MOUNTAIN ECHOES FEBRUARY 2018 “For the Joy set before HIM, Endured the CROSS” Keezletown United Methodist Church Rev. T. Joel Robinette, Pastor 1456 Indian Trail Road Church phone: 269-8531 Keezletown VA 22832 Parsonage phone: 269-8405 Pastor’s email: joel robinette @hotmail.com Pastor’s Cell: 540-908-9482 Pastor’s office hours: Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Keezletown UMC website: www.keezletownumc.com <>< <>< <>< A Southerner’s Advice for driving on snow: if you rarely drive on snow, just pretend you’re taking your Grandma to church. There’s a platter of biscuits and 2 gallons of sweet tea in glass jars in the back seat. She’s wearing a brand new dress and holding a crock pot full of gravy. Think before you speed or brake!
Transcript
MOUNTAIN ECHOES FEBRUARY 2018
“For the Joy set before HIM, Endured the CROSS”
Keezletown United Methodist Church
Rev. T. Joel Robinette, Pastor 1456 Indian Trail Road Church phone: 269-8531 Keezletown VA 22832 Parsonage phone: 269-8405 Pastor’s email: joel robinette @hotmail.com Pastor’s Cell: 540-908-9482 Pastor’s office hours: Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Keezletown UMC website: www.keezletownumc.com <>< <>< <><
A Southerner’s Advice for driving on snow: if you rarely drive on snow, just
pretend you’re taking your Grandma to church. There’s a platter of biscuits and 2
gallons of sweet tea in glass jars in the back seat. She’s wearing a brand new dress
and holding a crock pot full of gravy. Think before you speed or brake!
MARCH BIRTHDAYS Mar 1 Andrea Crisman Mar 9 Wyatt Martin Mar 1 Austyn Crisman Mar 11 Joseph Botkin Sr Mar 1 Jackie Werner Mar 11 Jennifer (Williams) Young Mar 1 Coty Milligan Mar 13 Melissa Kelley Mar 2 Donnie Underwood Mar 13 Wesley Crisman Mar 4 Eli Bowman Mar 15 Esther McDaniel Mar 5 Maynard Sites Mar 18 Ann Ford Mar 6 Barbara Heatwole Mar 20 Dave Werner Mar 7 Whitney Johnson Mar 21 Joshua Seaman Mar 7 Brian Shafer Mar 22 Becky Ryman Mar 8 Leslie Pellegrin Mar 28 Kate Ramsey Mar 9 Macie Heishman MARCH ANNIVERSARIES Mar 1, 2008 Chad & Michelle Higgs 10 years Mar 10, 2011 BJ & Kelly Smith 7 years Mar 16, 1968 Frank & Carolyn Baker 50 years Mar 27, 1965 Joseph & Elinor Botkin Sr 53 years Mar 28, 2009 Cory & Lynette Guilliams 9 years ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OR MORE: CONGRATULATIONS to church family couples that have
been married 40 or more years in March:
Frank & Carolyn Baker for 50 years on Mar 16th
Joseph & Elinor Botkin Sr for 53 years on Mar 27th
Best wishes from your KUMC family. May you have many more. ====================================================================================
_____ ***JANUARY EVENTS THAT HAPPENED***_______________ Jan 21st UMM met: Well its 2018, can you believe that? It seems only a couple a years ago, we worried about big computer glitches and Y2K. How can that have been 18 years ago? Well anyway, the UMM opened the new year up with our January Men’s breakfast on Jan. 21st. We had a wonderful breakfast prepared by Scott and Dale Dodrill and devotions by yours truly, Neil Sacra, with “Pride and Prejudice”. After our breakfast, we met to discuss some important business and events about the group. The Treasurer reported the total amount donated to Missions in 2017 was $5,981.54. After the meeting many of the men and a few women, who were present, received the book entitled “Love Dare” by Steve and Allen Kendrick. These men and women from our church had signed up to take part in a 40-day devotional series guided and directed by the book, intended to help give individuals insight on different aspects of their relationships, and gives daily directions to individuals on how to examine themselves and behaviors that can negatively impact or destroy a relationship. Pastor Joel then gave us further instructions and guidance on how we are to approach our reading and the challenges that laid before us with each devotion. Upcoming events are: Serving Lent Meal on Feb 21st w/Spaghetti; Pancake Meal on Mar 17th. Men’s meeting is Feb 18th at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast by Joe Liskey. –Neil Sacra, Pres Jan 27th: “Chat and Chew 2.0” with Bishop Sharma Lewis was held at Verona UMC from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with six from our congregation attending. Conversations centered on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward in order to avoid any surprises by the Feb 2019 General Conference. Jan 28th: Jesus’ Kids met at the Water Park at Massanutten for some fun and fellowship from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pics. Youth Participants: Noah, Chloe, Haiden, Lataya, Macie, Eli, Hannah, Harrison, Joseph, Jacob, Justin (Guest) and Rachel (Guest). Adult Participants: Joel, Kristine Welsh, Scott Dillard, Brandon, Kara (Guest). Observers: Amy, Ericka, Ginny, and Jenn for a total
of 21 in attendance. It was much, much busier than I thought it would be. Only a few empty parking spots in the back of the parking lot... and it’s a big parking lot. I was a little concerned about how crowded it was, but it didn't take long to get settled in. The Lazy River was a crowd favorite, as were the slides called Avalanche and Peak Splash. All had a great time. Brandon
Feb 1st: United Methodist Women met at 7:30 p.m. with 12 members present. Sherry presented
devotions on “Chocolate Days” and “Sharing the Real Love”. Open Doors was the Mission of the Month.
