February 2016 - Francis Asbury UMC

All the News
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
1871 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-1110
Rev. Edward S. Martin, Jr.
February 2016
Lent begins on Wednesday February 10th
Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. It is a period
of 40 days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and
ends on Holy Saturday.” The word “lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon
word that means “spring.” (UM Book of Worship, p.320) It is a time when
we focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to
God.
There are several ways to draw closer to God
during the season of Lent.
Fasting Fridays
“Sunrise to Sunset”
February 20th - March 3rd
(The fast is from solid foods breaking
the fast with the evening meal)
Pause each day for a time of
prayer and meditation realizing
God’s love & grace and our need for
God’s redemption. Humbly seek
God and pray for others and for the
needs of the world both near and far.
Give something up! Many Christians practice giving something up for Lent. This represents
Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days and is a form of self-denial and dependency on God. Giving
something up is best done by also doing something to help others.
Consider adding an act of love, generosity, or kindness for others every day.
Fasting, and/or giving something up for Lent, is certainly not a requirement and is meant only to be a
spiritual discipline that may be helpful on your spiritual journey. For me it is simply a sacrifice that
reminds me of my commitment to the Lord and my personal need and yearning for God. May the Lord
bless you as we journey to the cross, the tomb and the resurrection!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…..Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness, for they will be filled… Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.”
( Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:3, 6, 7)
Under the Mercy, Pastor Ed
FAUMC AT A GLANCE
Our Mission
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Our Vision
We are called to be a Beacon of Hope to our community by
Belonging, Believing and Becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.
--Belonging: Worshipping to celebrate Jesus Christ and openly invite others to God’s love.
--Believing: Studying the Scriptures to provide Spiritual Light and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
--Becoming: Serving others to reflect our hope in Jesus Christ to our community and world.
Worship Services
8am (Seasonal) – Outdoor Chapel in the Woods
(Memorial Day through Labor Day Sunday)
9am – Contemporary - Social Hall
11am – Traditional – Sanctuary
10:30am* – 5th Sunday Combined Service – Sanctuary
*(Only occurs when a month has five Sundays. The 9am & 11am services will
not be held and there will be one combined service in the sanctuary at 10:30am.)
Church Staff
Pastor: Rev. Edward S. Martin, Jr.
Associate Pastor Outreach Ministries: Rev. Bob Friend
Executive Church Secretary: Mrs. Liz Needham
Music Director: Mr. Kenneth Smead
Organist: Mrs. Nancy Probert
Youth & Young Adult Director:
Family Ministry Director: Mrs. Trisha Mundell
Nursery Director: Mrs. Amy Balzer
Preschool Director: Mrs. Anna Chevalier
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Office Hours
Tuesday - Friday 9:00am – 12:30pm
Church Phone: (757) 481-5016
Church Fax: (757) 481-7216
Church Email: [email protected]
Church Website: www.FrancisAsburyUMC.org
CELEBRATIONS / REMEMBERENCES
Happy Birthday to:
02/01
02/02
02/02
02/02
02/03
02/04
02/05
02/05
02/05
02/06
02/06
02/07
02/08
02/09
02/09
02/10
02/10
02/10
02/10
02/10
02/11
02/12
02/12
02/12
02/12
02/14
02/14
02/14
02/15
02/16
02/16
02/17
02/17
02/19
02/19
02/19
02/20
02/20
02/21
02/22
02/23
02/24
02/26
02/26
Robert Griffin
Joan Bondi
Janice Tuckman
Grace Argus
John Price
Brooke Barnes
Sylvia Campbell
Ginger Wills
Caroline Needham
Pete Bondi
Charles Liles
Edwin Dean
Sawyer Strach
Pat Hermit
Ben Chevalier
Marcella Whitson
Caroline Muller
Lynn Hickey
Susan Wilson
Mark Higginbotham
Happy Birthday cont:
02/27
02/28
02/29
02/29
Mona Pantone
Matt Gregory
Brett Workman
Cynthia Swart
Happy Anniversary to:
02/09
Rob & Melissa Waddell
02/20
Jim & Imogene Kelley
02/21
Oscar & Eva Henley
02/21
Robert & Julia Griffin
Davis-Meekins-Petre Circle
Valentines for Vets
Greg Damon-Billings
Virginia Church
Bill Williams
Michael Smead
Robert Crofton
Christy Mayo
Jarrod Miley
Heather Guthrie
Shane Owen
Brad Gray
Matt Ittner
Jeff Edens
Rebecca Tilhou
Lige Shick
Kevin Baird
Rachel Law
Mark Bonnett
Ben Harris
Ginger Anderson
Kay Oliver
Christopher Norton
Mark Schaefer
Angie Myers
Greg Roy
Remember In Prayer:
Jean Harrell
Watson Family
Bramble Family
OUR MILITARY
The DMPC is sponsoring
Valentines for Vets again this
year. A box for valentines has
been placed in the Welcome
Center and the circle would
like the congregation to join
us in sending valentines to
the Vets who have served our
country and are now in the
Veterans
Hospital
in
Hampton. Thank you for
supporting Valentines for
Vets!
Home Bound:
Prayer Chain:
When prayers are needed,
please call Barbra Stehlik at
481-6142 to activate the
prayer chain.
Ginger Anderson
Mary Blackburn, Lou Bunch,
Evelyn Hamblen, Mildred Joyce,
Win Lawson, Joy Longworth,
George Marion, Sarah Martin
VOLUNTEERS
SUNDAY
February 3rd February 10th February 17th February 24th
Snacks 9am
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Greeters 9am
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Lector 9am
Snacks 11am
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Greeters 11am
Marilyn Spence &
Bill Hodson
Lector 11am
Camden Rehak
Boy Scouts
Maury Bailey
Dana Gustafson
Acolytes
Lizzy Tierney &
Grace Williams
Cailyn Gregory &
Brooke Harris
Maeve Hickey
& Gunner Lyon
Maddy Harris &
Paige Harris
Flowers
Carol Wickham
IMO
Carl Wickham
& Jo Weir
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Head Usher
Bill Williams
Bill Williams
Bill Williams
Bill Williams
Pat & Maury Bailey Jack & Barbra Stehlik Stan & Joy Grushkin
Sunday Nursery Schedule 8:45am – 12:15pm
To volunteer in the nursery, see Amy or email at
[email protected]
Reception Committee
Co-Chairs
Cindy Burton
Bertie Edens
Mrs. Amy (Nursery Directory)
Ms. Brown, Shirley Drye
Team Leader: Carol Tiedemann
Dana Gustafson
Donna Ripley
Pat Bailey
Dana Striffler
Carol Wickham
Beth Johnston
Dorothy Young
Jeannette Reeks
The 2016 Volunteer Signup Book is available on the Welcome Desk in the Welcome Center
and in the Social Hall. PLEASE SIGN UP! There are many OPEN opportunities.
Small Group Study
February 2nd, 6:45pm, Mason’s House
2092 Thomas Bishop Lane
The small group study begins on Tuesday, January 5th at 6:45pm. We
eat, pray, talk, learn, and study together. We will use, Follow: No
Experience Necessary. In this eight-session DVD Bible study, pastor and
bestselling author Andy Stanley will help us discover that Jesus'
invitation is an invitation to relationship. It begins with a simple request
- follow me. Andy Stanley takes you on a journey through the Gospels
as he traces Jesus' teaching on what it means to follow. If you are
interested in joining us, e-mail Sandi: [email protected] or call (cell)
757-642-4223.
FINANCIALS
2015 Financial Report
2016 Financial Report
 Needed Weekly: $8,853
 Income for Year: $ 419,750
 Income to Date: $ 24,530
 Expenses for Year: $ 413,750
 Expenses to Date: $ 30,800
 Income vs. Expenses: $ 6,000
 Income vs. Expenses: $ -6,200
25% of our contributions come through e-Giving!
2016 Apportionment Report
Va. Annual Conference Apportionments for 2016: $ 62,925
Elizabeth River District Apportionments for 2016: $ 5,136
As United Methodist we are a “connectional” church. Each local congregation is a part of the
greater ministry of the church both near and far. Through our giving to the “Apportionments” we
are able to accomplish more in ministry together than any one congregation would ever be able
to do alone. We share our gifts and resources to the glory of God and in service to Jesus Christ.
FAUMC Endowment Fund
“Someone is sitting in the shade today
because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffett
The Endowment balance in the Virginia United Methodist Foundation is now $70,130.78!
Prayerfully consider contributing to the FAUMC Endowment as we build for the future. All
contributions remain as “principal” in the Endowment and continue to grow. The interest from the
Endowment may be drawn upon to fund the mission and ministry of our church as we seek to
make disciples for Jesus Christ.
