Manassas Church of the Brethren December 2018

Transcription

1 Manassas Church of the Brethren December Doughnut Breakfast Sunday School Worship Bake & Bean Sale Clara s Christmas Lunch Liberia Arby s 8 Youth make cookie dough Sunday School Worship Sojourner s Meet Executive Committee Meeting Church Board Meeting Lunch Liberia Arby s Forgetful Friends Chorus 13 Bridge & Cards Club Agape Christmas the Wine s Sr. High Youth Lock-In at Frederick COB Choir Dress Rehearsal Choir Christmas Party Sunday School Worship CANTATA SUNDAY Youth Christmas Party Blue Christmas Lunch Liberia Arby s Retirees Agape Luncheon Sunday School Worship Christmas Eve Service 25 Merry Christmas 25-1/2 Office Closed The Advent Season is filled with reasons to invite family and friends to join in the celebration. Throughout the season, there are numerous fellowship gatherings and worship services happening in and around the church. Pastor Mandy will start a new sermon series titled, The Mothers of Christmas, which will explore the stories of the women who are named in Jesus genealogy in Matthew 1. On December 2, we will host our annual Bread For the World Sunday; a day in which our youth and children sponsor a bake and bean sale to end world hunger. This is a truly delicious event. The traditional Christmas Cantata, presented by the Chancel Choir, is planned for Sunday, December 16 th during the morning worship hour. Pastor Mandy and the deacons will hold the Blue Christmas Service, December 16, at 7 pm. This special service is a time of hope and healing, releasing our loss, pain and hurt. This service will include anointing. Season of Advent Our weekly bulletin has already begun to list all of the various upcoming Christmas activities. All are welcome. The Sojourners (born ) are meeting Dec. noon. The Agape Fellowship (born before 1945) will meet at Phil and Lois W s house on the 14 7 pm. Please bring a friend and dish to share. The Youth (Junior and Senior High) will have a Christmas party on Dec. noon. Bev V., our church photographer, has offered to take family Christmas photos beside the Chrismon tree in the sanctuary every Sunday in December for anyone wishing to have a family portrait this season. For more information on each of these events, please contact the church office. So many reasons to participate in and celebrate the gift of Jesus, the newborn king! New Advent Devotional for 2018, Wait and Hope Advent is a time for engaging God s word and grounding ourselves in the hope of the kingdom rather than personal wishes and desires. This season examine the words and actions of both the prophets and the central figures in the Christmas story, and rediscover the gift of waiting in patient expectation for God's ultimate promise, Jesus. Please pick up your family s devotional in the narthex.

2 Pastor s Page Last week, I had a great visit with Chris B.. When he was Lead Pastor at Manassas CoB and I was the Pastor of Faith Formation, we would meet weekly for what we called Pastors Powwow, where we would discuss life, and faith and the ministries of the church. This past week, we met so I could brainstorm with him this year s Advent theme: The Mothers of Christmas. In Matthew 1, there s a genealogy of Jesus listed. In this genealogy, there are five women mentioned: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah s wife, and Mary. Each Sunday of Advent and on Christmas Eve, we will explore the stories of these women and the ways that they lived that bring us to the coming of Christ. Jesus didn t appear out of nowhere. Mary and Joseph are not two random individuals. The story of Jesus, the story of Jesus birth is part of a long history of a people of faith. The story of Jesus is part of the human story, real people with real lives dealing with real struggles. God uses the brokenness of humanity to bring about the most perfect and holy gift, Jesus Christ. Not in spite of the brokenness, but actually through the brokenness, the Light of the World emerges. Throughout Advent we will see how God used Tamar s righteousness, Rahab s faith, Ruth s generosity, Uriah s wife s perseverance and Mary s willingness to bring Jesus into the world. Just as God used each of these women and all those named in Jesus genealogy, God can also use us, all of us, even our broken pieces to continue to bring the love, light and life of Jesus into today s broken world. In Chris retirement, he s enjoyed the art of lathing, so when our meeting was done, he created this candlestick of Red cedar and Pecan stain with a Bee s wax polish. It was inspired by our time and conversation together: Righteous light emerging from rough log. This candlestick has become the centerpiece of this year s Advent wreath, reminding us that Jesus was born from within the humanity of this broken world. May we continue to be a part of the emerging light of Christ into our broken world today as we celebrate this Advent season together. ~Pastor Mandy Advent Worship Themes December 2 Tamar: No Christmas without Righteousness (Genesis 38:1-30) Preacher: Pastor Mandy Worship Leader: David S. December 9 Rahab: No Christmas without Faith (Joshua 2:1-24, 6:1-2, 25) Preacher: Pastor Mandy Worship Leader: Stephanie P. December 16 Cantata Sunday Ruth: No Christmas without Generosity (Ruth 1:1-18; 3:1-5; 4:1-6, 11-18) Worship Leader: Pastor Mandy December 23 Uriah s Wife: No Christmas without Perseverance (2 Samuel 11:1-15, 26; 12:15-25) Preacher: Pastor Mandy Worship Leader: Terrie C. December 24 Christmas Eve Mary: No Christmas without Willingness (Luke 1:26-38) Preacher: Pastor Mandy Worship Leader: Christian and Kim S. and family

