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Colonial Park United Methodist Church Making disciples of Jesus Christ by seeking God’s will, sharing God’s love, and serving God and our neighbors Volume 32 April 15, 2015 Number 15 The following is a blog post by Josh Daffern I came across, and it’s full of truth. 10 Things the Church Puts Ahead of Reaching People You would think the Great Commission is clear enough: Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Unfortunately, too many churches put other things ahead of reaching people. Here are 10 of the biggest: 1. Location – Some people are tied to an address. Church is an address, a location. I’ve seen churches die because their people moved away and they weren’t willing to reach the new folks in their neighborhood. 2. Buildings/Architecture – For some, the bricks and mortar are what make the church sacred, not the people. At my first church when our youth group exploded in growth we had to move into the sanctuary because it was the only room big enough for us. We had some ladies that were so concerned that every Thursday morning they would come into the sanctuary after our Wednesday nights and look up and down the pews for nicks or scratches. They were more concerned with the architecture then the people that architecture was designed to meet. 3. Tradition – You knew this one would get in here. Tradition has killed many a church. When churches pursue the past more than they pursue people, that church will die. Many times preachers will preach on the last seven words of Jesus, the seven phrases Jesus said while on the cross. I’ll never forget what a Bible college professor told me once. He said, “Do you know what the last seven words of a church are? We’ve never done it that way before.” 4. Music Preferences – This one splits up more churches than perhaps anything else. We’re fine reaching the next generation for Jesus, as long as they like our music our way. That’s putting music preferences above people. And I’m not saying the contemporary music is the final answer. It’s not a particular style of music but the heart behind that’s willing to give up musical preferences to reach the next generation for Jesus. I’ve said this before, but when I’m older and I’ve got great-grandkids running around, I’m not sure what kind of church music they’ll like, but I guarantee you I probably won’t like it. The question is will I be willing to put reaching others ahead of my musical preferences? 5. Programs – The early church reached their world for Christ and became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire without Sunday School, without VBS, without youth groups or children’s choirs. Church programs are designed to reach people, but we can never let them become more important than people. 6. Control - Some churches are stifled because there are a few families in control, and they simply don’t want to give up control. They put control ahead of reaching people. 7. Social Status – The Bible says that in Christ there are no slaves or free or Greeks or Barbarians but we are all one in Christ. However, too many churches aren’t willing to reach people outside of their racial, economic, or social status. 8. Cleanliness – Some churches aren’t willing to do the heavy lifting required, they’re not willing to roll up their sleeves and embrace the messes of the world. If we’re not willing to get a little dirty, we’ll never reach the world. 9. Status Quo – Some churches simply don’t want to change. They’re good. The light bill is paid, the buildings are paid off, there’s enough of a crowd to give the illusion that something is happening. Some churches aren’t willing to embrace the change necessary to reach people. 10. Religion – Put it all together, some churches put religion above people. They put their rituals, their observances, their routines, their beliefs, their ministry structures ahead of people. They feel like they’re loving God, but they don’t realize that you can’t truly love God if you don’t love people. Peace, Scott

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Colonial Park United Methodist ChurchMaking disciples of Jesus Christ by seeking God’s will, sharing God’s love, and serving God and our neighbors

Volume 32 April 15, 2015 Number 15

The following is a blog post by Josh Daffern I came across, and it’s full of truth.

10 Things the Church Puts Ahead of Reaching PeopleYou would think the Great Commission is clear enough: Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.Unfortunately, too many churches put other things ahead of reaching people. Here are 10 of the biggest:

1. Location – Some people are tied to an address. Church is an address, a location. I’ve seen churches die because their peoplemoved away and they weren’t willing to reach the new folks in their neighborhood.

2. Buildings/Architecture – For some, the bricks and mortar are what make the church sacred, not the people. At my firstchurch when our youth group exploded in growth we had to move into the sanctuary because it was the only room big enough forus. We had some ladies that were so concerned that every Thursday morning they would come into the sanctuary after ourWednesday nights and look up and down the pews for nicks or scratches. They were more concerned with the architecture thenthe people that architecture was designed to meet.

