1

December 2015

Volume 20, I ssue 6

In This Issue Page

1 - 2 Pastor’s Message

2 Prayer Requests

Senior Luncheon

3 Stewardship and Finance

4 World Communion Sunday

5 -7 Youth Group and Events

8 SPRC

Connie’s Corner

9 Pastor Thomas’s Message

Social Needs and Outreach

10 Welcome New Members

11 Blessing of the Animals

12 Lights of Kindness

Sunshine Corner

13 Music Report

14 Birthdays and

Anniversaries

15 Important Dates

Our Purpose: Knowing,

Loving, and Serving God and Others in

Unity

PASTOR'S MESSAGE

Dear DUMC Family,

You should be receiving this edition of The Lamplighter close to

Thanksgiving. The shorter days are now upon us, and we are

beginning the season of Advent, the season of waiting with

anticipation and excitement of what is to come on Christmas

Day with the birth of our savior.

This year, what will you do with this gift of waiting? Will you

take a moment each day to give thanks for the blessings, as well

as take the time to reflect on what challenges you are facing and

how to be a more faithful servant of Jesus Christ? I once read

that life is simply an opportunity to grow a soul, an opportunity

to move beyond our short fallings and failures, an opportunity to

rise above them humbly accepting God’s love and grace for

ourselves as well as for our enemy. To live into our calling,

letting go of whatever it is that is holding us back and focus on

becoming healthier, stronger and more faithful doers of the

gospel. The waiting time of Advent is necessary and crucial in

preparing us to be open enough to let go of the things that are

holding us back.

I believe that the seasons of Advent and Christmas are God’s

reassurance that God desires a relationship with His creation

and will stop at nothing to connect with us. Even coming to

earth in the form of a baby born to a carpenter and a child bride

in a manger isn’t beyond the scope.

Sadly, in the next few weeks, we tend to be overstimulated by

the cultural expectations of the season. It is very difficult to

settle in and relax and listen to the still small faint voice of God

calling our name to make this year different; to make this the

year when we wake up on Christmas morning that we feel the

LAMPLIGHTER DAVIDSONVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2

overwhelming presence of the birth of Christ in our hearts and know that once again, a miracle has

occurred -- that our relationship with God is renewed and blessed by the Christmas story and that we

have received the greatest gift of all. The gift of everlasting life, the gift of hope, joy, peace and love.

May this be your Christmas story this year!

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his

name Immanuel.” (which means, God with us).

Blessings to you and yours this Advent and Christmas season,

Pastor Lisa

Marty Hanbury

Betty Mobra

Graham Foley

Jaquan Ross, Jr.

Roger Vales

Betty Beatty

Joan Schulz

From Abby Schulz Latchaw: Prayers for a speedy recovery for my mom, Joan Schulz. She is having surgery tomorrow. She is staying

with me so I can care for her.

Senior Luncheon

All seniors are invited to celebrate the Christmas Season with great fellowship, food, and fun on Thursday, 10 December at 11:30 a.m.

Please RSVP by Sunday, 6 December to Vonda Vales, 410-897-1192, or to the church office.

Send your prayer requests to prayerchain@dumc.net

3

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE UPDATE

Many of you know that our church finances have been tight. Budgets and income are no more fun for a church than they are for your own family. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you

again for turning in your pledges for 2016.

We received 63 pledges out of approximately 120 families for a total of $200,850. Our budgeted

“other” sources of income include loose plate (not in an envelope), Sunday School, Committee Tithes, Community Donations and Cross Roads rent. In 2016, these are estimated to be around $54,400. This gives us a projected total income of $255,250.

The Finance Committee is currently projecting our 2016 budget to be $384,000. This would project a budget shortfall of $128,750. That is the bad news. The good news is that there are about 50% of our

congregation that never make a pledge, but continue to give generously. (Why you make it so hard on the Finance Committee is beyond me.)

