DECEMBER 2018Our ministry vision for the Virginia Annual Conference is “to be disciples of Jesus Christ who are lifelong learners, who influence others to serve.”

 

From Pastor LizWhat a tender time Christmas is! Everyone adores the baby in the manger. Families gather together to sing “Away in a Manger” and wish each other peace on earth. Too often, however, after the season has passed, many go back to empty lives. They rush from one task to another, from one activity to another. They try to do good things, and, when doubts nag at them, they comfort themselves by arguing that they are “good people,” after all.

As Christians, we have seen those who would measure themselves by the numbers of good deeds they have completed. These deeds are meaningless empty gestures without the love for God. The real message of Christmas proclaims the gift of the baby and in return we honor him by doing for others.

We should adore the newborn Christ child, but we should also worship him as our Redeemer, the one who did for us what our good deeds could not: “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

The helpless baby grew up, suffered in our places, took the sin of the whole world in his body on the cross, and brought us salvation.“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

This is the freeing message of Christmas. Without Christ, there is no peace on earth. Without Christ, there is no goodness in us. Without Christ, there is no purpose in life. Without Christ, there is no life at all.

On behalf of Rick, Erin, Kennedy, and Briannah, I want to take this time to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   ~Blessings, Grace and Peace, Liz

We have a new Music Director! Her name is Heather Wilson. She is married and has a 16 year-old daughter. Her family lives in Rustburg, VA. She received her BS degree in Music in 1996 and has been employed in schools, churches, choral groups, etc. since then. She currently is a music teacher at Tomahawk Elementary School and is also employed at Timberlake United Methodist Church where she is the Pianist/Organist and also the Accompanist for their Chancel Choir at their 8:30am Traditional Worship Service. Heather will be playing the piano and organ for our 10:30am Worship Service and will be the Director/Accompanist for our Chancel Choir. Choir rehearsals will be on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00pm. There’s room for you to join us. No previous singing experience needed!

 

There will be a First Fruit Offering on Sunday, December 16th. This will

be the official start of the giving period and everyone is invited to give something towards their commitment, if they are able, on this date. It is common for churches like ours to received 10-20% of the total amount committed through this special offering. Many people start giving in December to take advantage of certain tax benefits before the year ends. Also don’t forget to give to our special Christmas offering. 

Christmas OfferingThis year's Christmas Offering will help to fulfill our sacred obligation to pay our apportionments.

The Conference Apportionments are intended to carry out the mission and ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference. To reach and help more than any one church can do alone. Apportionments help us engaging in Ministry with the Poor. United Methodists believe working side by side with those striving to improve their situation is more effective long term than top-down charity. Apportionments help us Improve Global Health Knowing that poverty and health are intertwined, The United Methodist

Church has been a key player in fighting diseases such as malaria and AIDS and promoting initiatives that improve well-being. Your giving helps to Develop Principled Christian Leaders. The church needs leaders rooted in Christ, who have a vision for changing the world. The church must recruit people for ministry, equip them to be effective leaders and be open to where they want to lead us. We also must strengthen lay members, who are ministering at every level of the church. We are Creating New and Renewed Congregations Around the world, United Methodists are innovating with what it means to be the church, planting new congregations and revitalizing faith communities in every kind of setting. By being relevant and vital, United Methodists will touch more lives and draw more people to Christ. Be sure to make your check to “Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church”. 

Special Study Starting!Pastor Liz will be teaching a wonder filled four week Advent Study called “The Wonder of Christmas” This class will be held in the OMU room from Dec. 3rd - 24th at 9:30 a.m. This four-week, church wide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to regain the sense of wonder at Christmas time. Wonder is a terrific study and I strongly urge you to attend!

 5th Sunday Breakfast & combined Sunday School Come, and share the fellowship at the Epiphany Breakfast and program at 9:10 a.m. (Sunday,

Dec. 30). Instead of Sunday School we will fellowship and learn the meaning of Epiphany and the 12 days of Christmas. 

Offering Envelopes...For anyone that would like boxed envelopes for 2019 let the church office know. As always envelopes are provided in the pew racks. 

Choir rehearsals on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00!!

~Cantata "The Greatest Story" performed on Sunday, Dec. 9th, at 2:00 p.m. at Timberlake UMC.

