MORE CHRISTMAS 2014 WITH THE KUMC FAMILY

MOUNTAIN ECHOES JAN/FEB 2015

Keezletown United Methodist Church Rev. T. Joel Robinette, Pastor 1456 Indian Trail Road Church phone: 269-8531 Keezletown VA 22832 Parsonage phone: 269-8405 Pastor’s email: joel robinette @hotmail.com Pastor’s Cell: 540-908-9482

Pastor’s office hours: Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Keezletown UMC website: www.keezletownumc.com <+< <+< <+<

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade

itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks

no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all

things, hopes all things, endures all things.

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JANUARY CALENDAR Jan 18 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “What She Wants, What He Wants” UMM Breakfast meeting 8:00 a.m. Blood Pressure checks after worship service CAOS Youth Meet 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jan 19 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Jan 20 Corinthians Bible study 10:00 a.m. Jan 21 Choir practice 7:00 p.m. Jan 22 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Jan 23-24 Tri District United Methodist Mens’ Retreat at Camp Overlook Jan 24 KUMC serves Salvation Army dinner Jan 25 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “The Significance of Sexual Intimacy” Confirmation and Baptism sign-up deadline Jan 26 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Jan 27 Corinthians Bible study 10:00 a.m. Jan 28 Church Leaders Training, “On Mission Leadership”, at 7:00 p.m., lead by Joel Jan 29 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR Feb 1 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Habits that Hurt, Habits that Heal” Feb 2 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 3 Corinthians Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Feb 4 Choir practice 7:00 p.m. Feb 5 UMW meet 7:30 p.m.

Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. UMW Day at General Assembly in Richmond Feb 6 Newsletter items due Feb 6-7 Mens’ Emmaus 4th Day Renewals Feb 7 UMW Annual Soup and Bake Sale Feb 8 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Clothe, Bear With, Forgive” Valentine’s Day Potluck Lunch after worship Feb 9 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 10 Corinthians Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Feb 12 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Feb 15 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “A Love that Lasts” Blood Pressure checks after worship Feb 16 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 17 Last Corinthians Bible Study 10:00 a.m. w/meal out to follow Feb 18 Ash Wednesday Lent Service, meal at 6:00 p.m., worship to follow 7-7:30 p.m. Feb 19 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. UMW Evening Together at Bridgewater UMC 7:00 p.m. Feb 20-21 Womens’ Emmaus 4th Day Renewals Feb 22 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Knowing God” Feb 23 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 24 “The God We Can Know” Study 10:00 a.m. Feb 25 Lent Service, meal at 6:00 p.m., worship w/Rev. Stephen Creech to follow 7-7:30 p.m. Feb 26 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Jan 1 Brian Kelley Jan 1 Carl “Lute” Armentrout Jan 17 Bryan Wamsley Jan 2 Maynard Michael Jan 18 Lauran Shafer Jan 3 Margie (Martin) Champion Jan 18 Ryan Sprague Jan 5 Virginia Phalen Jan 22 Tanya Dawn Eppard Jan 6 Melissa Johnson Jan 23 Emily Blake Jan 7 Gary Heatwole Jan 23 Leah Siler Jan 8 Mark Ramsey Jan 23 Kelli Sprague Jan 8 Barbara Propst Jan 24 Chris Threewitts Jan 9 Fay Higgs Jan 29 Faye Crowe Jan 12 Mac Coffman Jan 30 Brent Combs Jan 15 Barbara Smith Jan 31 Davis Kelly

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Jan 1, 2013 Paul & Barrett Coffey 2 years Jan 2, 2010 Wesley & Sarah (Liskey) Crisman 4 years FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Feb 2 Clint Martin Feb 18 Grace Brown Feb 2 Dorothy Sites Feb 18 Kahlyn Smith Feb 3 Caleb Combs Feb 18 Nancy Armentrout Feb 3 John Phalen Feb 22 Reese Pellegrin Feb 4 Alexander Mansfield Feb 22 Noland Suter

Feb 7 Lynn Siler Feb 23 Joe Johnson Jr Feb 7 Steve Suter Feb 23 Loretta Eklund Feb 10 Kevin Mason Feb 23 Steve Zylich Feb 14 Noah Robinette Feb 25 David Nankivell Feb 17 Ken Thomas Feb 28 Tyler Sacra FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES Feb 12, 1993 Joseph/Melissa Johnson 22years Feb 16, 1972 Allen/Sharon Martin 43 years ==============================================================================

40 YEARS OR MORE: CONGRATULATIONS to our church family couples that

have been married 40 years or more in January and February:

Allen and Sharon Martin on February 16th, 43 years

Best wishes from your KUMC family. May your love continue for years to come.

