The Messenger CUNNINGHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A caring church family expressing Christ’s love to all May 2019

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From the Pastor’s Desk Continuing Our Resurrection Journey Easter Sunday morning at Cunningham was glorious! Our Sunrise Service was well attended, our potluck breakfast fed us physically and in fellowship as we broke bread in our new Gathering Place, our Easter Flower Cross showed the glory of God, and our Worship Service was filled with the proclamation that Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Every year, though, it seems more and more difficult to remember that Easter is not a day; it is a season. We celebrate fifty days of Eastertide—all the way up to Pentecost Sunday. And even then we are not done, for every Sunday is a time of celebrating Resurrection.

Our culture does seem to understand that notion. We have grown so accustomed to moving on to the next event on our calendars that we have a hard time absorbing the magnitude of the Easter Event.

The Gospel writers took turns with different expressions of Resurrection and its meaning for our lives. They expressed their understandings with the words they remembered the Resurrected Christ as saying. Reflect for a moment on these words: “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). “Peace be with you” (John 20:21). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). Do not doubt but believe” (John 20:27). “Follow me!” (John 21:19). “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). “Do not hold on to me …” (John 20:17). “Go … and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

These words are continual reminders that Christ is inviting us to a new way of living, a new way of loving. A mission that requires us to let go of the past and to embrace a future with God.

But Christ also reminds us that we do not take this Resurrection Journey alone. He tells us, “remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Notice that this promise is not given just as something to look forward to in the future. This promise also is an assurance about the present moment. “I am with you always…” Right now, in our present journey.

What can you do to experience the presence of the Resurrected Christ? Let me offer a few suggestions from my friend, Richard Singleton, in his book The Last Words of the Resurrected Christ (pgs. 77-78).

• Meditate on words of the old Gospel hymn, “Blessed Assurance.”

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love,

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

• Imagine Jesus standing in front of you with his hands raised up to bless you. Listen as he says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Then simply repeat his words over and over in prayer, listening to them with your heart.

• Who needs your blessing—your good words? Go to them. Like the Risen Christ, give them your blessing. • Sing a favorite Resurrection hymn or spontaneously give thanks and praise to the loving Christ present with

you, now and forever.

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Prayer Requests (As of May 4, 2019) Current Requests Judy & Ron

Baker Roger Black Codi Brown &

Baby Wayne Craig Long Term Gabriel Albers Cindy Baker Bev

Blankenbeckler Charles Bourne Tracy Bourne Bowen Henry

Brashares Jessica Brennan Teddy Brennan Dawn & Sara

Brindle Theresa Brown Jim Butcher Katie Cabrera Tricia Callahan Candy Kylie Carling Zaden Clark Ron Comfort Craig Conboy Domingo Allen Dove Jeanne Dunford Kirk Dunklee Janice Eanes Evelyn Barbara Fechter Lucy Fillmore Steven Flanders Jean Foley Emory Foskey Jim Gianniny Caleb Gibson Oliver Glick

Margaret Frost Kevin Keeney Sam Kennedy Tom & Tots

Klipstein Kenny Larsh Elizabeth Goforth Laura Goodwin Marla Gregory Rose Gurkin Chuck & Melanie

Harlow Dana Hawks Richard Hawks Boone Hichborn Laymon

Higgenbotham Margaret

Hufstedler John Hughes Nancy James Bill Kent Zack Kent Susan Kilgore John Kimberlin John Kinzel Celia Landis Piper LaRochelle Norman

LaVerdiere Bishop Lewis Beth MacKenzie Joe Mannina Linda Mattson Rob Maxey Stephen McCall Bobby McGuinn Patsy Mead Gloria Miller Doug Mills Jack Moore Sharon Nalle

Frankie McGuinn

Laura Lee Reva Eric White Bill Whyte Betty Wood Estelle Neher Herbie Neher Joanna Nelson Barb Perry Bill Peters Jackie Peters Steve Peters Betty Piccione Bobby Powell Edward Powell Mabel Powell Colton Prince Richard Rave Jeff Reed Charles Ruehle Ritchie

Schaeffer Doreen Self Teresa Shifflett Laura Stoneman Harry Strang Rosemarie

Sutton Gretchen Toliver Dottie Wampler Evelyn Watts Bishop Weaver Judy Wentz Andi Wheeler Karen White Latham White Russ Whyte Peter Willis Sheila Willis Dawn Wolf Mckeena Xydias

Cunningham Homebound Marilee Black Ann Peed

Carl & Adalene Peters

Pam Smith

Our College Students Emily Baker, Kendall Baker, Morgan Baker, Victoria Berman, Stephanie Brady, Conner Brophy, Jacob Carney, Nathan Carney, Maddie Garrett, Saige Haney, Nicole Kent, Zack Kent, Harrison Lee, Emily Liles, Evelyn Marshall, Noah Perry and Braden Turley.

