LOVE FEAST AND COMMUNION Do this in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19)

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1 Grossnickle Church of the Brethren November 2017 LOVE FEAST AND COMMUNION Do this in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19) Let us begin now to prepare for Love Feast, by opening our hearts to the Lord, by seeking forgiveness from God and others, and by inviting others to share in the wonderful blessings that come from being obedient to Jesus commands and accepting His invitation to the Table. Love Feast will be observed Sunday evening, November 12 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall. The evening will start with a time of reflection and repentance. Then we will follow the example of Jesus by washing one another s feet. As an option, we also offer a hand-washing table. And, we share a simple meal of beef and broth and bread (with a vegetarian option available also). The service concludes with the celebration of Bread and Cup communion. Child care will be available for the youngest of our church family, and interested children of any age are welcome to come and participate in the meal and observe the feet-washing and communion. If you need a ride to Love Feast, please call the Deacons of the Month, Kathy and Randy Gaver. Our church practices open communion, so baptized Christians of any tradition are welcome to join us and participate fully, regardless of where you hold your church membership. Community Thanksgiving Service Wednesday, November 22, 2017, 7:00 pm Bring your friends and family to this special service of thanksgiving as we come together in Christ with great gratitude. Grossnickle Church of the Brethren Meeting House Road, Myersville, Maryland All are welcome!

2 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 2 MID-WEEK CHILDREN S PROGRAM KICKS-OFF THIS MONTH KIDS KLUB, a program for children in Grades K through 5, will kick-off the season Wednesday, November 1. Lois Ann Glessner will again direct this program by presenting exciting Bible lessons designed to help the children learn about God and the life of Jesus Christ. She supplements the lessons with fun-filled activities to illustrate the stories. The group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings in the Parish Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Snacks are provided by parents according to a pre-arranged schedule. Letters of invitation have been sent to families with school age children. If you did not receive a letter or have another family to suggest, please contact the church office. CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETING Our Annual Congregational Business Meeting will be held Thursday evening, November 2 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. Tracy Wiser will serve as moderator. Items of business will be to approve the slate of officers and to adopt a budget for These items will determine our priorities for ministry in the coming year. All members of the congregation have a voice in this meeting. We hope for good attendance and good discussion. Another task of the Congregational Business Meeting is to call Deacons. Deacons serve as caregivers of our congregation and as those who prepare for communion and baptism. Please consider individuals or couples who could serve faithfully and well as deacons. We will be calling five individuals or deacon couples. Those persons whose terms are expiring this year are: Cathie Clemson, Charles and Vicki Grossnickle, Dale and Sheila Delauter, Robert and Mary Delauter, (Charles and Vicki have said this is their last term.) All are eligible to be called again. In addition, Gene and Marilyn Gaver have asked to be relieved of deacon duties. We thank them for their faithful service. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR FINANCE COMMISSION The Finance Commission is finalizing the budget process for the upcoming year 2018 and wants to provide an update to the congregation on the current 2017 year-to-date position. Through the end of September 2017 our year-to-date actual giving is behind budget by approximately $27,000. All commissions are working hard to keep expenditures as low as possible while we continue to need the support of the congregation. However, our shortfall is due to lower giving, not increased expenses. As any shortfall in our budgeted giving requires us to use savings reserves to pay our bills, we again ask you to continue your great support of the church and its programs and, if able, please consider some increased ongoing support of at least $5 per week to reduce our shortfall. Any amount of support will go a long way in helping us continue our programs. We appreciate the great support our members continue to give to all of our special projects. Thank you and God Bless. T.J. Houck, Finance Chair

