Dec Newsletter
Transcription
Dec Newsletter
CROSSROADS UNITED METHODIST PATHWAY DECEMBER, 2013 “I WIsh FOR yOu HOPE, The babe in the manager, the lIvIng ChRIst.” PASTORS MESSAGE Another Christmas is just weeks away. For some of us over 50, our memories may be of songs like "white Christmas' or I'll be home for Christmas. In movies we recall those who wanted to get home (Dorothy in the wizard of OZ; ET phoning home, and George Bailey discovering "It is a wonderful life") As we pause to remember let us make time to dream . Not of Santa and presents but of our Savior whose birth we recall . Let us dream of the time when He will come again in triumph and we are all finally home with Him. But until then as we go through advent my messages will be about Hope, Joy and peace that only a relationship with Christ can give. My hope is that through these words, that the Living word (Jesus) will become a reality in our lives and our relationships. Also, that we will find our way home to the love of God which was so greatly demonstrated in His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Jurgent Moltman (German Theologian) wrote, "The one who is coming is in the process of His coming and can be grasped only in that light upon the road. As he walks with us. To walk the way of Christ means believing in Him and believing in Him means going along the road He is taking at the moment." In all the busyness of this Christmas season let us make time to worship Him, make time to study His word, and spend time in prayer... Also, we should praise Him through our words and actions. During advent, I wish you Hope. The babe in the manager, the living Christ is the one who meets us in Bethlehem. I wish you Love! The unconditional love of a God who loves you. Focus on the quiet, ordinary ways in which the love of God becomes a reality in your life. As we travel to Bethlehem let us make preparations to meet not the child in the stable but our Lord and Savior who gave everything for each of us. ChIlDREn’s MInIstRy I would like to invite all children to come to the Happy Birthday Jesus Party happening on Sunday, December 22nd during Children's Church. Just like any birthday party we are going to have cake and games, but we will also be making a craft to be taken to Baysmont as a Christmas gift from the children. With the way Christmas is these days it is good for the kids to take a step back and realize that the reason for the season is Christ. In January, we are going to be starting a new lesson series for the children on Sunday evenings at 6:00 during the Prayer Meeting called "Bible Black Belts: Scripture with a Kick". I am really excited about starting this series. More information to come! God Bless, Randy page 1 The pre-school/nursery will be having a “Happy Birthday Jesus” party on Sunday, December 15, 2013 beginning at 11 AM to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Come join us for crafts, games, story time, and of course cupcakes. We hope to see you there! Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 PROPERTY TAXES DUE In November 2013, our A DECEMBER NURSERY ASSISTANTS December 1 Jennifer Gilbert Kingsport City taxes were due. The estimated December 8 Sandy Shelton and Rhonda Given amount is $2400. Then, in February 2014, the December 15 Sara Scott and Donna Moreno Hawkins County taxes will be due. This estimated December 22 Alice Clark and Selina Clark amount is $3500. Prayerfully consider giving De- a little extra to help with these expenses. Write property taxes" on your check or offering envelope. THANK YOU The Christmas party for Silver Sounds, the Fellowship SS class, and Crusaders will be here at the church on Dec. 13 at 6:00 pm. Bring your favorite finger food. We at the cancer center, as well as the patients, would like to thank you all for the neck pillows! May God richly bless each of you who had a part in this act of kindness! Kingsport Hematology & Oncology Christmas Bake Sale- December 15, 2013 we need bakers to make cookies, candies, cakes, pies, bread etc and we need buyers to buy all these goodies sponsored by Beautification team. December Wednesday Fellowship Meals December 1: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, baked potatoes with toppings, salad, Italian bread, dessert December 8: Our special Christmas holiday mealHam and all the trimmings. December 15, 22, 29th : No Meals Serving as Greeters in December December 1: James and Jane Hartley December 8: Michael and Mary Leach December 15: Bill and Becky Spears December 