March 9, 2010

Metro Growth Track
Sundays |  9:15 a.m. | Fellowship Commons
     Are you new to Metro and have already attended Pastor’s Breakfast? Then your next step is the Metro Growth Track! Join David and Shelia Wray for a 3 week in-depth look at Metro’s structure, Your individual gifting, and where you can belong in the Metro community. For more information contact us at haggai@metrocog.org.

Church Membership
     If you would like to become a part of the Metro Church family, please contact Rita Case for more information at  rcase@metrocog.org or 443-3913.

NEW … REACH Sunday School Class (for Men and Women Ages 45–64)
Sundays |  8:45 a.m. |Richard's Restaurant
   Coffee, soft drinks, water, and  doughnuts provided. The class  will be finished by 9:45 a.m. in order to get to the 10:15 service. Call Dave, Sandy Blackwell at 425-4612, Steve, Becky Roberson at 995-1415, or Terry, Pamela Bethea at 967-9363 with any questions.

Worship Service
Sunday | March 14 | 10:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
     Come hear a special message by Pastor Mark.

Adult Singles Covered Dish Luncheon
Sunday | March 14 | 12:15 p.m. | Fellowship Commons
     Bring a covered dish to share  and come enjoy some good food and fellowship.
     Krista Cleary, 266-7808, has extended an invitation to anyone of the Metro Singles to meet at her home after the Luncheon to hang out till the Singles leave for the WINTER JAM Christian Concert at the BJCC around 4 or 5.

Easter "Seed" Offering
     In the very beginning the Lord established a natural law that everything will reproduce after its "own kind" (Genesis 1:24). The Apostle Paul set forth the spiritual law of sowing and reaping in 2 Corinthians 9:6; "He that sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that sows generously shall also reap generously."
     Easter is the greatest season of the year to expect a "harvest" from we sow because on Good Friday, Christ's body was sown, in the natural, but on Easter, raised in the supernatural! One of the ways we can receive "new life" at Easter is "sowing a natural seed" to reap a spiritual harvest! Maybe your seed will be to see a loved one saved, or a new job secured. But, whatever the need, believe God for a "Resurrection!"
     These "Easter Offerings" will be used to defray the costs of our Easter productions and promotions, and help cover moving expenses for two new staff families, as well as facility needs and repairs.
     Thank you so much for helping us reach a city that needs Christ!   

New Church Loan Principal Reduction Plan
Sundays As You Leave the Service
     We have begun a "New Church Loan Principal Reduction Plan"  by asking everyone to give at least $1 when you leave the Sunday morning service. This money will be placed on our building loan principal reduction only. Below is an amortization schedule that depicts how just $500 to $2,500 extra month on our principal can eliminate hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt for the glory of God. (Romans 13:8).

This Week.

Mid-Week Fellowship Supper
Wednesday | March 10 | 5 p.m. | Fellowship Commons
     Menu:  Mexican Casserole, Mexican Rice, Chips and Salsa, Salad Bar, Dessert, Iced Tea or Coffee.  $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $15 for a family of 4 or more.

Ministry Team Community Building and Training Groups
Wednesdays through March 31 | 6:30 p.m.
.     Team Builders: Be sure to meet with your ministry team through March 31. Not sure where you would like to serve or have not yet taken the Spiritual Gifts Discovery, please e-mail haggai@metrocog.org or contact us at 205.795.4448.

      Room                      Team

•      L208                       Ministering Communities Team
•      L209                       WOW Team
•      L210                       Follow-up Team
•      L211                       Outreach Team
•      L212                       Shock & Awe Team
•     Choir Rm                 Worship Team

NEW TIME for Rehearsals  for Children's Spring Musical
Wednesdays| Big Adventure Worship Room | 6:00  p.m.
      Pastor Derrick invites your kids to join Jonas Joppa and the rest of the God Squad from Alleluia Aquatic Academy as they venture out in a submarine to learn more about God through His underwater world. Under Professor Gill's direction, the students learn to navigate the sometimes murky waters of life by seeking God's Word daily. Once they ask God to open their eyes, ears and hearts, they begin to realize the depth of God's love for them.
     Performances will be Saturday,. May 1, at 6 pm and Sunday, May 2, at 10:15 a.m.

Choir and Orchestra Rehearsals
Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m.
     Come join the Choir or Orchestra now to help prepare for our Easter Program "Experiencing the Passion" on Sunday, March 28. Choir meets in the Choir Rehearsal Room behind the choir loft. Orchestra meets in the orchestra pit in the sanctuary. Optional choir and orchestra rehearsal Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. If you would like to glorify the Lord with your musical talents, please come.For more information, please contact Worship Arts Pastor Bruce Hill at bhill@metrocog.org.

THIRST:  For Spiritually Thirsty Women
Friday | March 12 | 7 p.m. | Fellowship Commons
    Special Guest, Mavis Lawson, gospel minister from The Healing Place. All ladies are invited to come for some spiritual refreshment in the Word.

Want to Reserve a Room for Your Next Meeting or Event at Metro
      Don't assume no one else will be in the room you want to use, the door will be unlocked, and the heat or air will be turned on. Instead, save yourself and everyone else a lot of headaches by booking your room in advance through our Facilities Director, Marilyn Collins, at mcollins@metrocog.org.

Looking Ahead

Smoky Mountain Missions Ride Interest Meeting
Wednesday | March 17 | 6 pm | Welcome Center
     Stop by the Welcome Center next Wednesday evening if you are interested in participating in the Smoky Mountain Missions Ride April 20 – 25 to cook and do repair work at the Smoky Mountain Children's Home in Tennessee. Ken Lindsey wants to find out who all is interested in going. If you can't come to the meeting, you can call him at 685-1408 or e-mail him at klconstco@aol.com.

Associate Pastor Mark Swank to Speak
Sunday | March 21 | 10:15 a.m.
    Mark Swank, our Associate Pastor, will speak on the topic: UPSIDE DOWN IN LOVE…Love that Endures to the End   Some of our Children and Youth will also be involved in this special service as we look at John Chapter 21. Don’t miss out!

Metro Dinner Evening
Friday | March 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Fellowship Commons
     Special Guest will be Heather Higginbotham-Halbrook, daughter of David and Linda Higginbotham. She will sing and give her testimony. Heather has a long history of musical endeavors. She sang at the Super Bowl halftime in 2000, the Atlanta Opera, and El Dora Opera in Hollywood California.  Heather has been background vocalist for Phil Collins, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, and Enrique Igleses. She was named Music Teacher of the Year in the Atlanta Public School Systems. She began classical training at the age of 16 and continued training for 16 years. Please stop by the table in the Commons to sign up for a fun-filled night with great food, fellowship and remarkable entertainment.

Unemployed For Dinner
Friday / March 26 / 6:30 p.m. / Schweigert's Home
     You are invited to an unemployed meeting at Paul and Connie Schweigert's home. Meal is provided. Call Connie for reservations at 823-9270 (due to limited space). Location: 2237 Locke Circle, Bluff Park/Hoover.

MMT Talent Workshops at Metro
Saturday | March 27
     MMT AGENCY will be at METRO CHURCH  Scouting & Teaching workshops SEARCHING for NEW TALENT! OPEN CALL from 10:30 AM-12PM plus a "mini" education of How to Start in the Industry By Marion Webb This is a GREAT time for Q & A for Parents!
    The OPEN CALL is FREE! Please bring a "simple" snapshot that we can keep to the OPEN CALL and be sure to have a parent or guardian with you if you are under age 18. You do NOT have to attend the OPEN CALL in order to attend any or all 3 workshops!  OUR workshops are OPEN TO ALL!  

     **  Acting "On Camera" Training 1-2:30PM  Workshop Investment $3
      **  Model's Boot-camp!  Training 3-4:30PM  Workshop Investment $35
      **  How to be a PAID EXTRA in TV/FILM Training 4-5PM Workshop Investment $25

Metro Easter Program "Experiencing the Passion"
Sunday | March 28 | 10:15 a.m.
     Easter musical presented by the Worship Arts department. Come and bring your friends and neighbors.

Complete and Mail in 2010 US Census Form by April 1
     Please take 10 minutes to fill out your 2010 Census form and mail it back. The short, 10-question form will help determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state and local governments. Census data helps shape the future of our community by determining which schools receive funding for improvements, where new hospitals and roads will be built, and how we are represented at all levels of government.

Community Passover Jewish Seder
Saturday | April 3 | 6 pm | Cahaba Grand Conference Center
      Hosted by Rabbi Eric Walker and Beth Hallel Messianic Congregation. Paul Wilbur will provide the praise and worship again. $45 per person. You may want to consider purchasing a table of 10. Please call 478.4325 for more info.

Easter Sunday
Sunday | April 4 } 10:15 a.m.
     Special Easter message by Pastor Mark interspersed with drama vignettes (CSI) retelling the Easter story in a modern day setting.Great message for the lost!

2010 Alabama Men's Conference
April 16-17 | Sumiton Church of God
     The theme for this year’s Men’s Conference is "HOMELAND SECURITY: Standing Guard Over Your Heart and Home."  The Special Guests are Rick Burgess (from The Rick & Bubba Show) and Jason Crabb.  If you are interested in attending,  please contact Mark Swank at mswank@metrocog.org .   

Singles “Chattanooga Trip"
Saturday | April 17.
  We will leave at 8am and return at 10pm.  We will “Paint the town Red”! The total cost for activities and food is approximately $30. 

