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JANUARY /FEBRUARY 2017
Dear Friends,
I am sitting here at my computer
in early December and wondering what can I write.
As I was lying in bed an idea came to mind. We
have come to that time of year when we see many
articles and shows on TV titled something like
“The year in review.” So, I thought I’d try to
summarize some of the highs and lows of 2016. I
apologize in advance for whatever events I may
miss. Arnolia is a very busy church!
Winter brought us cold and snow which closed us
down for a Sunday in late January. Many thanks
to our trustees for keeping the sidewalks and lots
open and clear—not an easy job. Bible studies
continued to be taught and well attended as did our
committee meetings. Church attendance was up
and down depending on the temperatures and road
conditions. Our music director, Keith Derrickson,
retired in January, and Jarrett Rettman, the
Rejuvenate praise team leader, started serving as
our interim music director. Lent started early and
we continued to share in joint worship services
starting on Ash Wednesday with our friends at
Linden Heights.
This early Lent, therefore, brought us an early
Easter with all of its meaningful services. An
electric sign, financed in part by some our
community business partners, arrived in time for
Holy Week. This sign enables us to better
advertise worship and ministry events to the
community. We continued to share in Holy Week
services with Linden Heights. Easter Sunday was
a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ! Bible study groups and committees
continued to learn and practice how to be disciples
for Jesus.
ARNOLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THE GRAPEVINE 1776 EAST JOPPA ROAD OFFICE HOURS:
BALTIMORE, MD 21234 MONDAYS - THURSDAYS - 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
[email protected] (CLOSED 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
www.arnolia.org FRIDAYS – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OFFICE - 410-665-7005 FAX – 410-665-7009 CAROL PIOTROWSKI – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
REV. MARY ELLEN GLORIOSO, PASTOR Email: [email protected]
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April, I took some well needed time off to recharge
my batteries! The work of Arnolia continued on as
our lay speakers delivered inspiring messages in
my absence during our worship services. We are
truly blessed to have so many people who are
gifted in speaking about faith.
Spring arrived and we saw the weather changing
from winter bleakness to flowers and trees full of
color. We had our annual spring flea market and
outdoor Arnolia Band Concert with food, music
and games. School and Sunday School went on
summer break and things slowed down at Arnolia,
right? Nope!
In early June, we had a Church Conference which
approved the lease for Woodhome Preschool and
Daycare. The daycare portion of the program
began August 1 and the school started after Labor
Day. Much work went into the building as
classroom space was made available. Many thanks
to our Thrift Store for their willingness to move to
another area of the building so the preschool could
comply with state/county regulations. The
conference room/ library area was painted and tiled
to give the thrift store a fresh space to do their vital
ministry. The halls are once again full of the
giggles of little children.
Over the summer, we once again sent a team to the
Baltimore County Christian Workcamp. We built
an access ramp for a woman in the Parkville
community. Vacation Bible School saw its
greatest attendance in many decades. Jarrett
Rettman had the word “interim” removed from his
title and he now heads up our entire music
program. In August, we again had a Penny War to
end summer as representatives from both services
took a pie in face for the good of our general fund.
Fall arrived and our most successful flea market in
years took place. Our Sunday School now has a
revolving team of teachers plus a new curriculum
to add variety for our children. All areas of
ministry including a newly formed committee,
Member Care, are working diligently to fulfill their
roles of making disciples and to serve Christ in our
community. Our 2nd annual Trunk or Treat was a
huge success with over 150 children in attendance.
A good crowd stayed to watch movies as well. At
press time, a new ramp is being built to the
kitchen/thrift store doors to make accessing the
building easier for all. Santa’s Breakfast broke
previous year attendance as 70+ people were in
attendance in early December. Christmas is yet to
happen as I write but community members and
non-choir members will join our Chancel Choir for
Christmas Eve service.
We have had a good year and have accomplished
many more goals of our vision 20/20 plan to make
Arnolia a center of worship and fellowship in the
community as well as fulfilling our mission
statement of “Following Jesus, Making Disciples,
Serving Others.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the loss of
some of our long-time members this year: Alice
Kidwell, Cheri Laumann, Harry Birkmaier, Lily
Mae Knabe, and Mary Shipe. We mourn their loss
and miss them deeply but rejoice that they are now
a part of the great cloud of witnesses in God’s
kingdom.
2017 has the potential to be an even better year as
we seek to fulfill more and more ministry goals. I
pray that you will be an active part as we all seek
to be the disciples we were created to be.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Mary Ellen
VISION 20/20: The Master
Plan for Arnolia United
Methodist Church by Richard
Disharoon
and Craig Nickerson
In the last Grapevine, we went through the five
areas of the Master Plan, and how we’re doing in
each area. Stay tuned for our annual update,
scheduled for mid-February.
20/20
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There is much going on at Arnolia, and we’ve
accomplished several significant items on our list.
However, this is no time to rest on our laurels!
Our mission is to bring people to Christ, and our
vision of making "Arnolia UMC a Center of
Worship and Fellowship in the Community" will
advance this mission. As we begin the New Year,
let us remember the five areas of our Master Plan -
Community Outreach, Missions, Member Care,
Worship, and Physical Plant - and look for ways to
help the committees of the church advance us
forward in these areas. Be watching for
opportunities to contribute, and help us all push
forward towards achieving our vision.
God is definitely sowing seeds among us today.
What kind of soil will you be?
Lenten Bible Study 2017
Lent will be here before we know
it! Ash Wednesday is on March 1st
this year with Easter on Sunday, April 16th. To that
end, the Wednesday evening study group will be
reading and studying Adam Hamilton’s newest
book Creed: What Christians Believe. These
classes will explore our beliefs as Christians
around the Apostles’ Creed. This is a great follow-
up to my recent sermon on this topic. I encourage
those who wish to explore their faith and beliefs at
a deeper level to join with us in this study. The
cost of the book is $13.50. Deadline to sign up
for this study is January 29th so that books can be
ordered. The class meeting dates are: February
22nd, March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and April 5th.
