WAKEMANS GROVE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Transcription

1 WAKEMANS GROVE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN December 2014 and January 2015 Mark Bowyer, Associate Pastor 668 Wakemans Grove Road, Edinburg, Virginia Office: Maybe it's time for a little Christmas visit... "A Christmas Visit" Let us pay a little Christmas visit- to our church's vision statement: "We are all called to be part of a family of believers who, through our personal lives, are an example of Jesus' love locally and globally." Hmmm. Family, believers, personal lives- love... Sounds a little intense- and it is! What has all this to do with Christmas? Everything! Let's take a look. Family: a source of great joy, but also a source of great pain. Sure, the laughter of our kids brings great joy. The loving smile of an elderly parent too. But the time a teen has a run-in with the law, the bitterness of a brother who hasn't spoken to you since Dad died... and few seasons bring out the joy and the pain like Christmas. Yes, family can be rough! Yet we are called to live together as brothers and sisters of Christ- and as examples of His love! What does that mean? Does that mean I have to be nice all the time? Thankfully, no! If I had to be nice all the time I'd probably pop! You see, love isn't about niceness (although niceness is good), it's about relationships- building them and restoring them. This Christmas, you may have the opportunity for the greatest gift of all- a restored relationship. You and your brother finally talking - and laughing (and maybe crying) for the first time in years. The teen being showered with love so that she finally gets that she is loved no matter what. The friend that betrayed you all those years ago- having coffee in your kitchen... How? Maybe it's time for a little Christmas visit, or phone call, or letter.* But Pastor Mark, she won't listen! He'll just be a jerk...! Maybe. The Bible doesn't guarantee instant success in these matters- "If the other person listens, you have won that person back." -Matthew 18:15b...and Paul says: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." -Romans 12:18 All Jesus is asking is that we do our part. He can work with that, and indeed, He will- "...reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." -Colossians 1:18 So this year, say a prayer (or two), and make the effort. You have an excuse- after all, it's Christmas! Merry Christmas! Pastor Mark *If you ever need help with a difficult relationship, please don't hesitate to ask! I will listen and pray.

2 Birthdays and Anniversaries Dec. 1 Ava Tusing 3 Daniel Foltz 6 Becky Ryman 6 Nicholas Wakeman 6 Jim Stevenson 7 Gary Wakeman 10 Maria Marston 11 Tommy Myrtle 11 Jillian Hollar 11 Dravon Bowman 12 Amanda Feller 13 Martha MacLeod 13 Mason Myrtle 13 Brenda Kline 19 Jacob Gochenour 20 Naomi Hubbell 21 Colton Payne 21 Lily Bowman 22 Eric MacLeod 23 Bob Estep 23 Isaac Burner 26 Billy Wakeman 26 Valerie Renner 26 Miah Bowman 27 Cena Hubbell 27 Ken Kline 28 Barbara Holler 28 Beatrice Hoffman 29 Jeri Wakeman 30 Ray Wakeman 31 Diana Scharf Winter Worship Schedule: Sunday School Morning Worship 10:00 am 11:00 am Prayer Meeting 7:00 p.m. Each Wednesday evening Jan. 1 Susan Hunsaker 2 Kurt George 3 Al Cline 3 Holly Markley 4 Libby Rocco 6 Sara George 7 Lane McCaffrey 9 Jada Cooper 10 Jennifer Crisman 11 Lesley Bowyer 11 Ashley Riha 11 Samantha Silvious 11 James Funkhouser 11 Parker King 13 Bev Ward 14 Ronnie Wakeman 14 William Trelawny 14 Emma Eberly 17 Tonya Ketterman 17 Jesse Zirkle 18 Kenzie Miller 18 Billy Bowman 18 Donna Shrum 19 Jimmy Robinson 20 Jared Comer 20 Mike Richman 23 Dina Fix 24 Cathy Looman 24 Samuel Richman 25 Michael Wakeman 27 Teri Wilkins 27 Grace Eberly 27 Ray Hawkins 28 Darrin Markley 29 Frank Conti 29 Twyman Greene 30 Eli Click 30 Jackie King 31 Bobby Delawder HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Dec. 2 Mr. & Mrs. John Lam 5 Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Baker 5 Mr. & Mrs. Brian Lear 10 Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Ross 11 Mr. & Mrs. Al Cline 11 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Myrtle 22 Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Holler Sr. 29 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Cooper 29 Mr. & Mrs. Wade Feller Jan. 4 Mr. & Mrs. Twyman Greene NOTE FROM THE SOUND COMMITTEE If you are unable to be at church for a Sunday Service, bring a thumb drive and give to a Sound Tech and they can put the service on that drive. If you have questions, please contact Angie Vann or Nathaniel Dirting. Page 2

