IMPACT G Y G. Our Lives Together for February, Rally Day. Crop Walk. Baptisms. Recognitions GLADE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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1 IMPACT GLADE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Our Lives Together for February, 2014 New Logo Launched T A L E N T S H O W Crop Walk Rally Day Advent Reflections When God Came Down Baptisms And Still We Rise Lenten Study G Y G AN ONA CHURCH Recognitions

2 Ponder with the Pastor Thinking About Peace and Choosing to be Transformative Not Safe I am sure, at some point along the way, I have managed to speak of legacy and what is it we want to leave behind for those who come after us. Today, as I write these words, I am not thinking about heirlooms or things, but lessons. Granted, none of us do the right thing in each and every situation and in all circumstances. But, over the course of our lives, we can either model ways that are daring, hopeful, and helpful as we partner with God to be transforming agents in the world, or we can buy into the safe and predictable ways of those who d rather not risk. When I heard a reporter say something the other day about the shooting at the Columbia Mall, I got to thinking about legacy and how difficult it is to be a follower of Jesus in our own time. I may not have every detail of the reporter s word in verbatim, but what she said was, One of the police officers who brought me over here is a young mother, and she said this shooting was another reminder why I (the reporter) should carry a weapon. I hope, upon reflection, the police officer was speaking from an uncontained emotional state of mind and, when more rational, doesn t think our communities, neighborhoods and world will be more safe if all of us carry a gun with us wherever we go. That advice (of carrying a gun), of course, doesn t square with what Jesus said we should take with us wherever we go. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals (Luke 10: 4). And, of course, there was no mention of carrying any weapons. To follow Jesus of Nazareth necessarily means that we have to choose not to follow some other ways. And, as we know, there are moments in life when we cannot have it both ways (faith vs. culture). Indeed, there are some paths we simply cannot follow if we want to know peace in our own lives, and if we want to help transform the world for the lives who come after us.

3 Some time ago, I read Wayne Dyer s book, There s A Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. In it, he quoted Thomas Merton. He said, If you are yourself at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace. He goes on to suggest that we have misunderstood how to live in a peaceful state, and we have come to expect someone else to give us what only living in concert with God can do. And, he went on to say, The sooner we connect to God s peace, the more quickly we will know peace. God s peace is the essence of our universe. It is God at work, at play, and everywhere in between. It is infinite love. There is no anger, fear, greed, malice, or envy. There is a vast ocean of peace always available when one comes to know God s peace. It is only a thought away. What we are inclined to do, however, is think or say things like, If only this or that were happening or taking place, then I would be able to rest easier and be at peace. Or, If our neighbors would think like me, and believe like me, vote like me, and have faith like me, then all would be well in my world. But, when we think that way, we can never be at peace. With that mindset and understanding, it is probable that we will constantly be stirred up, on edge, and uneasy. But, when we connect to God s peace, we are able to have the kind of serenity we have been looking for all along. Of course, we can never grow complacent in working for peace and justice, and we must never quit hoping and working for disparate systems to cease their unhealthy and hurtful ways. Our voices must never tire of preaching against war and all else that keep s God s realm at bay. And yet, we can know a sense of peace before all things are righted. All we have to do is choose. Blessings,

4 Consistory Corner Consistory Draft Minutes of December 16, 2013 Meeting The meeting was opened with prayer by Pastor Phil & Adam welcomed the new members (Lisa Jordre, Bonnie Ogg, Ken Wisner, and Bob Stull). Adam took a few minutes to explain what the responsibilities are as members of the consistory and how our guidance helps others within our church to be active and contributing members. The November's minutes and financial reports were presented and approved. Pastor Phil presented his monthly activity report. He was really proud of the outcome of our ONA vote and the direction our church is heading. He recapped events in the last month, as well as some special upcoming events. Alan gave a special thank you to Pastor Phil for all the hard work he does to support all of our members and to spend the time he does visiting, calling, and comforting our church family. Old Business: ONA Recap: Adam updated the committee that Pastor Phil has contacted the UCC headquarters to add our ONA designation to our record for people visiting the Coalition website. After that, it is up to Glade on how to proceed with and promote this fact, including an update on our website. Adam summarized, if we have suggestions or ideas such as these that they should be directed to the proper committee for development and execution. New Business: Planning for Annual Meeting: Adam mentioned that he is willing to write and present the report for 2013, even though he will not be the active President. December Worship Calendar Review: Selecting the new President and Vice President. Items that need to be continued; 1) contact the ones that did not return the verification postcard to verify if they want to be considered members of Glade UCC, 2) ONA follow-up, and 3) new members to get notebooks with updated documents.

