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Permit No. 83
Auburn, AL 36830
THE VILLAGE METHODIST
A WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF AUBURN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Volume 30
P.O. Box 3135
Auburn, AL 36831-3135
Office: (334) 826-8800
Dear Friends,
October 27, 2016
From the Pastor’s Study
During our administrative board meeting this week, Dru Washburn shared the report of our
stewardship committee and the theme of this year’s emphasis: “As for me and my house, we
will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Dru shared that we will focus our three Stewardship
Sundays on ways that we Offer Christ, Nurture one another in the faith, and Serve all. The
stewardship team has done an amazing job in planning, preparing, and helping our church
reflect on our time, talents, and treasures as we prepare to make our stewardship commitment
for 2017. Please check your mail for their first mailing in the days to come.
Return Service Requested
When I think about the opportunity God gives us to make a stewardship commitment, I am
reminded of one of my favorite movie scenes. It comes from the musical The Music Man,
starring Shirley Jones and Robert Preston. In this scene, Professor Harold Hill, played by
Preston, gives a classic challenge. He invites River City’s piano teacher to come on a summer
picnic with him. She secretly wants to, but hesitates, and then decides not to go for fear that it
might be improper. She says, “Not today, but maybe tomorrow.” Professor Hill’s reply is a
blow to all our efforts at putting off until tomorrow what we should do today. “If we are not
careful,” he says, “we’ll pile up so many tomorrows that all we have left is a bundle of empty
yesterdays. Let’s make today something to last forever.”
I love that quote, “Let’s make today something to last forever!” It reminds me of the words
the apostle Paul wrote to the church of Galatia when he said, “So let’s not allow ourselves to
get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or
quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all,
starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:9–10
Prayer Pager Ministry
Prayer Vigil for October 30, 2016
Our Prayer Pager Ministry is excited to share a new option that allows you to
send a prayer message (just like a text message) to our recipients with a cell
pager (see * recipients below). The site for this new service is
(www.prayerphone.net). You will have the option to type in your prayer
message or select a verse from the verses listed. You must use our 334 area
code for the message to be sent.
As part of our special emphasis on prayer, AUMC has established a
continuous prayer vigil each Sunday morning from 8:00am until 12:00pm.
As the Spirit of God prompts you, first PRAY for these individuals, and then
CALL their prayer pager number (or go to www.prayerphone.net) and follow
the prompts. The prayer pager information can also be found on the AUMC
Prayer Pager Recipients (*cell pager)
Pager #’s
8:30 - 9:00
Kay Beaty
9:00-9:30
David Smalley
Prayer Chain Numbers
To make a prayer chain request during the daytime, please call Amy
Croushorn at the church office at 334-826-8800 ext. 252. At night, please
call either Bo Cavin 334-821-7714 or Deborah McCord
334-703-3646.
Singles Ministry
Kate Seawell (mother of Joel Seawell)
(334) 742-5224
*Randy Lyons
(334) 742-5209
*Wesley-Kate Crocker (granddaughter of Bari Hodges)
(334) 742-5221
*Michelle Granberry
(334) 742-5210
*Allen McCord
(334) 742-5240
*Sam McCord
(334) 742-5225
Tom White
(334) 742-5214
*Ms. Emma Lou Duffel
(334) 742-5208
Come join this newly-formed Men’s group
*Robert & Debra Foster
(334) 742-5235
*Billy & Lisa Kitchens
(334) 742-5236
Christi Ingrum
(334) 742-5213
Band of Brothers
 November 1, 6:00pm at Bob's Victory Grille
Questions: Ryan at [email protected]
Betty Broach
(334) 742-5211
Operation Christmas Child
Sherry Clark
(334) 742-5250
Cascade Prayer Pager (reaching only participants with
actual pagers)
(334) 742-5202



Yard Sale Collections – We are collecting goods for our Singles
Missions Yard Sale Fundraiser. Help our biggest fundraiser of the
year by cleaning out the attic, basement and closets and donating
your unwanted stuff to the sale. No large appliances or clothes,
please. Pick up available.
For more information about these events contact the AUMC Singles
office, 334-826-8800 or [email protected]
Collection Sunday is November 13.
Look for tables set up in Epworth Commons, Mathison Lobby and
Hamill Court.