============================================================================ TWO NEW FAMILY MEMBERS: Cora Joseph Combs arrived January 9th. Congrats to Brent, Mary, and Caleb Combs. Welcome to Davis Kelley, son of Brian and Melissa Kelley, who was baptized and joined the KUMC family January 11th.

============================================================================== CHALLENGES MET IN 2014 AT KUMC TO TRANSFORM EACH OTHER AND OUR COMMUNITY Using our Core Values, developed from our Mission Statement (to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and the world), I have endeavored to show what a difference we have made in 2014, to not only change ourselves and our church family, but to change our community. See what we have done, Church family, and be proud; but know that it was with God’s blessing and help, and our challenge is not done. With His blessing, we will continue to run the race. Faith Development: Confirmation and Baptism Class for five young people, who became Church members; “Leading Like Jesus” training session; “Ten Commandments” study; Covenant for Spiritual Discipline; “Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers” study; Confirmation Retreat at Camp Overlook; Men’s Walk to Emmaus; Women’s Walk to Emmaus; “A Disciple’s Path” study; “Listen: Praying in a Noisy World” study; “Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians” study; “The Lord’s Prayer” study; “Disciple 4:Under the Tree of Life” study; “Revelation” study; District Lay Servant Training; “Revival: Faith As Wesley Lived It” study; and 5 Talent Academy: Evangelism training, Family and Community: Sponsored sixty children in the Backpack program; UMW served Ruritans (four meals), served FCE meal, and Red Hats meal; KUMC Website completed; Blood pressure checks the 3rd Sunday of every month; were reminded by our Parish Nurse about Health, Preventative Maintenance, Colon screening, discarding old medicines, allergies, organ donation, to slow down and enjoy summer, benefits of watermelon, benefits of Canola oil, preventing catching the flu, using Thanksgiving leftovers,

