HUMC Newsletter March-April Edition

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meetings, held on the third Monday evening of every month, are scheduled for March 18 and April 15. Meetings are held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hohenwald Housing Authority building. Everyone is welcome to come and work on their crafts or even learn some new crafts for free.

For more information, contact Mrs Sue Brown or Mrs Joyce McCutcheon.

Members of Hohenwald United Methodist Church can often be found brightening the lives of local senior citizens.

Ms Ann Strickland and other member of the 'Glitzy Adorable Dames' visited with the 12 'Red Hatters' at the Lewis Manor. At a recent visit, the Red Hatters of Lewis Manor were treated to a formal tea prepared by the Dames. Miss Monet Boardman was also present and brought tea and a tea service and served the tea, and Ms Strickland made and served homemade chocolate-chip scones.

Also, Mr Christopher Boardman, a prolific musician, goes to the Lewis Manor and plays his guitar for the seniors three times a week, something the residents enjoy thoroughly.

Once a month, the United Methodist Women provide and serve lunch at the Lewis County Senior Citizens' Centre. The UMW will serve lunch at the Senior Citizens' Centre on Thursday, March 21st, and again on Thursday, April 18th. Volunteers should arrive at the Senior Centre at 11:15 a.m. Those who wish to contribute a dish for the lunches should contact Mrs Kathryn Kozlinski or Mrs Carolyn Shelton.

The UMYF have been busy with fundraisers over the past several months to raise money to attend a Christian Youth retreat, Acquire the Fire, an event they look forward to every year. They held a car wash, sold calendars, and prepared a baked potato and chili lunch one Sunday after church. They attended Aquire the Fire in Nashville on February 22-23. "We have a great time singing and having fellowship in the van on our drive there," said Youth Director, Ms Jennifer Bowen, "and the drive home is usually less eventful--there is more snoring than talking."

The UMYF stayed at the Hotel Preston, and Ms Bowen said that everyone was spiritually uplifted and fed by the Word of God over the two days that they spent at Aquire the Fire. "They were praying for and with one another, singing, dancing, and praising God together. The concerts were amazing," she said. "Several got autographs from a number of the performers and took pictures with them as well.

"This is always an amazing and life-changing event, and we are so grateful to get to attend this as a group. We have an amazing group of young people in our church."

A Children's Sermon Workshop will be held Tuesday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m.

Lenten Worship Services for children are held every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. between now and the Wednesday before Easter.

Confirmation classes are held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings in the church library. The classes lead up to Confirmation on Easter Sunday. Several children will also be baptised that Sunday.

On Palm Sunday, March 24th, all children are asked to meet at 10:15 a.m. in the prayer garden, or, if the weather is bad, in the Christian Life Centre. Children will be provided with palm fronds to participate in the Palm Sunday Processional.

Palm Sunday, March 24th--Children will open services with a Processional. Children should meet in the Prayer Garden or the Christian Life Centre at 10:15 a.m. to receive palm fronds for the Palm Sunday Processional.

Thursday, March 28th--Maundy Thursday Service at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, March 29th--Good Friday Service at 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 31st--Easter Sunday: Prior to ordinary Sunday School and Worship Service, we will hold a Sunrise Service at 6:00 a.m., followed by a breakfast in the Christian Life Centre at 7:00 a.m.

If you are interested in providing Easter lilies for the altar for Easter Sunday, you may bring your lily to the church on the Saturday before Easter, March 30th. Forms will be in the church bulletin for those who wish to dedicate their lilies.

After being away from musical directing for several years, Mr Kenny Graves is currently serving as Interim Choir Director. His background in music includes directing high school bands, choruses, and serving as a church choir director in Centreville and also Hohenwald United Methodist Church Choir.

"I am really enjoying working with this very talented and enthusiastic group," he said. "I look forward to each rehearsal and performance with great anticipation, for the reasons that it is fun as well as being extraordinarily rewarding."

There are few churches that are privileged to have musicians like Mrs Brenda Duncan, pianist, and Mr Mac McLemore, organist, providing instrumental music for worship services. Their music is always beautiful and inspirational, and their commitment to accompanying the choir is essential to its success. They are truly appreciated by all involved. It is hoped that pianist Mrs Pam Thompson, victim of an unfortunate accident, will soon be able to return and continue to inspire everyone with her outstanding talent.

The group presented special music for the Ash Wednesday service and Lent, and is currently rehearsing additional anthems for Lent and Holy Week.

Recent sickness among the choir membership has proven true commitment to 'carry on' from those who were able to still be present. Everyone in the choir is looking forward to having all its members well and back performing once again.

The choir is always seeking new members, and membership is open to everyone who has a love for singing, especially those who can read music. The group rehearsals are conducted every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.