22: Ken and Peggy Harris December 29: Phyllis Castle and Martha Ramsey THANKS for GIVING We donated 186 pillows Crossroads UMC has again been recognized as a Church of Excellence in Evangelism. We have received a gold CROSSROADS medal due to fulfilling nine out of eleven requirements. Thanks to all UMC for your time, talents. The church has been given two cemetery plots in the Garden of Devotion at Oak Hill Cemetery. They are valued at $5000. We would like to offer these plots to the church before we advertise them. Price is $3500, OBO . WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS: MICHAEL, DEBRA, TORI, SETH, DAKOTA, Save Postage, deposit your Christmas Cards for church attendees in the designated box located in the Narthex and they will be delivered on Sunday’s. AND HUNTER LESTER. YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL REPORT (JANUARY-OCTOBER 2013) GENERAL FUND Actual income $ 131,652.00 Actual expense 147,678.03 Deficit (16,026.03) With colder weather coming, The Hall Closet is also in need of warm jackets, vests, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Thanks for all your support! OUTREACH TEAM The Outreach Team will meet on Jan. 8th, at 10:00 am. All interested in helping with projects are welcome. Food Pantry volunteers for December are: Dec. 5 Martha Ramsey & Shirley Gillespie Dec. 12 Brenda Hall & Donna Sensabaugh Dec. 19 Sharon Musick & Kathryn Hensely Dec. 26 Nancy Powers & Joyce Puriton Serving at Salvation Army on Dec. 21 are Rhonda, David and Madison Givens. page 2 Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 FLEECE THROWS FOR WELLMONT PEDIATRIC UNIT She stood there pale and tiny, looking fragile as an egg. I forced myself from staring at the brace that held her leg. And though her thick bifocals Seemed to crack and spread her eyes, Their milky and refracted depths lit up with young surprise. "Come in!" "Come in!" She laughed the words. She took me by the hand And all my fears dissolved away as if by her command. We went inside and then before I knew how to react Before my eyes and ears and nose Was Christmas past . . . alive . . . intact! The scent of candied oranges, of cinnamon and pine, The antique wooden soldiers in their military line, The porcelain Nativity I'd always loved so much, The Dresden and the crystal I'd been told I mustn't touch. My spirit fairly bolted like a child out of class And danced among the ornaments of calico and glass. Like magic I was six again, deep in a Christmas spell Steeped in the million memories the boy inside knew well. And here among old Christmas cards so lovingly displayed A special place of honor for the ones we kids had made. And there, beside her rocking chair, the center of it all My great Aunt stood & said How nice that I had come to call. I sat and rattled on about the weather and the flu She listened very patiently then smiled and said, "What's new?" Thoughts and words began to flow. I started making sense. I lost the phony breeziness I use when I get tense. She was still passionately interested in everything I did. She was positive. Encouraging. Like when I was a kid. Simple generalities still sent her into fits She demanded the specifics . . . the particulars . . . the bits. We talked about the limitations that she'd had to face. She spoke with utter candor and with humor and good grace. Then defying the reality of crutch and straightened knee On wings of hospitality she flew to brew the tea. I sat alone with feelings that I hadn't felt in years. I looked around at Christmas through a thick hot blur of tears. And the candles and the holly she'd arranged on every shelf, The impossibly good cookies she still somehow baked herself. But these rich and tactile memories became quite pale and thin When measured by the Christmas My great Aunt kept deep within. Her body halved and nearly spent, but my great Aunt was whole. I saw a Christmas miracle, the triumph of a soul. The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall. The rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall. She poured two cups, she smiled, and then she handed one to me. And then we settled back and had a cup of Christmas tea……. MERRY CHRISTMAS! - GIRLFRIENDS* Women’s Ministry page 3 e are collecting comfort FLEECE THROWS for Wellmont Pediatric Unit for children/teens going Through a medical life experience. These throws Are given as a gift to use during their hospital stay and To take home upon release from the hospital. Monetary donations designated to WELLMONT FLEECE THROWS