FFN-FEB2012web

“This is refreshing proof for me of the transforming saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 5

Vol. 24 No. 6

News & Events Ash Wednesday Bible Reading Marathon- Join us as we begin the season of Lent by reading through the Gospels on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, when we prepare our hearts through a time of reflection and repentance as we remember the suffering and death of Jesus.

The Bible Reading Marathon will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Chapel. Come by for any part of the day you can, and be blessed by the reading of God’s Holy Word. If you would like to be a reader, please call Jan Niel at 495-6350.

Frazer’s Family Photo Album IS FREE FOR EVERYONE-Sign-ups continue online at frazerumc.org/photo for our churchwide family photo album. No purchase is necessary, and every family gets a free 8X10 and copy of the photo album/ directory. It takes about an hour of your time to come in and have a fun, professional portrait made.

Feb. 26 is the last day to get “in the picture”! If you need assistance, please contact Kris Johnson at 495-6362 or kris@frazerumc.org.

DOWNLOAD DAILY BIBLE STUDY GUIDES AND DEVOTIONS- As we focus on being a Word-Centered, World-Changing church in 2012, our teaching pastors will be providing a daily Bible study guide which will lead you through the section of the Bible they will preach on each week. Pastor Tim uses a “devotional thought” format, while Patrick will provide a “self-directed” study format.

Pick up your copy inside your bulletin on Sunday or download from the links found at frazerumc.org/ bible_study_guides. You can also sign up online to receive a daily devotion e-mail.

www.frazerumc.org February-March

2012

Frazer photo mission team captures faces of Haiti

By Candace Rutherford News Staff Writer

Walk into anyone’s house in the United States and there is a good chance you will see framed family pictures serving as decorations within, such as portraits; photos of sports teams; school pictures; and collages. Family pictures are taken for granted as a way to express ourselves and project our interests to the outside world. Now imagine if you had no pictures in your house or maybe had never even had your picture taken before. That is true for many Haitians. Frazer has remedied this by providing beautiful framed family portraits to the members of the Haitian Deaf Community this past Christmas.

The idea came about in June 2011 when Will Adams, Video Production Director at Frazer, discovered a non-profit organization called Help-Portrait (www.help-portrait.com) The concept was that photographers volunteer their time to take portraits of families in need, print the portrait, and give it to them.

It seemed to be a good fit to the mission already underway in Haiti. Will contacted Kyle Reschke, Frazer’s full time missionary in Haiti, who thought it was a great idea and offered to help organize on his end. Will also met with fellow Frazer member and professional photographer Lori Mercer to get her input.

“Many of these people have had photographs taken of them, but they’ve never had a portrait of their family that they could keep. For some of them it may be the first photo of themselves they ever owned. But more than the photos, relationship building is always the number one goal of these trips and we’re hop-

Photo by lori mercer

Photographer Billy Pope makes a new friend in Haiti, during a mission trip last November. Frazer sent a team of photographers to take portraits of the families and individuals of the Deaf Community and provide them with a beautiful framed photo to display in their new homes.

ing that through those relationships we’ll see more and more people in Haiti – deaf and hearing – come to know Christ,” Will said.

Continued page 4

First wave of Haitian families move into new homes Staff Reports

WINTER 2012 CONNECTIONS AVAILABLELooking for a Bible study, Sunday School class or other activities? Check out Connections, your guide to Frazer’s small group and Bible study opportunities and fellowship activities for all ages. The Winter 2012 issue is now available. Pick up your copy in the Atrium and other locations around the church so you can prayerfully consider where you want to connect and grow in the new year. You can also view it online at frazerumc. org/groups.

More events & ann o u nc e m e n t s pa g e 3 Photos provided by kyle reschke

The first wave of families in Haiti’s Deaf Community received the keys to their new homes and moved in Feb. 7. Left: Frazer Missionary to Haiti Kyle Reschke, presents keys and paper work to one of the new residents. Right: Opening the door to her new home for the first time.

The first group of families from Haiti’s deaf community moved into their new homes in Leveque, Haiti Feb. 7, completing the first movein phase of the Transform Haiti project. Nineteen families were moved during this phase and more will be relocated soon.

Kyle Reschke, Frazer’s missionary to Haiti, wrote in his blog about the move: “Everyone at the new community seems happy and hopeful... These homes that were empty less than a week ago are full of life, work, laughter, and the beautiful bustle of families going about daily chores.”

Please keep Kyle and these families in your prayers as God continues to move in mighty ways in Haiti. To read the full story on the move, and more updates from Kyle on Haiti, visit transform.frazerumc.org and kyleinhaiti.com

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Frazer Family News

February-March 2012

Frazer staff changes: Wood moves to Congregational Care; Brown takes over In His Steps

By Mac McLellan News Staff Writer

Want to watch a sermon again?

