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2017 December Script Shores Hampstead United Methodist Church
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
SKIP’S SCOOP CONTINUED 02
ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET 02
NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM 03
HOLIDAY WORSHIP DATES 04
MUSIC NOTES 05
PRESCHOOL NEWS 06
HEADSTART GIFT BAGS 06
ALTAR FLOWER GUILD 07
OWLS/BLOOD DRIVE 07
GREETINGS FROM QUEENIE! 08
LAITY NOTES 09
FINANCE COMMITTEE 09
UMMEN/MUNCH 10
UMWOMEN/CARDS & LETTERS 11
SPECIAL DAYS TO REMEMBER 12
Skip’s Scoop
Saturday Betsy and I went shopping, trying to get a
head start on our Christmas presents. As we entered one
of the many department stores in Wilmington, I overheard
a woman praying as she hauled gift bags out to her car. At
least, I THINK she was praying, about some situation in
her life-- her words were “LORD! I’m glad THAT ordeal is
over!” Then I realized her comments were aimed at the
conclusion of her Christmas shopping! Of all the blessings
she might have gotten from giving, I’m sad to say, I think
she may have missed the spirit of it all!
There are great blessings going on here at HUMC!
Right now, at this very moment, I’m witnessing a bunch of
our members gathering in the narthex to hand out
Thanksgiving food bags (CHAP Program) to the needy folks
in our community. Actually, I’m not “witnessing” them –
I’m hearing them! What a raucous bunch they are! Having
a great time, telling stories, teasing each other, and every
now and then stopping to share in God’s blessings!
I wonder if they know how much they would have
missed if they hadn’t come here today?! If they hadn’t
made themselves available to serve those less fortunate
than themselves?! God put together this ministry to help
folks with food, no doubt – but He also came up with
CHAP so some of us could fellowship, laugh, give and re-
joice together! It seems a shame that Christmas follows
Thanksgiving so closely-- for that reason we’re tempted
to run right by Thanksgiving to get to the strain (uhh, I
mean the joy) of the Nativity!
They’re very similar, the two seasons are. They’re
both expressions of deep and spiritual appreciation for
the things God has done and is doing for our nation and
2017 December Script Shores Page 2
Skip’s Scoop Continued...
for our faith. But there is one major difference in the two seasons-- Christmas also has an ele-
ment of anticipation; it adds a flavor of the future. We give thanks at Christmas, and we sing
carols of praise for our merciful and loving God. But we also celebrate the challenges that God
brings to us, as we share our Baby, our Lord, our Christ!
Jesus is not a Christmas present, in terms of our experience with presents! He IS a gift,
and THE Gift that gives for ever! There is joy in receiving Him, growing closer to Him and
treasuring Him. But He is the most wonderful “RE-Gift” in all God’s creation! This may be hard
to grasp, but God gave us His Son so we could “RE-GIFT” with Him-- accept Him for ourselves,
then send Him on to others, for they need Him just as much as we do!
I certainly hope you have a merry Christmas! But I also hope that you will do every-
thing necessary to HAVE a happy and merry Christmas—get with God’s people; pray; share
stories; laugh together; maybe even share tears of forgiveness and joy! And give! Then you
AND Christ will have fulfilled God’s purpose for this holy season!
Merry Christmas! Skip
Alternative Gift Market
Visit the Alternative Gift Market following each service on December 3rd. The Market is located in
Room #3, the Library. You can select from six outreach missions of HUMC and give a donation "In
Honor" of the recipient of your gift. You will be given a Christmas Card with an insert describing the
mission. Please fill out the "Shopping List" (green insert) available in your bulletin or the narthex.
Donations maybe given to:
The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) funding HUMC 2018 team
Leap of Faith – at HUMC Anonymous food Pantry at HUMC
MUNCH- Meals Until No Child Hungers- Eastern Pender Elementary
& Middle Schools
Four C's Food Pantry
Upward Soccer – at HUMC
WARM—Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry—Repairing, upgrading
homes in Pender County
Thank you to all who supported the “CHAP” Community Holiday Assistance Pro-
gram right here in Hampstead. The fifty families were blessed at Thanksgiving with
your special meal and will enjoy a more blessed Christmas with your donations.
