Circuit Writer
Blountstown United Methodist Church
Homeland
Volume 2, Issue 7
July 2016
On Sunday, July 3rd, the Chancel
Choir, led by Tina Smith, will perform
“Homeland”.
Special points of interest:
 July 3rd - God and
County Event - 6 p.m.
America - a land uniquely blessed of
God - a staggering mosaic of natural
beauty and resources. America - sweet
land of Liberty.. America - residence
for those who dared to dream the
dream, pay the price, share the costs
… of living in the HOMELAND!
 July 4th - Office
Closed
 July 5th - Revival
Study - 10:00 a.m.
 July 20th - UMW
Invite your family, friends, and
neighbors as we celebrate our nation’s
birthday on Sunday, July 3rd, during
the worship service at 11:00 a.m.
God and Country -
July
3rd
at 6 p.m.
The church will be participating in the God and Country
Event, on Sunday, July 3rd, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at
the Tri–County Agriculture Pavilion, on Magnolia Church
Road. The event is hosted by churches and businesses
of Calhoun and Liberty counties. Admission, food,
music, and fireworks are free to the public.
We are encouraging our members and friends to join us, beginning at
4:30 p.m. to lend a hand as we prepare to hand out 500 hotdogs throughout the evening. Don’t forget to wear your new BUMC T-shirt!
The evening will end with the firework display. Bring your own chairs.
Inside this issue:
Let Freedom Ring
2
Revival Study
3
Our Caring Ministry
4
Calendar
5
Prayer Calendar
6
Page 2
Circuit Writer
Let Freedom Ring
“WITHOUT GOD THERE COULD BE NO AMERICN FORM OF GOVERNMENT, NOR AN AMERICAN WAY
OF LIFE. RECOGNITON OF THE SUPREME BEING IS THE FIRST—THE MOST BASIC—EXPRESSION OF
AMERICANISM.” - DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
I love a road trip! There is nothing like getting on an open road, seeing new sights, eating good food,
and being with friends and family on the journey. One of the most memorable road trips I’ve been on
took place when I was in college. Two friends of mine, Tully and Chris (who were brothers) and I set
out for the northeast one summer following my freshmen year. We had no set plans, only
destinations we wanted to see. We had no hotel reservations; we simply found hotels as we came
to various cities, using coupon books we would get at rest areas. We had a blast! We visited
places we had never seen and ate food we had never tried. In on week, we visited Washington,
D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Niagara Falls. Not to mention we traveled through
some beautiful countryside in Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
We truly live in a beautiful country. It is beautiful because of the countryside, the people, and
because of the unique freedom we enjoy. Two sites on that trip meant the most to me: the World
War II monument and Independence Hall. Seeing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia reminded me that
we have a loud message to tell the world: God made us to be free! At Independence Hall, our
Founding Fathers declared our independence. At the World War II monument, I was remained as I
reflected on my grandfather’s life and his generation, that freedom is always worth fighting for and
protecting — regardless of the cost.
Patrick Henry said, “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and
slavery? Forbid it Almighty God—I know not what course others may take; but as for me - give me
liberty or give me death!” It was that spirit that created this wonderful place we know as the United
States of America.
Freedom is God’s will for all people at all times and at all places. God has given us a free will to love
Him or reject Him. He made us to be free. We know that apart from Christ, we were slaves to sin
and a former lifestyle. Christ has come to truly set us free. The Apostle Paul expressed that when
he wrote in Galatians, “For you were called to be free” (Galatians 5:13). In the Old Testament, God
willed that the Israelites be free from slavery in Egypt, and in the New Testament, God has willed it
that through Christ, we would no longer be slaves to darkness, death, and sin. We walk in the light
and in the liberation of Christ.
