A Message from DS Rev. Dr. Rob Townsend

Transcription

1 Salisbury District Dec 12, 2018 Dec 12, 2018 A Message from DS Rev. Dr. Rob Townsend Merry Christmas to the Salisbury District! I am so glad to be back here and am so grateful for the congregations, leaders and pastors of this great District. I know that everyone is working hard to celebrate the Advent and the Christmas season with your best. This means decorating, choirs practicing, preachers trying hard to say something new about the incarnation, special services, and welcoming guests. This time of year is a busy time. It is also a time of change. At my last appointment when my first Christmas season r rolled around, I was excited. I love Christmas Eve services when the church is full and I get the opportunity to preach the gospel message to visitors and guests. My last church had four Christmas Eve services. I had a great Christmas Eve sermon ready and was excited to preach. Early Christmas Eve morning, I slipped off of my back deck and fell about 15 feet. I messed my head up pretty bad and had a large hematoma on my back. I passed out several times from the blood loss. I refused to go to the hospital with the ambulance crew because, I was a preacher and Christmas Continued on Page 3 Sharing Life Together

2 Volume 7 Issue 23 In This Issue Charity UMC 2 Robes Needed 3 Bishop Johnson will be praying for the Salisbury District the week of Dec Joys and concerns can be shared with Bishop Johnson at pjohnson@epaumc.org. Chrismons at Ayres 6 Fellowship at Mt Hermon Powellville & Whaleyville - Hands & Feet Bishop at Barratt s on Christmas Eve Holiday Hours The Salisbury District Office will be closed Dec 19 thru Jan 1. Merry Christmas! Transforming Lives Through Jesus Christ In The... Charity UMC exists because of the grace of God which is extended to all people. Our mission is to receive and extend the Grace of God to all. Excerpt from Mission Statement Charity UMC 7955 Jersey Road Salisbury, MD Pastor Janet Hood

3 Continued from Page 1 Eve worship services are like our Super Bowl. Eventually I was persuaded to go to the hospital and I spent the entire day in the emergency room. I was so frustrated. I was finally released around midnight just as the fourth Christmas Eve service back at the church was ending. I was devastated to have missed all the services. I eventually came to realize that even though I thought I was needed at those Christmas Eve services, they went on just fine without me. Just as the Grinch learned that Christmas still came without all of the traditional decorations and gifts, I learned that Christmas still came. I have shared with many of you that I am separated and living alone here in Salisbury. Many of the family traditions, decorations and events will not be happening for me this year. Just as I learned on the Christmas Eve I spent in the hospital, Christmas is still going to come. Christmas comes whether we are happy or sad. It comes whether things are normal or not. Christmas comes because it is not something we do, say, preach, or decorate. Christmas comes because God loves us. God loves a hurting and broken world enough to enter in and transform lives. This Christmas, welcome those that are hurting. You never know what someone is experiencing when they come and sit in your church pews. The Holy Spirit has drawn them into your church. You have an amazing opportunity to give them a word of hope and healing. Without fail, let them know that God loved them enough to break into our world and become one of us, to know our hurts and our pains, to eventually bear our sins on the cross. Let them know that they are loved in spite of what the world says about them or what they might think of themselves. Let them know that Christmas has come. Merry Christmas!

4 Calendar of Events Dec 14, 2018 Dec 14, 2018 Dec 15, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 Dec 16, 2018 Dec 23, 2018 Dec 24, 2018 Dec 24, 2018 Dec 24, 2018 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 4-6, 2019 Jan 24-26, 2019 Feb 2, 2019 Feb 16, 2019 Mercy s Well - Christmas Concert at Grace UMC - Millsboro 7:00 pm (F) Rockawalkin UMC (Hebron) - Blue Christmas Service 7:00 pm (F) Mt Pleasant (Willards) - Christmas Cantata 5:00 pm (F) St John s UMC (Fruitland) - Community Hymn Sing/Choir Festival 3:00 pm (F) Mt Zion UMC (Quantico) - Top Ten Christmas Carols 9:00 am (C) Bethany UMC (Berlin) - Dark Night Worship Service 7:00 pm (C) Whaleyville UMC (Whaleyville) - Christmas Programs 7:00 pm (F) Quantico-Wetipquin Charge - Let Us Adore Him Christmas Cantata 3:00 pm (C) Candlelight Service at Barratt s Chapel Led by Bishop Johnson 5:00 pm (C) Riverside UMC (Salis) - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:30 pm (F) St Luke UMC (Hebron) - Christmas Candlelight Service 6-7 pm (C) St Luke UMC (Hebron) - Annual Parade of Colors 3:00 pm (C) Youth Rally Protector (C) 2019 Restoration (F) Salisbury District Leadership Training at Community Church at Ocean Pines 9am-12pm Christ UMC (Salis) - Men s Conference 8:30 am - 2:00 pm (F) (F) - See Flyer in this Newsletter (C) - See Clip in this Newsletter Happy Birthday Baby Jesus

