In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the tyranny of the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now famous document known as the Declaration of Independence. We celebrate this emancipation every July 4th.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), proclaiming the believer’s “declaration of independence.” All of humanity was under the tyranny of sin and death. But Christ, the sinless One, took our place on Calvary and died for each of our sins. Having satisfied God’s righteous demands, He now sets free for eternity all who trust in and obey Him.

Freedom has long been a cherished ideal, and people typically are willing to pay a high price for its benefits. We celebrate freedom in many ways—through memorials, cook-outs, music, fireworks, and other traditions. People have lived and died for freedom, and this certainly should be appreciated; we need to be thankful for whatever freedoms we have. 

That said, Christians should realize that, being citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom (Phil. 3:20), they have a freedom far greater than physical freedom within an earthly nation. To understand this, we must realize the bondage into which sin puts us. Paul writes of being “slaves to sin” (Rom. 6:17), and Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). Sin enslaves, and it pays the wages of death (Rom. 6:23). 

Paul wrote, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Earlier in Scripture we read the inspired words of the apostle, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2). Thus, those who have been redeemed and set free are urged to “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Gal. 5:1). 

Jesus has set us free to live our lives to the fullest with peace, hope and joy. Jesus has set us free to be fruitful and serve with great zeal. Jesus has set us free to show the world what true liberty, love, and life is all about.

We should thank God for the freedom we enjoy as United States citizens. But even greater than that, we should praise Him for the eternal freedom that is found in Christ! And this we should celebrate every Sunday and live it every day.

This Sunday will be another special day in the life of Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, beginning at 9:30am with our God and Country worship service including a Spirit-inspired word from Scripture (Joshua 6) accompanied with special music from the CMCA Chorale. Then at 3pm we will gather for the Star-Spangled Spectacular and as people of faith, celebrate our country and praise God for the ultimate freedom in Christ Jesus. Make plans to be present and ready to experience the fullness of freedom throughout the day!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

In Christ,

Pastor Tony

We look forward to joyfully worshiping with you at another inspiring worship service at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday! 

The 21st annual Star-Spangled Spectacular Symphonic Pops Concert featuring the Festival Choir and full professional orchestra is this Sunday, June 30, at Lee-Scott Academy at 3:00 p.m.

The God and Country Worship Celebration will be at 9:30 a.m. featuring highlights from the concert and an inspiring message by Dr. Tony McCullough. The Star-Spangled Spectacular Pops will be at 3:00 p.m. Doors open at 2:15. This annual concert is made possible this year through the generous gift of an anonymous donor allowing Christ Methodist to provide this concert as a gift to Auburn, Opelika, and all of Lee County. 

The Festival Choir is comprised of members of Christ Methodist’s Chorale joined by fellow singers from the Lee County area. The professional orchestra is comprised of players from all over the Southeast.  The Star-Spangled Spectacular is a beloved annual musical tradition and is always one of the most well-attended concerts of the year in Auburn. 

The high energy performance is great for all ages including children. A nursery is provided for children ages 2 and under. The program starts with a rousing orchestral overture and the iconic “America, the Beautiful” by Carmen Dragon. Other patriotic favorites include “This Land Is Your Land,” “I Hear America,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and the beloved “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” 

Another highlight of the concert is the “Salute to the Armed Forces” with a procession of the five military flags, and the placing of the memorial wreath. This year the choir and orchestra will also pay special tribute to the 80^th anniversary of D-Day with the moving choral/orchestral “Hymn to the Fallen” composed by John Williams. 

Our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, shares, “This year we will also do a salute to some of America’s most popular hymns. As a people of faith, it’s fitting to remember our freedom to worship our Creator. Repertoire for this inspiring section of the program include “Bound for the Promised Land,”  “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and  “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” all masterfully arranged by Mack Wilberg.

Gary says, “The annual Star-Spangled is one of our music ministry’s most uplifting and inspiring performances we do throughout the year. Although preparing for worship each Sunday is our choir’s highest calling, special performances such as this when combined with full professional orchestra and singers from the community allow our choir to grow musically in exciting and dramatic ways.  It’s humbling to be able to be a part of this great musical tradition each year to pay tribute to our service men and women and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  May we never take it for granted.”    

