Download - December Messenger 2014
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Richmond Virginia DECEMBER 2014
Do you remember the first time you sangAway in tManger? For many, it is hard to remember a timewhen we didnt know this Christmas song. Do youhave a favorite Christmas carol? Most of us have mthan one and we sing them as often as we can dur
Advent and Christmas because they bring backmemories of Christmas past. We love to sing the sof Christs birth. Each week during this season of
Advent, we will focus on a special song during worand reflect at home and together about what eachsong means to us. We will also sing many other sothat tell the story of Jesus birth.
Sunday Mornings
The Sunday worship bulletin will include atake-home piece with reflections on the focu
hymns and suggestions for exploring the seasof Advent through song.
Each Sunday, the children will be putting a fepieces of the crche in place during worship
Watch and see who appears each Sunday!
Wednesday Nights
All who are able are also invited to gather onWednesday nights, 7-8:30 p.m., to reflect toge
on the meaning of singing the Christmas stor
December 3
Advent Reflection Gathering - 7 pm
December 6
Youth Fund Raiser/Parade parking
December 7
Second Sunday of AdventWorship & Communion - 11 am
December 1
Advent Reflection Gathering- 7 pm
December 14
Third Sunday of AdventWorship & Communion - 11 amRichmond PAL Concert here - 2:30 pm
December 17
Advent Reflection Gathering- 7 pmGuitar Concert here - 7 pm
December 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Children telling the Christmas story - 10:15 amWorship & Communion - 11 amChristmas Tea - Noon
December 24
Christmas Eve Service/Communion - 10:30 pm
Events at St Johns this
Christmas
December 21
On December 21stchildren of all ages are invited to gather in the Sanctu-ary at 10:15 am to take part in an active re-telling of the nativity story.
Come and experience Christmas joy with our little shepherds, angels, andbaby Jesus. Worship will begin at 11 am.
Christmas Eve
Join us Christmas Eve at 10:30 pm . We will wrap up our Adventreflections with congregational singing of Infant Holyas the Christ candleis lit during the Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service. There will be
special music and Communion
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2 The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014
Advent Worship
On the first Sunday of Advent, we willfocus on the hope that the prophetsforetold, which is captured in the words
of Come, O Long-Expected Jesus.
The second Sunday will recall how Godour shepherd wants the world to havepeace and will focus on Go Tell it on theMountain!
The third Sunday celebrates the joyMary felt when the angel declared shewould have Gods child and sang MySoul Gives Glory to My God.
The fourth Sunday focuses on Mary andJoseph as they prepare for the sign ofGods love and introduces a new hymn,Gentle Joseph, Joseph Dear.
Week one (November 30)
The Prophets/Hope
Come, O Long-Expected JesusBy: Charles WesleyCome, O long-expected Jesus,
Born to set all people free;From our fears and sins release usGrant us your true liberty.Israel's strength and consolation,Hope to all the earth impart,Dear desire of every nation,Joy of every longing heart.
Week three (December 14)
The Angels/JoyMy Soul Gives Glory to My GodBy: Miriam Therese Winter
My soul gives glory to my God,My heart pours out its praise.God lifted up my lowlinessIn many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me:Yes, holy is Gods Name.
All people will declare me blessed,And blessings they shall claim.
Week two (December 7)
The Shepherds/Peace
Go, Tell it on the MountainAfrican-American spiritual
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhereGo, tell it on the mountain,That Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembled,When low above the earth,Rang out the angels chorusThat hailed our Savior's birth.
Week four (December 21)
Mary Joseph/LoveGentle Joseph, Joseph DearGerman carol, 15th century
Gentle Joseph, Joseph dear,Stay with me, for the babys near;God will surely your goodness hear,
As you will love this newborn child,Says Mary.
Gladly Mary, Mary mine,I will cradle the child divine;Here will heaven and earth combine,For you will bear Gods child,O dearest Mary.
