FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page -

Ushers

JK Bales, Floyd BrownMark Mize, Lawrence Weems

Greeters

Grayce Bales, Morgan Newman

Shannon Dunaway

WORSHIP SERVICES

Date 8:30 AM 11:00 AM12/30/18 28 6201/06/19 26 7401/13/19 34 7301/20/19 34 6201/27/19 34 59

The UMM will meet Sunday, February 3rd at 7:00 AM for Prayer Breakfast. Cooks are Bro.

Greg, Parker Dixon, & Tony Scroggs

MICA

Bring your nonperishable items for MICA on Sunday, February 3rd. You can also give cash to Robert Walker, and he will take your donation to the appropriate person. Please be as generous as possible.

F.E.A.S.T.

In the month of January, food was prepared and delivered to 37 people in and around our community. Thank you to all who helped prepare and deliver the meals. Providing food for F.E.A.S.T. on Tuesday, February 12th are Amanda Farmer, Rebecca McKenzie, Ginger Ritter, and Renae Woods. If you are able and available to deliver meals, please be at the church by 10:30 AM.

Ruth Humphrey

MONEY COUNTERS FOR JANUARY

Jennifer Newman & Glenda Richard

MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUP

The Monday Morning Bible Study Group meets every Monday morning at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall of the church. The only exception is usually holidays. We are studying the book of John.

As we continue the study of the book of John, we read a promise in John 14:2-3. “In my father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me, that you also may be where I am.”

These verses are rich with promises. Here Jesus said I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come back. We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised to all who believe in him. Jesus’ word shows the way to eternal life. He has already prepared a way. The only issue that may still be unsettled is our willingness to believe.

Prayer: Loving God, I know Jesus will return; may I be found faithful and expectant when he comes, Amen.

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page - Come enjoy the fellowship and the studying of God’s word with us. We look forward to each individual’s perspective and input. See ya’ there.

Ruth HumphreyFROM THE PASTOR

What is Family Ministry Council? I’m glad you asked…

Family Ministry Council (FMC), in its most basic sense, is a team of adults (parents of children and youth and small group leaders) and students who gather together to work through the nuts and bolts of children and youth ministry to provide a clear mission/vision and to bring discipleship alignment to our program ministry (i.e. children and youth ministry) as well as consistent evaluation regarding the effectiveness of our ministry strategy.

Our team of parents, prior to the schedule shift made in August of 2018, met monthly for about 9 months to work through capturing a common mission/vision for our program ministry. Much of the dialogue within our FMC centered on a theme given to me (Pastor Greg) at my covenant meeting before coming to be your pastor; how do we build the next generation of leaders for Johnston Chapel UMC? This is a question, and goal, built upon the concept of sustainability. If the church is to survive and thrive then it must reach a point of self-sustaining in regards to discipleship structure and leadership

development. By definition this requires, especially on the front end, that the focus of attention be given to the younger ages (children and youth ministry) of our church population. And so…from this work came the

(continued)phrase Seek/Love/Serve God and Neighbor…if we are seeking, loving, and serving God; and if we are seeking, loving, and serving our neighbor, then we are in the best possible position to move our ministry towards sustainability.

In an effort to align our program ministry in such a way we shifted our schedule, in August 2018, to create space for a deeper investment in the lives of our children and youth so that we might begin moving towards ministry sustainability. And in making, and having lived with, this shift it has generated a heightened interest in the efficacy of our shared work prompting questions related to how we evaluate our FMC and our program ministry. These are understandable concerns. It’s important to note, however, that doing ministry this way (i.e. from a discipleship alignment and leadership development point of reference) is new to everyone; and so it’s difficult at the outset to have clearly defined benchmarks for evaluation. Evaluative benchmarks emerge over time and change as we develop proficiency at what we’re doing. At the outset of our programmatic shift in August the only real benchmarks that I had as your pastor were that of building relational

capital (i.e. the depth of relational connection across age groups of our church population) and creating missional movement (i.e. creating new opportunities for people to serve in ministry to others). On these two items, relational capital and missional movement, we are knocking it out of the park! Our kids

(continued)know our adults better (especially those who are small group leaders) and by my last count there are around a half-dozen or so adults now serving in ministry who weren’t serving in ministry before the shift in August.

