From the Pastor…lathamumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017-September-Branch.pdf · 2017-08-29 ·...
Transcript of From the Pastor…lathamumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017-September-Branch.pdf · 2017-08-29 ·...
September 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 9
Highlighting Missions The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization dedicat-ed to alleviating human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work includes programs and projects in disaster response, health, sustainable agriculture, food security, relief supplies, and more.
UMCOR is a ministry of The United Methodist Church through the General Board of Global Minis-tries. The goal of UMCOR is to assist the most vulnerable persons affected by crisis or chronic need.
UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. We provide humanitarian relief when war, conflict, or natural disaster disrupt life to such an extent that communi-ties are unable to recover on their own.
While UMCOR cooperates with other aid organizations to extend their reach, the most important partners are the people that are served by UMCOR. This ministry is confident that successful solu-tions to emergency or chronic conditions begin with the affected population. UMCOR provides these survivors not only temporary relief but long-term education, training, and support.
UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated donations on the projects donors specify. When UMCOR donors give their time, money, and supplies, they join UMCOR as the hands and feet of Christ. Mis-sion Statement: Compelled by Christ to be a voice of conscience on behalf of the people called Meth-odist, UMCOR works globally to alleviate human suffering and advance hope and healing.
Sager Brown (UMCOR Relief-Supply Depot), Baldwin, Louisiana, now home to the UMCOR Relief-Supply Depot, will celebrate 150 years of service to Baldwin, Louisiana, and the world on Septem-ber 17, 2017. In celebration, a homecoming event will be October 21, 2017, to lift up its tremendous work at the campus in Baldwin, Louisiana. Dr. Wanda L. Nelson, educator and former student at the school once located on the Sager Brown campus, will be join-ing the celebration as the keynote speaker.
Continued on Page 11
From the Pastor… Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor
From the Associate Pastor… Matt Jones
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In March of this year, I was able to meet with the leadership of Latham for a day of assessment and planning around the question “what we need to do to stay vital and healthy as a church”?
The retreat was called RE:Latham
Latham is currently at a critically important time in the normal “life cycle of a church”.
Birth -Growth- Maturity- Decline- Dissolution
Based upon all the data points we measure, Latham falls into the Mature/Declining segment. It is a stage that will naturally lead to Dissolution if intentional and focused steps are not taken. At the retreat in March, I suggested that the following steps were needed.
1. Renew our commitment to be God’s church- here and now: It is easy for a church with his-
tory to look back and celebrate what has happened in the past. We have a rich history - however, our purpose is to be focused on what God wants for us now.
2. Rebuild our connection to the community: We have become somewhat inwardly focused. It
is the natural progression of aging (as a person or organization) unless there is an intention-al effort to do otherwise. Inwardly focused churches decline at much faster rates that out-wardly focused churches. The relationship we are building with Grissom is a great start!
3. Restore our lay leadership structure: We have fewer people involved in leading Latham than
we should. We are full of wonderful people who bring all kinds of leadership and life expe-riences. We are in the process of expanding the Board of Stewards to “restore” the role of laity in leading our church. These changes will begin this fall with new meeting structures and process.
4. Rework our facilities for the “next chapter” at Latham: The world (and our neighborhood
along with it) is changing. We need to address everything from security to accessibility on a regular basis and invest in those areas. As the traffic by our church increases, we need to be visibly “alive”. I talk to people in SE Huntsville regularly who drive by here….and have never noticed Latham. Our Trustees and staff have started to address some of these issues, but we have more work to do.
I hope that this information helps you to see where we are and where we are trying to go. Please pray for our church, our leadership and God’s direction as we move forward together!
Board of Stewards Minutes Amma Barnes
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BOARD OF STEWARDS - June 20, 2017 - M I N U T E S
The regular quarterly meeting of the Board of Stewards of Latham United Methodist Church was held on
Tuesday evening, June 20, 2017 in the Choir Room. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of
the Board of Stewards, Mr. John Clausen, at 6:30 P.M.
MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting held on April 25, 2017 had been sent to all Board members. It
was moved and seconded that these minutes be approved as presented. The motion was approved.
REPORTS:
FINANCE: Mr. Rob Terry reported that as of May 30, 2017 the church’s finances are in acceptable or-
der. He encouraged all members to keep up with their pledges during the summer months.
