January 2016 - Chester United Methodist Church

January 2016
Greetings
from
Pastor Sylvia
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Let us pray.
Yes, may these be the first words that I speak to you for 2016. Let us pray.
Let us pray that God will surround us and fill us. Let us pray that God will guide us and empower us. Let
us pray that we might each grow in grace during this year, to be clearer reflections of the Light of the
World. Let us pray that we might be vessels of the Holy Spirit spreading love and peace wherever we go.
Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, it will be enough.” Let us be mindful to
say thank you to God each day, perhaps even in each moment.
Thank you, God, for this New Year. Thank you for life and health…and family and friends. Thank you for
each moment…and the opportunity to see you in each person and situation. Thank you for our church
and the opportunities to worship, grow, and serve you.
Perhaps, God will call you to add your name to the list of those who covenant to spend at least one hour
with God in each 24-hour period. How amazing it might be if each of us would learn to honor God first, in
our lives and in our daily prayers!
Bless us to be a blessing to others.
In the precious name of Jesus,
P.S. Thank you for the many gestures of love given to me and my family as we celebrated the birth of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is truly a blessing to serve the Lord with you!
Please remember to pick up your Offering Envelopes
from the table in the Atrium.
DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION
All humanity is chosen by God through the gift of Jesus. Those who trust in God and
God’s reign, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, sex, or even religious tradition, are chosen
through this gift of Christmas.
Let us consider Mary for a moment. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young woman
in a culture and time that she was considered property and was confronted with some
terrifying news. She had not known a man but was pregnant. In some ways her situation
was desperate. Even though God had placed Mary in such an extreme and difficult situation,
she praised God. She completely trusted God’s care for her. (Luke 1:47)
Dr. Jim Davis
Let us consider Joseph for a moment. Joseph tried to deal with the situation of Mary’s pregnancy, he had
not caused, in a most caring way until an angel clued him in. Basically, Joseph was told that he needed to be the
bad guy in this case…a man who trespassed against social and religious traditions. Can’t you just imagine how both
families and friends felt toward Joseph and talked about Joseph. Further, Joseph had to take his new wife to
Bethlehem where his extended family would hear of his undisciplined behavior until the census was made. God’s
angels were not out there protecting his reputation when he was protecting Mary’s reputation. In crowded
Bethlehem, there was no room in an inn, so a stable had to do. There is no biblical record of a midwife, so guess
what else Joseph had to do. Worse, shortly after the baby was born and given a Greek name that showed no
connection to Joseph’s family, Joseph had to flee to Egypt for the sake of the child’s life. Egypt was a foreign land
that hated Jews for ripping them off financially of gold and silver as they started the exodus journey. It was a very
good thing that wise men dropped by to finance the trip and time in Egypt.
Through it all, Mary and Joseph were rejoicing in extreme circumstances. Let us rejoice also…Emmanuel!!!!
(God is with us!!)
We don’t always know why God places us in difficult situations, but we too can trust that God will honor us
for our obedience. We have reason to rejoice and sing praises even in our darkest hours. May these moments of
the Christmas season be bright with hope and light. Rejoice!!!!! May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas
season!! God does bless us!!!
Stephen Ministry
We are overjoyed to announce that a new class of Stephen Ministers will begin their training in
January. A number of our congregation has felt called to become Stephen Ministers. As they
begin their training, we should all be in prayer for them and their instructors.
It is not too late to join this class. Perhaps you are being called by God to minister to those who are facing life’s
difficulties and challenges. Perhaps Jesus wants you to reflect his love to another person on a one-to-one basis.
Stephen Ministry is an excellent way to serve our Lord in this manner.
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or just learning more about the Ministry here at CUMC, you
can contact one of our Stephen Minister Leaders.
Susan Henry 748-7850
Michael Kelley 748-4299
Louise Ross
Dr. Jim Davis
748-5099
748-6006
FACILITIES UPDATE
What a year:
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Revamping the Brick Rental to be in ministry as a Parsonage again had many facets and challenges.
The School Street property has been significantly dealt with and there is much more potential ahead.
The kitchen hood, fire detections, and suppressors are updated in interesting ways.
The church usage of our facilities has increased significantly, and please remember to run all requests through Miss
Terry.
