Beulah News Beulah United Methodist Church
161 Beulah Church Rd. Gilbert, SC 29054
www.beulahunitedmethodistchurch.org
I t was sometime around
the beginning of October
when I began to notice it;
the subtle creeping,
commercial Christmas. As I recall,
Mary and I had headed up to Franklin,
North Carolina to enjoy a couple of
days away and to marvel at the fall
colors decorating the trees that lined
the Blue Ridge Parkway. (It was
indeed a wonderful time of rest and
reflection, a little time to get to know
one another again; but as with all good
things this too had to come to an end,
and as we traveled back down the
road toward home the far off taste of
chicken and dumplings began to
beckon me.) You see, I knew that in
the not too distant future we would be
passing nearby a Cracker Barrel, and
sure enough in time, the old sign came
into view. We pulled into the now
familiar parking lot, requested our
traditional table with a view and
enjoyed a fine meal together, all the
while reminiscing about the joys of the
past few days. After the meal we
wandered around the store a bit
looking at the bobbles and bangles
they sell. They do have some really
interesting things and some pretty
original gifts, if you are into that sort of
thing. Nonetheless, as we wandered
Mary drifted over to the clothes, so I
faded back and worked my way over to
toys as is my want in such situations. It
was there that I noticed it. Amongst the
toys was a nondescript little sign
reminding me that Christmas was just
ninety some odd days away with the
implied warning that I had better get
this or that toy while it lasted.
At first I simply assumed
that the sign was a stowaway from
last year’s season, but upon closer
examination it appeared to be newly
printed and placed. There were no
tattered corners, the paper wasn’t
discolored, and the tape had not
yellowed at all. So somebody had
actually put that thing up three
months before Christmas day to get
the sales going. It was then that I
knew I was getting a bit old for I
heard my father speaking when I
muttered, “What in the world is the
world coming to?” under my breath
on the way out to the truck.
Since that time I have
pondered what import the mess we
have made of Christmas has had
upon Christianity itself. What
damage, if any, has been foisted on
our faith by a world mad for money
and our participation in the
madness?
I have often preached that
we as believers need to beware of
being distracted by the
commercialization of Christmas, but
upon reflection I don’t believe that
distraction is the greatest problem. I
believe that the debasement of
Christ and cheapening the gift of
God’s grace is a far greater sin.
Just think of it. God has
placed the mystery of the incarnation
in our hearts through the coming of
the “Babe in the manger,” and we
have stood by and allowed the world
to put the mystery in a box, wrap it
with a bow, and put a price tag on it.
We have even allowed the
world to kick Christ off of the public
stage, even during the Christmas
season. If I hear one more “happy
holidays” from the lips of someone
yearning to declare “Merry
Christmas,” or hear of one more
lawsuit against a town with the
audacity to place a nativity scene on
public ground, I believe I will have to
choose between screaming and
crying. How about you?
That being said, I am not
declaring a moratorium on gift giving.
The giving of gifts is a wonderful
tradition and one that builds
memories that last a lifetime.
I am simply thinking aloud
and wishing with all of my heart that
those of us who call ourselves
Christians could find it in our hearts
to place Christ first during this
season of celebration; that we who
claim to be the ‘children of God’ have
the courage to declare “Merry
Christmas” because of our
unabashed love for Christ; that we
put aside some of our worldly
pursuits and worldly fears in favor of
the things of God.
(Continued on page 2)
Celebrate and Pass It On!
December 2014
Our Star Member for the month
is:
David Stone-892-6428
2239-B Priceville Rd.
Gilbert, SC 29054
Fellowship Friends will list in
the bulletin each month a Star
Member. A star member is
anyone over 65, a nursing home
member or a home bound
member. These are our special
members who need our care and
concern. Greeting cards or note
cards are a great way to stay in
touch when we can’t visit or call.
PAGE 2 BEULAH NEWS
So celebrate the season with
your families. Please don’t neglect
that. Buy too much if you wish. Eat too
much if you must, but never forget
what this season is all about. Never
forget why we celebrate.
Christmas is a time to celebrate
the coming of the Christ Child and
all that that marvelous moment
entails.
This is the season to celebrate
salvation coming to the earth in
the person of Jesus Christ.
We must be on guard that the
miracle of the Christ Child is never
overshadowed by the ways of the
world, for that Child came to this world
of darkness to bring everlasting light
and life eternal.
This Christmas season let us:
Celebrate the Light!
Celebrate the Life!
Celebrate the coming of the “Son
of God” into this world to bring us
(Continued from page 1) salvation from our sins!