For information on how you can contribute and/or remember our church in your estate, contact
our pastor or Mr. Dan David. You may access the Virginia United Methodist Foundation website
at: http://vaumfgifts.org/
2016 Stewardship Reminder
It has been approximately two months since Consecration Sunday and some members have not
completed and returned a commitment card. Please do so at your earliest convenience. Even if
you do not plan to make a financial pledge, please check the first block on the card and return it,
indicating your support for our church and God’s work. (Extra cards are available in the Welcome
Center.) You may also notify your intentions by email to [email protected]. Thank you
for your cooperation and continued support of the ministry of FAUMC.
SEASON OF LENT
The season of LENT begins on Ash Wednesday
February 10th
Please join us at 7pm
at
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
for our
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
&
The Imposition of Ashes
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
1871 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA
2016 LENTEN Lunches
Lenten Devotions
Each Wednesday – 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm
(Free to everyone - Invite a friend!)
I. Wednesday, February 17th
Speaker: Rev. Clark Cundiff
Senior Minister
Baylake UMC, Virginia Beach, VA
II. Wednesday, February 24th
Speaker: Rev. Scott Rimer
Senior Minister
Larchmont UMC, Norfolk, VA
III. Wednesday, March 2nd
Speaker: To be announced
IV. Wednesday, March 9th
Speaker: To be announced
Lenten
devotions
are
available to enhance our journey
to the empty tomb. These have
been prepared by the Society of
St. Andrews and freely given to
our church. The Society is
committed
to
feeding
the
hungry.
“While Still Far Off,” is
BASED ON THE Parable of the
Prodigal Son, and is a great
resource for personal devotional
during the forty days and seven
Sundays leading up to Easter.
“I Thirst,” is designed for
individuals
who
want
the
spiritual discipline of purposeful
hunger
between
Maundy
Thursday and Easter Sunday.
“I was hungry and you fed
me” (Matthew 25:35 is a coin
box to be used as part of the
Society of St. Andrew’s mission
to feed the hungry.
All this material is located
throughout the church. If you
have difficulty finding it Pastor
Bob can make sure you can your
copies.
SERVING THE LORD
DONATIONS TO THE VBJDC
Dear most generous FA members. Thank you all so much for your donation to the VBJDC. We
were able to fill 42 stockings for the residents. You may like to know what goes into the stockings
so here it is: One small toothpaste, one toothbrush, one comb, one body soap, one deodorant,
one Chap stick, one Bible, one Search-A-Word, one orange, one small bag of peanuts, three
Hershey Kisses, and two Tootsie Rolls. We are fortunate as the bibles, toothbrushes and
toothpaste were donated by an FA member. With the help of Cindy Burton and Peggy Skinner,
we filled all the stockings and then they were delivered. The residents wrote thank you notes
which are put on the bulletin board outside of the church office. Again, thankyou – it is much
appreciated. Joy Longworth, Barbra Stehlik and Vicki Williams.
Our Christmas Eve offering was $2,867! 100% went to help children. 50% was
given to help children and their families locally through UMFS, and 50% was given
to “Imagine No Malaria” helping to prevent Malaria by providing mosquito nets to
children in Africa.
Helping KIDS and families SOAR
As a nonprofit social service organization, we do whatever it takes to empower high-risk
children, their families and communities throughout Virginia. From addressing behavioral
and emotional issues to finding foster homes, UMFS never gives up.
UR MISSION
GOOD NEWS: MALARIA IS 100% PREVENTABLE
Imagine No Malaria is part of a global partnership and together with our partners; our
generation can beat malaria once and for all by improving the ways people fight the
disease using bed nets, providing access to diagnostic tests and medicine, draining
standing water, and improving sanitation we have already helped reduce malaria
deaths by more than half.
SERVING THE LORD CONT…
SERVING THE LORD CONT…
January 16th, 2016
Dear Friends,
As the New Year begins, I can proudly say that we had a very successful 2015 Holiday Project. On behalf of
the Virginia Beach Human Services Department, I extend many thanks to you for your generosity and support
of Our program. Your contributions helped 885 individuals and families experience the joy of the holiday season
with food and gifts for their families. All of our 240 Virginia Beach foster children separated from their families
during the holidays awoke on Christmas morning to find their holiday wishes had been fulfilled. This could not
have been achieved without caring individuals like you who are willing to give back to our community each year
by helping others in need. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the service you provide to our community by
assisting our Holiday Project families. Best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
SERVING THE LORD CONT…
Lay Leader Log
What’s Your Story?
