March 2021

INSIDE!!! Pg. 2: Upcoming sermon topics & Church Mice information. Pg.3: JUMC Outreach. Pg. 4: Message from Pastor Andi & God Is Great – And So Are JUMC El Refugio update. Pg. 5: Bible Trivia. Faithful Members

Pg. 6&7: From the Conference: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the Annual Conference News; fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Getting ready for Project (I Corinthians 1:9 NKJ) Agape. Pg. 8 & 9: Behind the scenes with virtual worship. Greetings from the Finance Committee. Just as God is faithful to us, JUMC membership is faithful to the ministry of Jonesboro UMC. We are Pg. 10 & 11: What is Lent? all living in unprecedented times, but through your faithful giving in 2020 I Pg. 12: Song for this month’s theme. am pleased to report that our church’s budget obligations were met in full. Pg. 13: Youth news and Family All Glory to God is in order and, to you, a special thank you. Promise news. Pg. 14: Focus on our members; The pandemic created many challenges in 2020, but a number of factors Birthdays & anniversaries reduced expenses through the year. When inside worship was cancelled, the and “In Our Prayers”. utility costs were reduced and through proceeds from the Payroll Protection Pg. 15: JUMC Core Values & Plan loan, all staff obligations were met. And, because of the proper Military Ministry update. processing and documentation of the loan by the JUMC staff, this loan has Pg. 16: Regular church activities. been forgiven. However, what really made this a success was your faithful giving.

Don’t Forget As we move forward in 2021, we will continue to face challenges, but we will do this with the knowledge that God loves us. And with your Cereal is still needed even though faithfulness to our ministry, “To Know Christ and Make Christ Known,” we we are no longer meeting on will overcome these uncertain times. Wishing you and your family a Safe Sundays. Please bring your boxes and Happy 2021. to the church office on Tuesday,

Wednesday or Thursday of any week. Call Brad Butler at With love in Christ and sincere thanks, 919-498-5068 if you need a pickup. Eddie Campbell Finance Committee Chairman Page 2 Life Together

Church Staff

Senior Pastor:

Andi Woodhouse

Traditional Worship Music Director & Church Organist:

Dr. Daniel Hester March 7: Communion. 3rd Sunday in Lent. 1 Corinthians 1:18-23, John 2:13-22; “Proclaim Christ!”

Secretary / March 14: 4th Sunday in Lent. Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-21; “The Gift of Life.” Bookkeeper: March 21: 5th Sunday in Lent. Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33; “Know the Lord.”

Kim Gunter March 28: Palm/Passion Sunday. Psalm 50:4-9a, Mark 1:1-11; “The Final Journey.” April 1: Holy Thursday. John 13:1-17,31b-35; “A Night to Remember.” April 4: EASTER. Communion. Mark 16:1-8. “The Greatest Comeback!” Nursery Director: April 11: John 20:19-31. “Believe.” Melanie April 18: Acts 3:12-19; Luke 24:36b-48. “The Big Picture!” Yarborough April 25: Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24. “Truth and Love.”

Communication Ministries:

Deb Taylor Web Editor Brad Butler Newsletter Editor Kim Gunter Bulletin Editor

Custodian: Jackie Watson If you enjoy “Church Mice” as much as I do please consider making a donation today. Your gift ($1, $5, $10, $20 or more) is appreciated and will make a big difference. (Receive an autographed comic for your gift of $20.00 or more!) Thank you, and may God bless you. Mail checks or money orders to Karl A. Zorowski 9195 James B. White Hwy. S. Pastor on call Clarendon NC 28432 919--292-2612. Check out the Church Mice website at http://wptest.churchmice.net Archives of old cartoons, weekly sermons, and much more. Life Together Page 3

JUMC Outreach JUMC 2021 Church Council

As the pandemic continues to modify our lives, so has the pandemic modified Joe Cavalluzzi “Outreach” at JUMC. However, modify does not mean halted, JUMC has been busy reaching Chairperson out to the community. Our Military Coupon Ministry reports $682,627.06 coupons clipped and 22 phones donated. Donations to Haven have continued with the gifts of handmade quilts Eddie Campbell and children's clothing. And the good men and women, who volunteer their time on the second Wednesday of every month at the Bread Basket report serving 120 meals each time Finance Committee they gather. Chairperson