5 Ku Klux Klan Activity It has been called to my attention that recently there has been material distributed by the KKK in the bounds of our annual conference (Delaware and Eastern Shore of Maryland). Packets have been left on doorsteps and yards that contain material of a racist nature, speaking against Jews, African Americans and Latino people. The dissemination of hate and distrust among people is one of the highest forms of evil on earth. It gives birth to discrimination, violence and untold pain and suffering. People of faith need to speak out by contacting their public officials and the police and ask for swift action. We also need to teach tolerance and love in our churches and neighborhoods and pray for a day when this will be a thing of the past. Bishop Peggy A. Johnson Important Information Needed for Our Brothers and Sisters in the Congo 1) Gently Used clergy (not choir robes) vestments 2) Clergy shirts (with tabs) 3) Stoles of any kind, any season 4) Communion sets (the kind with the individual cup trays and chalice and paten) Bring to the Conference center or to the district office (call first) by January 15, 2019 These are for our sisters and brothers serving in the Congo. The bishops have asked Bishop Johnson to bring them to General Conference in St. Louis and they will bring them home to the Congo in their suitcases with thanksgiving

6 Chrismons at Ayres UMC The children at Ayres UMC (Pittsville) made these beautiful Chrismons to decorate their tree as part of the Christmas celebration. DID YOU KNOW? Chrismons are ornaments made from Christian symbols (Chrismons - a contraction for 'Christ monograms') and were first developed by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA in All Chrismon ornaments are made in a combination of white and gold to symbolize the purity and majesty of the Son of God and the Son of Man. Save the Date Salisbury District Leadership Training February 2, :00 am - 12 noon Community Church at Ocean Pines, Berlin, MD

7 Christmas Fellowship at Mt Hermon UMC The ladies of Mt. Hermon UMC, Salisbury gathered on Sunday, November 18th after Worship Service for a lantern decorating session under the directions of Charlotte Adkins. We had wonderful fellowship and fun; everyone left with a beautiful decoration for the upcoming Christmas season.

8 Powellville UMC and Whaleyville UMC Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus Powellville UMC was out and about being the hands and feet of Jesus on Saturday, Dec 8, as they served at God s Kitchen in Salisbury with the help of some of the Whaleyville UMC youth!

9 If you would like to receive the weekly Conference Newsletter, please let Charlotte in the Salisbury District Office know your address. Send us a picture and a paragraph about a special event at your church. We would love to share your news in the District Newsletter. to:

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11 God is Everywhere The Whole World is Full of His Glory Isaiah 6:3 Thank-you to the amazing choir at Christ UMC (Salisbury) for their Christmas Music Experience titled Sing Christmas this past weekend. Our District is so blessed with outstanding talent - check out the newsletter for other musical, drama, and fellowship events! Camera People!! We need your help! God is all around us and in our busyness we don t often stop to appreciate what He has given us. If you have a picture of something that you feel is a beautiful gift from God, please share it by ing it to: salisburydistrict@comcast.net Please let us know your name and church and where you took your picture. Be creative! NEWSLETTER If you or anyone that you know would like receive the District Newsletter by , please call the district office ( )

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13 Just Sharing... I hear the angels singing halleluiah Let the earth receive her king Jesus Christ is born What A Glorious Night - Sidewalk Prophets CCLI One of Life s Little Lessons... If we keep Christ in our heart, Christmas has no end. Please share your events and activities at your church. /send your info, flyers, etc. to: salisburydistrict@comcast.net

14 P/T Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Youth / Young Adult Ministries Newark United Methodist Church SALISBURY URBAN MINISTRIES DONATIONS NEEDED FOR LAZARUS FOOD PANTRY: Ramen Noodles Chapstick Canned Chili KIDS CAFÉ: Instant Oatmeal Ramen Noodles Fruit Bars MEN S WELCOME CENTER: T-Shirts (Sizes Large to XX-Large) Men s Boxers (Sizes Large to XX-Large Donations can be dropped off at Salisbury Urban Ministries Office 326 Barclay St Or call Interim Pastor Needed Delaware Korean UMC in Hockessin, DE is in urgent need of hiring an interim Pastor for their growing English language ministry (EM). The primary responsibilities of the interim Pastor include leading worship services and providing pastoral care to the English Ministry congregation. Position would start immediately. Contact Daniel Cha, SPRC cha@udel.edu for more information.

