In just a few short days, Christians around the world will be entering a season

Transcription

1 In just a few short days, Christians around the world will be entering a season of preparation for Easter. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, March 5th, these 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter are called Lent. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for spring, lencten. In the early church, it was a time of fasting and preparation for baptism of new converts. It evolved into a time of penance, confession of sin, for all Christians. What began as repentance, turning from sin, lost meaning over the years, as persons now talk about giving something up for Lent, settling on chocolate or desserts. Lent is an opportunity for self-examination and reflection. A time to confess and surrender to God those things that keep us from living exemplary lives, after the example of Jesus Christ. It is also an opportunity to be more intentional in caring for our souls and serving others. During this Lenten Season at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, there will be opportunities for regular worship, mid-week Lenten services, a healing service and small group study. Worship and small group studies will explore the ministry of Jesus, as we walk where Jesus walked through the resources of Adam Hamilton s, The Way. You can sign-up for small groups on the FUMC website: or at the ministry center in Kobler Hall. Blessings on your Lenten journey,

2 The practice of a healing service is a Christian tradition. The Greek work sozo is translated as salvation, healing, wholeness (Matthew 9:20-22). God offers physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational healing. God calls us to be a healing people. As United Methodists, we do not believe it is necessary to have someone with a special healing power to conduct a healing service... because all healing comes from God. It is God s act and not from ourselves or a particular person or pastor. Services of healing are not services to receive a cure. A healing service provides an atmosphere in which healing can happen. With God, we believe anything can happen. There is no claim that something is being done for the sick, distressed, or distraught that they will be made better. This service is attempting to be faithful to continue Christ s ministry of healing, teaching and preaching. Are you hurting, gravely ill, grieving, addicted, out of relationship, spiritually distanced, emotionally stressed or broken for reasons you can t explain? God does not promise us we will be cured of all ailments. He does not promise us magic. He does not promise us freedom from suffering. So why bother with a healing service? We will find an atmosphere where healing can happen. That s why. Ash Wednesday is here... March 5, Beginning Saturday, March 8th, FUMC will be walking with Jesus in the Holy Land. Worship, small groups, devotional and study books will help us to immerse ourselves as Jesus disciples. We will be using Adam Hamilton s, The Way. The Saturday evening Open Door and Sunday 9:45 worship services will show the places where Jesus walked, taught and prayed. Each week, five small groups, meeting on different days and times are available to discuss the scripture that will be proclaimed weekly. Also, there will be a virtual small group for those who are unable to join a small group in person but want to participate in a small group study. You can simply go to worship and a small group each week. Or, read Hamilton s book and/or devotional guide to enter into the Lenten journey at a deeper level. The books are available at the church. If your small group would like to use The Way as your Lenten study, a DVD and leader s guide is available by contacting Pastor Won, wonlee@fumcva.org. 2 In March, the FUMC Preschool students will enjoy a number of fun, exciting activities including our much-anticipated Father s Nights on March 24 and 25! We are looking forward to our dads joining us for an evening of arts and crafts, an obstacle course, and definitely dessert! This month, we will also be exploring the countries of the world, culminating in International Day as we visit different countries in our classrooms! Our Bible story this month is the parable of the Good Samaritan, with the lesson to love your neighbor as yourself, and we thank Pastor Won Lee for leading our Preschool Chapel. Did you know that when our preschool students attend Chapel each month, they bring non-perishable food items to give as an offering in support of the church food pantry? Also, we are still registering students for Fall 2014 classes, and we have spaces available in all age groups! Please contact Becky Patrick in the Preschool Office ( or preschool@ fumcva.org) for more information about registration.

