It was my pleasure to accompany our Confirmation class to their Confirmation Celebration event on Sunday! I look forward to shepherding these young hearts in their walk with Christ as they grow and mature here at Chapel Hill.

Speaking of shepherding! What a great job the confirmands and youth did shepherding groups of Congregation members throughout Storytelling Night! Thanks for allowing them to serve you in this way!

Our youth Sunday school class continues to look at the book of Ecclesiastes. We did an activity on Sunday that we'd like to challenge each individual to try:

First, make a list of the 10 Most Important Things in My Life.
Next, make a list of Ten Things that Take Up Most of My Time.
Now compare the two lists.

Our lesson asked us to consider: "If the things on the first list are ultimately most important, why do I spend so much time doing things NOT on that list?" Then we were asked to consider: "If NOTHING is meaningful without God, how can I bring God into my life's daily activities?"

Something to consider this week, as we all prepare our hearts for a Lenten journey.

God's Grace and Peace to You in Christ,
Heidi Tolle

Lifelong United Methodist?

New to United Methodism?

Whether you've been a United Methodist for five decades or five weeks, you may be surprised at all there is to discover about our denomination.

United Methodism 101 is designed for new church members and anyone else wanting to know more about the denomination and its history, teachings and structure.

In this course, you will learn more about United Methodist:

• History
• Structure
• Beliefs
• Ministries

About the Course: The course includes four modules, each with many interactive features. Each module takes about one hour to complete. Move through the modules at your own pace.

Pre-register: No participants will be admitted once the course begins, so please preregister on-line before Wednesday, Feb. 1. (Click on the link above)

Course Details: Cost: $9.99 Dates: Feb. 1 – March 14 Credit: Upon successful completion, learners are awarded 1 SACEM CEU.

Offline Option: Instead of taking the online course, you may purchase the United Methodism 101 CD (KIT). The same interactive course blends audio, video and written materials into a fast-moving learning experience.

This kit is ideal for groups or individuals wanting to increase their understanding of United Methodism. Each kit includes five identical CDs and one leader's guide. Additional CDs may be purchased separately.

You have probably talked to your Sunday School class or other groups about your plans for a skit or you’ve been thinking about it. So, I’m sure you will be glad to know that we have a theme and suggestions for Bible verses to base your skit/ puppet show/ performance on.

Here are some suggestions:

• Noah Depends on God: Genesis 6:9-13; 6:22-7:17; 8:1; 8:13-9:17
• A Servant Girl Dares to Care: 2 Kings 5
• John Proclaims Jesus: Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-22
• The Disciples Choose to Follow Jesus: Luke 5:1-11; John 21:4-24
• Paul Delivers Good News: Acts 27

Any other story that involves water would be fine.

The theme for this year’s Bible Storytelling Night is all wet, but I know that your skits will go deep with God!

Happy New Year!

It is time for a new volunteer sheet for Children's Time Leaders and Message Experience Shepherds. Please find me or go to the bulletin board to sign up for one day.

Children's Time Leaders are responsible for giving the children's sermon. If this is something you are called to do, I will give you the Bible verse and a sermon or two to choose from; I'll also give you a short list of guidelines to help you out.

Message Experience Shepherds accompany the children out of the Sanctuary after Children's Time. You will need to make sure that the children don't get "lost" on their way to the garden room. You will also help keep order by helping the little ones learn to stay seated when needed and help the kids stay on task while they do a craft or play a game. I ask that each of the parents and grandparents do this once each season. Everyone else is welcome and encouraged to sign up. This year, I will send you an e-mail reminder in advance of when you are volunteering, but you can always check the bulletin board.

By popular demand:

Bible Storytelling Night is Back!

Form your groups NOW and plan to come to the Bible Storytelling Night planning meeting on Tuesday, January 24th at 7:00PM.

Bible Storytelling Night will be Sunday, February 19th.