“If you are living for yourself, you’ll miss out on so many amazing experiences that God has for you.” 8
Vol. 24 No. 7
News & Events GREAT DAY OF SERVICE APRIL 21- Frazer’s fourth Great Day of Service is a transformational opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to our whole community by focusing the efforts of as many people as possible into one day of meeting the needs of others. Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.,Frazer will join with several other UMC churches to send thousands of volunteers out to dozens of projects across our city, ranging from painting and light construction to cooking to block parties and games with children. Classes and Bible Study groups are encouraged to sign up for a project together or individuals may sign up by contacting Butch McPherson in the Evangelism Office, at 495-6325 or butch@frazerumc.org or sign up online at greatdayofservice.net. SPRING 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 oppor tunities and fellowship activities for all ages. The Spring 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 this season. You can also view it online at frazerumc.org/groups.
www.frazerumc.org March-April
Families heed the call to help through foster care By Alexia Scott News Staff Writer
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 In a May 2011 blog, Senior Minister Dr. Tim Thompson challenged church members to prayerfully consider how to give hope and a future to orphaned children. He said, “It’s biblical; it’s right; it’s our calling as the body of Christ to care for orphans . . . as a Frazer family, we are going to respond to the children of this world. We are all one family.” That was how Frazer’s ONEfamily Ministry was born. It was created to assist the Frazer family in heeding God’s directive to care for the orphan and keep him out of harm’s way. Although finding reliable statistics is difficult, it’s safe to say that, every year, millions of orphans worldwide grow up in orphanages and “age out” of the system. As church members who are familiar with Stella’s House and Simon’s House know, without outside intervention, their future prospects are bleak. According to Hope for Orphans of the World: • About 10 percent of orphans in Ukraine will commit suicide after leaving the orphanage before their 18th birthday. • Though promised good jobs, 60 percent of the girls will end up in prostitution. • 70 percent of the boys will enter a life of crime. Leslie Harris Word coordinates the ONEfamily ministry. She says that God calls for believers to care for the widow and the
orphan. “Now the ways the we do it can look different, but it is something that everyone, whether you’re 14 years old or 74 years old, is called to do,” she said. Continued page 5
Prayer Ministry uses letters, e-mails to lift up needs By Brandy Freeman News Staff Writer
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. M or e e v e n t s & announc e m e n t s pag e 3
2012
Photo by AMY PRESLEY
Prayer Request boxes, like this one located in the hallway outside of the Sanctuary, are just one way that individuals can submit needs for Prayer Ministry volunteers to pray over. Boxes are located throughout the church.
God answers our prayers in many different ways. He works through words, pens and paper, and even e-mail! The Prayer Ministry is alive and moving in Frazer and around the world. Two areas of Prayer Ministry are Heart Notes and E-mail Intercessors. The volunteers serve by praying over requests and responding to messages received in either the prayer request boxes or e-mail. Heart Notes are notes of encouragement and scripture sent out by the volunteers that pray over those requests. “Writing cards and notes is almost not done anymore. We wanted to keep alive the art of hand written notes.” Said Jan Niel, Prayer Ministry Director. Valree Chambers coordinates Heart Notes and she has been working with the ministry since 2007. The ministry maintains a high number of volunteers, averaging around 80 every year. These volunteers respond to many different kinds of requests but mostly minister to people experiencing a crisis, such as catastrophic illness, marital problems and addiction. Continued page 7
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March-April 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.
PLUS MA RK YO UR C A LEND A R FO R THESE HOLY WEEK EVENTS: 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
April 1 Palm Sunday Night of Worship Led by the Contemporary Praise Band. Discover how through the death and resurrection of Christ we are all set free! 6PM Wesley Hall. April 4-6 Stations of the Cross Experience an interactive prayer journey to the cross with Jesus. Wesley Hall. 5-8PM Wednesday 8AM-8PM Thursday 8AM-7PM Friday April 6 Good Friday Worship A somber but beautiful worship service remembering the death of Christ through scripture, song, and the gradual extinguishing of the candles. 7PM Main Sanctuary. April 8 Easter Sunrise Service Celebrate Easter in the beauty of nature. Located near the Vaughn Rd. entrance to the Alabama Shakespeare Theatre. Bring a lawn chair; rain cancels. 6AM Blount Park
March-April 2012
Announcements
www.frazerumc.org
News + Events
Scholarship applications are available in the church office and are due by March 31. Prospective Member Dinner- Have you attended Frazer for some time, but never joined? Curious about membership? Want to ask questions and hear directly from our pastors about membership? If so, you are invited to join Dr. Tim Thompson and Rev. Patrick Quinn for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 16. There is no cost, but the deadline for reservations is April 11. For more information, contact Levi Gardner at 495-6359 or lgardner@frazerumc.org.
