Long Memorial News
Long Memorial UMC
226 North Main Street · Roxboro, NC 27573 · Phone: (336) 599-1193 · FAX: (336) 599-1194
MARCH 2008
FROM THE PASTOR 
The road map to heaven for the believer might be summed up in three phrases by Jesus. In Matthew's gospel just before the Transfiguration He said to the twelve, "If anyone desires to come after me let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24.
The first thing that must be established in the Christian life is answering the question, "Do I desire to follow Jesus?” There were many in Jesus' lifetime who told Jesus they desired to follow Him. In Matthew's gospel a young man who was very rich came to Jesus hoping to find the way to eternal life. When it was determined that he had kept the commandments Jesus said, " ... go sell what you have and give to the poor ... and come follow me." Matthew 19:21. The young man did not desire to follow Jesus at that price. Matthew continues the story by telling his readers the young man, "went away sorrowful."
Once the desire to follow Jesus is fixed in the heart of the believer, Jesus next advises us to deny ourselves. Robert E. Lee of military fame and leader of the Confederate forces was once asked by a mother what advice he would give her in raising her infant son. To this question it was reported that General Lee picked the baby up in his arms then looked at the mother saying, "Teach him to deny himself." Self denial is one of the most distasteful things anyone could ever endure. John Wesley writes, "Let him in all things deny his own will, however pleasing, and do the will of God however painful." We cannot come to Christ on any terms but those He Himself has set down. Lettie Cowman writes, "This is bitter work for Him and us ... yet it must be done."
This bitter work of self denial leads us to the cross, the ugly, bloodstained instrument of torture and death. Oswald Chambers wrote this about it, "The cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgment on sin ... Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin." This cross of Christ is a once for all time eternal event. In six hours one Friday He took all Hell had to offer and exhausted it. We will never be asked to suffer so completely; body, soul and spirit. However, Jesus does offer a cross to every believer and He expects us to take it up. Henri Nouwen once wrote, "Each of us has a cross to carry. There is no need to make one or look for one. The cross we have is hard enough for us! But are we willing to take it up, to accept it as our cross?" This is the question every potential follower of Jesus must answer. The old gospel hymn sings to us about the Christian life. "O, no, it’s not as easy way." Indeed many weary saints would agree that following Jesus in this life while carrying our cross is but for the grace of God impossible for any human being. This is not to be seen as some sadistic self flagellation but the cost of following a king who was hated by the world so much that they crucified Him. If they crucified our Lord what do we expect they will do to us? However it is not pain and suffering that makes one a Christian. Dennis Kin law gives us the clue to the Christian life; "Becoming a Christian means believing that Jesus is trustworthy and surrendering our life to His control. A Christian is a person who believes in Jesus enough to follow Jesus." Whatever may come to pass on that lonely road with Jesus, we may rest assured that there will be a nail-scarred footprint on the path to lead us and a nail-scarred hand to lift us up when we fall. At the end of that road is a Savior waiting to bestow a kingdom upon His faithful servants.In Christ Your Pastor T.R. Miller
Joint Sunday School Assembly
On Sunday, March 30, Long Memorial UMC will have a joint Sunday School Assembly at 9:45 in the Harris Hall. Brunch will be served and George Johnson will be the teacher. Mark this date on your calendars and don't miss it!
Holy Week Services
Maundy ThursdayCommunion Service, March 20, 7:00 PMSanctuary*****Community Easter Sunrise ServiceMarch 23 - 7:00 AMMerritt CommonsMain Street*****Easter SundayMarch 239:00 AM Service - Chapel11:00 AM Service - SanctuarySpecial Music by Chancel Choir at 11:00 AM
MERCI CENTER CHALLENGE
The MERCI Center was established in l999 to address the devastation following Hurricane Floyd. Methodists across the US opened their hearts and pocketbooks and purchased a large warehouse near Goldsboro for this ministry. It has since expanded to provide services during other disasters, providing training for volunteers, storage for building supplies, a collection point for health kits, school kits, and flood buckets. It has been a blessing to people all over our nation. Thousands of families have been assisted, many with home repairs and some with new homes when needed.
Since the Center is not funded through our apportionment's, it must rely on direct contributions and fundraising events. It has received generous grants and the service has grown in its mission, but in order to keep the Center open and functioning, we much ask for your prayers and support.
