Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Circuit Rider November 2018 Brothers and sisters, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! During the month of November, Americans traditionally give thanks to God for the abundance of the harvest and the product of our labors. One of Jesus great teaching parables involves a sower who cast seed along the ground. The sower hoped the seeds would sprout, grow, and bear good fruit. Some seeds did just that, producing a great harvest. But others, Jesus said, fell among thorns and, though they began to grow, these good plants were quickly choked out. Jesus said the thorns were the cares of the world and the lure of wealth (Matthew 13:22). Continued on pg. 10 Our Christmas Card box will be out the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Send cards to your church family without a stamp. Deposit your cards in the box and our Christmas Card Lady and her Helper will deliver them for you. Avoid the rush... Mail early! Mark Your Calendar Nov 2 & 3 Dinner Theater and Silent Auction Nov 4 All Saints Sunday Nov 8 Music Jam 7pm Nov 10 Annual Craft Fair Nov 11 World Peace Prayer Vigil Nov 12 Church/Charge Conference Nov 18 Bible Presentation 8:30 & 11 Nov 18 Family Skate Night Nov 19 Blood Drive - MVFD Nov 21 Ecumenical Service 7pm Living World Community Church Nov 25 All Services held in Fellowship Hall Mt. Zion s 2018 Vision: Building a Welcoming Community of faith centered on Jesus Christ that reaches beyond our walls.
Page 2 Circuit Rider November 2018 Donations made in memory of Loved Ones Donations were made to the Hungry Team in memory of Dolores Farr by: Tom & Ouida Starbuck Charles & Barbara Payne Joe & Ann Stammy Ms. Marie Cecil Caren & John William Shirley & Phil Epparod Joann Jargo and Family The Patto/WHO Federal Credit Union Staff and Volunteers The Conte Family (Peter/JoAnne) Miguel & Beverly Bolida D. Castiglione James & Pam Howard Nia Perry Billie Geisbert A Donation was made to the Memorial Fund in memory of Dolores Farr by: Helga Ammann A Donation was made to the LED sign in memory of Dolores Farr by McLeod Farr Donations were made to the Hungry Team in memory of C.W. Hoyle by: Tom & Ouida Starbuck Billie Geisbert Judy Bailey A Donation was made to the Memorial Fund in memory of C.W. Hoyle by: Irma Graves Carol and James Harrison Jennie Edwards Dick and Nardine Daniels A Donation was made to the Memorial Fund in memory of Norma Greenwell by Bernard & Mary Sewell. Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical Service Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 pm Living Word Community Church 39371 Harpers Corner Rd, Mechanicsville Bring non-perishable food and an offering to benefit the people served by the Hungry Team. The churches which support the Hungry Team will gather Thanksgiving Eve for worship and fellowship. Mark your calendars for this annual opportunity to worship with our neighbors and to remember those who need a helping hand. The Hungry Team Christmas Caring Gift Program Last year when I helped families choose gifts at Toys for Tots I was sad because there were no books for the children. So this year I have been collecting new and gently used books for children 0-12. St. Mary s County Christmas Caring began collaborating with Toys for Tots in 2010. If you have gently used books, paperback or hardback, that your children or grandchildren have outgrown, please place them in the book box outside the office. Thank you for contributing to this project. Nancy Cardinale For more information, call the Division of Human Services at 301-475-4200, ext. 1680.