 The church grounds under the care of Skip Buyalos project the beauty outside our church which reflects the beauty
within.
 As we play “catch up” with many dimensions of our facilities, we have stained glass, carpet and security items to
deal with.
We did much more than I can share at this point, but whether we are talking of the 13 replaced windowpanes on
the Lafon Street side of our Sanctuary, new hand soap dispensers, new toilet paper dispensers, more hand towel
dispensers, refreshing the wood in the sanctuary, we have even changed the chemistry of our cleaning fluids so
that they kill germs better--and on and on.
Thanks to our Facility Angels, we have made steady improvement regarding our painting and general repairs.
God is Great!!!!!
The Lord’s School Street property that we take care of is designated as “Multipurpose Space”. On Sundays and
special occasions when we need it for parking, it will be used for parking. Most other days the chain will be up, and
Preschool, youth groups, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Sunday School Class events and families are
encouraged to use the leveled field for their purposes. Our 2015 Confirmation Class has used it, and we have
pictures to prove it.
Phase 1 is complete and legal. Thanks be to God.
The Tuesday Morning
Prayer and Study Group
enjoying their annual
Christmas Party
Christmas was filled
with abundance as no
one had been naughty
but very nice.
The United Methodist Women (UMW) is to “be a community of women whose
purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through
Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts
of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”
 Wednesday, January 6, 6:30 p.m.—Executive Committee meeting in room
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221. All unit officers and fellowship leaders are asked to mark your calendars
and make plans to attend.
Monday, January 11, 7 p.m.—Jean Craig Fellowship—will meet in New Room #205 (the room upstairs
across from the library) to begin work on birthing kits for UMCOR. Call Susan Petrey, 275-9258, for details.
Tuesday, January 12, 7 p.m.—Frances Allen Fellowship—will meet at the home of Debbie Vaughn. Meet
in the church parking lot at 6:40 p.m. to car pool due to limited parking. Members should bring Valentines
for Veterans at McGuire Hospital. Susan Henry will continue a program on Wonder. Call Susan Henry, 7487850, or Sharon Gilliatt at 748-7834 for details.
Thursday, January 14, 10 a.m.—Ada Mae Bookman Fellowship—will meet in Davis Fellowship Hall.
Call Martha Miles, 748-5476, for details
UMW Reading Program—The purpose of the UMW Reading Program is to encourage United Methodist
Women to expand understanding of and participation in God’s mission; to increase sensitivity to all human
beings—their needs, interests, and concerns; to encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity
today; to grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life; to enhance
self-knowledge and to act from that knowledge; and to strengthen involvement in local and global Christian
mission. To expand the Chester UMW Reading Program, we now have several books in circulation amongst
the fellowships. Call Ginger Chadwick, 748-4778, for more information.
Call Susan Petrey, 275-9258, to learn more about UMW, our three participating fellowships, and how you can
become involved.
Ladies Mark your Calendars!—Saturday, February 13, 912 noon in Davis Fellowship Hall—Café Chocolat--Do you
long to slow down, enjoy time with friends, and grow closer to God? Using
chocolate as a metaphor for God's grace, women will taste God's goodness in
abundance through in-depth Bible study, worship and fun activities. Enjoy
treats both savory and sweet, and grow closer to God through Bible study and
through sharing with each other. All women of the church are invited. Look
for registration forms in the Atrium!
Chester UMC on the Web and in the World
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Missed a Sunday?—Don’t miss the Message! You can find recent sermons on the CUMC
website! Go to <www.chesterumc.org>, float your mouse over the “Sermons and Media”
button, click “Sermons” on the drop-down menu. Check back regularly for updates!
 Find us on Facebook at “Chester United Methodist Church.”
 Follow us on Twitter at @ChesterUMC and be a part of the conversation at #ChesterUMC.
 Receive our Chester UMC Prayer Chain by request. Submit your name and email address to
<[email protected]>.
 The Chester UMC newsletter, The Chimes, is now available on the Web at
<http://www.chesterumc.org/>. Go to “Sermons & Media” then “CUMC Publications” and “CUMC Chimes.”
 The deadline for submission to the February Chimes is Wednesday, January 20; send articles to
<[email protected]>.
