RUMC has had another remarkably busy year updating and repairing our church facility. Here is a list of the completed items and items in process of completion!

First, the church has a rolling Maintenance List that has items added by the church staff. We are grateful to be gaining on maintenance repairs. Examples of the completed items include continued plumbing repairs to sinks and toilets, replacement of light bulbs throughout the facility, moving items, cleaning out items, deep cleaning of the kitchen and the sanctuary pews cleaned and steamed.

Secondly, there were miscellaneous items that the church completed. These are continuing repairs to the roof and flashing around the entire church facility, soffit repair at the sanctuary entrance, stripping and waxing the VCT floors, lock, and key repair. I am happy to say we have had no squirrel visitations this year!

Thirdly, we repaired our Bell Tower out front, we were able to paint the Children’s Foyer, Teen Stage area and the MPR, and finally the church has finished replacing half of the Heating and Air units. (This does not replace all the HVAC units) Please keep in mind the new units are more energy efficient, however, we still have the original windows in parts of the church and the balance of the Heating and Air units that might keep us from being totally energy efficient.

It has been a busy year and 2024 looks to be no different. As the church moves into the New Year the Trustees are evaluating the following projects: roof repairs/replacement, restriping the front and back parking lots, landscaping, and replacement of the balance of the HVAC units. This is not a complete list, as emergencies arise, we will have to choose what is the greatest need.

It is through the congregations’ continued generous donations that we have been able to accomplish so much. The Trustees are profoundly grateful for these gifts.

The North West District Strategic Growth Team (DSGT) works to identify and develop strategic ministry growth opportunities to make disciples of Jesus Christ across the thirteen counties that comprise the District.  We do this utilizing all resources of the connection from the General Church to the North Georgia Annual Conference, all in support of congregational and community transformation in the many local contexts our District embraces.  The North West District is divided into six zones, each of which has a clergy and a lay leader.  These twelve along with the District Superintendent and the District Lay Leader are the North West DSGT.

The DSGT consults demographic and other statistical data along with community experts as we seek to understand community pain points and missional opportunities across the district.  Using that information and the members’ understanding of their own contexts, the DSGT develops a comprehensive strategy for advancing our unique United Methodist mission. Taking all that into consideration, the DSGT evaluates applications for BEAT grants from congregations in our area before they are submitted to the North Georgia Conference team for approval.  (Click HERE for more information about BEAT grants) The DSGT advises congregations in developing BEAT grant requests, celebrates with the congregations that receive them, and rejoices in the ways these ministries flourish, as we do the BEAT grant for technology and digital ministry Ringgold received in 2023.

Rev. Chris Bryant is the Chair of the North West District Strategic Growth Team, a role he has held since July of 2023.  The District Superintendent and District Nominations team selected Chris for this role because of his depth of experience with starting a congregation and congregational development, his gift for sharing the gospel good news with creativity, and his wisdom in stewarding missional strategic growth.  In one of his first acts as Chair, Chris led us on a tour of several churches in Cherokee County and invited the mayor of Woodstock to meet with us so the DSGT could understand better the needs of that growing area.  We are grateful for Chris’s commitment and to Ringgold UMC for your connectional spirit as a United Methodist congregation, part of the North West District, the North Georgia Annual Conference, and the larger connection of the United Methodist Church…all of us part of the body of Christ. May we all flourish in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

In 2012, members of RUMC first visited the village of Momance, Haiti. Since that time, our church has helped build a Christian school for Pre-K through 9th grade, offering the children an opportunity for a brighter future and helping them achieve their dreams. In addition to a quality education, the children receive a free nutritious breakfast and lunch and access to a monthly medical and dental clinic. 

Unfortunately, due to overwhelming political unrest and dangerous gang activity, RUMC has not been able to travel to Momance recently; however, the mission remains unchanged — to partner, educate, empower, and enhance lives in Momance, Haiti. We have been forced to change our approach… focusing on providing the best resources available to the community leaders.  The leaders in Momance have stepped up to become stronger and more committed to the mission. They are shining examples of faith and perseverance!! 

The Momance community is truly something special. The school has become a symbol of hope in the community; a place to gather safely to learn and fellowship with one another. It has become a source of strength and resilience for the people of Momance. 

If you would like to join the team at RUMC and make a difference in the life of a child in Haiti, please consider sponsoring a student for $300 a year or $25 a month. You can give online or by check. Your sponsorship supports teacher salaries, textbooks, uniforms, school supplies, and facilities maintenance and improvements. We are grateful for all our past and present sponsors. Last year RUMC sponsored 110 students.  It would not be possible to fulfill the essential needs of the children and families of Momance without you and your commitment to this effort.  Most importantly, we ask you to keep our friends in Haiti in your prayers.

We invite you to join us Sunday, March 31, at 7:00 AM, for the RUMC Easter Sunrise Worship Service.

What better time to celebrate the Resurrection of the Son of God than at sunrise, as we watch as darkness turns into light, the light of Christ. There is just a majestic and holy feeling to watch the sunrise over the mountain on this day as we hold our candlelight ceremony.

Celebrate with us as we remember how Mary Magdalene, before sunrise, found the stone at Jesus’ tomb was rolled away and ran to alert the disciples. Jesus was not there, He was risen!! He is risen indeed!!
This is a wonderful way to renew our faith and commitment to Christ. So please join us at 7:00 AM Easter morning for the Sunrise Service. Seating will be provided, and should the weather not cooperate with our celebration, we may move inside to our Sanctuary. Of course, you are also welcome to return for the 9:00 Traditional Worship or the 11:00 Contemporary Worship with Easter egg hunts for the kids.

We’ve got great plans for kids this Easter! Whether they are yours, relatives, or neighbor kids, we want them to delight in the day with us. During both worship services on Easter Sunday, kids will be able to enjoy numerous activities of celebrating together. Whether they have fun in Wiggle Worship, play in the nursery or enjoy big worship, following both 9 and 11am worship services all kids can embark on the thrill of the hunt. With some egg surprises, and no shortage of candy filled eggs to find, kids can fill their baskets—even if they forget theirs from home. Everyone can participate in some post-hunt snacks and activities in the MPR before heading out for your other Easter family traditions. Be sure to tell folks about it as we all walk together through this season of Lent and Holy Week. We’ll all keep a ready eye for the celebration of an Easter Sunday that can be a precious time for families to connect in faith and fun.

Our new ministry, Faithworks, had a tremendous start in February with 17 people joining for a tour and work time at Christ's Chapel.  Thank you to all those who were able to attend and help make it a great morning of service and fellowship.

The goal of Faithworks is to give our congregation various opportunities throughout the year to be involved in local mission work.  During the month of March, we will be highlighting Communities in Schools, a program that strives to surround students with support, helping them to stay in school.   On March 16, they are sponsoring a GradRun which will include both a 5K and a one mile fun run.  Since this is a fundraiser for them, we would love to send some runners/walkers their way!  We are also talking with them about another possibility of service during the race.  In addition, they need several volunteers for an event called RealityU, March 25 – 27th.  This is a program for 9th graders to learn more about financial planning for their future.  

You will be hearing more about these opportunities, but for now be sure to mark your calendars so you can be a part of putting your Faith to Work!

49’ers
March 12th, 6 PM in gym. Chicken and drinks provided. Bring side and/or dessert. Speaker will be from Welcome Home Hospice and Care. RSVP to Kay Harrell, 423-504-2737

GradRUN
Serving opportunity led by Rev. Sally Ensley
Sign up to Run or Serve in the App
March 16, 7AM-until everyone finishes the race

RealityU
Serving Opportunity led by Rev. Sally Ensley
Sign up to Serve in the App
March 25, 26, & 27

Palm Sunday
March 24
9am Traditional Worship
11am Contemporary Worship

Maundy Thursday
March 28
6:30pm Service

Easter Sunday
March 31
Sunrise service at 7am
9am Traditional Worship
11am Contemporary Worship

General Budget
Full Year Budget: $610,500
Budgeted in January: $50,875
Received in January: $44,701
Spent in January: $51,260
Budgeted January YTD: $51,552
Received January YTD: $44,701
Spent January YTD: $ 51,260

In Person :
9 AM: 69
11 AM: 74
 
Online:
9 AM: 40
11 AM: 42

General Fund
In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Sandy & Brenda Hall

In Memory of Gwen Smith by:
Carroll & Janet Cumbee

Benevolence
In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Dennis & Sue Mason

In Memory of Mary Ensley by:
Dennis & Sue Mason

Ringgold Methodist Quilters
In Memory of Doris Dunn by:
Ringgold Methodist Quilters

General Budget
Full Year Budget: $610,500
Budgeted in December: $50,875
Received in December: $50,770
Spent in December: $48,5120
Budgeted December YTD: $620,500
Received December YTD: $526,307
Spent December YTD: $600,650

In Person :
9 AM: 89
11 AM: 80
 
Online:
9 AM: 62
11 AM: 26

Building
In Memory of Henley Cawood by:
Bettye Cawood

General 
In Memory of Dan Seaman by:
Con & Beth Kellerhals

In Honor of Carolyn Turner by: 
Richard Taylor

In Honor of Con & Beth Kellerhals by:
Richard Taylor

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Janice Hendrix

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
James & Kathy Bates

NCIC
In Honor of Sharon Hardin by:
Con & Beth Kellerhals

In Honor of Carroll & Janet Cumbee by:
Con & Beth Kellerhals

In Honor of Carolyn Turner by:
Jerry Watkins

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Bill & Phyllis Copeland

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Larry & Alice Crocker

In Memory of Mary Ensley by:
Bill & Phyllis Copeland

In Memory of Nan Pinkston by:
Theo Pinkston

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Aubrey & Donna Greeson

In Honor of Theo Pinkston's Birthday by:
Aubrey & Donna Greeson

Benevolence
In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Charlie & Rachel Grizzle

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Ringgold Methodist Quilters

In Honor of Gary Knowles by:
Jerry Watkins

In Honor of Sally Ensley by:
Jerry Watkins

In Memory of Margaret Watkins by:
Charlotte Dills

Children’s Celebration of Christmas
In Honor of Marty McGee by:
Jerry Watkins

Ringgold United Methodist Church
706-935-4777 | www.ringgoldumc.org
7484 Nashville St
Ringgold, GA 30736

Chris Bryant, Senior Pastor
Sally Ensley, Minister of Care
Britta Alton, Director of Children’s Ministry
Michael Arnold, Worship Band Leader
Kodi Lowry, Director of Preschool
Taylor Lankford, Executive Director of Worship and the Arts
Marty McGee, Coordinator of Senior Adult Ministries
Pam Blaylock, Office Administrator
Drew Sherrill, Communications and Technical Director
Jamie Smith, Director of Youth Ministry
Carolyn Turner, Organist
Ann McMillen, Pianist