MARCH 2018Our 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 LizWe are coming to Easter, the time of year to celebrate our faith and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We shall also probably see persons we haven’t seen in a while. Please make them feel especially welcome.

This is a very exciting time in the life of Chestnut Hill UMC. Our committees are all brainstorming and working on many new ideas and ways to attract young families to our church. There are so many opportunities available to each of us to help make new disciples of Jesus Christ.

Remember Jesus' words to Andrew and the other disciple in the Gospel of John to "Come along and see for yourself" (John 1: 39; The Message by Eugene H. Peterson). This must be our message to the unreached in our community - those who do not have a church home, those who have heard but rejected the gospel message, and those who have never heard it. George G. Hunter, III in his book, Church for the un-churched calls this huge mission field, "pre-Christian." The bad news is there are so many un-churched, un-reached, pre-Christians out there all around us - the good news is, look at the mission field available to us. We must be attentive at all times to the opportunity to "offer them Christ."

Easter is a time of hope and rebirth. Help us to capture this vision for Chestnut Hill UMC. Attend Sunday School and worship, bring a friend, an inactive member and a relative, too - do all you can do to make new disciples for Christ. We aren't trying to make church members, but disciples of Jesus Christ- there is a difference. Help us transform lives.

Please pray about these things.

  ~Blessings, Grace and Peace, Liz

UMCOR Sunday formally known as “One Great Hour of Sharing”

UMCOR Sunday is March 11. Because UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) receives no apportionment dollars, the disaster-relief agency relies on this special offering to pay for all of its administrative costs. This allows 100% of

donations given for specific appeals to go directly to those relief efforts. Support UMCOR Sunday to insure that UMCOR can continue to respond immediately and effectively to help victims of emergencies around the world. 

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11th. Remember to set your clocks AHEAD ONE (1) hour before bedtime on Saturday, March 10, 2018. 

 

Holy Thursday also called Maundy ThursdayEarly Christians began to regard the Thursday of Holy Week as a special time for participating

in the Lord's Supper. The day came to be called "Maundy Thursday," a reference to Christ's giving a "new commandment" (John 13:34) to His disciples. The word "maundy" comes from the Latin word for "commandment." Usually the early Maundy Thursday observances included a ceremonial foot-washing, in imitation of Christ's washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:5-11).

On Holy Thursday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m., gather with others for a special service of Holy Communion, as we connect with those who shared that first Lord’s Supper. A nursery will be available.  

A Prayer for LentMerciful God, in the darkness of our sin and the confusion of our world, we seek to renew our faith

in you this Lent. In the face of death and suffering, we long to hope in your promise of everlasting life. In times of loneliness and alienation, we desire the consolation of your undying love. Touch our hearts this lent that through the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, we may come to live faithfully in your kingdom, both now and forever. Amen 

~Join Us for a Very Special Worship Service April 1 at 10:30 a.m. ~

Easter is the most important holy day of the Christian faith. Its roots are tied to the Jewish Passover, which was the season in which Jesus was executed. Passover is when Jews remember how God liberated them from Egypt. For Christians, the more proper name is Resurrection Sunday, and it marks the discovery of the empty tomb and the return of Jesus from death. It is the liberation

of all humans from the consequences of our stubborn refusal and inability to follow God. The Easter Service is not some sort of a stand-alone thing. It is part of a series of events, the devotions of Holy Week, that the early Church treated as one worship service. It starts at the 'Holy Thursday' or 'Maundy Thursday'), which marks Jesus' mandates to serve, to take Holy Communion, and to love as He loved. On that day Jesus was betrayed and arrested. Good

Friday is the day of Jesus' execution, the first day of Jesus' death The Easter season isn't just Easter Sunday. It's 50 days long, and the last of those days is Pentecost, marking the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit with power.

 

Crown of ThornsAn old legend tells of a parish priest who found a branch of a thorn tree twisted around so that it resembled a crown of thorns. Thinking it a symbol of the crucifixion of Christ, he took it into his chapel and placed it on the altar on Good

Friday. Early on Easter morning he remembered what he had done. Feeling it was not appropriate for Easter Sunday, he hurried into the church to clear it away before the congregation came. But when he came into the church, he found the thorn branches blossoming with beautiful roses. 

Sunday, March 18, 201810:30 a.m.

Worship ~ Special Guests

The Mary Baldwin Choir will be singing for our service. There will be about 25 students. All are invited for this special service

 

Children’s MinistryThe Spring Session of Kingdom Kids will begin on Sunday March 4th through April 15th, except

Easter Sunday, April 1st. The theme will be “All Creation Sings, Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord”. Psalm 150:6. We will continue our discussion on Creation and also talk about how children see themselves, how others see them and how God sees them. We will also learn about the Fruits of the Spirit.

Out sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. and end by 6:15 p.m. Supper will be provided again this year. Chestnut Hill will be providing supper March 11th and April 8th. If you can help us please let me know.

Please continue to pray for the children and the programs. The children wish for you a blessed Lenten season.

~Jody Underwood, Lay Children’s Ministry Coordinator

 The Merry Marthas Circle will meet at the home of Elaine Clarke on Wednesday, March 21. We will have a guest speaker, Karen Maxey, who will talk about "Beads For Life", jewelry made by women in Africa to better their lives. We meet at 10:00 a.m. Women not in Merry Marthas are welcome to attend. Bring cash or check if interested in purchasing some of this unique jewelry. (Note: the date is a week later than our usual meeting day to accommodate Karen's schedule.) 

 

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church extends Christian love and sympathy to the family of William Albert Mason, Jr and especially to his mother, Georgia Mason, his son, Micajah, and his sisters, Laurie and Susan. Mr. Mason passed away on January 16, 2018.

To the family of Edna Phillips Wyatt and especially to her siblings, Marvin and Marian. Mrs. Wyatt passed away on February 2, 2018.

And to the family of Audrey J. White and especially to her children, Dave, Wade, and A. Ellen. Mrs. White passed away on February 20, 2018. 

Mission Memo…The Park View Mission food cart started the new year with a bang. In Jan. and Feb we collected 8 cans of vegetables, 7 bxs. of M.&C., 3 bxs. Hamburger Helper, and 2 bxs. of instant potatoes for a total of 15lbs. of food. We also collected 11 bottles of shampoo. 10 deodorants, 14 tubes of tooth-paste, 15 tooth brushes, 4 oral care kits, and 53 bars of soap. We collected 6 pks. of toilet paper that equaled 44 rolls, 12 pks. diapers that equaled 274 diapers, and 2pks. food storage bags that equaled 78bgs.  Thank-you to all who made this possible. Park View really needed these items and were grateful to get them. In March we will collect all types of canned meats, toilet paper, and food storage bags (gallons, quarts, pints).  The mission uses food storage bags to divide up packages with multiple items so more clients can get some of an item.  They have been basically out of toilet paper for about two months, that is why it is listed so often.  Food stamps will not cover paper products. They are over joyed when toilet paper is donated. 

~Thank-you from Linda Jessen & the Mission Committee

Top of the Hill... will meet on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. More

information provided later. 

Change of AddressRhonda Dunn5712 River Glen Dr.Greensboro, NC 27455 

The Wrong QuestionThe question is not, "How much of what is mine will I give to God?" Rather, the

question is, "How much of what is God's shall I keep for myself?" 

FRIENDS WHO CARE

Please 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 40 phone calls and 35 visits were made in DECEMBER. A total of 2 phone calls and 5 visits were made in JANUARY 2018.

Food Cart...We will be collecting items for the Food Cart for Park View Community Mission. 

F or the M onth of MARCH

“Canned meats, toilet paper, and food storage bags (gallons, quarts, pints).

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

Read AheadEach 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.

March 4, 2018 3rd Sunday in Lent, the Scriptures are Exodus 20:1-7; & 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 The sermon text is Mark 10:17-26 and the message is “Greed”.

March 11, 2018 4th Sunday in Lent–UMCOR Sunday, the Scriptures are Numbers 21:4-9; & Ephesians 2:1-10. The sermon text is Amos 5:24 and the message is “Apathy”.

March 18, 2018, 5th Sunday in Lent the Scriptures are Jeremiah 31:31-34; & Hebrews 5:5-10 The sermon text is John 12:20-33 and the message is “The Unexpected”.