One extra week to orderPoinsettias!Each year we have lovely poinsettias on display inthe chancel area during the Christmas Season. Ifyou wish to order a poinsettia in memory of or in
honor of a loved one IT IS NOT TOO LATE!Please call the church office. The cost is $12.50per plant, and you may take it home after thecompletion of the Christmas Eve Service.
Ordering Deadline:Sunday,
December 2nd
SERVICE
10:30 pm ~ December 24
We will wrap up our Advent reflections with congregationalsinging of Infant Holyas the Christ candle is lit during the
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service.There will be special music and Communion.
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3The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014
Sundays at 9:45
The Christmas Story InWord and ArtAdultsJohn August Swanson is known for hisbeautiful depictions of the Christmas story.Come view his artwork and explore the
Advent themes of prophets, shepherds,angels, and the Holy Family.
Let this Sunday morningstudy set the tone for aChristmas full of beauty.
Class will meet from 9:45-10:40 a.m.in the Adult classroom in B-2.
Creating a Space for Christs BirthAdvent is a time of anticipation and excitement about the babyborn so long ago in Bethlehem. To heighten our expectation, ourchildren will help us recreate the first Christmas by putting a few
pieces of the crche in place during worship each week. Watchand see who appears each Sunday!
The Stories of ChristmasDuring the season of Advent, children in the Toddler and Primaryclasses will listen to a story about Jesus birth and participate inactivities related to the themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, andlove. On all four Sundays (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21),children will return to the sanctuary to celebrate communion withtheir families. There will be no church school on Dec. 28.
On December 21stchildren of all ages are invited to gather in the Sanctuary at 10:15 am to take
part in an active re-telling of the nativity story. Come and experience Christmas joy with our littshepherds, angels, and baby Jesus. Worship will begin at 11 am.
ChrismonsThe younger youth will be making Chrismons during Advent. They will explore the various symbols traditionally created in white andgold for the Chrismon tree. They will return to the sanctuary for communion all four Sundays.
ConfirmationThe confirmation class will be up early Saturday morning, (and at the church no later than 8:15 am) on December 6th! As a fundraiser, the youth will be in our parking lot to collect $5 from cars parking for the Dominion Christmas Parade. The 31st annualDominion Christmas parade begins at 10 am starting at the Virginia Science Museum. This beloved Richmond tradition attractsmore than 100,000 spectators each year from everywhere in Virginia. For many Richmonders, the parade kicks off the Christmasseason. Contact Julia if you would like to help with this ministry. Come down and join the fun.
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Christmas Tea December 21
The Fellowship will host the Christmas Tea, a favorite holidaytradition at St. Johns, on December 21 following worship.
Bring a guest and celebrate the joyous season.
This is a special tradition that brings joy to those who have beenfaithful in their love of the church across the years. Volunteers willbe asked to provide food for the occasion.
SPECIALCONCERT AT
ST. JOHNSDecember 17
Classical/flamenco guitaristAyman Fanous (a Richmondresident) and electric guitaristAnthony Pirog both havereleased CDs over the lastyear to considerable criticalacclaim. Along with them, anOsaka native TatsuyaNakatani (considered bycritics to be among the most
creative percussionists in improvised music today) willbe preforming in our sanctuary on Wed., December 17at 7:00 pm. This will be the debut performanceof their trio. All are invited!
lorence Cross will be moving to Rhode Island at the end of December. Here iser new address: 30 Marsh Drive ~ P.O. Box 1027 ~ Charlestown, RI ~ 02813
Inclement Weather Procedure
Should we get winter weather and are forced tocancel worship, please watch for our listing onchannel 12 TV, call the churchs main phone
number at (804)358-9291 and listen to therecording, orcheck your email for an e-blast.
Preaching Schedule
Dec. 7: Alexa Slonin
Dec. 14: Andrew Terry
Dec. 21: Alexa Slonin
Dec. 24: Erin Burnette andSteve Plymale
Dec. 28: Erin Burnette
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5The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014
Angel TreeDonationsNeededIn the spirit of giving
and spreading hope,again this year, St.Johns will collect items
for families in need of assistance through our Angel Tree ministry.The Christmas tree in the Parlor is loaded with ornaments with giftsuggestions. Please take the ornament off the tree, purchase theitem listed, wrap it and use the paper ornament as the gift tag.Then return the gift to the church placing it under the tree NOLATER THAN THE DUE DATE ON THE TAG. St. Johns missionelves will deliver the packages in time for Christmas.
Some of the gifts this year (dishes, pots and pans, and gift cards)
will support families served by CARITAS, a local housing programfor our most vulnerable neighbors.
December Circle Center OfferingThirty-seven years ago, St. Johns and four other Stuart Circlechurches worked together to create the Circle Center, an adult daycare center that has now grown into the biggest and best organiza-tion of its kind in Virginia. The Center provides a way for frail orfunctionally impaired older adults to continue living at home withtheir families instead of in a residential institution. Its participantsreceive professional care during daytime hours, including an inno-vative, Montessori-based activity program for those with dementia.
The Center uses donations from individuals and organizations toprovide scholarships for Richmond families and to make up thegap between costs and Medicaid reimbursement.
On Sunday, December 14, Executive Director Lory Phillippo willbe here to tell us more about the Centers ministry and to invite ourfinancial support. Please listen, pray and be generous!
Christmas Eve OfferingOn Christmas Eve, December 24, wewill receive an offering for retiredUnited Church of Christ ministers and
their surviving loved ones. For 110years, the Christmas Fund offering forthe Veterans of the Cross and theEmergency Fund has been a meansby which the members of the United
Church of Christ live out the mandate to be Christs body in theworld. The Christmas Fund is one of four Special MissionOfferings received annually in the UCC. It is a ministry ofcompassion and care to those who have served our church.Please reflect upon the ways your life has been touched by apastor, Christian education director, church secretary or minister ofmusic, and consider a generous gift to honor and assist others like
them in difficult times.
CARITAS for 2015February 14 through April 17CARITAS is a housing and feeding program for the homelessand one of the outreach activities that St. Johns sponsors eayear. Once again, St. Johns will serve as an intake center
every evening February 14 through April 17, 2015 As an intcenter we offer hospitality during the hour before the participaare transported to another location where they are fed a meaand sleep the night.
We will need volunteers for each evening for two hours. Wehope that you will bring some snacks for our guests on theevening that you volunteer. Watch for sign-up sheets in theParlor. If everyone takes one or two nights during this timeperiod we will make a difference in the lives on these 40 sommen and women!
Thanks for your help and ongoing support of this importantministry to our vulnerable population.
Richard Bighinatti,
CARITAS Chairman
Richmond PALConcert HereDecember 14We hope you will come out and
support the Richmond PoliceAthletic Leagues ChristmasConcert which will be held hereour sanctuary, on Sunday,December 14th @ 2:30 pm.
WORLD AIDS DAYThe First Unitarian UniversalistChurch of Richmond is hosting thisyears World AIDS Day Celebrationand Remembrance Service, which
has been organized by manysupportive and affirmingcommunities in Richmond.
ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!
Monday, December 1, 20146:30 pm Celebration and Remembrance ServiceReception and fellowship to follow the service.First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond1000 Blanton AvenueRichmond, VA 23221804-355-0777
St. Johns UCC
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We welcome the following
new members to our
church
Chris Ward
Abby Ward
Scott Siefert
Abby Ward was raised in North Carolina but after living inRichmond since 1999, feels like a Virginian now. She received aB.A. in Political Science and German Studies from the University ofRichmond and a M.Ed. in Education from the College of William andMary. She works in the Office of International Education at theUniversity of Richmond, managing a portfolio of study abroadprograms and advising students, among other things. She is thehappy wife of Chris and proud mother of Alex, and in her free timeenjoys yoga, craft projects, and wine.
