Chris United Methodist Church of Waynesboro
The Messenger
“Servi ng God’ s Peopl e To Get Peopl e To Se rve God.”
N O V E MBER
2014
Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook,
Pastor
Inside this issue:
Sunday, November 23, 2014
3:00 PM
at Waynesboro Presbyterian Church
105 East Main Street
An in-gathering of food for Waynesboro Community and
Human Services will be held also. Bring your nonperishable food items
to the Presbyterian church before the service.
Sponsored by the Waynesboro Fellowship of Churches
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
Sponsored by the Waynesboro Fellowship of Churches
& Waynesboro Community and Human Services
November 27
from 11AM - 1 PM
Congregational Mtg - Dec 7
2
CROP Walk Update
2
Shoe Boxes - Christmas
2
Pastor’s Column
3
Youth Group
4
UM Men
4
Prayer Shawl Ministry
4
Prayer Breakfast
4
Food & Friends
5
Christmas Cantata
5
Snow Policy
5
UMVIM: Mission Trip
6
Books to Read
6
Newsletter Deadline
7
Poinsettia Tree - Order Form
7
Think Green - Recycling
8
Susannah’s Pantry
8
Wellness Corner
9
Serving This Month
10
Altar Flowers
10
November Calendar
11
at the Evangelical Lutheran Church
(43 S Church St, Waynesboro)
Anyone who will be alone that day, anyone unable to prepare a meal
themselves is encouraged to attend, elderly and shut-ins, and regular
Meal on Wheels Clients. To sign up, please go to Waynesboro
Community and Human Services (123 Walnut Street) or call 762-6941.
Donations are needed: homemade pies, cakes and bread for the dinner.
Anyone who is interested in helping to set up on Wednesday, or serving
or delivering meals or cleaning up on Thursday or making donations
should call Denise or Julie at (762-6941) to sign up.
t
Our Purpose
We Are
A Shepherd People
Offering Care and Guidance;
Tending All God’s Children
With . . .
Faith, Hope, and Love.
Page 2
The Messenger
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: SUN., DEC 7TH AT NOON
Recently our Trustees reviewed and updated our Church's Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws. We would like the members of Christ Church to review these
documents and be ready to vote on adopting them.
We will hold a congregational meeting, or a "Church Conference," wherein all
members are eligible to vote, on December 7, 2014 following the 10:45 AM service.
This meeting will be brief, however, we request that each member reviews the documents ahead of time.
They will made available Sunday, November 9th and will be available in the Church office.
Thank you for your support and oversight of your church's administration. We are grateful for your solid
support.
Bill Gallentine, Chair, Trustees
Robert Cook, Pastor
CROP WALK UPDATE
A big “Thank You” to all those who walked in the CROP Walk on Sunday,
October 5! CUMC had 17 walkers and raised over $1,500.
Thank you to all our walkers and thanks to all the sponsors!!
SHOE BOXES FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
We are collecting Shoe Boxes for Operation Christmas Child. “The
mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in
a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with
the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
We have some shoe boxes with our display in Frank Hall, so all you
have to do is pick one up and fill it and return it by November 16th.
We also have brochures there that suggest items to put in them and the
amount of the shipping cost.
Your simple act of generosity gives hope to children caught in the
midst of war, famine, natural disaster and extreme poverty. Through
Operation Christmas Child you can show them that they have not been
forgotten.
If you have any questions contact Margaret Eier at (717) 762-6362 or [email protected]
The State of the Church at Christ United Methodist
I want to echo what some very wise pastors are currently saying: the church is not dying.
Yes, the church in the USA is in a vast transition right now. But transitioning is not the same as dying,
particularly if you hold the belief that Christianity is represented by people who live for Christ, not simply
by those who check “Christian” on a survey form.
We certainly need to do a reality check and we need to understand reality inside our congregation. It is not
easy to grow the church in this cultural environment. It is not easy for many people to commit to the spiritual
discipline of being regular in worship. But, I don't believe the situation is quite as dire as many are making it
out to be.
