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Erring on the Side of Grace
This is about the most meaningful moment in my ministry. I had just finished “License to Preach School” and was on my way to my first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church. Several in my class had already been assigned to a church, and I was a little disappointed that I did not have an appointment yet. Walking down the hall at Conference, the District Superintendent for the Dalton District called my name. “Bill, do you have a church yet?” he asked. “Not yet”, I replied. “Would you be willing to come up to Dalton? I may have one for you.” “I would be willing to go anywhere to get a church,” I replied.
A week after Conference, I was the pastor of Bethel UMC in Dalton. I was excited! I left early that first Sunday for the 80-mile drive to the church from my house. The congregation of about 25 people was warm and friendly and glad to have an older pastor instead of a young student.
I had been there about three months when our one usher, Ben, came down to get me. “Pastor, there is a lady in the narthex weeping and wanting to see you. Can you come up right now?” The lady was well dressed and on the way to her Baptist church. “Pastor, I heard you were a good man. My father is dying and wants to be baptized. He is a World War II veteran and is unable to get out of bed. My preacher will not baptize him unless we bring him into the church. I also tried the other Baptist church’s preacher, and he told me the same thing. Will you please come?” “Give me your address and my wife, Carey, and I will come to visit after church today,” I said.
They lived in the third double-wide off the Chatsworth Highway, not far from the church. Carey and I climbed the stairs and knocked, and Mrs. Holden opened the door. Mr. Holden was in a hospital bed in the living room. He told me he had accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior a long time ago and just never got baptized. I agreed to come back the next Saturday with a couple of members of my church and baptize him. I was about to break a major rule in the church. I was not authorized to baptize anyone who was not a member of my church without the permission of the District Superintendent, who was out of town.
Saturday came and off we went. We had hymnals, a bowl for water, a book of worship, and three members of the church. The yard around the trailer was filled with cars. I was going to do my first baptism to a packed house. All went well: Mr. Holden got baptized, we from Bethel were blessed, and it was all caught on film by a family member.
Monday, I confessed to the DS what I had done. “Bill,” he said, “you did the right thing. When unsure, always err on the side of grace.” I was only at Bethel for eight months before being appointed to a church in the Atlanta-Marietta District. Mr. Holden died after I left, and Mrs. Holden joined Bethel UMC. I have always felt God sent me there for that special baptism and to learn to always err on the side of grace.
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First Sunday Chapel Communion
Join us Sunday, August 7 in the Chapel at 8:30 a.m. for a 30-minute service including the sacrament of Holy Communion, a short meditation, worship, and a time of prayer.
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Welcome New Members!
May through July 2022
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Ami and Zacka Gomes
Robin Hicks
Emma Schwartz
Teri Schwartz
Kathy Seamen
Lynn and Michael Smeltzer
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Melissa Pietro
Christina Walker
Brenda Wells
Aimee and Doug Green
Liz and Darren Ross
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Back to School, Back to Church
Stick around after the 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, August 14 to kick off the new school year! We will have BBQ, ice cream, bounce houses, live music, games, and more! Make sure to bring the whole family to enjoy food and fun in the parking lot outside the Chapel building—seating will be available in the Fellowship Hall and Dining Room, Chapel building. RSVP and make a requested, but not required $5 donation on our website.
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Men's Breakfast
The next Men’s Breakfast will be Thursday, August 4, at 6:45 a.m. All men are invited to attend either in person in the Dining Room, Chapel building, or on Zoom. For more information or to register, contact Kevin Barre.
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Community Groups
If you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, Roswell UMC’s Adult Discipleship community is here for you! Registration for our fall studies and community groups begins on August 7. For more information, go to our website.
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Job Networking
Job Networking meets in person on Monday, August 8 from 3-8 p.m. with outstanding workshops, other activities, and expert speakers. For more information and the complete agenda, visit our website.
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Second Fridays on The Commons
Join us for Second Fridays on the Commons from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, August 12 as part of our Back to School, Back to Church weekend! Enjoy live music, snow cones, and fun activities for kids and adults with your community. For more information, contact Jeff Ross.
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The Commons Project will provide an inviting outdoor setting to welcome community, encourage outreach, and expand capacity for worship and more. From a new building to a revamped outdoor space, this project will help meet the growing needs of Roswell UMC and the surrounding community. Visit our website for more information or to make a donation to the project.
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MUST Neighborhood Pantry
Starting in August, My Neighbor’s Pantry will be partnering with MUST Ministries to offer food donations to our community the first Monday of each month. This change is great, but we still need your help! If you’re interested in shopping for, packaging, or loading food, contact Scotty Brewington.
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5K Run with Kenya
Join us on August 13 for the first annual Run with Kenya, supporting Divine Providence Training Center! To learn more or register, visit the Run with Kenya website.
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Mighty Mentes/Mentors
Roswell UMC is supporting Vickery Mill Elementary and Centennial High School by mentoring at-risk students through Mighty Mentes (Vickery Mill Elementary School) and Mighty Mentors (Centennial High School). Only a small weekly or biweekly commitment is required to make a big difference. For more information or to volunteer, contact Gilma Cantu.
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2022 NGUMC Children's Retreat
Fourth and fifth graders are invited to spend September 16-18 at Camp Glisson to learn about God while having fun and building friendships. A $50 deposit is due by Monday, August 1, with the remaining $150 due by Friday, August 26. Spaces are limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Bailey Farmer.
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Third Grade Bibles
Please email Bailey Farmer if you would like for your third grader to receive a Bible during the services on Sunday, September 11. They will gather that afternoon to have some fun and learn how to use their new Bibles.
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Sunday School Teachers
Grow in your personal faith while building relationships with the children of Roswell UMC. Sunday School teachers are needed for pre-k through fifth grade—volunteers of all ages are welcome. Weekly schedules are flexible and lessons are provided. For more information, contact Sabrina Hulse.
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