The Shallowford Steeple

Transcription

1 The Shallowford Steeple Lewisville United Methodist Church, Lewisville, NC February 21, 2007 SEASON OF LENT In the Christian tradition, the season of Lent starts with our Ash Wednesday Service (Feb. 21, 7:15 pm) and comprises 40 days (excluding Sundays) in which we are in a time of penitential preparation for the celebration of our Lord s passion and resurrection. Traditionally Lent has been a time to give up and take on. We can deny ourselves some pleasure or make a sacrifice in the name of Christ, or we can take on a devotional/prayer time, get involved in Bible Study, or be faithful to worship and special service opportunities. Disciplines are not to be just to lose weight for Lent they are to be disciplines that draw us closer to Christ. Use your time in Lent as a time of reflection and self-examination, so you can probe deeply and respond honestly to our Lord. Be present for every Sunday service of inspiration and challenge and join with the community of faith. MEETING GOD.. Sunday morning, rushing to church, I m late. Everything happened. The kids lost their shoes; I raised my voice to them. They cried; I lost my temper. A neighbor flagged me down to talk about nothing; more wasted time. A car stalled in front of us. We had to wait until he pushed it off the road and out of the way. Finally, we made it. I rushed in. Harried and frustrated, I bowed my head in prayer. Confused, I couldn t find God. He s supposed to be here, isn t he? God, I cried, Why don t you come to me? He whispered, Today I came to you three times. How many times do you rush through the day, harried and hassled at little inconveniences that come your way; too busy to stop and look at what God is trying to tell you. Often we re too caught up in our own selfishness of what we want to do and how we want to do it, to see what the Lord is revealing in the mundane activities of life. See you Sunday as we encounter God. Grace and peace, Charles

2 The Shallowford Steeple Lewisville United Methodist Church 6290 Shallowford Road P. O. Box 305 Lewisville, NC Phones: / Fax (Church): Website: Church Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Lewisville, NC Permit No. 1 DATED MATERIAL Address Service Requested Ministry and Staff of the Church District Superintendent J. Hurley Thomas, III Pastor Charles Turner Director of Christian Education June Hayes Music Director Debby Trivett Youth Director Jesse Arnett Missionary to Cambodia Esther Gitobu Chairperson of Administrative Board John Wells Chairperson of Council on Ministries Margy Smith Lay Leader Jim Fridy School Care Director Kim Jackson Preschool Director Marcia Sexton Secretary Toni Jones Gift for the month of February for Crisis Control: Beef Stew LCAP gift for the month of February: Cereal Tuesday, February 27, is the deadline for news to be submitted for the March 7 issue of The Steeple.

3 Sunday, February 25: Regular schedule 4:45-6:15 pm Junior and Senior High Youth 6:15-6:35 pm Snack Supper Tuesday, February 27: Come join us for a brand-new event just for junior high students called Release. Release is a time to get away from the busyness of the week, a time to hang out with old friends and make new ones, and a time to just let go and have fun! There will be games, snacks, and maybe a few surprises, too. Release will be from 6:45-8:00 pm in the youth room, so bring all your friends and come on out! Wednesday, February 28: Synago Senior High Bible Study, 7:00-8:15 pm in the Synago Room upstairs in the church. All senior high students are welcome to attend! Sunday, March 4: Get Hooked! from 6:00-7:45 pm in the fellowship hall. All youth are encouraged to attend this fun night of games, worship, and information about Carolina Cross Connection. A snack supper will be provided. There will be no regular youth this night. Wednesday, March 7: Synago, 7:00-8:15 pm in the Synago Room. Sunday, March 11: Game Night at the home of Dan and Margaret Williams. Bring your favorite board game or other activity and come enjoy a fun evening. We will be there from 4:30-6:30 pm, and dinner will be provided. Call if you need directions. Thanks to the Williams family for hosting us! Wednesday, March 14: Synago, 7:00-8:15 pm in the Synago Room. Sunday, March 18: Regular Schedule Lake Junaluska money is due Sunday, March 4th! All who are planning to go on this trip must turn in the deposit of $150 to Jesse in order to reserve a spot. The trip will take place July Friends are always welcome at any youth event, so bring a friend with you! Permission Slip for UMYF Members The following is a permission slip that will allow your youth to go on day trips with Jesse Arnett, Hunter Arnett, June Hayes, and Dona Stilphen or an authorized youth counselor as one of the chaperones. This permission slip is good through December 31, Please complete a copy for each youth in your household and turn it in to Jesse Arnett by February 25th, (youth s name) has my permission to ride in the church van or other authorized vehicles for youth day trips on the dates from January 1, 2007 through December 31, (parent s signature) (date)

