Our Lives Together for December 2016 & January Join Us On the Journey to See the Newborn King!

Transcription

1 GLADE TIDINGS GLADE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Our Lives Together for December 2016 & January 2017 Join Us On the Journey to See the Newborn King! December 11th: Pastor Phil will preach on Isaiah 35: 1-10 ; the focus will be on The Liberating Joy That Comes from God. December 18th: The Children s Pageant will be presented during the worship hour. We are grateful to Lisa Byrd for directing this year. Of the pageant, Lisa writes, This year's Christmas pageant will be held during worship on Sunday, December 18 and is entitled "Christmas Gifts." It is written by Mark Young with some adaptations for Glade UCC. It tells the story of an Aunt who is spending Christmas eve with her nieces. They're enjoying some holiday goodies and setting up the family creche. The building of the creche unfolds in life-size as other cast members take on the roles of the traditional Christmas story and appear as the family unpacks the different components of the nativity scene. Be sure to join us as the young people of our church bring to life this beloved Christmas tradition! Reception with holiday treats immediately after the service. December 24th: Our 9 o clock pm Christmas Eve service will center around Lloyd Larson s cantata Song of Emmanuel: A Cantata for Christmas Communion will be celebrated on this most holy of nights. December 25th: Please be with your family and friends as you celebrate the birth of Christ. Because of the late hour of our Christmas Eve Service, there will be no Sunday School or Worship Service. January 1st, 2017: Join us for a Hymn Sing

2 Ponder with the Pastor For a Time Such as This Martin Niemoller was a Lutheran pastor in Germany and is mostly remembered for his poem, First They Came He spoke variations of this poem during the rise of Hitler and Nazism, and as a response to the silence of many who refused to speak up, and out, against the unfolding Jewish Holocaust. First They Came First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. Some who read my words in this article may think I have no business addressing the political situation our country finds itself. Others of you may actually feel some sense of gratitude that your pastor is addressing the anxiety many of us are feeling because of this most recent presidential election. Some may not believe me when I say There were other candidates in both parties I may have more easily voted for if they made it to the general election, but there were. Even so, when it came to the binary choice we had, there was no way I could vote for the candidate who made me think of Niemoller s words. I have neighbors I care very much about, and it grieves me to see them worried. As the father of a gay man, it grieves me to see him worry that, should he find someone he wants to spend the rest of his life in a committed relationship with, he may not be able to. For me, it is heartbreaking to think that after all this country has endured to ensure all of us our civil rights, the person asked to be the most senior law enforcement agent in the country once said, I used to think the KKK was okay until I learned they smoked pot. No, for me, this election wasn t partisan, and we all know there was very little policy discussed; for me, this election was about tenor, tone, and the divisiveness used to win. 2

3 I m worried. Actually, if you want to know the truth, I m pretty well terrified. Gay students at our local high school have been told, Now that Trump is president, all you faggots will be executed. When John was a student there, one student told him (because John is gay), I d like to chain you to a tree and drive my car into you. The number of hate crimes has risen since Mr. Trump has been on the scene. Perhaps as disturbing as what we heard from him is the number of Christian pastors who lifted him up and offered him their support. But, as I m sure you ve already figured out, I m not one of them. And, I certainly cannot root for him to be successful. The best I can do, especially in this season of getting ready for Jesus birth, is pray that he, like all of us, will work on making room for Christ in our lives. We are living in an incredibly unsettled time. In fact, as a nation, we ve never been here before. And, like many others, my faith in a loving God who became incarnate in Christ, will not permit me to do nothing. I will go out of my way to show hospitality to strangers; not hostility. I will stand with those who have been targeted and smeared by all of the hateful rhetoric. And, of course, I will strive to follow Jesus closer than ever before. I hope you will consider joining me on such a journey for a time like this. May God Bless Us, Everyone. 3

