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Church Calendar Each Sunday: 8:30 am Early Worship 9:30 am The Gathering 9:45 am Sunday School Assembly 10:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional Worship

1st Monday of each month: Board Meeting: December 2nd @ 7:00pm

Each Wednesday: Hand Bell Practice: 6:30 pm Choir Practice: 7:00 pm *There will be no bell or choir practice December 25, 2013.

CWF Groups: Ray of Hope – Tuesday, Dec. 10 Dorcas Circle – Monday, Dec. 16 Young at Heart – Wednesday, Dec. 18 CMF Group: Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7:00 am in FLC Special Events for December: December 1: Advent Services Begin December 2: Board Meeting December 2: Blood Drive December 7: Church Christmas Party December 8: Advent December 11: LCPS Christmas Party December 15: Advent December 22: Christmas Cantata December 22: Advent December 22: Children’s Christmas Play December 24: Christmas Eve Services December 25: Christmas Day December 29: Sermon in Song (11am service only) The Gathering Breakfast Schedule: 1st Sunday: Young Women’s Class 2nd Sunday: Mature Young Adult Class 3rd Sunday: Margaret Small Class 4th Sunday: Young Disciples Class 5th Sunday: Michelle Marker & Nick Smith

Pastor’s Corner for December

The year is drawing to a close. December is upon us and with it

all of the various activities and celebrations. One of the celebrations that

I look forward to each year is the Advent. So, what is the Advent?

Advent is a word that comes from the Latin word adventus,

which means arrival. Advent is the season in which Christians prepare

to celebrate Christmas – The arrival of Christ in the flesh. It is

celebrated over several weeks leading up to Christmas.

In this season of Advent, we remember how the Hebrews

waited for God’s promised one, Jesus.

Looking back, we celebrate God’s promise kept. Jesus was born in the

unlikeliest of places, in the humblest of ways. God incarnate came for

God’s people and God’s glory at Christmas. Jesus came on the human

scene not as a conquering king, but as a baby.

Maybe a lesser known fact about Advent is that it has

traditionally been a time for Christians to remember that we, like the

Hebrews, are in a time of waiting for Christ arrival, only now we wait

for Him to come in power and in glory, at His promised second coming.

The Advent points toward the arrival of Christ. There are two

passages that come to my mind concerning the arrival of Christ. The

first is found in Isaiah the ninth chapter: “For a child will be born to us,

a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His

shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty

God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the

increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and

over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and

righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of

hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) This is the one that most of

us reflect on at this time of year.

The second is taken from Matthew the twenty-fifth chapter:

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with

Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.” (Matt. 25:31)

Just as surely as Jesus was born of a virgin in the town of

Bethlehem, He will come again for all to see. Let us eagerly anticipate

that Advent as we celebrate this Christmas Season.

Jim Cullen

The Southwood

Chalice Sharing Christ’s Ministries & Missions

December 2013

A monthly publication of Southwood Memorial Christian Church

www.southwoodmemorial.com 1027 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 527-8780

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Notes from the Church Board Dixie Whaley, Board Chairman

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Ginny and David Moody and Michelle Marker and Nick Smith for their leadership at our Harvest Festival. A special thanks go to all members of our church who so generously gave of

