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S P E C I A L
P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T :
UMW
Nurses Health Corner
Thanksgiving
Administrative Council
Mission Opportunities
Children’s Church
Chrismons
Advent Calander
Pastor’s Message
HILLTOPPER
Harrisonburg District December 2012
You Are Invited
12/2 Holy Communion &
Hanging of the Greens Service
Children’s Church—Advent
12/9 Commitment Sunday
12/16 5:30 pm Church-Wide Covered Dish Dinner
7:00 pm Concert by Celebration Singers
12/23 Christmas Musical by our Choir
12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service
12/25 Merry Christmas
The Journey Advent Study by Adam Hamilton (Sunday Afternoons)
Overlook Retreat & Camp
Ministries
Walk to the Manager
December 21 6—8 pm
December 21-22
Walk to Manager Bed & Breakfast
Winter Camp for 4th –10th graders
Page 2
Listen for the Christmas Song
Canticle is a word we hear around church from time to time, especially at advent. It is a word we inherited
from Latin and simply means song. There are eighteen listings in The United Methodist Hymnal designated as
canticles. The usage of the term has come to be associated with a poetic, though non-metrical pronouncement or
exclamation, even prophecy—an inspired outburst by a character in a story or quoted anonymously by a writer.
The ones in our hymnal all come directly from the Bible or are based on a biblical text or are from prayers or
hymns from the ancient church. They are from the Old Testament narrative accounts, the book of Psalms and
from the prophets. The hymnal canticles from the New Testament also are from a variety of literary genres
including the Gospels, letters and the book of Revelation. Four of these are from the first two chapters of Luke’s
gospel. They all are known in the history of liturgy by their Latin titles retained from the early centuries of the
church when Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, and these Latin titles consist of the first word
or words of the passage. Still today we often hear this terminology in Roman Catholic churches. Thus the four
canticles we will encounter during the four Sundays in December are: the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) in the
presence of her older relative, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John, who will be called “the Baptizer;” the
Canticle of Zechariah, (Benedictus) when his wife, Elizabeth, has given birth to John, and Zechariah is released
from his long silence; the Song of the Angels (Gloria in Excelsis) in the presence of the shepherds in a pasture
near Bethlehem. This canticle is expanded in our hymnal with other scriptural and theological development,
and, in its expanded form is used regularly in the present day Roman Catholic Mass; and lastly, the Canticle of
Simeon (Nunc Dimittis), the aged, faithful servant of God, whose hope was rewarded by being permitted to hold
the infant Jesus in his own arms.
These canticles as well as the other details of the birth narratives are rich with teaching, theology and
blessing. December in New Hope will offer two different ways of entering into these stories. The first
opportunity is through
The Journey This is a Bible study of the Christmas story that will include lots of background, from geographical and cultural,
to theological insights, with the hope and intention of drawing each of us closer to God as our own faith
strengthens and develops. Each of the five class sessions will be introduced by a video by pastor Adam
Hamilton of The Church of the Resurrection, followed by further teaching and group discussion based on
Hamilton’s book, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. The first session will meet at New Hope
Church on Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 pm, so there is still time to get involved. Just come at 3. If you want
a copy of the book (recommended) they are available for the discounted price of $11.25 (regular price $17.00).
It is not necessary to purchase the book to participate in the class.
The second opportunity to enter into the Christmas story is through Sunday morning worship, which will
center around themes from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Come to a 9:30 am class of your choice
and then attend worship service at 10:30. December 23rd offers an opportunity to worship through the musical
cantata, Beloved Son. The centering thought in our worship for the other four Sundays of December 2012 is
God’s Generous Welcome We will find, just as the people in the bible found, that as we welcome God we are embraced in the larger eternal
story of God’s generous welcome. Here we will encounter many of the wonderful characters, stories and plot
lines that we have come to love over the years of our lives. In some cases only in passing, and in some cases in
detail, we will again meet Herod the puppet king in the service of Augustus, the emperor of Rome, Elizabeth,
Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, shepherds, Gabriel and other unnamed angels and two baby boys who
are the focus of all of this commotion. What we won’t get is a lot of narrative about Joseph, or the stories of
wise men from the east, Herod’s plot against male children or Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt with their infant
son. Those stories are only recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and this year our focus is on Luke’s account.
There are two things each of us are invited to do in preparation for these Sundays. First, read the first two
chapters Luke. It should be read aloud, either alone or with someone else—a spouse, a friend or relative, and
especially with your children and grandchildren if you have them. The second is to read prayerfully with an
open heart and mind that God will grant insight in such a way as to refresh your spirit, deepen your
understanding, and enhance your spiritual life with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. After all, he didn’t
remain a baby, did he?