Sherry reminded all of 3 upcoming events: Feb 3rd—feed HDMCCC workers; Feb 10th—Soup/Bake sale;
Feb 14th—serving Lent Service meal. We approved serving the Wayland Women on Dec 8th. Suggestions
were made for selling cookbooks at Relay, the Ruritan chicken dinner on Feb 24th, and at the Ruritan lawn
party in June. HDMCCC is in need of pajamas, books, and diapers; we will continue to collect both. The
storage room was in the midst of being cleaned and organized and we were asked to sort and label our
boxes. The UMW will lead the service on Apr 8th, with Michele and Diana working on the assignments and
bulletin. Books were handed out to read, and cards were signed to be mailed. Our next meeting is the
“Call to Prayer and Self Denial” meal and meeting on Mar 1st at 6:30 p.m. (Note time change). All ladies of
the church are invited. Feb 2nd: KUMC Serves Open Doors: When Scott Dodrill first asked our Sunday school class if we wanted to serve a meal for the Open Doors Thermal Shelter, there was a lot of silence. When he thought the answer was No…one voice spoke up and said Yes,we will. On Feb. 2nd, 11 Keezletownians were present to serve a Potato Bar to the guests and hosts that were staying at Vision of Hope UMC. While we are not sure how many were served, they had about a 50 guest average all week. They were also treated with singing from Karen Mooney and Sharon Martin. We can still see the face of one guest who moved closer to hear them sing and later said they reminded him of his mother singing in the church choir. Not only was he fed, but memories were stirred. When Lynn asked for donations, the list was filled up the first Sunday and we had to turn down several people who asked what we needed. Thank you to all who helped with this meal by your donations, your help and your prayers. This event was supported by Keezletown with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. A special thank you to Lynn for saying Yes, we will. We who helped were truly blessed.
Feb 3rd: CHURCH ASSISTS HDMCCC: 8 men from our UM Men’s group gathered at Mission Central located at Cedar Grove UMC to work on the future home of the new clothes closet. Some men worked outside in the cold putting on siding while several other men worked inside (no heat just as cold if not colder), tore out drywall, stud walls, and drop ceilings. Two ladies from our church’s UMW were there as well serving a hot lunch to a bunch of cold hungry men, THANK YOU ladies.
Feb 10th Parents Date Night Out: Jesus’ Kids enjoyed being entertained by an Emoji Movie, hide-n-seek,
Jenga, video games, and pizza, while their parents enjoyed celebrating a “Date Night Out”. Attending were
Macie, Alli, Haiden, Lataya, Eli, Hannah, and Harrison, along with chaperones, Brandon and Ginny. A fun
night was had by all. FEB 10TH: UMW SOUP/BAKE SALE: Bright and early Saturday morning, the ladies were peeling and chopping potatoes and getting the veggies in the pots for the Vegetable Soup sale. Jars were being brought, and containers with labels covered the counter top. Our official “UMW pot stirrer, pot lifter, and jar filler, Scott Dodrill” was manning his position. Two tables were filled with delicious looking homemade
rolls, bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, chex mix, and pies. A few people came in early for soup (before the macaroni went in, but they were ok with that), but most came about eleven and were very generous in their purchases. We were able to sell 20+ gallons of soup, with about two gallons and a few assorted baked goods leftover, which we sold on Sunday. Thank you to all who donated, all who worked making, filling, and selling, all who made baked goods, and all who purchased goodies. A special “Thank You” to Scott (don’t know what we’d do without you!). The monies collected will be divided evenly between the UMW missions and the KUMC Relay for Life Team.
Feb 11th: VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCH: With pretty red and white tablecloths and the wonderful smell of soup and grilled cheese sandwiches in the air, the CAOS Youth prepared lunch after worship for Valentine’s Day. The ten plus crockpots of soup provided quite the selection from corn chowder, white beans, chili, broccoli, taco and many more. You could have grilled cheese, or pimento cheese, or PB&J sandwiches, and pretty cookies for dessert. There was a photo booth for taking a picture with your sweetheart, and Karen and Sharon entertained us with some lovely a cappella hymns. The youth wish to thank everyone who stayed and to those who donated to their mission fund.