Page 3 Circuit Rider November 2018
Page 4 Circuit Rider November 2018 UNITED METHODIST MEN All men are invited to join us every second Saturday of the month. Our next UMM meeting will be Saturday, November 17, 7:30am, fellowship hall. David Wright, UMM President Thank You Ron and Vickie Frederick for heading up the Spaghetti Dinner. Thank you for your time, energy, and willingness to take on this ministry to help raise funds for Mt. Zion. You brought the church family together, not as groups, but as individuals, greeting our guests, serving our guests, preparing the food, providing baked goods, setting up the Fellowship Hall that was welcoming, and then the cleanup. The evening was filled with WILLING HEARTS AND HELPING HANDS. As guests left they were smiling and saying how good everything was and they will be back. Thank You, Ken Cardinale for heading up the UMM BBQ Chicken Drive Thru Dinner that was held on Oct. 6th. Thank you to everyone that came out Friday I leave with... evening to prepare for Saturday. Preparing God s Cake author unknown the dinner bags, wrapping the dinner rolls, Sometimes we wonder, What did I do to filling containers with applesauce and beets. deserve this? or Why did God have to do Then back Saturday to cook the string beans, this to me? Here is a wonderful explanation! baked potatoes and the BBQ Chicken. Thank A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she s failing algebra, her you to everyone that helped with the grilling of the chicken, helping in the kitchen, Dino Mahaffey prepar- and boyfriend Tom Keller broke up with her and her best ing the dinner bags for our guests, the Girl Scouts again offering their delicious homemade desserts. The Boy Scouts that acted as runners. The greeters out front that welcomed our guests and took their orders. Thank you to those that came up the hill in support of the dinner. Then clean up. Special thank you to Willie Hill for bringing his famous grill once again and helping with the grilling. The Willing Hearts and Helping Hands made this a sold out event. The men s meeting held on Oct. 13 was well attended and everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast and fellowship before getting down to business. John Paust opened with a very moving devotional. Discussion was held on many topics. The officers for 2019 were confirmed: Chaplain John Paust, President Dave Wright, Vice Pres Dick Steiber, Secretary Jeff Applebaugh, Treasurer-Bobby Johnson, Activities Chair-Tom Keller. Thank you gentlemen. friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, Absolutely Mom, I love your cake. Here, have some cooking oil, her Mother offers. Yuck says her daughter. How Continued on pg. 5
Page 5 Circuit Rider November 2018 Continued from pg. 4 UMM about a couple raw eggs? Gross, Mom! Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda? Mom, those are all yucky! To which the mother replies, Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But, God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for the good! We just have to trust Him and eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He will listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. Life may not be the party we expected but while we are here we might as well dance. Hope your day is a piece of cake! George Hill UMM 301-884-9539 Sunday Sermons and Scripture Available On-Line www.mtzionmech.org Click LISTEN TO OUR SERMONS Did you miss a Sunday? Did you feel so inspired that you feel someone else needs to hear it? Or just want to enjoy the sermon again? Sermons and scriptures uploaded every week and are available for 90 days. Youth Group Information High School Youth Group meeting Sunday Nov 18 from 6:00-7:30 pm Middle School Youth Group meeting Fridays, Nov 9 and 16 from 6:30-8:00 pm November 11 at 3pm both Youth Groups are invited to Pat Fulcher s Home. He is going to show the Youth his Black Smith Shop. Great learning experience from someone who has a true gift and would like to share. For more information about Events coming up for the youth to participate in, contact Tina Diggle at: teen.adult.ministry.mtzion@gmail.com. A big THANK YOU to everyone who purchased a Wall Calendar that the Youth were selling to support our Youth Groups. Hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures and Scriptures! (If you missed them there might be a few left only $8.00! Contact Tina Diggle) Mechanicsville Elementary School Positive Reward Store MES needs our help gathering items for their Mustang Store. Examples of items for the collection are: colorful pencils, fun erasers, stickers, coloring books, crayons, notepads, notebooks, small toys, travel size games, and hair accessories. Let your imagination run wild as to what young elementary school children would enjoy. A bin to collect the items can be found outside the church office. Contact David Wright
Page 6 Circuit Rider November 2018 Christian Education In Everything Give Thanks CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERING COINS FOR CARING WISHING WELL Being generous with our Blessings is an important part of our faith journey and our children are encouraged to start thinking about how their money ( coins ) can help others. There is no amount too small when given by a child. This simple act teaches them to give to others just as Jesus would like us to do. All of the Coins for Caring in November will go to the Food Pantry here at Mt. Zion. At the end of the month, we will show the children how much they collected and the food pantry, so they can make the connection of how their Coins really help those in need. Thank you for your support. God s Blessings. Bible Presentation Sunday November 18 If your child/children are in grades 3rd through 5th and haven t received a Bible, please contact Arielle Crooks by phone at 301-351-6805 or by email at MtZion.ChildrensMinistry@gmail.com Family Night Out Sunday November 18 2-5p.m Join other church families for fun, fellowship and skating at Leonardtown Recreation Center! Cost is $5 per person. Skate rental is $2.50. 23145 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Thanksgiving Celebration November 25th there will be no Sunday School. All Services will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Join your family for Worship. Bring a dish to share. Pot luck brunch during each service.