and resting well; UMW Soup and Bake sale; UMM Pancake Supper; UMM Potato Bar; Valentine’s Day meal after worship; one parishioner trying to give her shoes to a homeless lady; New Church directory w/pictures; two UMM Pork Tenderloin and Catfish dinners; Easter egg hunt for neighborhood children; CAOS Youth book and bake sale; collected items and money for Salvation Army during Lenten dinners; 30 children in Vacation Bible School; Jesus’ Kids had an “End of the School Year” celebration; Lawn Party; two church members traveled to Europe to study this year; Church serves Salvation Army once a month; UMM Annual Golf Challenge; KUMC has a Facebook page; prepared 102 kits for conference; CAOS Youth meal; UMM Annual Church Picnic and Kickball game; 1580+ Christmas cards prepared for Servicemen and women; five Kindergarten gifts given; gave two graduates’ gifts; Harvest Party and hayride; Election day lunch served to 350+; prepared 157 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child; UMM Christmas Celebration dinner; collected hats, mittens, gloves, and socks for CRES children; twenty Angel children received Christmas gifts; UMW bought clothes and toys for ten children at CRES; CAOS Youth collected for Kingsway Prison, packed ten shoeboxes for OCC, and bought for five children at CRES; donation to RISE; two days Ringing the Bells for the Salvation Army; and Christmas visitations to the shut-ins. Worship and Praise: Welcome packages for visitors; “Window Prayer” Lenten devotional written by Church family; Early Morning Prayer at 6:30 a.m. on Monday mornings; started new Adult Sunday School class; flowers on the altar each Sunday; creative covers on the Sunday bulletin by Church family; Ash Wednesday service, followed by five Wednesday night services during Lent; Maundy Thursday service; Good Friday service; Easter Sunday Sunrise service; prepared “Window Prayer” guide for alone time in prayer at the church; purchased Easter Lilies for Easter Service; National Day of Prayer; Mother’s Day celebration; Service of Hope Sunday; two Missionaries, Dieudonne Karihano and Janet Lewis, spoke to the church family; Outdoor Worship Service and picnic; “Wear Red Sunday” for Pentecost; Father’s Day celebration; “When God Comes Down” Advent devotional written by Church family; honoring Saints on Saints Day; Leadership Appreciation lunch and recognition; Youth led worship service; sermons now on website for shut-ins; Christmas CD with church member participants prepared and distributed; purchased poinsettias for church; decorated the Chrismon tree and sanctuary; participated in the Hanging of the Greens; held “Happy Birthday Jesus” party; Christmas Pageant by the children; and Christmas Eve service. Transforming Service: New stove and suppression system purchased and installed; UMW District Evening Together; collected $4,868.96 for Stop Hunger Now and packaged 20,520 meals; Relay for Life team made 450+ candy Easter eggs, served the Easter Sunrise breakfast, and participated in Relay for Life event; donation to Open Doors; Change collection in March for conference kits, August to Henry Fork, and November to Lighthouse Center; UMW working on issuing a new KUMC Cookbook; participated in “Light the Fire Fest”; donated to Oakgrove Church congregation when church burned; Ann and Wes Ford participated in the mission trip to Belize; District Spiritual Life Retreat; District Youth Retreat; ten men attended the UMM District Men’s Rally; Scott Dillard participated in Clio NC mission trip; Conference Spiritual Life Retreat at Blackstone; twelve Summer Campers and Pastor Joel, as a Chaplain; collected toys and gift cards for St. Judes Research Hospital; sponsored Myron Good to go to Camp Easter Seal; paid Myron’s phone bills; UMW Day at Ferrum College; five members attended VA Annual Conference; donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation; special offering for UMCOR; “Pie Jenny Day” to raise money for Camp Overlook; four attended the Tri-district UM Men’s golf tournament; UMW District Prayer Breakfast; District Lay Servant Training; District UMM Fall Rally; Scott Dodrill, Alissa Dodrill, and Wes Ford participated in an Outer Banks NC mission; UMW District Annual Meeting; UMM Conference Men’s Retreat; Charge conference; donated to Western State for Christmas gifts; had parking lot resealed and painted; new security lights installed; and made donation to Imagine No Malaria.

Maybe you were a part of many of these endeavors, maybe just a few, maybe only one. Thank you. It takes every one of us to make this world a better place. Jesus has given you His hands, His feet, His mouth, and His love—let’s use them to share HIM even more in 2015.

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“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with

a mosquito.” --African Proverb ========================================================= KUMC Facebook Page

Thanks to everyone who has already "liked" our page - Keezletown United Methodist Church; if

you haven't "liked" it yet, I hope you will check it out. Feel free to take pictures and tag the

church in the posts. If there are any items/events you think should be included, please let me

know. Please remember this page is a "Public" page so the world can see everything posted on

it. I don't usually tag people I'm friends with because of this, but if you would like to tag

yourself, please do so. If you see an event and would like to invite friends please feel free, also

sharing any events is welcome. Thanks. ~ Beth Morris

“Christmas Is for Everyone” CD

Copies of the Keezletown Christmas CD “Christmas Is for Everyone” are still available in the

narthex and are a great way to share the love and grace of Jesus with family and friends. Music is

by our own congregational members, and a few community friends, as well as, scripture readings

and greetings from the church family. The CD is also on the church website. CD’s are no charge.

Worship CDs for Homebound

KUMC has the capability of making CDs of the weekly worship service for homebound folks who

do not have internet access where they could listen to sermons on the website. If you would like

to receive a weekly CD, or can assist in delivering CD’s, please contact Pastor Joel. If you would

like to deliver a CD to a homebound person, you could take one and a worship bulletin and

indicate who you will deliver it to on a CD list.