Scott Siefert was born in raised in northwest Pennsylvania. After being inthe Navy he rejoined his parents who had relocated to Maine. Hegraduated from the University of Maine with a BS in Business
Administration. His father graduated from the University of Maine andBangor Theological Seminary during the same time period. He was apracticing UCC minister until his retirement. Scott relocated to Richmond,VA in 1995. He works for Dominion Enterprises as an Affiliate RelationsManager where he purchases supply for their automotive internet marketingdivisions. He enjoys playing tennis, cycling, cooking, and good craft beers.
Chris and Abby Ward
Scott SiefertWe are blessed to have you
with us!
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...from the Council PresidentWe all said our thanks to Rev. Tom on Sunday, November 16thand wished him the very best in his new home as Pastor ofSouth Congregational Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. Weare in the process of hiring another Interim to carry us thru thenext 6 months or so until we have a new called Pastor. OurSearch Committee has done a wonderful time, given many hoursto this process and it will be coming to an end in 2015. Pleasethank them and show your appreciation for all their hard workand dedication.
Thanks to Bill Watson and all who helped make our 2014 CropWalk very successful.
The month of December is upon us and St. Johns Committeeshave planned a beautiful Advent Season. My thanks to theWorship & Music, Christian Formation and Congregational Lifecommittees who have stepped up and planned a very meaningfulcelebration for us in absence of our Interim Pastor. We will have
several guest pastors during this time. Please give all your loveand support to Julia, Shirley and Dianeduring this period. Theyare the angels who will guide us along with the help of ourmany dedicated members.
On Sunday, November 16th, we welcomed 3 new members,Abby & Chris Ward and Scott Siefert. We are delighted tohave them official members of our Congregation. Welcome!
My wishes for you are a Blessed Holiday season and I pray thatGod be in your life and heart as we all live out our lives and lookforward to 2015!
Blessings to all
Betsy J. Bighinatti, Council President
7The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014
The Church office will be closed on Fridays.
In the event of an emergency, you are encouraged to call
Julia Eliades (804-873-0220)
or
Betsy Bighinatti (804-502-1007)
Facility Report for DecemberThe Facilities Committee has accomplished the followingtasks in November...
Repair roof and window leaksRepaint the leak areasNew toilet and other repairsRepair rose window
These items are on our agenda for the near future...New lights on alter still need to be addressRepair brick wall and lawnRepair floor bathroom need quotes.New lighting from Dominion Power to look into a lighting
energy pan and will also repair any duct work. Theduct work is free and the T-8 bulbs are free. TheLED bulbs will have a cost; however we will recoupthis expense by the energy savings.
New facility instructions for all facility team membersFacility instruction Manual
Facility ChairmanRichard Bighinatti
Chili Cook-Off and De-Greening Jan. 4
After the Christmas holidays St Johns willbe holding its 4rdAnnual Chili Cook-off.
All you need to do is bring a crockpot ofyour favorite home-made chili. Come andenjoy a little friendly competition, yummychili, and great fellowship! De-greening
the Church will follow right after the Cook off
St.JohnsUnitedC
hurchofChrist
2015
Ple
dges
GOAL!$126,000
Please feel free tocontact
StewardshipChair JeffJacobs (at
(804) 355-1115;Finance Chair
Jeff Hetzer (804-550-3928 ); orany member ofChurch Council
with any
questions .
