A monthly
St.
A monthly newsletter of St. John’s United Methodist
John’s
Volume 13, Issue 1
January 2015
PASTOR’S CORNER
Welcoming A New Year
A new year stands on my doorstep ready to enter my life’s journey.
IMPORTANT DATES
Happy New Year!
Something in me welcomes this visitor: the hope of bountiful blessings
the joy of a new beginning, the freshness of unclaimed surprises.
Something in me rebuffs this visitor: the swiftness of the coming,
the boldness of the entrance, the challenge of a year’s good-bye.
Something in me fears this visitor: the unnamed events of the future days
the wisdom needed to walk love well the demands of giving away and growing.
Monday, Jan. 05
5:00 PM Staff Meeting
Sunday, Jan. 11
Confirmation Sunday
Thursday, Jan. 15
Red Cross Blood Drive
Sunday, Jan. 25
4:00 PM Chili Cook Off
A new year stands on my doorsteps, with fragile cautions I move
to open the door for its entrance, my heart leaps with surprise,
joy jumps in my eyes, for there beside this brand new year
stands my God with outstretched hands!
God smiles and gently ask of me: can we walk this year together?
And I, so overwhelmed with goodness, can barely whisper my reply: “Welcome in!”
In my lifetime, some of the most inspiring poems and articles I have read are only known to
me as anonymous. At the end of the day I am grateful for the inspiration the writer has shared
with me. This poem, “Welcoming A New Year” has surely provided hope for me, knowing
that in the upcoming year we all have a new opportunity to walk with God. As I reflect the
past year at St. John’s, I am grateful for all the ways you have welcomed me as your new
pastor and look forward to all the opportunities that are in our future.
As we begin our New Year at St. John’s we will continue to explore ways to ensure we are
able to extend hospitality to all who are living in the Fort Mill area.
See you at St. John’s where together our can make a wonderful ministry in the Fort Mill
community.
Shalom,
Karen
Thank You St. John’s
Words truly cannot express my appreciation for all
the thoughtfulness that our St. Johns family has
shown me during my accident. Your prayers,
cards, phone calls, food, and visits have really
meant so much to me. Your acts of kindness,
compassion, consideration and love will never be
forgotten. Please keep me in your prayers as I
continue to recuperate. May God continue to bless
the St. John’s family.
Love in Christ
January 25th at 5:00 PM
It's Chili Cook Off time!!
Get your recopies ready.
Join us for some good eats from
your favorite St. John's cooks!
Beth Safnauer
[email protected]
Brenda Ervin
Thank you so much for the many expressions of
concern you have shown Carolyn and me during
and following my surgery. All the lovely cards,
phone calls, delicious food, visits, and prayers
were appreciated very much. I love St. John’s
and it is a special blessing to be a part of such a
loving and caring church family. I am still
recovering so I would appreciate your continued
prayers. God bless each of you!
Our Chili Champ has taken his
Special Stuff back to Texas
Who will take his place???
St. John's Third Annual Chili Cook Off
Sunday, January 25th at 5 pm
New categories!
Guest Judge!
More details and entry forms coming January 1st
In Christian love,
David Rowland
Thank You to the United Methodist Women
for the wonderful meal prior to the service
for Tootsie Collins. Thank You also to all the
members of St. John’s for all of the prayers,
love and support. You are appreciated.
Janice & David Armstrong
Thank You to our St. John’s Family for the many prayers,
cards and visits during and after my surgery. We are grateful
for this church family and all of the love and support you
have shown to us.
In Christian Love
Jim & Liz Harris
Thank You from the American Red Cross.
During the November 20, 2014 blood drive
We had 31 donors present and 29 units collected.
We also registered 4 first time donors at this drive.
Thank You for your willingness to support the
community blood drive program.
Sincerely,
Michael Ingold
Account Manager
The VIPS will visit the Billy Graham Library on
Monday, January 19th. Please join us for a tour
and lunch at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar.
Transportation will be provided and admission
is free. You will be responsible for purchasing
your own lunch, menu items are under $10.