Celebrate the coming of the “Son
of God” into this world to bring
everlasting peace, and joy!
Celebrate the coming of the “Son
of God” into this world to bring us
His unconditional, everlasting love
which is beyond price!
Celebrate it and pass it on!
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Tony
Celebrate and Pass It On! (cont.)
PAGE 3 BEULAH NEWS
Steak Supper
Dear Pastor Rowell and
Beulah Church Members,
Your Fall Festival today was a
model of love and community.
I brought three children, who
all enjoyed the various
activities, games, and tasty
treats. One of the most
impressive features was the many events that
involved physical activity! It is refreshing to see
children run, climb, jump, and enjoy the outdoors.
The adult and youth monitors had friendly, loving
personalities that welcomed children of all ages.
Thank you for the immense amount of planning,
organization, preparation, and follow-up you invested.
I have loved the Gilbert community since I began
teaching at GHS in 1979. Beulah Church is the home
of numerous former GHS students and I have
enjoyed attending a variety of Beulah events over
the years. Thank you again for providing such a nice
festival for the area families. Sincerely, With Love,
Susan Wright
Thank you for having a great fall festival this year.
My family had a great time, doing the games, the
trunk or treat, riding the amusement ride, & doing
arts and crafts. It was a fun time by everyone.
Thank you too all the people who worked to put this
together & took time to do all the events. We are
very grateful. Thank you, The Robinton’s
P.S. I also appreciated having handicap parking
available, it made a big difference for my mom.
Dear Beulah United Methodist Church, I enjoyed
visiting your Harvest Carnival. The rides were
awesome. My candy tastes yummy. It was fun to
play on the obstacle course and bouncy houses. I
felt welcomed by everyone. I loved the cotton
candy. Sincerely, Cassidy Rush
Dear Beulah Church, Thank you for having your
Harvest Carnival. I enjoyed visiting your friendly
church family. I especially enjoyed the obstacle
course. Thanks for planning such a wonderful event.
Sincerely, Virgil Rush
Dear Beulah Church, I enjoyed visiting for your
Harvest Carnival. My favorite part of your church
was the rides and inflatables. Thanks for all you do.
Sincerely, Cordell Rush
The United Methodist Men
(UMM) are hosting their semi-
annual steak supper
on SATURDAY, 6 DECEBER.
Guests can dine-in or get a
meal to go. Dinners will be
served between 4-7 PM. Cost
is $9 for an adult and $6 for a
child’s meal. The United
Methodist Women (UMW)
will be holding a bake sale in
conjunction with the steak
supper.
The Christmas Star The Christmas Star will be
presented by the Children’s
Ministry, Aftershock, and the
Preschool on Dec. 7 at 10 am.
There will be no Sunday school
or Contemporary Service. We
invite everyone to come see the
children and junior youth tell
the story of Christmas
through music, dance, and
drama. After the program,
refreshments will be served.
Beulah News
Published monthly by Beulah United Methodist Church
161 Beulah Church Rd.
Gilbert, SC 29054
www.beulahunitedmethodistchurch.org
Rev. Tony Rowell, Pastor
Mary Joyce Gardner, Church Secretary
Karen Counts, Comm. Coordinator
Send articles by the 20th of each month by email to [email protected] or drop
articles off in the pocket on the door of the church office.