Passtor Tony invites the entire community to be a part of this community-wide event.  Following the performance hotdogs, apple pie, and ice cream will be served as we gather in the cafetorium at Lee-Scott for a time of fellowship.

There is no admission charged for the concert. A love offering will be received with proceeds benefitting the Psalm 150 Designated Music Fund which provides musical programs for the community throughout the year including an extensive Christmas Artist lineup. Artists for the 2024 season will be announced soon. For more information contact the Music Ministry at 334-209-0074, on our Facebook page, or on our website at www.christmethodistauburn.com.

Summer Discipleship/Bible Study

On Wednesday nights at 7:15 p.m. at Greystone, John Hall, our summer intern, is leading a Discipleship/Bible study for all youth 6th through 12th grades. They are studying the Gospel of John. This is a time of fellowship and spiritual growth. There will be dessert provided! THE STUDY WILL NOT MEET ON WEDENSDAY, JULY 3RD.

Devo & Dinner Events (hosted at 1857 Stoneridge Drive, Auburn)

Sunday, July 14, at 6pm with speaker Hank Brown, current AU quarterback.

Sunday, July 21, at 6pm with speaker Jaycie Silhan, current AU soccer player

All youth from across our community are invited to be a part of these fun opportunities to hear from an AU student-athlete about what it means to live a life of faith. Dinner will be served, but we need to know you are coming so we can reserve a plate for you. Text us TODAY (334-524-7369) to let us know you are coming. Include your name(s) in the text. 

Chewacla Hang-out - Thursday,July 11th

All youth are invited to come to the greenspace at the top of Chewacla Park for frisbee and games, a hike to the falls, and a dinner to follow. Please stay tuned for the time and more details!

Tiger On the Green - Thursday, July 18th

All youth are invited to come to Tiger on the Green for golfing and dinner. Please stay tuned for the time and more details!

Youth Week - July 29th-August 2nd

This will be a week where all youth are invited to come and serve in the community and fellowship together each night. Please stay tuned for the times and more details!

Please put these events on your calendars and spread the word! See you there!

The deadline for bringing school supplies is this Sunday, June 30!

Christ Methodist Church of Auburn will have the opportunity to minister to Big House again this year by collecting and donating school supplies for foster children.

Big House was founded in 2009 by two college students who dreamed of impacting the world of foster children and families.
The mission of Big House is to “connect the needs of foster families with the generosity of the community through the love of Jesus Christ.”
What an opportunity we have to be a blessing to this wonderful organization!

 
You may bring any school supplies you wish to donate to church on Sunday and leave them in the lobbies in the designated boxes at Lee-Scott or you may drop them off at Greystone in the front Gathering Room.

**If you would rather donate a gift of money instead of supplies, you may write a check to Christ Methodist Church of Auburn (CMCA) and in the FOR line please write BIG HOUSE to designate this gift. 

Here is the approved list of supplies from Big House:

Binders: 

         - 1 inch

         - 1 ½ inch

         - 2 inch

         - 3 inch and 4 inch

Page protectors and binder dividers

Wide-Ruled Loose-Leaf Paper

Reams of Copy Paper

Plastic Folders with Brackets

Traditional #2 Pencils

Mechanical Pencils

Black Pens

Washable Markers

Crayola Colored Pencils

Elmer’s Dry’s clear glue sticks

Pencil Boxes

Pencil pouches with rings

Expo Markers (black and colored)

Scientific Calculators

Pencil Sharpeners with lid or cover

Backpacks- Good quality, durable* (ex. Nike, Eastsport, Adidas ect.)

Thank you in advance for your support!

A Ladies' Bible Study meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 at Moores Mill Club in the upstairs Fairway Room. 

We are also offering this same study on Wednesday nights at 6:30 at Greystone. 

*Both the Tuesday morning and the Wednesday night groups will NOT meet this coming week on July 2 or 3. 

We are seeking a Spirit-filled, passionate, creative, and energetic leader who would build young disciples for Jesus Christ by developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to student ministry emphasizing small groups, worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach.