=================================================================================== Our Pastor is human. Yes, he really is, and he gets overwhelmed, and he forgets, and
sometimes…just sometimes, he messes up. What a joy to see him raise his hands in the air, laugh,
and say “Have mercy on me, Lord; have mercy on me” after he had just messed up reading part of
communion. And what a gloriously grace filled moment when the church family in unison started
reading the right passage and we laughed and just kept going. Pastors are not perfect, and neither
are the folks sitting in the pews, but in that moment, God came down, and said “it’s OK to mess up,
that’s why you’re at my table. Come, take my body and blood and be filled with mercy and grace.”
If church were a place for perfection and perfect people, the pews would be empty. Praise the
Lord for mercy and grace.
=================================================================================== Feb 14th: ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE was held at 6:30 p.m. with 60+ present to enjoy a Chili dinner with cornbread, cookies, brownies, and homemade donuts prepared by the UMW. Joel read 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 and gave a brief message on the merits of Valentine’s love and God’s love. He then gave thanks for last year’s Palm Sunday ashes before allowing all to take of the imparting of the ashes as he said “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return; Repent, and believe in the Gospel”. We sang “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesdays Ashes” as folks came forward; then Joel spoke a pardon and we passed the peace. The service was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and a parting blessing.
Feb 14th: Administrative Council met after the Ash Wed Service with 9 members present and Joel presiding. Minutes were dismissed; treasurer’s final report for 2017 showed all bills paid. Upcoming costs will be the steeple, which is being constructed now, and a new washer for the parsonage. The Memorials committee will be purchasing oil candles for the sanctuary candelabra. Jesus’ Kids will sponsor an Easter Egg hunt the end of March and help residents at Sunnyside with decorating cupcakes in April. Scott Dillard was recognized for repairing the sanctuary lights. The UMM will be serving spaghetti at a Lent dinner. The UMW served HDMCC, had a soup/bake sale, and will serve the Ash Wed Lent dinner. Sept 14th & 15th have been chosen as directory photo days. Jesus’ Kids also asked the council’s opinion on roasting corn for sale at one of the Ruritan’s chicken BBQ’s as a fundraiser. Council approved and Joe Liskey said he would see about getting the corn. In the Pastor’s report, the LYNE program was discussed and council agreed that it should continue thru May. The pulpit exchange with Patty Huffman was recognized, and thanks were given for all who wrote for “The Questions God Asks” devotional. St Jacob’s and Trinity Lutheran will again join us during Lent and will have the Maunday Thursday and Good Friday service (place TBD). HDMCCC will be the mission offerings for Lent. The Rise Against Hunger project will be held in September. Joel will be speaking for the Caplingers UMC homecoming service on Sept 30th. Tanya closed the meeting with prayer. ***EVERY CHURCH MEMBER IS A MEMBER OF ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL AND IS FREE TO SPEAK AND VOTE. COUNCIL WILL MEET EVERY MONTH, EXCEPT JUNE, JULY, AND DEC ON THE 2ND TUESDAY AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE LIBRARY. MARK YOUR CALENDAR. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU THERE.*** Feb 16th: CAOS YOUTH members Caleb, Jacob, and Marcus Hall, Alissa and Kendra Dodrill, along with leaders, BJ and Kelly Smith attended the Rock & Roll Worship Roadshow at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, featuring for King & Country, Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Bethel Music, Zach Williams, and Social Club Misfits! All had a great time. =======================================================================================
Feb 14th VALENTINE’S DAY: Marriage is “Not” Beautiful: Marriage is ugly. You see the absolute
worst in someone. You see them when they’re mad, or sad, or being so stubborn you don’t know what
to do, or when they’re so unlovable that they make you want to scream. But you also get to see
them when they are laughing so hard that tears are running down their face, and they can’t get
their breath, and they can’t help but let out those weird gurgling noises. You see them at three a.m.
when the world is asleep, except you two, and you’re eating ice cream at the kitchen table, just
talking, because neither of you can sleep. You get to see the side of them that no one else does,
and it’s not always pretty. It’s snorting while laughing, it’s the tears when it feels like the world is
crashing down, it’s the awful smelling farts, and the covering your head when they do. It’s the
bedhead hair, and the bad breath, it’s the random dancing in the hallway, it’s the anger and the joy.
