id st. paul’s pages · gan with “bible reading plan 2018,” a congregation- wide plan for...

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Saint Paul United Methodist Church

Phone: 540-382-2410 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.stpaulvaumc.org

St. Paul’s Pages

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

ST. PAUL’S PAGES Page 12

December 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2Sunday

School –

9:00am

Worship—

10:00 am

3 Scout Troop-

7 pm

4Prayer

Group-9:00am

Joy Singers—

10:00 am

5Bible Study-

10 am

Children’s

Choir-6:30pm

Choir-7:15 pm

6 7 8

9Sunday

School –

9:00am

Worship—

10:00 am

scouts –2-6 pm

10 Scouts 7 pm

11Prayer

Group-9:00am

Joy Singers—

10:00 am

12Bible

Study-10 am

Children’s

Choir-6:30pm

Choir-7:15 pm

13UMW

Lunch –

11:30am

Inn at Va Tech

14

Scouts— 5 pm

15

16Sunday

School –

9:00am

Worship—

10:00 am

17

Scouts—7 pm

18Prayer

Group-9:00am

Joy Singers—

10:00 am

19Bible

Study-10 am

Children’s

Choir-6:30pm

Choir-7:15 pm

20 21 22

23Sunday

School –

9:00am

Worship—

10:00 am

24Christm

as Eve Serv. 7:00 pm Office Closed

25Christm

as Day Office Closed

26Bible

Study-10 am

27 28 29

30Sunday

School –

9:00am

Worship—

10:00 am

31

New Years

Eve

From the Pastor’s Study

Inside this issue:

Saint Paul United Methodist Church

St. Paul’s Pages

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

November Birthdays 2

UMM News 3

December Birthdays 3

Wrapping 4

Hump Day Trip 4

2019 Budget 5

Finance Chair 6

Baby Shop 6

Scout News 7

Christ Has Risen 7

Promised Land 8

UMW News 9

Choir News 10

Boy Scout News 10

November Calendar 11

December Calendar 12

Signs of God’s vision.

The vision of the church comes when we know first who God is and what God’s purpose is as revealed in the Bible. The vision becomes reality when we follow where God is leading and join in what God is doing in the life of the church “ for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to God’s good pur-pose.” (Philippians 2:13).

The people of God in the Bible saw the signs of God’s vision in little things. Boy David saw the power of God working in five stones when he fought with a giant Phil-istine warrior. He said, “it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47). Elijah prayed to God for rain when drought lasted three years. He saw clouds as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea and told the King of Israel to prepare for heavy rain (1 Kings 18:41-46).

Prophet Micah saw the small town of Bethlehem where the ruler of Israel would come. (Micah 5:2). Prophet Isaiah saw the birth of a child as the sign of mighty power of the messianic vision (Isaiah 9:6).

A small mustard seed is the sign of the power of the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:32). Five loaves of bread and two fish is the sign of the overflowing and multiply-ing blessing of God that fed more than five thousand people. (Matthew 14:13-21). Little children are a sign of the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:14).

Continued on page 2)


St Paul church has prayerfully walked through “The Vision Process’ 2018,” meditating on the word of God, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19). We be-gan with “Bible Reading Plan 2018,” a congregation- wide plan for reading through the Bible in a year, fo-cused on knowing God, and knowing God’s purpose revealed in the Bible. Our weekly sermon passage was picked from weekly reading. “Journey to the Promised Land,” came next for small group Bible study and task-force leadership team under the direction of our coach. The leadership team has met by three phase helping St Paul church discern God’s vision, and developing a vi-sion statement and action plan.

As we are coming to the season of Advent/ Christmas, and to a New Year, we are diligently seeking God’s vi-sion in the life of St Paul church, asking what God would bring forth to accomplish the purpose and goal that God has in mind. How do we know God is working through us? With open heart and open mind, we pray, “Lord, open our spiritual eyes and ears so that we can see how you are working through us for your purpose.” Then we will see the signs of God’s vision around us.