are appreciated. The Collection Bin in the MISSION HALLWAY! In Memory of Bill Whetsel HOLSTON HOMES GREENVILLE, TN Operation Backpack is a mission project to collect 70 Backpacks* filled with school supplies & personal care items for the children living at Holston Home. This collection drive will run through to June, 2014. GIRLFRIENDS Women’s Ministry will deliver these backpacks to Holston Homes, in memory of Bill Whetsel, before the 2014/2015 school year during our visit in July, 2014. A Collection Bin is located in the MISSION HALLWAY! We request each Backpacks be filled with the items listed below, so each child will received the same quantity of items. Monetary donations designated to OPERATION BACKPACK will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support. 1 School Backpack (gender-neutral color) 1 (100 ct) 3-hole wide-ruled notebook paper 1 inch or larger 3-ring binder 2 pack of #2 pencils (No mechanical pencils) 1 Pencil box/pouch 1 pack color pencils 1 pencil sharpener 2 large eraser 2 glue sticks 4 spiral notebooks (70-90 ct.) 1 pkg of washable markers 1 12-inch Ruler 2 pkg. of 3x5 index note cards 1 pk blue/black ink pen 1 box Kleenex 1 Brush & Comb set 1 Shampoo 1 Body Wash (Boys & Girls) 1 Deodorant *(Please note: If we collect more than 70 Backpacks/Supplies needed for Holston Homes, GIRLFRIENDS Women’s Ministry will donate the extra Backpacks to THE HALL CLOSET Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 CUMC TRUSTEE'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2013 1. Serving window (4' x 8') installed in west wall of kitchen. 2. New flooring installed in church office. 3. New copy machine contract signed with Rogersville Office Supply. 4. TV monitor approved for narthex. 5. Trustees voted to allow Hawkins County and Kingsport City to hold elections at Crossroads UMC with proof of liability Insurance. 6. All church exterior windows and interior of sanctuary have been cleaned. 7. Valley Protein Company was approved to provide grease collection container. 8. Ceiling heater was installed in handicap restroom. 9. Electric door opener was installed to assist those with disabilities. WISHING YOU A 10. Trustees approved contract with "Service Master" to perform janitorial services. 11. Kingsport Fire Marshall performed annual fire inspection with no violations. 12. Trustees approved policy that kitchen knives be locked in a drawer. 13. Large, dead tree located at amphitheater was cut down. 14. Church inventory updated. 15. Three new dimmer switches replaced in projection booth. 16. Heating/cooling units repaired in Youth Room, Hall Closet, and kitchen. 17. Designated electrical circuit installed for kitchen freezer. 18. New rubber membrane installed on flat roof over sanctuary. 19. Several pieces of sound equipment was donated from Jeff and Chris Newman in honor of Hal and Shirley Newman and Dave and Jean Anderson. 20. Larry Winston agreed to keep weeds sprayed in the two play grounds. 21. Trees that were cut down (bordering Holston Defense) have been cleared up. 22. Dalton Carpet re-stretched a section of carpet in the sanctuary. 23. Four new PPA devices were purchased. 24. Trustees approved for the Beautification Committee to build coffee/information bar at south wall of narthex. 25. Quotes have been requested from American Mechanical and HVAC Inc. to install system that will reduce noise level from sanctuary HVAC units. 26. Trustees decided that it would be the responsibility of person requesting special event in the church, such as weddings, etc., to clean up after the event. An information sheet will be provided to the person requesting use of the church. 27. Trustees voted against removing the two interior walls from the current dining area for two reasons: 1. It was felt that tables and chairs would extend into hallway, which would be in violation with the Kingsport Fire Marshall; 2. Leaving this room as is could serve as a Sunday School classroom. Mary and Michael will be hosting a Youth Christmas Party at their home on Sat. Dec. 7th at 6:00 pm. For Sunday School during the Advent Season we will be taking a break on reading our way through the Bible and doing a special series called "The Journey." Make sure you invite all of the youth of the church to come to Sunday School to enjoy this new series. The Youth Band is currently practicing for a performance at Resurrection 2014. Before they make their debut on the main stage at Resurrection they will be performing at our church and at Cassidy on a Sunday in January