Vol. 25 No.8
News & Events LADIES NIGHT OUT: TASTE AND SEE All ladies are invited to an evening of fellowship and fun Tuesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. in room 8114. The evening will feature worship, a spiritual message, cooking demo and goodies to enjoy. Register by June 2 at www.frazerumc.org. Please pre-register for childcare. Contact Sandy for more details, 4956391 or sandy@frazerumc.org. Frazer’s Father’s Day run June 15- Save the date! The Father’s Day Run will be Saturday, June 15 (day before Father’s Day), and will be a morning of fun featuring a 5K and 1-Mile run/walk. The race is open to all but special prize drawings will be offered for father-child teams. Proceeds will benefit Stella’s Voice, Frazer’s mission partner in Moldova in the fight to end human trafficking. Race information and online registration is available at www.frazerfathersdayrun.com.
www.frazerumc.org
Great Day of Service an opportunity for God to shine Staff Reports The Frazer Family came together once again, in service and in love, for the fifth Great Day of Service April 13. Volunteers from Frazer and several other United Methodist churches teamed up to demonstrate God’s love to our whole community by working to meet the needs of others through dozens of projects. Approximately 2,200 volunteers came out to serve in about 51 projects at 35 locations. Frazer worked alongside volunteers from the Wesley Foundations at Alabama State University and Tuskegee University, and seven other churches. United Methodist churches were involved in more than 100 projects in six counties that day. Frazer members Sid Ogden, Tom Hollingshead and Brent Smith were the co-chairmen of this year’s event, which involved many, many hours of planning and coordinating every detail to be sure that enough volunteers and supplies were available to cover the various projects. Continued page 7
TIM HAWKINS LIVE AT FRAZER JUNE 23 Who says you can’t have good, clean family entertainment that’s roll-on-the-floor funny. Not Tim Hawkins. Whether he’s ranting on aging Rock Stars, questioning life on Noah’s Ark, or singing his famous “Chick-Fil-A Song,” you’ll be laughing along and loving every minute. The comedian will be live at Frazer Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Tickets are on sale now and a portion of all proceeds goes to benefit Frazer missions. For more ticket information, go to frazerumc.org.
June-July 2013
Photo by Chris Thornton
Volunteers build a bridge at The Arboretum as part of the Great Day of Service, held April 13. Thousands of volunteers from Frazer and other churches came out to share God’s love through serving others and the community at this annual event.
Frazer Eye Clinic brings hope and sight to the community Staff Reports
GET CONNECTED- Connection Groups such as small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes are how you can connect to God’s Word, God’s People, and God’s World. New groups are forming now for men, women, singles, couples, young and old. Check out all the options at frazerumc.org/ connect or pick up a copy of the latest Connections magazine in the Atrium. M o r e e v e n t s & announc e m e n t s pag e 2 M on t hly C al e nda r Pag e 3
PHOTO by MAC MCLELLAN
A patient receives a free eye exam at Frazer’s annual Eye Clinic, held April 20 at Frazer. Several local eye care physicians and professionals offer their services for free at the annual event that helps referred patients get proper screenings and treatment for vision problems.
For some local residents, proper eye care is just not affordable, even when it is desperately needed. But thanks to the generous efforts of several local eye care professionals, many residents were able to receive the treatment they needed at Frazer’s annual free Eye Clinic, held April 20 at Frazer. Frazer member Mike Merrill, who serves as the ALAO executive director, said that 63 patients received free eye care services at the clinic, including eye exams, follow-up treatment with local ophthalmologists when necessary, eye glasses (top of the line) and adult eye education materials. Patients were also provided a free lunch. “Most of these people have never had an eye exam or eyeglasses in their lives,” Mike said. This yearly event began about six years ago. The clinic was previously hosted at Frazer’s former Asbury campus but moved to Frazer’s Atlanta Highway location for the first time this year. The eye clinic is a collaborative project between The Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology (ALAO), EyeCare Alabama (a 501c3 Community Outreach project of ALAO), the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Ophthalmology and the UAB Department of Optometry. Patients are referred to the clinic by Community Outreach Ministries, which is supported by Frazer. Continued page 6
2
Frazer Family News
Announcements
June-July 2013
News + Events
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 Communications Director................. Ken Roach Staff ...................... Mac McLellan, Mike Presley, Candace Rutherford, Alexia Scott, Martha Poole Simmons, Andrea Vandermey Columnist.............. Ginger Koerner Photographers....... Diana Bunch, Judi Mallory, Mac McLellan, Lori Mercer, Mary Ogden, Martha Poole Simmons, Chris Thornton, Lee Werling
Activity Center’s Summer Programs- Check out these exciting summer programs from our Activities Ministry. Call 495-6459 or email liz@frazerumc.org for more information. •Sign ups are underway for Frazer Men’s Summer League Basketball. The league is open to men 18 years old and up. Cost per player is $30 and includes jersey. Register in the Activity Center by June 3. • Girls’ volleyball will be offered for rising 6-12th graders this summer. Registration costs $25, and the deadline is June 3. For more information, go to frazerumc.org/event/girls_summer_volleyball. • Good Mornings - A summer recreation program for rising first graders through rising sixth graders. Mondays- Thursdays, beginning June 3, from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $7 per day. PARKINSONS’ SUPPORT GROUP- Frazer’s Parkinsons Support Group meets every 4th Thursdays and is open to anyone affected by and interested in learning more about Parkinson’s Disease. These meetings provide a time to meet others and share information and support. This group meets every month on the 4th Thursday at 6 p.m. in room 8114. For more information, call Terri Sasser at 495-6333 or Mary Honeycutt 334-277-9732.
