PleasantGreenUMC.org Roots & Branches€¦ · That was the day I turned my radio station to XM 70...
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December 2017 Roots & Branches November 10th. That was the day I turned my radio station to XM 70 and started listening to the “Holly” Days station and my car filled with the sounds of the Christmas season. The spider webs and pumpkins were put away the day before and I decided to go ahead and get a jump start on the spirit of the season, even if I hadn’t had my turkey yet. I just couldn’t wait. I just couldn’t wait….for the season of waiting. The song writer was right: “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I don’t think it has anything to do with the cookies, or the gifts, or the extra concerts, get-togethers, and parades (though, they are all wonderful). I think it has to do with this season being the most real thing we know as human beings. It’s the paradox of living life in between: in between the promise and it’s fulfillment; in between Jesus having already come and his coming again; in between the darkness we know and the light we hold; in between the despair we see and the hope with which we cling; in between our prayers for peace and the Prince of Peace reigning over our lives and world. It is, indeed, a season of waiting, of living in the in-between, of keeping watch. It is at the beginning of this season that I ask myself, and you, “what can I practically do during this season of waiting and vigil keeping?” How can I become intentional about making space for this season to be a part of the rhythm of my days? What are some practices that might incarnate the spirituality of watching and waiting? Waiting is certainly an art. It’s something we get good practice at, but could always use more practice. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 62 “for God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” Silence and stillness have always been among my Advent practices. But there are others ways to live this season – traditional and unconventional. Join a Bible study. Read an Advent devotional every day. Or, as one author suggested, put together jigsaw puzzle throughout the season. An activity that is slow, requires patience, and time. Imagine each piece being different parts of your life – a relationship, a job, a home, a church family. It’s one way to meditate on the ways God has put things in place in your life, creating a larger picture, full of beauty. Take advantage of moments that make you wait – a traffic jam, waiting in a carpool line, sitting in a doctor’s office. Let those moments be an invitation to prayer and stillness. You probably have some ideas of your own. Share them with a friend. Keep each other accountable. Ask one another how this season is shaping your spiritual life. May your watching and waiting this season bear goodness and light. -Laura PleasantGreenUMC.org A Sermon in Song and Scripture November 12, 2017 By Reverend Laura Thompson and Reverend Jamie Thompson Moravian Love Feast Epiphany Sunday January 7, 2018 6p.m. Join us in our 1o7 year old sanctuary for this traditional Moravian Candlelight Service with coffee and sweet bread, featuring special music by Julee Glaub & Mark Weems.
Transcript of PleasantGreenUMC.org Roots & Branches€¦ · That was the day I turned my radio station to XM 70...
December 2017
Roots & Branches
Wingo’s Words
November 10th. That was the day I turned my radio station to XM 70 and started listening to the “Holly” Days station and my car filled with the sounds of the Christmas season. The spider webs and
pumpkins were put away the day before and I decided to go ahead and get a jump start on the spirit of the season, even if I hadn’t had my turkey yet. I just couldn’t wait.
I just couldn’t wait….for the season of waiting. The song writer was right: “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I don’t think it has anything to do with the cookies, or the gifts, or the extra concerts, get-togethers, and parades (though, they are all wonderful). I think it has to do with this season being the most real thing we know as human beings. It’s the paradox of living life in between: in between the promise and it’s fulfillment; in between Jesus having already come and his coming again; in between the darkness we know and the light we hold; in between the despair we see and the hope with which we cling; in between our prayers for peace and the Prince of Peace reigning over our lives and world. It is, indeed, a season of waiting, of living in the in-between, of keeping watch.
It is at the beginning of this season that I ask myself, and you, “what can I practically do during this season of waiting and vigil keeping?” How can I become intentional about making space for this season to be a part of the rhythm of my days? What are some practices that might incarnate the spirituality of watching and waiting?
Waiting is certainly an art. It’s something we get good practice at, but could always use more practice. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 62 “for God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” Silence and stillness have always been among my Advent practices. But there are others ways to live this season – traditional and unconventional. Join a Bible study. Read an Advent devotional every day. Or, as one author suggested, put together jigsaw puzzle throughout the season. An activity that is slow, requires patience, and time. Imagine each piece being different parts of your life – a relationship, a job, a home, a church family. It’s one way to meditate on the ways God has put things in place in your life, creating a larger picture, full of beauty. Take advantage of moments that make you wait – a traffic jam, waiting in a carpool line, sitting in a doctor’s office. Let those moments be an invitation to prayer and stillness.