Call the church office, 748-6006, for more information.
Yes, I want to be informed!
Get uniquely connected with The Virginia Advocate--The Advocate, the full-color monthly
newsmagazine of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, is designed to help our
congregation build disciples more effectively. Every issue will help you stay connected through:
 Stories about Chester UMC and her people (see pages 13 and 18 of the November 2015 issue
for articles about our own Gospel on the Green and Pastor Patrick Pillow’s chaplaincy);
 Messages from Bishop Young Jin Cho;
 Details of important upcoming events in Virginia and beyond;
 United Methodist news from inside the conference and around the world;
 Inspiring stories of faith in action and ideas you can try in our own church.
Subscription rates for print and online issues are $20 per year, print issues only $15 per year, online issues only $10 per
year. See the display in the Atrium during January to sign up or call Susan Petrey, 275-9258, for more information.
The Fresh Start Sunday School Class in Study, Fellowship and Service
Beginning January 3— John: The Gospel of Light and Life--The Gospel of John is the most deeply
spiritual of the four gospels. This writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim
in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his
name.” In the six-week study by Adam Hamilton, we’ll follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus
through the Gospel of John and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament.
The Fresh Start Class meets every Sunday morning at 9:45 in room 221. Visitors and new members are
always welcome. Call Susan Petrey, 275-9258, for more information.
United Methodist Men
The United Methodist Men will have our January dinner meeting on Wednesday, January 6, at
6:30 p.m. in Davis Fellowship Hall. Mike Kelly will be our guest speaker for the evening. Mike
will be talking to us about the CUMC Stephen Ministry program and all the things they do. All
men of the church are invited to attend and share in some food, fellowship, and learn a little more
about a vital ministry in our church! Please sign up in the pew pads or contact Gordon Morris
([email protected], 751-0316) to let us know you’re coming so we can plan accordingly for
food.
College Scholarship
The United Methodist Men are once again pleased to sponsor a $500 honorarium to be awarded to a graduating
senior from Chester United Methodist Church. The honorarium is given in appreciation to the youth of our church
with the hope that it will be used for the further enhancement of their education. Requirements for the
honorarium include being an active member of CUMC for at least one year and plans to attend an accredited
College/University or Technical School. Application packages are available in the church office or through the
United Methodist Men. Completed applications must be received by May 15.
2016 Lay Servant Academy
The Virginia Conference is holding open registration for the 2016 Lay Servant Academy, which
will be held February 26-28, 2016 at VUMAC in Blackstone. There will be several new courses
and mini-courses this year, with an emphasis on equipping leaders and volunteers in our local
churches. REGISTER SOON for the best opportunity to get your first preference of classes. The
Lay Servant Academy will also offer inspiring worship, personal prayer space, and wonderful
fellowship with others who serve God and their local communities. For detailed event and registration
information, visit the Virginia Conference website at www.vaumc.org/LayServantTraining
CUMC Preschool
The children and their families at CUMCPS have such giving hearts. At
Christmastime, the preschool does a food drive to teach the children about
giving to those in need. This year we teamed with the BACKPACK
MINISTRY to have children helping children. CUMCPS families came
through. We even had one family donate food and a $50 VISA Gift Card to
cover any areas that were lacking. I am so blessed to be involved in such a
wonderful preschool.
Children’s Ministry
Save the date and plan
for your children to
attend Vacation Bible
School – June 20-24
Coming in February – Bifocals at CAT Theater – Richmond’s professional theater
with a community heart will present Luau at Acorn Acres in our Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM onTuesday, February 9.
This is a senior production produced and staring local senior citizens. It is directed by Cindy Yuoconis. Admission
is free. A love donation for CAT Theater will be collected. Watch for details on signing up to attend so that we will
have an approximation of how many guests to expect.
