Newsletter
A Note From Your Pastor...
We are in the second decade of the 21st century. That sounds so space-age! Still, with the many technologies that we enjoy, some things are still done the old fashioned way. Inviting someone to church--in person--is still the most effective means of building the community of faith.
Here at Zion, we are preparing for a new year of opportunities to be Christ to the world. Our Food Pantry continues to serve a growing client list. Our mission dollars donated to the Friends of Barnabas continue to provide needed healthcare for the poor children of Honduras. Habitat for Humanity maintains an aluminum recycling bin here on our property and the Ronald McDonald House regularly receives from us pounds of poptops. The quilters provide blankets and quilts to Micah Ministries, Project Linus, and the Thurman Brisben Shelter. Creative hands make bears for the x-ray department at Mary Washington Hospital. Kits for Conference, assembled with love and care, are delivered all over the world by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. School Dressing Days and Christmas for Others share the light of Christ through shared resources. A missionary covenant with Red Bird Mission in Kentucky aids the ministry and educational goals of an impoverished area in Appalachia. We respond with financial assistance to those in our community who seek our help.
Of course, we also continue our educational initiatives through Sunday School, Bible Studies, and children's ministries--children's church and children's choir. We foster community through small groups--UMW, UMM, Quilters, and Choir. We provide care for one another and those in our community with visits, prayer shawls, cards, and meals. We take seriously the commandment of Jesus Christ to go and to share the light of Christ in the world.
We balance all of this, along with weekly worship, to participate in the Spotsylvania Cluster of United Methodist Churches, the Fredericksburg District, the Virginia Conference, and the ecumenical ministries of this area. Zion is an active church seeking to grow. Growth requires nurture and energy. Growth requires resources and leadership. Growth requires us to invite folks to join our church family. Growth requires our faith in the God who calls us to be disciples.
I pray that each of us examines how we can better serve God and our community in this new year. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to share.
Grace and peace, Rev. Barb
MISSION MINISTRIES AREA
From the Pantry Coordinator
The food pantry at Zion UMC has undergone some changes in 2011. Chris Braxton, whom the Lord worked through to serve as the backbone of the pantry since it's inception 4 years ago, nominated successors Laura Martinsen and Bill Crislip to oversee the pantry. In July, community-wide accounting for donations became possible through Charity Tracker, a central database. This helps with the growing need – our clientele alone grew so that we have served over 215 area families in 2011. The pantry also obtained a freezer in order to offer a better supply of perishable items. Thanks to Juanita Christian we have added a coat closet to our offerings for the winter months. Looking forward to 2012 we hope to add more options for fresh produce, receive more training in Charity Tracker reporting and maintain our current offerings despite increasing need. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all of the over 30 volunteers that assisted with the food pantry at one time or another during 2011 and of course much gratitude for the continued support of our benefactors: Operation Rice Bowl grants and members of our congregation and friends. May the blessing of our Lord continue to come to the needy through our efforts.
Laura Martinsen, Food Pantry Coordinator
KEEP SAVING THOSE POP TOPS!
The Ronald McDonald House is thrilled to see so many pop tops coming in. On Tuesday, August 9, Rev Barb and I took a whole load to the House. They weighed each bag we had and we saved 29 pounds!! With the proceeds, that would cover a 3-night stay for some family whose child is very ill. THANKS SO MUCH.
Joyce Fairbanks, Coordinator
UMW REPORT
The Zion UMW finished up our year today, December 10, preparing and delivering goodie baskets for our Shut-Ins and enjoying each other's company at our potluck brunch. Carolyn Messer (coordinator), Vivien Richardson, Lisa Hockman, Amy Deavers, Malvrey Looney and Headley Barnsley set up and decorated the tables on Friday afternoon which made Saturday morning quite pleasant. Before breakfast, Joyce Fairbanks presented a meaningful explanation of Christmastime cookie cutters and the most important being the candle--representing our shining lights for Christianity in the world. Joyce blessed our food. Yummy brunch was served after which we handled our monthly UMW business. Libby Hall (Quilters Coordinator) shared information about the many quilts and the new project for 2012. UMW Reading Program 2011 Certificates were presented to Leota Pendleton, Jeanne Hagerman and Lisa Hockman for completing Plan I. Then, with little fanfare, we packed the baskets expeditiously and were finished by 12 noon.