You probably have some ideas of your own. Share them with a friend. Keep each other accountable. Ask one another how this season is shaping your spiritual life. May your watching and waiting this season bear goodness and light.
-Laura
PleasantGreenUMC.org
A Sermon in Song and Scripture
November 12, 2017
By Reverend
Laura Thompson and
Reverend Jamie Thompson
Moravian Love Feast Epiphany Sunday January 7, 2018 6p.m.
Join us in our 1o7 year old sanctuary for this traditional Moravian Candlelight
Service with coffee and sweet bread, featuring special music by Julee Glaub & Mark Weems.
Durham
Community
Chorale
Holiday
Concert
Saturday, Dec. 2nd at 3:30 pm
Temple Baptist Church
2121 Umstead Road, Durham 27712
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or
from Duane Osgood
Would you be Interested in singing with us?
Voice Placements for next semester are Tues. Jan. 2. 2018
at 6:30 pm at the Durham Arts Council.
All interested singers are encouraged. There is a definite
need for Tenors and Basses Interested? Sign up on the
“Join Us” TAB at https://www.durhamcommunitychorale.org/ Christmas Gift Baskets PGUMC Mission
Fundraiser ~ $25 Order thru December 10th
Baskets include a mug, chocolate bar and your choice of coffee or hot cocoa. A special chocolate lovers basket of 4 chocolate bars is also available. You may fill out an order
form to select the items in your basket. The baskets have a tag to let the recipients know you have given a donation to
Pleasant Green Missions in their honor. All proceeds will go to our mission fund – local and global.
Mission Basket Order Forms are available in the Narthex
The coffee, chocolate & cocoa are purchased from Equal Exchange, in partnership with United Methodist
Committee on Relief.
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
DECEMBER 13TH
OPERATION
CHRISTMAS
CHILD
2017
Blood Drive
December 3rd 9 am — 1 pm
Sign up on line to give the gift of
life!
Words of Gratitude Dear PGUMC,
Thank you for the cards, calls
and HUGS after my father’s
passing. Your kind words of
sympathy lifted me up from a
very dark time in my life. You
are all so kind and so
thoughtful!
Love, Kelli O’Hara
The Afterschool children filled 16 shoeboxes!
Thanks to John Micol, Martin Ferris & Van
McCay for installing the new PGUMC sign!
Great Christmas Gift Idea!
PGUMC
Cookbook $16
OCIM Empty Bowls
F U N D R A I S E R
Handcrafted bowls by local potters $25
Bowls will be on display and available for purchase at OCIM ~ 11/27 - 2/24
All donations will support OCIM’s Sa-maritan Relief Ministry.
February 15-24, 2018 One handcrafted bowl and one ticket
from the Prayer Team…. Let the Little Children Come to Me
Matthew 19:14 14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
The Interpreter is a publication which is part of the ministry of United Methodist Communications. It focuses on United Methodists living their faith. In the March/April issue1, there were several articles about children; such as The New Ad Campaign Featuring the Words of Children and “Playgrounds.” “Playgrounds” talks about creating areas in the front of the church where children can play quietly during church services. The New Ad Campaign discusses the wisdom, wonder, and hope of children as they discover God and live their faith. One of the ques-tions asked of the children was, “Do you believe in miracles?” Several children were videoed in their replies. Xavier explained, “Stuff that you think isn’t possible becomes possible.” Rainey agrees, “You can always think that it’s not possible, but it probably is to God!” Lukas expresses something similar but with a twist. He says a miracle is, “When God surprises us.” Adding, “He saved my life. Twice!”2
What wonderful thoughts with which to begin this Advent Season; as we wait in wonder and awe for the birth of baby Jesus. Even though we already know the end of the story; didn’t God surprise us with a mighty king in the form of an infant? Didn’t God give us a savior to cover our sins that we never thought possible? Some of us still experience the miracles of grace and mercy every day; in spite of the way we live our lives. Let us take our cues from the children. Let us follow them as they show us how to unconditionally open their hearts to receive God’s miracles and offer their lives to Him.