Frazer Orchestra Needs You! If you play an instrument, why not use your skills to glorify God in worship? The Frazer Orchestra is an integral part of our Sanctuary worship every Sunday, as well as at special musical events for the entire church. We have a special need at this time for flute and trumpet players. For more information, please contact Music Minister Wayne Sigler at 4956340 or wayne@frazerumc.org. COOKS NEEDED! The 7th Annual Tsste of Frazer will be Wednesday, July 17, in Wesley Hall at 6PM. Tickets will be available in July. Family tickets will be $25 to include 2 adults & 2 children. Adult tickets will be $10. Children’s tickets to include ages 6-12 will be $5. Children 5 & under are FREE. We need 100 men and/or women to volunteer to make their 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 dalekocher54@gmail.com
D i s ci p l e s hi p + F e ll o w s hi p Attention Stay at Home Mamas! Are you a stay at home mom looking for mid-day activities that you and your child can do with other young moms, or are you looking for activities for you where childcare is provided? E-mail Mary Causey at marymade09@gmail. com for a weekly and monthly e-mail letting you know about various activities designed for young moms in mind. Sponsored by the Women’s Ministry. Be sure to like our Facebook page, toowww.facebook.com/frazermom2mom
C H I L D R E N + ST U D E N TS CRAVE SUMMER CALENDAR- Students, be sure to check out the Crave Summer Calendar and save the date for important events and fun activities available all summer long! Start your week off right with Crave University Sunday mornings from 9-10:45, and don’t miss Sunday Fellowships from 6-8 p.m., pool side (locations TBA). Manic Mondays and Wild Card Wednesdays will keep you guessing where your Crave family will be meeting next for fun
and fellowship each week. Be sure to sign up for Whitewater Rafting on the Coosa, Game Days, a Biscuits game, movie night and more. For full details and event dates, check out the Crave Summer Calendar brochure, available in the Atrium and other locations around the church, or go to our web site at frazerumc. org/cravewebsite
SE R V I N G + G I V I N G Meals On Wheels Volunteers Needed- Volunteers are needed to run a new Meals on Wheels Frazer Route outside the bypass off Vaughn Road. Contact Robin at 495-6312 for more information. Food Pantry and Homeless Hygiene Ministries will be collecting nonperishable food items and personal care items in the donation cartsthe first Sunday of each month.
•Threads of Love will meet June 4 in room 8114 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to make blankets for the hospitals. Bring a salad lunch. For more information, contact Sharon Hall at 514-3383.
June-July 2013
Sunday
www.frazerumc.org
3
JUNE 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
2 6:45 a.m. Breakfast 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School 3 p.m. Youth Worship Arts 6 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Crave Sunday Fellowship
3 9 a.m. -5 p.m.Crave Manic Monday- Lake Day
4 12 p.m. Noon Salad Luncheon 1:15 p.m. Speeders Choir 5:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, Grief Support 6 p.m. Taste and See Ladies Night Out 6:55 p.m. Singles TNT 7 p.m. ESL
5
6 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Transform Montgomery Volunteer Workday 9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Dementia Daycare
7
8
12
13
14
15
6 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Crave 11 a.m. Crave Lunch Fellowship 6 p.m. Crave Blitz 7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra
9 10 11 6:45 a.m. Breakfast 8 :30 a.m. Crave 6 p.m. Step One- Parlor 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School Manic Monday- Coosa 12 p.m. Noon Salad Luncheon 6 p.m. Crave Blitz Whitewater Rafting 3 p.m. Youth Worship Arts 1:15 p.m. Speeders Choir 7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra 6 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, 6 p.m. Crave Sunday Fellowship Grief Support 6:55 p.m. Singles TNT 7 p.m. ESL
Father’s Day Run
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Transform Montgomery Volunteer Workday 9 a.m. Women’s Bible Studies 9:30 a.m. Dementia Daycare 6 p.m. S.P.I.R.I.T.
