From the Pastor CHOIR. . Germantown Church of God

Transcription

1 . Germantown Church of God Raven Rock Road, Cascade, MD Mark Hosler, Pastor, Office Phone: Website: Volume 23, Number 1 A Bi-monthly Publication January February 2018 From the Pastor In the time that I have served as your pastor, I have appreciated that Germantown Church is a generous Church. In the past few months, we have had opportunities to give, over and above our weekly giving through our tithes and offerings. When the group JCT 114 was here in October, we received a love offering for the band. The group was overwhelmed by the gifts they received from our Church. My cousin Dave Billman recently reported to me that the band was able to purchase some good quality sound equipment due in large part to the gift they received from our Church. They are grateful. In November, we collected 99 Shoe Boxes from members of our congregation for the Samaritan s Purse Operation Christmas child project. We collected over 30 pumpkin pies for the Hagerstown Rescue Mission s annual Thanksgiving Day feast. And last Sunday you donated a lot of food for the Help Hotline Food bank through our Advent Food Box project. I am grateful for the generosity of our Church family. One of the challenges whenever we give to our Church or to special projects is to make sure our motives for giving are pure. In my years of ministry, I have observed that sometimes people give from some less than pure motives. Sometimes people give because it helps them to feel good about themselves. Sometimes people give with an attitude of superiority we are better than others and we want to remind people that if it wasn t for us, they would have to do without. Sometimes people give because they feel some obligation to pay the rent on life. But I believe that the example and teachings of Jesus helps us to understand that pure giving is done with a desire to bless others. Pure giving is done because we are grateful for the ways God has given to us, and we want to honor Him by giving to others. Pure giving is done so that we can be a part of what God is doing in the world to redeem others. As I have observed our giving has been pure, and I am glad. But we must continue to examine our hearts so that it remains pure. Thank you for your service to God and others. All ladies are invited to be a part of our Women s Ministry Group. The next regular meetings will be held Tuesday, January 2 and February 6. Meetings begin at 6:30 for a time of business and planning. There is a Bible Study time which begins at 7:00 PM. The ladies are using a Bible Study: Bad Girls of the Bible. The Bad Girl for January will be Potiphar s wife. In February, naughty Lot s wife will be the subject of the study. Pizza and a Movie Night: The Women s Ministry is planning another Pizza and a Movie Night in February. Watch the Sunday bulletin and the Church Web Site for more information. Men s Fellowship Monthly meetings: Men of the Church are invited to join us for a time of fellowship, devotions and prayer on the 3 rd Saturday of each month. We meet at 7:30 AM at Parlor House restaurant. The next meetings will be held on Saturday, January 20, and Saturday, February 17. CHOIR We enjoyed hearing our Choir during the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas season. The choir will be taking a few weeks off, but will be back for the Lenten season and Easter. We are always looking for new members. There is no tryout or initiation! Anyone is welcome to join us. Watch the Sunday Bulletin and Web Page for more information.

2 Church Family News We recently lost some friends of our Church Family. We are all saddened to lose these dear friends. Please pray for their loved ones as they journey through this season of grief and sorry. Alvin Jones, was born on August 22, 1919 and died on November 17, at the age of 98 years. Al was a career soldier, serving in the US Army from 1942 to He served during World War 2, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Al is survived by his beloved wife Karolina, and two sons, Alvin and David and their families. Al was a devoted follower of Jesus, and was active in Churches wherever he was assigned. When Al and Karol moved this area, they became a part of Germantown Church of God and served in many different capacities here in our Church. Al had a passion to talk to people about Jesus and encouraged them to accept Him as their Savior. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 21 at Germantown Church of God. Al had requested to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are currently in process for that to happen later in We have missed Al and Karol for the past few years following their move to Homewood in Williamsport, MD. Karol continues to reside there, and enjoys cards, phone calls and visits. Audrey Gearhart was born April 16, 1920, and died on November 4, 2017 at the age of 97. Audrey grew up here on the mountain. She was the widow of Stanley Gearhart, who passed away in Audrey is survived by two children, Loraine Gladhill, and Charles Gearhart. She also was the mother of Jorelene C. Helm who died in Audrey always asked about how things were going at Church and if we had any new people attending. In recent years prior to her death, she lived at the Quincy Home. A funeral service was held on November 8 at the Grove- Bowersox Funeral Home in Waynesboro. Deone McCleaf was born on October 23, 1966, and passed away on November 15, 2017 at the age of 51 years after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Deone was the wife of Tim McCleaf, who survives. She was the daughter of David and Carole Ann Dingle. She is also survived by son Eric, and daughter Jessica and their families and by many friends and family members. She was well loved by all who knew her. Many from our Church have fond memories of Deone from the time she attended here. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 18 at the Douglas Fiery Funeral home in Hagerstown. To my Church Family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, support and recognition for my 45 years and 4 months serving God and His church as its Recording Clerk/Secretary and in other capacities during this time. I enjoyed these years working for the church. I was overwhelmed with the support shown me on Sunday, December 17 th. Thank you, Pastor Mark, for your beautiful words of presentation and friendship. Thank you to the congregation and Council for your friendship and the gift certificate to one of my favorite places, The Old South Mountain Inn in Boonsboro. Recently I have relied more on the words of God taken from Philippians 4:6-7 ( to Pray is to let go and let God take over ). My favorite verse that I use quite often is found in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Heavenly Father You know every decision I need to make and every challenge I face, please forgive me for the times that I try to figure this life out on my own. I need you; I need your Holy Spirit to give me strength, wisdom and direction. Amen. Kathryn Starliper Lenten Season Early in the history of the Church, Church leaders set aside a period before Easter as a season for reflection, repentance and preparation for observing the Easter Season. Ash Wednesday: The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14. We will have an Ash Wednesday service that evening, which will include a time for prayer, a message, and the imposition of ashes. Coming in March Palm Sunday, March 25 We will remember Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passion Week Maundy Thursday, March 29 We will have an Ordinance Service, including a light supper and service with the Ordinances of Feetwashing and Communion. Easter, April 1 We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with a Sunrise Service, and in our regular Sunday morning service.

3 Missionary of the Month January Gordon and Annie Avey Brazil Gordon and Annie Avey have served as missionaries with the Churches of God Commission on Cross-Cultural Ministries since Gordon works with Brazilian pastors, providing encouragement, leadership and training for them. He has lead a movement of planting Churches that now extends to 3 states in Brazil. Gordon and Annie have 2 sons, Bryan, married to Dini, and Roberto, married to Ellen. Both sons grew up in Brazil, but now live in the United States. Gordon and Annie share the following prayer concerns: Making disciples and planting churches Developing pastors and leaders for Good News Churches Bahia Bible Institute with extension courses Spiritual and physical health and safe travels God to be glorified in everything that we do Germantown Church provides support for the Avey s from our Missions budget. Gordon and Annie recently had to experience a reduction in their salary due to a decrease in giving for their support. If you would like to give a one-time gift or give monthly to support them, please send your gifts to: Churches of God, General Conference P. O. Box 926 Findlay, OH Please designate your gift for: Avey Support, CC 2731 Missionary of the Month February Steve and Jan Trostle Steve and Jan Trostle recently completed their missionary career, retiring from their ministry in South Africa. For a number of years, Steve and Jan have been involved in teaching South African Children in a Christian School. In recent years they have been involved in a Church planting work. Please pray for Steve and Jan as they now transition back to living here in the United States, closer to their children and grandchildren. Steve and Jan will be visiting Germantown Church on Sunday, April 15 to give us a report about their ministry in South Africa and to share plans for ministry during their retirement years. Beth Beers Former Missionary Retired missionary, Beth Beers passed away on Dec. 27, at the age of 98. Beth, who was a Registered Nurse, served at Bogra Christian Hospital in Bangladesh, from She worked alongside Dr. Gilbert. We give thanks to God for Beth who served faithfully. Carlton s Return to Ethiopia Stephen and Ubah Carlton have recently returned to Ethiopia to explore opportunities to begin a new Churches of God ministry there. Stephen grew up in Oregon. While serving on a short term missions experience in Africa, he met Ubah who was from Ethiopia. They were married, and continued to serve in Ethiopia for a while. They moved to Haiti and became connected with the Churches of God through the ministry of Project HELP. They served for a time at our Pierre Payen compound, but had a desire to one day return to Ethiopia. They are currently raising financial support. If you would like to support the Carlton s you can send your gifts to: Churches of God, General Conference P. O. Box 926 Findlay, OH Please designate it for Carlton Support, CC2737