—Peggy Harris, Missions Chair
2017 December Script Shores Page 3
By order of his Royal Majesty, the Emperor, it is decreed that all
the world should be counted and taxed. Therefore, let each
person and family come for
“A Night in Bethlehem”
Donkeys must be tied on the north side of the building and all
should enter through the proper gate to be counted.
Do not plan on spending the night as you may find the Inn
to be full.
This event will be held outdoors, weather permitting, so dress
appropriately. If there is a chance of rain, all can be counted the
following day.
All taxing will take place on the date and time shown in the lower
corner. Those found disobeying this law to appear will be sen-
tenced to a holiday season without the true spirit of Christmas.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
Caesar Augustus
Date: December 15, rain date, December 16
Time: 6:00—9:00pm
Place: Hampstead United Methodist Church,
15395 Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC
Page 4 2017 December Script Shores
Holiday Worship Services
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES
Normal Worship Service, 10:00 AM
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services, 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Holy Communion will be served at all three services.
Candles will be lit during singing of “Silent Night.”
Invite your family & friends!
A nursery is provided (except for 10:00 AM).
NEW YEAR’S DAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Lessons & Carols
(One Service Only, 10:00 AM)
We at HUMC have been blessed with a very loyal, loving and
dedicated Staff. Please join us as we gather a love offering between
now and December 17th. Place your gift in the offering plate marked
“Staff Christmas” or see a member of SPRC. This love offering will be
shared among all our staff members as a token of our thanks and best
wishes for a Happy Holiday season. Thank you all for being such a loving, caring
Congregation!
—Staff Parish Relations Committee
Staff Love Offering
Lovely Ladies Luncheon
The Lovely Ladies will not be meeting during the month of December. Merry Christmas to you all.
We’ll meet in January. Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions for our lunches. We’ve had a
fun year. Stay well during the holidays and all during the coming year.
—Sharolyn Schwiesow & Glen Pettygrove
2017 December Script Shores Page 5
Music Notes
It’s getting cold outside, so you know what that means!
It’s time to enjoy the Christmas Season with all we have
to offer at HUMC! And I believe we have a HUMdinger
of a Cantata for you this year! The Cantata Choir and
Orchestra will proudly present to you, “Tapestry of
Light: A Celtic Christmas Celebration.” This
Cantata is a joining of traditional carols, primarily from
the British Isles, with scripture reading, creating a
glorious fabric of melody and truth, sure to warm the
cockles of your heart!
A Candlelight Cantata service w ill be presented on Saturday, Dec. 9th and Sunday, Dec.
10th at 7 PM. Please note: There is only ONE service on Sunday morning, Dec.10th at
10AM, and that w ill be designated for our morning presentation of the Cantata! The
Cantata Choir and Orchestra have, once again, been working innumerable hours on this exciting,
musical adventure, and we hope you will find it most uplifting! With three opportunities to come
experience this unique blending of familiar carols with alternate tunes, it is my hope that you will
invite everyone you know to attend one of these special services with you. (Nursery will be provided
during all three services.) Whom will you ask to come share this glorious event?!
The Cantata Choir will sing throughout the month of December, including Christmas Eve, at the
ONE SERVICE at 10AM, as well as both the 5:00 and 7:00PM services! If you have not had the op-
portunity to attend a Christmas Eve service, or even if you have attended every year, I invite you to
join your church family and guests, as the light of our candles fills the sanctuary, illuminating the
face of each person who comes to welcome Jesus into our hearts that night!
As this calendar year races to an end… (And they are getting faster with each passing year! Hey! I’m
still wondering where SUMMER went!!)… Let me thank all my “musical people” for their dedication
to His service. And to the congregation, I thank you for the loving support you offer throughout the
year, to our musical groups, to Kevin Kolb, and to me. May each and every one of you have a blessed
Christmas!