Classes will start at 7pm. Those wishing to have
dinner together are asked to meet on the church
parking lot no later than 5:30. The evening’s dining
location will be determined by those present.
Please let me know if you wish to be a part of this
group. Again, if you have not been a part of a study
group for a long time or ever, we are always
interested in having new members join us.
Developing a relationship with other Christians on
the journey can help each of us strengthen our own
faith and spirituality. I especially encourage our
committee heads, committee members, lay
speakers and Sunday School teachers to be a part
of this class. We can never know enough about our
faith or pray together often enough. Every study
we have done, members comment on how they
learned many new things about scriptures they had
read for years! We are never done learning—no
matter our age or how long we have been a
Christian. Join us for this study. It will be time well
spent!!
Worship: The decision to have worship on Sunday
morning will be determined no later than 8am on
Sunday morning among the Trustee Chair, Pastor
and leadership living near Joppa Road. The
condition of the parking lot, sidewalks and county
roads will be taken into account. We are on an
automatic snow removal with our contractor. The
problem may be in the timing of any storm.
Overnight Saturday storms may preclude the
contractor from getting us cleared in time for one
or both services. An email will be sent to all those
for whom we have an address. (Please make sure
you keep the office updated with additions,
changes or deletion of your email addresses). An
effort will be made to change the message on the
church answering machine. There will also be a
message on the Pastor’s home answering machine
(410-870-6738).
Office: The opening of the office during inclement
weather will be determined by the Baltimore
County Schools’ decision for the day. If they open
late or close early, we will alter our hours
accordingly. If the schools are closed, Arnolia’s
office will close as well. If for some reason the
schools are closed for a holiday, we will have to
make a decision using our best judgment.
Meetings: If the weather changes during the day
(either clears up or gets dangerous), we reserve the
right to cancel or continue with an evening meeting
or Bible Study. If you are in doubt about whether
a meeting will go on as scheduled, please contact
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the chair of your committee after 5pm. An email
will be sent to you as well.
Regardless of the decision to open or close for an
event, please use your own judgment as to whether
you attend or not. You know best the conditions
of your particular neighborhood. God would
rather you be safe than to risk harming yourself
trying to come to worship or a meeting.
CALLING THE ARNOLIA OFFICE
When you call the office, you will get a
greeting letting the caller know they
have reached Arnolia. When the message starts,
you may enter the following:
To reach Carol, press * then #
To reach the pastor, press 2 then #
Outreach Office, press 3 then # Church events and service times, press 1 then #.
This extension will also let you know if church is
cancelled for inclement weather.
Contacting us by email ([email protected]
or [email protected]) are also a viable
option.
CELL PHONES
Please turn your cell phones to vibrate or
off before the worship service so they are
not going off during the service. Thank you.
Carol Piotrowski
Fall/Winter Office Hours for the
Church Office are as follows:
Mondays - Thursdays – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Closed for Lunch – 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Fridays – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Check the bulletin weekly for any changes in
office hours.
If you move, change your phone number or
email address, please remember to inform the
Administrative Assistant of these changes so
your information can be updated in Servant
Keeper and the Church Directory. Also, if your
birthday or anniversary is not showing up in
Birthday/Anniversary list, I do not have that
information. Please send the Administrative
Assistant your information as well as immediate
family members attending Arnolia UMC.
Thank you!
Grapevine 2017 Schedule
Some hints for the Grapevine: the committees are
in alphabetical order. The Pastor’s Corner and
Vision 20/20 are first. Shepherds are under
Member Care; Thrift Store and Backpack Buddies
are under Outreach.
The Grapevine is published bi-monthly. Updates
will be available on our website and in the bulletin
as well as announcements.
Listed below are the deadline dates for the 2017
Grapevines. Please make sure you email or drop
off your articles to the church office on time.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Grapevine Edition Due Date for Articles
March/April 02/15/17
May/June 04/15/17
July/August 06/16/17
September/October 08/15/17
November/December 10/15/17
January/February 2018 12/10/17
HOLIDAYS FOR 2017 Monday April 17
Monday May 29
Tuesday July 4
Monday September 4
Thursday/Friday November 23/24
Monday-Monday December 25 –
January 1, 2016
SPRC has approved these days for the
Church Office to be closed.
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Mailing the Grapevine
In order to keep postage costs down, we
will mail the Grapevine only to those who
are homebound or who live far away. Thank you.
Thank you Arnolia Family for your thoughts and
prayers during my recent hospitalization. Thank
you to Rev. Mary Ellen Glorioso and Christie
Grape for their strength and compassion after the
passing of Bettijean Miller, nee Milner. We have
been friends for 52 years, grew up in Arnolia, and
at every event Bettijean and I were joined at the
hip. She will be missed. Laura Finney
Church Directory Update
Please check and see if you know if
anyone’s information is incorrect and
please update us. Thank you!
Bob & Mary Vickers
705 Compass Road
Apartment 304
Middle River, MD 21220
443-730-6170
ARNOLIA BOOK CLUB
The next meeting is scheduled for
Friday, January 20 at 1:00 PM at the
home of Janet Jones.
The book is "Small Great Things" by Jodi
Picoult.
Please call D’Arcy Cook at 410-668-8718 for more
information or to verify time and place.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE Wilson Cemetery grave sites are
available: $2000 per site for members of
Arnolia UMC and $2500 for non-
members. If you prefer, we can set up a payment
plan for you. Please call the church office at 410-
665-7005 for more information.
Who is interested in saving
money? We all are! Christie
Grape who monitors the
food coupons used to
purchase some the items on our list is interested in
starting a coupon club. At this time, she would like
to begin by asking members and friends to bring in
the coupon flyers we all receive through the mail,
in magazines and newspapers. The coupons
would be shared or traded among
members. Interested in learning more, see Christie
Grape and watch for more details coming.
Envelopes 2017 Offering envelopes for 2017 are
available. If you did not receive
envelopes and would like to, write it on the back
of the Attendance slip, or email
[email protected] Joe Anna Funk, Financial Secretary
FAMILY LIFE
Joe Anna Funk, Chair
Breakfast with Santa was held on December 3rd,
and was a great success. This year Jarrett showed
a movie, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, while the
cooks and servers were distributing the food. We
served 71 breakfasts for children of all ages. As
usual Santa and Elfie were welcomed with cheers
and applause from the children. Santa and Elfie
made their way around the room, greeting each
child before inviting them to the stage for a reading
of “The Night Before Christmas”. After visiting
with Santa, they were invited to visit Santa’s
Workshop to choose gifts for their family
members, and have them wrapped by more of
Santa’s Elves.
A big thank you to all who volunteered to make
this year’s event a success. I can’t name you all; I
don’t want to forget anyone, but thank you for all
you did. Thanks also to those who made cash
donations, as well as gifts for the children to
choose in Santa’s Workshop. We have one family
outside of our church family, that has come every
year, and looks forward to this each year. The
profit this year, after expenses was $259.00.
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Movie nights at Arnolia! Family
Life is hosting a bi-monthly family
movie night for our members, their
family and friends, and our
community! Due to our licensing, the film titles
cannot be advertised in print, but we can assure you
that they are all family-friendly HIT movies that
you and yours surely cherish. Movie Night will be
on the last Friday of the "EVEN" months...the
doors open at 6:30 PM and the films start at 7:00
PM. Admission to the movie is FREE and there
will be refreshments for sale.
Below are the dates for this year:
June 30
August 25
October 27
December 15
Dick Disharoon, Chair
October 2016-Income/Expenses
Income: $ 19,687
Expenses: $ 17,278
Net: $ 2,409
October Utility expenses:
BGE $847
Verizon $193
October Apportionment
$2,471
Weekly giving required to meet operating budget: $4,565
Giving statements for October:
Date Offering Other Total
10-02-2016 $4314 $1849 $6163
10-05-2016 $180 $180
10-09-2016 $3698 $1142 $4840
10-16-2016 $3833 $372 $4205
10-23-2016 $1728 $277 $2005
10-30-2016 $2105 $137 $2242
November 2016-Income/Expenses
Income: $16,803
Expenses: $15,798
Net: $ 1,005
November Utility expenses:
BGE $794
Verizon $191
November Apportionment
$2,471
Weekly giving required to meet operating
budget: $4,565
Giving statements for November:
Date Offering Other Total
11-06-2016 $3612 $1015 $4627
11-13-2016 $4308 $509 $4817
11-20-2016 $2949 $2714 $5663
11-24-2016 $167 $167
11-27-2016 $2474 $469 $2943
YEAR-END REPORT
I am pleased to report on December 10th, the date
this column is being written, that it appears that the
2016 fiscal year will end with a balanced budget.
This was accomplished through the dedicated
giving of members and year-long support of fund
raising activities.
FUND RAISERS In response to many inquiries, the results of fund
raising activities for fiscal year 2016 are included
here:
Fundraising during the Year 2016
In Church
April Spaghetti Dinner $627.00
May Flea Market $3,197.20
June Benefit Concert $1,122.25
August BBQ $2,14.42
(After Expenses)
September Flea Market $4,124.48
(Includes $755 for
Jams & Jellies)
TOTAL $9,285.35
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Local Restaurants
May Texas Roadhouse $135.00
July Silver Spring $90.00
August Bertucci’s $171.94
August Gino’s $116.22
September Bob Evans $20.00
(Donation)
October All American $480.00
Steakhouse
October Dinnerless Dinner $980.75
December Chick-Fil-A $62.68
TOTAL $2,056.59
Other
Amazon Smile $49.13
General Council $34.41
Scrapbooking $45.00
TOTAL $128.54
GRAND TOTAL $11,470.48
2017 Pledges
Thanks to everyone who pledged continued
support to Arnolia’s mission in 2017. Special
thanks to those pledging for the first time. A
reminder that pledges can be submitted at any time
during the year. Please contact Financial Secretary
Joe Anna Funk.
Estate Gift Once again, Arnolia Church is the beneficiary of a
gift from the estate of a long-time member. The
Estate of Alice Kidwell provided for a gift of just
over $36,000 to be used in ways we think would
please Alice. In accordance with church policy, a
portion of the gift is being held in reserve for the
operating budget. Another portion of the gift has
been designated for the new handicap ramp at the
rear entrance to the church. A plaque in Alice’s
name was dedicated on All Saint’s Sunday and will
be prominently displayed beside the ramp.
Construction of the ramp was completed in
December.
Thanks
I am grateful to everyone, but especially to
members of the Finance Committee, for your
support during my tenure as Finance Chair. After
23 years serving on committees as a staff member
and a volunteer, it is time, as Pastor Mary Ellen
said, for a break. Dick Disharoon
Stewardship
An update on pledges received for 2017. As of
December 11th, we have received 51 pledges, for a
total of $144,800. Last year’s pledges totaled 64
pledges of $152,083. Thank you to those who have
pledged for 2017. If you haven’t sent in a pledge,
and still wish to do so; it’s not too late. There are
blank cards available at the usher station. Just a
reminder, a pledge can be adjusted during the year,
if your financial situation changes; you only have
to contact me to make the adjustment. A pledge
gives the Finance Committee an idea of what our
envelope giving is estimated to be for the year.
We do have some members that have pledged in
prior years, but we have not received a pledge for
2017. It could be lost in the mail; slipped your
mind, or you don’t feel able to pledge for next year.
I’ll be sending out a reminder letter, shortly. I just
want to be sure we don’t miss anyone.
2017 envelopes are available; if you do not have
envelopes, there are boxes available in the hallway.
Please take one and add your name to the list.
Thank you for your support of the ministries of
Arnolia. Joe Anna Funk, Financial Secretary
All fundraising activities must be approved in
advance by the Finance Committee.
Jennifer Sebree, Leader
My name is Jennifer and I am a Girl Scout leader.
If you know any girls that are interested in Girl
Scouts please contact me. I currently am running a
troop for girls in middle and high school. My
phone number is 410-245-5014. We will be
meeting Fridays nights – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at
Arnolia UMC.
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MEMBER CARE
Carole Disharoon - Chair
The goal of this group of Arnolians is to be
disciples, to fellow disciples, and to care for each
other in Jesus’s name. We met and discussed just
how we could best tend to our flock, and we
divided ourselves into areas of care we felt each of
us were called into. We agreed that we would be
right arms of our Pastor and that all that we do will
be coordinated with her leadership and vision for
this congregation.
At Home Care – There will be booklets placed on
the bulletin boards, in the Administrative
Assistant’s office, and around the Church. These
will include a lot of information our elderly
parishioners could use. This information is for
your use. We hope you find it useful. At Home
Care will be of dedicated people who will be
willing to assist those elderly at home, who need
assistance from time to time. This assistance
would involve necessary, not trivial aid.
Our dedicated people would be called for things
such as:
A ride needed for the doctor or to church
Ride for any business purpose
Someone to pick up medication (The
person would need to know your birth date
before going to the pharmacy)
Minor home repairs
Grocery shopping
Health concerns about pets
Dedicated People to Call:
Ed Calvert – 410-529-3806
Jerry Finley – 410-256-4485
Linda Miller – 410-668-2544
Ed Dyer – 410-661-1646
Sandy Winkler – 410-668-0346
Carole Disharoon – 410-661-6778
Shepherds to the Homebound
Carole Rathmell, Chairman of
Shepherds to the Homebound
If anyone knows of a homebound member of
Arnolia who would like a visit from a Shepherd,
please call me at 410-321-6620 or write it on the
back of your Sunday attendance slip. If our shut-
ins would like to attend an event held at Arnolia
and do not have transportation, also let me know.
Nancy Wolfe, Chair
Our Missions schedule for the year:
January/February – Manna House
March/April – TBA
May/June – Baltimore County Christian
Work Camp
July/August – ACTC, School Supplies
September – Board of Child Care
October/November – ACTC Thanksgiving
November/December – Angel Tree
Every morning an average of 175 clients come to
Manna House for the morning meal and an
afternoon snack. They come, needing the barest
essentials, such as clean clothing and food. If you
and/or your family or a group of friends would like
to become a member of the Manna House
Breakfast Club, all you have to do is donate $500
and then go to Manna House on the morning you
have reserved, and serve God’s children in person.
The experience is priceless!!! Men’s and
Women’s groups, Youth Groups, and other such
organizations from many churches are member of
the Breakfast Club. How about celebrating your
favorite holiday or a birthday by serving others?
Many do not have a place to live, subsisting on the
streets and occasionally sleeping with relatives or
friends who are able to help, albeit part time, so
warm clothing in this cold weather is extremely
needed.
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Arnolia has been taking care of the clothing room
at Manna House for over 7 years. Our team
receives, sorts, shelves, and distributes donated
clothing and household items for all ages, the most
needed being men’s pants, shirts, shoes,
underwear, and socks. The rewards are great -
smiles and big “thank-yous”, not to mention the
knowledge that each time we fill a request for
clothing, we are helping someone to at least be a
little more comfortable for a while.
For obvious reasons, sweatshirts, hoodies, and
coats are in huge demand this time of year. What
might happen if, each time we put on our warm
coats or sweatshirts, we thought even for a
moment, of those on the streets without such
garments to keep them warm?
Donated items can be placed in the Missions room.
Your donations are greatly appreciated by all those
who receive them. Here’s what you can bring:
men’s new or used shirts, pants, underwear,
socks, street-worthy shoes, and belts
women’s new or used underwear and
sturdy street-worthy shoes
sweatshirts, hoodies, coats, gloves, hats
small household appliances (toasters,
blenders, toaster ovens, hand mixers...)
dishes, silverware, kitchen utensils, pots
and pans, dish towels, dish cloths
bedding of all types & sizes (sheets, pillow
cases, towels, washcloths
We welcome new members to our team, which
meets on the church parking lot by 8:00 AM on
most Mondays and are generally back by 12:30.
Yes, we work hard, but we have so much fun, and
the comradery and fellowship make the time go
fast. Although we go weekly, even if you can be
there only once in a while, we encourage you to
come join us. If nothing else, come see what
Arnolia is doing to make a difference in others’
lives!
BOX TOPS FOR
EDUCATION
The Board of Child Care (BOCC) participates in
this program, which enables the organization to
obtain things for the children they would not be
able to afford otherwise.
Arnolia has joined The BOCC in collecting these
labels. A complete list of products on which you
can find the labels can be obtained from various
bulletin boards or from the church office.
Jarrett Rettman - Director of Music Ministries
(Contact Information -
[email protected] or 443-928-4237)
Attention all passionate hearts and minds of
Arnolia! Our Music ministries are up and running
in full force! Chancel Choir and Hand Bell
Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays, at 6:30pm
(bells) and 7:30pm (choir). Praise Band rehearsals are every Wednesday at 7pm. All
rehearsals are held in the sanctuary, and all are
encouraged to come and check out whatever may
strike your interest! Everyone has a gift to give and
the power to express the thoughts of our communal
hearts in Worship. New members are always
encouraged for all three groups: how will you
contribute?
If you are interested in joining the Choir, Hand
Bells, or Rejuvenate, contact Jarrett Rettman at
443-928-4237 or [email protected].
