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James J. McLendon, PastorHelen Caudell, Worship ChairpersonJudy Thompson, Prayer LeaderSandra Smith/Nancy Sullivan, Co-HostessesMike McLendon, SecurityChuck & Lisa Enslen, Directors, SONDixie Merck, Nursery DirectorBill Ratliff, Chaplain, NE Ga. 678-936-4997

Dianne Cheek Cochran, Dir. Ch. MinistriesJessica Thomas, Dir. Children/Mid. School

Bud Reiselt, Board/Stewards ChairChuck Enslen, Lay Leader

Rob Mabry, Worship Ldr, Staff-Parish ChairTim Wilbanks, Board/Trustees Chair

Darlene Brown, Church PianistMerritta Thompson, Office Manager

“In the Spirit of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve, we now must walkin the world. We must reach out our hands with help and open our hearts in love.”P.O. Box 37 homerumc@windstream.net Sycamore StreetHomer, Georgia 30547 www.homermethodist.org Ph. (706) 677-3364

Vol. 19 October 9, 2016 No. 41

“RAISING HANDSWOW – an enthusiastic believer raises their hands in praise and thanksgiving to God for hismany blessings.WRONG – another picture taker raises their hands holding an iGadget, taking anotherpicture. (What do you suppose would happen if we raised our hands in praise to God for hismany blessings as much as we raise them to take another “selfie?”)

1983 CHRYSLER LEBARON

Woody: “Thank you!”

CIRCLE OF PRAYERThe “Circle of Prayer” is included in the bulletin each week and updated monthly. Please place

on an attendance sheet any for whom you would have the whole church pray during themonth of September in addition to others whose names appear below: our service men and

women, all of whom are named on the “Armed Forces Honor Roll,” Cecil Abarr, JayBaumgardner, Betty Bennett Family, The Boyd Family, Patrick Bunn, Vickie Carroll, Mike Chadwick,Jon & Matt Chambers Family, Allen Chapman, Ruth Cochran, Randy Cochran Family, Norma Collins,Tiny Collins, Eloise Crowder, Lynda Dodd, Joe Flanagan, Adriane & James Garner, Henry Garner,Mack Garrison, Syble Garrison, Wade Gates, Christy Gibson, Hoyt Harris, Carol Harrison, JohnHemboree, J.D. Holcomb, Stephanie Hortman, Chick Kittell, Ethel Lambert, Lefevre Family, GeneMathis, Mike McLendon, Lisa Nation, Harlee Pearce, Andee Poulos, Cecilia Rivers, Bria Elizabeth Rylee& Family, Danny Scalf, Jim Scalf, Lauren Tarvin, Marion Thompson, Merritta Thompson, Linda White,Neal & Doris Whitsel, Young Married Couples with Children.Add or Delete:___________________________________________________________

Sunday, October 9, 2016 — 9:45A.M.Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost Altar Color: Green

WELCOMETo all who are weary and need rest, to all who mourn and need comfort, to all who are lonelyand need friendship, to all who are glad and would serve their neighbors, to all who arecomplacent and need disturbing, to all who sin and need a Savior, this church opens wideits doors in the name of Christ, and bids you welcome.

THE GATHERINGTHE RITUAL OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP AND CELEBRATIONS

(Please sign the Registration Booklets & Stand when Recognized.)THE RINGING OF THE HERITAGE BELLTHE PRELUDE WITH LIGHTING OF CANDLES*THE CHORAL INTROITTHE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER*THE PROCESSIONAL No. 131 We Gather Together*THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH No. 881 The Apostles’ Creed*THE HYMN OF PRAISE No. 71 The Gloria PatriTHE HYMN No. 359 Alas! and Did My Savior BleedTHE ALTAR OF PRAYERTHE CANTICLE No. 83 The Canticle of God’s Glory*THE OFFERTORY HYMN No. 140 Great is Thy FaithfulnessTHE OFFERTORY PRAYER

Pastor: Almighty and most merciful God, from you comes every good and perfect gift.People: We give you praise and thanks for all your mercies.Pastor: Your good has created us, your bounty has sustained us, your discipline has chastened us, your patience has borne with us, your love has redeemed us.People: Give us a heart to love and serve you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your goodness and mercy by giving up ourselves to your service and cheerfully submitting in all things to your blessed will; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

THE OFFERTORY*THE HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD No. 95 The DoxologyTHE MUSIC SPECIAL Chancel ChoirTHE SPOKEN WORD Rev. McLendon

THANKS FROM A LEBARON(Pew Bible: NT, St. Luke 17:11-19, pg. 80)

*THE HYMN OF DEDICATION No. 111 Praise Him! Praise Him!(Great Gospel Songs & Hymns)

(The Invitation to Christian Discipleship)*THE CHURCH AT PRAYER WITH BLESSINGMay the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever. Grant you peace, perfect peace, strengthin every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see His face and His grace forever. May the Lord,mighty God, bless and keep you forever.*THE TAKING OF LIGHT INTO THE WORLD*THE RINGING OF THE HERITAGE BELL*THE POSTLUDE *Denotes standing if you are able and so desire.