If you are interested in joining the bell choir, please let Heather Wilson know by email or text.  Nothing difficult! Beginners welcome and encouraged!!  Rehearsals will start after the first of the year. E-mail: chcwilson@verizon.net, phone 434-942-3715  

CHURCHES FOR URBAN MINISTRY FRUIT SALEWe would like to thank you for all the support we have received this year.We sold 23 boxes of fruit. This is one of the main fund raisers for Churches for Urban Ministry.

**NOTE: Fruit is to be picked up. Date and time to be announced.

Thanks Again!! Eleanor Maxham, Tammy Balderson 

SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN

Thank YouOur church participated in the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign by ringing the bell for donations on November 17 and 18. We thank the following for their willingness to make this happen: Kyle Eisenhuth, Pat Moore, Pat Short, Frank and Carolyn Stewart, Jane White, Brenda Torian and Alaina, Jody Underwood and Braelyn, Judy Robertson, Ann Robbins, Mary Walker, Jimmy and Barbara Blunt, Linda Jessen, Robbie Perrow, Elizabeth Ashworth, Eleanor Maxham, Ruth Ann Harris, Judy Lease, Linda Wright, Rebecca Riggins, Carolyn Phelps, Katie and Morgan (LU students) Thanks for my cards and visits. Gene and I really appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and telephone calls we have received during our illness. I miss everyone. God’s blessings to our church, Pastor Liz, and everyone.

~Love, Connie & Gene Harris NOTE: We will be combining the January/February newsletter. All articles MUST be in no later than Friday, December 21st.

 

Gifts & MemorialsIn Memory ofMargaret Hicks

Given by: Jimmy & Barbara Blunt, Frances Unruh

Arthur SnodgrassGiven by: Frances Unruh

Shirley WoodGiven by: Ken Wood

 

ATTENTION ALL ANGELS!! We will be decorating God’s house on Saturday, December 1st, immediately after the Advent Brunch, in preparation for the birth of our Savior. Come, help and bring a friend. For more information contact Pat Short. 

Mitten Tree TrunkDon’t forget we need Mittens too. Place them in the trunk that will be provided in the Commons. DEADLINE for bringing mittens will be after Christmas. 

Exciting Preaching Series Starting January 6Let The God Story help you see the threads that run through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The God Story will help you really understand yourself and your role in the great story of God’s people. Through this sermon series we will have the opportunity to spend seven weeks walking through the story of the Bible. Clearly the whole story cannot be told in such a short time, but we will focus on the connections between figures and events in the Bible that can sometimes seem disconnected. If you are a long time church goer, new to Christianity, or unfamiliar with the Bible you will be enriched by this dynamic exploration of Scripture that shows how all of history and our own lives today are made to be in relationship with God and are really a part of God’s great story. 

Angel TreeTHE ANGEL TREE HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE COMMONS. BE SURE to include the child’s name on “EVERY” package, item, or bag for your angel and remember to fill out the Angel Tree Information sheet that has been placed in the Commons. Deadline to bring angel gifts back to be announced.

Mark your calendar...Annual Christmas Luncheon

Sunday, December 16, 2018 @ 11:45 A.M.Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church

Our annual Church-Wide Christmas Luncheon will be covered dish. Be sure to watch upcoming Sunday bulletins for a RSVP form

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Monday, December 24, 2018 @ 4:30 p.m.Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church

Children’s MinistryWe want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Thank you for all your support of our Children’s Ministry throughout the year!

~Jody Underwood, Lay Children’s Ministry Coordinator

 The Merry Marthas Circle will not have a regular meeting in December, but plan to attend the UMW luncheon on Saturday, December 8. We will be doing set-up, so please be there by 10:00. Bring a covered dish & cookies for shut-ins’ baskets.

~Thanks, Judy Robertson

ADDRESS CHANGE: Rev. Vernie Barrow, Jr.850 Denbigh Blvd, #233Newport News, VA 23608 

  Top of the Hill will not meet in the month of December.

We will resume on Wednesday, January 23, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. 

