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Lives are being TRANSFORMED by Jesus Christ at
Roswell United Methodist! We hope these stories will be
a source of inspiration to you. And please, share your story, too!
How lives are being transformed through
RUMC's Job Networking Ministry ...
"I am so charged up after going to hear Steve Beecham at the last Job Networking meeting. I brought my son-in-law, Michael Jacobs, who has been unemployed for three months and has three children. He was so encouraged by Steve, and the timing was perfect because he was in line for a new job with a large Canadian based corporation. This experience with Steve lifted his spirits. I know that his newfound energy transpired to his three telephone interviews and ultimately to his job offer letter today! You just never know how much one person, one speaker, one event can lift a spirit into a higher realm! It's so hard to get 'back up' when you are struggling and affected by unemployment. This e-mail to you is part of my praise to God for His provision to my son-in-law, daughter, and their three children. Please share as you will. God is with us!" -- Ann Bryan (posted 1/15/13)
"My wife's coworker told her about this Ministry since she knew I was not working, and I must say that I am so glad because I attended yesterday and was uplifted from the beginning 'til the end. What you all are doing is AWESOME!! Being that this was my first time attending, I must say that I left there feeling pretty good about finding a job real soon. I was laid off from Lockheed Martin in December 2011 after 20+ years as a salaried employee. What you guys have going is a GOD THING which means there is NOTHING I can't do if I stay focus and positive. I want to thank you and your crew for all that you are doing. Have a BLESSED DAY, Vic B." (Posted 1/9/13)
"I know you have heard this repeatedly from job seekers but it is so true. RUMC Job Networking Ministry is without a doubt a blessing from God that helps so many make it through a turbulent time of unemployment. I would like to thank you and all the volunteers who make this ministry available to all of us in career transition.
God blessed me over the Thanksgiving holiday with a job. I landed a Southeast Regional Account Manager Sales position within the public safety industry for a company out South Dakota. I will be working from my home in Woodstock. This type of position was a primary focus of mine. It has been a long journey, but I did not walk it alone.
I have been attending RUMC since March of this year. My job search was immensely enhanced by participating in the bi-monthly meetings and attending the various breakout session topics. I have encouraged others to attend to help them in their job seeking efforts.
I have experienced every pessimistic and optimistic thoughts most of us have during this phase in our lives. Your ministry and others keep us on track. We all have a story to tell how our job was found. The job seeking principles of your ministry teachings are so relevant. It is up to each one of us to apply them.
Utilizing every aspect of the job searching techniques we are exposed to at RUMC, they all came into play when going after my new position and others that I was pursuing. God aligned the stars in my favor and felt it was time to get back to work after I was able to deal with and wrap up a few other major personal issues we had during the year. God knew I would have been distracted trying to focus on a new job and trying to juggle these other issues.
I have met so many great folks along the way through RUMC. I look forward to attending future Job Networking meetings to help you and others as my time and travel permits.
Many blessings, Bob Calvanese, Jobseeker with RUMC’s Job Networking Ministry" (Posted 12/6/12)
RUMC’s Job Networking Ministry received this letter of thanks from a person who attended meetings: "I have been blessed tremendously by the RUMC Job Networking program. Several years ago when I had been laid off, your program was the only hope I found when times were difficult. When I attended meetings, I was blessed by the workshops, participants, and prayer intercessors. By the grace of God, I have been employed seven years. Now when I attend meetings for networking I make a special effort to leave a donation for the program. I sincerely thank God for the volunteers and all their work. May God bless your program immensely." (Posted 7/26/12)
This story was recently shared with Job Networking by a woman who felt God’s presence in her job transition. She is now bringing job opportunities from her company to Job Networking and went on to be one of the featured employers at the next Mini-Job Fair. "I am a member of RUMC and was in job transition a couple of years ago and know God is always by your side. Through transition we have time to stop and listen to what road we are being called to. You provide such a needed service to help others in need." (Posted 7/26/12)
How lives are being transformed through RUMC’s
Adult Ministry Program…
"More than 150 older adults enjoyed 'Under the Red, White, and Blue,' a day of fun with the Prime Time Singers entertaining with a medley of Americana tunes as well as a tribute to George M. Cohan; Rev. Tom Jones breaking out some of his best jokes and funny stories; a wonderful meal prepared by the RUMC kitchen; and several games of bingo with numerous winners, some of them on the rowdy side! As an outreach, we invited area assisted living facilities who made up the majority of our crowd. One activities director brought 25 residents, and as they were leaving, said they can’t wait for next year and she’ll bring more. "(posted 10/26/12)
After having a tough day at work where everything seemed to go wrong, one woman said recently that she really didn’t want to attend Bible study that evening – she just wanted to go home and relax. Knowing her Journey Group was committed to meeting, she went anyway. “I’m so glad I went because that’s just what I needed to lift me up out of myself and focus on my relationship with Christ. This is why I study with my group of ladies.” (posted 10/9/12)
More than 160 people coming from Lawrenceville to Woodstock enjoyed “Red Letter Jesus” presented by Brad Sherrill in the Chapel on a recent Sunday evening. Brad memorized all the words of Jesus from Matthew, Mark, and Luke and kept the crowd enthralled. Several commented as they were leaving, “It was like I was there as one of the apostles and Jesus was really talking to me.” (posted 10/2/12)
The following witness was shared by a single mother whose life seemed out of control until she felt God’s presence and peace. "Seven years ago I was dealing with an out-of-control son, a house that was not selling, and facing bankruptcy. I had been divorced for 15 years, raising two sons mostly on my own. One Sunday morning I got down on my knees and for the first time in 51 years, I prayed to God for help. I listened to a televangelist who happened to be on and I felt hope that with God’s help, I could turn things around. The next day I talked to my sister about my need to go back to church. She said, 'Meet me at Roswell United Methodist next Sunday.' Through God, she helped me find solutions to my financial problems and I did not have to file bankruptcy. I also sold my house two months later and made my creditors very happy. My youngest son, who was then 20, moved out with some friends, and became far happier and more responsible because of this, and I moved closer to RUMC. I knew the moment I walked into RUMC’s Sanctuary that this was so right, that it would be a great place to grow in my faith and get closer to God. In the seven years I have been a member, I am continually lifted by all our ministers’ sermons, the support and power of our prayer warriors, the many volunteer opportunities, the wonderful Praise Team, and the fellowship of many sisters and brothers united in Christ." (posted 7/26/12)
"Drinking was always a part of my life; my first drink was at 13. My father was a severe alcoholic dying at an early age. That environment as well as the corporate culture promoted partying. During hardships, alcohol became my friend even though it caused financial and legal issues. I tried to quit; AA groups, counseling, but I always went back. The miracle in my life was when I finally went to my knees and asked God to please help me, to take this desire for alcohol away from me, to deliver me from this demon. I'm living proof that God answers prayers. When I opened myself to God's will, God took away my desire for alcohol. I have now attended RUMC for a number of years, and in the last 5 years have been volunteering; when we serve others, we get back so much more. There are incredible RUMC members that have touched my life by leading me to spiritual missions and groups which enforces my spiritual growth. Mike and Terri Long lead by example and the bible studies have helped my journey. God wants to work with us, and we have to put forth effort also by taking ownership in our responsibilities. I know in my heart and head I will never take another drink and I can say that in faith because to me it would be a slap at God. I know it's God's will I don't even think of that as an option. God led me to RUMC, and it fits right into my life like a missing puzzle piece. When I need additional prayer support, I love the praying at the altar, my Sunday School prayer group and RUMC's prayer warriors. My steady prayer is that I will walk as he wants me to and his Will will be done as he sees it. I thank God I have this story." ---Anonymous (posted 5/15/12)
"Seven years ago I was dealing with the challenges of an out-of-control son, a house that was not selling, and facing bankruptcy due to some poor financial decisions. I had been divorced for 15 years, raising two sons mostly on my own. The oldest child was doing very well while the younger son had been in the county youth detention center, was horribly belligerent to me, and would not talk to his dad. My job at a warehouse, plus child support, was barely enough to cover the mortgage, utilities, food, and keep the credit card hounds at bay. I remember one Sunday morning looking out my window and wondering how I got myself in this position. Then the tears started. I got down on my knees and for the first time in 51 years, I prayed to God for help. 'Please Lord,' I said, 'show me what to do to get myself out of this mess that I created in our lives.' I also said, 'show me a sign that you hear me.' At that moment, I looked at a TV evangelist talking; what I heard was 'God, this isn’t fair. Why did this happen to me?' ... she dug in her heels and fought the good fight of faith. She refused to see herself as a victim but saw herself as a victor … God is in control of our lives, even when events in our lives are not going as we had planned or hoped. He then went on to say that '…when things look bleak, when you’re tempted to be discouraged or depressed, you must encourage yourself by praying 'God, I know that you are in control of my life, and even though this looks impossible, I know today could be the day that turns things around. This could be the day I see my miracle.' ' I felt hope that with God’s help, I could turn things around in my life and move forward in what was to be the beginning of my transformation. The next day I talked to my sister about my situation and that I felt the need to begin going to church. She said, 'Meet me at Roswell United Methodist next Sunday.' Through God, she helped me find solutions to my financial problems and I did not have to file bankruptcy. I also sold my house two months later, and made my creditors very happy. My youngest son, who was then 20, moved out with some friends, and became far happier and more responsible because of this, and I moved closer to RUMC. I knew the moment I walked into RUMC’s Sanctuary that this was so right, that it would be a great place to grow in my faith and get closer to God. In the seven years I have been a member, I am continually lifted by all our ministers’ sermons, the support and power of our prayer warriors, the many volunteer opportunities made available, the wonderful Praise Team and their 'rockin’ for Jesus music,' and the fellowship of many sisters and brothers united in Christ. Loving God brings hope and peace to my heart and RUMC brings its congregation together to serve God by serving others." --- Anonymous (posted 5/15/12)
WORRY CANNOT COEXIST WITH GOD'S PRESENCE
"LOVE to learn...about anything!!! But, I especially love to learn about how God tells us to respond to the myriad of everyday, practical situations that arise. Sometimes our reaction is one of panic, stress, worry. Presently, I am involved in a study that focuses on worry. I've learned a lot about worry -- why we do it, the physical toll of it, the spiritual roots of it, what Scripture says about it. Head knowledge is important! I also, believe what what we read about worry in Scripture. Do not worry about your life ... who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matt 6: 25-26. Do not be anxious about anything ... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4: 6-7. ... perfect love drives out fear ... I John 4:18. There are so many more verses. So I know and I believe. But, neither of these make any difference if I don't apply them. Just this morning, I had the perfect opportunity to apply what I've learned in class about worry and what I believe to be true. Two, very large, potentially worry-filled situations presented themselves before 8 a.m. Remembering what I learned and what I claimed to believe, I prayed and actively claimed the truth of the Scriptures ...call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you; when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul; come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest; do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I truly made an intentional choice to react without panic or worry and TRUST God. Immediately, my soul was at peace. Within the hour, one situation was totally resolved. I've yet to hear about results from the other situation, but I am at perfect peace about it. Indeed, this was a transformational moment for me. Basically, I think that when we worry, we are not trusting God. The book we are studying in class states, 'Worry cannot coexist with God's presence.' Wow, meditate on that one!!" -- Anonymous (posted 5/3/12)
How lives are being transformed through
RUMC's Youth Program ...
What the Youth are Celebrating:
• 243 students signed up for our new small groups with 43 adult leaders
• We’re adding an additional summer mission trip – now there are three
• Our Youth staff team has been together for more than six months now with no changes! (posted 10/26/12)
"Over this past summer, I can honestly say that I’ve not only seen myself grown in my Faith, but also pretty much every youth I know. The way we’ve all grown together, so close to each other, and our Father is astounding. I think it’s great how the youth group is so open to one another, because having that Christian friend base, it changes your outlook. I believe HSC/MSC was probably one of the largest factors in that. With it being my first year at camp, I had absolutely no expectations, at all. My mind was completely blown with how much we all grew, together, in just that one week. Seeing multiple people all accept Christ there, it was so wonderful. Camp was literally the highlight of my summer. Spending my time with the people I love the most, in constant worship, maturing in our Faith… I didn’t want to leave. That was the biggest thing this summer, having a growing bond with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ… Being able to grow with them. Camp was the safe haven, a reassurance that I can go to the wonderful youth, and Jesus with ANYTHING. I cannot even put into words how much of a blessing it is to have that in my life, and to have that as such a pivotal point of my senior summer." (posted 8/29/12)
"Thirty-Five High School Girls enjoyed a fun, spirit-filled retreat at the Dod last weekend. The speaker shared how much they are loved by Christ, how to grow as a disciple, and how to stay engaged in a relationship with God. The girls loved the speaker, band, and food. A special thank-you to the small group leaders, prayer team, retreat committee, and pool hosts." (posted 8/24/12)
Florida Resident Connie Crawford Kaicher posted on RUMC’s Facebook page: "I was so happy to meet your youth group (while they were on their Florida mission trip); they are truly kind and wonderful. I am a waitress and single parent. I mentioned that my son, who is in the Army, was flying home on the day I met them. We had a nice conversation. Later on they came into the restaurant where I work and handed me a beautiful card with a gift card for the Outback Steakhouse and told me to take my son to dinner and thank him for his service to our country. I was so surprised! You must be so proud of your youth group. They made my day and my week and gave me a warm, happy memory. God bless them and your wonderful church." (posted July 2012)
"Following the Youth Mission Trip to Islamorado, FL, in June, our youths’ eyes were open to needs in the community that they had not noticed before. By seeing God work through them in the community, they understood more about becoming the family of God and their role in the family. Family is not just the people you live with! 'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35'" (posted July 2012)
How lives are being transformed in Kidz Zone ...
"Mountain Park Elementary is Starting a ‘Good News Club’ After-School Bible Study. God put it on the hearts of RUMC members Jett Denton and Stacy Damico to spearhead a group of volunteers from RUMC, and recruit numerous parent volunteers from the school to assist. More than 30 children are participating, and the group is still growing! Please be in prayer for the leadership of the 'GNC.' What a blessing to have parents with a heart for taking the Gospel outside the church and understanding the importance of growing up a community of faith and fellowship with their children’s friends!" (posted 10/26/12)
"A 9-year-old boy in our congregation with Down’s Syndrome has single-handedly transformed his classroom into a place of hospitality. His name is Lukas, and as he entered his Kidz Zone room for his first Sunday he looked each person – teachers, teenage special buddy, classmates – in the eye and said, 'What’s your name?' Lukas gets it: he understands that people’s names are important. He reminded the people lucky enough to be in his classroom that names are significant and that we are important to God. We can all learn about radical hospitality from this young man!" (posted 10/16/12)
"Last weekend RUMC had 34 kids and adults attend a 4th and and 5th grade retreat at Camp Woodlands in Cleveland, GA, and there were many transformation stories from our experience. As one child climbed in his mother’s car to head home from camp he thanked his mother for chaperoning and said he was so glad he didn't miss out on the retreat. His words were ... 'that was like the most fun thing I have ever done, and I feel so close to God.' The mother blinked back tears, and thought to herself mission accomplished." (posted 10/5/12)
"One father who chaperoned the fourth and fifth grade retreat was so touched by the speakers for the weekend that during the testimony session he shared that God was moving him to reprioritize his life and spend more time with God and his family. He felt so blessed to spend the weekend with his lovely daughter and the boys on the retreat." (posted 10/5/12)
"VBS Outreach: RUMC shared a wonderful week with the children of Frasier Street Apartments learning about Jesus' love for them. Sixty children participated and more than 40 youth and adult volunteers participated throughout the week. A special addition were several youth from the YMCA who joined us and loved making the Bible stories come to life through costumes and play. Relationships were formed as we shared crafts and activities that revolved around the Bible story for the day. The highlight of course were the games, of which rolling down the small hill in a sleeping bag and frozen games with ice were the biggest hit. The children were excited to see us come – they even helped us unload the van, and asked if we could come back every week during the summer. "(posted July 2012)
How lives are being transformed through Worship Arts ...
"Words fail me when I try to talk about the way the praise choir music at RUMC affects me and my life. This has been a challenging year for me and my family – from health issues to work changes to life changes. Through all of my six months with chemo treatments this year, music has been with me, especially religious and gospel. Carol, Vanessa, Fred, Lisa, and the rest of the choir members sing from their souls and their hearts, and they always touch mine. My treatments were every other Friday, and I needed to hear the RUMC choir as part of my recovery.
