Loving others as Christ first loved us! The Colonnade

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The Colonnade Cokesbury United Methodist Church December 2013 14806 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 52, No.

Early on, Helping Hands, under the leadership of Bob and Bunny Mahar, began participating in the Christmas Child project.

Through the years, the entire congregation has participated with Helping Hands coordinating, wrapping, passing out, and collecting the shoeboxes. Many tireless workers have kept the program on track.

1 The Colonnade Cokesbury United Methodist Church December Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 52, No. 12 Operation Christmas Child By Peggy Dorton In 1993, Franklin Graham established Operation Christmas Child as a mission to carry the Good News of Jesus to suffering children throughout the world. Early on, Helping Hands, under the leadership of Bob and Bunny Mahar, began participating in the Christmas Child project. At first it was a small undertaking with mostly Helping Hands members involved. Through the years, the entire congregation has participated with Helping Hands coordinating, wrapping, passing out, and collecting the shoeboxes. Many tireless workers have kept the program on track. Among them, Bob and Bunny Mahar, Mary Wright, Olga Bruce Fraser, Mary Jane Fizer, Naomi Shaw, Marian Gherke, and many others. This year s Christmas box team includes Cynthia Rohlfs, Blanche Lowery, Barbara Matthews, Bunnie Wertz, and Peggy Dorton. The group met weekly in September and October to wrap the empty shoeboxes that were donated by Burlington Shoes in Potomac Mills Mall, saved and provided by Ming Liu. On Tuesday, November 12, the team shopped at the local dollar store. Items to fill over 30 boxes were purchased. It is always fun to fill the shopping carts with school supplies, hygiene items, and, best of all, toys and candies. This year we expect to send at least 100 boxes from Cokesbury. Helping Hands has assisted with $439 for gifts and $420 in postage. Helping Hands thanks everyone for their generous support, donations of money, filled boxes and extra items, as well as the gift of time, and Don Dorton for transporting the boxes to the collection point. Thank you! Thank you Cokesbury family. Because of you, 100 children who have very little reason to be joyful, will experience the happiness of opening a gift box filled and sent with love. Christmas Cookie Sale The Family Care and Worship Committees are sponsoring our annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall. Get out your favorite cookie and candy recipes and bake up a couple of batches to donate to this worthwhile event. On Saturday morning, come by and pick up some delicious creations provided by our wonderful cooks. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex. Watch the bulletin for information for bringing your goodies to the church kitchen. For more information, call the church office, Peggy Dorton ( ) or Cynthia Rohlfs (

2 December marks the end of the year. I hope that 2013 has been a good year for you. It has been a wonderful year for me! I can look back during this year and experience God s presence during the last 365 days and/or twelve months that composed December also brings to our awareness that a new year is about to dawn with new possibilities and the anticipated presence of God being in our lives even more. December lifts up the birth of Jesus Christ and how God gives the birth of new life in our lives and living. God gives well thought out gifts to us, fresh breaths, soulful sustenance, new joy, hope and peace. It is also a time for family to gather together and experience the blessing of family and family love. I hope that the birth of Christ will stimulate you to connect more and more with the Baby Jesus. As God gives to you, may you give to God for Jesus Christ, angelic songs, Magi s gifts, a stable s venue, a mother s doting love, a father s bonding love, a glorified and magnified soul, a joyful and rejoicing spirit, as well as the heart exclaiming as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom God s favor rests. (Luke 2:13-14 (NIV), MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY KWANZAA HAPPY NEW YEAR FELIZ NAVIDAD By Melissa Clark Do You Hear What I Hear? Do you remember when you first heard that Jesus Christ was born for you? Well come and learn on December 22 nd at 10:30 when the Chancel Choir will sing several pieces of music focused on when the Good News was proclaimed. All the songs relate to different people who received the message. Please join us for a wonderful celebration proclaiming the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Eve Family Service Happy Birthday Jesus By Jarlene Phelps Come to the communion service with the Christmas message presented by the children of Cokesbury in an animal puppet play.

It takes a donkey, a cow, a lamb, two children and familiar Christmas hymns to teach Gabby the real meaning of Christmas Happy Birthday, Jesus. The children s choir will sing.

3 Christmas Eve Family Service Happy Birthday Jesus By Jarlene Phelps Come to the communion service with the Christmas message presented by the children of Cokesbury in an animal puppet play. Gabby, the bird, thinks Christmas is about presents. He is so busy getting ready with baking, cleaning and presents. It takes a donkey, a cow, a lamb, two children and familiar Christmas hymns to teach Gabby the real meaning of Christmas Happy Birthday, Jesus. The children s choir will sing. It will be a candlelight service with glow sticks available for children. Invite your friends. Decorating toward Christmas Eve every Sunday By Jarlene Phelps Hanging of the Greens on December 1st started us off, but decorating will continue until Christmas Eve when the lights of the trees and communion rail will be lit. Each week colorful papers will be available for prayers to be written and then folded and put into clear Christmas balls that will be placed on the tree in the Chancel area. Chrismons will also be made for several weeks by the children as they continue to decorate the tree in the narthex. Everyone can help with decorating our church for Christmas as we journey through Advent. What are Chrismons? The tradition of Chrismons began in 1957 when Frances Kipps Spencer ( ), a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, set out to create decorations appropriate for the church Christmas tree. "Chrismons are special ornaments hung on Christmas trees and used in decorations that remind us of the true meaning of the Christmas season and point us to the Christ child. The dictionary defines a Chrismon as "a monogram of Christ." Each Chrismon represents Jesus Christ--his life, ministry, nature or teaching. The symbols are non-denominational and are recognized by most Christians. If a Christmas tree is decorated with Christian symbols, the tree is known as a "Chrismon Tree." The evergreen tree, which symbolizes eternal life, provides a background for white lights and gold and white Chrismon designs. The lights proclaim Jesus is the light of the world, and the Chrismon ornaments declare His name, life and saving acts. Chrismons may never be made for profit, so you are not going to find them commercially made, but making your own is a wonderful family activity. Copyright 2013 The Church of the Resurrection

Youth Group Update: J-CONNECTION! Paula Simensen, Youth Leader Our theme for the year is Beatitudes Parents, please encourage your rising 6th 12th graders to attend our youth group. We meet at St.

At this time Hannah Simensen has been our only Cokesbury Youth attending youth group. There is plenty of room for all! Sun, Dec. 1 Sun, Dec. 8 Sun, Dec. 15 Sun, Dec. 22 Sun, Dec.

with St. Paul and Ghana Wesley, Cokesbury has been assigned to provide snack type suppers to help distribute the snack supper responsibility.

Please let me know if any one (individual / family / group) would be willing to provide meals for our meetings.