Let us pray in the words of a child… Dear God, Thank-you for loving me and giving me your all. When I grow up, I will still be serving you. I want to know you more. I want to love you more. I will never forget you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.3
1. United Methodist Communications. (March/April 2017). Interpreter – Shaped by the Spirit, 61(2). Nashville, TN: United Meth-odist Communications. 2. Do You Believe in Miracles? - United Methodist Communications 3. Kid's Prayer (I Love You God)
The Prayer Team meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm to pray. In December, we will meet on December 20th. Come join us as we celebrate Advent, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the ways that he works in our lives. The Prayer Ministry members always leave feeling refreshed and renewed after we have prayed together.
Your Help is needed for the MISSION MARKET on December 9th!
All proceeds will go to our mission fund both local and global.
*All invited to help make Chocolate Covered
Cherries at 6pm on Thursday, December 7th.
*Please donate your favorite homemade baked goods, canned goods, local produce, crafts, etc.!
To be a part of this, please contact: Wendy at [email protected] or
Kathryn at [email protected]
New Wednesday Bible Study Series “The Redemption of Scrooge”
by Matt Rawle
Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? The Redemption of
Scrooge, from Matt Rawle’s The Pop in Culture Series, shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens’
Christmas classic. From the ghosts of Christmas past, to the Life of the present, and the resurrection of Christmas future, this Advent study will “bless us every one” and reinvigor-
ate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith. 10:30am Wednesdays—Join Us!
Join the Hearts & Hands Sunday School Class for the Advent Study by Mike Slaughter:
Down to Earth - The Hopes & Fears of All the Years Are Met in Thee Tonight
The study opens up God’s Christmas surprise to us and examines how it changed everything. A virgin birth. God’s son…a helpless baby. Fleeing certain death. Nothing about the Christmas story is ordinary.
December Youth Calendar
Friends, Fellowship, Games and Lessons / Sunday School 10am
ELEVATE at 5:00pm - 7:00 pm Dec. 3rd—Elevate 5-7pm Dec. 24th—NO Elevate Dec. 10th—Christmas Party and Caroling Dec. 31st—NO Elevate Dec. 17th—NO Elevate Elevate resumes Jan. 7, 2018
Youth Pilgrimage 2017
Halloween Carnival! Trunk or Treat!
Homeless mats have been placed
outside of Saint Joseph’s
Episcopal Church on Ninth Street in Durham. The church has a stat-ue in front welcoming the home-
less. It is our hope that these mats can provide a bit of comfort to those in need. Thank you to all
who donated supplies and time to make this project happen!
E-Tithing Would you like to set up
automatic bank account drafts for your church tithing? Our bank now offers this service,
which would allow the church to automati-cally debit your bank account for an amount
pre-designated by you on a monthly or weekly basis. If you want to take advantage of this convenient way to tithe, please let
Evelyn Morris or Betsy Cassidy know. This service does cost the church about $500 a year, so we will only offer it if more than a
few people are interested. [email protected]
Pleasant Green’s Kids
Connect will meet during the
Sunday school time on Dec.
3rd from 10—10:45 am to
make crafts for the Mission Market. This
is a great way for the children to donate
their time to the Mission team! Our goal is
to provide fun service-learning opportunities
for children.
The Chancel Choir performed a special
Evensong Celebration November 12th with
Composer Pepper Choplin. The performance
was a celebration of spirit-filled music,
community worship and a thanksgiving
celebration of Lesley Loftis Weaver’s
faithful service, love and life featuring two
anthems written by Pepper Choplin. The
anthems are in honor of Lesley Loftis Weaver
commissioned by the PGUMC Chancel Choir
and congregation.
A new UMW circle has formed at PGUMC!
Dream Weavers Circle
The Dream Weavers Circle is comprised of young
adult women to create a new circle (of life) for the
next generation of faithful women to support
important community initiatives through fellowship and service.
The name Dream Weavers came about as a way to honor Lesley
Loftis Weaver, our beloved Organist and Choir Director for 41 years.
This new circle will meet monthly to develop projects and missions
to be implemented throughout the year.
Currently, the Pleasant Green United Methodist Women (PGUMW)
is made of two active "Circles" - the Circle of Faith and the Eleanor
Walker Circle. These two circles take on several initiatives through-
out the year to support local community efforts and church family
needs. You do not have to be a member of Pleasant Green UMC to
join PGUMW. All women are welcome that have an interest are
joining a group of incredible women doing incredible things in the
community through fellowship and faith.