BEULAH NEWS PAGE 4
MR. & MRS. DALE L GOSSETT 12/04/1970
MR. & MRS. BARRY LEAPHART 12/10/1983
MR. & MRS. ROBERT "BOB" KELSEY 12/10/2011
MR. & MRS. CHAD R BRANHAM 12/14/2002
MR. & MRS. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR 12/17/1994
MR. & MRS. KEITH SCHUMPERT 12/18/1993
MR. & MRS. STEVEN LLOYD 12/19/2002
MR. & MRS. FRED TAYLOR 12/20/1969
MR. & MRS. JOHN BARNETT 12/20/1974
MR. & MRS. C M "MIKE" BURTON 12/21/1974
MR. & MRS. JOE CARTER 12/21/1989
MR. & MRS. J TERRY BURNETT 12/22/1967
MR. & MRS. LARRY EPTING 12/23/1986
MR. & MRS. PETE MILLS 12/26/1942
MR. & MRS. HARRY WOODARD 12/27/1963
MR. & MRS. BRENT WEAVER 12/28/1996
MR. & MRS. DONDI BEST 12/30/1995
MR. & MRS. JAMES "JIM" GRIMM 12/31/1992
1 MITCHELL KOON AMY SCHOFIELD
JUDITH TOMPKINS 20 MICHELLE GAUSE
2 BIFF STALVEY KATELYN DAVIS
JOAN FRALEY HERBERT MYERS
EMILY STALVEY 21 KARLA PRIESTER
3 DON DEERING PATRICIA "PAT" CONN
5 ALLEN SHEALY HOLLY WEED
6 EDWARD ARMSTRONG BRIAN K BROWN
BOBBY SMITH 22 DONDI BEST
7 SPENCER "SKIP" PRICE LUTHER ROGERS
ANGELA TOMPKINS JOHN PRICE
8 STEVE COVINGTON 23 JOHN JASE LEIGHTY
9 RICKY SMITH, JR 24 BILLY JOE OSWALD
10 THOMAS H TAYLOR 25 JAMES E KELLY, JR
EUNICE DURST 26 CANDACE THIBEAULT
WILLIAM THORNBURG DELORES RAINES
11 PATRICK EVANS 27 NAOMI BAKER
LORAN JERALD WILLIAM SCHOFIELD
JETTIE COVINGTON CYNTHIA S MAKUTA
12 BRUCE PATNAUDE JIMMY GANTT
13 P BRETT REEDER 29 MATTHEW DAWSON
14 WILLIAM "BILL" CROSBY 30 BLYTHE SUSAN PRICE
MARY KATHERINE CLAWSON LINDA A PRICE
15 SANDRA WOODARD COLEMAN HERNANDEZ
17 JERRY SHEALY JOHN BARNETT
BRADLEY ADAMS JOE WORKMAN
COLLIN HENDRIX 31 SARAH CAMPBELL
18 ANGELA OSWALD ROSE NIX
19 BETTY K COCKRELL
J.A.M. Time for December On December 7 the children will
meet at the church at 4:00 pm. We
will board the bus and go to CiCi’s
Pizza for supper. After supper we
will see “The Living Christmas Sto-
ry” presented by Union United
Methodist Church. The children
remain on the bus and view the
story as it comes to life scene after
scene. Please let Melba Smith,
Mindy Price, or Mary Rowell know
if your child(ren) plan to partici-
pate in this field trip. There will be
no other J.A.M. time in December.
BEULAH NEWS PAGE 5
Epworths Children’s Home Visit
Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser
December 8th 6p.m.-8 p.m.
Come and enjoy a silent auction with many great items! We also are included a few venders
this year. Great time to come shop for Christmas presents!
Beulah Methodist Preschool December 2014
Preschool news
This month, the school collected
bedding and bath items on the
urgent needs list for Epworth's
Children’s Home. Our 4 year old
class enjoyed a field trip to the
home, where they received a tour
and did a Chapel lesson with the
Youth Pastor. Teaching children
to be thankful for what they have,
and giving to others is a lesson
well-learned. Beulah Methodist
Preschool teaches more than just
academics, but life lessons in be-
ing a good Christian, and a good
member of the community as
well. After delivering pillows and
blanket to children that do not
have them, the Beulah children
were very thankful for what they
have at home!
BEULAH NEWS PAGE 6
He is Here A Musical for Christmas
Created by: Dennis & Nan Allen
Sunday, December 14th at 6pm – Family Life Center
(Food and fellowship following)
Emmanuel – God with us. For those who actually encountered Jesus in the manger, it may have seemed too good to be true, somewhat surreal. Even two thousand plus years later, what exactly does it mean for God to be with us?
This year’s underlying theme helps us better understand, even now, that He is with us. His Spirit calls us; sometimes we may feel that presence, other times we may reach out to Him. “He is Here” reminds us of who Christ is, not only for those who actually encountered the manger, but also to those who now abide in Him. To prophets, He was the Promise. To Mary He was the Gift; to the shepherds and angels, He was the Good News; to the wise men He was the King of Kings; and to us….well, what is He to you?
Join us on Sunday, December 14th at 6pm in the Family Life Center as we offer this message of assurance that God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel. No matter what difficulties we face in the shadows, listen closely…through the moving of the Holy Spirit, He is calling out your name. He is Here…..even now.