Children’s Camps
Father’s Day 16 17 6:45 a.m. Breakfast 10 a.m. Crave Manic 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School Monday- Messy Games at Frazer 3 p.m. Youth Worship Arts 6 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Crave Sunday Fellowship
18 1:15 p.m. Speeders Choir 5:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, Grief Support 6:55 p.m. Singles TNT 7 p.m. ESL
23 24 25 6:45 a.m. Breakfast 1-4 p.m. Crave Manic 1:15 p.m. Speeders Choir 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School Monday- Game Day at 5:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, 6 p.m. Crave Sunday Fellowship Frazer Grief Support 6:55 p.m. Singles TNT 7 p.m. ESL
19 6 p.m. Step Two- Parlor 6 p.m. Crave Blitz 7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Transform Montgomery Volunteer Workday 9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 11 a.m. Friends Bible Study 6 p.m. Men’s Fellowship Supper
26 6 p.m. Step Three- Parlor 6 p.m. Crave Blitz 7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra
20
21
22
28
29
Youth Worship Arts Choir Tour (through June 29)
6 p.m. Deaf Ministry Silent Social
27 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Transform Montgomery Volunteer Workday 9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 9 a.m. 4th Thursday Games & Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Dementia Daycare
30 6:45 a.m. Breakfast 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School 6 p.m. Crave Sunday Fellowship 6 p.m. Youth Worship Arts Homecoming Concert
Check ouT Connec tions Maga zine for more details about Bible studies, small groups and other ac tivities pick up a copy around the church or go to fra zerumc.org/CONNEC T
4
Frazer Family News
June-July 2013
Youth Worship Arts respond to Hurricane Sandy by reaching out to old friends By Ken Roach Communications Director
When news of the Hurricane Sandy’s devastation in New England late last year reached the Frazer Youth Worship Arts choir, the people affected weren’t just abstract victims, they were old friends. That’s because in 2011 the choir’s summer mission tour was to New York City, including a stop along the way to serve residents of the public housing projects of Newark, New Jersey. As YWA director Debbie Peavy explains, it was a “God-thing” that the choir was ever able to get access to those projects. The head of the Newark Housing Authority explained that no church group had been allowed in for more than 10 years. Through patiently working to build a relationship of trust, however, the choir was able to come in, sing for the residents, serve them, and build friendships. Because of those friendships, students lobbied to use the choir’s 2012 Christmas program as an opportunity to raise funds for the hurricane victims. Through a special offering, more than $5,000 was raised. All three of the projects they visited were completely flooded by the storm. Some had to be completely shut down and the residents relocated. Working through their relationships with housing authority officials, however, they were able to track down many of those whom they had met. Fifty families received $100 Wal-Mart gift cards to assist with their needs, along with personalized cards created by the YWA students. The impact of this personalized assistance was obvious when the residents responded with their own personal touch: hand made thank you cards with photos from the families whose lives were touched were assembled and sent back to Frazer. This summer, YWA will head back out on mission again, this time to the Memphis area. They know that along the way, they won’t just be singing from a stage to an audience; they’ll be building bridges of friendship that can have an impact for many years to come.