STAFF PARISH RELATIONS: Gina Smith reported that Mike Ratliff and Matt Jones will remain at
Latham this next year. The task of creating job descriptions for each paid position has been completed
and forwarded to John Clausen for his review. A SPRC Liaison has been assigned for each paid employ-
ee. Two auditions for church organist are scheduled for June 21, 2107.
FARMERS' MARKET: Kim McFadden reported that the mission of helping the Farmer has been suc-
cessful this year. We are now an Alabama State Certified Market . Mrs. McFadden emphasized that vol-
unteers are needed for the Market.
CHILDRENS' MIINISTRIES: Susan Terry reported that a variety of activities are planned for this
summer including a neighborhood VBS, collecting items for the Huntsville Animal Shelter, participation
in the St. Jude Walk/Run in September.
YOUTH MINISTRIES: Christian Sutherland reported that Senior Sunday was held on May 21, 2017
and a mission trip to Gatlinburg was held on June 10th. Small group bible studies will start in the fall,
and volunteers are needed to lead these groups. Lauren Stiles reported that we have been averaging 24
youth during the school year and 15 during the summer.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Alice Vosahlik, Lay Delegate to the Annual Con-
ference, gave a report on the activities at the 2017 North Alabama Conference. She reminded members
that you do not need a pass or an invitation to attend this conference. She encouraged members of the
congregation to attend next year.
MINISTERS' REPORTS: Rev. Mike Ratliff thanked the SPRC for their work on rewriting the job de-
scriptions. He also reported that the staff is making an effort to meet the worship needs of everyone by
continuing to hold three worship services.
Rev. Matt Jones advised that the Youth Department has grown thanks to volunteers like Lauren Stiles
and others. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Amma Barnes, Secretary
A COMPLETE COPY OF ALL REPORTS IS ATTACHED TO THE RECORD COPY OF
THESE MINUTES AND CAN BE FOUND IN THE CHURCH OFFICE.
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Out Reach Ministry Edith Pickens
Grissom Support
Thank you to the entire Latham congregation for the many ways you have supported Grissom High School faculty and students. The faculty and staff have been very appreciative. You have been phenomenal in stepping up to meet every need for this project. I want to especially thank those who agreed to lead specific areas. We have been an active church in supporting the school through the activities below:
Latham members and staff attended the Grissom ribbon cut-ting ceremony held on July 24, 2017.
On July 31st, we held a Campus Blessing Service, where we invited members of other churches and the community to help us celebrate and bless the new school. We finished the service by leaving a card on each teacher, administrator and staff person’s door that said, “This room has been prayed for by a member of the Grissom community. Hope you have an awesome school year!”
Latham bakers made 114 dozen goodies that were delivered to teachers when they reported back to school to work in their rooms. We also provided cases of water.
We packed goody bags for all 107 teachers and administrators, complete with staplers, tape, scis-sors and many other items.
We collected and delivered an incredible amount of school supplies for students who cannot af-ford basic supplies.
We also packed and delivered backpacks with non-perishable food items for administrators to provide for students with an urgent nutritional need.
Latham volunteers assisted with traffic on opening day to help drivers learn the campus traffic pattern.
Latham members and staff enjoyed waving at students and parents as they drove by our church on the first morning of the school year. We were dressed in school colors complete with signs and spirit poms. We had lots of smiles and honks from students, parents, and even adults who were on their way to work!
A group of Latham tutors met with the principal and teachers to discuss tutoring support that will occur weekly during the school day. Evening tutors have also been organized to provide help to students from Grissom and other schools.
Each department at Grissom has been adopted by a small group, class or individual. We delivered notes provided by these groups to the school departments.
Latham members attended the Education Celebration held at Grissom on August 12, 2017. Cards are being sent from Latham to faculty members who have a special need. One teacher has
had a death in the family already this year. We are also adding those needs, as requested, to our prayer list.
