5^th
AveNews

 

May, 2009

Pastor’s Corner

5^th Avenue’s stimulus…just potential?

 

Much has been made of the various stimulus packages being passed in order to get our economy moving in the right direction again.  To put it in simple terms, the belief is that by putting resources in the right places, we can stimulate growth and economic activity.

 

While I know that moving from a full-time appointment to part-time may seem like a step back, I would like you to look at it a different way: think of it as a $30,000 per year stimulus package for 5^th Avenue.  Why?  The approximate savings in salary and benefits will be about $30,000.  If those resources are put to use in the right places, they can stimulate church growth and ministry activity.

 

Just as cities and states are making their voices heard about how federal monies should be spent, I want you to also make your voice heard about how 5^th Avenue’s stimulus monies should be directed.  Think about it—what could we do with $30,000?

 

Here are just a few ideas to get your imaginations started:

·  Hire a Director of Children & Youth Ministries.

·  Renovate the fellowship hall into a coffee house or a facility for hosting concerts and plays.

·  Invest in a media system for the sanctuary.

·  Hire a Parish Nurse.

·  Purchase a church van and use it to pick people up on Sundays.

·  Conduct an advertising campaign to reach out to people through TV, internet, and radio. (Matching grants available from UMCom).

 

There has always been so much potential at 5^th Avenue, and there is so much potential for ministry in our community.  Now there is the opportunity to invest in that potential.  So, use your imaginations, and even more important, use your prayers!  Seek out where you think God is leading us.  What kind of ministry does God want to stimulate at 5^th Avenue?

 
                    Peace in Christ,

        Shawn

 

 

Community-

Based Study Groups

 

One of our goals for 2009 is to initiate small-group studies throughout our community.  Since we have people from all over come to worship at 5^th Avenue, why not take 5^th Avenue out to those places?  Right now, we need people who will host a study in three places:

• Leland
• Monkey Junction/Carolina Beach
• Hampstead/Porter’s Neck

 

Training, curriculum, and help are all available.  We just need someone willing to take the first step.  Please contact Pastor Shawn, or call Susan Long at 540-7611.

The UMWomen are making the preparations this week for next Saturday’s YARD SALE. Have you made arrangements to deliver your donations?

COMMUNITY

GARDEN

The Community Garden project, led by Wrights- boro UMC, is being form- ed near Burgaw.  It is our intention to make this a model for other community gardens in our District.  To get involved in the planting, cultivating, and harvesting, please contact Bill Haddock at 762.2583. All surplus veggies the first year will be going to the food pantry at Wrightsboro UMC (where we will also can and freeze extra vegetables). This will be a good project for a confirmation class or youth group or senior citizens group if they wish to spend a day in outreach.

 

Strength for Service Sunday

Service men and women around the world today are being inspired by the pocket devotional Strength for Service. More than one million copies of this book were first distributed during World War II and the Korean conflict before it went out of print.  Fifty years later, a young boy named Evan Hunsberger was inspired by his grandfather’s worn copy and began working to republish the book as his Eagle Scout project.

Since Strength for Service’s release in 2002, the book has been distributed to 300,000 people of all denominations. The books have been given to troops deploying to the Middle East, and they have also been sent to institutions caring for the wounded. However, with new deployments, thousands of troops have a need for this moving and relevant devotional. 

On Sunday, May 24, in observance of Memorial Day, we will collect a special offering to aid the distribution of these devotional books.

 

Member Mentors Needed

We are in need of some helpful persons to be “mentors” for our new members.  For more information, contact Pastor Shawn.

 

The UMYouth will meet three times in May. Next Sunday, May 3, at 6 p.m. for the Spring Revival Youth Night at Wesley Memorial UMC; and at 1 p.m. on the 10^th and 23^rd.

 

 

Carowinds and Kings Dominion
United Methodist Family Fun Days

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 25, & 30

Celebrate family fun at these Premier Theme Parks for less than half the price!  Only $26.50 or $21.99 for “juniors” and “seniors.”  Order online at www.kingsdominion.com or www.carowinds.com and enter company ID NCMFD09.  Or order by phone at 804-876-5561 for Kings Dominion or 800-888-4386 for Carowinds and mention the NC Conference.

 

For the Church Directory…

First, a correction: Jim & Ruth Brumm’s phone number is 791-2374; and the full family includes David, Anthony, Leslie and Shalinah.

Next, new contact information…

Lawrence Everett, Jr.; 7409 Stonecliff Dr. #102; Raleigh, NC 27615; 919-518-0697.

Finally, a few additions…

Mariette Brambell, 3201 Wickford Road, Wilmington, NC 28409. 371-6673 marbell@iolfree.ie.

Arthur (Jeep) and Barbara Stapleton, 7943 Placid Drive, Wilmington, NC 28411 686-5849

Phyllis Norton, 2235 Live Oak Parkway, Wilmington, NC 28403

PhyllisNortonfnp@gmail.com

anortonjr@ec.rr.com

 

 

  

 

Feed

the

Hungry

 

A basket for contributions of food has been placed by the table at the entrance to the fellowship hall.  Please bring your donations for our church’s food pantry and for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.  We will “bless” the food once each month before it is distributed.  Thanks to Patti Jackson for the idea!