Yours in Song,
Patti
Preschool News “For unto us a child is born.” Isaiah 9:6
December brings our favorite unit of study: Christmas! Our devotion
is the Nativity story. Compassion is our character trait and the postman is
our community helper.
There’s nothing like the Christmas season. Children become so excited they can’t
contain themselves. Teachers help them to channel their energy into fun and creativity.
Parents work tirelessly to make their children’s Christmas dreams come true. All of us know
the Santa part of Christmas. At preschool we also believe in the importance of teaching
children the Jesus part of Christmas.
Thank you to Cindy Klempay for being our visiting reader during November. The
children really enjoyed listening to you read to them.
We will collect items for the Pender County Headstart Gift Bag Program until Monday,
December 11th. Help us help others and share your Christmas spirit with children. A list of
items needed follows.
Merry Christmas!
Peace and prayers,
Judy Lane
2017 December Script Shores Page 6
Please Help with the Preschool Christmas Gift Bag Program!
The following is a list of suggested donations. All items must be in by Monday, December 11th.
Large gift bags Board books Coloring books Paint books
Story books Crayons, Markers Stuffed animals Pencils and Sharpeners
Clothes (size 3-5) Coats/Jackets Hats, gloves, mittens Socks/Underwear
Hairbrushes/Combs Toothbrushes/Toothpaste Kids soaps/shampoos
Cereal bars Packaged snacks Small toys
Share the Good News!
Bold, red Advent Invitations, detailing special events in the life of our church
in December, are available in the narthex. These are invitations for ourselves
and also your friends and neighbors, to invite them to come too! Take a
number of these cards, and extend that invitation to many!
2017 December Script Shores Page 7
Hampstead OWLS Older, Wiser, Lively Seniors
The OWLS will meet Thursday, December 14th at 11 o’clock in room 5/6. We will have our
annual cookie exchange and will play a game or two. Soooo... dust off your favorite recipe
or start testing the samples at your favorite grocery or bakery. You don’t want to miss this fun filled
event! If you have any questions please give me a call (508-4777)
—Shirleen Spencer
HUMC Altar Flower Guild
We are gearing up for a glorious Advent season! Poinsettias will be placed in the
sanctuary on December 9th in time for the Cantata.
Just a reminder, if you have placed an order for a Poinsettia and would like to pick it
up at the church, please wait until after the last service on Christmas Eve.
We are still welcoming new members to our Guild. If you have any interest or would like to know
more about our ministry, please let me know. No experience is needed.
We are also looking for people who can deliver small vases of flowers to those in need on Monday
mornings. If you can help us out, please contact Debbie Gouge at [email protected]. Thank you for
your consideration.
—Marilyn Flanders, Flower Guild Chairperson
[email protected], 270-1091
Give the Gift of LIFE!
Searching for the perfect gift to give? At no cost and just an hour or so of your time, you can give the
gift of life! Donating blood can save up to three lives. Our HUMC blood drive is Monday, December 4th
from 1:30 to 6:00 PM in our sanctuary. To schedule an appointment, call 910-254-4483.
Many thanks to all who responded to my request for volunteers to assist with our blood
drives. For the December 4th drive, I thank Molly Johnson and her crew of youth who will help
with the greeting of donors and at the canteen. Any questions or concerns, contact Nancy
McKelvey at 910-264-9405.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Intercessory Prayer meeting is held each Tuesday at 9:00 in the "chapel" for lack of a better way to describe our meeting room. We invite any and all to join us in an informal hour of prayer. If you would like to pray with us, that is fine. If you would like to receive prayer for yourself or another, please let us know. We are a small group of church members welcoming any and all for this hour of time in meditation, prayer, song, or any form of worship you may choose. You do not have to have special gifts or talents just a desire to commune with our Lord. You do not have to actively pray "out loud" in a group setting. You can sit still listening for His word and experiencing His presence. We would love to meet you.
