MONDAYS - THURSDAYS - 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

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1 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 ARNOLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE GRAPEVINE 1776 EAST JOPPA ROAD OFFICE HOURS: BALTIMORE, MD MONDAYS - THURSDAYS - 9:00 AM-4:00 PM arnoliaumc@verizon.net (CLOSED 12:30 PM 1:30 PM) FRIDAYS 9:00 AM 12:00 PM OFFICE FAX CAROL PIOTROWSKI ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT REV. MARY ELLEN GLORIOSO, PASTOR pastormeg@yahoo.com Dear Friends There is an old saying: Time flies when you are having fun! Well, that is how I describe my time here at Arnolia. As 2015 winds down, I pause to reflect on a few highlights which have transpired this year in the life of the church. We are in our 3 rd year of our Vision 20/20 mission plan. The entire Church Council met for a review session on a Saturday morning in October. Just mentioning that everyone was there should tell you that the day would be productive. And it was a day well spent. We reviewed what we have done and where we would like to go in the next two years. I encourage you to read the report of our Vision 20/20 chairs in this edition. I ll let them tell you! We also sent a team of youth and adults to the Baltimore County Christian Work Camp. In the course of 3 very hot days, we built, under the leadership of Tim Hugus, a 50 foot plus ramp for a neighbor in the Parkville area. He and his wife can now get out of their home much easier. Our Outreach Program, funded by the efforts of our Thrift Store, continues to assist those in our zip code and community with food, rental and shut off notices. Many thanks to all those who work the store and those who donate. Without you, our program would be more difficult to accomplish. We continue to be active in the mission field. We again filled the mission room with over three dozen bags of food for the ACTC Thanksgiving drive. The food had to share space with all the gifts which were also coming in for the children at the Board of Child Care. The response to both programs was phenomenal! Thanks to all who helped make the holidays a little better for so many. 1

2 Passionate worship continues to guide us each week as we seek to praise the God from whom all our blessings flow. The Disney sermon series continues to be a hit each summer. I am already selecting this July s movies. I ll give you a hint: The Jungle Book and Peter Pan just may be two of the four movies which we will bring to life in July! Stay tuned!! Arnolia lost a few saints this year but we also gained some new folks as our attendance continues to hold steady despite these deaths and the illnesses which continue to hinder some of our members from getting out to church as often as they would like. We hope to install handicapped seating sometime this year to make it easier for those in wheelchairs or with walkers to attend. As we end 2015, we also say good-bye to Keith Derrickson, our Director of Music. Keith has been with us since February of He is retiring to help his family. We will miss his gifts, his sense of humor and his many ideas. Arnolia wishes him well as he enters this next phase of his life. Jarrett Rettman will serve as Interim Choir and Bell Director. Craig Nickerson will assume the Interim Organist duties. May your 2016 be a healthy and happy year full of the love and peace God wishes for all of us. In Christ s Service, Pastor Mary Ellen Bible Study for Lent 2016 Lent will be here before we know it! Ash Wednesday is February 10 th this year with Easter on Sunday, March 27 th. To that end, the Wednesday evening study group will be reading and studying Adam Hamilton s book The Way. The cost of the book is $13. Deadline to sign up for this study is January 17 th. Due to Ash Wednesday worship service, the first meeting is February 3 rd (week before). All the remaining meeting dates are: February 17 th, 24th, March 2 nd, 9 th, and 16 th. Classes will start at 7pm. Those wishing to have dinner together are asked to meet on the church parking lot no later than 5:30. That evening s dining location will be determined by those present. Please let me know if you wish to be a part of this group. Again, if you have not been a part of a study group for a long time or ever, we are always interested in having new members join us. Developing a relationship with other Christians on the journey can help each of us strengthen our own faith and spirituality. I especially encourage our committee heads, committee members, lay speakers and Sunday School teachers to be a part of this class. We can never know enough about our faith or pray together often enough. Every study we have done, members comment on how they learned many new things about scriptures they had read for years! We are never done learning no matter our age or how long we have been a Christian. Join us for this study. It will be time well spent!! 20/20 VISION 20/20: The Master Plan for Arnolia United Methodist Church by Richard Disharoon and Craig Nickerson 2015 has been an incredible year! On Laity/Stewardship Sunday, October 18, 2015, Carole and Dick Disharoon delivered a message centering on Generous Living Through Contributions of Our Time, Talents and Acts of Kindness. The examples of generous living provided by Carole were extensive. Among the examples living was financial support from members for the Service of Scripture and Carols of the Advent/Christmas Season presented by the Maryland State Boychoir as the final concert celebrating Arnolia s 105 th anniversary. As finance chair, Dick asked, What will 2016 bring? A DIGITAL LED CHURCH SIGN is the first thing that comes to mind. This fulfills one of the objectives identified by committee chairpersons in 2013 and reaffirmed in How did it happen? After two years of searching for contractors and evaluating bids, and receiving permission from the Church Council to proceed with acquiring funding, the ad hoc committee formed by the Finance chair selected Gable Signs & Graphics, Inc., a Maryland company with national recognition. Funding was acquired through two sources: private donations from members of the congregation and community businesses. Priscilla Calvert visited several businesses, describing Arnolia s mission and Outreach Program. After learning how much we are doing for the community, these business leaders offered to contribute toward acquiring the sign. 2

