Newsletter
A Note From The Pastor...
Everywhere there are signs of spring. Our attention turns to outdoor activities as we anticipate the warmer temperatures and longer daylight. It is a time of renewal, hope, and excitement. Zion has much to anticipate this year.
New to our springtime offering this year is the Community Garden. Coordinator, Laura Martinsen, reports exciting plans for fresh produce to supplement the items furnished to Food Pantry clients.
Also new this year is a Children's Summer Camp (SCS) on June 10-12. From 9am to 12noon each day, children will be involved in an exciting exploration of "Superheroes of the Faith." We'll gather under the tent these days for our fun and fellowship; a light lunch will be served at 11:30am. If you have an interest in helping with Children's Summer Camp (SCS), please contact Lay Leader, Joyce Fairbanks. We will need folks to lead activities, teach classes and crafts, provide, and prepare lunch.
Our Wednesday Prayer Service, at 11:30am, will continue through the spring and summer. Please plan to come and share with us in a time of prayer, scripture reading, and reflection. We will be introducing some contemplative prayer techniques.
Worship plans include a special Ministry Moment focused on The Thurman Brisben Center on April 21. Following worship, all are invited to join for a potluck luncheon and Shower for the Shelter. A list of needed items will be made available soon. A special Mother's Day service, on May 12, will be led by our United Methodist Men. Graduate Recognition will be observed on Pentecost Sunday, May 19. Graduates are invited to be Alan's and my guests for lunch following worship. Father's Day, June 16, our UMW will lead in worship. Since Annual Conference will be June 21-23, Zion will observe a special music Sunday on June 23 with a guest musician.
There are exciting opportunities every season; Spring is no exception. Please consider how you might join in the mission and ministry opportunities here at Zion. I am confident that you will be glad you did. Alan and I continue to express our thanks for the many kindnesses you have extended to us.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Barb
MISSION MINISTRIES AREA
From the Pantry Coordinator
Luke 3:11--In reply He said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” (NRSV)
In the fourth quarter of 2012 the ZUMC Emergency Food Pantry (EFP) assisted 172 local households with approximately 543 people residing in them. Those households received 325 emergency food boxes that included meat and bread. These numbers were nearly identical to the fourth quarter of 2011. Thanks to the generosity of many at ZUMC several of those people left the pantry with warm winter outerwear too. It is less difficult to predict how many families will turn to our food pantry each month thanks to a database provided by the Rappahannock Area United Way through the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Based on figures for second quarter 2012 we anticipate distributing approximately 300 emergency food boxes to 150 separate households this April through June.
Our EFP is now in partnership with the ZUMC Community Garden to provide the nutrition of fresh, in-season garden produce. This new ZUMC ministry provides yet another opportunity for fellowship and the sharing of your God-given gifts. We are also seeking volunteers to provide a prayer room for our clients on the third Thursday of each month.
Please be in prayer for the EFP ministry to provide physical and spiritual strength for its clients and volunteers and should He call you to volunteer, respond.
The ZUMC EFP is thankful for partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Please check out http://fredfood.org/ for information about our area food bank's operations and to learn how you can help. The food bank featured ZUMC EFP in recent newsletters.
Thank you and God bless everyone who volunteered their time and talents to the EFP in the fourth quarter. So many tasks were made lighter by the Christian fellowship of many hands. Praise God for EFP clients who saw a need and returned with donations. Each month there is shopping at the food bank, storage of pantry items, packing of approximately 100 emergency food boxes, distribution on the third Thursday of every month, the merciful receiving of each client, and countless other niceties that add to the joy and peace that come through serving in The Name of Christ.
Respectfully Submitted,
J. Todd Martinsen
KEEP SAVING THOSE POP TOPS!
The Ronald McDonald House is thrilled to
see so many pop tops coming in. Please continue to save pop tops. There is a collection basket at the kitchen window.
THANKS SO MUCH.
Joyce Fairbanks, Coordinator
KITS FOR CONFERENCE
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Kits for Conference are coming! The Kits for Conference are coming! Gather ye pencils, rulers, soap bars, clippers, sewing needles, receiving blankets, scissors, wash clothes, etc.!!! Be ye looking for a complete list of items soon! Our fair seamstresses have already made over 30 school satchels!!! Be watching!!! The Kits for Conference are coming!!!!!
Constable Messer
UMW REPORT
The first 2 months of 2013, the ladies of Zion UMW together created the 2013 Program/Event Calendar. We enjoyed fellowship, devotions, prayers and wonderful refreshments including potluck brunch. We voted for recipient of the Mission Recognition Award/Pin which will be presented in May. On February 22, we prepared and served a delicious Soup/Salad/Bread/Dessert funeral reception meal for family and friends in memory of our long-time member Pauline Shrum. Our February 24 after Worship Service Soup-to-go Fundraiser brought us $300 plus to use for our mission projects this year. On March 17 we offered a St. Patrick's Day meal to eat-in or take-home after Worship Service: Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots and all the trimmings. Lisa Hockman coordinated both fundraisers. No Monthly March Meeting was scheduled. Our District Shepherd, Pam Hunter, will be sharing with us at one of our upcoming monthly meetings TBD.