Our Troops Peter Bakke (husband of Marilee Black’s granddaughter) Gene Benvenutti (son of Stan & Mary Anne Benvenutti) Mark Buell (brother of Adam Buell) Lindsay Coffee (Bridget LaRochelle’s sister)

Trevor Grant (son of Brenda and Ken Grant) Stephen Hall (nephew of David Zimmerman) Caleb Haney (son of Rose Brogan and Brian Haney) Jeremy Haney (son of Rose Brogan and Brian Haney) Stan Jacukowicz, Jr. (brother of Theresa Simmons) Mattheus Jonkman (son of Chandra & Mark Jonkman) Jennifer Landis (daughter of Celia & Jim Landis) Jeff Pullinger (son of Steve Pullinger) Eric Wentz (son of Brad & Kim Wentz) Additional Requests Ellen Koch: an officer in the Alexandria Police Dept. Rebekah Koch: serving in the Peace Corps.

The United Methodist Church: Please pray for our denomination as we seek God’s direction for our way forward in response to the actions taken at the St. Louis General Conference.

Cunningham United Methodist Church: Please pray for our church as we prepare for the Rev. Amy Grant, our new pastor. Pray also for Pastor Amy as she prepares to lead us.

Lost Loved Ones Michelle Stafford: Michelle (friend of Dee Dee Kent) lost

her father on April 28. Judy Surber: Judy passed away in her home the

weekend of April 7. Sri Lanka: Pray for the peace and healing of this country

which experienced violence this past week. Victims of Violence: at Chabat Synagogue in Poway, CA

on April 27 and at UNC Charlotte on April 30

New Loved Ones Oliver VanDerWerf: Oliver (great grandson of Marion Schaeffer) was born on April 24.

May Usher Schedule May 5 Bill Alderman, Andy Peterson May 12 Mike Luniewski, Betty Meyer May 19 Bill Whyte, Mike Luniewski May 26 Craig Conboy, Kim Conboy

Communion Servers for May May 12 Walter Hussey, Marie Hussey Mabel Powell, Janice Eanes

United Methodist Women Cunningham UMW will meet May 14 for a Business Meeting at 9:30 am. Please join us!

United Methodist Men UM Men will meet on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 pm. Exciting plans are in the works for a barbeque supper (May 17), and a June 1 yard sale. All men of the church are welcome!

Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet immediately following the UMW meeting on April 16.

Monday Night Bible Study Our next meeting will take place on May 13 at the home of Kim and Craig Conboy. Watch for details soon.

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FCSS

Food will be picked up by Craig Conboy on the second week of every month. You can help by bringing cans, jars, cereal, peanut butter, vegetables and other basic healthy items for next week. Please give generously to help the hungry of Fluvanna County. Partners in Ministry Update as of April 28, 2019:

Source Amount Committed

Contributions 34 Pledges $469,180.00 $452,625.57 Other Contributions $158,708.17 $158,708.17 Total $627,888.17 $611,333.74

We welcome and encourage additional donations to help us stay within our budget and reduce the amount we will need to borrow to complete the new fellowship hall. Thank you for your faithfulness!

There's an app for that (aka CUMC Stewardship) Cunningham has an app for giving! During the Sunday Service, as the collection plate is being passed around, you can use your smart phone to give your contribution to Cunningham. Go to your app store and download the GivePlus+ (the plus is really a cross) app, enter our zip code, 22963, and select Cunningham. You can set up for your secure account using your credit card and/or bank account info and thereafter with just a couple of clicks give to Cunningham. Please let us know about your experience after you try this. For questions, help or further info, please contact a member of the CUMC Finance Committee. Thanks for your faithfulness!

Singles The Singles group will begin their summer hours on Friday, May 10. They will meet from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.

Feeding the Hungry On Monday, May 6, Cunningham once again will have the opportunity to help feed the hungry of Charlottesville at First United Methodist Church. We will gather at First Church at 11:00 am. By 2:00 pm, our cleanup will be completed. If you would like more information, please speak to Bill Peters.