THE PREACHER’S JOKE BOOKA Fellow Christian: A preacher went hunting out in the woods, heard a noisebehind him, turned, and there was a big bear reared up on his hind legs. Thepreacher cocked his gun, aimed, and pulled the trigger. The gun only clicked,and the bear started toward him. He dropped to his knees and prayed,”Lord,save me from this bear.” He looked up and the bear was still coming, and heprayed, “Lord, let this be a Christian bear.” He looked up again, and the bearwas hunkered down praying, “Lord, bless this food for the needs of our body.”

NURSERY AVAILABLEWe offer a Nursery across the street in the Family Life Center which parents may want to considerfor their youngest from birth through 3 years. They will be happy there, and parents may enjoythe service more. Please note the little ones are usually excused to go to the Nursery.

(Please turn off all cell phones before services begin.)

“POPSICLE STICK QUIZ”Q: What kind of bird never needs a haircut?

A: Bald Eagle.

LAST SUNDAY’S REGISTERED FRIENDSEthel Lambert, Gene Mathis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY10/9 Kate Chambers, 10/10 Becky Brown, 10/11 Nancy Cochran, 10/12Donna Elliott, 10/13 Tommy Whitworth. Congratulations, Kate, Becky, Nancy,Donna & Tommy! Our church rejoices and celebrates with you!

A SMILE INCREASES YOUR FACE VALUE“Some people are like a callus. They always show up when the work is finished.”

DONATIONA donation to the shoe project has been made in Dianne’s honor for her birthday byBrother Jim, Miss Marilyn & Mike McLendon.

ASSISTING WITH WORSHIPBell Ringer: Collin Coulter; Acolytes: Griffin & Chase Stephens; CrossBearer: AdaRae Thomas; Communion Assistants: Hunter & JimmyCochran; Welcome: Bud Reiselt; Greeters: Tim & Phyllis Carter; MusicSpecial: Chancel Choir; Worship Leaders: Rob Mabry, Dianne Cochran,Darlene Brown; Nursery: Dixie Merck; Sound System Engineers: Fred Wendt,Mike McLendon, Tim Wilbanks.

USHERSHarlee Pearce, Chairperson

Carl Gibson, Offering Steward. Freddy Kitchens, Dee Palenzuela, Nathan Rothell, SteveStephens, Bryan Waters, Zach Wilbanks. Offering Counters: Carl Gibson & Usher.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP(Please remember Homer UMC in your will or trusts.)

October 2, 2016 — OFFERING: Budget, $5,390. Pastor’s Local Relief Fund, $300.Building Fund, $50. Shoes, $100. TOTAL: $5,840.

ABOUT THIS SUNDAY’S SERMONTOPIC: THANKS FROM A LEBARON † READ: St. Luke 17:11-19

It has well been said that you can tell the difference between men and boysby the price of their toys. Such is certainly the case where one of my (too)many vehicles is concerned.It is a 1983 Chrysler Lebaron convertible with wood strips on the sides andis rightly nicknamed a “Woody.” One of several special features about thetoy is that it talks to you. That’s right – talks to you.You remember that time, don’t you – when autos alerted you by human voice of somethingyou needed to do and thanked you when you did it? WeII, my Woody carries on aconversation with me almost to the point of being a nuisance. Really! It’s politeness includesthe two words “Thank you.”In our lesson this Sunday taken from St. Luke’s gospel, verses in the 17th chapter, a groupof ten lepers were healed by Jesus one day. Can’t you just see them now – jumping, shouting,and praising God? What a celebration that surely must have been! These men with decayingand disfigured bodies suddenly discovering that they had been made whole. They had to bedelirious with joy; and, yet, only one of them went back to Jesus to say “Thank you.” Thatone was a Samaritan.“Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where are the other nine? Has no one returnedto give praise to God except this one foreigner?” And, he said to that grateful Samaritan,“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”To me, saying thank you is a statement of character. Is there anything that makes us thinkless of a person than to remember them with a gift and never receive a simple “Thank you?”I know, ideally, we ought to give and not expect anything in return. But, not to even saythanks? To go to such little trouble as to express gratitude for some gift is a sure sign ofcharacter. Not to do so says a lot about the kind of person you are.Saying “thank you” is one of the real reasons why we are here in worship today. That is whatour hymns are about and our offering and every part of worship. It is our humble way ofsaying “Thank you.” That is why worship is not an option for the Christian. It is what being aChristian is all about.OK, I can hear you, Woody! No need to remind me again. I’ll go straight to Banks Crossingto get that washer fluid right now. If for no other reason than to hear you say once more yourcheery “Thank you.”Thank you. Surely you and I have had enough raising not ever to forget to say “Thank you”whenever thanks is called for and deserved. Even a Woody remembers to do so.

HOLY COMMUNION & PRAYERSHoly Communion is made available to worshippers each Sunday at 9:45a.m. Worshippers of everyChristian denomination are invited to participate and receive the consecrated elements representing

the body & blood of our precious Lord. Gluten-free bread only is offered.

LISA NATION RETURNS HOMEHomer UMC’s Lisa Nation returned home last Wednesday after spending more than a weekthis time at Northeast Georgia in Gainesville. Lisa feels better and is much stronger, we arehappy to report. Please keep this good friend in your prayers daily.

NEXT SUNDAY WELCOMES HUMC’S CHUCK ENSLEN TO PULPITIn absence of our pastor next Sunday, the 16th, Homer Methodist welcomes one of her veryown to “fill” the pulpit and deliver the morning message at 9:45AM. Chuck Enslen, churchlay leader, is an excellent speaker and backs up his message always by every day living ofthe Christian life. As always, worship leader, Rob Mabry, will preside over the service. Makeyour plans to be present to receive a blessing from all Chuck has to say to the church.Brother Jim, Miss Marilyn & “Brother” Mike will be in Fitzgerald where he will deliver theHomecoming sermon to the wonderful South Georgia congregation the family served fiveyears (1984-1989). Please pray for Chuck in the pulpit and the McLendons as they travel.They will return home the same day.

COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATED ON MONDAYNext Monday (the 10th) is another national holiday, this one being Columbus Day. Manyplaces of business – and, some schools – will be closed for the day. At home, the day followsa week of fall break for Banks County schools. Remember to fly your American flag on thishistoric date of October 10th. And, give thanks for the discovery of the New World.

New Bible Study: Thursday October 13th starts a new study called God Heard TheirCry by Ray Vander Laan. It is a 5 week study on the book of Exodus. It will be led bySusan Mitchell and has a workbook. Come join us!

SANDY COCHRAN SERVICES HELD AT HOMER METHODISTChristian sympathy is extended to Randy Cochran and family upon the loss by deathrecently of his wife, Sandy, who passed away while she and her husband were visiting inScotland. Funeral services were conducted at Homer Methodist on Tueday of this week(October 4), with burial at Yonah Memorial Gardens in Cornelia. Rev. James McLendon,officiating. Randy is a brother of our Richard Cochran. Sandy is survived by two adultchildren in addition to her husband. The couple had been married more than thirty years andhad numerous friends throughout the country, many of whom were able to be present forthe funeral.

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Sunday, October 9, 2016: 8:45a.m. Bible Studies 9:45a.m. Morning WorshipMonday, October 10, 2016: Columbus Day (DEADLINE) Homer Herald News (Call 677-3364) 10:00a.m. New Life Circle, UMW (FLC) 6:30p.m. Rehearsal: Handbell Choir 7:00p.m. United Methodist Men (FLC)Wednesday, October 12, 2016: 5:45p.m. UMYF (All Youth)Thursday, October 13, 2016: 4:00p.m. Women’s Bible Study 6:30p.m. Rehearsal: Chancel ChoirFriday, October 14, 2016: 7:30p.m. Football: Leopards vs Oglethorpe Cty (home)

WEDDING BELLSCongratulations to Homer UMC’s Kyle Garrison & Jade Taylor upon their approachingwedding at a popular area venue next Saturday, October 8, at 5:30PM. (The venue is locatedoff Interstate 85 near the Dry Pond exit.) Kyle & Jade are a handsome young couple andhave been sweethearts since high school. Their pastor will officiate at the outdoor wedding.

TRUSTING GODRead Isaiah 40:26-31

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yourways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

When my wife, Rae, began chemotherapy treatments for the second time in four years, Itried to become content with our situation and rely on God for strength. My daily supplicationto God became, “Please heal her quickly, Lord.” I expected immediate results.I am grateful that the Lord has blessed my wife and me with many years together, and wehope to be with the Lord someday. But I am still anxious and still rely upon my ownunderstanding as I pray for my wife’s quick return to health. Today’s quote scripture tells meto look instead to God for understanding. I am trying to trust God with my wife’s healing andfind joy in the promises and encouragement of scripture. God promises that we can becontent even when facing mortality if we rely on Christ for strength.Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us the courage to face the unknown through our faith in youas we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive usour debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us fromevil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:9-13,KJV).

Gary Kiddie (California)Thought for the Day: I can find strength by trusting God.

BROTHER MIKE ACCEPTED FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PROGRAMGood news! Mike McLendon has been notified by Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta that he hasbeen approved for the kidney transplant program at the hospital. Mike received word of theapproval last week. Now the (long?) wait for an available organ begins. The McLendons arevery grateful “Brother Mike” passed all of the many tests required by the Atlanta hospital.

LEOPARDS FOOTBALL UPDATELast Friday’s game in Clayton proved again what we already knew –mountain boys can be big and fast. Rabun County is certainly noexception to that truth. Our young Leopards confronted “big and fast” all four quarters atTigers Stadium on US 441 and came away having suffered a loss. This Friday our boys areoff – literally – before taking on Oglethorpe County on the 14th at home. Social Circle comesto Homer on Friday, the 21st, celebrated as “Senior Night.” GO, LEOPARDS!

LOOKING AHEADSaturday, October 8.......................................................................Garrison/Taylor WeddingMonday, October 10.......................................................................................Columbus DaySaturday, October 22................................................Hinson/Erwin Wedding (Asheville, NC)Sunday, October 23................................................................Pastor Appreciation (Evening)Sunday, October 23............................................................Connectional Group 5 (Gillsville)Saturday, October 29........................................................Serving Our Neighbors (Morning)Saturday, October 29.....................................Annual Fall Festival & Chicken-que (Evening)Sunday, November 6...................................All Saints Sunday / Daylight Saving Time EndsTuesday, November 8.................................................................................National ElectionFriday, November 11........................................................................................Veterans DaySunday, November 13................................................................................Veterans SundayThursday, November 24............................................................................Thanksgiving DaySunday, November 20......................................................................................Bible SundaySunday, November 27.......................................................................First Sunday of Advent

THE MEDICAL REPORTHomer UMC’s Allen Chapman of Murrayville underwent colon surgery last week atNortheast Georgia Medical Center and continues to improve each day at the Gainesvillehospital. Allen is a brother-in-law of our Carl Gibson. Please remember the Chapmans –including wife, Darlene – in your prayers.Chris Harrison suffered an attack of appendicitis one day last week, requiring that theappendix be removed quickly at Northeast Georgia in Gainesville. Because of proceduresnow available to persons with this problem, Chris was able to return home the following dayand then back to work.

McLENDONS COMPLETE 19 YEARS!While they are “officially” in their 20th year by North Georgia Conference standards, BrotherJim & Miss Marilyn (and Mike) actually completed 19 years at Homer Methodist onSaturday, October 1. Brother Jim preached his first Sermon at our church on October 26,1997. He received the appointment on the first of the month.

NINTH ANNUAL FALL COMMUNITY FESTIVALSaturday, October 29, 2016 • 3-6PM

Homer United Methodist Church Family Life Center

“HERE’S JOHNNY!”Below is another in a series of devotionals written by St. Simons Island friend, John P.Rivers, who continues to contribute weekly upon request by the Homer Herald. We cannotbegin to express our appreciation enough to “Johnny” for each beautiful and inspiringcolumn. He is without doubt another Christian who “walks the walk” every day of his life.