December BUMY Youth Events December 3, Wednesday
Prayer Breakfast – 7:15 till 7:45 –
Subway, Gilbert
Pickup Basketball Games 7:30
till 9:00, 7th thru 12th grade and
Parents welcome
December 7, Sunday
Youth Family Christmas Party
4:00 till 7:00, Full meal and fun, At
the Home of Dondi and Nancy Best
December 10, Wednesday
Prayer Breakfast – 7:15 till 7:45 –
Subway, Gilbert
No Basketball
December 14, Sunday
No Sunday Night Live
Christmas Cantata performed by
the Sanctuary Choir
December 17, Wednesday
Prayer Breakfast – 7:15 till 7:45 –
Subway, Gilbert
Pickup Basketball games 7:30
till 9:00, 7th thru 12th grade and
Parents welcome
December 21, Sunday
SNL Roadtrip 4:30 till 7:30,
Christmas shopping – location TBD
December 24, Wednesday
Prayer Breakfast
No Basketball
December 28, Sunday
No Sunday Night Live
December 31, Wednesday
New Years Eve Lock-in, Beulah
FLC 9:00pm till 8:00am
MORNINGSIDE ASSISTED
LIVING
Ella V. Woodruff
c/o Morningside of Lexington
Apt #113
218 Old Chapin Rd.
Lexington, SC 29072
HOMEBOUND
C. J. Price-892-3988
307 Lewie Road
Gilbert, SC 29054
Alan Tompkins-892-2816
616 Tom Drafts Circle
Gilbert, SC 29054
Rosetta Leaphart-892-2266
212 Shore Rd.
Gilbert, SC 29054
Thomas E. Taylor, Sr., 324390
Broad River Corr. Inst.
Montecello Unit-Room 144B
4460 Broad River Rd.
Columbia, SC 29210
Sarah Bailey-892-2594
5 Downing Way
Gilbert, SC 29054
Luther Rogers-892-3601
2033 Shull Ave.
Gilbert, SC 29054
David Stone-892-6428
2239-B Priceville Rd.
Gilbert, SC 29054
Mildred Price-532-6615
3712 Hwy. 378
Leesville, SC 29070
Hazel Moore-892-2544
431 Peachland Dr.
Gilbert, SC 29054
Esther Kaminer-532-6730
156 Half Circle
Leesville, SC 29070
Betty Ricard-892-6655
3834 Augusta Hwy.
Gilbert, SC 29054
Polly Derrick-892-6660
1833 Lewie Rd.
Leesville, SC 29070
Mickie Folk-532-1029
108 Bob Sharpe Pt.
Leesville, SC 29070
USHERS-MONTH OF NOV
Jerald Hancock-Leader
Chuck Wallace
Chuck Knight
Bobby Smith
Jim Hill
GREETERS
Loretta Price & Mary Price
ACOLYTE
Parker Evans
SCRIPTURE READER
Nick Ulmen
AFTER SERVICE GREETERS
Jamie Patterson-Church Council
Dec. 7 & Dec. 14
Jim Eidson-Lay Leader Dec. 21 &
Dec. 26
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
Dec. 7 - Judy Knight
Dec. 14 - Jerry & Janna Davis
Dec. 21 - Poinsettias
Dec. 28 - Doris Lybrand
SEPT COUNTING TEAM
Richard & Jane Flythe
Mike & Sandy Burton
Tony Counts
LEXINGTON EXTENDED CARE
Ruby Bedenbaugh
Lexington Extended Care
815 Old Cherokee Rd.
256 A Caughman Way
Lexington, SC 29072
Betty Jo Gable
Lexington Extended Care
815 Old Cherokee Rd.
Room 144-Lexington Trace
Lexington, SC 29072
Wayne Leaphart
Lexington Extended Care
815 Old Cherokee Rd.
Room 114 A-Palmetto Lane
Lexington, SC 29072
Wilma Raye Covington
Lexington Extended Care
815 Old Cherokee Rd.
Room 603 A - Camilla Ct.
Lexington, SC 29072
Carlos J. Price
Lexington Extended Care
815 Old Cherokee Rd.
Room 503 B - Azalea Circle
Lexington, SC 29072
AGAPE
Frances Smith
Agape-The House
2705 Leaphart Rd.
West Columbia, SC 29169
Homebound and Residential Care
Our December Helpers
BEULAH NEWS PAGE 7
BEULAH NEWS PAGE 8
PRAYERS: Ruby Bedenbaugh, C. J. Price, Alan Tompkins, Esther Kaminer, Sarah Bailey, Luther Rogers,
Polly Derrick, Mildred Price, Hazel Moore, Thomas Taylor, Sr., Rosetta Leaphart, Dean Price, Mickie Folk,
Betty Jo Gable, Frances Smith, Carthon Kaminer, Lillian Kaminer, Jo Nicholson, Wilma Raye Covington, and
Betty Ricard.