4 UMW NEWS UMW CIRCLE MEETINGS: º The UMW Morning Circle will meet on Monday, March 12, at 10 am in Asbury Hall. (Please note change of meeting location.) Dan Parsons from the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, will present the program. Please bring shampoo for our school project. º UMW Circle 1 will meet on Monday, March 12, at 7 pm in Asbury Hall. º The Melba Forbis Friendship Circle will meet on Tuesday, March 13, at 7 pm in the library. UMW READING GROUP Tuesday, March am in the parlor The UMW Reading Group will meet at 10 am on Tuesday, March 13, in the church parlor to discuss the book, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. This novel tells a sweeping story of family, love, and friendship against a backdrop of the devastating history of Afghanistan over the last 30 years. There are several copies available through the public library. Anyone interested is invited to participate in this discussion. WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER Join us on March 7 for a Wednesday Night Pot- Luck Supper at 6:30 pm in Asbury Hall. The food and fellowship are great fun, so be sure to include an LUMC evening in your plans! (Please note location change: We will be having our supper in Asbury Hall this month.) LADIES NIGHT OUT!!! (aka SNACK, CRAFT, & YAK) Tuesday, February 27 7:30 pm in Asbury Hall Need a night out? Here s your chance to get together with your friends (or make new ones) and have a night of fun and fellowship. Please call Margaret Williams, , if you d be willing to bring a snack LUMC Preschool Registration begins February 21st for currently enrolled and church families. Applications available in Preschool office. Church-School Connection: We have been blessed with an exceptionally warm winter, which has helped many of those who live day-to-day with their expenses. The Church-School Connection Fund is currently low on funds and we are respectfully asking our members for donations so as to ensure our help when needed by this mission outreach. Thank you for your generosity in the past and future. Donations should have check notations for Church-School Connection. FLOOD BUCKETS Remember our on-going fund for flood buckets. When we collect $1,000, we will fill some more buckets.

5 STEWARDSHIP RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS As members, we uphold the Church with our promise to give of our presence, gifts, prayers, and service. Promises to Keep: Presence Feb. 4 Sunday School: 178 Worship: 398 Feb. 11 Sunday School: 214 Worship: 315 Feb. 18 Sunday School: 175 Worship: 269 Promises to Keep: Gifts Feb. 4 General Budget $10, Hunger Fund $ 8.00 LCAP $ Youth Fund $ School-Church Connection $ Souper Bowl $ Feb. 11 General Budget $ 8, Hunger Fund $ 9.00 Church-School Connection $ Africa University $ Open Arms $ UMCOR $ Feb. 18 General Budget $ 4, Hunger Fund $ 7.05 Transportation Ministry (Missions) $ Church-School Connection $ MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS General Budget Gifts: In memory of M. D. Swaringen, Maxine Mast s brother, by Millie and Herman Orrell; In memory of William Robbins by Roger and Brenda Hockaday; In honor of J. M. Nichols, Jr. by Helen Nichols; Building Fund Gifts: In memory of Clara Moser by Polly Alspaugh, Ken and Peggy Scales, and Reba Dull; In memory of M. D. Swaringen, Maxine Mast s brother, by Jim and Martha Hampton and Beryl Moser; In honor of Braddock Mullican Coleman by Bo and Beth Houff; Youth Fund Gift: In memory of Linwood Dixon, a very dear friend of Roger Armstrong, by Bo and Beth Houff; Transportation Fund Gift: Given in appreciation by Janice Long. General Fund Recap Total Income for January $30, Total Expenses for January $30, $ Total Income Year to Date $30, Total Expenses Year to Date $30, $ LEWISVILLE IS A STEPHEN MINISTRY CHURCH Stephen Ministers are trained lay care-givers who provide emotional and spiritual care to persons who are experiencing difficulties in their lives hospitalization, loss of a loved one, loss of job, or any other crisis situation. This is care in addition to the care the pastor gives. If you are interested in having a Stephen Minister, fill out one of the slips in the pew rack and put it in the offering plate or hand it to the minister or one of the Stephen Leaders, Nancy Russell or Tom Lee.

