Tim Steffen, Senior Pastortsteffen@marthabowman.org

"Getting in the Game" from Senior Pastor, Tim SteffenMy Pee Wee football coach yelled, “Steffen!” Just hearing my name at that volume jolted me from the bench. Grabbing my shoulder pad, he barked, “23 is getting through the line. Stop him.” With a solid slap to my seat he commanded, “Get on the field!” I wish I could testify to great success that day. The defensive lineman was twice my size, snorting like an irritable bull in his three point stance at the line of scrimmage. After a series of plays, he helped me memorize his jersey number as he ran through me!

“Brief ” would be an appropriate word to describe my football career. Although I never clocked much playing time, my desire to be in the game never diminished. Have you noticed that in life many have lost the passion for getting on the field of play? A great number choose not to fully engage in living because of fear, previous injuries and distractions. Enthusiasm is replaced with complacency. The danger comes in a contentment to pursue a comfort zone; observing the action from a safe distance. I’ve often thought the sport of football is a great analogy for organizations. The tendency is to allow a small number of players to expend significant amounts of energy on the field, while the majority, those on the bench or in the stands could actually use the exercise! Even in congregations, there is a smaller number of dedicated people joyfully serving while others choose to find satisfaction in simply observing. A symptom of this condition can be identified in spiritual atrophy, weakness, criticism (armchair quarterbacking) and sadly being robbed of the joy of getting in the game. One of the greatest challenges in the church is preventing Christianity from becoming a spectator sport.

Like all analogies, football is a limited as illustration, for according to regulation a team can be penalized for having too many players on the field. Not so in the Kingdom of God. The greater the number participating - the greater the reward. Jesus called his early disciples to fully engage in a life changing assignment. Christ invites us to experience the joy of being “play makers”! Jesus said, “. . . deny yourself, take up the cross and follow me.”

Is it time for you to get back in the game?

— Tim

CHARGE CONFERENCE | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16TH | 4:00 PM | VINEVILLE UMCOur entire church is invited to the annual charge conference meeting, which celebrates the ministry of the past year and looks ahead to the upcoming year. This year the meeting will be held in conjunction with seven other churches at Vineville UMC in Macon. The meeting will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. with a service of worship, and then business matters will be affirmed by each church (each church will pass out their information in written form to only their church members, so everyone will have information specific to their church in front of them). Following the service there will be a reception and time of fellowship. If you plan to attend please bring a “finger food” to share.

October 2016 Newsletter

Welcome Fall

Our fall programming is off to a great start! We are super excited to have added more children to our Mother’s Morning Out program. We still have a few spots open in some age groups, so it is not too late if you have a child who is not enrolled. We are looking forward to our Annual Breakfast and Art Show on Thursday, October 27th at 9:00 a.m. in the Family Connection Corner. We hope you can join us!

We will not have Wednesday night programming on October 5th but we will have nursery for those parents who have Bible study or choir practice.

We have a new Small Group Bible Study opportunity for Moms on Tuesday nights! The Bible study is titled Be Amazing. We are looking at a start date of October 18th from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. It will run for 8 weeks until the first week of December, then break until after the New Year. Nursery will be provided. If you are interested, please email me (April)to confirm your spot. I hope that you will prayerfully consider being a part of this group!

WEEKLY UPDATES | Wednesday Night Bible Study (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.) | Except for October 5th, due to Fall Break Middle School Worship/Small Groups | Sundays 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.SPECIAL EVENTS | Fight Like A Girl | Saturday, October 15th 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Youth Wing High School Six Flags trip - Fright Night! | Saturday, October 22nd 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. | Cost $45 (includes park admission and lunch) plus spending money

LOOKING AHEAD | Sunday, November 6th | No Youth Worship as Youth will be participating in Food Truck Fest @ MB! Youth Christmas Party | December 4th Youth Winter Retreat | January 13th - 15th, 2017

Ashley Griffin, Director of Youth Ministriesagriffin@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 116