4 Ushers: Andre & Terry Cornelis Acolytes December/January Assistants DECEMBER 4 Greeters: Adam Frederick & Family Lay Readers Dec. 4 Jessica Saylor Dec. 4 Ruth Ann Engel Dec. 11 Mason Saylor Dec. 11 Nancy or Larry Sweet Dec. 18 Ellie Stevens Dec. 18 Nancy or Larry Sweet Dec. 24 Mia Ogg Dec. 25 No Worship Service Communion Servers Bonnie Ogg, Chris Torbeck, Brooks Widder, Lorijean Turner, Adam Frederick, Christmas Eve Service Bonnie Ogg, Chris Torbeck, Brooks Widder, Lorijean Turner, Adam Frederick, Nursery Dec. 4 Faye Zimmerman & Piper Susi Dec. 11 Patty Green & Elaina Frederick Dec. 18 Christmas Pageant Dec. 25 No Worship Service JANUARY Ushers The Yingling Family Greeters-The Yingling Family Acolytes Jan. 1 TBA Jan. 8 Ellie Stevens Jan. 15 Lydia Mollet Jan. 22 Hailey Ogg Jan. 29 Jessica Saylor Nursery TBA Lay Readers TBA Communion Servers TBA

5 Consistory Corner Minutes of the October 11, 2016 Consistory Meeting Church & Ministry Pastor Phil discussed stewardship, worship and a variety of activities including the Guild. Finance & Stewardship Committee Bonnie Ogg reported that things are moving ahead for the stewardship campaign. The campaign will run from October 23rd-November 13th. There will be a celebratory dinner after the service. Glade has 163 continuing members. The church directory is in process. The committee of Pastor Phil, Adriane Wodey, Lorijean Turner, Ruth Keyser and Adam Frederick are involved in the secretarial search. Property The sanctuary carpet has been cleaned. A variety of maintenance accomplishments were reported including rental repairs of the sink, toilet, kitchen fan, hot water heater, and removal of a tree. Worship and Fellowship Planning is under way for the stewardship consecration service. Mission and Social Action A community dinner is scheduled For December 2nd. A Paint night is scheduled for Nov. 11th. General Fund Financial Report October 31, 2016 Beginning Balance: $ Total Income: $ Total Expenses: $12, Ending Balance: $14,

6 Stewardship Campaign Update We have completed the main part of the stewardship campaign, and are now wrapping up some of the administrative details. Considering that this is not something our congregation has much experience with, the Stewardship Committee felt it went smoothly and was successful. We want to thank everyone for paying attention to the campaign, giving your response some careful and prayerful consideration, and returning your completed pledge cards and commitment surveys. We would also like to thank those who attended the dinner after church on November 13. The food and fellowship was great, and the leftovers were used when we served at the Frederick Soup Kitchen on November 20. Most churches conduct a stewardship campaign every year, and it is possible that we will do this again next year that will likely be a discussion topic for the Consistory in the coming months. So, if you have thoughts on this issue you would like to share, feel free to speak with someone on the Stewardship Committee (Shannon Jordre, Adriane Wodey, Bonnie Ogg, Connie Rough and Brooks Widder) or the Consistory. As you ll remember, our theme for the campaign this year was Go and Do the Same, based on the story of the Good Samaritan, who used his own resources to help the traveler in need. Although our formal campaign is over for this year, this particular theme is always suitable, and something we should aspire to try to keep in mind all the time. On that note, we hope you all have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 6

7 December Birthdays 12/01 Elwood Hummer Ruth Ann Engel 12/02 Luke Burrier 12/04 Jan Borison 12/05 Jason Goff 12/06 Janie Angleberger 12/07 Richard Gilbert 12/08 Adalyn Schildt 12/09 Logan Zimmerman 12/12 JoAnn DiPaolo Austin Clarke Brett Hamilton Caleb Sier 12/16 Danita Puhl 12/18 Carole Shoemaker 12/19 Jenny Veith 12/20 Arthur Leveronne 12/21 Samantha Shober 12/22 David O Planick Nancy Sweet 12/23 Sharon Burrier Evan Johnson Katherine Johnson 12/25 James Pencola 12/27 Ray Hummer III 12/28 Bernadine Hummer 12/31 Carol Remsberg December Anniversaries 12/03 Char & Roger Musser 12/04 Cathy & Thomas Clarke 12/09 Holly & Keith VanNess 12/26 Tami & Kurt Hakenson 12/30 Bob & Carolyn Lambie 7

8 Second Mile Giving DECEMBER The Religious Coalition for Emergency Needs is a Frederick County non-profit that has been providing residents of Frederick County with emergency financial assistance for over 30 years. The Religious Coalition is the primary provider of emergency services on the basis of human needs, such as shelter, food, medical & dental calls, as well as prescription medications. Coalition networking programs also assist our neighbors in need to avoid eviction, prevent utility cutoffs, as well as funding the eight food banks. The Coalition also manages the Alan P. Linton, Jr. Emergency Shelter, which is the largest and only year-round shelter for the homeless in Frederick. JANUARY Second Mile Giving for January 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. Glade Cookbooks Can Help Fill Your List for Gift Giving Do you need something to give to someone for Christmas? We still have the Glade cookbooks that would make great gifts. We have received nice comments, and if you know someone who likes to cook, share recipes from our cooks with others. The cost is $15 and they are available from Patty Green, churcviewacres@aol.com, 301/ , or will be available on Sundays before and after church. 8

9 Youth Activities Christmas Caroling Join the Youth Group on December 18th for door-to-door Christmas Caroling. We will leave on foot from the church at 4:00 p.m. and return for goodies and hot cocoa after we have serenaded Walkersville. Once we return, the youth will fill the luminaries for the Christmas Eve service. Happenings During the Christmas Season The annual lighting of the Town of Walkersville Christmas tree will take place on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 7:30 pm at Creamery Park which is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave and S. Glade Rd. Choirs from local churches will perform, and light refreshments will be served. Prayer Shawl The members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry have been busy replenishing their supply of shawls and blankets. They will meet in January at Connie Rough s (date to be announced) to start off the new year. Anyone interested in joining the Prayer shawl Ministry, please contact Connie Rough. We would love new members. 9

10 Care Giving Ministry Christmas! It will be here before you know it...and just a week later we'll be welcoming the new year. In preparation, are you checking your list for presents you want to buy and give to others? Would you like a suggestion for some gifts that are easy on the budget, as well as always appropriate and appreciated? I recently read a short story from which I share this quote: "Don't you know that kind words are presents that you can give people whenever you want?" Think of it ---in the hustle and bustle of the season and throughout the new year ahead, you can be a caring-giver everywhere you go, freely offering kind words. Maybe some of these 'gift suggestions' will perfectly fit those on your list: "God bless you!" "May I help you?" "You did a wonderful job!" "I've missed you!" "Thank you so much!" "I love you! Have a wonderful time handing out those presents (no bows or wrapping paper required!!!) Blessings! ---Becky D. 10

11 Mission & Social Action It s Soup Kitchen Time Again Save the Date: January 22 at 4:45 at the Soup Kitchen on All Saints Street in Frederick As always we rely on your participation to make this effort a success. In November we served between 65 and 70 people with the help of our youth. We ask for donations of mac & cheese, salad, rolls and cake and, of course, your time. We could not do it without you. Watch for the sign-up sheet in the back of the church. Mitten Tree Please bring your unwrapped gifts to church on Dec. 4 th. Attach your mitten to each individual gift. If you would like to include a roll of gift wrap, that would be appreciated as well. Many thanks for helping Glade Valley Community Services provide a Christmas to many children who would otherwise go without. 11