Marriage isn’t a beautiful thing, but it’s amazing. It’s knowing that someone loves you so much that
they won’t leave you even though you said something nasty. It’s having someone have your back no
matter what. It’s fights over stupid things, like someone not doing the dishes, or taking out the
trash, or leaving the lid up on the commode, or not picking up after themselves. And it’s those
nights when you fall asleep in each others’ arms, feeling like there will never be enough time to hold
them. It’s cleaning up their throw up, back rubs when they’ve overdone, cleaning their behinds when
they have a broken arm, rubbing smelly Vicks on their feet when they have a cold, and getting them
a glass of something because you’re going to the kitchen anyway. It’s the dirtiest, hardest, most
rewarding job there is. Because at the end of the day you get to crawl into bed with your best
friend, the weirdest, most annoying, loving, goofy, perfect person that you know. Marriage is not
beautiful, but it’s one heaven of a ride when the right person is by your side. Author—anonymous
***FEBRUARY EVENTS TO HAPPEN***______________ 21 LENT SERVICE 6:30 p.m. w/Rev Jonathan Lamb, pastor of Christ and Fields UMC’s; Spaghetti dinner by KUMM; joined by Trinity and St Jacob’s Lutheran Church families 25 UMM breakfast meeting 8:00 a.m. with Joe Liskey preparing breakfast and Pastor Joel doing devotions. Double Dare participants are encouraged to attend Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Why Are You Here?” (The Questions God Asks) 26 EMP 6:30 a.m. 27 “Made For a Miracle” study at 10:00 a.m. 28 LENT SERVICE 6:30 p.m. w/Artie Frederick, Chairperson at HDMCCC; Tetrazzini dinner by the Dillards; joined by Trinity and St Jacob’s Lutheran Church families
Fun day at school Alli and kitty just Four of the Pellegrins at “Princess Jazz” a chillin’ Mardi Gras ====================================================================================
SERVICE TO OTHERS & MISSION PROJECTS_______ _ _ A CLEAN ROOM: Thank you to the Memorials Committee for donating the money for
new metal shelving and totes for the storage room, and for the hard work of Jim and Carol Dillard in sorting, cleaning, building shelves, packing, and reorganizing the “AWESOME” looking storage room. Any group now has a place to put your “stuff”—please box, label, and shelve it. Let’s keep this room looking nice. Gathering Non-Perishable Food items: for the Massanutten Food Pantry in the box in the narthex; delivered by Randy Clatterbuck. Thank you for your contributions. Conference Kits: If you would like to donate items, please see Sherry Summers for a list of what items are still needed to complete or make up any of the kits, or place your items in the box in the narthex.
SALVATION ARMY MEAL: The Adult Sunday school class serves patrons a meal on the 4th Sat
of each month. Please see the Fords if you wish to help.
KUMC Facebook Page: Check out, and “like” the Keezletown United Methodist Church Facebook page. Take pictures and tag the church in the posts; any items/events you think should be included, please let Beth Morris know. Please remember this is a "Public" page so the world can see everything posted. If you see an event, feel free to invite friends, or share. Good Folks to Bless: There is a list of some good folks in Jackie’s room, some church members, some friends of the church, connected to our church that it would be good to bless with a visit, card, telephone call, or to help out. Please indicate if you have reached out to them so others can know who else might need a blessing. Love Your Neighbor Evangelism Trial: Pastor Joel is encouraging a trial of “Love Your Neighbor
Evangelism” (LYNE) with the focus on intentionally sharing the love of God with people during the week
with no strings attached. You may also share with someone else at KUMC how things went for prayer
and support. Whether you use a form or not, intentionally share God’s love with your neighbor this week;
and give support and prayer to other people trying to figure out how to love their neighbor.
PAJAMA DRIVE: HDMCCC has been blessed to become recipients of the national Pajama Program. They believe that every child should have a warm pair of pajamas and a good book read to them each night. Pajamas for all children up to age 18 and good books to read. Diapers and Socks are still being a need and the UMW will continue to collect all of the above in the basket in the narthex. BACKPACK TIME: We are over halfway thru another year in support of the 51 children we pack for
each week. All sponsorships and donations are greatly appreciated, as well as all who come to “pack” the
backpacks each week. Thank you for this wonderful sharing of God’s love with these children and their
families. Jenny
RELAY FOR LIFE: Mar 22nd & 23rd the Relay Team will be making candy eggs beginning at
6:00 p.m. All help will be greatly appreciated. Order forms are available. A big “Thank You”
to Wes for making Valentine’s Day floral arrangements to sell, and to the UMW for sharing the
profits of the soup/bake sale. Relay is May 4th-5th with the theme of “Superheroes”. Any ideas
for the campsite are welcomed. Please contact Joe or Lynn with questions.
BOOKBAGS OF HOPE: We are looking forward to collecting items for the homeless. If you would like to donate something, please pick up a list of what is needed from the back table, or see Becky Ryman or one of the Hall boys.
Four change collections in 2018: Apr 29th for conference kits; July 29th for Henry Fork; Sept 30th for TBD; and Dec 30th for “The Lord Provides”. ===================================================================================== ALL CHURCH FAMILY: PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR SOMEONE TO STEP FORWARD TO OVERSEE THE ELECTION DAY MEAL PREPARATION AND SERVICE. PRAY FOR THE RIGHT PERSON OR PERSONS TO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND ACCEPT THIS COMMUNITY-SHARING AND CHURCH SERVICE ENDEAVOR. THANK YOU. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
____________________PRAYER TIME___________________________ MONDAY MORNING PRAYER: at 6:30 a.m., here at the church, church family meet to pray for the
church, each other, the sick, the world, and any needs requested. Come as you are led or pray at home
during this time. For info, please see BJ Smith or contact him at 908-0061 or [email protected].
