Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God...
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Effective Leadership and Effective Churches Matt Jones, Associate Pastor February 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 2 Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God, Others, and Creation This past Tuesday night I had the privilege of talking to our newest church leaders (and some great “veteran” leaders). I shared that I am passionate about both Effective Leadership and Effective Churches - and as you may have guessed….they overlap a good bit! Churches are unique in that they function more as an extended family system than they do as formal organization. We have a great many “unwritten” expectations and rules in the church. We react to changes more often from an emotional center than a logical center. We “feel” things about the church - and like a family - we don’t always agree, and we always seem to have someone asking “how much longer??”. In early March, the Latham Leaders will gather for a day of charting our path forward. It will all fall under the goal of “Renewing our commitment to be God’s people: Right here, Right now.” Please be in prayer as we meet and discern God’s leading.
Transcript of Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God...
Effective Leadership and Effective Churches Matt Jones, Associate Pastor
February 2017
Vol. 5 Issue 2
Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God, Others, and Creation
This past Tuesday night I had the privilege of talking to our newest church leaders (and some great “veteran”
leaders). I shared that I am passionate about both Effective Leadership and Effective Churches - and as you
may have guessed….they overlap a good bit! Churches are unique in that they function more as an extended
family system than they do as formal organization. We have a great many “unwritten” expectations and rules
in the church. We react to changes more often from an emotional center than a logical center. We “feel” things
about the church - and like a family - we don’t always agree, and we always seem to have someone asking
“how much longer??”.
In early March, the Latham Leaders will gather for a day of charting our path forward. It will all fall under the
goal of “Renewing our commitment to be God’s people: Right here, Right now.” Please be in prayer as we
meet and discern God’s leading.
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Elderberries Sherri Ryan
We had a very successful year as we carried on our mission to bring
fresh locally grown produce to our community. We charge the Farmer
a small amount for their booth space and use these funds to buy tents,
advertise & help purchase children’s activities, etc. This year we had
a surplus in funds again so the Farmers Market Board decided to
donate $400 to the Latham Backpack Ministries & $1200 to the
Double-up Bucks Fund at the Food Bank.
The Double-up Bucks allow those getting SNAP (food assistance) to
come to our market and “double their dollars” (up to $20 each week) to
purchase fresh produce. This fund is very important to those in need
for it puts healthy food in their homes that might otherwise be too ex-
pensive for them to purchase. Last year, our Latham Farmers Market
was second in the North Alabama Farmers Market in giving these
funds to those in need. We gave out over $2200 in Double- Up
Bucks. The money we gave back to the Food Bank will be used again
this year to help those with food assistance.
2017 will be the 5TH year of this community wide event. We are in need of more help. If you are interested
in giving any time please, email the McFadden’s at [email protected]. There will be a Farmers Market
Board meeting February 16 in Room 10 at 5:00 PM.
Farmers Market Kim McFadden, Market Director
Are you 50 years young or even moving more
toward that great time of senior life? Do you
enjoy food, fun, entertainment, outings and maybe
even some travel? Could you make a meeting
ONE Thursday a month to enjoy fellowship,
food, and entertainment? If you answered yes to
any of these, Elderberries Group may be perfect
for you.
On Thursday, February 17th, we will host Camilla
Pruitt, director of Worship and Fine Arts from
Trinity United Methodist Church. Camilla is an
amazing musician and inspirational speaker. She is
planning to do some storytelling, share old hymns
and folk songs with us and accompany us on her
Auto Harp and Piano. This is an opportunity to experience a great musical talent so don't miss it ! Come at
12:30 if you just want to hear the program, or join us for a lunch and fellowship at 11:30. Reservations are
needed so please email me, [email protected], with your reservation information or if you have any
questions about our group.
We are working on our Calendar for 2017 and our March program is already in place. Rocket City
Sweethearts are coming to perform 50's and 60's hits in fabulous harmony reminiscent of the Andrews
Sisters. Mark your calendar for March 16th. Hope you can come and be a part of our amazing group.
Bible Study Scriptures for the Month of February
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Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Psalm 112:1-10 Psalm 119:33-40
I Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Matthew 5:13-20 Matthew 5:38-48
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Exodus 24: 12-18
Psalm 119:1-8 Psalm 99
I Corinthians 3:1-9 2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 5:21-37 Matthew 17:1-9
Lent
We continue our journey through the season of
Epiphany, a celebration of God’s presence with the
Gentiles. There are four Sundays left in this season
including Sunday, February 5. The Epiphany Season
will conclude with Transfiguration Sunday.
The beginning verses of Matthew 17 tell the story.
Wednesday, March 1, we will have a Service of
Ashes. Lent takes place 40 days before Easter, not
counting Sundays. This season encourages us to
examine our lives and reflect on the journey of Jesus
as he makes his way to Jerusalem and to the Cross.
Traditionally we have been encouraged to “give
something up” for Lent. Many of us may go through
the exercise of doing just that. I have heard of those
who give up things like their least favorite foods;
Brussel sprouts and the like. The point is we don’t
like giving up things that are special to us for any
reason but we feel like we need to do some-
thing. It is easy to live into the mindset of “what is
the least I can do and still get by.” I’ve done that in
my life. I’m sure you may have as well.
This year as we continue through the days that lead beyond the season of Epiphany and into Lent, I invite you
to do something a little different. This year, instead of giving something up for Lent, do this. Give something
to God during this Lenten season. It can make a positive difference in the way we live our faith and share our
lives through the Body of Christ, the Church.
Scout Sunday:
February 12 will be a special day in the life of the church. We will celebrate the Scouting ministry that has
been a part of Latham for many years. Throughout its history may scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle, a
high, prestigious rank in scouting. It takes dedication, purpose and focus to achieve the rank of Eagle. We
express our gratitude to each of our scouts and to their leaders for their devoted service and dedication.
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NOMINATIONS
Mike Ratliff - Chair
Jim Williams
Marty Bryan
Tracy Manush
Jim Gillespie
Jessica Martin
Jane Smith
Jackie Langhout
FINANCE
Rob Terry - Chair
Don Lambert
Johnnie Hanson
Ken Stephens
Laura Bracey
Richard Hutzler
Ex-Officio Members
Mike Ratliff - Senior Pastor
Matt Jones - Assoc. Pastor
John Clausen - BOS Chair
Gina Smith - SPR
Grace Langhout - Lay Leader
Donna Whitacre - Treasurer
Lay Member - Alice Vosahlik
Anita Banks - Business Admin
STAFF PARISH
Gina Smith - Chair
Laura Emerson
Ernie Young
Sherri Ryan
Chris Hazelrig
Justin Styles
Ex-Officio Members:
Mike Ratliff - Senior Pastor
Matt Jones - Assoc. Pastor
Grace Langhout - Lay Leader
Alice Vosahlik - Lay Member
John Clausen - BOS Chair
LILLIE LATHAM SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Paula Stutts - Chair
Bernice Sutton Betty Langston Janet Watson
Jill Queeney Kathleen Myles Sally Gore
Freddia Scott Edith Pickens
Ex-Officio Members
Matt Jones - Assoc. Pastor, Director, Youth Ministries,
High School Leader
BUCHANAN MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP COMM.
Made up of:
Senior Pastor
Trustee Representative
Dir. Youth Ministries
Senior High Leader
Youth Coordinator
Buchanan Family Representative
5 Church Members Selected by
the Committee
TRUSTEES
Jeff Langhout - Chair
Richard Peters
Neal Porter
Wes Smith
Mike Gris
Candy Trowbridge
Sandy Ekstrom
CHILD DEVEL. CENTER
Jo Hanson/ Sylvia Mitchell -
Chairs
Lori Gray
Paul Stutts
Mary Cope
Catherine Beck
Ronda Springer
Jana Seikel
Jannie Crouse
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Rosemarie Bishop,
Elaine McClure - Chairs
Freddia Scott
Damon Nolin
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
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OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDS (BOS)
John Clausen Chair, BOS
OPEN Vice Chair, BOS
Grace Langhout Lay Leader
Alice & Eric Vosahlik Lay Members to Annual Conference
Richard & Dale Peters Alternate Lay Members to Annual Conf.
Amma Barnes Secretary of the BOS
Donna Whitacre Treasurer
Richard Peters Assistant Treasurer
Rob Terry Chair, Finance
Gina Smith Chair, Staff Parish Relations
Jeff Langhout Chair, Trustees
Elaine McClure/ Rosemarie Bishop, Chair, Library
Jo Hanson/ Sylvia Mitchell Chair, Child Development Center
Paula Stutts Chair, Lillie Latham Scholarship Comm.
TBD Chair, Buchanan Scholarship Comm.
