Stephen Ministry Morris Chapel is a Stephen Ministry Church. When someone is in need of care, a Stephen Minister is available to offer confidential Christian care & support. Contact Samantha Wesley at 595-8101 for further information. Need to get in touch with us? Address: 2715 Darrow Road; PO Box 57; Walkertown, NC 27051 Office Phone: (336) 595-8101 Pastor Dan Lyons / [email protected]Director of Children’s Ministries Sam Wesley / [email protected]Director of Youth Ministries Drew Curry / [email protected]Administrative Assistant Amy Whicker / [email protected]Director of Music Ministries Del Curling / [email protected]Organist Sheila Bennett (11:00am) Pianist Judy Benedek (8:45am) Organist Grant Beard (8:45am) Stephen Ministry Samantha Wesley @ (336) 595-8101 Ministers Every Member Email [email protected]Website www.morrischapel.org Live 11am Service www.ustream.tv/channel/morrischapel Sunday Worship Times 8:45am-Chapel; 9am-Crossroads; 11am-Traditional Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, Inc. P.O. Box 57 Walkertown, NC 27051 ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Walkertown, NC Permit #4 There will be no JAM and no Youth this Wednesday, Feb. 18th. MORRIS CHAPEL UMC Chapel Echoes Newsletter February 16, 2015 PASTOR’S MESSAGE: From the Mouth of Lyons Dear Morris Chapel Family of God, Recently, we have been asked by another church if they could become part of Morris Chapel. Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church on Old Hollow Road (the little white church) has declined in attendance to less than 10 people and have been struggling financially to support themselves as an independent congregation. Instead of closing their doors, they have requested to merge with Morris Chapel. Therefore, we as a congregation are considering adopting Mt. Olivet into our family of God. Along with these new brothers and sisters in Christ, Morris Chapel would acquire the Mt. Olivet property. In addition to the sanctuary and classroom space, there is a fellowship hall, parsonage, and small cemetery. We do not yet know how these buildings might be utilized, but would spend time to envision and pray about how they could grow the family of God. In the meantime, due diligence is underway to inspect the conditions of these buildings and their systems prior to a decision being made. You are invited to attend a Church Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary, to further discuss and vote on this merger with Mt. Olivet. A FAQ has also been compiled to help with questions you may have. For further questions regarding this adoption and acquisition, please speak with Pastor Dan, Mike Tate, Lay Leader, Harvey Dillon, Finance Chair or Megan Smoot, Publicity Chair. Please pray along with our church leaders about this new exciting opportunity for Mt. Olivet's and Morris Chapel's congregations. In His Name, and on behalf of our Church Council, Trustees, and Lay Leaders, Pastor Dan Lyons
Transcript
Stephen Ministry
Morris Chapel is a
Stephen Ministry
Church.
When someone is in
need of care, a
Stephen Minister is
available to offer
confidential Christian
care & support.
Contact Samantha
Wesley at 595-8101
for further information.
Need to get in touch with us? Address: 2715 Darrow Road; PO Box 57; Walkertown, NC 27051
Live 11am Service www.ustream.tv/channel/morrischapel
Sunday Worship Times 8:45am-Chapel; 9am-Crossroads; 11am-Traditional
Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, Inc.
P.O. Box 57
Walkertown, NC 27051
ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Walkertown, NC
Permit #4
There will be no JAM and no
Youth this Wednesday, Feb. 18th.
MORRIS CHAPEL UMC Chapel Echoes Newsletter February 16, 2015
PASTOR’S MESSAGE: From the Mouth of Lyons
Dear Morris Chapel Family of God,
Recently, we have been asked by another church if they could become part of Morris Chapel.
Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church on Old Hollow Road (the little white church) has declined in attendance to less than 10 people and have been struggling financially to support themselves as an independent congregation. Instead of closing their doors, they have requested to merge with Morris Chapel. Therefore, we as a congregation are considering adopting Mt. Olivet into our family of God.
Along with these new brothers and sisters in Christ, Morris Chapel would acquire the Mt. Olivet property. In addition to the sanctuary and classroom space, there is a fellowship hall, parsonage, and small cemetery. We do not yet know how these buildings might be utilized, but would spend time to envision and pray about how they could grow the family of God. In the meantime, due diligence is underway to inspect the conditions of these buildings and their systems prior to a decision being made.
You are invited to attend a Church Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary, to further discuss and vote on this merger with Mt. Olivet. A FAQ has also been compiled to help with questions you may have. For further questions regarding this adoption and acquisition, please speak with Pastor Dan, Mike Tate, Lay Leader, Harvey Dillon, Finance Chair or Megan Smoot, Publicity Chair.
Please pray along with our church leaders about this new exciting opportunity for Mt. Olivet's and Morris Chapel's congregations.
In His Name, and on behalf of our Church Council, Trustees, and Lay Leaders,
FAQ - Potential Adoption of Mt. Olivet UMC by Morris Chapel UMC - February 2015
Why is Morris Chapel considering the adoption of Mt. Olivet?
Mt. Olivet's active members are struggling to meet their financial obligations as a church entity, and their active membership has declined through mortality and attrition to the point that they are not large enough to practically carry on as an independent stand-alone congregation. The congregation does not want to outright close and turn over ownership of their properties to the United Methodist Church and has recently expressed their desire to become a part of Morris Chapel. Their current members see Morris Chapel as a vibrant, active church that is engaged in serving the community through varied ministry activities, and would like to become a part of our church family. At their request, Pastor Dan has recently met with Mt. Olivet’s Pastor and our District Superintendent about the possibility of coming together and merging with Morris Chapel.
How many members does Mt. Olivet have and is there a Sunday School program?
Total membership for Mt. Olivet is about 52 members, of which approximately 10 are active, with an age range of 50 to 88 years old. They have one Sunday School class that may wish to continue and if so, we would commit to finding a meeting space for the new class.
What will happen to their pastor?
Their current pastor, Tyler Hege, is also serving as Pastor at Bethel UMC in King and he will continue to serve as their pastor. Pastor Hege would have some time available between now and June, when he will receive another appointment, to assist with the merger and help the members of Mt. Olivet get settled into their new church family at Morris Chapel.
Where is Mt. Olivet located?
The church property is located on Old Hollow Road in Walkertown, NC, about 2.5 miles from Morris Chapel. The property includes three acres of land, 105-seat sanctuary, classroom space, fellowship hall, parsonage and small cemetery, with all maintained and in good condition.
What happens to Mt. Olivet's property and assets, and are there any financial obligations to Morris Chapel?
Morris Chapel would become the legal owner of Mt. Olivet's property and assets, and would assume financial responsibilities for utility bills, maintenance, insurances, operating expenses and apportionments. Their assets include two cemetery funds and a checking account which would also be transferred to Morris Chapel. The Finance Committee is currently working through the details of the exact dollar figures for each of these items. Also, Mt. Olivet has no debt to assume, and Morris Chapel would not incur any liability for Mt. Olivet's portion of Pastor Hege's salary, as the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC would be responsible.
NEXT CHAPEL ECHOES: Monday, February 23rd.
DEADLINE FOR ITEMS: Friday, February 20th by 12noon!
**Any items submitted AFTER the Friday deadline may be included
in the following week’s issue based on space availability**
OUR GIFTS
Week of February 15, 2015
Budget Receipts this week $ 5,222
Receipts to Date $ 56,378
Budgeted to Date $ 66,526
Ahead/(Behind) $ (10,148)
Building Fund Receipts this week $ 507
Building Fund Receipts YTD $ 8,122
Capital/Building Fund Balance $ 103,124
OUR PRESENCE
Attendance for
February 15, 2015
Sunday School: 193
Worship Services:
8:45am: 35
9:00am: 130
11:00am: 90
Total: 255
SERVING IN MINISTRY FOR 2/22/15
8:45am Service
Greeters - Eddie Campbell, Robin Neal
Worship Leader – Steve Pegram
9am Service
Crib / Toddler Nursery – Lisa & Morgan Meredith
11am Service
Greeters – Faith & Friendship Class
Ushers – Dan Westmoreland (C), Robert Butler, Harvey Neal, Freddie
Needham, Steve Pegram, Ladd Whicker, Landon Whicker,
Ron Williams
Acolytes – Trinity Kerns & Cali Holder
Children’s Church – Susan Smith (3 yr. old – 2nd grade)
Crib / Toddler Nursery – Amy Whicker
Evangelism Follow-up – Patricia & Sammy Evans
Children’s Ministry
Sam’s Corner
How would Morris Chapel utilize the property and would we maintain it long-term?
A utilization plan for the property would be developed if a decision is made to proceed with merging Mt. Olivet with Morris Chapel. It is important to note that we would be prayerful in these plans, and not rush to determine the future usage or disposition of the assets or property. This would be in deep consideration of the decades of faithful service and support by Mt. Olivet’s members to care for and maintain their property as a place of Holy Worship and Ministry. Recognizing and honoring their decision to entrust their beloved church home to Morris Chapel, we would seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make wise decisions about the property’s use and expenses, as is the current practice for our existing responsibilities in matters such as these.
What is the proposed timing of the adoption?
Mt. Olivet has requested their last Sunday as a congregation be March 1, with an official adoption date of March 8 into the Morris Chapel family. The reasoning for the relatively short timeline is due to the congregation's ongoing struggle to meet their financial obligations, and their desire to proactively move forward.
What are my next steps?
Please begin by praying for Mt. Olivet's congregation and our own, that we make a decision according to what God's plan is for our two congregations. Please also plan to attend the Church Conference on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary, where a discussion and vote will be held to determine whether to proceed with the adoption of Mt. Olivet by Morris Chapel.
