Called Not to Stay Silent Anymore

Posted: March 12, 2010

Friends,

Too often I return from an experience that rocks me and I remain silent, because I often feel putting words to such an experience cheapens it. But I will not stay silent anymore…not over this. Not anymore.

I was wrecked by being able to go to Kenya the past two weeks and witness simple and profound truth to living out the scriptures of love. How giving a toothbrush (one of the thousands you guys donated at dnow) to children says, “you are loved by the creator of the universe”. I got to see, with tears rolling down my cheeks, the well (again from $
donated at dnow) being manually dug at Christ Compassion Rehabilitation Center in Joska, Kenya, that reminded them, “God provides”. I got to hold precious Evelyn, a 2 and 1/2 year old, HIV-positive toddler at Beat the Drum orphanage, that spoke God’s promise to her “that I will never leave you or forsake you”. God allowed me to play volleyball with Grace, Beatrice, Cecilia, some of the 11, 12 year old girls at HOREC home who enjoyed an afternoon of play, that sent the message, “I take great delight in you”! I got to pray for John, my 15 year old friend,
who remembers our team visiting, when Reece rode a bike through their game and Joey made his monkey face, Nic playing guitar and Megan giving out prayer bears, along with the bubbles and the kites, that spoke ‘God is your refuge and your strength’. I got to take chai with the children at Rhema who were decked out in their Mt Bethel Academy uniforms, the ones we distributed the last trip, that spoke to them “God sees you always”.

THEY REMEMBER. They hold onto God, for countless reasons, but one is because “He sends us friends from the U.S., to share His love and tell us we are not forgotten”. Quote from Patrick who lives at Strong Tower.

Incredible.

God also gave me a new experience that I believe He timed just perfectly, but I am still processing the magnitude of it all. This trip, more than any other, the HIV/AIDS virus was what altered my heart most. Over and over again God had me talk with someone who was directly affected by HIV/AIDS. Some infected with the virus themselves, several who have adopted an orphan infected and many who have taken in their nieces and/or nephews because their brother or sister died from AIDS.

Many of you know that I am continually prompted to quote a statement from Shane Claiborne’s book, Irresistible Revolution, “Sometimes statistics need a face.” Well friend, the HIV/AIDS incomprehensible statistic has a face, and a name, and a life, and a story. Several of them.

HIV/AIDS is changing the lives of our brothers and sisters. Yes, we know the harsh statistics this fatal virus has left in it’s wake. Some of our cynical views are, “if the governments were not so corrupt in Africa all the millions of dollars that have been raised for the treatment and eradication of this pandemic would be enough”. I don’t know the answer about what to do with government corruption and I can get as angry as you knowing that innocent people are suffering because of money not reaching them that was earmarked for their care. (that is in addition to my anger towards my own government not doing enough for our domestic homeless plight, AIDS, malnutrition, trafficking of children, etc.) I have had some personal arguments with God about these issues. I believe that He continually calls me to retell the story of what HE places before my eyes and burdens my heart with, “now that I have seen I am responsible”. It is more than time for us to use our anger and/or frustration to move to action. Jesus is saying continually over each of us, hear HIM SAY, “For when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ and “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, YOU DID FOR ME.” So in my/our frustration at governments, ministries, etc we are called to care for, or as in James 1:27 “look after the orphans and widows” and Matthew 25:40 tells us when we do ‘look after them’ we are looking after JESUS! SO perhaps you are called to protest the government, run for office, unite causes to change policy, I pray that some of you reading this are. But for me and for several others of you, we are called to ACT now. We know that familiar tug at our heart to DO SOMETHING NOW! We are moved to tears to stop making excuses and we are called to LOVE beyond what makes sense to live lives that are unexplainable without the Holy Spirit. Therefore whatever that looks like in your life right now, today, how I pray that you respond. Jesus is telling us what-EVER we do for the least of HIS children we do for HIM. Directly for HIM, King Jesus. Hold a child- you hold Jesus; feed the sick- you feed Jesus; clothe the naked- you clothe Jesus; bring water to the thirsty- you bring water to Jesus; care for the sick- you care for Jesus; visit, listen, take chai, dance, laugh, cry, walk with someone and you visit, listen, take chai, dance, laugh, cry and walk with JESUS.

You may be thinking, ‘here we go, (again), Gaylyn is all pumped up on passion because she just returned. Give her a few weeks and it will all fade back to normal.” Heaven forbid! I ask you to hold me accountable that is does not.

You may be rehearsing your reasons for doing nothing with thoughts and statements like, “I don’t want to enable them, or hurt them with throwing more money at the problem’; or, “how do I know that the money I give reaches those in need?” or “I can’t go, I have work/school here, or my family needs me, or there is so much need I could never make a difference”. Or, ‘I can’t because ______’, you fill in the blank.

Or you may be asking, “so what does that look like in my life? What CAN I do?” Begin by asking God, “how can I love others and therefore love you?”, knowing that you are loving Jesus while you do. What is breaking God’s heart and allow that to motivate your actions. Look around, pray, ask Him to lead you and for you to love HIM with your life to be the motive of your heart.

