Weekly Newsletter of La Plata United Methodist Church

The Grapevine

In This Issue Virtual Memorial Service

Church Conference - This Saturday! No More Signups for In-Person Worship Remembering the Saints Join Us for a Blessing of the Animals Call to Prayer and Fasting for Our Nation COVID Testing Got Masks? Annual Conference - Laity Session We Are One The Ten Commandments LPUMW Prayer Mask Ministry Charles County Cares Initiative Text Your Tithe Kids’ Korner Let’s Celebrate! Let Us Pray Change My Heart Oh God Facebook Find

October 15, 2020

A Note from Pastor Susan Dear Ones, How in the world are you? As always, I hope you are well and safe. I am enjoying the Fall weather. It is one of my favorite seasons. However, in one part of our country, people are suffering through uncontrolled wildfires and, in a different portion of our country, hurricanes and tropical storms beat down the towns and cities on the coast, one right after another. It goes to show us that though we are all living in the same nation, we experience the same thing (in this case, a season) differently. It seems as though even nature has very strong and different expressions for the same thing. We, as a part of nature (creation) have that in common. One election, yet very different, and sometimes explosive views. One people, yet divided by race, sexual identity and in other ways. One pandemic (COVID-19), but divergent views on its severity and ways of handling. We ARE different. We HAVE different views. Nature has different expressions. God has made all of the wonderful diversity in this world. We ARE different, so our oneness cannot come from ourselves. Our oneness is found in Christ, the Lord. Read these words from Ephesians 4: 5-6 One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all who is above all, and through all, and in us all. We are one because God created us ALL We are one because Christ died for ALL We are one because the Holy Spirit binds us together in our baptism No matter what this world holds for us, our oneness and strength comes in and from our God. We say we love God, but since we are all one in God, our task is to love one another. Whether because of our differences or in spite of them, we are called to love one another because God has called us to it and will give us what we need to undertake it, if we be willing. Dear ones, I pray we be willing. His... and Yours, Pastor Susan

3 Port Tobacco Road La Plata, MD 20646

301.934.2288 laplataumc.org laplataumc@gmail.com

Senior Pastor:

Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl

Sunday Worship Services: 8:30am In-Person Worship Service

11am Facebook Live Online & In-Person Worship Service

Church Conference - This Saturday! Our Church Conference this year will be held via Zoom on Sat, Oct 17 at 10am. Please contact the church office by Fri, Oct 16 at Noon at 301-934-2288 if you would like to attend, and the Church Administrator will send you a Zoom invitation.

Text Your Tithe

Text 844-905-2671 enter the amount as the message

Virtual Memorial Service The Virtual Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Nancy Hardin Gasparovic will be broadcast live on Sun, Oct 18th at 1pm from Fredericksburg Baptist Church. The link is: https://www.fxbgbaptist.org/livestream-service

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Nancy L. Gasparovic Memorial Charitable Fund at https://www.cfrrr.org/donate-now/ and in the first drop down select “The Nancy L. Gasparovic Memorial Charitable Fund.” This is a tax deductible fund where 100% of donations will go to the charities she loved to support.

No More Signups for In-Person Worship We now have overflow seating available in Fellowship Hall 1 for Sunday morning worship. We will no longer be sending out a SignUpGenius or requiring that you call the office to sign up to attend worship services. Please be sure to check in with the Helping Hand volunteer when you arrive at worship, so that we can record your presence for contact tracing purposes.

Remembering the Saints Nov 1 is "All Saints' Day" and we will be honoring all our church family and friends who have died since last November. If you have lost a loved one in the past twelve months, please call the church office at 301-934-2288 and speak to Karen, sharing their name and date of death. Also, email a picture with their name to Karen at laplataumc@gmail.com.

The Grapevine Editor: Sherri Hastings

Publisher: Karen Hamner Weekly deadline for submitting

articles is Wed. at 4pm. Submit articles to

news@laplataumc.org

Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11

150 165 139 128

Attendance

This Past Week

Church Income

Worship

Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4

$ $ $ $

Facebook Views Preacher’s Pop Up Prayer

10,271 16,468

6,060 11,550

Courage Corner

You are where God wants you to be

at this very moment. Every experience is part of His divine plan.

Join Us for a Blessing of the Animals Mark your calendars for Nov 8 from 1 – 2:30pm for this year’s Blessing of the Animals. Due to Covid restrictions, we cannot have the community and vendor participation we enjoyed last year, but we can bring our beloved pets to receive a blessing from Pastor Susan. We will practice social distancing and wear masks, but the light of the blessings we receive each day from our pets will certainly shine through. As a special treat, Darby, the therapy dog, will be back in his booth to share love and kisses with all who stop by to see him. This year’s event will be churchwide for members and close friends, but not open to the community. See you at the kissing booth.

