Thank you to Sheina Merica and Kathy Armentrout for these amazingly beautiful mountain pictures, and to Father God for creating such majesty within our eyesight. The left picture is in Elkton, the right

one, our very own “look out our east window” mountain, frosted over. Praise the Lord!

MOUNTAIN ECHOES FEB/MAR 2015

Keezletown United Methodist Church Rev. T. Joel Robinette, Pastor 1456 Indian Trail Road Church phone: 269-8531 Keezletown VA 22832 Parsonage phone: 269-8405 Pastor’s email: joel robinette @hotmail.com Pastor’s Cell: 540-908-9482

Pastor’s office hours: Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Keezletown UMC website: www.keezletownumc.com <+< <+< <+<

Zechariah14:6 “On that day there shall not be either cold or frost.”

FEBRUARY CALENDAR Feb 15 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “A Love that Lasts”, with reaffirming marriage covenants during worship Blood Pressure checks after worship UMM Breakfast meeting 8:00 a.m. Feb 16 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 17 Corinthians Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Feb 18 Ash Wednesday Lent Service, meal by the Dillards at 6:00 p.m., worship from 7-7:30 p.m. led by Pastor Joel Feb 19 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. UMW Evening Together at Bridgewater UMC at 7:00 p.m. Feb 20-21 Womens’ Emmaus 4th Day Renewals Feb 22 Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; “A Disciple’s Path” class begins Worship 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Knowing God” CAOS Youth meet 5:00-7:30 p.m. Feb 23 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Feb 24 Last Corinthians Bible Study 10:00 a.m., w/lunch out to follow Feb 25 Lent Service, meal by UMM at 6:00 p.m., worship w/Rev. Stephen Creech from 7-7:30 p.m. Feb 26 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Feb 26-28 Spotswood High School Musical, “hairspray”, at 7:00 p.m. Feb 28 Choir practice 9:30 a.m. Serve Salvation Army Keezletown Ruritan Club Chicken dinner 4:00-7:00 p.m

MARCH CALENDAR Mar 1 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; message “Knowing God’s Satisfaction” Recipes due to Kelly Smith or Becky Ryman for new Cookbook Spotswood High School Musical, “hairspray”, at 2:00 p.m. Mar 2 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. UMW Serve Ruritans Mar 3 “The God We Know” study 10:00 a.m. Mar 4 Lent Service, meal at 6:00 p.m., worship w/Rev. Kay Gentry from 7-7:30 p.m. Mar 5 UMW meet 6:30 p.m. for Call to Self Denial meal, followed by meeting Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. FCE meet at 10:00 a.m. Mar 6 Newsletter items due

Mar 8 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; message: “Knowing God’s Guidance” Special Offering for Stop Hunger Now Keezletown Light Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Mar 9 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Mar 10 “The God We Know” study 10:00 a.m. Mar 11 Lent Service, meal by UMW at 6:00 p.m., worship w/Rev. Sarah Locke from 7-7:30 p.m. Administrative Council meeting immediately following Lent Service, 7:30 p.m. Mar 12 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Mar 14 Choir practice 9:30 a.m. UMW District Spiritual Life Retreat St James UMC 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spring Meal from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mar 15 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; message: “Knowing God’s Care” Blood pressure checks after worship UMM Breakfast meeting 8:00 a.m. CAOS Youth Meet after worship Mar 16 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Mar 17 “The God We Know” study 10:00 a.m. Mar 18 Lent Service, meal at 6:00 p.m., worship w/Rev. Andy Peck-McClain from 7-7:30 Mar 19 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Mar 19-22 Wilbur Pence Middle School musical, “The Sound of Music” Mar 21 UMM Pancake Supper, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mar 22 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; message: “Knowing God’s Power” Package Stop Hunger Meals after worship Mar 23 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Mar 24 “The God We Know” study 10:00 a.m. Mar 25 Lent Service, meal at 6:00 p.m. by CAOS Youth, worship w/Rev. Tommy Herndon from 7-7:30 p.m. Mar 26 Pack Backpacks 7:00 p.m. Mar 26-27 Relay Team makes candy eggs Mar 28 Choir practice 9:30 a.m. Serve Salvation Army Mar 29 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.; message: “Knowing God’s Way” Change Collection Sunday for Henry Fork Mar 30 EMP 6:30 a.m. Disciple 4 Study 7:00 p.m. Mar 31 “The God We Know” study 10:00 a.m.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Feb 2 Clint Martin Feb 18 Grace Brown Feb 2 Dorothy Sites Feb 18 Kahlyn Smith Feb 3 Caleb Combs Feb 18 Nancy Armentrout Feb 3 John Phalen Feb 22 Reese Pellegrin Feb 4 Alexander Mansfield Feb 22 Noland Suter

