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