8:30 11:00 Online Total

31 41 56

128

254

171

Call to Prayer and Fasting for Our Nation Our nation is in a time of great division and discord. We are also at the point of decision for who will lead our country for the next four years. Therefore, Bishop Easterling and the Extended Cabinet are calling the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to 40 days of prayer and weekly fasting that focuses on the Nov. 3 elections. This prayer initiative began Oct. 12. Each Tuesday, United Methodists are invited to fast from rising up until settling down. Every day, they are being asked to enter into the offices of prayer, beginning the day with Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, saying the Lord’s Prayer at mid-day, and ending the day with the Prayer of St. Francis. The Daily Prayers: A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (UMH #607) I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, Exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Call to Prayer and Fasting for Our Nation (continued) The Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Some guidelines for fasting Fasting in a religious context involves abstaining from food, or certain foods, for a period of time as a spiritual discipline. Fasting is most effective when accompanied by prayer. Some Christians believe that denying physical hunger for a time can heighten or enhance spiritual sensitivity. Fasting is often said to help people hear God’s voice more clearly. Fasting is a biblical practice. Jesus began his public ministry by fasting for 40 days and nights. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, advocated for fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays as a spiritual practice and asked Methodist clergy to do the same. Please note: Do not fast if you or your doctor feels it will have a negative impact on your health. When fasting, it is important to be flexible and listen to the Holy Spirit and to the cues your body gives you. There are no fixed rules to this fast, but it's always good to try to keep the fast you set out to do. Drink plenty of water.

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory

in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and

make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Annual Conference - Laity Session The Laity Session of the Annual Conference will be held on Sat, Nov 14 from 9am - 12pm. The session will be held via Conference Webinar and will be open to all laity. The link to attend the webinar will be available to all on the Conference website: www.bwcumc.org. at a later date.

Got Masks? Due to repeated requests, La Plata church is now offering the opportunity for everyone to purchase a face mask with our logo on it! Face masks are becoming quite the fashion statement, these days. As you can see, it is all the rage around the office! It is a good way to show solidarity and unity in our worship services, an advertisement for our church in the community, and an overall reminder that in spite of the things around us, our God is still in control! Wear it everywhere and anywhere. It is three-layered, machine washable and all proceeds will go to further the mission and ministries of La Plata Church, where lives are being changed and God's love is being shown everyday. Masks are available for $15.00 each or two for $ 25.00. Grab one for yourself and one for friends, family or even stocking stuffers! Call the church office and put your order in now!

We Are One La Plata UMC is a church family and when one hurts, we all hurt. If this extended time of hardship has impacted you in financial ways, we want to help. Please call the Pastor or Karen at the church office number and let us know. Your information will remain confidential and NO ONE except the pastor and/or our Administrator will be informed. La Plata Church wants to walk alongside you!

COVID Testing La Plata Church will be hosting as a community-wide COVID TESTING SITE for the Health Dept. Testing is so important as we venture out into the community to visit our loved ones, eat at our favorite restaurant or just live our lives. The Health Department will be giving out FREE testing to whoever may come. No appointment necessary! However, they are asking for a guesstimation about those in our congregation who plan to participate in such a testing site event. If you are interested in getting tested, for your own peace of mind or for the health and safety of others, please contact the church office to let us know (301-934-2288). After we have the interest counted, the Health Department will work with us to determine a date and time. This will be open to the community, so feel free to let your friends know too! La Plata Church is a community church. Help us take the lead in caring for one another. THANKS!

LPUMW Prayer Mask Ministry What a witness to your loving spirit and skill in providing masks to be blessed that overflowed the altar rail. These masks provide a measure of safety to our church and to the community. Praise God! Thank you so very much to all those who are participating in this ministry. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please call or email Kathy Cox, 301-385-5789, mrskathylcox@yahoo.com.

“Charles County Cares” Initiative End Hunger in Charles County, LifeStyles, and other organizations continue to work with the community to provide food, toiletries and information about resources during this COVID 19 Crisis through: • Community Cabanas • Meal deliveries • School meal sites • Curb-side Food Pantries • Groceries • Hot meals The following volunteer opportunities available are: • Sign-up to volunteer to help in the Community Cabanas at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094FA4A92BA4FB6-charles1 • Donate food for the Anytime Bags/Lunch Bags, toiletries, and items for hygiene kits. Please call LifeStyles or End Hunger to schedule delivery. Donations can be made daily from 8:00am – 4:00pm. You can also make a monetary donation. Checks should be made payable to End Hunger in Charles County. Please write COVID19 food in the memo line and drop it off at the Fuller House located at 3470 Rockefeller Ct., Waldorf, MD 20202. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call End Hunger in Charles County at 301-383-3683 or LifeStyles at 301-609-9900.