Past performance of God and the congregation always seems to pull us through. I have mentioned before that our church income is not in a straight line. Proceeds tend to dip in the summer when folks are traveling and miss Sundays. The holidays, and especially Christmas, are big months for the

church. The joy of giving (and taxes) seems to hit everyone at the same time.

You will be getting a letter in the mail soon with a special Christmas envelope to be used during the

month of December. I am confident that the congregation will more than make up our current deficit with their Christmas gifts. History says that is true. Don’t make a liar out of me!

Enough about money!

Let me also take this opportunity to speak to you as your Lay Leader/CLM.

This year has seen many changes in our church family. We have experienced loss, as well as the

introduction of new members. We have seen new faces step up to leadership positions bringing new ideas and enthusiasm. I encourage everyone to join and get behind at least one committee. Our

ministries are many and varied. Surely there is one that draws you to it to use the gifts God has blessed you with in order to bless others. Scripture tells us the body is made up of many parts, each

with its own purpose and uniqueness. Find your place and make our body complete.

Stewardship is not just money.

Finally, I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. Please have a safe and

joyous holiday season, and Happy New Year!

In his service,

Lee Matousek

4

World Communion

Sunday

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this Place; I can feel his mighty power and his grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

This was evident on 4 October when Union Memorial UMC and Davidsonville UMC joined for a

combined service celebrating World Communion Sunday.

We truly are brothers and sisters in Christ, and we look forward to breaking bread and worshipping together again soon.

5

The DUMC Youth Group continues to be very busy.

Here are some of our upcoming activities:

Saturday, 5 December -- UMM decorates for Christmas. All youth are welcome to help.

Sunday, 6 December – we will make cookies and freeze them for shut-ins. We’ll deliver cookies

when we go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins on 20 December.

Saturday, 12 December - Wreathes Across America. Meet at church at 10 a.m. to go to Annapolis

National Cemetery to help set up and place wreathes.

Sunday, 13 December – we’ll assemble toiletry bags for the homeless during Sunday School

Wednesday, 23 December – we’ll meet at 7 p.m. to make sandwiches for homeless.

24 – 26 January -- Ski Retreat at Seven Springs. If you have not signed up or given Pastor Thomas

the $25 deposit, please do so ASAP. Cost is $125.

5 – 7 February -- ROCK Retreat – This is a conference-wide youth retreat held annually in Ocean

City that includes speakers, bands, and breakout groups. We have 15 spaces available. If you are planning on attending, please get your $25 deposit to Pastor Thomas ASAP.

The Cornerstone Theatre production of The Gathering: A Modern Christmas Story, written,

directed, and produced by Leanne Kale Sparks will be performed 11 - 13 December. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s performance will be at 4 p.m. Tickets are free,

but donations are accepted at each of the three performances. Each show will have an intermission. Come out and support the youth in this wonderful Christmas play.

Four lost souls seeking the comfort and love of the Christmas season that has vanished from their lives.

Questioning the very existence of Christ, they gather at church after the Christmas Eve service. Throughout the night, each is given the opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas. But knowing there is hope and having the faith to accept it are often at odds with each other.

Can one night together, sharing each other’s pain, sorrow and uncertainty, restore the wonder and grace that the birth of Jesus offers them?

Find out the answer, as Cornerstone Theatre presents The Gathering:

A Modern Christmas Story.

6

Youth Group News

Congratulations to Don and Sarah Simpson on the birth of their daughter, Maeve Elaine Simpson,

born 13 November at 12:06 p.m., weighing 7lbs. 10oz. Don and Sarah’s youth Sunday School class prepared a meal for them with the help of the Borchelts.

The youth and youth council had a great time holding a baby shower for the Don and Sarah back in

October.

We had a great time at this year’s fall festival with our friends from Union Memorial UMC. Thanks

to the Hopkins family for hosting the event!

7

Debby Wasson and Union Memorial folks at the Fall Festival

Thanks to Bailey Masters for choosing DUMC as his site for his Boy Scout Eagle service project.

Bailey oversaw mulch spread out throughout the property, as well as the addition of a new picnic table and donut tables at the Green Cathedral.

Staff Parish Relations Committee

A special thank you to our youth –

The Boutique Committee at Heritage Harbour in Annapolis would like to express our sincere

appreciation and thanks to the members of your Youth Group who volunteered to help vendors

unload their inventory at our Annual Holiday Bazaar. Their service and cheerful attitude was

very much appreciated by all.

Thank you,

Martha Hollenbeck

Secretary, Heritage Harbour Boutique

8

Staff Parish Relations Committee

The SPRC exists mainly to provide a bridge between the staff and all of DUMC’s members. We are all committed to being just that for each of you and each of the staff members. We are essentially the personnel committee for the church. One of our charges, from the Church

Council in 2015, was to provide, where indicated or requested, assistance in conflict resolution. In the event that any member or staff member believes that we can be of assistance during a conflict or

concern, we request that you please contact one of us for our involvement and assistance. We are the only “closed” committee and operate under strict confidentiality.

If you should need assistance or have any questions concerning our role or mission, please let us know.

Steve Tidwell jsthd103@gmail.com

Beverly King king610@verizon.net Carolyn Wilson carwalkwil@aol.com

John Trussell trussellzhome@aol.com Leanne Sparks Leannekalesparks@gmail.com

Lori Heider DemisMom@verizon.net

John Moore d28green@verizon.net Mo Hawk (starting 2016)

rdnckychtclub16@aol.com

Submitted by: Steve Tidwell, SPRC Chair

Connie’s Corner

Dear Friends in Christ,

Do you feel stress during the holidays -- the stress that occurs when Christ is taken out of Christmas?

I think we should all make a special covenant with ourselves this year to make a conscious effort not to allow this to happen. Easier to say than do, I know, when even angels have become

commercially abused. Let us pray that the Lord reveal His presence to us everywhere -- even on the busiest of days when we are feeling the most stress and help us become aware of His presence each

moment of the day. May His presence fill the non-answers, empty glances, and lonely times of our

lives so that we might extend the true spirit of Christmas throughout the entire year. If you feel your patience is ebbing or the burden of responsibility becoming too heavy, stop to feel

the presence of God, and draw strength from Him. Wishing you all the most blessed of Holiday Seasons.

Peace and Love, Connie

9

A Message From Pastor Thomas

Over the years I have kept a

running list of quotes that have struck me in some way.

Below are just a few of them:

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. Let us love, not in word or

speech, but in truth and action. When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life in such a way that

when you die the world cries and you rejoice. What we do for ourselves dies with us; what we do for others

remains and is. You've got to see what tomorrow brings...you've got to be what tomorrow needs.

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you

think you cannot do. Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's

definition of yourself, instead

define yourself.

Do the one thing you fear the most and the death of fear is certain. To sacrifice your happiness for

the happiness of the ones you love, is by far the truest type of love. When I stand before God at

the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me'.

If you can wake up in the morning and say I don't want anything more, you've had a good life. I have found that among its

other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you

come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. We must be willing to let go of

the life we had planned so as to have the life that is waiting on us. Love the Lord your God with

all you heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind

and love your neighbor as

yourself.

When looking at these quotes, I noticed a trend.

They speak to how one lives his or her life.

My wish for the DUMC family this holiday season is

that we all are able to live our lives with love, kindness, generosity, and compassion.

The last quote is God’s

greatest commandment.

May it be a guiding rule for all of us throughout the

world in 2016!

Happy Holidays!

Pastor Thomas

Social Needs and Outreach On 27 October, we held a very successful blood

drive. There were 26 registered givers who gave 29 units of blood. Thank you to all who helped

make the drive a success.

The shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child have been delivered to the collection point in

Annapolis. There were 73 shoeboxes filled, and we wish to thank everyone who took part in this

ministry. Special thanks to Barbara O’Donnell

who donated all the beanie babies. The children

who receive the shoeboxes will also take part in a

religious education class taught by trained

volunteers in their area and will receive a Bible at the end of the class. Some of the shoeboxes had

special tracking labels on them and we will be

able to let you know which countries received them.

