Mayfair Homebuilders

Class Retreat

2010-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago, about 20 of us headed to Doublehead Resort for our "first ever" class retreat. We really had a great time getting away together! We spent time just visiting and laughing, playing some games, having devotional time together, and just enjoying the quietness that is there. There's something special about retreating away together and getting away from all of the distractions and the busyness in our lives. It was refreshing to spend quality time with our "sisters and brothers" and to have some time to refocus. Everybody really had a great time and said that they would LOVE to do this every year! Hopefully, those of you that didn't get to come this year will be able to next time around. A special THANK YOU to those who put all of the hard work into making this retreat happen...we appreciate you! Here's some pictures from our night away...

Mission Lazarus

2010-04-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

As you all know, some of the families in our class are part of a very worthy cause. They are helping to support the work of Mission Lazarus in Honduras. They give of their means every month to sponsor two of the children there. Jon and Stacy thought that our blog would be a great place to share this info about our class's sponsored kids and their pictures for you all to see. Thank you to those of you that are supporting such a great cause!

Mexico Mission Trip Pics

2010-04-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Our class just recently got back from a mission trip to the Baja in Mexico. They had a great weekend serving the people in San Quintin and surrounding areas. As always, I think our team was blessed just as much as the people in the Baja. Here are a handful of pictures from their trip. I will try to add some more later.

Baja Group Leaves Today

2010-03-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Homebuilders - Just a reminder to pray for the group headed to Baja this morning!! Hope everyone has a great day!

Self-defeating perfectionism

2010-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

So today I was reading an article online and the author said the following: "Perfectionism may be the ultimate self-defeating behavior."

I think I might agree with this statement because if you think about it - perfectionism can cause everything from anorexia and bulemia to depression and lack of self esteem. Where did this idea that we just aren't quite good enough come from? Who decides when we are good enough?

How much laundry does a mom (or dad) have to do in one day to be good enough? What job title must one achieve? How many dishes must be washed? How many miles must be run? What diplomas must be hanging on the wall? What type of car in the driveway?

Do any of these strike a cord with you? They do with me. I think this nagging idea that I am not quite where I am supposed to be or who I am supposed to be follows me around continuously.

I believe depression is directly related to perfectionism.

In high school, I had a major major bout with depression. I played softball, basketball (then quit basketball), cheerleading, choir, SGA, volleyball and don't get me wrong -- this wasn't odd almost everyone played everything at our small school. But sometimes, I think we get involved over our heads...there just aren't enough hours in the day to be every where and do everything we want to do. I wanted to be perfect - at everything. Never miss a throw, never miss a ball, never make a mistake and when I did it just ate me up. I had trouble letting things go.

Now life has totally changed. I don't play sports - at least not competitvely, but I still struggle with these same feelings that I felt all those years ago but this time it relates to being the best mom, being the best wife, being the best friend, being the best employee etc, etc...

And the weirdest part is that sometimes those around us who seem the happiest and like they "have it all together" are actually struggling with this the most. I'm glad that God included all different types of people in the bible. There are murders, liers, back stabbers, cheaters and for me I am especially glad there was a perfectionist - Martha -- who thought she had to have everything just right. And in the midst of having the Savior sitting there in front of her she was missing the whole point.

So today my prayer is that my Martha ways become more like Mary's -- what are your thoughts on perfectionism?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Don't Worry Be Happy

2010-03-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Worry - ugggghhhhh - I don't know about you but worrying is a big part of my life. I worry about money. I worry about my job. I worry about my family. I worry about my kid. It is so hard not to worry sometimes. You know as a Christian that worrying shouldn't be a part of your life, but it is so hard to fight off that feeling and to give things to God.

What things do you worry about? How can we find peace in the midst of all the stress? Once you pray about something - do you continue to hang on to those things that you asked God to handle?

Today, let's give our cares and burdens to Him and then trust that he is guiding our lives and that we are in the palm of His hand.

Hope everyone has a great day today!

Class Announcements 3/7/2010

2010-03-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Bags for Baja are due back by next Sunday, March 14th. More info in yesterday's bulletin.

Friend's Day will be Easter Sunday, April 4th. There will be an extended service, so no classes will be held. Don't worry-there will be special classes for the kids!! :) Be thinking about who you can invite!

Helpers are needed for the children's Special needs class on monthly rotation (Sunday AM or Wednesday PM). See Kacey (kacey@mayfair.org) if you can help.