DO YOU NEED PRAYER?: Intercessory prayer is the greatest form of love we can give to one
another. Give some love (for you or others) on Sundays by placing a name or your name in the
prayer baskets; and pick one out as you leave. Your heart will rejoice.
Keezletown Courageous Warriors for Christ: KCW4X, a small prayer group meets twice a month for breakfast at Mr. J’s. See Pastor Joel if you are interested in joining this group. Pray Every Day 2017-2018: We have had 16 commitments for a total of six hours and five
minutes per day, with two being first time commitments. Pastor Joel continues to accept forms.
Make this your year to spend every day with God in prayer. Will you join us in 2018?
WORSHIP TIME_________________________ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: for Encounter, the Nursery, Flowers, and a second adult in the student classes of Sunday school. Please help as you can.
Season of Lent: goes from Ash Wednesday (2/14) through Holy Saturday (3/31) and is 40 days
(not including Sundays) for repentance, fasting, spiritual disciplines and preparing for
resurrection and new life in Jesus Christ in the following Easter Season.
LENT SUPPERS AND SERVICES: will continue thru Mar 21st, by sharing a meal at 6:30 p.m., and being inspired by a speaker and special music at 7:00 p.m. This year’s nightly offering with be taken for HDMCCC, with monies going toward the building and children’s clothing (especially pajamas, diapers, and children’s books) and medical supplies. . We welcome again the church families of Trinity Lutheran and St Jacobs Lutheran who will be joining us. Triple Dare: For those taking The Love Dare, you will have the opportunity for the “triple dare” of
renewing your vows, love, and commitment for your spouse in light of your learning and the love of God
gained through The Love Dare with the congregation on Mar 4th. Let Pastor Joel know if you are up for
the triple dare. This dare sponsored and issued by Keezletown UMM.
“Encounter”: Encounter is a worship time for children 3-5 years old and grades 1-5, which follows the
children’s time on Sunday mornings (except the 1st Sunday of each month or special Sundays). It works with the children by dividing and working with younger and older children separately. Volunteers, up to 2 adults and 1 youth each week, is needed to continue this worship time of songs, prayer, reading the Bible, and other activities. Please talk with Jenn Robinette or Karen Mooney or signup in the narthex. CDs for Homebound: CDs of the weekly worship service for homebound folks who do not have internet
access, are available. If you would like to receive, or can assist in delivering CD’s, please contact Pastor
Joel. If you would like to deliver a CD to a homebound person, you could take one and a worship bulletin
to them. Please indicate on the “Good Folks to Visit” chart (in Jackie’s room) to whom you delivered a CD.
Word on the Website: If you miss a Sunday, want to review, or wish you could share a recent sermon with a friend, the last four Sunday scripture and sermons are now available online on the church website at www.keezletownumc.com for your listening enjoyment. ====================================================================================
DO YOU WANT TO FAST THIS LENT? In the words of Pope Francis: Fast from hurting words
and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled
with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and have trust in
God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast
from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to
others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. =====================================================================================
__________________STUDY OF THE WORD______________________ LENT DEVOTIONALS: The “Questions God Asks” devotional for Lent, is now available, and offers ten questions God asks in the scriptures. Writers from KUMC wrestled with what they say to us and how they have responded. Pick up yours and enjoy or share with others. 2018 Read through the Bible Chronologically Challenge: For 2018 Bishop Lewis has issued
the challenge to read through the whole Bible in a year chronologically where the readings for
each day, about 2 – 4 chapters, put the Bible stories and writing closer to the chronological order
they occurred in or refer to. Access the readings weekly in the Pray Every Day bulletin resource.
YOU ARE INVITED to join a Sunday School Class, available for all ages, with several classes
for young people, and three classes for adults. Monday evening (7:00 p.m.) and Tuesday
morning (10:00 p.m.) Bible studies are also available. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. after a
short devotion time. We’ve love to have you join us!
Tuesday Morning LENT Study, “Made for a Miracle”: when we hope for the impossible, it involves
more than praying for God’s transcendent power? There are two components to every miracle: divine
action and human responsibility. Each of us has been given specific talents and abilities. For a real
miracle to take place, God expects us to apply these talents and abilities—acting with God to perform
divine work. By examining biblical examples of how to use your God-given gifts for God’s glory, author
and Pastor Mike Slaughter helps you discover that you, too, were Made for a Miracle. This Lent study
will be 6 weeks on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. beginning Feb 27th.