2013-2014 Frazer Charitable Trust Scholarship Recipients
The Frazer Charitable Trust Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the following scholarship award recipients for 2013-2014 Scholarship Funds BLAINE ELLIOTT FUND: Ronald Bryant, Lyndsay Ewing, Kaitlyn Hiebert, John Lyles, Sara Kate Peavy, Peter Williams JOAN MATHISON FUND: Will Adams, Anna Beth Peavy JOE PAT COX FUND: Matt Peavy JOHN ED MATHISON FUND: Lauren Brendle, Hannah Carroll, John Easterling, Jeremy Frasher, Joshua Hahn, Daniel Johnson, Taylor Van Gilder KIM PANNONE FUND: Brooke Hansen, Jacob Johnson, Josh Sigler, Ester Workman
JACK & E’WANNA THOMPSON FUND: Alice May GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS Doug Braswell Recipient: Claire Bridges Nida Fox Recipient: Elizabeth Ogden Brother Si Mathison Recipient: Lauren Kingry Gene Thrailkill Recipient: David Mixon Ralf Hamil Lane & Mildred Lane Recipient: Jessy Ann Tucker Betty Andrews Recipient: Elizabeth Elmore Melvin W. Carr, Sr. Recipient: Elise Mason
Willis R.(Jinks) Taylor,Jr. Recipient: Toni Doss Hester A. Garrett Recipient: Carla Weissend John Morgan Recipient: Kasey Tucker Richard Traywick Recipient: Holly Carr Ryan Prince Recipient Mary Beth Garcia MARK & KAY DIERLAM INTEREST-FREE LOAN FUND: Lauren Brendle, Ronald Bryant, Holly Carr, Toni Doss, Mary Beth Garcia, Daniel Johnson, John Lyles, David Mixon, Anna Beth Peavy, Matt Peavy, Jessy Ann Tucker, Kasey Tucker, Carla Weissend, Peter Williams
June-July 2013
www.frazerumc.org
5
Photo by Lori mercer
Congratulations to our 2013 Graduating Seniors! Arthur Baylor Dalton Beasley Holley Bellenger Jamie Boyd Madison Brand Stuart Coats Nathan Cox Anna Beth Crittenden Marcus Dorsey Toni Doss Ashtyn Dubois Austin Duos Hollie Evans Connor Farricker Mary Beth Garcia
Alex Goerke Alex Goff David Gross Dylon Hibbard Lee Hodgson Laura Hodgson David Hubbard Marley Jacobs Kelly Joyner Lauren Kingry Macy Mims Matt Murray Christina Panehal Matt Peavy Dean Rodopoulos
Josie Russell Grayson Rutherford Zach Scott Marley Sport Andrew Stoudenmier Alex Stroud Haidyn Tanner Anna Terry David Tyler Garrett Wagner Zach Walker Alex Walters Justin Watson Walker Woodson
6
Eye Clinic
Frazer Family News
continued from page 1 The physicians and staff donated their time and services for free. By conservative estimates, he said the services provided would total approximately $26,000. ALCON, one of the world’s largest eye care pharmaceutical companies, donated $12,000 worth of free eye care pharmaceuticals for this year’s clinic. A special thanks goes out to all the eye care professionals and staff who offered their time and services for this important event, including ophthalmologists Dr. Won Kim, founder of EyeCare Alabama, who traveled all the way from Florence at his expense to help with the clinic; Dr. Roy Hager of Montgomery, a Frazer member; Dr. In C. Shin of Montgomery, Dr. Russell Read of Birmingham, head of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology Resident’s program. Dr. Read was accompanied by UAB Ophthalmology residents Dr. Michael Neimkin, Dr. Ryan Burton and Dr. Jennifer Doyle. Optometrist Dr. Felton Perry of Birmingham, is the Clinical Associate Professor with the UAB Optometric Group, and he brought 12 UAB Optometry Residents to the clinic with him, along with two vans of equipment. Ms. Shirley Johnson-Wilson, Ed.S. helped organize the clinic. She is the Assessment Coordinator at the UAB School of Education. Mike described the gratitude expressed by many of the patients after they received these critical, and even life-saving services. “One of our patients this year told that because of the clinic and Dr. In C. Shin’s free services, she felt like we had saved her eyesight,” he said. “Last year, we had a patient tell us that our doctors had discovered she had a brain tumor at the clinic, and because of that, we actually saved her life.” He also shared of how so many patients came in with old, broken or ill-fitting glasses because they could not afford a new pair, while others desperately needed glasses but were never able to get any at all. “We had a patient show up with eyeglasses that were missing one of the lenses. He had been wearing them that way all year because he could not afford new glasses, “Mike said. “The services, and the hope, provided to those who need it most through this clinic have touched many lives over the years, both those of the patients and the physicians and staff who serve them.” Mike said people ask “Why do you do this?” and he is reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40: “And the King shall answer and say to them,” ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’” “I was wearing my Frazer TV Ministries shirt one day. A lady saw it and asked me, ‘Do you go to Frazer?’ I said, Yes m’am.’ She said, ‘Frazer-They Help People!’ That about sums it up.”
Photos by Mac McLellan Local eyecare professionals as well as residents from the University of Alabama’s Optometry and Opthlamology programs offered their time and services for free to provide much-needed eye care exams and treatment for 63 patients on April 20.
