the season of lent · the season of lent good shepherd united methodist church 14999 birchdale...
TRANSCRIPT
Ash Wednesday Worship… with the imposition of ashes
February 13 at 7:30 pm (Ashes will be available in the morning as well, from 8 – 10) Join us as we begin the season of Lent…remembering
who we are…and to whom we will return.
On the Christian Calendar, Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday
before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the
season of Lent. In many
countries in Europe and in the western hemisphere, this is the
last day of Carnival. In some historically French speaking
places, it is Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the
most famous celebration of which is in New Orleans each year.
The origin of “shrove” lies in the archaic English verb “to
shrive,” which means to absolve people of their sins. To prepare people for Lent in the Middle Ages, it was common for “shriveners”
(priests) to hear people’s confessions at this time. The practice of eating pancakes and pastry began when
Christians in the Middle Ages had to abstain from all animal products during the 40 days of Lent, which necessitated the using
up of all eggs, milk, and fat no later than Shrove Tuesday.
Each year, the United Methodist Men of Good Shepherd sponsor a Pancake Supper to support Heart Havens—a unique and
important United Methodist ministry to persons with handicapping conditions. This year, our Supper will be held on February 12, with
pancake races starting at 6:00. Dinner is at 6:45. As in past years, we plan to have representatives from Heart Havens join us and
provide an update on their programs. Also, as is our tradition, we will ask for your contributions to support this vital ministry of the
church. Come eat, drink, laugh, chat, give, and have lots of fun as
God’s people as we prepare for the season of Lent.
What’s the Word? Sermon Themes for February
Feb. 3 Bad Speling (I
Corinthians 13:1-13); Pastor Levi (Holy Communion)
Feb. 10 Where It All Comes Together (Exodus 34:29-35, II Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36); Pastor Levi
Feb. 13 Be What We Are (II Corinthians 5:20-6:10); Pastor Keiko (Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:30 pm with the traditional imposition of ashes)
Feb. 17 Intentionality and Receptivity (Luke 4:1-13); Pastor Keiko
Feb. 24 Promises and Procedures (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27:1-9,13-14); Pastor Levi (Black History
Sunday)
The Season of Lent
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
14999 Birchdale Avenue Dale City, VA 22193
(703) 670-6127
Pastors: R. Levi Stroud, Jr. & Keiko T. Foster www.gsumc.net
February 2013
Shrove Tuesday PANCAKE SUPPER
and Mardi Gras Tuesday Feb. 12
@ 6:00 pm
From the
Pastors’ Desks
Dear Members and Friends of Good Shepherd Church,
February is the month the season of Lent begins. Lent is a time of self-reflection, self-denial, and preparing for the miracle of the Resurrection! As usual, we will embrace the beginning of Lent with a fun and festive benefit pancake dinner, as explained on the
previous page, followed by a sobering time of worship on Ash Wednesday, reminding us of our place in God’s creation, our humanity, our need, and our hope in God’s mercy and grace. At this service (Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.), we will have the traditional imposition of ashes as a sign of humble repentance. As requested by members of our fellowship, I will also be available at church on Ash Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 10:00, to impose the ashes on any who wish to receive this mark of faith early, to be a witness to others throughout the day. Other Lenten observances include a Lenten Study during Sunday School, taught by Pastor Keiko, as well as another presentation this year of “The Stations of the Cross” next month, that our people found so meaningful last year. Please watch for the March newsletter to get dates and times.
