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God bless it!
Perhaps you will recall these famous words:
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come around…as a good time; a kind,
forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year,
when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of
people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race
of creatures bound for other journeys. And therefore…though it has never put a scrap of gold or
sliver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless
it! (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol).
Yes, God bless it, indeed! Christmas is God’s signature in a world that is struggling to find hope and
meaning. It is a ray of sunshine in the long, dark winter of the soul. Because of Christmas, hearts seem
to be a little less filled with day to day worries and a little more open to kindness, forgiveness and
sharing.
There is perhaps no better time to invite our friends, family, workmates, neighbors and even strangers
to church. Such an invitation, backed up by a serious commitment (“I’ll meet you there” or “I’ll be glad
to pick you up”) may be the best present that we could ever give.
Speaking of presents, there once was a family that celebrated Christmas every year with a birthday party
for Jesus. An extra chair of honor at the table became the family’s reminder of Jesus’ presence. A cake
with candles, along with the signing of “Happy Birthday” expressed the family’s joy in Jesus’ presence.
One year, a Christmas afternoon visitor asked a member of that family, five-year old Ruth, “Did you get
everything you wanted for Christmas?” After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “No, but then it’s
not my birthday!” (Source unknown).
Remember the reason for the season – the celebration of Christ’s birthday – not our own – unless, of
course, your birthday falls on or near Christmas! So, don’t get too wrapped up in getting. Be more
concerned about giving. The greatest gift is often the simple concern for the spiritual well-being of
another. God always blesses that kind of care!
Yours in Christ this Christmas season and every season,
Brian
First United Methodist Church 315 Kerens Avenue Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Church: 304-636-0660 www.fumcelkinswv.com Rev. Brian Seders, Pastor Parsonage: 304-636-0406
The Seders cordially invite the
congregation to the Parsonage
Open House on Sunday,
December 17th
from 2 pm – 5 pm.
Refreshments provided by the United Methodist Women.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
DECEMBER 24, 2017
7:00PM Service
11:00PM—Traditional Communion Service
Candlelight at both services.
THE ANGEL TREE: We have angels on the tree that will send a Merry Christmas
to children from WV Choice, Right to Start and local families. When you pick up a
tag from the Angel Tree, please provide your name and tag number on the
information sheet provided by the tree. Bring gifts back no later than Dec. 12. If
you cannot shop for an angel but would like to make a donation for us to shop for
you, please ear mark your check Angel Tree. Thank you to everyone who takes an
angel from our Angel Tree.
MITTEN AND SOCK TREE: As the angels on the Angel Tree are taken we will decorate it with children’s
mittens, gloves, scarves, hats and socks. These will be distributed in our community for needy children.
These items need to be in by Sunday, December 17.
Director of Christian Education
Kary Kramer
“A thrill of hope, the
weary world rejoices!
For yonder breaks a new
and glorious morn!”
Program Updates
This month in Sunday School and Children’s Church our focus will be hopefulness. As Advent begins, and we prepare for Jesus’ birth we remember that Jesus and his promises fill us with hope. Over the next five weeks, we encourage you to spend some time reflecting on and discussing hope with your families. What gives you hope? When have you felt like you needed hope? What were you most hopeful for when you were younger? What are you most hopeful for right now?
Our children will be hearing and responding to stories about preparing for and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Dec. 3 – “A New King Will Bring Hope” Jeremiah 23:5-8
Dec. 10 – “Mary & Joseph Found Hope in the Angels’ Messages” Matt. 1:18-24; Luke 1:26-28
Dec. 17 – “Jesus, the Hope of the World, Was Born” Luke 2:1-7
Dec. 24 – “The Shepherds Celebrated the Hopeful News of Jesus” Luke 2:8-20
Dec. 31 – “Simeon & Anna Hoped and Waited Patiently for the Messiahs’ Birth” Luke 2:25-38
Looking Forward
As we journey through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, let us look
forward to 2018 with hopeful hearts. Program updates, events, and
announcements will be included in our weekly bulletin, as well as our church
website as we prepare for a new year.
Gale Poe MUSIC NOTES
December is probably my favorite month to write – there is so much going on and so much to share. The cantata, Goin’ to Bethlehem, is being presented on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the 11:00 a.m. service. We are in the final third of those rehearsals, and the music is beginning to tighten. If you are a cook, you know when a soup begins to tighten – some of the liquid is reduced, and the texture not only changes, but the flavor intensifies. It is how it is for us and the music. Familiarity is replacing discovery. We are excited at the prospect of Gary Crawford’s joining us this year, after over four years of an arduous road of recuperation. What a gift his guitar playing is to all of us. Jenny Pippin and Paula Doerr are providing instrumentation as well, and nothing makes us happier than using gifts and talents in grand ways. Our Children’s Choir is currently seven strong, and Linda Wagner is guiding their learning of the music. We have had a wonderful time with them in rehearsals, and they now know that a cookie person bakes each week. (no names!) ConwayRingers is doing what they always do – showing up, literally and figuratively. In addition to their weekly rehearsal, they came into the choral rehearsal three weeks in November. It seems that each Advent one piece is chosen that is a forward-leaning challenge; they always approach without fear. I love that about them. In November, the Chancel Choir participated in the Mountain Hospice Memorial Service in our sanctuary. Eighteen singers came and offered time and respect and anthems to the families who are in different places along the path of grief. Music sometimes speaks when words fail. Our deep hope is that in the midst of that path, they know, or someone shares with them, the certainty of resurrection faith. The Chancel Choir and ConwayRingers will go to ERCC on Wednesday, December 20, for the thirteenth annual Christmas Candlelight Service. Dr. Basil Hensley, chaplain at the Center, leads worship. The Center is of immeasurable help to facilitate moving of the handbell equipment after the ringers have packed and wrapped everything. It is a service that frames what Christmas really is for us all – giving. Giving all kinds of things: music, time, energy, priority, joy, wonder (and food – we Methodists never forget
food 😊).