With freedom comes responsibility — just like with that road trip I mentioned. Paul goes on to say in
Galatians 5:13, “But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly
in love.” While on our college road trip, we had the freedom to go anywhere we wanted. We had to
be responsible, however, in how we drove, that we kept the laws, that we rested and took care of
ourselves for our safety and the safety of others, and that we practiced good stewardship. With the
freedom God has given us, we must practice wisdom and responsibility
Continues on page 3
Page 3
Volume 2, Issue 7
Let Freedom Ring
continues
in our Christian journeys— that everything we choose to do, we would do for the glory of God and
the benefit of others, and that is would all be cemented in love and humility.
Though Christ didn’t have to die for us, He freely chose to. He used His freedom to do the greatest
thing anyone could do—He laid down His life for us. Let us learn from His example by daily
choosing to do good, to sacrifice for others, and to look out for one another, and love one another.
After all, “to whom much is given, much is required.” Yes, we have real enemies we face as a
people who seek to take away freedom, oppress people, and destroy lives. Those who would take
away freedom are evil. We will always be called to fight the good fight for all people. We must
continue to be a voice for those who cannot speak and ensure that freedom is a basic human right
for all.
Christ calls us to be good citizens of our county, to use our freedom for good and not selfish gain,
and to remember that ultimately, we are aliens in this land. Our home is in heaven with Jesus. Let’s
make a difference while we are here and advance freedom in the world and in the lives of all people!
This Fourth of July, I celebrate. I celebrate America. I celebrate freedom. I celebrate democracy. I
celebrate Jesus, my Lord and my example. I give thanks for the sacrifices of those who have made
America the great country she is.
With You on the Journey,
Nick Hughes.
Revival - The Bible Study
Rev. Nick will begin a six-week study about the life of John Wesley on
Tuesday, July 5th, at 10 a.m., in the fellowship hall.
“Revival” by Adam Hamilton follows the life of John Wesley throughout
England, and explores his defining characteristics of a Wesleyan
Christian.
Adam Hamilton connects John Wesley’s contribution in 18th-century
England with his legacy for 21st America, bringing lessons from
Wesley’s life and ministry to bear on discipleship today. This is an
excellent resource for personal and denominational revival - writes
Scott J. Jones, Resident Bishop of the Great Plains area of the United
Methodist Church.
Make your plans to join Rev. Nick on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for the
“Revival” study.
Page 4
Circuit Writer
Our Caring Ministry
Larry Carter
Murel Cissell
Copeland Family
Helen Cumby
Billy Faurot
Becky Freet
Don Griffin
Sandra Hall
Burke Hayes
Quentin Henderson
Virgil Herndon
Caralleen Kitchens
Vivian Lewis
Johnny Manor
Erin McClellan
Helen McCowen
Dollie Meadors
Clinton Mears
Kay Mihlethaler
Tommy Montford
Lisa Osborne
Gary Piotrowski
Sonny Schultz
Jerry Shields
Michael Stewart
Short Term
Concerns
Virginia Burgess
Gavin Cooper
Courtney Doyle
Sharon Ebersole
Diane Graham
Parker Griffin
Jim Kearce
Nancy Kramer
Barbara Malone
Theresa Merchant
Matthew Morris
Joe Nall & Family
George Redd
Ann Tucker
Tommy Williams
Ongoing
Intercession
Kristian Adams
Brian Barfield
Cindy Barfield
Cheri Bracewell
Greg Burgess
Kathryn Tucker
Ann Weiler
Johnny Williams
Laura Williams
Susan Wright
Those Battling
Cancer
Greg Carpenter
Susan Carter
Kelli Peacock Dunn
Lessie Edwards
Katrina Grantham
Bobby Griffin
Jeff Harris
Nola Heath
Richard Heath
Madison Marshall
Cilfford (Kip) Pitman
Gary Richards
Tim Smith
Harry Taylor
Donna Tew
James Tucker
Gary Whitfield
Flower Calendar
3
Mr. & Mrs. Hentz McClellan
10
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Williams
17
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Alford
24
Mrs. Dot Whitfield
31
The Williamson Family
Susan Willis
Terry Wood
Bobbie Wyrick
Our Shut-Ins
Thelma Fant
Burrel Sumner
Kathryn Tucker
Estelle Vickery
Joe Webb
Bernice Whitfield
Dot Whitfield
Our Military
Aaron Young
Persecuted
Christians
UM Missionaries
Please help us keep this
ministry active by informing
the office of any updates
and/or changes.