Feb 7 Lynn Siler Feb 23 Joe Johnson Jr Feb 7 Steve Suter Feb 23 Loretta Eklund Feb 10 Kevin Mason Feb 23 Steve Zylich Feb 14 Noah Robinette Feb 25 David Nankivell Feb 17 Ken Thomas Feb 28 Tyler Sacra FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES Feb 12, 1993 Joseph/Melissa Johnson 22 years Feb 16, 1972 Allen/Sharon Martin 43 years MARCH BIRTHDAYS Mar 1 Andrea Crisman Mar 11 Jennifer Williams Mar 1 Austyn Crisman Mar 11 Joseph Botkin Sr Mar 1 Jackie Werner Mar 13 Melissa Kelley Mar 2 Donnie Underwood Mar 13 Wesley Crisman Mar 4 Eli Bowman Mar 15 Esther McDaniel Mar 5 Maynard Sites Mar 18 Ann Ford Mar 6 Barbara Heatwole Mar 20 Dave Werner Mar 7 Whitney Johnson Mar 21 Joshua Seaman Mar 7 Brian Shafer Mar 22 Becky Ryman Mar 8 Leslie Pellegrin Mar 24 Aliene Whitmore Mar 9 Macie Heishman Mar 28 Kate Ramsey Mar 9 Wyatt Martin MARCH ANNIVERSARIES Mar 1, 2008 Chad/Michelle Higgs 7 years Mar 10, 2011 BJ/KellySmith 4 years Mar 16, 1968 Frank/Carolyn Baker 47 years Mar 27, 1965 Joseph/Elinor Botkin Sr 50 years ==============================================================================

When all the butterflies have fluttered away and your wedding day becomes a distant

memory, you will discover that you've married someone who is just as imperfect as you.

And they, in turn, will come to learn that you have problems, insecurities, struggles, quirks-

-and body odor--just as real as theirs! –Seth Adam Smith ==============================================================================

40 YEARS OR MORE: CONGRATULATIONS to our church family couples that

have been married 40 years or more in February and March:

Allen and Sharon Martin on February 16th, 43 years

Frank and Carolyn Baker on March 16th, 47 years

Joseph and Elinor Botkin Sr on March 27th, 50 years

Best wishes from your KUMC family. May your love continue for years to come.

KUMC Facebook Page Please check out the Keezletown United Methodist Church Facebook page and “like” it. Feel free to take pictures and tag the church in the posts, as well as yourself. If there are any items/events you think should be included, please let me know. Please remember this page is a "Public" page so the world can see everything posted on it. If you see an event and would like to invite friends please feel free, or share events. Thanks. ~ Beth Morris “Christmas Is for Everyone” CD No Charge Copies of the Keezletown Christmas CD “Christmas Is for Everyone” are still available in the narthex and are a great way to share the love and grace of Jesus with family and friends. Music is by our own congregational members, and a few community friends, as well as, scripture readings and greetings from the church family. The CD is also on the church website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones' chests, would

plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own heart. Their

eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-

year old David's comment. Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and

placed the disk over his heart. 'Listen', she said...'What do you suppose that is?'

He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the

mystery of the strange tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke

out in a wondrous grin and he asked, 'Is that Jesus knocking?' ============================================================================ Worship CDs for Homebound

KUMC is making CDs of the weekly worship service for homebound folks who do not have

internet access where they could listen to sermons on the website. If you would like to receive a

weekly CD, or can assist in delivering CD’s, please contact Pastor Joel. If you would like to deliver

a CD to a homebound person, you could take one and a worship bulletin to them. Please

indicate on the “Good Folks to Visit” chart (in Jackie’s room) to whom you deliver a CD.

WORD ON THE WEBSITE If you miss a Sunday, want to review, or wish you could share a recent sermon with a friend, the last four Sunday scripture and sermons are now available online on the church website at www.keezletownumc.com for your listening enjoyment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isn’t it wonderful when someone writes or says something that takes you back in your

thoughts to an easier time of life, where you can relax and smile, or maybe even chuckle?

