2016, Issue 9 NOVEMBER West Richmond Church of the Brethren A COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE Join us as we gather together with our neighbors and our brothers and sisters in Christ to celebrate on November 22 at 7:00 pm at West Richmond Church of the Brethren. Other participating churches include Colonial Place Christian Church and Skipwith United Methodist Church. Skipwith United Methodist Church s new pastor, T. Todd Smith, will preach. An offering and collected food items for the LAMB s Basket will be shared, with combined choirs singing. The choirs will rehearse at 6:15 pm that evening. Refreshments follow the service. RICHMOND CROP HUNGER WALK Sunday, November 13, 2016 This year the Richmond CROP Walk is taking place a week later than usual. We would like to have a team of 10 + who will walk/run. From the money raised at our walk, 25% of it remains here in our community. This year CROP is supporting four organizations: Shalom Farms, C.A.R.I.TA.S., Senior Connections (The Capital Area Agency on Aging), and the 31 st Street Baptist Church Nutrition Program. Please contact Zack Hurst to sign up and for further information.
P age 2 T h e H er a ld A stronomy from earth-based telescopes has approached the end of its useful life. To an ever greater extent, the glare from millions of city lights and electrical interference from hundreds of thousands of domestic machines has wrecked the delicate observations of the world s foremost optical and radio telescopes. M ost telescopes have now been moved to space, and even lonely mountain observatories find it increasingly difficult to take accurate photographs of faint star clusters and distant galaxies. Mercury based street lights, increasingly favored by city authorities because of accident prevention, have created trouble for astronomers. T he threat of city lights to astronomy is a parable of our human lives. We are often blinded from eternal light by some of the artificial lights we have developed, whether they be traditions, material possessions, technological dependence, busy activities, distorted ideas, or whatever. N ineteenth century essayist and lecturer Ralph Waldo Emerson knew this, as evidenced by his remark, When it is dark enough, we can see the stars. Sometimes we need to turn off some of the things we think are essential to find what truly matters. T hese fall days leading up to Thanksgiving can be a time to back off or at least see through some of the supposed essentials, and to gratefully focus on the more enlightening and enduring things. Gratitude helps us do this and embrace the vision of Revelation s writer, The New Jerusalem has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. (Revelation 21:33) Peace, FROM THE BOOK AND DVD SHELF One book that may help us look beyond any dark to the light of stars is Amy Newmark and Deborah Norville s Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Gratitude: 101 Stories about How Being Thankful Can Change Your Life. The book includes multiple accounts of people who reveal how gratefully seeing the silver linings to life changes perspectives, improves health, aids cognitive function, and enhances relationships.
2016, Issue 9 Page 3 In Our Congregation ELECTIONS WERE HELD Newly Elected Church Board Members: Keri Beers, Jeff Goss, Dolly Guyer, Alyce Newman, Shirley Wampler, Anna Welch Continuing Members: Ann Andrus, Richard Barry, Kevin Beers, Sandi Davis, June Diehl, Carol Goss, Zack Hurst Concluding Members: Betty Altic, Barbara Beers, Dustin Dedrick, Eric Evenson, Ken Heatwole, Nancy Martin, Barbara McCann Ex-Officio Members: Pastor, Treasurer, Moderator, Church Clerk Newly Elected Church Clerk Betty Altic Newly Elected Conference Delegates: 2016 District Conference Bill & Lib Kinzie November 11-12 at Grandin Court Baptist (2660 Brambleton Avenue, SW, Roanoke) Appointed: Pastor and Board Chair 2017 Annual Conference June Diehl June 28-July 2, 2017 in Grand Rapids, MI West Richmond Church of the Brethren 7612 Wanymala Road, Henrico, Virginia 23229-4239 Phone: 804-288-6439 Fax: 804-282-4408 www.wrcob.org wrcob@wrcob.org Pastor... David Brunk (home: 804-515-9406) Administrative Assistant... Barbara Beers (804-338-3482) Coordinator of Music... Gabriella Ryan (804-615-4638) Sunday School... 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship... 11:00 a.m. Church office (M-F)... 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. If no one is in the office or the line is busy, voice mail will pick up please leave us a message. Items for the bulletin s weekly newssheet MUST be submitted by noon on Thursday to the church office. Articles for the Winter edition of The Herald are due in the office by November 15, 2016. Our 2017 Church Board Board Chair: Alyce Newman Vice Chair: Kevin Beers Christian Ed: Ann Andrus*, Kevin Beers, Carol Goss Nurture: Keri Beers, Sandi Davis*, Anna Welch Stewards: Richard Barry, Jeff Goss*, Dolly Guyer Witness: June Diehl, Zack Hurst*, Shirley Wampler * denotes Commission Chair On Sunday, October 23, the congregation gathered to approve the following members of the Pastoral Search Committee. Pat Gangwer (chair), Ann Andrus, Jori Carter, Dustin Dedrick, Carol Goss, Bill Kinsey, and Belinda Layman Dear West Richmond, I want to extend my utmost gratitude for your support of my seminary/ graduate studies. The money you gave toward my education is greatly appreciated as I continue to work on my degrees from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and EMU's Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. I feel extremely fortunate to have been raised in such a supportive congregation, and the many ways you have encouraged me over the years has helped shape who I am today. Thank you for all your love and prayers! Sincerely, Tyler
Who s celebrating and Who s Doing What in 2... Wyllys Vanderhoff 4... Sean Solanky 6... Virginia Vassar 7... Cameron Sabel 9... David Layman 11... Flora Vassar Karl & Jan Hoff 12... Zack Hurst 14... Sue (Mullins) Aigner 15... Sophie Saunders 16... Denise Diamond Donald Lum 17... Brett Mitchell 18... Betty Meyer 19... Campbell Mitchell Fred & Paula (Crawford) Bryant 20... Bob Gangwer Donnie Holsinger 21... Mary Young 22... Adam Clark Kevin & Barbara Beers (30 th ) 23... Matt Ludwick Jennifer McCloud Patrick & Pamela McCloud 24... Comfort Frimpon Chelsea Goss Tina (Lowe) Brockman 25... Greg & Gayle (Wampler) Adams 26... Carol (Walbridge) Goss 28... Rebecca Wilson 29... Lauren Gangwer Janet Brunk Colleen Wampler 30... Fern Damour November 6 13 20 27 Greeters (Dolly Guyer) Acolytes (Belinda Layman) Dolly Guyer Sandi Davis Janet Brunk Betty Altic Sarah Niswonger Jr. High Sunday Shaun Finchum Elijah Beers Shaun Finchum Worship Leaders (Sarah Niswonger) Nursery Care (Carol Goss) Jr. High Sunday Zack Hurst Alyce Newman Gary Fields & Sandra Lynch Ann Andrus & Susan Robertson Joel & Dolly Guyer Dustin & Carrie Dedrick Paula Bryant & Nancy Martin Fellowship Hosts (Carol Goss) Cynthia Fyne & Barbara Tulli Faye Urban & Shirley Wampler Carry-In Meal Eric & Susan Evenson Tellers (Nancy Martin) Jeff Goss & Alyce Newman Joel Guyer & Larry McCann Bob & Pat Gangwer Betty Altic & Sandi Davis Care Giving (Barbara McCann) Betty Fuller Want to be included in any of these activities? Please contact its coordinator. If you cannot fulfill an assigned date, please swap with someone and then contact the church office.
S unday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 10:30 am Craft Group 5:45 pm Hull Street Ministry 7:30 pm Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Daylight Savings Time Ends Schools Closed V I R L I N A D i s t r i c t C o n f e r e n c e Jr. High Sunday LAMB s Basket Collection 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 6:30 pm Girl Scouts 7:00 pm Executive Committee 10:30 am Craft Group 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 7:30 pm Boy Scouts 5:00 pm Registration 7:00 pm Hymn Sing and Worship 7:30 am Registration 8:15 am Hymn Sing & Worship 9:10 am Business 12:00 Lunch 1:20 pm Business 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 8:00 am Men s Breakfast 7:00 pm Church Board 9:45 am Craft Group 9:45 am Sunday School 1:00 pm Volunteer 11:00 am Worship with Children s Church 2:00 pm CROP Hunger WALK 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 7:30 pm Boy Scouts 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Thanksgiving Sunday 6:30 pm Girl Scouts 9:45 am Craft Group 7:00 pm Cub Scouts (away) Henrico Schools Closed Church Offices Closed Church Office Closed 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 12:15 pm Carry-In Meal 7:00 pm Community Thanksgiving Service 1:00 pm 27 28 29 30 1 st Sunday of Advent 9:45 am Craft Group 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 8:00 am Men s Breakfast 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship with Children s Church 7:30 pm Boy Scouts December 1 Ladies Nite In at Betty Altic s home December 9 Free Family Friendly Friday movie December 11 Festival of Music December 18 Carry-In Meal and Caroling December 24 Christmas Eve Service
P age 6 T h e H er a ld THE GROWING OF A PEACE GARDEN A Peace Pole was the first planting in what we now call the Peace Garden located in front of the church. In 2004 our Youth Group purchased a Peace Pole to share with our neighbors and to encourage peace throughout the community. Peace Poles, started by the World Peace Prayer Society, carry the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in over 300 languages. The eight languages chosen by our youth reflect the personal heritage of our members (origins), cultures represented in our community and global situations. English official language of the United States German for Germany, birthplace of the Church of the Brethren Hindi spoken in India, for origins in our congregation Romanian spoken in Romania, for origins in our congregation Chinese similar to Korean, for origins in our congregation Spanish for the World Revival Church who were meeting in our facility, understood by our Brazilian Portuguesespeaking friends French spoken in Haiti, where we have done mission work Arabic representing the need for peace in the Middle East Over the years, the area surrounding the pole was planted with flowers and shrubs and has been maintained by Ginny Heatwole. The bench was given in honor of Janet Heckman, who served in our church along with her husband, Pastor Galen Heckman from 1973 to 1981. We can be grateful for the vision and commitment of those who have provided us such a restful, beautiful space. I SN T T HERE A NOTHER WAY (by Tyler Goss, read at the planting service on May 2, 2004.) What is the point of war Shattered lives, hearts tore People dying all around Dead bodies on the ground You felt like a hero when you came But you killed someone all the same I ve heard war s the only way But look at Ghandi in his day Just look at all you ve done Terrified children on the run I don t mean to offend if you belive in war But I ask you to think just once more Maybe war s the way to go But when I die I ll be glad to know I never killed a single soul Even is my life s the toll
2016, Issue 9 Page 7 COMMUNITY SHELTER The first Tuesday of each month we serve a meal at the shelter on Hull Street. Sign up in the gathering room to provide food, to serve or to make a donation. Meet at church on November 1 st at 5:45 pm to carpool or be at the shelter at 6:15 pm to serve. See Susan Robertson or Barbara McCann for info. COMMUNITY KITCHEN The third Tuesday of each month we volunteer at the Community Kitchen of the Central VA Food Bank. New hands are always welcome to join us on November 15 th at 1:00 p.m. at 1415 Rhoadmiller Street in Richmond. For more details, please talk to Judy McCloud or David Brunk or go online to www.cvfb.org. LAMB S BASKET In addition to families with children, a large number of senior citizens on fixed incomes are being served at LAMB s Basket. Seniors are given extra items such as oatmeal and protein foods such as peanut butter and canned tuna and chicken. They always need personal care items and cleaning supplies. Right now they need canned soups and canned fruits. They can always use canned veggies, jelly, peanut butter, cereals, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, Spaghetti O s, rice, pasta & sauces, as well as plastic and paper grocery bags with handles. Last month there were fewer items in the basket but we were still able to give take fresh eggs. Please help us in filling the shopping cart (in the entry way) so that many hungry mouths can be fed.
West Richmond Church of the Brethren 7612 Wanymala Road, Henrico, VA 23229-4239 Phone: 804-288-6439 www.wrcob.org Fax: 804-282-4408 wrcob@wrcob.org Place postage here! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED