The Hardy Heartline

                                    Good News from Garry

Remember to email photos of Hardy happenings to the Webmaster at             
   HardyUMCorg@aol.com
 

The first of several gatherings is planned for Sept. 20 at the home of Mark and Julie Patterson.  The purpose:  To meet and greet as many as possible in the vicinity of our new church home.  Members from Hardy will be making as much personal contact as possible on the 14^th, handing out flyers, and inviting the neighbors to come on the 20^th.  We are so thankful for families like the Pattersons for opening their homes, and we ask for your prayers as well as your help in reaching those in the Red Lick area.  If you are willing to make a commitment to hand out invitation flyers on the 14^th after church, please let the church office know, since a light lunch will be offered.

We are “The Church with a Warm Heat,” and we want to make our presence known in the new location and to invite others to share our love for Christ and His Church.
 

                                               
If you want to get a glimpse of the layout for Phase I of our new facility, take time to stop by the display outside the office.  You will see the classroom areas, offices, kitchen, fellowship hall, choir room, sanctuary and large gathering area.  Excitement continues to build (no pun intended) as we move forward, so we ask that you continue to support our relocation efforts.         Jane Walker, Building Committee Chair      [Photo of display on Relocation Page]
 

               Putting Names with Faces

We have been blessed in the last several months with new members.  It must be overwhelming for them to put names with faces, so once again let’s get accustomed to wearing our name tags which sit silently in the hallway waiting to be used.  Name tags will be made for our newest members which will in turn help us get to know them.  Please check the library of tags in the hallway and let the office know if yours has been misplaced.
 

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir has resumed rehearsals and would like to invite those who sing to participate.  Also, those who have been “on leave” from the choir, we miss you.  Please consider returning soon.  You are significant.  Even one voice adds to our sound and blend.  See you Wednesday evenings at 7 pm.
 

Four States Fair Parade

The kick-off parade for the 4 States Fair will be held on Saturday, September 13, and Hardy will be participating.  We will have a float in the parade and are seeking people of all ages to ride on it.  Since the theme of the parade involves breast cancer awareness, we especially want to honor those members of our congregation who are cancer survivors and ask those of you who are interested to contact Francie Anderson at 870-330-9515. 

                                                  
     As you all probably know by now, Hardy served once again in the relief effort after Hurricane Gustav.  We housed 34 evacuees for three days and nights, and we want to thank the many Hardy members who dropped everything they were doing to help in that effort.  The Labor Day holiday for many was spent in a labor day of love and selfless giving.
     In order to act quickly and responsibly when a disaster occurs, Hardy has formed a special Catastrophic Committee which will be headed by Charlotte Nyman.  In the event of another need, this committee will be in place with supplies and ready attention.  If you would like to serve on this committee, please contact Charlotte at 903-831-6963 or her email j031381@aol.com.
 

An Overview of Studies

Growing in faith is what it’s all about, and bible studies offer the Christian believer the opportunity to make this happen.  The following studies are in the works beginning in September.  Please search your hearts and make a commitment to join groups as they unfold.  You will be blessed beyond belief and will also bond with fellow believers in a way you can’t imagine.
 

Currently offered ~ A Study of Biblical Characters – Led by Rev. Garry Masterson
The people in the Bible are people just like us. They have strengths as well as struggles.  They are called to live by faith and walk with God.  They challenge us and inspire us to live out of a deeper faith. They have questions and issues in dealing with their lives before God just like we do. We can learn from people like Joseph and Jacob, John the Baptist, Ruth, Anna, Abigail and Deborah, Elizabeth, Peter, Habakkuk and Job. Even though this study is already in progress, you are cordially invited to come join us on Wednesdays at 6 pm in the parlor as we look closely at these biblical characters.
 

Beginning Sept 7 ~ The Blessing of Spiritual Gifts ~ Led by Jeanette Akin

God wants all of us to put out gifts to use for the benefit of others.  No one is without gifts!  These are not necessarily our talents and skills but special gifts given by the grace of God so that we can fulfill the promise He made for each of us.  Over 4 weeks, using scripture as our text, we will look at how we “fit” into God’s plan and identify our individual gifts.  The goal is to help each of us do a self-assessment to determine how God has uniquely shaped and equipped us to serve Him.  The Sept. 7^th session will be a brief 30-minute orientation meeting beginning at 5:00 pm.  The other four major sessions will begin at 4 pm on Sept. 14^th. 

Beginning Sept. 9 ~ Becoming a Vessel God Can Use ~ Led by Cindy Masterson

This ten-week women’s study will help the student to realize what it takes to be a woman who makes a difference in her world.  We often think about the kind of “vessel” we are, and words like chipped, cracked, broken, and dirty sometimes come to mind.  Yet God accomplishes extraordinary things through ordinary people who believe God can and will use them – imperfections and all.  The group will meet in the Fellowship hall on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am.

Beginning Oct. 12 ~ Invitation to the Old Testament ~ Led by Barbara & Carol Means

This study is a short-term (eight week) bible study in which the chief source is the Holy Bible and requires daily reflection using a study book. Each week a video presentation will feature great bible scholars, which will be followed by group discussion and sharing.  At the conclusion of this study you will realize why Jesus, as well as many other New Testament writers, so often quoted from the Old Testament.  Come join us at 4 pm each Sunday afternoon to experience a great time of fellowship and learning.

Beginning Dec. 7 ~ Facing Your Giants ~ Led by Jerry Black

This study is based on Max Lucado’s bestselling book by the same name.  It’s all about facing the trials and tribulations that are thrown our way on a daily basis.  “We all have our Goliaths.  We recognize his walk and the thunder of his voice.  He taunts us with bills we can’t pay, people we can’t please, habits we can’t break, failures we can’t forget, and a future hard to face.  But just like David, we can face our giant, even if we aren’t the strongest, the smartest, the best equipped or the holiest.”  The challenge:  If we are ready to face our giants, we will allow this study to inspire us.  “The same God who helped David will help us.”  The study will begin on Dec. 7 and will continue for 10 weeks.

Beginning Feb. 15 ~ He Chose the Nails ~ Led by Bob Pickens

This Max Lucado study challenges us to unwrap the gifts of grace.  “Much has been said about the gift of the cross itself, but what of the other gifts?  What of the nails, the crown of thorns, the garment taken?”  The question is, “Have you taken the time to open these gifts?”  This study which will take us through the season of Lent is designed to encourage the student to unwrap the gifts of grace, to touch them, to feel the timber of the cross and to trace the braid of the crown.  The study will begin on Feb. 15 at 4 pm and will conclude on the afternoon of Palm Sunday.

Beginning April 19 ~ Invitation to Genesis ~ Led by Jeanette Akin

This 10-week study will take the group into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the interaction between God and very human people.  Pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebecca and Joseph.  Beginning at 4 pm on Sundays, each session will be accompanied by a video presentation and will be followed by group discussion.

Please note:  
Hand bells will start back on Sept. 7 at 6 pm.