3 Donations for the sign are outstanding examples of acts of generosity. One anonymous donor stated that the contribution was made in the hope that others will want to give and not care about recognition. This donation follows on the heels of several donations in Donations are often received in the closing weeks of a calendar year to benefit from a tax write-off. The sign, which should be installed before Easter, will enable us to inform the community of our mission through information about our programs and outreach. We will be able to post information about several programs at one time through brightly lit messages that change every 15 seconds (Baltimore County zoning regulation). We can post time and temperature, a unique way to get passers-by to read the sign. Moreover, the letters will be large enough to be read as cars pass by at 40 mph (!) on Joppa Road. Another terrific benefit of the new sign is that it will be programmed remotely from the church office. Evelyn Hartig and her sign changing crew are grateful that they will no longer have to change the sign in inclement weather or trudge through snow to change messages is definitely starting off in a big way. We are hopeful that the new-year will bring to fruition other projects identified as objectives leading to attainment of the goal of Vision 20/20, and that the new year is filled with many examples of generous living enabling us to continue to keep our hearts, minds, and doors open in Snow Policies Worship: The decision to have worship on Sunday morning will be determined no later than 8am on Sunday morning among the Trustee Chair, Pastor and leadership living near Joppa Road. The condition of the parking lot, sidewalks and county roads will be taken into account. We are on an automatic snow removal with our contractor. The problem may be in the timing of any storm. Overnight Saturday storms may preclude the contractor from getting us cleared in time for one or both services. An will be sent to all those for whom we have an address. (Please make sure you keep the office updated with additions, changes or deletion of your addresses). You may call the Church Office after 8:00 AM ( ) to find out if we will be open for services. Please call, wait for the greeting message to begin and then press 1#. There will also be a message on the Pastor s home answering machine ( ). Office: The opening of the office during inclement weather will be determined by the Baltimore County Schools decision for the day. If they open late or close early, we will alter our hours accordingly. If the schools are closed, Arnolia s office will close as well. If for some reason the schools are closed for a holiday, we will have to make a decision using our best judgment. Meetings: If the weather changes during the day (either clears up or gets dangerous), we reserve the right to cancel or continue with an evening meeting or Bible Study. If you are in doubt about whether a meeting will go on as scheduled, please contact the chair of your committee after 5pm. An will be sent to you as well. Regardless of the decision to open or close for an event, please use your own judgment as to whether you attend or not. You know best the conditions of your particular neighborhood. God would rather you be safe than to risk harming yourself trying to come to worship or a meeting. CELL PHONES Please turn your cell phones to vibrate or off before the worship service so they are not going off during the service. Thank you. Grapevine 2016 Schedule The Grapevine is published bi-monthly. Updates will be available on our website and in the bulletin as well as announcements. Listed below is the deadline dates for the 2016 Grapevine editions. Please make sure you your articles to the church office on time. Thanks you for your cooperation. 3

4 Grapevine Edition Due date for articles March/April February 15, 2016 May/June April 15, 2016 July/August June 15, 2016 September/October August 15, 2016 November/December October 15, 2016 January/February 2017 December 10, 2016 HOLIDAYS FOR 2016 Friday January 1 Monday March 28 Monday May 30 Monday July 4 Monday September 5 Thursday/Friday November 24/25 Saturday-Sunday December 24 January 1, 2016 SPRC has approved these days for the Church Office to be closed. Mailing the Grapevine In order to keep postage costs down, we will mail the Grapevine only to those who are homebound or who live far away. If you receive the Grapevine by , please save the printed editions for those who do not have . Thank you. Church Directory Updates Address Changes/Corrections : Betty Everhart 6334 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD Phyllis Wadsworth 7 Thurmont Court, Apartment TB Nottingham, MD Carol Taylor 4 Rainflower Path, Unit 102 Sparks, MD Bruce & Phyllis Bell 4285 Falls Road Baltimore, MD bellbru@comcast.net We would like to express our gratitude to Barbara Pula who handmade cancer caps. A letter was sent to her letting her know that a gift was given in her honor. I would like to thank my Church family for all the prayers and cards for my Jack. Pastor Mary Ellen Thank you for being there with us. God Bless you all. Joan Burton Weitzel and Family I would like to thank Craig Nickerson for all the extra hard work he has done in the past 2 months for the office. First, the computer in the office died. He researched computers and found us the best price out there for what we needed. He spent many hours at night trying to save the information we had on the hard drive, which he was able to do. He had the computer back up and running within 2 weeks. The most important software was Servant Keeper which is a software program we use to keep all the church records in. We were very fortunate not to have lost any data. Secondly, the phone system died. Craig again researched phone systems to find us what we needed. He came in to install the new phone system and left some quick guided instructions on how to use it. Carol Piotrowski To All Members of the Arnolia Congregation: Recently the church had a break-in and some artifacts and money were confiscated from the property. Some of our committees are looking into our security problems and are in the process of upgrading our systems, with this in mind we are checking all our leaks, pertaining to security. One of our systems is called The FOB. These are keys that will open doors to Arnolia property. These were handed to members of the church, which were on working committees. 4