Actually, according to author and church growth coach, Ed Stetzer, no serious researcher believes
Christianity in America is dying; but it is changing. So too, is the neighborhood around Christ UMC and the
environment inside the building. But, perhaps the current cultural shifts may bring some clarity to guide us
in defining who we are as Wesleyan Christians, and that is a good thing. It can serve to encourage us in our
ministry, witness for Christ and our outreach.
First, there is a difference between cultural Christianity and convictional Christianity. Many in the USA
might check the box labelled “Christian” in a survey. But a convictional Christian is one who is a committed
follower of Jesus, committed to growing spiritual, thinking as a Christian disciple and making an impact in
the community around them. We have many, many, many committed disciples living out their Christian
convictions. As long as there are folks here who are committed Christian disciples, we are not a dying
church.
But, we have lost the ability to be able to stand up for what we believe, yet present it in a way that
demonstrates the conviction of our beliefs while being open to those who either don’t know what it means to
be committed to Jesus or have left a church for some reason. In effect, we’ve forgotten how to help people
find their way to Christ.
In the days when most people accepted the Christian assumptions about life, values and culture, we simply
reminded them that they ought to go to church. But those assumptions in the culture have eroded—
completely. Moreover, scandals in many branches of the church, misbehavior morally and financially by
many televangelists and clergy have turned off a lot of people. The road ahead of us is a challenging one.
But, because it isn’t easy is no reason to give up trying. God will always make a way.
If Christ UM Church will come through this present time of great transition and have an effective Christian
witness, we need to learn how to meet the culture where it lives and offer them Christ in a way that makes
sense and asks for their commitment. I believe that the Holy Spirit is calling people every day to Christ, but
those people will hear the call through us. We need to find ways to share the Good News and to create ways
to enter people into a journey of discipleship where the goal is to know Jesus and to be committed to him.
That is our biggest, most serious and pressing challenge. How important it is for here to know why we
believe and give a wise account of our faith in Jesus.
The congregation and leadership at Christ Church are amazing. You have a great spirit of faith, of service
and a heart for the work of Christ. You touch so many people beyond these doors every day. You are
amazing stewards of God’s resources and you are a generous people. I feel so fortunate to be your pastor.
But—what we need to do is to draw people to Christ—Jesus Christ—and then to a life of discipleship to him
here at Christ Church.
In short, if the state of your church is to be healthy—it’s time to meet the culture where it is; to learn their
language and to know their needs and longings—especially spiritually. That is when we can tell them about
God’s answer in Jesus—in language that they can understand. As we do that, I truly believe we will grow
and thrive.
In Christ’s Service
Pastor Robert Cook
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The Messenger
United Methodist Youth
Youth group has lock in Friday 11/7 5:30 to 8am.
Youth group will also meet on Sunday 11/23 at 5:30.
Our UMY Leader: Tosha Hind
(Email Tosha at [email protected])
UM MEN . . .
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH
UM Men will meet on Monday, November 10th at 6:00 PM at the church.
Any question, please contact John Eier at 762-6362.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: KNITTERS & CROCHETERS
A group whose purpose is to knit/crochet prayer shawls from a simple pattern meets in the church
parlor at 10:00 AM on the Second Tuesday of the month (Nov. 11). The shawls created are given to
those who are ill or lonely and in need of both warmth and prayers. If you are interested in helping
with this project, please contact Mary Fry at 762-1567 for more information about this ministry.
PRAYER BREAKFAST - WEDNESDAYS AT 8:30 AM
Prayer Breakfast
Prayer Breakfast meets at the Parlor House Restaurant on Wednesdays at 8:30 AM.
You are welcome to join us --- You can order breakfast from the menu and
following our meal, we share in the Upper Room Study of the day.
For more info about this group, please contact Dick and Judy Shook.
Anyone and everyone welcome!
November 2014
Page 5
FOOD AND FRIENDS: A FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH
at 5:15
PM
We want to extend hospitality to all and to serve others. We do both of these during
our Thursday Evening Food & Friends. We invite the people of our neighborhood and
those needing special support to come and have dinner with us. Our members cook and
serve this meal. There is a short devotional time before the meal. Cooks are needed to keep
this ministry going, contact John Eier. Desserts Needed: To donate desserts, please contact Ele Hirt.
