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THE CALVARY BEACON
CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
220 W. Burke Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401-3322
Phone: (304) 267-4542 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calvaryum.org
Our vision: To be a beacon of God’s love!
Our Mission: To grow and show the love of Jesus!
NOVEMBER, 2014
Pastor
Bob
I was introduced to her while at a visit a while ago at a nursing home. She smiled warmly to me as we met,
rolling her wheelchair in through the main entrance. Her right leg, I noticed, was missing and, I assumed, had at some
point been amputated. It was likely the tragic but all too common consequence of a failing battle with diabetes.
“What a beautiful day it is out there!” she shared with us. “I almost felt like I didn’t
need this sweater.”
I agreed with her assessment, though in truth I hadn’t even begun to reflect on the
weather. Still, in polite conversation, the weather is a common and safe area for
discussion. But she followed this up with something that just made me think.
“It was worth all the effort,” she said. “I’m glad I went.”
There was something very honest, very genuine about what she was sharing with me. She felt blessed. I couldn’t
help but wonder how much I tended to take so many of the simple gifts of life—like a beautiful autumn day—for
granted. For this woman, the warmth and beauty she experienced for those few minutes may have been the event of
her day and “worth all the effort.” I was amazed by her spirit which seemed not to dwell on disappointment or
disability but felt amazement and wonder at the gift of something I hadn’t even noticed.
I wonder how many other simple gifts of life you and I have been blessed with which we hardly ever notice? Our
ability to walk, to sing, to see and to listen.
The gift of Christian friends and the laughter of young children. The marvels of today’s medicines to keep us
healthy, to fight disease, and to ease pain. Our pantries are full, our children are not at war, and life is holy.
Is it any wonder the Psalmist writes, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord,” (Ps. 150:6)? And yet the
simple gifts, which are there in such amazing abundance, are so often unnoticed by us. I thank God for teachers like
this woman who remind me of the vast richness of God’s blessings in my life. God’s goodness is all around me.
We should all notice these things. It’s well worth the effort!
Yours in Christ
Bob
Robert G. Brennan, Jr. Pastor
The Tri-County Pastoral counseling service cordially invites you to our 42nd Anniversary Fund Raising dinner.
“England Comes to West Virginia. A slide presentation by Rev. Dr. Warren Watts and his wife, Maria Watts.
Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church. Home cooked Ham & Turkey
dinner – $20.00 per person donation. Call (304) 263-6205 for tickets and information.
YOU ARE INVITED TO AN ADVENT STUDY: THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE by Kyle Idleman
The Friendship Class would like to extend an invitation to for all interested to join together in a Christmas
Study to reflect on what the first Christmas may have been like. The video-driven study presents the life
of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Christ. The study then follows the scriptures of the birth of Christ.
This study shows how God kept his promise with the birth of his son and how even in the tough times
God is in control. THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 16 in the Chapel
(Chamber’s Men’s Class) and runs six consecutive Sundays, ending on Sunday, December 21.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: THE 2014 CALVARY ADVENT CELEBRATION will be held Sunday, November 30,
beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck supper in Fellowship Hall, followed by Calvary Children in a program entitled
Decorate the Hall and Trim the Tree, the singing of carols, activities for the Children and special music by the
Calvary Chancel and Handbell Choirs.
Operation Christmas Child, a shoebox project of Samaritan’s Purse, was initiated with a brochure in the
October 26th bulletin, again on November 2 and available through the Church Office. Pre-decorated
shoeboxes are also available. Brochures include instructions, an envelope, and tags to indicate the gender
and age of the intended recipient. The deadline for Calvary Church to receive shoeboxes is Sunday, November
16, 2014. A check for $7.00 made out to Samaritan’s Purse, and earmarked Operation Christmas Child, placed in
the provided envelope to accompany the shoebox will help defray the cost of shipping.
The Advent Season is almost upon us. Again this year we are planning to have a live poinsettia tree in our
sanctuary. Orders are now being taken for poinsettias at $8.00 each. Deadline for ordering is November 30 ,
2014. Send to: Dorothy Hollida, 8171 Tuscarora Pike Martinsburg, WV 25403. You will find the order forms in
Sunday’s Bulletins in November.
HEAD USHER – Buzz Bayer, David Decker, Mike
Newcome , Ken Criswell, Gary Frye, David Southerly,
Doug Frye
EARLY SERVICE: Calvin Russell, Don Nicewarner,
Jim Holland
BALCONY USHERS: Mike Newcome & Ronald
Effland
GREETERS:
(8:30) Doug & Birdalee Keesecker
(10:45) Cheryl Jenkins & Ruth James
HOST/HOSTESS: Bev Hardman
DEVOTIONAL LEADERS:
(8:30) Marsha Dodson
(10:45) Jeff Hollis
ACOLTYE SCHEDULE:
November 3 Jillian Albright & Matthew Johns
November 9 Tommy Criswell & Jesse Hernandez
November 16 Johathan Figueroa & Nathalie Figueroa
November 23 Jillian Albright & Matthew Johns
November 30 Tommy Criswell & Jesse Hernandez
ALTAR GUILD: Beverly & Gary Frye
ALTAR FLOWER VOLUNTEER:
November 3 Gary & Beverly Frye
November 9 Betty, David & Cathy Decker
November 16 Eileen & Dave Southerly
November 23 Doug Frye
November 30 Juanita & Charles Burritos
COMMUNION STEWARDS:
8:30 a.m. Service – Heather Villeme & Gale Johnson
10:45 a.m. Service – David & Eileen Southerly
NURSERY VOLUNTEER:
If you are interested in helping in the nursery, please
contact Heather Hardman or the Church Office:
(304) 267-4542
WORSHIP/REFRESHMENT TIME:
November 2 The Friendship Class
November 9 UMYF Soup & Sandwich
November 16 Need Help (Contact Jeff Hollis)
November 23 Ruth James
November 30 Need Help (Contact Jeff Hollis
SHARING HANDS:
November 1 Marsha Dodson, Connie Catrow, Helen
Hardman, Alecia Roberts, Sarah Hurlock,
Juanita & Charles Burditus
November 8 Christa Banks, Betty & Don Nicewarner,
Calvin Russell, Johanna Albrecht, Dick &
Nona Hager
November 15 Randy, Katherine & Skylar Hnson,
Warren & Maria Watts, Dawn Hardison
November 22 Inwood United Methodist Church
November 29 Jim & Myrtle Holland, Rodney & Regina
Sherman, Peggy Whetzel, Beth Taylor
WE CARE CONTACT PERSON:
Doug Frye (263-4998)
REMINDER - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! Apple
Dumplings will be available again
November 17, 18 & 19 from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Cost: 2 baked dumplings for $7.00.
Orders are now being taken. Please order
through the church office (304) 267- 4542
2014 CROP WALK for Church World Service
raised approximately $5,000 supported by over
100 walkers, eight (8) of whom represented
Calvary: Jim Holland (drove the Blister Bus),
Pastor Bob, Mark Albright, Calvin Russell, Myrtle
Holland, Angela Barbour, David Anderson & Nancy
Strother. 20%of the proceeds remain in the area to be
distributed by C-CAP; the remainder will be distributed
internationally at the discretion of Church World Service.
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Rodney Sherman
Steven Everly, Schylar Raye Kees
Allison Simpson
Jan Fries, Susan Tewalt
Charles Pownall, Jr., James Thompson,
Rachel Jenkins, Maxwell Shade
Marie Snyder, Donna Flick, Kenneth Criswell
Christopher Fincham
Sarah Barnes, Emily Noll
Patricia Queen, Moses Greenberg,
Derracel Baker, Brandon Knotts,
Kevin Knotts, Jewels Dunkin
Robert Kirkpatrick, Jr., Frannie Dunn
Todd Ingram, Richard Ingram
David Southerly, Linda Springer
Beverly Springer
Teresa Velasquez, Bree Myers
Roger Ayers
Janell Davis, Bradley Dodson
Charles Bayer, Quinton Gray
Donald White, Brittany Funk, Abigail Paugh
David Gray, Jessica Springer, Mark Hollida
James Linger, Gail Ann Miller, Adam Dodson
Dear Calvary United Methodist Congregation: I would
like to thank you for your generous donations towards my
Eagle Scout Project. I am blessed to have your support
throughout the years as well as the duration of my project.
Over the years the church has given me so many great
opportunities; it feels good to give back to the church.
Again, Many Thanks! Sincerely, Rich Calo
I want to thank everyone who has visited, expressed
prayers, well wishes, and concern during the last few
trying days. It means a lot to know you’re thought of in
so many ways. I got home Monday afternoon and have
been re-acclimating myself to how to do things. We take
so much for granted. I have to admit that I slept well, ate
decent, and was well cared for at City-BMS. Some how
even lucked into a private room! The heart doc even gave
me the diagnosis I told him I expected, heart is ok. “I
hope mine looks that good when I’m 61!” was the quote.
God has truly been at work here. Thanks again! Jeff
Hollis
Calvary’s Cornucopia of Pasta
Spaghetti Supper will be held on Friday,
November 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m .
Menu includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, drinks and
homemade desserts. Carry out orders are available. Cost
is $8.00 per adult, $4.00 for children 4 to 12 years old,
children 3 years and under eat free!
Fall 2014 Schedule: CUB SCOUT PACK #13
Den meetings are held Tuesdays, at 7:00 p.m at
Calvary Church. To find out more about Cub
Scouting, visit: pack13martinsburgwv.org, or
contact [email protected]
The Adventurers:
meet on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.,
For more information contact Jeff at
(304) 263-6140 or (304) 671-5359 or
redoak1953 @gmail.com.
Calvary United Methodist Women present “Soup for the
Soul” Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All Calvary women are invited to participate. Chicken Noodle
Soup and Vegetable Soup will be served. A side dish and a
dessert to compliment the soup are requested. Also, bring a can
of soup of your choice to be contributed to CCAP Loaves and
] R.S.V.P. Ruth James (304) 270-0093 or call the church
Fishes.
office (304) 267-4542 no later than November 8, 2014.
G-Force: God’s Love in Action! I Thank My God Every
Time I Remember You. Philippians 1:3
The leaves have turned, apples are harvested. Pumpkins
are prevalent items of décor, inside and out, as well as the
main ingredient of many seasonal culinary treats. The
colors on the trees and the weather have been gorgeous
here. Just around the corner we shall run right in to
Thanksgiving Day!
Amidst the current events of the world and the flurry of
back-to-back events and responsibilities of family, work,
church, and community we are greeted by a national
holiday which bids us make time to remember the
beginnings of the great country in which we reside and
give thanks. It is good to reflect on God’s constant
presence, his hand at work, his presence and blessings,
whether in the challenges of survival in wilderness days of
life and the days of joy and thanksgiving – then and now.
In the spirit of the season, and at the culmination of the
transformation of the Church Offices, the Church Parlor
and general clean up well beyond those areas (which
continues), comes a fullness of spirit and a desire to lift up
thanks for the efforts of so many people and every
donation of time, talent and financial resource that was
provided to make it all happen! By the grace of God, and
the servant hearts of many, lovely renovations have been
made to our Church home.
Since the end of the summer there have been additional
endeavors completed for which to give thanks: a
Visioning Retreat with 3 SMART Goals, Charge
Conference, the moving of the Brennan Family into their
new home, the construction and sale of countless Pies and
Apple Dumplings, the great cooking and exquisite
hospitality of monthly Spaghetti Dinners, planning for a
new year of Sharing Hands Ministries, new projects of the
Worship Committee, Education Committee and Trustees
completed, with Music Ministries lifting praises. With
new Acolytes serving and devoted Teachers and Sunday
Classes (with one brand new, Bible Boot Camp) of all
ages running right along, fellowship time at the UMYF
Soup and Sandwich Luncheons; UMYF and UMW,
Adventurers, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts working on their
goals and ministries for another year. The list goes on and
on, including ways in which the larger community is
served by the people of Calvary Church. This Church is
richly blessed by the love and generosity that flows within
and overflows – much for which to give God thanks and
praise! May God be glorified in all that we do! May we
count our blessings and have grateful hearts throughout
November and look forward together for new
opportunities and ways to serve God as he call us!
Shalom, Nancy
On November 2nd the Choir will sing two anthems; one
anthem, “For those who serve” matches the theme of
thankfulness and service which Pastor Bob will be
preaching on. The second anthem, Celtic Laud speaks of
thanksgiving and Communion. Laud means to praise.
This anthem has a Celtic feel to it with flute
accompaniment by Mrs. Brennan. You can imagine an
Irish farmer giving thanks for his harvest of fruit and grain
and it makes him thankful for the gift of the Lord’s
Supper. He then thinks about the dove flying in the wind
and the fire keeping him warm and this imagery makes
him thankful for the Holy Spirit. All the greenery and
light he sees makes him thankful for new life through
Jesus. Like this farmer we should be inspired to look
around and be thankful for the blessings of God during
this season.
On November 9th Pastor Bob will be preaching on Joshua
24 where Joshua declares “as for me and my house, I will
serve the Lord.” The choir will sing “I’d Rather have
Jesus” which I believe fits with that sentiment perfectly.
On November 16th the Adult Handbell choir will perform
“We Gather Together” in the style of a jazz waltz. (It is
quite difficult so please start praying now!) The Sunday
before Thanksgiving the Chancel choir will sing “Come
Ye Thankful People Come.” The first verse is all about
thankfulness. The second verse compares us to the
harvest field with the wheat and the tares. Pastor Bob will
be preaching on the sheep and the goats this Sunday. We
pray that we are the “wholesome grain” and the sheep.
You don’t want to be a tare or a goat! The last verse sings
about Jesus returning to take His harvest home. We will
begin the season of Advent on November 30th with a
gospel anthem called “When the Clouds Roll Back”
which looks forward to Christ’s Second Advent.
Calvary will host a community Thanksgiving service at
10:00am on Thanksgiving Day. If anyone is willing to
share a musical offering please contact me immediately.
Check us out on Facebook where I post some musical
musings from time to time. Find us at “Music at
Calvary.” Calvary will be on the radio in the month of
November. Please pray for our choirs so that we may stay
healthy and strong in number and voice. Please pray for
our new Sunday School class, Bible Boot Camp” as we
adventure through the Bible book by book! Happy
Thanksgiving! Mark C. Albright
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which
indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and
admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your
hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17
Calvary’s United Methodist Women (CUMW) are
soliciting and will be bagging and selling
Christmas Cookies. Cookie donations may be
brought to the Church Office on Friday,
December 5, between 9:30 a.m. and noon.
Calvary’s UM Women will package the cookies
in the church kitchen, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday,
December 6 and will receive cookies until 9:30 a.m. Cookies
will be available for purchase on Sunday, December 7, 2014
A donation $3.50 per bag, a baker’s dozen, will be asked.
All proceeds will support the Calvary
United Methodist Women’s mission projects!
UMYF SCHEDULE - NOVEMBER
Sunday, November 2: 2nd $ Installment for ROCK
2015 ($65) DUE TODAY!
6:15-9:00 p.m. - Bonfire with Marshmallow
Roast, Hide-and-Seek. Hosted at the Hollida
Home. Bring a snack/beverage to share! Parents
welcome.
Sunday, November 9: noon - Soup and Sandwich
Luncheon
6-9:15 p.m.: Progressive Supper. 3 Homes; 3
Devotions; 3 Courses! Parent pick up at Church.
Sunday, November 16: 6:00 p.m. - Christmas Gifts for
Stonewall Apartments
Sunday, November 23: 6:00-8:00 p.m. – FULL ARMOR
OF GOD
13th Annual community Thanksgiving Day Dinner – all are
Sunday, November 30: 6:00 p.m. – Calvary Advent
welcome! Sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic Church. The dinner will
Celebration: begins with a potluck supper. Children’s be held from noon until 4:00 p.m., on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th
at St. Joseph Parish School Cafeteria, 110 W. Stephen Street. Please
Program, Special Music and Carol Sing
call the church office to make a reservation. (304) 267-4893.