December 2014 - Greenwich Presbyterian Church

Steeple News
A Newsletter of
Greenwich Presbyterian
Church
December 2014
The Mission of Greenwich Presbyterian Church:
To share faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ
By a caring witness and service
within the church and throughout the world
Greenwich Presbyterian Church
Church Office: 703-754-7933
15305 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville, VA 20181
Please be in prayer this month
for our church family & friends…
For recent Intercession, Healing & Uplifting: Edith Bailey, Tracey
Beal St. George, the family of Sharon Brocklehurst, Cliff Carroll,
John DeBonis, the family of Heather Foster, Kay Hinegardner, Geoff
Hurley, the family of Rick Kerns, Robert Louchen, Chris Lund,
Marco, Sandra Marr, Charlie Peele, Josh & Jenn Perrius, Tracy
Schwartz, Marilynn Taylor, Derrick & Jessi Trump, Tom & Sara
Wang, the family of Dan Winn.
For Continuing Care: Angie Arnold, Bill Barber, Virginia Bear,
Zanetta Boughan, Doug & Grace Cavileer, Kim Doran, Ben Coe,
Audrey Ann Edwards, Tim Everett, Barbara Jackson, Reba Hopkins,
Jacquie Meeks, Elsie Shrewsbury, Bill & Kaki White, Anne Wood,
Charlie Wright.
Praises: Our West Virginia mission team; favorable outcome to the
building inspection issue.
For those Serving our Country: Earl Arnold, Patrick Arnold, James
Binniker, Carter Carroll, Joseph Cofer, Kim Doran, Erin Flaherty,
Ray Franze, Timothy Healy, Richard Hileman, Matt Jamison, Josh
Lewis, Russell McMillan, Sammy Murillo, Rob Price, Michael
Quinones, James Rowe, Paul Sturges, Andrew & Jacob Tryhorn,
John Uhler, Dan Williams.
Mission: John & Gwen Haspels, missionaries to Ethiopia.
Building: For good weather to allow the landscaping to be
completed soon.
To request prayer, send a
[email protected].
To
www.prayer.greenwichpres.org.
message to our prayer team at
join our email prayer team, visit
December Birthdays
Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 6
Dec 6
Dec 6
Dec 6
Dec 7
Dec 7
Dec 7
Dec 9
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 10
Dec 10
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 12
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 14
Daniel Duffus
Jack Arnold
Paul House
Duane Mohr
Ashton Miller
Larissa James-LaBranche
Al Celmer
Tim Everett
John Harrison
Emma Place
Marie Phillips
Suzie Stonbraker
Matthew Montgomery
Rand Cummings
Matt Poole
Angie Arnold
Carilyn Hittle
Bethany Norman
Anne Wood
Kathy Stanley
Peter Joran
Farrah Sturges
Sonja Yankey
Larissa Smayda
Katie Ivie
Wayne Smith
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 21
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 23
Dec 26
Dec 26
Dec 26
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 28
Dec 28
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 30
Dec 31
Libby White
Rae Bell
Chris Ritter
Bill Barnhart
Cindy McCain
Sara Nickell
Julie Lahann
Bryce Poole
Emily Joran
Scott Silvestain
Davis Snoots
Jocelyn Norman
Aidan O’Neill
Sam Snow
Letcher Woody
Melanie Beard
Cami Moss
Dawn Donaldson
Penney Joseph
Lynda Mohr
Dillon Spittle
Sarai Arbus
Dawn Whitlow
Shannon Fine
Colvin Spittle
Silas Foster
Church Family News and
Opportunities
We extend our heartfelt Christian Sympathy to:
the family and friends of Dan Winn who
passed away on November 10, 2014.
Thank You
Thank you to our Greenwich church family for the many
expressions of love and support through the recent loss of
Krista’s brother, Todd Nelson. We have treasured each card
and call and prayer. We are blessed to be surrounded by such
a caring church family.
With gratitude,
Don and Krista Meeks
Sanctuary Flowers
We welcome anyone wishing to honor a special person or
occasion to sign up on the calendar outside the church office
and to place your form and check ($40) in the collection plate
or office.
Woodbridge Flute Choir
Concert to benefit
Farthest Corners
December 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for this annual
Christmas concert to benefit our mission partner, Farthest
Corners. The concert is free, but a free-will offering will be
taken.
Children’s Christmas Pageant and Potluck
Sunday, December 7th
5:00 p.m.
The congregation is invited to a church family potluck dinner
followed by this year’s Christmas pageant. Dinner will begin
at 5:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall with the pageant to follow at
6:00 p.m. and will be held in the sanctuary. We invite you to
bring a main dish (casserole, lasagna, chili, etc.) and side dish
or dessert to share.
The children in the pageant have been working hard
preparing to share music and the story of Jesus’ birth with
church family and friends. We look forward to this year’s
Christmas program led by the children.
Coping with Loss Support Group,
First & Third Sundays,
Dec. 7 and 21
12:30-2:00pm
Grief is the process you go through as you
adjust to the loss of a job, a move, divorce,
health issues, or the death of someone close. Bring a lunch
and join us! We meet in the library. Questions about the
group? Contact Pastor Bill Lover at 860.309.2756.
December Mission Support for
Fauquier Family Shelter
Emergency shelter in Fauquier County
The following items are most needed:
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables
Granola bars
Lysol wipes
Kleenex (tissues)
*Items can be placed in the shopping cart
located in the hallway outside the Fellowship Hall.*
Thank you for helping to support our
friends in the community!
Mitten Tree
The Mitten Tree is up! We are collecting
mittens, scarves, gloves or socks. The
donated items will be given to the Fauquier
Family Shelter.
Join us at the home of Bill & Lyda Barnhart for an afternoon
gathering. Please wear your favorite Christmas sweater and
bring a tasty appetizer. RSVP by December 12 to Lyda at
703.791.2197. All are welcome!
Church Family Breakfast
Sunday, December 14th
9:00am to 11:30am
Featuring
Omelet Bar
Pancake/Waffle Bar
Oatmeal Bar
Coffee Bar
and everything else!
There is no charge for the breakfast! A free will offering will
be taken to benefit the Deacon’s Fund (assistance with basic
needs for folks in the Greenwich community).
Greenwich Garden Year End Report
The Greenwich Garden was put to bed for the winter. The last
of the sweet potatoes and butternut squash were delivered the
first weekend in November.
Our total number of pounds collected from the garden was
28,237 lbs. There are charts available on Friendship Tables
that show how many pounds of each type of fruit and
vegetable we collected and donated. It has been a bountiful
year in the garden, God has blessed us richly
Thursday Women’s Bible Study
Precept Upon Precept Inductive Bible Study - Revelation Part
4 (14 weeks)- Interpreting Revelation in the Light of Biblical
Prophecy Thursdays from 9:30-11:30AM starting January 8.
Please contact Debbie Gilbert at [email protected] or
at 540-347-5761 by December 21 if interested so a workbook
can
be
ordered
for
you.
Cost:
$32.00.
West Virginia Mission Team
We had a team of families travel to West Virginia over the
Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday through Saturday) to join
together for work projects. Many thanks to this great teamjob well done!
Jim Blades
Peter & Gracie Joran
Jason, Sue Ellen & Jacob Kinser
Eric, Becky, Ryan, Eli & Sawyer Beckman
Mark, Stephanie, Maria, Farrah & Luke Sturges
Tom, Lauri, Emily & Tara Payne
Gifts made to the Memorial Fund
Thank you to Dorothy Wood for her gift made to the
Memorial Fund in memory of June Smith.
We also would like to thank Jim and Elaine Yankey for the
gift make to the Memorial Fund in honor of Avery Grace
Blake’s baptism.
Giving Opportunity to 2014 Operating Fund
While 2014 year-to-date contributions are running above 2013
year-to-date levels, through October 31 year-to-date expenses
exceed income by approximately $83,000. We would like to
see this deficit eliminated by the end of the year.
Please consider making a year-end gift to our 2014 Operating
Fund, because your generous gifts during this season will
ensure our witness remains vital and unhindered next year.
Giving Opportunity to Building Fund
We are inviting every family to purchase a Worship “bundle”
for each member of their family. Each bundle includes a new
pew-style worship chair, a bible and a hymnal – all for $200.
You may dedicate the bible and hymnal to a loved one by
completing the purple flyer found on the information tables at
the back of the sanctuary or outside the church office.
Year End Contributions
December 28th is the final Sunday for offerings in 2014 and
online giving is December 31st; additionally, contributions will
be accepted at the church office through noon on Wednesday,
December 31st. Thank you!
Rooted & Growing:
2014 Financial Summary
(YTD thru October 31, 2014)
YTD Income
$624,444
YTD Expense
$707,536
YTD Income/Expense
($83,092)
Building Progress Report
Weather issues prevented the sod from being laid but good
work continues on the interior of the building. The dropceiling grid began to be installed in several rooms. Entrance
doors into the Children’s wing were installed. Primer paint
has been sprayed in many of the rooms. The AC and furnace
units have been put in place and will be connected in the
coming weeks. We are THANKFUL for all who have worked
to bring the project along this year. Almost done – so keep
praying!
Help Care For Our Crew
We invite every family to donate bottled water and nonperishable snack items (granola bars, beef jerky, chips, etc.)
and drop them by the church office. We want every worker to
know they are appreciated. Thanks for your help!
Building Fund
(YTD thru October 31, 2014)
YTD Income
$364,910
YTD Expenses YTD Fund Balance
$1,799,467
$112,900
**Please use the blue Building Fund envelopes when making your
contribution – Thank you!**
Christmas
Memorials
This Advent Season, you can honor or remember
someone special by making a donation to our
Deacon’s Fund to help those in need within our
community. If you wish to participate, please fill out
the form below and return it with your gift to the
offering plate by Monday, December 22nd. Checks
should be made out to: Greenwich and marked
“Christmas Memorial.” Questions? Contact the church
office at [email protected].