WORD ON THE WEBSITE If you miss a Sunday, want to review, or wish you could share a recent sermon with a friend, the last four Sunday scripture and sermons are now available online on the church website at www.keezletownumc.com for your listening enjoyment. Ministries Website Page: If you help with a ministry at KUMC and would like it listed on our website please submit to Pastor Joel a brief description of the ministry and a digital photo that shows that ministry in action. Descriptions of a ministry could include things like: times of meetings, activities or mission that is done, who can be involved, or how to learn more.

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as

I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference” -- President Jimmy Carter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The God We Can Know” Devotional

Keezletown UMC’s 2015 Lent devotional will be The God We Can Know with

scriptures coordinatING with the Lent study and sermon series. There will be a

devotion for each of the 40 days in Lent and Easter Day that relate to the “I AM”

sayings of Jesus in the scriptures. The devotionals are free and a great way to have

daily time in reading the Bible and prayer. Devotions will be available at the church

February 1, 2015.

“Love to Stay” Sermons

Pastor Joel will be preaching on love, marriage, grace, and commitment during the “Love to Stay

Sermons” on Sundays from January 11th – February 15th. At the end of the series will be an

opportunity in worship for reaffirming marriage covenants in worship on February 15th.

Wednesday Lent Services

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, there will be six Wednesday night

services in Lent, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with supper and worship time from 7-7:30

p.m. If you, your family, or small group would like to serve one of the meals, please

sign up with Pastor Joel. Guest speakers will be Rev. Stephen Creech on February

25th; Rev. Kay Gentry on March 4th; Rev. Sarah Locke on March 11th; Rev. Andy

Peck-McClain on March 18th; and Rev. Tommy Herndon on March 25th.

The God We Can Know Sermons

Pastor Joel will be preaching on the “I AM” sayings of Jesus during Lent and Easter Day. These

sayings of Jesus give us a picture of the God we can know and confidence in the things Christ

regularly does.

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I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long. I will

stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you

until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than

depression and braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me. God

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SERVING OTHERS

KUMC COOKBOOK PROJECT---***NEED RECIPES***

The United Methodist Women will be sponsoring a new KUMC Cookbook, scheduled for

tentative release in the fall. Please submit your favorite recipe(s), printed or typed, to

Kelly Smith or Becky Ryman by March 1, 2015.

SALVATION ARMY MEAL The Adult Sunday school class is spear-heading serving the Salvation Army patrons a meal on the 4th Saturday of each month. Please see Carol Dillard or Joe Liskey if you wish to help. BACKPACKS We received a $500 grant from the Harrisonburg Women's Service League in support of our program. They want to have an opportunity to be hands on in serving the children of Cub Run, so they will be coming one week in February to help pack the bags. It is so wonderful to be a part of a community that cares about the needs of others!! Jenny Dillard

RELAY TEAM Keezletown United Marchers for a Cure has now started the 2015 season and is ready to go. Joe Liskey, Team Captain, asks that you register for the team ASAP. First goal is to turn in $750 (we have $590) by February 1st to pick our campsite. See Joe or Lynn Siler for info. More fundraising events will be coming in 2015. HATS, GLOVES, MITTENS, AND SOCKS FOR THE CHILDREN

Sunday, December 14th, completed the collection of hats, gloves, mittens, and socks to help

keep a number of students, preschool to Grade 5, at Cub Run Elementary School warm this

winter. Thanks for your loving support and generosity.

BELL RINGERS Thank you to all who volunteered and rang the Salvation Army bells on December 6th and December 20th, to allow others less fortunate in our community to be blessed. CHRISTMAS PAGENT A very well attended Children’s Christmas pageant, featuring the story of Christmas, told by the children, and the singing of old favorite Christmas hymns, was held on Sunday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. Cookies, hot chocolate, and punch were provided in the social hall following the performance. Many thanks to Becky Ryman and Melissa Kelley for directing, Makenna Eppard for playing the piano, Jeanine Underwood for reading scripture, Joel Robinette for prayers, Michele Dodrill for organizing the refreshments, and all the children for doing a great job. Christmas Eve Service The Christmas Eve Service was December 24th at 8:00 p.m. with communion, carols, and an offering for Imagine No Malaria, for bed nets to protect sleeping persons in Africa.