FREE AARP TAX ASSISTANCE- Frazer is offering 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.
FOURTH THURSDAY for older adults- Join us Thursday, April 19 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.
S.P.I.R.I.T.- S.P.I.R.I.T. of Frazer will meet Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. Please watch the bulletin for more details on the program.
Developing Your Prayer Life- Developing Your Prayer Life is a 4-week course designed to teach the essentials of a believer’s prayer life. This class will begin April 4, at 6 p.m. in room 3105. To register, contact Sandy Boswell at 495-6391 or sandy@frazerumc.org.
SE R V I N G + G I V I N G Food Pantry and Homeless Hygiene Ministries will collect non-perishable food and personal care items Sunday, April 1 . Please drop off items in the donation carts located throughout the church.
• A daughter, “Kayden” Belle, born March 5, 2012, to Melissa and Ryan Morrow.
• 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.
• Mother of Beve Labosky • Lori Skinner Thomas
C H I L D R E N + ST U D E N TS
CHILDREN’S CAMP REGISTRATION- Sign up now for Children’s Camp, June 11-15 at Camp Chandler! Your child will enjoy canoeing, fishing, swimming, water slide, horseback riding, riflery, putt-putt golf, nature hikes, and crafts with Bible study, chapel time, new friends and much, much more! Camp Sonshine for rising 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders will be June 11-13 and Camp Challenge for rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders will be June 11-15. For more information about cost and registration, please call the Children’s Ministry at 495-6335 or go to frazerumc.org/camp
We rejoice with our members who have recently welcomed a new child into their family since January.
• A son, “Jace” Alexander, born Feb. 16, 2012, to JeWanda and Marvin Lowe.
Men’s Ministry- April monthly breakfast will be held Wednesday, April 4 at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Monthly third Thursday men’s supper will be April 19 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5.
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.
BIRTHS
• A son, “Eli” Stone, born Jan. 25, 2012, to Courtney and Mike Dasinger.
D i s cipl e s hip + F e ll o w s hip
NOON SALAD LUNCHEON- The April Noon Salad Luncheon will be Tuesday, April 10 from 12-1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
CARING FOR OUR CONGREGATIon
• Mother of Michael Byars Graduating Senior Recognition Crave Student Ministry will honor all graduating seniors with a recognition ceremony during the 9:30am Sanctuary and 11am Wesley Hall worship services on Sunday, May 20, followed by a luncheon at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall with a video retrospective and a challenge for the future. Cost of the lunch is $10 per person (graduating Senior is free). Register in the Student Ministry office by May 9.Parents: You can make this day special by providing Crave with a maximum of five photos of your student (one baby and one senior picture) and any candid photos of your child throughout the years. Please email these photos to bryan.levangie@frazerumc.org or bring them to the Crave office by May 9.
• Jerry Mitchell • John Crawford • Dwight Cleveland • Frank Gibbons • Father of Nora Boyd • Father of Candace Rutherford • Father of Mike Brown • Mary Bobbie Greene • Father of Bonnie Cox
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Volunteers use sewing talents to minister to congregation, community By Andrea VanderMey News Staff writer
Two days a week, two different groups of women gather to sew for special occasions, other ministries, and to complete special projects for both Frazer and the Montgomery community. One group of volunteers meets Tuesdays from 3:30-6 p.m. and the other meets Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Though the women are all part of the same ministry, the two groups have different projects that they work to complete. Joan Burden leads a volunteer group of about three women on Tuesday nights. A majority of the ladies’ time is spent working on baby clothing for the Baby’s First program at the Methodist Children’s home. The ladies are given the age of each child, whether they are a boy or a girl, and what size they wear. Right now, they are sewing for five boys and one girl. Most recently, the project of the Tuesday night volunteers has been to make 560 bibs for Father Purcell Memorial Children’s Center. At Father Purcell’s, there are 58 beds and every child wears a bib. The bibs need to be changed about 7-10 times a day. Beth Harrell leads the Wednesday morning volunteers. These volunteers spend a majority of their time mending clothes for the Clothes Closet, making extra large women’s clothing for the Clothes Closet, mending choir robes, and making quilts. Whenever needed, they also are ready and willing to complete special projects for the church and the community. Beth has been part of the Sewing Ministry for 12 years. In this time, she has seen and taken advantage of many opportunities to help other ministries with their sewing needs. One avenue Beth and the Sewing Ministry ladies would like to see grow is the addition of sewing classes. If you or someone you know is interested in teaching a sewing class, being part of the class, or joining the Sewing Ministry, please contact Beth Harrell. The ladies of the sewing ministry act whenever they are needed. Joan has been part of the ministry for about eight years and has even made costumes for Frazer’s cantatas and musical programs. About one year ago, the ladies made 250 Santa hats for the Frazer Staff Christmas party. They have created Easter dresses, day gowns, and other embroidered items. They have also made dolls for the pediatric wing of the local hospitals. The children could draw faces and dresses on their dolls. Nurses would also use the doll to show the children where they would be receiving a shot. “Right now, we have about 15 volunteers” Beth said. “We always need more volunteers.” If you are interested in this ministry, but cannot volunteer during these times (Tuesday 3:30-6 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.), an option is to work from home. The Sewing Ministry will provide the supplies you need for your projects so you can work whenever is best for you. As a need arises, the volunteers in the Sewing ministry are ready to fulfill that need. Requests to the Sewing Ministry go through the Community Ministries office. If you would like more information or have a tip on a new project, please call Beth Harrell at 334-244-8743 or Robin VanderMey at 334-495-6312.
Photos by andrea vanderMey
Volunteers with Frazer’s Sewing Ministry meet weekly to work on a variety of projects to meet the needs of our congregation and community. Above: Ladies meet on Tuesday evenings to sew bibs for Father Purcell’s Children’s Center.
DID YOU KNOW?
PETS ARE WORKING SAINTS Did you know that the PAWS (Pets Are Working Saints) Ministry has approximately 40 volunteers who visit 8 nursing homes and one children’s home in the Montgomery area? PAWS is comprised of mostly dogs as their pet ambassadors, but there are some cats, and a bird will join the team this year. Please be in prayer for our furry friends as they minister in their own ways.
Sewing Ministry volunteers meet on Wednesdayss to work on several different projects to benefit the church and community, ranging from mending clothing and sewing extra-large women’s clothing items for the Clothes Closet to repairing choir robes and sewing quilts.
March-April 2012
Foster Care
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continued from page 1 Leslie is excited to see the myriad of ways in which members of Frazer are getting involved. High school students are spending their Saturdays at the Adullam House, women’s circles are contributing to care packages for foster children, and women who are past the age of fostering are providing meals for families that have recently taken in foster children. Jon and Diane Klaaren are empty nesters who became interested in foster respite/emergency care when Frazer began promoting it through the ONEfamily initiative. Respite care is short-term foster care, which can mean taking in a child for a night or a few days—when the foster family has to travel and the child can’t go out of state, for example. “Our hope is to have respite foster families in the Frazer family so that when foster parents need respite, they have families they know personally that they can leave their foster children with,” Leslie said Jon said, “We are fortunate because we get to spend a lot of time with our two granddaughters. We love being around the kids and realized that we have plenty of that love to share with others.” As they became more aware of the need for loving, safe environments for children whose families are in a crisis, the Klaarens realized that they honestly couldn’t come up with a single reason not to help. Foster care requires completion of a 10-week training course. “The 10-week foster care class was wonderful,” Diane said. “This class addresses everything that you could possibly think of regarding the foster care process. Our social workers made the process so smooth and easy. As you meet other families doing the same thing, you realize that you have a wonderful support system.” The pair had a particularly meaningful holiday season. Jon said, “We were fortunate to be able to provide care last Thanksgiving for a precious twoweek-old little boy while his foster parents went to visit family out of state (he couldn’t go out of state yet). He was with us for five nights, and we thoroughly enjoyed having him. We had company for the holiday, and everyone pitched in so there was no lack of love for our little house guest.” Pam Renfield is on the ONEfamily Council, and she and husband Ren decided that they would take the foster
classes at Frazer to see where the Lord would lead them. She says that He ended up leading them to foster care. “We were certified as foster parents in November, and we had a placement soon afterwards,” she said. Currently, they foster two kids, a boy and a girl. Pam and Ren say that they are in constant prayer about their foster children and their own lives, as well. “God will get you through anything,” she said. Leslie and her husband Brian were already on the adoption waiting list when they decided also to provide respite foster care. Leslie said that the decision to foster full time did not come lightly, and that it was, in fact, both “scary and uncomfortable.” “But as Brian and I were going through the classes, God impressed on both of our hearts that we needed to be open to the possibility of doing more than respite care,” she said. When they received a call to take in a two-week-old baby indefinitely, their decision came quickly. It had to; they only had one week to turn their house into a baby-friendly home! Although they felt overwhelmed, the couple knew that they had the space, the time, and the love to give the child. “Our Frazer family was AMAZING in donating items, clothes, diapers, and wipes,” Leslie said. By the time the baby came home, they had nearly everything they needed. Diane added, “We feel totally confident that God has led us to make this commitment, so that in itself is the biggest blessing. Further blessing will come in knowing that maybe, just maybe, we might make a difference in one of these little ones’ lives.” Susan and Nick Moss, who have a five-year old son of their own, are hoping for placement soon. They completed the ONEfamily Foster training class in November, and shortly thereafter were asked to provide respite care for an infant for a few days during the Christmas holiday. “We loved it. It is such an honor and privilege to love and care for these sweet children,” Susan said. “Seeing that God has a purpose and plan for each of them is a blessing to my family.” Watching the five-year-old interact with the baby was a blessing, too. They believe that he is learning to open his heart in compassion for others. “It is amazing how God has placed His desire for us to foster and adopt on our hearts
Photo by Suzanne Williams
Jon and Diane Klaaren completed the Foster Care training to become certified in Respite care.
Photo provided by the words
Leslie and Brian Word are currently fostering an infant, and undergoing the international adoption process.
and now His desire has become OUR desire,” she said. Leslie writes in her blog, “Waiting on a Word,” about the ups and downs of the adoption process. The Words hope to receive a referral in the next few months. She said, “I’m constantly reminded that my idea and plans for my life are so much smaller and narrower than anything God could and is orchestrating. By opening our family up to adoption and foster care, our eyes have been opened to the desperate need for loving families for children in our state and in our world.” Tim asks that Frazer members all pray about how they can help answer the cries of the 12,000 who become orphaned every year. Pam said, “If you have ever thought about adoption, consider taking the foster classes . . . The biggest thing we learned is that it is not about us. It is about the children, and we also know it is obedience to God.” She added, “We are blessed by know-
ing we are helping be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. We hope that others who come into contact with us will know a little more about God’s will in caring for the orphans.” Leslie agrees. “Our fears and reservations, when closely examined, really are nothing more than fearing losing the American dream of ‘comfort.’” God has been rocking that mindset as we have continued to learn more about the millions of orphans that do not have families around us. It’s been very humbling.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONEFAMILY MINISTRY AT ONEFAMILY.BLOGSPOT.COM
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March-April 2012
Upcoming Opportunities to Support Missions at Frazer Youth Worship Arts Dinner Theater
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!
Great music and a great meal come together when Frazer’s excellent Youth Worship Arts student choir presents their annual dinner theater “Sail Away with YWA.” This year’s performance, set for Sunday, April 15, will include music and characters from the world of Disney, as the choir prepares to travel to Florida this summer for their mission trip and choir tour. Two performances will be offered-one at 12 p.m and 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are available in the Bookstore; $10 Adults, $5 Children (8 and under). Tables of 8 may be reserved. Proceeds go to support the YWA mission tour this summer. For more information, contact Debbie Peavy at 495-6353 or debbiep@frazerumc.org.
March Missionary Spotlight: John-Mark & Susan Brabon OMS International, Taichung, Taiwan The Brabons have served with One Mission Society (OMS) since 1979. John-Mark currently serves as the International Regional Director for Asia Pacific, traveling to 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to give vision, leadership and encouragement, and also to minister to missionaries and national leaders. John-Mark’s role also includes exploring new partnership possibilities in new countries. John-Mark and Susan are both involved with training leaders in Community Church Planting. Susan is currently studying at Asbury Theological Seminary for a Masters degree in Theological Studies, and also teaches English Bible Study at Taiching Holiness Church. She writes daily e-mail devotionals for Dynamic Women. The Brabons have a son, Scott, who is a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Kentucky. Please keep the Brabons in your prayers and ask God to provide protection, wisdom and discernment as the Brabons travel and explore new ministry opportunities and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
Missions BBQ & Flea Market Saturday May, 5
22nd Annual
YO U T H M I S S I O N S
May 5, 2012 FRAZER UMC
Youth Missions BBQ: It is that time of the year when pigs begin to fly and tickets are being sold in preparation for the youth missions BBQ. On Saturday, May 5, the 22nd annual BBQ will be helping Frazer send students to the Dominican Republic, Atlanta, Haiti and Ethiopia. You can do your part by purchasing your tickets for only $8 a plate or $5 a sandwich bag. Tickets will be available in the Crave Student Ministry office throughout the week or the atrium on Sundays. Come support your student ministry and prepare to pig out on May 5 with the best BBQ in Montgomery. The BBQ will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and you can dine in the Fellowship Hall or pick up your BBQ to go. We will once again make free deliveries to businesses wanting to treat their employees. Contact the Crave office at 495-6409 for more details. Singles Missions Flea Market: Participate in one of three ways, all of which go to help Singles participate in missions: 1. Come shop from 7 to 1 the day of the BBQ and find a bargain 2. Donate your stuff; bring it by the Singles office, or we’ll pick it up! 3. Rent a booth--15x20 space for $20 For donations or rentals call 495.6390.
Frazer Father’s Day Run June 16 The Frazer “Trans4mation Run” has been renamed the Frazer Father’s Day run. Save the date for the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 16 for a day of fun featuring 5K and 1-Mile run/walk courses starting and finishing behind the Frazer Activity Center and running through the Landmark subdivision. The race is open 22nd Annual to all but special award categories will be offered for father-child teams. will YO UTH MProceeds ISSIO Nbenefit S Frazer’s ongoing transformational work with the Deaf Community in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Detailed race information and online registration coming soon.