During the Christmas season we remembered the story of Christ’s birth, hearing the
timeless message with fresh eyes and ears. Early in the year is a perfect time for each of us to
remember his or her story of finding Jesus: “His impact on our lives. The darkness, the doubt,
the fear, the unworthiness, the self-sufficiency that have been ours; and the light, the good
promises, the comfort, the favor, and the guidance that have been ours because of Him.” (from
Noel Celebration).
Our family came to Francis Asbury in the fall of 1991. Brian was deployed aboard the USS
America. Our daughters, Megan and Christina were ages six and two. I will never forget the warm
welcome the girls and I received from Hazel White, the first person to speak and introduce herself
to us. A visit from Pastor Joe French toting a half gallon of Peach ice cream quickly followed. It
took just one person with an open heart and an invitation to a stranger, that helped us find our
church home.
Francis Asbury has been a very important part of our lives: Sunday School, bell choir, MYF,
mission trips, Christmas pageants, bowling, Supper Club, choir, potlucks, softball, serving at
JCOC, Bible Study, Methodist Men and Methodist Women. It is through weekly worship combined
with those activities that we have strengthened our knowledge and love of Christ through the
friends at FAUMC.
For the coming year I will serve as the Lay Leader. This position offers a connection
between the members of the church (laity) and the Pastors as well as the various church
committees. A Lay Leader should listen and observe the needs of the congregation as related to
the mission of FAUMC: We are called to be a beacon of hope to our community by Belonging,
Believing and Becoming disciples of Christ.
Serving as the Lay Leader also offers an opportunity to step back and view the various
church activities and ministries of the church with an eye for growth and improvement. This is
where you come in. Do you feel like you belong? How can we as the body of Christ help you
grow in your Christian walk? What are your thoughts, prayers, needs, concerns, and ideas for the
ministries at Francis Asbury? I would love to talk to you about our church: in person, on the
phone, or via e-mail. [email protected] 757-642-4223 ©; 757-481-1265 (h).
So again. What is your story? See you in church!
Love in Christ, Sandi Cox
United Methodist Women
DID YOU KNOW?
The Davis-Meekins-Petre, Moore and French Circles of our FAUMC United Methodist Women (UMW)
quietly and very effectively "Let God's Light Shine" across our community and the world in 2015.
Through a combination of collection and fund raising activities, these wonderful Christians made
significant donations totaling in excess of $2000 for:
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Local community Thanksgiving Dinners
"Imagine No Malaria"
Women and Children Shelter
Samaritan House
Needy Family Christmas Gifts
Bibles for our Youth
FAUMC UMW - "Letting Our Light Shine"
STAFF NEWS
Trisha Mundell
Director of Family Ministry
[email protected]
Vacation Bible School!!!
We are dreaming of summer here at Francis Asbury, and we like to think that Vacation Bible School
is right around the corner! Mark your calendar for Monday, June 20th - Friday, June 24th. This
year’s theme is “Surf Shack; Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love!” Last year we had an amazing
set of volunteers sharing the love of the Lord with our young ones. If you are a seasoned volunteer,
this will be a great year to share your knowledge and help this be one of the best years yet! If you
are new to the church, or have never volunteered before, come share your fresh ideas! Volunteers
are what make this event special! Please send me an email at [email protected] if you
are willing to share your time!
MOM’S CONNECT
Are you a MOM who needs a little extra support and humor in your life? Join us on the 1st and
3rd Wednesdays of every month at 1030 for light hearted and Bible inspired conversation.
Childcare is provided, which allows you to fill up your soul without the immediate demands
from your kidlets! This fun group also meets for dinner every second Monday of the month.
For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]
FEBRUARY EVENTS!!
Please join us on Sunday, February 14th for a FAUMC Valentine’s Day party! Adults and
children alike are invited to stay between services to enjoy a sweet bite to eat, as well as games
and music. Feel free to bring a delicious dessert to share with the congregation! Sunday
schools will still be in session. Please let me know if you have any questions!
[email protected]
CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE MEETING!