The Ten Commandments We want to prepare and remind you of Ten Commandments for attending worship: 1. Thou SHALT mask up. Masks must be worn the entire time you are in the building. 2. Thou SHALT sit in the seat. Families can sit together, but all others must maintain the social distancing guidelines. You will be guided to seating appropriate to you and yours. 3. Thou SHALT worship well, but differently. There will be no bulletins or other materials to share, no congregational singing or personal fellowship. However waves, verbal greetings, praise to God and prayers for one another are encouraged! 4. Thou SHALT be a cheerful giver. You may continue to give tithes and offerings online, by mail or text. However, a box in the back of the sanctuary space will also be available for your convenience. 5. Thou SHALT NOT have Nursery or Sunday School at this time. We are working on interactions with our young people, but not in the Church building. 6. Thou SHALT follow the guidance of our "Helping Hands." These folks have been trained to assist you. 7. Thou SHALT ask questions if you don't know! We are all learning together. The more we communicate, the better the experience will be. 8. Thou SHALT go one way. There is a specific point of entry in and out of the building. Please follow our "Helping Hands" in navigating the "traffic" patterns inside the building. 9. Thou SHALT practice patience. Let's extend grace to each other. We are in this new way of worshipping together. Let's find the blessings together! 10. The Pastor SHALT say, "Hi!" in advance. Pastor Susan will not be able to greet us as we are used to. She wants us to be safe. If you would like a personal call from her or even a socially distanced visit, just let one of our "Helping Hands" know. God is already preparing our gathering place. He will surely prepare our hearts as well. La Plata UMC Re Opening Well Taskforce

Text your Tithe

In less time than it takes to write a check, you can make weekly offerings by sending a text message. Just read the instructions below of how to get started and you can continue to support the work of our church by texting your tithe.

Kids’ Korner

Children’s Bible Activity Sheets

Kids’ Korner

Children’s Bible Activity Sheets

For our friends and family who are living in nursing homes, assisted living or home bound:

Lorraine Berry Tom Berry Wade Beswick Karyl Beverage Hugh Blaine Frank Brinson Patricia Buckler Sue Carns Jennifer Carpenter Jerome Church Cathy Compton Harolly Coombs Joyce Dean Janet Faherty Sandra Fykes Maggie Gates

Remy Zachary Gordon Carl Greene Christina Kingsbury Francis Lewis Patti Lincoln Donna McKenzie Ed McKenzie Johnny McPherson Renee Nash Carl Occhipinti Frank Quinn Frederick A. Reckeweg Mary Beth Reckeweg Melissa Faith Rollins Crystal Rupprecht Patty Rupprecht

Donna Sarnacki Tabitha Schneider Bill Sigmon Carol Sorenson Rosalie Snyder Larry Spencer Don Stapleson Michael Stewart Mary Teufel Brian Thomason Bill Tull Jeanette Tull Sandy Tull Linda Valente Mike Williams

Let Us Pray For our friends and family who have medical issues:

Ann Bergerstock Mike Merritt Cora Westmoreland

Continue to pray for:

Thursday, Oct 15 Maggie Gates Friday, Oct 16 Cody Anderson Saturday, Oct 17 Matt Holcomb Joan Mitchell Don Stapleson Sunday, Oct 18 Steven & Deanna Hancock-40 Carol Sorenson LeaAnne Thorne

Monday, Oct 19 Travis & Hillary Welch-1 Judy Melvin Ryan Mudd Brian Pyle Tuesday, Oct 20 Scott & Stephanie Williams Wednesday, Oct 21 Gary & Linda Badgley-42 Paul Burke Kathryn Stapleson Thursday, Oct 22 Margaret Carlson James Gray Mary Johnson

Friday, Oct 23 Jim & Randi McWilliams-22 Charley Shaw-1 Saturday, Oct 24 Heath Bintliff Joyce Dean Joan Dent Sunday, Oct 25 Ralph & Terri Lucas-6 Rory Daetwyler-14 Brian Fisher Summer Maddox Adam Todd Elizabeth Turner-8 Abigail Turner-8

Let’s Celebrate! Birthdays & Anniversaries

Our Law Enforcement Officers as they risk their lives each day to protect their communities. Medical Personnel as the put their lives at risk caring for those with Covid19. Researchers as they strive to develop a cure for this virus. The leaders of our country, may the Holy Spirit be present at every meeting as they keep us informed. Our Pastors as they continue to find new ways to minister to their flock and keep us all connected. For each other that Christ will calm our fears and keep us safe.

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