—Dottie Webb
2017 December Script Shores Page 8
Greetings from Queenie the Church Mouse!
Here we are, getting ready to celebrate the Christmas Season at Hampstead UMC. So
unbelievable that this will be my sixth Christmas with all of you this year. It seems like only
yesterday that I stepped out on faith and managed to slide into one of the lady’s purses at
Duke University Chapel, that hot July day. Some of you may remember that day that you
came to visit Pastor Trudy and to attend the service at the Chapel. Several of you were talking about a place
called Hampstead, so I gathered up my nerve, packed a small suitcase, said goodbye to my rather large family
and off we went. Like I explained many years ago, I had to find a church of my own where I could grow in
ministry and be of some use. I come from a very prominent, prestigious line of Church Mice, dating back to
helping Charles Wesley pen his hymns, such as “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” published in 1739.
I will admit I prayed a lot that hot July day that I was doing the right thing and that I would not be dis-
covered and tossed out of a moving church van! I was sure that there were no other church mice at Hampstead
UMC, as I overheard someone say, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a church mouse.” Anyway, not to take up
the whole page on what happened so long ago. Let me just say, “Thank You to all of you for allowing me to be
your humble church mouse.” I have been blessed, and I hope my presence has blessed some of you!
So, here we are celebrating the Christmas season 2017! The sanctuary has been transformed into a place of
anticipation. The Chrismon tree, with its twinkling white lights and beautiful white and gold ornaments, faith-
fully stands tall. Each white and gold ornament has a part in telling all God’s people the reason for the season,
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Advent wreath, with its candles of purple and pink, surrounding the white candle of Christ, antici-
pates the coming of the newborn babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. The green wreath, encircling the candles,
reminds us that there is no beginning or end of Christ’s love. As a wee little mouse, I remember our family
coming together to light each candle and hearing the scriptures read and singing hymns like “O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel” or “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
I look forward to returning to Bethlehem as volunteers from the congregation travel back in time, open-
ing shops, walking the streets as shepherds, angels, and even the dreaded tax collectors and lepers! And then
visitors get to witness Jesus lying in a manger. It makes my whiskers wiggle when I hear the children tell their
parents that they saw Baby Jesus lying in the manger! I am also thankful that the many tunnels to travel by are
still in place. The field mice did an exceptional job. I was concerned a bit this year, as a lot of preparation has
taken place in preparation for the proposed fellowship hall. But, all is well! Bless those field mice!
So, my friends, I invite you to share in my anticipation during this Advent and Christmas Season.
Savor each day, spend time with family and friends, spread the Christmas message with another, perhaps a
stranger that becomes a friend through your reaching out to them.
Until next time, I lovingly remain your Church Mouse,
Queenie the Church Mouse
2017 December Script Shores Page 9
Laity Notes
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. A United Methodist
pastor wrote a special prayer which is easy for individuals, churches, or families to use
during this season of anticipation.
“Advent Devotion”
by the Rev. Jerry Chism
Oh Immanuel, God with us, truly in this Advent season we celebrate that you are not
hidden in some faraway cloud, but you chose to be with us in the blur and mystery of our
lives.
In the midst of lists and rush, you are with us as a song that echoes in our minds, as the light of a can-
dle, as a card from a friend. They are signs of your presence. We turn to you this season and pray that you
would birth joy and healing, blessing and hope in us. Let something wonderful begin in us — something
surprising and holy. May your hand be upon us. Let your love fill us. Let your joy overwhelm us.
Let our longing for you be met on a coming holy night. Immanuel with us once again. Amen.
Have a blessed and very Merry Christmas !
—Steve Calarco, Lay Leader
Year End Reminder From Your Finance Committee
As the year draws to a close, the last Sunday to place a 2017 contribution in the collection plate is December
31, 2017. If you are planning to mail a contribution, it must be postmarked by January 2, 2018. Because
December 31, is a Sunday, if you are making a contribution on that date, please note on your check if your
contribution is for 2017 or 2018, so that we can credit you for the proper year.