June-July 2013
June-July 2013
Great Day
www.frazerumc.org
7
continued from page 1 Sid led a team of around 100 people in painting Goodwyn Middle School, as well as assisting with other projects. “It is always wonderful to see people working sideby-side to serve others. It is especially meaningful when the projects exceed our planned limits, “ he said. He explained that the original plan at the middle school was to paint about half of the hallways and four classrooms. The volunteers were able to paint all of the hallways along with the four rooms. “I was blown away by the fact that God took our efforts and multiplied them many times over to achieve HIS desired outcome. It is just not possible to comprehend how much more was done than was humanly possible without seeing the projects from ideas on paper through completion,” Sid said. Another project at The Arboretum involved building three bridges to allow school groups to cross the many creeks running throughout the property. In the end, volunteers were able to complete seven bridges and help provide access to areas previously off limits due to the lack of safe pathways that day, along with landscaping an area that encompasses 32-acres. “God furnished telephone poles, lumber, pine straw, skilled and unskilled labor and enough volunteers to make the impossible possible,” Tom said. Tom shared a memorable moment from the Arboretum project, when the principal of the Arboretum, Cindy McKenzie, came to tour the completed bridges. “I walked up to her and she was crying with joy. She said ‘I don’t know how you all did this.’ I told her we were only able to do it because of God’s complete involvement,” Tom said. “His power and strength made it possible.” Two other large projects included rebuilding the horse arena (the size of a football field) at the Montgomery Therapeutic Center and painting the fellowship hall, offices and apartments of the newly acquired complex for the Friendship Mission. These facilities will be used to benefit homeless women with children. Tom explained that more than 100 volunteers came out to complete the job in record time. Volunteer teams also worked on projects in the Garden Square neighborhood, visited with residents in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, hosted neighborhood block parties, and worked on tasks at individual homes. “Many times when it appeared that we were not going to be able to do part of our many planned projects God showed up and provided what we needed. He out performed us on the Great Day of Service,” Tom shared. Sid said the Great Day of Service also provides the opportunity for people to enter the mission field, right in their own backyard. “There are plenty of opportunities to do things right here in Montgomery to spread good will, be like Christ and glorify God. The Great Day of Service is just one of the most visible,” Sid said. “I would like to thank everyone that came out this year. Through the efforts of so many, God was definitely glorified.”
Photo by Chris Thornton
Photo by Chris Thornton
Photo by Chris Thornton
Photo by LEE WERLING
Photo by LEE WERLING
Photo by PRIME TIME SINGLES
Photo by Chris Thornton
Photo by FAMILY TEAMS FOR CHRIST
Photo by Chris Thornton
Photo by LEE WERLING
Photo by LEE WERLING
8
Frazer Family News
June-July 2013
Mission team continues building relationships with sister church in Cuba By Betty Smith Special to the News
When the Frazer mission team stepped off the plane in Havana, Cuba on March 22, we were well aware that we were in a communist country. But even as we waited three hours to enter the country, we were able to make friends and witness to people. We knew to expect delays and some roadblocks along the way, but what some of us did not necessarily expect was the fiery Latin passion of the Cuban Christians. In this communist country, that is off-limits to most Americans, is a rapidly growing Christian church that is 100 percent on board for Jesus. Frazer has established a sister relationship with the Guanabacoa Methodist Church. We were told that the city of Guanabacoa is the epicenter of the Santería religion, a blend of old-style Catholicism and Caribbean voodoo. Many of the homes in the area proudly display a blood dripping tongue with a dagger, the sign that Santeríans live within. We personally met a former Santería high priest who is now an active member of the Methodist church. What a blessing it was to see a new Christian dancing for the Lord instead of performing voodoo incantations! Some children from Santería homes attended the carnival that the Frazer team organized. Pastor Javier Diaz said that after our carnival last year that many unchurched children came back for Sunday school the next week. He was hoping for similar results this year! With eyes of faith, we were witnesses to several miracles while in Cuba. The Cuban Christians said that the church in America does not see miracles happen because we trust in our “things” instead of trusting in God. They have so little in the form of material blessings, but they have an abundance of spiritual blessings! One precious miracle we were fortunate enough to observe concerned Frazer’s Hispanic pastor’s wife, Tamy Aman. Tamy had misplaced her passport in the Miami Airport just before we were to board the plane to Cuba. We prayed and one of the team members helped Tamy retrace her steps to look for the passport. I must admit that my faith was weak and I assumed the passport, lost in a busy international airport, was gone for good. I was told that there is a thriving black market on American passports. Retracing steps, Tamy and Connie finally decided to check the ladies room. In a large airport, one would expect that there would be at least a few women in the restroom, but there were not. A very young girl, who appeared to be all alone in the public restroom, was holding the passport in her hand waiting for Tamy to come back for it! I hope that this story will encourage you to pray for ALL things and in ALL circumstances. One could easily see that our team was a great encouragement to the Christians at Guanabacoa. They were amazed that we would leave the comforts of our homes in America to spend time with them. Of course, the amount of money we took for continuing the construction at their church was an overwhelming surprise to them. The average Cuban earns $10-20 a
PHOTOs contributed by Cuba Mission team
Frazer’s mission team to Cuba had many opportunities to minister to the community surrounding the Guanabacoa Methodist Church, Frazer’s sister church in Cuba. They spent much tme with the children, and held a carnival for them. The team also provided women’s ministry and joined the Cuban people in powerful worship. Many members of this mission team will return to Cuba in November to reconnect and continue relationship building.
