The Grapevine. New Covenant United Methodist Church. Corner. Pastor s. December 2012

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1 The Grapevine New Covenant United Methodist Church December 2012 Please join the Young at Heart for a Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 12th, at 11:30 a.m. in the FLC. This will be a great time of fellowship and good food! Questions, see Nancy Gasperson or Mayoris Hart. Corner Pastor s THOUGHTS OF THE PASTOR My 2 ½ year old grandson, Thomas, had a grand time at Halloween this year. He dressed up as Peter Pan while his 6 year old sister, Lillian, was Tinkerbell. Many of you will remember Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who can fly and never ages who spends his never-ending childhood on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys. Peter Pan is a story that I loved as a child and love now as an adult, and his Peter Pan peanut butter is not bad either. Most of the days of December will be days preparing for Christmas. The Church through the ages has called that time of preparation the season of Advent. We will prepare for Christmas by decorating our homes, gathering with friends and family, buying and wrapping gifts, and the like. We will do it all remembering not only the journey of Joseph and his betrothed, Mary, pregnant with child to Bethlehem long ago but also remembering the journey for centuries till Emmanuel, God with us, became incarnate in a baby lying in a manger. While we remember Peter Pan as a boy who never grows up, we remember the birthday of Christ Jesus because he grew up. We remember that Christ Jesus was born because of the life he lived, the life he gave, and the life that was raised again. May you know His presence anew in your heart, and discover His presence not so much in the gifts you receive but the gifts that you give. On behalf of my wife Ann and all our family, have a holy Advent and a joyous Christmas. - Pastor Randy Wall

2 Rejoice, rejoice, God is with us!!!! I am very excited about how things are shaping up for our Youth Program. As I write, we are preparing for a Parents Meeting/Orientation where we will be discussing a few changes within our Youth Program. Our first change is moving back to a standard youth meeting time of 5:30 to 7:00 where each week our Jr. High and Sr. High will meet separately from 5:30 to 6:30. Also, during the first of the year, we will begin our Student Lead Ministry Teams which will involve Leadership Training Classes to help them begin a ministry they are drawn toward. After the first of the year, we will begin our Mentor Program. Once we have all of our Mentors for the youth, we will then have Mentor Training so everyone is comfortable and on the same page. During our Wednesday Night "The Way" meeting, we will begin a Bible Study for both Jr. High and Sr. High. For our Youth Events for December, we will have the Youth Christmas Party on December 9th. Youth are asked to bring a $5 non-gender specific gift to play Chinese Christmas. The youth will also be selling car washes from Auto Bell to help raise money to cover Youth Ministry and Youth Missions. Our youth will be offering Luminaries again this year for our Christmas Eve service, a sign up sheet will be available starting December 9th. And lastly, our youth will be taking a trip to Xtreme Winter for concerts and speakers December 29th to December 31st. Please be in prayer about all of these things we hope to see God do in our youth. As many of you may know, when we are about to be used by God in a big way, Satan starts trying to break things down, so we all need to pray for that "hedge of protection" around the youth and leaders. Thanks again to everyone for your love, support and prayers. Have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!!!! Love in Christ, Todd Guest We are now in the process of replacing our kitchen icemaker which is 10 years old. Since no monies are budgeted for this in the church budget, your gifts for a new ice maker (which will cost over $4,000) are most welcome. Please make checks payable to the church and mark checks and envelopes for new icemaker. Thank you! William T. Hamilton 6801 Leisure Town Rd., Apt. 109 Vacaville, CA Matt Silver & Family RM 101 Park Village Hannam-Dong Yongsan-goo Seoul, Korea There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, December 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Blood donations are critical during the holiday season so please consider donating. Contact either Robin Lanham or Jason Matzke for more information. Blood Pressure Screenings will be taken on Sunday, December 2nd at 10:00 a.m. in the parlor. Questions, see Robin Lanham, Betty Simmons or Judy Price! 9:00 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Service Dean Foster Steve Michael Gail Foster Missy Michael Donny Coltharp Doug Hyche

3 Visitation Teams for December Dec 2nd Shannon Reavis & Debbie Stewart Dec 9th Gregg & Cindy Ganous Dec 16th Johnny Stewart & Sam Price Dec 23rd Marvin & Matt Hinson Dec 30th Bob & Della Dionne Congratulations to Trey & Emily on the birth of their daughter, Gracelyn Bree Trivett. Gracelynn was born on October 24th. She weighed 9 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches. The New Covenant By His Hands We Are Fed Cookbooks are on sell for the low price of $5. These make excellent Christmas presents. Cookbooks are available in the church office or see Carol Thomas. Happy Anniversary! Marc & Kim Abernathy 12 Ken & Lynda Sims 17 Adam & Amy Overbay 27 Lee & Terri Howard 28 Harvey & Carol Thomas 31 OOPS... Did we miss your birthday or anniversary? Please let us know! Drop a note off by the office so that our records can be updated. Happy Birthday! Katie Lamm 1 John Park 1 Natalie Price 1 Jessica Harper 2 Cheryl Smith 3 Michelle Stroupe 3 Kristy Ballard 5 Brittany Largent 5 D.W. Shirley 5 Thad McInnis 6 Tom Gasperson 9 Gavin Kizer 9 Jane Riggins 9 Ann Ballard 11 Laura Canady 11 Rebecca Harper 11 Carolyn Lazevnick 11 Anna Davenport 12 Micah Little 14 Allison McClure 14 Walker Reese 15 Jesse Sellers, Jr. 15 Ashley Shaw 15 Spencer Stewart 15 Bonnie Mast 16 Wanda Parker 17 Elizabeth Sellers 18 Martha Coltharp 19 Kellyn Reese 21 Garren Sumner 22 Bill Hamilton 23 T.J. Hawkins 28 Crystal Abernathy 29 Jaimie Stowe 30 Evan Abernathy 31 Katie Abernathy 31 Betty Miller 31

4 Important Dates/Activities Staff Parish Committee The Staff Parish Committee will meet on Monday, December 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal Please join us for our Fellowship Meal on Wednesday, December 5th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Food for the tummy and friends for the soul! The menu will be chili and baked potato. We will need desserts and beverages. This meal is being sponsored by the Cornerstone Sunday School Class. All proceeds will go to the Building Fund. UMM Breakfast The UMM breakfast has been scheduled for Sunday, December 9th, at 7:00 a.m., in the FLC. If you would like to be included in the New Covenant group, please contact Kim Reese at David Mullis Family Bonnie Mast Terri Chavis Faye Gant Family Margaret Moore Family Kat Granger Olin Laws Wendy Sellers Sean Hardison Family Our Country Dan Moore Unspoken, Travelers Casey Pittman Gail Moore Grant Suddreth Family Aloma Dougherty Lou Ann Simmons Donna Jordan, Elsie Jordan Sam Owen Melinda Rodriguez Pat Talbert Kim Shaw Jennifer Messer Bob Suttenfield Mimi Guin Dana Loutermilk Bill Willard John Michael James McNeill Ruth Bower Steve Carter Mildred Morrison Pansy Calvert David Staton & Chuck Staton Family Josh Lusk Aaron Messer Sandy Jordan Fretwell Family Sgt. Andrew B. Poole Andy Simkus Jennifer Simpson Wendy McCall Sambo Price Larry Gibson Donna Richards Jayson Carson Ruth Allen, Hannah Martin Charlie & Vertie Cox Paul & Eloise Warren Bobby Wyatt Debbie & Gary Travis Pat Brown Marge Kerkus Family Mason Gardner, Cynthia Stickel Donnie Lanham Allison Ross & Son, Jake Dorothy Hall Saundra Johnson Becky Mitchum Baby Mason Hutchison Family Donny Perry Dwight Jackson Steve Blackley Lewis Phifer Rodger Baucom Lewis Baucom Remember those who cannot be a part of our fellowship on a regular basis: Ruth Allen Terrace Ridge Assisted Living 1251 East Hudson Blvd. Gastonia, NC (704) Gerald Carroll 321 Winding Trl. Stanley, NC (704) Jane Waldroop Woodlawn Haven Rest Home 301 Craig St., Room B4 Mt. Holly, NC (704) ext. 283 If there is someone you would like to put on this list, please call the church