If you are planning to donate stock or mutual funds for 2017, please make sure your broker understands the
transaction must be completed in time for our brokerage account to liquidate the funds before December 31, to
credit your 2017 giving—please contact Betsy Williams, Financial Secretary, for a form to give to your broker,
listing our brokerage account information. If you are donating funds directly from an IRA, please contact your
tax advisor for rules regarding that type of donation. We should also have those funds in our account by
December 31.
We are trying some new things this year and will be printing an ‘interim’ financial statement at the end of
November, so that you will have an opportunity to view your giving before year-end. Please pick up your
interim statement Sunday, December 3, to avoid postage for the church. At that time, you may also pick up a
packet of offering envelopes to begin using January 1, 2018! Anyone may request a packet of envelopes, and
there are envelopes in the booklet for each Sunday (if you wish to defray the cost of the booklet--which is
$2.00, the ‘initial’ envelope in the booklet may be used for that purpose).
If you have any questions regarding your pledge status or other year-end items, please contact Betsy Williams,
Financial Secretary (910) 270-4648, ext 101.
2017 December Script Shores Page 10
United Methodist Men
Recent news: Low Country Boil event has passed with some success (just wait until next year folks)!
Talk has raised a possible early 2018 event (we will see…). Also, we will have our December Meeting on
Saturday the 2nd at 8AM. Several post breakfast projects are slated. ALL men 16 and older are welcome!!
As we enter into the Advent Season and we find ourselves out and about and surrounded by people, some of
whom are less than happy; please remember that our attitude, our words, even our body language can have an
effect on those around us. I want to share with you a passage from Chuck Swindol’s book ‘ATTITUDE’:
‘The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than
education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or
do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a
home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We
cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the
inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am
convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in
charge of our ATTITUDES.’
May this season of celebrating God’s gift to humankind bring each of us a renewed sense of our importance to
ALL of those around us. May we be the example Christ showed us to be and, in turn, make God smile.
—Al Smith
MUNCH—BackPack Meals Program
Our numbers have increased. We are now doing 95 backpacks each weekend for the children in the middle and the
three elementary schools here in Hampstead. As always, the need for food items and monetary donations are
essential to keep this program moving forward. For our highlighted item this month, let’s do pancake/waffle mix
and syrup. Our most needed items are listed below:
Pasta Sauce (24 oz. can)
Pasta 1lb box
Spaghetti O’s or store brand equivalent
Cereal
Canned chicken and tuna
Tuna and Chicken “Helpers”
Granola Bars, Peanut Butter Crackers
Pancake/Waffle Mix and Syrup
(“Reduced Sugar” and “Lower Sodium” are best! Please, NO glass containers please.)
If you prefer to do a monetary donation, we are pleased to receive it. Just write a check to HUMC and put
“MUNCH” in the memo field. That’s all it takes! Again, thank you for your generous support of MUNCH!
—Chip Davis, HUMC MUNCH BackPack Program Coordinator
2017 December Script Shores Page 11
Dear HUMW,
Yesterday Nov.19 was an exciting day in our church. The Church members who attended the presenta-
tion of new church plans voted to continue with proposed plans. If you have questions ask Chairman
Hiram Williams, other members of the committee or yesterday’s attendees.
Busy December is here. Please attend all activities that you can. You will be spiritually richer for it.