Good Shepherd has two serious matters that we are facing—and both concern our ministry presence here in the community. First, our church sign is broken, peeling, unstable, and is no longer visable at night (I had to lighten the photo to the left in order for you to see the
sign at all). It is not a good witness to the community of our presence and hospitality. The Church Council has authorized the Trustees to pursue the new sign project, in order to enable us to communicate effectively with the thousands of people who drive by the church each day. If we cannot project the image of who we are and what goes on here at Good Shepherd, we will not have visitors and newcomers, except by your personal invitation. The image to the right is the high-definition project that has been approved. Please join us in replacing this sign—by your generosity and your encouragement. The second concern is just as important. Starting this year, Good Shepherd must live “from paycheck to paycheck.” Our weekly offerings to our general fund must be above $10,000, in order for us to pay our utility bills, ministry apportionments, staff salaries, and program expenses. Without the cushion of surplus funds that we have enjoyed over the past few years, the drop in our income facilitated by the loss of a number of families last year (who have retired, moved away, died, or attend other churches) means we will no longer be able to fund our obligations—unless we are all willing to share more generously from our abundance. Please remember that once a program or staff position is discontinued because the money runs out, it is very difficult to ever bring either back. May God’s people be ever generous with our prayers, presence, gifts, and service to God’s kingdom—as we continually promise before the altar of God each time we bring in new members to our church family. There is no more important work than our tasks of winning people into the kingdom of God, nurturing people in the faith, and helping the needy. Grace and peace,
Our “Quadrilateral” Ski Retreat went great! Students learned Wesleyan
understanding of “Quadrilateral”… four ways to be better disciples of Christ! They did a superb job on the slope too! In a few weeks, they will be participating in the World Vision 30 Hour Famine… they are challenging themselves to learn and to grow. I ask your material and spiritual support for the event!
GREAT job for the visitation team, as they brought cheer and God’s grace to the residents at Potomac Place. I see our people taking their time caring for others… I am excited that you are “getting it right” – what it means to love God and others.
On a personal note… Joshua and I have successfully moved into a handicap unit apartment in Woodbridge. Jeff completed his radiation treatments at Baptist Hospital (NC), and might be able to return in a few weeks. Please pray for him, as he is in pain a lot of the time... I also ask for your support for him/us in many regards…! Have a blessed February – it is cold, but let us continue to serve God and others!
Lent: Six lean weeks crossed by six Sabbaths,
beginning with death and ending in eternal life.
--Rev. Bernard Via
Keiko no Heya
(Keiko’s room)
Lynn Andrew
Steve Ross is much improved!
Birthdays in February 1st Nicholas Hart 2nd Trevor Andrews 3rd Brad McMullen Kevin Battle Mark Summa 4th Sam Pitts Vickie Hart Brad Walker Phoenix Rash 6th Brandon Parker Grace Bomar 7th Dianne Auburn Damone Coffie 8th Ruth Herndon Taylor Cady 9th Michael McDonald Jeff Foster Laura Johnson 10th Audra Weber Jordyn Matos 11th Sheikh Kanneh Pam Gitlin Grayson Evatt 12th Chris Evatt Andrew Simmons Noah Johnston 13th Pat Bruce David Harris Rachel Chwirut 14th Carol Morgan Clarence Fowler Katie Truslow
Health News Betty Varner – home from hospital
Irish Scott – recuperating from knee surgery Barbara Chiles – recuperating from knee surgery
Roe Yates – Inova Fairfax Hospital Elisa Obenewa Addo—Fairfax Inova Neonatal ICU
Steve Ross—recuperating from a stroke Nellie McLeod—Burke Healthcare Center
Margaret Panzo—Burke Healthcare Center
Jeff Foster – radiation (Winston-Salem)
Mary Heard – chemotherapy Phil Drake – cancer treatments
Richard Herbert – cancer treatments
February Anniversaries 4
th Randy & Ann Talley
6th John Enyimah & Jane Dimo
11th Walter & Dawn Jones
13th Tim & JoAnna McTaggart
14th Wayne & Joelle Jakubowski
Cliff & Sylvia Colley 16
th Jim & Alice Thorstad
20th Dwain & Juli McMullen
21st Ben & Thelma Green
Nii Kwantreng & Jennifer Ribeiro 23
rd Dennis & Lydia Schnack
Our Deepest Sympathy… …to Brenda Taylor and family at the death of her mother Pat Mergler on January 6; ….to Rick Taylor and
family at the death of his aunt Shirley Taylor on January 16; …to Pat Andrew and family at the death of her husband Lynn on January 19. Lynn’s memorial service was held Saturday, February 2; ….to Brenda Taylor and family at the death of her 12-year-old cousin, Sean Mergler, who died of
leukemia on January 21; ….to Janae Tschudi-Evatt and family at the death of her mother Joy Tschudi on January 28. …to Kevin and Desiree Connor at the death of Kevin’s grandfather Robert Connor on January 19.
