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Heartbeats
 The end of the year causes me to look back over the past year. I look back at the personal events in my life that have happened in 2009. Some were low moments for me. I lost some good friends in 2009. Friends can’t be replaced. My low moments are not about events such as sports, or even what happens with the stock market (It is pretty depressing though). My low moments seem to be about people that I love and care for. (more)
Church-Wide News and Events
DON'T MISS THE GATHERING THIS SUNDAY
 The Gathering will meet again this Sunday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. in the East Sanctuary. This exciting worship experience is geared towards young adults so if you seek high-energy worship, relevant teaching to your life-stage and long to connect with others and unite in service, the Gathering is for you. Bring a friend and join the movement. Find us at frazerumc.org/thegathering.
SPAGHETTI LUNCH FUNDRAISER FOR WESLEY GARDENS SET FOR JAN. 17
Frazer’s United Methodist Women will sponsor a spaghetti lunch fundraiser for Wesley Gardens Sunday, Jan. 17 from 10:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All funds raised will go to support the construction of a Life Enrichment Center at Wesley Gardens that will add active living space for the residents. Tickets are $8 for individuals and $25 for a family of four, add $3 for each additional family member. Purchase your tickets in the Frazer Bookstore or in the Atrium Jan. 3 and Jan. 10.
FRAZER BOOKSTORE CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S
The Frazer Bookstore will be closed Jan. 4 and Jan. 5. Regular bookstore hours will resume Jan. 6.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR ‘THE PARENTING JOURNEY’ SEMINAR JAN. 31
As your child grows, will you know how to grow with them? Don’t miss “The Parenting Journey” Saturday, Jan. 31 from 2-5 p.m. in Wesley Hall. This intensely practical seminar with Bruce Johnston of JH Ranch will equip you with the skills to guide your children successfully through their journey into adulthood. Tickets are $10 and available in the Frazer Bookstore. Childcare for newborn through fifth-grade children will be available with registration by Jan. 22. Register online for childcare at frazerumc.org/parentingjourney
MISPLACED YOUR BIBLE? CHECK FRAZER’S LOST AND FOUND
If you have lost your Bible somewhere on the Frazer campus, please come by and check the Lost and Found table, located across from the East Sanctuary. Several Bibles are currently waiting to be picked up by their owners. If you find a Bible, you may also bring it to the Lost and Found.
TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER MEETING IN THE CHAPEL
We will continue to hold the Tuesday 6 a.m. prayer service in the Chapel. Join us for a time of worship and prayer as we seek the Father’s heart for our lives and for our church.
DO YOU NEED PRAYER?
 Did you know that you can submit your personal prayer requests to our prayer ministry through our Web site? Go to frazerumc.org/prayer and complete the form. Our intercessors would love to pray for your need.
SPORTSMEN’S MINISTRY EIGHTH ANNUAL WILD GAME DINNER COMING FEB. 4
Mark your calendars and don’t miss the eighth annual Wild Game Dinner sponsored by Frazer’s Sportsmen’s Ministry, Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Show off your culinary skills and enjoy good food, fun, fellowship and spiritual enlightenment. Guest speaker Rick Burgess, of the “Rick and Bubba Show” will share an uplifting message. Enjoy great music and a chance to win door prizes, too. Cost is $5 and seating is limited so buy your tickets today in the Frazer Bookstore or Activity Center. Tickets will also be on sale Jan. 24 and 31 in the Atrium. Guests are asked to bring a wild game dish (enough for 8-10 people) and all leftovers will be donated to Faith Rescue Mission. For more details, call the Activity Center at 495-6459.
Children & Student Opportunities
STUDENTS: SAVE THE DATE FOR DISCIPLE NOW 2010 FEB. 26-28
Where are you in your journey with God? Do you find yourself struggling constantly with what the world wants from you? What is your status? All 6-12 grade students are invited to join CRAVE Student Ministries Feb. 26-28 at Shocco Springs Retreat Center for Disciple Now 2010: Status, with guest worship leader Steve Fee. We will examine those questions and search for God’s direction for our lives. Cost is $100 and registration and payment is due by Feb. 14. Register online at frazerumc.org/disciplenow
INSIDE OUT GIRLS RETREAT PLANNED FOR JAN. 29-30
All 6-9th grade girls are invited to an “Inside Out” retreat Jan. 29-30 in the CRAVE room. The 10-12th grade girls are planning a fun weekend for the younger girls as they explore building relationships with God and each other. Cost is $35. For more information and to register call the CRAVE Student Ministry office at 272-8622.