3 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 3 REACHING OUT TO HELP OTHERS OUR OUTREACH EFFORTS Grossnickle Church of the Brethren serves the needs of its community and beyond in a variety of ways. NEW WINDSOR WORKDAY Volunteers will be needed to assist SERRV in New Windsor on Thursday November 2. Please consider sharing your time to help this worthwhile cause that assists those in need. To volunteer, contact Robert Delauter at by the Tuesday evening prior to the Thursday workday. Next month the workday will be on December 7. CENTENNIAL MEAL Four times a year we prepare and serve a meal at Centennial UMC (Frederick) for the less fortunate. The last meal we will assist with this year will be on Saturday, November 4. If you have considered volunteering, now is the time. Contact Pam Jouannet, , to help cook or serve the meal. Your time and assistance is appreciated! SENIOR SERVICE CIRCLE Come join the Senior Service Circle monthly on Wednesday mornings. We are a fun group that specialize in helping our neighbors through various activities. This month we will meet on November 8 from 9-11:00 am for a trip to Kline Hospice House to donate a basket of supplies SSC prepared in September. All are welcome to join us! For additional information please contact Pattie Hughes or Wanda Rudman YOUNG AT HEART MEALS ON WHEELS The first meal of the delivery season for this monthly outreach effort (deliveries only) will be Saturday, November 11 around lunch time. Reminder cards will be mailed the first week of November. If you do not receive a reminder card and you wish to receive the November meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and green beans or if you received a reminder card and do not want the meal, please call the church office, , by Monday, November 6. To volunteer, speak with Kathy Gaver (kitchen help) at or Debbie Bussard (drivers) at NEW WINDSOR WORKDAY CENTENNIAL MEAL SENIOR SERVICE CIRCLE YOUNG-AT-HEART ADOPT-A-ROAD The next clean-up effort will be Saturday, December 2. Volunteers will be needed to help on this anticipated crisp late-fall morning. With a full crew clean up usually takes only about 1.5 hours. If you can lend a hand and two feet, please MK Barnet (mawyle@gmail.com) or call to add your name to the list. WOODCUTTING DAY For many, many years volunteers from Grossnickle Church of the Brethren have cut, split and shared wood with households in the area who need a lift, in the name of Christ. This year volunteers will meet Saturday, November 18, 8:00 am at the home of Robert Lee and Betty Grossnickle (3733 Bittle Road, Myersville) to share their time and enjoy the good fellowship and fun that goes along with the hard work. Lunch will be provided and will be prepared by Kathy Gaver. To volunteer, or if you have questions, call Robert Lee at

4 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 4 PRAISING GOD TOGETHER WORSHIP, MUSIC AND MORE NURSERY HELPER SCHEDULE November 2017 Join us each Sunday 9:30 am Sunday School (nursery through adult) 10:30 am Worship 05 Brooke Smith 12 Traci Hanser 19 Doris Grossnickle 26 Cathie Clemson To volunteer and for information, you may contact Carol Schroyer, or carsch57@live.com. NOVEMBER 2017 WORSHIP INFORMATION & HELPERS DATE SERMON / SCRIPTURE MESSAGE BY WORSHIP LEADER GREETERS ACOLYTE 05 Because God I John 4: TBA "Bounty Psalm 65 "All Authority Ephesians 1:15-23 Donna Ritchey Martin Gene Hagenberger, Guest Preacher Tim Ritchey Martin Donna Ritchey Martin Kevin Leatherman Donna Ritchey Martin Cathie Clemson Brian Grossnickle Nelson & Beverly Harshman Donnie & Deborah Pugh Debbie Bussard & Hazel Early Elvin & Beverly Stottlemyer NOVEMBER DEACONS OF THE MONTH: Kathy and Randy Gaver Keller Routzahn Olivia Zeigler Grace Ellis Lilly Rumpf HELP SUPPORT UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Our annual Hunger Meal will be on Sunday, November 19 after church. We will be also selling apple pies. Hunger Meal The youth will once again serve a meal that resembles one that could be found at a soup kitchen. Please come on Sunday, November 19 after church and enjoy ham and cheese sandwiches and the best vegetable beef soup, vegetarian vegetable soup and turkey noodle soup. We have just one simple request that you donate money you would have spent if you went out to eat. We will use that money to purchase Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for those in need in our area. Pies for Sale The youth will be selling apple pies for Thanksgiving dinner. We will be making the pies on Saturday, November 18. Pies can be picked up after 4:00 that day or on Sunday after church. You can order baked or unbaked pies. Proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for those in need and will also help fund our trip to National Youth Conference this summer. An order form is included in this newsletter. Thanks so much for your support.

