S P E C I A L

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

UMW

Nurses Health Corner

Thanksgiving

Administrative Council

Mission Opportunities

Children’s Church

Chrismons

Advent Calander

Pastor’s Message

HILLTOPPER

Harrisonburg District December 2012

You Are Invited

12/2 Holy Communion &

Hanging of the Greens Service

Children’s Church—Advent

12/9 Commitment Sunday

12/16 5:30 pm Church-Wide Covered Dish Dinner

7:00 pm Concert by Celebration Singers

12/23 Christmas Musical by our Choir

12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

12/25 Merry Christmas

The Journey Advent Study by Adam Hamilton (Sunday Afternoons)

Overlook Retreat & Camp

Ministries

Walk to the Manager

December 21 6—8 pm

December 21-22

Walk to Manager Bed & Breakfast

Winter Camp for 4th –10th graders

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Listen for the Christmas Song

Canticle is a word we hear around church from time to time, especially at advent. It is a word we inherited

from Latin and simply means song. There are eighteen listings in The United Methodist Hymnal designated as

canticles. The usage of the term has come to be associated with a poetic, though non-metrical pronouncement or

exclamation, even prophecy—an inspired outburst by a character in a story or quoted anonymously by a writer.

The ones in our hymnal all come directly from the Bible or are based on a biblical text or are from prayers or

hymns from the ancient church. They are from the Old Testament narrative accounts, the book of Psalms and

from the prophets. The hymnal canticles from the New Testament also are from a variety of literary genres

including the Gospels, letters and the book of Revelation. Four of these are from the first two chapters of Luke’s

gospel. They all are known in the history of liturgy by their Latin titles retained from the early centuries of the

church when Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, and these Latin titles consist of the first word

or words of the passage. Still today we often hear this terminology in Roman Catholic churches. Thus the four

canticles we will encounter during the four Sundays in December are: the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) in the

presence of her older relative, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John, who will be called “the Baptizer;” the

Canticle of Zechariah, (Benedictus) when his wife, Elizabeth, has given birth to John, and Zechariah is released

from his long silence; the Song of the Angels (Gloria in Excelsis) in the presence of the shepherds in a pasture

near Bethlehem. This canticle is expanded in our hymnal with other scriptural and theological development,

and, in its expanded form is used regularly in the present day Roman Catholic Mass; and lastly, the Canticle of

Simeon (Nunc Dimittis), the aged, faithful servant of God, whose hope was rewarded by being permitted to hold

the infant Jesus in his own arms.

These canticles as well as the other details of the birth narratives are rich with teaching, theology and

blessing. December in New Hope will offer two different ways of entering into these stories. The first

opportunity is through

The Journey This is a Bible study of the Christmas story that will include lots of background, from geographical and cultural,

to theological insights, with the hope and intention of drawing each of us closer to God as our own faith

strengthens and develops. Each of the five class sessions will be introduced by a video by pastor Adam

Hamilton of The Church of the Resurrection, followed by further teaching and group discussion based on

Hamilton’s book, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. The first session will meet at New Hope

Church on Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 pm, so there is still time to get involved. Just come at 3. If you want

a copy of the book (recommended) they are available for the discounted price of $11.25 (regular price $17.00).

It is not necessary to purchase the book to participate in the class.

The second opportunity to enter into the Christmas story is through Sunday morning worship, which will

center around themes from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Come to a 9:30 am class of your choice

and then attend worship service at 10:30. December 23rd offers an opportunity to worship through the musical

cantata, Beloved Son. The centering thought in our worship for the other four Sundays of December 2012 is

God’s Generous Welcome We will find, just as the people in the bible found, that as we welcome God we are embraced in the larger eternal

story of God’s generous welcome. Here we will encounter many of the wonderful characters, stories and plot

lines that we have come to love over the years of our lives. In some cases only in passing, and in some cases in

detail, we will again meet Herod the puppet king in the service of Augustus, the emperor of Rome, Elizabeth,

Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, shepherds, Gabriel and other unnamed angels and two baby boys who

are the focus of all of this commotion. What we won’t get is a lot of narrative about Joseph, or the stories of

wise men from the east, Herod’s plot against male children or Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt with their infant

son. Those stories are only recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and this year our focus is on Luke’s account.

There are two things each of us are invited to do in preparation for these Sundays. First, read the first two

chapters Luke. It should be read aloud, either alone or with someone else—a spouse, a friend or relative, and

especially with your children and grandchildren if you have them. The second is to read prayerfully with an

open heart and mind that God will grant insight in such a way as to refresh your spirit, deepen your

understanding, and enhance your spiritual life with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. After all, he didn’t

remain a baby, did he?