their time and talents to help with this event. A big thank you goes to members of our church who are attending other churches but came out and helped. It was a wonderful day of fun, fellowship and thanksgiving. All praise and glory goes to our Heavenly Father! Also, a special thanks goes to Stephanie White, Susan Baker, Owen White, Matthew Casad, Austin Jernigan, Colby Modlin, Katlynn Daughety, Avery Taylor, and Cole Price for a very moving and uplifting Veteran’s Day Service. Thank you Jay for a wonderful song, and thank you to all the veterans who served our country. At the November board meeting, the minutes were not read since members were given them beforehand. They were corrected and approved at the board meeting. Although we do not have this in our constitution, I propose that we continue with this system for December and January, and if it works, we can amend our constitution to reflect this change. Heather Kennedy reported that the deacons met and made the decision to use eight deacons instead of six whenever we have special occasions. The next meeting of the deacons will be on December 8 at 3:00 p.m. The Missions and Benevolence Committee informed the board that there is enough money to ship 170 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child, and that the shoeboxes are due by November 14. They also reported that The Angel Tree would soon be up and contain children from Southwood Elementary School. Pink Hill Elementary is not participating this year. Judith Kennedy, chairman of the Nominating Committee, reminded the board that everyone is welcome to submit names for prospective officers to the committee. Once names are submitted the committee votes on which names are submitted to the board. She also reminded the board that we will be voting on prospective officers during the congregational meeting on November 24. The Property Committee thanked Claude Stroud for repairs at the parsonage beside the church. They are working on writing a rental lease so that the parsonage can be rented. Tommy reported that the unit that heats the music room is not working properly. He made a motion to purchase a gas pack at a cost of $3792.00. Heather Kennedy seconded the motion and the board voted to purchase a unit. Wendy Robinson, chairman of the Personnel Committee, made a motion to bring Jon Sherry’s name before the congregation for the position of pastor of our church. The congregation will vote on November 24. She reported that Rev. Sherry would be coming to our Harvest Festival and would be preaching again on that Sunday. She also reported that we are looking for a secretary for the church. The Stewardship and Finance committee reported that in the past the church had paid the minister’s pension at a rate of 14%. The committee recommended that we pay only 7% and the new employee pay the other 7% to the pension fund. The board approved. The board chairman formed a committee whose purpose is to decide what members would be put on the inactive list. The congregation had earlier voted on August 25, to change the constitution to allow voting privileges only to those members who are active members. The committee consists of the following: Church Clerk- Jessica Jones, chairman; Chairmen of the Membership Development Committee- Kirby and Mary Hardy; Chairman of the Communications Committee- Susan Baker; and Assistant Financial Secretary-Zelma Davenport. As we approach the Advent season, the board wishes everyone a Very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans15:13 *Note: Due to information the Personnel Committee obtained concerning the hiring of Rev. Jon Sherry, the board met in closed session on Wednesday, November 20th, and voted to rescind the call to pastorate. At the congregational meeting on Sunday, November 24th, all new officers on the ballot were elected.

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Church Briefs

Advent programs will be held December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Each program will begin at 5:30 pm in the sanctuary and will be followed by food, fellowship, and crafts in the Family Life Center. Our yearly Angel Tree is in the back vestibule with 2 cards for each child we help for Christmas (one for clothes and one for toys). Please select a child to help by choosing a card. These children live in this community and need help. You do not have to purchase all items listed. Please return your gifts in a bag with the child’s card stapled or pinned to it. We need these back on Sunday night, Dec. 15, so we can have them delivered on Mon. morning, Dec. 16. Any questions, see Debbie Craven or Judith Kennedy.

The Christmas cantata “Bethlehem Morning” will be performed by the adult choir on Sunday, December 22nd, at the 11am service. This year’s Children’s Christmas Play will be on December 22nd. There will be light refreshments afterwards and each family is asked to bring their favorite finger food or dessert. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus. Youth groups will not be meeting during the holiday season. They will resume sessions January 5th, 2014.

Birthdays

12/1 Janet Johnson & Kenneth Mercer

12/3 Jerry Evans & Peggy Fordham 12/4 Isabella Lane

12/5 Robert McLamb & Nic Smith 12/7 Nannie Mae Morris

12/9 David Moody 12/12 Ashlynn Basden 12/16 Jonathan Grant 12/17 Andersn Moody

12/18 David Hodges 12/21 Peggy Kennedy & Nolan Snyder

12/28 Betty Potter 12/30 Betty Noble & Kayla Grady

Anniversaries

12/7 David & Deborah Grimes 12/11 Dan & Carla Wetherington

12/17 Rod & Debbie Craven 12/21 Billy & Ruth Hedgepath 12/31 Melissa & Woody Sutton

If you do not see your birthday listed, please contact:

Kirby & Mary Hardy (522-4689) and share that

information with your church family!

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Prayer Concerns

CHURCH FAMILY Dee Parker J. B Baker Hazel Jarman Roger Moore Judy Howard Mary Griffith Susan Baker Brenda Grant Jay Robinson Ruth Hedgepeth Matthew Casad Dickie Heath Virginia Grimes Novella Bland Mary Griffith

(Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Home-Bound) Polly Johnson (Magnolia Cottage Care) Ron Hagell (Spring Arbor) Vernon & Peggy Kennedy Woodard Daughety (Harmony Hall) Nell Fillion (Harmony Hall/Rehab) Kay Smith (Alzheimer’s Unit) Murray & Grace Rouse (Homebound)

FAMILY & FRIENDS Glenda Clark Glyan Clark Jenny Lee (sister of Neal Price) Ray Collier Rita Richert Diane Griffin (sister of Darcie, Dixie and Jody) Lyndsi Askew Mike & Cindy Goff (submitted by Regional Office) Ben Gerardy (submitted by Regional Office) Larry Neal (submitted by Regional Office) Noah Stroud John Noble (Jill Price’s father) Darlene Stroud (sister of Ann Cullen) Joann Davis Lillian Braxton Andrew Jones Harry Jernigan Billy & Carol Smith Cheryl Kennedy Mike Deriso Gary (Butch) Hughes Barry Thomas’ father – not doing well.