Submitted by: Gwen Purcell

10

Welcome New Members

The Simpson Family

The Simpsons recently welcomed their first child into the world. Maeve Elaine Simpson was born at AAMC on 13 November. Maeve is currently the smallest family member and will be growing up alongside two furry friends: Izzie, a red tabby cat, and Ruby, a red golden retriever puppy.

Don grew up in Virginia and has been working for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) Public

Sector Advisory practice for the past 12 years.

Sarah grew up in Delaware and is a Clinical Psychologist for a private practice.

Don and Sarah lived in Chicago and San Francisco before planting their roots in Harwood. They planned to check out multiple churches in the area, but after one service at DUMC, they knew they

had found a home. Don and Sarah have been teaching the Senior High Sunday School class for the

past year and want to thank the youth group for the baby shower and home-cooked meal prepared to

welcome them home from the hospital.

Don is a member of the Tongues of Fire BBQ Team and will be serving on the Church Council in 2016.

Please join us in welcoming The Simpson family to DUMC.

Don, Sarah,

and Maeve

Simpson

11

The Blessing of the Animals service was held on a beautiful sunny afternoon in October in

the Green Cathedral. Each pet owner was given a St. Francis of Assisi medal with a prayer

card that contained the following passage:

Dear God,

Help us to follow the example of St. Francis by treating every living thing with kindness.

Please watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.

12

Your DUMC Missions team will be

sponsoring a tree at the second annual Lights

of Kindness Christmas Tree Decorating

Contest at Homestead Gardens, 3 – 6 December.

Proceeds from voting for DUMC's tree will be evenly split between the Rotary Club of South

Anne Arundel County and the House of Ruth. The former uses most of these funds for

the Backpack Project that provides weekend meals for 137 needy children at South County

elementary schools. The latter is described in their website as "one of the nation's leading

intimate partner violence centers, helping

thousands of battered women and their

children find the safety and security that so

many of us take for granted."

Voting is done by attending the event, purchasing tickets in blocks of 10 ($10) and then depositing the tickets in the receptacles at

your tree or trees of choice. Please also spread the word through your social media contacts

about this fun, seasonal event.

Submitted by: Blair Smith

Sunshine Corner

Some in our DUMC family are unable to attend church. Why not send a note or card and let them know you’re thinking about them? You will brighten their day.

Robert and Jean Ford

23 S. R. Clubhouse Rd., Edgewater, 21037

Norma Ingram800 Bestgate Rd. # 221, Sunrise Assisted Living, Annapolis, 21401

Janet Argent

1470 Governor’s Bridge Rd., Davidsonville, 21035

Joan Schulz c/o Abby Schulz Latchaw, 100 River Run, Queenstown, 21658

13

Music Report:

O Come, All Ye Faithful

This hymn, an all-time favorite for the

Christmas season, originated in England in the middle of the 18th century. Both words and music have been attributed to a music

copyist by the name of John Wade. It was assumed by early scholars Wade had

discovered the words and music from an ancient source; nowadays, scholars believe he

was that original source, for all seven of the original scores are in his handwriting and signed by him.

Wade was an English Catholic; he therefore

wrote the original four verses in Latin, which was the language of the Catholic Mass until

1965. The entire first verse in Latin is found in our Methodist hymnal underneath the English translation. This is one of the very

few examples of Latin still regularly sung by congregations throughout the world.

(Another example would be the chorus only of ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’).

Persecution of Catholics by Protestants at that time in England forced Wade to flee to

France, where he taught in a music school.

After his death in 1786, English Catholic

expatriates began trickling back to England. They brought Wade’s hymn with them.

Today we sing the most familiar English translation penned originally by Charles

Oakeley in 1841. Oakeley, an Anglican priest, translated the first line as “Ye faithful,

approach Ye.” Several years later, Oakeley,

now a Catholic priest and with an apparently

better grasp of Latin, modified this line to “O come, all ye faithful.”