Nursery Parents:
You are most welcomed to use the
nursery on Sunday mornings. The
pre-school class cleans/ empties
the trash when they have finished on Fridays. If
you use the nursery room, please leave it the way
you have found it with all toys put back and trash
(dirty diapers) placed in the restroom trash cans.
The changing table is located in the women’s rest
room. Thank you for your cooperation.
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ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon, please
consider Amazon Smile and follow
the steps below to make Arnolia UMC your
charitable organization. Ask family and friends
who shop Amazon do the same.
When you shop at Amazon Smile, select Change
Charity and then select Arnolia as your charitable
organization and the church will receive .5% of
eligible purchases. Copy and paste the following
link for easier access:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-0882065.
Roof Fund – Please continue to bring your
loose change and drop it in the jug located
outside the Narthex.
Priscilla Calvert
As always, thank you for the canned goods for
Arnolia's Outreach Program. Our clients are
pleased that we offer canned food, shampoo,
toothpaste and head warmers.
The best to you in the New Year.
Arnolia Thrift Store
The Arnolia Thrift Store is proud to
be a member of Manna House
Breakfast Club. I'm actively trying to recruit
companies to participate in this important project
that assists our underserved citizens. Whiting-
Turner Contracting Co. is also a Manna House
Breakfast Club member, having paid for two
breakfasts.
We served a hot meal on Wednesday, November
16th. Joe Anna Funk drove Christy Grape, Joan
Walstrum and myself to Manna House where
we were met at 7:30 a.m. with a line of men
already ready to eat.
I asked Joan and Christy to share their thoughts
and impressions of their first-time visit.
Joan Walstrum wrote:
We went in to set up and serve the breakfast; for
some this would be their only meal for the day,
which consists of the main course, coffee or milk,
dessert and bread or roll. All of the food donated
goes to Manna House. I met Sissy, who is in
charge of the dining room. At 8:00a.m., Sissy lets
some of the individuals come in to eat, as there are
only so many places for them to sit down for their
meal. As they finish, another group may come in
to eat. This goes on until 10:00 a.m. when they
close for the day. The recipients of the meal were
very grateful and polite and thanked us for what
they received. Until you see this you don't realize
how blessed we are to have food on our table for
each meal and a roof over our heads to sleep. This
is a good mission for our Church and I am sure this
is very much appreciated by Manna House.
Christie Grape wrote:
When we arrived, there were people starting to
form a line to get in. Joe Anna gave us a short
tour. Manna House serves the area's needy with
food, clothing, job counseling and
showers. Because of lack of space, Manna House
serves only 30-40 people at a seating. There is a
lady who runs the kitchen area with a small
crew. She calls everyone "baby" and gave us our
assignments. Much of the food and equipment are
donated. Some of the equipment and appliances
are broken and need to be replaced, but they have
little funds to replace them. I was given the
assignment to hand out the bread and rolls. I also
helped Joan with the napkins and forks. We served
from 8-10:30 a.m. We walked out with a good
feeling helping others.
If you ever get the opportunity to serve at Manna
House, take it. You won't be disappointed.
Priscilla
Thank you to everyone that purchased the eye glass
cleaners! $265.00 has been turned in to support
the general budget.
11
Thanks to all our donors to our Thrift Store and the
best Sales Associates, we continue to do well. As
you know, Wilson Hall is available for rent along
with the kitchen. After the holidays, a company
will come in and give the kitchen a much-needed
overall cleaning. Because our store is doing very
well, we can pay the majority of this project along
with generous help from the Finance
Committee. The floors will be stripped and waxed,
new light covers, all appliances cleaned and two
coats of new paint. We will keep you posted.
Marlis Collins, Chair
D’Arcy Cook, Assistant
Christie Grape, Assistant
Ralph Wilson, Assistant
Can you imagine being homeless? Can you
imagine moving from one relative to another, not
having your very own bedroom or you own bed?
Can you imagine sharing a portion of your meal
with another child? Another adult? A child is
innocent of the causes which make them homeless
and hungry. Take a moment and recall some of the
memories of your childhood that have left an
impression on you for the rest of your life. I would
imagine for most of us, the memories that stand out
started out as ordinary moments, but somehow left
an impression that without realizing it, helped
shape our lives.
This is a memory you are creating now for an
elementary student when you help by purchasing a
food item for their weekend back pack. These
meals that we supply may be the one act that stays
with them and they may look back some day and
say that these simple meals made a difference, the
food helped them survive a difficult time.
Picking up a Hormel Compleat dinner, a fruit
snack pack, or a Chef Boyardee microwaveable
meal for a nameless child, may not seem like
much, but it is. It lets a child know that they are
important, that they haven’t been forgotten, that a
stranger cares enough to share. Who knows where
this simple act could lead a child. Pick up a food
item from the Backpack Shopping List and help
make a difference in a child’s life.
We know very little of the students’ life
circumstances, but we can make a difference, if it
is just a weekend of knowing they have some food
to eat.
Please remember that our program depends on
individuals like you to help us fill the bags every
week. With your monetary donation or by bringing
in food items from our shopping list, you are
providing food for a child for every weekend
during the school year, giving them a head start to
be the best student they can be this school year.
Please check out the shopping list and when you
do your grocery shopping and pick up one or two
food items each week. You can drop them off in
the Missions room or in the tower entrance as you
come to worship on Sunday. While in the Missions
room, check the bulletin board for coupons to help
with your purchase. Every donation makes a
difference. Thank you, Backpack Coordinators
ARNOLIA’S BACKPACK SHOPPING LIST
Single Servings – Microwaveable – Shelf Safe
* No nut products, please.
