FFN-JUNE2012web

Vol. 24 No. 9

News & Events STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE FATHER’S DAY RUN JUNE 16Register now for the Father’s Day 5K and 1-mile run Saturday, June 16. Everyone is welcome to run or walk, but fatherchild teams are especially encouraged as a way to model running the race of faith as a courageous family. Sponsors and volunteers are needed; contact Ashley Aaron at theaarongroup@charter.net. For more details and registration go to the Activity Center or FrazerFathersDayRun.com.

SAVE THE DATE: TASTE OF FRAZER JULY 27, COOKS NEEDED!- The 6th annual Taste of Frazer will be Wednesday, July 27, in Wesley Hall. Tickets will be available in July. We need 100 volunteers to make their favorite recipe in one of the following categories: Appetizer, Salad, Entree or Dessert. This event will benefit the Community Ministries United Appeal Fund. If you are interested in cooking, please supply your contact information by calling Bobbie Cooper @ 277-5722 or Jean Kocher @ 277-5475 or by email at bobbieanddan@ charter.net or dale. kocher@yahoo.com SUMMER 2012 CONNECTIONS AVAILABLE-Looking 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 Summer 2012 issue is now available. Pick up your copy in the Atrium and other locations around the church . You can also view it online at frazerumc.org/groups.

www.frazerumc.org

Asbury Eye Clinic provides hope, sight to those in need

By Mac McLellan News Staff Writer

For the fifth year in a row, Frazer’s Asbury campus classrooms were transformed into a high-tech eye clinic, filled with doctors, technicians, eye care professionals and volunteers. The annual eye clinic was held April 21, the same day as the community-wide Great Day of Service.

Under the leadership of Frazer member Mike Merrill, Executive Director of the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology, the team, once again, helped many people in the community receive the critical eye care that they otherwise would not have been able to afford.

“We have a group of dedicated eye care professionals who are working together in Alabama to help those who need eye care, and refer those who need long term eye care,” said Dr. Won Kim, founder of Eye Care Alabama in 2003, a community outreach program of the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology.

According to Dr. Kim, 4,500 adults have received more than $1 million in free eye services throughout Alabama since 2003.

Continued page 4

Photo by MAC MCLELLAN

UAB Optometry student Brandon Runyon examines Byern Johnson’s eyes for signs of disease at the fifth annual Asbury Eye Clinic, held at Frazer’s Asbury campus April 21. The event serves to provide much needed eye care to those in the community who cannot afford it.

Frazer family spreads God’s love throughout Montgomery on Great Day of Service This year’s Great Day of Service took place April 21, with the Frazer family joining together once again with other local churches to serve others and share Christ’s love. Volunteers worked on a variety of projects, including yard work and home repair, visiting with the elderly in local nursing homes, hosting friendship parties, helping clean up area schools and much more.

DOWNLOAD DAILY BIBLE STUDY GUIDES AND DEVOTIONS- As we focus on being a Word-Centered, World-Changing church in 2012, our teaching pastors are providing a daily Bible study guide to lead you through the section of the Bible they are preaching on each week. 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.

M or e e v e n t s & announc e m e n t s pag e 3

June 2012

To see images from this year’s GDOS, see pages 6-7.

Photo by JP & PAM Martin/Explorers Class

Frazer volunteers, including members of the Explorers Sunday School class, work to clear overgrown brush as part of their project on the Great Day of Service.

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Frazer Family News

June 2012

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.

Photo by Lee werling

Congratulations to our 2012 Graduating Seniors!

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, Robin Raiford, Candace Rutherford, Alexia Scott, Martha Poole Simmons, Andrea Vandermey Columnist.............. Ginger Koerner Photographers....... Diana Bunch, Heather David, Harold Hill, Judi Mallory, Mac McLellan, Lori Mercer, Mary Ogden, Martha Poole Simmons, Chris Thornton, Lee Werling, Suzanne Williams