May 5, 2012
FRAZER UMC
March-April 2012
www.frazerumc.org
Prayer Ministry
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continued from page 1 God works through the volunteers and makes sure that those who need to hear His voice receive the notes and letters at exactly the right moment. “God’s timing is perfect.” Valree said. According to Valree, God’s hands are also on the volunteers. “Those who write the notes often say that they are greatly blessed to be able to serve with God by praying over requests and writing the letters.” Heart Notes is unique in the Prayer Ministry because it doesn’t get feedback from those who receive the letters. Val shared a rare and touching story: One woman received a note every two or three months from her “Prayer Partner” during a time of suffering. For a full year, the volunteer wrote to the woman, whose mother was dying. She had a difficult time watching her mother fade away. Every time she needed it most, a letter would come and help her through it. God made sure that the perfect Heart Note’s volunteer received that request and ministered to her until her mother died. E-mail Intercessors work much the same as Heart Notes’ volunteers do, just through e-mail. Jacque Lunsford has been the E-mail Prayer coordinator since 2008. The ministry began with 24 volunteers and was receiving 10-15 requests a week through the link on Frazer’s website. At that time, Frazer’s Traditional service was broadcast nationally. Now, the e-mail Prayer Ministry receives around eight requests a week. These requests come from all around the world and from our own back yard. “Whether requests come from Church members or someone around the world, each request is held as a very important responsibility to bring that need confidentially to the Throne of God ‘so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16)” Jacque said. E-mail Prayer is a wonderful avenue for prayer requests, because it offers anonymity for those who are afraid of judgment and are experiencing deep struggles. At the same time, it also allows for those struggling to receive encouragement and prayers quickly. “God is always working through the prayers of His people! We will never know how many people are healed, how many relationships are restored, how many economic crises are averted, but we are blessed to hear back from many who we e-mail.” Jacque said. Feedback through responses allow for the E-mail Prayer team to witness God’s hands and feet really moving. Many times, they will receive responses of gratitude,
A screen capture shows the Prayer Request form located on Frazer’s Web site at www.frazerumc.org/prayer. Individuals can submit a prayer request through the site and Prayer Ministry volunteers will respond via e-mail to offer prayer, support and encouragement.
stories of healing, and of people experiencing God’s touch through their e-mails. Sometimes, people who send in requests will establish a relationship with the ministry. In one case, an outof-state woman sends in requests regularly because her husband goes through cancer treatments. She also responds to the volunteers, letting them know how much their prayers and encouragement are strengthening them. Both Heart Notes and E-mail Intercessors receive and respond to prayer requests and find themselves growing in the process. They are immersed in the Word, and by praying over these requests, they find themselves drawing closer to God. “I am made more and more aware that God’s grace and mercy are available for everyone and able to meet every need, no matter how big or small,” Jacque said. “My faith has grown as I see God answering prayers through me and others.” You can send in prayer requests with cards through drop boxes or offering plates during the service, or through e-mail on Frazer’s website, www.frazerumc. org/prayer. Every prayer request is read and prayed over.
A Place for Prayer A prayer place has been set up to lift up our church. We believe God wants to do great things for His glory in and through Frazer, and prayer is the key to unlocking that power. Drop by any Sunday morning, in the hallway between the baptistry and the Connection Point desk, where we have created a prayer place to lift up our church and the needs of our congregation.
Have a Prayer Request? Prayer makes a difference because God listens when you pray. At Frazer, prayer is part of everything we do, and we want to pray for you. Whether your need is physical, emotional, financial, relational or spiritual, we can pray together and God will act. There are several ways to submit your request. Fill out our online prayer request form at frazerumc.org/prayer. You can also call us at 334-279-7729. Or fill out a prayer request form and drop it in the collection plate on Sunday or place it in one of the prayer request boxes located throughout the church. Our prayer volunteers will intercede on your behalf.