They remind us that there is so much more to life than living...there is loving. –dld

===================================================================================

“The God We Can Know” Devotional

KUMC’s 2015 Lent devotional is “The God We Can Know” , with scriptures

coordinating with the Lent study and sermon series and a devotion for each of the

40 days in Lent and Easter Day, that relate to the “I AM” sayings of Jesus in the

scriptures. The devotionals are free and a great way to have daily time in reading

the Bible and prayer. Devotions are free and are in the narthex or on the website. Wednesday Lent Services Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, there will be six Wednesday night services in Lent, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with supper and worship time from 7-7:30 p.m. If you, your family, or small group would like to serve one of the meals, please sign up with Pastor Joel. Pastor Joel will lead the Ash Wednesday service (meal by the Dillards). Following the first Wednesday, Guest speakers will be Rev. Stephen Creech on February 25th (meal by UMM); Rev. Kay Gentry on March 4th; Rev. Sarah Locke on March 11th (meal by UMW); Rev. Andy Peck-McClain on March 18th; and Rev. Tommy Herndon on March 25th (meal by CAOS Youth) . There will be a mission offering collected each night.

The God We Can Know Sermons Pastor Joel will be preaching on the “I AM” sayings of Jesus during Lent and Easter Day. These sayings of Jesus give us a picture of the God we can know and confidence in the things Christ regularly does. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings.

Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one

of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill,

and she said, 'Johnny, what is the matter?' Little Johnny responded, 'I have pain in my

side. I think I'm going to have a wife.'

==========================================================SERVING OTHERS

KUMC COOKBOOK PROJECT---***NEED RECIPES***

The United Methodist Women will be sponsoring a new KUMC Cookbook, scheduled for

tentative release in the fall. Please submit your favorite recipe(s), printed or typed, to

Kelly Smith or Becky Ryman by March 1, 2015.

SALVATION ARMY MEAL The Adult Sunday school class is spear-heading serving the Salvation Army patrons a meal on the 4th Saturday of each month. Please see Carol Dillard or Joe Liskey if you wish to help. SPRING MEAL The annual Spring Meal will be held March 14th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Contact Carol Dillard to volunteer to help or to give food donations. More info to follow. UMM PANCAKE DINNER March 21st from 4:00-7:00 p.m., the UMM will serve their annual Pancake Dinner. Join us. STOP HUNGER NOW Stop Hunger Now is a meal packaging program that gets meals to school children in need or for disaster relief around the world. Purchasing and packaging costs $.29 per meal. We will be packaging these meals on March 22nd after worship, where those from 5 to 95 years old can help out. Last year we raised about $5,000 to package 20,000 meals. Our minimum goal is to raise $2,900 and package 10,000 meals, but going above that would be awesome. We collected monies on February 8th of $1,127.66, and will collect a second offering on March 8th.

BACKPACKS After receiving a grant in support of our program from the Harrisonburg Women's Service League, some of them joined us on February 5th to help pack bags for CRES. It is so wonderful to be a part of a community that cares about the needs of others!! Jenny Dillard CHILDREN’S CLOTHING MINISTRY

The Harrisonburg District Children’s Clothing Ministry in the lower level of Cedar Grove UMC is

projected to open its doors for spring and summer clothes mid-May. Last year McGaheysville UMC

served almost 950 families with this ministry. Please let your folks know there are several ways they can

be involved!! During the month of April, DS Tommy Herndon will be leading the effort to build clothing

racks and shelving. Give him a shout for details. Every Tuesday from 9:00–11 a.m. and Wednesday from

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., volunteers are needed to help process clothing donations. Workdays will continue at

McGaheysville UMC through early April when it will move to the lower level Cedar Grove UMC.

Donations of new or gently used children’s clothing are needed. Please contact Rev. Valerie Ritter at

(540) 810-6907 for more info.

RELAY TEAM Keezletown United Marchers for a Cure is ready to go. Joe Liskey, Team Captain, asks that you register for the team ASAP. The first goal of $750 has been reached in order to aid in picking our campsite. Candy eggs will be made on March 26th and 27th. See Joe or Lynn Siler for info. . BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS (for the Super Bowl) The church family collected over 100 breakfast food items for the Salvation Army shelter for this year’s Breakfast of Champions competition. The two bins, designated Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, overflowed with items. After counting, the teams were tied, until a donor gave money for milk, for the Patriots. Then a donor gave money for the Seahawks, so it still was a tie. After worship ended, however, Jenny did have one more person come up and give a donation for milk towards the Patriots side, so technically, just as it played out in the real game, the Patriots won in the last 20 seconds!! :) The real winners were the folks at the Salvation Army. Thank you to all for your generosity. ========================================================================

Erin Speece: “Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we’ve touched.”