PASTOR’S OCTOBER SUNDAY SCHEDULERarely has our pastor been away from his pulpit as much as two Sundays in any one yearsince coming to Homer Methodist nineteen years ago in 1997. October 2016 is an entirelydifferent story. Three consecutive Sundays – 16, 23, 30 – he will be away for different reasons– Homecoming in Fitzgerald (16); Courtney Erwin/Ben Hinson Wedding in Asheville, NC(23); and High School Reunion in Americus (30).Brother Jim does not leave the three Sundays away from Homer UMC without the pulpitbeing well covered: Church lay leader, Chuck Enslen (16); Worship assistant, Rob Mabry(23); and, retired North Georgia Conference pastor and Tim Wilbanks’ friend, ReverendDavid Gravitt (30).Brother Jim & Miss Marilyn will be in Homer all three weeks during the week and goneonly on the weekends. They will return on Sunday, the 23rd, in time for Pastor Appreciationthat evening. Mike will remain home two of the weekends.The McLendons greatly appreciate the Board’s approval for them to be gone during thisunusual Sunday schedule. They look forward to being with old friends in Fitzgerald andAmericus and are honored to be with Courtney & Ben on their wedding day.Brother Jim, as expected, says he will miss being in his own pulpit during this time andbeing with his church family but will look forward to the first two Sundays in October whenhe will be present as nearly always. Please keep the family in your prayers as they travelacross Georgia’s busy highways.

WHEN LOVE IS SHAREDWhen love is shared, it multipliesLike violets in SpringAnd suddenly the world becomesA many splendored thing.Love always makes us young at heart,The best that we can be,When we reach out to othersIn love and charity.Love comforts and consoles usWhen sorrows come our way;Renews our strength and fosters hopeWhen we take time to pray.When love is shared, we too receiveThe blessings it affords,For it plays upon our heartstringsThe happiest of chords.The greatest love the world has knownWas shown at CalvaryWhen God so loved lost sinners thatChrist died for you and me!When love is shared, it changes thingsAnd honors God above,For the greatest gift He gave usWas His redeeming love!

Clay Harrison

TIME FOR SELF-EXAMINATION I am sure that many of you are just like me. You have had your share of victories,successes, and triumphs, but also your share of difficulties and hard knocks. I havefound that our difficult times for the most part can be periods of spiritual growth andstrength if we will allow them to be. I have also learned that our attitudes are importantfactors in determining where these difficult paths lead. In Acts, Luke tells us about the sorcerer Simon and his imperfect understandingof his relationship with God and the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24). Although Simon becamea believer (Acts 8:13), he thought that he could purchase with money the power ofthe Holy Spirit that was imparted by God to others through the Apostles (Acts8:17-19). Simon learned quickly that his heart was not right in the sight of God (Acts8:21). In other words, Peter told Simon this his attitude was not right. Simon’s focuswas in the wrong place. This passage shows us the importance of our own attitudesin our relationship with the Lord and the nature of our responses to the realities andvicissitudes of life. Simon was justified and made righteous in the sight of Godbecause he was a believer. But Simon’s attitude about that relationship and hisconcern about works hindered his journey toward holiness through the process ofsanctification. We must examine our attitudes constantly as we move through each day withits rewards and challenges. Does my attitude reflect the love of Christ? Do my wordsand thoughts encourage my unnecessarily negative attitude? Do I have an attitudeof thankfulness in all things? Do I receive praise from others with an attitude ofhumility or with an attitude of excessive pride? What does my countenance tell othersabout my attitude? Chuck Swindoll wrote these insightful words:“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, ismore important than facts. It is more important than the past, than money, thancircumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say ordo. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break acompany … a church … a home, or an individual.“The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we willembrace for the day. We cannot change our past … we cannot change the fact thatpeople will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing wecan do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.“I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent howI react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.”

Verse for the Week: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

SHOES FOR APPALACHIASHOE UPDATE: There are shoes and shoes and shoes pouring into the buildingfrom orders we placed online – cashing in on a great sale at K-Mart. Out of atotal of 166 shoes, we probably have less than 50 still to fund and purchase.Next will be the wrap stage. If you want to help wrap, watch for a wrap party inthe next couple of weeks. Help will be needed! – Dianne

Sitka National Historical Park – Conflict between TlingitIndians and Russian colonists, 1804 / Sitka, Alaska

This month 150 kids in care of our court system will spend the night in the hotel with astranger. These 150 beloved children of God will stay with a stranger – in this case a statecontractor – because there are not enough loving, compassionate, and nurturing families toopen their homes. At The United Methodist Children’s Home we have a goal of dramaticallyincreasing the number of children in our care from nearly 100 to 500 by 2020. Doing this willaccomplish our mission of restoring children and families from trauma through Jesus Christ.It will also help us make the theme of this year’s offering a reality – No More Hotels!

HOME“We are blessed to be able to call “home” the hills of North Georgia.”

“HAPPY FALL”Staff member Jessica Thomasreminds us on the large FamilyLife Center bulletin board thatbeautiful fall has finally arrivedfollowing a long, hot summer.Jessica’s art is colorful withmajestic seasonal earth tones.