Are you called to go? Then GO! There are countless opportunities to GO and receive the love of Christ. I was supposed to say, “spread the love of
Christ”. No, I typed it correctly. You receive so much more when we GO. Many of us are called to go and we need to wade through the excuses and expose them to God to reveal HIS answer. Compassion in Action- live out Matthew 25! Give- sponsor a child, donate to their living expenses to buy them food, anti-retroviral medications, clean water, clothing, etc. Bright Point for Children, is a ministry I have seen in operation and it works. The children I have met, who are sponsored through Bright Point ARE receiving food, basic living supplies and an education. Support a missionary or an intern who is going to live in the places to directly love those in need. Be a part of that testimony of loving Jesus directly through your support. The GARDEN, 7 Bridges, need volunteers constantly to love Jesus by feeding a meal to those in need, visiting those who are there, and looking into their eyes and remind them that they matter. Give your time and yourself away.

Pray- and don’t just say you will, but truly place a reminder on your bathroom mirror or your steering wheel and pray. Crying out for others – not just statistics, but faces, and names, and lives, and stories.

Not staying silent,
Gaylyn

Children’s Consignment and Baked Goods Sale

Posted: January 20, 2010

Mt. Bethel UMC’s
Spring 2010
Children’s Consignment and Baked Goods Sale

Join us as 400 sellers come together, twice a year, to sell clothing, furniture, equipment and much more. All proceeds go to local and global missions benefiting the needs of families and children.

Sale Dates and Times
Friday, March 12, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
**No strollers allowed on the sales floor until 12:00 pm.
Loving childcare is offered for $3.00 per hour per child in the nursery.

Consignor Registration Opens-Monday, February 1st- 6:00 AM
Volunteer Registration Opens-Monday February 1st-6:00 AM

* More information on mtbethelccs.com

Urgent Need: Flood Relief Effort

Posted: September 30, 2009

Mt. Bethel’s Disaster Relief, Handy Helpers, and Preschool are working to put together relief efforts. The Preschool is collecting donations for Clarkdale Elementary in West Cobb. They are collecting Gift Cards (ie. Publix, Target, WalMart, Kroger, Lowes, Home Depot, School Box), gently used books to replenish the library and teacher school supplies for their classrooms (they have enough student supplies). Look for buckets labeled with “Flood Relief Donations.”

If you would like to offer your time with the Handy Helpers and Disaster Relief Team or know of someone who needs immediate help, please contact Heather Wood in the Missions Office.

Special Needs Ministry Volunteer Opportunities

Posted: April 20, 2009

The Special Needs Ministry needs you!  Would you be willing to spend some time with a child or young adult?  What they desire most is your time and friendship!  You can serve by sharing Christ love and Christian fellowship, no special skills are required, just the desire to share of yourself with some very special people.

Every Sunday, volunteers are  needed in F002 at 9:30 & 11am. Our program and outreach is growing and the Ministry could use your support.  Please consider volunteering for 1 hour on Sunday mornings this summer – Adults and teens are both needed!  Volunteers needed now for April 26th and May 3rd!

Georgia Summer Special Olympics volunteer registration – April 26th – We’ll have a table near the welcome desk to sign up volunteers for The Georgia Summer Special Olympics to be held May 29-31 at Emory.  You could be an assistant to one of the athletes, or a Fan in the Stands – Information & applications will be available.

Mt Bethel has so many ways to get connected and serve! Come join the Special Needs Ministry and together will will share Christ love and Christian fellowship with some very special families!

For more information, please contact Rev. Kim McGarr.

Special Needs Ministry Volunteers

Posted: August 20, 2008

The Sunday morning Special Needs Ministry needs you! We need adults and teens to staff the Special Needs Class (F002) on Sunday mornings. We provide respite care on Sunday mornings from 9:30 – 12:00 so families with children who have special needs can come be a part of our church family and worship together.

Do you have an hour you could share? If so, please contact Kim McGarr at kim.mcgarr@mtbethel.org or at 770-971-8938.

Live it Live crew

Posted: August 14, 2008

Have you ever seen those people on Sunday mornings in those really cool black shirts that say crew? You can have one too!

Come be part of our Live it Live Family.  Visit our “Live it Live” volunteer needs page and you will see the different opportunities we have where you can serve.  We would love to have you!

Children’s Ministry Needs You

Posted: August 1, 2008

As we prepare for our Back to School schedule for Children’s Ministry, we’re in need of volunteers to bring care and compassion and Christian Discipleship to our children. We have a spot for you.

Sunday School Coaches/Assistant Coaches
Each class needs adult leaders to tell stories, lead conversation, and engage children in learning the Good News. We have 4 classes for each age/grade, and each class needs at least 2 adults. Some couples are able to team teach and alternate weeks of service. Elementary classes (Kindergarten – 5th grade) meet at 9:30, and Preschool Classes (ages 2-4) meet at 9:30 or 11.

