december 2017 - christ moravian church

Christ Moravian Church December 2017

Candle Lighters for Advent December 3 Eleanor Butner December 10 Bella Newsom December 17 Hunter Riddle December 24 Kayleigh Bitancor (11 AM Service) David Marcus, III (4 PM Service) Kyra Smith (7:30 PM Service) ============================================

Christ Moravian Church

Congregational Christmas Lovefeast and Candle Service

Sunday, December 17, 2017

11:00 AM

(Band prelude 30 minutes prior to the service.)

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Christ Moravian Church Christmas Eve

Lovefeasts and Candle Services

Saturday, December 24, 2017

4:00 PM and 7:30 PM

(Band prelude 30 minutes prior to the service.)

(Lit Luminaries will line the sidewalks for the 7:30 PM service.)

FELLOWSHIP MESSENGER Dave’s Devotional

It’s hard to believe the Advent Season is fast approaching! Every year goes by faster than the one before. Now is a good time before Advent comes to give some thought as to how we might choose to spend this final season of the Church calendar year! If we don’t take control of the season, it will take control of us and leave us weary, stressed and less happy. Perhaps we should begin with asking the question, “What do we want out of Christmas this year?” If we want Advent to mean something more to us, perhaps a great beginning to answer that question is to attend all four Sundays of Advent: December 3, 10, 17 & 24.

The first Sundays of Advent will be a typical Sunday at Christ Moravian Church. However on December 17 we will have one of our candlelight Lovefeast services and on December 24 a service of readings and carols during our 11 AM worship before many of us return for our two Lovefeast services that day (4 PM 7 7:30 PM).

I encourage all to come to worship God these Sundays of Advent. Hopefully we will leave less weary, less stressed, and happier.

With the joy of serving Christ together,

The Rev. Dr. David A. Marcus, Jr.

Contents

All items to be included in the newsletter must be submitted to the church office by the 20th of the month.


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News From the Leadership Board The Leadership Board met on November 13th at 7 PM in the Fellowship Building. Committee reports were given and the following was approved:

• Modern Tree actually trimmed 11 trees on the church property.

• Continued work on getting the church office ready for sale is being done. The tanks and the boiler were removed, painting has been done and pressure washing has also been done.

• Funds collected during the Christmas Eve Lovefeast Services will be split ½ to the church and ½ to Sunnyside Ministry.

Our next meeting will be Monday, December 11th at 7 PM in the Fellowship Building. Women’s Fellowship News Our Candle Trim Dinner is Tuesday, December 5, at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Building. Please plan to attend as this is a wonderful, fun evening of food and fellowship. A sign-up sheet is on the Church Family Life Bulletin Board. Please remember our shut-ins and special friends with calls, letters and visits during the holiday season. These gestures of love and kindness mean so much to them. Please continue to bring in Salemtowne bingo prizes as often as possible. There is a box in the hall behind the sanctuary. Regional Conference of Churches (RCC) Update On December 19, the Petersbrook RCC will sponsor a Christmas Lovefeast at the Overflow Shelter for homeless men at Augsburg Lutheran Church at 7:00 PM. We will serve a meal, sing carols, have a Lovefeast and visit with the gentlemen. If you would like to help in any way, please see Pastor Marcus. Marvelous Moravians The Marvelous Moravians have planned a trip to Salemtowne on Tuesday evening, December 12, to hear the Advent-Hopewell Band in concert. Plans are to leave the church parking lot at 6 PM for Salemtowne and the concert begins at 7 PM. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the Church Family Life Bulletin Board so that we may get a headcount for transportation purposes. Last day to sign up is Sunday, December 10.

ADVENT ACTIVITIES

ADVENT EVENT – Our annual Advent Event Luncheon will be after Sunday, December 3, following worship in the Fellowship Building. The CE Committee will provide the roast beef and chicken and the congregation is asked to bring the sides and dessert. CANDLE TRIM DINNER – The Candle Trim Dinner is Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Building. The sign-up sheet is on the Church Family Life Bulletin Board.

