Commonwealth United Methodist Church



Pastor’s Walk

November will mark my second year as Pastor at Commonwealth UMC and so I am feeling a bit reflective this morning. To be honest, being a pastor at a church like Commonwealth was never something I envisioned for my ministry. When I first began to answer God’s Call on my life I asked God…”What do you want with a small businessman who is so new in Christ he squeaks?” I surmised the answer to be God wanted me to use my entrepreneurial skills to create some type of new ministry…that I would be partnering with an existing church to create a new worship experience or new way of reaching out or a parachurch organization. I just figured I was too late to the game and too outside of the box to fit into any typical church setting.

It is funny how we sometimes answer God’s call with solutions that we can only envision. We take that Call from a God who sees and knows everything and we narrow it down into that which we can see…which we can control…which we feel comfortable. I think God allows us to do this so that when the time comes God can once again teach us that God is not limited by that which we can understand. God wants us to know that his plan will always prevail and many times in ways we may never see coming.

I was reading a story about the author Theodor Geisel. We know him better as Dr. Seuss. It seems at the beginning of his career, Mr. Geisel, had very little luck finding anyone who would publish his children’s book “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.” Theodor had submitted his manuscript to 27 publishing firms and had received rejections from each and every one of them. With his 27th rejection, Theodor Geisel had decided to give up on ever being a children’s book author and, as the story goes, was walking home from that 27th rejection with his manuscript in order to burn it and give-up. As he was walking home, he just so happened to bump into a friend from his school days. His friend asked him about the package he was carrying and upon hearing it was a children’s book manuscript asked if he could take a look at it. As a newly hired children’s book editor, he was looking for new projects. The rest is history and it is on that day Dr. Seuss was born. Mr. Geisel was often quoted as saying that if he had been walking on the other side of the street he would have probably become a dry cleaner or something. Dr. Seuss was called to write children’s books…he knew he was called and yet he was ready to give up on that call because he could not see his way forward. I believe God reached down that day on that busy New York City Street and blessed Theodor Geisel with the ability to see his way forward in God’s Call on his life. Probably in a way he never saw coming.

Two years ago, I could not see my way forward in God’s Call for my life…I was ready to give up and I figured I had discerned God’s will incorrectly. Two years ago, God reached down and blessed me with the vision and ability to see my way forward. Two years ago, God blessed me with my appointment to Commonwealth UMC and blessed me even further with you, my church family! And you know what…I never saw that coming!

Grace,

Pastor Steve Kurt

Worship Schedule

October 23rd

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: Luke 18: 9-14

Sermon: “Justified”

October 30th

24th Sunday after Pentecost

Music Sunday

November 6th

25th Sunday after Pentecost

Communion Sunday

Scripture: Psalm 145: 1-5, 17-21

Sermon: “Standing on the Shoulders”

November 13th

26th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

Sermon: “What is right?”

New Address

Margery Weaver

Charlotte Square

5820 Carmel Road

Charlotte, NC 28226

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Our Sympathy

The Commonwealth church family would like to express its sympathy to the family of Sarah Rhodes who passed away on Saturday, October 15th. Sarah was a charter member at Commonwealth, who joined on September 15, 1946.

We would also like to express its sympathy to Kay Little, Janice Rose, Nancy Carson and their families.

Kay Little’s brother, Steve Killian, passed away on October 12th, Janice Rose’s nephew, Johnny McGraw, passed away on Friday, September 23rd and Nancy Carson’s sister, Bobby Denny, (was Mable Davis’s sister too) passed away on July 3rd.

May God comfort them in this time of grief and sorrow.

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Prayer Group

We meet every Wednesday from 10:00-11:00am at Mary Pearre’s home. If you are unable to attend, you can drop your prayer concern(s) in the prayer box located in the Narthex.

