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IMPACT G L A D E U N I T E D C H U R C H O F C H R I S T
Our Lives Together / February, 2016
Welcome Little David!
Ever since the United Church of Christ was formed (1957) by the
merging of the “Evangelical and Reformed Church” and the
“Congregational Christian Churches,” the motto has been, “That
They May All Be One.” You will notice them in the
denominational logo.
These words were not dreamed up, but borrowed from Jesus’ very
own prayer. The prayer is found in the seventeenth chapter of
John’s gospel. It begins in verse one and goes to the very end of
the chapter (verse 26). Jesus prayed this prayer of unity for his
disciples so that the world would believe God sent him for our
salvation.
It is with appreciation for this piece of denominational history,
based on scripture, as well as understanding ourselves to be an
“Open and Affirming” congregation, that the consistory voted to
enter a building use arrangement with “Little David Ministries.”
There may be times when we and they are in the building
together; but, mostly, the building will be used when Glade is not
using it. Little David is a primarily Hispanic congregation that
exists to glorify God and strengthen families. Welcome Little
David!
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Ponder with the Pastor
Becoming One of the Ten Per Cent…
I happened upon a blog called “Church Fuel” and read a recent
post that, in some ways, may have something to say to us. It is
titled, “What Growing Churches Do”. You can directly
reference the post by going to http://churchfuel.com/strategies-
for-church-growth-attendance-2/, but I would like to summarize
it for you with the hope that you will let me know what you think
about it, and if we, at Glade, could tweak some things. The
blogger, Travis Stephens, doesn’t pull any punches and he writes
in a rather direct way.
He begins with these words: “Ninety percent of the churches
in the United States today are stagnant or declining. Dying
churches are closing their doors at the rate of ten per day. Even
church members who have been dedicated to the church for
years are attending church less than ever before. It would be
easy to throw up our hands in frustration with church growth
and give up, but perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope. If ninety
percent of churches aren’t growing, that means there’s ten
percent that are. Which leads me to two conclusions: either God
is choosing to bless these churches over the others, or these
churches are doing something the other churches are not.” From
there, he makes six “Growing Churches …” statements.
Growing churches are focused on those outside of the
fellowship. That is, everything the church does is focused
on those who are not connected to a congregation. In fact,
Stephens suggests that the congregation’s budget is
centered on evangelism. Dying congregations, on the
other hand, are solely interested in those already inside the
church walls. The budget is constructed to keep members
happy, and discussions revolve around matters like “What
color should the carpet be?”
Growing churches are led by the staff. It is in the pastor’s
purview to lead the congregation in the direction of the
vision God has given him or her. Dying churches, on the
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other hand, have the governing board make most decisions. In
dying congregations, the congregation or board decides what
happens in the church and what doesn’t.
Growing churches value creativity over “how it has always been
done.” In growing congregations, there is an interest in
finding new ways to reach the surrounding area. They use
technology to their advantage. Dying churches, however, find
reasons not to change and believe that the best way to make
disciples is through the traditional Sunday School classroom
setting.
Growing churches prefer action. Ongoing talk about problems
and solutions isn’t enough for growing churches. Growing
churches are engaged in action. In dying congregations, there
is little follow through. The conversations are the same ones
year after year after year. Quoting Stephens directly, “Dying
churches refuse to make hard decisions that may hurt
someone’s feelings, even though it would benefit the church.”
Growing churches celebrate well. Growing congregations get
excited about what God is doing and look forward to what God
may do next. Dying congregations, on the other hand, gather
from a sense of obligation.
Growing churches have faith in God. Congregations that experi-
ence growth are made up of people who believe God can do
something great through them. Dying churches tend to think
that, while God may have done something great through them
in the past, they fear risk and they find all sorts of excuses for
not doing something.
We are all familiar with the line, “What’s past is prologue.” It is
from Shakespeare’s “In the Tempest,” and it is used by a particular
character, and in a particular scene; but, unfortunately, those words
speak to many situations, and are all too real in many people’s lives.