CHRISTMAS LOVEFEAST – Join us at Christ Moravian Church for a Christmas Lovefeast during the worship service on Sunday, December 17, at 11 AM in the Sanctuary. CHRISTMAS CAROLING – Sunday, December 17 – For those who wish to go caroling, we will have lunch after worship in the Church Office and then go caroling. Christmas Card boxes will also be delivered during caroling. Members of the congregation are invited to go along with the youth. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the Church Family Life Bulletin Board so that we may get a headcount for lunch and for transportation arrangements. CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEASTS – Sunday, December 24 at 4 PM and 7:30 PM. The luminaries will line the walk and driveway for the 7:30 PM lovefeast on Christmas Eve. ========================================

2018 UNITY PRAYER WATCH

The Moravian Church has experienced spiritual renewal and strength through a covenant of prayer. In 1727, the church in Herrnhut, Germany covenanted for an “hourly intercession: which continued for 100 years with great blessing to the entire Moravian Church. As we prepare for observing the prayer watch across our province, please consider opportunities for members and friends to pray at home or coming to the church to pray during the assigned period of prayer.

Christ Church has been assigned the date of Friday, January 5, 2018 from 8 AM – 4 PM as our local observance.

A complete list of 2018 Unity Prayer Watch Topics will be on the counter outside the sanctuary on December 24.


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Calendar of Events 12/2 9:00 am

1:00 pm

West Salem Neighborhood Association Pancake Breakfast (Fellowship Building) Biking Group (Greenway behind Marketplace Mall)

12/3 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm

Sunday School Opening Sunday School Worship: 1st Sunday of Advent Advent Event (Fellowship Building)

12/4 7:00 pm Heritage Woods Lovefeast 12/5 11:00 am

6:30 pm Orientation for New Board Members (Church Office) Candle Trim Dinner (Fellowship Building)

12/6 8:00 am 7:00 pm

Men’s Breakfast (Cagney’s) Choir Rehearsal

12/8 ALL DAY Fellowship Building Reserved) 12/9 11:00 am Marx-Carr Class & Marvelous Moravians Christmas

Luncheon (Fellowship Building) 12/10 9:45 am

10:00 am 11:00 am

Sunday School Opening Sunday School Worship: 2nd Sunday of Advent

12/11 7:00 pm Leadership Board Meeting (Fellowship Building) 12/12 6:00 pm Marvelous Moravians Depart Church Parking Lot for

Salemtowne to attend Advent-Hopewell Band in Concert

12/13 8:00 am 1:00 pm 7:00 pm

Men’s Breakfast (Cagney’s) Biking Group (Greenway behind Marketplace Mall) Choir Rehearsal

12/14 4:00 pm Fellowship Building Reserved 12/16 1:00 pm Biking Group (Greenway behind Marketplace Mall) 12/17 9:45 am

10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Sunday School Opening Sunday School Worship: 3rd Sunday of Advent / Christmas Lovefeast Lunch at Church Office for those going Caroling Oxford House (Fellowship Building)

12/18 7:00 pm Petersbrook RCC Lovefeast at Augsburg Homeless Shelter

12/24 ALL DAY 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 4:00 pm 7:30 pm

Fellowship Building Reserved Sunday School Opening Sunday School Worship: 4th Sunday of Advent Christmas Lovefeast (Sanctuary) Christmas Lovefeast (Sanctuary)

12/25 ALL DAY ALL DAY

Fellowship Building Reserved CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

12/26 ALL DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 12/27 8:00 am

1:00 pm Men’s Breakfast (Cagney’s) Biking Group (Greenway behind Marketplace Mall)

12/31 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 pm

Sunday School Opening Sunday School Worship: 1st Sunday after Christmas /Matt Pace Leading Service New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service (Trinity Moravian Church, Rev. Jeff Coppage will lead the service

Birthdays in December

2 Sherri Buchanan, Tracy Holman & Cackie Rollins 3 Don Binkley & Sarah Pace 4 Ashlee Pace 5 Matt Pace 6 Becky Hill & Sabrina Maksi 7 Ruth Hill 10 Ken Sparks 11 Sarah Grace Vogler

14 Becky Lanier

16 Jane Chitty & Sandra Davis 18 Lauren Walker 23 Maryanne Keller & Carol Wade 24 DeEtte Jarrard 25 Lisa Sheppard 26 Howard Chambers, Jr. 28 Mike Hastings & Rosie Sloan 30 Nita Capone & Candace Jones 31 Diane Saunders

FOOD COLLECTION FOR SUNNYSIDE MINISTRY

“I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME FOOD” (Matthew 25:35)

Please continue to bring your food donations for Sunnyside Ministry to each church service and place it in the collection bins. The need is great. Also, please check expiration dates on food you bring to donate.


