Newsletter

THE
tOWER
Newsletter of
Verona United Methodist Church
November From the pastor’s heart…
2012
OUR CHURCH
STAFF
Rev. Robert J. Weeks
Senior Pastor
Shawna Hiner
Administrative Assistant
Tammy Woods
Treasurer
Joy Tinsley
Music Director
Linda Toler
Organist
Rhonda Reeser
Pianist
Kim Cash
Director Children’s Min.
Bill & Carolyn Harlow
Directors Youth Ministries
Phyllis Mauzy
Nursery Director
Ken & Donna Cason
Custodial Staff
I
ntwenty-fourhourswewouldbeonaplanehometotheVirginiamountains
afteraweekofchurchreconstructioninLeveque,Haiti.Butnow,standingon
alush,tropicalpeak,3,000feetabovethesprawlingcapitalcityofPort-auPrinceinHaiti,oureleventeammembersrotatedleftandrightandleftagain,
tryingtocaptureinonelastingmemorythepanoramicviewspreadbeforeus:ablue
oceantothewestinterruptedbythemountainousislandofLaGonave;moremountainsspreadingnorthandeastandsouth;cloudsbreakingupthehazybluesky,the
lowestonesrollingupthesideofthemountainandgentlymistingus;andbelowus,
metropolitanPort-au-Princewithits3.7millioninhabitants.
Wewereexhausted.IhadbeengoingonmissiontripstoHaitisince1981,butneverhadIbeenonateamthatworkedsohard.Atsomepointduringourweekin
Leveque,mybodyhadrebelled,deprivedofelectrolytesandperspiringataratethat
supersededmyabilitytotakeinwater.NeverhadIlongedfortheluxuryofairconditioningasmuchasonthistrip.
That’swhyourside-triptothemountainoverlookthatafternoonwassoappealing.
ThreethousandfeetabovePort-au-Princeitwouldbetendegreescooler.At3,000feet
crowdsadistantreality.Ilongedtogetaboveandawayfromitall.
Lookingdown,webegantotalkabouthowdifferentrealitycanseemfromthree
sawnopeople.Fromadistancetherewasanalmostpastoralauratotheurbanmassthat
isPort-au-Prince.Itwassostillandsoquietandthescarsofearthquakesandhungerand
humanblighthaddisappeared.
IthoughtoftheSongoftheYearfrom1991,“FromaDistance:”
“Fromadistanceweallhaveenough/Andnooneisinneed/Andtherearenoguns,
nobombs,andnodisease/Nohungrymouthstofeed/….Godiswatchingus,fromadistance.”
Standingat3,000feetabovePort-au-PrinceIbegantoturnthoselyricsoverand
overinmyhead,untilIstoppedinmytracks,realizingthatnomatterhowhighI
climbed,nomatterhowmuchIdistancedmyselffromthealmostfourmillioninhabitantsofPort-au-Prince,itwouldnotalterthefactualrealityofHaiti’sexistence:disease
andhungerandinjusticeremaineditscitizens’constantcompanions.
ThoughadistantGodmayappealtosome,thefactualtruthofmyfaithisthatthe
GodwhocalledmetoHaitiisnotaGodwhowatchesfromadistance.ThisistheGodof
themangerandthecross;theGodoftheincarnationwhoweepsovercitiesandbleeds
forourhealing;whoembracesourhumanityandrejoicesinourdiversity.LikePeter
pleasantthere-asafeplacetodistancemyselffromthevulnerabilitiesandrisksofrelationships.ButlikePeter,Jesussentmebackdownthemountainandintothepainful
crushofhumanity.
ThemissionGodcallsustocannotandwillnotbeaccomplishedfromadistance.It
requiresapeoplewhowillholdandcomfortandworkshoulderto(cont’d.onpage2)
Page 3
More News...
The Tower
Newsletter of Verona United Methodist Church
The Nurture Work Area
pate in the annual Harvest Procession on Sunday, November 18.
The following groups/teams/classes are
uted Sunday, November 11 on the
posted on back of first cabinet door in the kitchen. If
Children should bring a box of cereal or pasta or can of food for our Food Pantry to carry to
the Altar, and gather in the Fellowship Hall dressed in their
costumes just prior to each Worship Service the morning of
November 18.
BetweenServicesCoffeeTime
Tavish, Chair Nurture Work Area.
 November 4
Homebuilders
 November 11
Rebecca Circle (Veteran’s Day)
 November 18
Petal Pusher’s
Coffee Time:
groups/teams/classes/families/couples to add to the
Coffee Time list – If you are willing to do this about 3
-3607
or email: [email protected]
is at
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 13 in Room 141. All
vice and prior to Sunday School.
Harrisonburg District Conference
at Dayton UMC on
Sun. Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Free classes listed below will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Neill Caldwell, Editor of The Advocate
Wanted: Sunday School Teachers
We Need Adults to work with our Sunday School at all
age levels – Don’t want to actually teach – that’s OK!
We need Helpers/Shepherds for all classes, too. Please
contact Kim Cash, Sue MacTavish or Heather VanLear if
you feel called to help. Thank you!
Altar Flowers Please sign up to provide the altar
flowers ($40 per Sunday) to commemorate a birthday
board in narthex/entry area.
All Saints Sunday—November 11th
We’ll celebrate Holy Communion and remember loved
ones who have inherited their eternal reward in heaven on Sunday, Nov. 11th at both services. All will have
the opportunity to light candles in memory of those
who live in their hearts and with their Father above.
Food Pantry
Assist local families in
need of food! On the third Sunday of each month
both entrances to the sanctuary. You can also leave
needed:
tuna fish, canned chicken, canned vegetables and
canned fruit.
.
“Training for S/PPRC Members”
Rev. Beth Downs, VAUMC Dir. of Center for Clergy Excellence
Rev. Tommy Herndon, Harrisonburg District Superintendent
“Developing a Strategic Plan for the Future”
Rev. Glen Langston, Harrisonburg District Program Coordinator
Rev. David Palmer, Pastor, Louisa UMC
“Helping Children Grow in Their Faith”
Rev. Derrick Parson, VAUMC Dir. of Ministries w/ Young People
“Missions in Our Backyard”
Come help us “hang the
greens” as we enter
Advent and Christmas!
Thurs. Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.
Pizza provided!
Please let the church office know
if you can help. Thank you!
Page 5

Sunday, November 4, 5-7 p.m. the Sanctuary. **volunteers needed to prepare supper**

Sunday, November 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. need to bring money for supper.
,
out for supper

Sunday, November 18, 9:30-10 a.m. (social hour) - Youth Bake Sale. Baked goods needed and youth needed to assist.
Proceeds benefit 2013 youth mission trip.

Sunday, November 18, 12:00 p.m. - Lunch and set up the town of Bethlehem
The 2013 Mission trip to Jamestown, NY is scheduled for July 20You
must be 12 by July 20th
These trips are an
amazing experience that you will not forget; my hope is you will pray about going on the trip. We will try to get a count of
members on November 11th 2012.
with paying for the trip.
who bought chicken. Youth and adults that helped prepare the chicken, thank you so much. We made $762.45 which benefits
the 2013 youth mission trip to Jamestown, NY.
Youth Group is for 6th - 12th grades. BRING A FRIEND!
OurYouthCoordinatorsareBill&CarolynHarlow.
Youmayreachthemat248-2305or578-5575withanyquestionsregardingYouthEvents.
Conquer the CORN MAZE!
Sunday, November 4, 2:00—6:00 pm
Bring the whole family and join the fun of corn mazes and hayrides at
Bridgemont Farm in Quicksburg VA! We will take the church bus. You
won’t want to miss it! Admission is $7 per person. With a group of 20,
the price drops to $6 per person. We will stop on the way home and get
dinner. Each person will be need to bring money for their meal.
**Please call the church office to preregister**
Friday, November 23, 4-8 p.m. - Parents Night Out!
Parents
Leaf Raking, Dinner and a Movie for the Kids
From 4-5:30 p.m. - Children will meet at church and then travel to homes in the community to
rake leaves. Everyone needs to bring work gloves and a rake.
 5:30 - 8 p.m. - Dinner and Movie night.
enjoy a movie in the social hall. Bring your sleeping bag to relax on during the movie.
Call the church office (248-7777) or email Kim at [email protected] to sign up. We would like a headcount to
Adult volunteers are needed.

Christmas season. By filling holiday stockings, VUMC children will have the opportunity to join those
efforts and help bring the true meaning of Christmas to children in our community. Stockings will be available Nov. 11th
Stockings must be returned to the church no later than December 2nd.
Page 7
The Tower
Newsletter of Verona United Methodist Church
ily schedules and events.
Our Daycare Staff and children especially were affected as the kitchen facility had limited availability and thus, Daycare had
for
the authorized $40,000 budgeted for this project. This is a commercial grade kitchen, must be code compliant, and is inspected regularly for daycare licensure.
performing various tasks such as:
-Kitchen packed up (dishes, pots/pans, utensils, linens, etc.) and stored on stage
-Old cabinets/counters removed - donated to another church
-10 burner gas stove moved – sold for $300
-Stainless steel tables moved – relocated to the building beside barbeque pit
The following is the list of local vendors used and costs involved to bring our kitchen into compliance and give it an updated look and feel:
 Counters/counter tops
$25,001.98
Rawley’s Cabinet Shop
 Flooring
$ 1,569.83
Snyder’s Carpet Service
 Ceiling
$ 2,400.00
P-D Interiors

$ 645.00
William Rodeffer
 Floor Polishing
$ 241.80
LA Services

$ 759.88
Bud’s Electrical
 Gas Stove (6 Burner/Grill)
$ 5,698.73
Central Restaurant Products
 Service Window
$ 2,265.00
Augusta Steel
 Carpentry Work
$ 242.00
Wayne Smith
 County Permits
$ 102.00
Electrical/Mechanical Permits
 Misc- sm items replaced
$ 112.36
Linda Garber
TOTAL PAID TO DATE
$39,038.58
$36,064.62
Difference
$ 2,973.96
posed of or stored elsewhere. Thanks to the Voices of Youth who performed here in July and who the following day availed themhey made
work fun!
Doors with locks were installed on the Daycare Pantry and Apple Dumpling Pantry by Rawley’s Cabinet Shop.
th
.
The kitchen is for all of us to enjoy as we serve our Lord through the various “food ministries” such as our church dinners,
, Co-Chair, Titus Showalter, Barbara Shuler,
ject.
I was especially grateful for the team spirit expressed and teamwork shown while working with many of you on this proWe were fortunate to have many individuals from the Mission Team and Homebuilders Class and Pastor Bob provide some
Thank You, Shawna, for your support with signs, phone calls, and encouragement.
THE COMMITTEE SINCERELY THANKS YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROUS GIVINGS. IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A
FURTHER DONATION SO WE CAN COMPLETELY CLOSE THE BOOKS ON THIS PROJECT BY THE END OF THE YEAR, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Linda Garber, Co-
Page 9
Verona UMC Calendar of Events - November 2012
Anniversary Sunday is November 4th
All Saints Sunday is November 11th
11/4
11/5
111/7
11/10
11/11
11/12
11/13
11/14
12:15
2:00pm
6:00pm
8:00pm
6:30pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
8:00pm
10:00am
3:00pm
6:00pm
8:00pm
6:30pm
5:30pm
7:00pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
8:00pm
11/15
11/18
11/19
11/20
11/21
7:00pm
12:00pm
3:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
10:00am
6:00pm
7:00pm
8:00pm
Covered Dish Lunch-Anniversary Sunday
Corn Maze-Quicksburg VA– taking church bus
Crown Financial Study, RM 145AB
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Scouts, RM 141, 142, 145
TOPS RM 143AB
Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Rebecca Circle, RM 146
Mouse Christmas Rehearsal-All participants, BRMH
Crown Financial Study, RM 145AB
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Scouts, RM 141, 142, 145
Nurture Work Area, RM 141
Elizabeth Circle, RM 144
TOPS, RM 143AB
Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Apple Dumplings w/ meeting at 7am
Verona Ruritan, BRMH
Youth Lunch & Set up town of Bethlehem
Mouse Christmas Rehearsal-All participants, BRMH
Scouts Thanksgiving Meal
Church Council
Ruth Circle, RM 144
TOPS RM 143AB
Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
11/22
11/23
11/25
11/26
11/27
11/28
11/29
Worship Services held each Sunday
at 8:30 and 11 am with Sunday School at 10 am
Your Haiti Team Thanks You!
Because of your generous prayer and financial support, our October5tremendous success in many ways. We’ll have a
to help rebuild the earthquake-destroyed church in
Leveque. You can also go to our church Facebook
VUMC sanctuary entrance for photos….
God bless you!... Bob Weeks, Elizabeth Weeks,
Roosevelt Rowe, Noah Bussard, Wayne Smith,
Don Williams, Eric Hougland.
11/6
James Davis
11/14
Taylor Marcum
11/27
Travis Swanson
Luann Gingerich
Doug May
11/15
11/16
Barbara Shuler
Tammy Powell
11/28
11/7
Louise Lockridge
Karley Arbogast
Gary Harold
11/29
Axella Sandhage
11/30
Mike True
Amanda Wiseman
Connie Breeden
11/1
Karen Neff
11/2
Andrea Saunders
Tim Smiley
11/3
Courtney Brooks
Jake Showalter
Ashley Tutwiler
11/4
Sheryl Garber
11/5
11/6
Wilma Shuey
Charlotte Rexrode
Gary Rankin
James Davis
Luann Gingerich
4:00pm
8:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
6:30pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
8:00pm
6:00pm
OFFICE CLOSED-HAPPY THANKSGIVING
OFFICE CLOSED
Children’s Activities-Rake Leaves, Dinner & Movie
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Scouts, RM 141, 142, 145
Esther Circle at Lydia Weeks
Stephen Ministry
TOPS RM 143AB
Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
AA , RM 302 & AL-ANON, RM 103
Hanging of the Greens—Pizza provided
11/8
11/9
Amber Rowe
Kevin Woolfrey
11/10
Dylan Riley
Ronald Smith
11/11
Russ Coiner
Irene Sutton
11/18
Donald Smith
Adrienne Smith
11/12
John Gray, III
Ronnie Broce
11/19
11/21
Charles Cook
Tammy Shifflett
11/17
Morris Hickman
11/13
Bill Harlow
Dean Chestnut
Ryan Brady
Cyndi Thornton
Wade Weeks
11/22
Becky Zickefoose
Drew Wiseman
Missy Stacy
11/26
Michael Crawford
Wes Breeden
Phil Dimotsis
Juliet Smith