12 January Birthdays 01/01 William Stup Char Musser 01/03 Doris Flanigan Kevin Saylor 01/04 Jeffrey Stevens 01/06 Stephanie O Planick 01/07 Ronald Whitmore 01/08 Gerald Hanberry Kenny Whitmore 01/09 Julianna VenDouern 01/10 Richard Garst Tony Vernon Wayne Ausherman 01/11 Jeffrey Wisner 01/13 Kyle Abramson 01/14 Jane Wenzel Holly VanNess Erin Boyer Susan Smith 01/15 Wanda Strawsburg 01/16 Deborah Wachter-Harne Mason Saylor 01/19 Josephine Gilbert 01/20 Kenneth Wisner Elizabeth Jones 01/22 Patsy Bowers 01/23 Lauren Pencola Michael Kreimer 01/24 Cody Boyer 01/26 Joyce Shry 01/27 Kacie Grimm Jack Walker 01/28 Ruth Ann Wilson 01/30 Jeffrey Funk Ryan O Planick January Anniversaries 01/05 Adriane Wodey & Jack Fritz 01/11 Janie & Michael Angleberger 01/14 Dorothy & Ralph Shober 12

13 Inclement Weather Policy In the event of inclement weather, Glade Church will hold church services unless cancellation announcements are issued on our web site at on our Facebook page, or on these local radio stations, WFMD (AM 930), WFRE (FM 99.9), or WAFY (FM Key 103.1). Sunday School will be cancelled when the snow emergency plan is in effect at 8:00 a.m. in Frederick County. The Glade UCC office wishes all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! GLADE UCC STAFF Philip Curran Pastor Bill Powell Music Director Tammie Shumaker Secretary Chris Torbeck Custodian Church Phone: Fax: Website: secretary@gladechurch.org or pastor@gladechurch.org Mailing Address: 21 Fulton Ave., P.O. Box 236, Walkersville, MD Pastor Curran contact number for emergencies is (C),or (H), address: pncurran@comcast.net 13

14 Food Bank for December and January Let s help our neighbors chase away the chill of winter with donations of coffee, low-fat/low-sugar instant +creamers, hot chocolate, tea bags, canned soups, and oatmeal. As well as food donations, cash donations are also accepted by the Glade Valley Community Services at P. O. Box 655, Walkersville, MD The children will be bringing their food items to put under tree to be given to the food bank each Sunday in December. Let s join in and help them fill the basket. The Most Needed Food Items: Cereal Canned Pasta (spaghetti-os, ravioli) Canned Fruit Boxed Potatoes (mashed, scalloped, etc.) Peanut Butter Canned Peas (they love the canned peas) Toilet Paper Rice Baked Beans The Community Thrift Shop has its fall and winter clothes ready and waiting for the change of weather. As you clean out summer clothes and bring out the fall and winter items, remember the Thrift Shop. Pack up summer clothes you don t want and save to donate in the spring. Donate your unwanted fall and winter items now. Children s clothing is always needed at the Thrift Shop. Please donate your unwanted clothes and books to the Thrift Shop to benefit local families. In Walkersville, the green clothing drop boxes are located at the entrance to the St. Paul s Paris Hall parking lot at 19 West Pennsylvania Ave. near Fulton Ave. and at the Walkersville Community Church, 207 Braeburn Drive. Look for the name Glade Valley Thrift Shop on the green clothing drop boxes. 14

15 The Church Directory will be updated and distributed at the Annual Congregational Meeting. We would like to have all current contact information for this directory. We will be adding addresses and cell phone numbers to the directory. Any events (i.e. cancellations or change in schedules) that we need to notify our members of will be via the phone, so it is important that we have current contact information. For any changes, the form listed below MUST be turned into the office by January 8, Thanks! Names (All names that receive mail at the address listed below): Phone Number: Cell Phone Number(s): Name: Phone Number: Name: Phone Number. Name: Phone Number. Address: (Providing this address, you would like us to include it with your other contact information: