CROSSPOINTS One of One the reasons I working love with youth is becauseof howadaptive what wasit like beto a high schoolsenior again. ofmidst change, and you have remindedadults acrossour community foundways to celebratein the yetand you thought wouldit look like this, started theyear, oneno disrupted. been Whenyou graduationsservices have senior traditions,and proms,graduate parties, normalrhythms of school, Forthepast fewweeks the — [continued...] remember the times that we all have shared with you. and pray that as you begin your next journey, that you have shared with us We thank you thefor laughter and fellowship as you journey forth into the world. We give you blessings of good will and love whohave andloved supported youthroughout the years. wehope thatyou remember the ones you leave behind, As prepareyou foryour nextjourney, willthat takeyou to unimaginableplaces. willYou prepare beginto another phase part One of your life and many more achievements yet to come. We give blessings to you for all that you have achieved celebrateto theaccomplishments of members of our community. are We gathered together graduationlitany: take theopportunity to shareour collective prayer for you through this congregationour as awhole say howproud they areof you, we wanted to what youhave accomplished. Since youwon definitely looksdifferent than hasit in thepast butwe are no lessproud of graduates in waysnew through our Graduate Recognition Sunday. It Sundaywe have theopportunity to celebrateour high school and college resiliencythat that makes very me excited seeto what theydo next.This theyare. Our graduates haveadapted over thelast fewmonths and it is GraduateRecognition Sunday by Marcusby McClellan ’ veadapted, you

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Graduate Recognition Sunday (cont.) Use those memories as a beacon to guide you on your path. Don’t look back; continue only forward, while using those memories to create a new path.

We pray that God will give you strength and determination to develop new relationships that will help to strengthen and sustain your faith.

Because we are made in the image of God we have been blessed with free will to make choices and decisions.

We pray that you make wise and rational decisions, always turning to God for help. God hears, God listens, God is always with you. Do not forget that. Always keep in mind that God is around and if you turn to him, he will guide you.

Announcements Our Prayer Concerns and Celebrations Please pray for: All serving in the military; Michael Bereman; Benjamin Webb; Charlotte Reynolds and family; Dana Hall’s mother; David Kelder; Gresham Yeager; Howard and Anna Surface’s daughter-in-law; Rhonda and Ray Oliver’s niece; Ron and Patty Brown’s daughter; Chip and Karen Moore’s son; Jim Dukeman’s brother; Rod Dolen. Confidential prayer requests can be made online at apexumc.org/prayer.

Congratulations! Congratulations to our high school and college graduates! We are pleased to be able recognize you in worship this Sunday.

Regathering Team (Apex UMC Family) As our state has shifted into Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan, a team of eight lay leaders from across our church family were invited to work with our pastoral team to help our congregations and church leadership consider when and how we would begin to regather for in-person, face-to-face worship. This team will meet weekly for the next several weeks and share their recommendations with the Parish Council in late June. We appreciate your prayers for this team and for our entire church during these uncertain times. If you have specific questions, you can reach out to your local campus pastor or email [email protected]. You can also find out more about our current model for phased reopening at apexumc.org/coronavirus.

Charge Conference Join us Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m. for a virtual Charge Conference. During this mid-year business gathering we will share in evening prayer and celebrate the ways God is moving in the Apex UMC Family and in our communities during COVID19. Charge Conference members will vote on the appointment of Amanda Rigby to The Peak, hear an update from the Regathering Task Force, and receive information on the 2020-2021 budget. All are welcome. To join, go to tinyurl.com/charge-conference. You may also join by phone by calling 1-866-432-9903 and entering the meeting access code: 200 894 016.

Virtual Membership Class Interested in membership? Our new member class is an opportunity to hear God’s big story again and connect it with our unique Wesleyan heritage and the unique story of our Apex UMC Family. We will have a virtual membership class on Sunday, June 28, from 3-4 p.m. via Zoom (link will be emailed after

you register). Register online. CROSSPOINTS

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Announcements Book Study - White Fragility We are hopeful this study will be a good step towards learning together the impact of racism in our nation as we engage in constructive and meaningful conversation around this topic. We will read and discuss the book White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. Join Corey Vevera virtually on Wednesday, beginning June 17, at 7:30 p.m. as he leads us through this 12-week study. Register online at apexumc.org/classes.