—Doug
Mission Opportunities
Bahama’s Mission Trip– Emily Howdyshell from Shenandoah University ise going to the Bahama’s
December 28 through January 3 to work at two orphanages (The Bilney Lane Children’s Home and
Ranfuly Children’s Home) as well as the All Saints (Methodist) Aids Camp. She could use your help
with financial assistance as well as supplies including pens, pencils colored pencils, paper, rulers,
children’s books, as well as personal hygiene products. She will pick up these supplies on Sunday,
Dec 23rd before Christmas. Please leave your donations in the Narthex (basket)
Verona Food Pantry—volunteers needed first and third Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm. See Bruce Rogers for
details
Valley Mission—Ongoing collection of cereal. See Phyllis Jarvis for details.
2013 Haiti Mission Team—Plans have begun for another mission team to Haiti in March 2013. Dates are
now scheduled for Mary 5—Mary 13, 2013. The cost per participant is $1600. See John Morse for details.
Page 3
Children’s
Church—
Thanksgiving
Our children collected
for Verona Food
Pantry—canned goods.
Also shared in stories,
games, and crafts in
learning about our
blessings and
thanksgiving.
Page 4
Council on Ministries & Administrative Council
Due to illness our Council on Ministries did not meet in November. The Administrative Council met on November 15th
with 11 present. Cindy Deavers led with devotions from To Live As Christ Day By Day focusing on Ephesians
2:19 Paul’s letter to the church (power of prayer, sharing our gifts in faith, and the desire for all people to come
to Christ) and closed with I Corinthians 12:27 followed by prayer.
Committee Reports were reviewed and accepted.
Highlights of projects completed by our Trustees:
*installed new water line to parsonage (not connected yet)
*lever knobs on doors in the courtyard area (will also add to storage room door)
*various leaks repaired; still working on leaks in entrance way (roof was under 10 year warranty- installed in
2004)
*pocket doors from social hall to storage room repaired
*updated job description for groundskeeper with (1) reporting to chair of Trustees or Chair of Grounds – under
Trustees; (2) use caution mowing around building and cemetery stones).
*large refrigerator in basement is broken-service man noted compressor is bad- will refer to UMM for repair/
replacement.
*sewer stopped up day before HOTS (service call of 3 hours).
*offer received to pay for sign at intersection of 608 and schoolhouse road indicating church location and to
redo landscaping around information sign at road.
*plans to install weather-stripping around social hall and office doors.
Pastor Doug noted at the recent District Conference where our new bishop, Bishop Cho, spoke and felt the
encouragement and spiritual uplifting of his message. Bishop Cho has a passion for spiritual disciplines and
challenges us all to be a part of this through payer, scripture reading and meditation. Pastor Doug spoke of
desire to refocus on prayer life here at New Hope UMC with plans to begin a weekly Men’s Early Morning
Prayer Group (Tuesdays at 7 am with coffee) for 10-15 minutes. Noted plans for small group bible studies.
Including study by Adam Hamilton, The Journey (upcoming 5 week program with video); followed by two 6
week studies: Miracles of Jesus and Parables of Jesus. Currently in progress is the Disciple Bible Study – Into
the Word Into the World.
Thanks for your generosity
John Morse and Jack Walker are on a mission trip to Tangier Island—thanks to all for your generous financial support.
John and Jack were able to take approximately $1700 for work there. We also send our prayers for their safety and
success.
Thanks for those attending the Thanksgiving Eve Service at Middle River Church of the Brethren. An offering was
collected for SACRA (Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association) of over $500.
Since 1989 when we had our first HOTS (Ham, Oyster, Turkey Supper), we have had great success and wonderful
fellowship. This year was not exception. At our 2012 HOTS, we served approximately 750 people and collected around
$14,000 prior to expenses.
Our UMW (United Methodist Women) Fall Bazaar resulted in approximately $800 in profits for our mission projects)
Nurses Health Corner
As we prepare for the cold and flu season, many activities exist that can help you and your family stay healthy
during the winter months. The number one activity that can reduce the spread of germs is hand washing. Also, NEVER
put a finger in your eyes, nose or mouth! National Hand Washing Week takes place in December, promoting better
hand washing or “Hand Hygiene” to adults and children alike. The CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) program called
“Ounce of Prevention” is a campaign that focuses on ways to prevent the spread of germs and infectious disease, which
includes hand washing.
Hands should be washed with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not
available, use an alcohol-based product.
When should you wash your hands?
Before preparing or eating food
After going to the bathroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
Before and after tending to someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling an animal or animal waste
After handling garbage Before and after treating a cut or wound
Other activities exist that help us stay healthy. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces remove and destroy germs.
The bathroom and kitchen are areas that have frequent traffic and should be disinfected frequently. Practicing safe food
preparation and handling can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and germs. Safe food practices include cleaning
your hands and surfaces often, separating preparation, cooking and food serving areas to prevent cross contamination,
and cooking and storing foods at the appropriate temperatures.