Verses 1,2,3 and 6 of the version in our hymnal are the original lyrics by John Wade,

translated by Charles Oakeley, although verse 2 has been slightly modified by an unknown

source. I hope this information will help you to a deeper understanding of this famous hymn when you enjoy it at Christmastime!

Submitted by: Bob Waddell

14

December

1 Angie Sprecher 3 Spencer Baird

3 Nikolas Ostis 7 Tom Roh 13 Ashley Gross

13 Beverley Swaim-Staley

16 Sharon Foster

17 Betty Schmitt 18 Chuck Sparks

21 Sara Carter 21 Randy Simpson 25 Terri Williams

29 Betty Mobra

31 Shirley McCarthy

January

1 Ruth Jordan

3 Emily Cobb 3 Geoffrey Wood

4 Mary Ellen McKee 5 Patricia Weems

10 Susan Hopkins 12 Donald Shankle 14 Lisa Niemann

16 Wendy Miller 18 Barbara Stecher

22 Jack Gould

24 Katie Hollamon

24 Vassie Hollamon 24 Hannah Hollamon 24 Caroline Webber

29 Bailey Masters 30 Linnea Boogades

30 Rhonda Ostis 30 Kerin Webber

31 Mason Baird

Anniversaries

December

10 Greg and Caroline Scruggs

23 John and Bonnie Campbell

23 Bill and Bev King 28 Barbara and Mike Wilson

January 10 Bob and Pam Durbin

11 Adam and Betty Schmitt 22 Janet and Lee Argent

The United Methodist Women's

Tea will be held on 13 December

at 1 p.m. at the home of Lisa

Niemann.

15

Important December Dates 1 – Youth Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

2 – UMW Sight and Sound Trip 5 – UMM Meeting – 8 a.m. – All are invited to decorate for Christmas at 9 a.m.

6 -- Youth Group baking cookies 5:30 – 7 p.m. 8 – UMW - 7 p.m.

10 – Senior Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. 11 - The Gathering, A Modern Christmas

Story – 7:30 p.m. 12 – Youth Group – Wreaths Across America 12 - The Gathering, A Modern Christmas

Story – 7:30 p.m. 13 -- UMW Christmas Tea at Lisa Niemann’s

House – 1 p.m.

13 - The Gathering, A Modern Christmas

Story – 4 p.m. 14 – Trustees – 6:30 p.m. 14 – SPRC – 7 p.m.

23 -- Youth Group packing bag lunches for the homeless - 7 p.m.

24 - 28 -- Office Closed- Merry Christmas! 27 -- Combined Service 9:30 a.m.

31 – Office Closed

Important January Dates 1 – Office Closed - Happy New Year!

5 – Youth Council – 6:30 p.m. 9 – UMM – 8 a.m.

11 – Trustees – 6:30 p.m. 11 – SPRC – 7 p.m. 12 –UMW– 7 p.m.

18 – Finance – 6:15 p.m. 18 – Council – 7:30 p.m.

24 – 26 – Youth Ski Retreat

30 – Church Planning Retreat

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which

is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Christmas Events at DUMC

16 December – 6:30 p.m. – soup and sandwiches; 7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas service

20 December at 9:30 a.m. – Cantata- one service – Fellowship Hall

Christmas Eve Services 5:30 p.m. -- Family Candlelight Service –

Fellowship Hall 8:00 p.m. -- Candlelight Service and Communion - Fellowship Hall

11:00 p.m. -- Candlelight Service and Communion – Sanctuary

CCDC Pageant 17 December – 7 p.m.

Davidsonville United

Methodist Church P.O. Box 370

819 West Central Avenue

Davidsonville, MD 21035

Phone 410-798-5511

Fax 410-798-6251

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Lisa Bandel

Chairman Church Council:

Chuck Sparks

Editor: Caroline Day Scruggs

caroline@ddminsurance.com

We are on the Web! http://www.dumc.net

Like us on Facebook: Davidsonville UMC

Submission of material for the Lamplighter

does not guarantee publication and is subject to

editing.