august/september 2021
TRANSCRIPT
m a r v i n u m c . c o m
A P U B L I C AT I ON O F M AR VI N U NI TE D ME TH ODI S T C HU RC H
August/September 2021
For more from Mission Week
see pages 6-9.
Page 2 MarvinLife
Marvin Church, the discipleship team has been meeting all year with the goal of creating a discipleship pathway. Our fervent prayer has been that God would give us a hunger for more of Him and a deep desire to grow and to go with Him, both as individuals and as a team—but much more so as a church.
The creation of a discipleship pathway is a marathon, not a sprint. Our goal is to make disciples. Not members. Not to increase programming or worship attendance. But to make disciples. And as we do that, as we focus on being and making disciples, it will improve the whole, including membership, programs and worship. But again, it starts with making disciples.
One part of our discipleship pathway includes our Midweek classes. Midweek begins with a preview week on Wednesday, Sep. 8; classes run from Sept. 15 to Nov. 17. Each week dinner starts at 5 p.m. and classes are from 6-7 p.m. The classes being offered this fall are in response to The REVEAL Survey.
The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way of Salvation
10 weeks, Sept. 15 through Nov. 17, evenings only
This class provides a fundamental understanding of the key elements of the Wesleyan movement as evidenced in the life and teachings of John Wesley. These key elements include
scripture, prayer, communion, spiritual relationships and the power of salvation. The Absolute Basics will help you better understand John Wesley’s life, his core theological message and the legacy of Wesley’s leadership on the Methodist church.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Nine weeks, Sept. 15 to Nov. 10, morning and evening
Are you stuck spiritually? Do
you feel like you’ve hit a wall? Emotionally Healthy Spirituality underscores the reality that emotional
New classes based on REVEAL Survey
health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality will help you better understand the things that stunt or stop spiritual growth in your life and expose you to rhythms of living that help you break through the wall and deepen your relationship with Christ in the context of community.
Epic of Eden
Ten weeks, Sept. 15 through Nov. 17, evenings only
Genesis 1 and 2 essentially provide a blueprint to God’s original intent for humanity: God’s people dwelling in God’s place with full access to God’s presence. In The Epic of Eden, Dr. Sandra Richter clearly and powerfully
communicates the history of God’s redeeming grace, weaving together a story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.
Surprise the World
Six weeks, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20, evenings only
There are vital habits we give ourselves to with respect to the rhythms of the Christian life, habits like worship, Bible study and prayer. What if there was a new set of habits with a different kind of purpose—habits of living—that provoked curiosity in
the lives of others? In Surprise the World, Mike Frost introduces a new set of habits that embody the gospel and propel us into the lives of others, equipping us to spread the love of Christ organically, graciously and surprisingly.
Register for these classes on the website. Contact Marc Donaldson ([email protected]) with any questions.
DR. MARC DONALDSON
MarvinLife Page 3
Kids
The summer has flown by and we have had loads of fun learning about Jesus and serving others!
Throughout the weeks leading into July, many hands helped to prepare the campus for our Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School! We had a
group of around 40 people taping paper to walls, painting and creating rocks, building sets and assembling all the parts that make VBS great! To see our Marvin family step up and serve is such a blessing!
The preparation was a blessing, but also to see our volunteers, students and adults work with our children to teach them about
the love and power of Jesus cannot be described as anything else but wow! The ways people have given their time, financial support and prayers makes a Kingdom difference in the lives of our children forever!
See more pictures of VBS fun on the next
page!
Promotion
Sunday
Join us as summer comes to an end and we kick off
our school year with Promotion Sunday! We’ll promote our kids to their new grade levels as a Marvin Kid and bless our backpacks as we head into the fall!
Promotion Sunday, our parent
breakfast and the graduation walk will begin at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 8
in Pirtle Hall, so save the date! We’ll gather for breakfast and info about a new year in Children and
Loads of fun learning about Jesus and serving others
Student Ministries.
