PleasantGreenUMC.org
Roots & Branches
November 2014
Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart
Wingo’s Words
Philippians 4:4-7
By Dr. Jesse Brunson, Pastor
I. Gratitude for the Church
The apostle Paul writes to the Philippian Church to encourage them in their faith and to offer God thanks for their enduring commitment. This congregation was beloved by Paul; so he uses this letter to express his heartfelt thoughts. In the opening paragraphs of this letter he says, “I thank God upon every remembrance of you always in every prayer of mine for you,
all as I make my request with joy.” Paul was clearly trying to let the Philippian Church understand how special they were to
him. They were special to Paul because they were the first church he founded in the Macedonian territory.
In the book of Acts we are reminded that, on his first missionary journey, Paul was instructed in a vision of a man pleading
with him to “come over to Macedonia and help us.” So Paul set sail from Troas down to Philippi, the leading city in Macedonia. The bible says that on the first Sabbath his ministry team went outside the gate to the river. There, in that place they
prayed and shared the word of God with those gathered. It was in that place Paul made his first convert, whose name was
Lydia. She opened her heart to the word of God and she and her family were baptized. Lydia became a leader in that Christian community and helped to establish this congregation.
In this letter Paul writes to this wonderful congregation, thanking them and encouraging them. The letter is filled with references of thanksgiving for the community’s faithfulness. Paul also offers thanksgiving for the history he shares with them saying that in the early days of his ministry no church shared with him. He says, “When I was in Thessalonica you sent me
help for my needs more than once.” (Philippians 5:15) This is why Paul could proclaim to this community “do not worry
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto
God.”
Paul is not speaking about some intellectual exercise, but a true expression of the heart. Paul knew that when we cast our
bread upon the water that in many days it shall return. He believed that if God’s people shared their resources with others,
their giving would not be in vain.
II. Counting our Blessings
One of America’s well known preachers, pastors, and theologians, Dr. William Sloane Coffin Jr., spoke about praising God.
“Doth not all nature around me praise God? If I were silent, I should be an exception to the universe. Doth not
the thunder praise Him as it rolls like drums in the march of God’s armies? Do not the mountains praise Him
when the woods upon their summits wave in adoration? Doth not the lightning write His name in letters of fire?
Hath not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I, silent be?”
Like Coffin, Paul reminds the Philippian Church to rejoice in the Lord always. He says “ rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Thessalonians 5:15)
Therefore my friends, as I think about this season of Thanksgiving, I am moved to express my gratitude for many blessings. I
am thankful for my right relationship with Jesus Christ. I am thankful for family and friends, that I don’t see often enough.
I am thankful for you Pleasant Green; you have become like family to us. And we are most thankful and grateful for your
love of God and your caring love of us and your commitment to His Church.
Blessed Thanksgiving to All
Jesse
M
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From Health Ministries
Tips for Healthy Holidays
The holiday season is such a wonderful and busy time of year. With holiday hustle and bustle, gatherings with
friends and family and other festivities, there’s little time for exercise and plenty of opportunities to overeat.
Although they are happy times, the holidays can be stressful and emotional times as well, and we tend to lose
sleep over those long lists that need to be checked twice. Research shows that weight gained over the holidays
(on average between one and five pounds) is never lost, making us heavier and heavier each year. This year
can be different. No one is expected to lose weight over the holidays, but maintaining your weight is plausible!
Maintain a mindful mentality. We frequently eat for reasons other than hunger. Research says the convenience
of food, the mere presence of food, the variety of foods, the size of a dish (as well as serving utensils, our plates
and bowls) can influence the amount we eat. Mindful eating can prevent overeating. Mindful eating involves eating more slowly—sitting, smelling, tasting your food and enjoying it, as well as not eating while watching TV,
texting, answering emails, working at a desk, etc.
Eat before you greet. Avoid going to parties and gatherings starving. Have a healthy snack or a small meal before
you go, and you will be able to eat more mindfully while you’re there. If you have work meetings where you anticipate there will be special holiday goodies, eat your usual breakfast or lunch before going.
Plan your plate. Have (at least) two non-starchy vegetable dishes (with little added fat), to adorn your holiday table (and fill a third to half of your plate with these and the rest with your other holiday favorites). Wait at least 20
minutes before going back for seconds to see how satisfied you actually are after one plate—you’ll enjoy dessert
more and avoid that Thanksgiving-miserably-full feeling.