5 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 5 HELPING HANDS This segment focuses on the many groups and individuals in the life of the Church who contribute a great deal to our life together. This space is an opportunity to learn more about these helpers and what they do. Pattie Hughes serves as volunteer Parish Nurse at GCOB. Her efforts are a ministry in the Church. Pattie began her nursing career when she was 32 years old, pregnant and one of the oldest in her nursing class as well as her Lamaze class. As the saying goes, it s never too late. Pattie became interested in Parish Nursing as an extension of her faith. I realized that Jesus calls us to use our talents in as many ways as we possibly can. I enrolled in the Parish Nursing Program at FCC and began my ministry here about twelve years ago. I see my main role within the Church and nursing in general as an educator. The more information and knowledge people have about health issues the more likely they will be to take an active interest in their own health. Some of Pattie s activities as Parish Nurse are, Once a month after Worship, blood pressure screenings are available to all parishioners who wish to monitor their risk for heart disease. In an ongoing effort at education I have placed bulletin boards in each restroom with monthly updates on health topics such as heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, Alzheimer s disease, and safety concerns. Intermittent updates are also available in the Dunker relating to differing health topics that may be of interest. I am also available to discuss and answer any health questions or safety concerns on a one to one basis. Please feel free to contact me at Many thanks to Pattie for all you do among us as Parish Nurse. Your availability and many contributions truly are Helping Hands. CROP WALK PHOTO GALLERY Scenes from the September 2017 Myersville-Wolfsville Area Crop Walk.

6 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 6 CELEBRATION CORNER Celebration Corner is a monthly column highlighting, with joy, events of the past month. This month we celebrate October events. The Great Commandment is a call to love God and love our neighbor. One of the ways we love God is by faithfully gathering for worship each week. As the love of God consumes us we turn to love our neighbors. This Great Commandment was the focus of our District Conference, October 13 and 14. We gathered at Frederick Church of the Brethren. Here we heard stories of how Grossnickle Church of the Brethren is connected to a larger story throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This is a story of restarting Churches, most recently in the Dundalk area of Baltimore. It is a story of District Executive Minister Gene Hagenberger loving and serving us all through facilitating pastoral placement, caring for pastors, enabling the many committees and task groups of the District and representing all of us at denominational and ecumenical gatherings. It is a story of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren being connected to a denomination, the Church of the Brethren. For a day and an evening we worshipped, conducted business, shared fellowship and did a lot of wonderful singing together. We celebrate the connection to our District. As we gathered for Worship this month we also turned outward toward our neighbors. We have neighbors in Guatemala who struggle to have enough to eat. On October 15 we shared in a wonderful Harvest Celebration for Field of Hope Growing Project. The morning began with Foods Resource Bank Board Chair Brian Backe and his wife Tina worshipping with us. Brian shared greetings with us from FRB. The day continued with Sadoc Aguilar Palma sharing about the wonderful program he administers in Guatemala. 10 Churches come together and six corporate sponsors support this wonderful effort. Some $3,400 was raised at the annual cake auction at the event. We continued to love our neighbors as October went by through the annual Fall Clothing Drive. Our thanks to Ron Ellis who so faithfully provides a trailer for us to fill and then delivers it to the Hagerstown Rescue Mission. The last Sunday of the month was our Fall Food Pantry collection for neighboring Salem United Methodist s Food Pantry ministry. Love for God as we worship together. Love for neighbor as we serve together. This is why the Church exists. This is who we are through our life together. May God bless us all! (View Celebration Corner photos on pages 7 and 9.) CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE Our 2017 Christmas Giving Tree will be displayed on the hallway bulletin board in mid-to-late November. With the help of the Middletown Valley People Helping People we will adopt a family in need. Because the family has not yet been assigned to us, we do not know what their specific needs are at this time. However, by the time the Giving Tree is displayed, the gift items will be listed on the tree s tags. (When you take a tag remember to sign your name on the sheet next to the corresponding tag number.) You may also have the option of providing a monetary donation. Please make your check payable to Grossnickle COB and note for Giving Tree. A donations box will be in the hallway, or you may give the card or check directly to Pepper Delauter. Please watch November bulletin announcements for when cards and donations will be due to Pepper. People Helping People appreciates your continued generous assistance in helping the economically challenged families of our local area enjoy a merry Christmas! If you have questions or wish more information, please contact Pepper at Thank you!