CANTATA TIME!
Are you looking for a unique and deeply meaningful way to prepare your heart for Christmas? Come join the
choir for the Christmas cantata. This year's selection is short (only about 10 minutes) and very accessible for
those who are "occasional" singers. Four readers are also needed.
Cantata rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The presentation will be Sunday, December 21st at the 10:45 service.
If your are interested in singing, please feel free to join us on December 3rd. If your are interested in reading
or would like more information, please contact Brenda Slick on a Sunday morning or email
at [email protected].
SNOW POLICY
Every church ought to have a stated snow emergency policy and here is Christ UMC's:
the Christ UMC is always open for worship on Sunday regardless of snow. You need not
consult the TV or radio; we will be open. However, if the State closes the roads,
which sometimes does happen, only then will we cancel services. So, that is an easy
snow policy. Having said that, use common sense.
If you do not feel safe going out in snowy and icy weather, stay home -- be safe!
Pastor Bob Cook
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The Messenger
Volunteers in Mission Trip to Salto, Uruguay November 6th -19th
Pastors Bob Cook and Miguel Arenas will be leading a group of ten on a
U.M. Volunteers in Mission trip to Salto, Uruguay in November. From
Christ church, Cindy Gettins and Julie Sewnarine will be going along.
We will do renovation work at the Church of the Cross in the city of Salto,
in northwest Uruguay. The Church was a gift by the Oklahoma Annual
Conference in 1955 to the small Methodist congregation in Salto. It is a
lovely building and a central place of spirituality and practical ministry in
the community. It houses not only a congregation, but many ministries such as those for children, victims of
domestic violence, AA groups and it hosts meal programs similar to our Lunch Place —except in the evening.
The congregation is small and has little money to do building upkeep. With the project funds raised, our VIM
team can help with a lot of needed maintenance to keep the roof and the interior in sound shape for more
ministry and outreach in a city where only 3% of the people go to church. Please keep our group in prayer.
We are grateful for your support of our recent Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser and for the help of our Christ
Church Missions Committee with funds for the project and some travel assistance.
I do read a lot and I also like listening to audio books when I drive. Recently, I had listened to Matt
Mikalatos’ book, “Imaginary Jesus.” It was a light read and funny. But moreover, it reminded me
how easy it is to misread Jesus in the Gospels and remake him in one’s own imagination. Thereby,
we miss the real Jesus. Here is a quick review on the book:
Imaginary Jesus is an hilarious, fast-paced, not-quite-fictional story that’s unlike anything
you’ve ever read before. When Matt Mikalatos realizes that his longtime buddy in the robe and sandals
isn’t the real Jesus at all, but an imaginary one, he embarks on a mission to find the real thing. On his wild
ride through time, space, and Portland, Oregon, he encounters hundreds of other Imaginary Jesuses
determined to stand in his way (like Legalistic Jesus, Perpetually Angry Jesus, and Magic 8 Ball Jesus).
But Matt won’t stop until he finds the real Jesus—and finally gets an answer to the question that’s haunted
him for years. Be warned: Imaginary Jesus may bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life.
It’s a book that will make you laugh—and think. Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos published by BarnaBooks 2010
Also: 24/6 by Dr. Matthew Sleeth Tyndale House 2012
I read Dr. Matthew Sleeth’s 24/6 recently. The title caught my attention because I am used to going 24/7. Sleeth
spent many years as an ER physician. One day he saw a Bible—a book he never read. He picked up it from the ER
waiting room and “stole” it. It became a transforming moment. Reading the Old Testament helped Sleeth to rethink
his life and how he organized his time. It changed everything—especially his family life—for the better.