—Doug

Mission Opportunities

Bahama’s Mission Trip– Emily Howdyshell from Shenandoah University ise going to the Bahama’s

December 28 through January 3 to work at two orphanages (The Bilney Lane Children’s Home and

Ranfuly Children’s Home) as well as the All Saints (Methodist) Aids Camp. She could use your help

with financial assistance as well as supplies including pens, pencils colored pencils, paper, rulers,

children’s books, as well as personal hygiene products. She will pick up these supplies on Sunday,

Dec 23rd before Christmas. Please leave your donations in the Narthex (basket)

Verona Food Pantry—volunteers needed first and third Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm. See Bruce Rogers for

details

Valley Mission—Ongoing collection of cereal. See Phyllis Jarvis for details.

2013 Haiti Mission Team—Plans have begun for another mission team to Haiti in March 2013. Dates are

now scheduled for Mary 5—Mary 13, 2013. The cost per participant is $1600. See John Morse for details.

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Children’s

Church—

Thanksgiving

Our children collected

for Verona Food

Pantry—canned goods.

Also shared in stories,

games, and crafts in

learning about our

blessings and

thanksgiving.

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Council on Ministries & Administrative Council

Due to illness our Council on Ministries did not meet in November. The Administrative Council met on November 15th

with 11 present. Cindy Deavers led with devotions from To Live As Christ Day By Day focusing on Ephesians

2:19 Paul’s letter to the church (power of prayer, sharing our gifts in faith, and the desire for all people to come

to Christ) and closed with I Corinthians 12:27 followed by prayer.

Committee Reports were reviewed and accepted.

Highlights of projects completed by our Trustees:

*installed new water line to parsonage (not connected yet)

*lever knobs on doors in the courtyard area (will also add to storage room door)

*various leaks repaired; still working on leaks in entrance way (roof was under 10 year warranty- installed in

2004)

*pocket doors from social hall to storage room repaired

*updated job description for groundskeeper with (1) reporting to chair of Trustees or Chair of Grounds – under

Trustees; (2) use caution mowing around building and cemetery stones).

*large refrigerator in basement is broken-service man noted compressor is bad- will refer to UMM for repair/

replacement.

*sewer stopped up day before HOTS (service call of 3 hours).

*offer received to pay for sign at intersection of 608 and schoolhouse road indicating church location and to

redo landscaping around information sign at road.

*plans to install weather-stripping around social hall and office doors.

Pastor Doug noted at the recent District Conference where our new bishop, Bishop Cho, spoke and felt the

encouragement and spiritual uplifting of his message. Bishop Cho has a passion for spiritual disciplines and

challenges us all to be a part of this through payer, scripture reading and meditation. Pastor Doug spoke of

desire to refocus on prayer life here at New Hope UMC with plans to begin a weekly Men’s Early Morning

Prayer Group (Tuesdays at 7 am with coffee) for 10-15 minutes. Noted plans for small group bible studies.

Including study by Adam Hamilton, The Journey (upcoming 5 week program with video); followed by two 6

week studies: Miracles of Jesus and Parables of Jesus. Currently in progress is the Disciple Bible Study – Into

the Word Into the World.

Thanks for your generosity

John Morse and Jack Walker are on a mission trip to Tangier Island—thanks to all for your generous financial support.

John and Jack were able to take approximately $1700 for work there. We also send our prayers for their safety and

success.

Thanks for those attending the Thanksgiving Eve Service at Middle River Church of the Brethren. An offering was

collected for SACRA (Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association) of over $500.

Since 1989 when we had our first HOTS (Ham, Oyster, Turkey Supper), we have had great success and wonderful

fellowship. This year was not exception. At our 2012 HOTS, we served approximately 750 people and collected around

$14,000 prior to expenses.

Our UMW (United Methodist Women) Fall Bazaar resulted in approximately $800 in profits for our mission projects)

Nurses Health Corner

As we prepare for the cold and flu season, many activities exist that can help you and your family stay healthy

during the winter months. The number one activity that can reduce the spread of germs is hand washing. Also, NEVER

put a finger in your eyes, nose or mouth! National Hand Washing Week takes place in December, promoting better

hand washing or “Hand Hygiene” to adults and children alike. The CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) program called

“Ounce of Prevention” is a campaign that focuses on ways to prevent the spread of germs and infectious disease, which

includes hand washing.

Hands should be washed with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not

available, use an alcohol-based product.

When should you wash your hands?

Before preparing or eating food

After going to the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom

Before and after tending to someone who is sick

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After handling an animal or animal waste

After handling garbage Before and after treating a cut or wound

Other activities exist that help us stay healthy. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces remove and destroy germs.

The bathroom and kitchen are areas that have frequent traffic and should be disinfected frequently. Practicing safe food

preparation and handling can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and germs. Safe food practices include cleaning

your hands and surfaces often, separating preparation, cooking and food serving areas to prevent cross contamination,

and cooking and storing foods at the appropriate temperatures.