Ashley Beth Allerheiligen David Michael Anderson

Jackson Luke Fendley

Katherine Ann Mitchell

Sean Christopher Haire

Barbara Marie Sabillo

Hayden Elizabeth Harris

Laurel Taylor Taunton

Ronny Fleming

Catherine Grace Autry

Katherine Kelly Gardner

Anthony Dillon Boston

Dustin Joseph Hand

Abigail Kathryn Bartlett Essence Adrionna Bell Mattie Navada Boyd

Crystal Marie Hamilton

Lauren Michelle Brendle

Brittany Hannah Hendrick

Holly Virginia Carr

Daniel Bruce Johnson

Ashlyn Elizabeth Brown

Ronald Martin Bryant III Marisa Lenore Cook

Cameron Nicole Dubois

Haylee Ann Howell

Lisa Gale North

Austin Thomas Ray Steven Gates Scott

Lindsey Maria Spear Andrew Lind Taylor

Rebecca Elizabeth Teal

Ashlynn Altia Johnson

Matthew Neill Thompson

Tyler Joseph Millo

Jeremy Stephen Wolfe

Brandon Anthony Lyman

Jessy Ann Tucker

Taylor A Jared Van Gilder

June 2012

Announcements

www.frazerumc.org

News + Events

“Walk to Emmaus” Dinner JUNE 20- Past participants in the 3-day “Walk to Emmaus” spiritual renewal retreat and those interested in learning more are invited to gather for a free dinner Wednesday, June 20 at 6 p.m. to discuss, celebrate and share with the Emmaus Community. To attend, simply RSVP at the table in the Atrium, or call Dale Todd at 6570866 or John Morris at 590-5237 by June 17.

MISSIONS BLOG- Don’t forget to check out Frazer’s missions blog at frazerumc.org/missionsblog for the latest updates and prayer requests from our teams serving this month in Haiti, Kentucky and Moldova.

BLACKWOOD MEMORIAL QUARTET LIVE AT FRAZER JUNE 21- Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 21 when the Blackwood Quartet will perform at Frazer at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall.

The Blackwood Quartet is one of the great names in Gospel music, with the original group dating back to 1934, garnering Grammy and Dove awards over decades and performing alongside Elvis among others. A tragic plane accident ended the lives of R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles, but the Blackwood name and tradition has lived on in today’s Quartet. TIckets are $10 in advance, $15 for Inner Circle with Meet and Greet, $20 at the door., and vailable in the Frazer Bookstore; a handling fee will apply.

CARING FOR OUR CONGREGATIon BIRTHS We rejoice with our members who have recently welcomed a new child into their family.

• A daughter, “Zafira” Kipenzi, born April 16, 2012 to Cashenna and Mario Cross.

• A son, “Rhett” Aaron, born April 27, 2012 to Mehgan and Matthew Lazenby.

• A son, “Andrew” Colin, born April 30, 2012 to Laura and Brent Dickey.

• A daughter, “Maddox” Elizabeth, born May 7, 2012 to Alexis and Colin Jones.

D isci p l e shi p + F e ll o w shi p Men’s Ministry- June monthly breakfast will be held Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Monthly third Thursday men’s supper will be June 21 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5.

Prayer Class- Developing Your Prayer Life is a 4-week course designed to teach the essentials of a believer’s prayer life. This class will begin Wednesday, June 6, at 6 p.m. in room 3105. To register, contact Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org or 495-6391.

Orphanology Study- Come learn through God’s word how we can follow His heart of love for the Orphans near and far. Lynn Benefield will facilitate this study. Cost is $15, and classes take place Wednesdays June 6- July 18 at 6 p.m. in room 7203. To register, contact Sandy Boswell at 495-6391 or sandy@frazerumc.org.

Be active this summer!- There’s something for everyone at the Frazer Activity Center. Programs are available for children and adults, including Good Mornings for rising 1st-6th graders, Girls Volleyball and Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading, as well as adult aerobics, men’s basketball and intramural adult volleyball. For a complete list, go to frazerumc.org/summer_events or call 495-6459 for info and to register where necessary.

STUDENTS, SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH CRAVE, CALENDAR OF EVENTS AVAILABLE- Students, don’t miss the best summer of your life! Crave Student Ministry has planned an actionpacked summer filled with activities, including outreach, discipleship and fellowship, food and fun. Sunday evening “I AM:Beyond the Walls” teaching sessions will help us better understand who Jesus says he is, followed by fun and fellowship. Wednesday outreach at Village Green Apartments will help us demonstrate His love for others.

Crave Extreme events and Girls and Guys Nights will allow us to connect and have fun with each other. For a complete calendar and description of summer events, plus any necessary registration info, pick up a Crave Summer 2012 calendar from one of the info centers around the church or go to frazerumc.org/summer2012

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.

• Mary Alice Herlth • Lucille Killough

• Father of Rebecca Brock and Hazel Ashley • Murrell Wilkins • Father of Mike McKim • Mother of Mike Fomby • Ricky Leggitte • Jim Levy • Ron Soroka • James Bryant • Father of Alison Pecoul

SERVING + GIVING Food Pantry and Homeless Hygiene Ministries will collect non-perishable food and personal care items the first Sunday of each month. Please drop off items in the donation carts located throughout the church.