Frank Barger Coordinator, Communications
OPEN Coordinator, Connect
Jennifer Barger, Mary Cope Children’s Coordinators
Joe Martin Coordinator, Discipleship
Debbie Rose/ Candy Trowbridge Coordinator, In-Reach
Doug Seay Coordinator, Outreach
Judy Gillespie/ Gina Smith Coordinator, Worship
Todd Sutherland/ Grace Langhout, Youth Coordinators
Kim McFadden Director, Farmer’s Market
Anita Banks Membership Secretary
James Campbell President, United Methodist Men
Cairenn Martin President, United Methodist Women
Sherri Ryan Elderberries
OPEN Youth Representative to the BOS
MEMBERS AT
LARGE FOR THE
BOARD OF
STEWARDS:
Buddy Bishop
Michele Gray
Roy Willis
Elizabeth Cantley
Jane Childress
Melissa Boyett
Amma Barnes
Dean Stone
Roger Gray
Ann Askew
Jennifer Marcos
Martha Moore
Eleanor Hollobaugh
Grace Langhout
Ken Stephens
Nikki Bailes
Midge Gatherer
Lauren Stiles
Jim Williams
Ryan Hovik
Cal Blevins
Jo Walton Literary Club Amma Barnes Gifts were given in memory of…
Betty Snow, to the Lillie Latham Scholarship
Fund from Philip & Rhonda Ryan
Tom Stanford, from Erla Stanford
Em Wills, from Don & Ramona Bowden,
Dot Coombe, To the Lillie Latham
Scholarship Fund from Ann Livingston
Gifts were given in honor of…
Ralph & Ginny Green, from Mary Green
Memorial Contributions
UMW Lenten Prayer General Meeting
Cairenn Martin, UMW President
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Our first general meeting of 2017 will be held on March 1 at 9:30 in Farley Hall. Our speaker will be our very
own Jane Smith. Everyone is invited to come and be inspired by Jane! Refreshments will be served after the
meeting. So come, be inspired and enjoy some delicious treats!
I would also like to take this opportunity to brag on our Latham United Methodist Women. We are a busy and
giving group of ladies! During 2016 we:
Donated $5,200 to the District UMW Donated 33 Honduras Boxes
Provided lunches to the Aquarius Club Worked at Manna House
Sent cards to Mission personnel Sent gift cards to college students
Provided gifts for Operation Santa Claus Donated toys to Manna House
Provided meals for sick members and for funerals Recycled pop tabs and lids
Provided 20 dozen cookies and brownies for the Unity Festival Donated $5,200 to local missions
Provided 25 dozen cookies for the Veteran’s Day Celebration Donated $120 to UMCOR
Hosted a Mother/Daughter dinner for 155 people Donated $315 to Henderson Settlement
Donated to Stocking Fund
Collected 254 books for the Bishop’s Bazillion Book Collection
Collected and donated 280 school supplies for the Upper Sand Mountain Parish
Donated $956.01 to Prayer and Self-Denial and $890.78 to World Thank Offerings
Donated over 300 pounds of Christian literature to Edwin Hodges Ministries
I will stop now, but I could mention so many more things! Thank you for being such a great group of women!
The JO WALTON LITER-
ARY CLUB will welcome
Robert Bailey to its meet-
ing on Monday, February
13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in
Room 151. Mr. Bailey
will discuss his new book,
BETWEEN BLACK AND
WHITE. This is an excit-
ing mystery taking place
"close to home" - Hazel
Green, Alabama and Pu-
laski, Tennessee in the turbulent 1960's. Please join
us for an interesting afternoon. For more informa-
tion contact Amma Barnes (256-881-4537) or Helen
Mazur (256-513-8137.)
Dear Friends at Latham United
Methodist Church,
I hope you can tell from the
smiles on the faces in the photo
how much the clients of
Wellstone Behavioral Health
(formerly The Mental Health
Center of Madison County)
appreciate all of the gifts you
provided through Operation Santa
Claus. You made more than sixty
individuals very happy to have
their Christmas wishes fulfilled.
How generous you have been,
with both your time and your
treasure. I know that filling some
of the wishes required quite a bit
of research, but I can assure you that your efforts were greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping Santa show these folks that their community cares about them. On their behalf, I thank
you for helping to brighten their Christmas.
Huntsville Assistance Program
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Operation Santa Claus Susan J. Smith, OSC Coordinator
Do you shop on Amazon?
If you do, you can support HAP by shopping at
smile.amazon.com
HAP has a unique Amazon Smile like that makes it
easier to support our organization. HAP will receive
0.5% of the price of all eligible purchases.
OUR link is
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2292453
Do you shop at Kroger?
Kroger has a Community Rewards Program,
If you have a Kroger Plus card, register your card
with NPO number 17480, for your purchases to
count for HAP.
109 Weatherly Road
Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: 256-881-4069
Fax: 256-880-0305
On the web: lathamumc.org
Connect with the Staff
Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor
Matt Jones, Associate Pastor
Sam Cox, Minister of Music
Susan Terry, Minister of Connect & Children’s Ministries
Youth Ministry
Jim Geisinger, Associate Music Director
Marvene Borntrager, Staff Coordinator for Inreach
Anita Banks, Business Administrator
Traci Harris, Director of Child Development Center
Cherry Keeton, Organist
Eleanor Hollobaugh, Pianist
Michael Bryant, Custodian
Latham United Methodist Church
Farmers Market Ministry