month, so finishing their church’s roof seemed like a humanly impossible feat for them. So they prayed and God answered! But more than the money we were able to provide for their construction project, just our presence there let them know that they are not forgotten. They are so isolated by the Communist government that it is easy to believe that the world has turned its back on them. In turn, their uncomplicated and trusting faith was a great blessing to our entire team. The members of our team were Brent and Betty Smith, Mike and Ellyn Hudson, Connie Daniel, Sandra Wood, Linda Hines, Tamy Aman and Gary and Cindy Cochran. Many of us will return to Cuba in November to reconnect with friends that were made and continue relationship building. Everything on this trip just fit together so beautifully that we know God’s hand was in it. From Tamy Aman’s spirited talks at our women’s ministry, to seeing a group of new Christians at one of Guanabacoa’s mission churches finally have a small hut to meet in, the week was amazing from beginning to end!
June-July 2013
www.frazerumc.org
Joyous hope in a faithful God As I sit in my daughter’s dining room looking out the glass door, the foggy, damp is slowing being burnt off by a determined sun. This day could go either way. I can be depressed, which is what the grayish clouds seem to be, or I can choose to look on the bright side and drive the clouds of depression away. I choose the bright side! This morning I sent greeting cards to my friend who just lost a loved one. How my heart relates to that. And a joyful Birthday card with a big smile— I’m not the only one getting older! As I was giving thought to my column, I asked God, “How is it possible that some are rejoicing and some are mourning on the same day? Why?” When I was younger I had a friend in Maryland who spent many hours in the winter with her bulbs—how she nurtured them through the snow and cold! There was always a long planter in her kitchen windowsill, the green spikes and spires in various stages of growth. When asked why she did it, she said “because I love to grow things, and because I want to be first to have blooms in my yard!” Today, God has allowed the sky to be dreary and
Ginger’s Corner Ginger Koerner
drippy. He sends brief periods of sunshine to remind us it’s still there. Yesterday He gave us a day of sunshine, brilliant in the cold of winter. Today he gave a happy day to one friend; and to my other friends a day of deep sorrow, and yet they have the joyous hope of eternal life for their loved one. God is like my friend; He loves and nourishes us through every day of our lives and always wants to be first in our lives! “Oh that we might know the Lord, Let us press on to know Him, He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in the early spring.” Hosea 6:3 As I take another look out of the door, I still see intermittent gray clouds and a twinkle of sun here and there, a ray of hope. God has also sent some green spikes of grass. By the time you read this column, we will be enjoying Spring. What a faithful and loving God we have! 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. Her hobbies are quilting and reading.
Realize ‘wants’ vs. ‘needs’ when developing a budget Dear Dave, Can you please define “necessities” in today’s world while trying to get out of debt and live on a budget? —Matthew
Dear Matthew, Whether you’re talking about the world today or 50 years ago, necessities haven’t changed. Necessities are still food, shelter, clothing, transportation and utilities. We’re talking about needs versus wants. The problem is that many people were never taught that there’s a difference between the two—a big difference. Most people have enough food to eat and a decent place to live. Those are necessities. I’m not talking about eating out or having a big, fancy house. Those are wants. Most people also have enough clothes in the closet and a way to get around town. They may not have designer clothes or a fancy foreign sports car, but again, those are wants, not needs. Keeping the lights on and the house warm in winter and cool during the summer? Utilities are a need. But no one needs a $300 super-deluxe cable television package. Now, there are some important wants. I want you to have life insurance to protect your family. I also want you to have a will and health insurance. I want you to have some other nice things, too, like a better car or a nicer house. There’s nothing wrong, at some point, with having a few toys or eating at a good restaurant once in a while. But again, these things are wants, not needs.