As I write these words, I do so with the greatest respect and the
utmost care; and, I do not believe these words are solely mine.
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Preachers on TV might say something like, “The Lord laid it on
my heart…” to reference a guiding spirit that influences his or her
message. And, in one sense, that is sort of what it feels like. It
feels like God is nudging me to say, “We need to turn in a new
direction and away from living a ‘past is prologue’ life.” As we
approach the Lenten season, now is the time to repent, and to turn
more fully to God.
You may recall that when our congregation engaged the
conversation to reflect on what it would mean to publicly declare
ourselves “Open and Affirming,” there was, at first, suggestions by
some that we not talk about it. Legend has it that is what was
suggested to one of my predecessors when, in the 1960’s or 70’s,
he announced he was going to preach on the subject, “How Would
You Deal With a Gay/Lesbian Son or Daughter?” When I asked
the person recounting this story to me, “How was the message
received?” She said, “Oh, he never preached it; someone went to
him and told him he shouldn’t.” It was implied there would be
consequences if he did. So, in an effort to break that habit, and
with a commitment to do justice and love kindness (Micah 6:8), we
continued to provide opportunities for exploration on the subject,
but it was no easy task.
When the congregation voted to accept the ONA statement, and
declared itself, “Open and Affirming,” there were some who left.
Those were the “consequences.” Allow me to say that just as I
was deeply concerned by the quitting or leaving behavior exhibited
then, my concern remains. Even though Glade is quite blessed
with kind, generous, and loving individuals, several more recent
developments and “consequences” have prompted me (and others)
to hold our breath and wonder, “Can we talk about or do anything
that isn’t upsetting?” In an e-mail to the consistory on January
19th, Lisa Jordre informed the consistory that some of these
dynamics were too life draining for her and chose to resign as
president of the consistory.
As we move toward Ash Wednesday and a season of penitence, I
feel compelled to ask about your relationship with God, Jesus, and
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the Holy Spirit. Please notice, I did not ask about your relationship
with Glade United Church of Christ, the denomination, committee
chairpersons, or the pastor. I’m interested in something so much
more important; your covenant with the Creator of the Universe,
the Savior of our Lives, and our Companion on the way.
Warm Regards,
An Invitation to Preach
As you know, Pastor Phil will be on sabbatical for the three summer months of June, July, and August. He and congregational leadership were hopeful that, together, we would receive a grant from the Lilly Foundation for Clergy Renewal. Some of those grant dollars could have been used to fund a part-time pastor for those several months. Since we did not receive funding, we are finding creative ways to “fill the pulpit” for many of the Sundays of those months. So, on the table in the rear of the sanctuary, there are calendars for June, July,
and August and you are invited to sign up to preach on a given Sunday. Think of it as sharing your faith. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Phil.
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February Assistants
Ushers
Ruth Keyser & Kathy Angleberger
Greeters
Rhonda Trail & Patty Green
Acolytes
Feb. 7—Susanna Mollet
Feb. 14—Lydia Mollet
Feb. 21—Hailey Ogg
Feb. 28—Mason Saylor
Lay Readers
Feb. 7—Bill Powell
Feb. 14—Adriane Wodey
Feb. 21—Jan Dinterman
Feb. 28—Bob Watson
Nursery Workers
Feb. 7—Patty Green & Jessica Saylor
Feb. 14—Kevin & Kate Saylor
Feb. 21—Jenny & Danny Ogg
Feb. 28—Shelby & Kirsten Saylor
Communion Servers
Bonnie Ogg, Joan Hummer,
Lorijean Turner, Chris
Torbeck, and Brooks
Widder
December 2015
Beginning Balance: $182,477.32
Total Income: 18,735.66 Worship Offering: $16,768.61
Sunday School Offering: $56.00
Rental Income: $900.00
Poinsettias $456.00
2nd Mile Giving $235.00
Interest: $1.55
The Christmas Fund $318.50
Total Expenses: $174,609.01*
Ending Balance: $26,603.97
*Reflects the $150,000 for the UCF
Investments.
