Weekly Newsletter of

La Plata United Methodist Church

The Grapevine

December 24, 2020

Double Issue

In This Issue

THANK YOU! Kalling All Kids! That STRANGE Number on Your Cell Phone! La Plata-Opoly is Back UMW Book Club The Anticipation and Hope Pop Tabs LPUMC Hosting Safe Nights Inspirational Night Prevent Holiday Stress & Depression Got Masks? The Ten Commandments Charles County Cares Initiative Text Your Tithe Kids’ Korner Let’s Celebrate! Let Us Pray On This Christmas Morn Facebook Find

A Note from Pastor Susan Hello Dear Ones, How in the world, are you? I hope you are receiving the gift of Christmas Joy and looking forward to a new year. As this is a combined Christmas/New Year's edition of the Grapevine, I thought I would share two pieces of holiday history.... and thanks to our friends at the Reader's Digest for these answers! What is the oldest Christmas Carol? Christians have been celebrating Christmas since AD 336 (the year Christmas became a recognized HOLY day). However, prior to official recognition, Christians were singing carols of the season even earlier. The first musical composition ever to be associated with the Christmas holiday was likely “Angels Hymn,” a piece dating back all the way to AD 129. According to sources, a Roman Bishop proclaimed that people should sing the song “on the Night of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour.” The song is so old that historians aren’t even sure exactly what it sounded like, but given the solemnity of rituals at that time, it was probably closer to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" than "Joy To The World." And since we are winding down to the end of the year, What does "Auld Lang Syne" really mean? The song "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. Auld Lang Syne actually means "days gone by." If you have a chance, sing the song and insert "days gone by" where you would normally sing "auld lang syne" and you may even enjoy singing it more! But, whether you are singing carols or poems, watching the Christmas Tree Lights or watching our online services, sharing kisses underneath the mistletoe or as the ball drops, give thanks for the gift of a Savior. Give thanks for the people in your life. Give thanks, above all, for the God who has brought us this far and will surely keep us in this and every new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 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

THANK YOU! As we come to the end of this year, I want to thank so many for the way in which you have remained faithful to God and to our church. • For those who remained faithful givers, with some

having to learn new skills to do so! YOU have a part in God's mighty acts in the world!

• For those who worked behind the scenes keeping the missions and ministries going with less resources and volunteers because of COVID

• For those who helped manage our financial resources in the midst of uncertain and challenging year

• For those who helped create and transmit our online services every single week during the time the church building was closed AND STILL TODAY!

• For those who took on added responsibilities and increased their skill sets to make it appear "seamless" to the rest of us

• For those who personally recorded videos for our worship service and sent them in to enhance our services

• For those who came into the church (in safe ways) to record music with the help of our gracious Organist.

• For those who reached out and checked on their brothers and sisters

• For those who agreed to be on the re-opening Taskforce so we could open safely and confidently

• For those who volunteered to be "Helping Hands" so that we could worship in person if we chose to

• For those who cleaned and helped maintain the church to be always ready to welcome those into the House of God

• For those who participated in our outdoor worship and fellowship events like our Tail-Gating party and our Movie Nights

• For those who prayed for our church, who prayed for the Pastor and who prayed for the hope and healing of our one Nation, under God

• For mask makers who provide a mask for anyone who needs it

• For all church leaders, supporters, encouragers and everyone who has shared with a neighbor or friend how La Plata Church never stopped being the church, but continues to be His Body in the world

And if there is someone I have missed in thanking … I ask for your grace. Your actions have made a difference and I know God is well pleased. THANK YOU SO MUCH La Plata UMC!

The Grapevine Editor: Sherri Hastings

Publisher: Karen Hamner Weekly deadline for submitting

articles is Wed. at 4pm. Submit articles to

news@laplataumc.org

Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 13 Dec 20

130 130 142 146

Attendance

Sunday, Dec 20 Morning Services

30 47 69

146

287

523

Church Income

Worship

8:30 11:00 Others Total

Nov 15 Nov 22 & 29 Dec 6 Dec 13

$ $ $ $

Facebook Views Preacher’s Pop Up Prayer

9,220 12,950 14,088 12,805

Courage Corner

Sometimes God calls us to do things that seem strange to us.

But, we can learn from Mary what it means to be full of courage,

even when God’s instructions are unexpected!