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CE Committee Report: The CE Committee did not meet in November or December. The next CE meeting will be Sunday, January 7, following the service.

Youth: The Youth will be going Christmas Caroling and delivering Christmas Card boxes on Sunday, December 17. We will have lunch after the service in the church office and then go caroling. Anyone who would like to join the youth is welcome.

Children/Youth Music Rehearsals: Jeanie Rothrock is rehearsing music for the Christmas Lovefeast on December 17 with the youth at 10:25 AM on Sunday mornings after a brief Sunday School lesson. It is very important that the kids be at Sunday School in time for their lesson and music rehearsal.

Lovefeast Bun Orders: If you would like to order lovefeast buns for the Lovefeast on December 17 at 11 AM or one of the Christmas Eve Lovefeasts at 4 PM or 7:30 PM, please let Sabrina Maksi know.

End of Year Reminder from the Treasurer: In order for your contribution to count in 2017, the contribution must be received or postmarked 12/31/17 or before. Any contributions received or postmarked after 12/31/17 will be counted as 2018.

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Marx-Carr Class and Marvelous Moravians Christmas Luncheon

The Marx-Carr Class and Marvelous Moravians will have a Christmas luncheon on Saturday, December 9, from 12-2 PM n the Fellowship Building. =====================================================

2017 New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service

The Salem Congregation Moravian Watchnight Service will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 11 PM at Trinity Moravian Church, 220 E. Sprague Street, Winston-Salem, NC. The Rev. Jeff Coppage, Pastor at Fries Memorial Moravian Church will bring the message. Greet the new year with hymn singing, sacred music and the sharing of a simple meal.

CHRISTMAS CARD BOXES FOR SPECIAL FRIENDS

Christmas is a time for getting in touch with friends and family and letting them know that you are thinking about them. Once again there will be decorated boxes for our Special Friends and you may put Christmas cards in the boxes. The boxes will be delivered during the December Christmas caroling (December 17).

Ralph Abee Elise Adams Forrest Ader Lydia Brown Lucille Coker HALEY CONRAD

Jake & Polly Davis John Denham Rosa Gaddy Toby Phillips Mary Thomas Phyllis Swicegood

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SHARE THE LIGHT AT CHRISTMAS

It is time again to purchase a luminary in memory or in honor of loved ones or special people. The luminaries will line the walk and driveway for the lovefeasts on Christmas Eve. An insert will be included in the ode listing whom the luminaries are for. The luminaries are $3 each. There is a box in the Resource Center to put your luminary list and money in or you can contact the church office at 722-2007. All proceeds go to the youth and their mission projects.

In Memory of: _____________________________ Given by: _____________________________ In Honor of: _____________________________ Given by: _____________________________

DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

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MEMORIALS (October 23, 2017 – November 25, 2017)

In Memory of Julia Denham In Memory of Lois Gray Almon Carr Sandra Davis

Rowdy & Kaye Powers

In Memory of Cathy Saunders In Memory of Nancy Marshall Maravelous Moravians Jo Brown Mr. & Mrs. Phil Kane Elizabeth Moore WF Circle #1 Ann Frye The Marshall Family The DePrey Family (Brenda DePrey Jeff DePrey & Family Ryan, Debbie & Family Lindsay DePrey/Thomas & Family)


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Treasurer’s Report

Year-to-Date October 31, 2017: Actual Budget Difference Offerings/Plate* 176,481.00 182,916.70 (6,435.70) Expenses 197,452.25 203,118.90 (5,666.65) Net Income/(Loss) (20,971.25) (20,202.20) (769.05) *Does not include memorials Monthly expenses averaging $19,745.23 Monthly offerings averaged $17,648.10 Average Shortage per month = $2,097.13 Transfers to cover expenses:

• $14,000 from Money Market Capital Improvement (to be paid back by year end) Account Balances (Actual Cash in bank or Investments): 09/30/17 10/31/17 ACCOUNTS FOR CHURCH OPERATIONS: Operating Account 7,281.19 8,423.62 Ameriprise Investment Account 242,438.14 242,448.22 Money Market Account at Capital Bank 45,491.02 36,494.58 ---------------- --------------- TOTAL 295,210.35 287,366.42 Less: Restrictions * (150,236.50) (140,587.58) Use/Non-restricted 144,973.85 146,778.84 ACCOUNTS OF OTHER GROUPS (not in Operating Budget): Outreach (Pastor’s Discretionary) Account 623.69 723.69 Mission Account 1,029.14 1,154.28 M Tesh Mission Account 87.01 161.88 Christian Education Account 7,069.08 4,678.95 Youth Account 1,481.31 1,911.31 Petersbrook RCC Fund (in Youth Account) 693.92 693.92 RESTRICTIONS *:

• Capital Improvement Fund of $113,199.01 is spread among the Operating Account, Ameriprise Account and Money Market Account

• Organ Fund of $26,596.41 in Money Market Fund • Smaller Funds totaling $792.16 in Operating Account (Choir, Lovefeast, Labyrinth)

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you give a cash donation (even if just a couple dollars), please put it in an offering envelope (located in the pews) with your name on the outside in order to receive credit for the contribution. The Leadership Board periodically reviews membership status which includes all 3 types of stewardship: time, talent and treasure.

Respectfully submitted

Sabrina L. Maksi

Treasurer


The word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4

December 3, 2017 Preparation for the Underprepared (Philippians 1:3-10 & Mark 13:24-37) December 10, 2017 U Turns on the Road of Life (Mark 1:1-8 & 2 Peter 3:8-15) December 17, 2017 Christmas Lovefeast December 24, 2017 Christmas Eve Service of Readings and Hymns December 31, 2017 New Year’s Eve – Matt Pace, Acolyte will be guest preacher

LOOKING AHEAD IN WORSHIP

STEWARDSHIP OF SERVICE

Date Sunday School Opening

Greeter Ushers Nursery Children’s Church

December 3, 2017 Doug Conrad Skip Johnson Page Crater Annie Fry Avis Gray Trish Gray Nancy Reid

Lou Saunders

Avis Gray Joey Gray

Page Crater Robbie Disher

December 10, 2017 Jo Brown Ronnie Lanier Bradley Conrad Phil Kane

Bob Peddycord N.T. Russell

Kenny Wright

Jo Brown Elizabeth Peddycord

Trish Gray Sabrina Maksi

December 17, 2017 Angie Conrad Nancy Reid Mark Crater Skip Johnson

Joey Gray Lee Wilmoth

Debbie Jones Rebecca Rath

NONE-LOVEFEAST

December 24, 2017 Matt Pace N.T. Russell Herman Critz Sam Dixon Jeff Glance

Jim Hill Jack Sparks

Kay Butner Mary Ferguson

NONE – SPECIAL SERVICE

December 31, 2017 Donna Tesh Carol Wade YOUTH Carol Wade Donna Tesh

Sabrina Maksi

Dear Christ Moravian Church: On behalf of the family of Nancy Fry Marshall, we would like to convey our sincerest appreciation for your prayers and support for our family during this truly difficult time. Thank you so much for your phone calls of concern and offer of prayers during mom's illness and following her passing. We are blessed to know that she is in the presence of our Lord. Thank you Pastor Marcus for your support and prayers, it meant so much to all of us. We want to personally thank the band for playing at her burial, she loved the wonderful sound of the Moravian band. We'd like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the women who prepared and served the delicious meal to our family following the service. Your kindness and service in the Lord is a blessing. With love in Christ, Nancy's daughters (Charmaine, Robin, Valerie, Gloria) and their families"

december 2017 - christ moravian church

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