M A R C H N E W S L E T T E R

Transcription

1 B E T H E L U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H Bethel Bell S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T Communion Offering is for Rise Against Hunger Holy Week starts March 25th Women s History Month I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Online Giving 2 Youth Ministry 4 A Word From the Pastor Grace and Peace to You All in Christ s Holy Name, Thank you all for your generosity, your faithfulness, and your willingness to give your lives to God. You are awesome! Please invite your friends and acquaintances to come worship with us. Even though Easter Sunday is on April Fool s Day, save your pranks for Holy Humor Sunday on April 8. When Jesus went to the cross, the devil thought he had won, but Jesus had the last laugh. That s why we celebrate Holy Humor Sunday every year on the Sunday after Easter M A R C H N E W S L E T T E R Yard Sale 5 Haiti Mission trip 6 St Patrick 9 Once again, God is pouring out blessings on Bethel UMC. Our average attendance continues to grow as we love God, love one another, and love our neighbors. We have a lot going on in mission and ministry. Continue reading this newsletter for more information! Pastor Joe Shoop Bethel Calendar Scripture Readings for March 2018 March 4 John 2:13-22 March 18 John 12:20-33 I Corinthians 1:18-25 March 11 John 3:14-21 Ephesians 2:1-10 Hebrews 5:5-10 March 25 Mark 1:1-11 Philippians 2:5-11

2 P A G E 2 Online Giving Now Available You can now make your tithe and offering donations through our PayPal Giving Fund Account. You can use your phone to scan the QR code here, or go to the website below: You can now make your tithe and offering donations through our PayPal Giving Fund Account! Envelope giving is still available, should you choose to give in the traditional manner. Frequently Asked Questions: Will all of my donation be received by Bethel? Yes, Bethel will receive 100% of your donation amount. Do I need to sign up with PayPal? Yes, you do need a PayPal account to donate. There are no charges to have an account. Will donations made through PayPal be included in my Annual Giving Statement I receive from Bethel? No. After you donate, you ll get your PayPal Giving Fund tax receipt by . You will need to keep this as your receipt for tax purposes. Bethel will continue to issue yearly giving statements on funds given through envelope and bank automatic draft giving. Dispelling the Darkness On Good Friday, many churches hold a Tenebrae worship service. Tenebrae (Latin for darkness or shadows ) is an ancient Christian tradition that re-creates the emotions of Jesus Passion and death. The sanctuary gradually grows darker. A strepitus (Latin for loud noise ) may signify the closing of Jesus tomb. As the service concludes, a Christ candle stands alone on the altar, reminding worshipers that victory is coming on Easter morning. When Scottish missionary Peter Milne died in 1924, the thankful people he had served in the South Pacific inscribed this message on his headstone: When he came, there was no light; when he died, there was no darkness. Death s darkness couldn t conquer Jesus, the light of the world, so it does not conquer us. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5, ESV). B E T H E L B E L L

3 P A G E 3 BUMMs The BUMMs are starting their plans again for another Dinner and a Movie and we'll like your input. What movie and what kind of dinner? This is your chance to tell us how we can improve your spiritual journey, and have a little fun and entertainment along the way. As always, the BUMMs meet the second Saturday of every month at 8 AM in the Fellowship Hall, and all are welcome. If you'd like to be on the BUMM list send an to Rob Williams at: robin.williamsx@gmail.com

4 P A G E 4 March Youth Happenings: March 4 Bible study with Kim Payne Bethel Youth Ministry Thank you to all who helped with the 30 Hour Famine event that was hosted by Bethel this year. It took a lot of volunteers from all five churches involved, but the event was a huge success! Many individuals made a point of coming to me and thanking Bethel for hosting the event. Without Bethel hosting, we would not have had the event this year! March 16 - March 18 Journey Retreat for Middle School Youth March 18 - Help with FaithWeaver Friends from 4:00pm 6:00pm March 25 - Youth prepare breakfast for church at 7:00 am B E T H E L B E L L

