March 2016 - Francis Asbury United Methodist Church

All the News
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
1871 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-1110
Rev. Edward S. Martin, Jr.
March 2016
Sunday, March 27th
The path to EASTER prepares and purifies us;
the day of EASTER raises us to new life!
The path to EASTER takes us through these remaining days of LENT as we seek to follow our Lord
in humility and dependence.
This is Holy Week when we will travel to the upper room and share in the Lord’s last supper with
his disciples. We will also travel the Via Delarosa to the cross and discover the “way of suffering”
that belongs not only to Jesus, but also to all true disciples. While Christ lies dead within the
tomb, we will ponder our own sense of “dying to self.” Finally, on Easter morning we will rejoice
in the power of God to raise Jesus from the dead and to deliver all God’s people from sin and
dead raising us to new life in the Lord!!
This year Easter is celebrated on Sunday April 5th! This is a date that changes from year to year,
but it is always the first Sunday after the full moon following the first day of spring (established
by the church in 325).
Easter is the highest holy day of the Christian year, and we have three wonderful services of
worship planned! (7:00 am - Sunrise - / 9:00 am / 11:00 am) Please be sure to mark your
calendar and plan on joining us to worship the RISEN savior.
The message of Easter is simply: Jesus Christ is risen! He has conquered death and offers new
and eternal life to all who believe in him.
Easter is a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative, or even a stranger to
church! You might even offer them a ride as we discover an empty tomb and worship Jesus who
is alive and in the world.
Easter is all about celebrating life and spreading the word!
“Christ is risen – He is risen indeed!”
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:
03/01 Camden Rehak
03/02 Wes David
03/02 Paul Leon
03/02 Carla Kavula
03/03 Cindy Burton
03/03 Stephen McKenzie
03/05 Greg Law
03/05 Christopher Cooke
03/06 Justin Bray
03/07 David Broun
03/07 Paige Gregory
03/08 Bertie Edens
03/08 Lynda Waddell
03/09 Elena Mello
03/10 Donald Meekings
03/10 John Nankervis III
03/12 Jonathan Harris
03/12 Betty Fullerton
03/12 Price Wootton
03/12 Nathan Lundstrom
03/13 Robert Davis
03/14 Roberta Lemburg
03/14 Catherine Nolan
03/15 Kaydence Himes
03/16 Bonnie Wilson
03/16 Greg Barnes
03/17 Barbra Stehlik
03/18 Tim Journigan
03/18
Michele Damon-Billings
03/18 Charlotte Fuchs
03/19 Pat Kellett
03/20 George Marion
03/20 Lynsi Long
03/20 Zach Gibson
03/20 Gavin Workman
03/21 Ron Ripley
03/21 Ashley Bray
03/22 Bob Rice
03/22 Vickie Greatwood
03/23 Ramona Maloney
03/24 Dan Waddell
03/24 James Chevalier
03/25 Mackenzie Sanson
Happy Birthday cont:
03/26
03/27
03/27
03/28
03/28
03/28
03/29
03/29
03/30
03/30
03/31
03/31
03/31
03/31
Kelsey Yates
Dave Johnston
Melissa McKenzie
Jeff Floyd
Jim Miller
Niel Mason
Phil Gray
Pawel Malyszko
Robin Strohsahl
Hannah Langley
Betty Stoy
Nathan Owen
Pete Santos
Hannah McEwen
Happy Anniversary to:
03/01
Michael & Tasha Hasty
03/04
Ian & Conni Rasmussen
03/16
Greg & Laura Roy
03/17
Andrea Lawson
& Donald Snodgrass
03/18
Glenn & Sylvia Campbell
03/20
Bill & Ramona Maloney
03/30
Clyde & Marcia Perry
03/31
Harry & Bridget Hampson
Remember In Prayer:
OUR MILITARY
Prayer Chain:
When prayers are needed,
please call Barbra Stehlik at
481-6142 to activate the
prayer chain.
Home Bound:
Ginger Anderson
Mary Blackburn, Lou Bunch,
Evelyn Hamblen, Mildred Joyce,
Win Lawson, Joy Longworth,
George Marion, Sarah Martin
VOLUNTEERS
SUNDAY
March 6th
March 13th
March 20th
March 27th
Snacks 9am
GIRL SCOUTS
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Greeters 9am
GIRL SCOUTS
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Lector 9am
Snacks 11am
GIRL SCOUTS
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
GIRL SCOUTS
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Greeters 11am
GIRL SCOUTS
John & Cindy Burton
Christy Mayo &
Rachael Roush
Hollie & Carol
Tiedemann
Lector 11am
GIRL SCOUTS
Mrs. Sue Rice
Mrs. Carol Haenni
Mrs. Kay David
Acolytes
Cailyn Gregory &
Lizzy Tierney
Camden & Kelly
Rehak
Maddy Harris &
Maeve Hickey
Gunner Lyon
Flowers
Barbara Tierney
IHO
Girl Scouts
OPEN
OPEN
EASTER LILIES
Head Usher
Kristen Gregory
Kristen Gregory
Kristen Gregory
Kristen Gregory
Sunday Nursery Schedule 8:45am – 12:15pm
To volunteer in the nursery, see Amy or email at
[email protected]
Special
Services
Palm Sunday Cantata & Luncheon
Sunday, March 20th, 11am, Sanctuary
Mrs. Amy (Nursery Directory)
Ms. Brown, Shirley Drye
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service
Thursday, March 24th, 7pm, Social Hall
Easter Sunday Services
Sunday, March 27th, 7am – Chapel In The Woods, 9am – Social Hall, 11am Sanctuary
Reception Committee
Co-Chairs
Cindy Burton
Bertie Edens
Team Leader: Carol Tiedemann
Joy Grushkin
Barbra Stehlik
Lorna Godfrey
Judy Creighton
Dana Striffler
Sue Rice
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.
FINANCIALS
2016 Financial Report
 Needed Weekly: $8,853
 Income to Date: $ 59,930
 Expenses to Date: $ 59,200
 Income vs. Expenses: $ 730
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/
SERVING THE LORD
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
1871 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA
2016 LENTEN Lunches
Each Wednesday – 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm
(Free to everyone - Invite a friend!)
III. Wednesday, March 2nd
Speaker: Rev. Barbara St. Jean
Senior Minister
Bethel UMC, Virginia Beach, VA
IV. Wednesday, March 9th
Speaker: To be announced
Lay Leader Log
Storms of Life
Are you a weather tracker? My mother would call out the weather for the day so I
would know what to wear. As a young teacher, I always wanted to know if it was going
to rain, because on rainy days it meant inside play with rowdy and restless
kindergarteners. Now I watch storm clouds, hoping rain holds off until after 3:30pm. At
the school where I am a principal, “rainy day dismissal” is controlled chaos.
Last week I was mesmerized by the TV reports tracking the heavy thunderstorms
and possible tornadoes heading our way. On TV, the meteorologist zoomed the computer
screen in and out showing neighborhoods up close and then from a birds-eye-view, while
minutes ticked down telling how long it would be until the band of storms reached
particular neighborhoods. As the commentary continued, I sat warm and comfortable in
my recliner, planning where I would go if a tornado came toward Great Neck.
What about the “life storms” that come our way? We are not watching those
storms; we are right in the middle of them: Illness, Loss, Strife. Who can predict when
an event will change our life forever? And honestly, who wants to know what troubles
await? Sometimes I think that the trials that Christians face are just not fair. After all,
aren’t Christians trying to live like Jesus wanted us to? But, in the end, we know that life
is neither fair nor perfect: it ebbs and flows like the tides. However, we have assurance
through Jesus that we can weather those storms.
When trials come remember Paul’s words, “…this all surpassing power is from God,
and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
in despair, persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians
4:7-9. God never abandons us no matter the storm.
See you in church!
In His Love, Sandi Cox
SERVING THE LORD
The Via Dolorosa
The path to EASTER takes us through a variety of
emotions and spiritual lessons. It is a path that
guides us to Jerusalem during the days of LENT as we
seek to follow our Lord in humility; to learn of our
humanness, and to embrace our dependence upon
Jesus. During Holy Week we travel the Via Delarosa
toward the cross and discover the “way of suffering”
which belongs not only to Jesus but to all true
disciples. While Christ lies dead within the tomb, we
ponder the place of “dying to self” in our relationship with God. Finally, on Easter morning
we rejoice in the power of God to raise Jesus from the dead and to raise his people to
new life in the Lord!
As we journey to Jerusalem and contemplate all that must happen there, it is
important to recall the history of the holy city. Approaching Jerusalem today, one sees
the magnificent Golden “Dome of the Rock” mosque of Islam set upon the highest mound
of the city. Centuries ago, Father Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son Isaac
upon a mound that some traditions believe was this site of Jerusalem. There God tested
Abraham’s faithfulness and He provided a ram caught in the thorn bushes to spare Isaac’s
life. Earlier in his life, Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedeck, the high priest of “Salem,”
which very well may have been the ancient location of Jerusalem. King Solomon later
realized the dream of his father, King David, and built the Jewish Temple upon the mound
of the gated city of Jerusalem. Jesus Christ, a descendent of David, was much later
crucified on Golgotha that is a part of this very same hill in Jerusalem. Here “YWH,” the
holy God whose name is so holy that it is not fully known, sacrificed the “Lamb of God”,
his son Jesus Christ as a final atonement for the sins of His people.
While these stories remind us of why Jerusalem is often viewed as “the” holy city,
the history of Jerusalem may have an even more ancient image. Archeologists suggest
that before Melchizedeck, Abraham, Solomon or Jesus, the site that became Jerusalem
was actually an ancient “threshing floor.” It was there that wheat was taken and
continually tossed into the air so that the winds of the hill could separate the chaff from
the grain. It was a process of purification and a celebration of life. Like the grain, God
continually sifts and separates us from our sinfulness.
“Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah
gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 - from The Message
Pastor Ed
SERVING THE LORD CONT…
March 20th
- Palm Sunday
Chancel Choir EASTER CANTATA – 11:00 am Service
March 24th
- Maundy Thursday / Tenebrae Service
(7:00 p.m. beginning in the Social Hall)
A special observance of the
Last Supper of Jesus and the Crucifixion.
(We will celebrate the Last Supper at a common
table in the Social Hall and then journey to the
Sanctuary to observe the Crucifixion of Jesus.)
March 25th
- Good Friday
A day of quiet reflection recalling the crucifixion.
(Traditionally Jesus died at 3:00 pm)
The sanctuary will be open between the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm
March 27th
- EASTER (7:00 am / 9:00 am / 11:00 am)
Sunrise Service
7:00 a.m. - Chapel in the Woods
(By the water behind church)
Contemporary Worship
9:00 a.m. – Social Hall
Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. – Sanctuary
ANNOUNCEMENTS / EVENTS
Francis Asbury Preschool requests your presence at our
3rd Annual Art Show and Gala
Friday the 18th of March
At 6:30pm
Francis Asbury United Methodist Church
1871 N Great Neck Rd.
Hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served.
There will be a silent auction and pre-registered childcare available.
Artwork created by Ms. Tracy’s students
Church Office Closed – March 28th through April 1st
The Secretary Liz Needham will be out of town during this time.
FA Preschool Closed – March 28th through April 1st
Rev. Martin Out of town – March 28th through April 4th
Rev. Martin will be out of town, March 28th through April 4th, on vacation. If you are in
need of assistance, or in the event of emergency, please contact our Associate Pastor:
Rev. Bob Friend (757-375-3034).
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]
FAUMC Easter Egg Hunt!!
