The month's activities

February News & Notes
Click to see the Arlington UMC Calendar. Click to see the Arlington UMC Community Activity Calendar. Easter is coming quickly, starting with Lent in the month of February. While we're waiting for Easter, there's still plenty going on this month. To make sure you have the latest dates and times, check the Arlington UMC Calendar!
The Announcement Person!
	If you have an announcement that needs to be shared during the worship service, please see Sherry Chapman or John Bernard before worship or send to the church office at office@arlumc.org. When possible, please give your announcement in writing.
Wednesday Night Fellowship Starting February 8th!
	Come and enjoy some great fellowship, delicious food, and fun for the entire family. Wednesday night fellowship is kicking off this week and runs through March. Dinner is between 5:45pm and 6:00pm. Turn in your dinner slip so we know to expect you!
Confirmation 2012!
	For youth 5th grade and up. This year we will be meeting on Wednesday nights after our dinners. We will be learning about our faith and what it means to be a part of the Church. If you have a youth who wants to participate please let Pastor Ken know!
Jacob's Well Lunch - Jan 30th / Coats & Blankets Needed!
	The next Jacob's Well Lunch (on 5th Mondays) with Highlands Height UMC will be on Monday, January 30th. We will be serving breakfast again this month. Sign up sheet for supplies is on the back table. We need cooks and servers. If you signed up for supplies (pancake mix, eggs, pre-cooked bacon, and jelly) please return by Sunday, January 29th. Donations will be taken in the offering, just use the memo on check accordingly. This outreach is always full of energy and fun for all ability levels to participate. What an amazing time of service - for more information, contact Ken Stewart or Ed White!
AM in the AM / Arlington United Methodist Men - Feb 11th!
	The Arlington UMM will be meeting on Saturday, February 11th at 8:00am at the home of John Bernard. Come start the day with us on Saturday and enjoy some great fellowship, tool talk, and help kick the tires on some great ideas. The coffee is hot and Christ is present!
Boy Scout Sunday / Lunch Provided - Feb 12th!
	On Sunday, February 12th, come and celebrate Scouting with the many families that will join us on Scouting Sunday. The Scouts will help lead worship and also provide the church lunch after the service. It is a wonderful time to get to know the many families in Arlington involved in Scouting!
Valentine's Day - Feb 14th!
	February 14th is Valentine's Day - a special time to remember all those that are important in your life. If there is a special someone in your life, be sure to show them!
Church Council Meeting - Feb 21st!
	There will be a Church Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00pm. Those who are a part of this important committee are encouraged to attend.
Ash Wednesday Service - Feb 22nd!
	Ash Wednesday Service will be February 22nd at 6:30pm. Ash Wednesday is intended to be a bold confrontation with death as we begin the season of Lent. We will take on the sign of the cross as we enter this season of prayer, confession, and service!
Kairos Prison Ministry - Cookies Due Feb 26th!
	The Kairos Prison Ministry is one of Arlington UMC's most important ministries! Members of our church will be at an area prison starting March 1st providing prayer and fellowship to those behind bars. Cookies, which are given to the prisoners, are made by church members and packaged for the ministry. If you're making cookies, they're due February 26th. However, there are strict guidelines for recipes & packaging. Cookie dough tubs are in the church kitchen and can be purchased for $7. Sleeves for filling the cookies (12 each) are also provided. Help fill out the prayer chain too for all those attending. If you're interested in helping, contact Steve Borgmier!
Love and Laugh Marriage Conference - Mar 2nd & 3rd!
	Love and Laughter Marriage Conference - Friday, March 2nd (7:00pm-9:00pm) and Saturday, March 3rd (9:00am-noon) at Christ United Methodist Church. The cost is free and minimal childcare will be provided. Not your typical marriage retreat; content is fresh, fun, and husband-friendly. Speaker Ted Cunningham, author of "Young & In Love" and co-author of four books with Dr. Gary Smalley, will guide couples to a rekindled, passionate connection. Register now: cumcmemphis.org/register!
Chili Cook-Off for Missions - Mar 7th!
	As we gather for our Wednesday night meal on March 7th we will also be providing food for the homeless. How? By making chili! Join in the Chili Cook-Off and bring an extra pot of chili to be shared with those in need. We will be carrying the food to distribute through Jacob's Well homeless feeding program (more information to come). Even if you can't come to the Chili Cook-Off please help by making a pot of chili for the homeless.
Blue Jean Ball - Mar 24th!
	Help us raise money to fight cancer on Saturday, March 24th from 7:00pm - 11:00pm as we celebrate the Blue Jean Ball. This is a Relay for Life gala fundraiser that will take place in Arlington Market. Food, fun, and music for adults 21 years and up - $15 per person / $25 per couple. Get your babysitters now and let's gather together to support Relay for Life and have a fun time being together!
Sunglass Sundays in February - Project 20/20!
	You can prevent blindness in countries where there is virtually no medical care for the poor. Just imagine how much a life can be improved when vision is restored. What you can do: give new or used sunglasses that will be used to prevent blindness from intense sun, wind, and dust; give used eyeglasses that will improve vision; and provide funds to pay for lab expenses and eye exams ($5 provides an exam and glasses for one person) Collection box will be in the back of the church!
Looking for Men to Participate in The Last Supper!
	We're looking for a few good men to help participate in a reenactment of The Last Supper. The play will take place on April 6th, Good Friday at 7:00pm. We need 10 men from the church to participate. If you're interested in helping, contact Ken Stewart!
The Connection - Youth of Arlington!
	All youth - join the Connection for our youth in middle and senior high school. Senior high youth will meet on Sunday nights from 6:00pm-7:30pm and middle high youth will meet on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm-7:30pm - watch for details. High School: We will meet upstairs from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Sunday! Middle School: We'll meet at 5:45pm Wednesday for supper and youth group until 7:30pm! Middle School Bible Study: Wednesday morning at McDonald's at 7:15am. Transportation provided to Arlington Middle will be provided! Bowling: We will be bowling on Sunday, February 26th. We will meet at the church at 5:00pm. Bring $15 for bowling and dinner. Check out sign-ups for AreaOne from June 25th-29th on The Connection page on Facebook. 30 Hours of Famine is coming up in March at Collierville UMC. For more information on any of the above, contact Mark Taylor!
Lakeshore Summer Camps - Time to Sign-up!
	It's that time of year to begin signing up for summer camp at Lakeshore United Methodist Assemble in Eva, TN. There are camps from kids aged five through high school. There are also lots of special camps such as wilderness, backpacking, fishing, and more. Go to www.lakeshoreuma.com and check out what all the excitement is about. Remember some camps fill up quick so don't wait!
Youth Collecting Aluminum Cans!
	Not sure what to do with all your aluminum cans? Instead of throwing them in the trash or recycle bin, bring them to the church. The kids are collecting aluminum cans to raise money for the Humane Society!
Bring in Plastic Water & Soda Bottle Tops!
	Not sure what to do with the plastic tops to your water & soda tops? Instead of throwing them in the trash, bring them to the church. We'll be collecting them to earn donation time for dialysis for a youth!
Check Us Out on Facebook!
	Arlington United Methodist is on Facebook. Do you have photos you can share - add them. Like the page and stay connected!
Schedule for Children's Ministries!
	9:45am - WOW / Worship for Kids and Family. This is a fun and exciting time in which kids worship, sing, pray, and are involved in a kid sized service. This is for all kids up to middle school. Parents are encouraged and invited to attend. 11:00am - TAG / Totally About Kids Bible Study. Two classes K-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. They meet in the fellowship hall for high energy Bible studies. Curriculum includes Bible lesson, arts, crafts, music, and short video lesson. We need help with our kid's worship team and back up teachers. See Angie Kee and Ken Stewart to get involved!
Children's Ministry Servants Greatly Needed!
	We are asking that all offer your time and love in serving our children. Each week there are needs within the Nursery, Children's Assistant (to serve the greatest need: Nursery, Toddler Room or Children's Sunday School) or as a back-up. Everyone is needed so we can meet this growing area of ministry!
Congregational Care - Provide Meals in a Time of Need!
	The family food service ministry continues to be a success! We have taken dinners to quite a few members arriving home from the hospital, having lost an immediate member of their family, and having a baby. Please consider joining this important church family ministry. For more information, contact Judye Trout!
Join the Choir - You'll be Glad You Did!
	The choir needs you! Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. No experience necessary. God loves to hear us singing his praises. Choir practice is at 7:00pm on Wednesday nights. If you're interested in sharing your talent, contact Craig Yarbrough!
AASC (Active Adults Serving Christ)!
	Eligible for AARP? Join AASC! Join a group with other Christians for fun and fellowship. Plans are in the works for a Sunday lunch gathering so keep your eyes open for more information or contact Larry Arnold!
Extended Family Ministry - Sharing Love, Hope, and Grace!
	We share not only food and social activity but we also share our love, hope, and grace with our family and friends. What a great time of the year to count our blessings and remember how much family means to us. Please remember our Extended Family of church members this season and continue to pray for this ministry and our members' well being. Would you prayerfully consider being an "extended family member" to one of these church members from our community of faith? If you're interested in participating or just getting more information, contact Tom or Rebecca Wilson!
Sign up for our E-Newsletter!
	Due to the high cost of postage and the limited number of trees on this planet, your newsletter will be available to you through your email starting with the month of August. The environment thanks you. If you wish to receive the newsletter via email, email the church at office@arlumc.org. If you are unable to receive your newsletter through email, we will continue to mail it to you.
Volunteer to be an Usher or Greeter!
	The Witness Committee would like to extend an invitation to the congregation to serve God as ushers & greeters. Volunteers would be asked to serve in rotating monthly increments for three months during the year. Click this sentence to see a short list of usher & greeter duties. For more information, contact Chad Burke or Larry Arnold!
Boy Scout Troop 452 is on the Move!
	"Do a Good Turn daily. " Every time you do a Good Turn , you are planting a seed of good feeling. That seed may start the growth of a tree of Good Turns in each person you help. So that one Good Turn may lead to many other Good Turns through the years, affecting the lives of hundreds of people. In addition to outdoor activities such as regular camping and canoeing trips, working on Merit Badges and life skills for the boys to learn to do youth led meetings and activities, Troop 452 is focusing on planting “seeds of kindness” with service projects for Habitat for Humanity, Kairos Cookies, Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Cell Phones and Cards/Care Packages for Soldiers, Valentines for Vets, and Mid-South Therapy Dogs. And, we have been blessed and amazed by the ripple effect. The ripple effect is a term used to describe a situation where, like the ever expanding ripples across water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally. The 2010-2011 scouting year has focused on Scouting as a ministry of the church and all of the scouting units chartered by Arlington UMC including Cub Scout Pack 452, Boy Scout Troop 452 and the 5 girl scout troops comprised of approximately 155 scouts have worked together in recent weeks on Scouting for Food, a service project benefitting the Mid-South Food Bank where our collaborative efforts collected more than 2,500 pounds of non-perishable food items. That’s A TON of food…literally!!!!! Pack and Troop 452 are teaming on two more service projects and have baked more than 100 dozen cookies for the church’s Kairos Ministry and will be working with the Board of Trustees in April to restore the church’s playground which was disassembled during the recent sanctuary renovation and addition of parking spaces. Arlington UMC recently received the Shepherd Church Charter Organization from the General Commission on United Methodist Men for the outstanding opportunities the church offers to all of our youth serving organizations. And, Both Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop were awarded the Bishop’s Award for Excellence in Scouting on February 13, 2011 presented by Philip Craig, Conference Ministries Scouting Coordinator for the UM Conference. Arlington and Collierville UMC’s were the only two United Methodist churches across West Tennessee and Kentucky to qualify for this award for the 2010 scouting year and awards will be presented to the pastors Rev. Ken Stewart and Dr. Harry Durbin, Sr. at Annual Conference in Paducah, KY in June 2011. Other upcoming service projects for Troop 452 will include an open gym night and Blessings Bags at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Bartlett, hand made hand painted crafts for a silent auction benefitting Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian housing ministry in November, 2011 and service opportunities at the Field of Dreams baseball facility for special needs children in Southaven in Spring, 2011. Each of you can be a blessing to others as you live your lives. You can say a kind word when someone is down or lend a helping hand. The world will notice your example by how you treat others. When the opportunities arise, always be a blessing to family, friends and strangers! To find out more about Boy Scouts of America visit these websites – www.scouting.org, www.chickasawbsa.org, www.bsatroop452.org and www.praypub.org for information on the scouting religious emblems program. For more information on earning religious emblems classes for cub scouts, boy scouts or girl scouts of any faith, service project opportunities or more information on joining the Troop, contact Teresa Rector, Chaplain, Boy Scout Troop 452 trector@colliervilleumc.org or Troopmaster Steve McCarver jacancoke@yahoo.com.
Welcome to Cub Scouting!
	Cub Scout Pack 452 chartered by Arlington United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that school night recruiting night dates are set for both Arlington and Donelson Elementary schools to sign up scouts and answer questions to gear up for an exciting new year of learning, skills and activities. Pack 452 is chartered by our church, Arlington UMC and we will have leaders at Donelson Elementary on August 11, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. and at Arlington Elementary on August 25 at 6:30 p.m. If your son is in grades 1-5 and interested in learning more about the scouting program at Arlington UMC, we look forward to seeing you there! Since its beginning, the Cub Scout program has been a fun and educational experience concerned with values. Besides providing a positive place where boys can enjoy safe, wholesome activities, Cub Scouting focuses on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, and developing a spirit of community service. Pack 452 meets at Arlington United Methodist Church on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Pack 452 also offers an option Religious Emblems program for both the Pack and Troop levels. God and Me is for scouts in Grades 1-3 and God and Family for scouts in grades 4-5. BSA recognizes religious emblems for more than 50 different faiths. If you have any questions regarding the Pack, please email Cubmaster Bryson Morgan bscj@bellsouth.net If you have questions regarding the religious emblems program for the Pack (grades 1-5) or the Troop (grades 6-12), please email Teresa Rector, Chaplain Troop 452 trector@colliervilleumc.org.
Girl Scout News!
	Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girls in grades K-12 may enjoy taking field trips, making new friends, participating in special events, earning badges, and much more. Girl Scout troops meet at safe places such as schools, churches, and libraries. Each troop is led by trained adult volunteers. Troop meetings take place on a weekly or monthly basis depending upon the troop leader. Adults and girls join Girl Scouts by keeping the Girl Scout Promise and Law, completing a registration form, and paying National Membership Dues ($12). Troop dues may also be set by each troop and could average $1 or more per week. Adult Girl Scout volunteers are needed! Troop leaders and volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, complete a volunteer application and pass a criminal background check. Training and continued support is provided to troop leaders. If your family is interested in more information on Girl Scouting in the Arlington-Lakeland area, please make plans to attend one of our Parent Information Nights on September 1^st, 6 pm at St. Phillip Episcopal Church (9380 Davies Plantation) or September 8^th, 6pm at Arlington Elementary School cafeteria. For more information, contact Tracy Walker at tracyw802@gmail.com or 270-4087 or to learn more about Girl Scouts, please visit the website at www.girlscouts.org.