◄ The Redwood Breeze ► 

Our Mission: To connect the unconnected to a community of faith where Jesus Christ transform them into world-changing disciple.

Our Process: Love God (Worship) - Love Others (Small Groups) - Serve the World (Mission)

Redwood United Methodist October 2016

CATCHUpcoming Worship Series

There’s a word that’s become a dirty word among some Christians: evangelism. It brings to mind images of Bible-pounding preachers, or persons going door-to-door to talk people into salvation. Many of us want nothing to do with the “e-word.” But have we thrown the baby out with bathwater? Through a four-week series of sermons, and accompanying small group study, we’ll better understand how to build bridges with people who long for the life-changing gift we

have found in Jesus Christ. We will also better equip ourselves to show radical hospitality to guests at church. Sometimes all it takes is for you and me to simply invite someone to “come and see.” So why don’t you come and see for yourself how God can use you “to connect the unconnected”?

Sundays at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Oct. 9 Becoming Relentlessly Outward-Focused

Oct. 16 Answering Three Important Questions

Oct. 23 Making Visitors Feel Welcomed

Oct. 30 Inviting Others to Grow in Faith

CATCH Small Group Study—The following Sunday morning adult small groups will be doing the Catch study in conjunction with the Sunday sermons. They meet Sundays from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Starting October 9th . All are invited to join!

Agape Room B15

Big Chill Room B19

Searchers Fellowship Hall

Sojourners Room B10 (Financial Office)

2 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

R&R Ruminations and Reflections from the Pastor’s Study

Stirring Things Up“For this reason I remind you to stir up the gift of God

that is within you through the laying on of my hands…” – 2 Timothy 1:6

On Saturday, September 17, our family was at Reveille United Methodist Church for the celebration of Bishop Sharma Lewis being assigned as the episcopal leader for the Virginia Conference. Back in July, the (then) Rev. Sharma Lewis was the first candidate elected—and elected on the very first ballot. If that’s not news enough, she also was elected and consecrated as the first African-American woman made a bishop by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church—the very same region which was previously the “Confederacy” during the civil war, and which had been the “Methodist Episcopal Church, South” from 1844 until reunification of the northern and southern Methodists in 1939.

I took my children because I wanted them to witness this monumental moment in the history of our beloved United Methodist Church. Bishop Lewis is the first African-American to ever serve as Bishop of the Virginia Conference, which is based out of Richmond. After the service, we visited the White House Museum of the Confederacy. Located in and around Jefferson Davis’ presidential residence, the museum brought the seemingly-ancient history of the Civil War to life. We saw up close and personal the tattered battle flags, uniforms with bullet holes and blood stains, and the personal effects of great southern generals like Robert E. Lee, “Stonewall” Jackson, and J.E.B. Stuart. The museum told us the story of the Civil War from a white southerner’s perspective, giving very little voice to either the black slave’s experience, or that of the Federal armies.

The historic backdrop of Bishop Lewis’ election and assignment as our bishop could not have been more pronounced. The church which hosted the service—Reveille United Methodist Church—was built on the site of what was originally a large, slave-holding plantation. The original plantation “Reveille House” (circa 1720) still sits on the church grounds. I am told that, during the early years of Reveille Church’s history (the 1950’s and 60’s), white-gloved African-American attendants staffed the church’s entrances and parking lots—opening the car doors of well-bred, affluent, white Richmonders as they arrived for worship services. I could tell that the beautiful, awe-inspiring sanctuary was awash in a history of white privilege.

How riveting, then, to witness over a thousand United Methodists gathering in that historic space to welcome the first black bishop to lead a predominantly white denominational adjudicatory out of Richmond! At the end of the service, as several pews full of her family (most of whom had traveled from Georgia) followed her down the aisle during the recessional hymn, I was struck by impact of this moment on this large family of black United Methodists! Bishop Lewis’ 86 year-old mother led the way beaming, with her head held high. Her daughter had grown up to become a bishop in her (and our) beloved UMC. I have never in my life been so proud to be a United Methodist!

