echoes - Woodland Christian Church

ECHOES
Monthly Newsletter of
Woodland Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
January 2015
Martin Luther King Service
Sunday, January 18 @ 6:00 pm
Central Christian Church
The community is invited to a special interfaith worship
service to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. at Central Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) on Sunday, January 18 at 6:00 pm.
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, one of America’s more
renowned pastors, scholars, and thought leaders on
preaching and worship, is the keynote speaker. He
currently serves as Professor of Homiletics and Director
of the Academy of Preaching and Celebration at
Christian Theological Seminary of Indianapolis, Indiana.
As always, a choir comprised of more than 20
congregations will lead us in song. Please join us as we
consider Dr. King’s message of justice and peace from
the past, how it informs our present, and how it shall
shape our future.
Lunch and Learn
Sunday, January 25
New to Woodland and want to learn more? Or,
know of someone that would like the opportunity to
learn more about Woodland? Plan to attend the
“Lunch and Learn” on January 25 with Rev. Dalene
Vasbinder. We will provide lunch in the Fellowship
Hall following worship.
This is a special
opportunity to sit down and engage Dalene, along
with a small number of other members of Woodland
Christian Church in an informal capacity. Ask
questions, get to know some members, and gain a
better understanding of the culture here at
Woodland. Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, January 23.
For questions and to R.S.V.P., please e-mail Rachael
Deel at [email protected].
Mother to Mother Donation
and Thank You!
Mother to Mother gave Woodland a donation of
$250.00 with the following thank you:
“Mother to Mother of Lexington is so grateful for
the years that we were able to occupy space at your
church. We would have had a very tough time
making it financially if it had not been for your
generosity. Please accept this donation on behalf of
our members.
The board members and the mothers of our
organization wish we could do more of a
contribution.
Everyone at Woodland Christian
Church was wonderful to us. Thank you.”
Sincerely,
Donna Davidson
Board Member
On behalf of Mother to Mother
Staff Thank You!
“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the
thankful heart will find, in every hour, some
heavenly blessings.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Each of us would like to thank you for our staff
Christmas gift. Your generosity was overwhelming
and your thought of us is appreciated.
- Dalene, Kathryn, Joanna, Kathy, Mollie, Linda, and Ron
WEDNESDAY
NIGHTS AT
WOODLAND
`
2
JANUARY
WORSHIP NOTES
JANUARY 11
‘Baptism of the Lord’ Sunday
Scriptures:
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Sermon: “Call & Response”
Rev. Dalene Vasbinder preaching
JANUARY 18
Martin Luther King Weekend
Scriptures:
1 Samuel 3:1-10
John 1:43-51
Sermon: “Announcing God’s Good
News”
Rev. Dalene Vasbinder Preaching
JANUARY 25
Scriptures:
Psalm 67
Mark 1:14-20
Rev. Dalene Vasbinder preaching
A Note from Dalene
We as a church, and most likely as
individuals as well, have just finished one of
the busiest times of our year, that
holiday/’holy days’ time between
Thanksgiving and New Year’s. We have just
a few weeks to catch our collective breath
before entering in to the days of Lent (early
this year) and Easter. Before looking
forward, I would like to look back and express my gratitude.
“It takes a village” so the saying goes. For us to be so involved as
we were these past months, I would say, “it takes a church.” Thank
you, church, for all you were involved in during the month of
December. Thank you for stepping up, as you always do, to
provide gifts for foster kids, to provide hats, underwear, gloves and
socks for the homeless. Thank you for being involved in each of
our Advent services, in the Christmas pageant, in the Christmas
luncheon. Thank you for the many ministries that continued to
happen during this busy time: Sunday School, Board business,
JOY gatherings, Wednesday evening Bible study, and so much
more!
I am always reluctant to name specific individuals for fear that I
will leave someone out. Putting those fears aside . . . A special
thanks to Janet Brumfield for coordinating our Advent services and
decorating the sanctuary, Donna Redmon for taking charge of
ordering all of our beautiful poinsettias, Kathryn Welch Perry for
her above and beyond work with our children and youth to bring us
an extraordinary Christmas pageant and Mark Barker for assisting
Kathryn, Jackie Diachun for coordinating all of our special Advent
favors we received each Sunday (clay, candles, bells, hearts), Ken
McCullough for writing our opening scripture readings/skits for
each Sunday, Steve Johnson and Mark Barker for stepping in while
Joanna was about the very important task of having a baby, Steve
and Scotty Coon for hosting our Christmas luncheon.
2015 began with cold weather, but the warmth of this community
continues!
`
3
FOR ALL AGES AT WOODLAND!
Join us on Sunday Mornings before worship for
study/discussion/fellowship on our faith! We have
classes for all ages and all are welcome!
Infants – Preschool:
Nursery attendants will be available beginning at 9:30 am.
Elementary – High School:
This year we are again using the lectionary-based curriculum
“Feasting on the Word.” Each Sunday, the material introduces biblical stories in a creative way with age
appropriate learning activities. In addition, the scriptures used in Sunday school will be the same ones used
in worship, tying the two together in a very intentional way.
Join together at 9:30 am in the Youth Room for the Opening, with singing of camp songs and reading of the
day’s scripture! Following the opening time, individual classes will go to their assigned rooms.
Teachers for January are:
Kindergarten – 5th grade: Janice James
Youth: Dave Carr
Who said Sunday school ends at childhood? At Woodland, we have two very
dynamic adult classes:
The Hayes Farish class uses the study material “The Present Word.”
Through the exploration of biblical text, adult study groups are invited into a
deepened relationship with God. The Present Word engages participants in an
experiential style of learning – connecting faith and life. Discussion and activities encourage participants to
live out their faith in their individual and congregational activities. All are welcome!
January: “Learning to Pray” (John 17:6-21, Hebrews 4:14 & 5:10, and James 5:13-18)
The Seekers Class uses a variety of study material, rotating every 4-6 weeks with lively discussion. All
are welcome!
“Try Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes!”
A few years ago, the Seekers class watched and reflected on the series “30 Days.” It
was such a favorite, the class decided to view it again for the first six (or eight) weeks
of the New Year.
30 Days is a reality TV show created and hosted by Morgan Spurlock. In each
episode, Spurlock, or some other person or group of people, spends 30 days
immersing themselves in a particular lifestyle with which they are unfamiliar (e.g.
working for minimum wage, being in prison, a Christian living as a Muslim, etc.),
while discussing related social issues. As in Spurlock’s film, Super Size Me, there are
a number of rules unique to each situation, which must be followed during each such experiment.
In addition to the “related social issues,” the class will discuss “faith issues” that come up for them during
the episodes. The class begins each Sunday at 9:30 am in the library.
`
4
FINANCIAL UPDATE
September 30, 2014
We have completed the first half of our fiscal year
(July – December 2014) and a financial update is in
order. In a nutshell, here are the numbers:
Total Revenue (including one-time $136,079
annual events such as the arts festival
and a portion of the Woodland
Foundation gift)
Revenue Notes:
Giving on Pledges is 3.5% ($4,523)
below budget
General fund receipts is 10.8%
($4,102) above budget
Total Expenses
$111,715
Expense Notes:
Due to rewriting insurance policies
and the fact that budgeted mortar and
air conditioning repairs ($9,500) have
not taken place, expenses are currently
7.4% under budget.
Summary – Please stand by. My financial update
after March 31, 2015 should give us a much
clearer perspective on the year’s financial
outcome.
- Conley Salyer
Financial Secretary
OPEN CIRCLE
Open Circle will not meet again until Wednesday,
March 4. Watch for announcements about program
in the March ECHOES.
- Jackie Diachun
JOY GROUP
JOY is staying home in January, but we will gather
at noon in the Fellowship Hall at church on January
14 to make plans for what we want to do and where
we want to go in 2015. Bring a brown bag lunch or
let Jackie Diachun know if you would like to order a
sandwich box lunch from Missy’s Pies, Etc. for
$7.00. Order by Tuesday, January 13.
- Jackie Diachun
YOUTH
On behalf of the youth of
Woodland, I would like to say
Thank You for all of the
support you’ve shown us over the
last few months. We have done
very well on our fundraisers and
are preparing for our trip to
Nicaragua in March thanks to your generosity. Be
on the lookout for a few more opportunities to help
and hear from our youth, including a dinner and
silent auction in February. I am so grateful for a
church family that is so loving and supportive of our
youth. Thank you!
– Rev. Kathryn Welch Perry
Youth Schedule
January 11: Youth and Parent’s Meeting for
Nicaragua Trip
January 18: No Youth Group – Kathryn on
vacation
January 25: Youth Group following worship
2015 Summer Camp Dates
Thank of warm activities to help you get through the
cold and snowy days of winter. Below are the 2015
Summer Camp dates for Wakon’ Da-Ho. NOTE:
These dates could change.
May 2-31: C/Cow (18-29 years old)
June 5-7: Mini Camp (3rd grade)
June 8-13: CYF1 (9th-12th grade)
June 14-20: Eighter’s (8th grade)
June 16-23: CYF Seminar (9th-12th grade)
June 22-26: Junior 1 (4th-5th grade)
June 26-28: 101 camp A (1st-2nd grade)
June 29-July 4: CYF 2 (9th-12th grade)
July 6-11: Chi-Rho 1 (6th-8th grade)
July 13-18: Chi-Rho 2 (6th-8th grade)
July 24-26: 101 camp B (1st-2nd grade)
Click here for parent information, camp registration
forms, and counselor registration forms as they
become available.
WORSHIP & WONDER
AND CHIDLREN’S CHURCH
We always have room and need more volunteers for
these very important children’s ministries in our
church. See Kathryn Perry if you would like to
volunteer.
`
5
OUTREACH
by Mark Johnson
GREEN CHALICE
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree for foster kids was a huge success
A few 2015 Green
thanks to all of you!
Your generosity is
Resolutions to consider:
demonstrated time and again with the outreach
activities we do during the year and I want to thank
everyone for opening your hearts when called up.
1. Recycle old/broken electronics at the Versailles
Road E-Waste Center. (Check Best Buy recyclable
bin for items they take.)
H.U.G.S.
With the cold weather this time of year, it is
important for us to think about our homeless friends
who need our help. We were very generous with our
donations in December, but the need is greater than
ever, so we will resume our H.U.G.S. outreach
campaign on January 18 and conclude on January
25.
2. Invest in rechargeable batteries.
Outreach
4. Become involved in the Green Chalice team! See
me
at
church
or
contact
me
at
[email protected].
The start of a new year brings more opportunities for
our church to make a difference in the community. I
would like your input on opportunities for us to help
or to be voice for good in Lexington. If you have
thoughts on Outreach at Woodland, please let me
know
in
person
or
via
e-mail
at
[email protected].
3. Add Kentucky-made/grown products to your
shopping list. (Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil, Dixie
Cups/Plates, and Post-It-Notes are a few nationally
known brands made in Kentucky.) Kroger stores
have a special display of Kentucky products
including soaps, lotions, sausage, and popcorn.
NOTE: The bin for broken strings of Christmas
lights will be available one more week (next to the
Recycle Center).
Happy New Year!
- June Salyer
WOODLAND DIRECTORY
- Did you have a name change?
- Do you have a new addition to your family?
- Do you have a new address?
- Do you have new home phone and/or cell number?
- Do you have a new e-address?
If you can answer “yes” at least one of these questions, please contact the church office at 859266-3416 or at [email protected] and let Linda know. She is in the process of
updating Woodland’s Directory.
Inclement (BAD) Weather Policy
If Fayette County Schools are closed, events at Woodland are cancelled for the
same day (may not include church office hours).
For Sunday morning, Dalene will post to Facebook or you may call the church
office for a recorded message.
`
6
WHO’S IN THE PEWS!
Linda Clark
by Jackie Diachun
Linda Clark, our office manager
since February 2013, is not in a
pew on Sunday but is very
important to our worship as she
prepares our bulletins. She does
many other tasks for us and is
the face and voice of Woodland
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to
1:30 pm.
Linda’s husband of 22 years is Randall. Her son,
Corey Stacy, lives in Nicholasville. She has two
stepsons: Kristopher Clark (Stacey) and three
granddaughters live in McKinney, Kentucky and
Jesse Clark (Courtney) and one granddaughter live
in Berea, Kentucky. Her parents and two brothers
and their families live in Lexington and her sister
and her family live in Garrard County.
Linda graduated from Tates Creek High School. For
21 years she worked for United Way of the
Bluegrass, retiring in 2005. She has attended many
classes and seminars to gain knowledge for her jobs.
She enjoys the challenge of learning new things.
Working part-time at Woodland gives the feeling of
being semi-retired, which “is a wonderful feeling.”
Pennsylvania is where Linda was born and lived
until IBM transferred her Dad to Lexington in 1967.
As a young child, Linda’s family was members of
the Southampton Dutch Reformed Church; then
moved membership to the Lutheran church. Upon
moving to Lexington, Linda and her family became
members of Faith Lutheran Church where she was
confirmed and married.
She and Randall love to travel on long and short
trips. Florida is a favorite destination as are the
Smokys (sometimes for a day trip). They enjoy
heading out on a Saturday morning to check out
garage sales and to the amusement of their friends
they end up on an all day trip around Kentucky.
Linda also enjoys cooking, puzzles, reading, and
having special time with family and friends.
Linda says we are “a beautiful church.” She also
says she has made new friends that she will cherish.
“As an outsider looking in, I see many people caring
for each other, laughing together, enjoying activities
together . . . this is what it is all about.”
Thank you Linda
Birthday Cupcakes
will follow worship
Sunday, January 4 Come and join us as we sing
“Happy Birthday” to:
Joanna Manring-Davis, 1/2
Beth Siesel, 1/3
Gerry Hann, 1/5
Michelle Armstrong, 1/6
Kirk Chiles, 1/8
Garrett Blake, 1/8
Marty Bryant, 1/11
Paul Ladd, 1/13
Susan Hatch, 1/16
Patrick Armstrong, 1/20
Annaliese Taylor, 1/20
Dan Barnes, 1/22
Chris Blake, 1/24
Bernice Coleman, 1/24
Evelyn Ladd, 1/29
Hattie Reeves, 1/31
Get ready to SOAR
July 18-22, 2015!
But those who hope in the
Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will
run and not grow weary, they
will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31,
New International Version
The Disciples’ General Assembly will be July 18-22,
2015 in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open!
Register today and take advantage of
early registration by going to
http://ga.disciples.org.
For more
information, feel free to scan the
CRCode at the right.