Keep moving. It’s important to keep up your exercise regimen during the holidays and even a good time to begin
one if you don’t currently exercise. Why wait until after the holidays to join the gym or begin your walking regimen? Start now and allow exercise to ease some the holiday stress and help you sleep better at night. Yes, the
holidays are busy, but exercise doesn’t necessarily have to interfere with your to-do list—walk the mall 2 to 3
times before beginning to shop; park in the furthest parking spot from the grocery store entrance; plan for a game
of tag or flag football at family gatherings.
Get more Sleep. Research demonstrates that getting less than 7 hours of sleep at night is associated with overweight
and obesity; we have an increased appetite when we don’t get enough sleep. Over the holidays, try to maintain
your normal sleep schedule. If you typically sleep less than 7 hours, get more sleep during the holidays knowing
that you’ll be faced with more opportunities to eat as well as more tempting food choices.
Seek support and accountability. Talk to someone (a spouse, friend or family member) about your intentions for
healthy holidays. You might just enroll someone else to make more healthy choices as well! Stating your intentions out loud and having support will make it easier and more likely for you to follow-through. Continue to
weigh yourself over the holidays (at least once a week). Remember that the goal is to maintain your weight not
lose… then pat yourself on the back for doing so and for all of the good choices you make. Enrolling a walking
buddy can be a good strategy for accountability and to keep moving.
Sign up for the 9th annual FREE Eat Smart, Move More Maintain,
Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge! It begins November 17th and runs
through December 31st. Participants of this seven week challenge
will receive tips, tricks, recipes, ideas and more to help them maintain their weight over the holiday season. Register for FREE at
www.esmweighless.com.
November Youth Calendar
Friends, Fellowship, Games and Lessons
Sunday School 10 am
ELEVATE at 5:00pm - 7:30 pm ~ November 2, 16, 23 & 30
Pilgrimage ~ November 7 - 9
Annual United Methodist Youth Conference
All Eastern UMC youth groups come together on this weekend to worship.
The members of the youth group are searching for yards to rake,
windows to clean, gutters to clean, and all kinds of outdoor work. We will also do
tasks around the church, if needed. If your yard needs any work at all, make sure to
sign up on the youth web page or check out the Youth Yard Work box in the Narthex
at Pleasant Green United Methodist Church. All jobs are free and done with love.
We do accept donations to the Youth Group for other service projects and youth trips.
Elevate Food Drive for OCIM!
There is a collection box in the youth room. We love your donations!
Pleasant Green’s next
Kid's Connect we will meet
during the Sunday school time
on Nov. 23rd, 30th and Dec. 7th
to make crafts for the Mission
Market. This is a great way for the children to
donate their time to the Mission team!
Our goal is to provide fun service-learning
opportunities for children.
Your Help is needed for the
MISSION MARKET on December 13!
All proceeds will go to our mission fund
– both local and global.
*All invited to help make Chocolate Covered
Cherries at 6pm on Thursday, December 11.
*Please bring your favorite homemade baked
goods, canned goods, local produce, crafts, etc.!
To be a part of this, please contact:
Wendy at [email protected]
or Kathryn at [email protected]
from SPRC…
Education & Youth
Minister Coordinator
The Staff Parish Relations Committee
(SPRC) is seeking applications for the position of Education and Youth Ministry Coordinator. If you are interested in
applying
for this position or would like to serve as an
interim coordinator, please contact Cindy
Stubbs (SPRC Chair) at [email protected] or
Dr. Jesse Brunson (Senior Pastor) at
[email protected]
PGUMC Kid’s Worship
Volunteers Needed!
Everyone has an important
role in our children's Christian education
and spiritual growth.
Please sign up in the Narthex the
dates that you are available to help!
From the Prayer Team…
Lifting up Everyone Who Feels They Are Not Loveable
Jude 2: Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
1 Cor. 4 to 8 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek
its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy
with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your god. I will strengthen you, I will surely
help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.
It may seem strange to pray for those who feel they are unlovable during this season of Thanksgiving. But let us remember the many people who do not feel thankful, for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that some of our
brothers and sisters do not believe they will ever be loved. Or, they do not feel worthy of love. They hurt, hold a deep
hole where love should be; feel empty and hopeless. Whether it came about slowly, since childhood; or, from a painful
adult event; being in that state blocks any sense of being cared for and loved by others. Everything is filtered through a
thick wall that dims feelings of connection. Sometimes, that disconnection includes God. It is hard to pray when feeling like that; which is why we need to pray for those who are so hurt.
Dear Heavenly Father, Through your awesome power and compassion, melt the walls that block connection to you. In
your perfect timing and wisdom, replace the emptiness and hopelessness with hope and love. Help each person know
that love is patient and kind. Help them learn that love isn’t rude, doesn’t take advantage, isn’t irritable, doesn’t count
complaints. Change the beliefs that they are not lovable or will never be loved to knowing with certainty that You love
them; and, that you put people in their lives who love them as well. Multiply the feelings of affection, peace and trust so
that gratitude and thanksgiving become part of their lives. Thank you, Lord, for listening to our prayers on behalf of
those who need Your love and compassion. We prayer these things in the name of your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, who is
pure love and shares His love with us in so many ways. Amen.
November Prayer Ministry Meeting
The Prayer Ministry Team will hold its monthly meeting on November 19th at 6:30 pm. Come join us as
we plan meaningful prayer-related activities and pray for loved ones, our church, state and nation.
Common Thread
A Ministry to
Comfort the Dying
"Common Thread" is a ministry of compassion
whose goal is to provide happy, colorful butterfly pillowcases to those dying in hospice,
nursing homes and in their own homes.
The next Common Thread workday is
Saturday, November 1 at 9:30am.
We will need hands to measure, cut,
pin and sew! Please come!
The PGUMW Cookbook is still available!
Special sections include:
Old favorites from the first PG
Cookbook published in 1980 and
the Christmas Cookie Sale recipes!
The cookbook includes 433 recipes and pages of
church as well as UMW history with pictures.
Purchase cookbooks for Christmas
presents and support UMW missions!
Dear Pleasant Green Friends,
PG Mail
Thank you for all you did for us to make Sam’s service so wonderful- prayers, cards, gorgeous flowers and
many pho ne calls, refreshments after the service and memorable music. Some of you were new friends who gave of
yourselves without even knowing us. We will be forever
thankful.
Love to you, Jane & Family
To the Congregation at Pleasant Green,
I want to thank you for all the prayers and support not only
now with the passing of my mother but also during her life.
You have been most gracious in your support, the weekly
prayer letters and notes. Mo enjoyed it all—and saved it all
for me to see too when I visited.
Thank-you, Nancy Brewer Shelton
Dear PGUMC,
I just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for all the prayers that went up for my Sister-in –law Lori Punt. She is with
her master now, and has no more cancer! I also wanted to
say thank you for the prayers for me after my being in the
hospital. I am still on the mend, as I cannot get my knee all
the way better. But I am doing much better and I hope to
have a good report from my knee in a few weeks.
Thanks Again, Ed
Advent at Pleasant Green
Adventicipation!
Saturday, December 6
Advent Decorating
begins
at 9:00am
Come and bring family &
friends and your favorite
breakfast snack!
Order Poinsettias
to be placed in the Sanctuary during the Christmas
Season. Deadline to order
and pay is December 7.
Sign up sheets for Poinsettias given in honor or
memory of loved ones, are
in the Narthex .
The cost is
$7.00.
Make checks
with Poinsettia on the
memo line to PGUMW
and place in the
offering plate.
Christmas Caroling to our shut-ins
Sunday, December 14 at 4 pm
Join us as we spread the joy of the season!
Pleasant Green Mission Market
Saturday, December 13 - Fellowship Hall 9:00 am
Come early for best selection!
Please sign up to bring your favorite homemade cookies or
baked goods. We will have a wonderful variety of
cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and candies as well as
handcrafted items—jewelry, ornaments, knitting, Salvadoran
items, stocking stuffers and other gifts.
Bags, boxes & bows will be available.
It is a fun time—so tell your friends!
Come take care of your holiday baking needs!
Chancel Choir Cantata
11:00 am ~ Sunday, December 21
Bethlehem’s Child
By Victor C. Johnson & Lloyd Larson
The Story of Christmas-God becoming
human– is filled with the unlikeliest of
elements divinely conceived in the heart
of God. He chose an unlikely setting, an unlikely couple and
an unlikely audience to broadcast the news of Christ’s
birth. God chose a newborn Infant as the lead character in
the life-changing story of redemption, love and grace:
Jesus, the Holy Child of Bethlehem.
~ ~ No 8:30 am Service ~ ~ ~
Lessons and Carols
A special Advent Worship Service
Sunday, December 7 at 8:30 am
Join us for refreshments in the
Fellowship Hall at 9:30am.
A Chrismon service
will be included in the 11am service.
Blood Drive
December 7
9 am — 1 pm
Sign up in the Narthex to give life!
United Methodist Women’s
Christmas Dinner
December 8 — 6:30 p.m.
ALL women of the church are invited!
Please bring a dessert.
Candle Burning for Missions
Give a donation to burn a candle in memory or honor.
Sign up on the UMW bulletin board
by December 1.
Children’s Christmas Play
December 21 at 6 pm
All Children—all ages are
invited to participate in the Children’s
Christmas Play. Sign up in the Narthex.
Stay after the Christmas Play to
drink hot chocolate and roast
marshmallows around a bonfire!
Christmas Eve Communion
Candlelight Service - 5:30pm
Please bring gifts of food for OCIM on the Sunday before Christmas,
Christmas Eve, Sunday after Christmas and Epiphany Sunday.
UMW Sunday ~ November 9
Features Speaker, Margaret A. Brunson
As a leader, author, and speaker, Margaret uses her
light to encourage and motivate people to find purpose, follow their dreams and reach their full potential in life.
Family & Friends Celebrate
Elaine Flannery’s
90th Birthday!!
In her book, New Growth: How My Hair Saved My Life,
she gives an honest account of how God used her
natural hair journey to help her overcome low selfesteem, find her purpose and ultimately save her life.
Margaret is a gifted motivational
speaker and has shared her story of
liberation at conferences, churches,
communities and college campuses
across the country.
Margaret obtained a BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of
Public Administration from North
Carolina Central University and Ph.D in Leadership
Studies from North Carolina A&T State University.
She is currently a senior health administrator for
Duke University Health System and faculty at the
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government.
Support UMCOR’s
Coffee & Chocolate Project
UMW Auction ~ A Great Success ~ $5342 raised!
Chocolate Bars - $2.50
Thank you for donating, creating works of art, bidding,
bringing food, setting up, cleaning up, and any other
tasks that needed to be done. Special thanks to Jim
Crawford, our auctioneer, and to the Eleanor Walker
Circle for heading up the planning and preparation.
Camilla Davis is the
owner of a beautiful
Amish Quilt!
Please Help Us Fill Shoeboxes for
Impoverished Children!
The Afterschool children are continuing the
shoebox ministry of “Operation Christmas Child.”
Please bring supplies for children ages 5-14 and drop
them off in the narthex by Sunday, November 2.
Cash donations of $7a box also needed
A new shipment just arrived!
Coffee - decaf & regular
(ground & whole bean)
Single Serve Cups—12 per Box
$8 per bag/box
Dark Chocolate with Almonds ~
Caramel Crunch ~ Coconut ~ Raspberries
~ Mint ~ Orange ~ Espresso Bean
Dark Chocolate—65% and 80%
Milk Chocolate with hazelnut ~
Caramel Crunch
This fair trade economic model provides opportunities for
churches to support a system that nurtures, rather than
diminishes, God's vision of abundant life. UMCOR's partner is the employee owned fair trade
organization called Equal Exchange.
Please make checks to PGUMW.
2014-15 Human Relations Commission
Poster Contest
The Commission is hosting a Fair Housing
Poster Contest. The contest theme is
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
You must create an original poster illustrating this
theme. Judging categories: K-1, 2-3 & 4-5.
All entries must be submitted to the church office
by Sunday, Nov. 16. See the bulletin board for more
information or contact Doris Brunson.
MEALS ON WHEELS HOLIDAY BOXES
OCIM NEEDS
The OCIM pantry has been very busy, and even with
generous donations, we are still having a difficult time
keeping staple items on the shelves.
*Canned Vegetables (green beans, corn, peas,
mixed vegetables, carrots, tomatoes)
*Canned/Cup Fruit (applesauce, peaches,
pears, fruit cocktail, pineapple)
*Jelly and Mayonnaise *Cereal (hot or cold)
*Canned Meat/Stew *Macaroni and Cheese
*Pasta Sauce
*Saltine Crackers
*Mashed Potato Flakes *Rice
*School Snacks (box juice, snack crackers,
Cereal bars, granola bars)
*Personal Care Items (toothpaste, tooth brushes,
powder laundry detergent/pint freezer bags, bar
soap, shampoo, razors/shave cream)
Meals On Wheels, an OCIM ministry, provides a nutritious
meal to homebound individuals Monday through Friday of
each week. However, during the holidays OCIM is closed. To
assist recipients, a box of food items which they can easily prepare is delivered. Since many are elderly and may not have
family members, this holiday delivery also brings a little bit of
cheer into their homes during this time of celebration.