But not everyone was so enthused. As Bishop Lewis stood near the end of the service and began to preach, some were, no doubt, a bit taken aback by her traditional black preaching style. I was on the edge of my seat! She took 2 Timothy

1:6 as her text: “I remind you to stir up the gift of God that is within you…” “Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church,” she said, “we need to stir up the gifts God has given us by the Holy Spirit! The word ‘to stir’ means to disturb, to agitate, to get things moving!” Based on her history as a pastor and a District Superintendent, I fully expect her to “stir things up” in the Virginia Conference—to challenge us to, as she put it, “enjoy the true freedom we’ve been given by Christ and the Holy Spirit.” I, for one, am excited about how God may use her leadership to bring change in our Conference—to reignite our fire to reach new people with God’s transforming love in Jesus Christ! She’s certainly planning to stir things up. But God has already stirred things up simply by Bishop Lewis’ historic election and assignment to Virginia. Please join me in welcoming our new

bishop, committing to pray for her, and becoming willing for the Spirit to stir up our hearts and God’s Church!

3 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Living Your Strengths ClassStarts October 26th at the Connection!More than half of churchgoers report that they don’t get to do what they do best in their congregations. This has led to a power shortage in many churches, because the people aren’t harnessing the strength of their innate, God-given gifts. When this happens, believers feel disconnected, and the church’s ministry is weakened. Through this six-week course, you will identify and claim your talents, and learn to use them in meaningful service and growth. It has the potential to help you discover your true calling from God!

Facilitators: Brad Dulaney & Nancy BeachCost: $20 (Scholarships Available)When: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (October 26 thru December 7)Please preregister by October 23 at www.redwoodumc.org/grow, or by calling 483-9090. Contact Pastor Brad (pastor@redwoodumc.org or 483-9090) or Nancy Beach (NBeach@ferrum.edu or 420-0307) for more info.

Dear Redwood Family,

Words can't tell you how much we appreciate your kind, encouraging words and the special gift of the print of the Church signed by you. It looks great in our new place but it is bittersweet to think of leaving such caring folks as you!

We visited a new Church Sunday but it's not like Redwood (but it was Methodist). Don't really think we will find one as wonderful and Christ filled as Redwood.

If you are anywhere close to us, please give us a call or visit.

Doyle and Lysa Cockram Doyle – 540-400-1613 – Lysa – 540-400-16155962 Grand Pavilion Way, Apt #415Alexandria, VA 22303

4 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Although I am a commissioned minister, many of you may not realize that I am still working toward ordination. One way to think of what this means is that I am working toward something like "tenure" in the UMC. One of the requirements I need to finish for this process is to take a class called CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education). I will be taking my CPE course this October through March, 6 months, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The class consists of classroom work as well as weekly shifts at the hospital working as a chaplain. This opportunity both excites me and is a bit scary! There will be many challenges and new things to learn working with people in a variety of life situations. I've heard that my CPE education is the best thing I will never want to do again - YIKES! (meaning it will be hard but good work). This will impact my weekly schedule but I will still be doing my work here with

Redwood, of course! My only concern is that I might not be able to wear "Life is Good" shirts every day. How will I manage?

Other news for October is that we have another opportunity to be in mission alongside of Bethlehem UMC. We will be working once again in the Evergreen, VA area (just east of Appomattox, VA). The mission week will be October 24-28. As before, we will be commuting to the work site each morning, leaving Moneta about 7am and returning about 5pm. If you can work any day that week we would love to have you! This work is a continuation of home repair and construction that is needed after the tornado that hit earlier this year. Please let me know if you are interested in working any day that week. susan@redwoodumc.org, 540-493-8715.

Also, we are looking for individuals who are interested in getting trained to be part of an Early Response Team for disaster relief. This is the group that goes in right after the First Responders. We will be joining Bethlehem for this training as well and hope to have a full class. Let me know if you are interested in this. Date and time are still to be announced.