6 OUR CHURCH FAMILY.. Sympathy: We express our Christian love and sympathy to.. º Suzanne Bullotta in the death of her mother, Mary Jones, on February 4; º Laura McCan in the death of her father, Bob McCan, on February 12. Thanks to everyone for all the cards, wellwishes, calls, food, and especially prayers. My family and I really have felt the love of our church family and really appreciate it. We will try to keep Dean Norman posted on my doctor reports. Love, Cathy, Tom, Sarah, and Michelle Lewis United Methodist Men s Winston-Salem District Prayer Breakfast When: Saturday, March 17, 8:30 am Where: Lewisville UMC Who: For all United Methodist Men, spouses, and guest Guest Speaker: George M. Bryan, Jr. (Director, The Children s Home) Entertainers: Men s Chorus (Morris Chapel UMC) Windy Gap (Family Camp Style) April 13-15, 2007 A weekend your family will never forget! If you re interested in going to the church retreat at Windy Gap, please see Dan or Margaret Williams for a registration form or pick one up in the fellowship hall or the church office. Lewisville United Methodist Church Preschool 2007 Spring Toy and Clothing Exchange The Spring Clothing and Toy Exchange is just around the corner! Everyone is invited to bring Spring and Summer infant-teen clothing and shoes, maternity clothes, toys, books, videos and baby and nursery equipment. 60% of the selling price will go to the seller and 40% will go to the Preschool. Also, if you volunteer to work one of the following shifts, you will be invited to shop at the Pre-Sale Party on March 9. It s your chance to buy before the sale is opened to the public! Call Paige Ballus at to volunteer or to get more information. Child care is provided for all shifts, except the Pre-Sale. Receiving: Wed., March 7, 7-8:30 pm Thurs., March 8, 9:30-11:30 am; 5-8:00 pm Fri., March 9, 9:30-11:30 am Selling: Sat., March 10, 8 am-1 pm; Half-price Selling: Mon., March 12, 9:30-11:30 am; 5-8:00 pm For more information, please call Paige Ballus ( ) or Jill Winslow ( ), or Angel Messick, ( ).

7 Please join us on Sunday, March 11, for our first worshipping together service of We will meet in the sanctuary at 11 am for the service. Remember, this is Girl Scout Sunday. Reminder: There will be no 8:30 am contemporary service on March 11. Join us for Sunday School at our usual time of 9:45 am. WING AND A PRAYER Wing and a Prayer, a contemporary Christian musical group, will be performing at our church on Sunday, March 18, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. Come and be blessed by their music as they minister to us in song. LOOKING AHEAD March 11: Girl Scout Sunday On this day, Girl Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms and be recognized in the service. Please note: We will have only one worship service on March 11 at 11:00 am. Sunday School will be at 9:45 am. Also, remember that daylight savings time begins on March 11. \ Children s Church Schedule 8:30 am Worship Service Feb. 25 Mariedith and Alex Appanaitis March 4 Kevin and Stephanie Salus March 11 NO Children s Church; one service only at 11 am Please note: Materials for Children s Church will be in the classroom for you to check out ahead of time as resources for Sunday morning activities. If unavailable to teach, please be responsible for finding your own substitute. 8:20 am Nursery Schedule Feb. 25 Sherry and Cecilia Armstrong March 4 Allison Grindstaff, Hannah Houff March 11 Combined service at 11 am; no early service today. 11:00 am Nursery Schedule Feb. 25 Cathy, Sarah, and Michelle Lewis March 4 Ellen and Lee Ellen Farmer March 11 Silesia and Elissa Clark (combined service at 11 am)