Blessings,

Paul

(Continued from page 1)

November Birthdays

Charles Whitescarver-2

Donna Chafin—4

Mary Lee Bush-5

Sue Speed-6

Sonia Badillo-7

Mike Gummer –7

Matthew Feggeler-8

Peggy Anderson-8

Charles Shadel-8

Norma Loudermilk-9

Susan Hood-10

Joyce Kanode-10

Karen Poff—11

Ava Grace Tucker-12

Karen Birchfield-13

Pat Paxton-20

Terri Mitchell-21

Matt Birchfield-23

Bruce Schleicher-25

Nora Tucker-25

Sandy Cox-27

Kady Cox-29

Bob Dickenson-29

Peggy Long-29

Nolan Arthur-30

Page 11


November 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4Sunday School

-9am Worship-10am Charge Conf. - 4pm Scouts-2-6pm

5

Scouts 7 pm

6Prayer

Group—9 am Joy Singers— 10 am

7Bible Study-

10 am Children’s Choir –6:30pm Choir-7:15pm

8 9 10

11Sunday

School-9:00 am Worship—10:00 am Scouts-2-6pm

12 Scouts 7 pm

13Prayer


14Bible

Study-10 am Children’s Choir –6:30pm Choir-7:15pm

15 16 17

18Sunday

School-9:00 am Worship—10:00 am

19 Scouts—7 pm

20Prayer


21Bible Study

-10 am Children’s Choir –6:30pm Choir-7:15pm

22 Thanksgiv-ing Church Office closed

23 Church Office closed

24

25Sunday

School-9:00 am Worship—10:00 am

26 Scouts-7 pm

27Prayer


28Bible

Study-10 am Children’s Choir –6:30pm Choir-7:15pm

29 30


The St. Paul Adult Choir invites you to our Christmas Cantata at the 10am service

on Sunday, December 16. This year the cantata will be “Sing Joy to All the

World!” by Lloyd Larson. "We gather to tell the story of Emmanuel, God with

us! We gather to remember this story, to wait, and watch for Him to come again -

even now. Come, Lord Jesus!" The overriding theme of this inspiring Christmas

work by Lloyd Larson is joy. It celebrates the promise that joy comes to those who

wait; that following the long dark night, the breaking of dawn brings joy for the

new day. The Choir puts in extra practice time to present the wonderful story of

Christmas through song! Hope to see you all there!

Veteran's Day Flag Retirement Ceremony – November 12th Troop 145 will be celebrating

our veterans and what they fought for .the U.S. Flag and what it stands for! A

Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held in the campfire pit of the St. Paul UMC and a dessert reception will be held afterwards in the Activity Building. Local

veterans, Pack 145 Cub Scouts, members of St. Paul UMC and the community

are invited. Pack/Troop 145 are always working with the local VFW and Ameri-

can Legion to properly dispose of old and worn out flags which can be brought to

any Pack/Troop meetings.

Troop 145 is hosting an event and raising funds for the St. Baldrick's foundation to support

funding for childhood cancer treatment and research in the United States and around the world. The

event is called "Christiansburg Shave for the Brave" and will be held on during the Troop 145 Meeting

at the St. Paul UMC Activity Building on Monday, November 26th starting at 7:00 PM. Troop 145

ASM Belcher will be inviting other groups to form teams and participate as well and Troop 145 will be

it's own team. Participants can be shavees (who raise money and pledge to shave their head in

solidarity with childhood cancer patients) or volunteers (who want to participate and raise

money, but may just not be up to shaving their head). To participate as a shavee, a youth member

must have permission from a parent to have his head shaved. Cash and check donations are accepted

before or on the night of the event. There is also online option https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/

Christiansburg It is hoped the St. Paul UMC members will want to participate along with Boy Scouts and local first

responders!

Page 3


UPDATE

The St. Paul United Methodist Men are tasking themselves to be more noticeable in the

church and continuing their list of missions.

The UMM also hope to grow in number by encouraging more St. Paul males to visit, to

bring a friend and inviting men from nearby UMCs to join in a meal and great fellowship.

