8

Message Notes Isaiah 61; Luke 2:8-15

“Courageous Hope—Proclaiming Peace” Pastor Jim Wishmyer

Notes:

My Response:

1

WE

EK

LY

INF

O

December 29 2019

Trail Guide: page 2

Follow Us on Facebook

Get updates on what's going on, and info you can share with others. Find us here at facebook.com/LeesburgUMC

Join our private FB group: facebook.com/groups/leesburgumc. Requests are usually granted within a few hours.

Get the Friday Head Start Email

The Head Start email is a summary list of items in the Weekly Info, prioritized by most

time-sensitive first, and with clickable links to related info; it goes out each Friday.

Send an email to office@leesburgumc.org to be added to the list.

►Backpack Buddies: Jan 5

►Donations for LHSC

►Provide Meals for Loudoun Homeless Services Center

Reach: page 4

►Forever Young January Meeting

►Get Involved with Worship

Connect: pages 3-4

►Chaperones Needed – Winter Retreat

►Help with Children and Youth on Sundays

►Yoga Training at LUMC

Grow: pages 4-5

Calendar: page 7

Steward: page 5

►Church Office Holiday Schedule

►Year-End Giving Reminder

►2020 Giving Envelopes

►Get the Mobile App!

Prayer Labyrinth: page 3

Message Notes: page 8

Small Groups: page 6

2

Trail Guide -- Week of December 29, 2019

Preparing for 2020

1-12-52-365.2425-8765.82-525949.2

Nope. This is not “The Bible Money Code” or some other product of esoteric numerology (or slick mass marketing). In fact, you likely already recognized that it is the year 2014 broken down into incremental measures of time. Year, months, days, hours and minutes. This is God’s gift to you in 2020. We each are given the same gift as everyone else. The obvious question is what will we do with it? How will you spend the time you are given in 2020?

Others can tell a lot about us by how we spend our time. Those who spend a lot of time on themselves, others might conclude are self-absorbed. Those who spend a lot of time at work, others might conclude are hard-working or dedicated to their work. Those who spend a lot of time helping people, others might conclude are altruistic and caring. Of more importance than what others might conclude, for people of faith the primary question is what might God conclude about us by how we spend our time? How do you spend your time?

A second thought to ponder this week is this: how do you view time? Do you take it for granted? Do you try to intentionally manage or order it? Can you wrap your mind around the incredible gift that time is, and what a privilege it is to be given stewardship of this gift? I invite you to take a closer look at how you are using this wonderful gift that God has given you – not just in 2020, but beyond. A key question for each of us: how do we integrate our understanding of eternity within our experience of this gift of time? This week’s readings invite us to reflection as we begin a new year together!

Mon, 12/30, Psalm 90:9-12 – “Teach us to number our days” (v.12). What do you think the psalmist

means? How might you “number your days” for the new year? Ask God to teach you.

Tues, 12/31, Joshua 1:7-9 – In reading this scripture and reading this Trail Guide, you are following the

instruction given to Joshua. What else did the Lord tell Joshua to do? What would be the result?

Make a renewed resolution for 2014 to spend time in God’s word and in prayer each day.

Wed, 1/1, Psalm 90:14 – As you begin a new year, lift up this prayer of the psalmist; look for and

experience God’s joy each day. Regardless of life’s circumstances, let joy in – then let joy out to

others.

Thurs, 1/2, Ecclesiastes 5:1-3, 18 – Here’s some good advice to begin the new year about speech.

Verse 18 reminds us that life – and time – is a gift. Cherish it. Cherish the Giver. Ask God to help

you use it well.

Fri, 1/3, Micah 8:6-8 – What does the Lord require of you? Act justly… love mercy… walk humbly with

God. Justice. Mercy. Humility. What do these qualities look like in your life? Do others see them?

Sat, 1/4, Zephaniah 1:7,14; Philippians 4:5; James 5:8 – “the Lord is near”, nearer than we think.

Think of the dual meaning of “near” – proximity, time. Let the first give you comfort and the second

give you motivation. Grace and peace be with you as you live in the Lord’s presence throughout

2020!