Check TV broadcast times at wfrz.com or watch online at frazerumc.org/media Tune in to WFRZ on Knology and Charter Channel 13 , Brighthouse Channel 122 and UHF Channel 34.

Sign up for Frazer’s e-mail newsletter Our e-mail newsletter is your weekly connection to news, events, classes and volunteer opportunities at Frazer.

Click straight from the newsletter to videos, worship guides, surveys and more from frazerumc.org.

Once you sign up, you can manage your subscription at any time.

Sign up today at

frazerumc.org.

The FRAZER FAMILY NEWS (USPS #959-520) is published monthly by Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery AL 36117-2804. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery AL 36119. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FRAZER FAMILY NEWS, PO Box 241347, Montgomery AL 36124-1347.

The Frazer Family News tells the story of what God is doing in the lives of people in and through His church. Submissions are welcome, but we cannot be responsible for unsolicited articles.

To pass along information or story ideas, please leave a note in the editor’s mailbox in the church office, call 272-8622, or send e-mail to ffn@frazerumc.org.

Editor..................... Amy Presley Editorial Assistant................ Brandy Freeman Communications Director................. Ken Roach Staff . .................... AnnaBeth Crittenden, Brandy Freeman, Mac McLellan, Mike Presley, Neil Probst, Candace Rutherford, Alexia Scott, Martha Poole Simmons, Andrea Vandermey Columnist.............. Ginger Koerner Photographers....... Diana Bunch, Harold Hill, Judi Mallory, Mac McLellan, Lori Mercer, Mary Ogden, Martha Poole Simmons, Chris Thornton, Lee Werling, Suzanne Williams

Bob Wood, previously the Assistant Director of the Serve Ministry, has been appointed as the Congregational Care and Worship Support Coordinator.

In this capacity Bob will coordinate staff hospital visits, Sanctuary Ushers, both in the traditional and contemporary services, Parking Lot Ushers, Shuttle Drivers, Communion Preparation, Worship Center Care, and Worship Center Set-Up. Hospital visitors are Rhon Carleton, Tom Searcy, Dr. Neil Epler, and Bob Wood.

“I think this is where my gifts are, “Bob said. “Being an encourager and caring fits in with what I need to be doing This week alone we have had as many as nine people in one hospital, and we have had as many as a hundred people a week that we call to check on them,” Bob said. “I enjoy every day of my new assignment.”

Teri Brown, previously the Coordinator for In His Steps (IHS), Frazer’s commitment to follow Jesus through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness has recently accepted the position as IHS Director.

“Believe it or not, IHS Commitment Cards are still coming in,” Teri said.

“More than ever before, in addition to their monetary gifts, church members are responding that they are willing to serve ‘Wherever the church needs me’.

Frazer is a serving church. I’ve been on the church staff since 1987. I had the privilege to work with Jim Salminen in Evangelism for more than 17 years. I

DID YOU KNOW?

learned so much from Jim, not just spiritually, but about life and being a better person in every situation.”

Teri said that a Facebook page for In His Steps at Frazer is part of the plan to reach more people in 2012. The Facebook page will reflect something positive every day and highlight the Frazer family and how God is working and moving through the various ministry areas, for example, an update about “93 men enjoyed a chili-cook off at Frazer yesterday” or “We collected dozens of pairs of socks for Toasty Toes this week,” she said.

“We need to let Frazer members know everything that is going on at Frazer, from a breakout of the budget, because members need to know what makes Frazer the serving church that it is, to the ministries like the Christian Job Exchange and the Prayer Shawl Ministry,” Teri said. “Last year Frazer’s electric bill was $400,000, and that’s what it takes to heat and cool the more than 315,000 square feet of our church.”

Teri said “My goal for the year ahead is to focus our attention on every age group within our congregation, especially the younger members. They need to understand that when they drop their children off at the nursery on Sunday morning it is a volunteer who is caring for their child. When you come to Wednesday night dinner why not consider helping prepare or serve it? We need to better communicate the needs of the church, and that is my mission going forward. In fact our computer system has just been upgraded to allow us to send text mes-

Pop Tab Collections at Frazer Thanks to Forest Avenue School and many others at Frazer, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama raised more than $18,000 from state-wide pop tab donations in 2011.

The Frazer Family has donated more than 13,000 pounds of pop tabs since 2008. This will provide more than 17 nights of free lodging at the Ronald McDonald House for family members of those receiving treatment at nearby Children’s Hospital or UAB in Birmingham.