It’s that time again! FAUMC is hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 13,
2016, from 12:30pm- 2:00pm. There will be crafts and games, as well as hotdog and
hamburger cookout provided by the United Methodist Men. If you are planning on attending,
please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share with the congregation! Please feel free
to invite friends and family! Please RSVP how many people will be attending!
[email protected]
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
If you have a desire in your heart to help share the love of the Lord with the children, please
contact me! There are so many ways you can serve the amazing young ones we have in our
congregation here at Francis Asbury. I would love to help you find the fit that is right for you!
We especially have a need for Sunday School teachers, as well as volunteers for Vacation Bible
School!
YOUTH NEWS
We are still actively searching for a new “Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries!” In
the meantime, Pastor Ed and Margaret are 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! Please be in prayer for the Lord to provide the right person as our
new Youth Pastor.
SUNDAY NIGHTS!
6:00 - 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
NOTE:
No meeting on March 27th or April 3rd (Spring Break)
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10am - 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: 6
[email protected]
757-376-8394
Spotlight on our staff!
This dynamic duo create a fun
learning experience for all Pre-K little ones in their
care! Between these 2 ladies there is 40 plus years of
experience, knowledge and truly expertise in how little
one’s minds work! However, these ladies see the
importance in growing professionally and do so
through ongoing training. FAP is lucky to have this
pair!
What’s Happening??
March 18 – FAP CLOSED
March 18 – Art Show and Gala @ 6:30
March 23 – Easter Presentation @ 9:00
March 24 – Easter Presentation @ 9:00
March 25 – April 1 - Easter Break FAP CLOSED
FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
DO YOU HAND YOUR CHILD A CRAYON, PENCIL, PEN OR
MARKER AND LET THEM “DOODLE”? HOW ABOUT
KEEPING A PEN AND PAD IN YOUR BAG? ONE OF THE
BIGGEST PIECES TO OUR SCHOOL DAY IS DEVELOPING
THE PINCER GRIP. THE CHILDREN, IN THE 2’S CLASS,
OFTEN COME TO US USING THEIR FIST GRIP. THIS IS
COMPLETELY AGE APPROPRIATE. IT IS OUR JOB TO HELP
THEM PROGRESS FROM THIS GRIP TO THE “4 FINGER
GRIP” FOLLOWED BY THE “PINCER GRIP”. THE FINAL
GRIP IS THE CORRECT PENCIL GRIP USING THE 3
DOMINANT FINGERS.
WE DEVELOP THESE MUSCLES THROUGH MULTIPLE
OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN THESE MUSCLES, IE
LACING, WRITING IN SHAVING CREAM, DRY ERASE
BOARD WRITING, WRITING UNDER TABLES, CUTTING
AND FINALLY THROUGH JOURNALING.
WHILE WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON DEVELOPING THIS
SKILL HAVING CONSISTENT EXPOSURE AT HOME AS
WELL WOULD HELP STRENGTHEN THOSE MUSCLES
MORE QUICKLY. SO, CONSIDER KEEPING A DOODLE PAD
AND PEN IN YOUR BAG! IF YOU HAVE TIME CHECK OUT
THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE IDEAS! DEVELOP THE
PINCER GRIP
Donation Requests
Thank you for assisting us in ending hunger!!!
We made a significant donation towards Society
of Saint Andrew in Ending Hunger.
This month we will honor those who have been
stricken with cancer by partnering with Relay for
Life. Please help us fill our purple cups with
pocket change! Be on the lookout for the
beginning date! THANK YOU for your support!
Don’t forget to use
your key fob at Farm
Fresh! To date we have
collected 29,112 points!!
Don’t forget to clip those box tops!! The next
deposit date is this month! We would love to be
able to collect $70 worth! There are labeled
containers in the school office, welcome center
and church office.
MARCH 2016
For updated calendar information: Church website, Weekly Announcements, or contact Liz Needham
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.
Hard copies of the
Newsletter are
available in the
Welcome Center.
March Newsletter Deadline:
Tuesday, March 29th
Please email your articles to:
[email protected] or
you can leave them on the
secretary’s desk.