KUMC DIRECTORY AND ADDENDUMS God continues to bless our KUMC family with new members & we are so thankful for each person who has joined our family during the past year. If you have any questions or are new to KUMC & have not received a directory, please see Jan Shafer or call 269-2032, as copies are available for new members/ attendees as they join our KUMC family. If you did not order a directory in the fall or you would like to purchase one, you may do so for $6.00 each. Monies will be placed in the directory fund to help cover expenses for our next directory. Copies of Directory Addendums are on the narthex table, which contain contact information for new folks in our church family, changes and/or updates for those previously listed, new birthday and anniversary lists, and a copy of our 2015 church leadership & committees. Please see Jan Shafer if you have any questions.

Keezletown UMC Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments with a beautiful image of the church building are available at $5.00 each.

=====================================================================

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Keezletown Light Commission

The Keezletown Light Commission will hold their Annual Meeting on March 8th at 7:00 p.m. in

the church social hall. Please mark your calendars to attend.

Keezletown Ruritan Chicken Dinner The Keezletown Ruritans are having a fried chicken dinner on February 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come on out, help the Ruritans, enjoy a delicious meal, and maybe, win a cake. The Musical “hairspray” Spotswood High School will present the musical, “hairspray”, on February 26th-28th at 7:00 p.m. each evening, and March 1st at 2:00 p.m. “The Sound of Music” Kendra Dodrill will be participating in Wilbur Pence Middle School’s musical, ”The Sound of Music” on March 19th-22nd. Ticket information will be forthcoming, but if you’re interested in purchasing any tickets, please let her know. COMING IN APRIL----KEEZLETOWN HISTORY NIGHT The newest planned activity for the United Methodist Men will be a "Keezletown History Night"

that will be open to anyone who is interested in seeing the way Keezletown looked back in the

early 1900's. Our big feature will be a video showing the Massanutten Caverns made available

by Wade Armentrout. William Armentrout was allowed to enter the Caverns and do a pictorial

tour throughout the cave. Many people will be able to experience the sites of the old caverns for

the first time through this 1/2 hour video. We will be distributing a brochure door to

door and using face book with help from Emily Blake. All this has come about as a way to invite

the local folks to get together and give them a chance to view and learn the history of

Keezletown and to socialize. This will all happen on April 22nd starting at 6:00 p.m. with a meet

and greet time and viewing artifacts and pictures of Old Keezletown of yesterday year. Various

soups and sandwiches will be served from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. This will be followed by the

showing of the Caverns video. Don't procrastinate; mark your calendars and invite someone. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAVING A BAD DAY? Don’t tell me God’s not in control. Today at 7AM, I woke up feeling ill, but

decided I needed the money, so I went into work. At 3PM I got laid off. On my drive home I got a

flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the spare, it was flat too. A man in a BMW pulled over,

gave me a ride, we chatted, and then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow.

===========================================================================================

PRAYER MONDAY MORNING PRAYER OPPORTUNITY

Interested persons may join the Early Morning Prayer group or “EMP” meeting on Monday mornings at 6:30 a.m. at the church. If you have questions, please see BJ Smith or contact him at 908-0061 or smithb818@comcast.net. PRAYING FOR OTHERS? We all need to be prayed for. Please considering placing your name, or the name of someone

you know that needs prayer in the Prayer basket on Sunday mornings. If you write down

someone else’s name, please be sure to give a brief description (sick, hurting, death, etc) and

include your name, so that if there is a question we can contact you for more info. Then, just

pick a name out of the basket as you leave, and pray for that person all week. WHAT A

DIFFERENCE you will make in your prayer partner’s life for that week. If you happen to miss

picking up a name from the basket as you leave, please give me a call, as I gather up all the

unclaimed names, and I will see that you get a name. Diana =====================================================================================

Friends help make this life a little better each day. You can probably think of multiple

instances where a good friend changed the day for you and made you look on the brighter

side. That’s exactly what God intended friendship to be. True friends know you well; they

give you wise advice from the Word of God. Everyone needs a faithful friend — so why not

make a commitment today to be a friend to someone who needs you. –Joel O’Steen

=====================================================================================