At our Saturday Potluck Brunch on January 21, 2012, at 10 am at Rev. Barb's, we will bring our wonderfully creative minds together to arrange service-oriented programs for our new year 2012. Please join us to plan our 3rd Thursday 6:30 pm meetings.
Always, Headley Barnsley, President
WORSHIP MINISTRY AREA
The following is a list of dates, sermons, and texts for the first quarter along with special observances in worship:
January 1 Epiphany of the Lord: Lift Up Your Eyes, Isaiah 60:1-6
January 8 Baptism of the Lord: Baptized with Water and the Spirit, Mark 1:4-11; Fairbanks baptism
January 15 2nd Sunday After Epiphany: Anything Good, John 1:43-51
January 22 3rd Sunday After Epiphany: Called of God, Jonah 3:1-5, 10
January 29 4th Sunday After Epiphany: Fifth Sunday Music
February 5 5th Sunday After Epiphany: Proclaiming the Message, Mark 1:29-39
February 12 6th Sunday After Epiphany: Proclaiming Freely, Mark 1:40-45 Boy Scout Sunday
February 19 Transfiguration Sunday: Proclaiming Without Interruption, Mark 9:2-9
February 22 Ash Wednesday: Now is the Time, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Service at 7:30pm
February 26 1st Sunday in Lent: In the Wilderness, Mark 1:9-15
The Sanctuary will be decorated for Lent on Friday, February 24. All who are interested are welcome to join.
NURTURE/EDUCATION MINISTRIES AREA
Membership-- a Monthly Feature
If you are interested in uniting with Zion, please contact Rev. Barb. Our next series of Methodism classes will begin on Sunday, March 4 and continue on March 11 and March 18. New members will be received during worship on March 25.
Adult Lenten Study Announced
The Sunday School classes will all meet together in the Sanctuary for a Lenten Study beginning on February 26 and continuing through April 1, Palm Sunday.
Children's Church
Children’s Church has been active this year and especially busy during Advent Season. Our Angels delivered lots and lots and lots of Christmas cards to our congregation, helping to carry the light of love to our loved ones inside Zion. The donations offered helped to carry the light of Christ to our Friends of Barnabas in Honduras. Thank you all for your support and for your love of these little ones who are so eager to carry His light in our world.
Judy Nieder.
Women's Bible Study Resumes
Part Two of the Beth Moore study " Daniel: Lives of Integrity/Words of Prophecy" will begin on Friday, January 13 at 9:30am and continue for 6 weeks. All ladies are encouraged to take a leap of faith and join us for this extraordinary in-depth study of Daniel. In Part Two we will explore the thrilling prophecies from the time of Daniel through the second coming of Christ. Don't miss this opportunity to develop a closer and deeper understanding of God and end-time events. Participation in Part One is not a requirement! For further information please contact Christine Braxton at 582-2264 or christineb45@yahoo.com.
Fellowship Meal Opportunities
Please note the following dates and times when the Zion family will gather for a fellowship meal:
February 5 - Annual Souper Bowl Lunch following worship
(A love offering will be collected to benefit Heart Havens)
February 21 Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 6pm
February 29 Lenten Service and light lunch, 12noon
March 7 Lenten Service and light lunch, 12noon
March 14 Lenten Service and light lunch, 12noon
March 21 Lenten Service and light lunch, 12noon
March 28 Lenten Service and light lunch, 12noon
Zion Quilters
REVIEW OF THE QUILTERS- 2011
The quilters have been meeting in the fellowship hall on Monday’s from 10 to 2. We are taking the month of December off and will start again in January.
