Noel Memorial UMC

February 10, 2012

Vol 41, Issue 3

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Louisiana Now Newsletter

 Senior Pastor--Rev. Flint Shea                              Associates--Rev. Mimi McDowell and Rachel Scott

Our mission is to be a Christ-centered ministry that impacts our world

so that we develop disciples - body, mind and spirit - starting right here.

       Noel Now Newsletter Survey Results

Thank you to the 91 people who responded to the Noel Now Survey. Below is an overview of the results.

The top three most important features of the newsletter are: Calendar of Upcoming Events, Prayer Joys and Concerns, and Worship Service Details.

The newsletter frequency preferred is: Once a week 41.9%, Every Two Weeks 45.3%, and Monthly 12.8 %.

Frequently mentioned features to be added include: new and current member information and photos; Sunday School class information; mission and volunteer opportunities; inspirational articles by the Pastor, staff, and/or lay people; and financial information.

The favorite features of the Noel Now include: upcoming events, stories of how Noel is making a difference, upcoming worship information, and pictures.

Comments about the newsletter were mostly favorable. There were a few who would prefer a paper and/or email copy, and some who had specific requests about certain groups or events at the church. As all of the responses were anonymous, we have no way of following up on these requests. However, if you have a specific request or question, please contact June Dowis at jdowis@noelumc.org or the church office at mail@noelumc.org, or 221-5207, and let us know how we can help you.

Sharing the Noel Now: One of the biggest surprises of this survey is that very few people share their newsletter with others, mostly because they never thought about it or they weren't sure how to go about it! For those receiving the Noel Now via email, this couldn't be easier. If you have a Facebook account, you can either click on the Facebook icon or the Like Icon at the top of the email and it will be posted to your Facebook page. For those of you wanting to forward your email, simply click on the link at the bottom of the email that says, Send the Noel Now Newsletter to a Friend, and you will be prompted to enter up to seven email addresses of your friends.

Our goal is to create a newsletter that gives you the information you need, the connections you love, and the inspiration you crave from your church home. Our dream is that when we've accomplished that goal, you will be motivated to take it one step further and share it with everyone you can.

                                                         Thank you again,     June Rose Dowis  

Worship at Noel

Sunday School @ 9:15 a. m.

"Mardi Gras Messages"

A New Sermon Series at Noel Church

Everyone loves a parade!  Beautiful floats, fun music, creative costumes, and of course, food!  Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate, to have fun, and to enjoy the parades.  But this year, there will be more than just plastic beads to take home.  Beginning Sunday, February 5, join us at Noel Church as we begin a three-part sermon series called "Mardi Gras Messages."  It all ends on February 19, the day of the Highland Parade right out in front of the church.  Bring a friend and expect to be surprised! 

February 5 - "Cool Mask!"

Rev. Flint Shea, Traditional

Rev. Dave Fortuna, Contemporary

February 12 - "King Cake: Who  Got the Baby?!"

Rev. David Prothro, Traditional

Rev. Flint Shea, Contemporary

February 19- "Throw Me

                         Somethin' Mister!"

Rev. Flint Shea, Traditional

Rev. Dave Fortuna, Contemporary

Duo Magnifico

a concert of music

for piano and organ

featuring

Mary Green & Bryan Bierbaum

NOEL MASTERWORKS!!!

Sunday, March 11, 3:30 p.m.

Noel's Sanctuary

NOEL NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES SPRING FLOWER SALE. Buy a flower, feed a family! Once again, it's time to order your spring flowers to help support Noel's Food Pantry. Order forms are available around the church or online at www.noelumc.org/flowerorder. The deadline to order is February 21. The day for flower pick-up is April 14, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Stephens Street Courtyard.

SPREAD THE LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY-Tuesday, February 14. Help make Valentine's Day sweeter by donating candy or treats, or baking cookies for these Noel ministries.

Hope House - A special Valentine's Day meal will be prepared for 60 homeless clients.

Adult Learning Center (ALC) - The 40 students will be celebrating this Valentine's Day with a class party.

Please drop off items labeled either Hope House or ALC by Tuesday, February 14. If you would like to attend either of these events, the ALC party will be at 10:00 a.m. at Noel and the Hope House Meal will be served at 4:00 p.m. at Hope House. Please contact Rachel Scott with questions at 797-8721.

HIGHLAND MARDI GRAS PARADE, Sunday, February 19-All youth, families, and friends are invited to bring a lawn chair and have lunch and fellowship after worship at the Highland Parade.  A lunch will be available for just $1 and popcorn and lemonade are free.  Many of the United Methodist youth groups from around Shreveport and Bossier will be joining us for the afternoon. We need parents and volunteers to help, so spend the afternoon with our church family for a fun day of Mardi Gras and fellowship.  If you have questions, call Eric McFarland at 573-0444.    

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY, Available at two times!

Sundays, February 26-April 1, 5:00 p.m. or

Wednesdays, February 29-April 4, 10:00 a.m.

Let Rev. Mimi McDowell be your travel guide through Thomas Steagald's book, Shadows, Darkness, and Dawn, exploring Lent with Jesus. The cost is $15.00. Please register by contacting the Church Office at 221-5207.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY, Sundays, February 26-April 1, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Join Megan Stuermann as she leads you through a six-week study of Esther. The cost of the book, Becoming a Woman God Can Use by Judith Couchman, is $10.00. Call the church office at 221-5207 to register.

SOUP AND SERVE WOMEN'S MINISTRY EVENT. Sunday February 26, after worship until 1:30 p.m. Come join the women of Noel as we fellowship together with a light lunch ($3) and a mission opportunity for us to minister to our shut-ins.