The most important activity has been the commitment from Latham to keep Grissom students
and staff uplifted in prayer throughout the year. Continued on next page
As many of you know, many elementary schools have parent and community support activities, but these school-wide supports can decline as students grow older. Thus, the GHS staff is very thankful for the outpouring from Latham. Some of the comments received include:
“I want to thank you for all of the prayers and support of Grissom. I saw one of the ladies who will be doing read-
ing intervention last night….She was so sweet and precious.” Becky Balentine, Principal
“We all loved the prayer notes y’all left.” GHS Teacher
“It was a pleasure meeting you … with your support team from Latham United Methodist Church this past
Thursday! Also, many thanks to your congregation on donating school supplies for us teachers here at Grissom
High! We so appreciate your services and ministry. Blessings to you all…” GHS Teacher
“On behalf of my teachers, thank you for thinking of them. Your timing could not have
been better.” Grissom Office Staff Member
“An awesome sight this morning if you were driving down Weath-
erly Road towards Grissom…Members of Latham UMC giving
a boost of encouragement to our students on this first day of
school.” Facebook post from a Grissom parent
“Thank you for meeting with me today. I am really excited and
looking forward to partnering with Latham in supporting our
school.” Becky Balentine, Principal
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The In Stitches program has been established for 10 years and was formed to bring homemade quilts, in the form of prayers and comfort, to those who are in need of prayers and comfort. Each knot that is tied in our quilts represents a prayer that someone in our church has said for the person receiving the quilt. This is very powerful. We take requests for prayer quilts for a number of rea-sons. Some of the reasons could be grief, surgery, and illness. We have started recently offering prayer quilts to new babies born in our church. We have a request basket in the welcome center set up to accommodate anyone who would like to submit a name for any individual in need of a prayer quilt. We are also not opposed to excepting cash donations to help fund our program. We have bi-monthly meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 10:00AM. We would love to accept new members to our group. If you love to sew and would like to make something worthwhile, we would love to have you join us. Not only do we make quilts, we have a lot of fun and fellowship together. We also support each other and have fun outings. If anyone is interested in joining but feel you cannot make the daytime meetings we are forming an evening In Stitches program that will be meeting once a month on Wednesday night as of right now we are still getting started with our evening program but if you are interested you can contact Pat Sinopole at 256-880-6804 for more information regarding that.
In Reach Ministries—In Stitches Pat Sinopole
United Methodist Women Cairenn Martin, UMW President
Our Latham UMW has 2 exciting events coming up in September. First we will have Fran Fluhler from Manna House as our speaker at our general meeting on September 6 at 9:30 in Farley Hall. You are all invited to come hear Fran speak about this awesome
and important charity.
To make Fran feel appreciated we are asking all of you to please do-nate any travel toiletries you may have collected over the summer, diapers of any size,
toilet paper, dry dog or cat food or peanut butter to Manna House.
There will be a box in the Welcome Center for these items.
Our UMW is also hosting the District Mini Mission U at our church on September 16. There will be classes on
Living As a Covenant Community and another on UMC Missionary Conferences in the US. If you are interested in attending or would like to help us with breakfast foods or setting up
please call Cairenn Martin 256-882-2471.
Elderberries Ramona Bowden
Latham is in need of a Librarian. If you feel this is one of your gifts
or talents, please contact the church office at (256-881-4069).
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Help Needed !
Elderberries is a group of seniors which meets once a month at Latham United M e t h o d i s t Church on the third Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. It consists of a ca-tered meal, which costs $8.00 and a great program and fellowship. For more information or to make reserva-tions call Dot Coombe at 256-881-1608.
Meet Our Interim Music Director Liz Hall Zeman
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Latham is pleased to announce that Granville Oldham is serving as the interim Chancel choir director. He will be or-ganizing special music during the month of August, working with the choir in September, and leading the music/singing at the 8:30 service. His background is very impressive, and we are thrilled that he has stepped in to help us with our musical worship.
Granville earned a bachelors' degree from The UOP Conservatory of Music and several masters’ degrees (in choral conducting and special education) from San Jose State Univer-sity and The University of the Pacific School of Education. He has taught on the faculties at Los Medanos Community College, San Jose State University, The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. He is currently the choral conductor at Calhoun Community College and is a vocal consultant at Lee High School’s magnet program. He also maintains a full studio of private voice stu-dents. In the past, he started Bermuda’s Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs. He just finished sing-ing the lead role in “Ragtime,” a highly rated Independent Music Production’s musical. In his “spare” time, he loves to cook and play tennis.
We are very fortunate that he is able to share his time and talent with us at Lat-ham.
As an added side note, the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is active-ly reviewing resumes for a part time music director with responsibility for all of Latham’s many music programs.
Jo Walton Literary Group Helen Mazur
In August, Catherine Knowles, author of The Doughnut Tree, uncovered old stories about Huntsville by her re-search, when she bought a house in Taylorsville. Our next meeting is Monday, 9/11/17 at 2pm in Room 105, we will be reading "A Spool of Blue Thread" by Anne Tyler.
Spiritual Care of Family Care Givers
This month we want to recognize our awesome stu-
dent Zachary Wood! Zachary is the definition of ex-
citement and if you ask anyone who is involved in
our student ministry at Latham they will tell you
how joyful and pumped he is all the time. Another
great feature that Zachary has is his ability to give
amazing hugs! Zachary is currently a junior at New
Century Technology High School here in Huntsville
and one day he hopes to have a job at Adtran. Dur-
ing his free time he likes to play with airsoft guns
and watches airsoft videos online. He is one of Jen-
nifer Rutledge’s 4 sons who have all been active at
Latham and in the children and youth departments.
He went through confirmation a few years ago with the help of his mentor Chris Terry and
he remembers learning about the Trinity and the Lord’s Prayer during that time. Zachary is
very active in our youth group and he runs the AV booth every Sunday that our student
praise band plays. During our Back to School Bash we had in August the band said that
they could see Zachary jumping up and down worshiping while they were playing and he
was running the AV booth. That is just the kind of person Zachary is; enthusiastic, big
hearted, and so jovial. He is an essential part to our youth program and our church!
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Youth Featured Member’s Moment Lauren Stiles
“The Spiritual Care of Fami-ly Care Givers for Those with Physical or Cognitive Decline or Mental Illness”
will be presented by the HAPC School of Applied Ministry on Tues., Sept. 12, 6:00-8:30 (supper and registration at 5:30) at First Baptist Church, 600 Governor’s Dr. $35.00. CEU’s available for nurses and so-cial workers. Presenters: Dr. Willie Brunetti and Dr. Elizabeth Hall. For more infor-mation or to register: [email protected] or 256 883-6539.
New Leadership Development Class
Wednesday September 6th, Matt Jones will be starting a class on Leadership De-velopment. This is open to anyone who would like to grow as a leader-serving either inside or outside of Latham. This class will typically meet on the first Wednesday of each month, with a few exceptions made for Holiday schedules. The focus will be on both the personal development of a leader as well as learn-ing effective leadership skills. We will meet in the Youth Room, class begins at 6:15 and will wrap up at 7:00 PM
Youth Ministry Lauren Stiles
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Hi Church! Your youth ministry department has
had a great summer and is going stronger than ever
into this coming school year! We are growing deep-
er in faith, having a lot of fun together, but most
importantly we have had two amazing experiences
of worship that we want to share with you. The
last week of July we attended Motion Conference
in Birmingham at the BJCC for the third year. This
conference is a student focused conference that
has well known Christian speakers and worship is
led by the biggest names in the Christian worship
world. This year out of 16,000+ students and adult
leaders our youth group got to experience three
days of worship and speakers on the FRONT row!
Motion Conference was an amazing experience for our youth and is truly a blessing for our
group to be able to attend each year and we are so grateful for everyone who supports our
youth ministry and prays for our students so we can have the opportunity to experience
things like this! In August we had another wonderful worship experience; this time led by
our youth praise band! We hosted a Back to School Bash in Farley Hall on Saturday August
12th in partnership with the student band of Cove Church. This is something that our youth
praise band and leaders have been preparing for
and praying over for a year and it was a wonder-
ful way to kick off the school year for the stu-
dents. Our own church member Jeff Bachman
and Cove Church’s Allen Wilson brought great
messages for the students to hear and we had
friends from as far as Florence come to join us.
If you have not had the privilege of hearing our
youth praise band lead worship, please come and
worship with us each 5th Sunday of the month in
the Orchard service. Thank you so much for the
continued support, love, and prayers that you
show our youth group! We are looking forward
to a great school year!
THE MISSION OF THE FARMERS MARKET…This has been one of the best years for the farmers
and the shoppers. We decided to purchase a credit/debit card machine and WOW what a difference it has
made in terms of convenience for the shopper and more sales for the farmer. We have given out over $4,943
in credit card tokens that can only be spent at the market. EBT Card holders have received $3,060 tokens and
Senior Vouchers have received $600. No cash is ever given out, only tokens. That way, every transaction can
only be spent at the Latham Farmers Market. At the end of the day, tokens are collected from the farmers
and cash is given to them. One of our farmers just yesterday said that he has kept records of sales from our
market for several years and this has been the best year ever. He stated that his sales have increased by $200
per market day. We believe the credit card machine has made the difference. I think everyone is familiar with
credit cards and EBT cards, but perhaps you have not heard of Senior Vouchers. This is a program provided
through a grant by the Community Foodbank of North Alabama. It is available to seniors over 62 and who
have a lower income level. The grant provides a voucher booklet worth $30. When the senior has spent his/
her $30, then we can give them an additional $30 worth of coupons through the grant. Not all Farmers Mar-
kets provide EBT and Senior Voucher opportunity. It is a lot of record keeping and Latham is so blessed to
have Bill Vosahlik as our Financial Chairman. He keeps meticulous records and accounts for every penny
spent. Another mission opportunity the Farmers Market provides is “gleaning.” At the end of each market
day, farmers donate any produce, breads, cheese, etc., they do not need. We weigh the produce, record it, and
then take it to Manna House. Thus far, we have taken more than 900 lbs to be distributed to those less fortu-
nate in our community. And just think, we have another 6 weeks to go.
One of the missions of the Farmers Market cannot be recorded in numbers or dollars. It is the friendly vol-
unteers who welcome and help the shoppers. Their faces are the faces of Latham. Their friendly personalities
reflect who we are as a church. This market would cease to be if it was not for the men and women who
work joyfully and somewhat tired from 1:30-6:30 every Tuesday. We are always in need of more volunteers.
I hope you will consider being a part of this mission effort next year.
“Connecting generations to grow relationships with God, others and creation.”
Reverend Dave Sheehan Honored at Retirement Liz Hall Zeman
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Farmer’s Market Jane Smith
The Reverend Dave Sheehan was honored with a retirement service and luncheon at Gurley United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 30. Dave has been a Methodist minister for 26 years, serving several small parishes in the Louisiana conference. He and his family have attended Latham for seven years where he and Lyn have participated in Sunday school classes. Dave is known for his spiritual insights, wonderful sense of humor, and gentle spirit. Congratulations, Dave, on a life and calling well lived!
UMCOR MISSIONS Continued Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor
Page 11
UMCOR Sager Brown’s history began in 1867 when the site was established as an orphanage and school for African-American youth left homeless by the Civil War. It was launched by members of one of United Methodist Women’s predecessor organizations. Through many years of financial ups and downs, Sager Brown persevered as a school. However, in 1978, the school closed its doors, and the property remained vacant for fourteen years.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew tore through Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. Despite the severe damage to surrounding communities, the Sager Brown facilities and grounds survived intact. In re-sponse to the disaster, UMCOR used the location as a distribution center to assist local communities affected by the hurricane. As a result, a partnership formed between the two institutions. UMCOR decided to maintain the campus as a location to assemble and deploy relief supplies to the world, and the depot was organized in 1996.
Since 1996, Sager Brown has served as a relief supplies depot and dis-tribution center. Here, volunteers assemble, package, and load con-tainers for kits to be shipped to those in need. PHOTO: COURTE-SY OF UMCOR SAGER BROWN
At UMCOR Sager Brown, volunteers can put their faith into action by participating in the many outreach programs provided, including
the opportunity for volunteers to assemble relief supply kits that reach vulnerable communities around the world. Equipped to house individuals and teams, the Sager Brown campus welcomes short-term mission trips for United Methodists and people of other faith traditions.
Last year, 4,000 volunteers served at both UMCOR depot locations, UMCOR Sager Brown and UMCOR West Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah. Between the two locations, volunteers gave 40,500 hours of their time, completing 119 community projects. Volunteer service enables this outreach min-istry to have a tremendous impact on the world. In 2016, Sager Brown distributed $6,023,591 in relief supplies domestically and abroad.
UMCOR Sager Brown welcomes and provides for both individuals and groups for short-term mission trips. PHOTO – Volunteers PHOTO: COURTESY OF UMCOR SAGER BROWN Join us as we mark 150 years of service and support the ongoing work of UMCOR Sager Brown -- give to Advance #901515.
(Taken from UMCOR/Sager Brown Website)
TREEHOUSE FIRST SEMESTER: September 10 – FIRST NIGHT TREEHOUSE – FRIEND NIGHT – prize for the one bringing the most friends!!
