“I’ve Got Music Down in My Soul”Summer is almost over – school is about to start – which means a lot of our church pro- gramming soon resumes. For the music groups of Mount Vernon, this is an exciting time as we look to new ideas, new music, and new participants.

Children’s choirs will begin regular Sunday morning rehearsals when Godly Play resumes on August 21.

Aldersgate Ringers will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, August 23.

Wesley Ringers will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, August 24.

Aldersgate Choir rehearsals begin on Wednesday, August 24.

Wednesday night programming including praise team and musical rehearsals begins on

September 14.

The Epworth Choir has experienced wonderful growth in the last few months: we have doubled in size! This group, too, is open to anyone who would like to participate. We will kick off the year with a choir party at 3 p.m. on Labor Day in the fellowship hall. We’ll look at ways to enhance the early service by focusing on things that make that service special. At the first Aldersgate Choir rehearsal, we’ll have some fun, with refreshments and a look ahead at the year in music and at the ways choir operates in worship. Feel free to show up at either or both of these events, to join a choir or just to learn more about them.

2016 / 2017 Programming Year

Set to Begin

Lots of groups –– lots of announcements! It is wonderful to have so much happening at Mount

Vernon. If you have ever given any thought to joining a choir, this is the time to do it.

People Needed to Fill Out the Averett/Community Handbell Group This is a fast-moving beginners handbell group, which will give people the chance to learn handbell technique and enjoy ringing in an ensemble; we’ll also move toward several concerts and performances. This group will practice on Tuesdays, 2:45–4 p.m., at Mount Vernon, beginning on August 23. It’s open to anyone, including people in the community. If you’ve ever been drawn to play with people from the wider community, to work with college students, and to perform in different churches or venues, then this group is for you! Please talk to me if you have questions or would like to join.

I hope everyone jumps in and gets involved in music, whether that’s by joining a group or participating in the

congregation. It is a joy to be at Mount Vernon!– Tim Navis

On Sunday, August 21, our youth and children’s Sunday School classes and music will resume in the morning, our Crossroads team will lead the worship services, and our youth activities will start in the evening!

August 21: A Big Sunday at Mount Vernon!

9:45 a.m.: Youth and Children’s Sunday School and Music with Tim & Beth Bauman

Preschool (ages 2–4): Joyce Underwood

Godly Play 1: Leslie Navis & Beth deAristizabal

Godly Play 2: Ann Hurt & Rosalind Morton

Middle School Youth: Bart Fletcher

High School Youth: Beth Bauman

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Younger Youth (grades 6–8) with John Ranson & Beth Bauman

6:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Snack Supper

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: High School (grades 9–12) with Leslie Barksdale & Beth Bauman

It is no surprise to you that one of my deepest life passions centers on the children and youth of our world. This summer I celebrate my 33rd year of working in the church. It began after my freshman year of college, when I spent the next summer working in my home church, mostly with children and youth, and throughout the ensuing years I have always found a way to be connected to the rising generations. Of the many important ways Mount Vernon Church is in ministry, I am thrilled to see the way we care about all age levels, and especially our younger ones. On weekdays as I walk through the fellowship hall to my study, I rejoice in the young voices I hear emanating from Children’s House. On Wednesday evenings I delight in the energy created by all generations gathering together, and especially in the enthusiasm of our families with kids. On Sunday mornings I love to look out and see all generations represented, from the youngest of families to the most senior of couples and singles. I am blessed to minister with you in a place that cares for people of all stages in the human life continuum. It is evident to me that Mount Vernon UMC has a strong legacy and current reality of loving children and youth, their families, and their friends. Mount Vernon UMC does a great job in creating a loving, nurturing environ-ment for those connected to our congregation! One of the questions I have been prayerfully considering for the past six months is: how can we be intentional about connecting with others who need what we offer, and especially how can we leverage our resources to further nurture hope in the Dan River region?

Fostering Hope One opportunity Claudia and I are excited about is called “Foster Hope,” a ministry that encourages foster and adoptive parents in their journey with the most vulnerable kids in our community. On August 17 at 6:00 we are hosting a potluck dinner and information session which will describe how each part of our church community can have a part in supporting and encouraging families throughout our region who respond to God’s invitation to foster and/or adopt children. We invite you to meet with us to learn more … with no obligation on your part except to learn and ask questions. EVERY person in the church can play a role – so please come to find out what yours might be. Mount Vernon Church is a hope-filled place engaged in meaningful ministry… what will it mean for us to take another step in fostering hope in our region? Filled with hopeful anticipation, Pastor Bart

Upcoming activities and/or dates to be aware of:

Young Adult Breakfast Sunday, August 7, 9:45 a.m., Sunday School Room. Bring a breakfast dish to share while we catch up with each other! Please let Alana know who will be attending.