We Welcome Our Newest Members! It was our joy to welcome into the membership of Good Shepherd the following individuals on Sunday, January 21: James McMillian, husband of Josephine
McMillian; father of Jay Jay Emma Odoom Adjei and Vida Sereboo
14th Valerie Fein Ashleigh Stacy 15th Ann Santolla Jan Harris Alex Campbell Joshua Farber 16th Misty Harper Jasmine Calhoun 17th Shirley Simons 18th Dave McFarland Ross McFarland 19th Jill Smialek Alberta Alston 20th Jane Bruno Ann Talley Song Chong David Neal Kristina Kotlus 21st Nii Kwantreng Sherri Moyer Rascheka Pitts 22nd Walter Jones Bryan Anderson 23rd Bethany Olejer 24th Judy Taylor 26th Randy Holst 27th Andee Hayes 28th Ray Walker Nick Parker Lei Boster Conner Elms
October Van Trip Thursday, February 21 9:30 a.m.
D.E.A Museum, Arlington
Join us for our February van trip as we head to the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum and Visitors Center in Arlington, to see a history of drugs in America. Admission is free, but bring money for lunch. We will meet at the church at 9:30 am. To reserve a seat in the van call Susan Summa …
United Methodist Women Monday, February 11
9:30 am Mary-Martha Circle
7:30 pm Priscilla Circle,
Sanctuary
Wednesday, February 13
9:30 am Ruth Circle, Lower Ed.
10:00 am Alexandria District UMW Quiet Day
(Ash Wednesday service, Old Bridge UMC) All women are welcome! Call President Pam
McInturff 703-670-6127/670-3302 for more
information about United Methodist Women.
Confirmation 2013 begins this Sunday, February 3rd. Please lift this class of young people in prayer as they embark on this journey to discover a deeper faith in God.
* * * * * * *
You are invited to a special Lenten Study
The Way Walking the Footsteps of Jesus
by Adam Hamilton Starting on Sunday, February 17 10:00-11:00am in the Sanctuary
Journey this Lent with Adam Hamilton as he retraces the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archaeological data, and stories of the faith, Hamilton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from his baptism to his temptation, to the heart of his ministry, including the people he loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought. Come as a class, as a family, or as an individual, ages 6th grade & above are welcome to attend.
Please contact Ms. Janae ([email protected]) or mark the response sheet in the bulletin if you
wish to purchase a book. Book is not mandatory, but it might help deepen your experience.
About the author…Rev. Adam Hamilton is a senior pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leewood, Kansas, and a renowned author of many books. Recently he preached at the Washington National Cathedral
during the Inaugural National Prayer Service. More info on Adam Hamilton can be found at his blog: www.adamhamilton.org
Our Faithfulness in Giving to God- January
Worship Sunday
Attend. School Offering
January 6 217 84 $16,898
January 13 214 69 7,781
January 20 191 59 6,713
January 27 157 59 3,797
Totals for Jan. 779 271 $35,189
Weekly Avg. 195 68 $ 8,797
Income to date: $35,189
Budget to date: $48,548
Expenses to date: $45,136
Deficit: $9,947
Please help us get current!
Other Giving: Building Repair—$1,390;
MCBF—$45; Pastor’s Discretionary Fund—
$2,222; Expansion Fund—$125 ($50 from
Giant); Human Relations Sunday (Communion
Offering)–$228
It all belongs to Him Part One
In an effort to keep the entire congregation
informed, I want to take this opportunity to
explain where your pledges and donations are
used in God’s ministry through Good Shepherd.
First let me say that an in-depth explanation could
become very lengthy. So I think it best to start
with a summary-level or broad brush analysis. This first installment will take a look at groups or
categories of expenses.
Good Shepherd’s approved general budget for
2012 was a total of $561,745, and the 2013
approved budget is very close to that too. Our
actual total expenses for 2012 ended up being
$520,954, which was nearly $41,000 under our budget projections, but it was still $23,159 above
our income for 2012.
Of the $497,794 received last year toward the
general budget, 94.5% came from pledges, tithes
and offerings of the congregation. And 5.5% was
derived from rents and building use contributions.
Last year, about 55.7 cents of every dollar in the
regular budget went toward payroll for pastors
and staff, as well as medical insurance, payroll
taxes, and travel expense.
Funding for the Virginia Annual Conference and
the District Conference, commonly called Apportionments and Benevolences, accounted for
about 18 cents of every dollar.