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February Anniversaries
2/21 Bonnie & David Ogg
2/27 Florence & Richard Garst
2/29 Jane & Eugene Sappington
February Birthdays
2/01 Ralph Whitmore
Tom England
Rebecca Strawsburg
2/02 Justin Clarke
Mike Powers
Andre Cornelis
2/04 Ellen Garst
2/07 Lisa Byrd
Liam Powell
Hadley Howell
2/08 Kara Caprarola
Scott Borison
2/10 Brady Nusbaum
2/11 Greg Keller
Paul Yingling
James Harrison
2/12 Stuart Clark
2/14 Jennifer Ogg
Bryan Saylor
2/15 Terri Grimm
2/16 Betty Baggett
Mary Scheele
2/17 Blake Ambrose
2/18 Logan DiPaolo
2/19 Craig Davie
Ken Grim
Raegan Smith
Billy Veith
2/21 Dorothy Shober
Pat Turner
2/22 Linda Powers
2/23 Daniel Ogg
2/24 Frances Cecil
Stacey Wachter
2/27 Tiffany Kauffman
2/28 Leo Duncan
2/29 Megan Ford
Ben Lochner
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Baptism
Consistory Report
Consistory Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2015
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Phil discussed needing to get the Community
Outreach Garden planning group together to discuss the project. The
Church and Ministry Committee will begin discussing ministerial
care and pulpit fill during Pastor Phil’s sabbatical.
Ongoing Business: The 2016 Budget was presented by Bonnie
Ogg, Brooks Widder, and Alan VenDouern. The budget and the
tracking of expenditures reflect the recent change in the restructuring
of the church’s entities. Subsequently, we may see a new expendi-
ture or increase in expenditures when compared to previous
revenues and expenses within the individual budgets.
New Business: There was a discussion regarding a Hispanic con-
gregation interested in renting Glade UCC facilities. Questions were
prepared to be asked at an upcoming meeting with the interested
congregation and Pastor Phil, Bonnie Ogg, and Lisa Jordre.
Dawson Edward Caprarola On December 27, 2015
Son of Kara & Ivan Caprarola
Grandson of Brooks &
Cathy Widder
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Ash Wednesday
GYG
On Wednesday evening, February 10th, we will
gather at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary for an Ash
Wednesday worship experience that will include
the imposition of ashes for those who wish to
have them placed either on their forehead or the
back of their hand.
Ash Wednesday, of course, begins the Lenten
season of forty days (excluding Sundays) prior to Easter Sunday. It
is a time to reflect on who we are, and who, by God’s grace, we
might become. Please consider taking advantage of this worship
experience to tend to you spiritual life.
Several members of the Glade Youth
Group will be attending the ROCK
Youth Retreat in Ocean City, Maryland
the weekend of February 5th.
On February 28th is Youth
Worship Sunday. The youth will
be conducting the worship
service.
In the afternoon of February 28th
the youth will enjoy the
afternoon snow tubing.
The Glade UCC calendar posted on the web is updated daily.
When needing the use of the church, please review the calendar
and email or call the office to have your event posted on the
calendar.
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Special Thanks
The Glade Valley Community Services sent a thank you letter for
our generous donation of clothing, toys, & gift cards for their
GVCS Toy Shoppe program. Eighty-two families were able to
have a nice Christmas with all the donations provided in 2015.
The Lancaster Theological Seminary sent an acknowledgement of
our support to their mission of preparing future ministers and
Christian leaders for the sake of Christ’s church.
The Mission of Mercy wished to thank the Glade Church for our
generous support in 2015. They are able to service over 30,000
medical patients since 2004 with their contributors such as Glade.
The Frederick Count Department of Aging sincerely thanks the
congregation for our generous support through the Second Mile
Giving program. Our contribution of $118 will provide over two
weeks worth of meals for a senior citizen or disabled adult with
limited financial resources.
The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs appreciates
the gift of $365 we donated to their organization through the Second
Mile Giving Program. Along with our support they are able to
provide year-round emergency shelter to homeless individuals.