Help you body’s immune system be strong by getting your annual flu vaccine. It is not too late to get your flu

shot. The vaccine helps your body create antibodies to the flu viruses contained in the vaccine. It can prevent you from

getting the flu or decrease the severity if you are exposed to a different flu strain. Realize that many colds and sore

throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help with this type of infection. Be willing to leave the doctors office

without medication if your physician feels the cause is viral and not bacterial. Remember that antibiotics kill good

bacteria found in our bodies that actually protect us. If you do receive an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, please use

as directed and complete the full course of treatment. Using antibiotics for viral infections and not completing the

course of treatment help certain bacteria become resistant to antibiotics through being overexposed to antibiotic

treatment. Some information regarding hand washing was obtained from the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/

FightGerms. Henry the Hand at www.henrythehand.com/ has many child oriented activities to educate children about

hand washing practices. This information is provided as education and should never take the place of a physician’s

consultation. This article was provided by Dana Breeding, RN, Health Educator with Community Wellness of Augusta Health. Please contact

Dana with any questions relating to the information in this article at (540) 332-4988 or (540) 932-4988.

Page 5

WEB PAGE: mynhumc.weebly.com

Check out our church web page. The church newsletter, district newsletter, church calendar and links to

other resources including daily devotions as well as pictures ALL IN COLOR.

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Chrismons Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. They help Christians to remember that

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birthday. They are often used on Christmas Trees in Churches and Christians

homes.

They were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, U.S.A..

She also thought of the word, Chrismon, which is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning symbol). The idea

quickly spread to other churches. It is traditional that Christian groups can make their own Chrismons with their

favourite symbols on.

Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and

symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Chrismons can be made from

nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used.

Our own first Chrismon Tree was completed in 1975 with Chrismons made by the Irene Fretwell Circle

members (at that time were Rachael Eutsler, Hazel Harner, Margaret Herman, Mildred Hartman, Isabelle Willberger,

Bettye Randolph, Emma Jean Shiflett, JoEtta Walker). Since that time repairs and new Chrismons have been made by

many including Junior High Sunday School class, The Seekers, UMW, and Mabry/Shiflett Circle.

Some form of the Advent Calendar has been around and used for more

than 150 years and becomes increasingly popular every year.

The origin of the calendar, like so many of our Christmas traditions,

started in Germany in the 19th century. Different methods of counting down

the days to the celebration of Christmas were used.

Drawing a chalk line to mark off the days, later lighting a candle every

night or putting up small religious pictures marked each day until Christmas.

The first printed calendar was produced by Gerhard Lang in Germany. When

he was a child, his mother attached little candies to a piece of cardboard and

each day Gerhard would take one off. His first (printed) calendar consisted of

miniature colored pictures that would be attached to a piece of cardboard each

day in December. Later Advent calendars were made with little doors to open

on each day. The child might find a small piece of candy, a Christmas picture,

a religious picture or a bible verse.

The German calendars were sold until World War II, at which time

production was stopped due to the war shortages. After the war, the production

of calendars resumed in 1946 by Richard Selmer. Selmer credits President

Eisenhower with helping the tradition grow in the United States during his

term of office. A newspaper article at the time showed the Eisenhower

grandchildren with The Little Town Advent calendar.

The first Advent calendars were based on 24 days with Christmas Eve

as the last night to either put up a picture or take a candy. Today, the traditional

German calendars still show 24 days, but in the United States, it's not

uncommon to also find ones with 25 days -- the last opening to occur on

Christmas Day.

ADVENT CALANDER

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A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition

There is a Wesleyan tradition of “Watchnight” services on New Year’s Eve which often took the

form of a Covenant Renewal Service. The United Methodist Hymnal offers the following prayer in

that tradition:

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

Special Upcoming Events

12/1 3 pm Courtney Joyner’s Senior Recital at EMU in

Harrisonburg

12/9 1:00 pm Car Pool leaving New Hope for Special

Evening at Blackstone (dinner and

entertainment by The Handmaids and Hunt

family)

12/16 5:30 pm Church-Wide Christmas Covered Dish

Dinner celebration sponsored by our UMM

and UMW

7:00 pm Special concert by the Celebration Singers

12/21 6-8 pm Walk to the Manager—Overlook Retreat

12/22 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Live Nativity in Bethlehem at

Verona UMC

12/23 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Live Nativity in Bethlehem at

Verona UMC

12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service at

New Hope UMC

December is UMFS (United

Methodist Family Services) month

Virginia Advocate—Remember to see Glenna Beard to order or renew your order for the Virginia

Advocate.

*See firsthand who benefits from your donations of time and money through missions.

*Stay informed with up-to-date information on current issues affecting Virginia United Methodist

*Gain new and exiting ideas for your church from others’ experiences through the Local Church section.