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Toasty Toes Ministry delivers socks, smiles to local nursing home residents Staff Reports This year’s Toasty Toes Ministry Valentine’s sock drive collected just over 700 pairs of socks to deliver to local retirement and assisted living facilities. Toasty Toes coordinator Donna Burnett and several volunteers delivered the socks to Angels for the Elderly, Crowne Healthcare, Belmont, Elmcroft and Wesley Gardens. Volunteers included Wendy Blackmon, Diane Allen, I Am Patillo Resurreccion, Cissy Harper, Catherine Goodwin, Judith Glanzer and Melodee Wyatt. A large donation was given to Faith Rescue Mission, as well. Frazer member Annette Freeman and her husband delivered socks to John Knox Manor. Donna said that she always looks forward to delivery day each year. “I love the surprise on the faces of the elderly and the big welcoming smiles. I enjoy watching how the other volunteers interact with the residents, hands embrace, hugs are exchanged, and eyes sparkle with joy,” she said. “God calls us to take care of the elderly not only for their physical needs but also their spiritual ones. Many residents are lonely and just want someone to talk to and to feel loved.” I Am Patillo Resurreccion volunteered with Toasty Toes for the first time this year. Originally from the Philippines and now doing his residency at Baptist South, he said he plans to participate again in the future. “I had the most enjoyable and humbling experience to be involved in Toasty Toes Ministry. We collected and distributed socks to our parents/grandparents living in the assisted communities and nursing homes in the area. This is to let them know that we still care for them. The joy on their faces after receiving the gifts is priceless,” he said. Judith Glanzer said she was “hooked” after first joining the Toasty Toes team in 2011. She said she felt she very blessed to have the opportunity to visit the residents. One of her favorite parts of delivering the socks was hearing the stories that the residents had to share about their lives, and also watching them have fun trying on and modeling their new socks.
Photos provided by donna burnett
The Toasty Toes Ministry volunteers collected and delivered more than 700 pairs of socks to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities in February. From left: Diane Allen, Donna Burnett, Cissy Harper, Judith Glanzer and I Am Patillo Resurreccion.
“The residents were genuinely touched to have someone take the time to visit with them if only for a few minutes. The stories (and jokes) they had to tell were of such interest, it made me just want to hear more and more of their memories and tales from 4050 years ago,” Judy said. “Many of the residents in the nursing homes were unable to communicate verbally with us but you could just see the love in their eyes. Some of their relatives that were there were very grateful that we took the time to visit and bring socks to their loved ones. I pray that this outreach will continue and grow for many, many years. Diane Allen said that she volunteers with Toasty Toes in honor of her dearly loved grandmother, Miss Kate, who passed away in 1973. “It’s not about the Valentine socks! It’s not about growing old! It’s about valuing others. It’s about hearing their stories: who they are, where they’ve been, how many children they have, looking at pictures, and laughing with them. It’s about spending time with them. It’s about knowing that each human being is a treasure,” Diane said.” Donna said her hope for the ministry is for it to continue to grow so more and more people can experi-
Toasty Toes volunteers enjoyed visiting with the residents of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as they delivered socks for Valentine’s day.
ence the blessing of delivering socks to the precious individuals in our community who need them, “for it is at that time that the overwhelming presence of God’s love bursts through, “ she said. “On delivery day, friendships are established, hearts are softened, and at that moment you realize.. this is what life is about. If you are living for yourself, you’ll miss out on so many amazing experiences that God has for you.”
March-April 2012
The Granddaddy Tree
www.frazerumc.org
Ginger’s Corner Ginger Koerner
W
e were hoping to build a home when we moved to Montgomery all those years ago. Our builder said he had a lot with a “big-ole-granddaddy tree. A pecan tree that was probably a seedling about Civil War times!” Indeed it was one of the biggest trees I’d ever seen. That tree sold us our home! Now the tree was so big and so close to our home, it had to be cut down! It was a sad day when Steve Steel’s crew came to cut it down. It took them all day to cut that seven ton tree into pieces to haul away. They left me a slice of the large trunk to do something with. It measured 36 inches in diameter! The trunk closest to the ground measured 61 inches on one side and 91 inches the opposite way! It turned out to be a greatgreat granddaddy tree! After the workman left, I stood and almost cried. The birds in the other trees fussed, and the neighbor’s cat, who used it for a “look-out” post, gave me a very dirty look. Worst of all, our home looked bare! But God is so good; he has given us the mental capacity to remember things that were associated with that old tree. It was so cool there under that tree, and located at the top of our driveway. We decided to make that part of our parking space, into our patio. We hung hanging baskets of flowers from its lower limbs. There was a large Y about 8-10 feet off the ground. Our daughter Janet loved to climb up there and sit in the Y and do her homework! I’d come home from work many times to see her up there and just laugh. We entertained friends and family under its cool branches. We enjoyed celebrating Paul’s 4th of July birthday with family there. Our teenagers brought friends and dates who enjoyed its shade. We loved showing our grandchildren how to crack open the shells of the tree’s pecans to enjoy the bounty inside. And two summers ago our first great-grandchild, Callie, was taught to play hopscotch by our granddaughter Hannah. What lovely memories we have! God is so good to us in so many ways. He provided my desire for a large tree at a time when builders were plowing trees under to build. Then, He gave us years of family and friends, along with birds, cats and squirrels, to enjoy its shade and beauty. Psalm 145:16 says it best: “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” What an awesome God we serve. 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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Important to review, revise budget each month
Dear Dave, I was wondering why you recommend doing a fresh budget every month. Once you’ve figured out your expenses and income, won’t the same budget work month to month? —Kara Dear Kara, I understand what you’re saying, but if you look closely at every month, you’ll see pretty quickly that they’re not all created equal in terms of expenses. On top of that, if you work a commission-based job, your monthly income will fluctuate throughout the year. Now, there are some things that will remain pretty standard. A few things like your rent or mortgage payment will probably be the same month to month. But what about things like utilities and food? Chances are your electric or gas bills will be higher during certain months as you heat and cool your home depending on the weather. What about holidays and special occasions? It’s likely you’ll end up spending more on food, gifts and related items around Thanksgiving and Christmas or other months when family and friends have birthdays and other events.