• Deaths

• Mother of Matt Roehm

CHILDREN + STUDENTS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 9-13- Children age 4 years through rising fifth graders are invited to put on their dancing shoes and be ready to bust a move and PRAISE! for Vacation Bible School, July 9-13. Join DJ Pray-Z as we get down and lift God high each morning at Frazer, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Get your groove on as we explore how awesome our God is through skits, karaoke, missions, crafts, games and music and give Him the praise that only He deserves!

Registration forms are now available in the Atrium or online at frazerumc.org/vbz2012. Volunteers may also register online but student volunteers must sign up through the Crave office. Nursery for ages 0-3 will be available for children of working VBS volunteers only.

• A son, Robert Nathaniel “Nathan”, born May 7, 2012 to Lesli and Bryan Carter.

• Father of Mike Merrill Threads of Love Meeting- Threads of Love will meet June 6 in room 8114 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to sew items for premature babies. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Sharon Hall at 514-3383.

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Eye Clinic

Frazer Family News

June 2012

continued from page 1 “There is such a void here. We are only reaching the surface of what needs to be done,” he said. “The goal is to reach those who live in underserved communities in Alabama with eye exams to identify and treat such diseases as Glaucoma that exist and people are totally unaware they have a problem.”

This year three groups worked together to bring the Asbury Eye Clinic to its most effective level to date: the UAB Department of Ophthalmology, the UAB School of Optometry, and doctors and technicians from the private sector in a collaborative effort involving Optometry and Ophthalmology.

Frazer member Dr. Roy Hager and three technicians, including Sharon Tramel, a Certified Ophthalmic Vision Tested Assistant, from ITEC (Institute for Total Eye Care) in Montgomery, returned for their fifth year of service.

Dr. Read Russell, Program Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Program at UAB, was accompanied by two residents from UAB, Dr. Lindsay Rhodes, a Senior Resident, originally from Las Vegas, and Dr. Mark Hill, a Mid-Level Resident from Gadsden.

Dr. Rhodes’ first patient of the day was returning from the 2011 Asbury Clinic.

Her story touched Dr. Rhodes deeply, and confirmed the importance of the Asbury Eye Clinic.

“She told me that she was diagnosed with swollen nerves at the clinic last year.

She was referred to the ER at Baptist South and then to UAB for further evaluation.

During the evaluation they determined that she had a tumor on her brain,” Dr. Rhodes said. “The tumor was successfully removed and here she was, back for a followup exam. She could have lost her sight, and possibly her life. What a testimony!”

Gerald Simon, Associate Clinical Professor of Optometry at UAB, brought 14 thirdyear Optometry students, and one fourth- year student, to assist with the clinic.

“Public service is part of our curriculum, part of our community eye care rotation.

Our course actually has a waiting list of organizations requesting our support,” he said.

Rev. Robert Spicer was on hand throughout the day, coordinating support of Asbury volunteers, including the entire choir that afternoon.

One participant, Byern Johnson, III, had a unique story to share. He arrived with his glasses around his neck and volunteers immediately noted that his glasses had a right lens, but no left lens. Byern told the volunteers “I’ve been living like this for almost a year.”

His eyes were dilated by Brittney Love, a third-year UAB Optometry student, and then examined by Brandon Runyon, another third-year UAB Optometry student, to check the front and rear of the eye for disease. Byern will receive new glasses in the next few weeks.

“We want to once again thank ALCON, one of the top eye care pharmaceutical companies in the world, for their contribution of $12,000 in pharmaceuticals, SPECTRA for their donation of new frames for the glasses, valued at more than $3,000, and Birmingham-based Pinnacle, for making the lenses at a greatly reduced cost,” said Mike Merrill. “We’re ready for Asbury Eye Clinic 2013!”

Photos by MAC MCLELLAN

An eye clinic participant decides on a pair of eyeglasses after being examined. SPECTRA donated more than $3,000 worth of new frames for individuals to choose from, and Birmingham-based Pinnacle made the lenses at a reduced cost.

Photos by MAC MCLELLAN

Asbury site pastor Rev. Robert Spicer, left, coordinated the support of many volunteers from the Asbury campus, including the choir. From left: Spicer, Butch McPherson, director of missions and outreach; Mike Merrill; Dr. Roy Hager; Senior Minister Dr. Tim Thompson and Dorothy Thompson.

DID YOU KNOW?