FAMILY & FRIENDS (Continued) Gwen Smith

Lorna Merritt

Larry Walston

Bert Saville

Dennis Moye

Betty Hall

Wanda Carr

Doug Casad (Bryan Casad’s cousin)

Steve Burkett

Michelle Locklear (niece of Claude Stroud)

Connie Faircloth

Leon Wetherington

William Dillahunt

MILITARY FAMILY AND FRIENDS Travis Eubanks (Afghanistan)

Alan Gaddis (Afghanistan)

Jay Ruis (Afghanistan)

Justin Beasley (Afghanistan)

Kyle Ellis (Afghanistan)

Tyler Baker (undisclosed location)

SYMPATHY The family of Swannie Mae Sykes

The family of Susann Lewis Dail

Billy Stallings & Family (loss of his mother)

Barry Thomas & Family (loss of his father)

The family of M.V. Rivenbark

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Church Duties for December

December 1 December 8

December 15

December 22

December 24

December 29

Hostess Claude &

Peggy Stroud Sue Moody Mary Evans

Yvonne Daughtey

Communion

Joan Simpson & Zelma Davenport

Dixie Whaley & Nikki Carlyle

Mary Evans & Debbie Craven

Heather Kennedy

Yvonne Daughtey & Avery Taylor

Flowers Judith Kennedy Susan Baker

Mary Evans & Debbie Craven

Elaine Marker N/A

Yvonne Daughtey & Avery Taylor

Elders on Call Faye Grady & Kirby Hardy

David Moody & Wallace Johnson

Jim Cullen & Len White

Peggy Boone & Tommy Boone N/A

Yvonne Daughtey & Harper Grant

Community News

There will be a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross in the FLC from 3 pm-7

pm on Monday, December 2nd. Lenoir Community College invites you to attend their 16th annual performance of Handel’s

MESSIAH, Monday, December 9th, at 7:30 PM in the Waller Auditorium. The performance features a 75-voice choir, professional guest soloists, and a 15-piece chamber orchestra. Doors open at 6:30 PM and admission is $7.

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Church News and Notes

Harvest Festival Notes:

The 2013 45th Annual Harvest Festival was a MAJOR success! The day was full of excitement, and it seemed to be an

event enjoyed by all. Our church family went above and beyond to join together and work hard to make the event run smoothly. Our joint efforts and hard work were evident through the presentation of abundant and delicious homemade baked goods and Country Store items, creative and festive craft and Elf shop items, Yard Sale and Nearly New items, and last but not least, the many donation items dedicated to the Auction. Our plate and concession sales were also very successful thanks to the hard work of our cooking and kitchen teams, and our WONDERFUL youth groups and their leaders. Not only were we blessed to share the day's events with our own church members, but with our families, friends, and community members who surrounded us in love and support which made the day extra special and all the hard work worth the effort. Again, we cannot express the thanks and appreciation we truly feel for all those who helped make this year's Harvest Festival a success, but we thank God above all others for blessing us all so abundantly. In Christian Love, 2013 Harvest Festival Team David, Ginny, Michelle, and Nic

Veteran’s Day: Our church recently held a Veteran's Day service to honor their Veterans. This year, photos of Gene Smith and Nelson Davenport were added to the hall of fame in their memory. The Chi-Rho Youth Group presented the message about service to our country and service in the church. Youth group members who participated were: Matthew Casad, Katelynn Daughety, Austin Jernigan, Colby Modlin, Cole Price, Avery Taylor, and Owen White.

Youth Service:

The Chi-Rho Youth Group recently took a trip to Piggly Wiggly. Our lesson was about service and how God created us to serve others, so I asked each child to bring $5.00 to tonight's meeting. We pooled the money plus a little more to buy supplies for the Backpack Buddies program. In case you don't know, the Backpack Buddies program sends a backpack of food home with a needy child every Friday so that they will have food to eat during the weekend. Our church prepares a backpack for two children at Southwood Elementary School. I told the children this because I really wanted them to realize that they were helping someone in our community. The children selected the items (had to be healthy and easy to prepare), kept a running total to make sure they didn't overspend, and paid for the food. We then returned to

the church to fill the basket. Let us remember Ephesians 2:10-For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Southwood Memorial Christian Church

1027 Highway 58 South Kinston, NC 28504

www.southwoodmemorial.com December 2013