Dave Says Dave Ramsey Believe it or not, very few Americans struggle with basic necessities. Sure, there are hungry people and homeless people in America. Those of us who have been financially blessed should want to help the less fortunate in ways that allow them to get back on their feet and start providing for themselves again. But most folks in this country have nothing to whine about. There’s nothing wrong with having a few wants, but you should define them correctly—and never, ever put them ahead of your needs! —Dave
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.
CARING FOR OUR CONGREGATIon BIRTHS We rejoice with our members who have recently welcomed a new child into their family.
• A son, Jackson Morgan, born to Brandi and Jon Moody March 6, 2013. • A daughter, “Emma” Cathryn, born to Erica and Tim Lutz March 8, 2013. • A son, “Yates” Hamilton, born to Brantley and Hudson Thompson March 21, 2013. • A daughter, “Kate Chapman”, born to Lindsey and Brooks Boyd March 28, 2013. • A son, Gabriel Aaron, adopted into the family of Robin and Frank Pass April 12, 2013.
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.
• Myrtle Singleton • Mother of Ben Shoults • Grace Till • Charles Burt • Father of Donna Mullins Johnson • Father of Amy Carr, Allison Waid & Brent Camp II • Father of Margaret Traylor & Gayle Harris • Mother of Becky Regentine • Father of Mike Mullen • Father of Jeanene Crenshaw • Father of Amy Mallett • Wife of Daniel Armstrong • Mother of Jane Watters • Henry North • Gail Lombard • Tommy Garrigan
9
10
Frazer Family News
June-July 2013
Local military hero, Frazer family member honored at Arlington Cemetery By Dr. Martha Poole Simmons News Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: The following is a firsthand account of the military funeral proceedings for a Frazer family member, where the author was in attendance. Col. Bernie Quedens and his wife Barbara have been part of the Frazer family for years, and after his passing in 2012, he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors earlier this spring. We remember Col. Quedens for his service to his country as well as his presence here in our church and our community. As we remember our military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and our freedom this Memorial Day, we also give thanks to the Lord for these brave men and women, like Col. Quedens, who served with courage and strength to protect the freedom of people everywhere. A graveside service for retired Col. Bernard “Bernie” Quedens was held at Arlington Cemetery at 11 a.m. March 21, 2013, with Chaplain Matthew D. Madison presiding. On that bone-chilling, March day, with wind gusting and blowing American flags, full military honors were extended to Bernie at a site among the 400,000 graves on the sprawling hillsides of Arlington Cemetery. With views of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol in the eastern distance, the service was held at a gravesite near the rear of the Pentagon.The procession to the graveside included a caisson drawn by six white horses harnessed in pairs carrying an American flag draped coffin with his ashes. In addition, a single riderless horse with reversed black boots in the stirrups of the saddle walked in the procession. At the beginning of the service and at the end of the service, a single helicopter flew overhead in memory of Bernie’s years as a helicopter pilot and instructor. Two rows of United States Army personnel in dress
Col. Bernie Quedens was a decorated military hero.
PHOTO by dr. Martha Poole simmons
Ret. Col. Bernard Quedens, part of the Frazer family, was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, March 21, 2013.