Page 7 Circuit Rider November 2018 RED STOCKINGS From the UMC-Board of Child Care will be here soon & will be handed out during Sunday School (also available in the entrance of the sanctuary.) Everyone is encouraged to participate in this Outreach program to benefit children who have been orphaned, abused, or abandoned in the Balt, Wash, West VA, and Southern MD area. Fill the stockings with $5.00 in quarters, or cash/check. Return to the church office Attn: Arielle Crooks by Dec. 20th. Thanks in advance for helping with this valuable outreach program! Christmas Cantata Shout the Good News December 16, 6:30 pm There is a place in the Cantata for our Sunday School children. ALL Sunday School Children are encouraged to be a part of this Fun Program! During one Narration, while the story of Jesus birth is told, our Children will be there dressed in character. Our Tonechimes Choir will perform and our Sunday school children will sing songs they are going to learn over the next couple of weeks in Sunday school. Children do not need to be able to read. All are welcome. If your children are interested in participating, please reach out to Arielle Crooks by phone (301) 351-6805 or by email: MtZion.ChildrensMinistry@gmail.com Enough by Adam Hamilton Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity November 4th 18th Jean Neely will be leading a three week study from the book Enough during 9:45 service in the parlor. Books for this study are available for $5. Please contact Arielle Crooks if you need one. Advent Study - The Wonder of Christmas by Ed Robb and Rob Renfroe 10am Monday Morning Bible Class will begin this 4-week study led by Lucy Crabtree on November 12. If you would like to join this group in the blue room, please tell Lucy Crabtree or Tina Diggle.
Page 8 Circuit Rider November 2018 U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T W O M E N Circle of Friends invite you to join our group in Fellowship and help us with the many Missions we do for our church! Our next meeting will be November 3, 7:30am in the Blue Room. Any questions, please call me anytime. Thank you and Blessings to all, Carolyn Ayers, President 301-884-5523. The UMW Circle of Friends held our meeting this month on Saturday, October 13th in the blue room of The Family Life Center. We had 16 members in attendance. Our devotion was read by Carolyn Ayers and taken from God's Inspirational Promises by Max Lucado on Being Hospitable. Carol Harrison opened the meeting with a prayer. We shared our Joys and Concerns followed by a lite breakfast. We are approaching a very busy time, not only in our personal lives but in the season of our church. We passed around many signup sheets. There was the sign-up for our bakers for our Fellowship muffins for the year 2019 and the food for our monthly breakfast meetings. We also volunteered to help at the Dinner Theater on November 2nd and 3rd as servers and helpers at the Silent Auction. The next item on the agenda is the Craft Fair on November 10th, sponsored by our sisters in Sarah Circle. Last year was the first year we actually had items for sale, and it was a great success. We really enjoyed working together to offer a large variety of things for the holiday season. We were surprised at the amount of talent in our group and learned a lot about each other's interests. We will again have crafts and homemade candies. We will also have our prayer cubes and the ever popular scrubbies for sale. Bring your Christmas gift list and see what we have to offer. We are also donating baked goods to Sarah Circle for their bake sale. We had to cancel our October visit to The Veteran's Home. A few of us had previous commitments and there weren't enough of us to carry out the sing-a-long. We will be there in November to help celebrate Veteran's Day with the residents. We would love to have you join us. We will be sending World Vision $150 to help purchase a well for a community in Africa. We usually give more but have decided to put that money to helping with our church expenses. Nancy Cardinale Picnic asked in the if Park we would help her with funds to purchase books for Toys 4 Tots. Our October muffin donations will help with this project. If you have new or gently used children's books, ages 0-12, please consider donating them to this cause. Reading is a wonderful gift. We discussed The Operation Christmas Child program. There was an article in the October 12th edition of the Enterprise about this project. Shoeboxes are filled with items such as toys, clothing, toothbrushes, etc. and sent to those in need. We also thought we could do this for the needy in our own community. Continued on pg. 9