5 P A G E 5 Bethel Saturday, April 14, a.m.- 2 p.m. (Set up Friday, April 13) Donations needed Workers needed for set up, clean up, pricing, selling Food vendors needed Sign up on sheet in narthex Donations Needed For more information contact; Karen Johnston kjohnston@bethelumc.org Women s History Month March is Women s History Month. It is now observed in countries around the world. March is a time to remember and honor the women who championed the cause of gender equality. It is also a good time to celebrate the gifts of not-sofamous women such teachers, health-care workers, first responders, child-care workers, mothers and those who become mothers to others. We seldom find their names in the media, but their names are written in the hearts of countless men and women whose lives have been enriched by them. As we approach Palm Sunday, let us recall the women who played a huge role in the life of Christ from birth to Crucifixion to Resurrection. Their legacy continues today. Facebook Bethel! We have a Facebook fellowship page that is open to all members. You can send words of encouragement, meeting reminders and post cancellations. The Fellowship Group is by invitation only so type Bethel UMC Fellowship in the Facebook search bar or go to: and send your request so you can stay connected today!

6 P A G E 6 Haiti Mission Trip 2018 I see God in the acts of kindness from our team, and the strong faith of these people. -Diane Nothnagel Eleven of us left BWI airport on a cold (15 degrees) morning. Our destination was Source a Philip on the island of La Gonave. We arrived at the capital of Port Au Prince in the afternoon. The temperature was now a hot 88 degrees. We came by family car, church bus, flew on two different planes, rode in extended van, took truck (Haitian taxi), rode in an old fishing boat, and lastly walked on foot to the final destination of SAP. Over the next ten days we would see four hundred patients at the clinic, give one hundred ninety school physicals in the school, have a mobile clinic to True Louis (see 75 patients), give out over one hundred reading glasses, set up hand washing station at the school, give tooth brushing instructions to all school children, and remove four large cysts. At the school, we paid six teachers and the principal five months of back pay up through February ($531 monthly), fed the teachers during the teacher training and VBS planning sessions, covered two blackboards in blackboard contact paper, and gave the gifts of school supplies. The school pastor and our pastor taught some religion lessons to the school children. Four scholarships were presented to the principal for the students. He enrolled some new students. I saw those students eat rice for their lunch. Sadly, I saw the students who weren t fed by scholarship or family assistance sit there while others ate. Our VBS was a huge success. The Haitian teachers led the entire program. The principal and superintendent led in a welcome and prayer. Students read the Bible verses, songs were sung, the stories were acted out by teachers, and crafts were done. Part way through, one hundred students were fed large plate of rice and beans, a chicken leg, and lemonade. Those who didn t have a plate shared another student s plate which had a double portion added. The highlight for me was when the children learned the song, This Little Light of Mine and were B E T H E L B E L L

7 P A G E 7 given a battery- operated tea light. The expression of wonder on the face of the younger children was a sight to behold. They marched in a circle around the building singing the song and proudly holding their shining light. As they left the building, they were given a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a bag of seeds, and their little lights. At night I could see little lights twinkling across the village. Some even brought his light to church the next day. The sewing ladies were given gifts from our church members. The ladies continue grow in the business. A goal is to make the school uniforms for the several schools on the island. The group is teaching lessons to younger women in the village and plan start a bakerytearoom to help the community s economy. The fishermen were given a micro loan to purchase a boat motor and solar batteries for the freezers. They can ice the fish until sold. Five abandoned toilets were broken up and rubble was used to terrace the hillside. Five fruit trees will be planted in the centers of the composted toilets. Community and family gardens were started. Composting and gray water ideas were taught to fertilize the soil and water the plants. A thousand seeds were given to the farmers. Moringa seeds were given also. The seeds from the trees are ground and added to food. This enriches the food with protein, minerals and vitamins. This is like the additives we place in the rice for the Rise Against Hunger event. We identified children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. The medical money fund provided transportation for each parent and child to the mainland, food and housing, transportation to Grace Children s Hospital, doctor s fees, x-rays, lab work, medicine, transportation to home, and money for a child to come back for therapy. Thank you for all your material gifts, financial gifts, and prayers of support. They do make a difference and help to change the lives of the people of this village. I see God in the acts of kindness from our team and the strong faith of these people. God is always with us, and He loves to see our use of our talents and compassion for all of His people. Diane Nothnagel