4 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL HI-LITES: OCTOBER 10, 2017: 8 members were in attendance. Pastor Mark had devotions. The minutes and treasurer's reports were approved. Pastor's Report: Average attendance was 72 in September and 70 for the year. A Camp Fire and Movie Night was held in September. Another Camp Fire will be held in October. Thursday evening Bible Study resumed. Stewardship & Property Management Commission: Fall Clean-up Day is November 4. Repairs are needed to some floor joists and a floor in the parsonage. Christian Education: No report Worship & Outreach Commission: Fellowship time before the Special Musical Worship Service on October 29. Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box campaign will be from October 22 to November 12. Holiday decorating will be on December 2 with caroling on December 17. We will be doing Advent Food Boxes again this year. Unfinished & New Business: Repairs have been done to the pew cushions. Molly Peck reported on the Nominating Committee. Ann Donatto has agreed to serve as Christian Education Director. Deanna Shaffer has resigned as Assistant Treasurer as of December 31. Treasurer s Highlights September 2017: All 3 rd quarter mission support payments have been made. Purchased 1,000 gallons of fuel oil at $2.299 per gallon, with this purchase and the remaining balance from last year, the total pre-buy gallons equals 2, Based on an average of $2,609.56, weekly tithe and offering YTD, the projected budget deficit is $13, Treasurer's Summary for September 2017: Checking Account beginning Balance: $32, Deposits/Credits 10, Withdrawals/Debits 13, Transfer from Savings Account 0.00 Transfer to Savings Account 0.00 Service Charges 0.00 Ending Balance: $29, Savings Account beginning Balance: $57, Transfer from Checking Account 0.00 Interest Payment 3.78 Transfer to Checking Account 0.00 Service Charges 0.00 Ending Balance: $57, NOVEMBER 14, 2017: 11 members in attendance. Pastor Mark had devotions. The minutes and treasurer's reports were approved. Pastor's Report: Average attendance was 70 in October and 70 for the year. JCT 11 led the October 29 service. They were well received. Audrey Gearhart passed away on November 4. Pumpkin pies are needed for the Rescue Mission Thanksgiving meal. Stewardship & Property Management Commission: Thanks to Larry Sanders, Kip Stover, Don Cauthen, Louis Lajoie, Greg Shaffer, Delbert Biser, and John Ralston for help with the Clean-up Day. Air conditioners will be wrapped on November 18. Christian Education: No report Worship & Outreach Commission: Sunday evening fellowship is scheduled for Nov. 19. Shoe Box Processing Team going to Baltimore on November 29. Poinsettias will be in the sanctuary on December 17. Unfinished & New Business: Molly Peck presented the final report from the Nominating Committee. It was suggested that Terry Smith, Administrative Assistant be considered for Treasurer. The Elders discussed Sunday morning security concerns. Treasurer's Highlights October 2017: During the month, $ was collected for the Dr. Gilbert fund. These funds will be sent to the ERC during the month of November. The church paid David Billman (JCT 114) $ plus collected a love offering of $ for the service on October 29. Based on an average of $2,623.55, weekly tithe and offering YTD, the projected budget deficit is $12, Treasurer's Summary for October 2017: Checking Account beginning Balance: $29, Deposits/Credits 14, Withdrawals/Debits 10, Transfer from Savings Account 0.00 Transfer to Savings Account 0.00 Service Charges 0.00 Ending Balance: $33, Savings Account beginning Balance: $57, Transfer from Checking Account 0.00 Interest Payment 3.91 Transfer to Checking Account 0.00 Service Charges 0.00 Ending Balance: $57,541.05

5 What Has Been Happening at Germantown Church? There has been a lot of activity in and around the Church during the past two months and if you have not been part of it, you have missed some great times. On October 29 our Sunday morning service was a Special Music Sunday as we welcomed the group JCT 114 to lead us in our worship experience. JCT 114 plays a variety of styles of music from bluegrass to worship music. Everyone enjoyed the service and has asked for them to return. Our Annual Congregational Meeting was postponed until December 17 due to the power failure in November. During the meeting, we recognized Kathryn Starliper who served our Church as Recording Secretary and Clerk for over 45 year. The congregation expressed their appreciation for Kathryn s service with an extended standing ovation. We also presented her with a gift certificate to the South Mountain Inn. Several new members of the Administrative Council were elected and the new budget was approved. Ann Donatto has assumed the role of Christian Education Director. Lisa Frazer will now serve as Recording Secretary. Martha Huff is replacing Molly Peck as one of the Deaconesses, and Terry Smith is taking the position of Treasurer to allow Bob and Terry Sherald to devote more time to travel for the Samaritan s Purse organization. Terry Smith has been serving as our Administrative Assistant for several years. The Christmas Child Shoe Box Collection went very well. We collected 99 Shoe Boxes from members of the congregation. In addition, the children who attend My Favorite Place day care assembled 162 Shoe Boxes, under the supervision of Lisa Frazer and Holly Frazer, making a total of 261 boxes collected and sent off to Samaritan s Purse. On November 29, Pastor Mark led a group of 13 volunteers who worked for five hours at the Shoe Box Processing Center in Baltimore. In November, we collected 34 Pumpkin Pies for the Hagerstown Rescue Mission s annual Thanksgiving Day feast. On December 2, Ladies from our Church gathered on a Saturday morning for a Craft Day. The craft was to make greeting and Christmas cards. We recently completed a six-part Bible Study on Counting the Cost of Following Christ. The response has been so good, that another Bible Study like this is planned to start in February. We just completed the Christmas Season with all of its many activities. On December 1 and 2 several members spent many hours decorating the Sanctuary for the season. Our choir had been practicing for the past several months to provide special music for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The choir will take a few weeks off, but will return to sing during the Lenten and Easter Season. On December 17 a group of 13 members gathered to sing Christmas carols for some friends who cannot easily get out of their house. We visited Edye Dandy, Vada Brown, Regina Wetzel and Judy McCleaf. One of our long-standing traditions is to decorate the Church with live poinsettias. We were able to work with a local nursery to acquire 34 very nice plants that brightened the Church. During the days of Advent we again collected food boxes for the Help Hotline Food Bank. We gathered the Food Boxes on Christmas Eve. Help Hotline will use the food to assist families in need in our Community. We had a good day of Worship on Christmas Eve. During our morning service we had 108 people in attendance, the highest attendance in over a year. Later that afternoon we experienced a little snow which may have kept some people coming out for the Christmas Eve Service, but 50 people helped celebrate this special occasion. Between the two services, we had many old friends and visitors attend and enjoyed seeing them.

6 Views from the Baltimore Shoe Box Processing Center Inclement Weather Announcements As you are aware, we are in the season of wintry weather. In the event that the weather is bad, or that roads or our parking lot are not safe, and our services or events need to be cancelled, we will attempt to get the word out through several means. You can check the Church Website, or Facebook page. We will send an to those who are on our group list. We will attempt to have the news broadcast on WCRH radio. Or we will make phone calls to those who request communication in that way. Please understand that sometimes these decisions are difficult to make and may not be made as early as we would like due to changing conditions. We appreciate your patience, and your help in spreading the news. News from Camp YoLiJWa It may be cold outside, but there is news from the Doubling Gap Center. Summer Camping Schedule The schedule for 2018 camping opportunities has been announced. You can find the Camp Schedule on our Church Bulletin Board, or on the Camp s Website, ( The Camp offers several special camping opportunities in addition to the youth residential and wilderness camps. These include: Camp Hope (for Intellectually Disabled), Family Bible Camp (for Family units); and Adult Fellowship Camp (for those 50 and over). Church Camp is a wonderful opportunity to rest, refresh and meet new friends. Camp Counselors Every summer, our camp relies on over 350 volunteers to serve as counselors and staff at Camp. Responsibilities include leading 6 7 campers through their daily activities. Counselors must be 16 or older. For more information or applications visit the Camp s website. Summer Staff There are some employment opportunities every summer. Positions available are: Activity leader, Music leader, Craft leader, Nature leader, Lifeguard, Kitchen staff, Technology, and Maintenance. Contact the Camp for more information about any of these opportunities.

