News From the Grove Mark Bowyer, Pastor February 2016

Transcription

1 News From the Grove Mark Bowyer, Pastor February Web Address: Wakemans Grove Road, Edinburg, Virginia "The Politics of Either-or" When I was at Ashland Seminary, I was strictly charged never to base my sermons on opinion. "Preaching is a reading of God's Word and someone's commentary on it- nothing more and nothing less," Dr. Marvin A. McMickle admonished us. Then he added, "Nobody needs to get up on Sunday morning drive thirty miles to hear your opinion on anything!" Well, I do strive to meet that high standard every Sunday I preach. Not sure I always make it. But this article is not a sermon- so I may just fade into opinion on this one! If so, please feel free to smile and nod and keep moving. It's just that it's hard to stand by and watch in silence where American politics are concerned. There is just too much going on to ignore! I feel like a political cartoonist- with all these colorful characters and rich comic content, where do I start! :) But seriously, I do think God's Word can shine some light on even the most tumultuous political debate. Americans of all leanings have fortified their arguments with Scripture- from George Washington to Barack Obama. All of them have recognized the importance of the Bible and the Christian faith in American public life, even if they have sought in some way to separate one from the other. And that is nothing new! As far back as 1832, a group of pastors implored President Andrew Jackson to declare a national day of prayer and fasting because of the terrible cholera epidemic that was sweeping the country. Jackson cited separation of church and state as reason not to declare such a day. Of course, many were outraged at his refusal, but it is a good example of just how blended opinions have always been on matters of religion in public life. Thomas Jefferson was derided as an atheist for his refusal to recognize Christ as divine. It began to cost him so much politically that he initiated a congressional Bible study to show his opponents he was not an atheist after all! And so it goes today. The problem is that people (then and now) are too prone (look out- here's the opinion part) to go all one way or all the other in politics. One is expected to be ALL "blue" or ALL "red." Try borrowing a few ideas from both sides; try pointing out that one of them might just have a point, and you are seen as some kind of traitor! One is expected to trust only ones "own kind." Yet that kind of thinking is exactly what has led to the worst conflicts in our history. Only when we have learned to listen to each other and draw together on common ground have we been able to move forward. Jesus was not so easy to pin down politically. He spoke radically of peace, yet advised soldiers to be content with their wages. He freely fed thousands and warned that if we failed to help the "least of these," we would indeed fail to know Him! Yet several of His parables honor hard work and even the making of profit. He spoke of honoring those in authority, yet insisted their kingdom was only temporary and that allegiance to Him trumped all. And perhaps therein lies the key. As Christians, we are to both recognize and submit to the absolute authority of Jesus as Lord of all- all that is and ever will be, and all who draw breath! All are accountable to Him for their lives, and, according to Him, only those who receive His forgiveness will join Him in Eternity. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

2 February 3 Sherry Arey 4 Richard Miller 5 Terry Foltz 5 Linda Miller 6 Chessa Arey 7 Jack Dodson 8 Leigha Dirting 8 Brett Wightman 8 Summer Baker 9 Benjamin Webert 9 Rosa Funkhouser 9 Dawn Baker 9 D.J. Dodson 9 George Daugharty Jr. 10 Celeste Crowder 11 Hannah McCubbin 11 Cheryl Gisewhite 12 Evan Bowers 14 Michael Marston, Jr. 14 Whitney Markley 14 Fred Ritenour 15 Philip Baker 16 Cameron Copp 16 Eddie Wood 16 Colbey Ryman 16 Linda George 17 Brian Lear 17 Emily Mansfield 17 Aaron Baker 21 Jack Townshend 21 Wade Feller 22 Greg Baker 23 Eric Estep 24 Fleta Wood 24 Kristy Fadely 24 Jared Wilkins 25 Larry Barrick 25 Justin Wightman 25 Lizzi Zirkle 27 Jennifer Dodson 27 William Webert 28 Dwayne Ryman 28 Weldon Funkhouser 29 Mike Trott HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: February 14 Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Funkhouser 17 Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Burner 18 Mr. & Mrs. Howard Miller 21 Mr. & Mrs. Todd Crowder 22 Mr. & Mrs. Mike Tusing Worship Commission The Worship Commission has placed a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those who would like to place flowers on the altar in memory or honor of a special loved one for a particular Sunday. If you are interested, please sign up. Commission Members, Valerie Renner, Chairman Sandy Ross Cindy Burner Nathaniel Dirting Welcome to our Church (Winter schedule through May 29) Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am 2016 Updates Please contact Gloria in the church office if you have additions or corrections for the 2016 Church Directory. Also if you want cell #s or addresses listed. Page 2