8 P A G E 8 March Communion Offering will be dedicated to Rise Against Hunger. Please give generously March 4th. The organization s approach to ending hunger centers on mobilizing a global network of hunger champions. Rise Against Hunger meal packaging volunteers produce millions of nutritious meals annually that are then distributed to partners in countries around the world. Those partners are best able to address the causes and effects of hunger based on their local presence and expertise. Through our thorough monitoring and evaluation process, we ensure the meals distributed by those partners are used as a tool to change lives by promoting education, improving students health and nutrition, addressing gender inequalities, stimulating economic growth and fighting child labor. Thank you for your support. Another core focus of Rise Against Hunger is responding to crises both natural and man-made. From droughts to floods, in conflict zones and transitioning political situations, food is often the most immediate need. When everyday access to food, wages, and market systems are destroyed in the wake of emergencies, Rise Against Hunger works through a network of in-country partners to address these needs. We strive to ensure aid is efficiently and effectively deployed to and received by communities when it is needed most. B E T H E L B E L L

9 St. Patrick's Life PAGE 9 Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was a Christian missionary credited with converting Ireland to Christianity in the AD 400s. So many legends surround his life, that the truth is not easily found. St Patrick was not actually Irish. His exact birthplace and date is not known. However it is believed he was born around 375AD in Scotland. His parents Calpurnius and Conchessa, were Romans living in Britain in charge of the colonies. His real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat, and he took on the name Patrick upon becoming a priest. As a teen he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland to herd and tend sheep on Slemish mountain, County Antrim. During his six-year captivity, he became fluent in the Irish language,and he turned to God in prayer. He escaped after having a dream sent from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast where he would find a ship waiting to sail to Britain. He is believed to have met up with his parents in Wales before travelling to France where he became a priest and later a bishop. Patrick was sent another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him to come and walk among them once more. He was set the task of teaching Christianity to the Irish. He travelled throughout Ireland, preaching the Gospel and converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Patrick preached and converted all over Ireland for 40 years. The date cited for when Ireland was converted to Christianity is 432. There is much debate over when and where he died. It is believed he died on 17 March, 460 at Saul, Downpatrick. That is why Saint Patrick's day is celebrated on March 17th. Some people suggest he was also born on 17 March. The clans of Ireland began to bicker over who should receive the honor of having his final resting-place on their land. To avoid this sacrilegious end to his life his friends secreted away his body to bury in a secret grave. Many believe this to be in Downpatrick, County Down, where there is a permanent memorial.

10 P A G E 10 Bethel Thu Mar 1, Calendar 6pm - 8pm Change in Action Where: Rooms 4. 6, 7, 8, 9 6pm - 7pm Girl Scouts Troop#1004 Meeting 6pm-10pm LRCSC Meeting 6pm-7pm 30 Hour Famine Follow-up Meeting Where: Youth Room 6:30-7:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastor s Office 7pm - 8pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8pm - 9pm Praise Band Fri Mar 2, pm - 9pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service Sat Mar 3, :30am - 2:30pm Mothers of Multiples Consignment Sale 9am - 10am Food, Fun & Fellowship Where: VFW Post am - 11am Alcoholics Anonymous Where: Rooms 5 & 6 10am - 11am AL-ANON Where: Room 9 11am - 3pm Lighthouse Outreach Service 3pm - 4pm Ham Radio Meeting Sun Mar 4, 2018 Communion Offering for Rise Against Hunger 8:30am - 10am Breakfast B E T H E L B E L L

11 Sun Mar 4, 2018 cont. P A G E 11 9am - 9:45am Sunday School Where: Multiple Rooms 10am - 11am Traditional Service 11:30am - 12:30pm Praise Service 1pm - 3pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service 4:30pm - 6:00pm Middle & High School Youth Group 4:30pm - 5:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastors office 6pm - 7pm Bible Study Mon Mar 5, pm - 8:00pm Worship Committee Meeting 7:30pm - 8:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tue Mar 6, :30am - 11:30am Bible Study Where: Pastor's Office 6pm - 7pm Discipleship Team Meeting 6pm - 8:30pm D.M. Eyesuse Church Bible Study 7:30pm - 9pm Boy Scouts Troops 1363 Wed Mar 7, pm - 8pm UMW Bible Study 6:30pm - 8:30pm Trustees Meeting 7pm - 9pm Bell Choir Rehearsal Thu Mar 8, 2018 Women s Emmaus Weekend 6pm - 8pm Change in Action Where: Rooms 4. 6, 7, 8, 9

12 P A G E 12 Bethel 2018 Calendar Thu Mar 8, 2018 cont. Though our feelings come and go, God s love for us does not. C.S. Lewis 6:30pm - 7:30pm Worship Design Team Where : Pastor s Office 6:30pm - 9pm Girl Scouts SU Meeting 7pm - 8pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7pm - 8:30pm Girl Scout Troop #2767 Meeting 8pm - 9pm Praise Band Fri Mar 9, Women s Emmaus Weekend 8pm - 9pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service Sat Mar 10, 2018 Women s Emmaus Weekend 8am - 10am BUMM Meeting 10am - 12pm NDC Rehearsal 10am - 11am AL-ANON Where: Room 9 10am - 11am Alcoholics Anonymous Where: Room 5 & 6 11am - 3pm Lighthouse Outreach Service Sun Mar 11, 2018 Daylight Savings Time Starts 8:30am - 10am Breakfast 9am - 9:45am Sunday School Where: Multiple Rooms 10am - 11am Traditional Service 11:30am - 12:30pm Praise Service 1pm - 2pm Finance Committee Meeting B E T H E L B E L L

13 Sun Mar 11, 2018 Daylight Savings Time Starts 1pm - 3pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service 2:30pm - 3:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 4:30pm - 8:30pm D.M. Eyesuse Church Special Service 4:30pm - 7pm Middle & Senior High Youth Group 4:30pm - 5:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastors office 6pm - 7pm Bible Study Mon Mar 12, pm - 7pm Girls Scout Daisy Troop Meeting Where: Room 9 7pm - 8:30pm Administrative Council Meeting 7:30pm - 8:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tue Mar 13, 2018 P A G E 13 10:30am - 11:30am Bible Study Where: Pastor's Office 6pm - 8:30pm D.M. Eyesuse Church Bible Study 7pm - 8pm Leadership Class Where: Room 13 7:30pm - 9pm Boy Scouts Troops 1363 Wed Mar 14, pm - 8pm UMW Bible Study 7pm - 9pm Bell Choir Rehearsal Thu Mar 15, pm - 8pm Change in Action Where: Rooms 4. 6, 7, 8, 9 6pm - 7pm Girl Scouts Troop#1004 Meeting

14 P A G E 14 Bethel 2018 Calendar Thu Mar 15, 2018 cont. 6:30-7:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastor s Office 7pm - 8pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7pm - 8pm AA District Meeting 7:30pm-9:30pm Rollingwood HOA #1 Meeting 8pm - 9pm Praise Band Fri Mar 16, 2018 Journey Youth Retreat 7pm - 8pm Wailing Women Anniversary Set up 8pm - 9pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service Sat Mar 17, 2018 Journey Youth Retreat 9am - 11am Alcoholics Anonymous Where: Room 5 & 6 10am - 4pm Wailing Women Anniversary & Sanctuary 10am - 11am AL-ANON Where: Room 9 3pm - 4pm Ham Radio Meeting Sun Mar 18, 2018 Journey Youth Retreat 8:30am - 10am Breakfast 9am - 9:45am Sunday School Where: Multiple Rooms 10am - 11am Traditional Service 11:30am - 12:30pm Praise Service 1pm - 3pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service B E T H E L B E L L

15 P A G E 15 Sun Mar 18, 2018 cont. 1pm - 3pm NDC Rehearsal 2:30pm - 3:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 4pm - 7pm FaithWeaver Friends, Fellowship Hall 4pm - 7pm Middle & Senior High Youth Group (Help w/faithweaver) 4:30pm - 5:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastors office 6pm - 7pm Bible Study Mon Mar 19, 2018 Newsletter Input Due 7pm - 8:30pm UMW Meeting 7:30pm - 8:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tue Mar 20, 2018 First Day of Spring 10:30am - 11:30am Bible Study Where: Pastor's Office 6pm - 8:30pm D.M. Eyesuse Church Bible Study 7:30pm - 9pm Boy Scouts Troops 1363 Wed Mar 21, pm - 8pm UMW Bible Study 7pm - 9pm Bell Choir Rehearsal Thu Mar 22, pm - 8pm Change in Action Where: Rooms 4. 6, 7, 8, 9 6:30-7:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastor s Office 7pm - 8pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7pm - 8:30pm Girl Scout Troop #2767 Meeting