Help you body’s immune system be strong by getting your annual flu vaccine. It is not too late to get your flu
shot. The vaccine helps your body create antibodies to the flu viruses contained in the vaccine. It can prevent you from
getting the flu or decrease the severity if you are exposed to a different flu strain. Realize that many colds and sore
throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help with this type of infection. Be willing to leave the doctors office
without medication if your physician feels the cause is viral and not bacterial. Remember that antibiotics kill good
bacteria found in our bodies that actually protect us. If you do receive an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, please use
as directed and complete the full course of treatment. Using antibiotics for viral infections and not completing the
course of treatment help certain bacteria become resistant to antibiotics through being overexposed to antibiotic
treatment. Some information regarding hand washing was obtained from the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/
FightGerms. Henry the Hand at www.henrythehand.com/ has many child oriented activities to educate children about
hand washing practices. This information is provided as education and should never take the place of a physician’s
consultation. This article was provided by Dana Breeding, RN, Health Educator with Community Wellness of Augusta Health. Please contact
Dana with any questions relating to the information in this article at (540) 332-4988 or (540) 932-4988.
Page 5
WEB PAGE: mynhumc.weebly.com
Check out our church web page. The church newsletter, district newsletter, church calendar and links to
other resources including daily devotions as well as pictures ALL IN COLOR.
Page 6
Chrismons Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. They help Christians to remember that
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birthday. They are often used on Christmas Trees in Churches and Christians
homes.
They were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, U.S.A..
She also thought of the word, Chrismon, which is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning symbol). The idea
quickly spread to other churches. It is traditional that Christian groups can make their own Chrismons with their
favourite symbols on.
Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and
symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Chrismons can be made from
nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used.
Our own first Chrismon Tree was completed in 1975 with Chrismons made by the Irene Fretwell Circle
members (at that time were Rachael Eutsler, Hazel Harner, Margaret Herman, Mildred Hartman, Isabelle Willberger,
Bettye Randolph, Emma Jean Shiflett, JoEtta Walker). Since that time repairs and new Chrismons have been made by
many including Junior High Sunday School class, The Seekers, UMW, and Mabry/Shiflett Circle.
Some form of the Advent Calendar has been around and used for more
than 150 years and becomes increasingly popular every year.
The origin of the calendar, like so many of our Christmas traditions,
started in Germany in the 19th century. Different methods of counting down
the days to the celebration of Christmas were used.
Drawing a chalk line to mark off the days, later lighting a candle every
night or putting up small religious pictures marked each day until Christmas.
The first printed calendar was produced by Gerhard Lang in Germany. When
he was a child, his mother attached little candies to a piece of cardboard and
each day Gerhard would take one off. His first (printed) calendar consisted of
miniature colored pictures that would be attached to a piece of cardboard each
day in December. Later Advent calendars were made with little doors to open
on each day. The child might find a small piece of candy, a Christmas picture,
a religious picture or a bible verse.
The German calendars were sold until World War II, at which time
production was stopped due to the war shortages. After the war, the production
of calendars resumed in 1946 by Richard Selmer. Selmer credits President
Eisenhower with helping the tradition grow in the United States during his
term of office. A newspaper article at the time showed the Eisenhower
grandchildren with The Little Town Advent calendar.
The first Advent calendars were based on 24 days with Christmas Eve
as the last night to either put up a picture or take a candy. Today, the traditional
German calendars still show 24 days, but in the United States, it's not
uncommon to also find ones with 25 days -- the last opening to occur on
Christmas Day.
ADVENT CALANDER
Page 7
A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition
There is a Wesleyan tradition of “Watchnight” services on New Year’s Eve which often took the
form of a Covenant Renewal Service. The United Methodist Hymnal offers the following prayer in
that tradition:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Special Upcoming Events
12/1 3 pm Courtney Joyner’s Senior Recital at EMU in
Harrisonburg
12/9 1:00 pm Car Pool leaving New Hope for Special
Evening at Blackstone (dinner and
entertainment by The Handmaids and Hunt
family)
12/16 5:30 pm Church-Wide Christmas Covered Dish
Dinner celebration sponsored by our UMM
and UMW
7:00 pm Special concert by the Celebration Singers
12/21 6-8 pm Walk to the Manager—Overlook Retreat
12/22 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Live Nativity in Bethlehem at
Verona UMC
12/23 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Live Nativity in Bethlehem at
Verona UMC
12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service at
New Hope UMC
December is UMFS (United
Methodist Family Services) month
Virginia Advocate—Remember to see Glenna Beard to order or renew your order for the Virginia
Advocate.
*See firsthand who benefits from your donations of time and money through missions.