Bible.com

Luke 2:11

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to you; he is the

Messiah, the Lord.

Sunday, Dec 20 Evening Service

23 30 53

353

7:00 Others Total

Facebook Views

Kalling All Kids! We take great joy in giving gifts to those we love, but this Christmas, the Children's Ministry Team would like to give you the opportunity to give a gift to the one we love MOST! Jesus! What would you give to the baby Jesus if you could? Food (I'm sure he got hungry just like you)? Warm hats and gloves (I'm sure he got cold, just like you)? A Toy? (I'm sure he would like to play with the same things you do)? In our rush to Christmas, let's not forget about Jesus. You are invited to bring a gift to Jesus anytime between now and Christmas Eve. The church will collect them in a special box and then we will share those wonderful gifts with other boys and girls who need them. I bet Jesus would like that. Let's do something for Jesus, since he came to do something wonderful for us!

La Plata-Opoly is Back La Plata-Opoly is available again! Do you need a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person? How about a La Plata-Opoly game? They will be available after the Café Service and before and after the 11:00 Service. They are $30 each and at this time we can only accept cash or check (no credit cards). If you are not yet attending services, you can contact the church office to make other arrangements. Thanks for supporting our church!

That STRANGE Number on Your Cell Phone! In our continuing effort to be in good communication with our church family and with those who would like to be included in our activities and events, we recently engaged TEXT-IN-CHURCH. This is a program that sends group texts and emails to anyone with a cell phone number. Your number is safe and will not be used for any purpose other than to keep us close when we can't be together at church. We want to stay in good connection with YOU. However, if you do not want us to keep you informed of the great things happening at La Plata, please let us know and we will remove your number. If you DO want to get the scoop, make sure we have your cell phone number. We will be sending out a test text in the next week. Keep an eye out for it! The number we will be using for our texts (and your responses) will be 301-835-1099. Note that this is NOT a number you can call, but when you see the number, you will know it is your church family checking in! Please contact the church office with any questions or concerns.

Join the UMW Book Club For a Thought Provoking 2021 We close the tumultuous, uncertain year of 2020 and make our New Year’s Resolutions for 2021. Joining the UMW Book Club is an awesome way to learn about diverse characters and use your critical thinking skills about current issues. The discussion group meets the 2

nd and 4

th Tuesdays of each

month in the church Parlor to share reactions to sections of the selected book. Attendance is not required for participation in the UMW Reading Program, but members often interpret the material differently, so it is exciting to compare ideas. The next book is: Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People by Maya Angelou and beautifully illustrated by Tonya Engel. Writer Maya has been an activist, trolley car conductor, dancer, mother, and humanitarian. Her biography traces her life from the early days to her triumphant rise as a poet of the people. The first discussion meeting for Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People will be Jan 12, 2021 at 10am. Join us for this awesome adventure and learn about Maya’s life!

The Anticipation and Hope Two angels will be added this year on Christmas Eve to our life size Nativity display. They present a simple message to everyone. The angels first appeared to the shepherds who were attending their sheep on a cool quiet night. Suddenly, a bright light appeared and the Angels came forth singing, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace, goodwill to all Men.” What a powerful statement…bringing hope to us all. In this time of distress from the Pandemic caused by COVID19, we all need a little bit of hope for the future. Hope, overall, is the feeling of expectation and anticipation for what is to come. What will next year bring? That is unknown, but what we do know is that Hope for the future will be stronger than ever. Please stop by and view this display, and feel free to take a picture or two, or just spend some time thinking about that special night. Our stable will be void of the manger for a while, until Christmas Eve, when the baby Jesus will be added, along with the Angels. Year after year, we share this display with our community to remind them of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ, our Savior. It also serves as a memorial to those who have come and gone. They too, helped to spread the Gospel of Christ. “Glory to God, in the highest and Peace to all Men” an inspiration and message of Hope. The strength of Hope will carry us through these tough times in the coming New Year. Merry Christmas everyone. Joe Boswell

Pop Tabs

Wanted: pop tabs for recycling. Do you consume beverages that have pop tabs? If so, the pop tab is a very valuable item. It is worth more than the can. Take a moment to remove the tab once you have accumulated a quantity, bring them to the church and place them on the counters in the Narthex for recycling. It takes over 100 tabs to make an ounce. Yes, it is many tabs, but as the quantity grows, so does their value. The Boswell Family has been a part of this activity through The Family Campers and RVers, a camping organization that has been recycling tabs for over 20 years. Once a large amount is collected, they are recycled and all proceeds given to Ronald McDonald House. If you have a large quantity and they need to be picked up, feel free to contact the Boswell’s at (301) 934-9382 and arrangements can be made for pick-up. Thank you all for your effort with our Mission project.

