This Sunday, May 11 at 8:45 am, we will bring the Crosswalk contemporary service to a close. Please join us as we remember and celebrate the impact this service has had on those who have attended and held leadership positions.

In every church, there should be times when programs, studies, worship services, and organizations evaluate themselves. It should be a time to take a careful and prayerful look at where we have been, where we are currently, and where we see ourselves in the future. It takes true courage to ask questions that might reveal challenging, and even painful answers: “Are we fulfilling our intended purpose?” “Are we doing all that God might be calling us to do?” “ What is the next faithful step?”

It is courageous to explore these questions because it is much easier to continue doing things the same way. Doing things the same way doesn’t require us to leave what is known and comfortable, and it often prevents us from unlocking new doors and opportunities for ministry.

With all of that said, it is with much emotion that I inform you that the date of Sunday, May 11 is the last Sunday we will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 for the Crosswalk contemporary service. We will certainly celebrate the spiritual impact that Crosswalk has had on those who have faithfully attended and participated in roles of leadership.

But we have reached a point where it is time to step away, go back to the drawing board, and prayerfully discover what God’s future plan will be for a contemporary service at SSUMC. I believe that there are non-churched persons to be reached, hearts to be touched, and precious lives that need to be transformed by Jesus Christ. And I also believe that this will only be accomplished when we at State Street offer powerful and life-changing contemporary AND traditional worship services. Only when we allow and encourage different expressions of worship will our church overflow with all of God’s richest blessings. Worship is not a “style”. Worship is offering all we are to all of who God is, and that can be done in a variety of different ways and settings.

I do not have the “next step” figured out, but I’m trusting that God will provide that insight, direction, and inspiration when His time is right. When you see the faces of those who worshipped at Crosswalk in the Chapel or Sanctuary worship services, please welcome them with smiles and open arms!

I will let the ancient words of Scripture have the final word. The promises of God are as certain for our times, as they were for the prophet Jeremiah’s time. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Faithfully,

Sharon

How Time Flies!

By now many of you have heard that come June, there will be a transition concerning the position of Senior Pastor. If you have been around United Methodism for any time, you will note that pastoral changes are a way of life.

This year is an anniversary for me. In 1978, Bishop H. Ellis Finger ordained me as an Elder in the Holston Conference. With ordination as both a Deacon (1976) and as Elder, I made a commitment to our itinerant system of moving pastors. Ours is not a perfect system and in spite of its need for refining, it is still the system with which we live.

Sometimes itinerancy works in the favor of the churches, sometimes in favor of the pastors. Sometimes changes occur too soon and at other times not soon enough. Through it all, regardless of how the process works, I have always found good people with whom to share the peaks and valleys of ministry. This has certainly been the case at State Street United Methodist Church.

I consider myself fortunate to have had even a small part in the long and rich heritage of this church. My four years as Senior Pastor have been filled with the surprises and treasures of such a journey with you as a community of faith. We have shared laughter and tears, joys and tragedy, fulfillment and disappointment together. In all those experiences, God has sustained us and will continue to do so in this time of transition.

Just as you welcomed Cathy and me into this church, I trust that you will also welcome Mike and Linda Jackson as they come to serve with you. Do not be tempted to let the spirit of hospitality languish, for it is an essential ingredient both in greeting a new parsonage family and in being vessels of God’s grace.

In the spirit of Abraham and Sarah of the Old Testament, Cathy and I are preparing to load the camel for departure in June. My concluding Sunday in the role of Senior Pastor will be June 15, as we will be moving to Broad Street United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. However, in our preparations, we are packing for safe keeping in mind and soul, our treasured memories of time spent with you and the affection we experienced. You have made our lives all the richer and our hope is that in some way we have enriched yours.

To the congregation and the staff members with whom I have had the privilege of sharing ministry, may the Lord bless you and keep you, as we will continue in our respective areas of service to face the challenges of being the church in the twenty-first century.

As always,
Grace and peace,

You are cordially invited to a dinner honoring Reed and Cathy Shell on June 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Centre located off Highway 421. Hosted by Frank and Jackie Leonard.

An R.S.V.P.is required. Please contact the church by calling 276-669-2101 before June 6th. You will need to provide your name and the number in your family who will be attending.

Saturday, May 17th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the church parlor.

Teacher Kits for Liberia—The goal for the Abingdon District is 300.

The kits will include:

• 1 lesson plan book
• 1 roll book
• 1 large poncho (Wal-Mart $3.94)
• 6 boxes of chalk
• 3 spiral notebooks (70ct)
• 3 12-packs of Pens (1-red/2-blue)
• 1 dictionary, any size, new or used

Pack all items in 2 gallon zip-lock bag. Note: a $5.00 donation for packing and shipping is to accompany each kit. Do Not Put Money in Bag! Kits will be picked up at a designated location on June 6, 2008.

Hope for the Children of Sudan: Our Goal $125,000.

On Sunday, May 18th Holston is asking each local church to take a special offering for the work of the United Methodist Church in south Sudan. These offerings will be brought to Annual Conference in response to Holston’s opportunity to bring hope to the children of Sudan.

If you have a prayer request or would like to be on the prayer chain, please call Emma Shipley at 276-466-2736; Nora Rockett at 423-764-2735, or the church at 276-669-2101.

Need for Volunteers

Bristol Faith In Action would love to have YOU as a volunteer! SSUMC is a “member church” in this important outreach ministry. You can see how we impact those with low-incomes, those dealing with job loss or those unable to pay their utilities.

If you would like to learn more, join us on either Tuesdays: May 13 or May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bristol Faith In Action office on 703 Chester Street, Bristol, VA. For more information, contact Rebecca at 276 669-8292.

with Patty Kilbreath

Spring Into Fitness

Digging holes, pulling weeds, pushing a mower, and other movements of gardening and yardwork provide the weight-bearing exercise needed to build strong bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

There’s an added bonus with gardening: Since it’s done outdoors, your body can be exposed to sunlight for at least 15 minutes - the time it takes to make the vitamin D you also need to build strong bones. Walk around and warm up your muscles before you start, and use sunscreen if you plan to be in the sun for more than 15 minutes.

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation

First Quarter Financials
(thru April 30, 2008)

Giving $209,075 (33.97% of budget)
Expenses $215,216 (33.53% of budget)

• Expenses exceeded giving this month by $6,141.
• Our general fund budget projects a $26,313 deficit for 2008.

Electronic Giving

Pick up an authorization form at the Welcome Center, return it to the church business office, and attach a voided check to the completed form. There is no cost to the donor for the service.

If you have questions, please call Wrenda at the church from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday.

Deeper Still

A Special Women’s Event featuring speakers Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur! Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 2008 in Atlanta, GA. We’re getting a group together to travel to this conference. We’ll leave mid-morning Friday and return Saturday night (possibly Sunday).

If interested, please contact Jaymie Derden. Additional details are available at Lifeway.com (click on Events, Beth Moore).

Spring Garden Preschool will be closed during the months of June and July. It will open in early August with new hours of 7:45 - 4:00 pm. We will continue to have the curriculum hours of 9:00-1:00 p.m. daily.

Spring Garden Preschool will start registration for the Fall session in late March and continue to register new students through May 30th.

For more information please call 276-466-8505.

Everyone is invited to attend the Spring Garden Preschool “Hoe-Down” Wednesday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. We will have BBQ plates, games, prizes, and a live auction with numerous donated items to bid on.

Call the Preschool to R.S.V.P. by May 14th at 276 466-8505. Come and enjoy “good ole family fun"!

This Sunday please check in the narthex for three special mosaic flower pots filled with beautiful flowers. These mosaic pots were created by the elementary G.R.E.A.T. Adventure children during their Easter Rotation: Jesus Prays in the Garden. Each pot is decorated with Easter and Christian symbols made with mosaic stones and glass.

The pots will be auctioned off to the highest bidders, silent auction style this Sunday. A mosaic flower pot makes a lovely Mother’s Day gift for that special mom, grandmother or special friend.

All proceeds from the flower pot sales will go toward Change for Children. Thank you for supporting this worthy ministry.

Join us for a GREAT day of fishing fun, led by David Luther and Roger Leonard. Parents and kids (ages 4 through 8th grade) are invited! You’ll fish for trout in a stocked creek. Bring your rods, bait and good luck! There’s also a big field next to the creek, so bring balls and Frisbees along, too. Fishing and playing will be followed by a cookout, so don’t forget your appetite!

Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE! (donations accepted)

Location: creek and field near Luther’s house at 100 Phlox Creek, Bristol, TN (field owned by John and Anne Gillenwater who are graciously allowing us to use it for the day).

Please call the church by Thursday, June 5th (276-669-2101) or email Jaymie.

June 23-26

See the VBS wish list on the board in the Narthex. Sign-up to help with both your donations and time. You will be blessed!!

VBS TRAINING WILL BE MAY 28TH, 6:00-8:00 P.M.

See Becky Littleton or Gail Shazor to Volunteer!
Becky Littleton 276-669-3390

Children’s Day at Buffalo Mountain Camp

Buffalo Mountain Camp’s Annual Children’s Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. This one-day event is designed to familiarize kids and adults with camp activities. All activities are organized and led by camp staff. Join us for a fun day of games, hiking, playing in the creek, crafts, singing and worship! Kids ages 1-6 are invited to participate. Activities are FREE!

In order to participate, we need at least four children and one additional adult as a chaperone. Pre-registration is required by May 18. We will leave the church at 8:30 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. Children need to bring a white t-shirt (for tie-dying), a plastic bag for shirt, a packed lunch with drink and money for offering. Please call or email Jaymie to register at 276-669-2101.

Camp Ahistadi Children’s Day

On May 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Camp Ahistad will be open for Children’s Day. This is a cooperative ministry set apart for children only, no youth, just children kindergarden thru grade-6. This is an excellent opportunity for kids to function in a bigger setting and encounter Jesus Christ in the process.

Kids need to bring a bagged lunch, plain white T-shirt and a friend. There is no cost for this day, but reservations are required by May 1st. You can call 276-628-3092 or email ahistadi@va.net for more information.

Camp Ahistadi 2008

For generations the people of the United Methodist Church have been coming to the mountain with God. The camping ministries of the Abingdon District offer campers Ahistadi. Nestled in the forest, the camp is located 4 miles south of Damascus on Highway 91. Come join other campers and hear the teachings of Jesus.

Ahistadi is open for the 2008 camping season, dates are set, and reservations are being taken and must be postmarked by May 31st.

• Elementary Camp (grades 3-5) June 13-15
• Senior High Adventure and Mission Camp—June 15-21
• Junior High Camp—June 22-28

Contact Don Smith at 276-628-3092 for more information.

Summer Trip for Youth

SURGE Weekend at Lake Junaluska. Thursday, June 26-Sunday, June 29. $50 deposit due May 5. Please see Sharon for more information.

Contact Hilary or Sharon for more information.

Sharon: emoryrose@yahoo.com

We are compiling a list of those graduating this Spring for recognition of this important milestone. Please call our church office at 276-669-2101 with the name, school and degree earned.

Fresh Start Circle

Contact Kerry Hale at 423-652-1809.

OAK

• June 17th - luncheon at Barbara and Ed Newell’s log home in Damascus
• July - Watauga Lake and the Captain’s Table.
• August - Barter Theater and The Tavern.

Check out our activity sheet in the Welcome Center.

UMW Activities

UMW Circle 1 will meet May 13th in the disciple room at 10:00 a.m. Hostess Julee Burke and Jane Baxter.

UMW Circle 4 will meet Tuesday, May 27th at noon at the home of Lois Crockett.

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
- Psalm 98: 1

Interested in the Youth Choir & Chapel Choir?

Contact Phil Haga at 423-383-3519 or philliphaga@aol.com.

Floral Arrangements

May 11 - The arrangements on the altar in the chapel and sanctuary are given by Rush, Lea, Ben II, Andrew and Elise Powers in loving memory of Benny’s mother, Mrs. Edwin Rush Powers and his grandmother, Elizabeth Scates Rush and to honor his sister, Dorothy Wright.

May 18 - The floral arrangements on the altar in the chapel and sanctuary are given by family in loving memory of Craig M. Rockett, Jr.

May 25 - The floral arrangements on the altar in the chapel and sanctuary are given by the Rainero family in loving memory of Stevan’s mother, Elizabeth Rainero.

All articles for the newsletter and corrections should go to Reneé LaMon, Administrative Assistant, at the church office. If emailing your article, please send it to Reneé at churchoffice@state-street.org. Submitting corrections for the online version may go directly to Paul Derden.