Mission Memo…The food cart for November was completely full. We collected 13 boxes of stuffing mix, 21 cans of green beans, and 23 cans of various fruit for a total of 42lbs. of food.  Under toiletries we collected 96 rolls of toilet paper, 40 deodorants, 10 toothbrushes, 10 toothpastes, 2 body wash, 2 shampoos, and 1 conditioner. These items were thankfully received by Park View Mission. We are a major support for this mission with our cart contributions and our financial support. Thank-you to all who contribute to to this local mission. You are making a difference in our community. In December we will collect fruit and canned meats. Also toiletries, toilet paper, diapers (any size), and baby wipes

~Thank you, Linda Jessen & The Mission Committee

FRIENDS WHO CAREPlease send your reports of visits and phone calls each month to Scottie Nuckols, 1250

Jefferson Oaks Court, # 44, Forest, VA 24551. Or e-mail to mx55566@gmail.com. On your report please note the month and year, names of those visited (or called) and the number of times visited or called that month and any comments of our pastor. Please try to get this information to Scottie by the 5th of the month. We express our appreciation to all the volunteers who participate in this ministry of compassion. For October: Calls: 85, Visits: 15. 

Food Cart...We will be collecting items for the Food Cart for Park View Community Mission. 

F or the M onth of DECEMBER: “canned fruit, canned meat, toiletries,

toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes”.

Please place in the food cart, located in the Commons. Help those in need.

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church extends Christian love and sympathy to the family of Arthur Leroy

Snodgrass. Mr. Snodgrass passed away on October 28, 2018.

And to the family of Jesse W. Stinnette, Sr., and especially to his brother, Owen. Mr. Stinnette passed away on November 16, 2018.

 

Read AheadEach Sunday The lectionary provides us with readings from the Gospel, the Epistles (Letters) the Old Testament and the Psalms. The lectionary follows a three year cycle, which when finished will have covered the majority of the Bible. Pastor Liz believes that reading ahead will increase your  understanding and enjoyment of the service. December 2, 2018 ~the First Sunday in Advent. The Scriptures are Jeremiah 33:14-16 & Psalm 25. The sermon text is Luke 21:25-36 and the message is “Santa Claus Is Coming”.December 9, 2018 ~the Second Sunday in Advent. The Scriptures are Malachi 3:1-5 & the Canticle of Luke. The sermon text is Luke 3:1-6 and the message is “Who Invited Him?”.December 16, 2018 ~the Third Sunday in Advent. The Scripture is Philippians 4:4-7. The sermon text is Luke 3:7-18 and the message is “A Day of Singing”.December 23, 2018 ~the Fourth Sunday in Advent. The Scriptures are Micah 5:2-5a & the Canticle of Luke. The sermon text is Luke 1:39-45 and the message is “Mary’s Song”.December 24, 2018, Christmas Eve. The Scripture is Isaiah 9:2-7. The sermon text is Luke 2:1-20 and the message is “Happy Birthday!”.December 30, 2018 ~the Scriptures are Colossians 3:12-17 & Psalm 148. The sermon text is Luke 2:41-52 and the message is “Kids!”.

DECEMBER Birthdays1 Yvonne Fisher3 Hunter Lipscomb6 Rachel Cole

Andrea DodgionDawn HensonJennifer Jessen

7 William Tedder9 Mark Collins10 Nathan Gunter

Jeffrey Johnson11 Lloyd Smith, Sr.

Rayford Sowell12 Patricia Copes13 Heather Stewart16 Glenn Collins

Christopher Gunter17 Chris Glass

Megan GunterSusan Putnam

18 Frances CallahamLinda Stables

28 Glynis Ashby20 Dana Ayers

Belinda HarrisTravis Maddox

21 Rev. Becky CloudRebecca Steward

22 Neta PearsonJane White

23 Linda JessenLoretta MayhewMichael RedwoodShaman Sunderland

26 Jane Muller29 Cookie Fish30  Christopher

Woolley

  

Those Who Serve ~ DECEMBER:USHERS: Fred Norvelle, Head Usher

NURSERY CAREGIVER:

Erin Ecklund, Nursery Supervisor

DECEMBER GREETERS:December 2 ~Linda WrightDecember 9 ~Marsha BurksDecember 16 ~Elaine ClarkeDecember 23 ~Pat ShortDecember 30 ~Barbara LeFew

OFFERING COUNTERS: Frank Stewart, Carolyn Stewart, Jane White

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (Ages 4-11)

Information will be provided in the bulletins.