Oranges (70)
Raisin packs (70)
4 pack pudding (70)
6 pack juice (70)
4 pack fruit (70)
Bread (35 loaves)
Vienna Sausages (70)
Peanut Butter (35)
Apples (70)
6 pack applesauce (70)
Small can beef stew (70)
Tuna (70 cans)
Chunky soup (70)
Cereal (35 boxes)
Saltine crackers (35 boxes)
Jelly (35)
Tissues (35 boxes)
Lotion (35)
To donate any of these items, please call the
Meals On Wheels office. 732-6194, extension 14
Donations are due by December 15.
Orange Congregations in Mission Challenge
The Formalwear Outlet in Hillsborough, has so graciously challenged OCIM again this year
to raise $20,000 by December 31, 2014. Formalwear Outlet has already donated $10,000
and will donate another $10,000 if OCIM can raise $20,000. Please give!
Annual Fruitcake Pilgrimage to Bear Creek
From the Scotts’ garage in Bear Creek,
Southern Supreme has grown to an internationally known mail-order gourmet food company.
Please join us on Thursday, November 6!
We leave on the bus at 8:30 am and stop for lunch on
the way back! Sign up in the Narthex.
Alamance Children's Theatre
presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
at the Paramount Theater in Burlington. It
tells the story of the Herdmans - the worst
kids –they lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear,
and hit little kids. They've never heard the Christmas story before, so no one is happy when they wind up in the annual Christmas Pageant. Will this year's pageant be a disaster, or will it be
the best one ever?
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is directed by Wayne
Leonard. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for students
and seniors. Performances are December 4, 5, and 6 at
7:00 pm and December 6 and 7 at 2:00 pm.
The Mebane Community Choir will perform the
Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah
on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m.
The choir is a non-denominational,
interfaith chorus open to all singers.
No fees or auditions are required;
scores and robes are provided; new
voices in all sections are always welcome. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons in November with
a final rehearsal Saturday morning before the
concert. See Terri Leonard for more information.
Local Craft Shows
Sat., Nov. 1, 11 - 3 ~ Craft & Vendor Sale
Immanuel Baptist Church ~ Hillandale Rd
“Not So Small Mall”
Sat., Nov 15, 10 - 2
Mangum Elementary—Bahama
Sat., Nov. 22, 9 - 3 ~ Holiday Craft Show
Central Orange Senior Center ~ Hillsborough
When Methodists are united, the possibilities of supporting missionaries, projects and communities in need are endless.
This year, you are invited to once again extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season by participating in
UMC #GivingTuesday, December 2. Every gift made online through The Advance this year on
December 2 will be matched up to $1 million.*
Pleasant Green United Methodist Church
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE PAID
Durham, NC 27705
Permit No. 5
3005 Pleasant Green Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-5764
Website: PleasantGreenUMC.org
Address Service Requested
Rev. Dr. Jesse Brunson (919) 383-2339
Church E-mail: [email protected]
Please recycle this newsletter.
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide
is provided free of charge to the Pleasant Green Church family by the United
Methodist Women.
You may pick up a copy in the Narthex.
Mark Your Calendar
November 23 - Charge Conference
4 - 6 pm at Orange UMC
Eno Fire Department BBQ Dinner ~ Saturday, November 8th
BBQ plates available for eat-in or take-out 11:00 am until...
Moravian Love Feast
on Epiphany Sunday
January 4, 2015
at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in our 1o4 year old sanctuary
for this traditional Moravian
Candlelight Service with coffee
and sweet bread,
featuring special music.
Breakfast for Veterans
The Orange County Department on Aging invites
veterans to a breakfast hosted to show appreciation
for veterans’ contribution and service.
Tuesday, November 11, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough
To reserve seating, call 919-245-2015 by Tuesday, November 4.
Blood Drive
December 7
9 am — 1 pm
Sign up in the Narthex or on line to give life!
Thanksgiving Covered-Dish Dinner
Pleasant Green Community Center
Wednesday, November 26 at 6:30 pm
Everyone is invited to join in the fun, food and fellowship!