Thanks for saving and donating pop tabs! Keep them coming! Pop tabs may be dropped off at the Connection Point desk in the Atrium.

Photos by mac Mclellan

Top: Bob Wood was recently named Congregational Care and Worship Support Coordinator at Frazer.

Bottom: Teri Brown was recently named In His Steps Director at Frazer.

sages to those members who are willing to accept them. Stay tuned for more In His Steps updates.

Contact Bob Wood at bob@frazerumc. org or 495-6345, and Teri Brown at teri@ frazerumc.org or 495-6331.

February-March 2012

Announcements

www.frazerumc.org

N e ws + E v e n t s

American Heart Association CPR & AED Instruction- Sign up now in the Activity Center for a CPR class on Feb.28 from 6-9 p.m. in room 8114 This class is for the general public and will include training in the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillators) and adult, child, and infant CPR. Registration is $20 and includes a snack supper. Certification is valid for 2 years. Space is limited.

The Lands of the Bible Tour-An interest meeting will be held Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. in room 3105 for a “The Lands of the Bible Tour.” Contact Rick Holston at 546-2512 or ptcrick@ bellsouth.net for further details.

Scholarship applications are available in the church office and are due by March 31.

FREE AARP TAX ASSISTANCE- Frazer will again offer free AARP Tax assistance for anyone seeking assistance in preparing their Federal and State Income Tax Returns. This service is now available throughout the tax season. Please call the church office at 272-8622 to schedule an appointment.

CAPITOL SOUNDS ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM AT S.P.I.R.I.T.- Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 8, when the Capitol Sounds Orchestra will perform at Frazer for the monthly S.P.I.R.I.T. night. The orchestra and choir will perform a variety of musical numbers including a great medley of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin tunes. The program begins at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall, and everyone is invited to attend. Dinner is $5, and require reservations by March 5., please call Faye Jackson, 279-8727. There is no charge if only attending the performance.

D isci p l e shi p + F e ll o wshi p Men’s Ministry- Monthly third Thursday men’s supper will be Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5.

February Monthly Breakfast, Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

BIRTHS We rejoice with our members who have recently welcomed a new child into their family since January.

• A daughter, “Abby James”, born to Mary and Adam Causey Jan. 21, 2012.

Deaths We extend our deepest Christian sympathy and love to those families who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. Remembering these families in your prayers, giving them a call or sending a card provides healing ministry and extends the love of Christ during this time of loss and grief.

• Ralph Slay FOURTH THURSDAY for older adults- Join us Thursday, Feb. 23 for games and fellowship. Doors open at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be served at 11:$5 a.m., for $5.

No reservations necessary.

The Adventure of Discipling Others-Have you ever thought, “Who me, disciple someone”? In the class “The Adventure of Discipling Others,” you will gain the confidence to do it and love the process. The class begins Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. in room 7202. Call the Discipleship office at 495-6391 for more information, to get the book and to get started.

• Father of Kathy Palmer • Father of Tim Norwood • Mother of Phyllis Wilson • Mother of Kristi Milano • Mother of Linda Hunneyman • Mother of Ron Bridges • Mother of Jerry McEwen

CHILDREN + STUDENTS SIGN up NOW FOR SONSHINE SOCCER- Deadline to register is March 9 and mandatory evaluations will be March 15 and 16 from 4-6 p.m. Leagues are open to boys and girls ages 4-12 (as of March 1, 2012). Games begin April 14 with the season ending May 26. Cost is $30 per child (plus $20 if you do not have a jersey from last year, and $10 for shin guards). Register in the Activity Center or call 495-6459 for more information. Coaches are also needed. If you are interested in coaching, please call the Activity Center for more details.

CARING FOR OUR CONGREGATIon

• Father of Frank Woodson CUPCAKES AND CANVAS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS- All 6-8th grade girls are invited to a fun night of painting and eating Friday, April 13 from 7-9 p.m. in the Crave room! Join us as we explore how our God uses creativity from designing people to His purposes and plans for our lives. Artist Jamie Mitchell will help us design something exciting for our canvases and then we will feast on creative cupcakes. Invite a friend and join the fun, no painting skills required! Cost is $10, due at time of registration. Call the Crave office to register at 495-6409.

SERVING + GIVING

• Mother of Lynn Harris • Father of Mary Perdue • Corrie Foster • Doris McCurdy • Robert Guillot • Bill Snider • Muriel Williams • Father of Evaughn Balkcom and Neil Lowery • Mother of Gary Sanderson

SUV needed for Transform Deaf Haiti Project- Frazer is looking for a vehicle for Kyle Reschke, our missionary to the Deaf Community in Haiti, with room for 4-5 passengers and cargo, able to handle rough roadways. Contact missions coordinator Butch McPherson, 495-6325 or butch@frazerumc.org.