3. Tradition – You knew this one would get in here. Tradition has killed many a church. When churches pursue the past morethan they pursue people, that church will die. Many times preachers will preach on the last seven words of Jesus, the sevenphrases Jesus said while on the cross. I’ll never forget what a Bible college professor told me once. He said, “Do you know whatthe last seven words of a church are? We’ve never done it that way before.”

4. Music Preferences – This one splits up more churches than perhaps anything else. We’re fine reaching the next generationfor Jesus, as long as they like our music our way. That’s putting music preferences above people. And I’m not saying thecontemporary music is the final answer. It’s not a particular style of music but the heart behind that’s willing to give up musicalpreferences to reach the next generation for Jesus. I’ve said this before, but when I’m older and I’ve got great-grandkids runningaround, I’m not sure what kind of church music they’ll like, but I guarantee you I probably won’t like it. The question is will I bewilling to put reaching others ahead of my musical preferences?

5. Programs – The early church reached their world for Christ and became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire withoutSunday School, without VBS, without youth groups or children’s choirs. Church programs are designed to reach people, but wecan never let them become more important than people.

6. Control - Some churches are stifled because there are a few families in control, and they simply don’t want to give up control.They put control ahead of reaching people.

7. Social Status – The Bible says that in Christ there are no slaves or free or Greeks or Barbarians but we are all one in Christ.However, too many churches aren’t willing to reach people outside of their racial, economic, or social status.

8. Cleanliness – Some churches aren’t willing to do the heavy lifting required, they’re not willing to roll up their sleeves andembrace the messes of the world. If we’re not willing to get a little dirty, we’ll never reach the world.

9. Status Quo – Some churches simply don’t want to change. They’re good. The light bill is paid, the buildings are paid off,there’s enough of a crowd to give the illusion that something is happening. Some churches aren’t willing to embrace the changenecessary to reach people.

10. Religion – Put it all together, some churches put religion above people. They put their rituals, their observances, theirroutines, their beliefs, their ministry structures ahead of people. They feel like they’re loving God, but they don’t realize that youcan’t truly love God if you don’t love people.

Peace,Scott

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CR - Conference Room SC - SanctuaryFP - Fire Place FH - Fellowship Hall

CLC - Christian Life Center (Gym)GR - Garden Room CH - Chapel

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERSApril 19

AcolytesKathryn Cooper & Ella Thompson

NurseryLaura Jenkins

Extended 2’s 3’s & 4’sErica Clark & John Oldenburg

Children’s ChurchEric Clark & Michelle Mattila

CP Ranger DinnerDana & Scott Alford

Mandy & Steve Bowers

J.O.Y. Senior Adult ScheduleAll senior adults are invited to mark their calendars withthe following schedule of activities for this month. Plan toattend and enjoy each event with your friends!

J.O.Y. Outing: 11:00 am on Thursday, April 16Our April J.O.Y. Group Outing will be lunch at Chili's, Poplar and Perkins. We willmeet at the RESTAURANT at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 16. (Our greatgranddaughter says Chili's is her favorite place to eat other than Nana's. That's apretty good recommendation!) Make your plans to be present for this time offellowship and food. Please go by and sign up and then be present at Chili'sThursday, April 16 at 11:00 am. If you need transportation or have questions,please call Mary Ann or Joe at 489-3899.

J.O.Y. Supper Club at Lunch: 11:00 am on Thursday, April 23Our J.O.Y. Supper Club at Lunch will meet at 11:00 am on April 23. We are havinglunch at Mosa Asian Bistro, 850 South White Station Road. This is one of ourchurch community's most popular restaurants. (It is also very popular with those ofus who are on the staff of Colonial Park!) They have a broad menu with pricesranging from $3.50 to $15. Please go by the sign up sheet at the church so we canmake our arrangements. Please be present at the restaurant at 11:00 am for a timeof great food and fellowship.

If you need transportation, please call Joe at 489-3899.