FIFTH SUNDAY COLLECTIONS Fifth Sunday Collections in 2015 are Mar 29th; May 31st; Aug 30th; and Nov 29th Good Folks to Bless There is a list of some good folks in Jackie’s room, some church members, some friends of the church, connected to our church that it would be good to bless with a visit, card, telephone call, or to help out. Please indicate if you have reached out to them so others can know who else might need a blessing. =====================================================================================

“Light travels 18 million times faster than rain. So, I guess Jesus is there way

before your storm.” –Craig on K-LOVE =====================================================================

VALENTINE’S DAY POTLUCK LUNCHEON A Valentine’s Day potluck luncheon will be held after worship on February 8th. Plan to stay, eat, and fellowship. (This will allow all to attend marriage reaffirmations during worship on 15th.) KUMC DIRECTORY AND ADDENDUMS God continues to bless our KUMC family with new members & we are so thankful for each person who has joined our family during the past year. If you have any questions or are new to KUMC & have not received a directory, please see Jan Shafer or call 269-2032, as copies are available for new members/ attendees as they join our KUMC family. If you did not order a directory in the fall or you would like to purchase one, you may do so for $6.00 each. Monies will be placed in the directory fund to help cover expenses for our next directory. Copies of Directory Addendums are on the narthex table, which contain contact information for new folks in our church family, changes and/or updates for those previously listed, new birthday and anniversary lists, and a copy of our 2015 church leadership & committees. Please see Jan Shafer if you have any questions. Keezletown UMC Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments with a beautiful image of the church building are available at $5.00 each.

================================================================== “You are never more like Jesus than when you pray for others.” Max Lucado

=================================================

PRAYER MONDAY MORNING PRAYER OPPORTUNITY Early Morning Prayer or “EMP” meets on Monday mornings at 6:30 a.m., here at the church. Brief devotions are followed by silent and spoken prayers for others for the week. BJ would like to thank all who attend each Monday morning, and welcome others to join us. If you have any questions, please see BJ Smith or contact him at 908-0061 or smithb818@comcast.net. PRAYING FOR OTHERS? We all need to be prayed for. Please considering placing your name, or the name of someone

you know that needs prayer in the Prayer basket on Sunday mornings. If you write down

someone else’s name, please be sure to give a brief description (sick, hurting, death, etc) and

include your name, so that if there is a question we can contact you for more info. Then, just

pick a name out of the basket as you leave, and pray for that person all week. WHAT A

DIFFERENCE you will make in your prayer partner’s life for that week. If you happen to miss

picking up a name from the basket as you leave, please give me a call, as I gather up all the

unclaimed names, and I will see that you get a name. Diana

Window Prayer Guide

There is a resource guide to prayer in the parlor which includes prayers, hymns, and scriptures

that relate to the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which can be used by those who want

to pray at the church individually or with a group.

=====================================================================================

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES Checking on Confirmation and Baptism Class Interest

Pastor Joel will be checking with children and youth 5th grade – 12th grade to see if there is

interest this year for those who were baptized when they were younger or who have never been

baptized to: learn about baptism, claim their faith in Jesus Christ, and join in commitment to a

life of following Jesus. Confirmation and baptism class is 8 sessions, includes a mission project,

and a retreat at Camp Overlook March 27-28. If you’re ready to learn more about faith in Christ

and following Jesus through confirmation or baptism, please talk to Pastor Joel by January 25th.

“Disciple 4: Under the Tree of Life” Class

“Disciple” is an in-depth Bible study during a 32 week course with daily 30 minute readings and

a weekly class meeting Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m., focusing on Old Testament writings:

John, Epistles of John, James, Jude, and Revelation.

“What Does the Lord Require “

The Adult class is studying “What Does the Lord Require?”, by James C Howell,

referencing the book of Micah. Class meets in the social hall and is led by Mac Coffman.

“1 & 2 Corinthians” Study This 6 week Bible study, meeting Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. from January 13th-February

17th, will look at the letters to the Corinthians, and consider issues of Christian identity, conflict,

and connection, with a study book by James Evans. Book contributions are $8.00.

The God We Can Know Study During Lent there will be a 7 week study on the “I AM” sayings of Jesus using Roby Fuquay’s book The God We Can Know, meeting on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the church beginning February 24th. Sign up at Pastor Joel’s office for a study book ($8.00 contribution).