This shift, I failed to mention, also includes a new adult small group option on Sunday night that is, by a significant difference, larger without me leading it than anything that I’ve led in an adult small group capacity on Sunday night before the schedule shift in August 2018 and/or Wednesday night at any time since coming to Johnston Chapel UMC as your pastor. I view this as a huge ministry win…perhaps the biggest that we’ve experienced to date…

I say all this to say this…the change has made a difference. Proper perspective matters. We are growing in our ability to maximize how we impact lives through shared ministry both inside and outside of our church; and this will continue to position us for growth. Keep breathing and keep leaning in…

Grace and Peace friends,Pastor Greg

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page -

JOHNSTON CHAPELUNITED METHODIST WOMEN

The UMW will meet Monday, February 11, 2019, at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. This meeting will be the Pledge Service. All attending are asked to bring finger foods.Yvette Lott

WEDNESDAY WOMEN’SBIBLE STUDY

We would like to welcome any lady who is looking for a small group experience to join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30 in the PEACE Sunday School class. We will soon begin a study of the book entitled Your Life Counts by Tracie Miles. Please see Deedra Bales or Angie Weems if you have any questions.

VALENTINE’S BANQUET

The Youth Mission Team will be sponsoring a Valentine’s Banquet on Saturday, February 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $15.00. You may see any youth member, Kim Burkett, or Deedra Bales to purchase a ticket. We will have dinner and music. The music will be presented by the men’s quartet group Four the King.

** Our meal will be prepared by Johnston Chapel’s very own Chef Connor Mize.

HELLO FROM THE KITCHEN!

This is Amanda Farmer, your new chair hostess. Mrs. Rhonda has been training me for quite sometime now and I hope to do a great job taking her place. She is still working with me on taking over fully and has been very gracious in doing so. The month of January has been pretty busy. I, along with Renae Woods, have still been cooking on Wednesdays. We have recruited a new young lady that has been VERY helpful, Ms. Belinda Kirkland. We pray that families are being blessed by these meals. Thanks to everyone who helps us in any and every way!! God Bless you all! 

Amanda Farmer

February 6th

Cabbage Unrolled, Rolls, Lemon Ice Box February 13th Meatball Subs, Chips, Sugar CookiesFebruary 20th Breakfast Casserole, Honey Bun CakeFebruary 27th Meatloaf, Green Beans, Rolls, Strawberry Pie Bon Appetit!Amanda Farmer & Renae Woods

MOVIE NIGHT

We will have movie night on SATURDAY, February 2 in the Fellowship Hall. The movie being shown is 'I Can Only Imagine' which is the true story behind MercyMe's beloved hit song. Running from a troubled home life and a broken relationship, Bart Mallard found escape in music. Hitting the road in a decrepit tour bus, Bart and his band MercyMe set out on a journey none of them could ever have imagined, in this uplifting movie that beautifully illustrates the power of forgiveness and God's love.

The Fellowship Hall will open at 5:30 p.m. for people to bring in their finger foods to be shared with those coming to watch the movie. 'I Can Only Imagine' will begin at 6:00 p.m. Drinks will be provided.

Yvonne Church

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page -

“God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to share

His love.”

NEWS FROM GRADES 1-3SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

“God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”Psalm 147:3

The month of January found us in the Gospels recounting the stories of Jesus’s healings. Jesus cared about people. He cared not only for their spiritual well-being, but also for their physical well-being. Healing was a way for Jesus to show his compassion for people, and serves as a sign of the power that was given Him by God.

In our first story Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. In Luke’s account when Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, he found Peter’s mother-in-law sick with a fever. Jesus ordered the fever to go away. The next verse tells of her serving Jesus a meal. This illustrates the immediacy

and completeness of the woman’s recovery. She was grateful to Jesus for healing her, and the expression of her gratitude was service.

In Mark we read about Jesus healing two women on opposite ends of the socioeconomic scale—a poor woman living on the fringes of society who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years and Jairus’s daughter who came from a wealthy and influential family. Both the woman and Jairus believed that Jesus could heal with a touch and because of their faith the healings took place.

(continued)Our last story about ten men with skin diseases not only was a healing story but also announced Jesus as God’s Son. Perhaps most importantly though, the story was one about how the men responded to God’s love. The ten men were considered unclean and had to live outside the community. They kept their distance when they approached Jesus. Jesus did not physically touch any of the men. Instead, he told them to show themselves to the priest as the law required the priest declare someone clean. As the men left Jesus they were healed. One of the men, upon noticing this, began to praise God. The man recognized that the power of healing came from God. Although all ten were healed only one returned to thank Jesus. Here we find a model for responding to God’s love. Praise

and thankfulness—the proper response to God’s unconditional love for us.

When we follow Jesus’s example of how to live, we will show compassion for those around us. Opportunities to care for others and to be kind present themselves everyday.

Stay tuned for next month’s news as we begin our next until entitled “Family Wisdom.”

Growing Disciples,Yvette

MUSIC MINISTRY

SANCTUARY CHOIR:

Sunday, February 10th at 5:00 pm in the choir room - We will preview our Palm Sunday Cantata, "It Happened On A Sunday".

If you've been thinking about becoming a member of the choir, now is a great opportunity to come and check us out. 

If you heard our Christmas Cantata, "The Silence and the Sound" then you know we like to do challenging music. Our Palm Sunday cantata will not be that challenging,

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page - but it will be just as meaningful and moving. I hope you will join us. 

JCUMC CHILDREN'S CHOIR:We are rehearsing for the continuation of our spring musical, "The Sailor's Bible". 

Last spring we presented, "The Sailor's Bible - The Story of Noah and the Ark and The Story of Jonah and the Whale". This spring we are presenting "The Story of Paul's Shipwreck". We are learning new songs and speaking parts. 

We practice on Sunday nights @6:00 pm in the choir room.

*All children who sang in our spring musical last year need to be locating their royal blue JCUMC Children's Choir shirts as we will wear them for our musical.

(continued)*If your child sang with us last spring but has since moved on into the youth program, would you consider donating your child's royal blue choir shirt for a child who needs one? If so, please bring your shirt to church and give it to Helen.Thank you!

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

Singing His Praises,Helen Smith662-801-2799

FAMILY MINSTRY CORNER

The end of December and January were great!!!

Church-wide Caroling was wonderful; we had so much fun singing. I really think we got more from the ones we were singing to than we gave to them.

The youth’s first Epiphany Party turned out really well. We decorated rocks to help us to remember to be God’s light for someone else

this year. We kept one rock to remind us where to be the light and one will be hidden in the community for someone who needs to find it. We pray that it will give them hope in the Lord.

The children started a new Bible Study learning the books of the Bible. They are doing great. They have already learned 17 books.

The youth Lock-in was great!!! We decided to have it during Martin Luther King Weekend, so we would have 1 more day to recover. We had several that stayed up all night. The youth were so respectful and responsible. They did a great job hanging out with each other and keeping everything clean.

January 31 we will be going to Winter Jam where we will see many bands in concert and will hear great speakers. We will let you know all the blessings we received and gave

(continued)to others that night in the March newsletter.

February is going to be a fun busy month.

Saturday February 2nd is Movie Night. Youth will be there to watch the children for a donation to help the youth pay for their youth trip.

February 3rd is Souper Bowl Fundraiser for the youth after church. At 5:00 the youth will

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page - meet at Nick and Amanda Farmer’s house to watch the Super Bowl or play outside for those who don’t want to watch the Super Bowl. Bring a snack and drink to share.

Valentine Banquet fundraiser will be February 16th. Chef Connor Mize will be cooking up something special and Four the King will be our entertainment. It is $15 per person. See a youth to buy a ticket. Last day to buy tickets will be February 9th. It’s going to be a lot of fun; we hope you will be there.

February 17th will be our mission Sunday. We will be going to the nursing homes giving out valentines day presents and singing to them. We will also place our rocks that we made around the community. We will be back in time to have free time in the gym and begin our Sunday activities at 5 o’clock.

February 22nd, 23rd, and 24th is the gathering. It will be in Jackson Mississippi. We have 15 youth and two adults that will be going. Please pray that we have a wonderful

(continued)and very spiritual time.

Also in February we will continue our Sunday and Wednesday night activities. We should know all the books of the Bible next time I talk to you in March!!!

Kim Burkett

WHAT IS THAT SONG?

February, the month when many minds turn to romance and love due to the celebration of St. Valentine's Day. Believe it or not, there are several songs in the Christian genre that fit this description. The following is one of my favorites! There were many scriptures that could've gone along with this particular piece of music but I chose this one - Genesis 2:21-24. Godsend was written by Kevin Max and Chad Chapin.

Godsend by DC Talk

Hoping, praying, I've been waitingEverybody needs somebody to loveThere's no question, straight from heavenYou're my angel, I'm so crazy for you

CHORUSYou're a Godsend, A blessing from aboveYou've been God-sent to meYou're the Godsend I've been dreaming ofYou're a Godsend

Holding your hand, Touching your faceI will love you now and always I swear

I will never forget that first moment we metWhen two worlds collided and I found my best friend

REPEAT CHORUSI saw you there, I was overtakenYou're an angel, you're a GodsendI was made for you, you were made for meIn this lonely world, we were meant to be in love

I will never forget that first moment we metWhen two worlds, they crashed in, and I found my best friend

REPEAT CHORUS - Twice, with extra spoken words added in

I would love for you to not only read monthly about these songs I'm sharing with you, I would love for you to listen to them as well. Some of them may not be to your liking as far as the style, but like I said before, the message that God wants us to hear is within the words, and that's what really counts. Most of the songs I'm writing about can be found on YouTube.com or any other music site.