5 Recently we checked how many FOBs were being used, and the number 82 appeared. We knew this was incorrect so we investigated our findings. Several have been turned in and were not removed from the books. Several we cannot locate so we canceled those FOBs in our system. If you know you have one and no longer need it, please turn it into the main office. The will help us from purchasing new FOBs. Thank you. ARNOLIA BOOK CLUB The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 15 at the home of D Arcy Cook at 7 PM. The book is Go, Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. The February meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 19. Feel free to come and enjoy the fellowship and tell us about a book that you liked. Please call D Arcy Cook at for more information or to verify time and place. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! CEMETERY COMMITTEE Wilson Cemetery grave sites are available: $2000 per site for members of Arnolia UMC and $2500 for non-members. If you prefer, we can set up a payment plan for you. Please call the church office at for more information. FAMILY LIFE Joe Anna Funk, Chair This year we will be welcoming members to our committee, and look forward to another exciting year at Arnolia. Welcome to Karen Long, Nancy Wolfe and Kay Spriggs. Thanks again for all your support during Movie nights at Arnolia! Family Life is hosting a bi-monthly family movie night for our members, their family and friends, and our community! Due to our licensing, the film titles cannot be advertised in print, but we can assure you that they are all family-friendly HIT movies that you and yours surely cherish. Movie Night will be on the last Friday of the "EVEN" months...the doors open at 6:30 PM and the films start at 7:00 PM. Here are the upcoming dates: February 26 April 29 June 24 August 26 October 28 with Trunk or Treat December 16 FINANCE COMMITTEE Dick Disharoon, Chair October 2015-Income/Expenses Income: $ 21,483 Expenses: $ 20,902 Net: $ 581 October Utility expenses: BGE $769 Verizon $188 October Apportionment $2,401 Weekly giving required to meet operating budget: $4,565 Giving statements for October: Date Offering Other Total $3417 $30 $ $2736 $1963 $ $ $3887 $ $2885 $341 $ $5102 $752 $5854 November 2015-Income/Expenses Income: $19,025 Expenses: $18,828 Net: $ 197 November Utility expenses: BGE $1206 November Apportionment $2,401 Weekly giving required to meet operating budget: $4,565 5

6 Giving statements for November: Date Offering Other Total $3707 $1492 $ $3420 $1389 $ $2199 $1323 $ $3299 $615 $ $2504 $158 $2662 October/November Fundraisers 2015 closed with several fund-raisers. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of these events. Flea Market - $ Bob Evans - $94.00 Sour Beef - $ Holiday Craft Fair - $ Thanks to the Thrift Shop We are grateful for financial support from this outreach ministry. Priscilla Calvert and Cheri Laumann, operating partners, have responded to many requests during 2015: Fashion Show, operating budget, $1,300 Backpack Buddies, $500 Family Life, $200 Kitchen, $100 for new dish cloths and towels $450, to have hood exhaust system cleaned Banquet tables, $500 Backpack Buddies, $50/month Ending 2015 As this edition of the Grapevine goes to press, the end of November operating deficit is $7, We are pleased that this is less than With one month to go, I hope that members will heed the call to Generous Living through year-end donations to help off-set the deficit. In addition to getting Arnolia off on a good foot in 2016, donors also receive the benefit of a tax write-off. It is with great excitement that, in 2016, we anticipate using on-hand capital funds to upgrade heat and cooling in the sanctuary, heat and cooling in downstairs rooms and fulfill our responsibility for maintenance of the Wilson cemetery with the installation of an access road. These projects along with the new LED sign funded privately (capital funds will not be used) will help us take a giant step toward attainment of the Vision 20/20 goal. Changes in Committee Membership At the last finance meeting of 2015, I extended thanks on behalf of the congregation to Bill Grape for his three years of service. We look forward to welcoming Ann Buckley and Barbara Menegatti to the Finance Committee in Envelopes 2016 If you would like to receive offering envelopes for 2016 or you did not receive your envelopes, please make a notation on the back of the Attendance slip or joeannafunk@gmail.com. Joe Anna Funk, Financial Secretary All fundraising activities must be approved in advance by the Finance Committee. Kay Spriggs, Chair Our Missions schedule for the year: January/February Manna House March/April Imagine No Malaria (Nothing But Nets) May/June Baltimore County Christian Work Camp July/August ACTC, School Supplies September Board of Child Care October/November ACTC Thanksgiving November/December Angel Tree As the year ended and we reviewed what we did as far as missions goes, Missions had a banner year! Every mission was met with enthusiasm, and our goals were exceeded over the top. THANK YOU for always being there and helping to do GOD'S work in all your giving. Manna House s Mission Statement: To offer assistance and support to the homeless, poor, and needy of Baltimore with services contributing toward their independence and stability. Arnolia s missions emphasis for January/February is Manna House. This past summer Mr. Saleem 6