*Stay informed with up-to-date information on current issues affecting Virginia United Methodist
*Gain new and exiting ideas for your church from others’ experiences through the Local Church section.
December Upcoming Activities & Events
12/2 Holy Communion & Hanging of the Greens
Children’s Church—Advent theme
6:00 pm Mabry/Shiflett Circle Christmas dinner at Aroma’s in Harrisonburg
12/3 9:00—1:00 Verona Food Pantry Volunteers
12/4 11:00 am Minnie Carr Circle Christmas lunch at Camp Overlook
12/4 6:00 pm Irene Fretwell Circle with JoEtta Walker hosting at Church Library
12/5/12 6:00 pm Staff/Parish Committee meeting (old members and new members)
12/11 1:30 pm New Hope Chorus
12/13 Noon Hi Noon Club meeting at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church
12/16 5:30 pm Church-wide Christmas Covered Dish dinner followed by Convert from the
Celebration Singers
12/17 9:00-1:00 Verona Food Pantry Volunteers
12/23 10:30 am Choir Presentation of the cantata Beloved Son
12/24 9:00 pm Christmas Eve Service
12/30-31 Winter Fest at Liberty University in Lynchburg (youth)
Weekly: Sundays at 3:00 pm Advent Study—The Journey
Mondays at 6:00 pm Bible Study—Disciple II Into Word Into World
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm Prayer Group
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Choir Practice
Page 8
United Methodist Women
Church-wide—Christmas Dinner sponsored by the United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women.
Sunday, December 16th at 5:30 pm (covered dish). Entertainment at 7 pm by the Celebration Singers.
Our next UMW meeting will be February 18, 2013 at 7 pm (A Call to Prayer & Self-Denial)
12/2 First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 (UMH 756) 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 12/9 Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 (UMH 208) Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 12/16 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 12/23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:46b-55 (UMH 199)
Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45
12/24 Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96 (UMH 815)
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20
12/25 Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98 (UMH 818)
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)
John 1:1-14
12/30 First Sunday After Christmas Day
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148 (UMH 861)
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
Lectionary Readings for December
Acolyte Schedule Children’s Message Nursery Schedule
12/2/12 Abby Armstrong 12/2/12 Helen Morse 12/2 Robin C & Martha F
12/9/12 Taylor Meier 12/9/12 Martha Fretwell 12/9 Braden H & Sylvia H
12/16/12 Helen Shiflett 12/16/12 Ethel White 12/16 Tonya M & Taylor M
12/23/12 Kaylee McLaren 12/23/12 Kevin Armstrong 12/23 Betty S & Courtney S
12/30/12 Karen Maugans 12/30/12 Tonya Meier
December Worship
1-Steve Broyles
1-Robert Corbin
2-Leslie Shaver
2-Robin Craun
3-Richard Booth
3-Josh & Cheryl Bennett
3-Herman & Carolyn Pace
4-Matt Carr
5-Susan Baldwin
5-Charles Darrah
5-Michele Taylor
6-Clarissa Booth
6-Karen Whitmer
7-Betty Gruber
7-Beth Rosen
8-Peggy Corbin
9-Josh Dively
9-Mac Craig
10-Bernie Powers
12-Mary Jane Shaver
13-Jennifer Bottenmiller
13-Jake & Julie Botkin
14-Brenda Price
14-Dawn White
15-Melvin & Juanita Howell
16-Carrie Reed
16-Wyatt Markow
16-B.F. Caricofe III
16-Dwight Craig
16-Shelvie Critzer
16-Paul Whitmer
17-Kim Maugans
17-Tim & Suzanne Lank
20-Amye Bergman
21-Emily Howdyshell
22-Julia Carter
22-Keith Chittum
23-Julia Botkin
23-Cheryl Howell
25-B.F. Carifcofe, Jr
25-Wally Smith
26-Carl Caricofe, Sr
26-Jesse Hartman
26-Larry & Nadine Hinebaugh
27-Jeffrey Shipe
28-Logan Kraisser
28-Mathew & Tanya Keys
29-Christopher Dively
30-Kim & Karen Maugans
31-Andy & Dana Breeding
31-Gary & Kathy Lewis
December Anniversaries & Birthdays
Page 9
HI NOON
The next meeting of Hi-Noon is Thursday, December 13th (of course at noon) and lunch at Mt.
Horeb Presbyterian Church. There is always an interesting program to follow the meal. Please
be sure to make your reservations with Shirley Western.
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
New Hope, Va
Permit #1
New Hope United Methodist Church
PO Box 86
New Hope, Va 24469
Web Page: mynhumc.weebly.com
Address Service Requested
HILLTOPPER
New Hope United Methodist Church
55 Round Hill School Road
New Hope, Virginia 24469
363-5612
Rev. Douglas Gunsalus, pastor
Email: [email protected]
Web Address: mynhumc.weebly.com