July – August “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and 2013 I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit.” John 15: 5 ________________________________________________________________________________ All Things New “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 For years I have desired to answer the call to go into full-time ministry within the United Methodist Church, but I had reached a point where I believed that per- haps God was not going to open that door until I completed seminary. So when I began to sense the need for change in my own work life last March, I wondered what the next step for me would be. Little did I know that, even then, God was preparing a place for me at Linden and Markham United Methodist Churches. It was with much excitement that I got the call this past April 11 with the good news that I was being appointed to Linden and Markham. In fact, I could barely contain my joy! It is interesting to note that “All Things New” was the theme for the VA Conference last year. And now God is once again doing a new thing, at Linden and Mark- ham United Methodist Churches. As we reflect over the past let us all remember that, though change can be stressful, it can also be very exciting. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to The Vine Newsletter of Linden – Markham United Methodist Churches Rev. Penny Matheson Pastor Sheila Showers Lay Leader, Linden and Administrative Council Chair Nathan Staley Lay Leader, Markham and Administrative Council Chair Sandy Kielsgard Charge Treasurer Kathy Drummond Treasurer, Linden Georgi Green Treasurer, Markham Ruth Ann Rector UMW President Connie Clatterbuck Linden Choir Director & Pianist Markham Pianist Kim Jacobs Markham Pianist Bette Conley, Editor Email: brconley615@ embarqmail.com
Transcript
July – August “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and 2013 I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit.” John 15: 5 ________________________________________________________________________________
All Things New “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing
a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 For years I have desired to answer the call to go into full-time ministry within the United Methodist Church, but I had reached a point where I believed that per-haps God was not going to open that door until I completed seminary. So when I began to sense the need for change in my own work life last March, I wondered what the next step for me would be. Little did I know that, even then, God was preparing a place for me at Linden and Markham United Methodist Churches. It was with much excitement that I got the call this past April 11 with the good news that I was being appointed to Linden and Markham. In fact, I could barely contain my joy! It is interesting to note that “All Things New” was the theme for the VA Conference last year. And now God is once again doing a new thing, at Linden and Mark- ham United Methodist Churches. As we reflect over the past let us all remember that, though change can be stressful, it can also be very exciting. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to
The Vine
Newsletter of Linden – Markham United Methodist Churches
Rev. Penny Matheson
Pastor
Sheila Showers Lay Leader, Linden and
Administrative Council Chair
Nathan Staley Lay Leader, Markham and
Administrative Council Chair
Sandy Kielsgard Charge Treasurer
Kathy Drummond Treasurer, Linden
Georgi Green Treasurer, Markham
Ruth Ann Rector UMW President
Connie Clatterbuck Linden Choir Director
& Pianist Markham Pianist
Kim Jacobs Markham Pianist
Bette Conley, Editor Email: brconley615@
embarqmail.com
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I believe that the Lord has great plans for Linden and Markham United Methodist Churches, and I look forward with great anticipation as we prayerfully consider together what God has in store for us all!
Yours in Christ, Penny Matheson
Linden’s Relay for Life team, “A Ray of Hope,” led by our own Connie Clatter- buck, raised over $23,000 taking top honors in Warren County. Team totals were announced at the celebratory rally and walk on June 14-15 at Skyline H.S.
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Linden Facebook Page Our Facebook page is working again! Unfortunately, some of our contacts were lost in the interim. To stay up-to-date about upcoming events at Linden, go to www.facebook.com/lindenumcva. Click on the “Like” button or make a “Comment” and Voila! You will receive future notices on your Facebook page.
Welcoming Pastor Penny Matheson
Here’s an equation for celebration. Good food + good fellowship = Warm Welcome. Come on out to the Linden Fellowship Hall on July 14, 12:00 noon, as the Linden and Markham congregations join in a pot-luck meal to welcome Pastor Penny Matheson and family: husband Mike, and children Derek, Joanna, Mattthew, Natalie, and Aaron.
Congratulations to Anthony &
Rachel Ortiz and big sister, Rylan, on the baptism of Harper Leigh-
Ann Ortiz, born 2-12-13. Grandparents Sal & Genia are
proud of the new addition to the family.
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Meet the Pastor’s Family
Mike and Penny Matheson met at Friendship United Methodist Church in Falls Church, VA, in 1996, when Penny began attending there along with her son, Derek. They got to know each other through the Youth Ministry, for which they both volunteered. As time went on, their friendship blossomed into something more and on November 28, 1999, they were married and have resided in Falls Church, VA, ever since. This small family of three has grown into a family of
seven today. Derek is practically grown up now at the age of 16, and has plans to join the military when he is of age. Joanna, their eldest daughter at 13 years of age, dreams of moving to New York City to attend college and hopes to eventually make it in Broadway. In fact, both sides of the family have a great love of music. Matthew, their 11 year old, stays very active as a quarterback and hopes to one day get a college scholarship to play football and even to join the NFL. Natalie, their 6 year old daughter, also loves music and has been making up her own songs since she was 3 years old. And finally, there is Aaron who, at the age of 2, already appears to be following in his big brother Matthew’s athletic footsteps, as his second word ever was “ball.” For being only two, he already has quite an arm on him. He can already aim the ball right for you even when you are standing across the room from him! For those of you on Facebook, you can find many, many pictures of Penny and her family at www.facebook.com/penny.matheson. Note: A photo of the entire family will be in the next issue of the newsletter. - Editor
The Secret to an Abundant Life Just follow these simple instructions from 2 Corinthians 9: 6 – 8: “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”
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VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL
“FUN FAIR” at
Linden
Saturday August 3, 10 - 4
“DROP IN – DO GOOD” with Health Kits
We had an amazing response and packed 87 kits! Thanks to all of you for making this a big success on May 11. Rev. Ralph delivered the kits to the Annual Virginia Conference to benefit UMCOR. And much thanks to Kevin Davidson and Charlie Seaford for sharing their musical talents with us. They played
and sang while we enjoyed our meal. Then we all joined in on gospel favorites Kevin picked out, plus Charlie brought us some of his original compositions. That was a head-nodding, foot-patting, hand-clapping good time. Thanks, guys, for sharing your gift of music. Pictured above: Connie Clatterbuck, Nancy Sickel, Helen Kenney, Sheila Showers, Mary Lou Morris.
A Farewell to Alex Green Alexander G. Green, Jr., passed away on May 12 at his home. He was 96 and still exhibiting that can-do attitude and sweet spirit. One of the pillars of the Markham community, Alex has earned his heavenly reward. We miss you, Alex.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
JULY 3 - Cheryll & Hank Green (A) 4 – Louise Vest 5 – Dorothy Shiflett 10 – Mary Potter 11 – Brian Clatterbuck 11 – Steve Showers 11 – Connie Showers 28 - Michelle Middleton AUGUST 2 – Ray & Vicki Spears (A) 6 – Kyle Smith 7 – Connie Clatterbuck 7 - Ken & Eileen Knesh (A) 18 - Anita Burke 26 – Matthew & Lecie Clatterbuck (A) 28 – Lou & Debbie Sizer( A) 30 – Bruce Drummond
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C-CAP Recap [Congregational Community Action Project] Linden’s donations give much needed support to this worthwhile ministry. Your faithfulness in the summer months is even more important. Vacation time may divert our attention a bit, but hungry people still need to eat. Since the beginning of 2013, you have given 321.5 pounds of food, plus clothing and cash. That is awesome!
Matthew 25 relates teachings of Jesus about the importance of being good and generous stewards of God’s blessings on us. God blessed us so we may be a blessing to others.
When God Sends People….They Make Excuses
Abraham was too old. Moses stuttered. Miriam was a gossip. Jacob was a liar. Gideon doubted. Elijah was burned out. First David’s armor didn’t fit, then he had an affair, and had someone killed. Solomon was too rich. Isaiah had unclean lips. Jeremiah was too young. Jonah didn’t like the job. Amos’s only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning. Naomi was a widow. Peter was afraid of death. Thomas was from Missouri (the “show-me” state). Paul was a murderer. Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had ulcers. Lazarus was dead. Martha was a worrywart. …or so they claimed, before God’s Spirit empowered them to rise to the occasion and become some of the greatest heroes of our faith. – Author unknown Why is this important? Because the nominating committee will be trying to fill positions for 2014 prior to the Charge Conference in the fall and we can do better than make a bunch of lame excuses. Our Bible heroes give us perfect examples of how, with God’s help, we each can be used by God in His work. After all, they were just folks like us. When the call comes, remember that, "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called." - Author unknown
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✥ When the call comes, what will be your answer? ✥
uuuuuREGULAR ACTIVITIES AT LINDEN AND MARKHAMuuuuu
Linden worship service – every Sunday at 9 a.m. Markham worship service – every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Communion celebrated every 1st Sunday Markham Administrative Council – 2nd Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Linden Council on Ministries – July: 1st Monday at 7 p.m. Linden Administrative Council – August: 1st Monday at 7 p.m. Linden choir practice every Thursday at 7 p.m. United Methodist Women – 2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m., Linden Fellowship Hall Bible Study - every Wednesday at 10 a.m., Linden Fellowship Hall
uuuuuSPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DATES TO NOTEuuuuu July 4 – Independence Day July 14 – 12:00, Linden Fellowship Hall, Welcome potluck dinner for Pastor Penny Matheson July 20 – 1:00 p.m., Linden VBS workers meeting August 3 -‐ 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Vacation Bible School “FUN FAIR” at Linden August 10 – 4:00 p.m.,“Drop In, Do Good” school supplies for Leslie Fox Keyser Elem. Notes: Community Youth Fellowship will resume in September Ralph & Becky’s new contact info: 225 Brandi Ct, Apt J-‐7, Strasburg, VA 22657, H: 540-‐465-‐6196, C: 540-‐244-‐9714 June 22 – 8 a.m., Special work day-‐ Help spruce up the parsonage grounds. Bring tools!
Linden-Markham United Methodist Charge Non-Profit Organization 13460 John Marshall Highway US Postage Paid Linden, VA 22642 Permit No. 5