3 WE FIND SO MANY WAYS TO SAY IT. BUT THE OLD FAMILIAR WORDS ARE SOMEHOW ALWAYS BEST: SO FROM EVERY MEMBER OF THE STAFF, PASTOR MARK, GLORIA, KEITH, DANIEL AND AMBER, WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL HAVE A VERY BLESSED & CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS SEASON AND FOR GOD S RICHEST AND CHOICEST BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOURS BOTH NOW, AS WE PAUSE WITH THE WORLD TO REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD, AND THROUGHOUT EVERY DAY IN CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Christmas Card Exchange The Christmas Card Exchange will be sponsored again this year by the Family Life Committee. Please bring your cards no later than December 14. Cards brought after the 14th will not be distributed. Cards must be picked up by Sunday, December 21. Remember to bring cards for those folks who are regular attenders. Cards will not be mailed. OFFERING ENVELOPES Offering envelopes for 2015 are being prepared now. If you wish your monetary gifts to be recorded for tax purposes, an offering envelope must be used. If you need envelopes, please let me or Lee Ann Zirkle know. Please remember to put the amount of your donation on the envelope, either as regular budget or as building fund. I do not see your contributions, so if it is not recorded on the envelope I do not know what you have given. Also, checks that are placed in the offering plate and are not in an envelope are not recorded. If you have been using an envelope, and wish to discontinue, please let me know that also. Thank you, Pam McCubbin and Lee Ann Zirkle (2015) THANK YOU 2015 Church Directory Updating for the 2015 Church Directory will begin after the first of the year. If you have updates, including address changes, additions of address, etc., please contact Gloria Markley with those as soon as possible. Thank you. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Wakemans Grove, Thank you for your gift to the Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center. Your compassion for the lost or less fortunate is a blessing to the ministry of those we serve. Please continue to keep the Center, staff, clients and Board in your prayers. Sincerely, Jean Martin Shenandoah County Pregnancy Center Page 3

4 FAMILY PROMISE UPDATE There is much good news to report from Family Promise. We now have 8 host congregations committed to caring for homeless children and their families. Five other churches are at various phases in considering their involvement. We need at least four more hosts to get the program up and running. As we move closer to completing the recruitment process, plans are underway for some needed construction and painting at the day center and the fund raising committee has applied for grants and has started a fund raising drive. A field trip is planned for Sunday, December 7th to visit a Family Promise affiliate in Pennsylvania to view the program in action in a community with similar demographics. Please continue to keep the Family Promise ministry in your prayers. God is already doing such amazing things in this ministry. Churches throughout the county are working together like never before. All in the Family Promise committee leave the planning meetings enthused and excited by this opportunity to truly minister to "the least of these". I am proud that Wakemans Grove is included in the list of churches who are willing to open their hearts and doors to these children. To God be the glory! Libby Rocco FRYING PAN FUDGE By: Leona Dirting 2 1/2 cups sugar 1 stick margarine 6 oz. canned milk 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup pecans or other nuts, chopped 1 tsp. vanilla Chop nuts and set aside. Mix sugar, margarine, and milk together in a heavy frying pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips and nuts. Stir until fudge begins to form. Then quickly add vanilla. Drop fudge on wax paper with a teaspoon. Let cook and store in airtight container. I use an iron skillet. COOKBOOKS CRANBERRY SWEET AND SOUR PORK By: Mel Greennagel 1 8 3/4 oz. can unsweetened pineapple tidbits 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce 1 1/2 lbs. boneless lean pork, cut into 1/2 cubes 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 medium green pepper, cut into strips Drain pineapple, reserving juice, set pineapple aside. Combine juice with cornstarch. Stir in barbecue sauce and cranberry sauce; set aside. In a large skillet coated with non-stick spray, stir-fry port and pepper over medium high heat for 3 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add green pepper and pineapple, stir fry for 2 minutes more. Stir cornstarch mixture and add to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat until thickened. Serves six. A cookbook would make an excellent Christmas gift for that person who has everything. They are also great gifts for teachers, co-workers, etc. Please see Sharon Foltz for this gift bargain at only $8.00 each. Seeker s Christmas Party The Seeker s Fellowship will have a Christmas Party/Meal at the home of Terry and Sharon Foltz on Saturday, January 3. Bring a covered-dish, white elephant gift and prepare for a fun time afterwards!! Drinks and tableware will be provided. More info to follow. Page 4

5 Highlights from Annual District Conference Annual District Conference was held November 7 and 8, 2014 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. Keith Zirkle, Church Board Chair, Pastor Mark and three delegates represented Wakemans Grove at the Business Meeting on Saturday. Friday night s events included our very own Grove Youth Band providing gathering and special music. During worship, David Weiss, Pastor of Creative Arts from Ephrata, PA spoke after he had painted an interpretive picture of the theme of this year s conference which was The Return of The Word. Approximately 50 youth in attendance left after the worship service with Pastor Mark Bowyer for an overnight lock-in. Several insight sessions were held after the service as well. Saturday began with gathering music and devotions followed by the general business session. Our district operated in the black for fiscal year 2013 and the 2015 budget passed unanimously. A copy of the 2015 budget will be in Gloria Markley s office should anyone wish to review it. A few noted special reports provided are as follows: Bridgewater College is operating at full capacity, which is 1800 students, and the college has recently purchased the Crimson Hotel in Bridgewater to provide much needed additional student housing. John Jantzi, District Executive Minister, recognized pastors who have had 50 or more years of service and urged congregations to review their ethics policy every five years. Doug Phillips, Assistant District Executive, Outdoor Ministries, spoke about Camp Brethren Woods and shared a video of this past year s activities at camp. The theme for 2015 camp will be Power Up. Opportunities to put together kits (health kits, schools kits) will be available at a central location where items will be provided and volunteers can come and spend time putting the kits together. Kits which are sent from churches have to be disassembled and checked for correctness of items, assembled again, then sent off. Having volunteers come to one location where items are provided will cut down on double work. Bridgewater Retirement Community shared a video of the newly proposed renovations to their facility to make the building more of a home environment and less like a facility. After lunch there were opportunities for all attendees to participate in one of three service projects: CWS Kits, Bird Houses, or Arm Knitting. Attendance for the conference was 294 for worship Friday night, with an offering of $4, going for the Nigeria Crisis. That amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Saturday s attendance was 295 with 79 churches represented and an offering of $2, which will go toward District Ministries. The date and location for next year s conference is November 6 and 7, 2015 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. We wish to thank the congregation for the opportunity to serve and represent Wakemans Grove at conference. Cindy Burner Kristi Zirkle Diana Scharf - Delegates Page 5

6 You May Be Able To Do It Better A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring to him too far behind the times, with tiresome tunes and meaningless words. His father put an end to the discussion by saying, If you think you can write better hymns, then why don t you? The boy went to his room and wrote his first hymn. The year was 1690, the teenager was Isaac Watts. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Joy to the World are among almost 350 hymns written by him. Feeling bored? Let the world remember you for 300 years! Some things never change! ~ author unknown FROM OUR SEWING/ QUILTING GROUP Upon entering the basement of the Church on Wednesday mornings, the smell of coffee and the sounds of chatter and laugher greet us. Further inspections reveals some at work on the quilting frame. Another room has several ladies tying comforters that will go to the local hospital, nursing homes and other charities. Over the hum of sewing machines, discussion can be heard about fabric choices for new projects. Down the hall those fabrics are precisely cut into sizes to be sewn together. By the time a comforter is completed many hands have touched the article. We were able to resupply the Angel Carts at the hospital and donate 10 comforters to Pine Meadow, as well as the Pregnancy Center and Small Hands in November. We took some time off from sewing to take a road trip. We left early on November 12th for a quilt shop in Lexington. On the way home we stopped at three more quilt shops. We purchased fabrics for use at the Church as well as personal projects. December 17th we are having a Christmas luncheon at the home of Susan Belyea. We are looking forward to the New Year to see what ways the Lord has for us to serve Him. Blessings to you. Page 6