3 Masaganang bagong taon (Prosperous New Year)! I am writing to you from my home country, the Philippines. Surprisingly it is also cold here, with temperatures dipping to 9 C [48 F] at night... The UMC-GBGM sent me to Afghanistan last Nov-Dec to help a like-minded organization to write up an operational manual for their eye hospital. A lot of you expressed concern for my safety. Well, the country you hear about and see on the news is so much different from what I experienced. I was blessed to interact with the hardworking, warm Afghans and to be in fellowship with other missionaries from different groups. Security was high and we always needed to be on-guard.... Even though I went there as an Administrative Consultant, I couldn t stay away from the operating room. There I met a 17-y/o girl who came to the hospital because of a left eyelid lag. She was brought for surgical Mark Sunday, April 27th, at 4:00 p.m. on your correction three weeks before her wedding. Traditionally, marriages are arranged. This girl s future in-law music. ALL proceeds from this event will calendar and come hang out and enjoy some said that the problem had to be corrected before the benefit the Steadman family. Scott and Judy wedding or there will be no wedding.... She was beautifully healed by her big day! Please pray for His work through their faithful witness, most recently as Scott Steadman have touched the lives of many at FUMC there - the number of believers is slowly growing... has been living with Lou Gehrig s. They attend the 9:45 I am now in the Philippines. I have asked GBGM service; Scott was a reader at the 8:00 p.m. Christmas for a sabbatical leave to be a care-giver to my 79-y/o Eve Service. mother.... My mother is well but with fragile health. There will be snacks and drinks that can be purchased while you sit, or dance, and enjoy a late after- During my itineration, they did not decide on my next place of assignment, so I can t determine if I can bring noon of music. What kind of music will be playing, my mother with me. I also needed personal and spiritual nurturing. I thank God for His provision because... Making a joyful noise, or making noise joyfully, we you ask? Band member Bob describes their music as there s a government hospital here that needs my services as a Pediatric Surgeon, so my hands won t be fully described as Americana, thus giving us license are Betsy Lynne & the Boys. Providing live music art- rusty. But practicing in my country is challenging. Doctors here have a set of rules and expectations. The first worship teams with several different churches in Rich- to play just about anything! Band members are part of thing my friend told me on my first visit was Fix your mond, and came together to form Betsy Lynne & the hair! Doctors need to have a have polished look.... Boys almost 10 years ago. Our purpose is to share our There are only 40 Pediatric Surgeons in the whole God-given gifts and love of music with our community. Philippines, so this is a great opportunity for me to We regularly play assisted living and nursing homes, as serve my own people during my sabbatical. Pray that well as events like the Monument 10K race and Stop my fellow consultants and younger doctors in training Hunger Now. will be interested in mission work and be challenged to Watch for more information in the yellow pages, serve wherever God calls them.... April newsletter and the informational monitors in the I am your church s covenant missionary.... Thank greeting area of the church. Contact Karen Newton at you for your gifts to UMCOR. Thank you for thinking Karihnewton@yahoo.com or (cell) with of me and my family. You can reach me at dokelma@ any questions. gmail.com. 3

4 DATE: March 30, 2014, Sunday TIME: 12:30 at the church parking lot COST: $53.00 which includes dinner, show, tax and tip. RSVP as soon as possible so we can reserve your seat. Make check out to FUMC with MerryMakers on the memo line and send to Ronda Worcester at 701 Cobblestone Blvd. Unit 102. Fredericksburg, Early Response Teams respond during the first phase of disaster relief, providing Christian presence. Your church and community could also be faced with a disaster. Train to be ready to respond and know the first steps to help. Registration fee is $55 for this March 29th event and includes training manual. UMCOR ERT badge, T-shirt and background check fee (forms will be handed out at training). Checks should be made out to the Virginia Conference and brought the day of training or you may register online for the Galilee Church event using the link below. To register for this training, please use this link Galilee&EventID=311. A new glass display case has been installed in the Gathering Space. The purchase of the case was made possible through the Bazaar Committee. The primary purpose of displays in this case will be to highlight FUMC history through the use of archival material. The Heritage Committee will oversee the displays and extends to all organizations within the church the opportunity to display items that fit in the overall theme of church history. Such groups would include United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports teams, etc. If your group is interested in offering materials for display, please contact Margaret Mock, , or place a note in the archives mailbox. 4

5 Every woman of the church is invited to become a member of United Methodist Women because when women come together for missions, amazing things can happen. The theme for 2014 is A Calling for this Time. Won t you join us to find your place in United Methodist Women? Please call Carol Kuty at or Pat Blosser at if you have questions about our supportive community of women. The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of Mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Another way for you to support missions is to purchase and use FUMC note cards. Packages of 10 note cards with envelopes, featuring a pen and ink drawing of our church by Jack Burnette, are on sale for $5.00 each by United Methodist Women. The cards are located in a basket at the Charlotte Street entrance. Please place cash or a check in the provided envelope (also located in basket). Money from the sale of FUMC note cards is used for?. If you completed the blank with the word missions, you already have the heart of a United Methodist Woman! All men are invited for the next UMM meeting on Saturday, March 8 th. Breakfast will be provided at 8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will adjourn to the Chapel at 8:45 a.m. for our devotional on Men of the Bible. Come and join your brothers in Christ for food and fellowship. 5

6 Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 There are a couple of remaining needs for rotations this spring. Please contact Shannon Bolick at if you are willing and able to help. The 2014/2015 schedule should be out soon. April 27 May 25 The Road To Emmaus storytelling, games, and fourth grade needed. The dates are set! VBS 2014 will happen here at FUMC on June 23 through June 27 as we follow Moses through a WILDERNESS ADVENTURE! Kit McFarland will serve as our fearless VBS director but she will need lots of help. The earlier you sign up for a role, the 6 easier her job is (plus you get to pick). We will need MOSES, tribe leaders and assistants, music leaders, games leaders, and tent hosts in the Israelite camp. Do you love children and enjoy sharing the love of Christ? We are in need of teachers for our three year old Sunday School class which meets on Sundays at 9:45. There are typically around ten very sweet little ones in this class as they play, hear a Bible story, share a snack, and do a craft. Materials, support, and training are provided. We need a teacher to start in June, but would love for you to begin assisting as soon as possible. The experience (not to mention the hugs and smiles) will be a blessing for you and the children alike!

7 This month, our featured Stephen Minister is Tony Dempsey. In his own words... Along with my family, I have been worshipping at FUMC for almost 15 years. We have been enriched not only by our involvement in the activities of the church but also by the church community. One of the ways that I strive to give back to the church community is to have been involved with the Stephen Ministry for the past five years. Since becoming a Steven Minister, I have had the privilege of being able to provide a listening ear to individuals who have experienced a variety of difficulties in their lives. This is one of the ways giving has in turn helped me to receive. I am grateful for this experience and hope to continue to participate in this wonderful ministry. Every Sunday, unless otherwise noted, youth group will meet 5:00 7:00 p.m. We begin with a snack supper, followed by games, worship music, and Bible study. Parents should pick-up in the Gathering Space. Special Sunday night meetings and extra opportunities are listed below: Vacation Bible School will take place June 23-27, This year s focus is Moses in the Wilderness. A lot of help is needed to create this spiritual fun-filled week. Specifically we are looking for a dedicated Co-Director to help plan and facilitate the week s events. Further, we need volunteers for the following positions: Tribe Leaders Tribe Assistant Leaders A Moses Music Games Leader Games Assistants Israelite Camp: Food Tent Hosts Tent Assistant Hosts Prayerfully consider what role you can play in VBS 2014 and contact Kit McFarland, kitmcfarland@yahoo.com, to volunteer. Look for a VBS Bulletin Board to appear soon in the Church hallway. This July a youth-focused mission team of eleven individuals from FUMC will serve God in orphanages in Honduras through the Carolina Cross Connection. This God-centered mission seeks to building relationships with God s people in Honduras. Our service will include repairs and construction on the orphanages and the surrounding impoverished community. We need your prayers and financial support! Through March 9 you will have an opportunity to respond to this call with a special offering specifically for our Honduras mission trip. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can help us show God s love to orphans of Honduras. Teenagers, it s time to sign up for summer camp at Westview on the James! Camp Westview offers great Senior Camp weeks and amazing Adventure Camps. Wilderness Medicine Trek, AT Trek, Feeding Hope Trek, Sailing on the Bay, and more await youth who elect to attend an Adventure Camp week. Senior Camps are for youth and Adventure Camps are for youth Camp Westview is about awe inspiring activities, and cool counselors, who listen, care, and share their faith experiences with campers. God is present and at the center of everything at Westview on the James. Go to or Shirley for more information. 7

8 Thinking about coming? Come to an informational meeting at FUMC on Wednesday, March 12th 6:30 p.m., Room 209. Trip Planning to begin paperwork and discuss fundraising ideas will be held on March 16th 2:00 p.m. in Room 210. Join your fellow team members to discuss details, what to bring and fill out required paperwork (bring your passport and check for a deposit). This is a United Methodist Volunteers In Mission project that is teamed with the Richmond-based Highland Support Project (HSP) non-profit group. The goals of HSP include building community leadership among local women, building up community involvement, and building health stoves in the homes of rural Mayan families. This is a great opportunity for you to contribute to these goals with your presence, your labor and most importantly your love. Teams have built stoves, planted trees for reforestation (stoves are wood-burning), shared crafts, songs and games with the kids, and built homes in the wake of Hurricane Stan. No special skills are needed. The only requirement is a willingness to do God s work among His people in Guatemala! Points of Contact are Trish Vaughan, (trish_vaughan@live.com), and Gail Mabe (ranitabonita56@yahoo.com). 8 by Sandy Howson, showson@infionline.net For many decades, the United States has been a global leader economically, diplomatically, and militarily. The same is true in the humanitarian arena. Our federal government often sends assistance in the form of food aid. Now there is an opportunity to reform the federal government s food-aid programs so that funds are used more effectively and efficiently. It is time to update the government s 1950s practices to enable it to respond more flexibly and faster in a 21st century, globalized world. Changes to the foodaid programs would allow food aid to benefit 17 million more people each year at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This year s Offering of Letters focuses on muchneeded reform to U.S. food aid. Learn about the United States role in global aid, and why reform is so critical. Then, write to your members of Congress and urge them to enact much needed reforms to our global food aid programs. Together we can change policy and ensure continued, improved assistance to millions of hungry people around the world. For more information go to www. bread.org

9 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Gal 6:10 Point of contact: Marcia Johnson, Visitation Coordinator The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. We share patterns and helpful hints to improve our knitting. Please bring your current project and join us. If you haven t used your talents (knit and/or crochet) in some time, and would like to refresh those skills, please meet with us. If you wish to give a prayer shawl, you may pick up a request form, which is located in Pam Bosch s office. 9

10 The The Monday Morning Bible Study meets twice a month. We are continuing our study of Women of the Bible 52 Bible Studies for Individuals & Groups by Jean Syswerda, we will meet ABIGAIL and learn how God is revealed in her life. This group, open to all women and men (18-118), meets in room 210 from 10-11:30 a.m. on the 1st & 3rd Mondays (except when the church is closed). Every week is a fresh lesson, so join in whenever you can! We always look forward to welcoming new faces, familiar faces and ones we have missed. To order a book, arrange for babysitting or if you have further questions, call Ann Braz at We are continuing the Every Man a Warrior Bible Study series designed to help men succeed in life. Check out the display in the Gathering Space of Kobler Hall or contact Bill Hammen at bghammen@verizon.net or (H) or (Cell). Looking for a way to make connections with a small group? Consider joining the Contemporaries Sunday School Class! We meet in room 210 at 11:00. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Fanya Morton at morton_family@cox.net Hope you can join us! Used Adult Sunday School study books have been organized for your use. A sample copy of each book and a list stating the number of copies available is in the Church Library. You may borrow the sample copy to preview by signing the form available in the Library. Please return the sample copy to the box for returns. The books are available: To borrow for class use and then return To preview before ordering new or used books You may request use of these books by notifying Pam Bosch in the Church Office. Donate your used Sunday School Study books to the collection. Just bring them to the library. 10 Girl Scout Sabbath/Sunday is coming up on the weekend of March 8th and 9th. We welcome Girl Scouts of all ages to participate in our worship services. If your scout is interested in assisting, please contact Joanne Wilson at wilsoninfred@verizon.net. Send the name of your scout, age and level of scouting as well as the service you would like to participate in. We also welcome adult Girl Scouts to assist in this special weekend. All Girls Scouts can participate by wearing their uniforms for this weekend as well! My name is Rebekah Blosser. I am a Junior in Girl Scout Troop 263. For my project I am collecting disposable diapers to give to LUCHA Ministries so that they can distribute them to people in need. I have already had a birthday party where my friends gave me diapers to give to LUCHA instead of getting gifts for myself. I want to collect more. My first goal was 100 diapers. My new goal is 1000 diapers. There are two bins in Mission Control labeled Diapers/Baby Items-Girl Scout Project. Thanks so much for helping with this worthwhile project providing diapers for LUCHA!