On April 16 (Tuesday) at 6:30pm, Jeanne Hagerman will offer a program from the 2013 UMW Program Book. On April 21 (Sunday) Dianne Williams and Vivien Richardson coordinate the Thurman Brisben Shelter Shower after Worship Service complete with a Potluck lunch. The UMW and UMM join together for the Springtime Yard Sale on Saturday May 4, beginning at 8am (so start gathering those items-to-let-go and tell your friends and neighbors). May 21 (Tuesday) at 6:00pm we meet for our Annual UMW Potluck Banquet. We welcome Meaghan Cotter, Head of Micah Ministries, as featured speaker.
The Sunday June 16 Worship Service will be presented by the UMW. We look forward to an enlightening hour. June 18 at 6:00 pm we convene at Scafa's Restaurant for "Ladies Night Out." We keep growing, expanding and learning the ways of service to our Lord. Always with Joy.
Headley Barnsley, President
WORSHIP MINISTRY AREA
Worship News
Please see below the schedule of worship opportunities at Zion:
May 5 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Worship at 11am, Sacrament of Holy Communion, special Civil War Battle anniversary re-enactment participation in worship
May 12 - Seventh Sunday of Easter--Mother's Day, Worship at 11am led by the United Methodist Men
May 19 - Pentecost Sunday, Worship at 11am, Graduate Recognition and luncheon following worship. In recognition of Pentecost, please wear red!
May 26 - Trinity Sunday, Worship at 11am
June 2 - Second Sunday after Pentecost,Worship at 11am, Sacrament of Holy Communion
June 9 - Third Sunday after Pentecost, Worship at 11am, Kickoff for Children's Summer Camp
June 16 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost-- Father's Day, Worship at 11am, led by the United Methodist Women
June 23 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost-- Special Music Worship at 11am
June 30 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Worship at 11am
Mid-Week Prayer Service Continues
Each Wednesday at 11:30am, Rev. Barb conducts a mid-week prayer service in the Sanctuary. All are invited to attend and join in prayer.
NURTURE/EDUCATION MINISTRIES AREA
Membership Notes
The following persons united with Zion on February 3 following participation in the New Member Classes:
Diana Wolfrey - transfer from Berea Baptist Church in Stafford
Margaret and Maynard Rumuly - transfer from Lake of the Woods Church
Jeanne Hagerman - transfer from Kemble Memorial UMC, Woodbury, NJ
If you are interested in uniting with Zion or learning more about Methodism, please contact Rev. Barb and plan to attend the next session of New Member classes.
Children's Summer Camp Offered
This year Zion will offer a Children's Summer Camp (CSC), from 9am to 12noon, on June 10-12. Out under the tent, we will enjoy exploring "Superheroes of the Faith." There will be stories, activities, games, and plenty of exercise and fresh air. Each day, a light lunch will be served at 11:30am. Our children will be divided by the following age groupings:
Younger Children (ages 3-5)
Middle Children (ages 6-8)
Older Children (ages 9-10)
If you are available to help as a group leader, craft leader, music leader, or food provider and/or preparer, please contact Lay Leader, Joyce Fairbanks by phone (898-1248) or e-mail at joycefpoet@yahoo.com.
We will have a special kick-off activity for our families on Sunday, June 9. Following lunch at church, we will participate in a special hayride to the Spotsylvania battlefield. Please plan to join us. Registration for the Children’s Summer Camp will begin following Easter.
EVANGELISM MINISTRY AREA
APRIL SHOWER FOR THE THURMAN BRISBEN CENTER
The Thurman Brisben Center is a full-service program addressing the causes and issues surrounding homelessness. They provide financial assistance to avoid eviction and/or utility shut off to those in our community in financial crisis, while providing the safety net of a residential component for those who have become homeless. Their needs are many. In particular, there is always a need for paper towels, toilet tissue, 39 gallon trash bags, cofffee, creamer, sugar, and bus tickets for their clients. A complete list of items needed is available in the sanctuary and on the Zion website. On April 21 the United Methodist Women will host an "April Shower" for the Thurman Brisben Center. Following worship service there will be a Pot-Luck fellowship luncheon. At that time we will collect donations of items to the Center. Monetary donations will be accepted, also. If you have any questions please contact Vivian Richardson or Dianne Williams.
SCHOOL DRESSING DAYS
Zion will again participate in the School Dressing Days, sponsored by the Interfaith Council, on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10, 2013. Please mark your calendars now to help with this outreach program. Last year we had a wonderful response from members who donated clothes, underwear, and socks. We also had a great response to volunteering to help on the days of the event. By the way, there were many men helping from different churches, as well as women.
Everyone who worked on this project felt they were as rewarded as the children who received the clothes. It made our hearts soar when we saw the look on the faces of the children, as well as the parents.
I will give you more specific information at a later date.
REMEMBER, SDD-AUGUST 9 & 10, 2013
Carol Rawls, Coordinator
THIS and THAT
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.