7 Gauhar, Executive Director, spoke to our congregation about the work and mission of Manna House. His powerful and passionate message spoke to the hearts of many who heard him. Every morning an average of 175 clients come to Manna House for the morning meal and an afternoon snack. They come, needing the barest essentials, such as clean clothing and food. If you and/or your family or a group of friends would like to become a member of the Manna House Breakfast Club, all you have to do is donate $450 and then go to Manna House on the morning you have reserved, and serve God s children in person. The experience is priceless!!! Men s and Women s groups, Youth Groups, and other such organizations from many churches are member of the Breakfast Club. How about celebrating your favorite holiday or a birthday by serving others? How do you react when you don t have matching pants and shirts when you get dressed? How do you feel when you don t have shoes that are sturdy enough to walk comfortably? Did you ever take a shower, only to find you didn t have clean underwear to put on? Yuk! Well, that s what happens when we don t have enough of those items for our clients. Many do not have a place to live, subsisting on the streets and occasionally sleeping with relatives or friends who are able to help, albeit part time, so warm clothing in this cold weather is extremely needed. Arnolia has been taking care of the clothing room at Manna House for over 6 years. Our team receives, sorts, shelves, and distributes donated clothing and household items for all ages, the most needed being men s pants, shirts, shoes, underwear, and socks. The rewards are great - smiles and big thank-yous, not to mention the knowledge that each time we fill a request for clothing, we are helping someone to at least be a little more comfortable for a while. For obvious reasons, sweatshirts, hoodies, and coats are in huge demand this time of year. What might happen if, each time we put on our warm coats or sweatshirts, we thought even for a moment, of those on the streets without such garments to keep them warm? Donated items can be placed in the Missions room; see Ann Buckley for direct transfer from your car to hers almost any Sunday after the 11:00 worship service. Your donations are greatly appreciated by all those who receive them. Here s what you can bring: men s new or used shirts, pants, underwear, socks, street-worthy shoes, and belts women s new or used underwear and sturdy street-worthy shoes sweatshirts, hoodies, coats, gloves, hats small household appliances (toasters, blenders, toaster ovens, hand mixers...) dishes, silverware, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, dish towels, dish cloths bedding of all types & sizes (sheets, pillow cases, towels, washcloths We welcome new members to our team, which meets on the church parking lot by 8:30am on most Mondays and are generally back by 12:30. Yes, we work hard, but we have so much fun, and the comradery and fellowship make the time go fast. Although we go weekly, even if you can be there only once in a while, we encourage you to come join us. If nothing else, come see what Arnolia is doing to make a difference in others lives! Then the King will say, I m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40 (The Message) BACKPACK BUDDIES Marlis Collins, Chair Christie Grape, Assistant Ralph Wilson, Assistant Once again we would like to thank you for your generous monetary and food donations to the BACK PACK BUDDIES program. As a church family, we have been able to supply weekend meals for 7 students. With the 7 students receiving the weekend meals, which consist of 2 breakfast items, 1 single carton of milk, a piece of fruit, 2 lunch meals (tuna salad/peanut butter crackers, 2 evening meals, a Hormel or Chef Boyardee individual serving of 7

8 pasta, meat or potatoes/vegetables, and a pudding, some cookies and/or crackers, we are always looking for more individual, prepackaged, shelf safe food item ideas for the pantry. A concern we have is keeping our food choices low in salt and sugar whenever possible, which isn t an easy task when we need to use prepackaged food! Some of the items we are in need of now are the individual serving of milk, single servings of mac and cheese, and individual cereal packets, Pop Tarts or breakfast bars, microwave popcorn. So as you do your regular food shopping, why not pick up a few individual servings for our students. If you don t like to shop, but would like to be a part of this important community project, you can make a monetary donation, just make a note designating it to the BACK PACK BUDDIES and mail it to the church office, or place in the offering plate on Sunday. We do put your monetary donations to good use as our thrifty shoppers, Christie Grape and George Hartig, are always looking for the best deals. Thank you for your continued support. And also a special thank you to the Thrift Shop for regular monetary donations to this important community outreach program. These weekend meals do make a difference in the lives of 7 Oakleigh Students. Arnolia s Backpack Shopping List Single Servings - Microwavable Shelf Safe Hormel Compleats (No Snackers) Barilla Meals Chef Boyardee Cups Mac n Cheese Cups Cereals Breakfast Bars * Puddings Fruit Cups Veggie Cups Single Shelf Milk 100% Fruit Juice Microwave Popcorn Cheese Cracker Sandwiches * Raisins Individual Packs Fresh Apple or Orange Rice Krispies Treats Hot Cocoa Mix Snack Bags Chips, Pretzels * Cookies Individual Packs * Cups of Noodles Yakisohi Meals *No Nut Products Imagine No Malaria Please don t forget your pledge for the nets that will stamp out Malaria. Just a reminder it is $15 dollars per person a year for two years. Presently we have collected $2328 but our goal is $3200. We are doing great! We still need $872. Thanks for your continued support of our Mission projects. Shepherds to the Homebound Carole Rathmell, Chairman of Shepherds to the Homebound If anyone knows of a homebound member of Arnolia who would like a visit from a Shepherd, please call me at or write it on the back of your Sunday attendance slip. If our shut-ins would like to attend an event held at Arnolia and do not have transportation, also let me know. Were you aware that our church still sponsors Jesus S. Martinez, who lives in Mexico, at $43 at a month? If interested in donating, please make checks payable to Arnolia UM Church and in the memo line write Child Fund in the memo. Thank you. MUSIC Rehearsals for Chancel Choir are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM. Rehearsals for Hand Bells are on Thursday evenings at 6:15 PM. If you are interested in joining the Choir or Hand Bells, contact Jarrett Rettman at or jarrettrettman13@msn.com. 8

