BRIGHT HOPE LAUREL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DEDICATED TO SHARING GODS LOVE AND FORGIVENESS WITH THE WORLD

Volume 4, Issue 1

January 2012

From the Pastors Desk - A Newness

Yet I can honestly say that I had never thought of the poor pigs before. What happened to them well you know they jumped off the cliff and ended it all and only a few minutes after the demons came in. As I saw this cartoon this week, I could not help but think of what time of year it is the first week; the start of, the beginning . Most of you have probably heard the scripture lesson which this cartoon was drawn over (the story of Jesus driving the legion out of the swine). We all know the good part of that story where the crazy old man who happens to be possessed with a legion of demons is made free as they are sent into a nearby herd of pigs and he is made In many ways, this is indicative of our lives as humans. We get lead astray, we turn from God, we let the forces of darkness in, and we find ourselves jumping off in excitement of the newfound joy which we have living just as we want with no strings attached. Yet as caption demonstrates, there are strings. The joy is short lived as certain peril is not far away. I have seen too many people throw their lives away only to regret it and find out that in their My message to you this month is that it is never the end. On Jan 1 of 2000 (Y2K) we were told the world was gone, yet we are still here. We often say it is too late not remembering that God is outside of time and as long as we still breathe, it is not too late. Today marks the 2nd week of this new year and my hope and prayer is that we each follow God every day to our best. It is also my prayer that if we see someone who has jumped off the cliff and staring at the rocks below, that we do all we can to let then know it is not over. It is my prayer that we let them know that God is still there and the outstretched arms of Jesus Christ is ready to

Special points of Interest

The Mens Group will meet for their monthly meeting on Sunday, January 8th at 7:46 AM. The United Methodist Women will meet on Tuesday, January 17th at 6 PM.

Inside this issue:

JANUARY SERVICES FINANCIAL REPORT THOSE SERVING IN WORSHIP (JANUARY) MONTHLY CALENDAR INSERT
2 2 3

Worship Schedule January 1st January 8th January 15th Scripture Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12 Sermon: What Happens When You See the Light Scripture Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5 Sermon: Gods First Words Scripture Lesson: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 Sermon: Implants

January 22nd Scripture Lesson: Mark 1:14-20 Sermon: An Anglers Tale January 29th Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Sermon: Seasoned with Love

ATTENDANCE AND FINANCIAL GIVING

December (Includes 11/27) 2011 Average Attendance: Regular Giving : Average Regular Giving: Designated Giving: Fall Festival Christmas Wreaths $35.00 $215.00 57 $ 8896.72 $ 2252.90 (per week) $ 250.00

($ 2,199.02 per week is needed to meet our church budget.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rich Ashley, Lay Leader GREETERS: 1 8 15 22 29 Don and Sheri Mathis Danny Burnette and Liz Benjamin Angela Fox and Sherry Lesley Judy Womble and Bonnie English Mike and Jenny Miller Rich Ashley, Lay Leader NURSERY/PRE-SCHOOL: 1 8 15 22 29 Jenny Miller J.B. Wallin Deborah White Carol Evans Jenny Miller USHERS: 1 8 15 22 29 Mark and Lisa Anderson Harold and Dixie Tipton Ed Ponder and Dot Cody Bruce Harrison and Marsha Boyd J.B. Wallin and Danny Burnette

OFFERTORY PRAYER: SCRIPTURE READERS: 1 8 15 22 29

Andrea Bailey Rich Ashley Judy Womble Elizabeth Hamrick Bonnie English

CHILDRENS TIME:

Jenny Miller, Dixie Tipton, Rev. Johnson, and Cammie Monroe Carolyn Ponder; Lisa Anderson Kathy Wrenn, Lois Lynn Bellemare, & Cammie Monroe Dr. Ernie and Frances Powell ACOLYTE:

CHILDRENS CHURCH: TWEENS CLASS:

COMMUNION STEWARDS: COUNTERS: 1 8 15 22 29

John Hamrick and Rich Ashley Tom Wrenn and Rich Ashley John Hamrick and Judy Womble Rich Ashley and Angela Fox John Hamrick and Sherry Lesley Danny Burnette and Brian Dodge

1 8 15 22 29

Sabrina Shelton Jacob Miller James Lesley Elizabeth Lesley Samuel Johnson

AUDIO VISUAL:

If you are unable to serve when indicated, please ask someone to take your place . IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE IN ANY CAPACITY, please tell the Pastor. THANK YOU for your service and dedication to Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church!

Mars Hill, NC 28754