4 Youth Group Update: J-CONNECTION! Paula Simensen, Youth Leader Our theme for the year is Beatitudes Parents, please encourage your rising 6th 12th graders to attend our youth group. We meet at St. Paul UMC located at 1400 G St. in Woodbridge. I can help coordinate transportation if given enough notice in advance. At this time Hannah Simensen has been our only Cokesbury Youth attending youth group. There is plenty of room for all! Sun, Dec. 1 Sun, Dec. 8 Sun, Dec. 15 Sun, Dec. 22 Sun, Dec. 29 DECEMBER CALENDAR Youth Group Christmas Progressive Dinner Youth Group No Youth Activities - Christmas No Youth Activities New Year Cokesbury Congregation: As part of our youth group collaboration with St. Paul and Ghana Wesley, Cokesbury has been assigned to provide snack type suppers to help distribute the snack supper responsibility. Below is the schedule that provides our dates that are still open and snack suppers are needed. We have been averaging was youth and leaders. Please let me know if any one (individual / family / group) would be willing to provide meals for our meetings. The meals do not need to be complicated casseroles, pizza, fried chicken and subs are all welcome options. I encourage any help you can provide with this part of our youth group as an additional way to support our youth and to be a part of our youth ministry. Cokesbury Snack Supper Schedule Updated: Dec. 15 Jan. 12 Mar. 9 Mar. 30 May 4 Please contact Paula Simensen Cokesbury Youth Coordinator at or pasimensen@abelsupply.com if you have any questions. Thanks everyone in advance for all of your encouragement and prayers for our youth and our youth ministry! Adult Sunday School Discussion Group Songs of the Season By Monica Arredondo Monica Arredondo will continue to facilitate the adult Sunday-morning discussion group about hymns and our faith. This is an informal discussion group that discusses a different hymn each week. No preparation is needed, and all are welcome. For the month of December, we will focus on Christmas hymns. A tentative schedule is below. For questions, please Monica Arredondo atmonicadea@aol.com. December 1 Joy to the World December 8 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel December 15 Ode to Joy / Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee December 22 Angels We Have Heard On High December 29 O Holy Night

sponsored by CUMC Missions & Outreach Commission By Deirdre Dorsey Personal care items were purchased and assembled into zip lock bags with each containing eight needed items: soap, shampoo,

40 Personal Care Bags will be given to children and adults that have been victims of physical and sexual abuse and will be distributed by the SANE Nurses at Sentara Hospital.

The group creates many such items. One recent gift was an afghan given to Anita Yount on the death of her husband, made by Peggy Keen.

5 sponsored by CUMC Missions & Outreach Commission By Deirdre Dorsey Personal care items were purchased and assembled into zip lock bags with each containing eight needed items: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, notebook, and pen. 40 Personal Care Bags will be given to children and adults that have been victims of physical and sexual abuse and will be distributed by the SANE Nurses at Sentara Hospital. The personal care items will provide much needed comfort and support to these individuals. Prayer Shawl Comforters By Marian Gherke Making someone feel better is the purpose of our ministry. The group creates many such items. One recent gift was an afghan given to Anita Yount on the death of her husband, made by Peggy Keen. We sit with needles and cheery yarns and fall into the routine of creating cozy wraps that will comfort and soothe their new owners with their warm embrace. Recently we received a large yarn donation from Feye Archer from Korea, who is a member of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program at the hospital. In appreciation, she received five frilly scarves. We are sorry to learn that one of our group (Grace Nesiama) will be returning to her homeland for six months. She will take her knitting/crocheting skills with her. She enjoyed learning to knit and crochet and made many beautiful items. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 98:4 UMW Advent Breakfast Celebrate God s gift of faith, hope and love, as we gather in fellowship for breakfast and program, music and song. All women are welcome. No cost. Wear your Christmas colors! When: Saturday, December 7, :00-11:00 a.m. Where: Old Bridge UMC 3966 Old Bridge Rd., Lake Ridge Hosted by United Methodist Women, Woodbridge Sub-District. Contact point: Gayle Urban/ bridge.gu@gmail.com The Choir of Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church-Woodbridge request the honor and pleasure of the company of Cokesbury UMC at Nine Lessons, Carols, and Oratories Saturday, December 14, :30-9:00 p.m. St. Paul UMC, 1400 G Street, Woodbridge, VA R.S.V.P. - The favor of a reply is requested: , , or ; ebenezerallotey72@yahoo.com

1 Dorothy Cooper Lawrence Kotei Giovanni Garcia 2 Regina Nesiama Daniel Nsuase 3 Nalo Bickersteth 4 Bernadette Baiden-Amissah 5 Casey Commerce 8 Thomas Lewis 13 Martin Atta 15 Jesse Simmons Becky Ash

Delpha Martin 28 Joseph Soriano 29 Michael Gribik, Jr.