7

EVENT CALENDAR

Sun Dec 29th 9:00am-11:30 am: Prayer Labyrinth, Asbury Hall 9:45am - 10:45am: Friendship Class, AG1 10:00am - 11:00am, Worship, Sanctuary Mon Dec 30th Church Office Closed 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Bread of Life, Parlor Tue Dec 31st 10:00am-4:00pm: Prayer Labyrinth, Asbury Hall Wed Jan 1st—New Year’s Day Office Closed 7:00pm - 8:00pm: AA Women's Group, Parlor Thu Jan 2nd 11:00am-4:00pm: Prayer Labyrinth, Asbury Hall 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Prayer Group, Sanctuary Fri Jan 3rd 9:00am-4:pm: Prayer Labyrinth, Asbury Hall 7:00am - 8:00am: Men's IHOP Group, Off-site Sat Jan 4th 9:00am - 10:00am: OA, Parlor Sun Jan 5th 8:30am - 9:30am: Traditional Worship, Sanctuary 9:30am - 12:00pm: Backpack Buddies Packing, Wesley Hall 9:45am - 10:45am: Contemporary Worship, Sanctuary 9:45am - 10:45am: Friendship Class, AG1 9:45am - 10:45am: Sunday School, Asbury Hall, Education Building 9:45am - 10:45am: Youth Worship, AG2 11:00am - 12:00pm: Royal Rebels, 3rd floor-Blue 11:00am - 12:00pm: Traditional Worship, Sanctuary 11:00am - 12:00pm: Wesley Discipleship Class AG1 2:00pm - 5:00pm: Troop 998 B Planning Meeting, 3rd floor-Red 6:00pm - 7:00pm : Friends and Followers, Wesley Hall

We’ve changed our calendar software, so the items we’re printing in the Weekly Info are now our “Public” events only. For a full listing of all meetings and facility use, please contact the

church office.

6

Sunday Morning: 9:45 am The Friendship Class—AG 1 Facilitator: Kim Kadesch The Friendship Class meets year round. We are currently studying the book of Genesis. 11:00 am Wesley Discipleship Class—AG1 Facilitator: Carl Snyder and Steve Chapin We're using Bible Story Basics for our study, the same study being done by the Sunday School classes. Our class is based on John Wesley's Class Meeting format, which had a goal of "looking after each other in love". Everyone is welcome and has something to contribute.

Royal Rebels—Blue Room (upstairs ) Facilitator: Sharon Reith We meet from 11-12 after the 9:45 Service in the Blue Room. We discuss the Sermon (or anything else of interest!) All are welcome to

join or just drop in. We will be starting back this Sunday, September 8th. Sunday Evening: 6:00 pm

Friends and Followers—Wesley Hall Facilitators: Steve & Celesta Miller We are currently studying the book of Genesis. Wednesday Evening: 7pm Disciple Bible Study—AG1 Facilitator: Rev. Jim Wishmyer Returning January 8th, we continue studying this enduring classic study that takes us through the Bible in 34 weeks. Contact Pastor Jim or the church office for additional info and to indicate your interest.

Thursday Morning: 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study—Wesley Hall Facilitator: Sharon Reith Discerning the Voice of God: a 7-week study, beginning January 9th in the AG from 9:30-11:30 am every Thursday. For more information, please contact Sharon Reith at sreith88@gmail.com. You can sign up and order the book at: https://leesburgumc.e360chms.com/external/form/373dd84a-f56b-4adb-b927-b9c2c1e10d97 Friday Morning 7 am

Men’s IHOP Group Join Pastor Jim and others for conversations on faith and life at IHOP on Edwards Ferry Road. We’re currently reading through the book of Genesis. Receive Daily Emails You can sign-up to receive the daily e-mails at mailchi.mp/23ac72cc4601/dr Each morning, Angela sends out an e-mail to those on a subscribed list with a daily scripture reading and some thoughts to ponder, or even wrestle with.

Adult Small Groups Here are some options to grow in your faith and fellowship through small groups:

3

CONNECT—————————

►Forever Young January Meeting

As we come into the new year, we invite all those

over the age of 50 to become part of the Forever

Young ministry. Come join us Sunday, January

12th at 12:15.

In the new year there are many decisions that

need to be made, some of them easy some of

them difficult. This month’s subject is making

tough decisions. Be prepared to watch how one

family has very difficult decisions to make and

what would be the benefits or detriments of

making a tough decision. See how this family has

faith with a very difficult decision and the

struggles they had in making a life decision.

We will provide a light lunch at 12:15 and start our

program at 12:30. of making tough decisions.

For more information contact Wayne Reynolds or

Rev. Heather Wray

►Get Involved with Worship

Join the A/V Team

The A/V Team is in need of your help. If you can

offer your time to one of these positions please

contact Rebekah - worship@leesburgumc.org

Positions (We will train you!):

• 9:45 Sound Tech (Run the board for the band)

• A/V Team Coordinator

• 8:30 A/V Tech (Basics of sound board and video)

Christmas Prayer Labyrinth: "Emmanuel, God with Us" Self-guided and available through Jan 3 (see dates/hours below)

This Christmas, enter into God’s presence through the Prayer Labyrinth in Asbury Hall.