We will meet in the church parking lot at
9:30am and depart at 9:45am. Please sign up
outside the sanctuary. Hope you will join us!
Red Cross Blood Drive
January 15th
2:30 - 7:00 PM
in the Fellowship Center
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
BIRTHDAYS
Ruth Crocker
Claire Cicciarello
Bill Cummings, Sr.
Charlie Elliott
Randy Hirsch
Linda LaRocque
Frieda Price
Wanda Barnes
John Edward Frick
Davis Lee
Barbara Newton
Melanie Deal
Amy McNeely
Nancy Shrine
Andrew Fey
John Lee III
Ron Masters
Karen Poteet
Jack Thomas
Tom Vinson
Mamie Wilson (94 years!)
Sloan Hill
Mallory Mercer
Jay Cryderman
Ashley Edwards
David Frazier
Peggy Powers
Agnes Stamper
Katie Hosage
Melissa Littlejohn
Josephine Clark
Lauren Meador
Brent Meche
Brad Parham
Annabelle Ham
Kristen Pittman
Sara Grace Starner
Courtney Hill
Owen Fey
Dawne Reddeck
Gina Hill
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Maryellen Cox
Tyler DeRosa
Sidney Hillhouse
Bonnie Meche
Parker Thomas
Dylan Southwood
Donna Voss
Sherry Boyce
Jerry Griffin
Michelle LaRocque
Tim Kane
Brad McDonald
Wes Moore
Bob Howerton
Andy Krueger
Jacob Meenaghan
Zeke Patterson
Cayden Sullins
Lewis Sutton
Crissy Anderson
Jason Damm
Abigail Edmondson
Benjamin Edmondson
Claire Carswell
Grace Rabb
Sarah Rabb
Steele Fitzloff
Michael Davis
Catherine Kinley
Sarah Kinley
Alecia Kontzen
Hugh McCallum
Courtney Bonéy
Ed Carswell
Lori Clyburn
Nelson Odom
Davis Phillips
Patrick Powers
2
4
7
10
16
17
20
31
ANNIVERSARIES
Tim and Donna Blankenship
Jay and Carolyn Short
Michael & Mary Alice Dewees
Gerald and Abby Talley
Bill and Beth Hozey
Ron and Marguerite DeRosa
Rick and Becky Diak
Fred and Jean Blackwelder
Reed and Carol Blackwell
Please contact those listed on
their special day to let them
know you care!
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
It was a great honor for the United Methodist
Women to present our annual special mission
awards at our recent Christmas Luncheon.
Each year the ladies of the UMW select a few
recipients to receive this award for their tireless
giving back to the church. Suzanne Fisher,
Connie Gunsch, Robert Gunsch and Tom
Vinson were the 2014 recipients. Each were
presented with a framed acknowledgement and
pin from The Women’s Division, General Board
of Global Ministries of the United Methodist
Church.
Our second annual Chicken Pot Pie Sale will take
place on Sun. February 22, 2015. Orders will be
taken beginning February 1. We are making 60
this time so plan to get your order in early.
Bless His Name!
Judy Tilly, President
UNITED METHODIST MEN
In December St. John’s United Methodist Men
sponsored a pancake and sausage breakfast prior to the
Christmas parade. This event was actually staffed by the
men from the St. John’s softball team, with the proceeds
used to help offset the league dues. The men also
prepared lots and lots of hot chocolate which was
enjoyed by many chilled parade spectators and float
riders. We then sponsored the annual Advent prayer
breakfast during the Sunday School hour on December
7. Thank you to all that attended and especially to those
who shared their favorite Christmas traditions, and a big
thank you to Matt Geesey for coordinating this event and
to Gerald Talley for organizing the food. Our next
meeting will likely be Sunday, January 25 at 7:30 AM in
the fellowship center and I would like to encourage all
men of the church to make a new year’s resolution to
attend a UMM event in 2015. Please contact Steve
Siebert at (803) 548-1384 or any UMM member if you
have any questions about St. John’s United
Methodist Men.