The community of faith (the church of Jesus Christ) is a blessing and a gift from God. We are
so blessed to be a part of Auburn UMC and I invite you to join me and my family as we
prepare to commit our lives to Offer Christ, Nurture one another, and Serve the Lord in
2017.
Grace and peace,
Cory
Sandra Watwood and Gary Klarenbeek in concert
Auburn United Methodist will host a unique concert on Sunday, October 30, at 3:00 pm in the
main sanctuary featuring AUMC’s head organist, Sandra Watwood, and Director of Music
Ministries, Gary Klarenbeek, on organ, piano, and tenor soloist. The musical feast will also
feature one of the area’s most acclaimed violinists, Kay Lee and soloist Jacquelyn Cruz,
Kevin Duvall, J. T. Edmonson, Chris Kelsey and Amory Scott. The diverse program will
include favorites of the organ repertoire, organ and piano duets, solo piano, and unique new
vocal arrangements.
A segment of the program will focus on God’s grace and feature Gary performing a new
ballad arranged by nationally renowned composer and arranger, Derric Johnson. Gary shares
“the theme of grace has never been so powerful or poignant to me as it has been since my
recent ankle injury, surgery and recovery. I am more aware now than ever of just what a gift
of grace every breath we take and every step we take are. The ballad will be dedicated to the
glory of God and to the many people who were so instrumental in my recovery. I have never
been more thankful to make music here at AUMC.”
Concluding the program will be Jacquie Cruz singing a new release from her soon to be
released album “HopeFULL” produced by Derric Johnson, “God Bless America.” Gary
shares, with the upcoming election and so much affecting our country and world, this is a
piece we all need to hear. The unique arrangement never before recorded by a solo artist
contains a poignant collection of prayers for America that we our country desperately needs
to hear.” Ending the concert will be Sandra and Gary performing
an organ 4-hand finale piece, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
There is no admission charge for the concert. A love offering will be
received to benefit the Designated Music Fund of AUMC. For more
information contact the Music Department at 334-826-8800.
Number 41
Are you curious what this
means? Others will be too!
Visit AUMC.net for more
info. Pick up your yard
sign in Mathison Lobby,
Hamill Court, or Epworth
Commons today.
New Members
Nick & Baret Melton joined the church
on October 2. Nick is the Director of
College Ministries here at AUMC and
Baret is a counselor. They are pictured
here with their daughter Penelope. We
warmly welcome you to our church
family here at AUMC.
Lorri & Matt Matthews joined the
church on October 23. They are
pictured here with their son Trace who
also joined the church that day. Lorri is
a retired teacher and Matt is a Global
Logistics Manager. Trace is a Graduate
Student in the College of Engineering.
They all transfer their membership
from Mt. Zion UMC in Smith Station,
AL. We are delighted to welcome you
to our church family here at AUMC.
Jeff & Becky Kitchens joined the
church on October 23. Jeff is
employed with Southern Company.
Becky is employed with Zeid WHC.
They are pictured here with their
children, Camilla and Saul. We
warmly welcome you to our church
family here at AUMC.
Will Faulkner joined the church on
October 23. He is pictured here with
his wife, Lauren who is a member here
at AUMC. Will is a realtor and Lauren
is employed by Auburn University.
Will transfers his membership from
Frazer UMC in Montgomery, AL. We
are delighted to welcome you to our
church family here at AUMC.