For now, please mark these dates for our next events:

Thursday, November 15th - One-Pot Stew with special guest BSA District Commissioner

Rick Groesbeck to discuss the mission of Scouting, its future and how UMM can continue to

support it.

Wednesday, November 21st to construct the MCEAP Wrapping Booth

Please contact a UMM member if need transportation or would like more information on

how to participate. Regular members are George Rust, Henry Bass, Todd Fitch, Tom Bell,

Harvey Sowers, Russell Williams, Jim Mattox and more!

December Birthdays

Glenn Cochran—1 Justin Griffith –6 John Byrd –19

Vickie Charlton-2 Nate Birchfield –9 Wayne Bishop –22

Tara McCoy –3 Geraldine Hollandsworth –10 Phyllis Williams –24

Averie Nelson—3 Elaine Clark—11 Scottie Dickenson –26

Stephanie Nelson –4 Foster Williams –11 Betty Thompson –26

Judy Williamson-4 Eddie Lester –14 Kim Newman –30

Betty Lambert –5 Peggy Chafin –16

Penny Kanney –6 Ernie Akers –16

Pat Simpson –6 Debbie Williams –17


Wrapping for a Reason is a holiday wrapping booth to raise mon-

ey for local emergency assistance. We are located in NRV Mall near

Belk's indoor entrance. The booth is open at various times from

Nov. 23 - Dec. 24. Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts. All pro-

ceeds benefit Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program,

commonly known as 'MCEAP,' which provides emergency food,

clothing, utility, rent and mortgage assistance to Montgomery County residents year-

round. This booth is an ecumenical effort, and we invite all who want to help their

neighbors to join us during this season of giving. The Sign Up link is:

http://bit.ly/Wrapping18. Contact Sharon Williams 540-239-1093 (call/text) for more

information.

Hump Day Mystery Trip

Please sign up and pay by the first of November for

the Mystery Trip on November 7th. We need to have

a nice group for this trip. This is special just for our

group not charging for tour guide, tip and tax of the meal included. So

the total is $20.00 for your choice of chicken salad wrap or veggie

wrap, pasta or fruit, coffee, tea or water and brownie. Please reserve

your space. We will leave by 10:30 am.

Thank you, Ann Rhudy and Peggy Chafin

The next mystery trip will be Hump Day, December 5th, and we will

leave at 10:30 am.

Page 9


UMW NEWS

Faith, Hope, and Love in Action – that is our mission and our purpose as United Methodist

Woman. We are ever seeking ways in which to accomplish this mission here at home and

around the world. Why not get on board with us!

So far this year –

On September 13, we hosted a pot luck dinner with folks from area churches, the community,

and our men invited and attending. It was a great representation of community inclusiveness. Pat Brown of the Women’s Resource Center was our keynote speaker. It was an inspiring and in-

formative meeting. The Women’s Resource Center gives shelter to victims of domestic abuse and

their children. We are enthusiastic and regular supporters of the Women’s Resource Center.

Also with us were Marilyn and David from the Children’s Backpack Program. This program sup-

plies lunches for school children in Montgomery County during the school year and on weekends

and vacations. We are privileged to support this program – feeding the hungry.

On September 16th we were privileged to present mission award pins and recognition to 3 of our members for outstanding service in their fields of influence. We recognized: Susan Chase, Janet

Schleischer, and Paul Song.

October 13th – 10 ladies from St. Paul UMW attended the UMW District Prayer Breakfast, An-nual meeting and officer training. A busy day but so worthwhile! Thanks to Ann Rhudy for being

our ever patient and talented chauffer.

Present and onward

We continue our support of the Baby Shoppe, the Women’s Resource Center, World Missions,

and many local outreaches.

We are considering new possibilities for social justice.

On December 13th we will meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech for a Christmas luncheon. All ladies

are invited – let Karen Poff know if you plan to attend. The cost, including tax and tip is $17.54

per person.