6 1 Dorothy Cooper Lawrence Kotei Giovanni Garcia 2 Regina Nesiama Daniel Nsuase 3 Nalo Bickersteth 4 Bernadette Baiden-Amissah 5 Casey Commerce 8 Thomas Lewis 13 Martin Atta 15 Jesse Simmons Becky Ash 16 Elvira Arteaga Suzette Fulton Wanda Lawson 18 Michael Petitt 20 Andrew Yoho Russ Urban John Obeng 22 Debbie Clark 23 Terry Edmonds 24 Marian Gherke Bill Mahan 26 Christopher Jeffries 27 Pam Herin Delpha Martin 28 Joseph Soriano 29 Michael Gribik, Jr. Robert Schaver D E C E M B E R 2 Suzie & Ronnie Hawes 5 Marsha & Mike Eland 16 Christi & Robbie Brisbane 19 Cynthia & Arthur Rohlfs Betty & Joe Greene 22 Cheryl & Michael Petitt 27 Monica & Roy Arredondo 28 Maria & Jose Medina 30 Musu & Daniel Gueh By Barbara Horne BIBLE STUDY Disciple Class is being held every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It is not imperative to read the material before your come. We welcome everyone to explore the wisdom and joy that the scriptures enfold each week. Enjoy increasing your faith journey with your church friends. Thank You On behalf of my sister-in-law, my family and myself, I would like to give our thanks for the wonderful concern everybody voiced during my brother s illness and with his passing. When sitting with Buddy, I often told him of the prayers and concerns being offered. Buddy took joy in the fact that others were so thoughtful, and his wife Sandy was overwhelmed by the concerns of others and was so grateful for the throw given to her. Once she received it, there wasn t a day that she didn t have it wrapped around herself. Following Buddy s passing, I can t begin to tell you all what the calls and lovely cards meant to me. Losing a family member is difficult, but just knowing that others care so much means more than words could ever express. Bettye Ann Greene

UMC Bi-District Training Day Belonging Behaving Believing Saturday, January 11, 2014 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Floris United Methodist Church 13600 Frying Pan Rd.

Registration open October 15-December 18. Applications available in church office or go to www.novaumc.org/bdtd.html. Workshops available on first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited.

This tasty treat can convey important elements of our Christian faith. The stripes remind us of the heart of Christmas, our Savior, Jesus: white for his purity; red for his blood shed on the cross.

7 UMC Bi-District Training Day Belonging Behaving Believing Saturday, January 11, :30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Floris United Methodist Church Frying Pan Rd., Herndon, VA An opportunity for all United Methodists to come together to learn, to grow as disciples, and to develop vital churches. Keynote address, 9:00-10:00 a.m. by Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. Registration open October 15-December 18. Applications available in church office or go to Workshops available on first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. Story of the Candy Cane The account of the candy cane s origins circulates every Christmas season and is more likely a fun story than historical fact. No matter; tales often contain truth. This tasty treat can convey important elements of our Christian faith. The stripes remind us of the heart of Christmas, our Savior, Jesus: white for his purity; red for his blood shed on the cross. The candy cane resembles the curved staffs of the shepherds the first people to visit the Christ-Child and worship at the manger. And when the cane is turned upside down, it becomes a letter J, for Jesus. Indeed, Jesus turns our lives upside down and inverts our presumptions: A poor baby born in a stable becomes King of kings and Lord of lords; enemies aren t for hating but loving; blessings aren t for hoarding but sharing; the world works for war, but Jesus calls us to live in peace; receiving is better than giving; sinners are made saints; and death is conquered as God grants us eternal life. Food for ACTS By Barbara Firth Much thanks to all who contributed to the Holiday Food Baskets. We gave 389 lbs. (ACTS way of tracking). Please continue to remember the hungry when you come to worship. One item each week makes a big difference. During December we are suggesting baby food and hygiene items for babies. Appreciate anything you can do. Other ACTS Challenges (Action in the Community Through Service) Two of the most difficult challenges for ACTS this past year resulted in the temporary closure of two shelters. ACTS East Safe House caught fire and displaced 18 individuals that were the victims of domestic violence. ACTS worked tirelessly with the community to open the Safe House as quickly as possible to those seeking safe haven from the trauma of domestic violence The Beverly Warren Homeless Shelter sustained considerable damage from a sprinkler system malfunction. The shelter will be operational again on December 1 st and ACTS is taking on the task of furnishing and decorating the facility to serve as refuge for 18 individuals experiencing the trauma of homelessness. They lost not only furniture, but such things as towels, linens and bathroom supplies. They are relying on the community to help raise the funds to provide many necessary items, one bed, one meal, one smile, one dollar at a time. Your contribution makes an impact for years to come. You may donate on line at or send to ACTS, PO Box 74, Dumfries, VA and put Homeless Shelter on the memo line.

Hello. Climbing for a Cause My mother, Elizabeth Obeng, mentioned that some members of the church wanted to get in contact and provide some donations for my trip up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Yes, you read that right - I am ascending the tallest mountains in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, in January. I am a senior at Cornell University majoring in Psychology.

8 Hello. Climbing for a Cause My mother, Elizabeth Obeng, mentioned that some members of the church wanted to get in contact and provide some donations for my trip up Mt. Kilimanjaro. I really want to thank the church as soon as I get the chance to come back down. My name is Eric Obeng and I am really excited about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this Winter! Yes, you read that right - I am ascending the tallest mountains in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, in January. I am a senior at Cornell University majoring in Psychology. I am also the Vice President of the organization Mountains for Moms (M4M). Mountains for Moms is a student group that seeks to raise funds and awareness for obstetric fistula, a debilitating and widely unknown condition affecting thousands of women. We will do this through on- and off-campus fundraising, and by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in January of We are a team of ambitious and organized individuals that truly seek to make a difference. Our beneficiary organization is OperationOF, a London-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit founded by Cornell alumnus Seth Cochran. 100% of the donations that go to OperationOF go directly to the field. Mountains for Moms will raise $19,341 (the altitude of Mt. Kilimanjaro) over the course of this semester for OperationOF. I am writing you regarding an opportunity for you to be involved with a life changing organization. I love volunteering my time and I feel that this is a great use of it. However, I do need some help in order to accomplish this goal. I need financial assistance for the flight, lodging, and the summit. I m looking to raise $4,000 for the trip. If there are any funds left over, the money will go to OperationOF. I would really love this opportunity to reach the summit of this mountain with my team, and witness the result of all our hard work. I have been working with this organization since my sophomore year and this is my first and last opportunity to make the summit up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Not only is this my last time to do this, it would be a shame if the financial burden prevents me being able to see my commitment to Mountains for Moms come to fruition. If my story resonates with you, then please donate here: Saving Moms One Step At A Time Climbs Thanks for your time and support, Eric Obeng Community Musical Gifts Attention All Music Lovers! Free Concerts! The Woodbridge Community Choir is celebrating its 47th year of providing FREE concerts to the Prince William Community. Directed by Lee Irwin Culbreth and accompanied by Meredyth Stirling,, there will be some familiar pieces in new arrangements, some Latin and Celtic pieces, and even some Motown! All were chosen to help celebrate the joy of Christmas. You will leave the concert filled with the Christmas spirit, humming those familiar tunes. Concerts are free and are held at the Ferlazzo Auditorium, Donald Curtis Dr., Woodbridge on the following dates: Saturday, December 14, 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 3:00 p.m. New Dominion Choraliers 18 th Annual Holiday Show Christmas Joys Saturday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 4:30 p.m. Forest Park High School Forest Park Dr., Woodbridge, Tickets available at the door and online Adults $15.00, Students, Seniors & Active Duty Military & Veterans, $10.00 Children 5-13, $ and under free , , Page 9

Sunday Worship Services 8:30 AM & 11 AM Nursry available at the 11 AM service. The 11 AM worship service features a children s worship for elementary school-aged children.