We may have had to put aside some of our John Shontz normal outreach projects this year, but the needs Lay Leader of the community still persist. As we have not Church Treasurer been able to meet in the parking lot the past Sundays, please know you can drop off Deb Taylor CUOC Cereal donations or donations to Financial Secretary Haven at the office any day Kim is there. We will make sure the donations make it to the right place. Marilee Ostman Staff-Parish Relations Upcoming for Outreach - In place of our Committee Chair annual Easter Egg Hunt, for the JUMC Day Care, we will be collecting school supplies and Dave Carmony providing goodies for the Day Care Easter Trustees Chairperson Celebration. Please look to the weekly JUMC email for details. Jennie Lanane Missions Coordinator

Jean Spivey Memorial Committee Chairperson

Deb Taylor David Taylor (alternate) Lay Member to Annual Conference

Sherry Williams

Christian Education Team Chairperson

Bill Huggins President United Methodist Men

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“We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone” (Psalm 33:20-22, NLT).

During Lent we confront our waywardness and mortality. As we examine our hearts in daily devotion and prayer we realize how far we stray from the life God intends for us. Sin has a grip on our lives. What would we do without the grace made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ?! Christ is our only hope!

We read repeatedly in the epistles where Paul calls Jesus our “ hope.” This “hope” is not merely wishful thinking; this hope is grounded in certainty and assurance! We do not despair! The One who lived a perfect, sinless life shed his blood and gave his life for all of humanity! It is a sacrifice and love that we cannot fathom!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”(1 Peter 1:3).

God bless you and keep you and your loved ones safe!

With Christian love and gratitude,

Rev. Andi Woodhouse

Keeping Up with El Refugio

El Refugio has launched a periodic e-newsletter to share success stories, insights and updates. Sign up to receive it by email -- go to the bottom of the home page at www.ElRefugioLeeCo.org and fill in the blanks. (When it says “to be listed on” the newsletter, it just means you join the list to receive it!)

El Refugio recruited more than 75 adult language students by mid-February. Online classes are offered both morning and evening in two ESL levels, civics and one-on-one tutoring for citizenship preparation or basic literacy.

The 2021 International Culture event is being planned for late spring, with a whole new format and setting that adapts to COVID-19 realities. Stay tuned for details!

Anna Sessoms, agent with eXp Realty, and Erica Vazquez, branch manager with BB&T, have joined the El Refugio Board of Directors. Other directors include Oscar Roberto (chair), Bob Bridwell, Bob Finch, Debra Groce, Angel Mills, Roberto Montero, Sandra Ruiz, Deb Taylor, Andi Woodhouse, and Sandra Torres (Executive Director).

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Bible Trivia

“El” in Hebrew means “God”, which is why so many Old Testament names contain an “el” at either the beginning or the end of the word. Names in Hebrew had to MEAN something, not just sound good. (Daniel’s name, for example, means “God is judge.”) Each answer (name) below contains an el. For extra credit, can you tell what the name means? Some names are used multiple times.

1. What prophet was a thorn in the side of wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel? 2. What town in Israel has a name meaning “God’s house”? 3. Who was John the Baptist’s aged mother? 4. What prophet was noted as being bald? 5. What great leader of Israel anointed Saul and David as kings? 6. What was Jacob’s new name after he wrestled all night with an angel? 7. According to one Old Testament prophet, there will come a day when young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams. Which prophet? 8. What was the original name of the young Israelite man named Belteshazzar? 9. What prophet’s name means “God is strong”? 10. Who told Mary that her son was to be named Jesus? 11. What prophet did God tell to shave his head and beard? 12. Who was the mother of the Levitical priesthood? 13. What prophet was a very hairy man? 14. Which prophet, famous for his vision of dry bones, was with the exiles in Babylon? 15. Which prophet predicted the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon all people? 16. What prophet outran a king’s chariot and a team of horses? 17. Who was forbidden to mourn the death of his beautiful wife? 18. Who told wayward King Saul that obeying God’s voice was more important than sacrificing animals? 19. Who heard God’s voice after running away from Queen Jezebel? 20. Who heard the voice of God as he watched four mysterious creatures flying under a crystal dome? 21. What famous rabbi was Paul’s teacher? 22. What boy was called out of his sleep by the voice of God? 23. What upright young man was made ruler over the whole province of Babylon? 24. Who referred to Mary as the “mother of God”?

25. What son of Abraham was supposed to have been against everyone, and everyone against him?

”. hears God “ means name whose 16:12), (Genesis Ishmael 25. 43). - 1:41

10). 23. Daniel. (2:48). 24. Elizabeth (Luke (Luke Elizabeth 24. (2:48). Daniel. 23. 10). - 3:2 (1Samuel Samuel 22. ”. God of reward “ means name whose 22:3), (Acts

24). 21. Gamaliel Gamaliel 21. 24). - (1:22 Ezekiel 20. 18:46). Kings (1 Elijah 19. 15:22). Samuel (1 Samuel 18. 18). - ((24:16 Ezekiel 17.

18:46). Kings (1 Elijah 16. Joel. 15. Ezekiel. 14. 1:8) (2Kings Elijah 13. 6:23). (Exodus Aaron of wife Elisheba, 12.

4) 4) - (5:1 Ezekiel 11. ”. God of man strong “ means Gabriel 31); - 1:26 (Luke angel the Gabriel, 10. ”. strengthens God “ means

Ezekiel, whose name name whose Ezekiel, 9. ”. judge is God “ means Daniel Babylon. in was he while changed was name his 7); - 1:6 Daniel 8.

Joel (2:28) (2:28) Joel 7. ” God. with wrestles “ means name the 32); (Genesis Israel 6, ” God. of name “ meaning name a Samuel, 5.

” ” salvation. is God “ means name his 2); Kings (2 Elisha 4. ” oath. my is Goa “ means name her 1); (Luke Elizabeth 3.

”. ”. God “ meaning el ”, house “ meaning Beth Bethel; 2. ” God. is Yahweh “ means name the Kings); (1 Elijah 1.

Taken from the book “The Whimsical, Quizzical Bible Trivia Book” by J. Stephen Lang 1994 Page 6 Life Together

From the Conference

Planning for the 2021 Annual Preparing for Armenia Conference Session, June 16-19. Shipment 2021 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11 This strong promise of God will be the scriptural focus for the 2021 Annual Conference Session. We acknowledge the parched places in our lives, in our nation, and our world. We are disappointed that pandemic projections prevent safe indoor gatherings in June. However, we are God’s people, Our Conference has supported vulnerable persons in bound together, trusting God’s promises and provision. Armenia for over 25 years. Although our Mission Team has The 2021 Session of the Annual Conference will be been engaged in many programs that are teaching self- virtual, using a platform to allow interaction in our improvement and sustainability, there are times in which we worship, celebration, and decision-making. We will work are called upon to help with humanitarian relief. to help all lay and clergy members engage and participate After the most recent military conflict between Armenia and fully. The Rules Committee is working to formulate Azerbaijan, Project Agape was forced to shut down its conference rules for this unique session. operations in the town of Berdzor. Many of the families that Please continue to hold June 16-19 for Annual Project Agape has helped over the years were forced to Conference. The clergy session will convene on the abandon their property at the same time. morning of June 16. The annual conference session will take While a new place for ministry is being established in place on June 17 and include a Memorial Service for clergy Armenia, Project Agape is now turning our attention to and their spouses who died in the last two years and helping internally displaced persons who are trying to recognition of those retiring in 2020 and 2021. A series of survive in a bitter cold environment. Fortunately, Project small outdoor ordination services are envisioned on June 18 Agape workers in Berdzor were able to salvage materials and 19, carefully planned for the safety of 2020 and 2021 from the former warehouse which are being distributed to ordinands and their families. Each service will be recorded, persons in need. and clergy colleagues, congregations, and friends will have Our Conference and the Western NC Conference have been access to a viewing of the combined recorded Ordination asked to help our friends in Armenia by sending additional service. supplies at the end of March 2021. These are items that are Loving our neighbors and guarding their health and well very hard to find in the mountainous areas of Eastern -being is central to our discipleship and mission. We will Armenia. continue to provide updated information as we confer with Donated items should be received at MERCI in Goldsboro public health advisors and carefully monitor the pandemic by March 26, after making arrangements with Rev. Bill realities in North Carolina. Haddock (910.262.3831). If individuals or churches would With gratitude for your partnership in this time of challenge like to contribute items to be placed in the shipping and great opportunity, container, they must adhere to the following list:

Continued on the next page.

Life Together Page 7

Agape continued.

Kitchen items (boxes of cookware are very much appreciated) Tables and Chairs (tables will need to be disassembled) New bed linens, pillows, and blankets New or like-new children’s clothing (up to age 16) New shoes (old shoes cannot be shipped)

Donations will be used to buy other supplies in Armenia. Give online here: https://nccumc.org/outreach/project-agape/ Or donate by sending funds to the NC Conference Treasurer and noting Advance #S-00276 on the memo line. The mailing address is: Conference Treasurer-Raleigh Area, PO Box 890202, Charlotte NC 28289-0202.

Before taking items to MERCI, please call the Reverend Bill Haddock at 910.262.3831 for packing instructions. Page 8 Life Together

Behind the scenes.

It takes many people to make the virtual service you can view each Sunday a reality. While we were still in the parking lot, our “ushers”, Mike Ingram, Eddie Campbell Gene Hathaway, Ed Mischler and others, helped us park properly and directed us to a safe exit.

Now totally inside, those participating in the service set up, practice, and then film the various parts of the service, which appears so seamless when we watch it online.

On Saturday, February 13, ten members were at church providing their expertise to film the Valentine's Day service.

Thanks to Carol & Dave Carmony, Russell Gardner, Gene Hathaway, Daniel Hester, Becky Keith, Jennie Lanane, Deb Taylor, Robert Watson and of course Andi Woodhouse, as well as those who have served other weeks and will in the weeks to come. Life Together Page 9

Inside or outside– in person or virtual—always the Bible and the cross. Page 10 Life Together

What is Lent? Meaning, History, and Traditions of the Lenten Season Theologian Candice Lucy said: "A more profound and closer communion with God is the reward of sacrifice and devotion. His love and one’s salvation are not reliant on denying oneself chocolate or beer, but idolatry stands in the way of worshiping the one true God. These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord; to read the Bible more, and to pray more often. Christians who observe Lent correctly anticipate deeper intimacy with the Lord, which is the blessing; they do not expect rewards such as more favorable answers to prayer or the resolution What is Lent? of health concerns, although many Christians have reported that, following Lent, they experience freedom from long- Lent is the six week season that leads up to Easter. standing issues." The Lenten season is one of the most significant times of the year for many Christians around the world, especially The 40 Days of Lent (not counting Sundays) honor the those within the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox period of time similar to multiple stories in the Bible: churches, held at a comparable level of meaning to Advent, the arrival of Christmas. Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 While Advent is a time of rejoiceful anticipation, Lent is days and was tempted by the devil ( Matthew 4:1-2, Mark commonly regarded as a period of sober observance. The 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2). Lenten season is a preparation for commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. From its start date The Hebrew people wandered 40 years in the on Ash Wednesday until its conclusion on Easter Sunday, desert while traveling to the Promised Lent has been a customary time for fasting or giving Land (Numbers 14:33) something up or abstinence. Just as we thoughtfully prepare Jonah's prophecy of judgment gave 40 days for events in our individual lives, such as a wedding, or to the city of Nineveh in which to repent birthday; participating in Lent invites us to prepare our or be destroyed (Jonah 3:4). minds and hearts for glorifying Jesus’ life, death, and Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with bodily resurrection. God (Exodus 24:18) Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Ash Wednesday starts Lent with a day of remembering our Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8) humanity, the reality of death, and the need for repentance. God sent 40 days and nights of rain in the Churches symbolize this with the putting ashes on great flood of (Genesis 7:4) foreheads, often in the shape of a cross.

History of Lent Meaning of Lent Christians honor the 40 days and nights following Christ’s Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. A humble baptism when He went into the wilderness without water understanding of knowing that we are all born with the and food and was tempted by Satan. During that time, curse of sin and that there is repentance required. The Christ did what we do today when we fast: wrestle with purpose of Lent is to fully recognize our brokenness as temptation. This was not the first fast; biblical figures often humans and the need for a Savior. The time period of Lent fasted when petitioning God for something important. “So allows for us to reflect and open our hearts to Jesus. we fasted and implored our God [...], and he listened to our The main observation of Lent, fasting, is done so in order entreaty” (Ezra 8:23). The Israelites “mourned and wept to clear distractions and focus on Christ. The act of giving and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and up something and replacing it with prayer and worship, for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, gives way to a deeper relationship with God. because they had fallen by the sword”. Life Together Page 11