On Mission Leadership

All church members involved with leadership and teaching, and all other interested

church members, are encouraged to attend a teaching session on Wednesday,

January 28th at 7:00 p.m., led by Pastor Joel, focusing on leadership that flows from

our church’s mission and core values.

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“When someone is going through a storm, your silent presence is more powerful

than a million, empty words.” Reba McIntire

2015 FLOWER CALENDAR IS POSTED Do you have a special person or occasion you would like to remember by placing flowers on the altar table (or piano/organ)? Please choose a date and write your name on the flower calendar posted on the narthex door. If for a special occasion or for someone special, please notate on the calendar or let Lynn Siler (lsiler78@yahoo.com) or Ann Ford (434-3955 or vafords1@gmail.com) know so that it can be listed in the bulletin for that Sunday. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary. GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH HEAT Turn on heat in rooms required at least 2-3 hours ahead of scheduled event. Baseboards in the social hall should be on 3-4 and the thermostat set as necessary; turn baseboards off and set thermostat at 58 when leaving. (Keep in mind the thermostat on the wall controls only the baseboard closest to the control.) Classroom thermostats need to be at a level of comfort and turned off when leaving. The Nursery needs to be at least 40 and the bathrooms should always be on 40 when leaving. The Sanctuary should be cut down to 58 degrees when not needed. Bulletin Art

Create a cover for the worship bulletin by signing up at the pastor’s office, and submit the

completed work one week prior to the Sunday it will appear in the bulletin.

“Jesus died for you, knowing that you might never love him back. Now

that is true love.” - staypositive.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Administrative Council The next meeting for Council will be January 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Items discussed will be reported in the February/March newsletter.

DISTRICT NEWS Tri-District Men’s Retreat, January 23-24, 2015, Bishop Young Jin Cho and Dave Rochford, Staunton District Superintendent will be the guest speakers. Registration may be completed online at http://overlookretreatandcampministries.weebly.com. CAMP OVERLOOK NEWS NEW programs for Summer 2015! Two NEW overnight options for our older youth this summer! If sleeping and cooking in Pathfinders is not for you, chose an “indoor” option this time around! Each program will be offered for two weeks only! Mission CSI: Christian Service Initiative for 6th-12th graders, housed in a cabin on Agape Hill, will live out Christ’s call to be in service to one another as they journey off-site for a daily mission opportunity. Youth groups are encouraged to attend together! Alpha Omega Squad: We’re kicking “Noah’s S.E.A.L.S.” up a notch for older campers! 8th—10th graders will enjoy the comforts of being based out of the Ark with the added bonus of an off-site canoe trip and a one-night,

adventurous sleep out in one of our teepees. Men’s/Women’s Emmaus 4th Day Renewals, February 6-7 (M) & 20-21 (W), 2015 For women and men who have previously participated in the “Walk to Emmaus”, and could you use a little “shot in the arm” to remind you of, and renew you for, following God’s call? This retreat will capture some of the elements of your Emmaus walk, with three new talks on life in Christian Action by lay persons, creative and inspiring worship, music to let your hearts and voices soar, fellowship together, and time in prayer with God! *NOTE - The first weekend is for men Only, the second for the women Only! $65 per person. Register by January 17th and save $10.

“Be a happy believer, not a believer who looks like you’ve been baptized in lemon

juice.” – Joyce Meyer =====================================================================================

DALE’S CORNER by Dale Dodrill "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2) These two verses are the beginning of creation. The phrase that stands out to me is: "the Spirit of God was moving." This Spirit has not stopped, but is active today at Keezletown UMC. Stop and think of the projects that have been completed in 2014. These projects were the result of the “Spirit of God” moving in the hearts of many individuals in the KUMC family. If we are honest, each project moved someone from their comfort zone. Once outside, we saw signs of: Warning! Be Careful! Don't Do That! Let Someone Else! Play It Safe! Avoid The Risk Of Failure And Embarassment!, are some of our own fears we experienced. In trusting that God would be where He called us, we had the opportunities to see the mighty handiwork of God. What will God be calling us to do in 2015? My prayer is: Give us the courage, God, to follow Your desire for us, so that we might see the glory of Your work. Amen. P.S. I purchased some Christmas Cards on sale December 26th. ====================================================================================

HEALTH BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS/HEALTH QUESTIONS

Parish Nurse, Carol Sacra, would like to remind everyone that on the 3rd Sunday of every month, she will be administering Blood Pressure Checks in the youth Sunday school room behind the organ after worship. If you have any concerns, blood pressure, or otherwise, with your health, please feel free to use this time (or anytime the need arises) to talk with her.