Chester United Methodist Church 2016 LEADERS AMENDED
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Chairperson
Bruce Johnson
Vice-Chairperson
Lisa Stanfield
Recording Secretary
Ginger Chadwick
Pastor
Sylvia Meadows
Associate Pastor
Patrick Pillow
Administrative Pastor
Jim Davis
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Krista Manuel
Lay Leader
Jim Watkins
Assistant Lay Leader
Carolyn Maxwell
Lay Members to Annual Conference
Betsy Price, Jim Watkins
SPPRC Chair
Katie Seitz
Finance Co-Chairs
Kathleen Kessinger, Carrie Coyner
Trustees Chair
Rod Holmes
Spiritual Growth & Ed. Chair
Phyllis Knaack
Witness Team Chair
Will Schmidt
Worship Team Chair
Joan Longo
Care Ministry Team Chair
Darlene Emerson
Mission Team Co-Chair
Julie Ferry
President of UMM
Gordon Morris
President of UMW
Susan Petrey
Historian Co-Chairs
Mary Musselwhite, Daphne Curtis
Communications
Susan Petrey
Youth Member
Rachel Dishman
At Large Members: Jimmy Willingham (2016) Randy Melton (2017) Bryon Wall (2018)
NOMINATIONS AND LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
2016
2017
Mary Musselwhite
Linda Willingham
Vann Stanfield
Terri Moody
Terry Wisegarver
Jill Seal
2018
Josh Wortham
Ken Farmer
Janet Bradley
TRUSTEES
2016
Don Phelps
George Emerson
Will Schmidt
2018
Julie Koob
Wayne Stuart
Rod Holmes - Chair
2017
Bill Comer
Bill Lloyd - Vice Chair
John Farrell
STAFF PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE
2016
2017
Anita Nugent
Jill Seal
Kay Williams
Lynn Crump
Dale Clark
Jennifer Brooks
Ex. Officio: Annual Conf. Rep., Lay Leader, Pastor
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Building Coordinator
Grounds Coordinator
Furnishings
Kitchen Coordinator
2018
Josefa Wall
Randy Melton
Katie Seitz, Chair
Ginger Chadwick
Skip and Pam Buyalos
Barbara Yandle
Jeanne Shelburne
Names printed in bold letters indicate first year in this position.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs
Treasurer
Pastors
Lay Members to Annual Conference
Administrative Council Chair.
SPPRC Chair.
Trustee Chair.
Stewardship Chair.
Lay Leader
District Steward
Financial Secretary
Finance Administrator
Endowments
AT LARGE:
Cindy Yuoconis (2016)
Kathleen Kessinger, Carrie Coyner
Gary Williams
Sylvia Meadows, Patrick Pillow, Jim Davis
Betsy Price, Jim Watkins
Bruce Johnson
Katie Seitz (or rep.)
Rod Holmes (or rep.)
Darlene Emerson
Jim Watkins
Ed Thompson
Karen Comer (non-voting)
Donna Koch (non-voting)
Bruce Costner
Courtney Farrell (2017)
Monte Nagy (2018)
WORSHIP WORK AREA
Chair
Altar Guild
Acolytes
Nursery Coordinator
Wedding Coordinators
Funeral Coordinators
Joan Longo
Marian Garrett
Carolyn Maxwell, Dora Ellis, Sohphia Verghese, Lisa Clark
Courtney Farrell
Carol Pawluk, Carolyn Maxwell
Karen Comer, Don Schmidt
PRESCHOOL BOARD
Director/Treasurer
Chairperson
Church Members
Ex Officio – Representatives from
Jennifer Barnes
Cheryl Green
Carolyn Landis, Marion Perkinson, Megan Carson, Megan Johnston
SPPRC, Finance, Trustee Plus DSF, Pastor, Lay Leader
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Chair
Bruce Costner
Admin Council
Bruce Johnson
Finance Chairs
Harold Crowder, Kathleen Kessinger
Trustee Representative
Don Schmidt, Bill Goodwyn, Ginger Chadwick, Harley Young
CHILD PROTECTION (SAFE SANCTUARIES) COMMITTEE
Spiritual Growth and Education Chair
Phyllis Knaack
Pastor
Sylvia Meadows
Association Pastor
Patrick Pillow
Administrative Pastor
Jim Davis
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Krista Manuel
Directors of Youth Ministries
Pat Stanfield
OTHER OFFICERS
Alternate Lay Member to Annual Conference
Don Schmidt
District Steward
Ed Thompson
District Conference Delegates
Don Schmidt, Susan Petrey
Rep. to District Bd. Missions
Susan Petrey
Hermitage Guild
Ann Jeter
Camps and Conferences
Kim Young
Virginia Advocate Rep.