Brennan Brady 1 Carol Frost 2 Mark Liles 3 Rhonda Kay Black 4 Kenzie Brady 4 DJ Wilkerson 4 Rusty Nichols 5 Linda Esch 6 Matthew Esch 7 Sherry Esch 7 David Zimmerman 7

Alex Lee 10 Margaret Alderman 13 Rich Baker 13 Marie Hussey 13 Piper LaRochelle 18 Michael Wilkerson 18 Mike Mayhew 19 Adam Buell 23 Madeline Esch 24 Andrew Perry 28 Linda Mattson 30 Brenda Grant 31

Contemplative Thursday We invite you to join us in deepening our awareness of God’s love at our Contemplative Thursday Service. On the third Thursday of each month, a small group from Cunningham gathers together for the practice of spiritual disciplines, contemplative prayer, and fellowship. Our next “Contemplative Thursday” service will take place on May 16 at 7:00 pm. Please join us as we experience God’s love together.

Scholarships stil l available for Summer Camp at Westview Each year the Cunningham United Methodist Men, with support from the UMW and our Congregation, offer scholarships of up to $350 for each CUMC child who will be attending a Summer Camp at Westview. Register your child at http://www.westviewonthejames.org/ for the Camp (deadline was May 1 but camp registration is still open on a space available basis) and provide Walter Hussey a copy of your confirmation email so he can arrange for you to get a check. Questions? Please email or call Walter at whthinker@yahoo.com or 703-967-1798

Opportunities to Serve We have several positions that we still are trying to fill. These positions include: 1. Assistant Treasurer: This position is intended,

initially, as a chance to learn the systems and processes for issuing payments from the church’s accounts, maintaining the financial books and records of the church, and issuing periodic reports to the Church Council. Our expectation is that the Assistant Treasurer would assume the duties of the Treasurer by the end of 2019.

2. Assistant Financial Secretary: Assistant Financial Secretary: This position is intended, initially, as a chance to learn the systems and processes for recording donations, depositing revenues into our bank accounts, tracking pledges, and issuing both weekly and year-end reports. Our expectation is that the Assistant Financial Secretary would assume the duties of the Financial Secretary by the end of 2019.

3. Mission Outreach Chair: Cunningham has a strong core group of people dedicated to mission, but this group needs leadership to coordinate, communicate and to invite the broader church to be part of God’s mission of loving.

4. Worship Committee Chair: We are increasing the size of our Worship Committee as we take on the task of planning and offering alternative forms of worship in the “Gathering Place” even as we continue our traditional worship. We need a chairperson who is vitally interested in worship to lead this group.

Do you feel God calling you to serve your church in one of these roles? Please speak with Pastor Tom or make a note on your Connection Card on Sunday.

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Church Council Highlights April 16, 2019

TREASURER’S REPORT - Richard Hawks CUMC Cash Assets, Restricted Fund Summary and

General Fund Budget as of February 28, 2019 Union Bank Checking Account Balance $80,124.94 Union Bank 2640 (building fund) $27,428.28 Subtotal Checking Account $107,553.22 Investments VUMDC $18,073.23 Other Assets Contribution Transit Account $105.00 Total Cash Assets $125,731.45 Unrestricted Fund Balance $ 17,467.41

FINANCE – Walter Hussey ● Two accounts may require budget increases: Insurance

(about $3,000 increase after old insurance refunds) and Parsonage Maintenance (work currently being defined). ● Along with the conversion of the building construction

loan to a 5-yr balloon mortgage, we will need to begin discussions on how the current Partners in Ministry might change as we transition to paying off this mortgage. ● Cunningham now has a smart phone app for giving. An

article will be placed in the bulletin and Messenger. ● First quarter 2019 contributions to the CUMC General

Operating Fund which were slightly below the budget as were the March monthly contributions. We expect to receive the last bill from Alexander Nicholson in next couple of weeks. Need to strategize once we have the numbers.

2019 Budget thru

March

2019 Contributions thru March

Monthly Budget

March Contributions

$40,764 $38,735 $13,588 $12,379

TRUSTEES – Roger Black ● The first official meeting for the newly seated board

was held 3/26/19. Roger Black was elected chair and Ken Grant secretary. A big thank you to outgoing officers Mark Liles and Richard Payne. ● Trustees approved the use of space by a local AA group

on Wednesday evenings. ● Trustees voted to accept Janice Creasy’s offer to donate

a framed print of “Jesus in the Temple at Age 12” for the Gathering Place. CUMC is one of two churches under consideration to receive the gift. ● Repairs to the Parsonage were prioritized with repairs

scheduled to begin the end of April, with completion prior to the arrival of our new pastor. ● Trustee member Dawn Brindle has moved out of state.

Jennifer Wilkerson was approved to the CUMC Board of Trustees as the replacement for Dawn Brindle upon receipt of Dawn’s resignation.

UMW – Linda Merhar ● May 14 -regular business meeting.

● May 17 and 18 - Women’s Retreat, “SeaSide Escape,” at Palmyra UMC. Registration due by May 8. The cost is $30 for all materials, meals and snacks. ● June 18 -a trip to a lavender farm near Harrisonburg.