December Upcoming Activities & Events

12/2 Holy Communion & Hanging of the Greens

Children’s Church—Advent theme

6:00 pm Mabry/Shiflett Circle Christmas dinner at Aroma’s in Harrisonburg

12/3 9:00—1:00 Verona Food Pantry Volunteers

12/4 11:00 am Minnie Carr Circle Christmas lunch at Camp Overlook

12/4 6:00 pm Irene Fretwell Circle with JoEtta Walker hosting at Church Library

12/5/12 6:00 pm Staff/Parish Committee meeting (old members and new members)

12/11 1:30 pm New Hope Chorus

12/13 Noon Hi Noon Club meeting at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church

12/16 5:30 pm Church-wide Christmas Covered Dish dinner followed by Convert from the

Celebration Singers

12/17 9:00-1:00 Verona Food Pantry Volunteers

12/23 10:30 am Choir Presentation of the cantata Beloved Son

12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

12/30-31 Winter Fest at Liberty University in Lynchburg (youth)

Weekly: Sundays at 3:00 pm Advent Study—The Journey

Mondays at 6:00 pm Bible Study—Disciple II Into Word Into World

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm Prayer Group

Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Choir Practice

Page 8

United Methodist Women

Church-wide—Christmas Dinner sponsored by the United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women.

Sunday, December 16th at 5:30 pm (covered dish). Entertainment at 7 pm by the Celebration Singers.

Our next UMW meeting will be February 18, 2013 at 7 pm (A Call to Prayer & Self-Denial)

12/2 First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 (UMH 756) 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 12/9 Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 (UMH 208) Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 12/16 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 12/23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:2-5a

Luke 1:46b-55 (UMH 199)

Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45

12/24 Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2-7

Psalm 96 (UMH 815)

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-20

12/25 Christmas Day

Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98 (UMH 818)

Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)

John 1:1-14

12/30 First Sunday After Christmas Day

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

Psalm 148 (UMH 861)

Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

Lectionary Readings for December

Acolyte Schedule Children’s Message Nursery Schedule

12/2/12 Abby Armstrong 12/2/12 Helen Morse 12/2 Robin C & Martha F

12/9/12 Taylor Meier 12/9/12 Martha Fretwell 12/9 Braden H & Sylvia H

12/16/12 Helen Shiflett 12/16/12 Ethel White 12/16 Tonya M & Taylor M

12/23/12 Kaylee McLaren 12/23/12 Kevin Armstrong 12/23 Betty S & Courtney S

12/30/12 Karen Maugans 12/30/12 Tonya Meier

December Worship

1-Steve Broyles

1-Robert Corbin

2-Leslie Shaver

2-Robin Craun

3-Richard Booth

3-Josh & Cheryl Bennett

3-Herman & Carolyn Pace

4-Matt Carr

5-Susan Baldwin

5-Charles Darrah

5-Michele Taylor

6-Clarissa Booth

6-Karen Whitmer

7-Betty Gruber

7-Beth Rosen

8-Peggy Corbin

9-Josh Dively

9-Mac Craig

10-Bernie Powers

12-Mary Jane Shaver

13-Jennifer Bottenmiller

13-Jake & Julie Botkin

14-Brenda Price

14-Dawn White

15-Melvin & Juanita Howell

16-Carrie Reed

16-Wyatt Markow

16-B.F. Caricofe III

16-Dwight Craig

16-Shelvie Critzer

16-Paul Whitmer

17-Kim Maugans

17-Tim & Suzanne Lank

20-Amye Bergman

21-Emily Howdyshell

22-Julia Carter

22-Keith Chittum

23-Julia Botkin

23-Cheryl Howell

25-B.F. Carifcofe, Jr

25-Wally Smith

26-Carl Caricofe, Sr

26-Jesse Hartman

26-Larry & Nadine Hinebaugh

27-Jeffrey Shipe

28-Logan Kraisser

28-Mathew & Tanya Keys

29-Christopher Dively

30-Kim & Karen Maugans

31-Andy & Dana Breeding

31-Gary & Kathy Lewis

December Anniversaries & Birthdays

Page 9

HI NOON

The next meeting of Hi-Noon is Thursday, December 13th (of course at noon) and lunch at Mt.

Horeb Presbyterian Church. There is always an interesting program to follow the meal. Please

be sure to make your reservations with Shirley Western.

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage

New Hope, Va

Permit #1

New Hope United Methodist Church

PO Box 86

New Hope, Va 24469

Web Page: mynhumc.weebly.com

Address Service Requested

HILLTOPPER

New Hope United Methodist Church

55 Round Hill School Road

New Hope, Virginia 24469

363-5612

Rev. Douglas Gunsalus, pastor

Email: newhopechurch@newhopetel.net

Web Address: mynhumc.weebly.com