Page 5
Volume 2, Issue 7
s
da y
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W
ir / M
Cho p.m.
5:30
TO P
Thur S
s da
6 p.m ys
.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Communion
Ushers
Acolyte
Wynelle
Bateman
Offering
The Ark PCB
Frank Miller
Ronnie Hand
Jaden
McGhee
3
♪
Amanda
McGhee
4
5
Office Closed
♪
Revival Study
Tuesdays
2
Frank
Guilford
♪
♪
Owen
House
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
21
22
23
Beth
Herndon
♪
Bob
Minnick
♪
Bernice
Whitfield
Ann &
Mike Tucker
20
19
♪
6
Courtney
Doyal
Joe Alford
12
18
Sister
Friend
Study
9:00 a.m.
1
Saturday
♪
10 a.m.
Sister
Friend
Study
9:00 a.m.
17
Friday
Stand By
Alton Carpenter
11
10
Thursday
Revival Study
Tuesdays
Glenn
McClellan
♪
10 a.m.
Donna &
Finlay Corbin
24
25
Sister
Friend
Study
9:00 a.m.
26
27
Glenn
McClellan
♪
31
♪
Philip
Kastli
The Revival Study will meet
in the fellowship hall on
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
beginning July 5th
28
♪
Cherie
White
29
30
Phyllis &
Frank Miller
Bonnie &
Mike Mayo
This country will not be a good place for any of us
to live in unless we make it a good place for all of
us to live in.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Blountstown United Methodist
Church
Post Office Box 299
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: 850-674-8254
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: blountstownumc.org
The purpose of Blountstown United
Methodist Church is to glorify God by
bringing lost people to saving faith and
assisting them in becoming spiritually
mature Christ–followers.
Contact us @
[email protected]
Pray For These Families
1. Sue & Don Stanley /
Mert & Don Stephens
12. James Williford /
Esther & Joe Alford
23. Sylvia & Frank Gates /
Montez & Roy Golden
2. Scott Stephens Family /
Burrel Sumner
13. Margie & Janie Atkins /
John Averett Family
24. Mildred & Frank Guilford /
Bonnie Hall
3. Chris & John Tomlinson /
Ann & Mike Tucker
14. Dresa Barfield /
Wynelle & Vance Bateman
25. Pam & Ronnie Hand /
Norah Handley
4. Kathryn Tucker /
Helen Van Lierop
15. Vicki Bennett Family /
Connie & Alton Carpenter
26. Louise & Sonny Harrison /
Eileen Hatch
5. Susan Veasey /
Estelle Vickery
16. Betty Ann Cayson /
Finlay Corbin Family
27. Brooks Hayes Family /
Cheri & Quentin Henderson
6. Joe Webb /
Cherie White Family
17. Jimmy Cox Family /
Jessie Doyal
28. Mark Herndon Family /
Jackie & David House
7. Bernice Whitfield /
Dot Whitfield
18. Kebly Durham /
Debbie & Tommy Edwards
29. Jo & Owen House /
Nick Hughes
8. Doug Whitfield Family /
Jesse & Drew Whitfield
19. Peck & Miles Eldridge /
Norma Failes
30. Laurie McClellan James /
Sandra & Jim Jines
9. Steve Whitfield Family /
Marvin Williams
20. Joe Ferguson Family /
Beth Finlay
31. Jo Johnson /
Becky Kastli
10. Mary Ann & Tommy Williams /
Roger Williams Family
21. Bill Finlay /
Dottie & Bob Fleck
11. Virginia & Laddie Williams /
Constance Williford
22. Mary Flowers /
Sara Gaskin