LPUMC Hosting Safe Nights New Years Week, Dec 27 - Jan 3 The Safe Nights program understandably looks different this year. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the fall and holiday season, Lifestyles began it's Safe Nights program on Nov 2 by housing families/groups at the Thunderbird Hotel. Lifestyles has 10 hotel rooms available to house their most vulnerable families and elderly/health compromised homeless individuals. La Plata UMC Missions was able to donate funds to provide 4 hotel rooms for one week each using grant money applied for through the Health Department. Anyone wishing to assist with funding hotel rooms for homeless families and groups, can contact Lifestyles of La Plata. Christmas week marks the first week Safe Nights will be hosted in the churches. La Plata will be hosting the second week over New Years Eve from Dec 27 - Jan 3. Another church was willing and able to host 3 weeks in a row during our normal February week, so we gladly switched to accommodate their schedule. Guests will be able to shelter all day on New Years Day under care of Safe Nights Staff in our church building. Maximum guests this year is capped at 18. Lifestyles currently has an active list of 70 actively homeless that are on the list for shelter through the Safe Nights program. On a weekly basis, Safe Nights staff must make the uncomfortable choice on who will be housed each week with limited beds. Tier one and two clients get priority for the current hotels rooms, and tier 3 clients (healthy, single males and females) will be housed as church accommodations begin. Last year, the average capacity was 30-35 individuals in the churches. This year, because of COVID, the host sites are 16- 20 guests. La Plata UMC is maximum of 18 persons. Cots will be properly spaced throughout FH2 for sleeping as usual, and all guests must wear masks at all times unless they are properly spaced while eating or sleeping. Due to new health department restrictions on Safe Nights, new requirements for food service include 1) all food to be prepared in certified kitchens rather than at home and 2) meals must be packaged in individual containers (takeaway-style) for service. To minimize health risk, we have arranged to hire the current caterer who has been providing meals for Safe Nights this season, instead of organizing groups to prepare meals in our church kitchen as usual. Louise Stine will provide the continental breakfast items as usual, but no hot breakfasts will be served this year. Neil Johnson has organized volunteers this year to serve as overnight hosts and sleep upstairs in the main parlor. The prime purpose is for hosts to keep a general eye on things and make sure we have someone representing the church on-sight to assist Safe Nights staff with any building issues. The overnight hosts are:

Dec 27 - Sunday Toni Verdiglione Dec 28 - Monday Phil Herbert Dec 29 - Tuesday Dean Daetwyler

Dec 30 - Wednesday Eugene Bradford Dec 31 - Thursday Jim Harris Jan 1 - Friday Lynn Elmwood Jan 2 - Saturday Neil Johnson

Here are some ways you can help volunteer: 1. Our usual bagged lunches will not be provided this year, but donations of gift cards are being

accepted to assist with lunches. 2. Donations of snacks for Safe Nights guests to take with them. Make sure to label the food. 3. Laundry and daily cleaning volunteers are needed as usual to assist in keeping things tidy during

the week. 4. We will need volunteers to assist Jim in breaking down and setting up the fellowship halls for Safe

Nights. All donations can be left near the food pantry donation box in the lobby or on the lobby counter. Please email me if you are able to help out over the holiday week. Prayers for a successful and safe week of Safe Nights are most appreciated! In Christ's Service, Kim Williams, LPUMC Mission Chair, kim.williams19721@gmail.com

Inspirational Night

Inspiration, tranquility, peace, and the stillness of a night lead to one of the most memorable

evenings ever recorded in history. On this special night, a priest sought inspiration. He went to the highest peak available and looked out on a very quiet star lit night back in 1818. Simple works came to his mind that simply warmed his heart and inspired him to a point that he took a quill pen in hand and applied the words to paper. Pastor Joseph Mohr took his simple poem of inspirational words to Franz Gruber who set out to place them to a melodic tune. Now, you see the Priest was in a crisis because the church organ was out of commission for one of the most important nights due to flooding in the church in the community of Oberndorf bei, Saizburg, Austria. Since the organ was unavailable, a guitar was the instrument of choice. During WWI, it became a song of truce, sung by opposing forces during the night setting a calmness that lasted for several hours during a battle of conflict. Little did the author and the musical composer realize that their collaborative work would survive for over 200 years. It continues to be an inspiration throughout the holiday season. This simple melodic tune has been translated in over 140 different languages.

This holiday season, ponder, look at a nativity scene and reflect on the Silent Night Holy Night, so long ago. All is calm and all is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child, Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep, in heavenly peace. A poem, simple in nature full of meaning and inspiration. Many times, at LPUMC, this simple melody is sung on Christmas Eve as the candles are lit all around our sanctuary-thus the room takes on a very different calmness. The heavens are full of hope and anticipation - something new is happening - in the calmness of this moment. Our hearts and minds are calm, stillness takes over and what a feeling. Our Silent Night has begun. Joe Boswell

Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression From the Mayo Clinic When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. 1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones

for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship. If you're feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, consider dropping off a meal and dessert at a friend's home during the holidays.

3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can't come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate.

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up

to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

5. Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.

Try these alternatives: • Donate to a charity in someone's name. • Give homemade gifts. • Start a family gift exchange.

6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for meal prep and cleanup.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression (continued) 7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and

overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

Try these suggestions: • Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets,

cheese or drinks. • Eat healthy meals. • Get plenty of sleep. • Include regular physical activity in your daily routine. • Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. • Avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use. • Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress, and adjust the time

you spend reading news and social media as you see fit.

9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Some options may include: • Taking a walk at night and stargazing • Listening to soothing music • Reading a book

10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays. Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

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!

“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

Let’s Celebrate! Birthdays & Anniversaries

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

David Beatty Lorraine Berry Tom Berry Wade Beswick Karyl Beverage Hugh Blaine Frank Brinson Patricia Buckler Miriam Carey Sue Carns Jennifer Carpenter Jerome Church Cathy Compton Harolly Coombs Joyce Dean Mathew Eppley Janet Faherty Sandra Fykes

Maggie Gates Remy Zachary Gordon Carl Greene Fay Howell Christina Kingsbury Francis Lewis Patti Lincoln Donna McKenzie Ed McKenzie Amanda McPherson 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 Carol Sorenson Rosalie Snyder Larry Spencer Don Stapleson Michael Stewart Tim Strasbaugh 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 Cora Westmoreland

Continue to pray for:

Thursday, Dec 24 Rachel Shatzer Friday, Dec 25 Sherri Bowser Savannah Maddox Carson Shaw-11 DJ Simone Saturday, Dec 26 Frank Wade Sunday, Dec 27 Ryan & Laurie Mudd-23 Sarah Marsh Donna McKenzie

Monday, Dec 28 David Bailey Joey Hastings-16 Tuesday, Dec 29 Larry & Pat Spencer-52 David Beatty Don Purdy Wednesday, Dec 30 Jim & Joan Dent-65 Linda Dent Mitchell Thursday, Dec 31 Sam & Courtney Tryon-4 Amanda Davis Barbara Hildebrand Ralph Lucas

Saturday, Jan 2 Pete & Ann Schaecher-10 Dean Howard Sunday, Jan 3 Damon Cruz Sherrie Fisher Tuesday, Jan 5 Will Bingham Anna Frank Lee Giannini Wednesday, Jan 6 Sue Carns

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.

Facebook Find

A promise to the world, a child to be given

so many years foretold so all could be forgiven.

Moonless night shining, with the Morning Star

calling watchful shepherds to come from afar.

Wise Men carry gifts, meant for only a King angels up in heaven Glory ~ Glory ~ sing.

God became a man,

the Good News is born begotten Son arrives

on this Christmas morn.

Our mighty God concedes, to the wickedness of man

the Prince of Peace comes to bridge the empty span.

Wonderful is His name, Counselor to the meek

the Son was born of flesh to give power to the weak.

Our everlasting Father, knows our fallen state

so He sent His only Son to save us from our fate.

A promise to the world,

our Lord and Savior is born sing ~ Praises to His Glory ~

on this Christmas morn.

On This Christmas Morn

By Deborah Ann Belka