Susan Petrey
UM Family Services Rep.
Sherie Orton
LAY SPEAKERS: Tom Petrey, Don Schmidt, Kim Young, Michelle Hayes
In Memory of
Ed Bishop
Tommy Boyd
Lorraine Moody
Mae Scanapico
Monta Anthony
Monta Anthony
Jim & Liz Barker
Carol Pawluk
Lorraine Buck
We Welcome into Christian Membership
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Sonja Seward (November 15, 2015) by transfer from Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Glen
Allen, VA.
Franklin & Michelle Jackson (November 15, 2015) by transfer from First Christian Church
Disciples of Christ, Hampton, VA.
Blake Ruxton Boyd (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Allison Paige Brubaker (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Jordan Micaela Clark (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Parker Adam Davis (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith*.
Ella Anne Hutchins (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Chloe Bishop Jackson (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith*.
Mikayla Renee Jackson (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith*.
Olivia Elizabeth Johnson (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Mallory Ann Lenz (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Regan Lynn Miller (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Thomas Evan Moody (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Chase William Potvin (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Kriston Ruth Seward (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith*.
Megan Asia Smith (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Jacob Ray Tuck (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith.
Hunter James Zoller (November 29, 2015) by profession of faith*.
Krista and N.W. Manuel (December 13, 2015) by transfer from Chester Baptist Church, Chester,
VA. They have a 5-year-old son named Bryan, and another son due to be born this month.
Taisha Marie Garcia and Samantha Garcia (December 13, 2015) by profession of faith.
Joseph & Diane Mannetta (December 20, 2015) by transfer from Grace Lutheran Church,
Chester, VA.
Christopher & Lisa Irving (December 20, 2015) by transfer from Ramsey United Methodist
Church, Richmond, VA
* Also received the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Births
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Violet Grace Gilliatt, born December 8, 2015, daughter of Jeff & Erin Gilliatt, and little sister of
Abby, Drew, and Cara. Proud grandparents: Sharon & Steve Gilliatt.
Baptisms
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Danika Sapana Bala, born September 10, 2015, was baptized on November 15, 2015. She is the
daughter of Farin & Rishi Bala. Proud grandparents: Sunder & Meena Bala.
Abigail Penn Payne, born April 22, 2015, was baptized on November 22, 2015. She is the
daughter of Sarah Penn Payne and Michael David Payne. Proud grandparents: Steve & Penn Shultz.
Maddox Kailo Walters, born on May 22, 2015, was baptized on December 13, 2015. He is the son
of Lori (Coghill) and Brian Joshua Walters, and has two older brothers, Kaiden Shine Walters (age
6) and Sawyer Kelton Walters (age 4).
Ella Grace Sink and Sydney Ann Sink, born on March 30, 2015, were baptized on December 13,
2015. They are the twin daughters of Kimberly (Trevillian) and Daniel Stuart Sink.
Seth Brandon Overstreet, born on June 30, 2015, was baptized on December 13, 2015. Seth is the
son of Kelly (Trevillian) and Derek Brandon Overstreet and the baby brother of Abbygail Leigh
Overstreet (age 3). Proud grandparents: Beverly and Ray Trevillian; Great-grandmother: Edie Fails.
THANK YOU
Thank you all for the cards, gifts, and send off during the Fresh Start Service. I will treasure the cards
from the children for many years to come!
Love,
Stacey Ferrer
The History & Records Committee would like to thank GEORGE BRYANT for his assistance in
getting the plans for our building scanned into pdf files so we could store them safely. And we thank BILL COMER
for his assistance in sorting the files we needed to scan, as well as organizing the files on the memory sticks. We
also want to thank the FACILITY ANGELS who helped Mary and Ruth DeVore rearrange our storage area. TWO big
jobs accomplished! ~~Mary Musselwhite & Karen Comer, Co-Chairs
Be sure to wish the following people a
“Happy Birthday” on their “Special Day.”