Here is a brief synopsis: In 24/6, Dr. Matthew Sleeth describes our symptoms, clarifies the signs, diagnoses
the illness, and lays out a simple plan for living a healthier, more God-centered life in a digitally-dazed,
always-on world. Sleeth shares how his own family was dramatically transformed when it adopted
Sabbath practices and helps readers better understand how their own lives can be transformed – physically,
emotionally, relationally and spiritually – by adopting the 24/6 lifestyle.
Happy reading! --Pastor Bob Cook
November 2014
ter
Newslet
Deadline
is
th
17
November
ail to
Bring or em
[email protected]
Page 7
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 17TH
Thank
You!!
The deadline for articles to be placed in the OCTOBER ISSUE of The Messenger is
Monday, November 17th. Please bring or email ([email protected] Subject: Newsletter) your articles, information, and calendar dates to the Church
Office by the 17th. (Information received after deadline may not be included in
that newsletter – please be respectful of deadline)
POINSETTIA TREE
The beautiful poinsettias that grace our Sanctuary poinsettia tree during the Advent
and Christmas season are the result of generous contributions by our members and
friends.
We are now accepting orders for poinsettias to decorate the church for the season –
or – honorarium contributions towards mission projects. Please use the form
below and make your check payable to the Christ UMC. You may drop it off at the
church office or place it in the collection plate. Your contribution must be
received by Monday, December 1, so that poinsettias may be ordered – and that
your gift can be listed in the Christmas bulletins.
No poinsettias will be disbursed until after Christmas Eve services. You are welcome to take your poinsettia
home after the Christmas Eve service. Please take your poinsettia home by December 30th. Thanks!
 Please fill out the form below and return it to the church office or place in offering plate
2014 POINSETTIA TREE Order Form
Poinsettia and/or Honorarium Alternative (contributions towards mission projects)
Name:
# of Poinsettias @ $10 each:
Phone:
Honorarium Alternative: $
Total Enclosed: $
Please list my poinsettia or honorarium/alterative IN MEMORY or HONOR of and GIVEN BY:
Please return to Church Office no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
Please enclose payment * Make check payable to the Christ UMC
Poinsettias Order Form
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The Messenger
THINK GREEN
Christ Church has recycling programs to help the environment.
We can take and recycle anything made of metal or with metal in it,
with the exception of TV’s, computer monitors (computers are ok), tires and stuffed
furniture. Any appliance large or small, anything run electrically or with batteries is ok.
Updates (as of October 12, 2014):
Total pounds of recycled metal
284,749
over 100 TONS!!
Current balance in Recycling Fund
$ 12,971.14
Total Amount Earned from Recycling
$ 47,670.69
 Batteries: A Battery recycle tub is by the narthex to Frank Hall – household batteries of all kinds – even
hearing aid batteries can be deposited there. They will then be taken for recycling
 Cell Phones: A box is provided by the narthex to Frank Hall to receive old cell phones which are sent to
a company which recycles them.
 Empty Ink-jet Cartridges: Most Inkjet Cartridges can be recycled and re-manufactured. Please place
the cartridge in its original box or in a plastic bag to keep it safe from spills and damages. Place your
empty cartridges in the jar in the Second Street Entrance.
 Metal Recycling:
The Union at Frick collects plastic bottle caps for veterans who need to
be on dialysis. Each cap gets the vet a minute of free dialysis. (plastic round caps, no metal. Like ones
from gator aid, water, detergent bottles, etc.) Sue and Wes Palmer collect them for the Union.
 Bottle Caps for Veterans :
We want and need your help. Don’t throw those old batteries, cell phones, ink cartridges, or metal items in
the trash. Bring them to the church so they can be kept out of landfills and recycled.
SUSANNAH’S PANTRY
Susannah’s
People come to Christ Church seeking immediate food help each week. You can help
by donating canned and dry foods that can easily be stored and kept in Susannah’s
Pantry. It is amazing to see how God touches people to fill the pantry and amazing to
see how many this little cupboard helps!
Some non-perishable (no refrigeration required) items that we could use are:
Food Pantry
Canned Meats, Peanut Butter & Jelly,
Canned Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce and Noodles,
Soups/Stews, Crackers, and Breakfast items.