United Methodist Disaster Response and ERT Training- Frazer stepped up in a big way during last year’s tornadoes, and we want to provide certification to allow even more volunteers to make a difference in the future. Training will be Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in room 7208.

Cost is $22 per person and pre-registration is required; contact Kris Johnson (495-6362 or kris@frazerumc.org)

by Feb. 20.

• Mother of Todd Lempicki

3

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Haiti Photos

Frazer Family News

February-March 2012

continued from page 1 Soon a team was formed consisting of three photographers (Nick Drollette, Billy Pope, and Lori), a videographer (Will), a sign language interpreter (Josh Brewer), team leader (Butch McPherson), and an administrative assistant (Diane Klaaren). The group met several times to figure out how to accomplish the mission. There were many obstacles, including the logistics of coordinating picture taking with such a large group including deaf individuals, and even baggage limitations on the front and back end so equipment and props had to be kept to the bare minimum. But God worked through all of these obstacles beautifully and the end result is pictures that are treasured by the community.

After months of praying and planning, the team made its way to Port Au Prince in November. They were greeted at the airport by Kyle and a Haitian police friend called “Mr. T.” This was Lori’s first international trip.

“The culture shock was pretty immediate. So much debris from the earthquake was still everywhere, two years later. It was evident that it is a daily struggle to survive,” she said.

But as a photographer Lori noticed that the people were all smiling and friendly. “They are appreciative of every little thing they do have. You can see this immediately everywhere and it warms your heart. It really makes you re-evaluate yourself and what you have,” she added.

Billy Pope, a photographer with 15 years experience said that this has been the most fun that he’s had shooting photos.

The team arrived at New Life Children’s Home, where they would be staying, and were met by the children who came running out of their huts to greet them. They also got to know the community members with Josh Brewer’s help, as he translated stories about their experiences during the earthquake and their life in general.

Next they had to find a backdrop for the pictures since they didn’t have room to pack any.

“When we arrived, one of the first things we saw was a huge white tent enclosed on three sides, with beautiful light streaming through. The United Methodist Committee on Relief had just donated the tent a month prior to be used for meetings and classroom space.

Photo by nick drollette Photo by billy pope

The Haiti Photo Mission Team: Seated, from left to right: Butch McPherson, Josh Brewer, Will Adams. Standing, l-r: Billy Pope, Lori Mercer, Nick Drollette, Frazer’s Haiti Missionary Kyle Reschke, Diane Klaaren and Tompy, Haitian 410 Bridge National Coordinator.

“It was perfect!” Lori said.

Many Haitian volunteers helped to organize and get the families ready to be photographed. Mackenson Saint Louis, who is head of the leadership council, played a large role. It is not a small task to coordinate so many family portraits to be completed within a short time period.

Everyone showed up on time in their “Sunday Best ”and huge smiles on their faces “One of the things that always stands out to me in every Haiti trip is how universal their facial expressions are. Since much of sign language is dependent upon facial expressions, the deaf people are very expressive,” Will said. “After they got their picture done, they would mouth the word ‘belle’ (beautiful) or gave the sign for thank you.”

“The children loved seeing their picture on the back of our (digital) camera and would yell Photo! Photo!,” said Lori.

Along with coordinating the actual picture taking, the group got to meet members of the leadership council and read books together.

In the end they completed 120 portraits. The next challenge was to find affordable framing and to get it ready to present by the return trip Dec. 9. Many Frazer volunteers helped frame and package the pictures. Because of the holidays the airlines had a restriction on boxes coming into Haiti. The frames made it through baggage claim unbroken—which is truly another miracle.

The joy is apparent as each community member received their portrait, as evidenced by the YouTube video by Lori Mercer called “Haiti Portrait Project 2011.” Hugs abounded and everyone gave big bright smiles as they looked at their gift. Pastor Tim Thompson had worked

One of the many beautiful family portraits taken by Frazer’s photographers during the Haiti trip. This family was captured by Nick Drollette.

Photo by Lori Mercer

Photo by billy pope

The Frazer Mission team spends time with the people of the Deaf Community in Haiti.

Another family photographed by Billy Pope.

hard to learn the phrase “Jesus Loves You” as he delivered many portraits.

The reactions were joy and wonder.

“I remember seeing one mother staring at the photo. Her expression was subtle but she slowly put her hand on the glass and ran it across the faces of her children,” said Will. “Getting to be a part of what was for many of these people, the first portrait of each of their families— words cannot express the blessing that it was.”