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

TEACHER NEEDED ONE SUNDAY A MONTH The Education Committee is in search of a part time (1 Sunday a month) teacher for the Grades 6th-8th Sunday School class. Literature is available. If questions about the class, you may see Karen Mooney or Michele Dodrill. NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: “A Disciple’s Path” Class If you are new to KUMC or would like to know more about faith in Christ with the church, this would be a great class for you. It is seven weeks and will meet during Sunday school beginning February 22nd. Please sign up with Pastor Joel, who will lead the class. There is a workbook and reader for the class which will introduce participants to Christian rhythms like prayer, daily devotions, reading scripture, and more. Let’s walk together awhile on the path with Jesus. “Disciple 4: Under the Tree of Life” Class “Disciple” is an in-depth Bible study during a 32 week course with daily 30 minute readings and

a weekly class meeting Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m., focusing on Old Testament writings:

John, Epistles of John, James, Jude, and Revelation.

“What Does the Lord Require “

The Adult class is studying “What Does the Lord Require?”, by James C Howell,

referencing the book of Micah. Class meets in the social hall and is led by Mac Coffman.

1 & 2 Corinthians Study

This 6 week Bible study is looking at the letters to the Corinthians and considering issues of

Christian identity, conflict, and connection. The study meets Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. with

the last session on February 24th.

“The God We Can Know” Study During Lent there will be a 7 week study on the “I AM” sayings of Jesus using Roby Fuquay’s book The God We Can Know, meeting on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the church beginning March 3rd. Please sign up at Pastor Joel’s office for a study book ($8.00 contribution). ==============================================================================

A LOVE STORY Alan and Sandra lived on a cove at Gull Lake Alberta. It was early winter and the lower

portion of the cove had frozen over. Alan asked Sandra if she would walk across the

frozen part of the cove to the general store and get him some smokes and beer. She asked

him for some money, but he told her, "Nah, just put it on our tab. Old man Stacey won't

mind." So Sandra, being the good wife walked across the ice, got the smokes and beer at

the store and then walked back home across the cove. When she got home with the items

she said, "Alan, you always tell me not to run up the tab at Stacey's store.. Why didn't you

just give me some money?" Alan replied, "Well, Sandra, I didn't want to send you out there

with cash when I wasn't sure how thick the ice was!" ______________________________________________________________________________

2015 FLOWER CALENDAR IS POSTED Do you have a special person or occasion you would like to remember by placing flowers on the altar table (or piano/organ)? Please choose a date and write your name on the flower calendar posted on the narthex door. If for a special occasion or for someone special, please notate on the calendar or let Lynn Siler (lsiler78@yahoo.com) or Ann Ford (434-3955 or vafords1@gmail.com) know so that it can be listed in the bulletin for that Sunday. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary. Bulletin Art

Create a cover for the worship bulletin by signing up at the pastor’s office, and submit the

completed work one week prior to the Sunday it will appear in the bulletin.

Administrative Council Council met on February 11th at 7:00 p.m., with 14 members present. Spring meal was approved for Mar 14th, with Carol Dillard leading, and proceeds tentatively set to help pay for a new sanctuary piano. Pianists and choir will check on piano costs and get back to council before moving with purchase. Upcoming events include the Tenderloin/Catfish dinner on April 18th, the UMM Pancake dinner on March 21st, September 13th is the annual Golf Tournament, and July 18th is the Lawn Party. The Lenten offerings collected will be used to build a ramp for a little girl at CRES who has spina bifida. Girl scouts will now be meeting at the church once a month. New hymnals (some large print), and more Faith We Sing hymnals are being ordered (on sale). Beth Morris will be assuming responsibility for upkeep on the website in the next few months. Next meeting will be March 11th at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the Lent Service. ======================================================================

“There are several things of which I am certain. 1) My life will never be easy. 2) I will

never be rich. 3) That is ok...because I love and I am loved.” --Jeanine Underwood

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DALE’S CORNER by Dale Dodrill

Each morning, we began the day with a clean blackboard. This was what I experienced while

attending a one-room elementary school for seven years. Near the close of each day, some

older students were chosen, by the teacher, to wash the board and dust the erasers outside on a

big oak tree. The erasers were clean when the cloud of chalk dust was no more. Isn't that what

God does for us, when we ask for forgiveness? He uses His "Big Love Eraser" to wipe away our

mistakes, our disappointments, and our bad attitudes. He provides a new beginning every time.