January Birthdays
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Barbara Rollins, Bill Wisegarver, James Woolard, Jr., Jeanne Givens, Amy Fleeman
Robert Martinko, Griffin Winn
Gail King, Sharon Larew, Craig Seal, Vicki Gaffney, Sophia Verghese, T.R. Stone, Jr.
Frank Smith, John Dodd, Christina Chern, Lauren Hill
Isabel Jones, Bill Comer, Richard Campbell, Chelsea Buyalos
Nina Whittleton, Travis Miller, Luke Carson, Caroline Johnson, Madeline Read, Liam Johnston
Linda Lott, John Degraba, Bruce Koch
Melissa Moore, Ashley Curtis
Donna Dennis, Madison Vaughan
Christopher Irving, Patricia Bernas, Rebecca Murphy, Matthew Johnson-Ebert, Jack Kirwan
Alan Matthews, Berend Sarver, Russell Matthews
Bill Bowles, Jr., Megan Davis, Janean Trimble
Stephen Hetrick, Anne Johnson, Nancy Baylor, Tamera Krukiel, Jessica Gray, Taylor Banty
Juanita Timmons, Fran Martin, Lisa Anderson, Sam Perdue, Rebecca Chitwood, Morgan Trimble, Owen Trimble,
Delaney Coyner
Catherine Rhea, Taylor Bernas, Grace Zoller
Harold Boettcher, John Radford, Jolyn Topping, Darrin Zoller, Scott Byer, Sean Williams, Lila Farrell
Bruce Cavey, David Ferry, Monte Nagy, Jr., Mallory Flores, Katelyn DePhillip
Samuel Bartlett IV, Linda Pritchard, Courtney Blevins
Susan DePhillip, Leia Verghese, Connor Jacka
Alexa Kelley
Margaret Bodenhamer, Glen Silvey, Tyler Moody, Christopher Peck, Meaghan Watkins, Lillian Anderson
Diane Merryman, Ed Zaunick, Zach Baker, Megan Thomas
Bobbi Eddy, William Latimer III, Michael Barker
Bob Wood, Jr., William Lloyd, Sr., James Shelburne, Jackie Stewart, Jerit Norville, Cabel Allen
Cathy Epps, Robert Ridout, Grayson Smith, Tyler Marshall
Sally Johnson, Ann Stuart, Lynn Crump, Alan Woodard, Jeffrey Crampton, Wendy Walker, Tracey Canipe, Sean
Castleberry, Kaitlin Koch, Christian Goodfellow, Zak Goodwyn
Betsy Price, Ruth Siller, Judy Thomas, Augustine Allen, Robbie Partin, Wendell Landis, Sora Arpin, Michelle
Hayes, Bailey Jacka
Alan Schlottman, Clinton Davis, Joey Avery
George Bryant III, Charles Sibley, Jr., Jason Deckert, Kriston Seward, Noah Hughes
Wayne Virag, George Fisher, Jean Morrison, Lois Cain, Brian Davis, David Miles, Todd Abicht, Melody
DePhillip
Ann Stanfield, Sandra Graham, William Waterson
Do you have room in your heart and home for a child in need? Do you want to make a positive
difference in the life of a child? HopeTree Family Services is looking for people like you to
consider long-term or short-term foster care for children who are in need of a safe and loving
home. HopeTree provides you with the training and support you need to be the parents that
they need. To hear more about this opportunity, please come to our next Orientation Session
which will be held on:
January 11, 2016 from 6:00—7:00 p.m.
HopeTree Family Services Foster Care Office
3309 West Hundred Road
Chester, VA 23831
Call (804) 201-9006 or email [email protected] for more information.
Branches Mission Team
Florida City, Florida, March 25-April 2, 2016
This spring mission trip is open to both high school students and adults. At Branches, we will help with light
construction projects in the community, work with children and youth during the afterschool programs,
participate in Easter church services and events, and attend Branches’ youth activities. Individuals who sign up for
this mission trip will form a team that meets together several times to plan and prepare. It is our hope to work
together as the body of Christ, to challenge ourselves and our faith through service, and to build deeper
relationships as a group. Please prayerfully consider what God is calling you to do this spring break. The cost of
the trip will be approximately $200. POC: Stacey Ferrer (300-0033 or [email protected]) by January 31.