Book Study - How to be an Antiracist This summer, all campuses within the Apex UMC Family are invited to join the 519 Book Club in reading the very timely book by Ibram X. Kendi, How to be an Antiracist. This discussion is open to all campuses with opportunities for break out discussion with pastors and leaders from your campus. Pastor Laura will be in attendance. We will meet every other Tuesday beginning June 16 (ending July 28), on Zoom from 7-8 p.m. You can order the book online at Amazon or on Bookshop. Register online at apexumc.org/classes.

You Can Still Register for Virtual VBS Our Virtual VBS kit is designed so that YOU will WIN by teaching your child about faith while having fun at the same time. Kits are designed for Preschool (ages 3-5) or Elementary (K-5) and include lesson directions, access to the Bible Story videos, craft and game supplies, and more (t-shirts are no longer available). You must register online at apexumc.org/vbs to reserve your kit, which will be distributed near the end of June. Questions? Contact Norma Wallace ([email protected]).

55+ Adults You should have received a survey in the mail this week. The intent of this survey is to develop a ministry program that meets a diversity of needs within this demographic. The survey should be completed by each adult, 55 and older (not couples or households), and should be returned no later than June 15, in the pre-addressed envelope provided. If you have not received a survey (by June 7), please email Alta Whitt ([email protected]) with your name and address. The survey is also available online at apexumc.org/55survey.

6th Grade Parents Are you the parent of a student who will be in 6th grade in the 2020/2021 school year? Know someone who is? We want to welcome our rising 6th graders well and let them know how excited we are for them to join the youth program! Please help us by filling out this form (forms.gle/gTNf6n5sdw9mSxpk8), or letting friends know about it, so that we can deliver a welcome kit when the stay at home orders are lifted.

Memorial Garden Update AUMC is within approximately 40 niches of being able to begin construction on the first wall of our columbarium, which will hold 150 niches and a memorial wall! To encourage your pre-construction commitment and make the columbarium a reality, the Committee has approved continuing the initial $2,800 price through 2020! Make your $500 deposit now and complete payment by Dec. 31, 2020. To receive a contract, contact sales team head Jim Ahler ([email protected]) or Pastor Ellen Rose ([email protected]) or call the church office and follow the prompts to leave a voice message for Pastor Ellen. A contract is also available for you to add a loved-one's name to the memorial wall ($500); contact Pastor Ellen with questions.

1500 Masks and Counting! As of June 12 our amazing sewing warriors will have produced over 1500 masks for people in our community who need them. We continue to supply Transitions Hospice and other agencies in the community who serve compromised and elderly. We are so grateful to all who have contributed! If you are in need of a mask that can be laundered and re-used, please email Pastor Ellen at [email protected]. We will fill requests as masks are available.

Western Wake Crisis Ministry Needs Canned meat (tuna/chicken), Chef Boyardee, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned fruit (other than applesauce), side items (instant potatoes, dressing, etc.), canned veggies (other than corn/green beans). Please place items in the marked bin in the Crossroads circle. Donations are collected daily.

Thank you for your ongoing support! CROSSPOINTS

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Announcements Feed the Kids - Thank You! FTK would like to send out a big thank you to our AUMC Family of Faith. Because of donations and extra help, we are providing 270 bags of food EACH week to those in need. Each bag contains at least 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, snacks, and fruit to help bridge the gap between dinners offered through No Kid Hungry. 60 of these bags go directly to one of our local schools with students in extreme need. In addition, we have been supporting 5 local families whose circumstances were brought to our attention through a school counselor and others with large boxes of food and fresh produce delivered weekly or biweekly. Here is a brief description of those 5 families we are supporting:

• Family #1 - family of 6, but dad works in Charlotte and has been unable to come home due to COVID. Mom doesn’t drive and is undocumented, so she has a fear of leaving her home.

• Family #2 - single mom with 4 kids and 1 has behavioral struggles. They are currently living with her brother as she has been unable to work due to COVID.

• Family #3 - divorced dad with 2 kids. He has custody most of the time. He lost his job due to COVID and has been unsuccessful in securing a new job. His girlfriend also lost her job and is experiencing some medical concerns.

• Family #4. Grandmother is currently caring for 8 children. She has legal custody of grandkids in addition to her own kids. She is single without a car. She is so appreciative of food she receives weekly from FTK.

• Family# 5. Single Mom with 3 teenagers. She has lost child support and her work hours have been cut. Received a thank you note from this family.

Each of the 270+ families we serve weekly has an ongoing need food. FTK is so grateful for the Apex UMC Family’s ongoing support helping our community!

Graduate Recognition HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Nickolas John Bartle, son of John and Bronwyn Bartle, is graduating from and plans to attend the University of Alabama to study architectural engineering.

Alivia Bassett, daughter of Jason and Kim Bassett, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University.

Mary Elisabeth Beam, daughter of Chris and Heather Beam, is graduating from and plans to attend Appalachian State University to study psychology.

Aidan Jeffrey Bulkin, son of Ken and Libby Bulkin, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend Appalachian State University.

Jackson Kelly Bulkin, son of Ken and Libby Bulkin, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend Methodist University.

Harrison Burlew, son of Christy and Chad Holliday, is graduating from and plans to attend Appalachian State University to study business and finance.

Emma Chapman, daughter of Amy and Eric Chapman, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University.

Abigail Bright Clark, daughter of Mary Lou and Tracey Clark, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend Appalachian State University to study psychology.

Krista Coley, daughter of Greg and Kelli Coley, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University to study business administration.

Maddie Deane, daughter of Winston and Amy Deane, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School

and plans to attend East Carolina University. CROSSPOINTS

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Graduate Recognition Jack A. Deaton, son of Dan and Gretchen Deaton, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Christopher Fields, son of Jenny and Warren Fields, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State to study computer science.

Jack Spencer Gentry, son of Dudley and Kimberly Gentry, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and plans to study English and creative writing.

Mary Helen Gillespie, daughter of Allison and Jamie Gillespie, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University.

Gabriella Layne Gonzales, daughter of Rachel Gonzales and Keith Bowden, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Owen Halbleib, son of Jennifer and Cale Halbleib, is graduating from and plans to attend Appalachian State University to study history education.

Grey Hanburger, son of Chris and Tracey Hanburger, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend East Carolina University.

Joshua Haughton, son of Chris and Debbie Haughton, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University.

Timothy Haughton, son of Chris and Debbie Haughton, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he will run Division 1 cross country and track.

Rachel Heinzerling, daughter of Brett and Susan Heinzerling, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University to study engineering.

Peyton Mae Inman, daughter of Jeff and Melissa Inman, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of Georgia to study business marketing.

Lindsey Kilpatrick, daughter of Kim and Rick Kilpatrick, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Lauren Langston, daughter of Mike and Jessica Langston and Keith and Kimberly Wood, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend Virginia Tech.

Olivia LaRusso, daughter of Melanie and Larry LaRusso, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University to study elementary education.

Lauren Layton, daughter of Ron and Kim Layton, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend West Virginia University to study nursing.

Christian Taylor Nightingale, daughter of Trevor and Shawn Nightingale, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study biomedical engineering.

Jake Pio, son of John and Suzanne Pio, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend Cape Fear Community College.

Elyse Gordon Schechter, daughter of Jacqueline and Drew Schechter, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study microbiology.

Cooper Sykes, son of John and Ann Sykes, is graduating from Athens Drive Magnet High School and plans to join the Wells Scholars Program at Indiana University to study environmental and sustainability studies.

Aaron Thomas, son of Leena and Thomas Philip, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to

attend North Carolina State University, College of Engineering. CROSSPOINTS

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Graduate Recognition Haley Turner, daughter of Stephanie and Bryan Turner, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study nursing.

Sydney Turner, daughter of June Caummisar and John Turner, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of Kentucky.

Alexandra Vallieu, daughter of Brian and Mary Vallieu, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to study nursing.

Carter Alan Wade, son of Deborah and Craig Wade, is graduating from Apex High School and plans to attend Wake Technical Community College.

Lance Monroe Weller, son of Eric and Courtney Weller, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend Virginia Tech, Pamplin School of Business.

Hannah Weschler, daughter of Matt and Mindy Weschler, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University, Poole College of Management.

Avery Grace Wilkins, daughter of Charles and Mandy Wilkins, is graduating from Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to study nursing.