In Worship This Sunday
Dr. Cory Smith and Rev. Charles Cummings
Disciples: Commit Their Life to God
Luke 19:1–10
8:00 Traditional Message - Dr. Cory Smith
Music by: Genuine Bells, Jubilee Singers
9:30 Chapel Message - Rev. Charles Cummings
Music by: University Ringers, Jubilee Singers
9:30 Celebration Message - Dr. Cory Smith
11:00 Traditional Message - Dr. Cory Smith
Music by: Genuine Bells, Chancel Choir
11:00 Resonate Message - Rev. Charles Cummings
Prayerful Concerns
as of October 24, 2016
In EAMC: Richard Marsee; Harmon Straiton
In Bethany House: Joel Melville
Recently released from the hospital: Debra Foster’s mother,
Joyce Sistrunk
In Atlanta: Tom Bingham
In Illinois: Cheri Hart’s nephew, Paul Williams
In Montgomery: Beth Kellum
In Tennessee: Pam Haney’s father Rick Wilt
AUMC Family Concerns: Phillip Adamson; Mary Jo Allen;
Talmadge and Mary Balch; Gordon Barksdale; Ron Bodeen; Jeanne
Bradley; Charlotte Brennan; Betty Broach; Drew Brown; Jim Chaki;
Jean Chapman; Sylba Cleveland; Paul and Dixie Conner; Earl
Crutchfield; James DeWitt; Jackie Diener; Mike DiOrio; Emma Lou
Duffel; John Dunkelberger; Don Eddins; Lynn Franklin; Wendy
Franklin; Robert Fulgham; Pat Gibson; Diane Gjerstad; Michelle
Granberry; Casey Hamilton; Michael and Sara Heatherly’s son
(Porter); Larry Hill; Joanne Hinton; Wayne Houston; Agnes Jones;
Mary Ellen Klinner; Emily Lacy; Pam LaMar; Barbara Marsee; Donny
Marshall; Allen McCord; Sam McCord; Wayne Mitcham; Ginny
Monroe; Patrick Morrow; Mo Moseley; Ann Neighbors; John Plumb;
Grace Prince; Jack Smith; Ellsworth Steele; Glenn Thompson; Mark
Waldrip; Nell Wetzel; Tom White; Betty Wittel; Alexis Yount.
Extended Concerns: Eydie Adams; Kon Adams; Justin and Brittany
Alexander’s daughter (Jordan Claire); Liz Baker’s brother (Coven
Shivers); Brooke Ballard’s mother (Debbie Askew); Brenda Bixler’s
father (Dave Bixler); Pamela Boyd’s sister-in-law (Betsy Copeland);
Pat Brackin’s brother (Gus Lane); Joe Carlton’s father (Howard
Carlton); Carolyn Carr’s nephew (Jason Carr); Chester and Edna
Carroll’s daughter (Meg Rheubottom); Eloise Carter’s mother-in-law
(Frances Brunson) and brother-in-law (Tom Carter); Sonny Carter;
Douglas Chamblee; Sherry Clark; Jennifer Cleiland’s father (Clem
Matlock); Bobbie Clevenger’s brother (Homer Dillard); Katie Corbitt’s
father (Bill Hughes); Thomas Corbitt’s grandfather (Roy Corbitt);
Susan Corley; John and Sue Ann Fox’s daughter (Kristin Vardaman);
Emily Gentry’s grandmother (Cathline Hill); Jack and Jon Gipson’s
daughter (Terry Lund); Sally Granberry’s sister (Barbara Glen) and
brother (Ed Carson); Julie Hare’s mother (Vicky Robertson); Barbara
Harper; Jennifer Heath’s mother-in-law (Betty Heath); Carol Ann
Holmes; Wayne Houston’s brother (Jerry Houston); Jerry Hughes’
father (Billy Hughes); Traye Hulsey’s father (Donald Hulsey); Edith
Jones’ daughter (Susannah Jones Cleveland); John Klinner’s mother
(Cordelia Klinner); Abby Langham’s mother (Carole Tull); Beth
Lawrence’s father (Bill Atkins); Jeff Lawson; Tom Lenyo; Doug
Mansfield; Sally McDonald’s mother (Sara Kinney); Nancy McGinnis;
Larry and Sheila Miller’s son (Jeff); Dot Mitcham’s brother (Don Lee);
Grace Morris’ father (William Byrd); Michelle Morrison’s nephew
(Tony Gratys); Laurie Newton’s father (Gene Faison); Julia Norton’s
nephew (Will Payne); Gretchen Oliver’s mother (Betty Oliver); Jill
Perry’s mother (Barbara Faherty); Dennis and Jean Ellis Pinkard’s
granddaughter (Peyton Drake); Allyson Ponder; Sue and Tom Rankin’s
daughter-in-law (Nancy Rankin); Ed Reaves’ parents (Richard and
Arlene William); Jessie Rhodes’ daughter (Leslie Donovon); Connie
Ripley; Denise Robinson; Eric Sanderson’s uncle (Vic Sanderson);
Jackie Schwadron; Ike Scott’s uncle (Robert Mardre); Joel Seawell’s
mother (Kate Seawell); Greg Shaw’s father (Hubert Shaw); Sam
Shaw’s mother (June Slimp); Bill Smith; Reginald Strickland; Kim
Talmage’s brother (John Van Deusen); Fred Thomas; Howard
Wadsworth’s sister (Winn Taylor); Gale Walker’s brother (Terrell
Lucas); Amy Wiley’s father (Danny King); Ed Williams’ mother
(Perry Williams); Mike Williams; Sara Williams; Connie Davis Young;
Alison Zunklei.