Elizabeth Hammock, Director of iKids Ministriesehammock@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 115

April Foster, Director of Preschool and Nursery Ministriesafoster@marthabowman.org | 477-1901 ext. 121

iKIDS

YOUTH

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole word, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” — Psalm 90:2

As we all gear up for what is for sure a busy fall – 'cause let’s be honest, when is life NOT BUSY? This verse brings me such comfort. Before my overloaded schedule, before my unattainable expectations, before any guilt of my inadequate parenting skills – HE. IS. GOD! As I navigate the road of parenthood, I’m constantly reminded of my shortcomings – the things I’m not that great at; my impatience, my inadequacies, my inability to function on less than 4 cups of caffeine before noon… and yet the promise that God is still God, and He’s good, and He knows me, and HE STILL CHOOSES TO LOVE ME is such a lovely thing. Can I get an Amen?

Your kids adore you, mom. Dad, you are their hero, their protector. In this season, enjoy life together. Laugh with your kids, play in the rain with your kids, forget the dishes for an afternoon and go on an adventure that involves ice cream and getting dirty – and make memories together. And be encouraged – because before and after all the stuff, HE IS GOD!

SCHEDULEOctober 5th – Due to Fall Break, we will not have regular Wednesday night programmingOctober 23rd – Sunday Funday “Color the Rainbow”October 26th – iConnect Fall Party 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD | Sunday, November 13th: Mom and Daughter “Truth be Told” paint party. 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Age-Level Ministries

PRESCHOOL AND NURSERY

IKIDS CHOIRiKids Choir started out fantastically with everything in place, including kids voices! All first through fifth graders are invited to join us. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 5:15 p.m. in the iKids Wing, followed by a Snack Supper from 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Contact Susan Mincey at susanmincey@cox.net.

We are collecting “Change the World" jars on Sunday, October 30th. This quarter, our partner is The Backpack Ministry out of Forest Hills UMC. The Backpack ministry provides food items each weekend to over 1,350 students in eighteen Middle Georgia schools. Please consider collecting change and being a part of this incredible local ministry to local children. Our goal is to raise $900 this quarter, which will help cover weekly bags for 25 children during the entire school year.

Our Belize Mission team leaves on October 17th. We believe that God’s hand is resting on this team and we are trusting Him for divine appointments and connections to occur while serving in Belize! Please be praying for our team while we serve: Chris Higdon, Amy Spohn, Hayden Spohn, Caroline Martin, Brent Orr, Wende Meyer von Bremen, Bernard Meyer von Bremen, Melba Wilkinson Our mission focus for November will be The Macon Outreach. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help stock their food pantry this holiday season!

MISSION FOCUS

UMW MISSIONS | THANK YOU The United Methodist Women would like to thank all of you that helped us to have a successful fundraiser by supporting the Card Party event. We are so excited to report that $930.00 was raised for missions! We could not have done it without your prayers and support. If any ladies would like to become part of our group you are always welcome - we would love to have you! Contact: Cherilyn Landry at (478) 474-9774.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY | THANK YOUThank you to all the members who were able to complete the additional four prayer shawls and two lapghans this month! Your creations are beautiful, and reflect the hard work, care and prayers that went in to creating these for our church! We are in need of skeins of four-ply black yarn or four-ply white yarn to mix and match with the many colors of yarn we already have in the prayer closet. If you have some of this yarn at home, or want to donate a skein or two, the stitchers could make good use of them! Contact Jackie McCann at jackiemccann@yahoo.com or (478) 475-9930.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL | OCTOBER 15THWomen and girls (6th grade and up), we want to invite you to a free safety & self-defense class with Paige Slocumb on Saturday, October 15th 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Youth Wing. Questions/RSVP: Cathie Resseau at (478) 319-1144.

SEEKING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALSMartha Bowman UMC strives to provide a welcoming and hospitable place to worship while also ensuring the safety and welfare of all those who attend services and church events. We are seeking congregational volunteers with medical experience to include, but not limited to, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists who are willing to assist in the event of any accidents or injuries. This service is an integral part of the church’s emergency/safety plan; you would only be called upon if in attendance. Contact Al Glover before October 15th at arglover@earthlink.net.