Discipleship & Fellowship Opportunities
ARE YOU CONNECTED? WINTER PROGRAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK
 Many of our Bible studies and small group activities will resume this week, including Singles Small Groups on Tuesday, Jan. 5 and Men’s, Women’s, Children’s and other Wednesday programs on Jan. 6. If you are looking for a Sunday School class, Bible study, small group or other activities this winter, be sure to check out the Winter 2010 edition of Connections Magazine for a listing of discipleship and fellowship activities for all ages. Pick up your copy in the Atrium or check it out online at frazerumc.org/groups.
In addition to the many Bible studies listed in Connections magazine, take note of these two additional opportunities:
Bible study on the book of Romans. If you are interested in participating in an extended Bible study on the book of Romans, please come to room 7210 at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. For more information, call Terry Roberts at 567-8659.
Study on “The Purpose-Driven Life.” In his remarkable best-seller “The Purpose-Driven Life,” author Rick Warren will help you understand God’s purpose and plan for you so you can learn to live the life for which you were created. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 27, Frank and Melissa Snowden will lead a six-week study on the book that will meet Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For more information, call Melissa at 244-1626.
MEN'S WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER BREAKFAST RESUMES THIS WEEK
The Men's Ministry monthly prayer breakfast will resume this Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All men are encouraged to come for this time of fellowship and an inspirational message.
FOUR WEEK STUDY ON PRAYER
Developing Your Prayer Life will begin on January 6 at 6 pm in room 3202. Begin the new year with a study designed to help you develop and deepen your prayer life. For more information, or to register, call Val at 495-6370.
Serving & Volunteer Opportunities
 Jesus teaches us that the best way to show our love for God and find happiness within ourselves is by serving others. Frazer wants to help you find a place to serve that fits with your personalities, gifts, abilities and passions. Check here weekly for the most current volunteer needs.
IN HIS STEPS VOLUNTEER TRAINING INFORMATION
If you signed up to serve on your 2010 In His Steps commitment card, you should be receiving information about volunteer training in the coming weeks, if not already. Many ministries will be holding training during the month of January, and many of those dates can be found on the January Frazer calendar. If you don’t see your volunteer area listed and have not been contacted about volunteer training in that area, please contact the ministry with which you signed up for more details on when volunteer training will be held.
FOOD PANTRY AND HOMELESS SHOEBOX MINISTRY NEEDS DONATIONS
Remember to drop off your donations for the Food Pantry and or Homeless Shoebox Ministry this Sunday, Jan. 3. You can drop them off at the Donation Stations located throughout the church or bring them by the Community Ministries office Monday-Thursday during business hours.
HELP SEW ITEMS FOR PREMATURE BABIES WITH THREADS OF LOVE MINISTRY
Threads of Love Ministry will hold a workshop to sew items for preemies Tuesday, Jan. 5 in room 8114 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m, with a training session from 10:30-11:30 a.m. We will also hold a workshop Saturday, Jan. 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with training from 10-11 a.m. in room 3105. If you are interested in participating in this vital ministry or need more information, please call Sharon Hall at 514-3383 or Debbie Watson at 239-8720.
Pastor's Points (Continued)
(Continued from top)
Some are high moments for me. I think about the visits that I have made with my family (sister, children and grandchildren, cousins) and they were all pleasant memories. I thought of my extended family (Laura’s parents, brothers and sisters) and those memories are pleasant, too. I also thought about the games that I had to attend because of my relationship with Laura’s nephew. He plays every sport in its season (football, basketball, baseball). Those days brought back such vivid memories. One highlight of 2009 was my retirement from the Alabama-West Florida Conference. I had great plans (golfing, fishing and traveling) for retirement. Another high moment for me during 2009 was the Bishop’s call appointing me to be the Interim Senior Minister at Frazer. What a gift to be able to work with all of you. The staff, committees and Sunday School classes could not have been more responsive. You make it a joy to be here.
I have especially looked back at the last month of this year. December has been memorable. Preaching three worship services on Sundays, attending all of the Christmas parties of Sunday School classes, Men’s Ministry breakfast, S.P.I.R.I.T. of Frazer and the staff Christmas party makes for a busy month. Throw in the Christmas musical “The Bell and the Rose” (most outstanding) and two Christmas Eve communion worship services (attendance to the services—wow!). This entire month has been a high moment for me.
I also look back to see if I could have lived 2009 better. Did I live out my covenant relationship with God? Did I do all the good that I could have? Did I give myself to the right causes? Did I help people the way that I should have? Did I resist from doing harm? Did I impact anyone’s life in a negative way? Did I gossip about someone? Did I listen to unfounded rumors about someone? Did I stay in love with God? Did I observe all the ordinances of God?
I find it extremely helpful to look back at 2009 and ask myself these questions. 2010 will be better if I keep my covenant. Let me suggest that you have a covenant. Let us covenant to serve God and Frazer to the very best of our ability.
The beat goes on!
-Jim |
