Just in time for back to school, we are hosting "Bring a Friend to Church."  We encourage you to bring a friend to church on August 28/29 and September 4/5.  Worship on those days will have some visual aspects which will make a strong first impression on any guest who may attend.  Invitation is part of our normal way of life, but sometimes a specific reminder helps us realize we should invite a new neighbor, co-worker, or friend to experience a life in Christ with us at Coker UMC.  Don't forget to tell them about breakfast in the gym!

 

 

From Sue Osborn, Membership/Hospitality Chair …

The Membership/Hospitality Committee invites you to wear your name tags to church each week. This helps newcomers to remember your name. I notice that when I introduce myself to folks with whom I’m not familiar, they frequently look at my name tag, even though I’ve already said my name. It just makes it easier for them. And when I meet them again, this refreshes their memory! I know that sometimes it’s difficult to remember where you put your name tag, so my husband and I bought two each and put one in each of our vehicles. Then we’re always ready!

On August 1st the Membership/Hospitality Committee will be taking orders for name tags in the Gazebo. So whether you’ve never had one, lost yours, or are just looking for a spare, stop by and order a name tag. They are only $4 - payable when you order - and the orders should be available for pick up on the following Sunday, August 8th. If you want a name tag but won’t be here on the 1st, contact Donna Emery in the church office at 494-3455, ext. 232, and she can order one for you. You have your choice of pin, magnet, or clip back.

Our guests and visitors will appreciate that you’ve been even more welcoming by taking this extra step!

 

 

 

Come one, come all!  Registration for children, youth, and adult Music Ministries will be held in August.  If you have thought about being a part of Coker's Music Ministries, look for the flock of flamingoes hovering around the registration tent by the Wesley Building along with the snow cone machine.  Come sing, ring, and play with us this fall!

 

 

 

Both clergy and laity are invited to receive instruction from a prominent New Testament scholar from Perkins School of Theology at SMU.

 

Course Description: Living Abundantly: The Gospel of John taught by Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, Associate Professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

 

Come (re)discover the richness of this Gospel whose uniqueness and layers of mystery continue to grip its readers and whose unanticipated surprises delight at every turn!

 

Contact Cynthia Bedford, Conference Registrar, by phone at 1-888-349-4191 or by email, cynthiab@umcswtx.org.

 

 

 

A gentle and blessed camp for mentally challenged adults age 18 & older is offered each Labor Day Weekend at Mount Wesley.

 

Information brochure is available in the church office or online at www.umcswtx.org/kingdom-kamp.html.

 

 

 

The "Coker Colas" will be playing in a co-ed recreation league on Tuesday nights September 7 - November 9.  Open to ages 16 and up.  Please contact Jason Roe at 494-3455 for more information or to sign up.  Deadline is August 22, but signing up earlier is appreciated.  No experience necessary - only a desire to have fun!

 

 

 

Have you considered giving a memorial gift to one of the many ministries offered by Coker UMC?  Memorial and special gift opportunities are available in several areas.  Please contact the church office for more information.

 

by Vicki Hester

 

One Sunday after church, a friend offered me a ride to lunch.  When we reached her car, parked in the "Special Need" area, I asked about her infirmity.  She replied: "It's cold, I was late, and there are so many spaces!"  I gently pointed out the full "special need" parking lot, then told her that my rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia really kick in during cold and rainy weather.  I have particular trouble parking in "special need" when I need it.  After some discussion, I learned that she parked in this special lot only during miserable weather and only a few times a year.

 

I'm no math major, but I do understand this: if only half of the 1,000 active/healthy Coker members use these spaces several times each year during bad weather, well, those in need lose out.

 

While I can usually find a spot if I come early, twice last year I came during cold, rainy weather--too stiff to park in the lower section, and the golf carts were not running.  So I went home and watched "church TV."  (At least I was well dressed.)

 

Recently, I've heard similar stories of people driving home without getting out of their cars because they could not get a "special need" space.  Plainly put, when people use these spots for convenience, others may not be able to go to church.

 

 

 

 

Are you looking for a way to volunteer that doesn't require a lot of time?  Be a pew helper.  Call Robin Jenks at 492-0106 for more information about this opportunity to serve.

 

 

 

The Northeast Counseling Ministry is a faith-based counseling ministry supported by local churches, including Coker.  They offer their services at a very affordable, reduced rate for those who are members of the participating churches.  Please visit coker.org/ncm for more information.

 

 

 

Are you a health care professional qualified to take blood pressure?  The Health and Wellness Ministry Taskforce will be offering blood pressure checks:

If you are interested in helping take blood pressure checks occasionally, please contact Liz Hoelscher at 378-9522 or enhoelscher8858@yahoo.com