Then come celebrate our preschool
and elementary grades promotion to the next grade. New this year, we are doing a graduation walk as we promote kinder and Edge kids to their new grades.
God has great things planned for
the fall!
Page 4 MarvinLife
Kids
MarvinLife Page 5
Page 6 MarvinLife
Missions
Thank you Mission Hands and Mission Hearts!Thank you Mission Hands and Mission Hearts!
More than 380 volunteers (ranging in age from preschoolers through folks in their 90s) tackled a variety of projects during Methodist Mission Week. Here are some of the highlights:
♥ 233 tie blankets for created for children in crisis at the border.
♥ 50 care packages were assembled for military personnel serving our county.
♥ More than 40 dorms rooms were painted at Wesley House at TJC.
♥ New furniture was assembled for each of those dorm rooms.
♥ 80 Go Bags with caring cards were created for parents with medically fragile children receiving care through Christus Trinity Mother Frances.
♥ Major yardwork and exterior painting made a home safer for the family living there.
♥ Encouragement cards were created through the Card Factory to be used throughout the year.
♥ 80 blessing bags were put together and distributed on behalf of the Tyler Street Team to those experiencing homelessness. Worship and conversations were also shared at Church Under the Bridge.
♥ More than 80 reversible princess dresses were sewn to bless little girls who live in Appalachia.
♥ Volunteers worked for a day at PATH doing a variety of tasks.
♥ A yard was improved when a rotten deck was torn down and fencing was replaced.
♥ Volunteers worked for a day at Hand Up Network doing a variety of tasks.
♥ The church playground at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church was renovated and improved.
♥ 100 care kits were made for children in crisis at the border.
♥ Students ministered to the children in the St. Paul’s neighborhood through a soccer camp, Bible stories and crafts.
♥ Children reached out in love to veterans, CASA children and others during their week of service.
♥ Volunteers provided music and devotionals to bless and inspire those gathered for lunches.
♥ Loaves & Fishes workers from Pollard, St. Paul’s and Marvin fed workers seven times during the
week.
♥ Plus dozens of folks blessed others by distributing water, Gatorade and Popsicles, taking photos, running errands and doing other behind-the
The best of all was celebrating 32 years of serving our community and sharing the love of God in countless ways!
Mission Week 2021Mission Week 2021
MarvinLife Page 7
Thank you Mission Hands and Mission Hearts! Thank you Mission Hands and Mission Hearts!
More than 380 volunteers (ranging in age from preschoolers through folks in their 90s) tackled a variety of projects during Methodist Mission Week. Here are some of the highlights:
233 tie blankets for created for children in crisis at the
50 care packages were assembled for military personnel
More than 40 dorms rooms were painted at Wesley House
New furniture was assembled for each of those dorm
80 Go Bags with caring cards were created for parents with medically fragile children receiving care through Christus Trinity Mother Frances.
Major yardwork and exterior painting made a home safer for the family living there.
Encouragement cards were created through the Card Factory to be used throughout the
80 blessing bags were put together and distributed on behalf of the Tyler Street Team to those experiencing homelessness. Worship and conversations were also shared at Church Under the
More than 80 reversible princess dresses were sewn to bless little girls who live in Appalachia.
Volunteers worked for a day at PATH doing a variety of tasks.
A yard was improved when a rotten deck was torn down and fencing was replaced.
Volunteers worked for a day at Hand Up Network doing a variety of tasks.
The church playground at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church was renovated and improved.
100 care kits were made for children in crisis at the border.
Students ministered to the children in the St. Paul’s neighborhood through a soccer camp,
Children reached out in love to veterans, CASA children and others during their week of
Volunteers provided music and devotionals to bless and inspire those gathered for lunches.
Loaves & Fishes workers from Pollard, St. Paul’s and Marvin fed workers seven times during the
Plus dozens of folks blessed others by distributing water, Gatorade and Popsicles, taking photos, running errands and doing other behind-the-scenes support tasks!
The best of all was celebrating 32 years of serving our community and sharing the love of God in
Mission Week 2021 Mission Week 2021
ETERNAL FLAME FUND In honor of Amy & Scott Adcock, Danna & Jeff Davis and Patricia Watson Olivia Adcock In honor of Tim Edwards Carol Lott & Jerry Hopkins In memory of Daisy Barger Caro & Tommy Bartley Sally & Floyd Betts Donna & Mac Bowers Joan & Taylor Burns Bob Calbert Karen & Keith Freeman Mary & Ron Gammell Don Garrison Connie Hawkins Mary Jane & Drew Hodges Wanda Jett & family Pat Johns Amy & Nell Johnson Dorothy Mackey Mary Murphy Deanna & Dan Olson Becky & George Pearson Tricia & Carl Ray Betsy & Ken Slack Nan Stegemoeller Marvin Stephens Penny Stephens Kathy Story Elizabeth Sutton Flora Wilson Gail White In memory of Sam Boleman Mildred Kitchens In memory of Maude Caldwell Cindy Kelly
In memory of Glenda Earl Olivia Adcock In memory of Rusty Hightower Connie Hawkins Diane & Andy Wall In memory of Eleanor Cameron, Kenneth Howell and Punkin Turner Diane & Andy Wall In memory of Susie Reynolds Gail White In memory of Ken Stegemoeller Nan Stegemoeller In memory of Eleanor Stringer Marilyn Budde Mary Elizabeth & Alan Jackson Pairs & Parents Class Margaret & Jim Perkins Cheryl Threlkeld Diane & Andy Wall In memory of Earby Aubrey Wright Abigail Boehms MISSIONS FUND In memory of Daisy Barger Mary Hammond In memory of Connie Mitchum Barbara & John Merritt
Page 8 MarvinLife
More from Mission Week
Memorials and gifts as of July 12
Missions
MarvinLife Page 9
Marvin Church has been a partner with Bonner Elementary School for many years. We’ve seen the results of investing our time and resources into these young lives—what a difference it has made! Do you want to change a child’s life forever? If so, considering being a mentor or volunteer at Bonner! There are opportunities to tutor, to read, to teach and to be a lunch buddy in addition to going on field trips, helping
with school events, or assisting teachers with bulletin boards, filing, etc. There are opportunities for everyone!
If you want to be on the Bonner volunteer list, just contact the Missions office and we’ll fill you in on possibilities.
Want to change a child’s life?
Missions
Learn about PHA
You are invited to a barbecue lunch on Sunday, Sept. 26, in Pirtle Hall to hear how Program for Humanitarian Aid is being family to vulnerable Ukrainian youth! There is no cost, but you must RSVP to attend by emailing [email protected] or calling/texting 979.220.5691. Chris and Christy Hill are Marvin-sponsored
missionaries who are the PHA directors. To learn more about this great mission organization, visit www.programforhumanitarianaid.com.
Medical Equipment Ministry
Did you know we have a ministry to receive and distribute medical equipment? Our collection is limited to walkers, canes, wheelchairs, crutches, potty chairs and shower chairs. If you have something to
donate or if you need a piece of equipment, contact coordinator Brenda Byerly ([email protected]) or call the Missions office for her phone number.
Sign up now for the annual UMCOR trip
The Missions Team will sponsor a trip to Baldwin, Louisiana, Oct. 24-29. Our team will work in the 48,000-square-foot UMCOR Depot
warehouse receiving, sorting, packing and shipping disaster relief supplies. The cost is $400 to ride on the van or $300 to take your own vehicle. Only 15 spots are available and a $100 deposit reserves your space. For information, contact team leader Cathy Hirt.
Habits of the Heart
Our August collection is laundry detergent pods, toilet paper and
Dawn dishwashing soap for Rahab’s Retreat and Ranch. Rahab’s is a voluntary, faith-based program serving victims of sex trafficking and their children. Women who have been physically, emotionally and sexually abused as well as those coming from jail find a safe haven at Rahab’s. Please bring your donations to the collection center outside the Welcome Center.
Missions updates
Missions Fair
9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3
Fair Gym Come and see displays from our 50 mission partners!
Come and meet some of our missionaries!
Come and learn how you can be involved in serving, here and around the world!
DENTAL CLINIC (ABOVE)—THANKS TO DR. DAVID NICHOLS, DR. TAYLOR HOLLAND AND OTHER MARVIN DENTISTS WHO TREATED SEVERAL OF THE RESIDENTS OF RAHAB'S RETREAT AT A SPECIAL FRIDAY DENTAL CLINIC AT BETHESDA HEALTH CENTER.
CREW CHIEFS (BELOW)—FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THREE MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY WERE CREW CHIEFS DURING MISSION WEEK: BILL, LARA AND WILL ROUTON.
Page 10 MarvinLife
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe
(Proverbs 18:10 NIV).
Thank you for your attendance at the sixth annual Eternal Flame Fund dinner on Aug. 12! Dinner proceeds and your generous gifts provide for the care and maintenance of our church. You gave generously—thank you! At the dinner, trustees shared how your gifts to the fund have helped maintain our beautiful church and details about the current steeple repair.
This year, as part of the strategic plan for Marvin Church, the trustees and the Finance Committee developed a goal to help fund future care and maintenance projects. The Eternal Flame Fund is a part of the plan, with an annual goal of $40,000 for six years providing $240,000 for projects.
Missed the dinner and want to make a gift to the Eternal Flame Fund? It’s easy to give. You can donate on the give page of marvinumc.com or mail your check to the church (Eternal Flame Fund, Marvin UMC, 300 W. Erwin St., Tyler, TX 75702).
Missed the dinner? View the dinner presentation and speaker at marvinumc.com.
Thank you for your generosity!
Thank you for giving
Our annual budget, allowing ministries and missions to impact lives for Christ, is on track because of your generous gifts over the summer. Thank you for remembering your church and for giving so generously! Our lay volunteers have served our community, our
church and our region throughout the summer. Thank you for giving your time to Mission Week, Vacation Bible School, music and fine arts, worship services, youth
activities, and so much more. The value of your volunteer time is $28.54 per hour (according to independentsector.org 2020 value of a volunteer hour). What a great investment in your church home!
Legacy gifts
Consider leaving a gift to Marvin Church in your will and estate planning. Talk with a pastor about your wishes and the impact you want a future gift to have in your church. Gifts can be made to Marvin Church or the Marvin UMC Foundation.
Thank you for attending
Stewardship
Marvin Church
300 W. Erwin Street
Tyler, TX 75702
903.592.7396
Facebook.com/Marvin.UMC
MarvinUMC.com
June 13 .............................. 612
June 20 .............................. 592
June 27 .............................. 664
July 4 ............................... 1,026
July 11................................ 605
Financial update through June Attendance
June budget June actual YTD budget YTD actual
Gifts received/other income $ 299,106 $ 284,774 $ 1,926,530 $1,827,368
Expenditures $ 358,158 $ 333,624 $ 2,095,221 $1,833,250
Excess/(shortage) $ (59,052) $ (48,850) $ (168,691) $ (5,882)
MarvinLife Page 11
Aug. 8 | Kids and Students are joining for
Promotion Sunday.
• 9:15 | Parents grab and go breakfast
• 9:35 | Parent meeting (parents of all kids
from birth through 12th grade); we’ll
share our vision and fall 2021 calendar
• 10 | Marvin Kids will celebrate and clap
new kindergartners in and fifth-graders
out; Students will celebrate and clap
new sixth-graders in
• 5-7 p.m. | students will play kiddie pool
kickball at the Caldwell field. In-coming sixth-
through 12th-graders, come dressed to get wet,
bring a towel and money for food trucks.