Kyle said that days after the group had left families were still sitting on their front porches looking at the pictures and sharing with others.

“Overall the photo mission was a beautiful success. I have no doubts that the portraits will be the first items hung on the walls of their new homes at Leveque,” he said. “If I had to come up with one major theme of the week it would be laughter together. Many of the families and households broke out in infectious giggles as they viewed their photos and basically said, ‘Wow, we look great!’”

“The spirit of gratitude is palpable as its mutual between the deaf community and our team as we all feel so blessed to be here, participating in such a fun act of service. The single most common sign we see everyday is ‘thank you.’” Will said.

“Every time we show them their photo they say thank you and we thank them for letting us take it. The proud mothers with their children all lined up, the young couples as well as the elderly all lined up – each eager to get their picture taken and so loving and thankful while we’re just as thankful for the opportunity.”

Read more details about the Haiti Photo Mission trip and view photos at Will Adam’s blog, www.w-hue.com.

Frazer is planning 12 trips to Haiti in 2012 so there are many opportunities for you to get involved in this mission. Visit Frazer’s Transformation blog regularly for updates on future trips.

Stay up to date on project Transform Haiti at transform.frazerumc.org

February-March 2012

www.frazerumc.org

Frazer member provides hope for orphans in her native Kenya

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Photo provided by ruth owuor

The children at Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope in Kenya.

Photo by CHARLOTTE ROBERTSON

Frazer member Ruth Owuor has been the sole supporter of the Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope in her native Kenya for the past 10 years.

By Dr. Martha Poole Simmons News Staff writer

There is an emphasis this year at Frazer on caring for orphans. One humble Frazer member, Ruth Owuor, originally from Kenya, has quietly been doing just that for some time. She founded and has been the sole financial supporter for the past 10 years of what is now Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope.

The Mescal Children’s Center of Hope is a haven for 30 orphans in Kenya. These orphans were left alone after losing their parents in the AIDS epidemic that has devastated this east African country. Not only are orphans provided a sanctuary, but women who have been victims of domestic abuse. Christians are reminded of their responsibility in caring for orphans in James 1:27 (NIV) “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Ruth came to the United States in 1996 with a mandate from her abusive husband to meet her daughter’s new husband and explain to him the importance in the Kenyan culture of Christian marriage and dowry. She was also mandated to persuade them to return to Kenya with her for a wedding. This did not happen. Fearing to return to Kenya without them because of the threat of more domestic abuse, Ruth decided to remain here, and in order to support herself, she started her own business. At first, she just made things by hand such as beadwork and made printed t- shirts to sell at flea markets.

Eventually, Ruth set up shop in Selma to sell these items, as well as articles made in Africa.

Then, God began burdening her heart for the orphans and abused women back in Kenya. As the Lord blessed her business, she was able to send a little money to Kenya, where her daughter Dorothy bought a piece of land and oversaw the building of a temporary structure to house the children and women. As the Lord blessed her, Ruth would send money to feed and clothe the children.

She gives testimony that many times during the past 10 years it would seem there would be nothing to send, but God would miraculously provide.

Why “Mescal’s”?

The orphanage was renamed from The Kima Center to Mescal’s Children Center of Hope, after Ruth met Mes-

cal Kelley Griffin, who lived in the rural town of Lineville, Ala. Mescal followed the Lord’s calling on her life to help children in her community by picking them up each Sunday and taking them to church. When Mescal passed away, many people testified that they would not be Christians and involved in church today had it not been for Mescal’s faithfulness in taking them to church and encouraging them in their walk with God. Mescal exhibited a compassionate heart for “spiritual orphans,” just as Ruth continues to do.

Grateful to Her Frazer Family Ruth said, “In my Bible study group here at Frazer, I was convicted to forgive my husband. It was not long afterwards, that my children, friends, and pastor in Kenya began sharing how Christ had transformed my husband.

He asked for my forgiveness and was recently ordained as a pastor and is now assisting with the work of the orphanage.”

Ruth’s Bible study group has contributed more than $1,600 in the past year to support the orphanage. This money has helped improve the diet and furnishings available to the children, as well as provided a year’s tuition for one young woman who went on to attend Christian boarding school.

“I am humbly and deeply grateful for their support, Harbor Lights Sunday School Class and others in my Frazer family who have graciously given to the support of the orphanage,” Ruth said.

Frazer Mission Team to Kenya Meets Ruth’s Family In November 2011, Frazer members Chris McInnish, James Foley, Pat McWhorter and his sons, Dyer and Carter, traveled to Kitale, Kenya, about three hours north of Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope. They conducted a pastor’s conference at Kitale Growth Church there and saw God move in a mighty way. Ruth’s husband and two daughters attended the conference and went with the mission team to minister at a local prison. Ruth’s daughters, Dorothy and Lynette, led worship at the prison, where 179 men came to Christ. Pat McWhorter was able to spend time with Ruth’s husband and describes him as a kind and gentle man.

“I have a new reason to remember Nov. 22 now. That was the day in 2011 when I met Rev. Kenneth Owuor and family. Had I not known of the deep faith of his wife, Ruth, I would have questioned her previous description of her husband. The man that we met was completely

Photos by Chris McInnish

Top: Frazer’s Pat McWhorter meets with Ruth’s daughters and husband on a November 2011 mission trip to Kenya. From left to right: Lynette Owuor, Pat, Dorothy Owuor Semo and Kenneth Owuor.

Bottom: Frazer’s mission team to Kenya visits a prison with Ruth’s family during their trip.

transformed. Not only had he become a Christian, but he also has been called to ministry. The man who initially did not support his wife’s efforts to help orphans in Kima, now not only moved them into his own home, but he also dreams of giving them skills and teaching them a trade that will change their lives forever,” Pat said. “This is refreshing proof for me of the transforming saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It proves yet again to me what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV), ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!’ Through the persistent prayers of a faithful wife and God-loving children, Kenneth has been made new in Christ. He is truly a new creation whom, I believe, will be greatly used by God on the continent of Africa. Through our cooperation with the Holy Spirit, there’s no telling what God can and will do in Kenya.”

Frazer Members Planning a Trip to Kenya Several church members are planning a mission trip to the orphanage in Kenya this summer. If anyone is interested in participating in this trip, contact Frazer’s Director of Missions and Events, Butch McPherson, at 4956325 or butch@frazerumc.org.

“God has placed a very strong and real call upon my life to return to Kenya to personally direct the ministry. I plan to return to Kenya in the spring,” Ruth said.

When Ruth returns to Kenya, there will be a need for continued financial support for the orphanage/shelter and hopefully to build a new structure. Several Frazer members, including Freda Hall, Patrick McWhorter, Jennifer Hand, Susan Allen, Steve Robertson, Charlotte Robertson, Nan Lloyd, Caroline Todd and Vincent Ledlow, along with others, are in the process of forming a nonprofit corporation to continue the work of the ministry.

If you would like to contribute to the orphanage, checks made payable to Ruth Owuor may be mailed to 8230 Mossy Oak Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117.

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Frazer Family News

February-March 2012

Under faithful leadership, choirs make a ‘joyful noise’ unto the Lord

By Martha Poole Simmons news staff writer

Joe Pat Cox served as Frazer’s Director of Music and Worship for 56 years. Since retiring in September 2008, he leads the music in Sunday night worship services, sings in the choir at the traditional services, and leads two ensembles: the Good News Singers and the Speeders Choir.

As a student at Montgomery’s Lanier High School, the background was laid for his future musical leadership. He played trumpet in the band, and played both French horn and trumpet in the orchestra. Joe Pat also sang in the choir and served as the student director of the glee club during his senior year. After high school, he attended Huntingdon College, where he majored in music and minored in religion.

While there, he served as the student director for the chorale. Joe Pat started his musical career at age 16 working with a choir at the old location of Frazer in west Montgomery. He became a part-time music director in 1968 when Frazer’s congregation moved to the Atlanta Highway location.

“I have loved music all of my life. My Daddy was the part-time janitor of Frazer and from the time that I was six years old until I was 20, I swept, mopped and dusted Frazer,” Joe Pat said. “While I was there with the janitorial duties, I listened to the organist rehearse, and I knew where she was going on the organ before she ever played it. I was blessed with a good ear. Music has been part of my life all of the way.”

The Speeders’ Choir gets its name from the fact that the choir members’ ages are over the speed limit. The ensemble began in 1989 at the request for an older adult choir from Martha John Allison, Frazer’s Director for Older Adults. The ensemble began with only eight singers, but now averages around 50 members.

Mary Jo Barnes, 84, and Al Barnes,88, have been members of the Speeders’ Choir since 1990.

“We look forward to the Speeders’ Choir’s rehearsals each week. Joe Pat doesn’t work us too hard. We prepare three programs each year, and it is heart-warming to see how people at nursing homes enjoy our programs,” Mary Jo said. “Members of the Speeders’ Choir have a high regard for each other and help each other whenever there is illness or a death. We feel as if the choir is our family.”

Another member, Doris Shaw, said the fellowship among the group is important.