Now, what will I choose to write on my clean blackboard? ====================================================================================

HEALTH BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS/HEALTH QUESTIONS

Parish Nurse, Carol Sacra, would like to remind everyone that on the 3rd Sunday of every month, she will be administering Blood Pressure Checks in the youth Sunday school room behind the organ after worship. If you have any concerns, blood pressure, or otherwise, with your health, please feel free to use this time (or anytime the need arises) to talk with her.

“IN YOUR CORNER” by Carol Sacra, RN, PN

Last night I had the opportunity to hear Dr, Stewart Pollock and Dr, Brad Rash speak at a “Matters of the Heart” seminar at JMU Festival Center. Although I had thought previously that this month’s newsletter topic would not be heart related (again), the info

they shared regarding cholesterol levels, new medications on the market, and the newest minimally invasive procedures to repair mitral and aortic valves in the heart, was amazing and exciting for the future of health care. There are many new ways to fix or manage illnesses that develop within our bodies. All that being said however, prevention is the key to decreasing our chances of illness or at least “catching it early”. This little Valentine (contributed by AirMedical-a supporter of last night’s event) sums it up best: “Roses are red, violets are blue, keep me healthy and I’ll be true” LOVE – YOUR HEART <3

You know what is pretty darned special? Walking the little ones up to take communion and they say,

“I have gum.” So you stick your hand out and they spit it right out in it! Two of them this

morning…what a joy…they really do trust and love me…what a great feeling. --dld

CAOS YOUTH

CAOS Youth met Sunday, January 18th, and enjoyed tacos, made candy grams to sell for

Valentine’s Day, planned activities for the next few months, and ended the meeting talking about

qualities of a best friend relationship. Our next meeting will be February 22nd from 5:00-7:30

p.m., where we will have the 2015 CAOS Game Challenge. Our March meeting will be on

March 15th right after church when we will make a lid art project. We will serve the Lenten

Dinner on March 25th. In April, we will probably venture out to the bowling alley for an

afternoon of fun (date to be determined). On May 30th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., we will meet at

Phil & Cheryl Carr’s for an evening of outdoor fun – hot dog roast, games and smores. All

youth grades 6-12 are invited to join us. Hope to see you there. If you have any questions,

please let us know.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The UMW met on Feb 5th with 14 members and 5 guests present. A love devotion was presented by Geraldine. Trish Kline, a survivor of violent marital abuse, gave an emotional and informative testimony. First Step was the mission of the month. Food committee advised about the soup/bake sale on Feb 7th, the Ruritan meal on March 2nd, and the Lenten meal on March 11th. Recipes are still needed for the new cookbooks. Upcoming events were Feb 19th District Evening Together, and Mar 14th District Spiritual Life Retreat. Next meeting is Prayer/Self Denial Meal at 6:30 p.m. on March 5th, with meeting following. UNITED METHODIST MEN The United Methodist Men held their first meeting of the year on January 15th with twenty two men present. We shared breakfast and devotions together. Our goal was to plan the activities for the upcoming year and set dates for the activities so that we might get them entered on the church calendar. Almost every month will contain a mission or a church project again this year. The newest of our activities will be a "Keezletown History Night" that will be open to anyone who is interested in seeing the way Keezletown looked back in the early 1900's. Our big feature will be a video showing the Massanutten Caverns made available by Wade Armentrout. William Armentrout was allowed to enter the Caverns and do a pictorial tour throughout the cave. Many people will be able to experience the sites of the old caverns for the first time through this 1/2 hour video. We will be distributing a brochure door to door and using face book with help from Emily Blake. All this has come about as a way to invite the local folks to get together and give them a chance to view and learn the history of Keezletown and to socialize. This will happen on April 22nd starting at 6:00 p.m. with a meet and greet time, and viewing artifacts and pictures of Old Keezletown of yesterday year. Various soups and sandwiches will be served from 6:30 p.m. until

7:00 p.m., followed by the showing of the Caverns video. Don't procrastinate; mark your calendars and invite a friend or neighbor. Next meeting will be February 15th at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship. Jim Dillard, United Methodist Men's President ===============================================================

UPCOMING EVENTS: CHURCH Apr 1st Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 p.m. Apr 2nd Good Friday Experience at 7:00 p.m. Apr 5th Sunrise Service w/breakfast by Relay Team; Easter Service w/Communion at 11:00 a.m.; Message: “Knowing God’s Possiblities” July 18th Lawn Party CAOS YOUTH Apr ??th Afternoon of bowling May 30th Outdoor fun 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Carr’s UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Apr 9th Date change for monthly meeting UNITED METHODIST MEN Apr 14th Tenderloin and Fried Catfish dinner Apr 22nd Keezletown History Night Sept 13th Annual Golf Tournament at Pack Saddle FIFTH SUNDAY CHANGE COLLECTIONS FOR 2015 May 31st Conference Kits; Aug 30th Lighthouse Center; and Nov 29th Henry Fork

