef

Church Council Mtg/ 6:00 PM/Gthg Area

Trustees Mtg/ 6:00 PM/Library

Fishers of Men/ 6:00 PM/CLC

Roberta Gardiner Cr. Mtg/ 7:00 PM/

Home of Karen Clifton

Alzheimer’s Support Group/

10:00 AM/Rm 142

30 Hour Famine

MBU Lenten Term Begins 6:30 PM/Rm 216

MBU Lenten Class/ 6:30 PM/Rm 216

MBU Lenten Class/ 6:30 PM/Rm 216

Fellowship Supper/5:30 PM/CLC

Fellowship Supper/5:30 PM/CLC

Fellowship Supper/5:30 PM/CLC

Ash Wednesday Service/ 6:30 PM/Sanctuary

HUB Mtg/5:30 PM/ Library

Finance Committee Mtg/ 6:30 PM/Rm 142

(tomorrow)Fellowship Supper/ 5:30

PM/CLC