Page 9 Circuit Rider November 2018 Continued from pg. 8 UMW We will begin collecting CLEAN gallon jugs in November to be used as luminaries, decorating our church grounds during the Christmas Eve services. We need anywhere between 200 and 250 clear jugs. Thank you in advance, you have never let us down. I want to thank Pastor Steve for attending our meeting and wish a Happy Birthday to our birthday " girls" this month, Ouida Starbuck and Glenda Hill! May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 God's Blessings, Carolyn Ayers, COF President Special Thank You I cannot thank the Church and the Ladies enough that served such a wonderful lunch for our family and friends after Dolores funeral service. Dolores relationship with Mt. Zion goes back to when she went to Mt. Zion in the 40 s with the Dixons. Thank you again for the Church and Pastor Steve being there for our Family. Sincerely, McLeod Farr United Methodist Women Sarah Circle Sarah Circle met on October 10th with 10 members present. We opened with a prayer and Ginny Southard read a devotion, "Rejoicing with Friends". We got right down to business finishing our plans for The Craft Fair. On November 10th the fun begins at 9am when doors open. First, be sure and register for a door prize. Next, stop by the kitchen for a drink and a delicious snack. Then wander up and down the rows of crafters and vendors and see all the wonderful things for sale! Jewelry, ornaments, wood crafts, pens, quilts, gifts and more. Find inspirational gifts and surprises for all your family and friends. Lots of delicious home baked goods; pies, cakes, cookies, apple dumplings, breads and more to choose from. Now you will be ready for a bowl of homemade soup or a hot dog for lunch. Energized you'll be ready to look for more treasures. Sarah Circle invites you to be part of this event. Please help us by baking your goodies and bringing them for us to sell at the Craft Fair. Sarah Circle donates all proceeds from the Craft Fair to charities, mostly ones focused on helping children and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Our next meeting will be November13th at 11am in the blue room. Bring a bag lunch and join us. Ginny Southard will bring the cake and Dee Roland will have devotions. See you at the Craft Fair! Submitted by Lucy Crabtree
Page 10 Circuit Rider November 2018 Continued from pg. 1 Brothers and Sisters, In a culture where having enough seems to have become a never-ending pursuit, Jesus parable remains incredibly relevant. Many of us are chasing the American dream in ways that lead to stress, anxiety, and fear thorns that can rob us of the ability to enjoy the abundant lives of purpose that God intended for us. All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, over the next four weeks, I will be preaching a sermon series called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. During this time, we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management through corporate worship and small group study. (Jean Neely will be teaching the Sunday School class at an accelerated pace.) We ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation. I hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy. Schedule of Events October 28 When Dreams Become Nightmares November 4 Wisdom and Finance November 11 Cultivating Contentment November 18 Defined by Generosity November 25 Thanksgiving Weekend Your brother and pastor, Steve Humphrey At the conclusion of the series, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in a special worship service on Thanksgiving weekend. (I m playing with the idea of holding all three services over brunch in the fellowship hall. Please contact me if you have thoughts on the topic or would like to help.)