Future:

We are considering many ways to increase our membership and participation in this mission out-

reach. One of our thoughts is to launch a circle for younger members. We are looking for women who are moved to help others through our mission. We have some wonderful ways that we do

that. Let’s hear from each of you – what are your thoughts?

Bereavement:

Bereavement dinners continue to be provided to families in their time of need.


PROMISED LAND TASK FORCE REPORT

By Joyce Stevens

St. Paul’s Promised Land Task Force has moved into Phase 2 of our Visioning Process.

We met with Coach Tom Nealy on Saturday to begin the Mission/Strategic Planning phase,

based on our church’s Vision Statement “St. Paul envisions growing into a most vibrant, joyful Christian

community, united in loving service to our neighbors, for the glory of God.”

We thank all our church ministries and committees for the honor of learning about your groups and for

your participation in our questionnaire. As the Task Force reviewed Coach Tom’s data, from these ques-

tionnaires, some remarkable facts came to light. The compilation shows that 130 of our church family

are involved in church activity, thus putting to rest the myth that “the same few do everything”. We

ARE an active body of believers! The primary reasons given for being involved were a sense of

“Mission”, and “Passion”. The leading answers to the question of “What effect does your group have on

you or others?” were a sense of “Vibrancy” (it’s exciting, fun), “personal satisfaction”, and “increased

knowledge”. Many of our committees and ministries felt the church did not know about them. (This

provided a first step in our Action Plan as we move forward into 2019.)

Coach Tom presented a contrast in the culture we were brought up in where the question was “Which

church do I go to?’ to the present culture of “Do I go to church?” Our post-modern culture with all its

technology has changed world views, puts information at our fingertips, and makes communication free-

flowing (but not relational). Division among the people (race, sexual preference, political), distrust of all

our institutions (government, school, church), and questioning of our core values and beliefs has brought

about rising diversity. The result is a cultural longing for what is real/tangible/visible. It views all, not

by beliefs, but by “What does my personal experience tell me about this? What is the impact for me (and

my needs)?” All churches are facing the dilemma of how they can relate and minister to this new culture.

While this cultural change is one of the “giants” we face, it is also an opportunity. It is more important

than ever to remember that our lives bear a better witness than our words, as we “meet people where

they are” and respond to their needs.

The team agreed that St. Paul’s ministries and programs should always align with our Vision Statement.

We learned that each ministry considered must be looked at relative to the expected outcomes in

changed lives (both in our church family and in the community), and the impact on our culture. Ongoing

review and measurement will keep us apprised of the effectiveness of our ministries and provide the en-

ergy to keep us moving forward.

The Promised Land Task Force thanks our St. Paul family for your prayers and support. We want you to

know you are an important part of this process. We want to hear from you, as God will speak through

these conversations. Continue to pray for His direction, and let us ALL actively seek to live out our vi-

sion statement with the joy and unity proclaimed.

Page 5


St. Paul United Methodist Church

Our 2019 Annual Budget

“Our Gifts for the Work for The Church

In The Name of Jesus Christ!”

Salaries and Staff Benefits $232,125

(Including Salaries, Pension, Health)

Administrative Costs $19,950

(Postage, Office, Conference Delegates)

Transportation/Property Insurance $12,450

(Bus Expense, Property Insurance)

Building and Maintenance and Utilities $43,550

(Church, Parsonage and Annex

Contingency Fund $2,000

Music Department $3,952

(Choirs, Bells, Maintenance and Supplies)

Fellowship (Refreshments and Kitchen Supplies) $700

Worship (Communion, Flowers, Upper Rooms) $3,800

Education (Curriculum, Materials, Youth and $4,800

Children’s Ministry, and Vacation Bible School)

Outreach and Witness Ministries $250

(Books, Brochures, Volunteers in Mission)

Virginia Conference Apportionments $58,029

(World Service, Missions, Ministerial Education,

Episcopal Fund, Active and Retired Clergy,

Health, Conference Service Fund, etc.)