Thursday, February 18th, 7pm, Hospitality Rm
It is a dream of my heart to create a close-knit community of volunteers that desire to share the
love of the Lord with the children of the congregation. We are so blessed to have such loving, fun,
and adorable young ones in this church, and they both need and deserve loving guidance from us.
Please join me on Thursday, February 18, at 7pm, here in the hospitality room at Francis
Asbury to discuss the direction that our children’s committee should take in the upcoming year. I
encourage you to also invite someone from the church that you feel has something to offer our
little ones. The more the merrier!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email,
[email protected], I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, February 18 at 7pm!
YOUTH NEWS
We are still actively searching for a new “Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries!” In the
meantime, Pastor Ed will be working with the youth and we are looking to build an Adult Youth Support
Team of folks who will help with our ministry with our youth! We want for our Youth Ministry here at
FAUMC to grow and become even better as we follow Christ together.
SUNDAY NIGHTS!
6:00 PM to 7:30 pm - at the church!!
Who?
All middle school and high
school youth. Bring a friend!!
What?
Dinner, Games and Lesson!
Leader? Pastor Ed
Youth Sunday School – every Sunday – 10 am
in the youth room. Leader: Pastor Ed
If you would like to work with our Youth Ministry,
please contact Pastor Ed at 695-0134 (cell). There
are opportunities to help with providing Sunday
evening dinner, transportation, chaperoning, Sunday
School, teaching, etc.
Francis Asbury Preschool Digest
Volume: 1
Issue: 5
[email protected]
757-376-8394
Spotlight on our staff!
This month we are highlighting
Ms. Tracy. Ms. Tracy has been our Kindergarten
Enrichment teacher for 2 years. She is excited about
becoming our Kindergarten classroom teacher next
fall. In her class she takes our philosophy to heart by
creating exciting and fun activities that extend the
learning process!
Don’t forget to clip those box tops!! The next deposit
date is in March! We would love to be able to collect
$70 worth for that deposit! There are labeled
containers in the school office, welcome center and
church office.
Donation Requests
If you have any of the following items
we would be SO appreciative!!!
 Bottle tops (of any type)
 Plastic flowers or vases
 Wine corks
 Buttons
Key fobs are
available in the
welcome center
A NOTE FROM ANNA…
IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ALREADY
WE ARE WRAPPING UP JANUARY! WOW! I
ENJOY
OUR
JANUARY
THEMES
IMMENSELY SEEING OUR CLASSROOMS
TRANSFORM TO HAVE LOCATIONS FOR
THE BEARS TO HIBERNATE AND HAVING
SNOW BALL FIGHTS! WHAT A JOY!
HEADING INTO FEBRUARY IT IS TIME TO
START THINKING ABOUT OUR SIGNATURE
EVENT, THE ART SHOW!  THIS YEAR’S
ART SHOW AND GALA WILL BE HELD AT
FAUMC ON MARCH 18TH. THIS EXCITING
EVENT IS A NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND FUN
AS WE ENJOY BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECES
CREATED BY OUR FAP ARTISTS AND BID
ON ITEMS AT OUR AUCTION. THIS YEARS
THEME OF THE NIGHT IS “SOMEWHERE
OVER THE RAINBOW”. JUST IMAGINE HOW
BEAUTIFUL THE NIGHT WILL BE!
WE DO HOPE THAT WE WIL SEE YOU
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW!
Thank you for all of the fantastic donations of
coats, hats, gloves and scarves! We made a
large donation to VBUMC Kids Closet and Potter
House. For the month of February, we will be
partnering with the Society of Saint Andrew in
Ending Hunger. We will be completing this
mission with FAUMC. This mission will begin on
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10th. Each classroom will
have a coin collection box. Please assist your
little ones in bringing in coins to add to our
donation boxes! THANK YOU for your support!
What’s Happening??
Feb. 1 – Staff Day – SCHOOL CLOSED
Feb. 15 - SCHOOL CLOSED
FEBRUARY 2016
For updated calendar information: Church website, Weekly Announcements, or contact Liz Needham
Hard copies of the
Newsletter are
available in the
Welcome Center.
ATTENTION:
All requests, changes, and/or
cancellations to the calendar and/or
use of the church facilities must be
communicated to Liz Needham.
Thank you for your cooperation.
March Newsletter Deadline:
Wednesday, February 24th
Please email your articles to:
[email protected] or
you can leave them on the
secretary’s desk.