GOD’S PAINTBRUSH
By
JOYCE FAIRBANKS
God drew His paintbrush across the sky
To give us rainbows and hope, that’s why
He dabbed and dribbled the paint all around
So in the Fall, colored leaves dot the ground
He spilled the entire bucket of white
Now children can play in the snow with delight
He waved His paintbrush to and fro
Up popped flowers all aglow
He painted the sky so brightly blue
Adding fluffy clouds for me and you
He dipped in the yellow, the droplets they lay
In a circle of sunshine to warm your day
Finally, to get His paintbrush clean
He shook it until the grass turned green
I love you my children, I did this for you
So you could see beauty the whole year through.
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
Counter Schedule
May 12 Terry Thomas, Rebecca Alger
May 19 Bill Crislip, Marv Hall
May 26 Libby Hall, Nancy Groves
June 2 Clark Thomas, Arlene Crislip
June 9 Vivien Richardson, Sue Chamberlin
June 16 Terry Thomas, Rebecca Alger
June 23 Bill Crislip, Marv Hall
June 30 Libby Hall, Nancy Groves
Usher Schedule
May 12 Rebecca Alger, Tim Alger
May 29 Sue Rauch, Dale Rauch
May 26 Cherie Sweazey, Nova Scott
June 2 Amy Deavers, Richard Reichert
June 9 Connie Stepahin, Amanda Deshler
June 16 Glenda Payne, Michele Keller
June 23 Julie Fairbanks, Brad Fairbanks
June 30 Marv Hall, Terry Blalock
Acolyte/Bible Bearer Schedule
May 12 Mitchell Hockman, Joey McDonnel
May 19 Joe Keller, Joshua Alger
May 26 Mitchell Hockman, Eva Alger
June 2 Corey Payne, Joshua Alger
June 9 Mitchell Hockman, Eva Alger
June 16 Joe Keller, Joey McDonnel
June 23 Mitchell Hockman, Eva Alger
June 30 Joe Keller, Joey McDonnel
Nursery Schedule
May 12 Walter Rawls
May 19 Connie Stepahin
May 26 Christine Braxton
June 2 Julie Fairbanks
June 9 Walter Rawls
June 16 Teresa McDonnel
June 23 Betty Carter
June 30 Cindy Little
Mission and Ministry Calendars
APRIL
1 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
2 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
3 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
4 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
5 - RACSB, 10am-noon
7 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
8 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
9 - Quilters, 10am-2pm; UMM, 7pm
10 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
11 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
12 - Women's Bible Study, 9:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
14 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Trustees Meeting After Worship
15 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
16 ` Quilters, 10am-2pm; District Clergy Meeting; UMW, 6:30pm
17 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
18 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm, Food Pantry, 4 -6pm
19 - Admin Council, 10:30am , RACSB, 10am-noon
21 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
22 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
23 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
24 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
25 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
26 - RACSB, 10am-noon
28 - Sunday School, 9:30am;Worship,11am
29 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
30 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
MAY
1 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
2 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
3 - RACSB, 10am-noon; Civil War Re-enactment
4 - Yard Sale, 8am; Civil War Re-enactment
5 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Anniversary/Re-enactment
6 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
7 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
8 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service; 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
9 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
10 - RACSB, 10am-noon
12 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am Trustees Meeting after Worship
13 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
14 - Quilters, 10am-2pm, UMM, 7pm
15 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
16 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; District Farewell Luncheon; Food Pantry, 4-6pm
17 - Admin Council, 10:30am; RACSB, 10am-noon
19 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am--Graduation Recognition, Lunch
following recognition
20 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
21 - Quilters, 10am-2pm, UMW Banquet, 6pm
22 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
24 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; Food Pantry, 4-6pm
25 - RACSB, 10am-noon
26 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
27 - Memorial Day; Quilters, 10am-2pm
28 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
29 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
30 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
31 - RACSB, 10am-2pm; Stepahin Wedding Rehearsal, 4pm
JUNE
1 - Stepahin Wedding, 4pm
2 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
3 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
4 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
5 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm ; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
6 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
7 - RACSB, 10am-12noon
9 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am; Trustees Meeting After Worship; Kickoff for Children's Summer Camp
10 - Children's Summer Camp, 9am-12noon; Quilters, 10am-2pm
11 - Children's Summer Camp, 9am-12noon; Quilters, 10am-2pm, UMM Meeting, 7pm
12 - Children's Summer Camp, 10am-12noon; RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
13 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
14 - RACSB, 10am-noon
16 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
17 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
18 - Quilters, 10am-2pm, UMW Meeting, 6:30pm; Ladies Night Out, 6pm at Scafas Restaurant
19 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm; Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
20 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm; Food Pantry, 4-6pm
21 - RACSB, 10am-noon
23 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
24 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
25 - Quilters, 10am-2pm
26 - RACSB, 10am-1:30pm Prayer Service, 11:30am; Choir Rehearsal, 6pm
27 - RACSB, 10:30am-2pm
28 - RACSB, 10am-noon
29 - Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 11am