5 ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Congregational Meeting is February 2, The worship service will be from 10:30-11:00 a.m. The Annual Meeting start at 11:00a.m. followed by a potluck dinner. During the annual meeting, we will review and approve the 2014 Budget, and review the 2013 Annual Reports. The new church phone directories will be distributed at the meeting. This is a very important meeting for our church, please plan to attend. Don t forget to bring your favorite food item to share with your church family! 2013 Church Committee Annual Reports Being Presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting February 2, 2014 Followed by a Potluck dinner Consistory Members Alan VenDouern President Becky Hommer Vice President Grayson Ramsburg Secretary Jane Sappington, Terry Cornelis, Bonnie Ogg, Bob Stull, Ken Wisner, Lisa Jordre, Jane Susi, The Consistory Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month.

6 February Assistants Ushers Ruth Keyser & Kathy Angleberger Greeters Patty Green & Rhonda Trail Acolytes Feb. 2 Travis Remsberg Feb. 9 Ellie Stevens Feb. 16 Garrett Kreimer Feb. 23 Jessica Saylor Lay Readers Feb. 2 TBA Feb. 9 TBA Feb. 16 TBA Feb. 23 TBA Nursery Workers Feb. 2 Becky Hommer & Elaina Frederick Feb. 9 Lou Goff & Lexie Grimm Feb. 16 Jenny & Danny Ogg Feb. 23 Shelby & Kirsten Saylor Communion Servers Grayson Ramsburg, Jane Susi, Lisa Jordre, Alan VenDouern, & Jane Sappington Dates to Remember Feb. 1 Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting, pg. 18 Feb. 4 Community Blood Drive, pg. 15 Cemetery Board Meeting, pg. 17 Feb. 9 Sunday School Singers Performance, pg. 14 GYG Snow Tubing, pg. 17 Feb. 11 Property Committee Meeting, pg. 17 Feb. 14 Valentine s Day Feb. 15 Care-Giving Ministry Meeting, pg. 18 Feb. 17 March 25 Frederick School of Religion, pg. 16 March 7-8 Spring Church Dinners, pg. 13 March 9 Youth Sunday, pg. 17 March 16 Soup Kitchen, pg. 19 March 23 GYG Bowling, pg 17

7 February Anniversaries 2/21 Bonnie & David Ogg 2/27 Florence & Richard Garst 2/29 Jane & Eugene Sappington February Birthdays 2/01 Ralph Whitmore Tom England Rebecca Strawsburg 2/02 Justin Clarke Mike Powers Andre Cornelis 2/03 Andrew White 2/04 David Austill Ellen Garst 2/06 David Tober 2/07 Lisa Byrd Liam Powell Hadley Howell 2/08 Kara Caprarola Scott Borison 2/10 Brady Nusbaum 2/11 Greg Keller Paul Yingling James Harrison 2/14 Jennifer Ogg Bryan Saylor 2/15 Terri Grimm 2/16 Betty Baggett Mary Scheele 2/17 Blake Ambrose 2/18 Logan DiPaolo 2/19 Craig Davie Ken Grim Jessica Watson Raegan Smith Billy Veith 2/21 Dorothy Shober Pat Turner 2/22 Linda Powers 2/23 Daniel Ogg 2/24 Frances Cecil Stacey Wachter 2/27 Tiffany Kauffman 2/28 Leo Duncan 2/29 Megan Ford Ben Lochner

8 Special Thanks Dear Church Family, I am so happy to be back at Glade Church after my recent illness. Thank you for your many acts of kindness, especially your prayers. Glade Church means so much to me and I feel so blessed being back with my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is with much gratitude I express my heartfelt thanks to Pastor Phil for his visits, prayers, concern and compassion. Thank you, Pastor Phil for all you do as you shepherd your flock. Betty Baggett To a Wonderful Church, We wish to thank everyone that have been so thoughtful during Jan s surgery and recovery. All the cards, flowers, food, and prayers have been so uplifting. A special thanks for the creative handmade cards from the Glade Youth Group and Pastor Phil for his visits and caring concern. Glade UCC has been my angel in my recovery. Tim & Jan Dinterman Thank you for helping us make the season brighter for those in need this holiday season. The following were collected and given to the children in our community: 615 toys & gifts, 205 Shoe cards, 410 outfits, 67 teen gift cards, 205 pairs of socks & underwear, 272 books, 205 hats & gloves, and 205 filled stockings. GVCS, The Holiday Toy Shoppe Committee

9 Dear Congregation: On behalf of our Trustees and residents, I wish to express our sincere and deep appreciation for your recent gift of $65 to the Homewood Foundation, Inc. for the Benevolent Endowment Fund to benefit our residents in need. The support from your church is important to us as we continue to work hard for all of our residents. Your generosity is appreciated. Sincerely, John W. Warren, Sr. Vice President of Funds Development Dear Rev. Curran: On behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and program recipients of Interfaith Housing Alliance, In., we truly appreciate your support for our mission of affordable housing expressed through your recent gift of $240 through the annual holiday appeal. Your gift is being matched twice this year through challenge grants from the Dan Ryan Builders Charitable Foundation and the Ausherman Family Foundation. You have made quite an impact on our continued progress in strengthening communities by providing affordable housing opportunities and supportive service to improve the quality of life and economic stability for those who seek our assistance. One again, we appreciate your generosity, and we promise to steward your donation, so that many more people will find a place to call home. Sincerely, Patricia A. Motter, President

10 Dear Reverend Curran: On behalf of the board of directors, staff, and participants of Advocates for Homeless Families, I thank you for your donation of $60. Thanks to supporters like you, Advocates is able to provide housing and supportive services to Frederick County homeless families with children. As always, we honored and heartened by the widespread and enthusiastic support we receive throughout the community. All funds raised stay in Frederick County, and the program is provided free to the families served by Advocates. We truly appreciate your support for our mission and our organization. Sincerely, Ken Allread, Executive Director Newest Member Thanks, Cont. Glade UCC welcomes our newest member to our church family, Richard M. Harrison on January 18, Richard joins us from the St. Paul s Memorial Episcopal Church, Oaks, PA. He is the husband of Allyson (DiPolo) Harrison and father of James Charles Harrison. Congratulations Congratulations to Jayme Zimmerman and Christopher Schildt on the birth of their daughter, Adalyn Elizabeth Schildt, born December 8, 2014, weight 6 lbs, 14 oz. and 20 long. Adalyn is the granddaughter of John and Debbie Zimmerman and the great granddaughter of Shirley Zimmerman. Congratulations!

11 GLADE SPRING DINNER Fri. March 7th & Sat. 8th, 2013 The Spring Turkey, Oyster, and Ham Buffet Dinners are coming March 7 & 8, 2014! We will hold the dinners at the Walkersville Fire Company Dining Hall. We do NEED your HELP to make these dinners a success. Everyone loves our fried oysters, and lots of people say they like the setup, and everything about the dinners. Let s keep up our tradition of holding one of the best dinners around. Sign up books will be in the back of the sanctuary during the month of February. There is also a sheet to sign up to donate 9 X 13 cakes which will be served for dessert. We can use your handcrafted items for the craft table. Wreaths, aprons, & Easter crafts are some examples. We also need baked goods for the bake table. Creamed fillings aren t allowed by the Health Department. Days prior to the dinners, we have slaw to make, turkeys to cut and other jobs. For more information, please contact Cathy Widder at cjwidder@gmail.com or Ron Rough at rlrgolf4u@aol.com THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Items of Interest The 14 th Annual Donna Rough Memorial Basket Bingo will be held in April this year, Friday, April 11, More detailed information will be in the March Impact.

12 Items of Interest, Cont. The memorial service for Pat Hanberry s father, Ray Giffin will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 30 West North Street, Waynesboro, PA. A light lunch will be served at the church after the service. The Sunday School Singers Performance Schedule February 9 March 9 April 1 May 11 Food Bank Item for February Studies show that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The Glade Valley Food Bank is collecting donations of cereal for the month of February. Please help our neighbors in need with a box or two of cereal, oatmeal, and/or cream of wheat. As well as food donations, cash donations are also accepted by the Glade Valley Community Services at P. O. Box 655, Walkersville, MD 21793

13 Second Mile Giving For February Church World Service Blankets Second Mile Giving for February supports Church World Service s Blanket Program. Every $5 you give provides a wool or cotton blanket distributed by CWS to needy people around the world. Due to the continuing major needs in the disaster stricken areas, blankets are needed more than ever. Let s seek to exceed our numbers from previous years by sending even more blankets to the CWS! Our gifts to Second Mile Giving in February will make a difference in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Asia, and other trouble spots around the world. Please indicate on the memo line of the check Blanket. Community Blood Drive Walkersville United Methodist Fellowship Hall 22 Main Street Walkersville, MD Tuesday, February 4, :00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Call Donna or Betty to schedule your life-saving donation.

14 THE FREDERICK SCHOOL OF RELIGION Learning for Life First Baptist Church of Frederick 7040 Bowers Road, Frederick or THE 2014 FREDERICK SCHOOL OF RELIGION will be held on six Mondays and Tuesdays February 17 March 25 at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick, MD. Afternoon classes are held from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; evening classes are held 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Classes are as follows: Monday afternoon: What do Ecclesiastic, Wisdom of Solomon and Jesus have in common, taught by Charles Melchert. Fall into Grace: The Prodigal Son in Music, Art, and Literature taught by Wayne Wold. Monday evening: St. Francis: Little Poor Man of Assisi taught by Ay Kulesa. Reading Paul for the First Time, Again: Theology Interpreted for A Renewed Christianity taught by Raymond Moreland Tuesday afternoon: Basic Talmud taught by Dan Sikowitz. Exile, Exodus, and Eschatology: Toward a Narrative View of the Bible taught by Larry Eubanks. Tuesday evening: The Seven Great Councils of the Christian Church taught by Charles Harrell. The Gospel According to Harry Potter taught by Beth O Malley. There are flyers throughout the church and on the bulletin board in the Sunday School annex. If you have any questions, contact Betty Baggett or Ruth Ann Engel who are on the Board of the School of Religion. REGISTER EARLY TO ASSURE CLASS AVAILABILITY

15 Property Committee A Property Committee Meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2014, at 7:00 in the Social Hall. If you have any items that needs to be brought to the committee s attention, please contact Ron Rough. Cemetery Board The annual Cemetery Board Meeting will be held February 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Cemetery, please plan to attend or contact Ron Rough. Youth Group GYG News Invite your friends and parents to join us on Sunday, February 9th for Snow Tubing at Liberty! We will be tubing from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. We will leave from the church parking lot at 4:30 p.m. (or you can meet us on the mountain). We will be able to obtain group rates if we have enough people. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a spot, call Miss Christy at The Youth Group will be presenting Youth Sunday on March 16th. If you would like to participate, please join us at church on Sunday, February 23rd and Sunday, March 9th at 5:30 p.m. to help plan our Youth Sunday service (dinner will be served). The Youth Group would like to invite you to bowl with them!! We will leave directly after church on Sunday, March 23rd for Walkersville Bowling Alley and bowl till 2:00. If you would like to attend, please let Miss Christy know so we can reserve plenty of lanes for everyone! Miss Christy may be reached at

16 Care Giving Ministry: Care Giving & Prayer Shawl As I write these few lines from Myrtle Beach, I was reminded of words spoken by our "vacation pastor." Last week, we had a few gray, foggy days which goes against Myrtle Beach's tourism promotion of "abundant sunshine." However, on Sunday, the sun was shining brightly and Pastor John commented, 'Don't you just feel better when the sun is out?!' I like to think that the Care Givers mission (and really the mission of all of us) is to share "warm rays of sunshine" with others by sharing small acts of kindness. Whose day will you warm? Becky Duncan The next Care-Giving Ministry Meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2014, at Barbara Fritchie s Restaurant at 11:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Meeting The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on February 1, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Connie Rough s, 7 Wyndale Court, Walkersville, MD. Soup and sandwiches will be served before the meeting. We will be busy this year making our prayer shawls. We would love to have others join our ministry. We have a lot of fun making our beautiful shawls. Please come and see what our group is all about. No skills required. We can assign you task that do not require knitting or crocheting.

17 ONA Team Glade UCC Community Dinner A big thank you to all who helped and attended our January Community Dinner. We welcomed 79 friends and neighbors into our church home to share a warm meal, but equally as important, we shared our love and fellowship with one another. We had 23 of our own church family present to help with the set-up, prep, and clean-up and to share some precious moments of our day with our guests. We will be doing this again in March, so stay tuned for the date! We hope you can join us and bring a friend or a family that you know would also enjoy a nice evening together! Thank you again for your help and support of this community outreach. Our Glade Church family is awesome! Soup Kitchen The weather outside was frightful, but the food inside was piping hot and delightful! I d like to send a BIG THANK YOU to those who helped us at our January Soup Kitchen event. Five of our church family Rev Phil Curran, Shannon Jordre, Ruth Ann Wilson, David O Planick, and Stephanie O Planick - joined me to serve our large group of 87 cold and hungry guests. How grateful they were to enjoy a warm dinner of baked ham, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, a fresh cut salad, and homemade cakes and cookies. Our guests are always thankful and gracious, and several asked me to pass the word to our church of how grateful they are and to thank you for providing this meal for them. Our next scheduled date is Sunday, March 16 th, and we are looking at planning another great dinner to include some Irish dishes in celebration of St. Patrick s Day. Mark your calendars and plan to help us commemorate this special day with our Soup Kitchen friends! ~ Grayson Ramsburg, Mission and Outreach

18 Label here Label here Glade United Church of Christ 21 Fulton Avenue, P.O. Box 236 Walkersville, MD Dated Material Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit 2402 Frederick, MD RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Place mailing label here Label here