THE MESSENGER

 

    NEVER ISOLATED FROM GOD!!

 

Have you ever found yourself in an isolated place?  Maybe you were traveling and had to pull off the highway due to weather, fatigue or car trouble.  Maybe you were in an unfamiliar city looking for a restaurant, movie theater or hotel.  Maybe it was an emotional place, where friends have deserted you and family disappointed you.  At some point in our lives we’ve all felt isolated and alone.  Being in an isolated place, either physically or emotionally, is never easy.  We deal with a myriad of “what if’s,” as we search to discover the reason for our isolation.  However, what we learn in our moments of isolation can become a tremendous blessing to us, as we uncover our internal reservoirs of hope, faith and courage.

The book of Revelation is a wonderful chronicle of hope, patience, conviction and courage in the midst of a period of isolation for its author.  The book of Revelation is written by a leader of the Christian churches in Asia Minor, modern day Turkey.  The author has been imprisoned on the penal island of Patmos for his continued missionary efforts throughout the Roman Empire.  The author knew he was probably never going to leave the island alive, but instead of dwelling on his woeful plight the author is presented with an opportunity to be a blessing to the church. 

God spoke to the author of Revelation, and from that conversation comes one of the most powerful – if not most misunderstood – books in the bible.  Revelation is a message of encouragement for people enduring hardship and

 

INSIDE: A GROWING CHURCH.........2 THANK YOU, MRS. SMALL....3 THE SILENT MAJORITY.........4 FUND RAISING POLICY........8

 

pressure.  The author wrote it while dealing with the reality of his own isolation.  Note, God did not imprison and isolate the author in order to produce the book.  On the contrary, God took the isolation and transformed it into a moment to increase the author’s faith. 

Yes, from time to time we endure moments when we feel isolated and alone.  However, God can and is willing to transform those moments into opportunities increase our faith.  The question becomes: Are we too focused on our isolation that we miss the blessing God has prepared for us?

Rev. Anthony R. Hood

 

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GOD’S LITTLE POST-IT NOTES!

 

God always give the best to those who leave the choice with Him.

 

 

LIVING A CAUSE

 

My experience started four years ago with a routine mammogram. An assistant walked into the room: "Ms. Mashatt, you have to talk to the doctor." If you have seen the commercials on TV, he walks into the room and states, "You have stage four cancer" and walks out. I yelled “wait, what do I do? Whom do I see?" I was stunned.  In a matter of seconds, my world stopped for a heartbeat. I cried because it was not "fair") and then I got angry (so why start now). I survived my amputation and I would make it through this too.

 

Doctors talk about what would or should happen over the next few months and all I could think was that I didn't have time for all this. I wanted this process started as quickly as possible, so that it would be over. Not one time did I think about “why?”.  I had less energy but I had attitude. Here we go - six months of chemo; four months of radiation.

• Imagine if we could personalize and target the therapist with a pill.
• Daily I pray for the will power of the doctors and researchers to focus on discovering a new breakthrough in detection and treatment.
• Despite the magnificent achievements, cancer can remain an ugly reality and insidious enemy to me.
• With shots daily and blood thinner, I have proclaimed victory in a resting stage.

 My Seven Days of Inspiration

Day 1: With hope in your heart, nothing is impossible.

Day 2: Friends like you are priceless.

Day 3: You're great just the way you are.    

Day 4: Positive thinking grows bigger dreams.

Day 5: You are a good person.

Day 6: Clouds are only temporary.

Day 7: Put fun on your “to do” list and it will renew you.

 Thanks Scott Memorial, Pastor Hood and congregation, family and friends for all of your prayers and support.

 

Best Regards…….Janice Mashatt

COMMENTS ON GROWING CHURCHES

A GROWING church has parking problems;

                A dying church doesn’t.

A GROWING church has lots of noisy children and young people;

                A dying church is fairly quiet.

A GROWING church changes the way things are done;

                A dying church doesn’t have to.

A GROWING church often asks for more program and mission money;

                A dying church has plenty of money for what it does.

A GROWING church asks people to open up and risk involvement;

                A dying church plays it safe and never risks.

A GROWING church sees challenges and opportunities;

                A dying church sees problems and dangers.

A GROWING church apologizes, forgives and seeks forgiveness;

                A dying church never makes mistakes.

A GROWING church uses its tradition and facilities to serve people;

                A dying church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions.