The Week Ahead . . .Sunday, April 19

8:30 am Traditional Worship Service8:30 am - 12:00 pm Nursery9:30 am The Gathering Worship Service9:45 am Sunday School

11:00 am Traditional Worship ServiceKids’ Own Worship/202

12:00 pm Children’s Library Open4:00 pm Colonial Park Rangers

Youth Group/FP6:30 pm Pickleball/CLC

Monday, April 209:30 am Fitness Our Way/CLC

MDO5:30 pm Yoga/CLC

Tuesday, April 216:00 am Men’s Spiritual Quest/CR

10:00 am UMW Circle Meetings:Love (Landers): GRHope (Solaas): FH

1:00 pm Knitting & Crochet Group/GR5:00 pm Men’s Dinner & Mtg./Archer’s

Chapel UMC6:00 pm Zumba/CLC

Wednesday, April 229:30 am Fitness Our Way/CLC

MDO10:00 am Prayer Group/GR

2:30 pm Youth Activities5:30 pm Yoga/CLC

Wednesday Faire Dinner6:00 pm Helping Hands Circle/FH6:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, April 2311:00 am J.O.Y. Supper Club at Lunch

1:30 pm Pickleball/CLCFriday, April 24

9:30 am Fitness Our Way/CLCMDO

Saturday, April 251:30-3:00 pm HMS Pick Up/FH

Sign Up Now for a Life Line ScreeningLife Line will be providing simple, painless, preventative health screenings here atColonial Park on April 30 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you sign up before that day,not only will you receive a $10 package discount, but Life Line will also donate $10to our church. For more information, please contact Brian Maness [email protected] or 683-5286. To receive the discount, you will need topre-register through one of the exclusive Helping Hands sign-up methods listedbelow.

Phone: 1-800-324-9458Online: www.helpinghandsforhealth.comFax: 1-866-628-4857

Memphis Conference Men’s Fish Fry and Revival GatheringOn Tuesday, April 21, the Colonial Park United Methodist Men will be traveling toArcher’s Chapel UMC in Frog Jump, TN, for the annual Memphis Conference Men’sFish Fry and Revival Gathering. The men of Archer’s Chapel cook almost unlimitedquantities of fried catfish, cured ham and all the fixin’s, and the women supplyhundreds of the most delicious homemade desserts. There is singing of hymns, topnotch gospel entertainment and inspiring messages. This year, our speaker will beDr. James E. Swanson, Sr. Dr. Swanson is the Mississippi Conference Bishop andPresident of the General Commission on United Methodist Men. This event isattended by over 500 men and is the largest annual gathering of United MethodistMen in the country. The cost of the meal is $15 for all you can eat—same cost aslast year. The meal starts at 5:00 pm and the program at 7:00 pm. Contact AbbottJordan at [email protected] or 246-3291, or Charles Gilliland [email protected] or 240-3356 if you would like to attend. We will becarpooling if you want a ride. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Family Promise Golf TournamentFamily Promise of Memphis is SO excited about this year’s annual golf tournament,being hosted at Quail Ridge Golf Course on Monday, April 27, 2015 – 1 pm shotgunstart. They are offering a chance to win a new car and a chance to “Beat thePro,” and they would LOVE to see you there! You can register online by goingto: https://sites.google.com/site/fpmemphisgolf/. Come on out for a fun afternoon ofgolf, food and prizes, as well as wonderful fellowship! Even if you don’t play golf, ittakes quite a few volunteers to host the event, and they can use your help. If youneed a registration flyer, or would like to volunteer, please contact Amy Barnes [email protected] or 452-6446. See you there!

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Adult Study Group: Again we were blessed with Bill Fuller on the piano. The openingprayer was given by Jeanelle Kidd, and our funny was provided by Ann Barnett. OurSweet Lady was Lil Allen, and she had chocolate. 16 members and 1 visitor werepresent. Jim Moss taught John 17, and closed with a prayer. We enjoy our visitorsso much. Please visit with us any Sunday!Covenant Class: Room 105 - We invite new worshipers and guests to our class. Weare an intergenerational fellowship of couples and singles from the mid-30’s on up,and our classroom is located across from the choir room down from the nursery.We study a variety of short-term lessons. We look forward to seeing you Sunday.Fidelis: "Love One Another," the lesson with Charles Gilliland our teacher. And theclass was off to a good start because "This is the message that you heard from thebeginning: love each other." (1 John 3:11) With the sincerity of Charles, our lessoncould not have been in better hands. We thank you, Charles. 13 present. TRFriendship: Our class studies short term books on a variety of Christian topics. If youare looking for a Sunday School class, you are welcome to visit us. We meet inroom 251 above the Fellowship Hall at 9:45.Wesleyan Class: Wesleyan Class, Sunday, April 19, Jim Enochs will be teaching. Titleof the lesson: Believe God's Love. Purpose: To receive the gift of perfect love.Hearing the word: 1 John 4-5. Key Verses: Everyone who believes that Jesus is theChrist has been born from God. Whoever loves someone who is a parent loves thechild born to the parent. (1 John 5:1)Junior High/Senior High Sunday School: Join us in Room 250 for lively Bible lessons anddiscussions that will help jumpstart your week at 9:45 am each Sunday morning.

