MORRIS CHAPEL UMCstorage.cloversites.com...Christmas Eve 1223, the first nativity scene was created...
Transcript of MORRIS CHAPEL UMCstorage.cloversites.com...Christmas Eve 1223, the first nativity scene was created...
Stephen Ministry
Morris Chapel is a
Stephen Ministry
Church.
When someone is in
need of care, a
Stephen Minister is
available to offer
confidential Christian
care & support.
Contact Samantha
Wesley at 595-8101
for further information.
Need to get in touch with us? Address: 2715 Darrow Road; PO Box 57; Walkertown, NC 27051
Office Phone: (336) 595-8101
Pastor Dan Lyons / [email protected]
Director of Children’s Ministries Sam Wesley / [email protected]
Director of Youth Ministries Drew Curry / [email protected]
Administrative Assistant Amy Whicker / [email protected]
Director of Music Ministries Del Curling / [email protected]
Organist Sheila Bennett (11:00am)
Pianist Judy Benedek (8:45am)
Organist Grant Beard (8:45am)
Stephen Ministry Samantha Wesley @ (336) 595-8101
Ministers Every Member
Email [email protected]
Website www.morrischapel.org
Live 11am Service www.ustream.tv/channel/morrischapel
Sunday Worship Times 8:45am-Chapel; 9am-Crossroads; 11am-Traditional
Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, Inc.
P.O. Box 57
Walkertown, NC 27051
ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Walkertown, NC
Permit #4
MORRIS CHAPEL UMC Chapel Echoes Newsletter December 15, 2014
Praise the Lord! In a field outside of the little town of Bethlehem, an angel appeared as God’s messenger to shepherds watching their flocks at night to proclaim, “I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” The shepherds ran into Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus just as the angels told them. They were the first recorded visitors to meet the Savior of the world. (Luke 2:8-20)
Twelve hundred years later, the priest Francis of Assisi was inspired during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land to assemble a living nativity scene in a cave outside of Greccio, Italy, to recreate and present the account of the birth of Jesus the Messiah for those unable to travel to the town of Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve 1223, the first nativity scene was created in front of an altar as Francis preached on the event before an assembled congregation. The nativity scene was created to be a visual gospel story before the mass printing of Bibles.
Through the years, nativity scenes have continued to popular means of sharing the story of the birth of Christ. The Franciscan monastic order quickly spread the practice of live nativities with animals and actors from town to town. Soon static figurines developed in order to allow a scene to be on display longer and for meditative practices.
Nativity scenes are my favorite Christmas display. I love to visit a live nativity in preparation for the Christmas celebration. My family has several nativities scenes displayed throughout our home in different styles. I love to gaze upon them in wonderment.
I pray this Advent and Christmas season you will take a time to meditate on the gift of Christ this season through a nativity scene. If you do not own a nativity scene, I invite you add one to your home one this year. Use it as a way to share God’s love with others by taking moments to retell the account of the birth of Christ to a child and other visitors in your home. Have a merry and mighty Christmas.
With God’s love,
Pastor Dan Lyons
PASTOR’S MESSAGE: From the Mouth of Lyons
For those in need of Hope & Healing:
Hannah Beinke, Jaxon Nelson & family,
Bob Bailey, Weldon McDonald, Jo &
Tommy Perrin, Judy Benedek, Loren
“Elmo” Grisham, Earlene Naylor, Nancy
Laws, Michael Wojcik, Dana Murphy,
Helen Hester, Angela White, Karl Hunt,
Patti Dunmire, Donald Whicker, Robert
Billings, Patty Mauro, James Joyce, Alma
Lee Amos, Daron Kahn, Ed Day, Nancy
Carmichael, Janie Pierce, Sylvia Bailey,
Debby Pegram, Linda King, Lynn Edwards,
Kimberly Goss, Barry Wall, Jason
Richardson, Kel Billings, Anne Collins,
Ralph & Dot Long, Margaret Sutton,
Airman USN Zander Cloete, Betty
Anderson, Lori Duckworth, Jody Blevins,
Tommy Mitchell, Jennifer Sumner, Donrie
McKnight, Tammy Gabard, Jean Mills, Coy
Cunningham, Bruce Thomas, Judy Groves,
Dot Ball, Mildred White, Sarah Solis, Phillip
West, Dot Peacock, JW Martin, Myron
Solis, Ashleigh Poe Essic, Ted Khuns
PRAYER CHAIN
Food Pantry
Thank you to
everyone for the
generous donations
during the recent
weeks!