“The Speeders’ Choir is a lot of fun because Joe Pat makes it fun. We have good fellowship. The main thing is ministering to shut-ins because we can use our voices which are gifts from God,” she said.

“It is about having fun first and music second. One never gets too old to do ministry,” Joe Pat said.

Joe Pat’s other ensemble, The Good News Singers, began in the summer of 1972, about the time that Dr. John Ed Mathison became senior pastor. Services were held in the Chapel then. The Good News Singers is the longest continuing ensemble at Frazer, ranging in size from 12 to 19 people. The Singers started Frazer’s 4th of July musical programs.

Jerry McEwen said, “Joe Pat does a marvelous job leading the Good News Singers and scheduling us for so many worthy listeners. We sing a Christmas program for several retirement homes, community organizations like Lions and Rotary and our own Frazer groups like Prime Time Singles. We sing a summer Gospel program for small country church revivals, the annual Benton fish-fry, and the annual Hayneville cookout. It is especially noteworthy that Joe Pat works with the choirs at these small country churches and has them join in and sing with us at some of these programs. They love it, and we love doing it. Joe Pat is like the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps on going.”

Nan Lloyd has sung with Good News Singers for about four years, and the choir for eight years. During that time, her father came from Birmingham to the larger programs. Nan said Joe Pat was always attentive to her father, and even found him a recording of “I Believe in Miracles” by the choir. In December 2010, Nan’s father had an aortic valve replacement surgery, and moved in with Nan and her husband, Bob. He went through the cardiac rehab program, and Joe Pat picked him up and took him home for her three times a week for 12 weeks. Once he began to feel better, Nan’s

Photos by Martha Poole SimmoNs

The Speeders Choir, top, and The Good News Singers, bottom, are two choir groups led by Joe Pat Cox. Both groups perform at various church services and community events throughout the year.

father was able to become more involved with the church. Joe Pat invited him to the Good News Singers’ rehearsals.

“The group has been gracious and welcoming. For seniors, social life is limited and acceptance is vital, especially for Daddy who is starting over, and Richard whose, wife recently died and has no family in town. Joe Pat and the Good News Singers have ministered to these guys and made a tremendous difference in their lives,” Nan said. “This group is about much more than getting together to enjoy singing. They are using the talents that God gave them to be God’s hand and feet in many ways. I am honored to be a part of it.”

Rehearsals for the Speeders’ Choir are each Tuesday from 1:15-2:15 p.m. in the choir room. They perform at nursing and retirement homes, revivals, funerals, A.A.R.P. meetings, Sunday nights, S.P.I.R.I.T., and Blue Lake Methodist Assembly. Any older adult interested in joining the Speeders’ Choir and becoming involved with this ministry and fellowship should contact Debbie Kelley at 495-6353.

The Good News Singers perform on Sunday mornings and nights at Frazer, revivals and places where there is no sound system such as churches and nursing and retirement homes as well as the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club at Christmas.

Members of the Speeders’ Choir and the Good News Singers follow God’s word in Psalm 95:2 (ESV) “Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.” Joe Pat is ready to lead choirs of angels when he gets to heaven!

February-March 2012

The Fellowship of the Saints

The first Sunday after Paul and I were married and on our honeymoon, we found ourselves in a little Pennsylvania town looking for a church to attend.

There was a town square with several churches, so we picked the Methodist church to attend. The ushers looked at us strangely and I thought with our smiles and new clothes, we probably announced “We’re honeymooners!” Not the case.

We realized after the first hymn, when we had a chance to look around, that the church was far from filled, and all the people there had gray or white hair. It was a nice service, but we both felt out of place, and were glad to hear the final “Amen.” When we started down the street towards our car, the mystery was solved. The church on the opposite corner had crowds of younger people exiting. None of them had gray hair! We still laugh when we remember attending the wrong church on our honeymoon.

Those two churches didn’t have fellowship with one another, but we at Frazer have no problem with that. We have so many opportunities to meet together. We even have a Fellowship Hall that is always busy with people who enjoy fellowship and eating with one another. There’s lot of examples of the early Christians doing the same thing.

The newest is Third Sunday Fellowship Lunch; designed and prepared for

www.frazerumc.org

Ginger’s Corner Ginger Koerner

any and all members and friends. It’s nice to have time to fellowship with your friends and those you enjoy visiting with after the morning service. There’s no hurry and lots of time to catch up with those we haven’t seen for a while. And there’s always a new friend to meet.

We are blessed to have Rolena and Barbara and staff to prepare our meal on their day of rest. The meal is as tasty (or better) as any you’ll eat at any restaurant. Last month we had a wonderful entrée with meat, three vegetables, a salad and two desserts to choose from.