PRESENCE
As Of November 16, 2014
Total Budgeted Income YTD: $386,079
Total Budgeted Expenses YTD: $373,413
Total Income in Designated Accounts: $315,828
Stewardship Report
11-2 11-9 11-16 Average
Sunday School 87 98 87 90
Worship Service 188 238 234 220
Photo: Senior Trip to Myrtle Beach, Nov. 2014
Calendar for December 2014
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
9:30 am Bridge - SH
5:00 pm Disciple 4
6:30 pm Advent Study
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
9:30 am Bible Study
6:30 pm Youth Ministry Pers. Comm.
7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
7:15 am Prayer Breakfast
10:00 am Weight Watchers - SH
6:30 pm Choir Practice
Selena -FLC
7:30 pm Youth Basketball - FLC
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
6:30 pm Bible Study - SH
7:30 pm Praise Choir
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
9:00 am Mother’s Morning Out (until noon)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
The Christmas Star Rehearsal
1:00 pm Aftershock Road Trip
4:00 pm Steak Supper (until 7:00 pm)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Worship
10:00 am The Christmas Star - FLC
No Children’s Church
4:00 pm J.A.M. Road Trip
Youth Family Christmas Party
6:00 pm Bible Study
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
9:30 am Bridge
5:00 pm Disciple 4
Preschool Christmas Bazaar -FLC
6:30 pm Advent Study
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
9:30 am Bible Study
6:30 pm Emmaus - SH
7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
7:15 am Prayer Breakfast
10:00 am Weight Watchers
6:30 pm Choir Practice
Selena - FLC
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
10:30 am Fun, Food, and Fellowship - FLC
6:30 pm Bible Study - SH
7:30 pm Praise Choir
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
9:00 am Mother’s Morning Out (until noon)
8:00 pm Square Dance
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
10:30 am Cantata Rehearsal - FLC
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
8:30 am Meet & Greet
Contemporary Worship
9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
10:00am Sunday School
Traditional Worship
9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am Traditional Worship Service
Children’s Church
4:00 pm No J.A.M.
No Aftershock
5:00 pm No Sunday Night Live
6:00 pm Christmas Cantata - FLC
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
9:30 am Bridge
5:00 pm Disciple 4
6:30 pm Advent Study
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
9:30 am Bible Study
7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
7:15 am Prayer Breakfast
10:00 am Weight Watchers - SH
10:30 am Preschool - FLC
6:30 pm Choir Practice
7:30 pm Youth Basketball - FLC
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
10:30 am Preschool - FLC
6:30 pm Bible Study - SH
Prayer Group
7:30 pm Praise Choir
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
9:00 am Mother’s Morning Out (until noon)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
9:00 am Breakfast with Santa
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
8:30 am Meet & Greet
Contemporary Worship
9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
10:00am Sunday School
Traditional Worship
9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am Traditional Worship Service
11:15 am Potluck
4:00 pm No J.A.M.
No Aftershock
4:30 pm Sunday Night Live Road Trip
6:00 pm Bible Study
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
9:30 am Bridge
5:00 pm Disciple 4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
9:30 am Bible Study
7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
7:15 am Prayer Breakfast
10:00 am Weight Watchers
6:30 pm Choir Practice
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day
Jettie Covington - SH
Vicky Gossett - FLC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
8:30 am Meet & Greet
Contemporary Worship
9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
10:00 am Sunday School
Traditional Worship
9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am Traditional Worship Service
Children’s Church
4:00 pm No J.A.M.
No Aftershock
5:00 pm No Sunday Night Live
6:00 pm Gospel Singing
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
9:30 am Bridge
5:00 pm Disciple 4
TUESDAY DECEMBER 30
9:30 am Bible Study
7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
10:00 am Weight Watchers - SH
6:30 pm Choir Practice
9:00 pm Youth Lock In - FLC, Bus
(until 8:00 am)
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Leesville, SC 29070
PERMIT NUMBER 8
Beulah United Methodist Church
161 Beulah Church Road
Gilbert, SC 29054
www.beulahunitedmethodistchurch.org
Return Service Requested
W e would like to invite you to Fun,
Food and Fellowship. We meet
every second Thursday at 10:30 am
(except for November, when we
have the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner). We hope
you will come have
lunch and get
together with all
your friends and
make new friends.
Invite all your
neighbors to come
with you. We would
be glad to have you
attend. Any questions, please call the church
office at 892-2842.
Fun, Food, and
Fellowship
December 11, 2014
Aftershock Schedule for
November
Dec 6 - 1 pm - 8 pm, Aftershock Road Trip
- Shopping for Angel Tree Kids, Supper,
and Christmas Lights $10
Dec 14 - No Aftershock
Dec 20 - Breakfast with Santa Time TBA
Junior Youth Help
Dec 21 - No Aftershock
Dec 28 - No Aftershock