11 Starting in 2014, FUMC is starting a new offering envelope system. All members of the church and friends of the church have been assigned envelope numbers. The envelopes will be mailed in a packet directly to your home quarterly. If you do not receive your envelopes, please notify Michelle Cooper, at , x 23 or at michellecooper@fumcva.org to let her know. Corrections have been made for the second quarter mailing. If you were omitted in the initial mailing, please use the offering envelopes in the Sanctuary pews or at the entrance of Kobler Hall. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) exists to encourage, equip and develop mothers of preschoolers through speakers, education, support and advice and teaches them about the love of Christ at a crucial time in their family s life. We are looking for volunteers who can give 2 1/2 hours of their time to work in the MOPPETS (childcare) room while mothers get a much needed break to refresh and replenish their spirits. We meet from 9:30-11:30 on the first and third Fridays of the month from October to May but volunteers need not commit to the entire year or even the entire month. If you have a little time to give to a small group of children on a Friday you can make a difference! All activities, supplies and a short training will be provided. Please contact Annie Bargielski at or fmopssteering@ gmail.com to help. 11

12 The crack team of highly skilled and motivated Wednesday Night Dinner kitchen workers is looking for additional volunteers for the team. The openings include: set up, prep work, dish washing, and clean up. Choose from part-time, full-time or dedicate your life - the pay is the same. If interested, please see one of the team on Wednesday evenings. We are always there! Volunteers are also needed for the Sunday morning coffee hour team so that the service can continue. Families, groups/teams, Sunday School classes and individuals are encouraged to consider volunteering once a year, once a quarter or however often you would feel comfortable. Training on the equipment will be provided before you would be expected to begin. Just sign up on the volunteer list on the refreshment table and you will receive a call. If a snack is provided (reimbursements are given), the emphasis for the New Year is for healthy snacks. How creative can you be? Please NOTE, if volunteers are not available there will be no coffee hour on that particular Sunday. The Contemplative practice of Centering Prayer is being held each Sunday evening in the upstairs Chapel. We begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Chapel, starting promptly, and ending at 7:45 p.m. (lasting one hour). If you have ever considered a closer walk with God this form of prayer is a golden opportunity. The goal of Centering Prayer is simple - closeness to God. This prayer time is open to all Christians of any denomination. Any questions, please call Janet Davis at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church is now offering online giving. Online giving lets you: You will be able to view only your own contributions. You can set up your online giving account in less than two minutes. It is easy, safe and secure. Your electronic donations will be managed through our church database software, LOGOS. Because security is one of the most important aspects of online transaction processing, LOGOS has developed a standards-based, 128bit encrypted and PCI-compliant payment processing protocol. The church is compliant for security for Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS). The church will not have a record of your credit and debit card numbers. HALO Merchant Services PCI, the intermediary between you and your financial institution, will maintain those records. Donor information is kept secure and private with password-protected online access. Because the donation and notification are electronic, the church must have your address in order to use this service. There is no cost or fee for you to use online giving. The church pays the small fee for using this service. To set up an account, go onto the church website ( click on Connecting, click on Giving, and follow the instructions. Or go to and follow the instructions. At this time, accounts available for online giving are: 12

13 The Outreach Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. We always need hot and cold cereals, pasta and pasta sauces, peanut butter, jelly (grape/strawberry), powdered milk, rice, soups, bread, canned fruits, canned meats and meat, baby formula and diapers. Monetary donations may also be made by writing Food Pantry in the memo section of your check. Please check expiration dates. We cannot give out expired items, nor can we give out medicines. Contact Ed Sielski at with questions. FUMC Travel Mugs Still Available FUMC Church Mugs are now available for purchase at the church office - $10.00 each. All the profits will be used for evangelism ministry. Hold FUMC in your prayers over morning coffee/tea, or on your commute. For more information, please see Pastor Won. Adult Choir Practices have begun with regular rehearals on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the choir room. NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME We are in need of a Bass/Baritone strong leader. This also holds true for an Alto or Second Soprano who can lead a section or solo as needed. COME ONE! COME ALL! Notice to INSTRUMENTALISTS at FUMC: Bill McCoy would also like to invite teens or adults (who can play at least Grade 3 HS Band Level) to consider playing for the 8:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. services. The Chapel Ringers have three open positions this year. If you are interested in joining, please contact Brian Lamb at blamb1984@gmail.com. No experience required! RECEPTION COMMITTEE Are you interested in helping with receptions (funerals, etc.)? We are looking for someone to head-up our third committee as well as others who would like to be on the committee. As head of the committee, it would involve calling folks to bring food for the occasion and getting several committee members to set food out and help with serving the day of the event. For more information, call Alice Blain at or asblain@aol.com. 13

14 Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is hosting its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Micah Ecumenical Ministries and will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Fawn Lake Country Club. Micah s many ministries provide holistic care to people experiencing a housing crisis by providing basic needs of those living on the street. You are invited to join Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center as a sponsor or a player for this very special event. As a sponsor, you will be promoting your company to local professionals and physicians while helping the efforts of the Micah Ministries and the good work they do in our community. There are various various levels of sponsorships. Contact Jeanne Burkett, Senior Leader, Marketing and Communications, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center ( or Jeanne.burkett@hcahealthcare. com) for a sponsor form or if you have questions regarding sponsorship or if you d like to play. LCome out to support FUMC youth in CYT s production of Peter Pan. There will be flying, acrobatics, singing and dancing, and all your favorite characters from the animated film. Hannah and Emma Mearns will be on stage as pirates, while the Barber family s talents will show up as props and sets, and you ll see Emmaleigh Cook s artistic talents on the faces of actors who need specialty make-up. Shows run for two weekends, starting Friday, 7 March. All performances are at Spotsylvania High School. Other details can be found and ticket purchases made at: www. CYTFredericksburg.org. Micah is establishing a $100,000 Housing Fund to assist persons with transitioning to housing. The Sunshine Lady will match funding dollar for dollar. Therefore, Micah is trying to raise $50,000. For more information, contact Director Meghann Cotter, meghann@dovewalk.net. Did you know that every second and fourth Saturdays of the month for five years now, there has been a Community Dinner served from Kitchen 2 (otherwise known as the old kitchen). We serve around 120 to 130 plates of food (that includes seconds and carry-outs). FUMC serves the second and Ebenezer UMC serves the fourth... we have a faithful band of volunteers who come to cook, set-up, greet and serve and CLEAN-UP. The dinners are well received. Actually there is a Community Dinner just about every evening at one of the downtown churches for anyone who would like to attend. If you feel called to join us, PLEASE DO! foridderhof@ verizon.net or call With vacations and very involved schedules for all, we would welcome some more volunteers. 14

15 Photo by Phil Haynes