9 REJUVENATE Jarrett Rettman (Contact Information or ) Rejuvenate is always interested in welcoming new members of all ages on board - all are welcome! ONGOING FUNDRAISERS Amazon Smile When you shop at Amazon Smile, select Change Charity and then select Arnolia as your charitable organization and the church will receive.5% of eligible purchases. Copy and paste the following link for easier access: Roof Fund Please continue to bring your loose change and drop it in the jug located outside the Narthex. OUTREACH COMMITTEE Priscilla Calvert Arnolia's Out Reach Program We are indeed grateful that we have supplies for our many families that we serve. Kay Spriggs made sure we had Thanksgiving bags filled with boxed and canned food to distribute. Sue Joseph, from our neighbor church, New Love Fellowship, also gave some Thanksgiving baskets. We will be distributing the much needed staples in the coming weeks. Also, we will be adding warm headbands, gloves and new socks for our clients. Joe Anna had some leftover food from Breakfast with Santa which would be a welcome meal. A warm delicious pancake breakfast is a real treat. As always, our clients are grateful. Arnolia Thrift Store Not only do we have a well-stocked store, our staff also markets all the events that Arnolia has planned. We make sure we have fliers of family movies, flea markets, Xmas concerts etc. We also keep a supply of our newsletter to give to anyone that would like one. Also, Cheri s our customers about sales in our store and other events. Our customers are VIP's and many come each week. We are pleased to announce that are customers have contributed close to $200 to Imagine No Malaria. The first 2 years that our store was open every cent went to our Arnolia's Out Reach Program. Over time we have kept a healthy balance which we continue to do. However, as you know, we contribute funds to Arnolia's other special projects and needs. Each month $50 is transferred to Backpack Buddies which serves children in need at Oakleigh Elementary. We have also paid clients to provide cleaning, garden work and other jobs as needed. We contributed: for much needed new chairs and tables for our dinners and other functions. a new coffee pot for the kitchen (the last one was purchased by Dee Gowl's Dad in 1989!) a new desk chair for the store cleaning of the exhaust hood system in the kitchen Your continued support to our store is a special way to serve those in need and to provide for church. Many thanks! Priscilla and Cheri The Thrift Shore is open on Mondays and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and on the second Saturday of every month. Bob Krach, Owner of Wee Haul Junk, has been very nice to Arnolia Church. If you are moving or in the need to have unwanted items removed from your home, please give a call. Tell him that you saw his ad in our Grapevine Newsletter. He has been very generous in donating items that are too nice to go to the dump and donates them to Arnolia Thrift Shop to sell. He can be reached for a free estimate at Mention the attached postcard (at the end of the Grapevine) and receive a 10% discount. 9

10 PAPER RETRIEVER Thank you to everyone who recycles paper in our paper bins. We are fortunate that we have very loyal donors that come every week bringing their paper. The company has been sold and we now have additional items that can be accepted: Shopping Catalogs Books, both hard and soft cover Cardboard boxes - MUST BE FLAT Boxed records or files This is a fundraiser for Outreach Program which benefits residents of Parkville (21234) with BGE turn off notices, evictions, and food assistance. We receive cash for every ton of paper collected. Scrapbooking at Arnolia Scrapbooking at Arnolia is back. We are trying to meet consistently on the 1 st Wednesday of every month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If you d like to make a memory book, but don t know how to get started, I d be glad to help you! We also welcome other crafters so if you crochet, knit, or have other projects to work on, come join us! Sometimes we go to lunch afterwards! Beth Krebs, TRAVELLING WITH THE CHENOWETHS. Another year has ended. In 2015 we did not do much traveling because of health reasons. Last year this time I was just getting over my cancer operation where a tumor and my left kidney were removed. We knew we could not travel much until I was well enough again. In June it was discovered through tests that my cancer was back and could not be cured. So we spent time travelling between doctor appointments, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and the Weinberg Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital. I was given a new treatment called infusion where a ninetyminute IV is given every 3 weeks for a total of 4. It does not kill the cancer but slows it up. If it works it will give me up to 3 more years of life. As of today I am waiting to get a PET scan to see if it has worked. I did have a tumor on my right shoulder that has disappeared. With the news that the cancer returned and we knew that death was not too far away, we decided to make a bucket list. In an article I wrote earlier, I told you of the visit of our daughter and youngest grandson. I had a week to bond with him as we visited Fort McHenry, 3 ships in our Inner Harbor, the mountains and covered bridges in Western Maryland. We also went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to see a minor league baseball game with our oldest son, granddaughter and great-granddaughter. In September, we traveled to Georgia to see our youngest son and newest (#9) great-grandson and 2 great-granddaughters. We have been very lucky to have traveled to 37 states, been on 18 cruises, where we have been in 24 different countries. We have also enjoyed just driving around our beautiful State of Maryland. We have found out that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. It is just as beautiful on our side. Because GOD has given me a little more time to live, we have decided to do something we always wanted to do. Take a back-to-back cruise out of Baltimore. It will be a 21-day cruise that leaves January 17 th and returns February 7 th. So hopefully in the next edition of the GRAPEVINE I will have some good stories about the cruise. I would like to end this with a thank you to my wife, Mary Ann. She has stood by me for the last year. I know it has been hard on her, sitting for hours at a time in hospitals, doctor offices and treatment centers. It is said when life gives you lemons when you are expecting oranges, do not get mad, just make lemonade. Take a short ride in the country, a walk around the block, GOD has given you much to enjoy. While you have the time, enjoy life. Yours in Christ, Dick Chenoweth BELOW IS AN UPDATE TO THE CHENOWETHS ARTICLE ABOVE Last November I had a tumor and my left kidney was removed. During a check-up in June with a PET scan, it was found that I had 8 different spots that contained cancer cells. This cancer could not be cured, operated on or have chemo. My doctor recommended a new procedure, called infusion. I was given 90 minute IVs of this new drug every 3 weeks for a total of 4 times. On December 1 st I had another PET scan to see if the drug worked and if so, 10