COLLEGE GRADUATES

Lawson Benfield, son of Mark and Kimberly Benfield, graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and Finance and Banking. He is working with Beazley in Atlanta, Ga.

Elisabeth West Bulkin, daughter of Ken and Libby Bulkin, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education. She is teaching 7th grade English at CC Griffin Middle School in Concord, NC.

Kevin Connell, son of Mick and Diane Connell, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and will pursue a master’s degree in Cybersecurity at UNC Charlotte.

Jordan Elizabeth Dean, daughter of Proctor and Amy Dean, obtained her master’s degree in Business Administration from . She graduated from North Carolina State University in 2017 and has been employed with Personify in Raleigh since that time.

Savannah Dupree, daughter of Wendy and Scott Dupree, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and minors in Spanish and History. She is waiting for the country to reopen to resume her job search.

Sarah Ford, daughter of Tim and Christy Ford, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and plans to pursue a career in education.

Zoe Gasell, daughter of Matt and Lauri Gasell, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sports Leadership and Tourism Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is actively searching for a job in intercollegiate athletics, focusing in either sports marketing or development, hopefully at the Division I level. Zoe plans to attend graduate school in the future to continue being a life-long learner.

Annie L. Harding, daughter of Wallace and Millie Harding, obtained her Master of Accounting from North Carolina State University. She will start at Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP, public accounting firm in October as an Assurance Associate in their Raleigh office. This summer, she is studying to pass all four parts of the CPA exam.

Lizzy McDaniel, daughter of Alice (and Stanley) McDaniel, graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in in Elementary Education. She plans to return to NCSU graduate

school in the fall to earn a master’s degree in special education. CROSSPOINTS

Page 7 June 11, 2020

Graduate Recognition Dalton Phillips, son of Pam and Rick Phillips, graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Health Care Management and plans to work in the healthcare system.

Benjamin Pittman, son of Eugene and Carolyn Pittman, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and is presently seeking employment.

Lexi Schafran, daughter of Annie and Derek Schafran, graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is a kindergarten teacher at Salem Elementary School.

Alexandra Stanford, daughter of Michael and Allison Carter graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Neuroscience. She is taking a few post-baccalaureate science classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in preparation for the MCAT and medical school.

This Week in Worship

June 14: Graduation Recognition Sunday This Sunday we have the opportunity to celebrate our high school and college graduates in new ways through our Graduate Recognition Sunday. It definitely looks different than it has in the past but we are no less proud of what they have accomplished. We are combining this recognition with our annual Youth Sunday, where our youth will lead in all aspects of worship, including the message. Join us and celebrate our youth and graduates! First Lesson: John 10:1-10; Second Lesson: Acts 2:42-47

A New Way to Stay Connected in Worship As we continue to worship in new ways during this season, we are excited to tell you about a new opportunity to engage in worship and invite others. In addition to our Livestream page (apexumc.org/ livestream) and our YouTube channel (youtube.com/apexumc), you can now also watch worship by following us on Facebook (facebook.com/apexumc). Like and follow our Facebook page and when we go live on Sunday mornings for worship, you'll get a notification. Worshiping with us on Facebook makes it easy to share the service with your friends, host a "watch party" with your small group, friends, neighbors, or extended family, or stay in touch with your church friends through the live chat. In whatever way you choose to join us in worship, we look forward to

worshipping with you again this Sunday at 9:35 and 11:00. CROSSPOINTS 100 South Hughes Street Apex, NC 27502

Apex Campus Staff

Laura Johnson, Pastor – [email protected] Sheila Ahler, Associate Pastor – [email protected] Ellen Rose, Pastor of Congregational Care – [email protected] Todd Arant, Traditional Worship Arts – [email protected] Ellen Griffin, Children’s Ministry – [email protected] Dana Hall, Youth Ministry – [email protected] Brad Hoffman, Facilities – [email protected] Becki Leeland, Missional Discipleship – [email protected] Marcus McClellan, Youth Ministry & Church Strategy – [email protected] Jacqueline Schechter, Communications – [email protected] Corey Vevera, Contemporary Worship Arts – [email protected] Norma Wallace, Children’s Ministry – [email protected] Alta Whitt, Director of Senior Adult Ministry – [email protected] Will Wilson, Custodian – [email protected] Joette Winberry, Organist – [email protected]