7 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 7 CELEBRATION CORNER PHOTO GALLERY Scenes from the 2017 Harvest Festival for Field of Hope Growing Project. See article on page 6. SEASONAL EVENTS THE 2017 SEASON OF ADVENT begins the first Sunday of December this year. Advent gives us time to focus on the meaning of Christ's birth in the midst of the world's "holiday season." Our worship service on December 3 will feature the lighting of the first Advent candle and the scriptures and stories behind meaningful Christmas carols. Let us join in singing of our Savior's birth! ANNUAL ADVENT DINNER All are invited to enjoy a potluck meal after church on Sunday, December 3. Mark your calendar and watch for additional information in the bulletins and the December newsletter. CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Join us for our annual Children s Christmas Program during worship on Sunday, December 17. Each year we look forward to having the youngest among us share the spirit of Christmas through their program. Further information will be provided to children and their families sometime in November.

8 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 8 NOTES OF THANKS THANK YOU! A special Thank You to all who took it upon themselves to weedwack the cemetery one Saturday morning. Your time, expertise and attention to detail were greatly appreciated. In addition, a special Thank You to Gene Gaver for all of his devotion to our church and cemetery mowing throughout the years. Blessings, Cemetery Commission (Helpers L-R: Robert Clemson, Rick Funk, Dale Delauter, Keith Delauter, Charles Grossnickle.) THANK YOU! (The following message was included in a card from Walter Gordon to Barbara Blickenstaff.) You and your church were one of the first to respond with prayers for me and I greatly appreciate that. I know many members of your church and have for many years. Again thank everyone for me and please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you! May God bless you all. Walter Gordon THANK YOU for your generous contribution to help strengthen communities worldwide. Through your support of Church World Service, you are helping to fight the connected challenges of hunger, lack of access to safe water and improved sanitation and extreme poverty. May God bless you for your support. Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO THANK YOU for your generous gift to Heifer International. Your desire to help others will build hope for future generations. Pierre U. Ferrari, President and CEO THANK YOU from the Church of the Brethren s Global Food Initiative for your continued financial support and concern. Jeffrey S. Boshart, Manager Our Congratulations to CHURCH FAMILY UPDATES Emily (White) and Richard Doney upon their marriage, Saturday, September 30, Elizabeth (McQueen) and Philip Buhrman upon their marriage, Saturday, October 7, Kristie (Lee) and Seth Delauter upon their marriage, Friday, October 13, Allison (Bussard) and Ryan Bramble upon their marriage, Friday, October 20, Our Christian Sympathy to Angi and Russ Cornell upon the death of Russ father, David H. Cornell, Monday, October 2, Angie and Brian Grossnickle upon the death of Angie s mother, Nancy Gentel, Monday, October 9, Gary and Glenna Moser upon the death of Gary s mother, Naomi Moser, Tuesday, October 17, Curtis and Frances Ausherman upon the death of Curt s mother, Hilda Ausherman, Tuesday, October 17, 2017.

9 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 9 FAHRNEY KEEDY SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY AUXILIARY NEWS 8507 Mapleville Road, Boonsboro MD Key Person for GCOB: Glenna Moser HOLIDAY FESTIVAL & OPEN HOUSE The annual Holiday Open House at Fahrney-Keedy will be held Friday, December 8, 4:00 pm 6:30 pm, combining the Auxiliary Luminaria Project and the Holiday Festival. Refreshments will be served at the Open House. DONATIONS NEEDED Fahrney Keedy is accepting Gift Basket donations for the Holiday Festival to support pastoral Care Ministries. Donations can be dropped off at the reception desk in the main lobby by November 20 th. Silent Auction begins November 23 rd. LUMINARIA PURCHASES Luminarias may be purchased from the Auxiliary for $5.00 In Memoriam or In Honor of specific persons. Proceeds, as always, are used to benefit Fahrney-Keedy. More information, including theme basket suggestions and donation drop off times, can be found on the fliers on the hallway bulletin board. SHEPHERD S SPRING NEWS P.O. Box Taylors Landing Road Sharpsburg, Maryland Camp Representative for GCOB: Doris Grossnickle NOVEMBER PRAYER REQUEST Pray for Shepherd s Spring Donors. Pray for thanksgiving as end of year donations begin to come to Shepherd s Spring through December. May God bless those who graciously support Shepherd s Spring financially. A LOCAL TASTE OF AUTUMN November 12, 3:00 pm; $25 per person. For more information and to RSVP, visit or call DECEMBER EVENTS Mark your calendar now for these upcoming events and look for more details on the bulletin board and in our December The Dunker. Soup-er Sunday lunches that include delicious house-made soups and freshly baked bread bar will be served December 3, 10, 17, from 12-noon - 3pm. Holiday Cookie Camp 2.0 will be held December 14, 15, 16, 17. Winter Break Cooking School, a day camp for children 8 to 12 years old will be held December from 10am - 3pm. Registration is required for Cookie Camp and Cooking School. For Soup-er Sunday lunches, please RSVP by 4pm on Friday. CELEBRATION CORNER PHOTO GALLERY Scenes from District Conference, Fall Clothing Drive and Food Pantry Drive. See article on page 6.