Gifts to the ChurchIn memory of Irene Paine, by Ben & Betty Hale. Shirley Parham, by The Doctors and

Staff of Memphis Family Vision, Ben &Betty Hale, Bill & Betty Pearigen. Shirley Parham, by Lottie Hogue,

Gloria Hurdle, and the Fidelis SundaySchool Class to the Senior Adult Ministry. Ralph Woods, brother of Alton

Woods, by Roberta Landers.

Now that warm weather is here and daylight savings time is firmly in place, wewould like to invite any and all members of the congregation to come join us inthe Chancel Choir. We meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm forrehearsal. We meet on Sunday morning in the choir room at 10:40 am to runthrough the music for that day's service. THERE IS NO AUDITION TO BE INTHE CHOIR. We welcome everyone. If you like singing, come join us.

Thanks to Jim Collier, Carolyn Taylor, Jeanette Sutton and Walter Polk for beingthe quartet that sang during last Sunday's anthem. Beautiful job and we thankyou for stepping up!!

The Colonial Park Rangers are presently working on a special project on Sundaynights, and the youth are rehearsing for Senior Sunday, coming up on May 3.

Thanks to all our musicians for the great job you do each and every Sunday.

Music Notes

Remembering Our Vows…Will you support Colonial Park UnitedMethodist Church with your prayers,your presence, your gifts, your service

and your witness?

Our Prayers:LeBonheur*Kay’den Perry, 417

Alton Woods on the lossof his brother, RalphWoods, who passedaway on April 9, 2015.

And also to Wilda White on the loss ofher sister, Fayrene Galbraith, ofHenderson, TN, who passed away onApril 4, 2015.

Our Service:Thank you to Raymond Skinner for tillingand preparing the CP Rangers’ garden forplanting.

Our Presence: 4/12/15Worship, 8:30 am: 41

The Gathering, 9:30 am: 68Worship, 11:00 am: 142 Total: 251

Sunday School: 104 CP Rangers: 22

Our Offerings:Sunday Offering 4/12/15 $ 14,257.50Budget $ 690,846.00Weekly Requirement $ 13,285.50

Come and Experience “Fitness Our Way”“Fitness Our Way” is a multi-level exercise group specializing in senior fitness.Discover a new you and experience the vintage sounds of yesteryear. "Fitness OurWay" is choreographed to improve muscular strength, flexibility and cardiovascularendurance. A major component of "Fitness Our Way" is a non-competitiveenvironment. No two people are alike. Therefore, the safe execution of eachmovement is tantamount to the success of your exercise program. Each move isexecuted with modification techniques that add a personal trainer’s touch to eachparticipant. This group meets right here at Colonial Park on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays at 9:30 am in the CLC. The class is free for Colonial Park members, sogo ahead and "follow the crowd to a safe workout."

Fused Glass Jewelry ClassOn Thursday, May 21, we will be having two classes on Fused Glass Jewelry taughtby Brian Maness. The cost of each class is $30, and every student will be able tomake multiple pairs of earrings and pendants. The first one will be from 10:00 amto 12:00 pm and the second class will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Space is limitedso get registered today. You can register by calling the Church Office at 683-5286or emailing [email protected].

Jason West Bond,son of Harry W. andChristine OldenburgBond, was born onMarch 31. Proudgrandparents are

John Oldenburg and Grace Hutchinson,and proud Aunt is Ann OldenburgRoberson.

Andrew Bryant Roberson, son of Quintenand Ann Oldenburg Roberson, was bornon April 13. He is welcomed by proud bigbrother Quinten, grandparents JohnOldenburg and Grace Hutchinson, andAunt Christine Oldenburg Bond, andcousin by two weeks, Jason West Bond.