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 OUR ATTENDANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP

11/4              38                 6711/11     35                         6311/18             31                                  5611/25     28                         50

 GOOD NEWS is published monthly for members and friends of Chestnut Hill United

Methodist Church. Send articles to the church office by the 15th of the month.

 

Our Church Financial PictureThrough the end of OCTOBER 2018

General Operating Funds:

Needed to meet our 2018 Budget $ 237,899

Needed to meet our budget to date $ 198,249

Actual receipts to date $ 165,609

Shortage to meet budget to date $ 32,640

Actual expenditures to date $ 156,170

Overage meet expenses to date $ 9,439

Joy In Missions Funds:

Our Giving Goal for 2018 $ 11,600

Needed to meet our goal to date $ 9,667

Actual receipts to date $ 8,785

Special Offerings* (not budgeted):

Received to date $ 9,904

Dispersed to date $ 8,859

*Christmas, Easter, Annual Conference,

World Communion, etc.

2018 Joy In Mission Donations

To date, the following amounts have been paid to the missions indicated.

Missionary Covenant Relationship $ 1,875

Interfaith Outreach $ 750

Park View Missions~Food for Families $ 1,905

Society of St. Andrew $ 750

Adult Care Center $ 375

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank $ 375

Camp Timothy $ 500

Churches for Urban Ministry $ 375

Daily Bread $ 375

Free Clinic $ 375

Good Neighbor $ 0

Habitat for Humanity $ 375

Heart Havens $ 0

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

Meals on Wheels (Souper Bowl) $ 1,162

UMCOR(One Great Hour of Sharing) $ 310

UMCOR (Tornado Relief) $ 827

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church

4660 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Phone Number: 434-239-8423: FAX: 434-239-7209

E-mail: chestnuthillumc@comcast.net

On the web: www.chestnuthillumc.net

Church Office HoursMonday-Thursday~9:00 am—3:30 pm

Friday~9:00 am-1:00 pm

DIRECTORY OF CHESTNUT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sharma Lewis Richmond Area Resident BishopScott Davis Lynchburg District SuperintendentLiz Ecklund MinisterVernie Barrow Minister EmeritusMonica C. Campbell Administrative AssistantHeather Wilson Director of Music MinistryJudy Martin BookkeeperElaine Clarke Lay LeaderJody Underwood Lay Children’s/Youth Ministry Coor.Chris Glass Communications Coor.Erin Ecklund Nursery Supervisor

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

259:15 AM Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Church 24/7

26 279:00 AM Prayer Group10:00 AM Homeschool First

2811:00 AM Top of the Hill5:00 PM Park View Missions Dinner

296:30 PM Choir

30(Evening Reserved)9:00 AM Homeschool First7:00 PM Homeschool First Talent Show

18:30 AM United Methodist Women District Advent Brunch(After Brunch)Decorating of Church

29:15 AM Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Church 24/7

39:30 AM Advent Study

49:00 AM Prayer Group10:00 AM Homeschool

5 66:30 PM Choir

79:00 AM Homeschool First

810:30 AM Annual United Methodist Women Luncheon

99:15 AM Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Church 24/72:00 PM Cantata @ Timberlake UMC3:00 PM Children @ Valley View. Birthday for Jesus

109:30 AM Advent Study7:00 PM Wesleyan Group

119:00 AM Prayer Group10:00 AM Homeschool First7:00 PM Homeschool First Game Night

12 

136:30 PM Choir

149:00 AM Homeschool First

159:00 AM Homeschool First Craft/Vendor Fair4:30 PM Set Up for Luncheon

169:15 AM Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:45 AM Chestnut Hill Christmas Luncheon

179:30 AM Advent Study12:00 PM Barrow Christmas Luncheon

189:00 AM Prayer Group

19 206:30 PM Choir

215:00 PM Wedding (Church 24/7)

22

239:15 AM Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Church 24/7

24Church Office Closed9:30 AM Advent Study4:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service

25Church Office Closed

  

26 276:30 PM Choir

28 29

December

309:15 AM Multigenerational Sunday School10:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Church 24/7

31Church Office Closed

1Church Office Closed

2 36:30 PM Choir

4 5