Logistics Team Members
Every Sunday we need volunteers to pass out roll books, track attendance, assist with security issues, and support our coaches. Team members serve on a rotating schedule each month. Service times are 9:15 – 10:30 (Elementary or Preschool) and 10:30 – Noon (Preschool).

Computer Check in Station Volunteers
We’re using our technology for better ministry in our preschool areas. Computer check in prints name tags with security information, tracks visitors, and processes attendance. We offer training for volunteers to keep the computers running, and assist visitors. Stations are manned in downstairs and upstairs preschool halls, and in the narthex for God’s Garden. Volunteers needed for the preschool at 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. or 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.

God’s Garden Volunteers
Children ages 3-5 can attend Sanctuary worship with their parents at 9:30 or 11. During the service, children are invited forward for Moments with the Minister, then dismssed to Room A35 below the Sanctuary for fun with Farmer Joe. While parents of attendees are assigned to serve on a rotating schedule, we need regular volunteers to assist with computer check in, escort children to God’s Garden, and assist in crowd control and pick up during the program.

SPLAT University: Wednesday Night Leaders
Wednesday Night programs begin August 20. We need adult leaders in preschool and young Elementary. We also need parent volunteers for mother/daughter and father/son small groups for 4th and 5th graders. Logisitics volunteers assist with check in, name tags, and attendance.

If you are interested, or you would like more information, please contact:
Logistics: Dianne Hylton
Preschool: Janis Caverlee
Elementary: Sherri Juliani

Want to help volunteer with Live it Live?

Posted: June 6, 2008

As we prepare for Live it Live to return this fall, we’re looking for some volunteers.  Here are some of the areas we’re looking for:

Crew Leaders
Description: Direct kids and parents outside and inside Live it Live. Help kids and parents with check-in, security tags, help pass out give away during the service and handing out refrigerator pages to kids at the end. Also, helping to monitor doors and helping with crowd control.
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 hours each Sunday for one month, then three months off
Training August 10th 12:30 Fellowship Hall

Team Captains
Description: E-mail your Crew and remind them on their date and to switch with someone if they are unable to be there. Work with Director helping assign area where Crew will work.
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 hours each Sunday for one month, then three months off
Training August 10th 12:30 Fellowship Hall

Live it Live Concierge
Description: Assist with name tags for 1st time visitors and  hand out gift bags to visitors and prizes to  those who brought a friend. Answer any questions the kids or parents might have about Live it Live.
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 hours each Sunday for one month, then three months off
Traning August 10th 12:30 Fellowship Hall

Floor Managers:
Description: Lead crew teams. Contact team captains with announcements for crew. Direct floor during shows help set-up with check-in and break down. This usually works well for a team of 2 to do together.
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 hours each Sunday for one month, then three months off
Training August 10th 12:30 Fellowship Hall

Back Stage Director:
Sit back stage and oversee flow of show from back stage
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 hours each Sunday for one month, then three months off
Training August 16th 12:15 Fellowship Hall

Production Team:
Description: Assist with Audio/Visual during production.  (Experience helpful but not necessary)  Training will be provided.
Call Anna Jordan about training times.

Character Actors and Worship Leaders:
6-12 th grade and Adults
By Audition only Auditions August 4th and 5th 1:00-3:00 Fellowship Hall

If you’re interested, you can use this form to sign-up.  If you have any questions, please contact Deone Perdue.

Volunteering to serve at the MUST shelter

Posted: June 3, 2008

Many of you may not know that Mt. Bethel is among the many groups committed to providing volunteers to stay overnight at the MUST shelter, The Elizabeth Inn. This can be one of our most personally rewarding volunteer tasks as we interact with and learn about people who are temporarily homeless. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find members who will spend the night. Because or our large membership, MBUMC is committed to the 5th, 12th, and 20th of every month. We need to provide at least two people each night. It works great to have a man and a woman or a family unit.

My husband, daughter and I have all stayed there and can say that it is safe and painless, and an eye opening experience when we realized that many of these homeless are families with children!  Some people have a difficult time making it to work the next day after doing laundry for the guests most of the night, but we have many times a year when one or two of the nights are on the weekend!

As of today, most of 2008 has no MBUMC members signed up after June 20th! If you volunteer for this 10 or 12 hour service to some of Cobb County’s poorest, it promises to be more of a blessing to you than to them! to volunteer please email sueleit@mindspring.com or sherry.reed@mtbethel.org.

Older Adult Center – Youth and Adult Volunteers Needed

Posted: May 27, 2008

Program Volunteers: Early retirees, youth (13 +), college students home for the summer, anyone with a heart for Seniors. (Once a month or more! 10:30-2:30 M, T, W, TH)

Activity Volunteers: Musicians, Artists, or anyone with a Special Hobby or Talent to share. (anytime 10:30 – 2:30 M, T, W, TH)

Lunch Volunteers: Friends, Neighbors, or Families that enjoy cooking.  Pre-prepare in your home a lunch or snack for our morning “Snack and Yak”. (one time or once a month)

Please call Allison Fischer at 770-579-9224 for more information.