"Loving others...as Christ first loved us!" The Colonnade

Transcription

1 The Colonnade Cokesbury United Methodist Church April Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, Virginia Volume 50, No. 4 A Living Dramatization of Leonardo davinci's Painting, "The Last Supper" Is it I? This is the powerful question being considered by each of the twelve disciples, in a dramatic portrayal being presented at Cokesbury on Holy Thursday, April 21 st at 7:30 p.m. The drama unfolds around the table of the Last Supper, as the 12 men are seated around Jesus in a setting similar to that described in Mark 14:17-19: 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me one who is eating with me. 19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, Surely not I? This chancel drama is a meaningful part of the Easter week services at Cokesbury, and will include music and Holy Communion. Rehearsals are underway by the men of the church who are in the role of the disciples. The disciples are portrayed by Tony Miller, Kyle Kornieck, Rick Clark, Robert Deyerle, Jack Kornieck, Allen Jewell, Chad Westog, Joe Greene, Dennis Fulton, Walter Blair, John Kelly, and Dave Woodman. Betty Greene is coordinating the costume design and creation of the garments. The last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples, before going to the cross, was a time when Jesus said that one of the disciples eating at the table with him would later betray him. This statement must have upset and bewildered the faithful followers. What went through each one s mind, as he struggled with the question, Is it I? Is it I who will betray the Lord? In a living dramatization, the twelve disciples each speak their piece speaking aloud their individual feelings as they wrestle with their faith and the future. Come to Cokesbury on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. to experience what will surely be a memorable and meaningful part of your Easter experience. Holy Week Schedule April 17, Sunday 8:30 & 11 a.m. Worship Service, Palm Sunday April 21, Thursday 7:30 p.m. Holy Thursday Worship Service, Chancel Drama, Is it I?" April 23, Saturday 9 a.m. Bunny Breakfast/Crafts and Games 10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt April 24, Sunday 6:15 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service 7:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:30 & 11 a.m. Worship Service, Easter Sunday May 1, Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship Service, Easter Cantata (one service only) ( Beyond the Cross )

2 How Do We Love 28 One of the scribes came near and asked him, Which commandment is the first of all? 29 Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 Then the scribe said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and besides him there is no other ; 33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one s neighbor as oneself, this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. Mark 12:28-34 The church proclaims God s love to a hurting world, and that proclamation rings especially true and clear during the Easter season. For God, love is the motivating force behind God s actions on our behalf. And we are to be more than mere recipients of God s love. As the scripture from the Gospel of Mark makes it clear, we are to love God and to love one another. These are the two great commandments. But how do we love God and love one another? What are we supposed to do? How might we draw a little closer to the kingdom of God by loving God and our neighbor more? To learn how to love as God intends, we can use the pattern of Jesus life and ministry to give us insight into what we can do, and how we can choose to live. Mark Neilsen in his devotion book, Springs of Living Water, says, Love means different things to different people, but if we look at Jesus and how he treated the people he encountered, we can see that he spoke directly and acted with compassion. He forgave people, even when they were in the process of crucifying him. His relationship with his Father was based on regular prayer, often in solitude. As we approach Easter on April 24, the Lenten season draws to a close. The Lenten season has been a time for reflection. We have and continue to journey together as we read our daily Lenten devotional and join together in our Lenten study of the scriptures. I hope that after our season of reflection during Lent the new season of Easter will be a season of vision for our church. During the Easter season, as we proclaim the fullness of God s love and the amazing ways that God creates new possibilities, I pray that we will be alert to how God may be calling us to express our love of God and of neighbor in new ways. Be open to the new thing that God may be working in your life and in the life of the church. Open your eyes to the possibility of a new vision for where God may want you and/or us to serve. How might we be able to love God and love our neighbor more fully, more completely, more generously? That can be a challenging, even frightening, task. But we have a God who is alive and active throughout our faith journey. We have a God who not only gives vision, but who empowers us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I truly believe that we can love as Christ first loved us. In Christ s love, Pastor Russ

3 Money Matters By Mary L. Seltzer, Treasurer Church Operations and Ministry is the financial backbone of our church. It is reflected in the budget that is developed and approved each year at the annual Charge Conference. The amounts in that budget are established by the estimates of giving that you the congregation provides each year through our financial campaign portion of our stewardship program and by our estimates of funds that we will receive through other fundraising efforts (like the flea market and aluminum recycling). At the March meeting of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer s Report highlighted that for 2011 the expenditures from the Church Operations and Ministry fund were $8,390 more than the revenues that had been received. On average we need to receive $4,205 each Sunday in order to have the funds to pay for all of the expenses in our Church Operations and Ministry budget. So we are nearly two weeks behind in our revenue expectations. At the start of that March meeting, we were given a devotion about Simon of Cyrene, who was nabbed by brutal Roman soldiers and forced to help Jesus carry his cross. Simon, having traveled from northern Libya to be in Jerusalem for the Passover season, must have been very frustrated and angered. However, it seems that Simon became a Christian and his two sons were quite prominent in the Church by the time the Gospel of Mark was written. Simon, of all mankind, had the privilege of ministering personally to Christ on the way to Calvary. His frustration and anger became a source of glory. The devotion message reminded us that when our plans go awry, we need to stop, remember Simon the Cyrene, and then look for someone whose burden we can lighten. In aiding someone else who has a burden, our problem can also be a source of glory. This devotional period ended with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help us in our decision-making as the Finance Committee of the church. And, decisions were made. It was decided that we will: Not let these negative financial numbers panic us into doing something rash. Continue to strive to help the poor and not become inwardly withdrawn. Let the congregation know of our financial status and not hide it. Follow the Sermon on the Mount instructions, ask and you shall receive. Wait until after Easter to ascertain if we are just in the winter doldrums or something more serious. Travel the Lenten spiritual journey as a community of faith; committing to one another to participate fully in the faith-building opportunities available to us in Lent (attending the Service of Repentance, conducting daily devotions from Lift High the Cross, participating in Pastor Russ weekly Lenten Bible Studies, and attending the chancel drama Is It I) all leading toward the Easter Good News. This all reminds me of the old time hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer. And since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace, I ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer! As we here at Cokesbury UMC experience this season of Lent by exploring and finding God at work in our lives and seeking to see more clearly Christ s reconciling love, let us also remember our finances with our prayers, meditations and givings. A Spot of Tea Anyone? By Barb Firth Do you enjoy that cup of tea every day? Heat your water in an electric kettle. It funnels 80% of the electricity it uses into heating the water; a stovetop kettle only mainlines 40% of electricity used, and a microwave, 55%. Consider getting yourself one...they are quick and save power.

4 Cokesbury United Methodist Women By Gayle Urban, unit president April 30/Saturday: Mini-School of Missions is sponsored by District UMW, and the event is at Annandale UMC (6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $15, which includes lunch. Two mission studies are being presented: For the Love of God: John s Letters God s love is both solid and transforming, led by Rev. Clarence Brown. Joy to the World: Mission & Evangelism Explore the theological foundations for Christian mission; led by Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore. When you register, you choose which of the two studies you want to hear that day. You may register by at Jeannelbs@aol.com, and pay at the door when you arrive. Men and women who are interested, are invited and welcome to attend this annual event. May 14-15/Saturday & Sunday: Spiritual Life Retreat for United Methodist Women, at the retreat center in Blackstone, VA. Cost is $86.00, which includes lunch on Saturday, through lunch on Sunday. Dress casual; can bring snack. Theme is Blessed to be a Blessing and Rev. Tammy Estep is the retreat leader. This will be a time of musical praise, sessions with speaker, small groups, ice cream social, book room and socializing; and free time to enjoy the quiet and peaceful setting in the small town of Blackstone. If you re interested in attending, please contact Gayle Urban, Peggy Dorton, or Donna Sapp. Information posted upstairs near the church office. Can You Sew? If you can sew a few tote bags for the School Kits that UMW is putting together, that would be wonderful! Our goal is to assemble 100 school kits, filled with the necessary school supplies which the Conference requests. Each kit is put into a cloth tote bag. Patterns for this cloth bag, are posted upstairs near the church office. We need the bags by June 5. The bags should be made of a sturdy cotton. Finished bags may be put into the UMW mailbox, Box 24 upstairs. Thank you so very much! Monthly meetings of UMW 2 nd Monday, April 11: Ruth Circle, meets at 1 p.m. Evening Circle, meets at 7:30 p.m. Pam Herin will present the program at each Circle All women of the church are welcome to attend either Circle meeting of UMW. UMW volunteer for the Flea Market on Saturday, May 7. UMW will participate in the worship services on Mother s Day, May 8. Through UMW, we seek to put faith, hope, and love in action! Candleburning for the Congregation by Gayle Urban Through the Candleburning program you may acknowledge your loved ones, by giving a financial donation to Cokesbury UMW. This money may be in honor, or in memory of those whom you would like to remember. There will be forms in the bulletin, which you can use. On Mother s Day, we will have a time during the worship service, to burn the candle and remember those whom you have listed. The money given to the Candleburning program goes to the mission projects of United Methodist Women. Thank You! I would like to thank all the congregation for all the beautiful cards, and all the prayers. I miss all of you and hope to be back among you soon. Thank you Russ and Gayle for all your love and prayers. Cokesbury is such a wonderful church. With love, Peggy

5 By Joe Greene Do you know "HE LOVES YOU?" Well, during this Easter Season every Christian knows our Lord went to the cross because of his love for each and every one of us. Just as he showed his love, please join with the United Methodist Men and express your love to a family member, a special friend, or to a member of our congregation with whom you might not be familiar, a very warm hug, a firm handshake or just a simple - "I am glad to worship with you my friend." We wish to thank Glenn Wirick for his presentation at our March UMM meeting. Glenn spoke on taxes and judged by the questions asked, many in attendance learned something new or came away with a better knowledge of what resources are available. If anyone has tax questions or looking for assistance in filing 2010 taxes, I'm sure Glenn would be more than happy to speak with you. Have you noticed the clean, tidy appearance of our church grounds? If so, please thank Jack Kornieck as he organized and led a group of Cokesbury volunteers and several of our Spanish friends in a church-wide grounds cleanup. This event took place on Saturday, March 26th. Cokesbury's annual flea market season has begun and we, the UMM, will man the concession stand for at least seven weeks and possibly more if required. It is really hard to believe that one can have so much fun serving the hungry needs of our flea market vendors and customers while at the same time, providing a much needed service to our church. So, no matter on what committee you serve, please do your best to participate at our flea market when it's your turn - you will see that this work is very enjoyable and the fellowship you'll experience is priceless. The initial improvement phase of the lower parking lot (flea market parking) is nearing completion and we thank Dave Woodman for his outstanding management of this project. Many positives have come from this effort including (1) the removal of a church grounds' eye-sore, (2) improved flea market customer parking, and finally, (3) a friendlier and closer relationship with our neighborhood fire department. We would also like to thank Vera Edmonds, who for many of the cold Saturday mornings we were working, so graciously brought us hot cups of delicious seven-eleven coffee. Vera is a special lady and her concern for others is outstanding. During the Lenten Season it is customary to give up or to renounce something and although this story from Leroy Brownlow in a book titled "Grandpa Says" is pretty humorous, it's still appropriate: One winter we broke the ice on an open pond to baptize some people. "Is the water cold, Sam?" asked a deacon of a shivering, dripping convert. "No, not a bit cold," replied Sam. "Better put him under again parson," suggested the deacon, "he hasn't quit lying yet." By Bunnie Wertz Helping Hands Helping Hands will hold their next regular potluck on April 3rd. Think Easter! Our "Celebrate the Irish" potluck was a great success. Thanks to Helen Azzano and her Leprechauns for providing all the tasty food, decorations and music, especially the Leprechaun cooks. It was delicious. April 5th at 6:30 is the steering committee meeting. After the meeting, we will list the Helping Hands events on a quarterly basis. Those who have agreed to set up for April meeting are Tom and Mary Taylor. Clean-up duties are Don and Peggy Dorton. More folks are needed to sign up for the upcoming months.

6 2 Andrew Clark 3 JJ Baiden-Amissah Elaine Copeland Chrissie Edmonds 5 Delores Schiele Bunny Wirick 6 Melissa Clark 8 Chad Tyrrell William Amponsah Bonnie Birk Connie Dutton 9 Tom Fabricius 10 Mark Fulton 12 Michael Obeng, Jr. 15 Wayne Heatwole 16 Jesse Gallagher Carl Armentrout Victor Wertz 17 Louise Young Robert Tyrrell Pius Amponsah 19 Denise Elliott Stephanie Mowrey 20 Grace Bockes 22 Kimberly Smith 23 Patrick Dutton 24 Allen Jewell Matthew Ritenour Ashley Birk 25 Michael Cotter 26 Leanne Gribik Neil Dutton 28 Tony O'Brien 29 Jean Durham 30 Alex Villanueva "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3) A P R I L 4 Judy & Mac McCain 7 Bunny & Bob Mahar 17 Suzette & Mark Fulton 30 Robin & Joe BeMiller By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare treasure. (Proverbs 24:3-4) Saturday, April 23 9:00 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny followed by crafts & games 10:00 Easter Egg Hunt Prizes Awarded! Thanks! We both thank you for your thoughtfulness times without end. Thank you just for being wonderful friends. Thank you for the beautiful flowers that you put on the altar for us. We will miss Cokesbury, as it was part of our life. We are getting settled in and met lots of nice people. They have been so helpful. We have been to a few of their programs already. There was a lot of love at Cokesbury and we will miss you all. God bless all and we will let you hear from us every so often. "God is great" all the time. Love, Anita & Bill (Yount) P.S. We would love to hear from you. Our address is 1491 Virginia Ave., Apt. 310, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

7 Aluminum Recycling By Don Dorton Can Crushers Needed Volunteers are needed to help crush and bag aluminum cans. If you are available to help with this project once or twice a week, please call or me for details. Can Crushing Tips 1) The current method being used to crush cans works best if cans are not squeezed in the middle as previously mentioned. 2) Unless you have a method for crushing cans flat or you have a can crusher, it is best to leave cans uncrushed. 3) Please do not just squeeze cans in the middle. Missions & Outreach By Linda Alvey The Missions and Outreach Committee would like to thank everyone who came out for the pancake supper. Over 45 people attended the supper and the proceeds from this event will go to the pastor's discretionary fund. In addition, Cokesbury provided and served food at the March 17th Lord's Table. Over 50 people were served that evening. The committee would like to thank everyone who played a part in making this project a success once again. In May, Cokesbury will be responsible for providing the food for the Hilda Bark Homeless Prevention Shelter. Help will be needed with donations of food and servers in the evening. More information will be available soon. By Paula Simensen It is that time of year again! Cokesbury UMC Missions & Outreach Committee is proudly sponsoring our annual "A Child's Dream Times Twenty" Camp Highroad Scholarship Program. Camp Highroad Christian Adventure Camp has posted their 2011 schedule and I encourage you to visit their website to learn more about Camp Highroad: Please contact Paula Simensen at or dps5252@verizon.net if you would like to learn more about Camp Highroad or the Scholarship Program. United Methodist Family Day Special Discount Tickets! Valid April 16-24, 30, Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, & Memorial Day weekend, May 28, 29, & 30 Only $28 Ages 3 to 61 and 48" tall or taller Juniors and Seniors Only $25.50 Ages 3 to 61 AND under 48" tall - ORages 62 and above. Children ages 2 and under admitted FREE If interested, please contact Barbara Commerce or Cynthia Rohlfs