Steve Siebert, President
Music Notes
A very special thanks goes out to all
St. John's music groups for their
wonderful Christmas music!
I am very thankful
for all participants of every age!
Thank you also to the congregation
for your continued support
for our programs!
As the new year approaches,
I wish for each of you a happy, healthy,
and music-filled year!
Adult choir rehearsals resume on
Wednesday,
January 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Adult handbell rehearsals resume on
Tuesday,
January 13th at 6:30 p.m.
Youth and all children's choirs resume
on Wednesday,
January 14th at their respective times.
All choirs are always open to
new members and we would
love to have you join us!
Honoraria
Karen Radcliffe
by
Betty Tysinger
Sonja Bell
Loyce Sutton
by
Betty Tysinger
Charles Powers
by
Nelson & Judy Odom
Brenda Ervin, Loyce Sutton &
Joyce Patterson
Memorials
Nell Becknell
by
J.L.& E.C. Green
Jodie Becknell
Elliott Close
Polly Collins
Howard & Mary Adkins
The Dutton Family
Sarah Ackerman
Carolyn & David Rowland
Jane & Joe Pettus
Linda Rodgers
Jim & Margaret Messer
Ray Hozey
by
The Ladies Bible Class
Love and Thanks for all you do.
Ann Hozey
Howard & Mary Adkins
Amelia Graham
Lindsey & Billie Vaughn
Betty Tysinger
J.C & Veola Green
by
by
Leslie Klein
by
J.L.& E.C. Green
Carl Miller
by
In Loving Memory
John & Rene Howard
The Mary Osborne Circle
Mary Baumgardner
by
To the family of Janie Collins (Tootsie)
who entered into eternal rest on Nov. 29, 2014.
Vereen Brown
Patty & Billy Barron
Bobbie Littlejohn
by
Nelson & Judy Odom
To the family of Marie Allen, who entered
into eternal rest on December 08, 2014.
Dot/Charlie Richards
by
Nelson & Judy Odom
Patty & Billy Barron
Janie (Tootsie) Collins
by
Carolyn & David Rowland
Elizabeth Messer
by
Jim & Margaret Messer
Ushers:
8:30
11:00
Benny Patterson (head)
Tom & Marilyn Turner
Mark Carter (head)
Phillip Elliott
Chip Morris
Lonnie Shrine
Nursery:
Jan. 04
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Jane McGee
Terri Carr
Jennifer Mayes
Melanie Edwards
Greeters:
Jan. 04
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Fellowship Center
Stephanie & Michael Corn
Clair & Paige Moore
Cori & Bryan Mitchell
Julie & Ricky Williams
Education Building
Jean Schwerin
Bob Gunsch
Bob Gunsch
Joy Luther
First Time Visitors:
Jan. 04
Matthew Geesey
Jan. 11
David & Frieda Price
Jan. 18
Matthew Geesey
Jan. 25
Bill Davies
Flowers:
Jan. 04
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Don Whelchel
Altar Guild for the month:
Joyce & Benny Patterson
Children’s Church
Date:
Activity
Scripture
Leader 1
Jan . 04
Jan . 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Elijah & the Widow
Elijah & the Widow
Naaman is healed
Naaman is healed
1 Kings 17: 8-16
1 Kings 17: 8-16
2 Kings 5:1-19
2 Kings 5:1-19
Rebekah Conant
Rebekah Conant
Rebekah Conant
Rebekah Conant
Leader2
We need worship assistants in many areas for the new year.
If you would like to participate and are not sure who to contact,
Please call the church office and we will put you in touch with
the appropriate person.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
SUPPER
Our Wednesday night supper at
St John's United Methodist Church is free
and open to the community. Bring a friend or
neighbor and join us at 6:00 pm. Dinner
includes beverages and dessert, and LEFTOVERS
are boxed and available for take home at 6:40
pm. Leftover boxes are not guaranteed to be
full meals. If you need a FULL MEAL or meals
to take out, please email [email protected]
or call the church office prior to 5:30ish.
Donations are accepted and appreciated!
Update your calendar for your Wednesday meal.
There will be no Wednesday night supper on
Wednesday, 31 December or
Wednesday, 07 January.
Wednesday night meals will resume
on the 14 January with the beginning
of children's choir.
Beth Meador
Director of W.E.E School
(803)547-7538
[email protected]
W.E.E. School Registration 2015-2016
W.E.E. School registration for the 2015-2016
school year begins Monday, January 26 at
9:00am for currently enrolled students and their
families. Registration will be open to the public
on Monday, February 2 at 10:00am in the Fellowship Center. For more information please
contact Beth Meador at (803)547-7538 or
[email protected]
A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AT ST JOHN'S
We need someone to take charge of the Wednesday
night supper effective fall 2015. Kate Dooley
will not be handling the meals after the end of
the upcoming children's choir session. Please
prayerfully consider volunteering for this
position. Come in any Wednesday night this
winter or spring and see what it's all about.
Join us between 4:30pm and 7:00pm to check it
out and ask questions.
The W.E.E. School receives a portion of your
purchases as a rebate from Harris Teeter. Please
help us out by linking your card to our school.
Our Harris Teeter number is 6893. Visit
http://www.harristeeter.com to link your card
today. Thank you!!
If you need more information about this opportunity or
have any questions, email Kate at [email protected] or
call the church office.
BROADCAST MESSAGES
Many of you have called the Church
Office and asked why you no longer
receive the broadcast messages being sent out by the
church. In most cases, It is because you have
unsubscribed to Constant Contact. St. John’s is using
Constant Contact to send theses messages to our
members and if you unsubscribe, you will need to
re-subscribe by filling out forms that Constant Contact
requires. Please keep in mind, that you will receive all of
the messages sent or none at all. You do not have an
option to choose which ones you wish to receive. Call the
church office is you need help re- subscribing.
The W.E.E. School participates in Labels for
Education. We collect Campbell’s Soup labels
as well as other participating products.
Please visit
http://www.labelsforeducation.com/EarnPoints/Participating-Products
for all participating products. Please drop your
labels in the Campbell’s collection bin in the
Fellowship Center Drop Zone. Thank You!
Jennifer Mayes, Director of Children’s Ministries
[email protected]
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2015! What an exciting year this can be for St. John’s.
Here is a sneak peak of early 2015…
Parent’s Night Out
Date: February 7, 2015
Time: 5-8pm
Want to take your sweetheart out for Valentine’s dinner and can’t find a sitter?
Let us provide entertainment for your children while you have an evening out.
Space will be
limited so look for sign-up sheets to be posted in January.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Date: April 4, 2015
Time: TBD
If you are interested in volunteering to help with a craft, game, or the egg
hunt – now is the time to contact me!
Vacation Bible School is coming this summer!
Date: June 15 – 19th, 2015
Time: 9 am – 12pm
I am forming a committee that will meet in January to discuss strengths and weaknesses of past
Bible Schools. I really need your input. If you have worked VBS in the past, please volunteer a
few hours of your time that could really be important on improving this experience. Please send
me an email if you are interested ASAP. I’d like for the first meeting to be at the end of January.
Children’s Ministry Needs:
Each month I will feature a needs section in my newsletter submissions. Please check here for
ways to get involved and help! As these are filled with volunteers,
they will be removed from the list!
1. Sunday School Teacher for 2nd/3rd grade
2. Volunteer Coordinator
3. Nursery Volunteers
4. Children’s Church Helpers
5. VBS Committee members
6. Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers
Please contact me for a description on what each of these positions include.
Brandon Galbraith, Youth Director
803-804-6071
[email protected]
Sunday, 1/4
Sunday, 1/11
Friday, 1/16, 1/17
Sunday, 1/25
No Youth/ Enjoy Your Break
Youth Meeting/ The Zone-4pm
Youth Lock In/ Snow tubing
Youth Meeting/ The Zone-4pm
Preparing For the New Year
December was a remarkable month for the youth. We truly are thankful for all
those that supported the Angel Tree and Luminaries. The youth were able to support
the community and missions of the church. It was amazing to see the reactions of
the people receiving the help and the youth in being able to give the gifts from the
church. It is truly a blessing to work with such a giving church family.
January is geared for the youth to set goals for themselves
as Christians and young adults.
LOCK-IN and Snow Tubing- On MLK weekend, we will have a lock in on the Friday and leave
Saturday morning for a snow tubing adventure. Cost is $50. Please let me know if you would
be interested in helping Chaperone for the lock-in, snow tubing trip, or both. It will be awesomely fun! Please let me know if you or another family needs financial assistance to
pay for this trip. I do not want that to deter youth from attending.
Thank you to all that have given time, gifts, or service in support of the youth. I am truly
blessed to have the support of members as we continue to provide leadership to our maturing youth and their growth as Christians.
Peace,
Brandon
Sun
Mon
Tue
2015
4
12:00 PM (Room 200)
Children’s Council Meeting
5
5:00 PM
Staff Meeting
6
11
Confirmation Sunday
12
13
18
19
20
25
26
27
12:15 (FC)
Family Ministries Meeting
4:00 PM Until
Chili Cook Off
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
CHURCH OFFICE
CLOSED
CHURCH OFFICE
CLOSED
3
7
NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEAL
8
9
10
14
5:30 PM Children’s Choir.
5:30 PM Children’s Handbell Choir
6:00 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM Adult Choir.
7:00 PM Boy Scouts (Zone).
6:00-6:45 Wed. Night Supper
15
2:30 - 7:00 (FC)
Red Cross Blood Drive
16
17
21
5:30 PM Children’s Choir.
5:30 PM Children’s Handbell Choir
6:00 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM Adult Choir.
7:00 PM Boy Scouts (Zone).
6:00-6:45 Wed. Night Supper
22
23
24
10:00 - 12:00
Adult Craft Time
28
5:30 PM Children’s Choir.
5:30 PM Children’s Handbell Choir
6:00 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM Adult Choir.
7:00 PM Boy Scouts (Zone).
6:00-6:45 Wed. Night Supper
29
30
11:30 - 2:30
NSW Luncheon
31
The vision of St. John’s UMC is to make
disciples of Jesus Christ by reaching out
to God’s community
through worship, witness, nurture, and
service.
Monday Night Worship: An Invitation to a Changed Life
When is it?
Monday Nights at 6:30PM
(Hospitality Time 6:00)
What is it?



An alternative time for worship that reaches out to our community and
membership.
A worship experience for those who work or miss Sunday services.
A casual environment for praise and worship.
ST. JOHN’S
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
130 Tom Hall Street
P.O. Box 1298
Fort Mill, SC 29716-1298
Phone: 803-547-7538 Fax: 803-547-7539
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sjfm.org
_____________________________________________________
Rev. Karen H. Radcliffe, Pastor
864-313-9348 (Cell )
[email protected]
Sonja Bell…………….…………………...…. Secretary
Cindy “C.J.” Foster….…..…..Church Administrator
Jim Harris ……………………………….….Accounting
Bill Cummings….… Monday Night Worship Leader
Pamela Johnson…….…………..……..Choir Director
Jim Lowery…………..………………Church Organist
Beth Meador…..….……..…Director of WEE School
Jennifer Mayes... Director of Children’s Ministries
Brandon Galbraith.….Director of Youth Ministries
Jeannine Hillhouse………………………....Custodial
When Using the Facility for functions, please
respect the classrooms and most of all, the
Sanctuary.
Members and non-members need to be sure that children
are not running through the Sanctuary or education
building classrooms. W.E.E. School classrooms usually
have projects out drying or in progress of being completed.
Also, Please do not leave a child in a room unattended, and
if you are using a room to entertain your child, please
clean up and leave the room as you found it. These rooms
are usually already cleaned and prepped for the following
day. We are having instances where the whiteboards have
things written on them, things left out of place, and trash/
crumbs left on tables and floors. Please be respectful of
the Your Church Property and clean up after yourself.
Deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of each month.