However, the one absolute gift, the best gift, is Jesus. The hymnwriter, Phillips Brooks, says it best:
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of His heaven.
It is the prayer of the Music Ministry that your Advent journey leads you to Bethlehem.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
The First United Methodist Church will bless the lives of 1,160 needy children
through the shoebox gifts that were packed by members of our church. The
Elkins Volunteer Team collected 11,461 shoe boxes that were delivered to the
Charlotte Processing Center by Kessler Trucking Company.
Thanks to all who volunteered, packed boxes, or made donations. This
ministry could not happen without you!
A special thanks also to church members who traveled to Boone, NC to process
shoeboxes!
FAMILY ADVENT DINNER
Come celebrate with us!
On Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6:00 p.m., we will be sharing in a Church Family Advent
Dinner and Advent Celebration. The United Methodist Men will be cooking a
great dinner for us with ham loaf or turkey served with mashed potatoes,
dressing, gravy, bacon & cheesy potatoes, green beans, biscuits and cake. The
delicious meal will be followed by a time of Advent celebration coordinated by
Kary Kramer, Christian Ed Director. There is no cost for the meal, but donations
will be accepted to help defray expenses for the food.
United Methodist Women’s News
Fall Bazaar, Luncheon, Donations for Missions, Country Store, Crafts and Baked Goods Sale
And So Much More
For over 70 years the women of FUMC have put on activities to raise money for numerous
charities. We understand earlier bazaars included many crafts from the various circles and
sometimes a turkey dinner. Over the years the face of the event may have changed but the
intent has always remained the same which is to meet the needs that may arise in the
community, district, nationally and internationally. The following are scenes from this
year's fall bazaar where women cook, serve, clean, accept donations for specific missions in
exchange for items contributed by each circle and provide shopping opportunities for
reasonable prices. Crafters are supported in offering their creations and merchandise for
sale.
There was an overwhelming number of those in attendance on a lovely fall day. It fact, it
appears to be one of the largest attended bazaars in recent history. What was even more
outstanding was the comments heard throughout the room.
A senior citizen that attends most of the bazaars said, “I love to come to these and sit at a
beautifully decorated table and have a meal where I can visit with so many people that I
only get to see here.”
A man brought his adult grandson to lunch and responded, “The food is wonderful but what
I like is that everyone is so friendly at this gathering. I am always greeted with a welcoming
smile. It seems that the event makes everyone so happy.”
An employee of one of the local banks stated, “All of us look forward to these events. It is a
change from our regular lunch routine and we see others from the downtown businesses.”
A friend reported, “Every time I come I get to catch up with people I do not regularly see.”
It appears the bazaar received high marks in food, hospitality and fellowship. Yes, funds
were raised but fun and joyful interaction seemed to abound as well. FUMW should be
proud of the many faceted aspects of this event. It is a terrific opportunity for us to be
ambassadors for our church.
December Calendar for Circles… Circle 1 – Kathy Hitchcock – Christmas Covered Dish Dinner on Tuesday, December 12, at 6 pm at Penny Friddle’s home – 119 Mountainview Drive Circle 2 – Conway/Galford – Christmas Party on Thursday, December 14, at 1 pm in the Parlor Circle 4 – Armentrout/Gay – Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 14, at 11:30 am at 1863 Grill and Restaurant Circle 5 – Wetsch/Hyre – Christmas Luncheon and making Christmas Care Baskets on Thursday, December 14, at 11 am in the Family Life Center
The church office would like to take a moment and recognize several people who recently volunteered to beautify the church grounds and the sanctuary. When you see these individuals please thank them. Buddy and Mary Rowan for cleaning out the flower beds before winter sets in, Donna Hamrick and Bobbi Trimboli for decorating the sanctuary and getting us ready for the Advent season! We appreciate you volunteering your time and talents!
If you have any Thinking of You cards that you would like to donate, please bring in to the church office for the
We Care Group. It will be much appreciated.
POINSETTIAS in memory or in honor of loved ones will be in the Sanctuary on Sunday, Dec. 24. You may order a poinsettia by completing the form below and returning it to
Rhonda in the church office by Wednesday, Dec. 6. All poinsettias will be ordered from Tammy’s Florist. You may pick up your flowers after Christmas Eve or Christmas day Services. Please do not call Tammy’s after the deadline to order poinsettias for the church. Thank you! 2017 POINSETTIA ORDER Additional Ways to Honor/Remember Loved
In memory of (deceased): _________________ Ones: You may also choose to honor or _______________________________________ remember your loved ones this Christmas by
_______________________________________ making a special gift to the CHURCH BUDGET.
_______________________________________ Complete the form below and return it with
your check (may place it in the offering plate,
In honor of (living): ______________________ or mail it to the church office, First UMC, 315 _______________________________________ Kerens Ave. Elkins, WV 26241) by Sunday,
_______________________________________ December 10.
_______________________________________
Given By: ______________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Mailing address
(where florist should send bill): _____________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
ORDER YOUR Poinsettias
2017 SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT TO CHURCH
BUDGET
In memory of (deceased): ________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
In honor of (living): ____________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Given By: ____________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
OF THINGS ABOVE
“Set your minds on things above…” (Colossians 3:2)
Molly Broadwater, Lilly Kurfman, Mark Goodwin, Susan Seders, Libby Summers
Christmas Concert
December 9, 2017
6:30 pm
Elkins First United Methodist Church
A Christian vocal group from North Central West Virginia that sing a blend of
contemporary and traditional Christian songs in various genres.
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Connie Caudy 7 Matt Tyre 15 Julia Preusch 22 Dianne Marstiller
1 Rhys Lefler 7 Manda Pawelczyk 16 Vince Johnkoski 22 Brooks Spears
2 Amon Marstiller 7 Holly Elbon 16 Monica Wamsley 22 Lexi Reger
2 Jessica Wilmoth 7 Olivia Seibert 16 Emma Pingley 23 Jin Rhee
2 Autumn Trupo 8 Susan Sneed 17 Bud Rexrode Jr 23 Bill Basil
3 Jeff Barb 8 Eli McWhorter 17 Donna Mouser 23 Juliann Harlan
3 Beth Conklin 8 Cassandra Lawson 18 Jack Batdorf 25 Barbara Tyre
3 Bryan Davis 9 Toni Herron 18 Emily Bennett 26 Jo Ellen Jones
3 Ryan Merriam 9 Sheila Gregoire 18 Becky Cain 27 Roy White
3 Dallas Poyner 10 Elsie Bucher 18 Ella Berdine 27 Mike Ebel
4 Leigh Fletcher 11 Carroll Martin 18 Maggie Conrad 27 Tara Standridge
4 Maxine Varney 11 Margie Sutton 19 Mary Ann Gay 28 Barbara Criss
4 Betty Jo Kostakos 11 Mike Pizzino 19 Frank Gola 28 Buck Hammer II
4 Paul Grindle 12 Carol Holt 19 Barbara Wetsch 28 Linda Patterson
5 Bonnie Marstiller 13 Lloyd Teter Jr 19 JoJo Rhee 28 Jessica Johnson
5 Stephanie Reed 13 James Smith 19 Patrick Thompson 30 Chris Patella
6 Eric Ferguson 13 David Ferguson 19 Matthew Spessert 30 Michelle Pratt
6 Sam Tuning 14 Simmie Hoeft 20 Kathy Hitchcock 30 Todd Schoonover
7 Shawna Davis 14 Mike McDowell 20 D.K. Curtis-Golden 31 Hollie Pritt
7 Jay Dailer 14 Emily Shobe 21 Carol Pizzino 31 Lorrie Downs
7 Phil Hinkle 14 Alexa Sanders 21 Donnie Teter 31 George Mallow
7 Jennifer Gouer 14 Jacob Pritt 22 Judy Vandenbergh
7 Amy Simmons 15 Larry Jones 22 Sue Wolfe
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
3 Dave & Donna Simmons 16 Jerry & Bobbi Trimboli 29 Vilas & Norma Stalnaker
4 Denver & Jean Barnett 20 John & Laura Chapman 30 Jim & Wilma Crowley
6 Glenn & Patty Godwin 22 Basil & Janis Hensley 31 Steve & Kristin Satterfield
8 Jim & Sue Sayres 22 Bill & Linda Patterson
11 Brad & Missy Reger 25 Calvin & Margaret Bennett
14 Bob & Sara Hinkle 29 Vince & Phoebe Johnkoski
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
to the families of
Jean Heater, (Bob Cowgill’s sister),
Lenora Marie Daft Lloyd, (Bill Daft’s sister),
and Annis King Martin
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORG
315 KERENS AVENUE U.S. POSTAGE
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA 26241-3852 PAID
FIRST U.M. CHURCH
The Circuit Rider ELKINS, WV
December 2017 PERMIT NO. 14
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM – 3 PM / Friday 8:30 AM – 12-noon PH: 304-636-0660
Pastor: Brian Seders (304-636-0406 Home)
Office Manager/Treasurer: Rhonda Elmer
Director of Church School of Ministries: Kary Kramer
Financial Secretary: Danielle Taylor
Music Director: Gale Poe
Pastor Emeritus: Basil Hensley Nursery Worker: Jennifer Wanless
Custodian: Angela Kisner