Memorial Gifts

Budget

In Memory of:

Phyllis Baker, Mable Davis,

Helen Broome, Nita Cobb and

Joyce Borchert

By: Leonard and Shirley Laye

In Memory of:

Joyce Borchert and Nita Cobb

By: Commonwealth UMW

Our Prayer List

Wanda Broome (daughter-in-law of Helen Broome), Pat Inman (sister of Jackie Samuels), Martha Lee, Ec Little, Sheila Paquette (niece of Jackie Samuels), Mary Pearre, Donna Pruitt, Carl and Frances Stinson

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Nursing/Assisted Living Care

Irma Fields, Maxine Kincaid, Hazel Lands, Sarah Lever, Jean Stoneman, Margery Weaver

Administrative Council Meeting

Sunday, October 23rd

Immediately following worship

Fellowship Hall

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Wesleyan Circle Meeting

Tuesday, November 1st

12:30pm

Church Office

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Tai Chi Chih Class

Thursday’s through November 3rd

10-11am

Fellowship Hall

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DON’T FORGET

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Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 6th

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before going to sleep on November 5th.

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Election Day – November 8th

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Charge Conference

Wednesday, November 9th

4:00 – 5:00pm

Fellowship Hall

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Commonwealth United Methodist Church

2434 Commonwealth Avenue

Charlotte, NC 28205

(704) 376-4924

At this time each year we must be reminded of some of the basic needs of our Church. Needs that no one likes to hear during our morning worship service; but, nevertheless, are important to the life of our church, Commonwealth United Methodist Church. If we are not reminded at least yearly some may think that all is running smoothly, when, in fact, it may not be.

Stewardship: (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can be applied to the environment and nature, economics, health, property, information, theology, etc.

A biblical world view of stewardship can be consciously defined as: "Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation." The central essence of biblical world view stewardship is managing everything God brings into the believer's life in a manner that honors God and impacts eternity.

Stewardship begins and ends with the understanding of God's ownership of all:

Christian views

Christian Stewardship refers to the responsibility that Christians have in maintaining and using wisely the gifts that God has bestowed. God wishes human beings to be his collaborators in the work of creation, redemption and sanctification. Increasingly this has referred to environmental protectionism. This also includes traditional Christian Ministries that share the resources of treasure, time and talent.

Stewardship in Christianity follows from the belief that human beings are created by the same God who created the entire universe and everything in it. To look after the Earth, and thus God's dominion, is the responsibility of the Christian steward.

A useful quote explaining stewardship can be found in Psalm 24:1:

"The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it".

A broader concept of stewardship is illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the “talents”, which refer to an amount of money but by implication (and by common use of the word in English) as “abilities."

We, at Commonwealth United Methodist Church, are very fortunate to have the ministerial staff that we have; Senior Pastor Rev. Steven Kurt, Rev. Patience Brumley and Rev. Abu Kamanda. Rev. Kurt provides his services for a much reduced salary, Rev. Brumley provides her services at no salary, and Rev. Kamanda provides his services at no salary. With the free and reduced salaries, this is the foundation of Commonwealth United Methodist Church staying alive! However, our buildings are quite old and are in need of constant upkeep. And, we have programs that must be purchased for our active membership as well as providing programs that could attract new members. In addition, we must cover the expense of keeping our lights on as well as providing warmth in the winter and the air cool in the summer. We attempt to be frugal with our planning and budgeting; however, the funds we are receiving through our Sunday offerings are insufficient to cover half of our budgeted expense.

Truly, God’s generosity has sustained us all. Please give careful and prayerful consideration to the ways in which you can support the work of the Church as you make your pledges. Then, in an act of Christian stewardship, bring your pledge cards (which are included with this newsletter) on Sunday, October 23, 2016, to be dedicated to God during the morning worship. If you cannot attend this service, please return the pledges to the Church office via the US Mail or during your next worship service.

Finance Committee

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Offering Enveoples

On October 23, 2016 we will be holding our annual Stewardship drive. Since we like for our Sunday contributions to be placed in Offering Envelopes, for accountability purposes, the purpose of this notice is to inform/remind you of the availability of these Offering Envelopes. They are located on the table in the Narthex. Please pick up a supply when you enter/leave the Sanctuary. If you would like us to mail you a supply just call the Church office (704) 376-4924 and we will be happy to mail them to you. These envelopes are undated and can be used until you run out and need to reorder.