The Walkersville United Methodist Church
Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday,
February 15, 2016, 2:00—730 p.m. in
their
Fellowship Hall. Please call Donna, 301
845-6024 or Betty, 301 82-7255 to schedule
your life saving donation.
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The 16th Annual Donna Rough Memorial Basket Bingo will be held
on Friday, March 18, 2016. We will be soon requesting sponsorship
of games and prizes. Please support this important fund raiser.
More details will be announced in the bulletins and March Impact.
Fried Oysters Ham and Roast Turkey!
MARCH 4 & 5, 2016
Walkersville Fire Hall
We’re getting ready for Glade Church’s largest
fund raiser – The Spring Dinner and Bazaar! On Friday, March
4th, dinners are served from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, March 5th, the
dinners are served from 12-5 p.m. All dinners are served Buffet
style including lots of side dishes.
We need YOU to make the dinners a success! Many
donate crafts and baked goods (no cream fillings) to sell. We can
use seasonally decorated wreaths, knitted, sewn items, hand
crafted greeting cards, jewelry, or ornaments, for example. We
also are in need of 9x13 cakes that will be served as dessert.
Sign up in February at Church, or call Cathy Widder
(301-898-5558) or Ron Rough (301-639-3834) to volunteer.
There is a lot to organize. If you can sign-up early, it helps
tremendously!
Slaw makers & meat carvers are needed a few days before
the dinners. We set up the fire hall
after bingo Thursday night. Lots
of opportunities for all! Thanks in
advance! We appreciate your
help with one of the very best
dinners in the area!
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2nd Mile Giving
After much discussion, the Mission and Social
Action team has revised the 2nd Mile Giving program to
having one recipient for a 2-month duration due to the
decrease in money collected in the 2nd Mile Giving
Program in the past few years. Please contact Ruth Ann
Wilson or Adriane Wodey if you have questions regarding this
change to the 2nd Mile Giving Mission & Social Action
project.
The new schedule is being developed, the first few months of
2nd Mile Giving is:
Jan.-Feb.—Church World Services Blanket Program
March-April—One Greater Hour of Sharing
Soup Kitchen
The Youth, which included the Confirmands, served at the soup
kitchen on January 17th. It is great to see the youth engaged in
mission and service projects. We will be serving at the soup
kitchen on March 20th. Consider signing up. Thanks!
Mission & Social Action
The Peg and Orley Bourland
Educational Assistance Fund Scholarship
The Peg and Orley Bourland Educational Assistance Fund
scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2015 through The
Community Foundation of Frederick. The scholarship is available
to students in Walkersville and the Walkersville feeder school area.
The scholarships purpose is to provide need-based funds for
post-secondary education in trade or technical fields to help
underwrite the costs associated with tuition, fees, testing, trade
tools and supplies. Applications for 2016 is available from The
Community Foundation and will be accepted by them from
March 1—March 31, 2016.
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Second Mile Giving For February
Church World Service Blankets
Second Mile Giving for February
supports Church World Service’s Blanket
Program. Every $5 you give provides a
wool or cotton blanket distributed by
CWS to needy people around the world. Due to the continuing
major needs in the disaster stricken areas, blankets are needed
more than ever. Let’s seek to exceed our numbers from previous
years by sending even more blankets to the CWS! Our gifts to
Second Mile Giving in February will make a difference in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and South Asia, and other trouble spots around the
world. Please indicate on the memo line of the check “Blanket.”
Food Bank Item for February
The need for food at the GVCS Food Bank is growing. New
families come to the Food Bank each week. Please consider
dropping off in our baskets one or two of the most needed food
items listed below this month to help keep food on the shelves at
GVCS.
Most needed food items:
Cereal Toilet Paper Canned Pasta (spaghetti-O’s)
Canned Fruit Rice Boxed Potatoes
Peanut Butter Canned Peas Baked Beans
As well as food donations, cash donations are also accepted by the
Glade Valley Community Services at P. O. Box 655, Walkersville,
MD.