Blessings, Yvonne Church

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page - “It is essential for every believer to be an

active part of a Christian fellowship.”It matters not whether you are a Rams fan or a Patriots fan, we are all fans of Jesus Christ, and we all need the fellowship of other Christians. Therefore, we will have our traditional Souper Bowl meal Sunday, February 3rd; we will have soup, hotdogs, and dessert.If you are willing to help in the preparation of this fellowship meal and have not signed up yet, call or text Yvette (601-249-5645) or Yvonne (601-248-0907).Everyone is invited and encouraged to eat---the early service members will eat after Sunday School, and the late service members will eat at 12:00. Due to a bridal shower later in the afternoon in the fellowship hall, the Souper Bowl meal will be in the gym. The only cost of the meal is a donation; the money collected will be put into the youth mission trip fund.

Hungry thinking about it,

Yvonne Howell

OUR FAMILY ALTAR

Church & Its Ministries Children & Youth Our Nation Unspoken WorldPastor & Family – Bro. Greg, Helen, & Megan SmithShut- Ins/Nursing Home Zelma Roberts – Aston Court RM B, 222 Aston Ave., McComb, MS 39648 Mary Ellen Cox – 1022 Pine Brook DR, Summit, MS 39666 - Hospice Lillie Dickerson – Aston Court RM 15, 222 Aston Ave., McComb, MS 39648 Shelton Dickerson – Aston Court RM K, 222 Aston Ave., McComb, MS 39648Loss of Loved Ones Military Jonathan Young – In Nuclear Power School in South Carolina DeVanna Watts – Sandra Arnold’s Daughter – Kuwait J.J. Boshart – Race Willoughby’s Brother-In-Law – Kuwait 155th National Guard – Afghanistan Chandler Guy – Afghanistan Cody Whittington – Annie Waguespack’s Nephew – Bootcamp Nick Mercer–Stationed at Fort Eustis in Virginia – Going to Fort Stewart, GAIn Institution Bridget Dillon, Chris YawnWorking Away From Home Jeremy Rogers (Afghanistan), Brett Stockton (New Mexico), Shane Williams (Trinidad)In Hospital/ Sick at Home/Need Our Prayers Ronnie Bales – Heart Condition Gary Beard – Heart Condition Aubrey Boyd – Health Jackie Boyd – Health Adrienne Bray Mercer – Heart Kara Brashear – Cousin of Dwight, Glenda, & Darlene – Cancer Donis Brown & Tony RamirezEarl Brown – Bad HealthDonna Sue Byrd – Cancer

Barbara Case – Cancer ReturnedCharleen Chandler – Sister of Ruth, Barbara, & Annie – Pulmonary Fibrosis Council of Bishops/General Conference, February 2019 Harlow Fikes – Helen Smith’s Cousin – CancerPeter & Sonya Francis - HealthBilly Green – Health Brenda Green - Health Dale Green – HealthKali Green Tony Handberry – Amy Campbell’s Father - Stage 4 CancerEarline Harrell - CancerDelores Hollis – CancerGerald Howell – HealthDarlene Johnston - HealthThomas Johnston – Health Lonnie Keist – Reccovering from Lung TransplantLucy Lofton – Cancer SurvivorSteve Lofton & Family – HealthKathy Martin Max McDonald – Brenda Green’s brother-in-law – Cancer Ruth McKintosh – Leukemia (Hospice)Cornelia Mize - HeadachesRegina Bigner Montgomery – Cancer Susan Montgomery – Barbara Rogers’s Friend – HealthBarbara Morgan – StrokeRobert Pennington – Stage 3 Small Cell CarcinomaDonna Reeves – Cancer Nancy Richardson – Recovering from Hip SurgeryTony Ritter – Recovering from Liver Transplant Clayton Roberts – HealthJane Roberts – HealthLamar Roberts – Health Rhonda Scroggs – HealthMarge Smith – Barbara Mercier’s Friend – Radiation Treatments Snuffy Smith – Brenda Green’s Brother-n-Law – Health Sue Smith – Brenda Green’s sister – Health

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page - George Stewart – Helen Smith’s Dad – Recovering from SurgeryPatsy Stewart – Helen Smith’s Mom – Recovering from Hip Replacement SurgeryAmanda Stockton – Health Dwight Stockton – HealthConnie & Maxine Stoddard – HealthKaren Tisdale – Kim Burkett’s Sister – Back PainAnnie Waguespack – Recovering from PneumoniaRobert Walker & Marilyn Stutzman – HealthChad WallaceCurtis West – Brenda Green’s Brother –in – Law – HealthLinda West – Brenda Green’s sister – Health Allison Williams – Cornelia Mize’s Friend – CancerTodd Williamson – Throat CancerRoyce Wilson & Lea Wilson – HealthKinley Wisinger - MonoMozelle Woodall - HealthJoy Yawn - Health

FEBRUARY 2019 THE LINK---LINKING THE HEART OF THE CHURCH TO THE HOME Page -