Thank you, John Beaver, Finance

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November Birthdays

7 Elyse McMillion

10 Connie Lewis

12 Phyllis Batts

12 Samuel Ingold

13 Rosemary Lands

16 Ashley Ingold

21 Trish Borchert

24 Bob Samuels

24 Misty Scott

28 Nancy Stacey

United Methodist Women

Luncheon/Meeting

Sunday, November 13th

12pm - Fellowship Hall

Becca Kurt to talk about her

mission trip to Guatemala.

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On Sunday, September 18th, Pia Roe joined Commonwealth United Methodist Church by transfer from Ashford United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. We welcome her into our church family.

Pia’s address:

2606 McClintock Road

#302

Charlotte, NC 28205

Thanksgiving Breakfast

Thursday, November 24th

8:00 a.m.

Fellowship Hall

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Sign-up sheets are located in the Narthex and Lands Class.

Please state who will be attending and how many, along with what dish (optional) you will be bringing.

Book Study Sign Up

One Faithful Promise:

The Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal

We will meet for 6 consecutive weeks, Thursdays in October and November (Oct. 20th, 27th and Nov. 3rd, 10th, 17th, and Wednesday, Nov. 23rd.) The cost of the book is $7.00 and will be distributed prior to the beginning of the study.

This will be a different type of book study as it will include an element of worship during each session and will conclude with a Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service.

Please sign-up if you wish to take part in this study and experience. The sign-up sheet is in the Narthex or you can call the church office.

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Music at Cokesbury UMC

Third Thursday of each month at 7pm

This month on October 20th will be Americana and Gospel Music by Shelly Ruffin and Soul Revival. There will be a Hot Dog Supper at 6pm for $4.

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“Holiday Grief"

Sunday, November 6

5pm in the Fellowship Hall

There will be "A Service of Remembrance and Hope." It will be presented by Beth Brittian, Hospice Chaplain/Counselor. This will be one of our OUTREACH programs to our Community. Please support this endeavor by inviting friends, especially those who have lost loved ones, loss of jobs/relationships. Refreshments will follow, if you would like to help by providing refreshments or financially please contact Janice Rose, 704-536-5753.

Christmas Poinsettias

If you would like to purchase a Poinsettia to be placed in the Chancel area during the Advent/Christmas season “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” a loved one, please place your order and payment in an envelope marked “Poinsettias” and place it in the offering plate on Sunday morning. You may also mail it to the church office at 2434 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205. Please make checks payable to Commonwealth UMC. The cost of each poinsettia is $8.00.

Orders must be received by

10am on Monday, December 5, 2016.

Number of poinsettias ordered ______

Amount enclosed ___________

In Memory Of:

________________________________

In Honor Of: ________________________________

Placed By: ________________________________

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Our Vision

With God’s help and guidance,

we are a prayerful and welcoming

United Methodist church community.

A community dedicated to

making of disciples for Christ –

one that is flexible,

intentional,

inviting to others,

and a safe place to explore and grow spiritually.

We will be all those things in Christ

by taking small prayerful steps,

keeping in mind that,

although we may be limited in our abilities,

the Spirit of God knows no such bounds

and will work within and through us

to accomplish wondrous and great things!

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Our Stewardship

September 25, 2016

Sunday School - 9

Church Attendance – 27

Offering - $1,644.00

October 2, 2016

Sunday School - 11

Church Attendance – 26

Offering - $5,995.00

October 9, 2016

Sunday School - 14

Church Attendance – 24

Offering - $1,362.78

October 16, 2016

Sunday School - 8

Church Attendance – 29

Offering - $596.90

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Happy Halloween

Commonwealth

United Methodist Church

2434 Commonwealth Ave.

Charlotte, NC 28205-5132

704-376-4924

October 18, 2016

Steve Kurt – Pastor

Patience Brumley – Pastoral Care

Sunday School – 10:00am

Worship Service - 11:00am

Office Hours

Mon. – Thurs. 9am to 1pm

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