A Note From Tommy: Dear Friends, Eight years ago, Bishop Charlene Kammerer called and asked Carolyn and me to go to the Harrisonburg District. We accepted that call and have had eight wonderful years in the Harrisonburg District. The Discipline says a district superintendent can stay six years with an additional two years if there is a missional need. Carolyn and I stayed six years and were asked to return, so this completes our eight years. We will be with you until the end of June. I have accepted a job with our United Methodist Foundation as Vice-President and will be working with local churches on legacy gifts and teaching churches stewardship. We are looking for a
home in Richmond and will be moving in June. The Harrisonburg District has been a wonderful experience for us. When we first arrived, Carolyn and I would take rides most every day to find all of our 74 churches. We weren’t here long until we received nine more churches from the Winchester District making a total of 83. Ottobine church closed and we now have 82 churches. We have loved the mountains and the beautiful scenery getting to each of our churches. This is not only a lovely District, it is a strong District! God bless you as we strive to make the Harrisonburg District the very best it can be for God and His creation! Tommy MEET OUT NEW DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT: The Reverend Dr. Victor Gomez has been appointed by Bishop Lewis as the Harrisonburg District Supt beginning July 1st. In 1991 Victor and his future wife, Heather, were both youth members of the “Voices of Youth” when the group travelled to the World Methodist Conference in Singapore. A native of Mexico City, Victor was one of the international participants in Voices. Almost 25 years ago, Rev. Dr. Gómez came to Shenandoah Univ to study music, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and fell in love with Winchester. Right after he graduated, he married Heather in 1997, who became his soul mate and partner in ministry. In 2005 Victor became a US citizen and their daughter, Jessenia, was born. Moving to Atlanta, he went to Emory University, receiving his seminary degree with a Master of Divinity. He continued his studies at Columbia Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology. He served at the Virginia Council of Churches as the Exec Dir of Rural Family Development, a ministry with 180 employees, serving farm workers and their families through five migrant and seasonal head start centers, including one in Winchester; and the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association as the interim Exec Dir in Washington, D.C. He is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Since 2011, he has served and became an active part of the Winchester area as pastor, chaplain, and advocate. He volunteers as chaplain for the Fire and Police Departments of Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He is the first President of the Latino Clergy Caucus in the VA Conference. He serves as faculty of the Methodist Seminary in Cuba where he has already taught almost 200 pastors. He holds a Doctor in Ministry in Public Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. He comes with strong Wesleyan theological roots, believing that Missions is vital for ministry and looking for opportunities to serve God. Victor will be moving among you. I hope you do all you can to make the transition smooth and easy. He will need your help as he travels from church to church and it really helps if you tell him your name when you see him. If you would like to send Victor a card to welcome
him, his address is: 401 Dogwood Drive, Cross Junction, VA 22625. His e-mail address is [email protected]. DISTRICT WIDE REVIVAL: May 20th at Asbury UMC at 3:00 p.m.; speaker to be announced.
Harrisonburg District Mission Center Clothes Closet Mission Central’s Children’s Clothes Closet: Mission Central has had a wonderful year in 2017. Thank you to all of you who have supported us. You are the reason we have been able to help so many. It is heart warming to hear a client tell us that what we do is beautiful and helps people so much. Another person tells that her family can buy food because of the help she receives from us. We have supplied clothing to mothers who are about to deliver and have nothing. We have been blessed to become recipients of the national Pajama Program. They believe that every child should have a warm pair of pajamas and a good book read to them each night. We have received about 150 pair of PJ’s. We are seeing the reality of our building for the future of Mission Central. The building has been delivered and men are starting to work on them. We can hardly wait. Again, thank you to all of our volunteers, all of our churches, all of their prayers, and a God who is AMAZING! May Mission Central be used to His Glory. Artie Frederick, Chairperson, 208-7669 Our Equipment for Caring loaner closet extends a big THANK YOU to VMRC for their recent donations of wheelchairs, bedside commodes, geri chairs, and over-bed trapeze bars. The loaner closet has provided numerous persons with medical equipment and supplies and continue to see this as a growing need in
our community, with more requests as this loaner closet has become known to persons in the community. We have durable medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, bedside commodes, and shower benches as well as disposables including adult diapers and wound care supplies. These are available FREE of charge to anyone
needing them in the Harrisonburg and surrounding area. For larger medical equipment, we may be able to make arrangements for individual home pickup or delivery. When we are in the Mission Central building, we plan to have 2-3 hours on 2-3 scheduled days per week open for the public to come for pick up or to donate, and will need volunteers for these times and also to help in cleaning and organizing equipment. Delores Reid, Chairperson, 383-6112
CAMP OVERLOOK: SUMMER CAMP: The Life of Christ - Living Out the Gospels! The ground at camp is frozen solid and even the rushing stream is slowed by ice, but we’re already preparing for our summer camp program! This year, the most familiar stories of the New Testament come to life as we follow Christ from his humble birth to his kingly ascension. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will be presented in true Overlook fashion - through drama, music, simulation games, and creative worship. Campers will encounter angels, find a young family in a stable, dance at the wedding at Cana, be present for Christ’s first miracle, see Jesus walk on water, be in the crowd when Lazarus is raised from the dead, gather with the disciples in the upper room, witness the arrest of Jesus in the garden, and watch helplessly as Christ pays the ultimate price for our sins. But, after “three days”, Mary Magdalene will take them to the empty tomb and they’ll celebrate the resurrection of Christ with other believers. All of this will be coupled with the care of skilled counselors and the joy of living in Christian community with their peers. Summer registration has been active on our website since Cyper Monday. Register early so you don’t miss out on your first choice events and dates. Hard-copy brochures will be mailed to churches and the families of previous campers once they are completed. Be sure to take note of the new Mega Quest program for those who have completed 9th through 11th grade, which includes rock climbing, all-day caving, an overnight camping experience, and horseback riding in Fort Valley. Remember to take advantage of the May 1st early registration discount! If your church is ready for group registration prior to the mailing of brochures and group forms, just contact Lori in the office at (540) 269-2267 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Valentine jokes:
What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream? "I'm sweet on you!"
Did you hear about the nearsighted porcupine? He fell in love with a pin cushion!
What did the girl squirrel say to the boy squirrel on Valentine’s Day? I’m nuts about you!
What did the drum say to the other drum on Valentine’s Day? My heart beats for you!
CHURCH ITEMS________________________ NEW DIRECTORY AND PHOTO DATES!!! Do you ever see people here at KUMC and wonder what their names are? Have you ever heard an announcement regarding a member & wished you could put a face with the name? Are you a new member & wish you had something to help you put names with faces? Help is on the way! It's been 5 years since our last directory was printed and we've had many additions to & changes within our KUMC family. We will once again work with Life Touch Directories & Portraits and are scheduled for two days of photography. Please, Mark Your Calendars for Friday, Sept 14th & Saturday, Sept 15th, 2018! Specific times & additional information will be available in the Spring. Each family or household will receive a free 8x10 portrait & a free directory for participating. There are no sitting fees or cost to the church. Additional photos may be taken to include family members who do not regularly attend KUMC (sitting is free). Please see Jan Shafer or call her at 269-2032 if you have questions or for more information.
Cookbooks for Sale: The UMW have cookbooks full of “scrumptious” new and old recipes of the church family for $15.00 per book. Please see one of the UMW ladies to pick up one (or two) in the church social hall before or after church any Sunday. They make great gifts!
FLOWERS NEEDED: The 2018 flower calendar is available in the narthex for signing up for flowers for the altar table. Please consider this special time to remember or honor someone you love, or for a celebration in your family. Any questions, please see Cheryl Carr. TRUSTEES: WE REACHED THE GOAL! Our “Raise the Cross” project is underway with the
contractor now in the process of building the steeple. If all goes well, we will have everything up by
Easter. We have also had the kitchen refrigerator repaired at a very reasonable cost, and a new washer (to
replace the broken one) has been purchased for the parsonage. Thank you to Scott Dillard for repairing
the Sanctuary lights. Randy =====================================================================================
CELEBRATING FEBRUARY
They’re not little The “My Guy and Me A boy and The Eklund “girls” anymore Dance” couple his toys with Minnie
HEALTH Blood Pressure/Checks and Health Questions Parish Nurse, Carol Sacra, reminds everyone that on the 3rd Sunday of every month, she will be administering Blood Pressure Checks in the Sunday school room behind the organ after worship. If you have any concerns, blood pressure, or otherwise, with your health, please feel free to use this time (or anytime the need arises) to talk with her.
“IN YOUR CORNER FOR HEALTH/WELLNESS” by Carol Sacra, RN, PN
New Life by a Forage Stick: Last month, during a “genuine” snow day for Rockingham Co. Public
Schools, Nora came to spend the day with Neil and I. Having previously discussed that I hoped to attend
the Agriculture / Farm Show that day, the three of us headed out to the “Expoland” in Fishersville. There
were outdoor exhibits of LARGE farm equipment such as manure spreaders, hay racks, and corn choppers.
Indoors, in a more reasonable climate, we browsed through aisles of hand tools, chicken coops and
watering troughs. We chatted with vendors and neighbors. Taking pictures of Nora on huge tractors with
6 foot dual tires and 2 seats in the cab, her best was a pose in front of an 8 foot
panorama picture of the cover of the “Delmarva Farmer” magazine. She was
content with freebies of popcorn, peanuts in the shell, drinks of her choice and a key
chain with a rubber chicken on the other end. Feeling we had about seen and done
everything worth seeing and doing and having registered for all available door
prizes, Nora and I headed down the last aisle toward the EXIT sign. There on the left
was a benign looking table with several people gathered about. Our eyes were
drawn to wood crafted items of rulers, yardsticks, canes and such – each of which
had a rawhide handle with bright colored beads entwined. Immediately an elderly gentleman stepped up
and asked if we would like an item. Nora’s positive reply prompted him to assure us they were “freebies”,
but would we first step in and listen to a story – “just takes 4 or 5 minutes” he said. We were ushered to 2
metal folding chairs where an exuberant fellow with a well-worn flip chart shared God’s truths, using the
colored beads. He then led us in a familiar scripture and a responsive prayer. As our story completed the
first gentleman reappeared, thanked us for listening, and offered an item of our choice. “The square
yardstick” I requested. “Ah yes, our Forage Stick – you’ve made a good choice today!” Not expecting this
topic at an Ag and Farm Show, I looked around - a bright yellow banner above the table announced the
“Fellowship of Christian Farmers” booth. My experience that day and the “choice” I made is one I have
taken to heart every day since. I wasn’t familiar with a forage stick but I am now!, and in a different way
than most people who regularly use a forage stick. Just when we thought we had seen and done it all, we
hadn’t. We had received the best freebie/ won the greatest door prize - when we stopped at that last
booth. The Fellowship of Christian Farmers is a multi- nationwide program initiated in 1985 whose mission
is to encourage Christian farm families and agricultural professions to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior, “Serving, Sowing, Reaping for Christ Around the World” – find them on the web.
More Valentine jokes: What did the boy bee say to the girl bee on Valentine’s Day? You are bee-utiful!
What did the boy bear say to the girl bear on Valentine’s Day? I love you beary much!
What did the rabbit say to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day? Somebunny loves you!
========================================================= THE CHURCH FAMILY REMEMBERS: Dorothy Lorrene Armentrout, church member, mother of Randy Armentrout and Donna, sister of Geraldine Armentrout, grandmother to Ethan and Laura, and Caitlin, and great-grandmother to Sutton, Bryar, and Maci.
THE CHURCH FAMILY IS PROUD: David Reed, who received a “Lifesaving Award” from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Dept on Feb 19th.
THANK YOU NOTES: Keezletown UMC: Forty-nine years ago, when church leaders dreamed of a set-a-part place for folks to spend special time with God, they never imagined all that Overlook ministries would become. Thank you for opening the way for the next 50 years with your generous donation of $1000.00 received Jan 19th. You are much like a grandparent looking out for future generations and preparing the way for blessings and faith experiences in ways we cannot yet imagine. Overlook Retreat and Camp Ministries, Rev Tommy Crosby, Exec Director
========================================================== WASH YOUR HANDS AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS, ‘CUZ JESUS & GERMS ARE EVERYWHERE! ====================================================================================
CHILDREN, YOUTH, MEN, WOMEN AND FAMILY___________ JESUS’ KIDS: Planning Easter Egg hunt in March and to go to Sunnyside in April to help
decorate cupcakes with the residents. Contact Brandon Bowman 820-4472. CAOS YOUTH: Next meeting Mar 17th from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN: Next meeting is Mar 1st at 6:30 p.m. (Note: time changed) UNITED METHODIST MEN: Meeting Feb 18th at 8:00 a.m.
========================================================== PASTOR’S CHAT Bishop Sharma Lewis led a Chat & Chew 2.0 at Verona UMC on January 27th and the themes for the day
related to the Council of Bishops Commission on a Way Forward. That commission was formed in 2016
due to a feeling at General Conference that the United Methodist Church would have great difficulty
moving forward with divisiveness over issues related to “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” being
prohibited from serving as clergy and prohibitions on UMC clergy officiating at same-sex marriage
ceremonies or church buildings being used for same-sex marriage ceremonies. The commission is tasked
with presenting a plan to the Council of Bishops that allows for unity, shared mission and doctrine, and a
church structure that would allow the UMC to navigate these issues and future issues as a global church.
That is a big task and the commission is directed to complete their work soon so preparations may be
made for a February 2019 General Conference. What surprised me at the Chat & Chew 2.0 was how
many people shared their churches were not talking at all about the Commission on a Way Forward or the
issues they are examining: no sermons on the issues; no studies on the issues; and no calls for prayer over
these issues. Bishop Lewis shared she wants us talking about and praying about the difficult and
potentially divisive issues within the UMC. As Christians we are not called to ignore, avoid, or trivialize
difficult matters. We are called to serve one another, carry each other’s burdens, forgive one another,
build each other up in the love of Jesus Christ, pray for each other and together (The Lord’s Prayer does
begin “Our Father”), and pick up our crosses and follow Jesus to redemption and resurrection. I hope, as
Christians, we are not afraid to confront any difficulty. 1 John 4 reminds us that there is no fear in love
since perfect love casts out our fear. God of love, cast out our fears. Let the love and grace of Christ guide
all our relationships closer to the love Jesus displayed on the cross. Holy Spirit, make us one in desire to
build each other up in the love of Jesus. Give us your love to care for each other’s convictions, questions,
frustrations, hopes, and fears. Lead us not into the temptation to seize our own way, but to walk more
closely in your ways Jesus in all we do and how we do it. Let us be praying for the Commission on a Way
Forward and our Council of Bishops. Let us not be afraid to enter conversations with others on difficult
issues. Let us not get mired down in difficulties but allow Christ to be our shepherd who leads us to green
pastures, leads us beside the still waters, and restores our souls. Pastor Joel