uniforms stood at attention throughout the service. Seven military riflemen gave a 21-gun salute to Bernie with each rifleman firing three times simultaneously. The military band softly played “America the Beautiful.” Army Chaplain Madison spoke about Bernie’s illustrious military career citing his two tours in Vietnam, his receipt of medals,and other accomplishments. Ending the service, the sounds of “Taps” wafted over the gravesite followed by a military person presenting the American flag to his widow, Barbara, stating, “On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; or the United States Air Force), and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Obituary for Bernie Quedens Bernard Bruno “Bernie” Quedens, (Col. U. S. A, ret), age 79, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2012. A “Celebration of his life” was held at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, AL on June 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following at the church. Bernie was born July 10, 1932, in Long Island City, NY to Bruno J. Quedens and Erna Bose Quedens, American citizens from Germany. He returned to Germany with his family at a young age and returned to the United States in 1951. As a youth, Bernie was reared in the Lutheran Church, but he became a Methodist as an adult. He was drafted in 1952 and completed basic training at Brecken Ridge, KY and shortly after attended OCS at Ft. Sill, OK. He was assigned to the 82nd Air Borne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC following which he became a fixed wing and rotary wing qualified aviator at Ft. Rucker, AL and returned to the 82nd Air Borne Division and subsequently became the Operations Officer for the 120 Aviation Company in Saigon, RVN in Feb. of 1963. After serving a year in Vietnam, he returned to the United States and commanded a company in the Dominican Republic Operation in 1966. After the Dominican Republic, he attended General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He then returned to Vietnam and commanded a helicopter company in combat in 1967. After returning to the U. S., Bernie received an undergraduate degree from St. Benedict’s College in Kansas and a Masters Degree from the University of Southern California. Subsequent assignments were with staff positions and command positions of a battalion and
Barbara and Bernie Quedens
as an aviation Staff Officer in the Pentagon. Bernie’s long and distinguished military career earned him a Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star with two clusters and an Air Medal (16), Meritorious Service Medal with three awards, Army Commendation Medal with two awards, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Armed Services Reserve Medal, Vietnam Services Medal with three stars, Vietnam Combat Medal, VCG with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civilian Action Honor Medal, RVN Training Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, Meritorious Unit Citation. He was a Master Army Aviator with 4000 hours of flying time, 400 of which were flown in combat. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters. Bernie is survived by his wife, Barbara Morgan Quedens, a member at Frazer. Bernie and Barbara shared a family of five children, Guy Quedens of Plano, TX, Marret Q. Poston of Southern Pines, NC, Bill Treadway of Sarasota, FL, Judy T. Barranco of Montgomery, AL and Cathy Zombro of San Diego, CA and twelve grandchildren. The Professional In Combat By Patrick N. Delavan
Bernie Quedens was a past master at war. His genes prepared him many years before. He planned every move in advance. And this took the death out of chance. Many of us are alive because he knew more.
June-July 2013
www.frazerumc.org
Sign up now for Vacation Bible School! Don’t miss the adventure!
11
Take a ride on “The Colossal Coaster” at this year’s Vacation Bible School, July 8-12 from 9 a.m. to noon at Frazer. Throughout this fun-filled week, children will learn about overcoming fear and living the adventure of faith through the teaching of God’s Word. Games, crafts, singing, fun and worship are all part of our biggest Children’s Ministry event of the year that draws hundreds of rising K5 through sixth graders from Frazer and from the community. Registration forms are available through the Children’s ministry or online at frazerumc.org/vbs
Volunteers are Needed! If VBS made an impact on you as a child, consider giving back by becoming a volunteer. We need teachers and assistants in the classrooms; you bring your love for children, and we’ll supply the curriculum and all the materials you’ll need to walk you step by step through a fun week of teaching. Behind-thescenes servants are also needed to make the fun of games, crafts, snacks and worship times come to life. Sign up using the registration form below. Nursery for children ages 0-4 is available only for children of volunteers.Register online to volunteer at frazerumc.org
Bible Basics Class helps prepare meals for the needy in our community
Tablets for Tutoring panasonic
acer
samsung
asus
nook
toshiba
iPad
vizio
kindle
sony
dell
pandigital
Staff Reports
Recycle your E-Reader
Partners in Education and Frazer are collecting E-Readers for tutoring in Montgomery Public Schools. You can donate your used tablets either to Partners in Education or Frazer Community Ministries. E-Readers are used by volunteer tutors to assist struggling readers.
334-495-6312
pie
partners in education http://www.montgomeryed.org
The Bible Basics Sunday School class recently spent time reaching out to the community by preparing meals for the Montgomery Area Council on Aging’s frozen meals program. After a time of fellowship and a meal on April 24, class members prepped and packaged 50 meals to be frozen and distributed by MACOA. Additional leftovers ere then delivered to the local homeless mission, Reality and Truth, run by Frazer member Ladonna Brendle. The Bible Basics Sunday School class meets at 11 a.m. in the East Sanctuary, geared towards adults age 40 and up, and led by Virginia Thompson. Photos by Lee Werling
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MONTGOMERY AL 36119
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. Box 241347 Montgomery, AL 36124-1347
J UNE - J ULY 2 0 13
Inside this issue:
GOD SHINES THROUGH GREAT DAY OF SERVICE VOLUNTEERS............................... 1 Frazer Eye Clinic BRINGS HOPE AND SIGHT TO COMMUNITY............................. 1 APRIL calendar of events............................................................................. 3 Youth Worship Arts Reaches out to Hurricane Sandy Survivors............. 4 Frazer Charitable Trust 2013-2014 Scholarship Recipients....................... 4 2013 Graduating Seniors............................................................................... 5 CUBA MIssion Trip..........................................................................................8 And more! Save the date:
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