CHESTNUT STREET UMC METHODIST MEN A 65 year history of ministry to men

CHESTNUT STREET UMC METHODIST MEN A 65 year history of ministry to men Chestnut Street Methodist Men began its ministry to men in 1953 with over 50 charter members. We have served an important ministry in our church. The annual Fish Fry that takes place the first Friday in October has been a fundraiser that has provided monies for college scholarships over many years. Also, the Fish Fry net proceeds have supported building funds for the church, Camp Rockfish, ACT campaign, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF), Ladies Parlor renovations, Prison Ministry, and Bolivia mission trips by Dr. Jesse Lamm, and other ministries connected to our church. Chestnut Street United Methodist Men meet every 3 rd Sunday at 8 a.m. in Asbury Hall for a delicious home cooked breakfast. Our breakfast cooks are led by Eddie Smith and Keith Taylor. All men who attend our church are invited to attend. Because of the annual Fish Fry, the Methodist Men have been able to give scholarships over the last 40 years to the following individuals: David Marler, Keith Taylor, Susan Williams, Lynn Morton, William Doares, Laura Mills, Kara Wagoner, Jonelle Davis, Pam Harrington, Johnny Goode, Mary Kate Doares, Lisa Holroyd, Allyn Morton, Joanna Price, Andy Price, Robert Fisher, Scott Brown, Steve Killian, Stephanie McLellan, Darren Hilburn, Doug Welsh, Brad Martin, Joanna Kennedy, Jason Everson, Scott Killian, David West, Jeff Holland, Rusty Baldwin, Sara Cleveland, Susan Cleveland, Brandon Gaines, Adam Hardin, Travis West, Stan Seals, Cole Sigmon, Mark Bergstresser, Bryan Jobe, Brittany Gaines, Jared Powers, Megan Valenti, Ryan Powers, Benjamin Bell, Troy Taylor, Hailey Sumner, Joshua Bengston, Brooke Burleson, Michael Bailey, Doris K. Paul, Joshua Sumner, Will Norton, Mary Grace Norton, Thomas Bailey, Kaylynn Leggett, Jesse Oliver, Caleb Edkins, Charles Paul, Lexi Stone, Dominic Dent and Bradley Patterson. (please note there were other students awarded college scholarships by the Trustees and United Methodist Women) See you at the Chestnut Street United Methodist Men s Annual Fish Fry on Friday, October 5 th! Chestnut Street United Methodist Church 200 East 8th Street Lumberton, NC 28359 NUTSHELL (PUBLICATION NO. 103-120) is published monthly by the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church, 200 E. 8 th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. Periodical postage is paid at Lumberton, NC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Nutshell, PO Box 1464, Lumberton, NC 28358

September 2018 Church Staff PASTOR Rev. Herbert Lowry, Jr. DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Jan Kennedy ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kyle Donaldson FINANCIAL PROCESSOR Debra Lewis YOUTH DIRECTOR Kyle Donaldson MUSIC DIRECTOR Tricia Horvath ORGANIST Jane Hale CUSTODIAN Dennis McBayne 910-739-3304 www.chestnutst.org csumc@ncrrbiz.com Mission Statement: Worship, Welcome, and Nurture as We Serve Christ in Love

Prison Ministry /Jon Everson & Eddie Smith (Leaders) Gibson Gray Dorothy Watts Lucy Cline Dr. Ben Hardin Lynda Price Jeanette Shanklin Joyce Musselwhite Linda Wade Jane West Laura Artis Jon Thorston Helen Sharpe Jackie Whitley Julie Lamb Vada Dowless Yvonne Hutchinson Lou Ann Cleveland Charles Paul NAVHOSP box 6071B Beaufort, SC 29902-614B PRAYER CONCERNS Golden Living: Virginia Martin Knollwood Village: Faye & Olin Welsh Missionaries: Rev. Virgil (Butch) Huffman, Missionary, UMVIM, 226 George Wilton Dr., Clayton, N.C. 27520 Wesley Pines Retirement Center: Ellenor Lorman, Mary Stephenson Townsend, Margaret Folger, Dorothy Ruddle, Catherine Black, Mary Lamm, Joyce Gammon, Meta Wood, Grace Stallings WEDNESDAY NIGHT L.I.V.E. Live In Victory Everyday Need to connect with the flock mid-week for spiritual food and a fellowship meal? Dinner is at 5:30 in Asbury Hall followed by Pastor Herbert leading a Bible study discussion. Dinner reservations are required by Tuesday noon by calling the church office -739-3304. $6 for adults and $3 for K-6 th grade. Preschoolers eat free. Not interested in meals? Come for the devotional time at 6:00pm. September Menus 2018 Sept. 5 Salmon cakes, baked potato, green salad, rolls, beverage Sept. 12 Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green limas, rolls, beverage Sept. 17 Chicken pastry, coleslaw, fresh fruit, rolls, beverage Sept. 26 Pork chops, rice/gravy, cabbage, rolls, beverage VOLUNTEERS Many of you have asked about the task force on communications that has been in the bulletin for a few weeks. Thank you for your interest and for those who came to the meetings. Some of the results you will see in the coming weeks as to how our communication process can be more effective. Two such concerns are in the following two announcements: 1. ISO (In Search of) a tech team! We need two or three folks to work together to implement the contents for the screen for worship each week and to operate the projector during our worship. Please contact Kyle in the church office if you are interested and need more info as to what is involved in this ministry. 2. We are blessed to have new members to join CSUMC! There is an immediate need for a person/couple to accept the responsibility for welcoming members and help engage them into the life of our church. Contact Jan in the office if you are interested in this ministry and need more information.

Women s Circle Readers Circle will meet Monday Sept. 10 at 10am in the library. Visionaries Circle will meet Monday Sept. 10 at 3pm at the home of Beth Ray. Service Seekers Circle will meet on Monday Sept. 10 at 7pm at the home of Katherine Fisher. ONGOING MINISTRY Shower Kits Items for shower kits are needed: towel, wash cloth, soap, shower cap, tooth paste, deodorant, gallon -size plastic bags Front Door Ministry Needs Vienna Sausage, crackers, cookies, pudding cups. Did You Know? Did you know that we have had three Family Trivia Nights this year with pizza and prizes? Did you know that we had a record number of 58 guest for Hope s Table in August? Did you know that the bus has traveled 3479.6 miles since June 26 th? The Hearts and Hands Bazaar It is usually held the Saturday before Thanksgiving and on the same day as the Lumberton Christmas Parade. I am asking if someone would step forward and chair or what Jane West and I did, we both were co-chairs for the event. Jane and I have kept notes and schedules on what needs to be done and when it needs to be completed. We can help plan and set up. We are unable to run this event this year. If no one steps up to chair (or co-chair) the event, we will probably cancel it for this year. Any questions, please contact Jane West at 910-739- 9324 or Diane Buri 630-930-9094. Circuit Riders September 20 Wilson, NC-Whirligigs and Baseball Hall of Fame. Dinner at Parker s Barbecue Depart at 8:30am Back around 5pm. Cost $20 trip and gas 7 spaces left. Oct. 19-20 Overnight Hendersonville, Nc. Flatrock Playhouse Pickin and a Grinnin Depart 8am. Lunch at Orr s Family Restaurant Supper Chick-Fil-A. Motel Red Roof Inn continental breakfast (828) 697-1213 Reserve ASAP Cost $135 plus tax. Deposit $60 Due ASAP. Includes play, driver & gas. 5 spaces left. November trip to Alabama Theatre is full.

Thank You to all who honored or memorialized these saints in the past month: In Memory: Dr. H.M. Baker, Jr. Edith Duncan J.W. Bailey In Honor: Keith Taylor Amby Taylor Pastor Lowry Robby Pittman Carey & Joanna Read & Family Lisa Regan Family William T. Rhodes Family Dorothy Ruddle Smitty & Michele Smith Linda Stewart Carter Sutton If you are a new member to Chestnut St UMC or new to United Methodism you are invited to attend the Pastor s new member class. Come to the church library on Sunday, Sept. 23 from 4:00-5:00. There will be time for questions, meet staff, tour the church facility, and get to know each other. Methodist Men Fish Fry - Friday, October 5 th Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us for our Annual Fish Fry on Friday, October 5 th with take outs lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and for dine in and take outs dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased from Methodist Men and the church office. Please call the church office at 739-3304 for more information.