Disciple Bible Study at Women’s Correction Center in Goochland, VA will be offered to inmates once a
week beginning in February. Laity clergy, male and female, are needed to facilitate the class. Completion of
Disciple I is required to serve as a leader. The prison chaplain has communicated that there is a waiting list of
women wanting to take Disciple Bible Study. Day and time have not been determined, but leaders (2-4) will agree
to schedule and will rotate responsibilities. Application and background check are required. POC. Marg Kutz
([email protected])
Baby Blankets Needed! —In developing countries around the world women are giving birth on dirt floors at
home, in the mud of rice fields, and the rubble of natural disasters and war. UMCOR, the United Methodist
Committee on Relief, is training local women to use simple birthing kits--including a sheet of plastic, rubber gloves,
soap, a razor blade, string and your baby blankets—to bring about safer deliveries and healthier mothers and
babies. All members of the church are invited to help the United Methodist Women collect baby blankets to be
made into 100 birthing kits for UMCOR to be delivered to Annual Conference in Roanoke in June. All other
materials have been donated. Flannelette receiving blankets should be approximately 36x36 inches. Blankets
may be purchased or homemade. All blankets must be NEW. Please return blankets to the collection box in the
mission closet next to Pastor Sylvia’s office no later than Sunday, February 28. Call Susan Petrey, 275-9258, for
more information.
Caritas Family’s New Home
This year, as our CARITAS Thanksgiving week approached, we received news of an exciting blessing for one of our
families. Unfortunately, they were not eligible to take anything from the Furniture Bank because they had been
there within the last five years. So, our church was asked if we could help out and gather some household goods
for them to start making their new house a home. Our generous congregation contributed to them being able to
furnish the entire apartment and even provide new pots and pans. John Radford and Joe Longo loaded their trucks
and headed down I-95, which was an adventure in itself, crossing their fingers in hopes that everything would stay
in the truck beds, which included a mattress and box springs flapping in the wind. We arrived at Mosby Court and
were welcomed by a grateful mother, three of her children ages 9, 14 and an adult daughter, as well as four
grandchildren under the age of four, sitting on the floor eating cheerios. The residence had cinderblock walls,
exposed pipes that were being used to hang clothes, and no furniture. The kitchen had a refrigerator, a stove and
oven, and only a few inches of counter space. The family was thrilled to see a rug go on the bare den floor and be
completed with both den and bedroom furniture. It felt like a home.
When I left I felt so humbled, blessed, and proud to be a member of such a giving congregation. Thank you all for
your compassion and generosity. Also, a special thank you to Joe Longo, John Radford and Ben Ferry who took the
time to load the trucks and deliver the home goods to the family, and to Ricky Watkins who packed up groceries
that were delivered to the family as well. All of it was greatly appreciated.
Julie Ferry, Mission Team
Sharing Tree 2015 – This is
what the Atrium looked like before
the gifts were collected to be taken to
our adults with intellectual
disabilities. We provided Christmas
gifts for over 100 individuals. The
gifts were greatly appreciated, and I
am sure we will be receiving thank
you letters from the recipients soon.
Thank you to everyone who made
this a very successful project.
Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield is a non-profit, inter-faith organization of senior adults who donate their
time, talents, professional expertise, automobiles, gasoline, and other resources to help other senior adults remain
independent in their own homes. The Center needs your help – you might like to volunteer to serve on a
committee, work in the office, help with lunches or be a driver. You will find the experience of volunteering to be
as rewarding and enjoyable to you as the service you are providing is appreciated and welcomed by those you are
serving. By our service, we all benefit! Please call the Shepherd’s Center Office at (706-6689) to inquire about
volunteer opportunities.
Dear Chester United Methodist Church,
On behalf of Boy Scout Troop 2815, I would like to thank you for letting us use your church for our meetings, as
well as letting us use an extra closet space for our supplies. Please see the following pictures below of some of the
activities that we have done this past year.
Again, thanks to Chester United Methodist church for your continued support.
Yours in Scouting,
Blake Britt, Troop Historian
Pictures of the troop preparing for their Winter Shenandoah Camping trip, preparing for our 7-mile hike, and
playing chess at Summer Camp.
Chester Christmas Parade
December 13, 2015