Aug. 15 | Sunday Night Students not meeting due to
the first day of school on the 16th
Aug. 22 | Zombie game night at Marvin, 6-8 p.m.
Staff update
Daniel Hollenbeck has accepted a lead student
ministry position in Southern California. His last day on
our staff is Aug. 2. We’ll miss Daniel’s energy and
enthusiasm, but we’re happy he will be near his family.
Promotion Sunday is Aug. 8
Students
Adults
Join the Ventures group as we travel via charter bus to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in downtown Dallas Aug. 26. We will leave Marvin at 9a.m., stop for lunch at the original El Fenix in downtown Dallas and after lunch, take a self-guided tour through the museum. We’ll return to Tyler around 6 p.m.
The cost of the trip is $80 per person and includes transportation, lunch, tips, admission to the museum and snacks. Register online beginning July 26. Registration closes Aug. 21.
Join the Ventures on a trip to Dallas
Games night for women
Games night is great way to connect with old friends and make new ones. Games night will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 4 in Pirtle Hall. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play some of the games—learning is half the fun. Bring your favorite snack or chips and dip. Drinks and cookies will be provided. Sign up on the website.
New to Marvin?
Are you looking for ways to grow your faith, connect with other women and match your interests and passions with programs in the church? Then Fifth Sunday is for you.
Join us during the Sunday School hour on Aug. 29 in the parlor for a special gathering in your honor. We want to get to know you and introduce you to Women’s Ministry programs to help you grow in your faith. Come see what we are all about.
Golf scramble for men Join us for a four-man golf scramble on Wednesday, Aug. 4. We’ll play from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Pine Springs Golf Course. There will be a prize for the winning team. Sign up at
MarvinUMC.com.
300 W. Erwin Street
Tyler, TX 75702
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 568
Tyler, TX
Marvin Church is excited to announce that Kara Story has accepted the position of director of music and fine arts. Kara’s selection follows an extensive four-month process during which the Music Director Search Team received numerous applications from across
the country, met some deeply gifted individuals and prayerfully weighed the strengths of the finalists. Kara will begin full-time employment at Marvin Aug. 8.
Kara graduated from the University
of Arkansas with a master’s in choral conducting in 2012. While at the university, she served as conductor of the Donna Voce ensemble and as music director at Calvary Chapel in Rogers, Arkansas. In May of 2010, she completed her bachelor’s in music at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith where she participated in the Jazz Catz, the Jazz Band, the UAFS Chorale and the Vocal Performance Workshop.
Kara was named outstanding soloist at the North Texas Jazz Festival in 2008 and was invited to conduct the Mashburn Scholarship Foundation Singers in their Christmas performance at the White House in 2011. In 2014, she was a guest artist in the Messiah
Project’s tour of the United Arab Emirates, Greece and Turkey, and was guest artist with the same group in their summer 2015 tour of Biblical sites in Greece. In the summer of 2016, she was guest conductor of the Messiah Project’s tour of Austria, which included concerts in Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt. The same year she participated in the Anuna International Summer Academy in
Dublin, Ireland, after which she and Jonathan gave a recital in the Large Hall of the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Kara has also toured England, Switzerland and Italy, singing in Milan's famed Duomo with the Chancel Choir.
Kara has taught voice and piano privately for nearly 20 years and has been an adjunct voice and
music appreciation instructor at Tyler Junior College since the fall of 2016. She recently completed a year-long tenure as interim director of choral activities at TJC, during which she directed the Concert Choir, Harmony and Chamber Singers, while also continuing to teach voice and piano at the college and privately. Kara has
served as interim director at Marvin since March 22.
Kara resides in Tyler with her husband, organist Jonathan Story, and their three rescue dogs, Bonnie, Clyde and Jesse James.
Kara Story named new music and fine arts director