It is said we learn from hearing, we learn more by doing, and we learn best by repeating. I find my faith best by hearing the choir over and over. I sit there praying for the faith that I feel coming from the choir members. The music inspires me. I find myself wanting to do more for others, and I want to tell people about the experience." (posted 10/25/12)
How lives are being transformed through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes ...
Staff member Kay Holmquist leads Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes at RUMC and relates how the meeting last week was about more than money and budgets. "In the seven years that I have been involved with the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes, I have been blessed to see many causes for celebration. The greatest one occurred just last week during one of my sessions. My Small Group met to discuss the video we had seen and to catch up on each person’s successes of the week, trials of the week, or financial failures, as we always do. The first member of my Small Group began by saying that not only is this class helping her get her life together financially, but far greater than that, she has been drawn to the Lord to help her, and that she now has a sense of peace that she is not alone. For the remaining 45 minutes of our time, each student told their story of how the presence of the Lord is alive within them because of the class, and that when you are struggling in life the only way to survive is to turn it all over to the Lord and work hard to persevere. They felt that this course either had led them back to the Lord or strengthened their walk with the Lord. I just sat back and watched in awe while the Holy Spirit took over the class." (Posted 7/26/12)
A recent graduate of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University offered through RUMC shares how facing and reversing bad financial habits has changed her life. "My husband has paid off $14,000 on credit card debt using tax money and a bonus in the last two months, and I have paid off just under $1,000! We are on a roll! I have only saved $100, but my husband puts away money every month for our joint retirement, savings, and the kids’ college funds. Thanks for everything. This class has truly changed my life!" (posted 7/26/12)
How lives are being transformed through Missions ...
"I have just returned from an amazing medical mission trip to Peru. God had really been preparing my heart for this mission through the 'Experiencing God' study with my Sunday School class. I had prepared to work with the children through Bible stories, coloring sheets, crafts, and outdoor play activities. Each mission trip is different and the flow of the how, when, and where always varies. Our clinic was held in a school and the children were attending class in an out building on the grounds. The very first day one of my team members gave me a zip lock bag with a game someone had donated, and I stuck it in my big activity bag. To my surprise, the children were so intrigued with our bag of activities they could hardly go to class. They had about 15 minutes before class started, not enough time to do an activity, but one child pointed to the zip lock bag. We got it out and this gift turned out to be how we started and finished each day. Playing a match game, where we all sat together and I do mean together, shoulder to shoulder. God is in the details!" - Susan Leiner (posted 7/14/12)
"My family and I really wanted to participate in Great Day of Service, but had some time constraints with early morning activities. I saw the time slot for early afternoon at EnAble house, so we signed up, not knowing much about it. We just knew to show up with some desserts and be prepared for four developmentally delayed adult women. I went with my ten year old daughter Sydney, and we met another Mom there with her five year old. The four of us "girls" set up a sundae bar with the four resident "girls". It was such a blessing to spend this time with these wonderful women. I wanted to prepare my daughter for how the women would be different, I did not want her to be nervous, or to feel awkward. It did not occur me to know how warmly and lovingly we were greeted. The simple act of serving ice cream and providing some toiletries as gifts, became a 'Spa and Sundae party'. We loved our time there. It was so meaningful to spend it with my daughter. We promised our new friends that we would stop by Noah's ark the next day. We made good on our promise, not certain if they would be there. When our new friend Amy saw us coming, she jumped up and down with excitement and came to give us a big hug. Marianne and Gwen were grinning ear to ear as well. They had prepared a card of thanks for us, and brought it with them, certain we would show up as we said we would. What a lesson for my daughter, and myself! To have a handwritten note ready to give us was so thoughtful. I found myself horrified at the idea that we almost did not have time between services to stop by. I look forward to spending more time with "the girls" at enAble, and was so glad that God put us in that place during the time slot I mistakenly thought was just convenient for us." -- Kelly Marcuzzi (posted 7/27/12)
How lives are being transformed through Care Ministries ...
“My husband passed away after a long illness leaving me not only grieving his death, but emotionally and physically drained as well. In the aftermath I found myself battling a very serious illness that was misdiagnosed for months. The grief group is the life line back to my life, and I had a long way to come. This group not only ministered to me during our meetings, they also reached out with cards, phone calls and visits during my long recovery. The people in the group are so real and supportive and have cared for and encouraged me through every step of this journey.” Susan Therrell (posted 7/27/12)
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