11 how well. On December 7 th I went to see my cancer doctor, he was amazed at the results. No one immune system has accepted the drug as well as mine. Two of the tumors have disappeared; the other six are in remission. I would like to thank everyone that prayed for me. With the grace of GOD and my wife, Mary Ann, standing with me, I am able to write this article. GOD does work miracles. In Christ, Dick Chenoweth TRUSTEES COMMITTEE Tim Hugus Chair As 2015 winds down and 2016 begins, the trustees continue to work on large and small projects around the church. We received 4 bids for the HVAC system for the sanctuary and separate ones for the sanctuary basement. At the last trustee meeting it was moved to upgrade the sanctuary in two steps, gas heat conversion first then AC repair. It was also moved that we select a bid for the basement as well. These will be presented to church council for approval. The proposed work will begin to save winter energy costs and will enable the downstairs to be better used. Look for construction to start in Trustees also plan to work toward the installation of a camera security system. You may notice cameras and signs announcing their presence as we move further into On the lighter side: 2 pulley systems were put up for Christmas sanctuary wreaths two table racks were assembled to hold the new round tables and the existing rectangular tables one table rack was converted from flat to vertical storage 2 ladders in chair storage room were hung with care the top door stop was removed to allow chair racks to enter easily the chair storage room was cleaned new signs were put on the wall beside men's and women's rooms bulletin boards attached to wall in sacristy flashing above portico at main entrance repaired women's room fan fixed light at outside choir stairwell replaced sign post replaced near mailbox two parking lot patches some parking lot sealing As always, please let any Trustee know of any and all items that you think need to be addressed, repaired, replaced or looked into. Thank you. And as we wrap up this year, thanks to the trustees who have served most recently and whose term are finishing, Linda Miller, Dick Chenoweth and Larry Gowl. We will be welcoming these trustees at the start of 2016: George Hartig, Jim McGee, and Larry Gowl. UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM) Larry Gowl - President The Methodist Men will meet for dinner January 26 & February 23, 2016, at Church at 6:00 PM. If you would like to join the UMM, or if you have any questions about this ministry, call Larry Gowl at VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Allison Nelson Allison.nelson@outlook.com Mark Your Calendars Now! Next year s VBS has been ordered Surf Shack Catch the Wave of God s Amazing Love. The dates for VBS are July 25 through July 29, Marlis Collins Chair With the beginning of a new year, we want to take a moment to thank the members of the 2015 committee who are no longer serving on the Worship Committee. Paula Pfeifer and Wayne Grauer have completed their term of service and Keith Derrickson (staff) has retired. We thank you for your dedication to the time you served on the Worship Committee. 11

12 We invite you to get acquainted with the members of this year s Worship Committee and share your thoughts and ideas concerning Arnolia s worship experience. The 2016 Worship Committee: Marlis Collins (Chair), Amy Vickers (Co-Chair), Pastor Mary Ellen Glorioso, Jarrett Rettman (staff), Allison Nelson (Power Point), Dick Disharoon (Worship Emeritus/ex-officio), Ed Calvert (Funeral Co-Ordinator), Beth Krebs (Wedding Co-Ordinator), Alice Kidwell (Greeter Co-Ordinator), Brian Carman, Janet Hovatter, Sherry Disharoon Cal Tatman, Drennan Nickerson, Sandy Winkler Kay Spriggs, Walt Hovatter Throughout the church year, there are many who share their talents in our weekly worship experiences. Lay Readers, Communion Stewards, Acolytes, Ushers, Greeters, and Choir members volunteer each week along with others who volunteer possibly just once during the year, but all are an important part of the orchestra which sets the stage for worship during the year. Worship brings each of us closer to our God who loves and provides for us. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about laity opportunities in worship, please talk to a member of the Worship Committee, write a note on the back of the attendance sheet found in the bulletin, or call me at A bulletin board has been hung in the sacristy (hallway) for worship volunteers. Schedules for acolytes, lay readers, communion stewards along with a calendar listing special days will be posted. Thank you Tim Hugus for hanging the board. You are appreciated! 2016 Worship Schedule for January/February Sunday, January 3-12:15 PM Regular Worship Committee Meeting Saturday, January 9 9:00 AM Worship Committee Members will meet to remove Advent/Christmas materials from the Sanctuary. Saturday, January 30 8:30 AM 11:00 AM Breakfast Fellowship for Worship Committee - Discussion and brainstorming for 9:00 & 11:00 AM Worship Experiences Snow date: February 2, All members of the worship committee should plan to attend this special morning meeting. February 10, 2016 Ash Wednesday Youth Group Our Youth Group is comprised of young people grades 6 thru 12. We meet every other Sunday starting January 17, 2016, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Youth Room. For more information, contact Jarrett Rettman at jarrettrettman13@msn.com or Allison Nelson at Allison.nelson@outlook.com. Birthday and/or Anniversary Missing in The Grapevine? We don t have your information. If you would like your birthday and/or anniversary published in the Grapevine, please call or the Church office at and let us know when your birthday and/or anniversary is. JANUARY 1 Donald Rathmell, Sr. 8 Timothy Vickers* 11 Hal Lochlin 13 Rev. Mary Ellen Glorioso 14 Marianne Leksen* 14 Logan Norman* 15 Carole Disharoon 16 Joe Dieter* 17 D Arcy Cook 18 Dottie Annen 18 Wayne Grauer 20 Jerry Finley 23 Rodney Gist 23 Carol Spath 24 Gail Krebs 26 Mary Shipe 26 Jill Woltkamp 30 Sandra Dawson 31 Nancy Mooney 12

