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Pastor's Points
 Jeremy Camp is a Christian worship leader and performing artist. He has received two Dove Awards, one for best new artist of the year and the other for best male vocalist of the year. Jeremy lost his wife of five months to ovarian cancer. Melissa was only 20 years old.
During her sickness, Melissa shared a unique perspective with Jeremy. She told him if she ended up dying from her disease, that, as long as her death led one person to Christ, it would all be worth it. (more)
Church-Wide News and Events
PRAY FOR OUR BRAZIL MISSION TEAM
Frazer has a team serving in Maringa, Brazil from May 16-26. They will be doing renovation work and ministering to the children and staff at Lar Betania orphanage. Please pray for them as they share Christ’s love and serve others. To follow their progress and learn of specific prayer needs, check for updates on their mission team blog at www.frazerumc.org/brazil
LIFESOUTH BLOOD DRIVE THIS SUNDAY
Give the gift of life this Sunday, May 17 by donating blood. LifeSouth will be in the Fellowship Hall from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. for those wishing to donate.
DISCOVER LONDON AND ISRAEL THIS FALL
Frazer will lead an 11-day trip in November, including historic Methodist sites in London and the life-changing experience of touring the Holy Land. Exploratory meetings will be held Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. or Sunday, May 24 at 5 p.m. in room 3105. Call Charles Wise at 495-6319 or e-mail cwise@frazerumc.org for more information.
IN HIS STEPS DEVOTIONALS
In effort to be good stewards of our resources, the monthly In His Steps devotional guide will no longer be offered in its current format. This devotional was a special edition of “Indeed” which featured a cover designed exclusively for Frazer. The contents of “Indeed” are still available by individual subscription or free by e-mail. This change will save the church $23,000 by not ordering personalized copies of the devotional. For more information, go to the “publications” section of www.walkthru.org. “The Upper Room” devotional guide is still available outside the church office.
DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST?
Have a prayer need? Just complete a prayer card, found on the sermon outline tear-off, in the pew or chair backs, or at one of the boxes located around the church. Drop in the offering plate or in a prayer box. Our intercessors would be honored to pray for you.
Children & Student Opportunities
REGISTER NOW FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, JULY 13-17
Children ages 4 through rising fifth graders are invited to take a thrilling ride across the land down under on the Boomerang Express during Frazer VBS 2009. Join the fun July 13-17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Register online at www.frazerumc.org/vbs or pick up a form at the Tugboat in the Atrium.
STUDENT RETREAT PLANNED FOR JULY 6-10
All rising seventh through 12th grade students are encouraged to attend Koinonia: Engage July 6-10. Sign up now through June 21 and don’t miss this exciting retreat where we’ll learn to love each other and our world as Christ loves us. Cost is $450 in May, $500 after June 3 so register early and save. For more information, brochures are available in the Student Ministry office.
Serving & Volunteer Opportunities
Several ministries have an immediate need for volunteers at this time. If you are interested in serving in one of these areas, please call Beverly Harwick, Volunteer Coordinator, at 495-6336 or e-mail beverly@frazerumc.org.
Greeters, food service workers and shuttle drivers for the Annual Conference at Frazer June 7-10.
Vacation Bible School volunteers, July 13-17.
An Aerobics instructor for Monday nights from 6-7 p.m.
Cooks Needed: The Third Annual Taste of Frazer event will be Aug. 5 and 100 volunteer cooks are needed to make their best appetizer, salad, entree or dessert.
A handyman is needed to install cabinet locks. Time is flexible.
For Children’s Ministry: The Nursery (birth- 3 years) needs caregivers, Sunday School teachers and Cherub Church leaders; Wavemakers needs Sunday School teachers for fourth and fifth grade classes and leaders for Under the Sea Children’s Church for 4 and 5-year-olds.
Mentors are still needed for the Chess in the Public Schools ministry.
Sanctuary ushers for 8 and 11 a.m. services.
Discipleship & Fellowship Opportunities
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIALITY CLASS STARTS MAY 17
A seven-week study on “Extraordinary Marriage: God’s Plan for Your Journey” by Rodney and Selma Wilson begins this Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. in room 7201. This course is designed for couples 25-40 to learn how to build the marriage God envisioned for them. Cost is $10 for book. Bob and Sandra Passmore are the facilitators. E-mail bpassmore@charter.net to register.
I.CONNECT FOR WOMEN MEETS THIS WEEK
If you are looking for a place to share life, to encourage and be encouraged by other women, join the Women’s Ministry for i.connect Tuesday, May 19 at 8:45 a.m. in room 8114. Don’t miss this great opportunity for fellowship as we “connect” with God and each other. Reservations are required for breakfast and pre-school nursery. Call Sandy at 495-6391 or e-mail sandy@frazerumc.org for more information.
LEADERSHIP GROUP FOR WOMEN
Every person has the capacity to be a leader in the context of where they live their lives— home, school, church, community and the workplace. Please e-mail Sandy Boswell at sandy@frazerumc.org if you would like to learn more about the leadership incubator. An informational meeting will be held in June for those who respond.
REAL MEN'S MAY FELLOWSHIP EVENT
Real Men’s “Three Dog Night” cookout and fellowship event, Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at Frazer’s outdoor pavilion. Cost is $5 and all men are invited.
OLDER ADULTS BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP THIS WEEK
Friends Bible study for older adults will meet Thursday, May 21 at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Faye Gaston will teach the lesson on “The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit.” A complimentary lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m.
COMPUTER CLASS MAY 18
Sign up now for a computer class set for Monday, May 18 at 1 p.m. in the computer lab. Call Sandy Boswell at 495-6391 to reserve your spot.
Pastor's Points (Continued)
(Continued from top)
During their honeymoon, Melissa started having stomach problems and when they returned the doctor delivered the news they dreaded. She had mere months to live. On Feb. 5, 2001, Melissa went to be with the Lord. As she took her last breath, Jeremy stood with her family and began worshipping God singing the same songs they had played so often for Melissa during her hospital stays. “I didn’t want to do it,” he says, “but
I knew I was learning something about obedience.”
Melissa’s life and death changed Jeremy’s perspective on the music he makes. “Watching Melissa go to Heaven made me realize what’s important. Music is not my life. Christ is my life. The only thing that really matters is what we do for Jesus on this Earth, and as a result of what I’ve been through, I express even more the goodness of God and how faithful He is.”
One of those songs that reflect that perspective is “I Still Believe,” the first song Jeremy wrote after Melissa’s death, a declaration of faith from one who has walked through the fire.
In the very moments when he could have doubted God the most, Jeremy wrote these words:
Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I’ve never felt so torn before
Seems I don’t know where to start
But it’s now I feel your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain
It’s my heart I see you prepare
But its now that I feel your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain
I still believe in your faithfulness
I still believe in your truth
I still believe in your holy word
Even when I don’t see I still believe1
This week our sermon focus is on the nagging human question, “If God is so good why do I hurt so bad?” I hope you’ll join us as we, like Jeremy Camp, seek a God we can believe in.
I “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp © 2002 Thirsty Moon River Publishing/ Stolen Pride. Used by permission from Jeremy Camp - Stay |