Dave Says Dave Ramsey
These are just a few of the reasons it’s a good idea to customize your budget every month. A good, accurate monthly budget should always reflect your reality, Kara. Not only will this give you a more realistic idea of where your money is going, but the knowledge also helps you control your money instead of it controlling you! —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.
stay Connected with Frazer Online Stay in contact through Frazer’s weekly e-mail newsletter. To sign up, go to the Frazer Home Page at www.frazerumc. org and click on the E-mail Newsletter icon. Keep up with the latest news and information on Frazer’s Wo r d - C e n t e re d Wo r l d - C h a n g i n g 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
March-April 2012
Frazer’s Library offers a variety of resources for the entire family
Photo contributed by Betty Henry/James Bible Study Tom Searcy, standing, joined the Women’s Weekly Bible Study on James to lead singing at a Valentine’s Day Party for the residents of Belmont Assisted Living in Montgomery.
WOMEN’s bible study hosts valentine’s party for belmont residents STAFF REPORT
Women participating in a Bible study by Beth Moore on the Book of James recently hosted a Valentine’s Day party for the residents of Belmont Assisted Living in Montgomery. Betty Henry, who leads the weekly Bible study, said that the group was encouraged and inspired by their reading to focus on reaching out to the community. “Beth says, ‘Don’t just be a hearer but a doer of the Word’,” Betty said. The group began to implement what they were learning by bringing food for the Food Pantry. The project was a success, as the women brought grocery bags filled with items, Betty said. “We had to get a huge buggy to haul it over there!” Frazer Kindergartners were then challenged to collect 100 cans of food for the Food Pantry, in celebration of the 100th day of school, and the children met the challenge, and were able to take the items collected to the Food Pantry and even see some people there to receive food. The group decided to continue seeking new outreach projects and they decided to host a Valentine’s Party for the residents of Belmont. Betty said that the party was a huge success. The group decorated the common area with Valentine’s decorations and each resident received a heart-shaped box of candy and was invited to join the group for treats and fellowship. Tom Searcy led the group in song. Betty said she was encouraged to learn that other Bible study groups are also getting out into the community to serve others and live out the Gospel. “If you have God in your heart, you want to get out and share it with others,” she said.
Above: Members of the Women’s Bible Study on James, led by Betty Henry, visited with residents at Belmont Assisted Living for a Valentine’s Day party. As part of their study on the Book of James, the women were inspired to act out Christ’s love by reaching out to others in the community.
Photos by lee werling
Frazer’s “walk-through” Library is located in the hallway next to the East Sanctuary. A variety of Christian books on Scripture, Bible study, Christian fiction and more are available to check out, along with tapes, CDs and DVDs.
By Dave Stein Special to the News
Frazer’s “Walk Through” Library is located in the hallway next to the East Sanctuary, and offers a wide variety of Christian titles available to check out, including: • More than 6,000 volumes of Christian books, on Scripture, Bible study, Christian fiction and more for adults and children • More than 1,000 paperback books on Christian fiction by well known authors • DVDs for children • Audio Bible cassettes for the hearing and/or visually impaired • Kay Arthur Precepts Study, on VHS tapes, for group or individual study • Chinese language Bible study books • Bible study CDs and DVDs and more!
A small bookcase containing a sample of children’s books is also located by the tugboat in the Atrium, with many more books available in the main library. The Library is staffed for your assistance on Sundays from 8- 11 a.m. and on Sunday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 -6 p.m. However, the Library is always open on a self-serve, honor basis for books. VHS tapes, DVDs, and CDs are on display in the glass bookcases, but must be checked out by a library worker. The bookcases in the hall are identified by subject matter and there is a Card File indexed by title and author for
books, tapes, CDs, and DVDs. Just fill out the information on the card in the book you are checking out and drop it in the slot at the counter. More than 35 volunteers staff the Library under the supervision of library coordinator Fran Harper. The Frazer Library operates on a limited budget and will gladly accept donations of books, CDs and DVDs that are appropriate for a Christian library. So walk through your church Library and take advantage of the world of knowledge and entertainment available to you and your children!
The library bookcases run along the hallway next to the East Sanctuary. Take a moment to browse the titles the next time you are at church, and take advantage of this free resource.