March 25, 2018 Palm Sunday, the Scriptures are Isaiah 50:4-9a; & Philippians 2:5-11. The sermon text is Mark 11:1-11 and the message is “Palms or Ticker Tape”.

March 29, 2018 Holy Thursday, the Scriptures are John 31b-35, & 1 Cor 11:23-28 The sermon text is and the message is “Celebration ”. 

Gifts & Memorials  In Memory Of:

Mary Jo WoodsGiven by: Pat Short

Nancy SettlemyreGiven by: Jimmy & Barbara Blunt,

Wilton & Kitty Burgess

Albert “Al” MasonGiven by: Jimmy & Barbara Blunt, J. Owen Stinnett, Imelda Chancey, Gene & Neta Pearson,

John & Robbie Hodges, Helen Fleck, Beryl Martin,Buddy & Barbara LeFew, Wilton & Kitty Burgess,

Bonnie Benedict, Gene & Connie Harris,Merry Martha’s Circle

Edna P. WyattGiven by: Carolyn Barley (Sunshine Club),

Georgia Mason, Frances Unruh, Carol Clark,Gene & Connie Harris, Jimmy & Barbara Blunt

 

March Birthdays1 Christine Donald4 Rev. Vernie Barrow

Edward Morton5 Kitty Burgess

Kyle Childress6 Dan Harris

Gregory Knowles10 Mary Scott11 Bryan Tiller12 Teresa Bell14 Patrick Lacy15 Ian Childers17 Michael Chenault18 Elizabeth Almond

Kathleen BoswellJulius Tolley

20 Meggan Saul21 Ryan Bell

Erlene Puckett 

22 Addison JayPat Wiley, Jr.

23 Louise Woody25 Sandra Kinzer

Jean MillerCorena Ware

26 Marsha BurksSteve ColemanChristopher Goughnour

27 Frances BainSusan Kennen

28 Ken Price, Sr.Michele Pusey

29 William Underwood30 Vickie Busic

Jason Witt31 Wendy Dalton

Those Who Serve ~ MARCHUSHERS: Fred Norvelle, Head Usher

NURSERY CAREGIVERS:Erin Ecklund, Nursery Supervisor

March 4 ~Ann RuhlandMarch 11 ~Linda WrightMarch 18 ~Jane WhiteMarch 25 ~Elaine Clarke

GREETERS:March 4 ~Elizabeth AshworthMarch 11 ~Linda WrightMarch 18 ~Jane WhiteMarch 25 ~Barbara LeFew

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (Ages 4-11)

Information will be provided in the bulletins.

OFFERING COUNTERS: TBS

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OUR ATTENDANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP

1-7 17 411-14 31 561-21 36 701-28 34 632-4 CANCELLED2-11 33 502-18 36 71

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 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 Church Financial PictureThrough the end of January 2018

General Operating Funds:

Needed to meet our 2018 Budget $ 237,899

Needed to meet our budget to date $ 19,825

Actual receipts to date $ 20,056

Overage to meet budget to date $ 231

Actual expenditures to date $ 14,512

Overage meet expenses to date $ 5,313

Joy In Missions Funds:

Our Giving Goal for 2018 $ 11,600

Needed to meet our goal to date $ 967

Actual receipts to date $ 777

Special Offerings* (not budgeted):

Received to date $ 40

Dispersed to date $ 0

*Christmas, Easter, Annual Conference,

World Communion, etc.

2018 Joy In Mission Donations

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

Missionary Covenant Relationship $ 0

Interfaith Outreach $ 0

Park View Missions~Food for Families $ 0

Society of St. Andrew $ 0

Adult Care Center $ 0

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank $ 0

Camp Timothy $ 0

Churches for Urban Ministry $ 0

Daily Bread $ 0

Free Clinic $ 0

Good Neighbor $ 0

Habitat for Humanity $ 0

Heart Havens $ 0

Heifer $ 0

UMCOR-Non-Administrative $ 0

Undesignated $ 0

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

Meals on Wheels (Souper Bowl) $ 0

UMCOR(One Great Hour of Sharing) $ 0

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