8 Echoes Trips: º On Saturday, March 3, the Echoes will be going to Wohlfahrt House in Wytheville, VA to see Echoes of a Legend, (Elvis impersonator show). We will leave from the new parking lot at 9:45 am. Cost is $43 per person. Call Nan Johnson ( ) to make your reservations as soon as possible. º On Tuesday, March 13, the Echoes will be going to see Smoke on the Mountain at The Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro. We will leave from the new parking lot at 11:45 am. Cost is $38 per person. Call Nan Johnson ( ) to make your reservations. As always, anyone who would like to go is welcome to join us! THANK YOU TO.. º all who donated clothing and/or money for the 13-year-old girl. She was so excited to receive everything and very grateful. º the Boy Scouts for all their hard work in collecting food for LCAP. The pantry is full of items that we will use and also share with other organizations. From our former missionary, Susie Henry.. Dear Friends, It was wonderful to be with you and to share with you. Your support has been so important to me for many years. Thank you for the $50 check which will go to the Walter Henry School. Blessings, Susie Henry Florida Storms: Donations for the cleanup and recovery are the best ways members of our Annual Conference may help. Donations are being accepted for storm relief through the WNCC Disaster Response Committee. Please send donations through the WNCC Treasurer, P.O. Box 18005, Charlotte, NC with the memo: "STORMS 2007." Funds sent through this method may be ready for immediate release to help those in need. UMCOR funds may also be sent through this channel, but they should have the memo: "UMCOR # Domestic Disaster Response Florida Tornadoes." UMCOR funds will be used for the long-term recovery. NC GreenPower Presentation with Questions and Answers: Sunday, Feb. 25, at 5 pm at Burkhead UMC, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway. For more information, call or visit Begun in October 2003, NC GreenPower is the first statewide program to encourage the development of renewable energy sources for the state s power supply. To date, the program has nearly 10,000 participants. Current sponsors include Duke Energy, N.C. Electric Membership Corporation, Lowe s Home Improvement, N. C. Farm Bureau, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Mast General Store, and many $4 per month energy unit subscribers.

9 ASH WEDNESDAY February 21, 2007 On Ash Wednesday, the Melba Forbis Friendship Circle will be cooking for us: spaghetti, salad, bread, and desserts. The cost for the meal is simply a donation, which the MFFC will be giving to Missions. The meal will begin at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Following the delicious spaghetti meal, you will be able to participate in a meaningful Ash Wednesday Service at 7:15 pm. As we begin the Lenten Season, there are so many inspiring services, challenging endeavors, and outreach projects this year, and we trust you will seek to be involved in many of these. Thanks to all who contributed to the Lenten devotional booklet and a special thanks to Cindy Bingham for typing the booklet. CONFIRMATION CLASSES If you have a youngster 12 years old or in the sixth grade who is interested in Confirmation Classes, please let the church office ( ) know immediately. Last call for joining us. It s not too late! CHARGE YOUR PARENTING BATTERIES! The Stephen Ministry, along with the LUMC Preschool, is sponsoring a series of lectures and discussions for parents of children age infancy through grade 5 in Asbury Hall from 6:30-8:00 pm. º Feb. 25: Protecting From and Preventing Bullying º March 4: The Effect of the Internet and Video Games on Your Child The concluding 3 Sunday topics will be determined through a survey of those participating. Child care provided, if preregistered. Please register in the Preschool office or call/ Cindy Bingham at or lpbingham@yahoo.com. It s not too late to join us!