March-April 2012
www.frazerumc.org
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Marriage Encounter provides distraction-free weekend for couples to reconnect Staff Reports Marriage Encounter Weekend is an opportunity for married couples to get away from work, kids, chores and phones, and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference a Marriage Encounter Weekend can make! The next United Methodist Marriage Encounter Weekend is April 27-29 at the SpringHill Suites in Pensacola Beach, Fla. Frazer members Blue and Kristin Allen attended a Marriage Encounter weekend last October, after reading about it in the Frazer bulletin. Kristin said they felt that, as a young married couple, they might learn tools to help equip them in their marriage. The couple enjoyed that the weekend was structured to specifically focus on the couple spending time together, rather than as the group attending as a whole. “Marriage Encounter is different from other marriage conferences we have attended because it is structured so differently. It focuses on couples spending time together putting into practice what you have learned. The weekend is not about sitting in a room full of people talking about your marriage or sharing your feelings with others because it is couple focused. The only person you will be sharing with is your spouse.” The Allens had been married about four months at the time they attended the Marriage Encounter weekend, and as a newly married couple, Kristin said they were having a little trouble in communicating and understanding each other’s feelings and thoughts. “I guess you could say that we are both introverts and we do not talk a lot,” she said. “Marriage Encounter really helped us to understand the importance of elaborating in our conversations to fully express what
we were trying to say, how we felt and listening tools to really listen to what our spouse was saying. It helped us to better understand one another and how we were feeling about different issues specific to our marriage.” The Allens highly recommend Marriage Encounter for any married couple, no matter the age or how long they have been married. “Young or old, happily married or not-so-happily married, Marriage Encounter is for every couple. If you have a good marriage, the weekend could take your marriage from good to great, and if you are having trouble in your marriage or just need a marriage check-up, the weekend would definitely help with that as well,” Kristin said. The registration fee to attend Marriage Encounter is $50, and an offering will be taken at the conference to help cover costs of lodging, meals and materials. Scholarships are also available. “The Bible tells us that the most important Earthly relationship you have is with your spouse. We have to make our marriages a priority to keep them strong,” she said. “There are so many distractions in our world today that help us to forget, like our jobs, housework, kids... the list goes on. We want to encourage every married couple to put those distractions aside for one weekend. From our experience, we can say without a doubt your marriage will be stronger for it. We would love to see a ton of our Frazer Family couples signed up to attend!” To learn more about the April 27-29 Marriage Encounter Weekend, go to www.encounter.org or contact Larry and Carol Bryant at 334-514-0295 or calabry@ elmore.rr.com. Please register by April 13.
Top: Blue and Kristin Allen attend Marriage Encounter Weekend in October. Bottom: The Allens celebrate their wedding day.
Wesley Hall sermon series to focus on marriage, relationships; starts April 15 Have you ever made mistakes in a relationship and wish you could “rewind”? Have you ever thought “if I had only known then what I know now”? So often when it comes to love, sex, and marriage, if we could see all of the future consequences of our actions, we would respond differently today. In this series, we’ll discover that there is a way to know the right path to take in relationships before we mess up—by tapping into the wisdom of God found in the Bible. After all, He designed us, and knows best how we should relate to one another. We’ll also discover that God has grace to give us a brighter future, even if we’ve made past mistakes that we can’t “rewind.” Along with the Sunday morning worship sermon series, Pastor Patrick will be recording a video study guide that can be used in small groups, by couples or by individuals. We’re encouraging everyone, especially if you aren’t already part of a Bible study group, to grab a few friends, get together during the week and view these study guides together and discuss them as a way to delve deeper into what the Bible teaches and how we can apply it to our most important relationships. Sermons and video discussion guides will be posted on Frazer’s website at frazerumc. org/series/relationship_rewind Take the survey! Help us make our series as relevant to your life as possible by taking a few minutes to complete a short, anonymous survey on relationships, found at frazerumc.org/rewind
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MONTGOMERY AL 36119
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. Box 241347 Montgomery, AL 36124-1347
Begin Holy Week by joining us for a night of worship Palm Sunday, April 1, at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Be sure to check the calendar of holy week events on page 2 and plan to participate in these activities that will help US prepare OUR heartS for easter and the celebration of our risen king.
MARCH - A p r i l 2 0 12
Inside this issue:
FRAZER FAMILIES HEED CALL TO CARE FOR ORPHANS THROUGH FOSTER CARE..... 1 Prayer VOLUNTEERS RESPOND THROUGH NOTES, E-MAILS................................ 1 SEWING MINISTRY USES TALENTS TO MEET NEEDS OF CHURCH, COMMUNITY........ 4 MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT..................................................................................6 TOASTY TOES MINISTRY DELIVERS SOCKS, SMILES..............................................8 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER.................................................................................... 11 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