for the congregations. We are going to try a new thing on Sunday nights and ask people of the church to help with a snack supper for the youth and children at our 6:00 pm activities. There will be a sign-up sheet on the youth bulletin board. Please see Michael if you have any questions or would like to help with this. Most of the youth are at the church from 5:00 - 8:00 every Sunday and this will help them greatly and hopefully bring even more youth in. page 4 Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Who we Are By: Jean Mowery, Lay Member to Annual Conference CHARGE CONFERENCE - What is it? It sure seems like these United Methodist have a lot of conferences!! Our Book of Discipline says this about our Charge Conference: “The Charge Conference shall be the connecting link between the local church and the general Church and shall have general oversight of the local church council. The Charge Conference of each local church meets once a year and their primary responsibility shall be to review and evaluate the total mission and ministry of the local church and to receive reports from the pastor and certain other lay leaders in the church concerning the past year’s ministry.” As noted before, this is a “once a year meeting” except in rare cases, the District Supertendent, after consultation with the pastor of the local church, may call a special session for a particular reason. The pastor, with a written consent of the District Superintendent, may also call a special session for a particular reason. The District Superintendent usually opens the meeting with prayer and a short devotion. The District Lay Leader is often present and he/she will speak and challenge the local church for the coming year’s ministry. All of our voting members of the local church council are voting members of the charge conference along with any retired ordained ministers who choose to be a part of the particular local church. All church members who are interested in the business of the church may attend but just cannot vote. The Book of Discipline says this about the voting members of the Charge Conference: “ Members of the Charge Conference shall be persons of genuine Christian character who love the Church, are morally disciplined, are committed to the mandate of inclusiveness in the life of the Church, are loyal to the ethical standards of The United Methodist Church set forth in our Social Principles are competent to administer its affairs. All shall be professing members of the local church.” Usually the conference is pretty much “cut and dry” but sometimes there can be very serious issues brought before the conference that have to be resolved. An example of some of the duties of the Charge Conference is: to examine and then recommend to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry any persons who have expressed a desire to go into the pastoral ministry; to examine and recommend those persons who are a candidate for other church related vocations; to examine and recommend persons from the local church who are Candidates for lay speaking or lay ministry; to set the compensation of the pastor based on the recommendation by the local church Pastor Parish Committee and guidelines set in our Book of Discipline. The pastor is to report to the Charge Conference the names of persons received into membership during the past year and those removed for reasons of death, joining another congregation, etc. This year Crossroads met on Sunday afternoon, November 10, with the District Supertendent and District Lay Leader. Our Charge Conference this year was a little bit different than usual. It was called a “cluster Charge Conference”, bringing together several local churches for a combined meeting. Each local church turned in their written reports and their pastor or another designated leader spoke and told what their church had accomplished during the past year. I believe we had six different local churches and/or charges coming together for the conference. Crossroads had ten leaders in attendance, eleven including our pastor. I thought the conference went well and it certainly helps the District Superintendent time-wise and it allowed leaders from each of the churches an opportunity to hear what other churches in the District are doing. It is amazing to me how structured and organized our Methodist Church is. But that’s how we got our names years ago. John Wesley had a “method” for everything he did!!! CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION SERVICE 9pm page 5 Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 NEW & ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS Crossroads’ Homebound Begley, Polly, The Villages @Allandale, 100 Strickland Court, Kingsport, TN 37660 Click, Sue, 417Arbor Terrace Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664 Frazier, Mogaline, 2305 Jennings Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660 Gruber, George & Jean, 406 Fairway Drive, Church Hill, TN 37642 Dorton, Eugenia, Elmcroft Unit #154, 901 Teasel Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664 Hurley, Mildred, 521 Bellvue Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660 Kirk, Ruthie, 1104 Faye Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 McConnell, Joretta, 917 Mimosa Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660 Moore, Ann & Joe, 613 Fairview Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37660 Murph, Nikki, 626 Walnut Avenue, Kingsport, TN 37660 Painter, Jo , Preston Place, 2001 North JB Dennis, Kingsport, TN 37660 Pyle, Frankie, 137 Big Elm Road, Church Hill, TN 37642 Shanks, Ruth, c/o David Shanks, 650 Pepperidge Rd., Lewisville NC 27023 Stallard, Helen, Steadman Hills, Bloomingdale Pike, Kingsport, TN 37660 Sue Hamblin , Holston Manor, 3641 Memorial Boulevard, Kingsport, TN 37664 Whetsel, Gloria, Pulaski Health Care 2401 Lee Highway; Pulaski, VA 24301 The following individuals and issues need our prayers. The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit at Crossroads; Ray Hyder; Billy Dingus; Hal Newman; Tyler Bates; Leigh Lucas; Suzie Pendergraft; Rose Ann Fleenor; Virginia Creech; Steve Carriger; Ruth Shanks; Beckie Dade; P.T. Morrison; John Neeley; Sue Click; Joe Moore; Randy & Diana Perry; Becky Speers; Barbara Nelms; Dylan Nelms; Gloria Whetsel; Ann Monroe; Dave Anderson; Gabe Ketron; Mildred Fleenor; Billy Strong; Billy Rhea; Jerry Caldwell; Bobby Leonard; Nancy Ford; Phyllis Castle; Frankie Pyle; Bobby Hartley; Betty Sue Quillen; Sharon Musick; Jean Fincher; Helen Stallard; Nikki Murph; Henry Price; Judi Sliman; Derek Jones; Phyllis Burke Peace in Syria; Victims of Typhoon in the Philippines; Fred & Libby Dearing in the Sudan; our Country; the Unemployed; the Homeless; our Military; those in Jails and Prisons; a Cure for Cancer; a Cure for ALS; Salvation for the Lost. Pastor: Randy Lantz (423) 534-4121 (cell) [email protected] 9:00 Worship Leader: Piper Kirk 9:00 Accompanist: Barbara Brown 11:00 Worship Leader: Melinda White 11:00 accompanist: Barbara Brown Children’s Director: Mary Leach Youth Director: Michael Leach Nursery Coordinator: Judy Wilmoth Administrative Assistant: Jane Christian Office Assistant: Sherry Curtis Newsletter Editor: Emily Neeley [email protected] Newsletter Production: Gail & John Willis Nancy and Calvin Powers JANURARY 2014 PATHWAY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: DECEMBER 20th pag Crossroads United Methodist Church PATHWAY – DECEMBER, 2013 December 2013 Sunday Monday 1 2 8 9 15 Happy Birthday Aydan Polson & Dave Hall Happy Anniversary: Gail & John Willis Happy Anniversary: John & Emily Neeley 16 Happy Birthday John Willis Happy Birthday Jesus party in nursery @ 11:00. Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Friday 3 4 5 Happy Birthday Bonnie Vicars Fellowship Meal 5:00 Followed by Bible Studies & Children’s Activities. Food Pantry Martha Ramesy & Shirley Gillespie 10 11 12 13 Girlfriends Christmas Tea at 6pm Fellowship Meal 5:00 Followed by Bible Studies & Children’s Activities. Happy Birthday Shirley Gillespie & Lynn Wilmoth Happy Birthday Nancy Ford & Jeff Decker Food Pantry : Brenda Hall & Donna Sensabaugh Silver Sounds Christmas party @ 6pm 17 18 19 20 Happy Birthday Roger Sutherland 6 7 Happy Birthday Piper Kirk 23 Happy Anniversary: Rick & Mary Elliott 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 9pm Happy Birthday Jesus party in Childrens church @ 11:00. 26 25 Happy Brithday Jesus, King of Kings Food Pantry : Nancy Powers & Joyce Puriton Christmas Happy Birthday Lou Buckley 29 30 31 Happy Anniversary: Michael & Mary Leach News Years Eve Happy Birthday Aaron Decker 14 21 Serving at Salvation Army Rhonda, David and Madison Givens. Food Pantry : Sharon Musick & Kathryn Hensley Girlfriends BAKESALE 22 Saturday 27 28 Happy Anniversary: Garrett & Shirley White WELCOME WEEKLY SUNDAY SERVICE HOURS 9:00 TRADITIONAL SERVICE SUNDAY SCHOOL **11:00 AM - BLENDED SERVICE 6:00 PM PRAYER MEETING AM 9:50 **CHILDREN WILL BE INVITED TO CHILDREN ’S CHURCH IN ROOM #111 AFTER CHILDREN ’S SERMON