3 The holidays can be a difficult time. Celebrations, gifts, decorating, and baking can be a great pleasure. However, for those who have lost a loved one, suffer from illness, or just don t feel the celebratory spirit, our Blue Christmas Service will lead you into Christ s loving embrace, and help you know He is with us always. The Blue Christmas Service will be held on December 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. which will include candle-lighting and anointing Cantata Christmas Seekers "Seek, and you will find." It is one of our best-known and oft-quoted scripture passages. In a broad sense, all Christians are seekers: seekers of Christ in all parts of our lives, much as those centuries ago were seeking a Messiah to lead the faithful out of the darkness and into a promised land. It is from this interesting premise that the familiar Christmas story is brought to life in text and music for us today much as it was for Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the angels years ago. Using familiar carols as well as John Purifoy's wellknown original melodic gifts, Christmas Seekers will not only enhance your celebration of Christmas, but engender the spirit of seeking Christ in all we are, and in all we do. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Join us for this special service on December 24th at 7:00pm This year our Christmas Eve offering will go to support two Childhood Cancer Organizations: Alex s Army Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation

4 Giving Generously Photos by Bev Vogel Each Sunday through Christmas Eve, Bev V. will be taking family photos which will be submitted to you digitally. The children and youth will be holding a Bread for the World Bake & Bean Sale on December 2, 2018 before and after worship. All proceeds go to Bread for the World to end world hunger. Leave a Legacy There are many reasons why people make gifts in their will. One of the most important ones is to support work that they believe in. Your gift can make a lasting impact on the work of the church: Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together. Un-Trim-a-Tree Program These photos are a great way to celebrate family and see how much we ve changed through the year and in years past. Stewardship by the Numbers Attendance: Per week Offering: $ Congregation Invited to Give in December Members and friends are asked to give generously to the ministry of the church during the month of December. Additional gifts are needed so that the church program can end the year financially strong and fulfill all of its outreach commitments. Please give a special gift to the church this Christmas season. Members and friends of Manassas Church will again participate in the Manassas-area program to provide children with Christmas presents. Called Un-Trim-a-Tree, the idea is for cards with children s names to be placed on a Christmas tree for donors who would take the cards from the tree, hence, untrimming it. The Mission, Outreach and Service Ministry Team is hosting the project. Names of children are already on the tree in the church library. The Ministry Team request that all gifts with their original tags be returned unwrapped to the church by December 16th. Thank you for helping to make a child smile on Christmas Day! Cards to BVSers The Church of the Brethren has over 100 active service projects in the USA and the world through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). BVS volunteers enjoy receiving cards and greetings from members of the Brethren congregation. We will make the addresses of BVSers around the globe available. If you would like to send a Christmas card to a BVSer to brighten their Christmas season please feel free to pick up an address or two of a current BVSer.