Hormel Compleats
Barilla Meals
Chef Boyardee Cups
Mac n Cheese Cups
Individual cereal box or instant oatmeal
Breakfast Bars *
Pudding Cups
Fruit or Veggie Cups
Tuna/Chicken Salad & crackers
Single Shelf Milk
Microwave Popcorn
Cheese Cracker Sandwiches *
Raisins – Individual Packs
Hot Chocolate Mix - Individual Packs
12
PAPER RETRIEVER
Thank you to everyone who recycles
paper in our paper bins. We are fortunate
that we have very loyal donors that come every
week bringing their paper. The company has been
sold and we now have additional items that can be
accepted:
Shopping Catalogs
Books, both hard and soft cover
Cardboard boxes - MUST BE FLAT
Boxed records or files
This is a fundraiser for Outreach Program which
benefits residents of Parkville (21234) with BGE
turn off notices, evictions, and food assistance. We
receive cash for every ton of paper collected.
SCRAPBOOKING AT ARNOLIA
Scrap Happening!
On the first Wednesday of every month, scrap
bookers (and other crafters) meet at Arnolia to
work on their albums and other projects. We work
from 9 until 12 (or whenever we decide to go out
to lunch!)
If you'd like to create a scrapbook but don't know
how to get started, just bring your photos and I'll
teach you. All are welcome. If you just would like
to crochet or knit but be around others, bring your
craft and join us. It helps to let me know of your
intentions to attend so that ample table space can
be arranged. Contact Beth Krebs at 410-817-
6505. Join us!!
Tim Hugus – Chair
Looking for excitement?
Looking for adventure?
Looking for danger?
Please allow me to recommend you for a volunteer
position on Arnolia’s Board of Trustees.
TIME: 4:45 am Saturday, November 26
Fire Department is called by our monitoring
system to respond to a smoke alarm going off in
the building.
Fireline calls Tim. (Lucky for him, his phone does
not register the message until 9:30 am.)
Fireline calls Larry. He was already out of the
house and could not respond.
Fireline calls George. Call did not go through.
Fireline calls Don Rathmell. He hurries up to
church and the fire department finds steam
escaping in the boiler room under the Thrift Store.
They turned the system off.
The repair is made (by Innovative Air) to a
coupling and a few minor repairs are made while
the system is drained and the system is back to
operational.
TIME: Mid-November
BGE is called for gas odor in the Kitchen and Hall.
They investigate and inform us there is no gas leak,
but the stove-top pilots are leaving an ashy white
residue that gives off the odor as it is heated.
TIME: Tuesday, December 6 A gas odor is detected behind Wilson Hall near the
gas meter and BGE’s supply connection. BGE
responds very quickly. After 8 hours on the scene,
they turn off our gas line to the new Sanctuary gas
heaters. They say our one year old pipe has a leak.
It is so severe they must check inside as well. BGE
finds a very minor leak in one of the boilers under
the Thrift Store and turn it off. (Luckily the other
of the twinned pair is OK.) BGE finds a leak in the
stove top in the kitchen. They turn the gas off in
the kitchen. Plumbers are called for estimates for
the underground pipe leak. First estimate to repair
leak is $4000. Second plumber, Sweet Air
Plumbing, wants to make sure it is indeed our pipe
that is leaking. After conducting a 24 hour plus
pressure test, he is able to have BGE return and
prove to them that it is their pipe leaking, not ours.
BGE turns gas back on and we have heat for the
Sanctuary for Sunday worship. A few minor
details will require repair or updating, but the
system is working well.
13
Be a Trustee:
Excitement!
Adventure!
Danger!
The Trustees continue to address issues as we are
informed of them. Some recent projects include:
the parking lot was restriped by George
Hartig, Jim Walstrum and Jim McGee
some tubes and one ballast were replaced in
the education classrooms
approximately 70 repair patches were
installed in the roof over the nursery. It has
been leak free but now another area is
leaking. Slate roof repair is ongoing.
the new entrance stoop and ramp at the rear
kitchen entrance has been poured. The
railing will be installed in 2 weeks after the
concrete has adequately cured
we anticipate the kitchen to be cleaned and
painted by an outside contractor in the first
part of 2017
Thanks to all the Trustees for their help
individually on some projects and collectively on
some other projects: Jim, Larry, Bill, Tad, Jim,
George, Mark, and Ed. These are some really
capable guys.
As always, please let any Trustee know of any and
all items that you think need to be addressed,
repaired, replaced or looked into. Thank you.
UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM)
Larry Gowl – President
The Methodist Men will meet for dinner at 6:00
P.M. at the church on the following dates:
Tuesday, January 24, and Tuesday, February. 28.
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of
good food and fellowship. A sign-up sheet is
posted for reservations.
If you would like to join the UMM, or if you have
any questions about this ministry, call Larry Gowl
at 410-665-1266.
Marlis Collins – Chair
With the beginning of a new year, we want to take
a moment to thank Janet Hovatter who has
completed her term of service on the Worship
Committee. We thank you, Janet for your
enthusiastic dedication to the Committee.
We invite you to get acquainted with the members
of this year’s Worship Committee and share your
thoughts and ideas concerning Arnolia’s worship
experience.
The 2017 Worship Committee will be led by
Drennan Nickerson and Amy Vickers who will
serve as Co-Chairs. Members of the committee are
as follows:
Pastor Mary Ellen Glorioso,
Jarrett Rettman (Staff),
Allison Nelson (Power Point),
Dick Disharoon (Worship Emeritus/Ex-Officio),
Ed Calvert (Funeral Coordinator),
Beth Krebs (Wedding Coordinator)
(2017) Cal Tatman, Drennan Nickerson, Co-Chair,
Sandy Winkler
(2018) Amy Vickers, Kay Spriggs, Walt Hovatter
(2019) Joan Bond, Brian Carman
Thank you, members of the Worship committee
for taking time out of your busy schedules to serve
on this past year’s committee. Your willingness
and enthusiasm made it possible for our committee
to provide meaningful worship experiences for our
congregation. In closing, I would like to thank
Pastor Mary Ellen and all of the committee
members who served with me in the past 3 years.