Occasionally, we have request for personal care items (shampoo, soap, razors, toilet paper, etc) –
donations of personal care items are appreciated.
Thanks you for all of your donations to Susannah’s Pantry! With your help, dozens of people have
received much needed food. Thank you for helping to feed others in the love of Christ!
November 2014
Page 9
Wellness Corner
Happy Fall to everyone.
It is that time once again. Back to school. back to college and for some, back to work.
I consider myself lucky as I now am feeling much better after my illness. God answers
prayer in his own time and for all the right reasons.
A few days ago, a dear pastor’s wife and friend of mine departed this world to be with the Lord. I was upset
because she was supposed to have lived a bit longer. That was what I was counting on. We did take a
wonderful trip and I had been ill for several months, but all excuses are out the window now. I did not get
to visit with her before her passing.
This is typical of many persons. They always feel there will be time later. Later comes sooner than we think
Please don’t hold back on that phone call or that visit that would mean so much to someone. Even if it
would be a bit tearful , as mine would have been, it is important for your peace of mind just at it is for the
other person.
I know there are all those e-mails to answer, all those texts you need to send and plenty of other things to
keep one busy. Face to face contact or at least phone contact is still the best way to communicate, as far as I
am concerned. Is may be considered old fashioned but the touch or a hug or an expression can not be done
on facebook.
By the time this is read, young people will be back to school. Hopefully they will all have their
immunizations they need as well. The world is getting smaller as we speak. People can get from point A to
point B faster now than ever. Take the ebola virus which is frightening. The point I am getting at is one
must try their best to promote community health and welfare. Wash hands, use ettiqute when coughing,
don’t take a child to daycare with a high fever, unless you want your child to be at risk, plus everyone else
there.
Common sense has taken a real beating lately, but it needs to be used for all of us.
The most important thing is to teach children and young persons to know hygiene and personal care. This
will stay a lifetime with them if taught well.
The Center for Disease Control states if all people used these simple rules I just spoke of, the illnesses in
this country would go down greatly.
Even in Biblical times, this was important, as the passage tells of the women washing Jesus’s feet.
In this fast world we need to slow down and rethink the simple things that are do important .
The Bible states in prayer, always thank the Lord with a greatful heart. We have so much to be thankful for
such as not being in one of the many war zones in the world. These groups mean business and we need
prayer for God to intercede and cut them done as they continue to kill and hurt so many.
In my prayer at night, I always remember that the Lord is my shepherd. He protects us day and night, no
matter what noises are going on in the world.
Be safe, prayerful and have your eye on what is important.
In God’s blessing,
Melissa Jones Wills
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The Messenger
SERVING THIS MONTH
8:15 AM Service
10:45 AM Service
Ushers
Nov. 2
9
16
23
30
Acolytes
Nov. 2
9
16
23
30
Abbey Slimmer and Izzie Slimmer
George Souders and Cody Souders
Matthew Williams and Gabby Williams
Nathan Wynkoop and Dylan Wynkoop
Caden Green and Eli Green
Worship Leader - Liturgist
Nov. 2 Wes Palmer
9 Jean Pletcher
16
23 David Deatrich
30
Nursery
Nov. 2
9
16
23
30
Pete Walters and Judy Smith
Shirley Cook and Chad Slimmer
Katie Klink and Mike Doncheski
Mark Klink and Donna Wynkoop
Jamie Pearson and Betsy Metz
Altar Guild
Ushers
Nov. Richard Benchoff (Capt), Chad Williams,
Allen Carlson, Robert Small, Renus Kackley,
Tom Wynkoop
Dick Hajek and Pat Wolff
Ty Tritle and Shawn Fitz
Galen and Janet Mowery
Susan and Jim Calimer
Bill Hovis and Bill Short
Nov. Margaret Eier
Greeters:
Everyone who comes through the doors on
Sunday morning is met with a smile and a
bulletin. Our greeters are the first "face"
Christ Church’s guests see and they are our
hand of welcome. If you would like to be
a greeters or for more information please
contact:
8:15 AM Service Wes Palmer (sign up sheet in
back of sanctuary)
10:45 AM Service Shirley Cook
Worship Leader - Liturgist
Nov. 2 Guy Camp
9 Monty Henry
16
23
30
Worship Leaders:
Liturgist assist in the worship services by leading the
responsive readings, reading the Scripture Lessons and
prayers. For more info please contact Pastor Bob. The sign
up is posted in the Church Office.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Flowers are presented to the Glory of God ...