4PM - Orff Party
5PM – Brown Bag Dinner in the Kid’s Corner
5:30PM – Choir/ Music Games (Choir is for age 4 through 5th grade)
6:15PM –. Parents invited to choir room to meet Rachel Misheff and talk about this year and how they can help. JUST FOR THIS NIGHT, preschoolers can go to class time, but all other weeks they will be dismissed at 6:15.
6:15PM - Class Time – in the Kid’s Corner
7PM – Pick up in the Kid’s Corner
September 14 - Women’s Self Defense Class
September 17 –
September 23 – Saturday - St. Jude Walk/ Run @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church – This will top off our St. Jude mission months. In August we collected items for Goody Bags, in September, we will collect “Change for a Change,” where kids (and adults) can donate their change from the week to St. Jude.
September 24 – Destination Unknown (4th/5th)
October 1 – It’s Fall Break - Picnic at McGucken for those still in town
October 8 – TWIN NIGHT – you and a friend come dressed as twins; prize for best outfit
October 15 –
October 22 – Nursing Home to Sing (both choirs)
October 28th– Saturday - FALL FESTIVAL – Some of the Farmer’s Market farmers will be bringing their pumpkins to sell. We will have games, crafts, and BBQ to raise money for the Hands of Christ fund.
October 29 –
November 5 –
November 10 – Friday – Destination Unknown - 4th/5th grade progressive dinner & Lock Out
November 12 –
November 19 –
November 26 – GAME NIGHT (It’s Thanksgiving Weekend)
December 3 – Rehearsals and Parts practice
December 10 – Children’s Christmas Program @ 9AM
December 17 – Christmas Party – Caroling to Homebound
December 18 – Rake & Run (4th/5th grade)
IF THERE IS NOTHING NEXT TO THE DATE, ITS JUST A NORMAL TREEHOUSE NIGHT:
4PM – Orff
5PM – Snack Supper; 5:30PM – Choir; 6:15PM – Class time; 7PM – Pick up
Page 12
Children’s Ministry Susan Terry
RED – Choir/ Orff Event
GREEN – 4th/5th Grade only
BLUE – Event for all grades
You may only know her as the tall quiet lady in the 9:00 ser-vice. But Sandy Ekstrom is a tireless worker at Latham. Born in Chicago, and attending a private Lutheran school, Sandy moved to Scottsboro, AL at age 9 when her dad was transferred. This was quite a culture shock for a city girl. Sandy graduated from Scottsboro High School and Northeast Alabama State Junior College. She traveled back and forth to Huntsville while working for First American Savings and Loan for two years. She eventually moved to Huntsville and after her parents retired, they did as well. Sandy is married to Bruce (by the way, they married in Jamai-ca) and have one son David, who is 13 and attends Challenger Middle School. She has worked for Huntsville Utilities for the past 23 years. Sandy's parents have passed away and all of her cousins live in other states. But Bruce's family is in Huntsville. She loves the beach and usually goes each summer. Last year she enjoyed going on her first cruise. Sandy loves to shop and have dinner with friends. David attended Latham Preschool and was invited to several events at Latham trigger-ing the move from the Lutheran Church to Latham for Sandy and her family. Sandy has served Latham in various ways serving on committees, VBS, Sunday night children's helper, altar set up, setting up and breaking down chairs for services, driving the church bus to pick up seniors at Brookdale, middle school Sunday School helper, youth coordinator and Trustee. She loves to sew and made her first quilt with other Latham ladies and hopes to make her first prayer quilt for In Stitches soon. She is one busy lady. I encourage you to stop and introduce yourself to Sandy. Who knows, she just might put you to work.
Member’s Moment Lynn McCarter
Page 13
1
Mickey White
3
Don Kenyon
4
James Cope
5
Roger Gray
6
Erin Helms
Harold Johnson
John Glaese
7
Robbie Robinson
8
Hank Hagler
9
Jessica Martin
Adrionna Marshall
10
J.T. Leiner
Mrs. Marion Lytle
Page 14
Happy Birthday
11
Eva Patterson
13
Amma Barnes
Joan Williamson
Liz Flynn
14
David Conley
15
Gail Ayres
16
Arjun Tulloh
Sanjay Tulloh
18
John Childress
19
Carol Sinopole
21
Juanita Hardin
Janet Ingleright
Jenna Hazelrig
22
Chris Hazelrig
23
Ken Callas
24
Ginny Green
Savannah Sumner
Eve Plemons
25
Laurel Finlen
Celia Seay
Pat Purushotham
Edna Booth
Nathan Beck
26
Suzanne Wear
Ray Cogburn
28
Walt Whitacre
Malcolm Berry
29
Robert Zimmer-
man
Gloria Lewis
Ben Stone
30
Curtis Putnam
If your birthday
was not listed in
the appropriate
month or date,
please contact
the church of-
fice to make
sure we have
your correct
birth date. We’d
like to honor
you during your
special month!