“IN YOUR CORNER” by Carol Sacra, RN, PN

Welcome 2015! Time to start working on that health maintenance check list! This month I want to bring to your attention a topic I’ve not written on previously. January is Glaucoma Awareness month and no better time than now to check back on your calendar for your most recent eye exam and schedule the next one accordingly. Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve (important cable that connects eyes to brain) leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness, is not curable (but is treatable), and any vision lost cannot be regained. Often there are no warning symptoms, hence, regular check-ups is the key. This is NOT a senior citizen only process, as it can occur at any age. So…whatever your age…as you begin the New Year, start at the top and work down that list. This month…the eyes have it! I am, as always, “In Your Corner” for health and wellness. =====================================================================================

“Until God opens the next door, Praise Him in the hallway.” --Faith.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAOS YOUTH CAOS Youth are meeting after the worship service on January 18th for a planning session from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Upcoming events and plans will be in the February/March newsletter. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The UMW met on January 8th at 7:30 p.m. with 13 members present. Open Doors was approved as Mission of the Month. February 7th is the Soup/Bake sale; there will be a call meeting to sign up for needed items. The UMW will serve the Lenten meal on February 18th. Please give your recipes to Kelly or Becky for the cookbook project. A list of visitations was given. Upcoming events included: February 5th, UMW day in Richmond; February 19th, Evening Together at Bridgewater UMC at 7:00 p.m.; March 2nd serve Ruritans; March 14th, District Spiritual Life Retreat. The meeting date for April was changed to April 9th due to conflict. UNITED METHODIST MEN

The UMM will meet on January 18th at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast, with a 2015 planning

session to follow, as well as nominations for officers for the new year. Look for details in the

February/March newsletter. Thanks. Pres. Jim Dillard

=====================================================================================

UPCOMING EVENTS: UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Mar 1st Recipes due to Kelly Smith or Becky Ryman for new Cookbook Mar 2nd Serve Ruritan meal Mar 14th District Spiritual Life Retreat Apr 9th Date change for monthly meeting FIFTH SUNDAY CHANGE COLLECTIONS FOR 2015 Mar 29th; May 31st; Aug 30th; and Nov 29th

LAY SERVANTS TRAINING The Harrisonburg District Lay Servants Training will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Manor Memorial United Methodist in New Market. The hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Contact Dale Dodrill to register. RABIES CLINIC Rabies Vaccination Clinic January 24th from 2-4 p.m. at Keezletown Ruritan Hall ==============================================================================

THE CHURCH FAMILY IS PROUD OF: Leigha Dillard and Haiden Dillard both performed beautifully in Mrs. Sager’s Music Recital on December 14th at KUMC. Good job, girls. Hannah Bowman performed in “The Nutcracker” ballet at Cole Hall, Bridgewater College on December 20th and 21st. Keep it up, Hannah. Congratulations to Bob, Susan, and Chris Threewitts for winning the Farm Family Stewardship award, presented by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce on January 8th.