TV VOLUNTEERS PLAY CRITICAL ROLE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS Did you know that each week it takes a large number of volunteers to have our worship services televised? Not only do they run the cameras, they also produce, direct and record each service.

Thank you Television Ministry volunteers!

Photo by lee werling

Television ministry volunteers hard at work in the WFRZ Control Room on a recent Sunday morning.

June 2012

www.frazerumc.org

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Crave students focus on living out their faith in all areas of life

By Brandy Freeman News Staff Writer

If you want to see what the hands and feet of Jesus look like, you only need to visit Crave Student Ministries. As the students focus on making Christ center of their lives, they are making sure to put what they are learning into practice. So far this school year, the students have participated in more than six outreach driven events, and continue to move forward as they focus on these four areas: Faith, Family, Friends and Future.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of a believer’s Christian walk. In order to accomplish this, the Crave staff and students have committed to reading through the entire Bible in 2012. Each day the students and staff read a few chapters from a book in the Bible, and then also read a Psalm or a Proverb.

Family time isn’t just dinner time, television time, or checking off a to-do list. It is also the support and accountability group to help us follow God’s calling for our lives. The Crave staff wants to help students facilitate Godly relationships within the family by challenging the students to have family devotions once a week, because a faith-filled home provides more encouragement. On average, Crave only gets students about 40 hours a year, while parents have them in the upward 3000s. Family time is an extremely influential time for God’s work to move through everyone involved.

Friends give support in times of need, laughter in times of joy, and companionship when it is needed most. To deepen the students’ friendships, they are challenged to create prayer teams within their schools.

Students gather in groups of at least three individuals once a week to read Scripture and pray together. The Crave team also challenges them to recruit other students, to strengthen the bonds of relationships built on the foundation of Christ.

Crave’s future outlook centers on making an impact on the world through engaging with God and the world around them. Crave has partnered with Rice Bowl Ministries to raise enough money to feed an orphanage in Yetebon, Ethiopia for an entire year. Instead of just offering donations, Crave wanted to challenge the stu-

Photos by CRAVE STUDENT MINISTRIES

Crave students on mission in Atlanta, above left, and the Dominican Republic, above right.

dents to take on a larger project. To feed the orphanage for a year, they need to raise $30,000, or about $2,500 a month. So far, Crave students have raised around $7,500, according to Student Minister Brian Word.

“There is no other church or student ministry that has ever done this with Rice Bowl, so we’re setting the stage. People raise money all the time, people give generously all the time, but we are saying we want to do this for an entire year, and work with an exclusive orphanage,” Brian said.

Crave students also do local outreach with the Adullam House in Wetumpka, a home for children with incarcerated parents. The students and staff are taking James 1:27 to heart: take care of the orphans. At the Adullam House, Crave volunteers complete projects and build relationships with the children and staff.

Students also participate in outreach to the Village Green Apartments, behind Frazer. Crave spent last summer with the children in Village Green teaching them about Jesus, playing games, and making arts and crafts. They also held a Christmas extravaganza for the residents there, where they provided meal to every person, a gift to every child, and pictures with Santa for every family. Crave plans to build deeper relationships with the children and families this summer, through tutoring programs and other various activities.

Crave Student Ministries doesn’t stop there. They’ve been on two mission trips so far this year. During Spring Break, a team went to the Dominican Republic

for the fourth consecutive year to work with Mission Emmanuel. Another team traveled to Clarkston, Ga. to minister to the refugees from the 10/40 window, the largest area unreached for the Gospel. This summer, students will travel to Haiti and Ethiopia for additional mission work.

Crave also has several events planned for this summer. Sunday evenings, students will engage in a series of interactive teaching called “I AM: Beyond the Walls.”

These sessions will take place in various locations as they explore Jesus’ “I AM” statements in a hands-on experience. Examples include visiting a funeral home to connect with “I Am the Resurrection,” or heading to Krispy Kreme for “I Am the Bread.” Wednesday nights will include worship, teaching and fellowship with the children from Village Green whom Crave students have already been building relationships with over the past year. Brian said they want to help the students take ownership of their faith and teach others.

“Ultimately, a disciple isn’t someone who just simply follows Christ, it’s someone who follows Christ, His teachings, and His patterns of life, and implements it into his or her life and then teaches someone else to be able to do the exact same thing,” he said.

The Crave staff strives to truly engage their students through biblically-based activities so they can learn how to live more like Christ, and be models of John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Crave welcomes Patrick Craig to staff as new college, young adult minister Staff Reports

After receiving a call he never expected to “Come home!”, Alabama native Patrick Craig has returned to Frazer to serve with the Crave Student Ministry staff over the college and young adult ministry.