We usually have 6 to 8 quilters; if we count the summer quilters and the ones who help with special projects our number is 20.
The quilters have worked on
Table runners for the UMW Banquet,
School bags for conference,
T-shirts to diapers for Honduras,
Specialbags for Lenten season,
Aprons for kitchen,
Bears for the x-ray department at Mary Washington hospital
Quilts for Micah Ministries in Fredericksburg
Quilts for Xmas for others
Our main focus has been quilts. We give to the NICU at Mary Washington Hospital and Project Linus. Project Linus gives to children who need comfort—hospitals, group homes, special camps, and such. With our last delivery e have given 250 quilts this year.
The quilters want to thank the UMW for supplying the batting for these quilts and their donation.
We will expand to make “Squares of Love”, some of these will be given to the New Life Ranch for Men in Beaverdam. If you know of an organization that could benefit from our quilts please let us know.
The Quilters are always looking for new members; we look forward to teaching and getting others interested in quilting. We do have behind the scenes jobs such as cutting squares and pressing so if you want to help and can’t sew we can use you.
You can contact Libby Hall at libbyquilts7@Comcast.net or 540 582 5344.
Lay Leadership Team for 2012
ADMINISTRATRIVE/FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP
Admin Council Chair Clark Thomas
Treasurer Dianne Williams
Financial Secretary Terry Thomas
Financial Chair Bill Crislip
Lay Leader Joyce Fairbanks
Associate Lay Leader Bill Crislip
Lay Delegate to Annual Conference Joyce Fairbanks
Alternate Delegate to Annual Conference Carol Rawls
Staff Parish Relations Chair Walter Rawls
Trustee Chair Richard Reichert (til Jan 2012)
Recording Secretary Vivien Richardson
AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO COUNCIL
Evangelism George Nieder
Nurture/Education Sue Chamberlin
Worship Judy Nieder
Mission Headley Barnsley
Committee Positions
STAFF PARISH RELATIONS
2012 2013 2014
Walter Rawls* Juanita Christian Julie Fairbanks
Doreen Ganoung Carolyn Messer Bill Crislip
Linda Struebing Todd Martinsen
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Rev. Barb*
2012 2013 2014
Sam Ganoung Tim Alger Christine Braxton
Carol Rawls Arlene Crislip Donna Lloyd
Nancy Groves Pam Blalock
TRUSTEES
2012 2013 2014
Walter Rawls Richard Reichert* Terry Blalock
Dale Rauch Troy Tignor George Hockman
Dianne Williams Joyce Messer Stacy Payne
*Denotes Chair - Trustees elect their own chair in January of each year.
Other Positions on Leadership Team (not required to participate on Admin Council)
Sunday School Superintendent Maxine Hulon
Church Historian Dennis Gallahan
Food Pantry Laura Martinsen
Child Protection Policy Vivien Richardson
United Methodist Women, President Headley Barnsley
United Methodist Men, President Tim Alger Newsletter Deadline Information
Pease note the newsletter deadlines below:
December 10 Jan/Feb/March
February 10 April/May/June
May 10 July/Aug/September
Aug 10 Oct/Nov/December
All information/articles for the newsletters should be submitted to the church office by the dates noted above. Thanks.