Please remember that donations
are needed throughout the year.
Some of the most needed items are:
Canned vegetables, soups,
stews, spaghetti sauce,
spaghetti noodles, rice, canned
meats, paper towels, paper
bags
Please place donations in the
clear tubs located outside of
the Church Office.
CARING & SHARING
NEXT CHAPEL ECHOES: Monday, December 15th
DEADLINE FOR ITEMS: Friday, December 12th by 12noon!
**Any items submitted AFTER the Friday deadline may be included
in the following week’s issue based on space availability**
OUR GIFTS
Week of December 14, 2014
Budget Receipts this week $ 10,206
Receipts to Date $ 449,939
Budgeted to Date $ 460,277
Ahead/(Behind) $ (10,337)
Building Fund Receipts this week $ 911
Building Fund Receipts YTD $ 49,198
Capital/Building Fund Balance $ 90,928
OUR PRESENCE
Attendance for
December 14, 2014
Sunday School: 270
Worship Services:
8:45am: 59
9:00am: 146
11:00am: 121
Total: 326
Holiday Baking
PECANS HAVE ARRIVED!
A new crop of pecans has been delivered to Morris Chapel. If you have pre-ordered some or you need some for your holiday baking, please come by the storage room to see Doris Wilson or Lucille Ashburn on Sunday mornings to purchase. Each bag is $9.00 each.
The Kitchen Committee will
NOT meet in December.
The next meeting will be January 14, 2015
(Room #39)
Upcoming Meeting Kitchen Committee
Sam’s Corner Children’s Ministry
Youth News & Upcoming Events
Friday, December 19th:
Sr. High Breakfast: 7:30am (FH)
Sunday, December 21st & 28th:
No Youth Events
Youth Ministry
We will be offering Adam Hamilton’s Advent Study, “Not a Silent Night” to the entire congregation from November 30 to December 28, on Sundays at 10:00am and 4:30pm. You are encouraged to participate either individually or with your Sunday School class, and please invite a friend to join you. You may order a book (regular or large print) by contacting Jan Curling.
5th Sunday Assembly New Advent Study
SPECIAL GIFTS
IN MEMORY In Memory of: Mabel Dillon
Given By: Inez Stanley Linscott (New Bus)
In Memory of: Carol Jones Mitchell
Given By: Fred & Marilyn Martin (New Bus)
IN HONOR In Honor of: Helen Byrd’s 90th Birthday
Given By: Lee & Jean Carpenter, Steve & Debby Pegram,
James & Elizabeth Westmoreland (Budget)
Given By: Helen’s Children: Becky, Vicky, Marty, Jyl and Wayne (Food Pantry)
A Job Well Done
Congratulations to
Lauren Timmons
for receiving the honor of
Teacher of the Year Award
this year at
Sedge Garden Elementary
Great Job Lauren!
Celebrate with us!!!
We pray that our new little boy will be a
STAR for God.
And those who are wise shall shine like the
brightness of the sky above; and those who
turn many to righteousness, like the stars
forever and ever.
- Daniel 12:3
The Carpenter Clan:
Jeff & Jennifer
Josiah, Trinity, Justice, Charity, Jeremiah, Unity,
Joshua, and new little JACOB.
Jacob Lee Carpenter Born December 9, 2014
9 lbs. 10 ozs.
Gifts of Grace Update
Gifts of Grace served 78 families (395 people in total, 236
were children) with a free shopping day on Dec 5th. We have
also helped 4 more families since then and are working on a
few more now. We had 58 workers on the day of Gifts of
Grace. Over 30 volunteers helped set up which included
students and faculty from East Forsyth High School and
Walkertown High School. This was an amazing day for the Lord serving our
neighbor. We were able to give gifts, sets of clothing, groceries, and prayer.