13 FEBRUARY 1 Virginia Cox 1 Ryan Menegatti* 2 Mark Spivey 3 Allison Nelson 3 Vivian Morgan-Walker 5 Brandon Leksen* 8 Amanda Tallent 10 Lloyd Boore 10 Dee Gowl 17 Andrew Virgilio 18 Phyllis Bell 19 John Gorsuch 19 Donald Rettman* 20 Nancy Eshmont 20 Bud Laumann 20 Jarrett Rettman 21 Barbara Conrad 22 Kaytlin Hendley 22 Richard Price 24 Tim Boellner 24 Joe Anna Funk 24 Mary Shine 27 Richard Chenoweth 28 Cheri Laumann FEBRUARY 25 Brian Carman & Felipe Emilios 1 year I first started reading this & was reading fast until I reached the third sentence. I stopped and started over reading slower and thinking about every word. This is very thought provoking. Makes you stop and think. Read slowly! AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know... time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the back nine of my life and it catches me by surprise...how did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that I was only on the first hole and the back nine was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but, I see the great change...not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd become. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit! And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though I m on the back nine, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over on this earth...it's over. A new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not on the back nine yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you re on the back nine or not! 13

14 You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!! "Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY! Remember "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. LIVE HAPPY IN 2016! LASTLY, CONSIDER THIS: Your kids are becoming you...but your grandchildren are perfect! Going out is good... Coming home is better! You forget names... But it's OK because some people forgot they even knew you!!! You realize you're never going to be really good at anything like golf. The things you used to care to do, you aren't as interested in anymore, but you really do care that you aren't as interested. You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV 'ON' than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep". You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch... You tend to use more 4 letter words... "what?... when?"...??? You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!! What used to be freckles are now liver spots. Everybody whispers. You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet... 2 of which you will never wear. But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!! Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!" Send this on to other "Old Friends!" and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!! It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived. TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN; YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS! Submitted by The Chenoweths Companion Care My name is Cindy and I live in the area. If you need someone to stay with an elderly or shut in loved one, I am available to help. I would watch TV, play cards, or sit and talk with them. I am available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, days or evenings. I can be reached at (please leave a message). Thank you. Please Note: ALL COMMITTEE MEETINGS - All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the chairperson or pastor. Electrical outage or weather concerns may also force a postponement. Meetings may be added or deleted depending on the amount of business needing to be done by each committee area. PLEASE check your or phone messages before leaving for any meeting in the event it has been changed. All changes will be made prior to the end of the office day (4:00 PM) whenever possible. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM unless noted otherwise.* 14

15 ARNOLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Reverend Mary Ellen Glorioso, Pastor Times of Worship: Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday School for all Ages 9:30 AM ARNOLIA S LEADERS Council Chair: Bud Laumann Trustee Chair: Tim Hugus Staff Parish Chair: Janet Nelson Lay Leader: Craig Nickerson Finance/Stewardship Chair: Dick Disharoon Lay Leadership Chair: Mary Ellen Glorioso Worship Chair: Marlis Collins Missions/Evangelism/ Outreach: Ann Buckley Christian Education: Shannon McCreary Carter Board of Child Care: Beth Krebs Member Care: Carole Disharoon Care Bears/Prayer Chain: Alice Kidwell Shepherds: Carole Rathmell United Methodist Men: Larry Gowl January Greeters 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 3 Madeline Greenwood 3 D Arcy Cook 10 Wayne Grauer 10 Janice Lark 17 Mary Rettman 17 Paula Pfeifer 24 Marlis Collins 24 Joan Walstrum **31 (10:30) Joan Weitzel February Greeters 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 7 Madeline Greenwood 7 Janice Lark 14 Wayne Grauer 14 D Arcy Cook 21 Mary Rettman 21 Paula Pfeifer 28 Amy Vickers 28 Joan Walstrum January Acolytes February Acolytes 3 Andrew Virgilio 7 Tad Wolfe 10 Brian Carman 14 Beth Krebs 17 Faith Hovatter 21 Brian Carman 24 Janet Hovatter 28 Janet Hovatter **31 (10:30) Walter Hovatter FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS LISTED FOR YEAR 2016 WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS If you are scheduled to serve in January or February, please mark your calendar and arrive at designated time for each position. If you cannot fulfill your commitment on the day scheduled, please call another volunteer on the list, exchange dates and notify the office of the change. Your commitment to the positions listed is essential to our Sunday morning worship and fellowship. Worship Tech 9:00 AM Amy Vickers PowerPoint Presentation Allison Nelson Ushers 9:00 AM January Cal Tatman and Bud Laumann February George Hartig and Linda Miller Communion Servers January Brian Carman and Tad Wolfe February Mike & Paula Pfeifer *- 1 10:30 AM ** - 5 th Sunday Services 10:30 AM January Readers February Readers 3 Kay Spriggs 7 Walter Hovatter 10 Mike Pfeifer 14 Wayne Grauer 17 Beth Krebs 21 Paula Pfeifer 24 Dick Disharoon 28 Corrine Hammett **31 Rich Krebs *Sunday meetings begin at the conclusion of the last service (approx. 15 minutes after worship ends) ** Afternoon Meetings begin at 1:30 PM *** Note the Change of Date All weekday meetings begin at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted CHURCH COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR 2016 Church Council: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan 5; Mar 15; May 10; July 12; Sept 13; Nov 15 Education: Meeting Time: 12:15 PM Feb 14; Apr 3; June 12; Aug 7 Family Life: Meeting Time: 12:15 PM Feb 7 Finance/Stewardship: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan 4; Mar 8; May 3; July 5; Sept 6; Nov 7 Lay Leadership (Nominations): Meeting Time: 7:30PM Aug 9 Missions/Evangelism/Outreach: Meeting time: 12:15PM Jan 10; Apr 10; July 24; Oct 9 Shepherds: Meeting Time: 1:30 PM Feb 2; May 3; Oct 4 SPRC: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Feb 9; May 9; Sept 12; Nov 8 Trustees: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Feb 2; Apr 5; June 7; Aug 2; Oct 4; Dec 6 Worship: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan 3; Mar 1; May 2; July 11; Sept 11; Nov 1 15