Danville Braves Faith Night Friday, August 12, 7:00 p.m. General

Admission tickets are $3.50. Please let Melissa know if you would like a ticket, by Wednesday, August 10.

Sunday School - Godly Play - Youth Group All of these activities resume on Sunday, August 21.

Wednesday Dinners Resume on September 14.

Pig Pickin' at Melissa's Farm Saturday, September 24. Starts at 4:00 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Bring chairs and a dish to pass.

Watch for details.

Coming This Fall… New Bible Study Opportunities!Several new options for deepening your understanding of the Bible in a small-group setting are planned for this fall:

Disciple Fast Track – Cathy Hawkins and Bart Fletcher will be the leaders of two new Disciple classes. The classes will meet for 24 weeks for 75 minutes per session. The new Disciple Fast Track is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedule. Cathy’s section will be held on Sunday evenings, and Bart’s will be during the day on a weekday. Times to be decided. Women’s Bible Study – Michelle Larking will lead a short-term Bible study for women of all ages that will be offered on Wednesday nights during the program time, 6:30–7:15 p.m.

Church Picnic at Ballou ParkSunday, September 11

Let’s Rise Out of the Summer SlumpPlease be aware that during the summer months, contri-butions to the general operating fund of the church have fallen significantly short of what we need to meet our ongoing expenses for personnel, utilities, and general operating expenses. We ask that you review your giving pattern during the summer months, and if you need to make adjustments, please bring your contributions up to schedule. We have had to transfer funds from the Founda-tion to enable us to meet August expenses. It is urgent that we address the shortfall now and get our financial house in order. Things are going so well in so many aspects of the church’s program that we simply cannot afford to let our financial commitments fall behind. Thanks to all of our congregation for your gifts to Mount Vernon, and we are confident that we will correct the current problem that our church faces. A little extra giving from each of us will bring us back to a state of financial health. – The Finance Committee

Tote Bags from BurundiAs many of you know, our daughter, Catherine, lives and works in one of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi. She works for UNICEF, and across the street from her office is a women’s handcraft cooperative called Amahoro Handcrafts Burundi. “Amahoro” means “peace.” In a country at war, this is especially meaningful. I fell in love with the tote bag Catherine brought me and asked her to bring home as many as she could fit in her luggage. She brought 15 bags, each lined and beautifully made. Purchase of these bags directly benefits women in Burundi. Search “Amahoro Hand-crafts Burundi” online for more information about the organization. Please stop by my office if you would like to purchase a bag. Cost is $30.00 per bag. On the website they are listed as “multi-strip tote” and “overnighter travel tote.” All proceeds go directly to women in Burundi. – Beth Bauman

Mount Vernon UMC Foundation News…Because of the generosity and foresight of current and past members, the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church Foundation has been able to impact the lives of many students and programs in our community for over thirty years. 2016 has been no exception. With assets of almost $1.2 million as of December 31, 2015, held in the trust, the board has approved distributions of $37,000 during 2016. It is important for Mount Vernon members to note that according to the terms of the trust only income earned on the assets is to be distributed during the year. During 2016, scholarships of $4,250 were approved, including both college and Children’s House scholarships. Other recipients included Children’s House, for the purchase of new curriculum, and the Samaritan Fund of the Virginia United Methodist Homes. The Foundation has continued to support the ministries of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Distributions, totaling $11,000, have been made to the special funds for music, missions, and children’s & youth ministries, which will enable staff to enhance our worship and programming opportunities. Additionally, $15,000 will be distributed this month from the Dorothy Rich Fund for church operations. I hope that this report highlights the Foundation’s vital role and partnership with Mount Vernon Church in carrying out the mission of the church. I am certain it is the hope of all that Mount Vernon United Methodist Church will continue to a make a difference in our community forever. If you would like to help sustain and increase the principal funds of the Foundation trust, please consider donating to the Foundation today or include it in your estate plans.

Margaret Scott President, MVUMC Foundation Board

The Worship Committee is recruiting friendly people to be “official” greeters before andafter the worship services. Please contact Sam Newell at bubandsam@aol.com to let her know you are interested and to find out more.

Our Crossroads team of 25 youth and adults traveled to Marion, Virginia, July 15-–22 for the group’s 15th annual summer mission trip. They did various

construction projects and brought joy and hope to five families!

The team will lead worship on August 21 and looks forward to sharing from the trip in word,

song, and photos.

Project Crossroads ’16

Youth: Alex Larking, Deontae Jones, Mac Newell, Wilson Fletcher, Slade Potts, Tristan Woodard, Dashawn Jones, Daniel Odongo, Tyrese Morrison, Elizabeth Payne, Charlotte Parrish, Kate Newell, Samantha Mills, Abby deAristizabal, Hannah Hawkins, Monica Jones. Adults: Frank Davis, Chuck Sampson, Gary Benefield, Bart Fletcher, Lude Labieville, Dan Newell, Tom Savastano, Frank Cuthrell, Beth Bauman

August 7, 2016 8:30 & 11 a.m.

twelfth sunday after pentecost

communion sunday

Scripture: Luke 5: 1–11 Sermon:

“Catching People” “Beloved Community” Series, #6

August 14, 2016 8:30 and 11 a.m.

thirteenth sunday after pentecost

Scripture: Luke 5: 17–26Sermon:

“Seeing Strange Things” “Beloved Community” Series, #7

August Worship ServicesAll sermons by the Rev. Bart A. Fletcher unless otherwise noted.

August 21, 2016 8:30 & 11 a.m.

fourteenth sunday after pentecost

Crossroads ’16 SundayYouth and adult Crossroads

team members lead the service and give the message.

August 28 , 2016 8:30 & 11 a.m.

fifteenth sunday after pentecost

Scripture: Luke 4: 16 – 30Sermon:

“Loving the Old, Embracing the New”

“Beloved Community” Series, #8

Project Crossroads ’16

Attendance8:30 11:00

July 3

July 10

July 17

July 24

July 31

33

36

22

29

25

73

107

153

85

102

Total

106

143

175

114

127

Gluten-free communion bread

is available at Mount Vernon. Please

contact the pastor at 793-6824 before

Communion Sunday if you would like

gluten-free wafers.

Our Worship Assistants

ALTAR GUILDAugust: Mary Franks,* Van Keck, Marlyn Sigmon,

Betty Ann SmithSeptember: Joyce Fuquay, Joanne Bucklew,

Tammy Waters

USHERSAugust 7 8:30: Bill Booker 11:00: Tom Leggett,* David Fuquay, Tommy Hodges, Andrew Farley, Tom Underwood Alt.: Frank Davis, Sam Newell

August 14 8:30: Darrell Williamson 11:00: J.G. Hurt,* Budge Kent, Gene Saunders, Coleman Hylton, Bill Smith Alt.: Sam Newell, Derek Mitchell

August 21 8:30: Bill Booker, Tom Booker 11:00: Tom Leggett,* Andrew Farley, David Fuquay, Tommy Hodges, Bill Smith Alt.: Coleman Hylton, Dan Newell

August 28 8:30: Tom Booker

11:00: Dan Waters,* J.G. Hurt, Charles Sampson, Tom Underwood, Frank Davis Alt.: Dan Newell, Derek Mitchell

At Roman Eagle: Zula CallahanAt home: Bill Hardy

At Riverside Healthcare: Greg ReadAt Stratford House: Lois Love, Marjorie Hood

1 Casey Fowler Rhonda Yates 2 Neill McMillan, Jr. Sonia Williamson 3 John Morris Zoey Zickefoose 4 Tobias Lutz 5 Edward Long 6 Carter Bauman Hudson Dunn Sophie Parrish 7 Catherine Bendall Dick Patterson Stephanie Spainhour Zickefoose Charles Lee Turbiville11 Margaret Ashby Maloney Phillip Blackmon12 David Johnston13 Charles Jackson14 Lindsey Burton T. J. O’Neill Chelsa Williamson15 William Thompson16 Ruth Anderson17 Derek Mitchell Carolyn Moore Joyce Obstler18 Walter Yates, II19 Brock Abernathy Emma Larking Dan Waters20 Suzanne Mills

September Birthdays

August Birthdays23 Emaline Adkins Christopher Bailey Betty Eller Carol Gibbs24 Andrew Farley Adam Hawkins Cutler Payne25 Jane O’Neill Patrick Turbiville26 Elizabeth Furgurson Sami Tiver Belanger28 Jane Anglea Bill Booker Sr Katie Fitch Nell Jefferson30 Joe Garrett Summer Milligan Cathy Hawkins31 Stephen Fowler Harry Milam

THANK YOUI extend to all of you who have called me, written notes, sent emails and get-well cards my heartfelt thank you. Your prayers were uplifting and I felt the Lord’s presence throughout my surgeries and recovery. I am blessed to have a church family such as Mount Vernon UMC. John Morris

Thank you for the cards, food, phone calls, emails and the love, care, support and prayers from our Mount Vernon family during Jerry’s treatments that ended May 25th and now recovery. We will know the success of the treatments in a few months but continue to receive positive remarks from all the doctors. We cannot imagine anyone going through this experience without a church family and we feel we are a part of the BEST! Jerry and Mary Franks

A gift in memory of Patricia Wyatt for the music fund has been received from

Harry and Margaret Milam.

1 Jesse Mayhew, III Stephen Wyatt Charles Sampson 2 Phyllis Acker Leslie Navis Thomas Underwood, Jr. 3 Chris Griffith DeDe Moyer 4 Jeff Clifton 5 Cathy Grogan Thomas O’Neill, III