Nov. 2 (Open)
9 In honor of Cathy Sweet’s birthday by her family.
16 In honor of Dick and Judy Shook’s Wedding Anniversary
23 In memory of entire family by Mary Schwing
30 (Open)
ALTAR FLOWERS: Sponsoring the altar flowers is a beautiful way to give thanks to God for someone in your life, past
or present. We will acknowledge these honorariums and remembrances in the Sunday bulletin. 2014 and 2015 Flower
Chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Second Street Narthex. If you would like to present flowers in honor of
memory of a loved one, please check the chart to see what dates are available, then write your info on the chart.
(Beside the chart, there is a “How to” guide sheet for sponsoring flowers.)
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
White
All Saints
Sunday
3
4
5
6
Prayer Breakfast Finance Mtg
8:30 AM
6:30 PM
at Parlor House
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM
7
8
Youth Lock In
5:30 pm to 8 am
Girl Scouts using
Wolff Hall & Room 5
6:30-8:00 PM
9
Green
Veterans
Sunday
10
UM Men Mtg
6:00 PM
11
Prayer Shawl
10:00 AM
12
Prayer Breakfast
8:30 AM
at Parlor House
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM
13
Food & Friends
5:15 PM
SPRC Mtg
6:30 PM
G.S. Brownie using
16
Green
17
Wolff Hall & Room 5
Room 5
6:30-8:00 PM
6:00-7:30 PM
18
19
Prayer Breakfast
8:30 AM
at Parlor House
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM
20
Church Council
(2015 Budget)
6:30 PM
Girl Scouts using
24
10 AM
25
Christ the King Sunday
G.S. Brownie using
Youth Group
5:30 PM
30
Blue
1st
Sunday
of
Advent
21
22
Daisy Troop using
6:30-8:00 PM
White
15
Daisy Troop using
Wolff Hall & Room 5
23
14
Wolff Hall & Room 5
6:30-8:00 PM
26
27
Office Closed
Room 5
6:00-7:30 PM
28
Office Closed
29
November 2014
The Messenger
Chris
U. M. CHURCH
100 SOUTH CHURCH STREET
WAYNESBORO, PA 17268
717-762-7042
www.UMCChrist.org
Ministry Staff
Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook .......... [email protected] ..................................... Pastor
Pastor David Deatrich .......... [email protected] ......Minister of Pastoral Care
Rev. Carl Buterbaugh ........................................................................ Pastor Emeritus
Cindy Gettins ........................ [email protected] ................................ Organist
Tosha Hind............................ [email protected] .......................... Youth Leader
Miss Jane L. Martin ......................................................................... Organist Emeritus
Jamie Pearson ..................... [email protected] .....Child Care Center Director
Jean Pletcher .... [email protected] ....... Education Formation Coordinator
Beverly Robinson ................. [email protected] ................................ Secretary
Brenda Slick............... [email protected] ......... Pianist & Choir Director
Wes Palmer [email protected] ........................ Lay Leader
Chris
United Methodist Church
Sunday Morning
Worship Schedule
8:15 AM Worship Service
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:45 AM Worship Service
Mission Statement
Christ United Methodist Church is a people who know Christ to be
The Good Shepherd, leading His people with love, care, and concern;
who reaches for and instructs God’s children to have the heart of a shepherd,
caring for the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely in life.
To that end, Christ Church becomes a shepherd people,
leading all who will follow in the paths of righteousness.
Our Purpose
We Are A Shepherd People Offering Care and Guidance; Tending All God’s Children With . . . Faith, Hope, and Love.