THREE SIMPLE RULES

     That Can Change Your Life

 Reuben Job has written a small, easy-to-read book, “Three Simple Rules That Can Change Your Life” which offers us John Wesley’s formula for evangelical living that will bring about an evangelical faith:  “Do no harm … do good … stay in love with God.”  He calls us to a deeper relationship with God rooted in mutual respect and unity.   

A five-session study of this book will begin Tuesday, August 19 at either 10:30 a.m., or 6:30 p.m., and continue through September 16.   Each book costs $5.  And each session will be facilitated by a video presentation from Bishop Job.   

You are urged to sign up at the desk outside the secretary’s office. Space is limited, so please sign up early.

CHURCH COUNCIL  

Sunday, August 24 after 11 a.m., worship service.  All Mangum members are Church Council members.

 Vacation Bible School

I would like to thank all the volunteers who came out to “God’s Big Backyard” this year.  I would like to give a special thanks to Ms. Howard, and Ms. Merry for leading our group in song each evening. Our Youth for leading the children in “Simon Says;” Ms. Jean for making the crafts come to life; Ms. Pam for being the “character” she is; Ms. Hazel for “cracking the whip;” Aunt Anita, Ms. Anne, and Aunt Dot for all the great food and extra pounds, and one last thank you to the Children for making it the best VBS ever!

Melanie Gassiott, Director, VBS

$25 ON THE  25th

A new, relatively painless, opportunity for Mission Support is beginning this month at Mangum. Those of who will make a “second mile” pledge of $25, payable to Mangum Church prior to the 25th of each month, can make a difference in the ministry of certain agencies and programs both locally and beyond.   

No meeting is required. Each person who pledges this amount will be asked to name a certain mission project they would like to see supported. This will be placed in a bowl with every other pledging participant in this effort and a blind selection will be made.   

If ten people pledge to this, that will mean an extra $250 to some agency or program that benefits those in need. $250 is not much, but it’s $250 they didn’t have before.  Plus, it exercises our mission muscles. 

This Sunday a pledge form will be placed in your order of worship. You can either pledge $25 a month for the remainder of the year, or you can ignore it. After receiving your pledge for that month, we’ll ask for your preferred recipient. A drawing will decide where the funds go that month. 

Mangum Prayer Line

Our Prayer Line ministry is in place.  When an urgent need for prayer arises in the Mangum Church family, please call Jane Salter (631-7871) and she will get the prayers going through the Prayer Line. 

Many thanks to all of you who worked in the office while I was in the hospital and also while I was recovering from my  illness. Thanks also for your calls, visits, cards, flowers and gifts, and thanks for your love.

 Lonette Kurtz  

The Finance Committee will meet at 6:00 p. m., Sunday, August 17 in the Parlor. Chairperson for this committee is Russ Rogers. 

The Church Council will meet at 6:00 p. m., Sunday, August 24 in the Sanctuary. All members of Mangum are members of this committee. Dennis Salter is the chairperson.

Choir Rehearsals resume Wednesday 7/31 at 6:30 p.m.   

Thinking about serving the Lord in a different way? Join the music ministry of Mangum Church as the choir returns from its month-long hiatus.   

Prayer Group resumes Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., in the parlor.

Have you picked up your Pictorial Directory? 

Please do so after church this Sunday. Ann Bremer will help you get your directory and receive any donations you may make to help us defray the expense. 

WE ARE A CONNECTIONAL CHURCH …

… and, as such, we hurt when one of our other churches in Methodism suffers. 

             Much of the New Orleans District of the United Methodist Church suffered significant damage during Hurricane Katrina and the flooding which followed.   Many of the facilities are not usable and (may never be).  Dozens of  Louisiana United Methodist clergy have been “displaced,” meaning they are either temporarily or permanently unable to live in their homes or parsonages.   And because many of the churches are no longer usable and as many in their congregations have relocated, they have no place to work and little or no parishioners to serve. 

The Louisiana Conference is working to help these clergy and to help our churches.  A goal of $1.1 million has been set to assist the clergy in relocating while maintaining their salaries and benefits. 

Mangum has been generous in its response to the wrath of Hurricane Katrina.  You’ve contributed over $3,100 in one week to the relief efforts.  Additionally, some have volunteered in shelters and many others have contributed the loads of donations we’ve carried to Hirsch Coliseum and other places to provide bedding, clothing, toiletries, etc. for evacuees.  

Now, we need to support our clergy in Louisiana.  The Bishops’ Appeal — Hurricane Katrina — will help toward this end.  We seek your generous donations in these extraordinary and pivotal times.  Make your check out to Mangum and denote “Bishops’ Appeal — Hurricane Katrina.”