For additional questions, please plan to attend the Church Conference on 3/4, or contact directly:
Pastor Dan Lyons, 336-595-8101; Mike Tate, Lay Leader, 336-595-2943; or Megan Smoot, Publicity Chair, 336-816-2695
FAQ - Potential Adoption of Mt. Olivet UMC by Morris Chapel UMC (continued)
COMMUNITY ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Morris Chapel will host a Community Ash Wednesday Service this Wednesday, February 18th. The service will begin at 7:00pm. Please join us as we begin the season of Lent.
For those in need of Hope & Healing: Bill Randleman, Steve Amos, Nan Swaim, Donald Whicker, Robin Stewart, Carleigh Gray, Shannon Loyd, Debra Freeman, Sam Kavetski, John Kenneth Poindexter, Danny Vogler & Family, Phillip Voss, Patrick Lamb, Jody Blevins, Ralph Long, Carolyn Clodfelter, Barbara Murray, Mary Alice Campbell, Anna Lamb, Charles Clough, Conner Campbell, Sylvia Stockton, Leslie Campbell, Richard Boles, Lyndon Barnes, Ronnie Nunn, Jill Bussell, Judy Benedek, Jeanette Neal, Jack Daniels, Amy Mawhorr, Jordan McAlexander, Walter & Pat Smith, Linda Joyce, James Joyce, Julius Tingen, Alma Lee Amos, Eileen Needham, Michelle James, Tracy Harmon, Michelle White, Daron Kahn, Ed Day, Lynn Edwards, Kimberly Goss, Barry Wall, Jason Richardson, Anne Collins, Margaret Sutton, Airman USN Zander Cloete, Betty Anderson, Tommy Mitchell, Jennifer Sumner, Donrie McKnight, Jean Mills, Bruce Thomas, Judy Groves, Mildred White, Sarah Solis, Phillip West, Dot Peacock, JW Martin, Myron Solis, Ashleigh Poe Essic, Ted Khuns
PRAYER CHAIN
Food Pantry Canned vegetables, soups, stews,
spaghetti sauce, spaghetti
noodles, rice, canned meats,
paper towels, paper bags
(Please place donations in the clear tubs
located outside of the Church Office.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Operation
Christmas Child
Small Dolls &
Stuffed Animals
(Please place donations in the red and green
box located outside of the Church Office.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gifts of Grace Coats, Hats, Gloves
(Please place donations in the blue tub
located outside of the Chapel.)
CARING & SHARING
Weekday Ministries
Staff Appreciation
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
VOLUNTEERS
February: Jane Morris Circle
March: Robert West Class
Upcoming Events Wesley Circle U.M.W.
» February 2015- Making chicken pies all four weeks in February if the weather is good.
Schedule is to set-up on Mondays (2/2, 2/9, 2/16 & 2/23) and to make pies on Tuesdays
(2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24). Pickup dates will be on Wednesdays(2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25) from
3-5pm.
» March 3, 2015 - Joint meeting: Call to Prayer and Self Denial. Meal will be served at
6:00pm followed by the program. Hostesses will be the Wesley Circle U.M.W.
Program speaker will be Vivian Morrison, Social Action, Yadkin Valley U.M.W.
Offices. The topic will be “Human Trafficking”.
Upcoming Events
Annual BBQ Dinner
MORRIS CHAPEL’S 35th ANNUAL BBQ
Save the date for Morris Chapel’s
35th Annual BBQ on
Saturday, March 21th 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
We hope to see everyone there!
Upcoming Gathering
Chapel Ramblers
The Chapel Ramblers will meet at
the Seafood Shack in Walkertown
on Tuesday, Feb. 24th at 5:30pm
for fun, food, and fellowship.
A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin
board outside of the nursery. If
you would like to go, please sign-
up so that the restaurant will know
how many to plan for.
Congratulations to one of our MC Kids, Shelby Scott.
She won 1st runner-up in the Stokes County Spelling Bee! Way to go Shelby! We are proud of you!
One of the small groups at MCUMC got together to create "Blessing Bags" to give to the homeless. These include toiletries, snacks, and a few other small items they
might find use for. I wanted to share this story about how one of these got distributed, because it's good to see God working in our midst.
"I was able to give out a blessing bag today to a homeless person without seeing him. A patient came in today wanting change for a $20 to give to a homeless person on the corner. I was surprised with her thoughtfulness and she was surprised when I
gave her a blessing bag to take to him. All three got blessed today."
God is good, He is with us always, and works through us, in spite of us!
To find out how your small group can do a blessing bag project, contact TJ Smoot, Missions Chair.
The Morris Chapel UMC Preschool is now registering children for the
2015—2016 school year. We have classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds
9am-Noon, Monday through Friday.
We are looking forward to our 27th year!
Registration forms are available on my door.
For more information, call: Deborah Ringeman (595-8101 ext. 4 or [email protected])