November 2018 Recurring Weekly Events are Bolded Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Dinner Theater Set-up (mp) Silent Auction Set-up (par/ms/hs) 11:30am Prayer Group (gr) 12pm Preschool Lunch (bl) 2 8am Food Pantry (gr) Dinner Theater Set-up (mp) Silent Auction Set-up (par/ms/hs) 6:30pm MS Group (outside location) 7:45pm Covenant Discipleship Group (gr) 3 Comedy/Mystery Dinner Theater Capisce and Silent Auction (parlor) Doors Open 6pm Show Starts 6:30pm 6:30pm AA (bl) 4 All Saints Sunday Silent Auction Clean-up (par B) 2pm Girl Scouts (MS) 5 6 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 11am Yoga (mp) 7pm Trustees (bl) 6:30pm Story (par) 6:30pm Childcare (HS) 6:30pm AA (bl) 7pm Disciple 1 (gr) 7pm Boy Scouts (mp) 7 12pm JumpBunch (mp) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 5pm Tonechimes (par) 7pm Disciple 4 (par) 7pm Chancel Choir (ch) 7pm Antique Power (gr/bl) 8 11:30am Prayer Group (gr) 12pm Preschool Lunch (ms) 6:30pm SPRC (bl) 7pm Music Jam (mp) 9 Craft Fair Set-up (mp) 6:30pm MS Group (par) 7:45pm Covenant Discipleship Group (par) 10 7:30am UMM (par) 7:30am COF/UMW (choir) Annual Craft Fair 9am-2pm 11am Cook Service 11 12pm Hayes Event (mp/kit) 12 6:30pm Church/Charge Conference (bl) 13 11am Sarah Circle (bl) 11am Yoga (mp) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 14 11am Preschool Chapel (Sanc) 12pm JumpBunch (mp) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 5pm Tonechimes (par) 7pm Disciple 4 (par) 7pm Chancel Choir (ch) 15 Circuit Rider Articles Due 11:30am Prayer Group (gr) 12pm Preschool Lunch (ms) 6:30pm Visitation Care (gr) 16 6:30pm MS group (mp) 7:45pm Covenant Discipleship Group (par) 17 10am Event (mp) 18 8:30, 11 Services Bible Presentation (Sanc) 12pm Prayer Shawl (b) 2pm Family Skate Night 2pm Leonardtown Rec Center 2pm Girl Scouts (ms) 6pm HS Youth Mtg (HS) 19 12:30pm Blood Drive (MVFD) 20 9am Preschool (mp/sanc) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 2pm Sing-A-Long (CVH) 21 No Choir Rehearsals 7pm Ecumenical Service Living World Community Ch 39371 Harpers Corner Rd, Mechanicsville 22 Office Closed Happy Thanksgivings 23 Office Closed 9am Decorating for Advent (mp/sanctuary) 7:45pm Covenant Discipleship Group (par) 24 9am Decorating for Advent (Sanctuary/mp) 25 All Services 8:30, 9:45 & 11 Held in Fellowship Hall Let s Give ThanksTogether 26 5:30pm CMA (gr) 27 11am Yoga (mp) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 28 11am Preschool (Sanc) 12pm Preschool Lnch (ms) 5pm Tonechimes (par) 5:45pm Handbells (bl) 7pm Disciple 4 (par) 7pm Chancel Choir (ch) 29 11:30am Prayer Group (gr) 12pm Preschool Lunch (ms) 3pm Chopticon-Madrigal Set-up (mp) 6:30pm Finance Mtg (bl) 30 All Day Chopticon-Madrigal (mp/par/ms/hs) 6:30pm MS Group (outside location) 7:45pm Covenant Discipleship Group (gr) Dec 1 All Day Chopticon-Madrigal (mp/par/ms/hs)
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church 27108 Mt. Zion Church Road Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Address Service Requested Postage Paid Non-Profit Organization Permit #20002 Leonardtown, MD 20650 Sunday Schedule Traditional Services 8:30 am & 11:00 am Informal/Outdoor Service 9:45 am Sunday School (all ages) 9:45 am (Nursery Provided at all services) Senior Pastor - Pastor Steve Humphrey preacher.steve.humphrey@gmail.com Director of Children s Ministries - Arielle Crooks Mtzion-ChildrensMinistry@gmail.com Director of Youth & Adult Ministries - Tina Diggle teen-adult-mtzion@md.metrocast.net Choir Director - Jennifer Voorhaar jennifervoorhaar@hotmail.com Office Administrator - Toni Hayes admin-mtzion@md.metrocast.net Care Visitation Coordinator - Pattie Scherer 301-884-4344; scherer_pat@yahoo.com E-vine Coordinator - Ide Hill Ide-hill@comcast.net Preschool Director - Rebecca Fitzgerald 301-884-5455; preschool-mtzion@md.metrocast.net Mt. Zion 2018 Vision Building a welcoming community of faith centered on Jesus Christ that reaches beyond our walls. Office Hours Monday - Thursday 9am until 2pm Fridays 9am until 12pm Office: 301-884-4132/Fax: 301-884-4010 www.mtzionmech.org