7 BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 1 Gerald Brown 2 Brenda Calimer 8 Brenda Biser 10 Anna-Karin Molgaard, Samir Singha 12 Amy Hosler, Pastor Mark Hosler, Garrett Worth 15 Bryan McCleaf, David Kapaku 19 Tony Lantz 22 MacKenzie Donatto 23 Aaron Dewan 24 Lisa Ohler 26 Tom McCardell, Regina Wetzel 31 Dominique Frazer FEBRUARY 5 Stewart McCleaf Jr., Dylan Wise 6 Arlene Beard, Ann Donatto, Lisa Frazer, Dot Martin 8 Jonathan Max Boylan, Elaine Buhrman 10 Tabitha Dillinger 12 Faye Worth 17 Sharon Mann 20 Tim McCleaf, Kenda Kapaku 22 Martha Huff, Jenny Peck ANNIVERSARIES... JANUARY 19 Stewart, Sr. & Judy McCleaf FEBRUARY 2 Stephen & Ubah Carlton 8 Everett & Mary Teller 14 Louis & Marge Lajoie, Steve & Laura Shuck 18 Michael & Ashley Fredlock MISSION OF THE MONTH... January: Gordon & Annie Avey February: Steve & Jan Trostle (Italics denotes missionaries) HAGERSTOWN RESCUE MISSION MINISTRY... January: Women s Ministry February: Seekers Elective Class HELP HOTLINE Food for the First... The first Sunday of the month is Food for the First where we bring in our items of canned goods, pantry items or monetary gifts. But any time is always appreciated. Please help consider those less fortunate than we. GREETERS...(9:15 am) JANUARY 7 Don & Pam Cauthen 14 Steve & Laura Shuck 21 Barbara Mulheron 28 Lori Warner FEBRUARY 4 Garry & Martha Huff 11 Roy & Dollie Sanders 18 Delbert Biser & Becky Stouffer 25 Charles & Esther Delzer CHILDREN'S CHURCH (9:30 am) 3 years to 3 rd grade JANUARY - Teacher/Helper 7 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch 14 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto 21 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck 28 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson FEBRUARY - Teacher/Helper 4 Sue Hosler & Wanda Ditch 11 Ann Donatto & Colin Donatto 18 Deanna Shaffer & Laura Shuck 25 Christina Hann & Shelley Johnson NURSERY... (9:30 am) JANUARY 7 Lori Warner 14 Pam Cauthen 21 Natalie Johnson 28 Lisa Frazer FEBRUARY 4 Lori Warner 11 Pam Cauthen 18 Natalie Johnson 25 Lisa Frazer SNOW TEAMS... Jan. 1 - Jan. 7 Don Cauthen & Larry Sanders Jan. 8 - Jan. 14 Doug Willard & Greg Shaffer Jan Jan. 21 Kip Stover & Louis Lajoie Jan Jan. 28 Don Cauthen & Larry Sanders Jan Feb. 4 Doug Willard & Greg Shaffer Feb. 5 - Feb. 11 Kip Stover & Louis Lajoie Feb Feb. 18 Don Cauthen & Larry Sanders Feb Feb. 25 Doug Willard & Greg Shaffer Feb Mar. 4 Kip Stover & Louis Lajoie Mar. 5 - Mar. 11 Don Cauthen & Larry Sanders Mar Mar. 18 Doug Willard & Greg Shaffer Mar Mar. 25 Kip Stover & Louis Lajoie