CURRENT $113,199.00 -54 pledgers
Fridays
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] -
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St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of October 31, 2014
December 7
Second Sunday of Advent
PEACE
Isaiah 40:1-11Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
December 14
Third Sunday of AdventJOY
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-10Luke 1:47-55
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28
December 21
Fourth Sunday of AdventLOVE
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
December 28
First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-26:3Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40
2014 Budget
Budget YTD
Actual YTD
Income
Pledge Payments* $127,000
$105,000
$94,586
Cash Offerings
$22,000
$18,333
$10,933
Other Income (Endowment Contributions
$122,850
$117,276
$125,576
Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)
Total Income
$271,850
$240,609
$231,095
Expenses
Personnel 166,549 143,104 140,940
Committees
22,191 18,492 17,160
Operations/Maintenance
122,390 105,353 91,253Local Benevolences 7,300 6,817 5,572
Other 9,600 7,250 7,250
Total Expenses
328,030 281,016 262,175
Income/Expenses Total
(56,180)
(40,407)
(31,080)
surplus (deficit)
NOTE:
1. Income includes a total of $85,000 annual contribution from EndowmentFund ($7083 monthly)
2. Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve
Fund3. 2014 Pledge Budget is $126,000. To date, 56 pledges for $118,000
have been received.
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Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contayour team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in
you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!
WelcomeTeam
Leader
SoundSystem
Acolytes LayReaders
Fellowship
HostsNurseryHelpers
Tellers Facilities AltarGuild
Dec.7
Bill Watson MarkAtkinson
SavannahQuick
Ashley QuickArthur Dewey
Bryan EtterStiegler family Mark Souza
BetsyBighinatti
Bill Watson Sonny Darn
Dec.
14
Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook
Sal AnselmoDon Warren
Ward Family Abby WardChris Ward
Jeff MichelDeniseMartin
Bud Higgins Erin BurnetGeogianne
Stinnett
Dec.21
Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook
Ashley QuickBryan Etter
ChristmasTea
Laura Totty Jeff MichelDeniseMartin
Bud Higgins Erin BurnetGeogianne
Stinnett
Dec.28
JustinBarbour
DavidPittman
SeanBarbour
Jeff JacobsElisabethBurnette
Sarah Allen Marjorie andJustin
Barbour
Bud HigginsBetsy
Bighinatti
Justin Barbour Erin BurnetGeogianne
Stinnett
December 7 December 14 December 21 December 28
To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person orin remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the bulletin board in the
hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 [email protected]
$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.
Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Altar Guild Coordinator: Sonny Darnell 743-7528
Poinsettias
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2014
1 211:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
35 pm Card Ministry
7 pm AdventReflectionGathering
411:30 am NA Meeting
7 pm Choir Rehearsal
5Office
Closed
6
79:45 am Faith Formations
10 am Choir rehearsal
11 am Worship /COMMUNION
8
7 pm Church Council
9
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
10
5 pm Card Ministry
7 pm AdventReflectionGathering
1111:30 am NA Meeting
5:30pm Worship/Music
7 pm Choir Rehearsal
12
Office
Closed
138:30 am Indian Orthodox
Church
149:45 am Faith Formations
10 am Choir rehearsal
11 am Worship /COMMUNION
2:30 pm PAL Concert
15 1610 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
175 pm Card Ministry
7 pm AdventReflectionGathering
18
11:30 am NA Meeting
7 pm Choir Rehearsal
19
Office
Closed
20
219:45 am Faith Formations
10 am Choir rehearsal10:30 Childrens Christmas
Story
11 am Worship /COMMUNION
Noon Christmas Tea
22 23
10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
24
10:30 pmChristmas
Eve
Service
25
11:30 am NA Meeting
26
Office
Closed
27
289:45 am Faith Formations
10 am Choir rehearsal
11 am Worship
29 31
11:30 am NA Meeting
31
2
Robert Wieckmann
Ulysses Hall
3 Jeff Hetzer
6 Jennifer Erkulwater
Catherine Jacobs
7 Anita Sharpenstein
9 Chris Burnette
Patricia Mutia
Logan Vass
14 Eric Hetzer
Mary Miller
16
Julia Eliades
21 Leigh Caraher
Sharon Machrone
22 Christine Krausse
27 Dean Eliades
28 Gloria Van Houten
29 Chris Etter
Kyra and Lacy Miller
30 Melissa Mascher
31 Iola Miller
Sumer worship time begins June 1