16 LAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT LAY READER SCHEDULE JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 2016 January April 3 K. Spriggs 3 P. Pfeifer 10 M. Pfeifer 10 K. Spriggs 17 B. Krebs 17 A. Buckley 24 D. Disharoon 24 R. Krebs 31 R. Krebs February May 7 W. Hovatter 1 B. Krebs 14 W. Grauer 8 W. Hovatter 21 P. Pfeifer 15 P. Pfeifer 28 C. Hammett 22 W. Grauer 29 T. Wolfe March June 6 A. Buckley 5 Pastor Mary Ellen 13 T. Wolfe 12 C. Hammett 20 M. Pfeifer 19 M. Pfeifer 27 D. Disharoon 26 D. Disharoon 16

17 CHURCH COUNCIL CLASS OF 2016 Chairperson Bud Laumann Vice Chair Church Council Mike Pfeifer Recording Secretary Ann Buckley Lay Leader 1 Craig Nickerson Lay Member to AC Craig Nickerson Finance Chair Dick Disharoon Treasurer Evelyn Hartig Finance Secretary Joe Anna Funk Senior Pastor Mary Ellen Glorioso SPRC Chair Janet Nelson Trustee Chair Tim Hugus UMM President Larry Gowl Nominations Chair Mary Ellen Glorioso Member Care Chair Carole Disharoon Youth Representative Jarrett Rettman Youth Allison Nelson SPRC - Chair - Janet Nelson Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Mary Ann Chenoweth Janet Nelson Carole Disharoon Joan Bond Jim McGee Beth Krebs Carole Rathmell Ed Dyer Andrew Virgilio Finance Committee Chair - Dick Disharoon Mike Pfeifer Joan Walstrum John Gorsuch Barbara Menegatti Richard Krebs Ann Buckley Barbara Conrad Board of Trustees Chair - Tim Hugus Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Jim Walstrum Bill Grape Tim Hugus Chair Jim McGee Ed Calvert Larry Gowl Tad Wolfe Mark Spivey George Hartig Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Joan Bond Janet Nelson Sandy Winkler Joe Anna Funk Jerry Finley Drennan Nickerson Carole Disharoon Sherry Disharoon Mission/Evangelism/Outreach Chair - Ann Buckley (2016) Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Ann Buckley - Chair Ralph Wilson Paula Pfeifer Alice Kidwell Cheri Laumann Corinne Hammett Janice Lark Wayne Grauer Christie Grape Coordinators of Youth Ministries Jarrett Rettman and Allison Nelson 17

18 Christian Education Team - Chair Shannon Carter Nancy Rampmeyer Amy Rampmeyer Church School Superintendent Emeritus Kay Spriggs Vacation Bible School Director Allison Nelson Worship Team Chair Marlis Collins; Co-Chair Amy Vickers Pastor Mary Ellen Glorioso Staff: Director of Music Praise Team Leader: Jarrett Rettman Power Point Allison Nelson Worship Emeritus/Ex-Officio Dick Disharoon Funeral Co-Coordinator Ed Calvert Wedding Co-Coordinator Beth Krebs Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Brian Carman Cal Tatman Amy Vickers Co-Chair Janet Hovatter Drennan Nickerson Kay Spriggs Sherry Disharoon Sandy Winkler Walt Hovatter Family Life Committee Chair Joe Anna Funk Janet Hovatter Evelyn Hartig Nancy Wolfe Cheri Laumann Kay Spriggs Karen Long Dee Gowl Marlis Collins Tim Hugus Member Care Committee Chair Carole Disharoon Beth Krebs Allison Nelson Carole Rathmell Ralph Wilson 18

19 2016 MEETING SCHEDULE CHURCH COUNCIL 7:30 PM January 5 February 9 March 15 May 9 May 10 September 12 July 12 November 8 September 13 November 15 SPRC 7:30 PM TRUSTEES 7:30 PM February 2 EDUCATION/VBS SUNDAYS AT 12:15 PM April 5 February 14 June 7 April 3 August 2 June 12 October 4 August 7 December 6 FAMILY LIFE February 7 (Sunday 12:15 PM) FINANCE 7:30 PM May 2 January 4 July 11 March 8 September 11 May 3 November 1 July 5 WORSHIP 7:30 PM January 3 (Sunday 12:15 PM) March 1 September 6 GRAPEVINE DEADLINES November 7 January/February /10/2015 March/April 02/15/2016 LAY LEADERSHIP/NIOMINATIONS May/June 04/15/2016 August 9 (7:30 PM) July/August 06/15/2016 September/October 08/15/2016 MISSIONS/EVANGELISM November/December 10/15/2016 (SUNDAYS AT 12:15 PM) January/February /10/2016 January 10 April 10 July 24 October 9 SHEPHERDS (TUESDAYS AT 1:30 PM) February 2 May 3 October 4 19

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