==============================================================================

THE CHURCH FAMILY REMEMBERS--REST IN PEACE: Ellen Youell, Jenny Dillard’s grandmother John Phillips, Carolyn Baker’s brother Wayne Carr, Phil Carr’s father Charlie Van Goor, Faith Van Goor’s father Jane Boyer, Gary Heatwole’s sister ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “What a beautiful Gift God gave to us this morning! A sunny morning with such a heavy frost it

looked like a layer of beautiful sparking diamonds. No one else could do that for us. There are so

many things He does for us, all we have to do is look for them and at them.” --Jean-nie Staib

THE CHURCH FAMILY IS PROUD OF: Whitney Johnson, a Junior majoring in Nursing BSN, has been named to the dean’s list at JMU

for the fall 2014 semester. Students must carry 12 credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.5 to 3.899.

Congrats, Whitney. –Barbara & Gary

Brayden Morris had another good report for 2nd 9 weeks of Kindergarten. He maintained in

most areas and improved in other areas where he had scored a P (Progressing) instead of S

(Satisfactory). He also increased his score for the PALS testing, improving from a 73-90. But, I

was most proud of a comment from Mr. Caricofe though..."his kindness warms our classroom

every day and he is an excellent role model to his peers". - Yep mommy was teary-eyed after

reading that :). Steve and I are both very proud of our lil man. –Beth & Steve

Morgan Baker scored very well for her 2nd 9 weeks grades, exams and 1st Semester totals. AP

History is still a challenge, but she is working through the difficulties. We are very proud of her

school achievements while working two part-time jobs. She works at Kemper Knoll Farm and

Camp Overlook. –Beth & Steve

Congratulations to Alissa and Kendra Dodrill on a great end to the first semester! Alissa ended the semester with 5 A’s and 2 B’s, and Kendra ended the semester with all A’s. –Michele & Scott

Toni Underwood made the A/B honor roll this time. I’m so proud of her. –Jeanine & Donnie

Alli did amazing as well with highest marks in almost all categories. Her teacher said "Alli gets

her kindergarten job done and ALWAYS with a smile on her face....Alli, keep that smile on your

face; it brings sunshine to our room during the cold days of winter." --Jeanine & Donnie

Congrats to the Dillard family for winning the “McDonalds Love Challenge” and getting their

meals free just by taking a family selfie.

Congrats to Wes Ford, who will be volunteering again on the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission trip to Belize in July to continue work on a high school.

THANK YOU NOTES: Church Family: thank you to the 80+ family members who stayed to enjoy the good food and fellowship, and to clean up, at the Valentine’s Day luncheon on February 8th. BJ & Kelly Keezletown UMC, Thank you for serving as bell ringers for the Salvation Army. We appreciate your time and dedication to help. Your group raised $1,181.80 in 2014, and we cannot thank you enough for doing your part. We hope that you will continue to help in the future. God bless. Salvation Army

Lynn Jones, South Washington County Military Support Group Leader, sent me the following

2014 Holiday Card Drive Report. They mailed 122,247 Christmas Cards to 39 Military Units in 8

Countries. A total of 431 boxes were mailed that contained cards, boxes of hygiene items, snack

and food items. Thank you (Keezletown United Methodist Church) for helping to make our

Christmas Card Drive a success. Dale Dodrill

Dear Friends at KUMC: thank you for your donation in the winter gifts program at CRES. This

year with your support we were able to provide gifts to 114 families and 239 students. We

appreciate the extra effort of mittens you provided as well. It is wonderful to see the students

smiles as they received the gifts. Thank you for your generosity! Carolyn Miller, CRES

Dear Ms. Cole and KUMC Women: I wanted to say thank you for taking part and contributing

towards our fundraising event. Operation Santa was a huge success and each patient received

six gifts Christmas morning. Thank you for making this possible. We couldn’t have done it

without you! Tina Kincaid, Western State Hospital

Dear Friends—Thank you so much for your thoughts of me at Christmas and the lovely gifts.