One of the ways you can help is by supporting a fundraising event that is planned for April 12, 2008, with a goal of $90,000. This event will draw churches in the Durham, Burlington and Raleigh districts. Other districts in the eastern part of our state are planning similar fundraisers. The fundraiser will be held at Aldersgate UMC in Durham, April 12. Activities will include a banquet, a silent auction, and a live auction. Long Memorial has purchased a table for eight, and would like to invite you to attend the banquet. In addition, churches in each district are asked to donate one or two high-end items for the auction.
If you can commit to attend the dinner, or donate an item for the auction, please contact Jackie Johnson at 599-1437.
With your support, MERCI can continue to provide a service of assistance and hope.
MISSION NEWS
CHRISTIAN HELP CENTER
Despite the fact that the Christian Help Center has a surplus of canned vegetables right now, they continue to be grateful for the receipt of any items that will help to round out their food supply, such as canned meats, peanut butter and jelly, and dry goods (flour, sugar, cereal, rice, pasta, etc.).
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
On Sunday, March 16, the United Methodist Men will have their monthly breakfast meeting. This time of fellowship will be at 8:00 A.M. in the Harris Hall. All men are invited to attend!
MEETINGS ON THE AGENDA
Executive Committee & Capital Campaign Committee - Monday, March 3, 5:15 P.M. - LibraryTrustee Committee - Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 P.M. - LibraryPreschool Committee - Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 P.M. - LibraryStaff Meeting - Tuesday, March 25, 1:30 P.M. - Pastor's StudyStaff Parish Committee - Tuesday, March 25, 7:00 P.M. - Library
PLAN TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING UPCOMING LENTEN LUNCHEONS AT LONG MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Wednesday Prayer Luncheons
Harris Hall, 12 Noon - 1 P.M.
Buffet Lunch - $3
Noon- Lunch Served
12:30 P.M. - Meditation
March 5 — Roxboro Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Ed Donnell, Message
Special Music
UMW, Meal (Circle 5)March 12 — Saint Mark's Episcopal Church
Dr. Harmon Smith, Message
Special Music
UMM, Meal
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
December 2007 - January 2008
In memory of John O'Briant from: Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Mundy, Helene Morgan, Debbie Moran.
In memory of Betsy Allen from: Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett, Mr. & Mrs. Gil Stovall.
In memory of Alice Klinker: Jan Holtsclaw, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Bayliff.
In memory of Doug Gray from: Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White.
In memory of Robah Burke from: Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White.
In memory of George Stonbraker from: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Burd.
In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Alexander & Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Rogers from: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Burd.
In memory of Billy Kirby from: Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland.
In memory of Vassar Jones from: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Burd, Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland.
In memory of John Blanks from: Jackie Blanks, Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland.
In memory of Victor Williford from: Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland.
In memory of Bonnie Boyer from: Mr. & Mrs. Bill White, Betty Stewart.
In memory of Bea Pleasants from: Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders.
In memory of Margaret Craven from: Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders, Mr. & Mrs. W.T. Adcock, Circle #4, Ted Michie, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. Claiborne Tuck, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Mundy, Harriet Wagstaff.
In memory of Pridmore Thomas from: Debbie Hollingsworth, Betty Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Alexander, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White, Anne Cruthis, Dana McIntyre, Sandra Williamson.
In memory of Grant Boone from: Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Carver, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White, Jan Holtsclaw, Jan Kerr, Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland, Betty Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Burd, Jackie Blanks, Roxboro Savings & Loan, Nancy Harrell, Heber Eason, Jr. Nancy Harrell, Henry C. Boone, Mr. & Mrs. Danny Talbert, Kathryn Tyson.
In memory of Doris Carver from: Jackie Blanks, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Burd, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Saunders, Betty Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Day, Louise Brooks, Tucker Burress, Mr. & Mrs. John Westmoreland, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White, Jan Kerr, Jan Holtsclaw.
In memory of Louise L. Day from: Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann, Carolyn Payne, Jackie Blanks, Mr. & Mrs. W.T. Adcock, Ted Michie, Mr. & Mrs. Ron Johnson, Kate Long, Donald Frye, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stovall, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blanks, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Robinson, Joan Kirby, Martin Hedgepeth, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Carver, Mr. & Mrs. Bill White, Jan Holtsclaw, Nell Williams, Norma Burnette, Lois Shonko, Mary Alice Long, Mary List, Betty Harrison, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Craig, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. George Gentry, Lou Lockhart, Mary B. Lockhart.