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Join usSunday mornings

9:30 am in the CLC

This Wednesday, April 15, wewill meet at 5:30 pm. We’ll

get back to our regularschedule next week.

GROUP

Holy Community UMCSmith Center

Breakfast Schedule:

April 19Colonial Park Youth

is a weekly newsletter of Colonial ParkUnited Methodist Church. Items for thenewsletter should be submitted by noon onMonday to Erin Potter, PublicationsSecretary. The newsletter is published bi-weekly, mailed third class on Wednesday,and e-mailed weekly, except holidays.Visitors are invited to the Sunday worshipservices at 8:30, 9:30 and 11:00 am, and toSunday School at 9:45 am.

Tel: (901) 683-5286Fax: (901) 684-1391

E-mail: [email protected]: www.colonialpark.org

Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Church StaffSenior Pastor Rev. Dr. Scott A. AlfordDirectors of Senior Adults & Home Care Ministries

Rev. Dr. Joe & Mary Ann PierceyPastor Emeritus Rev. Charles StewartDirector of Music Bill FullerOrganist Susan SteppeDirector of Children’s Ministries Debbie TrustyDirector of Mother’s Day Out Elizabeth LevyDirector of Youth Christie EntrekinDirector of Recreation Brian ManessFinancial/Membership Staff Charlotte MartinAdmin./Publications Staff Erin PotterFacility Maintenance Erica Clark & Neil VauseChurch Security Eric Clark

Neighborhood Center Food DriveFeatured Food for April:

Canned or Dry Milk Products

Drop donations in the grocery basket inthe main hall.

Tree of Life (Located in Our Garden Room)The Leaves are to memorialize immediate church family members. The immediate

family is defined as spouse, children, mother, father, brother, sister, or grandparents.“In memory” or “Loving memory” plus their name(s) or simply their name will beengraved with a maximum of 45 letters. Only one leaf per loved one.

To place a Leaf on the tree in memory of a loved one, simply complete the formand pay for the engraving ($.36 per letter plus $8.75 for shipping) plus a donation toColonial Park United Methodist Church’s Memorial Fund (minimum donation $25).Call (683-5286), mail or bring in your order to church office, and office staff will placeyour order. You will be notified when the engraved leaf arrives so you may choosethe location on the tree the leaf will be placed.

Memorial Leaf Order

______________________________________________________________

Numbers of letters_________________ Total Gift____________________

Order placed by_________________________________________

Sunday Morning WorshipApril 12: Dr. Scott Alford

Liturgist: Mark JacksonSermon: Resurrection of the Body…

This We BelieveScriptures: 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

Communion Offering:Pastor’s Discretionary Fund

with Heather

Tuesdays 6pm CPUMC GYM

Mondays &Wednesdays at

5:30 pm in the CLC

Yoga@ Colonial Park

Adults: $7.00 Children: $3.50

Menu for April 22:Garden Salad, Rolls, Lasagna,

Creamed Corn, Glazed Carrots,and Banana Pudding.

All reservations must be paid for bynoon on the Monday prior.

Topic:Christ Has Fulfilled the Scriptures

CrossRoads UMW Is Hosting aFashion Show

The United Methodist Women ofCrossRoads UMC will be hosting theirannual Fashion Show and Luncheon onSaturday, May 2, at 11:00 am. This eventwill include a silent auction, which beginsat 10:30 am, door prizes, fashions byChristopher & Banks, and their “FamousChicken Salad” lunch. The cost is $15per person, and you can reserve yourtickets by calling 737-3776.

May 9—10Gardeners please

remember our saleas your perennialsbegin to emerge.

Communion Offering:Pastor’s Discretionary Fund

The communion offering for April will goto the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. ThePastor's Discretionary Fund is intendedto give the pastor discretion andauthority to provide confidential financialsupport to persons in need, to programsor other expenses that are not totallycovered by the regular annual budget.

Thank You...Thanks to all who contributed to the Sea Isle Elementary Good News Club programduring the communion offering in March. You are a huge part of God's amazingprovision to bless the lives of over 80 excited boys and girls who have attended theafterschool club this year. God is faithful and trustworthy to accomplish the work forthe glory of it all!

Janie WalkerGood News Club Team Leader