8 BOOKS: Youth / Adult, NON_FICTION: Germantown (Bethel) Church of God LIBRARY New Accessions NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 Anderson. You and Your Friends, Group, Simulation Games for Teens. Rainbow, c1980. Bible. VEBS Director's Guide. Cook. c1999. Brown. Sensible Shoes, Study Guide. Downers Grove Press. c2017. Clark. Creative Bible Lessons in ROMANS. Youth Specialties. Zondervan. c1996. Group. Becoming Responsible. Group's Active Bible Curriculum, Jr. Hi. Group. c1991. Group. Bible Beginnings, Creation; Fall; Noah; Abraham, w/cd. L.G. Group. c1999. Group. Christians in a Non-Christian World, Sr High, Groups' Active Bible Curriculum, c1992. Jones. VEBS Mural Art Transparency Book Cook. c1999. Lynn. High School Talk Sheet for High School Youth Groups. Youth Specialties. Zondervan. c2001. Mark. Hearing God. 8 Steps to Understanding the Bible. 6 lens. Standard. c1994. Oestreicher. Twelve More Wild Studies for Jr Highers based on Wild Bible Characters. Youth Specialties. Zondervan. cl998. Oestreicher. Wild Truth Bible Lessons. 12 Studies for Jr Hi. based on Wild Bible Characters, Youth Specialties. Zondervan. c1996. Oestreicher. Wild Truth Journal. 50 Life Lessons from Scripture. Zondervan. c1995. Penner. Creative Bible Lessons in 1 & 2 CORINTHIANS. 12 lsns. Youth Specialties. Zon. c1999. Petersen. UnFiltered, A 13-week Youth Bible Study. L.G. Martz Mosley Pub. c2000. Poling. Hearing God, a Study Plan. local. c2004, Donated / Joy Poling. Southern. Creative Bible Lessons in REVELATION, 12 sessions. Youth Specialties. Zon. c2003. Walsh. God Has A Dream for Your Life. T. Nelson. (Women of Faith). c2006. Donated / Lori Warner. Warden. Small Church Youth Ministry Programming Ideas. Group. c1994. NOTE: The majority of the above books were donated by the Christian Ed. Dept. BOOKS: YOUTH / ADULT, FICTION: Byler. The Amish Matchmaker An Amish Romance. Bk. 1. Good Books. Donated / Dot Martin. Byler. Mary's Christmas Goodbye, An Amish Romance, Bk. 2. Good Books. Donated / Dot Martin. Byler. Hester On the Run Hester s Hunt for Home Bk. 1. Good Books. Donated / Dot Martin. Clark. Shadows of Lancaster County. Harvest House. c2009. Donated / Lori Warner. Clipston/Fuller/Ervin/Chapman. An Amish Market. (4in1) T. Nelson. c2015. Donated / Dot Martin Gabhart. The Believer. Revell, c2009. (replacement copy). Donated / Dot Martin. Kingsbury. In This Moment. The Baxter Family. Bk, 3. Howard, c2017. Peterson. Chasing the Sun. Land of the Lone Star. Bk. 1. c2012. Donated / Lori Warner. CD'S: Ingram. Real Love in Real Life, How to Find it, Grow it. & keep it---forever. Living on the Edge. c2017. Donated / Lori Warner. The enthusiasm of many readers / viewers is contagious. And, this inspires the Librarian. Our sincere THANKS & APPRECIATION to all who support the Church Library, By using it; donating materials; & monetary donations. Joy Poling, Librarian

9 January 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY New Year s Day Women s Ministry Family Fellowship Meal Epiphany Food for the First Communion Elders Meeting Commissions Admin Council 10:00 am AA Breakfast Hagerstown Rescue Mission 7:30 am Men s Fellowship at Parlor House Every Sunday 9:30 am Worship Service & Children s Church 10:30 am Sunday School Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service Women s Ministry Missionary of the Month Gordon & Annie Avey

10 February 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Food for the First Communion Women s Ministry Family Fellowship Meal 10:00 am AA Breakfast Elders Meeting Commissions Admin Council Ash Wednesday 7:30 am Men s Fellowship at Parlor House President s Day Hagerstown Rescue Mission Every Sunday 9:30 am Worship Service & Children s Church 10:30 am Sunday School Hagerstown Rescue Mission Service Seekers Elective Class Missionary of the Month Steve & Jan Trostle