8 Recycle! By Don Dorton Thanks to the wonderful participation of Cokesbury Members and friends, since November 26, 2010, 15 large bags of aluminum cans have been saved and deposited in the collection bin. On Wed., March 16, these 15 bags (totaling 440 pounds) were taken to the recycling center in Lorton earning $ for this Ministry. Appreciation is expressed to Tom Taylor for helping crush cans and for transporting these cans to be recycled and to Mike Haman who provided the can crusher and helped crush cans. Thanks again for your participation. Please continue to save your aluminum cans and encourage your friends to do the same. Host Students for Easter United College Ministries of Northern Virginia (UCMNV) invites individuals and families from area congregations to host international students in their homes for Easter, April 24. UCMNV has arranged for 488 students to be hosted in 305 homes for an American family holiday. Volunteers should be flexible for a variety of reasons, including understanding that a student may not be available for every host. If you have questions or would like more information, call or ucmnv@aol.com. In these troubled times, the mission of UCMNV is more important than ever. Shenandoah Music Theater By Mary Jane Fizer "Curtains" is a musical comedy who-dun-it in which three members of a theatre company are murdered and a singing, dancing detective arrives to solve the mystery. Those who have seen it say that the show is a must-see. It makes you leave feeling good and holds your interest from start to finish. The mystery is for real with a surprise ending. Helping Hands is going to Winchester to see this performance at the Shenandoah University for the 2:30 performance, with dinner at Perkins Restaurant after the show. Cost is $25 per person (group rate) due no later than April 30 to Mary Jane Fizer. Even if you are not a member of Helping Hands, you are welcome to join us. If you are interested in going with us or if you have questions about the trip, please call Mary Jane at Welcome! We welcomed the following new members into our church family on February 27th. Edna Plancon, 2243 W. Longview Drive, Woodbridge 22191, Edna was raised in the United Church of Canada; she is retired. Robbie & Christi Brisbane, 4718 South. Park Ct., Woodbridge, , Robbie joined us by profession of faith and was baptized. He is active in the UM Men. Christi, a housewife, is joining us by transfer from Burks UMC in Hixson, Tennessee. Dickson & Victoria Adjei, Candlewood Ct., Woodbridge 22191, Dickson works at the patent & Trademark Office; he is transferring his membership from Fairlington UMC. Victoria is a caregiver and comes to us from the Ghanian Church in Alexandria. Innocent Onuoha, 1942 Wicklow Ct., Woodbridge 22191, Innocent was born in Nigeria. He comes to us from the International Ministries 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia.

9 Sunday Worship Services 8:30 AM & 11 AM Nursery available at both services. The 11 a.m. worship service features a children s worship for elem. school aged children. Sunday School at 9:45 AM (for children, youth, and adults )If there is a 5th Sunday in the month, the worship service that day begins at 10:30 AM and there is no Sunday School. For more information: The Colonnade Staff Editor: Bunny Mahar Postal Coordinator: Bob Mahar Articles for the Colonnade are due by the 20th of each month for the next month s edition. Place articles in Church Mailbox #3 OR them to: office@cokesburyumc.us Church Office: Flea Market The 2011 flea market season will open bright and early on April 9th. Please add your name to the list of those who are willing to help. There are a multitude of tasks to do. If you are able to help for only a short time, your efforts will still be appreciated. See or call Dave Woodman, and let him know you can help!

10 Bunny Breakfast April 23 APRIL 2011 Easter April 24 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 8:30/11:00 Worship 9:45 Lenten Study/ Sunday School 12:15 Helping Hands 1:30-5:00 IPDC :00 Lenten Study 6:30 Girl Scouts 6:30 HH Steering Com. 6 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 7:30 Book Club 7 7:00 Jesus in the Gospels 1 4:00 Wedding Rehearsal (Deyerle-Parrilla) 7-9:30 IPDC 8 7-9:30 IPDC 2 10:00 Recovery, Inc. 1:00 Wedding 2:00 UMM to Envoy Health Center 9 6-2:00 Flea Market (Admin Council) 10:00 Recovery Inc. 11:00 Phelps Home Dedication 10 8:30/11:00 Worship 9:45 Lenten Study/ Sunday School 1:30-5:00 IPDC 11 1:00 Ruth Circle 7:30 UMM/UMW 12 10:00 Lenten Study 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Finance Mtg :00 Alexandria District Clergy 10:00 Prayer Shawls 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 14 7:00 Jesus in the Gospels :30 IPDC :00 Flea Market (Missions & Outreach) 10:00 Recovery, Inc, 3:00 Drama Rehearsal 17 8:30/11:00 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 1:30-5:00 IPDC PALM SUNDAY :00 Lenten Study 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Admin Council 8:00 Drama Rehearsal 20 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 21 7:30 Holy Thursday Worship Service Is It I? :30 IPDC 23 9:00 Bunny Breakfast 10:00 Egg Hunt 10:00 Recovery Inc. 24 6:15 Sunrise Service 7:00 Continental Breakfast 8:30/11:00 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 1:30-5:00 IPDC EASTER :30 Girl Scouts 27 10:00 Prayer Shawls 6:30 Children s Choir 7:00 Chancel Choir 28 7:00 Jesus in the Gospels :30 IPDC :00 Flea Market (UM Men) 10:00 Recovery, Inc.