9 Sunday Worship Services 8:30 AM & 11 AM Nursry available at the 11 AM service. The 11 AM worship service features a children s worship for elementary school-aged children. Sunday School at 9:45 AM (for children, youth, and adults) If there is a 5 th Sunday in the month, the worship service that day begins at 10:30 AM, and there is no Sunday School. The Colonnade Editor: Bunny Mahar Postal Coordinator: Joe Greene Articles for the Colonnade are due by the 20 th of each month for the next month s edition. Place articles in Church Mailbox #3 OR them to: office@cokesburyumc.us Church Office: For more information:

Cokesbury United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata - December 22 December 2013

3 4 5 6 7 9:30 Continental Breakfast 6:00 Prayer Group 6:30 Girl Scouts 6:30

10:30 Hanging of Greens 6:30 Christmas Play 7:00 Finance Mtg 7:00 Chancel Choir

Esther Addy luncheon 1:30 IPDC 5:30 Youth Group Progressive Dinner, St.

Play Rehearsal 10 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Church Council 11 10:00 Cokesbury

9:00-12:00 Cookie Sale 15 8:30/11:00 Worship 12:15 Missions & Outreach 1:30-9:00

Paul UMC 16 6:00 Prayer Group 17 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 SPRC Meeting 18 10:00

Study 20 7:00 Disciple Study Colonnade Deadline 21 10:00 Recovery, Inc.

10 Cokesbury United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata - December 22 December 2013 Vespers Christmas Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 Continental Breakfast 6:00 Prayer Group 6:30 Girl Scouts 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Disciple Study 10:00 Recovery, Inc. 10:30 Hanging of Greens 6:30 Christmas Play 7:00 Finance Mtg 7:00 Chancel Choir 2:30 UM Men to Envoy 11:30 Holy Communion /Worship Rehearsal Nursing Center 1:30 IPDC 5:30 Youth Group, St. Paul UMC 8 8:30/11:00 Worship 12:15 Memorial Service for Esther Addy 1:30-2:30 Esther Addy luncheon 1:30 IPDC 5:30 Youth Group Progressive Dinner, St. Paul UMC 9 6:00 Prayer Group 6:00 UMM/UMW Annual Christmas Party 6:30 Christmas Play Rehearsal 10 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Church Council 11 10:00 Cokesbury Comforters 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 12 7:00 Disciple Study 7:00-8:30 Girl Scouts/FH (Reserved M. Clark) 13 11:00 UM Men to Rising Hope 14 10:00 Recovery, Inc. 9:00-12:00 Cookie Sale 15 8:30/11:00 Worship 12:15 Missions & Outreach 1:30-9:00 IPDC (Sanctuary, FH) 5:30 Youth Group, St. Paul UMC 16 6:00 Prayer Group 17 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 SPRC Meeting 18 10:00 Cokesbury Comforters 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 19 7:00 Disciple Study 20 7:00 Disciple Study Colonnade Deadline 21 10:00 Recovery, Inc. 5:00-10:000 IPDC (Women s Dinner FH) 22 10:30 Christmas Cantata 1:30 IPDC 23 6:00 Prayer Group 24 7:00 Christmas Program/Candlelight Communion Service 11:00 Candlelight Communion Service 25 7:00 p.m. Vespers service :00 Recovery, Inc :30 Worship Service 11:45 Potluck Luncheon 1:30-5:00 IPDC 30 6:00 Prayer Group 31

11 Cokesbury United Methodist Church

The Colonnade. Cokesbury United Methodist Church November Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 48, No. 11

The Colonnade. Cokesbury United Methodist Church November Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 48, No. 11 The Colonnade Cokesbury United Methodist Church November 2009 14806 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 48, No. 11 The Ministries of the Family Care Commission By Cheryl Petitt Christmas Remembrance