Enjoy this beautiful month of God's glory... the colors of the leaves and the crisp mornings. See you at trunk or treat! Get your costumes on!!

Rev. Susan Hughes, Minister of Community Outreach

Ashley’s News

The music ministry is still bustling with preparations for fall, and of course, for Advent and Christmas. It’s not too late to join a musical ensemble, if you’re interested just see me or drop me an e-mail—I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for our fabulous, fantastic, awe-inspiring Christmas Extravaganza on Sunday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m., when our entire music ministry will come

together to celebrate the season of joy!

Ashley CundiffDirector of Music Ministries

ROC Out Youth:Support ROC Out Youth by buying a T-shirt! Proceeds go toward the Youth Mission Trips and Retreats. Each T-shirt is $12. Email (jessica@redwoodumc.org) or call (540-483-9090) Jessi with your order! Please allow time for orders to be collected, submitted, and completed.

5 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Jessi’s News Trunk or treat is right around the corner, and for the first time since I have been here, we will be hosting it here at the Redwood! Par-tay!! With lots of help, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am excited to announce some of the amazing things we have to look forward to during Trunk or Treat this year! The Big Chill adult small group has challenged everyone to a trunk competition! As the trunker-treaters come around to receive candy they will also be on the lookout for their favorite trunk or group of themed trunks, they will be able to cast their votes as they leave. So, if you are in a small group or want to create a group of themed trunks, you better start brainstorming and talking about what your group will do for Trunk or Treat this year! I am also

extremely grateful for Rylee Suon, who will be setting up Shebrews, a business she started at CHA, at our event. She will be selling hot coco, coffee, and other treats to the trunker-treaters; the proceeds will go toward the ROC! Lastly, we will also be hosting a “pre-Trunk or Treat” Tailgate at 4pm, bring a dish and come early to set up your trunk and have a time of community and fellowship with your neighbors!

Wondering how you can help?? There are many opportunities available: Traffic Control Servants – people to help with parking and directing traffic (within the parking lot) “Trunks” – people who want to decorate their trunk and hand out candy for the night! (We need A LOT of trunks

to make this event successful!) Donate Candy – We also need a lot of extra candy in order to have enough for all of the children! You can put

any donations in the black bin in the Welcome Center. Registration Desk – We need two to four people to help register families during the event.

If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please contact me at jessica@redwoodumc.org or at 540-483-9090. Thank you all in advanced for making this year’s Trunk or Treat a success!

Jessica Fortner Director of Children and Youth Ministries

ROC Out Youth:October Connection Schedule:

1st Wednesday: Discussion! 2nd Wednesday: Game Night 3rd Wednesday: Discussion! 4th Wednesday: Mission**We won’t be back until 9pm.

Haunted House and Hayride! We will be going to The David Family haunted house on October 29. The cost is $10; all proceeds go to local charities.Paintball! We will be joining with Trinity UMC on November 13 for paintball fun! The cost is $35.Service Saturday: Mark your calendars today for December 3rd, our next service Saturday!

Trunkor

Treat!At Redwood UMC

Monday, October 31, 20166:00pm – 8:00pm

*Read Jessi’s news to learn about the ways YOU can serve!!!

6 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Christina’s News

This month, we are starting a giving tree to help support Rocky Mount Elementary.  We have learned through our volunteers there that in the winter months, classes are not able to go outside to recess unless

everyone in the class has a winter coat.  The school has given us a list of families that need coats and there are 79 coats needed!  We will be putting out a tree for individuals to take a leaf that itemizes a size and gender for a coat.  The coats can be new or gently used. As we are in the Fall season with winter around the corner, I want you to think about this story...

One winter, there was this little boy who every day would put on his hat and coat and go out into the snow to cut fire wood for him and his mother to stay warm. It was an old gray coat that was tearing at the seams. During those days, his mother was working on a surprise for her little boy. When she had finished, she presented her son with a well knitted red coat. The little boy fell in love instantly and jumped right into it. He then went outside to run and play in the snow, building snowmen and snow angels and having snowball fights. As he ran into town, he passed a dark and cold alley way. In that dark and cold alley way, crouched down low by a heating vent from one of the buildings, was another little boy trying to stay warm. His clothes were dirty and torn and he was very cold. The boy in the red coat approached him, took his special favorite coat off, and put it around the cold little boy. He then walked back home, hung up his hat and starred at his mom in his old torn coat. He shared what had happened with tears in his eyes and jumped into his mother's arms as she was very pleased at what her son had done. The boy in the dark and cold alley way was now much warmer and enjoyed his one and only coat.

 Matthew 25:40 says, "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"

Luke 3:11 says, "John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

I hope you consider picking a leaf and giving a coat! Thanks so much for your generosity!  This is a huge endeavor and will greatly help the kids of our community!  If you are not able to shop for a coat but want to help out, you may contribute funds to "Coats for kids" and we will shop for you! For questions, please contact Susan Hughes (susan@redwoodumc.org) or Christina Trager (christinatrager91@gmail.com). You may place your coats in the “Tote” located in the Fellowship Hall. Thank You!!

Blessings,Christina TragerResident US-2 Missionary

Walking Track Nears Completion—Johnny Perdue has been working with Boy Scout Troop 362 to complete a walking path in the lower field behind the church. Thanks to your generosity, and the hard work done by the adults and scouts of Troop 362, the trail is nearly complete. There remains some grading, edging and seeding to be

7 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

done. Once it’s complete, a formal ribbon-cutting will be done for the trail.

Campbell Soup LabelsLabels for Education

Program is Winding Down –

Please Read the

information below:

In the past few years, participation in Labels for Education has declined across the country.  Campbell has made the difficult decision to wind down this program.

As of August 1, 2016 only UPCs with Labels for Education are accepted as points into Henry Fork’s registered bank account. Products will be available in limited quantities and will be replaced by unmarked UPC labels. Campbell plans to have all phased out completely by August 1, 2017. New products labels will not have the UPC Label for Education.

In the meantime:

Henry Fork will continue to redeem our Labels for Education to purchase needed supplies.  None of our valuable labels will go unused. These items will be available at least through August 1, 2017.

We ask that you continue to collect all labels with the UPC Label for Education and send them to Henry Fork.

We will keep you abreast of other opportunities to help us support the children of Henry Fork

We are grateful for your faithfulness and generosity in supporting Henry Fork all these years by collecting labels.  We have purchased many needed equipment and supplies.

Redwood UMC for your donation of $125.00 to the Henry Fork Center and $250.00 for Executive Director Salary Support.

Backpack Snack Program

We are continuing the Backpack Snack program this fall which gives food to middle school students in need over the weekend. We share this ministry with the Flint Hill/Burnt Chimney UMC charge. We will be doing this important outreach weekly in November, January, March and May. If you would like to donate healthy snacks, help pack or deliver the backpacks, please contact Lori Suon or Sherry Lynch.

Suggested Snack Items:

Apple Sauce Cups, Fruit Cups, Jell-O Cups, Pudding Cups, Vegetable Cups, Breakfast or Granola Bars, Cereal (single serving boxes), Juice Boxes (100% Juice), Milk (type that doesn’t need refrigeration), Ravioli, Spaghetti, Beanie Weenies, Soup, Mac & Cheese, Raisins, Peanut Butter Crackers, Nutella (single serving packs)

Small Groups could pick a few items to donate every other month. What a great way to support our local community to reach students who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend. Check the Share Board for a listing of what is needed. Please use as your grocery list the next time you shop. Thanks in advance for your support!

8 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Dear Redwood UMCThank you for your participation in Praise on the Patio. Students really enjoyed P.O.P. 2016.

Spiritual Life Ferrum CollegeRashad McCann – Sophomore, Class of 2019Jan Nicholson, Dean of the Chapel

G r e e t e r s

8:30Front Door

2 – Frances Brown 9 – Joan Gallante16 – Ricky Hicks23 - Joan Gallante30 – Jessica Vehmeier

Side Door 2 – Ricky Hicks 9 – Penny LaPorta16 – Reba Bowling23 - Penny Laporta30 – John Vehmeier

11:00 Front Door 2 – Janice Powell 9 – Jean Hudson16 – Eva Mae Tyree23 - Gail Price30 – Betty Wray

Side Door 2 – Eva Mae Tyree 9 – Louise Wimmer16 – Elaine Chitwood23 - Rhonda H0dges30 – Gaye Campbell

H e a d U s h e rJudy Hodges

9—8:30—Ruth McLaughlin 11:00—Linda Waybright16— 8:30—Simon Adkins 11:00—Louise Wimmer23— 8:30—Jessica Vehmeier 11:00—John Kennedy30 – 8:30 – Carolyn Reilly 11:00 – Dave Merritt

C h i l d r e n ’s C h u r c h

2 – Communion 9—8:30—Lori Suon & Rebecca Wyatt 11:00—Jessi Fortner & Charlene Waybright16— 8:30—Eric & Heather Anderson 11:00—Barbara & Dickie Dill23— 8:30—Cara Orange & Rylee Suon 11:00—Lisa Nichols & Jessie Chitwood30 – 8:30 – Gail Abbott & Jenna Hill 11:00 – Gail Abbott & Jessi Fortner

F l o w e r s 2 – John & Elizabeth Kennedy 9– Karen Dillon 16—Mary Jane Mack 23 – Mary Jane Mack 30 – Sharon Merritt

O ff e r i n g C o u n t e r s 2 – Ann Altice, Pat Horning, Geraldine Hylton 9 - Carol Boychuck, Sherry Lynch, L. Waybright 16 – Elaine Chitwood, Sherry Lynch, Louise Wimmer 23 - Wanda Housman, Janice Powell, Ada Wray 30 - Gaye Campbell, Judy Hodges, Peggy Woody

2– Paige Anderson 9 – Hayley Sanders16 – Paige Anderson

23 – Hayley Sanders30 – Paige Anderson

C o m m u n i o n S e r v e r sOctober 2

8:30 – David & Julie Mooney11:00 – Doyle & Lysa Cockram

Madeline Hall, Pat Tolbert

C e l e b r a t e R e c o v e r y M e a lOctober 28

Mary Mack & Pat Tolbert

C o n n e c ti o n S e r v e r sOctober 5

Set-up – Joan Gallante, Madeline HallClean-up – Dave & Sharon Merritt, Twyla Brown

October 12Set-up – Janice Powell, Ann Altice

Clean-up – Pat & Jim Horning

L i turg ist

9 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

October 19Set-up – Sue & Anna McDeavitt

Clean-up – Sherry & Kailey LynchOctober 26

Set-up – Barbara & Dickie DillClean-up – Barbara Brown, Reba Bowling

1 – Tyler Hodges 3 – Eric Anderson 5 – Neil Brooks 6 - Paige Anderson Jacob Davis Hilary Page 8 – John Rhoday 9 – Carol Boychuck Susan Wray 10 – Danny Hicks14 – Bobby Housman15 – Mary Mack

22 – Ann Crutchfield24 – Jim Horning25 – Kim Harden26 – Rhonda Hodges Daphene Jones 27 – Zora Dulaney29 – Danny Campbell Maggie Crutchfield Rylee Suon30 – Penny LaPorta Chuck MacKenzie

4 – Reed & Karen Dillon 5 – Simon Adkins & Charlene Waybright

Dear Redwood UMC

I would like to thank my lovely church family for all of the wonderful cards that were sent to me celebrating my 90th

birthday. You are all very special.Love, Kathryn Bennett

Dear Redwood ChurchOn behalf of the Virginia Conference Disaster Recovery

Ministry, thank you to the RUMC mission team led by Susan Hughes for its service in Evergreen.

I have heard nothing but high praise for the team’s work ethic, servant attitude, and good spirit. Our evergreen

coordinator, Stephanie Hunt, truly enjoyed working with them. Please pass along my appreciation to all who served.

Forrest White, Disaster Recovery Manager/VUVIM Coordinator

Dear Brad & Redwood UMC Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with the

Redwood congregation in August. I appreciate the support of Redwood UMC for Henry Fork Center and continue to be

amazed by the workings of the Holy Spirit and I pray that people will continue to respond to God’s call for their lives.

Thanks Again, Lisa NicholsDirector, Henry Fork Service Center

RememberOur Home Bound

Essyebelle Hudson224 Hudson Farm LaneRocky Mount, VA 24151

Judy GringFerrum Collegec/o Jeff GringP.O. Box 1000

Ferrum, VA 24088Doris Burgess (mailing address)

4537 Colonial Place DriveRoanoke, VA 24018

Melaine Pagans850 Woodman Road

Rocky Mount, VA 24151Nannie Kate Campbell3855 Old Franklin Tpke.

Glade Hill, VA 24092Brenda H. Morris

2590 Muse Field Road Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Ira Powell3288 Golden View RdGlade Hill, VA 24092

.

Chuck MacKenzie1009 Old Country Club Rd. #317

Roanoke, VA 24017 Gracie Via

1851 Harrogate Dr. #219Salem, VA 24153

Wink Clement

10 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Skyline Nursing & Rehab Center237 Franklin Pike SE

Floyd, VA 24091Elsie Powell

Runk & Pratt Adult Care115 Retirement Drive,

Hardy, VA 24101

11 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

Redwood United Methodist ChurchCash Flow January - August 2016

General Fund Annual Budget % of Budget

Cash In:Donations 196,022.96 299,453.16 65.5%Rent 2,027.12 8,000.00 67.6%Fund Raising Projects 5,005.50 3,000.00 62.6%

Total Income: 203,057.58 310,453.16 65.4%

Cash Out:Administrative Offices 8,314.86 13,063.00 63.7%Connectional Giving 35,419.84 49,017.00 72.3%Facilities & Maintenance 20,019.04 32,740.00 61.1%Love God 3,916.48 7,119.50 55.0%Love Others 13,872.54 23,430.00 59.2%Serve the World 7,164.94 23,350.00 30.7%Staffing 107,479.17 161,733.66 66.5%Total Expense: 196,186.87 310,453.16 63.2%

Net Ordinary Income 6,846.27

Building Fund:

Balance 01/01/2016 30,798.86

Receipts Jan/Aug 2016 104,368.62

Payments Jan/Aug 2016 -131,915.07

Balance 8/31/2016 3,252.41

This is the corrected Cash Flow for August 31, 2016. I apologize for the mix-up before. Somehow I managed to send the report with everything garbled and numbers written over numbers and it ended up as it did in the newsletter. Not quite sure how it happened but now I will email myself and see how it looks before I send it to Pat. Thanks for your understanding.

Barbara Dill, Finance Committee Chairperson

12 October 2016 The Redwood Breeze

3001 Old Franklin TurnpikeRocky Mount, VA 24151

Phone: 540-483-9090FAX: 540-483-9090

E-mail—pastor@redwoodumc.org

CHURCH STAFFPastor, Bradley S. Dulaneypastor@redwoodumc.org

Minister of Community OutreachSusan Hughes, susan@redwoodumc.org

Director of Music MinistriesAshley Cundiff, ashley@redwoodumc.org

Director of Children & Youth MinistriesJessica Fortner, jessica@redwoodumc.orgWorship Media Coordinator, Eric Anderson

eric@redwoodumc.orgPianist, Lisa Edwards

Administrative Assistant, Pat Tolbertpat@redwoodumc.org

Treasurer, Dalphia Furrowtreasurer@redwoodumc.orgNursery Staff, Rebecca Dillon

Resident US-2 Missionary, Christina Tragerchristinatrager92@gmail.com