A GROWING church believes in God’s future and “lets go” with faith;

                A dying church believes in the past and “hold on.”

A GROWING church is filled with committed givers;

                A dying church is filled with tippers.

A GROWING church dares to dream great dreams for God’s Kingdom;

                A dying church has nightmares.

 

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

SUBMITTED BY LOUISE DICKENS

 

SAYING THANK YOU TO EVERLENA SMALL

by Janice E. Blackman

During the month of October, Everlena Small left Detroitand moved to Virginiato live with her daughter.  While health issues precipitated Mrs. Small’s move, all who were interviewed for this article spoke of a woman strong in spirit and faith and with a deep love for Scott Memorial.

Mrs. Small has been a member of Scott for as long as all who are still here could remember.  We know  she was always a part of the Worship Ministry Team that opens our Sunday Morning Service, and when called upon, delivered the most heartfelt and powerful prayers that communicated her love of God - but that was just one of many activities in which she was involved over the years.

Mrs. Small served as the Leader of the Urna Turner United Methodist Women’s Sub-Group for many years, and until 2009 was the Secretary of Program Resources for Scott’s UMW Unit.   She was also part of Outreach and Evangelism and served as a Communion Steward.  Yvonne Peters said “the Communion Steward Ministry has been blessed to have Everlena Small as a member of our team.”  Mrs. Peters goes  on to use the most glowing terms to describe Mrs. Small – “considerate, dedicated, prayerful, patient, committed, caring, helpful, respectful, loyal, friendly, responsible, thoughtful, dependable, supportive, hardworking and terrific!!” 

In addition to Mrs. Small’s faithful service, Jimmie Jones remembers her cooking and baking skills that have been touted as among the best in the city, especially her “light as a feather” pound cakes.  She is also an accomplished seamstress who not only made bedspreads and comforters for her friends and family, but dabbled in interior design as well.

While we can’t possibly list all of Mrs. Small’s contributions in this article, we do know she is a soft spoken, gentle woman who leaves Scott Church with wonderful memories of her faithfulness and whose presence will be greatly missed. 

Mrs. Small, you truly are a Blessing from God.  We at Scott say “thank you and God bless you” for all you have given us. 

 

Financial Aid Workshop-November 13, 2010

                         by Ruby Washington

A very informative Financial Aid Workshop will be held on Saturday. November 13, 2010from 4:30 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.at Scott Memorial United MethodistChurch. The workshop will cover Grants, Scholarships, Work Study Programs, College Applications and the FAFSA form. Presenters will be available from local colleges and high schools. The program format will include a lecture portion and an opportunity for one-on-one conversations with the presenters. The information is valuable to high school students and their parents. It is strongly encouraged that students begin college planning early in their high school career; therefore, 9^th, 10^th, 11^thand 12^thgraders are invited to attend. This workshop is sponsored by Scott Community Center,  Inc. and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., New Metropolitan Detroit Club.  For additional information and flyers contact Ruby Washington at (313) 538-2575.

 

 

GOD’S LITTLE POST-IT NOTES!

 

A hug is a great gift…one size fits all.  It can be given for any occasion and it’s easy to exchange.

 

 

 

 

 

MY CORNER

 

THE SILENT MAJORITY

by Cheryl A. Alston

The term “the silent majority” has a political connotation in this country since the end of the 1960s when President Nixon used it to refer to Americans who did not demonstrate against the war in Viet Namand/or “who did not participate in public discourse. … Nixon along with many others saw this group as being overshadowed in the media by the more vocal minority.” ^]Previously, it was used throughout the nineteenth century to refer to the dead.

But I believe the new silent majority are the people who see inappropriate and negative behavior and say nothing. Decade after decade, studies have been done showing that negative words affect a person’s self-esteem and accomplish nothing. This negativity used as encouragement can appear to get results in the short-term, but in the long term, the behavior is not changed, and the person’s self-esteem and dignity have been affected.

Culturally, some romanticize this ugliness with reminisces of love. We include this verbiage with the story of getting the switch for the whopping, for example. But an ongoing litany of abusive language about or to a person can lead to depression and be debilitating. Young people blame themselves thinking, “I must be the worst person in the world to be talked to/about this way.” Many adults continue to allow this abuse to be perpetrated against them because when they do question it, they’re often told, “You know how **** is.” They often subconsciously choose partners and friends who will treat them the same way and they wonder why. This negative behavior, or as it is now referred to, “bullying,” can carry over into public interactions as well. Some make hurtful comments and when responded to, or called on it, they say they were “just joking.”

There are many who consider this behavior the norm. According to Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” We are all human and all carry the burden of our life experiences, but do we silently condone this behavior even when we find it offensive? Do we let abusive/negative comments go unchallenged? Do we at a certain point not notice it or do we ALWAYS notice it in our spirit, but passively accept it because we don’t want to make waves? Or because everybody else seems to accept it? OR, we’re intimidated by the abuser? We often make our displeasure known when

    (”The Silent Majority” is continued on Page 5)

THE SILENT MAJORITY

Continued from Page 4

people around us are using foul language or behaving in what we consider “worldly”, but do we step up in a loving way when a child is being constantly ridiculed and put down? When we’re in a meeting and a person is being rude to another person, do we kindly intercept or even speak to the abuser privately and attempt to point out that the matter could have been handled in a more loving, Christian way?

Just as words have the power to tear down, they also have the ability to build up. Let us, as Christians, not be a part of the “silent majority.”

                                                                                                           

 

 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

 

Hello Again, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

October was a month filled with United Methodist Women’s (UMW) activities.  First of all, our “In Gathering Project” of hygiene kits was a big success, with 88 kits, at a value of $921, being given to Covenant House for their residents.   Thank you to Zenola Green and the team of people who worked with her to make this possible.

Next we attended our West District Conference where new officers were approved and a pleasant appreciation to the outgoing officers was given.  Members who passed away during 2009 and 2010 were memorialized.  Awards were given to UMW members who achieved 5 star statuses, as well as to members who participated in the reading program.  The UMW of Hope UMCproved to be gracious hostesses for us.

The UMW’s Worship Service was held on October 10.  We were graced with beautiful music from the UMW’s choir, a lovely spiritual dance by Rhonda Fluker-Marshall as well as reverent prayers that were interspersed throughout the service.   Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Nelson delivered a powerful message using the scripture from the Book of Joshua as the basis for her sermon. 

Jimmie Jones gave a summary of where our pledge monies are used to fund projects both locally and throughout the world.  Our most

 

 

impressive award was presented by Mrs. Hood, UMW President, to Rev. Hood as a 5 Star Pastor.  Kudos to Barbara Walker, our Vice President, who developed and planned the annual Women’s Day service.  Thanks to all of you for donating to our missions for women and children.

Oh yes, the UMW have joined with the Arts and Crafts Ministry on a project to knit and crochet lap blankets and shawls for Fairlane Nursing Home.  Completed items and monetary donations must be received no later than December 5.

The Urna Turner Sub-Group of UMW, along with the Communion Stewards, attended a small luncheon on October 11 at the home of Everlena Small to say good-bye to Mrs. Small, who is relocating to Virginiato live with her daughter.   All agree that Mrs. Small’s faithfulness will be missed!

Peace and Love,

E. Dolly Gunter, Communications Officer

 

SCOTT’S DINNER DANCE

 BY HARRIETT FRY, CHAIRPERSON

SCOTT’S DINNER DANCE, HELDONFRIDAY, OCTOBER 15^TH, PROVED TO BE THE “AFFAIR OF THE YEAR.”  IF YOU MISSED IT, YOU MISSED OUT ON A GREAT TIME.  BOTH YOUNG ANDOLD (ANDTHOSE IN BETWEEN)HAD FUN, FUN, FUN!  I’M SURE THERE WERE MEMBERS NOT PRESENT, BUT IT LOOKED LIKE “EVERYONE” WAS THERE - SCOTT MEMBERS FELL OUT IN STYLE… “DRESSED TO IMPRESS”!  BEAUTIFUL DRESSES/GOWNS... ANDMEN FROM STYLISH SUITS TO TUXEDOES – ALLSTRUTTED THEIR STUFF… ANDWERE LOOKING GOOD!

THE MEALWAS SUPERB - THE FOOD“HOT”, DELICIOUS ANDMORE THAN ENOUGH.  CHICKEN ANDBEEF WERE THE ENTREES SEASONED TO PERFECTION.  (NOTE:  THESE WERE COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM OUR MEMBERS.)

THERE WERE DOOR PRIZES GIVEN THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.  A SPECIAL GIFTCARDWAS PRESENTED TO DOROTHY FAULKNER FOR SELLING THE MOST TICKETS; THEN THERE WAS THE 50/50 RAFFLES WHERE THREE (3) PEOPLE HAD WINNING TICKETS ANDWON“HARD CASH”.  LARGE, BEAUTIFUL, HUGE MUM PLANTS ADORNED EACH TABLE, ANDWERE GIVEN TO ONEPERSON AT EACH TABLE WHO HAD THE “MYSTERY” BOOKMARK.

WHEN THE MEALWAS COMPLETE ANDTHE DJ STARTED THE MUSIC…  YEP, YOU GUESSED IT, OUR VERY OWN, PASTOR HOOD WAS THE “FIRST ONE” ON THE DANCE FLOOR... STARTING US OFF WITH THE BEGINNING OF MANY “HUSTLES”.   ALSO, YOU COULD TELL HE ANDTHE “MRS,” LAKESHA, HAD LESSONS IN ‘BALLROOM’ DANCING… THEY WERE LOOKING REALLY GOOD.   SOME OF THE WOMEN STARTED OFF IN HIGH HEELS, BUT ENDED UP BAREFOOT – “DROPPING IT LIKE IT WAS HOT”.  OF COURSE, THERE WAS JOSH CHANDLER WHO “DROPPED IT ALLTHE WAY TO THE FLOOR” – WHILE THE REST OF US JUSTWATCHED IN AMAZEMENT... REMINDING SOME OF US OF THE OLD DAYS WHEN WE MIGHT HAVE DONE THAT…  BUT KNOWING FULLWELLIF WE “DROPPED ANYTHING” NOW… IT WOULD MORE THAN LIKELY STAY THERE…ANDIF SOMEHOW WE GOTDOWN THERE … SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TO HELP US UP, OR CALL EMS.  ANDYES, I WAS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL… I ONLY “MESSED UP” ONEHUSTLE DANCE REALLY BAD, BUT NO ONEPAID ME ANY ATTENTION…BECAUSE SOME OF THEM WERE BUSYMESSING UP TOO(SMILE).

LATER IN THE EVENING SOMEONE (CAN’T REMEMBER WHO)STARTED A “SOUL TRAIN” LINE– WHERE FOLK REALLY SHOWED OUT “DIPPING IT ANDDOING IT”… GEORGIA PAYNE, JANICE MASHATT, YVONNE PETERS, ANDOTHERS… ALL“DID THEIR THANG” – REMINDING US THAT NOTHING, NOTHING SHOULD KEEP US FROM ENJOYING THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFETHAT GOD HASGIVEN US. REMINDING EVERYONE THAT LIFEIS TO BE CHERISHED, TO BE LIVED, ANDTO BE ENJOYED…

YES, THE EVENT WAS A WONDERFUL SUCCESS; BECAUSE OF SOME GREAT PEOPLE WHO WERE COMMITTED ENOUGH TO ATTEND MANY MEETINGS, ANDDO LOTS OF LEGWORK. TO ALLCHAIRPERSONS ANDTHEIR COMMITTEES - THANK YOU, THANK YOU. THANK YOU.  ANDFINALLY, THE “BIGGEST ANDBEST” THANK YOU GOES TO THE SCOTT MEMBERS WHO SUPORTED ANDATTENDED THE EVENT.  IF NOT FOR YOU THERE WOULD BE NO SUCCESS.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXTYEAR: 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

***A FAMILY THAT “PLAYS” TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER***

 

LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES

 

            As United Methodists, have you ever considered taking the Lay Speaking Ministries Course?

            First let me define the term “lay.” A “lay” member of the UnitedMethodistChurchis any member who is not a member of the clergy. That’s most of us. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and commit ourselves to being a disciple of Christ, we become witnesses for Him. So we are the laity of the church. A lay leader is one who has been certified after taking the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course. Such a person may be elected at a Charge Conference to represent the congregation at all District and Conference meetings. Our elected Lay Leader is Ruby Anderson.

            The Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course is offered in the District every fall and is open to any church member interested in becoming more informed about the church organization and its leadership.  The ministries of Lay Speaking are caring, leading and communicating.

            One may take this course because he/she is responding to a call to serve the church in a greater capacity.  One may not necessarily have the desire to become a part of the clergy; however the lay speaking ministries course has been the first step for many who have gone into the clergy.

            The course covers the ministry of the baptized, touching on the United Methodist basic beliefs and the Wesleyan emphases and the ConnectionalChurch.  It reminds us what spiritual gifts are and how and why they are used. The Course gives valuable information on leadership and communication and the importance of a Christian sharing the Good News of Christ from a personal point of view. It discusses the importance of continued study and spiritual growth in the lives of Christian leaders and the role of hospitality in the church.

            This writer has found the course both exciting and challenging. Exchanging ideas with Christians from other churches, fellowshipping with other leaders, learning and growing are some of the benefits from taking this course.
            Scott Church members Sarah Williams, Rosalind Fluker and Jimmie Jones are taking the course at St Timothy United Methodist Church on Sundays from 2:30 -6 p.m.for seven sessions.

 

            Jimmie E. Jones

            Administrative Council Chairperson

 

                  

 

 

The Finance and Stewardship Ministries encourage you to use the 20/10 plan for paying your Apportionment - $20 each month for 10 months (February through November).  This payment is in addition to your regular offering.  In 2009 Scott paid 100% of its Apportionment allocation.  Let’s make 2010 another successful year for our church!

 

 

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR MEMBERS WHO ARE ILL, IN NURSING FACILITIES OR CONFINED TO THEIR HOMES.  THEY AREAPPRECIATIVE OF YOUR PRAYERS, CARDS ANDVISITS.  CONTACT INFORMATION IS LISTED IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN.

 

 

NEED HELP WITH ENERGY BILLS?

Here are 2 phone numbers that may be useful to you if you’re having trouble paying your energy bills or are threatened with a “shut-off” notice.  Remember, help won’t come to you – it’s important for you to make contact.  The numbers are 313-964-0818 and

877-848-9011.

 

 

FUND RAISING/COLLECTION OF MONIES POLICY

The following Policy regarding Fund Raising and the Collection of Monies was approved at the October 2, 2010meeting of Scott’s Administrative Council:

ScottMemorialUnitedMethodistChurchprohibits any individual, group, ministry team or organization from raising funds or collecting monies without the expressed approval of the Finance Ministry and the Administrative Council.

Those individuals, groups, ministry teams or organizations wishing to sell any items or have a fund raising campaign must submit their proposal/project in writing to the Finance Ministry at least sixty (60) days before the event will happen.  The proposal/project must state the purpose of the proposal/project, what area of the vision statement this proposal/project will embrace, and where the funds for this proposal/project will be applied within the church budget.  All funds from the proposal/project should be turned into the Finance Ministry within 3-7 days after the proposal/project has been presented.

Upon review of the submitted project/proposal the Finance Committee will give their recommendation and submit the project/proposal to the Administrative Council for approval or rejection.

Under no circumstances should individuals, groups, ministry teams or organizations raise funds in the name of ScottMemorialUnitedMethodistChurchbefore approval has been granted.

Do you have news to share with the congregation?  A birth, graduation, recognition award?  If you’d like to see your “good news” in your church newsletter, or if you’d like to submit an article, contact one of the following persons:

 

Cheryl Alston         313-869-3193          cheryl.alston@sbcglobal.net

Janice Blackman   248-736-1353          janiceblackman@att.net

Shanise Drake        313-834-1781              sldmsu2@aol.com

Harriett Fry                     248-968-9552          ac9803@sbcglobal.net

Jimmie Jones              313-331-5553              jimeli1231@yahoo.com

Sarah Williams            248-229-0971              slprod1@yahoo.com

 

 

M&M LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE:  Mark Mullins, a Scott UMCmember, is a business owner whose services you may be able to use.  Mark's business specializes in lawn and snow removal services, as well as roof and ground catchment systems. 

If the need arises, please consider using one of our own, Mark Mullins.  You can contact him at 313-308-6969.

                                                       

WE LOVE TO HEARGOOD NEWS!

• Happy Birthday to Mary E. Thomas who will be 97 years old November 9. Mary has been a devoted Methodist her entire life. While no longer able to sing in the choir, she loves attending service and adding her voice to the congregation. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Women, serving as President and delegate to the conference.  Mrs. Thomas is the mother of Cheryl Alston and the grandmother of Gregg Burrell.
• Congratulations to Phyllis and Henry Anderson who celebrated their 20^thwedding anniversary on October 27.
• The family of Georgia Payne will be acclaiming her 90^thbirthday with a Fantastic Celebration on Saturday, November 27 in the Fellowship Hall.  The festivities begin at 12 noon and conclude at 4p.m., with dinner being served at 1p.m.  RSVPs are required – contact Claudette McMillan at 313-318-6186 or via e-mail at mcmillano48@yahoo.com.

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