16 P A G E 16 Bethel Thu Mar 22, 2018 cont. 8pm - 9pm Praise Band Fri Mar 23, Calendar 8pm - 9pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service Sat Mar 24, am - 11am Alcoholics Anonymous Where: Room 5 10am - 11am AL-ANON 11am - 3pm Lighthouse Outreach Service Sun Mar 25, 2018 Palm Sunday 8:30am - 10am Breakfast 9am - 9:45am Sunday School Where: Multiple Rooms 10am - 11am Traditional Service 11:30am - 12:30pm Praise Service 1pm - 3pm Harvest Korean Baptist Church Service 3pm - 4pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 4:30pm - 5:30pm Worship Design Team Where: Pastors Office 6pm - 7pm Contemplative Service Mon Mar 26, pm - 6pm Mission Team Meeting 6pm - 7pm Hospitality Team Meeting B E T H E L B E L L

17 Mon Mar 26, 2018 cont. 6pm - 7pm Girl Scout Daisy Troop Meeting Where: Room 9 7:30pm - 8:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tue Mar 27, 2018 P A G E 17 10:30am - 11:30am Bible Study Where: Pastor's Office 6pm - 8:30pm D.M. Eyesuse Church Bible Study 7pm - 8pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting Where: Room 13 7pm - 8pm SPRC Meeting 7:30pm - 9pm Boy Scouts Troops 1363 Wed Mar 28, pm - 8pm UMW Bible Study 7pm - 9pm Bell Choir Rehearsal Thu Mar 29, 2018 Maundy Thursday 6pm - 8pm Change in Action Where: Rooms 4. 6, 7, 8, 9 7pm - 8pm Maundy Thursday Service Where: Room 5 Fri Mar 30, 2018 Good Friday 8pm - 9pm Good Friday Worship Service Saturday Mar 31, 2018 Holy Saturday 9am - 11am Alcoholics Anonymous Where: Room 5 10am - 11am AL-ANON 1pm- 4pm Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt Where: Church Grounds

18 Bethel United Methodist Church Minnieville Road Woodbridge, VA Church Office: (703) Website: Bethel UMC Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Communion: 1st Sunday Baptism: As requested Membership: As requested Every Sunday 8:30 Breakfast Fellowship 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Traditional Service 11:30 Praise Service Every 4th Sunday 6:00 pm Contemplative Service Pastor Rev. Joseph A. Shoop Administrative Assistant Debbie Devendorf Financial Secretary Karen Johnston Director of Music Joe Swetnam Chancel Choir Director Amy Baillargeon Director of Children s Sunday School Audrey Lewis Nursery Director Susan Vieregge Newsletter Editor Debbie Devendorf Bethel March 2018 Assignments Communion Servers George Gero Nancy Gero Altar Guild Mar. 4 : Tonia Parker & Scarlett Parker Mar. 11 : Elaine Lee & Judy LaPorte Mar. 18 : Debbie Kimberlin & Cecilia McKeever Mar.25 : Debbie Kimberlin & Carolyn Frey Ushers Lead David Hale Minnie Hale Peggy Walsh Terry Walsh Lay Readers Mar. 4 : Rick Hauschildt Mar. 11 : George Gero Mar. 18 : Tonia Parker Mar. 25 : Rob Williams (Palm Sunday) Mar. 29 : Brian Lewis (Maundy Thursday) Mar. 30 : Tenebrae Service (Good Friday) Counters 1 st Sunday Harry Burket, Karen Johnston, Kathleen Lee 2 nd Sunday Harry Burket, Karen Johnston, Kathleen Lee 3 rd Sunday Jane Harris and Judy LaPorte 4 th Sunday Deb Broomall, and Ellie Klunder