VUMC-Newsletter

Varnell Voice – December 2013 & January 2014
O F F E R I N G C h r is t W h il e B E C O M I N G W H O L E -H E A R T E D C h r is t Fo l lo w e rs
The Varnell Voice 2013
newsletter for Varnell UMC, Inc.
1 Heaven’s Child Cantata
1 “Angels, Lambs, Ladybugs &
Fireflies” Children’s Musical
2 Christmas Eve Worship
Services
2 “Why Jesus?” Part II
2 VUMC Leadership Retreat
2 Mission Trip to the
Philippines
2 Arthur & Beth Ivey – Peru
Missionaries are visiting
3 Youth Calendar
3 And now a word from our
Youth Director, Kurt Baron
3 Let’s Go Christmas Caroling
Kids!
4 Varnell Community
Christmas & VUMC
4 Run for God Part 11
Presented by:
VUMC Adult Sanctuary Choir
Sunday, December 15 at 6:30p.m.
Come; join us on a musical journey
through the Christmas story!
The familiar components are all there--the visitations of the angels, the
startled excitement of the shepherds, the shimmering guiding star, the
worshipful reverence of the three kings, and the poignant chronicle of
Simeon, whose greatest desire was to personally witness the coming of
the promised One, fulfilled an ancient prophecy. "Heaven's Child" is a
transforming presentation, taking us deeply into the mystery and awe of
Christmas and into the eternal significance of that perfect union of
heaven and earth--the divine and the human. Like Simeon, we have
seen the truth of the child, and the promised salvation, and we may now
live forever with peaceful hearts, and restored souls.
Don't miss this wonderful, worshipful event, Sunday, December
15 at 6:30 p.m. (Free Nursery provided during the program).
Invite your friends and neighbors, and bring a treat to share
afterwards.
Megan and Nathan Torbett
are in costume and ready to
sing for YOU.
The animal kingdom will come ALIVE in this musical to tell the story of the
Savior’s birth.
So, invite someone and come to this musical Sunday,
December 8 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a cookie and cocoa reception
following the musical in the Community Life Center.
The children will sing Sunday, December 8 at the beginning of the 10:45
a.m. service.
Please support our children as they have worked hard to present this
musical in honor of Jesus’ birthday!
Winter 2013
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The soft glow of candlelight and the breath-taking silence as
we usher in Christmas Day with Holy Communion. You can
“Why Jesus?” Part II
Answering Tough Questions
About Our Savior
enjoy both or just one service Christmas Eve!
The first service at 6:30 p.m. will feature the children’s bell
choir, special music, and a first person visit from Mary the
Mother of Jesus. Then a special lighting of candles to
express our joy and awe of the birth of the Christ Child.
The second service at 11 p.m. will also have special music,
and a first person visit from Mary the Mother of Jesus, along
with candlelight and the partaking of Holy Communion.
Welcome the birth of the Jesus, the Savior of the World in a
holy and sacred way this Season!
You have questions about Jesus?
Want to grow in your faith and
walk with Christ? Then this short
term study is for YOU.
The study will be held January 12
and January 26 from 5:30 p.m.
until 6:30 p.m. in Room #223 off
the gym. The study is geared
towards teens and adults and
childcare will be provided.
Mission Trip to the Philippines
Who and When? The Northwest District of The North Georgia
Conference is going to the Philippine Islands, leaving January 26, 2013
and returning February 4, 2013.
What Will We Be Doing? Our plan is to do whatever the churches
need us to do. Our original plan
Samaritan UMC to build a new
donations for their blood bank.
record-shattering typhoon and the
doing relief and recovery efforts.
was to work alongside The Good
church start and collect blood
However, in light of the recent
devastation it wrought, we may be
Why Are We Going? The Philippine Islands are one of our Bridges
Partners in The North Georgia Conference and we have had plans to
serve with them for almost a year. Typhoon Haiyan has reinforced
the need for us to serve alongside our sister United Methodist
Churches as THEY lead the effort to serve their communities.
What Else Do I Need to Know? Approximate cost for the trip is
$3000 per person. Contact Pastor Kenny Ott at 706.278.8494 for
more information. YOU can make a difference.
O F F E R I N G C h r i s t W h i l e B E C O M I N G W H O L E - H E A R T E D C h r i st F ol l o w e r s
Winter 2013
Creating and Building the Youth to
become more Christ-like
Youth Calendar
December:
1st: NO Sunday Funday
4th: Life of Mary Part 3
8th: Sunday Funday
11th: Life of Mary Part 4
13th & 14th: PASSION LOCK-IN
15th: NO Sunday Funday
18th: The Factory Christmas Party
25th: Merry Christmas!/No Youth
January:
3rd & 4th: New Year’s Lock-in (8pm until 8am)
5th: NO Sunday Funday
8th: Welcome back Wednesday - Identity series Part 1
12th: Sunday Funday
15th: Identity series Part 2
17th-19th: Youth Ski Retreat to Lake Junaluska
22nd: Identity series Part 3
26th: NO Sunday Funday
29th: Identity series Part 4
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And now a word from our youth
director, Kurt Baron
Well my friends! It blows my mind that we have
reached the end of the year and talking about
the awesome events coming your way in 2014.
We have had a great fall semester, and still
have some RAD events coming up with the start
of the New Year.
You will be getting a December calendar soon,
so make sure you put that on your fridge. The
big event in December will be the Passion Lockin, we will be watching the movie - Passion of
the Christ.” The next morning, we will have a
devotion concerning the movie. It's going to be
powerful.
In January, we will be taking a trip to Lake
Junaluska to ski and worship for the weekend.
STOKED! Thanks for bringing your friends and
helping grow this ministry. We know the Lord
has lots more up His sleeve for us, so get ready
my friends. If you have any questions please
contact me, Kurt Baron (Youth Director) at
706-537-3582 or [email protected]. Kool
Let’s go Christmas
Caroling Kids!
The children are getting ready to warm
the hearts of people living in two
assisted living facilities. Wednesday,
December 18, Pioneer Club kids will
sing Christmas carols to the residents
there.
Everyone will leave the church at 6
p.m. and will return around 8 p.m. for
cookies and hot chocolate.
Sing your hearts out for Jesus!
The Factory Youth at VUMC enjoyed a
night out recently of putt-putt and Krispy
Kreme donuts! Yummy & fun!
Parents: Permission forms will be
giving to children and must be signed
prior to the 18th for your child to come.
Children who require car seats must be
transported by their parents.
O F F E R I N G C h r i s t W h i l e B E C O M I N G W H O L E - H E A R T E D C h r i st F ol l o w e r s
Winter 2013
VUMC is uniting with Varnell Elementary, other area churches
and the Varnell Community Group for the Varnell
Community Christmas to provide food and Christmas gifts
for area children.
To sponsor a child, pick up a form from the Varnell City Hall
after December 3. Plan to spend $50 to $60 per child so
every child will receive an equivalent amount. Each child
should receive 2 or 3 brand new inexpensive toys, new socks,
and undergarments and any specific clothing items listed. All
gifts are to be delivered to the city hall by Dec. 10.
The Varnell United Christmas will be at VUMC, Tuesday, Dec.
17th at 7 p.m., and the congregation is asked to come and
help celebrate with the families.
PO Box 307
Varnell, GA 30756-0307
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Part II
That’s right. We will be training to run the
April 12 Run at the Mill 10K/Half Marathon.
Our first group training session will be
January 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Edwards Park.
We will have an orientation session and
th
Bible study January 12 during Sunday
from 9:45am-10:30pm in the Kids Spot
room. This is a brand new Bible study and
training format. We will be doing this in
conjunction with several area churches. All
are welcome.
3485 HIGHWAY 2
COHUTTA, GA 30710
Office: 706.694.8023
Fax: 706.694.8519
Email: [email protected]
Ministers:
The People of Varnell UMC
Stephen Streett
Senior Minister
cell phone: 678.386.8233
email: [email protected]
Grethel Giddens
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
office phone: 706-694-8023
email: [email protected]
Tena Stines
Infant Childcare Provider
Janice Richards
Musician (8:40 & 10:45)
Sonia Harness
Facility Manager/Childcare Provider
Sharon Ewing
Director of Praise & Play Preschool
office phone: 706.694-9800
email: [email protected]
John Demerdjian
Tammy Burek
Kurt Baron
Director of Music Ministries
cell phone: 423.488.7999
email: [email protected]
Office Administrator
office phone: 706.694.8023
email: [email protected]
Director of Youth Ministries
cell phone: 706.537.3582
email: [email protected]
O F F E R I N G C h r i s t W h i l e B E C O M I N G W H O L E - H E A R T E D C h r i st F ol l o w e r s