Patrick returns to Montgomery after spending four years at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Religion.

Patrick is excited to return in order to lead KINGDOM CULTURE (formerly RedZone)—a ministry of college students and young adults.

During his time in Spartanburg, Patrick became a frequent speaker and worship leader for events such as Fellowship of Christian Athlete (FCA) rallies and Disciple Now weekends across the Southeast.

A gifted musician and communicator with a heart for justice, Patrick's desire is to restore the Word of God to both corporate worship and social action. For when we participate in such peculiar activities, we become a people, often unwittingly, who point toward the final victory of God's Kingdom which is breaking into the present world. This, after all, is what KINGDOM CULTURE is all about. What all this means is that Patrick talks with a lot of people, plays a lot of music, and drinks a lot of coffee. And all this makes for a wonderful life.

Patrick came aboard as full time minister with Crave on May 27, the same day Crave launched "Kingdom Culture.” For more info, go to frazerumc.org/kingdomculture

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Frazer Family News

June 2012

Photo by JP Martin/Explorers Class

Photo by Chris Thornton

April 21, 2012 For this year’s Great Day of Service, Frazer members served at 43 locations in the Montgomery area and completed 53 projects. Thirty-eight Sunday School Classes, 14 groups made up of individual members and many from the Men’s Ministry came together for a total of nearly 2,200 from the Frazer family serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community that day. These images are just a small representation of the many volunteers and projects completed.

Photo by REFUGE CLASS

Thanks for serving and giving!

Photo by DENNY REA/LIVING TODAY and Christians DAY BY DAY CLASSES

Photo by Chris Thornton

Photo by MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

Photo by RACHEL LEE PHILLIPS

Photo by LEE & MARY GURLEY/SOWERS CLASS Photo by Frances CARR/PATHFINDERS CLASS

Photo by MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

June 2012

www.frazerumc.org

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Photo by MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

Photo by Kelly Rouze/The Main Course Class

Photo by MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

Photo by AVA GARMON/LIGHTHOUSE AND WANDERERS CLASSES Photo by LEE & MARY GURLEY/SOWERS CLASS

Photo by SHARON PATTERSON/STEPPING STONES CLASS

Photo by REFUGE CLASS

Photo by SHARON PATTERSON/STEPPING STONES CLASS

Photo by MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

Photo by Chris Thornton

Photo by AVA GARMON/LIGHTHOUSE AND WANDERERS CLASSES

Photo by RACHEL LEE PHILLIPS

Photo by RACHEL LEE PHILLIPS

Photo by Chris Thornton

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Frazer Family News

Frazer has a heart for missions. During the 2011-2012 year, Frazer United Methodist Church has actively supported 34 missionary families financially and 36 missionary families with prayer. The Frazer Family has also supported more than 26 mission organizations across the world and right here in Montgomery To familiarize our congregation with our “extended family”, the Frazer Family News will spotlight a missionary and a mission organization each month. Frazer is truly a church that Loves Jesus, Loves Others and Lives Unashamed!

Missionary Spotlight: Dave and Hilda Fyock Mission Aviation Fellowship The Fyocks are celebrating 20 years with Mission

Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in 2012. MAF is a ministry which uses aviation and technology to reach isolated people with the love of Christ. With a fleet of 60 aircraft, MAF pilots fly into more than 1700 rugged, remote airstrips bringing physical and spiritual hope to the lost and forgotten peoples of the world. MAF technicians also provide internet connectivity as well as tools to bring biblical training to many pastors and leaders who would otherwise not have access to such training.

After 13 years overseas, Dave joined the Executive Leadership Team in 2005. Since 2008 Dave has served as the Executive Vice President and CFO. In this role Dave provides critical counsel to all areas of MAF, with direct oversight of Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Ministry Partnership, the MAF-Advocate Wing, and the MAF Foundation.

Dave sees his role as EVP as one that is to bring a cohesiveness across the organization. He is tasked with making sure MAF current strategies are in alignment with its vision, purpose, mission and values.

Additionally, as CFO, he has had the privilege of seeing deep change in the way MAF is positioned financially both in cash flow and in overall assets available for ministry.

Pray for wisdom, strength, joy and courage as Dave continues to lead this critical ministry to the advancement of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

June 2012

Photos Martha Poole Simmons

Dr. Neil Epler says a special blessing for this dog and its owner at the Blessing of the Animals service April 28. Thirty pets and their owners participated in the event sponsored by Frazer’s P.A.W.S. Ministry.