BACS 6th Annual Reunion
Saturday | April 17 | 11 am | Randall Weeks' home on Smith Lake
     The Birmingham Adult Christian Singles (BACS) is having their 6th annual reunion on Saturday, April 17, 2 at the Weeks' home on Smith Lake, near Cullman.  For directions and details, pick up a flyer at the information desk or call Sandy Evans at 621-4871 or Linda Hand Ellison at 612-6836. 

Old Fashioned Gospel Singin' and Dinner on the Grounds
Sunday | April 18 | 12:15 p.m. | Fellowship Commons
      Bring a covered dish and come travel down memory lane with gospel singer Harold Bright.

NASCAR- Talladega Outreach
April 23 – 25
     The Alabama Church of God State Offices is sponsoring the Talladega NASCAR Outreach on April 23-25th .  The cost is $60 per person for the weekend.  It includes the campsite, food and pass to the Saturday race.  If you are interested in being a part of the at this event, please contact Mark Swank at mswank@metrocog.org .   

Student Ministry

“WE” Wednesday Night Student Series
Wednesdays | 6:30 pm | LDC Gym
In following Christ, there is one truth that most of us forget—we were never meant to do this alone. We need other people. It’s critical, not just because we need friends, but also because in community we understand more about who God is. We see how He is working in other people’s lives. We learn things that God has taught them, and we get an opportunity to love and serve others. The WE series helps us discover the “WHY” behind community—why we need it, why we should pursue it. If you are a student and not involved on Wednesday Nights, we would love to have you come and join us as we find out “We” is better than “I.”  

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Women's Bible Study Opportunities for 2010

WOMEN OF GRACE
Thursdays |  9:30 a.m.
     Lois Adcock will be teaching Beth Moore's study of "Esther."  Questions? E-mail Kay Wildman at wild7228@aol.com.

"A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place"
Sundays  | 5:30–7 pm | C014
     Calling all working women and those who can't seem to fit Bible Study into your busy schedule!  Start the new year off right!  Join with other excited women who are seeking a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our God.  Beth Moore has "revisited" her very first Bible study, "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place."  Join with us in this in-depth study of the Old Testament tabernacle and discover things you never knew about God's plan for your life!    . To sign up or for questions, e-mail Kay Dick at kdick@shelbyed.k12.al.us.

Metro Nursery and Preschool Toy Drive

Would You Like to Be A Financial Counselor to the People of Metro?
     If so, Steve Roberson is prepared to teach on this subject. If you are interested, please contact him at srbrsn11@aol.com. Both men and women may apply.

GOOD NEWS!
Want to Join Choir or Orchestra But Can't Come on Wednesday Nights?
Sundays | 8:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
     Our new Worship and Arts Pastor Bruce Hill wants you to know there is now an optional Choir and Orchestra rehearsal Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the sanctuary for all of those who want to participate but could not make the Wednesday night rehearsals for whatever reason. Just show up!

The Nest Needs Volunteers
Every 3rd Sunday Evening
  The Nest is Metro's ministry to feed the homeless under the bridge in downtown Birmingham. People with trucks are especially needed for transporting tables, chairs, and food. If interested in helping, please contact Debbie Earley at 475-1527.

The Church Office Needs Your Help!
      A new feature on the Metro website allows you to update your information for our database. To do this, click on Update Information. Complete all of the information, even if you’ve given it to us in the past, and we will make sure that our database is up to date and correct. Once you have completed the information it will be sent directly to our database administrator and she will send you an acknowledgment that your information has been delivered. Since your privacy is important to you, Metro promises not to share your information with any company or organization.  

Metro Media Ministry
     The Metro media ministry is looking for volunteers to help with video, lighting, and overall production. If interested, please contact Pastor Joe at jdobbins@metrocog.org

Metro Counseling Center
     The Metro Counseling Center has the following ongoing support groups— GriefShare, DivorceCare, DivorceCare4Kids, Caregiver Support, Dianne McPherson Cancer Support, Friendship/Gatekeeper Group (for widow/widows), and Metro Single Moms,. If you are interested in becoming involved in any of these groups, please contact Jo Ann Davidson at the Metro Counseling Center  at 443-3911 or jdavidson@metrocog.org..

Cancer Support
     If you or a loved one have cancer, we want to encourage you with prayer support, encouraging words, and a prayer blanket. For details and to be put on our special Cancer Support list, please contact Jo Ann Davidson at jdavidson@metrocog.org.

DO YOU WANT TO ANNOUNCE IN E-NEWS OR SUNDAY BULLETIN?
     If so, please e-mail by Tuesday noon to Pastor Joe Dobbins at jdobbins@metrocog.org. All announcements are subject to editing due to space constraints.