5 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL DECEMBER FEBRUARY Classes 9:45am-10:50am Our Adult Sunday School Classes will begin December 2, 2018 at 9:45 am Classes will be held by Fellowship Groups Young Adults Born between Pastor s Study Sojourners Born between Executive Dining Room Seekers Born between Fellowship Hall Koinonia Born between Room 207 Agape - Born before 1945 Room 103 Cards and Caring Hands Class will meet in Room 209 CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES This fall, our youth (Pre-K through Jr. High) are invited to Sunday School at 9:45am. The curriculum is SHINE Journeys with Jesus Shine: Journeys with Jesus is a dynamic Sunday school curriculum that engages Christian communities and families. Pre-K Bonnie C. in Room 106 K-2 Connie Y. and Kim S. in Room Nancy S. and Kris S. in Room 304 Jr. High Christy L. Donna B., Kim K. Room 107 Our Sr. High Youth will be studying with the Generation Why? Curriculum Sr. High Chris E. and Rose C. in Room 305 *You are welcome to join any of the fellowship groups, regardless of age.* Our Sunday School focus will be on this year s Advent Devotional, Wait and Hope Called Into Leadership The church welcomes the following new board members, delegates, and deacons affirmed by Council in November. Moderator: Luke C. Communications Team: Kim K. Christian Education Team: 2 Positions still open Fellowship and Hospitality Team: Sharion R. Mission and Service Team: Steve H. Property Team: Joe P. Stewardship Team: Louis H. Worship and Music Team: Chris E., Lavonne H. Education and Enrichment: Jenn F. Memorial Fund Committee: Kevin F. Goals and Purpose Committee: Mary G. Staff Advisory Committee: Preston L., Lynn K. Leadership Calling Team: Joan K. Audit Committee: Christian S. Chris E., Rick A. Annual Conference Delegates: Terrie C., Luke C. District Conference Delegates: 2 Positions still open Congregational Council Meeting This Fall s Congregational Council Meeting took place on November 18th. Louis Harrell and Dale Rankin presented the budget for They reported that steps are being taken to help us continue our ministries and our capital improvements to the building. Also, funds were delegated to a 3-year supplemental increase to support the District Ministry. As always, we ask that the congregation give generously to support these programs. The Goals and Purpose Committee codified the Pastor Emeritus position, and it was unanimously voted to offer that title to Chris B. In addition, Goals and Purpose reported that it was their sense that there is no consensus from the congregation to purchase the Prosperity House property.

6 THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER ACOLYTES: December 2: Bridget R. December 9: Addison R. December 16: Alexander P. December 23: Brandon R. December 30: Grace S. Ushers: Head Usher: Lynn K. Melvin C., Patricia F., Mike H., Donna H., Luke C. NURSERY/PRESCHOOL: December 2: Louis and Christa H. December 9: Jenn Flora and Karen C. December 16: TBD December 23: Joan K. December 30: TBD CHILDREN S CHURCH: December 2: December 9: December 16: December 23: Rose C. December 30: No Children s Church Thank you to all who give of their time and talents for the ministry of the church! Sojourner s Christmas Gathering December 9th Noon Fellowship Center Bring a dish to Share Agape Christmas Party Every year, Phil and Lois W. host the annual Agape Christmas Party. The party will take place at Phil and Lois home in Manassas on Friday December 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm. If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share. For more information, please contact Lois at

7 Children and Youth Ministry The youth will meet at 3:00pm in the Fellowship Center on Saturday December 8th to make cookie dough for their fundraiser! Jr. & Sr. High Youth Christmas Party December 16, :00 pm SENIOR HIGH MAD Youth Christmas Lock-In December 14-15, Frederick COB Contact Rose C. for more information