Given by:____________________________________
Telephone Number: __________________________
Amount: $20.00
In Honor of: _________________________________
_____________________________________________
In Memory of: ________________________________
Nov. 30 (Sun) First Sunday of Advent
8:00, 9:30 Regular Services
& 11:00am
Dec. 6 (Sat) Woodbridge Flute Choir
3:00pm
Join us for a delightful performance of seasonal
and classical favorites. This is a benefit concert for
Farthest Corners.
Dec. 7 (Sun) Second Sunday of Advent
8:00, 9:30 Regular Services
& 11:00am The Woodbridge Flute Choir will play
during the 11:00 service.
5:00-7:30pm
Children’s Christmas Pageant & Potluck
Dinner -- Join us for a potluck dinner and
Christmas Pageant.
Dec. 14 (Sun) Third Sunday of Advent
8:00, 9:30 Choir Led Services of Worship
& 11:00am
The Chancel Choir, accompanied by piano, organ,
strings and percussion, will lead worship with a
collection of Christmas music at the 8:00 & 11:00
services. A regular service will take place at 9:30.
Dec. 14 (Sun) All Church Breakfast
9:00-11:30am
Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for a
breakfast to benefit our Deacon’s Fund (helping
those in need within our community). There is no
charge for this breakfast – a free will offering is
welcome.
Dec. 21 (Sun) Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:00, 9:30 Regular Services
& 11:00am
Handbells will play during 8:00 & 11:00
Services.
Christmas Eve Services
Dec. 24 (Wed)
3:00pm
An informal family-friendly worship service. Families
with younger children are welcome. Nursery will be
provided for children under five.
5:00pm
An informal family-friendly worship service. Families
with younger children are welcome. Nursery will be
provided for children under five.
7:00pm
A service of Lessons & Carols (with the Chancel Choir).
Nursery will be provided for children under five.
11:00pm
A Candlelight & Communion Service
December Youth Events
3
7
10
13
14
HSYG
Children’s Christmas Pageant (MSYG will not meet)
HSYG
HS Christmas Party at the Binniker’s 4:00-7:00p
Christmas Breakfast – SS classes will not meet
MSYG – Christmas Cupcake Wars
17
HSYG
21
MSYG
24-31 HSYG and MSYG will not meet
December 13th - High School Christmas Shindig
Our annual High School Christmas party will be held at the
Binniker’s this year. Friends are welcome! The event will take
place from 4:00p-7:00p. We will share a meal, play some
games, and do some caroling in the neighborhood. More
details coming soon...RSVP to Derrick by Sunday, December
7th.
December 14th - MS Cupcake Wars and Local Outreach
Our students have challenged each other to a bake off! The
competition will take place at the church at 5:00p. Students
will be split into teams and bake two different cupcakes. Once
the cupcakes are finished, they will be judged and the winners
will receive a prize. We will deliver the cupcakes to the
Nokesville firehouses to show appreciation for their service to
the community. This is a great event to bring a friend!
Thank you to the Class of 2014
Elders and Deacons!
Elders
Mark Blocker
Carole Ferrell
Rob Place
Craig Sutton
Deacons
Carol Clegg
Jackie Lover
CeCe Marshall
Jerry Naylor
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” -Matthew 25:23
Thank you for serving the Greenwich church family with “energy,
intelligence, imagination and love.”
Getting to know our New Members
Kathy Brown joins us from the Gainesville area. She has lived
in this area for 25 years, having moved here from Fairfax and
St. Louis, Missouri prior to that. She has three grown
children, and 6 granddaughters. Kathy is a full-time Realtor,
working with buyers, sellers and renters. She has two dogs
and a cat and enjoys spending time with them. Her hobbies
include camping and photography. She also enjoys singing
and hopes to join the choir. She is currently on a board of
directors for a singing group. Kathy is looking forward to
getting to know the Greenwich Church family.
Greenwich
Christmas Gift Ideas
Grace for Greenwich
(A CD of our choir performing songs of worship)
$15
Christmas Ornament
(celebrating our 200th anniversary in 2010)
$15
Light Catcher
(with an etching of our Sanctuary)
$15
Car Magnet
$5
Profits go towards our building fund!
Questions? Contact [email protected]
or 703.754.7933.
Greenwich Shirts Available
Greenwich shirts also available. Short-sleeved t-shirts ($12)
and golf shirts ($15) are available in many colors. Proceeds
benefit the summer youth mission trips. To order, visit the
display in the Fellowship Hall.
We celebrate the baptism of the following
into our church family:
Evelyn Hurley, daughter of Geoff and Kristine Hurley,
baptized September 21, 2014.
Hazel Lee Kizer, baptized September 21, 2013 by Profession of
faith.
Grace Keenan, daughter of Brian and Kristyn Keenan,
baptized October 12, 2014.
Allison Bacus, daughter of Adam and Susie Bacus, baptized
November 9, 2014
Bryden Sutton, son of Christopher and Alaina Sutton,
baptized November 30, 2014
Wedding Announcements
We celebrate the marriage of Rebecca
Corbett and James Boisvert, married on
October 25, 2014. Congratulations Mr. and
Mrs. Boisvert!
We also celebrate the marriage of Carilyn
Sutton and Samuel Mello, married on
November 14, 2014. Congratulations Mr.
and Mrs. Mello!