Animals receive blessing during special service

By Dr. Martha Poole Simmons News Staff Writer

Animals and their owners gathered at the Frazer Pavilion the morning of April 28 to enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine and participate in a special blessing ceremony. Thirty animals were blessed by Dr. Neil Epler, coordinating pastor of Congregational Care and Jan Niel, prayer ministry director, at Frazer’s second Blessing of the Animals service.

“It’s a celebration of all of God’s creatures and God’s creation. He created everything and said that it was good. We’re here to celebrate that,” Neil said. “We know that God has given a special place in our hearts for His creatures especially those creatures that we call our pets—dogs, cats, birds. We want to set apart a special time to ask God’s blessings on our pets and on their owners as they strive to care for them.”

The event was sponsored by Frazer’s Pets Are Working Saints (P.A.W.S.) Ministry. P.A.W.S. volunteers and their pets visit residents of nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes and assistedliving facilities to provide non-professional, pet-facilitated therapy, said Diane Watters, coordinator of the P.A.W.S. ministry.

“This ministry is used to open the door so that PAWS volunteers can talk about their love for their animals, and that might open the door for talk about their love Jesus,” Diane said.

Jacqueline Hunt brought her cat to the service to receive a blessing.

“Everybody needs a blessing including the animals,” she said.

Anna Marie Block agreed. “I thing that coming here to have our pets blessed is a wonderful idea,” she said.

Randy Kocklin brought two of his four dogs to the service. “The dogs are great for us, and we love them.”

Gray and Shelley Henrickson brought two dogs, Neil, a Tibetian mastiff from China, and Bear, a mixed rescue dog, that is mostly a golden retriever. Gray said, “We came because we can use all of the help that we can get.”

Neil gave many examples of how God has used

animals for service or as a reminder of His gift of salvation.

“Animals were saved from the great flood and afterwards were made a part of the covenant with Noah.

The pastoral lamb recalls the Passover sacrifice and the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. A giant fish saved Jonah from the depths of the sea. Ravens brought bread to Elijah. Animals were included in the repentance of Ninevah,” he said. “Animals share in Christ’s redemption of all of God’s creation. We thank God’s for setting us as stewards of all of God’s creatures.”

A representative from That Animal Group (T.A.G.) was also present. T.A.G. is a Christian-based, humane, educational organization that seeks to better the lives of animals in the River Region and surrounding areas.

T.A.G. is open to anyone with a love and passion for animals and working toward improving the lives of animals. T.A.G. projects include a pet food bank, pet loss support group, dog training and habitats for humaneness. Contact Mary Wilson at 270-1339 or tag36106@ hotmail.com for more information.

For those interested in learning more about the P.A.W.S. Ministry, please contact Diane Watters at 2444090 or dianeh2os@yahoo.com, or go to frazerumc. org/care/ministry/paws

Members of Frazer’s Pets Are Working Saints (P.A.W.S.) Ministry.

June 2012

Who is your motivation?

www.frazerumc.org

Ginger’s Corner Ginger Koerner

Our grandson’s wife Rebecca brings us joy and delight almost every day. She is one of those moms who loves to take pictures of her children and share them on Facebook. We enjoy seeing the babies and learning the cute things they are saying and doing.

Caleb is almost five now, and Rebecca wrote the following on her Facebook page: “Caleb is his own motivational speaker. While setting up the ironing board he was overheard saying, ‘It’s heavy!... I can’t do it!... Yeah! I can do it!... I’m trapped!...Wait!..

I’m strong enough!... It’s not heavy!... I can fix this ironing board!... WHOA!... I cannot!... YES!... Whoa!... WHOA!’ It’s still not set up, but he keeps trying!”

Do you relate to Caleb? I do! There are many times, as adults, these same thoughts go through our heads. There are many problems in our lives that seem too big to handle, and we wonder just how we are going to accomplish the task. Sometimes we are blessed by a friend who steps in and helps, but other times we seem to be on our own.

A few days ago I was picking up prescriptions at Wal-mart and wondering how I was going to handle a situation that had arisen. I remembered a time in our lives when our daughter Janet had been jumped on by a large overly-friendly dog. I was working at the time and received the call that she had hit her head on the concrete curb of our street. After a trip to the emergency room and many x-rays, she came home with a concussion.

I felt so guilty that I was working and not home when this happened. Janet was fine after a few days, but the guilt and angst kept me feeling so inadequate. A dear friend of mine reminded me of an old Swedish Hymn we sang at church. It was written in 1879 by Nils Frykman; but is still appropriate today: Why should I feel anxious?

I have such a friend, who bears in His heart all my woes.

This friend is the Savior: On Him I depend; His love is eternal I know.

This simple hymn has brought me peace and comfort many times. Our Savior is our motivation and friend bringing peace and comfort to us in times when we are in need.

And Caleb? He’s gone on to “teach” one-year-old Luke how to play Alabama football! What next?

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.

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Give up the short term for the greater good

Dear Dave, I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so that the money comes straight out of my checking account, but I still buy things I know I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card?

—Lauren Dear Lauren, First, let me say that debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend.

When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash.

It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differently. You have to get mad at the things that steal your money a dollar or two at a time, and you have to put your foot down. Enough is enough!

Try looking at your life as a whole, not a moment at time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future.

I decided I wanted the greater, long-term

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff.

No discipline is pleasant when you’re doing it, but as the Bible says, it yields a harvest of righteousness.

Trust me, Lauren. The greater good is worth the sacrifice. But until you make that decision for yourself, you won’t do it.

—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.

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Keep up with the latest news and information about Frazer’s WordCentered World-Changing Year, including updates on our Haiti and Montgomery transformation projects, and download our daily devotion guide at frazerumc.org/devotions Also, don’t forget to “Like” the Frazer UMC page if you are on Facebook.

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Frazer Family News

Volunteers mentor students through chess

By E.L. Perry Special to the News

Photos by Crave Student Ministry Middle school girls had a blast expressing themselves creatively through art at Cupcakes and Canvas April 13.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS GET CREATIVE WITH CUPCAKES AND CANVAS NIGHT STAFF REPORT Middle school girls gathered in the Crave room April 13 for “Cupcakes and Canvas,” an evening of painting, eating and fellowship. The girls put their creative skills to the test as each one painted their own masterpiece, as well as connect with and enjoy spending time with their friends.

Eighth grader Morgan Fleming said, “The thing I enjoyed the most was that we got to learn that God gave us all an imagination, and we used our imagination to paint our canvas. That’s how He created the world.”

More Girls Nights are planned for this summer. Call the Crave office or go to frazerumc.org/summer 2012 for more details.

June 2012

Quiet, please! The third-graders at Wares Ferry Elementary School are playing chess, which means they’re concentrating and they shouldn’t be interrupted. They are using their brains and not their mouths! This scene was repeated numerous times during the 2011-2012 school year at Wares Ferry Elementary, T. S. Morris Elementary and Floyd Intermediate School. Concentrating, using your brain, these are the activities that researchers tell us lead to better standardized test scores in both math and reading, better social interaction and more balanced, productive lives. Children who learn to play chess in the lower grades have big advantages over their peers who do not play chess. Volunteers for the ChessIn-The-Public-Schools (CIPS) Ministry know this and are willing to do their part to help students to a better life. Rhonda Miles, Jesse Miles, Don Graham, Don Nolte, William Blackman, Dee Perry, Adrien Rodriguez and E. L. Perry all used their chess skills and time to conduct chess clubs for the public schools this year. It all culminated in a chess tournament at Frazer April 14, in which 32 players from the various schools demonstrated their chess skills for approximately 100 parents, siblings, friends and Frazer volunteers. Although ribbons were awarded, all of the students are the winners. They are winners socially, intellectually and morally because of the social interaction, the mental stimulation and the consideration for others that were demonstrated in room 8114 atFrazer that Saturday.

For each match, the students always shook

hands before the match and after the match. It was common for the winner to say “good game” or “thanks for the game” at the end of the match.

Appropriate manners are encouraged and were evident throughout the school year, especially during this tournament.

Our thanks go to the seventeen volunteers from Alpha and Omega Sunday School Class who made this chess tournament their Great Day of Service. Alpha and Omega participants provided food service, preparation, and clean-up activities to make the tournament a success. Class President, Herb Goodwin, was in room 8114 before 8:00 am making coffee and arranging tables for the group. Class members baked “treats” for the players to share before and after their matches.

Frazer members Lee Werling, Lucy McCall, Adrien Rodriguez and John Carter volunteered to serve as referees for the matches, as did April Frederick. James Garner, a member of Montgomery Chess Club, served as the Director for the tournament. James created the pairings and determined winners in each of three age divisions.

Harold Hill took our pictures. Of course, our own Dr. Tim welcomed the guests and gave the invocation.

At the end of the day, the blue ribbon for first place in grades 3 and 4 was awarded to Miles Haugherty and the red ribbon for second went to Jenny Baek. In grades 5 and 6, first place went to Stanford Ashton with Andrew Parker in second.

For the older group, grades 7 and 8, the blue ribbon winner was Teja Ginjupalli with Victor Trotter in second.

Photo BY Harold Hill

Students concentrate as they compete in a chess tournament hosted by the Chess in the Public Schools Ministry, which includes many volunteers from Frazer, who spent hours each week working with third through sixth graders at Wares Ferry and T.S. Morris Elementary schools and Floyd Intermediate School this year, teaching them chess to build math, reading and social skills.

June 2012

www.frazerumc.org

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Frazer members recognized for service within the church and community

By Andrea VanderMey News Staff Writer

The body of Christ has many parts. Each part is important, but one no more than another. Each part works together to form the body. “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 ESV This year, four Frazer members were nominated for the community-wide 2012 River Region Volunteer of the Year, and recognized at a special celebration ceremony April 17 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Frazer members Nell Murphy and Sara G. Spear were nominated for the Senior Award, Katherine Anne Mitchell was nominated for the Youth Award and Mark Mitchell was recognized through Cops for Christmas for the Good Neighbor of the Year Award. Two of the nominee’s for Volunteer of the Year were interviewed. Both are very involved in Frazer and in the Community.

Nell, who was nominated for the Senior Award, lives her faith, which is evident in the many ministries that she serves as a volunteer at Frazer. Robin VanderMey of Community Ministries said “At an age when many people slow down, Nell has become energized to serve others. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and loves spending time with her family. Wherever Nell volunteers, she serves with a gentle and loving spirit, and is loved by all.”

Nell first started volunteering with the Singles Ministry, where she still serves today, helping with Frazer’s Zoo Day Tuesday Nights Together (TNT) and the Singles Flea Market for Missions. Every Monday, Nell assists the Adult Education office with transferring the Sunday School rolls and entering data for the church database. She also coordinates Aqua Zone volunteers.

Nell spends much of her time in Community Ministries, where she serves as Food Pantry coordinator, along with scheduling volunteers to work in the Community Ministries office, and helping screen Clothes Closet applicants. She also runs a “Meals on Wheels” route with her daughter Lynn once a month, and the two have also delivered pajamas collected by the Children’s Ministry to Father Walter’s and Father Purcell Children’s Homes for the last three years at Christmas. And her love for animals has inspired Nell to support the Montgomery Humane Shelter through donations of supplies and she encourages others to support them as well.

“I cannot think of a person more deserving to be Volunteer of the year than Nell Murphy. This is echoed in every ministry she serves,” Robin said.

Katherine, who was named the winner of the Youth Award, said she lives by the quote. “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Photo by ANDREA VANDERMEY

Four Frazer members were recognized for their service within the community at the River Region Volunteer of the Year celebration. From left: Katherine Anne Mitchell, Nell Murphy, Mark Mitchell and Sara Spear.

“I feel it is incredibly important to give back because God has blessed all of us with so much,” she said.

Katherine is the founder and president of the Bullock County Ambassadors where they help to raise money for the Bullock County Humane Shelter. She helps every year with the Pennies for Puppies campaign at her school and the Creepy Critters contest at the Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital. She is also very active with the Dixie Electric canned food drive.

Mahatma Gandhi once said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you want to see a change, be that change. Each member of the body of Christ has a talent, skill, passion, and desire. Imagine the “what ifs” and be inspired to create a change.

Be a light in a dark place and use your gifts to love God and love others. If you can’t find a ministry to be part of on the commitment card, start a new ministry!

With so many ministries inside the church and around the community, there are plenty of areas to get involved and become a volunteer. If you would like to know more about opportunities within the Frazer family, contact Mary Ogden in the In His Steps office at 495-6386 or mogden@frazerumc.org. You can also find more volunteer opportunities within the community through the Volunteer and Information Center by dialing 211.

COMING IN AUGUST:

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MONTGOMERY AL 36119

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

J UNE 2 0 12

Inside this issue:

ASBURY EYE CLINIC........................................................................................... 1 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR RECOGNITION............................................. 2 CRAVE STUDENTS FOCUS ON DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER.................... 5 PHOTOS FROM 2012 GREAT DAY OF SERVICE..................................................... 6-7 MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT..................................................................................8 Blessing of the Animals...............................................................................8 Frazer Members HONORED FOR SERVICE WITHIN CHURCH, COMMUNITY......... 11 And more!

Save the date:

Frazer Vacation Bible School • July 9-13 Pick up a registration form at the Tugboat or register online at frazerumc.org/vbs2012

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