I’ve enjoyed playing that CD many times and remember each of you as I listen to it. Also, that

Santa guy, peppermint candy, but especially the love! God’s blessings and my love. Mary Harris

Dear Fellow Christians: As we think back on 2014 we want to thank everyone who allowed God

to use them in any capacity to further Lighthouse. Your support is vital to this ministry. Please

continue to support as God leads you. Sheila Morris, Lighthouse Children’s Center

Dear Folks, Another year has come and gone! I hope this one will be better—I hope and pray.

At this time I want to thank you all in the church for all the nice things you do for people. I want

to thank you for all the nice cards and the candy you gave me. Thanks to Faye and to Ms,

Armentrout, who delivered it. Thank you for letting me be with you all at the Salvation Army. I

hope I can do that more—I enjoyed that. I know I am no help, but I like to have my nose in

there! I hope your “boys” will still be able to get me when Randy can’t. I hope this year will be

better! I like to keep in touch. I appreciate Joel! Thank you again.

May God bless and keep you. Don Clatterbuck

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PASTOR’S CHAT

Lent is upon us and is a great time to draw close to Jesus. Lent began as a way for Christians who had denied Christ due to persecution to have a way to repent, regain faith, and live again in fellowship with other Christians. It didn’t take too long for many Christians to say, this would be good for all of us. We will have some great ways to reconnect to faith in Christ this Lent and I would encourage you to join in. Repent of sin and rededicate yourself to God at Ash Wednesday Supper & Service. Begin walking with Christ or join in the rhythms at KUMC by taking A Disciple’s Path class in Sunday school during Lent. Experience Christian fellowship and worship at Lent Suppers & Services on Wednesday nights in Lent. Eat and visit with others from the church and community. Hear a message from a terrific pastor in our region. Put your life to God’s work in serving others. A great way would be to join in feeding those for whom hunger is a daily reality. Give and/or come out to help package meals to feed some of the most vulnerable with Stop Hunger Now. You could also take time to help out with backpacks or helping to serve a meal for the Harrisonburg Salvation Army Shelter. Remember who God is and the great love Jesus Christ has shown in times of worship on Sunday mornings with the sermon series “The God We Can Know” and special times of worship like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Holy Week. Open your life to God daily in scripture, reflection, and prayer. A great tool would be this year’s Lent devotional. You can pick one up for free at church. Lent is a special gift to us. It is time to examine our life, our relationships, and consider how we will walk with God and others. Open the gift of knowing God and fill your soul with the goodness of the Lord in this time to ready ourselves for Easter, new life, and resurrection.

Pastor Joel

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

On February 15th, during the worship service, couples are being given the opportunity to renew their vows to one another. Dr. Laura says, “A strong marriage doesn’t always have two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and wife who take turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak.” Richard & Fay; Judy & Corky; Esther & Leonard; Bob & Geraldine; Jackie & Al; Patti &Terry; Chris & Nelson; Jenny & David; Dorothy & Conrad; Lute & Nancy; Loretta & Bud; Grace & Jim; Donnie & Barbara; Evalyn & Jim; Ken & Faye (and many more from this church family, and outside the church family)…these are some of the married folks that have touched my heart during the years, watching what they have gone thru. They have relied on each other, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, and their love carried them thru. It’s a give and take, and you both have to give, sometimes 50%, sometimes 100%, sometimes 105%; but believe me, after almost 42 years, I can tell you, it’s well worth it. God blessed my life when He sent my then future husband in to it, and has continued to bless our life together. I hope you feel the same way about your spouse.

Diana

EDITOR’S NOTE

I am grateful to each of you who have contributed, especially to our young people. You give us

hope for the future and encourage us to continue to nurture you and each other in the love of

Jesus and His love for others. Thank you. I encourage each of you to be a part of this, YOUR

newsletter, by submitting items of interest about those you love or items that have touched

your spirit. There is an envelope labeled “Newsletter Items” in the room between the

sanctuary and the hallway. Please feel free to e-mail me, hand them to me, or leave them in

the envelope. The March deadline for submissions is March 6th. If you have enjoyed it, or if

you have not, I welcome your criticisms, your submissions, and your suggestions. You may

reach me at home at 269-8511 or e-mail me at AntDyna@comcast.net. I hope that you enjoy

reading it as much as I enjoy preparing it for you. Thank you all for your contributions. It really

makes this easier for me. God bless you all. Diana

ALWAYS TALK TO GOD BEFORE YOU START YOUR DAY.