5 It s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!! The NCUMC music department is hard at work to make sure you have a merry musical Christmas. Save this article so you will be sure not to miss a single note!! Every week in December: The Adult Choir and Praise 150 will present exceptional anthems, solos, and praise songs at each worship service throughout the month. December 9 th Our amazing bell choir will play at both services. Can t wait to hear them play: I Wonder As I Wander, Silent Night, and Emmanuel, Emmanuel. December 16 th Our KFC kid s choir will present, Christmas Mystery at both services. There will be children, animals, excitement and even a reporter. December 23 rd Comfort and Joy presented by the adult choir at a combined 11:00 service. Let s come together for a time of music, message, and fellowship the Sunday before Christmas. December 24 th Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 PM. Music will be led by Praise 150 and His Song. Plan to be present for this intimate, moving service and communion. December 25 th MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! December 30 th Daughters of Christ will present Rose of Bethlehem and Canticle of Praise at the 9:00 service. It is an honor for all of the members of these groups to work weekly to prepare music that we hope brings you closer to God and sets the atmosphere for you to worship. I want to thank each and every person who participates in the NCUMC Music Dept for your dedication and devotion to serving our church and our Lord. Merry Christmas! Love, Janet ROOM IN THE INN One of the most exciting events in December is the opening of our Room In The Inn Program. This year we will be serving 16 men on December 14 th, 21 st, and 28 th ; January 11 th and 18 th ; February 8 th and 15 th ; and March 8 th and 15 th. Kim Reese has prepared the sign up sheets and they are in the Narthex. Please go ahead and reserve your opportunity to help these men and receive the blessing that comes from serving. We still need goodie bag items. See our new Goodie Bag Chairman Hannah Carpenter for information on what you can contribute to this important aspect of RITI. This year the RITI committee is excited to tell you that our neighbors at Hills Chapel will be joining us. They are excited to learn all about RITI and help us in every way. Help us welcome our homeless friends and our Hills Chapel friends as we participate for the 4 th year in this important ministry. Thanks to each one of you who helps make this ministry work. I am so proud of this church for embracing the least of these and making it possible to provide food and shelter to those who need it most. I love you all! Janet December Nursery Schedule 9:00 11:00 December 2 Eddy & Sandy Cox Marjorie & David Goodling Kristy & Brittany Ballard December 9 December 16 December 23 Luann Elliott & Angie Bass Tara Moore & Carol Hamilton Katie Lamm & Anna Hallman Matthew & Jennifer Price Ashley & Natalie Price Laura & Bailey Canady Tommy & Melissa Patterson Cheryl Smith & Brittany Hutchison Haley Fedukovich & Savannah Cooper December 30 Boyce & Wanda Parker Steve & Missy Michael Shannon & Jaimie Stowe Thank you for helping with our nurseries! If you can t make your assigned Sunday, please contact Wanda Parker & Luann Elliott for 9:00 a.m. and Marjorie Goodling & Dannette Carson for 11:00 a.m..

6 UMW Morning Circle Christmas Celebration! Please join the UMW Morning Circle on Thursday, December 13th, at 11:00 a.m. for their annual Christmas Celebration. All ladies who want to carpool are meeting at the Snow Hill church parking lot at 10:30 a.m. to ride together to Amber Jack s Restaurant. In lieu of a gift exchange, each person is asked to bring $15 or $15 worth of food to donate to the Mt. Holly CRO. Frances Smithey will collect donations at the party. UMW Morning Circle Volunteer at Mt. Holly Adult Day Care On the second Tuesday of every month, the UMW Morning Circle will volunteer at the Mt. Holly Adult Day Care. They will be leaving the church at 9:30 a.m. to go to the day care center. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please see Carol Thomas or Lynda Sims. UMW Christmas Party The UMW Christmas Party will be on Tuesday, December 11th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Sports Page in Coulwood. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. The 2012 Heart Sisters will be revealed. Please remember to bring your Heart Sister s gift to the party or send it if you are unable to attend. If you were not in the Heart Sister Program in 2012, please bring a wrapped gift to exchange (around $15). A UMW Christmas Party sign-up sheet is available in the narthex. UMW Heart Sister Program The Heart Sister Program is sponsored by the UMW. The guidelines are to remember your Heart Sister with small gifts and cards throughout the year. Heart Sister forms are on the table in the narthex. Forms must be completed and returned to Betty Simmons no later than Sunday, December 2nd. Completed forms may also be placed in an envelope and returned to the Heart Sister basket in the narthex. Questions, see Betty Simmons, (704) All ladies of the church are invited to participate in this program. Acolytes for Dec. Dec 2nd Bailey Canady Dec 9th Seth Moore Dec 16th Carter Goodling Dec 23rd Elizabeth Sellers Dec 30th Hunter Reavis Breakfast with Joseph & Mary Children and parents are invited to join us on Saturday, December 8th, at 9 am for breakfast with Mary and Joseph. We ll be eating, making a craft, and hearing the Christmas Story. All ages are welcome! Questions, see Amy Overbay or Crystal Abernathy. December Special Mission Offering Our December Special Mission Offering will assist Gaston Hospice. Gaston Hospice, an affiliate of CaroMont Health, is a unique form of health care for patients in Gaston County and the surrounding area. Their patients face life-limiting illness and can no longer benefit from efforts to cure their disease. In addition to addressing physical pain and symptoms, Gaston Hospice responds to the social, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill persons and their caregivers and loved ones as they define those needs. Gaston Hospice emphasizes quality of life and considers the entire family in its program of care. Our offering will be received on December 2nd during both worship services. Thank you in advance for your donations.

7 Church Staff Ministry Team Rev. Randy Wall Pastor Todd Guest Director of Youth Ministry At New Covenant Sunday through Thursday Linda Stroup Church Secretary At New Covenant Monday through Thursday Janet Hinson Director of Music At New Covenant Wednesday and Sunday Church Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:00 AM 3:00 PM NEW COVENANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lucia-Riverbend Hwy. Mt. Holly, NC Phone: Fax: The Body of Christ: Going in Faith, Growing in Love, and Serving Others