Sympathy to:
Ken Martin and family in the death of his sister-in-law Kristi Seymour
Martin
Dianne Shafer and family in the death of her mother Reba J. Deavours
Baptisms
Addy Jane Donaldson was baptized on October 23. She is
pictured here with her parents, Joe and Jamie Donaldson and
big brothers, Luke and Ryan. We warmly welcome you to our
church family here at AUMC.
Will Johnson was baptized on October 23. He is pictured here
with his parents, Drew and Stephanie Johnson. We are
delighted to welcome you to our church family here at AUMC.
Youth Ministry
In the Youth Center October 30
 Sunday School will meet at 9:30 and 11:00am.
 MYF will meet 5:30-7:00pm, free supper and costume party!
Morning Studies
 7:00am in Youth Center. Bring your breakfast and fellowship with other
students.
 Tuesdays, Sr. High, 10th-12th grades.
 Thursdays, Jr. High, 7th-9th grades. Parents drop off your child and we will
drive them to their school.
Youth Sunday School Table Leaders
 We are looking for adult and college volunteers to help lead table discussions
during 9:30 Youth Sunday School each week.
 There is no prep work involved and one of our youth interns will be the
master teacher for each class.
 If you would like to be a table leader, go to
http://bit.ly/tableleadersignup. Choose as many times as you
would like to help.
For Youth Activities, follow our social media and online calendar.
 Go to www.aumc.net/youth.
 Like our Facebook page: Auburn UMC Youth Ministry.
 Follow us on Instagram & Twitter @AuburnUMCYouth.
AUMC Youth Office, Marc Baugh, Sarah Buck, or Jill Perry,
334-826-8800, ext. 223 or [email protected].
Record of Faithfulness
Weekly Worship Attendance
1338
Sunday School Attendance
720
2016 Operating Budget $ 3,918,676.00
Received 10/23/16
$
53,268.12
Total Received for 2016 $ 3,043,632.26
Capital (Give Thanks)
Receipts 10/23/16
$ 2,090.00
Total Received for 2016 $216,733.43
Loan Balance
$192,435.04
Serving in Worship this Week
Acolytes: 8:00 - Megan Lowery, Virginia Dent; 9:30 Chapel - Matthew
Bullington, Taite Pearson; 11:00 Sanctuary - Lauryn Benitez, Frances Ruth
Robinson
Scripture Readers: 8:00 Winsley Bates; 9:30 Chapel - Mr. & Mrs. John Braswell;
11:00 Sanctuary - Abby Adams
Ushers: 8:00 - Denny Marple, Susan Nunnelly, Jim Carroll, Phil Hill
9:30 Chapel - Ted Wilson, Brad Wilson, Paul Register;
9:30 Celebration - Fred Callahan, Jeff Clary, Rob Wellbaum, Michel Jones
11:00 Sanctuary - Nick Autrey, Bobby Lowder, Sid Belcher, Tommy Carlisle,
Ken Finch, Susan Lee, Ron Schier, Brian Thurow,
Assimilation Team: 8:00 Bo Cavin; 11:00 Sanctuary - Linda Gillespie;
11:00 Resonate - Sue Ann Fox
Flowers in the Sanctuary are given in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ben
Kelly, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Day.
Children’s Ministry
Jubilee Ministry (Age 60 Plus or Younger Retirees)
252 Xtreme
 Will meet Sunday, October 30. Hamburgers are on the menu.
Kindermusik
 Our October Kindermusik session begins the week of October 10.
 We offer classes for children ages 0-5.
 Check out our class schedule and online registration information at
www.aumc.net.
Rooted: Fun Fifth Sunday
 Meet Sunday, October 30. We are playing life-sized Clue.
Children singing in worship
 2nd-6th grades will sing on Sunday, November 6, at 8:00am
and 9:30am Celebration.
Questions? Contact Michelle Stearns, [email protected]
Let’s Get Active
 The low-impact exercise group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
8:30 in the Annex/Round Room.
Yoga for Wimps
 Class meets on Wednesdays at 8:30 in the Annex/Round Room.
Harvesters
 You are invited to join us Wednesday November 2, at 10:45am in
the Epworth Fellowship Hall. Our program this month will be
presented by Jennifer Lolley of the Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve
and Nature Center. The presentation is titled, “Your Brain
and Nature.”
 Bring your favorite covered dish and enjoy the program and lunch
with us. Bring a friend!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
 The Ladies will meet on Thursday, November 3, at 1:00pm in the
Conference Room.
 Please bring your completed shawls to be turned in and dedicated
and your current project to work on while you visit.
 New members are always welcome.
Newcomers and Visitors Are Always Welcome! For more information
contact Winsley Bates at the Jubilee Ministry Office (826-8800, ext 281).
Take your faith BEYOND the Walls
For the fifth year in a row, AUMC will be sending a team to share
Christmas with some of our very favorite friends in Haiti. Team travel dates
are December 20-27, but there is also an alternate travel option available for
a few members to travel back to Auburn on December 23. As always, for
this trip we will need prayers, players and payers.
For more information, contact Lindsey Middleton at [email protected].
 AUMC offers service opportunities for all ages with no experience required.
Contact Keith Foster [email protected]
334-319-6024 or Caroline Garner
[email protected] 404-839-1818 to
find your place.

College Ministry
Weekly Events
 Worship Night, Thursdays, 7:00pm in the Chapel.
 Sunday School 9:45am, in The College Room.
 Freshmen Connect, Sundays 6:30pm, in The College Room.
Family Connect
 Family Connect offers students the opportunity to be hosted by families
who are a part of AUMC. Families from the church get together with 5-6
college students throughout the school year. These groups typically meet at
least once a month.
 If you would like more information, or would like to be a part of a Family
Connect group, please contact William DeGuenther at
[email protected].
Life Groups
 Life Groups are always open. In a life group, students are able to study
God’s word, share life experiences, and develop accountability groups. The
primary purpose of a life group is to help students deepen their
relationships with God and others.
 If you're interested in joining a life group, contact Braxton Pugh at
[email protected].
For more information about the AUMC College Ministry contact Nick Melton at
[email protected].
Advent – Fellowship Dinner



Thursday, December 1st, 6:00pm.
Chicken fingers, mac and cheese, green beans, and homemade desserts!
As the Advent season begins come join your church family for dinner and
fellowship!
 Dinner - $7.00 per person, $20.00 per family – make dinner reservations
and sign up to bring a dessert: online: www.aumc.net, email Sarah Goolsby, [email protected] or call the church office (826-8800).
 As a family, make your home Advent Wreath ($10) and pick up Advent
devotional materials.
Each individual or family please bring a new or gently used children’s book
(Christmas or not) for the food pantry! For information, contact Julie Echols,
[email protected]; or Sydney Garner: [email protected].
Sunday, November 27


Hanging of the Greens in all Sanctuary and Chapel services.
Sandi Patty Christmas Concert in Sanctuary. No tickets required.
Love offered received.
CHRISTMAS DINNER ON DECEMBER 13
SPONSORED BY AUMC METHODIST MEN



Everyone is invited to attend the Annual Christmas Dinner on
Tuesday, December 13, at 6:00pm, in the Fellowship Hall.
Rev Walter Albritton will be presenting a wonderful program
entitled “Christmas Memories with Walter.”
All attending will be truly blessed. Please note this on your holiday
calendar. Details to follow later.
Mark Your Calendars!
UMW 2016 Christmas Market
 Saturday, December 3, 8:30am – 2:00pm
For more information contact Mary Richburg at
334-887-3390 or email
[email protected].
Help with Chrismon Trees



We are in need of a group (Sunday School class, etc.) to help erect
the large Chrismon Trees. We are scheduled to pre-decorate for
Hanging of the Greens on Sunday afternoon, November 20, but that
date is flexible.
It usually takes 2 hours using around 10 adults.
If your group is interested, please let Sue know: [email protected].
Tuesday night Bible study
Upcoming Tuesday night Bible study
 How the Wesleys Would End Poverty. A historical and contemporary
discussion on being faithful to the poor around us from a Wesleyan
perspective.
 Tuesdays, November 1, 15, 29.
 6:00-7:00pm – A113.
 Rev. Lisa Pierce, Director of Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM).
ARM is committed to ending substandard housing in Alabama.
AUMC exists to OFFER Christ, NURTURE one another, and SERVE all.