Seeing the joy on parents’ faces and also elves (workers) was amazing. God
provided all that we need that day. Thank you Morris Chapel for your gifts,
support, and service to the Gifts of Grace mission. Gifts of Grace Committee.
Poinsettias may be
picked up after the 8:45am and 11:00
Worship Services on
Sunday, December 21st. Thank you!
Society of St. Andrews
In the middle of our busy Advent season, take
time to just be glad, to be grateful for all the
blessings we have received in our lives, and to
look forward to that greatest joy, our Savior, soon
to be born in Bethlehem, a “Prince of Peace”. As
you reflect on the joy in your life, give generously
to Society of St. Andrew, using the coin box you
received with your Advent devotional booklet.
Spend time naming your blessings, and place a
coin in your coin box for every blessing you name.
* Please bring your coin box with you to worship service on
Sunday, December 28th and place on the altar railing.
Wednesday, December 24th
@ 3pm Interactive Family Worship with Holy Communion
@ 7pm Candlelight Communion
Morris Chapel UMC T-shirts
MAKES AN EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS
OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!!!!
Shirts available in adult and children’s sizes. $11.00 each. Please see Sam to purchase.
* * * Notice * * *
There will be no Echoes publication
on Monday, December 29th.
Please submit all entries for 12/22
publication by this
Friday, December 19th.
Thank you!
Music Notes - Del Curling, Director of Music Ministries
Children’s Music News
• The Sunshine Kids and Rainbow Connection children’s choirs will be singing at the Christmas Music
Celebration on Sunday, December 21st at 7pm. Please try to have the children present at the remaining
practices to work on their music. In addition to the remaining Wednesday evening practices, the
Sunshine Kids will have a special practice on Saturday, December 20th, from 10:30 to 11:15am in the
sanctuary.
• Beginning in 2015, I anticipate having the children lead musically in worship, averaging once every
month, alternating between the 1100 service and the 2 earlier services (0845 and Crossroads)—
whichever service your family attends, the children’s choirs will be participating in your service with
some regularity.
• Beginning this month, and continuing into next year, the Sunshine Kids (elementary age choir) will be
meeting every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7pm except JAM weeks (i.e., JAM is every 3rd
Wednesday, and choir all other Wednesdays, with the exception of holidays, school system snow days,
etc.). In addition to learning music to present in the services, we are also using percussion instruments,
games, etc. to work on learning rhythms, notes, music, and vocal technique. Every elementary age
child is invited to join Dr. Del, Ms. Patricia, Ms. Debbie, and Mr. Sammy on Wednesday evenings to
experience the joys of learning music.
• Rainbow Connection (preschool choir) will continue meeting with Ms. Liz and Ms. Leslie on the
2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7pm.
Youth Music News
• Any youth wishing to participate musically (solo or small ensembles, vocal or instrumental) in the
Christmas Music Celebration on Sunday evening December 21st or in any of our Sunday morning
worship services in the coming weeks/months, please see Del. I am happy to help you with music,
practice, accompaniment tracks, etc.
• Any interested youth are invited to join the Chancel Choir in presenting the “The First Noel” on
December 21st—see practice schedule below.
Adult Music News
• The adult Chancel Choir meets every Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:30 pm in the choir room. We are
presently working on music for the Advent season.
• The Men’s Chorus continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings at 7pm—all men of
MCUMC are invited to join in this time of music and fellowship.
• All youth and adults are invited to join the Chancel Choir in singing the Christmas Cantata (“The
First Noel”) as part of the Christmas Music Celebration on Sunday evening, December 21st. Jump in
and join us for the remaining practices (Wednesday, December 17th from 7:15 to 8:30pm and Saturday,
9 to 10:30am on December 20th).
Miscellaneous
Anyone wishing to participate in worship by presenting a vocal or instrumental solo or small ensemble piece in
the coming weeks/months at one or more of the worship services, please contact Del—others are always
encouraged to participate/lead musically in worship, even if unable to commit to a group that meets regularly.