8 Election Day Love Feast By Pastor Mandy and Stephanie P. Leading up to the 2018 Midterm Elections, the Office of Youth and Young Adults invited congregations to host an Election Day Love Feast. From the blog that was shared with the invitation, the idea of an Election Day Love Feast started two years ago, recognizing that our country has become so polarized around politics. Some of us vote for Republicans. Some of us vote for Democrats. Others of us vote for third party candidates and some of us do not vote. We might not vote the same way but we can find unity in Christ through feetwashing, sharing a meal, and communion. We don t have to have the same political beliefs to have unity in the Body of Christ. The Manassas Church of the Brethren is no different than our denomination or our country. Through surveys and studies conducted in our congregation, we know that our political and theological beliefs fall all along the spectrum. Some are more conservative and some are more liberal, and yet we have always remained true to our vision statement that we are a community of care, where relationships matter and Christian discipleship counts. Being in community together, finding unity even among our differences, and building up our relationships with one another has always been more important than partisanship. As followers of Jesus Christ, our focus is neither to the right nor to the left. Rather, it is centered on Jesus Christ alone. In response to these dynamics and because of who we are as a church, the Manassas Church of the Brethren decided to host a love feast the day after the elections at our regularly scheduled Church Activity Night on Wednesday evening. There were stations set up for people who wanted to participate. Anyone who wanted to be grounded once more into the depths of their faith was invited to participate in love feast. For some in our congregation this untraditional love feast was uncomfortable. It felt as though we were politicizing this sacred ordinance. We knew that this was a break from traditions, and that this wasn t the typical way that we celebrate love feast. It wasn t World Communion Sunday or Maundy Thursday, after all. There was no sop and we didn t sing any hymns. It was just a basin and a towel, the bread and the cup set up to be served, We named how uncomfortable it was for many to share in love feast on a night that was outside of our standard tradition, and we affirmed that sometimes following Jesus does take us out of our comfort zone. So the elements were there, and those who gathered were invited to participate, or not, according to their spiritual need and comfort level. Our meal that evening included a local Lutheran pastor, Rev. Connie T. and her two young daughters. I was able to wash her feet as well as her daughter s feet. Afterwards, she posted on Facebook, I was humbled to have my feet washed by my friend Pastor Mandy, and to witness as she washed my kids feet for the first time, liturgically anyway. The following day, one of our deacons, Stephanie P., offered these reflections, For me, the opportunity to share communion around the election was very meaningful, perhaps some of the most meaningful of my history of participating in communion. I still have faith in democracy and in my fellow citizens and our potential to be a loving and helpful nation to those around us. From my perspective, many of the election results are disappointing and a challenge to my faith in the USA, and this communion is an opportunity to remind me of who I am and whose I am. It is an opportunity to remember that there is work for me and my fellow Christians to do no matter what the world around me says. It's also an opportunity to remind myself that whatever one's political bent, he or she is my brother or sister in Christ. I find it a positive, healing experience and am grateful. We know that the simple act of offering love feast near the elections is not going to solve the issues surrounding our divisiveness. The symbolic act of washing feet needs to lead us into living a life of humble service every day. The symbolic act of eating the bread and drinking the cup needs to remind us every day of the amazing love of Jesus, a love that binds us all together. Source:

9 3 4 12:00 pm Lunch Liberia 10 6:15 pm Executive 7:30 pm Church 11 12:00 pm Lunch :00 pm Lunch :00 pm Bridge & Cards :00 pm Retirees 14 7:00 pm Agape Christmas The 7:30 pm MAD Youth 15 4:00 pm Chancel Choir December 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 Doughnut Breakfast Sunday School Worship Bread & Bean Sale Clara s Christmas 9 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Worship 12:00 Sojourner s Meet 16 Christmas Cantata 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Worship 12:00pm Youth Party 7 pm Blue Christmas 23 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Worship 30 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Committee Meeting Board Meeting 247:00 pm Christmas Eve Service Office Closed Arby s Liberia Arby s 6:30 pm Forgetful Friends Chorus Liberia Arby s :00 pm Youth Meet to make cookie dough Club Great American Wine s House Sr. High Christmas Frederick COB Office Closed 26 Office Closed 27 Office Closed 28 Office Closed 29 Cantata Rehearsal and Party

10 MANASSAS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN NOKESVILLE ROAD MANASSAS VIRGINIA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1-Terri W. 3-Rob W. 4-Doug S. 6-Luke C. 6-Matt J. 6-Diane P. 8-Anna W. 10-Cheryl B. 11-William B. 12-Kelly K. 13-Joan B. 13-Heather C. 14-Anna C. 14-Jake S. 15-Heather B. 15-Kyra O. 16-Craig G. 17-Willy H. 17-Jim L. 17-Dick P. 19-Carole H. 19-Yvonne R. 20-Leonard P. 25-Christopher B. 26-Lucas D. 27-Rick B. 27-Jeff H. 28-Jim B. 28-Everett L. K. Jr. 30-Priscilla W. 31-Patricia F. 2 Jeff and Kim C. 17-Steve and Julie F. 19-Jack and Callie E. 20-Andrew and Heather C. 26-Darrell and Alene M. 27-Wayne and Kathie K.