7 JUNIOR HIGH NOTES FROM OUR YOUTH Can you believe it's almost Christmas? Where has the time gone? Our Jr. Highs have had a very busy fall. And we're not letting them off so easily this Christmas season. So mark your calendars for the following dates. The Children's Shopping spree will be held on December 7th and December 14th right after church. This year we will be having the Shopping Spree in the Seekers classroom upstairs. On December 7th ONLY there will be a Bake Sale, too, for the adults looking for some Christmas goodies. So be saving up your money! We'd like to say thanks to the congregation for their donations to make the Shopping Spree possible. After the Shopping Spree on the 7th, we will be joining the CBYF for Christmas caroling at the local nursing homes. This year we will be assisting with the Salvation Army kettle drive. On Saturday December 20th, stop by and visit our kids and their parents at the Woodstock Wal-Mart where we will be hanging out ringing the bells. We'd love to see you all there! Thanks to all the kids and their parents who volunteered to spend some time helping the less fortunate in our area this Christmas season. Parents, we will have a schedule out soon. We would love to be able to have a small Jr. High Christmas party on Dec. 14th after the shopping spree so kids, check with your folks and see if this will fit into your schedule! Now moving on to January. After all of our hard work this fall, we'd like to do something just for fun. Can we say WATERPARK?!?! Yep, that's right! So you guys need to be checking your schedules and letting us know which Saturday would work out best. Again, thanks so much for all your support of our Jr. Highs! We really appreciate it! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Terry and Crystal Wakeman Phil and Cindy Burner CBYF What a wonderful time is the Holiday Season. We are so blessed to spend this time with those we love and to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. On November 7 th we enjoyed the evening Worship Service at District Conference. Several of us shared our talents by playing or singing in the youth band to provide music for the evening. We also had a good time getting lost in the corn maze, sharing some pizza and attending a coffee house style evening worship led by Gabe. We were able to support the Empty Stocking Fund by shopping for 10 local children and helping make their Christmas a little brighter. We continued Bible Studies through November and will have two more in December on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm. We are looking forward to several Holiday Activities this year. On December 7 th we invite the congregation to Christmas Carol with us to the nursing homes in Woodstock. We will be meeting at church at 2:00 pm and car-pooling into town from there. December 17 th at 4:45 we will celebrate Christmas at the home of Barry and Sherry with a Christmas Party. Finally, come out and see the Christmas Eve Program and hear the story of how Christ was born. As the New Year begins we will pick back up with Bible Studies on Wednesday evenings. We are currently planning our events for Gabe and Pamela Dodd Barry and Sherry Arey, Advisors Page 7

8 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION SCHEDULE Sunday, December 21-10:00 am Children s Recitations Followed by Happy Birthday, Jesus Celebration in fellowship hall. 11:00 am Morning Worship with Pastor Mark Church Board Reorganization for 2015: Harold Ebersole, Board Chair Jerry Funkhouser, Vice Chair Nurture Commission Mandy Tharp, Chr. Mike Trott Gary Shipe Susan Hunsaker Stewards Commission Terry Wakeman, Chr. Earle Didawick Kenny Wakeman Todd Lam Wednesday, December 24 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Program - Census Day 101 a play by the CBYF and Jr. Highs with a cast of 20+ youth. Also featuring the Adult and Junior Choirs and the Grove Youth Band. Witness Commission Crystal Hollar, Chr. Teresa Tamkin Missy Hollar Jerry Funkhouser Worship Commission Valerie Renner, Chr. Kevin Minnick Sandy Ross Nathaniel Dirting Thursday, December 25-10:00 am Christmas Day Worship Service. Duke McCaffrey, speaker. Executive Committee: Harold Ebersole, Jerry Funkhouser, Angie Vann, Mandy Tharp, Crystal Hollar, Terry Wakeman, Valerie Renner and Ken Kline, Deacon Chair. Jr. High shopping spree Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, December 14 The Relay for Life team would like to thank everyone for their continued support. We will be having a Soup and Sandwich Meal on Sunday, December 7 following worship. We will have a meeting in January to plan for the rest of Please see the bulletin for that date. The Relay for Life event in 2015 is May 29, 7:00 pm to May 30, 7:00 a.m. at Massanutten Military Academy. More details at a later date. Remember January is cervical cancer awareness month. Kristy Kohne Dina Fix In the Seeker s SS Classroom All welcome to come and shop - especially children!!! page 8

9 BOOK REPORT Come Let Us Adore Him by Robert J. Morgan Author Morgan has collected the stories behind some of the most cherished Christmas hymns. The birth of Jesus over 2000 years ago inspired music then (think angelic choirs) and still does today. This booklet gives the origins of some of the Christmas carols from ancient to modern times. Here is the story behind one of our a ll-time favorites Silent Night from It was Christmas Eve in the Austrian Alps. At the newly constructed Church of St. Nicholas near Salzburg, Father Joseph Mohr prepared for the midnight service. He was upset because the organ was broken, ruining the plans for that evening s special music. An idea came to him to write a new song that could be sung without the organ. He quickly wrote the words Silent night, holy night, all is calm...the organist Franz Gruber composed a simple tune. That night, December 24, 1818, Silent Night was sung for the first time as a duet accompanied by a guitar. It was first published for congregational singing in 1838 in a German hymnbook. It was used in America by German-speaking congregations, then appeared in its current form in a book of Sunday School songs in Were it not for a broken organ, there never would have been a Silent Night. The stories behind these hymns makes for interesting and fascinating reading. Check it out and see for yourself. Other new items in the library: DVDs for children 1. Veggie Tales Beauty and the Beet. 2. Veggie Tales Minnesota Cuke and the Search For Samson s Hairbrush. 3. Veggie Tales Larry Boy and the Angry Eyebrows. 4. Gigi-God s Little Princess-Dreaming of a Pink Christmas. Youth Fiction 1. Holly s Heart by Beverly Lewis. 2. Lost & Found by Colleen Coble. DVD 1. When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. Fiction 1. The River by Beverly Lewis. Librarians, Pam McCubbin Barbara Garber page 9

10 CHRISMONS THEY POINT TO JESUS A special thank you to the Good Samaritans SS Class for decorating the Christmas tree in the vestibule each year. You may have noticed the round ornaments with symbols or words embroidered on them (white with gold thread). If not, please take a closer look. These were made many years ago by ladies in our congregation and have been used annually on the tree these are called Chrismons. What are Chrismons?? They are Christian symbols that give honor to Christ in other words they are monograms for Christ. Many of these symbols were designed almost 2000 years ago by the first Christians. They put them on their door posts, utensils, and catacombs to make a statement about what they believed. White is the liturgical color for Christmas referring to the Lord s purity and perfection. The gold points to God s glory and majesty. Here is an explanation of several of the ornaments that grace our tree. The Holy Trinity represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit God is one God, but there are three persons. The Creator s Star God the Father created the world in six days. That is why the star has six points. The Manger shows us how God sent is Son. Jesus became a baby just like you and me. The Crown of Thorns is a passion symbol indicating our suffering Savior. The Cross is the greatest symbol of the Christian Church. Without Jesus death on the cross, we would be lost forever. The Butterfly represents the victory of His resurrection. Jesus work was not finished when He died for us on the cross. He did not stay in the tomb but burst forth alive on Easter Day. The Lamp depicts God s Holy Word. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~Psalm There are many words that have been embroidered: Prince of Peace, Jesus, Emmanuel, Redeemer, The Resurrection, Lord, Wonderful, Good Shepherd, Cornerstone, Risen Lord, Lily of the Valley. These all point to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we learn for about what these ornaments mean, we can give glory to God, and that is the real reason for Celebrating Christmas! Page 10

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12 Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren 2015 Disaster Auction Ads/Sponsorships Gary Wakeman and Gary Shipe will be contacting past donors in the coming weeks for ads and sponsorships. If you have not donated in the past and would like to this year or have questions please contact him. The booklet ad sizes/ sponsorship price levels are: Ads: 1/8-3.3X2.3 - $75 1/4-3.3X4.7 or 6.75X2.3 - $100 1/2-6.75X $200 Full X9.5 - $400 Sponsorship: $25, $50, $75, $100 Please help our auction succeed in assisting disaster victims by taking out a business ad or donating money through a sponsorship. Wakemans Grove Church of the Brethren 668 Wakemans Grove Road Edinburg, VA 22824