Your support for me as your worship chair and
your willingness to pick up the responsibilities
when I couldn’t is deeply appreciated. Your
patience and encouragement has been a blessing.
14
Coffee Hour! Every Sunday from 10AM
until 11AM the Youth Group
will be selling coffee,
doughnuts, hot chocolate, and
tea! This is a fundraiser to help them go to the
youth ROCK convention in Ocean City this
February! Coffee Hour is more than a fundraiser
though! It's a way to create fellowship in our
church home and spread love and friendship. What
better way to do this than with some warm drinks
and sweet treats? Everything is $1.50 each and
there's plenty for everyone! See you Sunday
mornings!
Arnolia Youth Group meets every other
Sunday, from 12:30-2pm in the youth room
downstairs. Youth Group is open to all children
grades 6-12 (Middle & High School). We've got
some exciting plans in the pipeline (including a
return to the ROCK convention in Ocean City).
For additional questions/concerns please contact
Allison Nelson ([email protected]) or
Jarrett Rettman ([email protected]).
Wilson Hall
The rates for renting
Wilson Hall have been
reduced! Please call
the Church Office for information.
Birthday and/or Anniversary
Missing in The Grapevine? We don’t have your information. If you would like
your birthday and/or anniversary published in the
Grapevine, please call or email the Church office
at 410-665-7005 and let us know when your
birthday and/or anniversary is.
JANUARY
1 Donald Rathmell, Sr.
8 Timothy Vickers*
13 Rev. Mary Ellen Glorioso
14 Logan Norman*
15 Carole Disharoon
16 Joe Dieter*
17 D’Arcy Cook
18 Dottie Annen
18 Wayne Grauer
20 Jerry Finley
23 Rodney Gist
24 Gail Krebs
26 Jill Woltkamp
30 Sandra Dawson
31 Nancy Mooney
FEBRUARY
1 Virginia Cox
2 Mark Spivey
3 Allison Nelson
3 Drew Walker
8 Amanda Tallent
10 Lloyd Boore
10 Dee Gowl
17 Andrew Virgilio
18 Phyllis Bell
19 John Gorsuch
20 Nancy Eshmont
20 Bud Laumann
20 Jarrett Rettman
21 Barbara Conrad
22 Kaytlin Hendley
22 Ryan Menegatti*
22 Richard Price
24 Tim Boellner
24 Joe Anna Funk
24 Mary Shine
27 Richard Chenoweth
15
FEBRUARY
11 Donald & Denise Sterlock 45 years
25 Brian Carman & 2 years
Felipe Emilios Rios*
Available Free of Charge –
You Just Need to Pick It Up
Panasonic TV – Plays Cassette
Tapes & CDs
29” Wide
18” Height
For more information – please call Nancy Wolfe,
410-931-3649
JANUARY 1
FEBRUARY 14
FEBRUARY 2
Please Note: ALL COMMITTEE MEETINGS -
All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the chairperson or pastor. Electrical outage or weather concerns may also force a postponement. Meetings may be added or deleted depending on the amount of business needing to be done by each committee area. PLEASE check your email or phone messages before leaving for any meeting in the event it has been changed. All changes will be made prior to the end of the office day (4:00 PM) whenever possible. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM unless noted otherwise. *
16
ARNOLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Reverend Mary Ellen Glorioso, Pastor
Times of Worship: Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday School for all Ages – 9:30 AM
ARNOLIA’S LEADERS Council Chair: Bud Laumann Trustee Chair: Tim Hugus Staff Parish Chair: Janet Nelson Lay Leader: Craig Nickerson Finance/Stewardship Chair: Mike Pfeifer Lay Leadership Chair: Mary Ellen Glorioso Worship Co-Chair: Drennan Nickerson Amy Vickers Missions/Evangelism/ Outreach: Nancy Wolfe Christian Education: Shannon McCreary Carter Board of Child Care: Paula Pfeifer Member Care: Carole Disharoon Prayer Chain: Kay Spriggs Shepherds: Carole Rathmell United Methodist Men: Larry Gowl
WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS
If you are scheduled to serve in January or February, please mark your calendar and arrive at designated time for each position. If you cannot fulfill your commitment on the day scheduled, please call another volunteer on the list, exchange dates and notify the office of the change. Your commitment to the positions listed is essential to our Sunday morning worship and fellowship.
Worship Tech – 9:00 AM – Amy Vickers PowerPoint Presentation – 9:00 AM – Allison Nelson
Ushers – 9:00 AM – January – Drennan Nickerson
February – George Hartig & Linda Miller Communion Servers –
January – Brian Carman & Tad Wolfe February – Mike & Paula Pfeifer
*One Service
JANUARY ACOLYTES FEBRUARY ACOLYTES *1 Janet Hovatter *5 Mike Pfeifer 8 Walter Hovatter 12 Brian Carman 15 Don Krebs 19 Paula Pfeifer 22 Tad Wolfe 26 Beth Krebs 29 Joan Walstrum
JANUARY READERS FEBRUARY READERS *1 Tad Wolfe *5 Corinne Hammett 8 Beth Krebs 12 Kay Spriggs 15 Paula Pfeifer 19 Craig Nickerson 22 Mike Pfeifer 26 Rev. Katherine Moore 29 Youth JANUARY GREETERS 9:00 AM 11:00 AM *1 Joe Anna Funk 8 Karen Long 8 Janice Lark 15 Sandi Winkler 13 Phyllis Wadsworth 22 Wayne Grauer 20 Paula Pfeifer 29 Madeline Greenwood 27 Pat Potter
FEBRUARY GREETERS 9:00 AM 11:00 AM *5 Karen Long *5 Joan Weitzel 12 Madeline Greenwood 12 Nancy Green 19 Mark Spivey 19 Janice Lark 26 Christie Grape 26 D’Arcy Cook
FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS LISTED FOR YEAR 2016
*Sunday meetings begin at the conclusion of the last service (approx. 15 minutes after worship ends)
** Afternoon Meetings begin at 1:30 PM
*** Note the Change of Date
All weekday meetings begin at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted
CHURCH COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR 2016
Church Council: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan 10; Mar 14; May 16; July 11; Sept. 19; Nov. 14 Education: Meeting Time: 12:15 PM Feb 12; May 7; June 11; July 23; Aug. 13 Family Life: Meeting Time: Sunday @ 12:15 PM TBA Finance/Stewardship: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan. 2; Mar. 6; May 9; July 3; Sept. 11; Nov. 6 Lay Leadership (Nominations): Meeting Time: 7:30PM TBA Missions/Evangelism/Outreach: Meeting time: Sunday @ 12:15PM Jan. 15; Apr. 2; July 9; Oct. 8 SPRC: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Feb. 9; May 8; Sept. 18; Nov. 13 Trustees: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Feb. 7; Apr. 4; June 6; Aug. 1; Oct. 3; Nov. 28 Worship: Meeting Time: 7:30 PM Jan. 3; Mar. 7; May 2; July 10; Sept. 12; Nov. 7
17
2017 MEETING SCHEDULE
CHURCH COUNCIL - 7:30 PM
January 10th
March 14th
May 16th
July 11th
September 19th
November 14th
EDUCATION/VBS-SUNDAYS - 12:15 PM
February 12th
May 7th
June 11th
July 23rd
August 13th
FINANCE - 7:30 PM
January 2nd
March 6th
May 9th
July 3rd
September 11th
November 6th
LAY LEADERSHIP/NOMINATIONS –
7:30 PM
TBA
MISSIONS-SUNDAYS - 12:15 PM
January 15th
April 2nd
July 9th
October 8th
MEMBER CARE - 7:30 PM
January 9th
May 15th
October 10th
SPRC - 7:30 PM
February 9th
May 8th
September 18th
November 13th
TRUSTEES - 7:30 PM
February 7th
April 4th
June 6th
August 1st
October 3rd
November 28th
WORSHIP - 7:30 PM
January 3rd
March 7th
May 2nd
July 10th
September 12th
November 7th
18
CHURCH COUNCIL – CLASS OF 2017
Chairperson Bud Laumann
Vice Chair Church Council Mike Pfeifer
Recording Secretary Ann Buckley
Lay Leader 1 Craig Nickerson
Lay Member to AC Craig Nickerson
Finance Chair Mike Pfeifer
Treasurer Evelyn Hartig
Finance Secretary Joe Anna Funk
Senior Pastor Mary Ellen Glorioso
SPRC Chair Janet Nelson
Trustee Chair Tim Hugus
UMM President Larry Gowl
Nominations Chair Mary Ellen Glorioso
Youth Representative Jarrett Rettman
Youth Allison Nelson
SPRC – Chair: Janet Nelson
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Janet Nelson Carole Disharoon Bruce Bell
Jim McGee Beth Krebs Walter Hovatter
Ed Dyer Andrew Virgilio Jerry Finley
Finance Committee – Chair: Mike Pfeifer
Richard Krebs Evelyn Hartig
Barbara Conrad Joe Ann Funk
Joan Walstrum Janet Hovatter
Barbara Menegatti
Board of Trustees – Chair: Tim Hugus
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Bill Grape Tim Hugus – Chair Tad Wolfe
Ed Calvert Larry Gowl Brian Carman
Mark Spivey George Hartig Walter Hovatter
Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Janet Nelson Sandy Winkler Evelyn Hartig
Jerry Finley Drennan Nickerson Priscilla Calvert
Carole Disharoon
Mission/Evangelism – Chair: Nancy Wolfe
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Ralph Wilson Paula Pfeifer Phyllis Wadsworth
Wayne Grauer Corinne Hammett Amy Vickers
Christie Grape
Coordinators of Youth Ministries
Jarrett Rettman and Allison Nelson
19
Christian Education Team – Chair: Shannon Carter
Shannon Carter Nancy Rampmeyer Amy Rampmeyer
Carole Disharoon Anna Nellies
Vacation Bible School Director – Allison Nelson
Worship Team
Co-Chair: Drennan Nickerson
Co-Chair: Amy Vickers
Pastor: Mary Ellen Glorioso
Staff: Director of Music Ministries: Jarrett Rettman
Power Point: Allison Nelson
Worship Emeritus/Ex-Officio: Dick Disharoon
Funeral Co-Coordinator: Ed Calvert
Wedding Co-Coordinator: Beth Krebs
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019
Cal Tatman Amy Vickers – Co-Chair Joan Bond
Drennan Nickerson – Co-Chair Kay Spriggs Brian Carman
Sandy Winkler Walt Hovatter
Family Life Committee – Chair: Joe Anna Funk
Janet Hovatter Evelyn Hartig Nancy Wolfe
Dee Gowl Kay Spriggs Karen Long
Tim Hugus Marlis Collins
Member Care – Chair: Carole Disharoon
Beth Krebs Ralph Wilson
Allison Nelson Nancy Wolfe
Carole Rathmell
20
2017 Lay Reader Schedule
January-May
January
*1st Tad Wolfe
8th Beth Krebs
15th Paula Pfeifer
22nd Mike Pfeifer
29th Youth
February
*5th Corinne Hammett
12th Kay Spriggs
19th Craig Nickerson
26th Kathy Moore
March
5th Wayne Grauer
12th Richard Krebs
19th Walt Hovatter
26th Tad Wolfe
April
2nd Paula Pfeifer
*9th Mike Pfeifer
16th Kathy Moore
23rd Richard Krebs
30th Craig Nickerson
May
7th Walt Hovatter
14th Wayne Grauer
21st Kay Spriggs
28th Corinne Hammett
*one service