Perry Memorial Peeper Perry Memorial United Methodist Church PO Box 1264 Shady Spring, WV Where Christ is Lord and You are Welcome

Transcription

1 Perry Memorial Peeper Perry Memorial United Methodist Church PO Box 1264 Shady Spring, WV WEBSITE: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Where Christ is Lord and You are Welcome

2

3 December2013 The Peeper A Publication of Perry Memorial United Methodist Church Scott Mayberry, Pastor T a Acts 6:3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task NRSV After Pentecost the new (ancient to us) church began to grow at a great rate. On that day in Jerusalem Acts 2:41 records that 3,000 came to believe ( mega churches are nothing new it seems) and life began to be quite different for the Apostles. Soon there were growing pains and by Acts 6 the Apostles are prayerfully handing off duties to seven men in order that that all in the church are treated fairly. One result of the hand off is that: The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem (Acts 6:7a, b). That brings us to Charge Conference. Huh? Yes, Charge Conference is over and I offer heartfelt Thanks to everyone that contributed. In my view, Charge Conference was a success and pretty much accomplished laying out 2014 in terms of mission, deployment of folks, and budget (the dinner that evening was wonderful as well). Charge Conference is meant to accomplish what the Apostles accomplished in Acts 6 Charge Conference is about handing off the responsibilities of accomplishing God s Mission among the leadership at Perry. Sounds about right, but handing off is often a problem in the church. We lay out the greatest of plans but it is the implementation, the hand off, where things often go awry. Chuck Pullins recently ed me a website article talking about church hand off. You can read the article here: In the article, the author wrote about listening to a pastor preach an eloquent sermon on the large number of small groups in the church that were ready to meet folks needs. That s wonderful, the author noted, but then he realized that the bulletin contained no contact information about any of the groups. The question begs: How do new folks become part of the church? Handing off and following up are incredibly important in a church and I urge all of us at Perry, and especially the leaders nominated at Charge Conference, to take an active role in holding each other accountable to ensure that we carry out God s Mission by carrying out our missions. Leadership is not easy but neither is followship! We have new faces at Perry and it is your and my jobs that new folks have opportunities to participate in ministry. Does anyone NOT want to see the number of disciples increase at Perry? How might we best prepare for the Lord s Second Coming? By faithfully doing our jobs and bearing witness to the life transformation of a faith s walk with Jesus. If a church leader(s) hands off a task or tasks this upcoming year to you, please smile and extend your hands to accept and welcome the opportunity to serve. We have much to do. Meanwhile, let s celebrate the First Coming of Jesus even as we do our best to stay ready and watchful for His Second Coming. For example, did you know that there is a fantastic Cantata coming up later this month? Peace to my sisters and brothers in Christ, Pastor Scott

4 Deadline for articles for the January 2014 Peeper is December 26th Page 4 OUR FAITHFULNESS IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS 2013 Budget: Needed each week...$3,437 November 3, 2013 $3, November 10, 2013 $2, November 17, 2013 $2, November 24, 2013 $1, **If anyone would like to contact the church office to make sure I have all birthdays and anniversaries for your family, that you want put in The Peeper, please do so. Thanks Missy November 3, 2013 DESIGNATED GIFTS Joshua Peplowski Sarah Peplowski Mitzi Richmond Elisa Stalnaker Missy Rogers Credit Cards $ Fall Festival $60.00 Prosperity Fund $ Shepherds Table $ UMCOR $ Perry Builders $30.00 November 10, 2013 Credit Cards $ Fall Festival $44.00 Prosperity Fund $1, Perry Builders $30.00 November 17, 2013 Credit Cards $90.00 Apportionments $ Prosperity Fund $50.00 Shepherds Table $45.00 Kroger Cards $ November 24, 2013 David & Connie Lewis Don & Mary Ann Crook Jerry & Debbie Crouse Marty & Shelia Cooper Liturgist December 8th Rob Williams Security Attendant Jerry Carter Greeters Jerry Carter Credit Cards $65.00 Fall Festival $12.00 Shepherds Table $ Back Pack $50.00 UMCOR $ College Ministry $25.00

5 Deadline for articles for the January Peeper is December 26th Page 5 The 2013 Children s Program will be held on Sunday, December 8 th at 4pm, Our Church Christmas Dinner will follow the Children s Program. Meat, drinks & bread will be provided. Please bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert, along with family & friends & plan to join us!! Please plan to join us for a Midnight Mass service here at Perry on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th at 11:00pm Once Upon A Holy Night Christmas Cantata 2013 Sunday, December 15 th at the 10:45a.m Worship Service Please plan to join us and bring someone with you this Sunday. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall, immediately following the Worship Service.

6

7 PERRY, DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that in 2002 Perry Memorial United Church, with the help and resources of many individuals and families, established the Perry Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund through the Beckley Area Foundation? The fund was established to assist Perry Memorial United Methodist Church high school graduates pay for their first year of college or vocational school by awarding scholarships. The scholarships awarded vary in amounts, depending on the funds available and the number of graduates each year and this is where you can HELP. Did you know you can make contributions to this fund and your contribution is tax deductible and your funds are pooled together with all other contributions to generate income for one or more scholarships to high school graduates? Contributions made to the Beckley Area Foundation PMUMC Scholarship Fund remain in the fund account and only the earnings from the fund are available for scholarships each year.. By making our fund grow, we will be able make larger awards.. By assisting our high school graduates, we are showing them that "We believe In Them and We Are Willing To". Did you know, We do not require a scholarship application? The only requirements are, the student must attend Perry, graduate from high school and attend a college or vocational school of their choice after graduation and write a short essay telling us about their hopes, dreams and goals.. "NOW YOU KNOW" If you are looking for an opportunity to assist our youth, looking for a tax deductible contribution and a way to feel good about your self, consider a contribution to the Perry Memorial Scholarship Fund. Simply make your check payable to "Beckley Area Foundation" and note on the memo line "Perry Memorial Scholarship Fund" and leave your contribution at the church. Any amount is appreciated. If you have any questions please let me hear from you. My cell number is Enjoy the Holiday Season. Larry Ford PS: The Beckley Area Foundation recently provided funding for the Shepherds Table's purchase of the new Warming Table.

8

9

10