The Activity Planners are planning a one-night retreat in April.

en-cour-age

2010-03-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

Main Entry: en·cour·age

Pronunciation: \in-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij, en-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): en·cour·aged; en·cour·ag·ing

Etymology: Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French encorager, from en- + curage courage

Date: 15th century

1 : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope

2 : to spur on

3 : to give help or patronage to

Yesterday in class, Lee talked about what an encouragement cards were to him after his father passed away, and he brought the big stack of cards and showed them to us. So, today as I was considering what to post - the word encouragement kept coming to mind. I thought it was interesting that the dictionary says it means to inspire or spur on...

When I think of the words "spur on," they bring to mind a mental image of this jockey (little small man in a little green shirt and tight white pants just in case you were wondering) riding his horse and as the horse is flying around the track the jockey is digging his heels into the horse repeatedly "spurring" him on toward the finish line -- as if to say --don't stop -- keep going -- you can do this.

Don't each of us have days and weeks or even months that we need our friends to tell us - that we are doing a good job or that we will make it through whatever trying circumstances we are facing? Who around you needs that kind of encouragement? Let's keep our eyes peeled for someone who needs a little friendly spur in the side this week.

Romans 12:8 (New Living Translation)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Who Am I

2010-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

The older I get the shorter life seems. I remember being a child when a week felt like a year and a year felt like a 100 years. Especially when I was 14 desperately wanting to be 16 so I could drive or date or whatever it was that made the days feel so long.

This song by Casting Crowns really puts our lifespan in perspective. The song compares our life to a wave that is here and crashes and is gone or a flower that blooms, but only for a season. Life is so short -- I get that now. I think having children also makes you realize how fast things change.

This song really speaks to my heart and I hope today that it will be an encouragement to you - a reminder that God cares about us - about our fears, our hopes and the storms that life brings.

Who Am I (Songwriters: Hall, John Mark; Casting Crowns)

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth

Would care to know my name

Would care to feel my hurt?

Who am I, that the bright and morning star

Would choose to light the way

For my ever wondering heart?

Not because of who I am

But because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

Still You hear me when I'm calling

Lord You catch me when I'm falling

And You told me who I am

I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see our sin

Would look on me with love

And watch me rise again?

Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea

Would call out through the rain

And calm the storm in me?

Not because of who I am

But because what of You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

Still You hear me when I'm calling

Lord You catch me when I'm falling

And You told me who I am

I am Yours

Not because of who I am

But because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

Still You hear me when I'm calling

Lord You catch me when I'm falling

You told me who I am

I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours

Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear?

'Cause I am Yours, I am Yours

Mission Lazarus

2010-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Mission Lazarus is a holistic ministry that focuses on basic primary education, skill development, health education and treatment, agricultural development, and preaching and teaching the Word of God.

http://www.missionlazarus.org/

Jarrod Brown, the CEO and president of Mission Lazarus, came and spoke to our class a few months ago about the work going on here and it just blew me away! Let's take today and pray for the children who call Mission Lazarus home and for all of the staff who work day after day to make this a successful ministry.

Ephesians 6:18-19 (New Living Translation)

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think

2010-03-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

and here is the same verse from a different translation...

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

When the communications team started this blog, we wanted it to be a place where we could share information but also where as a class we could have a conversation -- a place where ideas are shared and in return our relationship with God and with each other becomes even stronger.

As we are going through this process of letting God transform us...what are the most difficult aspects of that process? What are the easiest? Why do we push away from God instead of letting him guide us through the transformation process?

Sometimes, I fear God's transformation just because I always assume that it means something bad (or something I perceive as "bad") has to happen in my life in order for that transformation to occur. For instance, you go through a hard time and someone says - God is using this to build your character or to strengthen you for something else in the future.

What are your thoughts on Romans 12:2?

Service Project....Feeding the Homeless

2010-02-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Class Dinner

2010-02-01T20:04:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! As mentioned this past Sunday, we have planned a dinner for our class on Friday, February 12. We will be reserving a space at Carabba's for 6:00 p.m. that evening.

If you are interested in coming, please reply to this email by this Wednesday, February 3. You DO NOT have to commit at this time but we do need to know how many are interested so that we can reserve enough space at the restaurant. We would need a definite answer by the following Wednesday so that we could give the restaurant an accurate count.

Also, anyone who will be flying single that night because their spouse is in the Baja, firehall, etc., you are still more than welcome to attend.

Thanks,

Rebecca Hill

Kate Cagle

Tara Minor

Ashley Essner

Announcements 1-31-10

2010-02-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Mayfair Health Fair next Sat, 2/6, 9a-1p.

There was a sign up sheet for class set-up. Email Daniel Yokley if you can help with the chairs but didn't get to sign up.

Fellowship activity Fri, Feb. 12. Click HERE for more details.

Class Announcements 1-24-10

2010-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Service Project next Saturday, 1/30, to help the Homeless through First Stop. See Craig's email for details.

Besherse baby shower next Sunday, 1/31, after class. Please reply to Jessica's email if you are coming.

Clark baby shower Wed, 2/3, after class in the fellowship hall. Contact Ginger Gober if you can help.

Service Project for January 30

2010-01-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 30th, we are planning on taking lunch and some warm items (hats, gloves, blankets, coats, etc) to the homeless. We are planning for 50 people, so to keep this as simple and affordable as possible, we are going to take sandwiches, chips, and drinks. We need 5 people to volunteer to make one loaf of bread of individually wrapped sandwiches, 3 people to bring individually wrapped chips, and two people to bring bottled water.

As for the "warm" items, we are going to ask each person that comes to bring at least 1 item. You are welcome to bring more, but please bring at least one thing with you. Keep in mind, these DO NOT have to be new. I know we all probably have stuff laying around our homes that we don't use anymore, so coming up with something to bring should be fairly easy.

We have coordinated this through First Stop, an organization who works daily with the homeless in Huntsville. They are going to get the word out and agreed to let us use their parking lot to serve lunch. If you want to meet at Mayfair and carpool, plan on being there no later than 11:15. Otherwise, please plan on meeting at First Stop at 11:30, and we will begin serving lunch at 12:00. First Stop is located at 206 Stokes St. Maps and directions will be available this Sunday in class for anyone who needs them.

If you are willing to bring sandwiches, chip, drinks, or have any questions, please let Andy or Craig know. If you will not be able to make it next Saturday but would still like to donate items, feel free to bring them with you this Sunday and we will make sure they are distributed.

Thanks,

Craig and Andy

Potluck Sign Up for 1/24/10

2010-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

MAIN DISH:

Bell
Bowerman
Bain
Igo
Powell
Hill
Streling
Dean
Getty

SIDES:

Drake (Michael and Shannon)
Hill
Clark
Sutton
Carter (Justin)
Lamoureux
Wallis (2)
Nash
Yokely
Barrow
McNair

DESSERTS:

Busby
Carson
Sellars
Moorer
Hughes
Kuepker
Gibson

BREAD:

Malone
Nash
Carter (Jeremy)
Thomas
Davis

KIDS FOOD:

Busby
Honea
Morrow

DRINKS:

kids: Morrow
kids: Bain
Honea
Bell
Rodman
Davis
Yokley
Malone

Announcements of Upcoming Activites

2010-01-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

1/24/10: Homebuilders Potluck after class; see sign up sheet. If you didn't get to signup bring a dish and enjoy the fellowship.

1/30/10: Service project taking meals and other items to the homeless; more details to come soon

3/18/10-3/22/10: Baja Trip; see Thomas Busby ASAP if you are interested. His email is tbusby@servisfirstbank.com

Prayer Requests 1-17-10

2010-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Galloway family: sympathy following the sudden death of their 27 year old son

Jamie and Kasi Carroll (friends of the Andersons): Kasi is battling breast cancer

Chris and Bekka Kinzer Gannon (Bekkah is a former Mayfair member) : expecting twins and one of the twins is not growing like he should; critical decisions will be made about their delivery soon

Kyle Kuepker's cousin: her husband was recently deployed overseas and will be gone at least 9 months

Chris Anderson's father: has been serving is Afghanistan for some time; will be home next month for a 2 week break and then will return to Afghanistan for 2 more months

Budd Forshee (Birmingham co-worker of Ryan Bowerman): may have surgery soon for severe intestinal problems

Sara Clark asked for prayers for family friends in Texas. Jeri and her son were in Haiti during the earthquake last week, and Jeri dies from injuries sustained in the quake.

Jon Stacy requested prayers for a client from his company, Kristie Montiel. Her husband has been deployed to Irag for 12-15 months.

Prayer Requests 1-10-10

2010-01-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

Bridgett Bradley: recovering from serious surgery last week

Sunny Bybee's grandfather: having carotid artery surgery on Tuesday

Dana Savage's grandparents: both have been sick lately

Jamey and Kasi Carroll (friends on the Andersons): Kasi was recently diagnosed with breast cancer

Thomas Busby: death of his grandfather last week

Tacky Sweater Christmas Party

2010-01-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

Photos

2010-01-10T18:12:00.003-08:00

Tacky Sweater Christmas Party

Prayer Requests

2010-01-10T18:12:00.001-08:00

1-31-10
1-24-10
1-17-10
1-10-10

Activities

2010-01-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Dinner Information
1-31-10 Class Announcements
1-24-10 Class Announcements
Service Project for January 30th
1-17-10 Announcements for Upcoming Class Activites
Tacky Sweater Christmas Party 12/09