The children are remembered also with a child-friendly meal. They serve from 11 a.m. - 1p.m., to accommodate those who worship earlier or later.

We’ve spent time worshipping Our Lord, and now it is time to share the Fellowship of the saints. I John 1:6-7 says, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another….”

I hope you’ll join this wonderful fellowship the next third Sunday of the month.

Just drop your reservation in the offering plate the Sunday before. Y’all Come!

Ginger Koerner volunteers in the Frazer kitchen and serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher. She has sung in the choir, directed children’s choirs and drama. She is married to Paul and her hobbies are quilting and reading.

Build emergency funds, retirement first Dear Dave, My wife and I make about $85,000 a year. We’re debt-free, and we have no kids. We’d like to start saving money to buy some land in the near future. What percentage of our savings should we put toward this?

—Dennis Dear DENNIS, I don’t know if there’s necessarily a specific percentage for this kind of thing.

Since you guys are already debt-free you need to make sure that you’ve got a fully-loaded emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place, along with retirement funding. In your case, anything else you have sitting around is simply wealth.

If you’ve got $50,000 sitting in a savings account in addition to these things, and you’d rather have $50,000 worth of

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

dirt instead of a bank account, I’m cool with that. It’s really more a matter of ratios than percentages.

—Dave Reprinted with Permission. For more great financial advice from Dave Ramsey, visit www.davesays.org.

Need help? Overcoming and eliminating debt can be overwhelming and even seem impossible. If you would like to get started on Dave’s Financial Peace program with his seven Baby Steps to Financial Freedom, or would like to learn how to create a budget, call Gary Sanderson at 462-0839 or sandersong@knology.net.

7

ONEFamily Ministry:

Ella Grace’s Story

by Candace Rutherford News Staff Writer

It was June 8, 2005 when Robin Pass got a call from the America World Adoption Agency. Her wait was over for the child their family had been looking, waiting and praying over for almost a year. They poured over pictures of the little girl who was living on an island in the South China Sea —so remote that neither her family, nor the agency had ever heard of it.

The Pass family had been blessed with two biological daughters, but Robin had wanted to adopt all of her life.

Ella Grace was on a special needs waiting list with an unrepaired cleft palate. As she showed the picture to her father that night, Robin said she was having trouble being sure because she had prepared in her heart for a younger baby. Robin shares, “[My] Daddy said to me, ‘Are you kidding me? Look at those red shoes! Go get her!’”

The next day, the Pass family called the agency and accepted the referral.

The little girl that was living in an institution in a third world country now had a family waiting to love her.

“Now she has a church where she Photo provided by robin pass loves to play with her friends. She has a The Pass Family celebrates “Gotcha Day” number five. bed with HER animal friends to snuggle Pictured from left (counterclockwise): Katy, Robin, with. She has more clothes than she will Anne Louise, Frank and Ella Grace. ever wear—all for her! She has a last name,” said Robin, with joy.

Robin looks to adopt again from China, although adoptions from there have become more complicated and time consuming. The greatest need for children from China is for children with special needs (minor to serious) and for older children who will age out and be on the streets.

The cycle continues as her oldest daughter, Anne Louise, has herself become very involved in missions.

“Anne Louise went to Haiti with me in April and just returned from New York City with Youth Worship Arts where they witnessed to kids in New Jersey,” Robin said.

Ella Grace is in the second grade making straight A’s and is a talented artist.

Her cleft palate was fixed years ago.

“Ella Grace is always helpful and loves to be first on the scene when something is spilled, or when laundry needs to be folded. She loves animals. She is sensitive about being different and needs to be encouraged often,” said Robin.

Look for more Frazer ONEFamily stories in coming editions of Frazer Family News. To share your story, contact frazernews@frazerumc.org.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MONTGOMERY AL 36119

Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. Box 241347 Montgomery, AL 36124-1347

Begin the season of lent by hearing the gospel read aloud on ash wednesday followed by ash wednesday service at frazer

F e b r u a ry- MARCH 2 0 12

Inside this issue:

FRAZER PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURE SMILES IN HAITI......................................... 1 TWO STAFF MEMBERS APPOINTED TO NEW MINISTRY AREAS.............................. 2 frazer member helps orphans in her native kenya.................................. 5 choirs make a joyful noise..........................................................................6 ONEFamily stories: ella grace...................................................................... 7 And more!

Save the date:

MARCH 18 • 6 pm • wesley HALL Tickets $30 in the frazer bookstore

F o r t h e l at e s t n e w s a n d e v e n t s , g o t o f r a z e r u m c .o rg