What is a Labyrinth? A labyrinth is not a maze, as there is a clear path in and out. A labyrinth is a tool Christians use to facilitate meditation and prayer. In the Middle Ages, labyrinths were a way for people to participate in a pilgrimage without the expense or time required in actually going to another place, and labyrinths have been created on the floors of cathedrals to help draw people into meditation and prayer.

How do you use a Labyrinth? As you walk inward toward the center, and the cross, focus on knowing and being known by Jesus, and be reminded to center your life on God and God’s purposes. As you walk out again toward the edge, be mindful of following Jesus in your life in the world. Additional guidance and suggestions will be available in Asbury Hall.

Office entrance to church will be open: Sunday, Dec 29: 9 am – 11:30 am Tuesday, Dec 31: 11 am – 4 pm Thursday, Jan 2: 10 am – 4 pm Friday, Jan 3: 9 am – 4 pm

(continues on next page)

4

►Provide Meals for Loudoun Homeless Services Center

Cold Weather Shelter

Leesburg UMC will provide and serve a hot meal

every 3rd Thursday of the month through March

2020. Please sign up through sign-up genius

below if you or your group would like to serve

and provide a hot meal.

https://www.signupgenius.com/

go/5080C44AFA72FA7F58-dinner

Lunch bags for Cold Weather Shelter

LHSC provides lunch bags for the people using

the cold weather shelter, about 15-25 people. If

you or your group would like to provide

sandwiches, apples, granola bars, 4oz water

bottles, please contact Linda Kimble at

703-771-5429 or linda@voaches.org

Dinner for Residents at Shelter

Leesburg UMC will provide and serve a hot

dinner for shelter residents the 2nd Wednesday

of the month starting January 2020. Please use

the sign-up genius link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/

go/5080C44AFA72FA7F58-dinner

• 11:00 A/V Tech

• 9:45 Video Tech

Become a Communion Server

The Communion Team is in need of servers,

especially at the 8:30 worship service. If you can

help please contact Heather Klein at:

heather.klein@gi-de.com

Become an Usher

The Usher Team is looking for ushers for every

service. Please consider joining this important

ministry and extending hospitality to our

congregation.

If you would like to join the Usher Team please

contact Head Usher Walter Halfmann:

walter.halfmann@computer.org

REACH—–——————–– ►Backpack Buddies Packing: Jan 5

The next packing for Backpack Buddies will be

NEXT SUNDAY, January 5th, after the 8:30

worship service (around 9:20 am or so). Join us

in Wesley Hall to prepare for the upcoming

month.

►Donations for LHSC

Drop off your donations for the Loudoun

Homeless Services Center off in Missions Room

today! Donations include: long underwear, sweat

suits, and money for bus passes.

If you have any questions, please contact

Missions@leesburgumc.org

or call Margrit 703-431-2845

5

GROW————————— ►Chaperones Needed – Winter Retreat

We still need adult chaperones for the Youth

Winter Retreat, February 14-17 at Canaan Valley

Resort. Contact Angela Becek if you are

interested and for more information,

angela@leesburgumc.org

►Help with Children and Youth on Sundays

We need another set of hands each week with our

elementary groups in the morning. You can opt to

serve either with kids or youth. Signup for 2020

will be available soon.

►Yoga Training at LUMC

Join Joe DeFranco for an introduction to Yoga

with a Christian perspective. Joe will introduce

you to yoga philosophy, physical poses, and

meditation techniques that will help you lower

your stress and improve your physical and

spiritual well being this holiday season. We are

meeting Tuesday evenings at 7PM in Asbury

Hall. We will meet again on January 7th. Email

Joe for more details DeFranco05@outlook.com.

STEWARD———————

►Church Office Holiday Schedule

The church office will be closed this week on

December 30th and January 1st. All other

weekdays we will be open from 8:30 am - 4:30

pm.

►Year-End Giving Reminder

Per IRS rules, all charitable giving that is counted

for 2019 must either be received by the church by

Dec. 31, 2019, or mailed with a postmark no later

than Dec 31, 2019. Our last regularly scheduled

worship service will be on December 29th this

year, but mailed and our online/app/text digital

giving will be available on the 30th and 31st.

Please keep this schedule in mind as you plan

your year end giving, and help LUMC finish the

year financially strong!

►2020 Giving Envelopes

The 2020 offering envelope seta are here. Stop

by Wesley Hall to pick up your set. If you don’t

see a set for you and would like one, either sign

up on the clipboard with the envelopes or email

Linda Stoutenburgh at linda@leesburgumc.org.

►Get our Mobile App!

Our new app (available for Android and Apple

devices) will help you find events and

happenings, listen to recent sermons, make it

easy to give using credit card or direct debit from

your bank account, and contact us for general

questions or for prayer requests. Use QR codes

(left) to get the App. Once it’s installed on your

device, search for “Leesburg UMC”.

Android: Apple: