NOVEMBER Good News newsletter 2017Our ministry vision for the Virginia Annual Conference is “to be disciples of Jesus Christ who are lifelong learners, who influence others to serve.”  

From Pastor Liz:"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27 NRSV). Paul used the imagery of the Church as a body. A body consists of many different and varied parts, but there is within it an essential unity. There is an "I", a personality which gives unity to the many and different parts of the body. What the "I" is to the body, Christ is to the Church. It is in Christ that all the diverse parts come together in unity.

We are "the body of Christ." This is a tremendous thought, but too often we neglect its importance. Christ is no longer here in this world in his physical body. Therefore, we have to be the body of Christ - hands to do his work, feet to run his errands, and the voice to speak for him. This is a difficult job only accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit.

This unity must exist within the Church, as well as within the physical body, if they are to fulfill their proper functions. William Barclay has identified certain things from Paul's picture which ought to exist in the Church, the body of Christ. First, we ought to realize that we need each other. There can be no isolation within the Church. Second, we ought to respect each other. In the body there is no question of relative importance and this is so with the Church, too. All service ranks the same with God. Third, we ought to sympathize with each other. The Church is a whole and if one part is affected, all the others suffer in sympathy.

Let us pray for our church and the Church universal that we are indeed a part of the body of Christ and are doing all things possible to contribute to its unity.

~Blessings, Grace and Peace, Liz

2017 Charge ConferenceThe 2017 Charge Conference of Chestnut Hill UMC and the Central Lynchburg Cluster will be held on Sunday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Marsh Memorial UMC. This is the most important business meeting of the church year, and it is vital that as many of our church leaders, as possible, attend. 

All Saints Day to be Observed~Sunday, November 5

On Sunday, November 5, we will take time in the worship service to remember those of our fellowship who have died since last year at this time. All Saints Day commemorates all Christian

people, of every time and place, and has been celebrated in Christian churches for many years. It is one way of honoring the gifts and graces of faithful Christians, and to celebrate the power of God to raise up new saints in our midst. We will give thanks for those loved ones and for all the saints who have preceded us in death. A bell will be rung as each name is called. Come join the congregation in remembering those of our membership who are no longer among us. 

 

United Methodist Women On Sunday, September 24th Frances Unruh. Georgia Mason & I attended the Annual Lynchburg District UMW Meeting at Lambs UM Church in Altavista, VA. As always, Chestnut Hill was awarded many Honors & Certificates for the past year as follows -- UMW Reading Program - 105 books read by members & Pastor Liz - books are kept in

the Bookcase in the Fellowship Hall - please check out the selection of books & see Beryl Martin about the details.- Received the Six Star Certificate for our many Channels of Mission Giving & a Certificate for our many "hands-on" Missions both locally & in other areas. This meeting was very informative & presented beautifully by the District Leaders.

December is not very far away, therefore, mark your Calendars for two events listed below-- 1) Lynchburg District Annual Advent Brunch & Meeting @ Rustburg UMC, Rustburg, VA -Saturday, December 2nd @ 9:00 am - Cost is $9.00 & the food is prepared by the United Methodist Men - always delicious ! Please let me or Georgia Mason know if you plan to attend & pay us the $9.00.- 2) Saturday, December 9th - Our Unit's Annual Meeting, Luncheon & preparing the Basket for our "shut-ins". Don't forget to bake cookies - (6-8 per Zip-Lock bag) for the baskets ! See you there @ 10:30 am!

Thank You for all you do for our UMW Unit - you make me very proud!

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 (one) hour! 

We Need You!Our church needs your help. We are currently behind on our apportionments for this year

without much time to make it up. Won’t you help by making a larger than usual offering during the months of November and December. If possible a special donation, marked apportionments, would also be very much appreciated. We can’t truly move forward in mission and ministry with the debits of the past hanging over our shoulders. Take a leap of faith and give generously. May God bless you for helping the ministry of our church to go forward. 

Communications TeamWe need a Communications Team to better communicate in our modern world. We need your help to make this happen. We need individuals who can use Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, like to write newspaper articles, etc. – in short we need you if you like to communicate! Please call Pastor Liz (434-239-8423) or email her (pastorliz@aol.com) if you can help. This is a vital part of Chestnut Hill UMC’s ministry. Thanks. 

Come One! Come All!Homeschool First invites YOU to their Fundraiser/Talent Show/Silent Auction/Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, November 17th, at 6:00 p.m., here at Chestnut Hill. The fundraiser will benefit Homeschool Families in Florida and Texas. Mark your calendar!! 

Disaster Response UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief is grateful for your relentless prayers and support. Please write your check payable to Chestnut Hill UMC and note on the memo line: US Disaster Response #901670. 

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church extends Christian love and sympathy to the family of Frank Proehl, Jr., and especially to his daughters, Amanda and Megan. Mr. Proehl passed away on September 23, 2017.

And to the family of Mary Jo Woods and especially to her parents, Bob and Eleanor Elium. Mrs. Woods passed away on October 19, 2017. 

Gifts & MemorialsIn Memory Of:Tom Sweeney

Given by: Robbie Perrow

Top of the Hill...We will meet on Wednesday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. Guest

speaker is Bonnie Benedict. She is the past president of The Churches for Urban Ministries. Bring a sandwich. Dessert and drinks provided. Program to be announced at a later time. 

Remember Our Shut InsAs we head into the chilly winter months when even the hardiest among us have

trouble getting out, we urge you to remember our shut ins. We request your prayers, phone calls, cards, and visits for those who are unable to enjoy the pleasures of freedom that we take for granted. Real love is helping someone who may never be able to return the favor.

Candy

Do you have your costume ready for Halloween? I think I will go dressed just as I am. That should scare the ghosts and goblins off. I hope you get some good treats for being good!! 

Remember to save any extra candy for the Christmas fruit baskets. That will add so much to top off the baskets. Thanks in advance for helping me with this fun project.

~Beryl 

A Note from Kyle CyrusIt’s been an interesting (often difficult) year for me. As most of you know, I had hip surgery in

April and a new heart valve put in soon thereafter. My lovely wife of 68 years, Jeanette, passed away in July and I miss her so much. However, the good Lord has been good to me and blessed me with many helpful friends like you.

It’s been a difficult decision but I have decided to move to Norfolk near Steve. Kenneth’s location in Florida was very tempting with all the beaches and bikinis, but it was just a little too far from “home”. I’d love to hear from you. My new address is: Kyle Cyrus, Province Place #1102, 6403 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505.

Thank you…We too thank you for all you have done for our family and especially lately

for Dad. He seems to be getting adjusted nicely to his new place. The most important thing to him is that the food is very good. His big event each day is his walk to the mailbox, so if you have a minute, send him a note or post card. He would love it. Thanks so much…~Kenneth and Steve Linda, Jerry, and I would like to give our thanks to all who helped with the

fall Clean-up.  It was a big job and not easy, but it looks so nice. Spring will be lovely.   God smiled on our efforts with lovely Fall day of giving to the church. A job well done to our faithful workers.  We would love to have others join in next year. Happy Autumn!

Love you all...Ruth Ann Harris Dear Church Friends,

I want to thank all of you for your birthday cards and calls. I had a wonderful birthday and you helped make it that way!

As always, Pat Short I would like to thank you for all the prayers when I couldn’t be here. And also thank you for

the cards that I received. ~Alice Lovelace 

 

Advent begins on Sunday, December 3

Advent is a season of four weeks, including four Sundays. Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means "coming." The season proclaims the comings of the Christ - whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year, Advent calls the community of faith

to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by fasts for preparation. 

United Methodist Student Day OfferingSunday, November 26, 2017

Your generous gift enriches ministry and connects students to their faith. 

Churches for Urban Ministry Citrus SaleDeadline for orders is Sunday, November 5 th . Order forms are placed in the Commons. For more information contact Tammy Balderson or Eleanor Maxham.

Advocate SubscriptionsFor all new/returning subscribers the deadline for ordering is Sunday, November 12 th . Order forms are placed in the Commons. 

We miss you in worship on Sunday morning. Please come this week. Overflow a new book written by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. & Tom Berlin

reports that most church members of mainline denominations who consider themselves “active,” attend church on average only 1.8 times per month. We can do better than that! Many members who don’t attend regularly eventually become completely inactive. New members’ exits can be as swift as their entrances. We have missed you -

please come home to Chestnut Hill UMC. Also, please call those who sit around you in worship who have been absent and see how they’re doing & re-invite them to church.  

History of the National HolidayThanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States commemorating the harvest of the

Plymouth Colony in 1621. The event followed a winter of great hardship. When it was first inaugurated, only a few eastern states participated. However, through the effort of Sarah Hale a change was effected. She was fired with the determination of having the whole nation join together in setting apart a national day for giving thanks "unto Him from who all blessings flow." To this end, she resolutely engaged the press with an endless flow of letters and articles to the various newspapers and journals of her time. In addition, she pleaded long and earnestly with three Presidents: Fillmore, Pierce and Buchanan during the period of 1852, when her campaign succeeded in uniting 29 states in marking the last Thursday of November as "Thanksgiving Day."