10 The Dunker, November 2017 Page Poinsettia Order Form Again this year, Christmas poinsettias will be displayed to honor Christ s birth. Red poinsettias will grace the sanctuary on Sundays, December 10, 17 and 24. A bulletin insert on December 10 will list names of persons you wish to honor or memorialize. Poinsettias will come from Rosemary s Florist (Hagerstown). The cost is $9.50 each. Please make checks payable to Grossnickle Church of the Brethren and indicate for poinsettias. I would like to order red poinsettias in honor of: Given by I would like to order red poinsettias in memory of: Given by Contact s Name Phone No. Please submit orders to Vicki Linton or Jeanine Harshman by Sunday, November 26, Thank you! Pie Sale Order Form Please help the Grossnickle Church of the Brethren youth, help others this Thanksgiving and Christmas and support our trip to National Youth Conference this summer by purchasing a pie or two for your Thanksgiving meal. Pies will be available for pick up on Saturday November 18 and after church on Sunday November 19. Name Phone Number Baked Apple Pie or Unbaked Apple Pie 8.00 a pie = Total $ Please place completed order forms into the box in Narthex. Orders are due by Sunday, November 12th. Contact Doris Grossnickle, , if any questions.

11 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 11 November 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship 6:30-8p Kids Klub 7p Men s Choir practice 7a New Windsor Workday (SERRV) 7p Congregational Business Meeting 12n - 4p PH reserved (Centennial Meal prep) 5 12 My Two-Cents Offering BP Screenings (after worship) 6p Love Feast a-11a Senior Service Circle 6:30-8p Kids Klub 6:30-8p Kids Klub 7p Men s Choir practice a 1p PH reserved (Meals on Wheels prep) PH reserved for Love Feast prep 8a Woodcutting PH reserved: - Woodcutting Lunch - Youth Pie Baking - Hunger Meal prep 19 Youth Hunger Meal :00p Community Thanksgiving Eve Grossnickle Church 23 Parish Hall reserved all day (K. Rudman) Poinsettia orders due 6:30-8p Kids Klub Grossnickle Church of the Brethren Meeting House Road, P.O. Box 575, Myersville, MD

12 The Dunker, November 2017 Page 12 Tim and Donna Ritchey Martin, Pastors SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL 9:30 am FAMILY WORSHIP HOUR 10:30 am PASTOR S OFFICE HOURS Monday Friday 8:00 to 11:30 am CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Mon-Wed-Thu 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Phone Church Secretary Kathie Tucker Website office@gcob.org donnaritmart@gcob.org timritmart@gcob.org kathie.tucker@gcob.org GIVING THROUGH TITHES & OFFERINGS Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Offerings to GCOB can be presented in the following ways: Offering plate Cash and checks may be placed in the offering plate during worship and Sunday school. Online Visit and click on DONATE. Mail Send checks to Grossnickle COB, P.O. Box 575, Myersville, MD Indicate offering on check. Make checks payable to Grossnickle COB. Thank you! Please submit news items for the December 2017 issue of The Dunker no later than Wednesday, November 15 th. Thank you! THE DUNKER Grossnickle Church of the Brethren P. O. Box 575 Myersville, MD RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED