MT. SYLVAN GRAPEVINE S O U P E R B O W L. Pastor Larry Writes, Thank you. Prayer Concerns, In Service

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1 January 30, 2015 MT. SYLVAN GRAPEVINE I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Pastor Larry Writes, Thank you Prayer Concerns, In Service Conversations about Discipleship, Youth and Adult News Children s News 5 Concerts 6 Preschool News, Keys, Dumpster Usage Staff listing, Missions Calendar, Sylvan Seniors Calendar T HE SEA SON OF LENT Our theme for Lent is Lord, Teach Us to Pray. Our focus will be on the many ways we can approach God through our life of prayer. We will begin this season of prayer and penitence with a Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday) Pancake Supper, February 17th from 5:30-7:00 PM; followed on Wednesday, February 18th, with our Ash Wednesday Services at Noon and 7:00 PM. Also during the season of Lent, we will offer two workshops on prayer one titled A Bead and A Prayer, led by Robin Marley, where we will learn the Protestant art of using beads to aid us in focusing on specific prayer needs. Rev. Kathie Wilkinson will lead a prayer workshop titled, Praying In Color. The workshops will each be offered on February 22nd at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Additionally we will be hosting the Prayer Labyrinth, Sunday afternoon, March 15th Sunday afternoon, March 22nd. The Prayer Labyrinth offers us the opportunity to spend time in prayer and meditation as we seek a deeper relationship with God. The Labyrinth serves as a metaphor for our Christian journey of walking along with Jesus as we mature in faith and discipleship. More information about the Labyrinth and how you can join in this sacred walk will be found in the March newsletter.. Finally, please look for your Lenten devotional resource. Each daily devotional will feature a short meditation written by someone connected to the Mt. Sylvan church family, and can be used by individuals or families as part of their prayer life during Lent. Let us keep a Holy Lent! Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and penitence observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter. Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday until Easter, excluding Sundays. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. "Shrove" is the past tense of the word "shrive," which means to hear a confession, assign penance, and absolve from sin. Shrove Tuesday is a reminder that we are entering a season of penance. Ash Wednesday is the name given to the first day of Lent, during which the pastor applies ashes to the foreheads of Christians to signify inner repentance of, and turning away from, sin. S O U P E R B O W L The youth ministry is raising money to fight hunger! In NC, 1 in 4 children under 18 are food insecure. Help us raise money this Sunday on Souper Bowl Sunday! Bring cash/ check to put into the pot that supports your favorite team! Money we raise will go to SOSA, Urban Ministries, and Stop Hunger Now!

2 Page 2 P A S T O R LARRY WRITES... As I write, there are predictions of a giant snowstorm that could have a severe impact on the northeast. Snowfall measured in feet, not inches, is predicted. On my trip south, I saw sixteen power trucks staged in SC. I asked one of the drivers if it was going to be bad. They ve called for help from all over, he said. Four hundred trucks. That sounds bad to me. I recalled the ice storm we had in 2002, when our power, out for four days, was restored by a crew from Georgia Power. Whenever we saw them in the days following, we cheered and waved and said thanks. There is no snow forecast for our area. I ve heard several people grouse about this, but I m pretty OK with not having snow and ice generally, but especially on Sunday. Snow on Sunday causes lots of problems, among them the question of whether we should have worship and Sunday School. Dick Blankenhorn, who was the senior pastor at Mt. Sylvan from 1984 to 1990, rarely cancelled worship. In late January one year, he was convinced by me and others to call off church. Someone drove from Raleigh to come to church, only to find the place locked up tight. Mr. B never cancelled worship again. The last time I called off worship was in 2000, when I was recovering from surgery and it snowed 18 to 20 inches the Friday before. Power was out, my sub couldn t get there, and I called it off. Calling off worship is not a decision made lightly. The Trustees are involved, the staff is involved, and we discuss and pray and try to decide what is best, considering many factors. If I can get to the church, we will usually have worship. I ask everyone to please use his or her best judgment in traveling. Conditions can vary widely across our parish, as well, so things might not be as bad here as they are a few miles north or west of here. Consider as well that not every walkway at church will have been cleared, depending upon the timing of the event. Worship is the most important thing we do. People need to gather to pray for the needs of the world and to hear God s word, and I will endeavor to do everything I can to meet together and have worship. If we do cancel, you will be informed by and phone, and we will try to post the news on local TV. We will also leave a message on the church answering machine. And, if you have feedback, questions or concerns, please let me or Jim Armstrong, Chair of the Trustees, know. Peace, Pastor Larry Thank You W E T H A N K Y O U FOR A L L T H A T Y O U DO FOR E NO V A L L E Y E L E M E N T A R Y S C H O O L. Y O U R C O N T I N U O U S S U P P O R T P R O V I D E S S T A B I L I T Y A N D C O N F I D E N C E TO T H E S T A F F A N D S T U D E N T S! B L E S S Y O U A N D Y O U R M E M B E R S. W I L L A J O H N S O N W A L L Dear Church Family, Thank you for the wonderful goodie box. It means so much to have the support of my church family. Thanks again! Kelsey Bryant E NO V A L L E Y E L E M E N T A R Y

3 Mt. Sylvan Grapevine Page 3 P RAYER CONCERNS Carolina House: Eula Clair Betty Perschel Croasdaile Apts: Neda Hendrickson Cambridge Hills: Mid Sedei Hillcrest: Grace Moore Dr. Ruby Wilson Brian Center: Carla Coltrane Treyburn: Mildred Cooke Serving Our Country: Matt Adams, Dan Armour, Jerry Armour, Mike Armour, Tyler Dixon, Nick Farlow, Thomas Lecky, Bryan Thompson, Madison Thompson Home: Juanita Allison, Susan Buker, Carolyn Christ, Horace Clark, Norma Clements, Milli Conklin, Teresa Farlow, Joe Haenn, Ann Hayes, Albert Howell, Millie Jackson, Earl & RosaBelle Mangum, Doris McBroom, Jim McFarland, Teeny Sanford, Bill & Bess Smith Partners In Ministry: Pastor Leon Dorleans and the Churches of Haiti Outreach. Church Staff: Rev. Larry Bowden, Pastor of Congregational Life; Rev. Kathie S. Wilkinson, Pastor of Worship Life; Rev. Bess H. Smith, Pastor Emeritus, Nate Sawyer, Pastor of Student Life; Lori Balay, Office Administrator; Robin Marley, Director of Children s Ministries; Mt. Sylvan Preschool Staff Connectional Ministry: Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, District Superintendent Donna Banks I N S E R V I C E February 1st 8:30 Worship Acolyte: Laura Neal Crossbearer: Ben Neal Ushers: Rick & Nancy Pace- Hunt, Jim & June Armstrong Nursery: Kathy & Rick Ebersohl 9:45 Nursery: Chrissy Foy 11:00 Worship Greeters: The Dixon Family Nursery: Annetta Andrews, Robyn Balay, & Hannah Nguyen February 8th 8:30 Worship Acolyte: Kistler Hunt Crossbearer: David Hall Ushers: Richard & Sissel Jakobczyk, Randall & Bobbie Clark Nursery: Myra Whiteside 9:45 Nursery: Sue Hall 11:00 Worship Greeter: Cindy Knapp Nursery: Jane Watkins, Nancy Smith, Phyllis Polhamus & Hannah Nguyen February 15th 8:30 Worship Acolyte: Faye Rodio Crossbearer: Lee Rodio Ushers: Peggy Cates, Cindy Miller, Gerald & Sue Lindsey Nursery: Ruth Booth 9:45 Nursery: Carolyn Allen 11:00 Worship Greeter: Darlene Lumpkin Nursery: Allen & Trisha Andrews, Katie Smith, & Hannah Nguyen February 22nd 8:30 Worship 11:00 Worship Acolyte: Kate Flintom Greeter: TBA Crossbearer: Robyn Balay Nursery: Annetta Andrews, Ushers: Bob & Sandy Rowe, Carolyn Jackson, Hollin Boy, John & Kit Chappell & Hannah Nguyen Nursery: June Armstrong 9:45 Nursery: Kit Chappell

4 Conversations about Discipleship Your assistance is needed in joining in conversations on various possibilities and opportunities to live more deeply and fully into our vision of discipleship for Mt Sylvan. A few years back we established our church s vision to be A congregation of disciples making disciples. The time has come for us to go beyond the vision statement, and put it into action, at a higher level to determine how we can achieve the mission. What will or should that look like? Participation is needed from people of all ages across the body of our church. From youth through the most mature among us! All have gifts and graces they can bring to the table. I pray you will think about it in this way, whether you are looking forward as a young person, or back over many years: 1. What has God done in your life? 2. What s God calling you to do next? 3. Who is God calling you to tell about what has happened in your life? Please give this your most prayerful consideration. After having a conversation with God about this, and if you feel you are led to become a part of the discussions, that will be wonderful. If you don t feel you can become involved at this time, pray that God s will for Mt Sylvan United Methodist Church will be done and that through His guidance, our faithfulness, and dedication to be the best disciples we can be, God will be glorified. Developing the goals will require our willingness to meet on several occasions and some reading. The outcome of our meetings will become a plan of discipleship formation that we will present to the Administrative Council for its approval. I will need to hear from you by Monday February 9th, telling us you feel called to participate. Please send your contact information, along with the preferred time of the week to meet to gblaing@nc.rr.com or if you do not have capability call me at As soon as possible Pastor Larry and I will be in touch to let you know the date and time of our first meeting. Subsequent meetings will be determined at that time. Blessings, George Laing Pastor Larry Bowden SOMETHING NEW FOR ADULTS!!! A NEW Sunday School class for parents (and other interested adults) begins Sunday, February 1st at 10:00 AM, in the Parlor. We will discuss faith, discipleship, the Bible, and other topics important to us as we grow together on our Christian journey. Our first lesson series will be: Lord, Teach Me to Pray. For more information contact Robin! Youth Dinners If you would like to feed the youth on Sunday nights, please sign-up on the Sign-Up Genius link: We can reimburse your expenses! See Nate for more Information.

5 THE JOY OF CHILDREN FEBRUARY 2015 SUNDAY SCHEDULE WORSHIP NURSERY (8:30 & 11:00 AM, Infant-4 Yr Olds) SUNDAY SCHOOL NURSERY (Infant-2 Yr Olds) SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:45-10:45 AM, Ages 3 & 4 in Preschool Area; Grades K-5th Grade in Children s Center) Each week our children learn more about faith and being a disciple for Jesus through Bible stories, crafts and games. Our Preschool children go directly to their class in the Preschool Building; Elementary School children go to the Children s Center for Opening Assembly with Ms. Robin, then to their classes for Sunday School. Parents are asked to please pick up your children at 10:45 am so our Sunday School teachers can get to worship on time. Our theme for February is The Twelve Apostles: Following Jesus. As a part of our Sunday School time on Sunday, February 22, our Preschool Class (ages 3 & 4) and our Elementary Classes (K-5 th ) will join together in the Children s Center for a Lenten Fair where we will learn about the season of Lent and its symbols. UPCOMING OPPORTUNITY The JOY kids To help our elementary children (grades K-5 th ) learn more about missions and service, a new program called The JOY (Jesus, Others, and You) kids will begin meeting quarterly in Our children will be given the opportunity to put their faith into practice through learning about and participating in mission and service opportunities both locally and globally. Our first gathering will be held on Friday evening, February 6th, 6:00-8:30 PM, for children grades K-5 th. We will learn about God s love for His children and how we can help show that love to others! Please pre-register your child(ren) by submitting the JOY Club form found in the Church Office or by going on-line to LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER!!! SUMMER DAYCAMP AT CHESTNUT RIDGE July is Mt. Sylvan s Week at Camp Chestnut Ridge in Efland for children Kindergarten-Fifth Grade. To reserve your spot and to take advantage of our church discount, enter the code MtSylvanCDC as directed below! Brochures are available in the Narthex (outside the sanctuary). Camper families will log into the Online Registration Portal like last year and will update all family information then select the camper(s) being registered. Families will put the Discount Code into "Discount Code for..." box and click "Apply. Your families will see the Discount apply in their summary on the right side of the screen. The discount equals $50 off the price of the Day Camp option. For families with multiple children, the Discount Code must be applied on each child's tab. Scholarships are available; please contact Robin for more information. KINDERGARDEN This summer, for children ages 4-6, led by Kathy Powell and meeting on Wednesday mornings from 9:00-11:00 AM, June 10 July 29; children will learn important Bible lessons along with gardening skills as they prepare their own Kindergarden. AND, for children ages 9-11, Kathy will lead GROWING IN God meeting on Thursday mornings, from 9:00-11:00 AM, June 18 July 29. Children will learn important Bible lessons along with gardening skills. PERFORMING ARTS DAY CAMP is June & 28 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VBS week is Sunday, August 2 Thursday, August 6, meeting each evening from 5:30-8:00 PM. Our theme is G-Force: God s Love in Action. Join us as we hear Bible stories, make crafts, play games, and learn how to put God s Love in Action around the world!

6 Concerts Coming Soon! Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family! On Sunday, March 15th, at 6:00 pm, choirs from Mt. Sylvan, Aldersgate, and a few other area churches will perform the Pepper Choplin cantata, Our Father: Journey Through the Lord s Prayer. Pepper will direct this area s premiere performance of this cantata. Plan now to attend. Save the date! The Master s Men in Concert Mt. Sylvan UMC Sunday, April 26, 6:00 pm

7 Preschool News Please help support Mt. Sylvan Preschool by purchasing/selling Krispy Kreme Donuts. You can pick up order forms in the Preschool Office or by requesting one by Donuts will be selling for $7 per dozen. All orders and payment need to be turned in by Friday, February 13th. Donuts will be ready for pick-up on Thursday afternoon, February 19th. Proceeds will be used to purchase classroom supplies. Thank you in advance for your participation in our fundraiser. Got Keys? If you have keys to the church but are no longer in the position that required you to have those keys, then please turn them in to the office so that your successor may have the access that you had! We don t have enough keys to give out and would prefer not to have more made if we don t need to. Thanks for your cooperation. Dumpster Usage Just a reminder that the dumpster is for Mt. Sylvan use only! Every Day Grace Every Day Grace magazine is a new publication from the NC Conference. The hope is that you ll read Every Day Grace and then pass it on to a friend. In Every Day Grace, discover the stories that unite us in our everyday experiences of life, where in the midst of it all, there is grace. Some of the topics to be explored will include money, food, aging, young life, the modern family, rural life, urban life and much more. An online sign-up page will be available soon for persons to request Every Day Grace. Every Day Grace TV is a talk show with a purpose of telling everyone s surprising and authentic stories because where there is story, there is grace. The next show will air on February noon on WNCN (Raleigh, Channel 17) and will then been posted on Youtube. Information on Roku channel is soon to come. In the next show, we explore two questions, Are you happy with your place in the world? and If you could change anything about your place, what would you change?

8 Primary Business Address Address Line 2 Address Line 3 Address Line 4 Larry Bowden, Pastor of Congregational Life larry@mtsylvan.org Kathie S. Wilkinson, Phone: Fax: someone@example.com Pastor of Worship Life kathie@mtsylvan.org Bess H. Smith, Pastor Emeritas Nate Sawyer, We re on the Web! nate@mtsylvan.org example.com Pastor of Student Life Lori Balay, Office Administrator lori@mtsylvan.org Business Tagline Motto Robin Marley, Director of Children s Ministries robin@mtsylvan.org Patricia Deal, Organization Preschool Director mtsylvanpreschool@msn.com Find us on the web at Monthly Missions Calendar Urban Ministries of Durham 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mondays Staff UMD Food Pantry Contact Frances Cimburke ( ) 2nd Friday of the month Help serve breakfast 7 am - 9 am Contact Terry Rhodes ( ) 3rd Tuesday of the month Help serve breakfast 7 am - 9 am Contact Barbara Peoples ( ) 4th Sunday at 10 am Youth Serve lunch Contact Nate Sawyer in the office Habitat House Projects Habitat work teams go out each Wednesday morning Contact Herb Cimburke ( ) Backpack Program Help pack or deliver backpacks Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings Contact Katy MacDonald (krazmacd@nc.rr.com) Prayer Shawl Ministry Each Friday from 10 am-12 pm in the Chapel Basement Contact Nancy Smith (seenancysew@yahoo.com) Sylvan Seniors Calendar February 3rd: Rocky Quiller, Hearing Wellness February 10th: Valentine Party and Catered Lunch February 17th: Representative from Durham Fire Department, Fire Safety February 24th: Mike Andrews, Durham County Sheriff Upcoming Senior Trips: Sunday, March 15th, leave church at 10:45 am, Ring of Fire - Temple Theatre, Sanford NC Tuesday, June 23rd-Farmer s Market-Raleigh