STRETCHED?

New series begins October 9th

Prayer ListCIRCLE OF CONCERN Earle and Evelyn Barnette, Gerry Bennett, Tom Bennett, Peg Buck, Penelope Cochran, Kathy Daniel, Cecil and Elsie Daniels, John DeLancett, Carolyn Gibbs, Dave Haney, Betty Henderson, Paula Josey, Lydia Moss, Robert Stewart, John Woodford, Tami Youman.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY Earle and Evelyn Barnette, Gerry Bennett, Peg Buck, Kathy Daniel, Cecil and Elsie Daniels, John DeLancett, Carolyn Gibbs, Sarah Elizabeth Hammock, Dave Haney, Betty Henderson, Paula Josey, Lydia Moss, Claudia Pecor, Robert Stewart, John Woodford, Tami Youman.

EXTENDED FAMILY Chris Barry (Maureen King’s brother), Danielle Broussard (Maureen King’s niece), Jay Campbell (Jeanne Campbell’s son), Ann Fleming (Sarah Rathel’s grandmother), LeeAnn Fuerniss (Etha Fuerniss’ daughter-in-law), Jack Hendrix (Darlene Capista’s father), Walter Huff (Steven Huff ’s father), Anil Kumar (Anamika Sharma’s husband), Danny Padgett (Nancy Finney’s brother-in-law), Tripp Poole (Rod and Cristy Holmes’ nephew), Stan Purvis (Bruce Childers’ close friend), Martha Jean Spear (Diane Mize’s mother), Kay Swanson (Krista Wieters’ mother), Joseph Watwood (Ken & Kim Tyson’s family friend), Ashley Wojciechowski (Bobby Faulkner’s niece), Ray Worden (Joey & Susie Slappey’s brother-in-law).

Active MilitaryTucker Alexander, Christopher Alston, Joshua Bynum, Jason Childers, Stan Fossett, Matthew Fossette, Richard Goodale, Jeff James, Evan Mines, Jake Newberry, Jacoby Riley, John Rogers, Chymadia Rouse, Ronnie Simons.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar of Events

For a complete list of weekly calendar events, please go to www.marthabowman.org/newsevents/calendar.

OCTOBER 2016

Financial Information as of 9/26/2016

Sources of Funds $784,800

Uses of Funds ($806,400)

Sources Over (Under) Uses ($21,400)

Revisioning Recap to Date

Cost of Project - complete 1,248,880

Total Pledges 1,248,880

Pledges collected to date 954,763

Line of Credit

Total Borrowed 599,002

Principal repaid (290,902)

Current LOC balance 308,100

Interest paid on LOC 24,800

*Be sure to note on checks the amount that goes to the Revisioning fund*

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SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30 & 11:00 A.M. Traditional Service//11:00 A.M. Contemporary Service500 Bass Road Macon, GA 31210 | P: (478) 477-1901 F: (478) 471-6378 | www.marthabowman.org

@MarthaBowmanUMC

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<-- Alzheimer’s Support Group 10:00AMParlor

UMW Joy Circle Mtg10:00AM/Rm 213

UMW Friendship Circle Mtg

7:00PMThe Gables

6:00-7:30 PM

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Gifts to the Revisioning fund in Memory of Mr. Rick Farmen

STRETCHED? Fight Like a Girl10:30 AM/Youth Wing

Church Council Mtg6:00 PM/Rm L16

NO AGE-LEVEL PROGRAMS DUE TO FALL BREAK

Birthday Bash12:00PM/The Commons

Charge Conference4:00PM/Vineville UMC

<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Belize Mission Trip ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

<-----------------------------Adventurers Fall Retreat-------------------------------------->

<---- (Wednesday)UMW Roberta Gardiner

Circle Mtg10:00AM/Off Site