Listed below are our upcoming activities:
Dec 2nd we will hold our UMW Christmas Luncheon open to ALL women of the Church from 11:30-1:00
p.m. Hope Circle will hostess
Dec. 4th the Friendship Circle will meet at Loretta’s for supper
Dec.4th the Spirit Circle will dine out at chosen restaurant
Dec. 12th The Hope Circle will dine out for lunch
Jan. 8th The Friendship and Spirit Circles will meet at HUMC, Rm. 9 and the library respectively
Jan. 9th the Hope Circle will meet at 9:45 in Rm.2
Jan. 11th the HUMW Executive Meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the Library
Jan. 27th ALOTS & Cluster Meeting will take place in Wallace UMC in Wallace
Feb, 5th Friendship and Spirit Circles will meet at HUMC Rm. 9 and the Library respectively
Feb. 11th HUMW Annual Candy and Bake Sale after each service
Feb. 13th Hope Circle in Rm. 2 at 9:45
Feb.24th HD Social Action Event-Faith Harbor UMC, Surf City
METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN SHARING SUNDAY AT Church’s discretion throughout Feb.
HUMW wishes you an enriching and joyous Christmas holiday!
Kay Williams
United Methodist Women
To Our Hampstead Family,
Thank you for your cards, your flowers, your kind words and specially your prayers as we adjust to life without my Mom’s presence. One can never be fully prepared in the loss of a family member and to have the support of our family here at HUMC is invaluable. May the grace of God be with you always!
In Christ,
Al & Karen Smith
Cards & Letters...
2017 December Script Shores Page 12
Birthdays...
Altar Flowers
Anniversaries... Name Date
Mike & Linda Tedder December 08
Terry & Terrie Tracy December 11
Jerry & Sheila Rodney December 14
Bill & Cheryle Shaffer December 19
Bill & Helen Rogers December 20
Dale & Angie Bolin December 22
Larry & Vicki Crane December 22
Bob & Ginger Wells December 22
Carson & Dottie Webb December 24
Hiram & Kathy Williams December 27
Bill & Carolyn Justice December 31
Date Dedication
December 3 Mike & Linda Tedder. . .
“In celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary.”
December 3 Nancy Davis. . .
“In loving memory of my father Axel Skoland.”
December 10 Judy Harrelson. . .
“In loving memory of my daughter Melissa Britt and
in loving memory of my husband Truett Harrelson.”
December 10 Ken Sheaffer. . .
“In celebration of Ruth’s birthday.”
December 17 Janet Toedt. . .
“In loving memory of Lynn Toedt.”
Name Date
Maggie Parrish December 01
Skippy Redinger December 01
Joy Smoots December 01
Donna Cook December 02
Jean Loughlin December 02
John Cockrum December 03
Matt Thomas December 03
Claudette Brown December 04
Anthony Snyder December 05
Ronan McGuire December 06
Brenda Batson December 08
Allison Rooks December 08
Helen Rooks December 08
Ruth Sheaffer December 09
Ute Wolf December 09
Shania Eckhardt December 10
Tara Eckhardt December 10
Trish Allen December 12
John Biles December 12
Lucy Deaton December 12
Jim Godwin December 12
Maddie McLeod December 12
Karen Saari December 14
Rose Southerland December 14
Frank Gibson December 15
Spencer Dunthorn December 16
Hope Gibson December 16
Fran Kestner December 18
Cheryle Shaffer December 18
Pat Frankenberger December 19
Bill Shaffer December 19
Rhys Woodfill December 19
Henry Batton December 23
Jim McLeod December 23
Mike Richardson December 23
Rachael Rodney December 24
Melissa Hedelius December 25
Ric Nipper December 26
Madeline Gibson December 27
Mary McLamb December 27
John Wolfenbarger December 28
Pat Davis December 29
Kathleen David December 30
Colleen Humphrey December 31
Sheila Rodney December 31
Sean Walker December 31
Hampstead United Methodist Church
15395 Highway 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
Website: hampsteadumc.org
E-Mail: [email protected]
(910) 270-4648
HUMC Staff
Rev. Samuel “Skip” Williams, Pastor
Patti Rouse, Director of Music
Judy Lane, Director of Preschool
Melody Doyle, Director of Children
& Youth Ministries
Lacy Quehl, Administrative Assistant
Financial Secretary
Kim Zampitella, Child Care Provider
Kevin Kolb, Accompanist