Thanks for supporting this project!
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THE FREDERICK SCHOOL OF
RELIGION Learning for Life
www.frederickschoolofreligion.org
THE 2014 FREDERICK SCHOOL OF RELIGION will be held on six Mondays and Tuesdays beginning February 1 at the Beth Sholom Community Center. Afternoon classes are held from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; evening classes are held 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Please visit www.frederickschoolofreligion.org for more details and class subjects.
There are flyers throughout the church and on the bulletin board in the Sunday School annex. If you have any questions, contact Betty Baggett or Ruth Ann Engel who are on the Board of the School of Religion.
Dates to Remember
Thurs., Feb. 4 Outreach Garden Committee Meeting, FS
Fri., Feb. 5-7 GYG ROCK Retreat, Ocean City, MD
Sun., Feb. 7 Annual Congregational Meeting
Tues., Feb. 9 Property Committee Meeting, FS
Wed., Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday Service
Sun., Feb. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY
Tues., Feb. 16 Consistory Meeting, FS
Sun., Feb. 21 DEADLINE for Glade Tidings
Sun., Feb. 28 Youth Lead Worship Service
DEADLINE for Easter Orders
Easter Flower Orders By February 28th
With Easter being early this year, we need to submit our order for
the Easter flowers earlier than usual. Please submit your order by
February 28th. The order form is provided on page 19 of this
newsletter. The flowers look so beautiful on the altar at Easter,
please consider placing an order.
15
Property Committee
A Property Committee Meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2016,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. If you have any items that needs to
be brought to the committee’s attention, please contact one of the
committee members. The committee will be appointing a
chairperson and discussing filling the custodian’s position.
Glade Guild
The Kitchen Angels are Watching!
Please take your items home with you after using the church
kitchen. If you want to donate leftover cups, etc. to the church,
please label as such. After a time, left items will be disposed of or
used in the kitchen. The same applies to items placed in the refrig-
eration. Please take your leftover food home or label “For Anyone
to Enjoy.” Thrown away recently were cheese that were badly
molded, flat sodas, sour milk, etc. Please help us to pass the yearly
health inspection by the Frederick County Health Department!
Thanks for helping.
“Then and Now” Cookbooks has made the “Best Seller” List...
Well, in the Walkersville area anyway, and some cookbooks have
traveled as far as Texas. We have sold approximately 200
cookbooks. If you have not had an opportunity to purchase one,
they are $15 and can be purchased at the church office or they will
be on sell at our Spring Dinners in March.
A special thanks to Patty Green for the suggestion and organizing
the creation of our wonderful “Then and Now” cookbook. A lot of
hours went into the production of the cookbook. We have heard
great reviews. Thanks so much Patty!
16
Care Giving
“28 days has February—a very light load for a month to carry.
In Leap Year the days they do vary—so we welcome 29 days in
February.”
When I read this quote online, it brought another quote to my
mind…“Every day is a gift—-that’s why we call it the present.”
Looking at the 29th of this month as not only a gift, but as an extra
day, that also makes it a special day…So why not consider how
you can take the opportunity to make it an extra special day for
someone…Be creative & jump in to share an act of kindness...It will
take just minutes out of that “Leap Day” to give a call, take a treat,
mail a card (perhaps a Valentine), stop in for a visit...offer to run an
errand.
Your care-giving just might result in stir r ing somebody’s faith to
leap!
(p.s. You don’t have to wait ‘til the 29th...any day will do!)
Blessings!—-Becky D.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meet at Jane Sappington's
on January 16th. We had a delightful brunch before
working on our ongoing projects. Thanks Jane for
hosting the January meeting.
The next meeting will be announced later.
Anyone that would like to join us, please contact
Connie. You do not need to know how to knit or crochet. We can find
other tasks for you to do. It is great fellowship while we create
beautiful pieces to share with our members.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
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Gri
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(301
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665),
Pat
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(301
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Ruth
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(301-8
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416),
or
Cat
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301
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558).
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