There is no evidence of a forty-day fast in the pre-Nicene which they alter their day-to-day lives varies greatly and is period. The first explicit reference to such a fast is in mostly a question of individual conscience. These Canon 5 of the Council of Nicaea (325), where it is treated disciplines include restricting food, giving up luxuries as something familiar and established, not as an innovation (including, in the 21st century, social media), and engaging on the part of the Council. By the end of the fourth century in charitable work. the observance of a forty-day fast seems to have been the Bible Verses for Lenten Season standard practice in most parts of Christendom, but in some places – possibly including Rome – a shorter fast may have 1 Timothy 4:1-5 been kept. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful This forty-day fast, found in evidence from the fourth spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of century onwards, differs somewhat in scope and character liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage from the one-week fast of the pre-Nicene period, and the and require abstinence from foods that God created to be precise relationship between the two is not easy to received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know determine. It is, however, clear that whereas the pre-Nicene the truth. For everything created by God is good, and fast was specifically a Paschal observance in preparation nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for Easter, the forty-day fast was connected more for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. particularly with the final preparation of the catechumens Isaiah 58:6-7 for the sacrament of Baptism or “illumination”. In the weeks before their baptismal initiation, the candidates “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of underwent a period of intensive training, with daily wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to instruction, special services, and fasting. The existing members of the church community were encouraged to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless share with the catechumens in this prayer and abstinence, poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover thus renewing year by year their baptismal dedication to him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Christ. So the forty-day fast came to involve the whole Colossians 2:16-17 body of the faithful, and not just those preparing for Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of Baptism. food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but Who Celebrates Lent? by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. You may think that all Christians celebrate and traditionally observe the Lenten season, but that's actually Joel 2:12-13 not the case. While some Christians dutifully follow the “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all customs of Lent, others do not participate in traditional your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; Lenten practices such as strict fasting. Christians that honor and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to and abide by the historical Lent tradition include the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over and Methodists. disaster.

While in excess of a billion Christians observe Lent each year, not all Christians do. Whole swathes of Protestants Taken from Christianity.com don’t observe Lent — Baptists, Evangelicals, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-lent-meaning- Pentecostalists, Latter Day Saints. Many other Protestant history-tradition-lenten-season.html denominations recognize Lent, although the extent to Page 12 Life Together

Edward Mote (1797-1874) falls into the rare category of hymn writers who grew up without religious training and whose parents were pub owners. He was apprenticed at a young age by his parents to a cabinetmaker, but found faith when he heard the preaching of John Hyatt at the Tottenham Court Road Chapel in London at age 15.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. “One morning it came in­to my mind as I went to labor, to write an I dare not trust the sweetest frame, hymn on the ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian.’ As I went up Holborn I But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. had the chorus, On Christ the solid Rock I stand, Refrain All other ground is sinking sand. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; In the day I had four first verses complete, and wrote them off. On the All other ground is sinking sand. Sabbath following I met brother King as I came out of Lisle Street Meeting…who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to When darkness seems to hide His face, call and see her. I had an early tea, and called afterwards. I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and My anchor holds within the veil. engage in prayer, before he went to meeting. He looked for his hymn book but could find it nowhere. I said, ‘I have some verses in my Refrain pocket; if he liked, we would sing them.’

His oath, His covenant, His blood, We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much, that after service he asked Support me in the whelming flood. me, as a favor, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and When all around my soul gives way, by the fire­side composed the last two verses, wrote the whole off, and He then is all my Hope and Stay. took them to sister King…

Refrain As these verses so met the dying woman’s case, my attention to them was the more ar­rest­ed, and I had a thousand printed for distribution. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found. I sent one to the Spiritual Magazine, without my initials, which Dressed in His righteousness alone, appeared some time after this. Brother Rees, of Crown Street, Soho, Faultless to stand before the throne. brought out an edition of hymns [1836], and this hymn was in it. David

Denham introduced it [1837] with Rees’ name, and others after…

Your inserting this brief out­line may in future shield me from the charge of stealth, and be a vindication of truthfulness in my connection William with the Church of God.” Bradbury Edward Mote 1816-1868 Letter to the Gos­pel Her­ald Composed the music for this hymn in 1863. Life Together Page 13

2021 Conference Youth Ministry News All 2021 Youth Event Registration is now open! For more information about each event, please check out the Conference Youth Ministries Website.nccumc.org/youth Details about upcoming events as well as information needed for registration are on this site.

Family Promise update.

Due to continuing restrictions from COVID-19, families are still staying at the Day Center. We at Jonesboro and Pocket Presbyterian Churches are just asked to provide dinners on Sunday March 14 through Saturday March 21. If you can help, please contact Nancy Tew at [email protected] or 919 718-6031. At this time, Feb 17, there are two families with 2 adults and 5 children ages 2 – 14, a total of seven people in the program.