UPDATE Some are aware of the great debate among 'the people called Methodist' regarding human sexuality. This debate has been going on since 1968, when the Methodist Church merged/joined with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to create/form what is now the United Methodist Church. In 1972, the first General Conference (General Conference is the governing body for Methodism and meets every 4 years/quadrennial) was held for the newly formed denomination. At this gathering, language was placed into the Book of Discipline (The law book of our denomination) that expressed our stance on the issues of homosexuality, marriage and many other important matters. In short, the present language states that the practice of homosexuality is contrary to Christian teaching and repugnant to the Word of God. (I italicized the word practice because of the difference between practice and sexual orientation. For example, homosexual practice is the activities that goes along with such practices. Sexual orientation is an innate awareness of same sex attraction minus the practice.) Furthermore, we do not ordain homosexual persons, allow homosexual unions/marriages to be performed by our clergy nor are such unions or marriages to be held on our properties. We define marriage as "between one man and one woman." We affirm abstinence in singleness and fidelity in marriage. However, over the past decade many pastors after having been ordained came "out of the closet" and began to live a homosexual life style. Other pastors, many of which are not homosexual, have violated church law by performing homosexual unions or marriages. Pastors, Bishops, nor Annual Conferences have been held accountable for these acts of disobedience and defiance, despite our stance being Church Law which was agreed upon by every General Conference since 1972. The defiance and disobedience we are experiencing is occurring in greater or lesser degree depending on one's geographical location. For example, the Pacific Northwest Jurisdiction has sadly elected an openly gay and married Bishop. Most recently, one of our annual conferences in the Northeast has ordained our denomination's first transgender clergy. Thus, the United Methodist Church is at the dawn of a great schism and division. In an effort to avoid a division/split, the 2016 General Conference formed the "Commission on the Way Forward," a 32-member team from around the world consisting of Clergy, Lay Men and Lay Women of different theological viewpoints to help navigate us through these stormy waters. The COWF has completed its work and is offering up 3 recommendations they refer to as: 1) Traditional, 2) The One Church Plan, and 3) Connectional Conference Plan. The latter plan, because of the extremely high bar necessary to achieve it, is almost impossible and very few people even consider it. Many think we are left with options 1 or 2, as well as any options that come from the floor of the Special General Conference to be held in St. Louis on February 23-26, 2019. You are invited to a time of conversation, for our local congregation, to reflect further and in greater detail on what effect the decision(s) made during the Special General Conference will have on Chestnut Street UMC. This time of conversation will be a great learning opportunity for all whether you are a life-long Methodist or new to Methodism. Please place the date Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 4:00 pm on your calendar for our time of conversation. Preacher WORDS FROM THE PASTOR

September ACOLYTES 2. Payne Stone & Hunter Edkins 9. Grace Stone & Madison Ford 16. Stephen Conser & Ben Ervin 23. Sam & David Ervin 30. Gavin & Garrett Merlo ALTAR GUILD Beth Mitchell LECTOR Jon Everson MONTHLY NURSES Joyce Musselwhite Pat Horne Jean Harris Jo Ann Falls NURSERY HELPER Brittany Wade FLOWER CHART 2. Betty Jean S. Nicholson 9. Lee Summersett 16. Jennifer White 23. Altmann, Riah, & Brenleigh 30. Beth Mitchell USHERS CSUMC Youth TRUSTEE OF THE MONTH Ken Windley STEPHEN MINISTERS 2. Monroe Williams 9. Marilyn Duncan 16. Herma Jordan 23. Jan Kennedy 30. Garry Kennedy OFFERING VERIFICATION 2. Linda Wade & Greg Price 9. Jimmy Harrington & Angela Sumner 16. Gayle Windley & Mike Hardin 23. Diane Buri & Jon Everson 30. Keith Taylor & Susan Hayes HOPE S TABLE Sept. 22 Covenant Class Oct. 27 Wesley Friendship Nov. 24 UMW If you choose a florist other than Flowers By Billy please let Billy know so the church will not be charged. Picture Directory Updated Information Names & Addresses of the most recent members of CSUMC Gary & Mary McKenzie-1000 Wesley Pines Rd. Lumberton, N.C. Chuck & Carol Austin 1013 Riverside Blvd. Lumberton, N.C. Finley & Ruth Read 1000 Wesley Pines Rd. Lumberton, N.C. Frank & Tricia Horvath 2300 Galatia Ch. Rd. Raeford, N.C. 28376 Joe & Katie Butler 4212 Cricklewood St., Lumberton, N.C. Jim & Deb Nellis 5003 Willow Oak Dr. Lumberton, N.C.

September Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1. 9:30 Emmaus Reunion Group 2. 9:30 Sunday School 10:00 Children s Choir 10:30 Worship 5:00 Pastor Bible Study 3. OFFICE CLOSED 4. 9:00 Weight Watchers 11:30 PAT Adelios 6:30 Chancel Choir 7:30 Praise Team 5. 10:30 Pastor Bible Study 12:00 Lunch N Fun 5:30 WNL 6:30 Mission Committee 6. 7:00 Praise Team 7. 8. 9:30 Emmaus Reunion Group 9. 9:30 Sunday School 10:00 Children s Choir 10:30 Worship 5:00 Pastor Bible Study 6:00 UMYF 10. 10:00 Reader s Circle 3:00 Visionaries Circle 7:00 Service Seeker s Circle 11. 9:00 Weight Watchers 6:30 Chancel Choir 12. 10:30 Pastor Bible Study 12:00 Lunch N Fun 5:30 WNL 6:30 Finance Committee 13. 7:00 Praise Team 14. Deadline for T- shirt sale 15. 9:30 Emmaus Reunion Group 16. 8:00 UMM Breakfast 9:30 Sunday School 10:00 Children s Choir 10:30 Worship 5:00 Pastor Bible Study 6:00 UMYF-Parents 17. 18. 9:00 Weight Watchers 6:30 Chancel Choir 19. 10:30 Pastor Bible Study 12:00 Lunch N Fun 5:30 WNL 6:30 Trustee Committee 20. 7:00 Praise Team Circuit Riders Trip 21. 22. 9:30 Emmaus Reunion Group Hope s Table 23. 9:30 Sunday School 10:00 Children s Choir 10:30 Worship 4:00 New Member Class 5:00 Pastor Bible Study 6:00 UMYF 24. 25. 9:00 Weight Watchers 10:30 Wesley Pines 6:30 Chancel Choir 26. 10:30 Pastor Bible Study 12:00 Lunch N Fun 5:30 WNL 6:45 UMC 27. 7:00 Praise Team 28. 29. 30. 9:30 Sunday School 10:00 Children s Choir 10:30 Worship 5:00 Pastor Bible Study 6:00 UMYF SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 3. Macey Reynolds 15. Bailee Luper 4. Jo Ann Falls 18. Gwen Bengtson 5. Michael Bryan 20. Colin Sutton 6. Ann Neese 23. Margaret Folger Diane Buri 25. Carolyn Stephens 12. Lynda Price Olivia Oliver 30. Dylan Scott **All of us enjoy celebrating our special day of the year. Birthdays will now be printed on the monthly calendar. Please notify the church office of your birthday and month if you would like to be listed. **

Deadline is Sept. 13

ABOUT THE COVER Reflections from the 2018 Festival of Wisdom & Grace A conference for finding purpose and renewal in the second half of life. During the week of August 13-16, eight Chestnut Streeters engaged in worship, study, fellowship and recreation at beautiful Lake Junaluska, N.C. Each segment enabled us to explore the meaning of wisdom and grace, and how to receive, nurture and pass it on. Each workshop, worship session and entertainment focused on the theme: The Wish Shall Shine. From the eight workshops we could select three to attend. Those most popular with our group included Keeping Sharp; Cognitive Training for Senior Brain Health, Defining Your Purpose for the Second Half of Life, Using Social Media for Good (Not Evil), and Wisdom to Share: Connecting through Story. A new feature in 2018 was a time for 6 optional learning circles. Conference participants volunteered to share their passions for a particular subject. These mini sessions included Paper Quilling for Beginners, Hiking in the Smokies, Stress Management through Body Movement and Message, and From Journal to Published Memoir. Older adults from nine states and thirteen General United Methodist Conferences attended this event. The conference preacher was Rev. Heidi Neumark from Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan. The teaching pastor was Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith who recently retired from Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas, and Rev. Roger Dowdy an ordained deacon in the Virginia Conference, led the morning devotions. There were 240 attendees this year. Hopefully we can triple out attendance next year. Save the dates: August 5-8, 2019!! Let s fill our new bus next year. A big thank you to Pastor Herbert and Mitch Mitchell who both graciously volunteered to drive the bus to Junaluska for us...jan Kennedy From Phiena Doares: The Wisdom and Grace Conference was a mountaintop experience for me. It gave me a deeper understanding of my faith and knowledge. Knowledge without wisdom is lacking, because we need that wisdom that comes from God. This wisdom gives us understanding. I also learned as we age we all need purpose and identity in our lives. The worship,music, drama, and workshops were very inspiring.being with my church family was a special highlight of the event. From Carolyn Britt: About my week at Lake Junaluska super preaching, wonderful people, (delicious food) inspiring worship, joyful singing, informative workshops, howling entertainment and fantastic bus drivers and company. From Debbie Powers: What a great weekend spent with so many people who have helped mold me the first 2/3's of my life. Thank you special people for your inspirations. This conference helped me to see where I am in my life spiritually and let me see how to pre-plan my retirement. My last 1/3 years, I will strive to attend. small groups and retreats to help me continue to grow spiritually, to know, love and serve my God deeper while I go where He needs me but mostly to tell my story so others may better grow to love and know Christ as I have learned throughout my life. From Ann Smith: I wrote down a quote last week: "If you want to be a friend of God, you must be wise." This wisdom must come Through us, not From us. How? By telling and sharing stories! Let words, written or spoken, flow through us so they can be understood and remembered.

From Rev. Stan Smith: Festival of Wisdom and Grace in 2018 had an outstanding speaker in Dr. Clayton Smith who spoke on life lessons of wisdom and grace. The preacher, The Rev. Heidi Neumark who was a Lutheran minister was exceptionally good. I did not know either one. It just goes to show you can trust the Upper Room and Lake Junaluska to get excellent leadership for its conferences. From Beth Mitchell: I was fortunate to be able to attend the Festival of Wisdom and Grace Conference along with Phiena Doares, Jan Kennedy, Carolyn Britt, Stan and Ann Smith, Debbie Powers and Becky Ward, August 13-16 at Lake Junaluska. We left the church at 8:00 a.m. with our bus driver, Pastor Lowry, arriving at Lake Junaluska at about 2:00 p.m. We checked into the Terrace, which had a beautiful view of the lake and mountains. The threeday event was an exciting blend of speakers, workshops, worship and fellowship designed especially for older adults. I particularly enjoyed the pastor, Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith, a recent retiree from Church of the Ressurrection in Leawood, Kansas. My favorite workshop was Wisdom to Share: Connecting through Story. We re planning a small group here at CSUMC based on this workshop. It was a wonderful experience we learned a lot and enjoyed beautiful views and weather. From Becky Ward: Wisdom and Grace was such an inspiration for me. I met so many new wonderful, spiritual and friendly people and learned about so many other aspects of my Christianity. It helped me to go forward in peace with my retirement. Although, I would have loved to have experienced this ten (10) years ago, I still feel more at ease with facing the upcoming years. Wisdom and Grace helped to draw me closer to my spirituality and also to those that experienced it with me. It also re-enforced my dependence on him (Jesus). As Psalms 91:2 states--god is my refuge and my fortress, and in him I will trust. Sharing Your Wisdom: Share Your Story Small Group for those interested sharing life s experiences through storytelling. Journaling faith and life experiences will be part of the gathering time. We will work together on the book; Remembering Your Story by Richard L. Morgan. 4 weeks only- Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the church conference room. Debbie Powers and Jan Kennedy will facilitate this group. To register call Jan at 734-3304.

Deadline is Sept. 13