The Director of Student Ministries will serve as a spiritual leader, mentor, and role model for students, between 7th and 12th grades, within the church and community. This is an exciting opportunity to build a relational discipleship-based student program from the ground up in a youth-oriented environment of Auburn, Alabama.

For more information you can visit our website -(https://www.christmethodistauburn.org/pages/ministry-opportunities) or email Pastor Tony (tony@christmethodistauburn.com).

Calling all rising 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th graders for summer Acolyte Training! Acolytes are vital members to the worship team! Training sessions will be held at Greystone July 16, 17, and 18 from 2:00-3:30.

After training on the 18th, new trainees and current acolytes will gather for a pool party from 4:00-6:00! If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please contact Patti (770-241-6669 - pattiwrobinson@icloud.com)- or Sara (706-888-1015 - sara.i.doornbos@gsk.com)

Crossroads – Library – Contact: Laura Braswell (lkbraswell@gmail.com). An adult multigenerational class, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. Members present book studies, Biblical theme studies, or videos for discussion. Crossroads is in the last two weeks of Dr. David Jeremiah’s "Slaying The Giants." Then they will be studying the Wesleyan Covenant.

Family Essentials – Back Locker Room - Contact: Abby Adams (abbyadamsdmd@gmail.com). A group of adults who are raising children and growing in our faith as a community. We study a variety of topics including first and foremost scripture, but also Methodist theology, family development, and Bible application books and studies. Currently they are studying "Cold-Case Christianity" by J. Warner Wallace. Taught by Debbie and David Smalley.

Fellowship – Auxiliary Gym – Contact/Teacher: Will Mooty (wsmooty@gmail.com). Middle age and older adults, couples, and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life with discussion through book studies and video series. Currently they are studying the book of Genesis.

Open Door – Sixth Grade Hall – Contact: Patsy Cotney (patsycotney@gmail.com). Middle age and older adults, couples, and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. Taught by Jeff Harte and Kevin Phelps.

Open Hands – Main Gym – Contact/Teacher: Randy Woodham (rmwoodham@yahoo.com). Middle age and older adults, couples and singles, studying various Biblical topics and their application to life. In the Open Hands Sunday School Class, we are presently studying a book written by Max Lucado entitled "They Walked with God: 40 Bible Characters Who Inspire Us."

Sojourners – Room 441 – Contact: Judy Felkey (judy.felkey@gmail.com). The Sojourners Class is currently studying a Max Lucado book titled,  "Help Is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit."  The class has two teachers who alternate months during the year, Philip Tyler and Bill Felkey.  The class is middle-aged and older adults, couples and singles, who enjoy a Scripture-based format taught in an interactive, discussion-based format.  New books are selected and proposed by the teachers with class suggestions and input as well. Our class tries to get together socially from time to time and our Sojourner ladies have been scheduling a monthly lunch get together for the last several months.  We are currently reviewing options to select our next topic for the class.

Our CMCA Widow’s Care Ministry met on June 19th at Greystone for our second get- together. We had 14 ladies attend. Fun and fellowship was had by all.

We signed up for Focus groups which include Prayer Warriors, Breakfast Buddies, Lunch Ladies, Movie Goers, Day Trippers, etc. We also expressed our Praises and Prayer Requests, which will be emailed to all our widows, asking for prayer.

If you are a widow who wants to join our group, or if you could not attend our gathering this week, please let us know how we can help you. You can still sign up for any of the Focus groups by calling Annette McGhee 334 740-2227 or Marsha McCord 334 559-5014.

We will meet again as a whole group at Greystone on August 7th at 10:00. Come and fellowship with us, as we all live, love, laugh, learn and grow together in this chapter of our lives.

If you are interested in joining a new CMCA Singles Group (20’s – up), please email info@christmethodistauburn.com or Jenna Morgan at jenna.m.morgan88@gmail.com with your name, email address and phone number. Or you may call the church office (334-209-0074) with the same information.

We envision this as a group that gathers for meals and fellowship, movies, Bible study, missions, etc. You don't have to be a member of CMCA to participate.

We are excited to welcome John Hall to serve as our summer student intern! John is a rising senior majoring in Marketing at Auburn University . John currently serves as chaplain of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), and is a graduate of Homewood High School. John loves to watch baseball, play golf and fish. His favorite Scripture is Galatians 4:4-7. He is excited to spend the summer impacting our middle and high school students with the Good News of Jesus Christ. John will be teaching youth Sunday school and helping with several summer youth events. To contact John, call/text his cell (205-484-6474)

Please pray for these brothers and sisters in our family of believers:

• Kim Hendrix Skoneki - Will undergo surgery, Monday, July 1.
• Pat Boblett - Had surgery this past week in Birmingham for bladder cancer. Surgery went well and prayerfully he is on the road to recovery. 
• Cindy Cleveland – In Glasgow, Scotland, had aortic valve replacement surgery on 6/26. Please pray for the long and difficult recovery process away from home.
• Ruth Register - Prayer for continued healing as she goes through a few more radiation treatments.
• Gary Webb – Prayer for continued healing from colon cancer
• Elizabeth and Jason Moore, daughter and son-in-law of Butch Foster, request your prayers.
• Dixie Connor, Nancy Teel's mother - Recovering from an accident at home that resulted in fractured ribs.
• Bill Wilkinson - Recovering well from pacemaker replacement.
• Kay Yeager - Recovering from hip surgery.
• Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew - Recently diagnosed with ALS. He lives is Dallas, Texas.
• Keith Ryland - Reoccurrence of cancer and receiving chemotherapy treatments.
• Patricia Gentry - Recovering from back surgery.
• John and Connie Staton - Both are experiencing health concerns.
• Steven Register and family – He was recently diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. This is a young family with 3 children. 
• Hudson Early, 6 mont-old great-grandson of Sandra Fisher – Hudson is responding exceptionally well to the medication for infantile cancer. He will be checked again in 6 months.   
• Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson - Waiting for a liver transplant.
• Brent Wilson, friend of Lisa and Craig Leonard's - Continued prayers as he recovers from chemo and radiation treatments.
• Martha Cauthen Young, friend of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel - Diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
• Sherwood and Betty Thomas – Sherwood has health concerns and Betty has memory issues.
• Jim Carroll - Pray for healing.
• Rita Tuck - Prayers for continued recovery and healing.
• Sherri Guenther - Eye Condition
• Harry Gill - Breathing difficulties.
• Chuck Dupree, friend of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel - Recovering from back surgery.
• Tim Boosinger - Undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
• Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal’s father - Prayers for continued healing.   
• Matthew Hood - Please pray for rehab and recovery.     
• April Coulter - Colon cancer treatments.
• Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard’s grandson – Please continue to pray for Max's health and development as well as his team of physicians.
• Stephanie Philpott, Gayla Sellers’ daughter - Stage 4 kidney disease, daily dialysis and medications.  Please pray for comfort and peace. 
• Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry’s son - Transplant waiting list at UAB.
• Alan Hampton, Rick Hampton’s brother – Undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma in Augusta, Georgia.
• Our prayers and sympathy to Sherrie Stanyard and family on the accidental death of her cousin, Deb Dutler, of Winthrop, Iowa.

The Congregational Care Team is adding another way for us to help serve the needs of our people. The Transportation Team will be a group of folks who can be called on to bring and take home those in our congregation who have no way to get to church services on Sunday mornings. If you would like to be a part of the Transportation Team please contact us.

The name tags that have been ordered and delivered are ready for pick-up and will be placed on Sunday (in alphabetical order) on the name tag table in the LSA lobby across from the coffee table. The latest order will be ready by Sunday, June 30.

If you’d like to get in on the next order, please fill out the form at the entrances to the gym at LSA, email sherrie@christmethodistauburn.com, call 334-559-2229, or stop by Greystone. The cost is $15.00 per tag.

Offering envelopes are available at the entrances to worship and at Greystone. Please designate "name tag" on the front of the envelope if paying by cash, or “name tag” on the memo line of your check.

To ensure the local church remains a place to allow for people to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly, it is vital that the safety and protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults be a top priority for every congregation within the Global Methodist Church and for Christ Methodist Church.