September 2017
Page 15
1 2
3
7a UMM Breakfast
& Program
1:30p Discipleship
Class
4p Orff Choir
5p Youth Group
4 Labor Day
Church Office
Closed
5
10a Alzheimer’s
Support Group Mt.
3p Farmer’s Market
7p Tutoring
6
9:30a UMW General
Meeting
11:30a Bible Study
1:30p Wesley Singers
6p Bible Study
6p Boy Scouts
6:15p Leadership
Development Class
7p Chancel Choir
7
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
8
9:30a Bible Study
9
10
8:30a Blood Pres-
sure Checks
8:30a Food Pantry
Sunday
1:30p Discipleship
Class
4p Orff Choir
5p Youth Group
11
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
2p Jo Walton
Literary Group
12
9:30a Circle 3 Mtg.
1:30p Circle 1 Mtg.
3p Farmer’s Market
7p Tutoring
13
11:30a Bible Study
1:30p Wesley Singers
6p Bible Study
6p Boy Scouts
6:30p Bible Study
7p Chancel Choir
14
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
10a In Stitches
6:30p Women’s Self
Defense Class
15
Deadline for the
Branch Articles
9:30a Bible Study
16
8a UMW Mini
School of Missions
17
1:30p Discipleship
Class
4p Orff Choir
5p Youth Choir
18
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
19
10a Circle 4 Mtg.
3p Farmer’s Market
6:30p Board of
Steward’s Mtg.
7p Tutoring
20
10a Circle 2 Mtg.
11:30a Bible Study
1:30p Wesley Singers
6p Bible Study
6p Boy Scouts
6:30p Bible Study
7p Chancel Choir
21
8:30 a Bend &
Stretch
11:30a Elderberry
Lunch & Program
22
9:30a Bible Study
23
9a Jackson Bend
Homeowner Mtg.
24
1:30p Discipleship
Class
4p Orff Choir
5p Youth Group
25
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
7p Circle 7 Mtg.
26
9a LUMCDC Fall
Picture Day
3p Farmer’s Market
7p Tutoring
27
9:30a UMW Board
Mtg.
11:30a Bible Study
1:30p Wesley Singers
6p Bible Study
6p Boy Scouts
6:30p Bible Study
7p Chancel Choir
28
8:30a Bend &
Stretch
10a In Stitches
29
9:30a Bible Study
30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
SUNDAY SERVICES
8:30a Holy Communion Service
9a Contemporary Service
10a Sunday School Small Groups
11a Traditional Service
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
Granville Oldham, Interim Music Director
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
Eleanor Hollobaugh, Pianist
Rachel Misheff, Organist
Michael Bryant, Custodian
Latham United Methodist Church
1st Sunday Chancel Rail Offering
Gifts were given to the Memorial fund in memory
of…
Rosemarie Bishop by the Sey Sunday School Class
Rosemarie Bishop by Richard & Dale Peters
Rosemarie Bishop by Bill & Amma Barnes
Gifts were given to the Music fund in memory of…
Rosemarie Bishop by Dean & Tasmen Yauny
Stone
Rosemarie Bishop by Harold & Jean Johnson
Gifts were given to the Buchanan Scholarship fund
in memory of…
Rosemarie Bishop by Ralph & Ginny Green
Rosemarie Bishop by Joe & Jan Sturbois
Rosemarie Bishop by Jeff & Jackie Langhout
David Langhout by Ralph & Ginny Green
David Langhout by Jeff & Jackie Langhout
Memorial Contributions
Every 1st Sunday, contributions left in baskets or
chancel rail during communion will go to the
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund which is used to help
people that need assistance through Huntsville
Assistance Program, and to provide children’s
lunches at our local schools.