THANK YOU NOTES: I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train. Keepin’ the faith. Evalyn (Campbell)

All is calm, all is bright, wishing you a quiet place to know the glory and wonder of Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support of the Salvation Army Shelter!! Dorita Moore, Housing

Manager

Greetings from Alexandria. Ryan is in the 2nd grade, in his 3rd year of Boy Scouts, learned how to shoot a bb gun and a bow and arrow, is playing basketball, and baseball. Sarah-Grace is in the 3rd grade, her 2nd year of gymnastics, is ice skating, is in her 2nd year of cheerleading, was on the summer swim team, and swims the butterfly and breaststroke in competition. Dawn Marie is coaching SG’s cheerleading squad, and continues to be very active in all church activities. I thank God for each of you and wish you a happy 2015. Martha (Singleton)

“ACTS OF LOVE”—A New Year’s Prayer

Thank you Judy Coffman for sharing from "When Hope Blossoms" by Nina Smit

Heavenly Father, Thank you for assuring me that You will accompany me on the unknown

journey into the new year, so that I will experience Your joy in my life each day. To me You are

a safe refuge in danger, You see every step I take, You give me life. Keep me on the right path

and grant me Your wisdom and the necessary strength for each day. Please be by my side and

help me to make the best use of my time and opportunities. Thank You very much that I may

bring all my requests to You this year, and rest assured that You will provide for me, bless me

and protect me. I want to focus my expectations on You each day and keep my eyes on You

alone. I want to act justly to all people, and show them love, trust and consideration. Help me to

make a positive contribution to the world around me and run the race of life as best I can, so that

the prize will be mine in the end. Forgive me for sometimes longing for the past, and make it

possible for me to live life to the full this year, in line with Your will; to put You first at all times

and to obey You to the letter. I ask this in Jesus' name. AMEN. ====================================================================================

PASTOR’S CHAT

A recent short term study at KUMC, Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It, concluded by

spending time praying a prayer that Wesley included in his covenant renewal service. The study

author, Adam Hamilton, shared that it is a prayer he prays every morning. There are United

Methodists and others who pray it regularly or at special times like watch night services on New

Year’s Eve, so it is regularly on my mind this time of year. I prayed it at our first EMP (Early

Morning Prayer) of 2015. The prayer appears in the United Methodist Hymnal #607 as “A

Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition”:

I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou

wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me employed by thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things,

let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now,

O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

It is a radical prayer. Risky enough to pray once, but to make it a living part of practice

might be transforming. It is definitely in line with the Lord’s Prayer’s “Thy kingdom come, thy

will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It is a prayer of trusting that there is nothing better than

what Jesus has for us. It is a prayer that orients self to serving and faithful living in whatever

place, people, or predicament we are. It is a prayer that seeks God and so often when we seek

God, we find.

If you have a regular prayer time, I would encourage you to include this prayer in your

daily time with God over the next month and see if you like it and would want to continue to use

it. If you don’t pray daily, this might be a good prayer to help you get started: try it out for a

month and if you like it, keep going with it or switch up prayer time with something else.

This sort of praying, when it is the prayer of our heart, leads us to where Jesus is.

Pastor Joel

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ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I once asked a ten-year-old boy, who then could look me in the eye, if, when he was grown and big, would he still want to hug me. He said, “Of course I will”. He is now well over 6 feet tall, thinking about college, and yet, to my pure joy, he still gives me the best hugs, and tells me he loves me. (Thank you, Andrew.) It all starts with a hug, showing a little one that you care and that they are special and important. I will not turn away a child, and I will love on them as much as they will let me. Thank you so much, parents and grandparents, for letting me do this. With Valentine’s Day a few weeks away, just remember to love not only your spouse, but to tell your children how much you love them, and how important they are to you. What you receive in return from these little ones, is far greater than what you give. Praise God for our children. Diana

EDITOR’S NOTE

I am grateful to each of you who have contributed, especially to our young people. You give us

hope for the future and encourage us to continue to nurture you and each other in the love of

Jesus and His love for others. Thank you. I encourage each of you to be a part of this, YOUR

newsletter, by submitting items of interest about those you love or items that have touched

your spirit. There is an envelope labeled “Newsletter Items” in the room between the

sanctuary and the hallway. Please feel free to e-mail me, hand them to me, or leave them in

the envelope. The February deadline for submissions is February 6th. If you have enjoyed it,

or if you have not, I welcome your criticisms, your submissions, and your suggestions. You may

reach me at home at 269-8511 or e-mail me at AntDyna@comcast.net. I hope that you enjoy

reading it as much as I enjoy preparing it for you. Thank you all for your contributions. It really

makes this easier for me. God bless you all. Diana

GIVE IT TO GOD AND GO TO SLEEP.