UMM – David Eddy • Youth group thanked the men’s and women’s groups

and congregational donors for sending them to camp • May 17 - Men’s BBQ • May 19 - Senior Recognition Sunday • June 1 – Annual Yard sale

MISSION OUTREACH – Mary Kalchbrenner • June 16 - dedicate school kits • May 19 - Mission Minute for Dillinger fund - David –

collection • PNO – 12 children and 7 adults attended April 13. The

children assembled 50 school kits. SUNDAY SCHOOL – Carla Lee • July 8-12 VBS – ”To Mars and Beyond”. We hope to

include a new Adult VBS class this year. STAFF-PARISH COUNCIL – DeeDee Kent ● The projected appointment of Pastor Amy Grant was

announced to the congregation on Sunday 4/7/19 ● Request made for fencing estimates for parsonage. ● Planning for Farewell luncheon. A welcome lunch for

Pastor Amy also will be scheduled.

PASTOR’S REPORT AND CONCERNS: ● Holy Week Schedule will include: a Maundy Thursday

service at Salem UMC at 7:00 pm; Good Friday personal prayer and meditation from 9-3, with a Noon-Day Prayer Service at noon and a Service of Tennebrae at Palmyra UMC at 7:00 pm; Easter Sunrise Service outdoor at 7:00;, followed by a potluck breakfast, and our regular Worship Service at 9:30 am. ● Richard Payne will set up the flower cross frame on

Saturday. • Six week marriage study completed – 4 couples

attended. • Lenten Bible study completed – very successful. • May 1 – New Pastor Amy Grant will meet with Pastor

Tom on transition. • The next regularly scheduled Church Council Meeting

will be held on June 18, 7:00 PM. If necessary, a meeting may be called for a Sunday afternoon after church.

Save the Date June 1 Yard Sale June 23 Pastor Tom & Carol’s Farewell Service and Covered Dish Luncheon June 30 Amy Grant’s first Sunday

Thomas Dillinger Education Fund This Fund was established with a gift from Thomas and Lonne Dillinger and is maintained by the support of members of Cunningham UMC to encourage young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. A special offering will be received on May 19 to support this Scholarship Fund. Please give generously!

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MAY 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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6:30 p Alcoholics Anonymous

7:30 p Choir Practice

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3

4

5 9:30a-10:30a Children's

Sun. School 9:30a-10:30a Worship

Service 11:00a-12p Adult Sun.

Sch. Class

6 11a Feeding the Hungry

7 10 am UMW Workday

6pm UM Men

8 6:30 p Alcoholics

Anonymous

7:30 p Choir Practice

9 10 2:00 p Memorial Service

for Judy Surber

5:00p Singles

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12 Mother’s Day 9:30a-10:30a Children’s

Sun. School 9:30a-10:30a Worship

Service 11:00a-12p Adult Sun.

School

13 6:15p Fellowship Supper

7:00p Bible Study

14

9:30 am UMW Meeting

Prayer Shawl Ministry

15 6:30 p Alcoholics

Anonymous

7p-8p Choir Practice

16 7p Contemplative

Thursday

17 11:15a Delivering Meals

to Ronald McDonald House

UMM BBQ

UMW Retreat

18 UMW Retreat

19 9:30a-10:30a Children's

Sun. School 9:30a-10:30a Worship

Service 11:00a-12p Adult Sun.

Sch. Class

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21 10 am UMW Workday

22 6:30 p Alcoholics

Anonymous

7p-8p Choir Practice

23 24

25

26 9:30a-10:30a Children's

Sun. School 9:30a-10:30a Worship

Service 11:00a-12p Adult Sun.

Sch. Class

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28 10 am UMW Workday

29 6:30 p Alcoholics

Anonymous

7p-8p Choir Practice

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The Messenger

CUNNINGHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH c/o The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Frost 3389 Thomas Jefferson Parkway Palmyra, VA 22963-9516

Church Phone: 434-591-1363 Parsonage Phone: 434-589-8423 E-mail: CUMC-Pastor@comcast.net

May 2019

Church Directory Corrections and Additions Please Notify: Chandra Jonkman 434-591-1363

Please submit information for the next Newsletter by the 15th of the month to: Carol Frost

cifrost@aol.com 5436 Ruritan Lake Rd. Palmyra, VA 22963 Ph. No. 589-8423

Cunningham United Methodist Church

9:30 am Worship Service Children’s Sunday School Nursery Care for Infants & Preschoolers

11:15 am Adult Sunday School Class

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Wheelchair Accessible

The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Frost, Pastor