15 Bishop Johnson s Scammed! There have been a surge of attempts of phishing by very sophisticated scammers who pose as Bishop Johnson requesting gift cards and money using an address that seems like hers. Please do NOT respond to any seeking money of any sorts in a "personal" from the Bishop. Job Openings in the Conference Office Program Assistant to Strengthening the Black Church and Hispanic Latino Ministries Business Office Administrator To see detailed job descriptions and procedure to apply, go to: From the homepage, click on News (at the top) Click on Classifieds on the right side 2018 Mileage Rates According to the IRS, the 2018 standard rate for miles driven for the following purposes is: 54.5 cents per mile for business miles driven 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes 14 cents per mile driving in service of charitable organization

16 Dark Night Worship Service At Bethany UMC Dark Night Worship Service Sunday, December 16, 7:00 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD. A special service of prayers, scripture, and music to acknowledge that God is especially present with those who struggle. Contact is Rev. Connie at

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20 Christmas Carol Countdown at Mt. Zion UMC Sunday, Dec 16 at 9:00 am Congregation and Choir will sing the top 10 Christmas Carols and Songs as Voted Upon by Members of the Congregation Rev. Lawrence Purnell, Pastor 6101 Quantico Road Quantico, MD

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22 Christmas Eve Candle Light Service Monday, December 24 th 2018 at 5:30 pm 608 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, Maryland. Salisbury Riverside United Methodist Church Pastor: Betty Cropper CLM Riverside UMC Pastor: Courtland Cropper CLM Washington UMC

23 Historic Barratt s Chapel Candlelit Christmas Eve Communion Service Monday, December 24, 5:00 PM Led by Bishop Peggy Johnson ASL Interpretation for the Deaf For more information: or barratts@aol.com Annual Parade of Colors At St Luke UMC Sunday, January 27 3:00 PM Rev. Andrew Turner, Pastor 8034 Levin Dashiell Road St Luke UMC Christmas Candlelight Service December 24 6:00-7:00 pm Rev. Andrew Turner, Pastor 8034 Levin Dashiell Rd Hebron, MD

24 Planning Ahead - Family Programs at Pecometh At Camp Pecometh, we are known for our wonderful Summer Camp programs for kids and teens. But camp s not just for kids anymore! We now offer two wonderful Family Programs for the whole family to come enjoy the camp experience together! Our Single Parent Family Retreat is an opportunity for single parents and their kids to get away and spend some time together - and apart - at camp! Programming will provide parents with spiritual support, encouragement, and an opportunity to relax, while the kids are busy doing camp activities. The schedule also includes family and big-group activities, as well as a "Parents' Night Off" while the kids have a movie night. Next year, the retreat will be held on July 5 th -7 th (2019). Our Friends & Family Camp is a popular summer family retreat run by our Camp Pecometh Staff Alumni Association. The weekend is an opportunity for everyone to experience the fun of camp no matter how young or young-at-heart. Enjoy time in the Chester River kayaking or splashing around on our Splashdown equipment. Relax with a s more by the campfire or work on that long awaited scrapbook. Choose to tent camp or stay in either our traditional cabins or hotel-style lodges. Experience the fun, fellowship, and festivities of a weekend at camp! Next year, the retreat will be held July 26 th -28 th (2019). For more information (and to register SUPER early!), visit our website at or by calling From The Pecometh Staff Clergy Pension & Insurance Payments Due 15th of the Month Arrearages occur after the 15th.

25 P S A L M S But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. Psalm 102:27 Salisbury District Office Peninsula-Delaware Conference Next Newsletter Jan 9, 2019 salisburydistrict@comcast.net 211A Phillip Morris Drive Salisbury, MD District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Rob Townsend District Administrator Charlotte Hastings Office Hours M-T 8:00am - 4:00 pm Fri - Closed From Your District Office