District Fund (District Administration, Camp Alta

Mons, Church Extension, Wesley Foundation,

and Superintendent’s Fund) $15,198

Total 2019 Annual Church Budget $396,804

Note: This Budget for 2019 is a decrease of $6,749 from our 2018 Budget.


Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul United Methodist Church

Fall is a time of stewardship here at St. Paul, a time when we begin preparing for

our finances for the upcoming year. It is a time to be thankful for all that God has

given us this past year. We are grateful for all of the support that you have given St.

Paul in the past year, both financially and in your time and talents. For instance, we

all should be proud of the fact that in this past year we have installed and aid for a

new lift. This was a remarkable show of stewardship.

Our budget for 2019 has been formulated by the Finance Committee with input

from the various departments of the church and has now been approved by the

Church Council. A summary of the budget is enclosed for your information and re-

view.

Our Stewardship theme this year is “Giving in Gratitude” with the idea being that

we give to God, not out of obligation or guilt, but out of gratitude for all that God

has already done for us.

During the month of November you will be hearing presentations each Sunday from

four different areas of stewardship in our church showing how the budget affects

those areas. Then, at the end of the month, on November 25th we ask that you re-

turn your pledge card indicating your financial intentions for 2019.

We are excited about the church’s ministry and are grateful for the support we con-

tinue to receive from our congregation. We now ask for your support and prayers

for St. Paul United Methodist Church for the coming year.

Wayne Bishop, Finance Chair

The Baby Shop

The Baby Shop is in need of volunteers for the Wednesday afternoon time

slots. We are open from 2-4 pm every Wednesday. Come by and check us

out! If you have questions, please call Joyce Bishop 449-8403.

Page 7


Pack Cub Scouts are having a blast enjoying all the adventures in citizenship, ser-vice, and outdoor fun!

Pack 145s November PACK Meeting will be Tuesday, November 27th in the Activity Building. This will be an award ceremony to celebrate the achievements for our Cub Scouts. There will be a mini-uniform inspection.

Pack 145 will be walking in the Christiansburg Holiday Parade. They will be riding and/or towing wagons full of presents to help “do a good turn” for Santa’s Team Make Christmas Dreams. Pack 145 would appreciate the loaning of any wagons – kiddy, garden, etc. for usage on Friday, December 14th. Borrowed wagons can be picked up the week of December 10th and returned before December 19th.

Please call 381-1077 if you can assist the Cub Scouts! After the parade, Pack 145 will be serving cookies and hot cocco in the Activity Building. Please join us to warm up with great fellowship of Cub Scouts!

Den #9 Tiger Cubs will be visiting the MCEAP Christmas Store to donate mittens and gloves on November 11th. Then, many Pack 145 Cub Scouts will be participating with Troop 145 in a Flag Retirement and Veteran’s Appreciation Ceremony on Monday, November 12th. On Sunday, December 9th, Cub Scouts invite any St. Paul UMC kids to join the Santa’s Workshop featuring stations to make crafts to take home but to

share with local shut-ins. Details can be found at www.CubPack145.com Den #2 Bear Cubs Scouts will be continuing their conservation project of collecting plastic bags

and film to earn benches made of plastic. Two very decorative benches have been installed around the St. Paul campfire pit. These Cub Scouts are counting up the pounds of plastic film this November to order a third bench for either the campfire or the playground. If you wish to help the Cub Scouts in this pro-ject, please drop off your plastic bags and film to any Cub Scout event in the Activity Building. A cardboard collection box is also available in the kitchen

next to the blue recycle bin donated by Pack 145. Thanks for helping Cub Scouts Save the World! Troop 145 Boy Scouts ages 11 to 18 have been busy with themes, merit badges, skills, campouts and trips to build character and fellowship. Troop Meetings are held every Monday in the Activity Building at 7:00 PM when Montgomery

County schools are open. Stop by and check out what Boy Scouting can offer! Or, visit www.CburgTroop145.com for a listing of dates of upcoming activities.

id st. paul’s pages · gan with “bible reading plan 2018,” a congregation- wide plan for...

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