Then came the dark days of the Civil War. Who would listen to a lone woman with her persistent plea for "just one day of peace amidst the blood and the strife"? One man did; her entreaty won the ear of a great American, and in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a day set apart for the national giving of thanks unto Almighty God. Lincoln lived to see only two such occasions, but Sarah Hale lived well on into her late 90's, content that her long-cherished hope had at last become a reality.  

~UMW Reading Program 2018~During 2017 we read 105 books-ending September 1, 2017. This was the highest number

since we started our reading program several years ago. 2018 selections promise to be even more exciting and informative. I am listing below a few of those we have available for the 2018 program. The following comments are taken from previews of the books. ~Beryl Martin

Spiritual Growth- Adventure of Ascent by Luci Shaw For most of us growing older is a reality we put off as long as possible—until we realize with a shock that it is happening to us. We immediately look around to see how others are dealing with it. In this book Luci Shaw serves as a fearless and eloquent scout. As she traverses new territory, she records her experiences lovingly, honestly, sorrowfully, joyfully -here is what it is like and what to be ready for.

Christ Walk With Kids by Anna Fitch Courie- YouthaOn the heels of her bestseller Christ Walk- A 40 day Spiritual Fitness Program , Anna Fitch Courie offers tweens and teens a process to grow in faith, grow in fitness, and grow into the full stature of Christ. Jump up from the couch and start your own Walk

Education For MissionHiding in the Light by Rifqa BaryAfter four years of hiding my faith from my family, I knew that it was time. I wrote with shaky hands, ‘Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I refuse to deny him….’There was no turning back now, I had to get out the house if I wanted to live, Was this worth risking everything for? Yes!!Nurturing For Community Good Health-Good Life by Joyce Meyer Meeting the demand of your busy life may leave little time for you to focus on maintaining your personal well-being. But it is important to remember that each part of you—mind, body, and emotions –serves a purpose in God’s exciting plan for your future.

Leadership Development50 Women Every Christian Should Know by Michelle DeRushaThroughout history countless women have boldly stepped out in faith and courage leaving their indelible mark on those around them and on the kingdom of God.

The Amazing Age Of John Boy Lynch by Chris Barton and beautifully illustrated by Don Tate. ChildrenJohn Boy Lynch spent most of his childhood as a slave, but the Emancipation and Proclamation and the end of the Civil War promised African Americans the freedom to learn and work as they wanted. 

Veterans DayThe spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds of other men and women; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which weights others interests alongside its own without bias; the spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded; the spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who, nearly two thousand years ago, taught humankind that lesson it has never quite forgotten: that there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest.

~Judge Learned Hand 

Read Ahead  

Each Sunday The lectionary provides us with readings from the Gospel, the Epistles (Letters) the Old Testament and the Psalms. The lectionary follows a three year cycle, which when finished will have covered the majority of the Bible. Pastor Liz believes that reading ahead will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the service.

November 5, 2017 ~All Saints Sunday ~ the Scripture is 1 John 3:1-3 & Psalm 107. The sermon text is 1 John 3:1-3 and the message is “Real Selling”.

November 12, 2017 ~Veteran’s Day Sunday ~ the Scripture is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Psalm 78. The sermon text is Matthew 25:1-13 and the message is “Be Prepared?”.

November 19, 2017 ~Thanksgiving Sunday ~ the Scripture is 1Thessalonians 5:1-11 & Psalm 123. The sermon text is Matthew 25:14-30 and the message is “One Talent”.

November 26, 2017 ~Christ the King Sunday ~ the Scripture is Ephesians 1:15-23 & Psalm 100. The sermon text is Matthew 25:31-46 and the message is “Are You a Goat?”.  

The Merry Marthas Circle will meet at church on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 10:00 a.m. We will have a brief program on the World Thank Offering, and a business and planning meeting. 

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

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

A total of 76 phone calls and 24 visits were made in SEPTEMBER. 

Children’s MinistryI want to thank all who participated in the Harvest Festival. There was a lot of fun and fellowship had by all.

The next session for Kingdom Kids started on October 22nd. We will get together October 29, November 5, 12, 19, and December 3 & 10. The children will be performing “A Night of Wonder”. We will be learning about Advent and about the birth of our Lord in the stable. The musical is the animals view of what happened when Jesus was born.

The children who participate in Kingdom Kids donated three (3) full buckets in addition, items to be delivered to those recovering from the hurricanes. We always do a mission project. For the next session the children will donate items to Lynchburg Humane Society. We will collect used blankets, canned dog food, and cat food. Please continue to pray for our children and this ministry.

~Jody Underwood, Lay Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Mission News

The food basket for September was full as usual.  We donated 45 cans of pasta, 5 cans of fruits and vegetables, and 3 bottles of Gatorade for a total of 56lbs. of food.  We donated 8 pks. of baby wipes for a total of 136 wipes.   We also donated 16 toothbrushes, 14 tubes of toothpaste, 11 cont. of deodorant, 9 bars of soap, and 6 bottles of shampoo.  Park View Mission was thankful for our donations and especially over joyed with the personal care items because along with toilet paper they are always in short supply.

Park View Mission's budget is always  just making it and for two months we have fallen behind. 

Gordy , the food for families manager, shared a blessing story from Oct.  He received a bill for $400.00 plus dollars and in the same stack of mail he received a check from Chestnut Hill U.M.C. for over $400.00.  He gave our church credit for the way GOD blesses this mission.  Thank-you.

For November we will collect for a Thanksgiving dinner: Canned yams and pumpkin, vegetables, stuffing mix, and Bisquick mix.  Also please remember toilet paper and personal care items can be collected at any time.  Thank-you for your generous support of this mission.

~Thank-you from Linda Jessen & the Mission Committee

FOOD CARTFor the month of NOVEMBER we will be collecting items for the Food Cart for Park View Community Mission.

Food Cart for NOVEMBER

“Canned yams and pumpkin, vegetables, stuffing mix, Bisquick mix, toilet paper, personal care items"

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

November Birthdays1 Ann Chakales 16 Kelli Adams

Jessica Robbins2 Bob Clarke5 Christopher Palazzi

Donna Smith6 Spencer Goolsby7 Eleanor Elium

Helen Fleck8 Karsen Burgess

Emily Morris9 Sylvia Glass

Jacob Powell10 Elizabeth Ashworth

Charles Kitts11 Casey Fish12 Linda Mitchell

Charles Scott, Sr.Harry White, III

 13 Pat Moore14 Kathleen Baker15 Imelda Chancey

John Martin, Jr.Maggie Musgrove

17 Christian BarberFrank Stewart

19 Ed Gibson, Jr.21 Derrick Tedder24 Ann Ruhland

Lee Steward25 D’Lynn Burgess

Elizabeth Candler26 Ella Dunn28 Tad LeFew, III29 Mary Mattox

Kim ScottWill Sperrazza

30 Carolyn StewartPhillip Yost

Those Who Serve ~ NOVEMBERUSHERS: Fred Norvelle, Head Usher

NURSERY CAREGIVERS:Erin Ecklund, Nursery Supervisor

November 5 ~Brenda TorianNovember 12 ~Ann RuhlandNovember 19 ~Linda WrightNovember 26 ~Jane White

GREETERS:November 5 ~Linda WrightNovember 12 ~Jane WhiteNovember 19 ~Kitty BurgessNovember 26 ~Elizabeth Ashworth

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (Ages 4-11)

Information will be provided in the bulletins.

OFFERING COUNTERS:

Wesley Robbins, Ann Robbins, Linda Wright 

GOOD NEWS is published monthly for members a nd friends of Chestnut Hill United Methodist

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

OUR ATTENDANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP

10/1 35 7810/8 30 5910/15 37 5310/22 37 67 

Our Church Financial PictureThrough the end of SEPTEMBER 2017

General Operating Funds:

Needed to meet our 2017 Budget $ 232,777

Needed to meet our budget to date $ 174,583

Actual receipts to date $ 140,087

Shortfall to meet budget to date $ 34,496

Actual expenditures to date $ 138,172

Overage meet expenses to date $ 1,915

Joy In Missions Funds:

Our Giving Goal for 2017 $ 11,600

Needed to meet our goal to date $ 8,700

Actual receipts to date $ 8,314

Special Offerings* (not budgeted):

Received to date $ 6,627

Dispersed to date $ 6,165

*Christmas, Easter, Annual Conference,

World Communion, etc.

2017 Joy In Mission Donations

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

Missionary Covenant Relationship $ 1,875

Interfaith Outreach $ 1,000

Park View Missions~Food for Families $ 1,322

Society of St. Andrew $ 750

Adult Care Center $ 375

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank $ 375

Camp Timothy $ 500

Churches for Urban Ministry $ 375

Daily Bread $ 375

Free Clinic $ 375

Good Neighbor $ 500

Habitat for Humanity $ 375

Heart Havens $ 375

Heifer $ 0.00

UMCOR-Non-Administrative $ 0.00

Undesignated $ 350

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

Meals on Wheels (Souper Bowl) $ 1,260

UMCOR(One Great Hour of Sharing) $ 350

Thank You for Your Generosity

 

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church

4660 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24502

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

E-mail: chestnuthillumc@comcast.net

On the web: www.chestnuthillumc.net

Church Office HoursMonday-Thursday9:00 am—3:30 pm

Friday9:00 am-1:00 pm

DIRECTORY OF CHESTNUT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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