10 MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Taylor Drake John McPherson Robert Maloney David K. Miller Suzie S. Scott Elizabeth S. Mertes 2 Gail M. Bargoil Holly Davis Jan Hampton 3 Danielle Barton 4 Olivia Mertes Leah Stilphen 8 Mitzi Swing 9 Katherine Harper Scott Saalweachter 10 Max Bergstrom Lauren Proctor Margaret Lindsay Scales Anne White 11 Blane Clark Marianne Fitzgerald 12 Jessica Kellar Elizabeth Meadows Susan Orr Ross Owens Pat Reynolds 13 Tricia Kirk Sarah Morris Michelle Walker 14 Sue Darby Brooke Evans Zach Gentry Jim Hill Richard Stroud 16 Tom Ballus Chris Bingham Jon Brewster Mike Collins Mae Norman Sara Shellburg Mark Vogler 17 John Beck 18 Benji Clodfelter Megan Lyon Sam Simmons Daniel Bryant Stephanie Reader Thomas Yow 20 Ronnie Evans 21 Pam Ramey Lynnsay Sexton Katie Trosan Tish Vaughan 22 Derrick Swing 23 Matt Bingham Emily Crater Nancy Kates Betty Kelley Thom Shone Jennifer Snow 25 Kevin Edwards Mo Voss 26 Sharon Nisi Mary Beth Foster 27 Emily Sturdy Duncan Trosan Nancy W. Russell 29 Sam Easter Travis Joyner Cameron Melton 30 Anne Hennis Brittany Skipper 30 Sophie Driskill Kimberly Durham Caroline Isasi Hank Rains Samuel Walker MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 1 Carol and Sara Miller John and Debby Trivett 4 Domingo and Amanda Isasi 12 Rod and Debbie Ruperto Paul and Pat Spainhour 13 Ken and Jennifer Buck Aaron and Erica Church 17 William and Missy Craven Brian and Allyson Edwards Don and Laura Morris 20 Cliff and Linda Durham 23 Mike and Toni Jones 29 Robert and Martha Walsh 30 Steve and Nancy Kates Joseph and Crystal Vaughn WHO COMMITTEE March WHO Committee Chairs: Margaret Lee and Doris Buchanan Phoebe Dixon Cheryl Gross Phyllis Herring Pam Hurd Wanda Vaughn Gingi Parker Jo Beth Melton Katherine Harper Jo Ann Chandler Stephanie Salus Elizabeth Smith Margaret Williams Martha Wick Angie Choplin

11 Interested in the Lay Speaker s Basic Course? The Basic Course will be offered on 5 Sunday afternoons (Feb. 25-March 25), 2:30-4:30 pm at the District Office on the Children s Home Campus. Cost is $10. Please call the church office ( ) for a registration form. An Advanced Lay Speaker Course will be offered at a later date. All lay persons who wish to be considered for election at the 2007 WNC Annual Conference as delegates to the 2008 General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference should go on-line to where links will be found to complete information and an application form. March 1, 2007 is the absolute deadline for completed application materials to be in the office of the conference secretary. BAD WEATHER POLICY: When school is closed due to bad weather, all church night meetings are cancelled for that night. SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 2007 FLOWER CALENDAR WHILE MOST DATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Remember your loved ones...put flowers in the church in memory or in honor of someone. Celebrate a special occasion with flowers. Our standing order with Wilson s Florist costs $32.10 for 2 vases. You can have them do a special arrangement if you prefer (with the cost depending on what you select) or you can order through any florist you choose. Call the church office ( ) to reserve a date.