We have resources available to include a comprehensive safety system that incorporates awareness training, a library of videos and print resources, policies and procedures, and monitoring and oversight. 

Local church leaders and volunteers are trained to recognize and respond to signs of abuse and misconduct. With this knowledge, congregations can empower their members to be vigilant, prevent abuse by creating a culture of responsibility, and when necessary, remove and hold abusers accountable for their actions. By implementing thorough background checks, churches can do all in their power to ensure that only individuals with a clean record and a heart for ministry are allowed to serve in positions working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

If you are interested in volunteering with children, youth or care ministry for homebound vulnerable adults contact Sherry Roby for more details on how to train and have a background check.  Cjroby49@yahoo.com

The Parking Attendant Team is a group which assists with parking needs on Sunday mornings for the 9:30 service and also for special services such as the Star-Spangled Spectacular concert and Easter when there are larger than normal crowds. They meet at 8:45 on Sunday mornings in the back lobby of LSA and are finished in time for the service. 

Please let Larry Stanyard (334-559-1065; stanyardj@gmail.com) know if you are willing to serve on this team on an occasional basis. We would like to have four each Sunday morning, but need more for certain occasions (SSS, Easter Sunday, etc.)

The Parking Attendants have a suggestion for those who need to park close to the building for mobility reasons. If you cannot find a place near the back entrance, use the parking lot on the rear left (next to the gyms, across from the football stadium). The door to the auxiliary gym will be unlocked and you may proceed through there to get to the main gym. Beginning this Sunday, there will be a table with bulletins and hymnals for worship at this entrance. 

Another option is for you to drive to the back breezeway entrance and after you exit your car, a parking attendant can park your car for you. The attendant will return your keys to you or if you prefer, they can keep the keys so that they can retrieve your car after the service and meet you at the back breezeway again. 

We are discussing more alternative options that will make getting into the gym easier for those with mobility issues. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

*Remember - We will not have a worship service on Sunday, July 7.

If you missed the radio spot last Monday, you have a second chance! Senior Pastor Tony McCullough and Director of Worship & Arts Gary Klarenbeek will be appearing on a re-airing of their Monday morning appearance on the morning show “Auburn/Opelika This Morning” tomorrow (Friday) morning. This can be heard on NewsTalk WANI 98.7 FM & 1400 AM and streaming at www.NewsTalkWANI.com. They will be discussing Christ Methodist Church, the God & Country Worship Service, and the Star-Spangled Spectacular. Be sure to tune in Friday morning around 8:10 a.m.

Our Sunday morning schedule looks like this:

We will begin gathering in the lobby for coffee, water and doughnut holes at 9:00.

Please be in your seats by 9:25 for the prelude to begin. The service will start at 9:30am.

***

*We are still in the process of gathering names and street addresses of those in our congregation who do not receive our weekly Newsletter by email. We would like to begin mailing them a copy of our email. If you know of someone who would like the weekly Newsletter mailed to them, please let us know.

Let's continues to make is a habit to check the Connect Cart and tables as you enter the lobbies for worship each Sunday. In addition to hymnals, we have guest name tags as well as regular name tags for regular attendees who forgot theirs (Pastor Tony appreciates those as he learns everyone’s name). Also, there are "Our Daily Bread" devotional booklets, volunteer forms, car stickers and magnets, packets with CMCA note pads and pens to have or share with friends, maps to Sunday School classes, order forms for plastic magnetic name tags, worship kits for children (they can take home), offering envelopes, Connect Cards (place in offering plate), VBS flyers, etc. Another suggestion is to give your worship bulletin to a friend and invite them to worship with us.

*As you arrive at Lee-Scott on Sunday mornings, we encourage you to be aware of marked parking spaces in the back entrance and to make sure you park in a marked space. Please be aware that the trailer used to transport our equipment will be parked at the back entrance and does not need to be blocked so that it can be moved or it can be opened in the rear area. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter!

*Please start making it a habit to check our website on a regular basis for updates and events at www.christmethodistauburn.org

We are so grateful for each and every one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray, and pray some more for our body of believers as we move forward together and seek God’s guidance in the days to come. You are all so loved and appreciated!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13