About 19 cents of every dollar went toward
building expenses including custodial, utilities,
insurance and mortgage payments.
Funding toward nurture, worship, witness, faith
sharing, outreach and Christian education
accounts for 4 cents of every dollar in the budget.
And finally, expenses for office supplies,
equipment, postage, telephone, audits and
conference delegates accounts for 3 cents of every
dollar.
Additionally, there are a number of Designated
Funds and special activities to which people
donate. These include Memorial Funds, Ministerial Candidate Benevolence Fund,
Building Repair Fund, Communion Love
Offerings, Adopt-a-child, and the Pastor’s
Discretionary Fund. Just under $51,000 was
received in 2012 toward these various needs,
monies beyond the general budget.
Over the years, special funds have helped us to purchase a new organ, install the sound system,
upgrade our parking lot, replace the sanctuary
doors, replace carpeting and replace the church
roof.
Further, there are a great number of mission,
outreach and witness activities that are
accomplished by and through each of you on a daily and weekly basis, much of which is without
significant cost.
Pledging does help the Finance Committee plan
for our future. Tithing helps you to plan your
personal giving.
Prayer would be helpful too!! More details to come in Part Two….
In HIS name,
Dwain McMullen, Stewardship Chair
GSUMC Youth Fellowship News February 2013
Mark your Calendar NOW! Youth Fellowship in February February 3 @7:30am: “Super Bowl Sub” Project Join this fun project! The profit will be donated to the 30 Hour Famine.
February 10: Wii Party, 6-8pm @ Julia May’s Home (Note that the location is different… 14312 Madrigal Drive, Woodbridge 22193) Bring your friends, and come join us for this fun fellowship night!
February 17: Youth Fellowship, 6-8pm Please watch for details. Snack supper will be provided!
February 22-23: World Vision 30 Hour Famine The fee will be $5 per person, which covers part of your Famine T-shirt (The church will cover the rest for you). Please contact the youth director ASAP if you plan to participate in this meaningful event.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! High School & College Trip: July 21-28, 2013
Again this summer, we will participate in ASP (Appalachia Service Project), to help struggling families in the mountains of Appalachia. This time we will
travel to North Carolina… more info will be coming soon!
Questions? Please email Keiko ([email protected]).
Check us out in Facebook: Type in “Good Shepherd UMC Youth Fellowship”!
You can also obtain Youth Fellowship info at www.gsumc.net
Youth Ski
Retreat Jan 25-27
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
14999 Birchdale Avenue
Dale City, VA 22193-1398
Return Service Requested
February
Weekly Sunday Schedule 8:45 & 11:15 am Worship (with infant-2 nursery)
10:00 am Sunday School (all ages)
10:00 am Confirmation Class in LEd
10:00 am Lenten Study in Sanctuary
1:30 pm Abundant Life Church Worship
5:00 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal in Rm.1
6 – 8 pm UMYF (6th – 12th grade youth—
dinner, fellowship, fun) in UEd Weekly Regular Meetings at Good Shepherd Preschool Weekdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ruth Circle Disciple Study LEd Wed. @ 9:30 am
Boy Scout Troop 1400 Wed. @ 7:00 pm Weekday Bible Study Wed. @ 10:00 am
Abundant Life Church Worship Wed. @ 7:00 pm
Prayer Chapel (open sanctuary) Thursdays 12N-2:00pm
Disciple I Bible Study LEd Thur. 3:00 pm
Disciple I Bible Study LEd Thur. 6:15 pm
7th Day Adventist Bible Study Thur. @ 7:00 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous Friday @ 7:00 pm
7th Day Adventist Worship Saturday @ 8:30 am
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Dale City, VA 22193
Permit No. 38
Important Numbers to Remember
Church Telephone (703) 670-6127
Church FAX (571) 285-3500
Preschool Telephone (703) 670-4244
Center for Pastoral Counseling (888) 903-9696
Web Page www.gsumc.net
Our Church Staff Pastor Levi Stroud
Associate Pastor Keiko Tani Foster
Administrative Assistant Pam McInturff
Christian Educator Janae Tschudi-Evatt
Music Coordinator Jimmy Reed
Assistant Music Coord Esther Cho
Preschool Administrator Juli McMullen
Treasurer Theresa Freeze