We ask everyone to please keep the families in you prayers

Page 14 Life Together Focus on our members March Birthdays March Anniversaries

Mar 3 Jeff Neal Mar 8 Mike & Margaret Ann Thomas Mar 5 Kevin Grossfuss Mar 21 2015 Reinette & Stan Stephenson Mar 12 Keven Ramirez Guevara Mar 31 1990 Randy & Shannon Atkins Mar 12 Steven Thomas Mar 13 Doris Roscoe Mar 22 Dennis Hearn If God can bring blessing from the broken Mar 22 Audrey Workman Smith body of Jesus and glory from something that's obscene as the cross, He can bring blessing from my Mar 23 Linda Garrett problems and my pain and my unanswered prayer. Mar 24 Nancy Walden Mar 25 Linda Liebert Anne Graham Lotz Mar 25 Sam Sillaman Mar 26 Ken Hoyle If you have a name would like to have included on the prayer list please either call the church office or email Missed in February—Sorry Kim at [email protected] and she will include the Jennie Lanane Feb. 9 names. You MUST have the permission of the person being listed before submitting the name. Gretchen Kennard Feb. 17

In our prayers Military Personnel & Their Families: Andy Cook, Pat Mohan, Trey Walden, Larry Cameron Jonathan Pemberton, Adrian York, Hal Cleavinger Andrew Rhodes, Adam Bowen, Bob Lanane III, Colleen Pemberton, Corrine Cockrell Brianna Gordon. Eric Cochrane Thomas Garrett Alan Kyles COVID 19 has forced many people who usually Family of Margie Mann are able to get out a little to remain at home all day every The family of Sam Sillaman Sr. day with little or no contact with others. David Taylor Please remember our elderly members who are “shut-ins” Janice Wolters with your prayers, a call, or a card. Life Together Page 15

Memorials and Honorariums

No Memorials or Honorariums in the newsletter this month but any received which did not make the March newsletter will appear in April.

Your gift of gratitude lets another know how much you care for them and empowers our profession of faith for the future. Donation forms are available in the office and from the JUMC website.

Collected to date Percent of goal Percent of year gone OUR COUPONS GOAL: $600,000 $102,078.57 17.0% 12.6%

OUR CELL PHONE GOAL: 6 12% 12.6% 50 As of February 15, 2021

Jonesboro Core Values

Jonesboro United Methodist Church has been a vital part of our community for 140 years. Our mission is to "Know Christ and Make Christ Known", through actions that reflect our core values by being:

 Welcoming to everyone, including those just beginning their spiritual journey.  Prayer-filled as our Lord and Savior Jesus taught us to be.  Generous with our time, talents and resources in service to God and our neighbors. As we work to offer Christ to others, our hearts are filled with love and gratitude. Our minds are focused on serving with excellence. Our doors are open to all in hospitality. Come find a place and a purpose in our church family!

All scripture references, unless otherwise noted, come from the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2002 edition, Kenneth L. Barker General Editor. Translation by: The Committee on Bible Translation, International Bible Society, 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

All pictures and clip art are obtained on line from: Google Images—https://www.google.com/imghp unless otherwise noted.

Nonprofit Org.

U. S. Postage Paid

407 West Main Street Permit No. 101 Sanford, NC 27332 Sanford NC Phone: 919-775-7023 Fax: 919-775-3605 E-mail: [email protected]

Worship Services Sunday Morning Regular JUMC activities

Contemporary Worship in the WC 8:30 a.m. Sunday Wednesday Holy Communion—1st Sundays. 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study @ Mrs. Food & Good Samaritan Fund —1st Sundays Wenger’s Restaurant. Sunday School Second Mile Sundays—4th Sundays ($20.21) 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.—Distance worship. 6:00 p.m.—Bible Study, WC (Periodically). 6:30 p.pm—Handbell Choir (Sept.—May). Traditional Worship 6:30 p.m.—Small Groups and studies. in the Sanctuary Monday 7:30 p.m.—JUMChoir, Music Room. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon—Bulletin submission deadline. Temporary summer schedule: Dis- 6:00 p.m.—ESL classes in both buildings. Thursday tance/virtual worship 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.— Knitting Group, Library. No Sunday School Tuesday 6:00 p.m.—ESL & SSL classes in both 6:00p.m.—ESL & SSL classes in both buildings buildings. 8:00 p.m.—AA, Basement Education Building. 8:00 p.m.—Alanon, Education Building. Newsletter Deadline: 8:00 p.m.—AA, Basement Education Bldg.

18th of each month. Next deadline is March 18 for Many of our regular church activities have been cancelled or changed due to the the April 2021 issue. COVID-19 virus. If you have questions about any event call the church office for updates.