3 Be in Prayer for: Brother Randy Cosner, pastor of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Virginia Medical Center following a serious head injury suffered while cutting wood last Thursday. His family reports that his vital signs are stable; he has a slight fever; he is receiving medication to keep his blood pressure from dropping too low; the cranial pressure is being monitored; he has responded to commands to move his toes and nod his head. The family has texted its thanks: "Thanks to everyone for your continued love and prayers. It means more than we can say...we continue to wait and watch God heal him." Keep Randy and his medical team in your prayers, and continue to ask God to strengthen Christy, their sons and extended family during this ordeal. Your expressions of support and encouragement may be sent to the parsonage at 6590 Briery Branch Road, Dayton, Va to be delivered to the family in Charlottesville. And lift up prayers for Brother Auburn Boyers, too, as he undergoes tests and treatment at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, where he was admitted Thursday night. He is a retired Church of the Brethren minister. He and his wife Ruth are residents of the Bridgewater Retirement Community, where your notes of encouragement may be sent to 100 Rosewood Circle, Bridgewater, Va LEADERSHIP TEAM LETTER: There is a letter from the District Leadership Team posted on the bulletin board. If you would like to have a copy, please contact Gloria in the Church Office. Thank you! The following notes of appreciation were received from various outreach organizations: Thank you so much for all the food and the monetary donation to Luke s Backpack sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Lutheran Ministries, Inc. Last school year we delivered 8,033 bags for a total of 48,198 meals! Thanks for your part in making this happen. Yours in Christ, Susan Fleming From the Bread of Life Food Pantry for the month of January: 5,930 lbs. of food distributed 100 families 292 individuals in those families THANK YOU To the Shenandoah District and friends throughout the denomination: I want to express a deep and heartfelt thanks for the many prayers and expressions of support that I have received over the past two months. The power of prayer and the manifestations of God's grace are forever etched in my spirit. I am grateful to be part of the Church of the Brethren and the Shenandoah District and look forward to interacting with many of you during the coming months. May God's mercy and grace be with each of you during the coming months. In Christ's service together, John Jantzi District Executive Minister page 3

4 Junior High Corner About five youth and two advisors were to participate in the Districts Lock In at Camp Brethren Woods, but due to an impending snow storm it will be rescheduled and hope we are all able to attend in the future. The Junior Highs will be hosting a Ham Pot Pie Supper Saturday, February 27 at 4:00 until.. We will be calling and asking for donations for the dinner, either specific items or if you would rather make a monetary donation for us to buy supplies. We appreciate your patience with them as they will soon be placing their calls. So please come out for some great tasting pot pie and support our kids and bring along your family, friends and neighbors. We will also be serving a Soup and Sandwich Meal before the Spring Congregational Business Meeting on Sunday, April 3, Thank you for always being available to help out with these young people. Missy and Jimmy Hollar Amber and Daniel Foltz Advisors CBYF REPORT The CBYF had a wonderful time Christmas caroling to some members of the congregation and at a couple of nursing homes. We played a Christmas light Scavenger hunt while we traveled from home to home. It was a great evening and was enjoyed by all. We are continuing our weekly Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. We are following a study entitled Believe. If any other youth are interested in joining us, you would be most welcome! We are hoping to do an event with some households in the congregation in February. If you would be interested in having some of the CBYF come to visit you one Sunday afternoon/evening (date to be determined), please let us know. We are hoping to have our youth get to know more members of our congregation and have our congregation get to know our youth! The District is sponsoring a lock-in on February Please let us know if any of you are interested in attending!! Stay warm! Adam and Kristi Zirkle, Advisors page 4

5 LULA WAKEMAN HARDY SCHOLARSHIP The Lula Wakeman Hardy Scholarship was established at Wakemans Grove Church to provide tuition assistance to those individuals desiring to continue their education. The Scholarship is the result of a generous bequest from Lula Wakeman Hardy. Mrs. Hardy was the daughter of Ira and Gertie Copp Wakeman and the granddaughter of John Ozias Wakeman, one of the church founders. Her father attended church at Wakemans Grove. Her parents moved to Dover, Pennsylvania, where she grew up. She married Norman Hardy and they lived in Arlington, Virginia. Lula taught school for several years and also worked for the United States Government. She and her husband had no children. When Lula and Norman retired, they moved to the St. Luke area. They occasionally attended Wakemans Grove Church, however moved their membership to Valley Pike Church of the Brethren in Maurertown. The reason she decided to give her assets away in this manner goes back to when she wanted to get an education. Her parents were unable to afford college tuition. Someone paid for the cost of her schooling. Lula always remembered this wonderful gift and decided this would be an excellent way for her to show her appreciation for what her benefactor had done for her. Many young people have benefited from this Scholarship since it was established in As scholarship recipients ponder this most generous act, may you, like Lula Wakeman Hardy, be willing to help others that you meet during your lifetime, and be willing to pass on the gift. The following Lula Wakeman Hardy Scholarship recipients received checks for Spring The total disbursed was $2, Ashle Dirting Duke McCaffrey Kaitlyn Wakeman Aaron Bowyer THANK YOU Dear Church Family, Thank you very much for the kind scholarship. It will go along way to help me with my college expenses. I am blessed to be a part of such a good family! Aaron Bowyer Dear Wakemans Grove Congregation, Thank you for the generous Christmas gift. It is such a joy to serve such a wonderful congregation. May the Lord's blessings surround each and every one of you! To my Church Family, Sincerely, Amber and Daniel Foltz Thank you so much for the gracious Christmas gift. I feel very blessed to be able to serve Christ with this body of believers and to work beside you to fulfill his will for this congregation. May you have a joyous New Year. Love in Christ, Gloria Markley The Family of the late Lloyd Koffel would like to thank everyone for the cards, phone calls, visit, prayers, food and contributions the Wakemans Grove Church and also to the Animal Shelter. To Pastor Mark and Pastor Rick Looman for the beautiful service and Valley Funeral Service for the service provided. Blessings to all, Janice and Family page 5

6 Happy Birthday All turning 80 this year The Family Life Committee enjoys recognizing this important milestone. Please let a member of the committee know if you or a loved one is going to be arriving at this magical number any time this year. LENT Many people are confused by Lent s forty days, because Lent begins more than forty days before Easter. Sundays are not counted because in the early church, Sundays were feast days, never fast days. This year Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10th. Contact Susan Hunsaker, June Thompson, Jeri Wakeman or Kay Townshend ATTENTiON There is a need for persons who would be interested in training as Sound Technicians. If you have a gift in that area, please contact Nathaniel Dirting. Large print hymnals and equipment for hearing impaired are available for those needing them, and the church has speaker phones for home bound persons wanting to hear the worship service. See the sound technician at the back of the church for these services. Our service is recorded each Sunday on CDs that are free for anyone to take home and listen to or take to a shut in. Please feel free to pick them up from the rack on the side of the sound cabinet. They will be ready within an hour of the end of the service on Sundays and do not need to be returned. Nathaniel Dirting Coordinator RELAY FOR LIFE The Grove Relay Team met and after we did not have someone to take the lead as Team Captain and with the changes through the past couple of years with the Shenandoah County Relay program we have decide not to have a team this year. We also have asked the Church family for additional people to join the team as it is a lot of work for a few people and did not get any additional members. We would ask the Church to continue to support the American Cancer Society and the annual Relay for Life Walk at MMA on June 3. Thanks for all the help and support that you have given the Relay Team through the years. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks, Relay for Life Team page 6

7 CONTINUED FROM FRONT Pastor Mark s article: Someone once said, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." How true that is in regard to the Bible! If all we know of the Bible is that we are supposed to be "red" in our politics (or "blue"- yes, many liberals claim Jesus as the source of their politics too), we know far too little! In my opinion, the best way to think of Jesus is that he is above (far above) the liberal vs. conservative debate. In all likelihood, both sides have apprehended some of His truth, and neither has grasped it all! For example, Democrats tend to be more sympathetic to the needy, while Republicans tend to be more supportive of initiative and hard work. Yes, certain issues remain clear and divisive, such as abortion on demand, but can we not say each side has a piece of the truth; something to offer? So, what's the point of all this? Get to know Jesus- better and better and better! Let His Word and Spirit inform your life- your daily decisions, your opinions, and yes, your politics. And if that leads you even slightly outside your current political "camp," fear not! He knows what He's doing, and He promises never to lead us astray... And unlike many of our politicians, He means it. After all, is it not possible to be both pro-israel and pro-palestinian (in the sense that you care about the real needs of both groups)? Is it not possible to stand with the police and stand with those who have been mistreated by the few "bad eggs?" Does not Jesus care for all people- even when they are on the wrong side? Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Thank God for that truth- otherwise I would be doomed- and so would we all. So perhaps, through the Holy Spirit, we can find some balance and insight and even good nature in our politics, amen? REIGNITE THE COMEDY OF LOVE By Dr. Michael Smalley A Totally Different Kind of Marriage Event After taking a year off, it is with great anticipation that we announce our upcoming marriage conference, Reignite The Comedy of Love, which will be held on March 4 th & 5 th at Shenandoah Community Fellowship. We are honored to have Dr. Michael Smalley as our guest speaker for this year s event. Michael Smalley, son of Dr. Gary Smalley, has written several marriage and family books from a Christian perspective. The Smalley family has continued to inspire couples and families worldwide. In the early 2000 s Gary and two sons, Greg and Michael, teamed up with a psychologist to find different ways to help couples with their marriage. Michael has an insightful and unique way of bringing his message across including the use of comedy. You won't want to miss this event which could change the direction of your marriage! Shenandoah Community Fellowship 197 Patmos Road, Woodstock, VA $59 per couple, $30 Single, Register Info: or kdayscf@gmail.com page 7

8 Page 8

9 BRETHREN WOODS FILLS POSITION Brethren Woods announces that Tim and Katie Cummings Heishman have been hired as program directors, effective March 1. Tim and Katie are second year students at Bethany Theological Seminary. Tim spent his growing up years between Harrisburg, Pa., and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to Virginia to attend Eastern Mennonite University. He graduated with a double major in Biblical studies and history. Katie is from Weyers Cave and attended Bridgewater College, where she majored in sociology with a minor in peace studies. After graduation, each spent a year in volunteer service. Katie coordinated the denominational workcamp program. Tim did a pastoral internship and worked at a Christian after-school program in inner-city Baltimore. Together they have shared ministry roles in various capacities. In 2014, they served as two of the three coordinators for National Youth Conference. While at Bethany, they have served as Student Chapel Coordinators and as members of the Student Leadership Team. Katie was a summer counselor at both Brethren Woods and Camp Bethel. Tim spent three summers at Camp Swatara and was a member of the 2010 Youth Peace Travel Team. They have a passion for outdoor ministry and look forward to joining the work that God is doing at Brethren Woods! All of us at Brethren Woods are anticipating their arrival and being able to work with them. Welcome, Tim and Katie! COB NAMES INTERIM GENERAL SECRETARY The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren has named Dale Minnich as interim general secretary, effective January 12. He will serve on a onequarter-time basis until Feb. 12 when current General Secretary Stan Noffsinger concludes his service with the denomination; Minnich then will transition to a three-quarter-time position. The full text of the announcement is linked here: rd-announces-interim-generalsecretary.html BRETHREN DISTRIST MINISTRIES OFFERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES The Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Coordinating Team has a full schedule of trips for The project in Spotswood, N.J., is closing at the end of this month. From Feb , Briery Branch Church of the Brethren is taking the lead, but another 15 workers can join the group. This trip is scheduled to go to Harts, W.Va. The March trip will go to Harts, W.Va., and will need 15 volunteers. Then April 9-25 Shenandoah District volunteers will be in Colorado on a two-week project, returning late on April 24 or early on the 25th. May 1-7 is scheduled for Harts, W.Va., and 15 volunteers are needed. Remaining dates are June 12-18, July 17-23, Aug , Sept , Oct. 9-15, October 30-Nov. 5 and Dec Page 9

10 February 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3:45 Girl Scouts 7:00 Commissions Meetings 3 6 CBYF Bible Study 7 Prayer Mtg. 7 Band 8 Adult Choir Church Board Retreat at Brethren Woods 7 12:15 Deacon s Bag Lunch & Mtg. Fac. In Use 8 7:00 Executive Com. Mtg. 9 7:00 4-H Mtg CBYF Bible Study 7 Prayer Mtg. 7 Band 8 Adult Choir :45 Girl Scouts 17 6 CBYF Bible Study 7 Prayer Mtg HIS Group meets Band 8 Adult Choir CBYF Bible Study 7 Prayer Mtg :00 Ham Pot Pie Supper 7 Band 8 Adult Choir page 10

11 Wednesday Piecemakers Ladies have been busy cutting away! as ALWAYS -We supported a project for the month of January sponsored by The Market in Woodstock by donating quilts for local Shenandoah County soldiers serving in North Africa. Ten quilts have been donated to Family Promise (these will be used at Wakemans Grove). Stewards agreed we could install some shelves in our quilt room. Jeri Wakeman will be checking on new locations to distribute quilts. We are always interested in new projects. Happy Groundhog Day! Judy Greene and Piecemakers Brethren Woods 2016 theme Fearless Faith I am currently serving as camp rep. We are looking for someone who would be willing to learn the position in 2016 to take it over in I will be attending the Camp Rep dinner at brethren woods on Sunday January 31st. Please check out the camp bulletin board for upcoming events at camp and contact me if you have any questions about anything going on at brethren woods. Camp Rep Lee Ann Zirkle lzsmile23@yahoo.com page 11

12 Wakemans Grove Leadership: Pastor Mark Bowyer Board Chairman: Harold Ebersole Vice Board Chr. Jerry Funkhouser Secretary: Gloria Markley Treasurer: Keith Smith Custodians: Daniel and Amber Foltz Nurture Commission Chair: Jean Kohne Witness Commission Chair: Missy Hollar Worship Commission Chair: Valerie Renner Stewards Commission Chair: Kenny Wakeman Deacon Chair: Gary Markley The 2016 Church Directory will be printed soon. This will have a complete listing of all commissions and committees. Shepherd or Swineherder? A pastor arriving at a new city was asked to join a prominent civic club. When he was introduced, the speaker kiddingly announced that the club was electing him to be their new chief hog caller. Standing up to respond to the introduction, the pastor said: Gentlemen and Ladies, I appreciate the honor you have bestowed upon me. When I came to this community, I had expected to be the shepherd of a flock. But then, of course, you know your crowd better than I do. ~ The Lutheran I never behold the heavens filled with stars that I do not feel I am looking in the face of God. I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down on the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God. ~ Abraham Lincoln WAKEMANS GROVE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 668 Wakemans Grove Road Edinburg, VA 22824