Welcome to the web site of Guilford College United Methodist Church. We hope you will come and worship with us.

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Recent Newsletters

Click here to download the newsletter for August 6
Click here to download the newsletter for July 30
Click here to download the newsletter for July 23

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Tom's Note

Some of your staff attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit last week. It was an inspiring time that surveyed the dramatic need for leadership in the church today and the challenges that will face leaders who attempt to do anything for God. Bill Hybels (Willow Creek) talked about the high drama of decision making; Gary Haugen (International Justice Mission) spoke about leading in the things that matter to God even when the task seems hopeless, scary, or hard; Wendy Kopp (Teach For America) pointed out the educational inequities in our country and how people in the church can make a difference; Bill George (Harvard Business School) talked about the need for authentic leaders who are true to themselves and what they believe in; Chuck Colson (Prison Fellowship Ministries) lifted up the imperative of grace; Catherine Rohr (Prison Entrepreneurship Program) showed how intentional involvement can cut a prison return rate down from 98% to 5%; and with the inspiring preaching of Efrem Smith and John Burke it was a great event!

I came away from the event convinced again that the hope of the world is found in the local church, where God is giving us opportunities to put His glory on display. The need for the local church to step into the cultural arena with the power of the Gospel cannot be over emphasized. The challenges around us are many, but the wisdom, power, and solutions for authentic living that are the treasures of the local church must be shared, displayed, and put into practice.

Guilford College UMC is currently forming our visional focus for the coming years. By listening to the spirit, receiving your impressions, and sharing holy conversations we will be able to discern exactly where God is leading us, and where we can make a mark for the Kingdom. We have an exciting church, but the true test is how we move off our corner and into the world for Christ. What an exciting time to be God’s church in the world! May the Spirit lead you this week as you seek to lead others to the Christ.

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Welcome College Students!

You are invited to our back to school cookout with free food and games. Bring a friend and have some fun! Sunday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the GCUMC back parking lot.

Contact Ben at bcarson@guilfordcollegeumc.org if you have any questions.

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Tom's Note - August 6

RESPONDING TO THE REVEAL SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY

Last Sunday we took a broad look at the results from the REVEAL SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY our church participated in back in January. We now have a more focused vision on the direction our church will be traveling as we seek to help individuals grow in their spiritual life. The leadership of our congregation, however, still desires to receive all the input possible from the full church family to help us clarify and refine the vision. We need everyone to join the conversation as to the hopes, dreams, and promptings of God for our future together!

The Church Council is asking everyone to join us over the next four Sundays in August, as we use the Church School hour to meet in small groups. Each Sunday we will be discussing one of the major purposes of the church. This week the topic is WORSHIP. The Study suggests that the people of Guilford College UMC desire their worship service each week to be compelling, engaging, and inspiring. Your role in each class this Sunday will be to help us determine what needs to take place in each service to enhance your personal spiritual growth and to elevate our connection with God. This conversation will take place from the Youth Classes through the Senior Classes.

If you are part of our worshipping family, but not a member of a church school class, we value your input as well. We will be forming special small groups in the Fellowship Hall just for you. Whichever service you attend, please come an hour earlier or stay an hour later, and add your voice to the conversation.

God has given us a wonderful opportunity to join Him in shaping the future of this congregation. Please make this a priority in your schedule – and a priority in your life. Thank you.

• 8/10 - Exo. 4:27-6:8 - “When Things Go From Bad To Worse”
• 8/17 - Exo. 6-10 - “Ever Felt Like You Had the Plague?”
• 8/24 - Exo. 11-12 - “Some Nights You Just Can’t Forget”
• 8/31 - Exo. 14 - “Caught Between the Devil and the Deep Red Sea”

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Note from Ben C - July 23

Volunteers needed!

In an effort to reach out to the Guilford College students, we will be providing lemonade to all of the incoming freshmen as they move in on Wednesday, August 13 from 8:00-2:00. We will also be hosting a cookout for college students on Sunday evening, August 17. If you are interested in helping at either event, please contact Ben at bcarson@guilfordcollegumc.org or by calling the church office at 292-5833.

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