15 3:30-5pm - FLC Reserved (GLCS)
16 10-11am - Food Pantry Open
(L. Randleman & S. Hartman)
3:30-5pm - FLC Reserved (GLCS)
6:30pm - Boy Scouts (FH)
7pm - Cub Scouts Christmas Dinner
(FLC)
17 10am-Garden Club
6pm - JAM “Pancakes with
Santa” (FLC)
6:30-9pm - FLC Kitchen Reserved
(L. Cook)
6-9pm - FH Reserved (R. Amos)
7:15pm - Chancel Choir
21–4th Sunday of Advent 10am & 4:30pm - Advent Bible Study
3-9pm - FH Reserved (H. Hester)
4-6pm - Parsonage Open House
7pm - Christmas Music Celebration
(Sanctuary)
NO YOUTH
22 6-9pm - FLC Reserved (R. Amos)
WSFCS CLOSED
23 Food Pantry Closed
WSFCS CLOSED
24
Church Office Closed
3pm & 7pm -
4-9pm - FH Reserved (H. Neal)
WSFCS CLOSED
28
10am & 4:30pm - Advent Bible Study
Noon-8pm - FLC Reserved (A. Swaim)
7-9pm - FLC Reserved (S. Day)
NO YOUTH
29 6-9pm - FLC Reserved (R. Amos)
WSFCS CLOSED
30 10-11am - Food Pantry Open
(V. Hennis & S. Bailey)
WSFCS CLOSED
31
WSFCS CLOSED
4 2pm - Take Down Christmas
Decorations
4-5:45pm - MC Kids & MoChap
Carnival-orama (FLC)
5:45-7pm - Youth
7-9pm - FLC Reserved (S. Day)
5 6-9pm - FLC Reserved (R. Amos)
7pm - Men’s Chorus Practice
7pm - Long Range Planning (22)
6 10-11am - Food Pantry Open
(TBD)
6:30pm - Boy Scouts (FH)
7pm - Cub Scouts (FLC/Classrooms)
7 6:30pm - Children
(Sunshine Kids Only)
6-8pm - Wednesday Youth
6-8:30pm - FH Reserved
7:15pm - Chancel Choir
SUN MON TUE WED
Garden Club (Christmas Mtg.)
JAM “Pancakes with
(FLC)
- FLC Kitchen Reserved
FH Reserved (R. Amos)
Chancel Choir
18 10-11am - Food Pantry Open
(D. Wilson & C. Whicker)
6-9pm - FH Reserved (R. Amos)
7pm - Praise Band Practice
19 7:30am - Sr. High Breakfast (FH)
4-10pm - Civic Club Christmas
Party (FH)
5-10pm - FLC Kitchen Reserved
(Youth Boston Butt Prep)
20 10am-Noon - Youth Boston Butt Sale/
Pickup (FLC Kitchen)
9-10:30am - Christmas Music
Celebration Practice
10:30-11:15am - Sunshine Kids
Practice
Church Office Closed
3pm & 7pm - Christmas Eve
Services
FH Reserved (H. Neal)
WSFCS CLOSED
25-CHRISTMAS DAY
Church Office Closed
Food Pantry Closed
10-3pm - FH Reserved
(L. Randleman)
WSFCS CLOSED
26
WSFCS CLOSED
27 9-11am - FH Reserved (R. Amos)
4-9pm - FLC Reserved (J. Neal)
WSFCS CLOSED
1 - JANUARY
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Church Office Closed
Food Pantry Closed
WSFCS CLOSED
2
WSFCS CLOSED
3 9-11am – FLC Reserved (R. Amos)
4-9pm - FH Reserved (Faith In Action)
Children’s Choirs
(Sunshine Kids Only)
Wednesday Youth
- FH Reserved (T. Vogler)
Chancel Choir
8 10-11am - Food Pantry Open
(TBD)
6-9pm - FH Reserved (R. Amos)
7pm - Praise Band Practice
7pm - Stephen’s Ministry (40)
9 7:30am - Sr. High Breakfast (FH)
10 6am-5pm - Boy Scout Pancake
Jamboree Fundraiser (FLC)
4-9pm - FH Reserved (Faith in Action-
Tentative)
WED THU FRI SAT