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
Counter Schedule
January 1 Clark Thomas, Arlene Crislip
January 8 Vivien Richardson, Leota Pendleton
January 15 Terry Thomas, Rebecca Alger
January 22 Bill Crislip, Marv Hall
January 29 Libby Hall, Nancy Groves
February 5 Clark Thomas, Arlene Crislip
February 12 Vivien Richardson, Leota Pendleton
February 19 Terry Thomas, Rebecca Alger
February 26 Bill Crislip, Marv Hall
March 4 Libby Hall, Nancy Groves
March 11 Clark Thomas, Arlene Crislip
March 18 Vivien Richardson, Leota Pendleton
March 25 Terry Thomas, Rebecca Alger
Usher Schedule
January 1 Julie Fairbanks, Brad Fairbanks
January 8 Walter Rawls, Carol Rawls
January 15 Sue Rauch, Dale Rauch
January 22 Cherie Sweazey, Cindy Thomas
January 29 Connie Stepahin, Amanda Deshler
February 5 Amy Deavers, Richard Reichert
February 12 Marv Hall, Bob Stewart
February 19 Tim Alger, Rebecca Alger
February 26 Glenda Payne, Michele Keller
March 4 Julie Fairbanks, Brad Fairbanks
March 11 Walter Rawls, Carol Rawls
March 18 Sue Rauch, Dale Rauch
March 25 Cherie Sweazey, Cindy Thomas
Acolyte/Bible Bearer Schedule
January 1 David Swindell, Joe Keller
January 8 Mitchell Hockman, Joshua Alger
January 15 Corey Payne, Ben Tignor
January 22 Corey Payne, Joshua Alger
January 29 Mitchell Hockman, Joe Keller
February 5 David Swindell, Ben Tignor
February 12 Mitchell Hockman, Joe Keller
February 19 Corey Payne, Joshua Alger
February 26 Corey Payne, Ben Tignor
March 4 David Swindell, Joshua Alger
March 11 Corey Payne, Joe Keller
March 18 Mitchell Hockman, Ben Tignor
March 25 Corey Payne, Joe Keller
Mission and Ministry Calendars
JANUARY
1 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship 11am; Book Club, 6pm
3 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
4 - Trustees Meeting, 7:30pm
5 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
6 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
7 - RACSB, 10am-noon
8 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
9 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
10 - UMM, 7pm
11 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
12 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
13 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
15 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; SPR Meeting following Worship; Book Club, 6pm
16 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
18 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
19 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; Food Pantry, 4 -6pm
20 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
21 - UMW Meeting/Brunch, 10am at Rev. Barb's home
22 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
23 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
25 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
26 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
27 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
29 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
30 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
31 - Admin Council, 7:30pm
FEBRUARY
1 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
2 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
- Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
5 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Souper Bowl Luncheon following worship; Book Club, 6pm
6 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
7 - Trustees, 7:30pm
8 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:30pm
9 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
10 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
12 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
13 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
14 - UMM,7pm
15 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
16 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; Food Pantry, 4 -6pm
17 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30-11:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
19 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
20 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
21 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 6pm; UMW Meeting, 7pm
22 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm; Ash Wednesday Service,
7:30pm
23 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
24 - RACSB, 10am-noon
26 - Lenten Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
27 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
28 - Admin Council, 7pm
29 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Lenten Service and Lunch, 12noon; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
MARCH
1 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
2 - RACSB, 10am-12noon
4 - Lenten Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; New Member Class, 4pm; Book Club, 6pm
5 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
6 - Trustees Meeting; 7:30pm
7 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Lenten Service and Lunch, 12noon; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
8 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
9 - RACSB, 10am-12noon
11 - Lenten Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; New Member Class, 4pm; Book Club, 6pm
12 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
13 - UMM Meeting, 6pm;
14 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Lenten Service and Lunch, 12noon; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
15 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; Food Pantry, 4 -6pm
16 - RACSB, 10am-noon
18 - Lenten Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; New Member Class, 4pm; Book Club, 6pm
19 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
20 - UMW Meeting, 6:30pm
21 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Lenten Service and Lunch, 12noon; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
22 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
23 - RACSB, 10am-noon
25 - Lenten Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Book Club, 6pm
26 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; Bible Study at Nieder's, 7pm
27 - Admin Council, 7pm
28 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Lenten Service and Lunch, 12noon; Choir Rehearsal, 6:00pm
29 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
30 - RACSB, 10am-noon
Quips and Quotes
From Your Lay Leader
"There is much more to life than we let
ourselves experience."
"Silence opens the windows of our hearts to
allow the fresh breeze of God's limitless
reality to blow through...Kirk Bryon Jones
(Author of "Addicted to Hurry")
"An honest answer is a sign of true
friendship."
Proverbs 24:26