NEWS FROM THE CHOIR LOFT
Please mark your calendars for several important dates coming up in the next few weeks:
March 16 — Palm Sunday
Special music by the chancel choir, liturgical dancers, and drama team will be present at the 11 AM service. The title of this beautiful account of the time leading to Jesus' death on the cross is called, "The Weeping Tree" by Joseph Martin. The service will begin with the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and end with this intensely lovely and meaningful work.
March 23 — Easter
A great lineup of music will again be featured at our 11 AM service. We will have special anthems from the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children's Choir and Children's bell choir.
Please make plans to attend these services and bring a friend.
BELL CHOIR TO START REHEARSALS
Well, it is time to start ringing those bells again. We will be playing for the Easter service on March 23. Rehearsal begins February 10 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. See you there!
CHOIR SCHEDULES AT A GLANCE
Chancel Choir — Wednesdays at 7 PM
Handbell Choir — Begins Feb. 10 at 6:30 PM
Children's Choir — Begins Feb. 17 at 5:30 PM
Drama team — TBA
NURSERY SCHEDULE - MARCH 2008
9:00 AM Worship Service March 2 — Jessie Saunders March 9 — Jill Strickland March 16 — Stacey Paith March 23 — Janet Clayton March 30 — Christy King 11:00 AM Worship Service March 2 — Amy Bayliff March 9 — Tonya Gentry March 16 — Denice Blaylock March 23 — Pam Day March 30 — Karla Peed
ACOLYTES - MARCH 2008
March 2 — Wyatt Kimbrough & Jackson Kimbrough March 9 — Anna Wesley & Brooke Peed March 16 — Katie Pleasant & Carson Pleasant March 23 — Charles Rhew & Ashley Stewart March 30 — Kaitlyn Long & Sarah Bayliff
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Mar 2 - Teresa Fitzgerald Mar 6 - Laurie Eason Mar 7 - Lois M. Winstead, Tom Fitzgerald, Harold Wilkerson Mar 9 - John Boyette, Danny Talbert Mar 10 - Austin Currier, Tonya Gentry, Terry Foushee Mar 12 - Daniel Oakley, David Oakley Mar 14 - Marcia Miller, Christen Tillett Mar 16 - Lacy Winstead Mar 18 - Andi Bradsher, Jamie Mundy Mar 19 - Carson Allen Mar 21 - Nancy Day Mar 22 - Stephen Saunders, Kelsey Pleasant Mar 23 - John Wade Mar 25 - Sue Rhew, Claudia Lea Davis Mar 28 - Glenn Long, Josh Bayliff, Lisa Wesley Mar 29 - Leah Owen, Harriett Tillett Mar 31 - Audrey Blanks
Flower Calendar - March
March 9 — Dolly Denton March 16 — Palm Sunday (Palms) March 23 — Easter Lilies March 30 — Becky Brann
Please call the church office with your flower information (599-1193).Circle Meetings - Monday, March 24
1 & 2 - Jackie Johnson - 10:00 AM
3 - Ellen Harris - 10:00 AM
4 - Nancy Cole - 7:30 PM
5 - Laurie Wrenn - 7:30 PMORDER YOUR EASTER LILIES NOW!
We are taking orders for Easter lilies that will be placed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, March 23rd. Those wishing to purchase a lily in memory or in honor of someone should call the church office (599-1193). The cost is $11.00 per lily.PRAYER CHAIN
Members of the prayer chain are offering daily prayers for those on our prayer list. If you, or someone you love, would like daily prayers for a special need, please call Tania Edwards at 599-3863.SYMPATHY
Our deepest sympathy is extended to:
- Mary Winder Holeman in the death of her mother, Mary B. White
- Amy Bradsher in the death of her grandfather, Lee laughlin
WORDS OF WISDOM
Your words are windows to your heart!
MEDICAL CONCERNS
Audrey Blanks - At home following surgery
Margie Thomas - Roxboro Nursing Center
Musette Barnette - Person Memorial Hospital
John Garrard - At home
W.T. Adcock - At home following surgery
Katherine O'Briant - At homeHave a Newsletter Article or Bulletin Entry?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSLETTER OR BULLETIN PLEASE E-MAIL IT TO: pwade@esinc.net
WORSHIP WITH US EVERY SUNDAY:
9 A.M. - Early Service - Chapel
9:45 A.M. - Sunday School
11 A.M. - Worship - Sanctuary