For more information on the Dream Weavers contact:
Mindy - [email protected]
Julie - [email protected]
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
“Cinderella” Dec. 1-17 at the Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh
Featuring PGUMC’s Davis Leonard as the Prince. This musical comedy is a holiday sugarplum for the whole family. Just the right mixture of comedy and romance can add the
sparkle of magic to your holiday season. This visually stunning musical combines elegant costumes and scenery with singing, dancing, conniv-ing step relatives, and resourceful fairy folk. Tickets available online
or from the box office at 919-821-3111.
“Tech” Dec. 7-10 at Studio 1, Burlington
Tech: An Onstage Comedy about Backstage Drama will have its world premiere on December 7 at Studio 1 in Burlington.
The show will run through Sunday, December 10. "Tech" was written by PGUMC’s Joel and Heather Leonard and directed
by Wayne Leonard. Joel, Heather, and Terri Leonard are also a part of the cast. Tickets are available from the Studio 1 box office at
336-534-0321.
Thanks to all who helped with the
UMM Brunswick Stew!
Brunswick Stew still available ~ $9 a quart
Advent at Pleasant Green
Adventicipation!
Saturday, December 2
Advent Decorating
begins
at 9:00am
Come and bring family & friends!
Breakfast provided!
Order Poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctu-ary during the Christmas Season. Deadline to order and pay is December 10.
Sign up sheets for Poinsettias given in honor or memory of loved ones,
are in the Narthex . The cost is $7.00.
Make checks with Poinsettia on the memo line to PGUMW
and place in the
offering plate.
Christmas Caroling to our shut-ins
Sunday, December 10th at 3:30pm Join us as we spread the joy
of the season!
Blood Drive
December 3rd
9am — 1:00pm Sign up in the Narthex
Pleasant Green Mission Market
Saturday, December 9- Fellowship Hall 9:00 am
Come early for best selection!
Please sign up to bring your favorite homemade cookies or baked goods. We will have a wonderful variety of
cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and candies as well as handcrafted items—jewelry, ornaments, knitting, Salvadoran
items, stocking stuffers and other gifts.
Bags, boxes & bows will be available.
It is a fun time—so tell your friends! Come take care of your holiday baking needs!
UMW Christmas Dinner
December 11th— 6:30 p.m.
ALL women of the church are invited!
Please bring a dessert.
Sign up on the UMW bulletin board
by December 3rd
Candle Burning for Missions
Give a donation to burn a candle in memory or honor.
Christmas Concert & Children’s Nativity
December 17th at 6 pm
All are welcome to participate in the Concert!
Children—all ages are invited to take part in the Children’s Christmas Play.
Sign up in the Narthex.
Stay after the Christmas Play to drink hot chocolate and roast
marshmallows around a bonfire!
Christmas Eve Worship
NO 8:30am Service 11am Worship Service
5:30pm Communion Candlelight Service
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PLAY PRACTICE IN THE CHOIR ROOM ~ K & up
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 SUNDAYS, DECEMBER 3 & 10
9:15AM—10AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
10AM—12PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
9:15AM—10AM
Nativity animals (thru age 4) please come at 5:30 pm on December 17
to try on costumes.
Parsonage
Open House
3pm—5pm
Sunday December 3rd
Advent Bible Study
with Ministerial Intern Spencer Shaw
All are invited to join Spencer on
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 during Advent
beginning on November 28th. A com-
panion book will be used to study
Advent Lectionary texts.
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE PAID
Durham, NC 27705
Permit No. 5
Please recycle this newsletter.
Address Service Requested
REDUCE WASTE GENERATED DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Reuse packaging cartons and shipping materials.
Buy outdoor light strands that are wired in parallel. If one bulb goes bad, the others still work, so you won’t
be throwing away “bad” strands.
Put all your lights on timers for energy savings and peace of mind while you’re away.
Recycle unwanted and duplicated gifts by promptly exchanging them or
giving them to a local charity.
Keep it simple: one thoughtful gift is better than six wrapped packages of
unwanted gifts. Plan ahead.
Children can give coupons for their time as Christmas presents in ways
such as taking on extra chores, or watching a younger sibling.
Give the gift of an experience: music lessons, lessons for a new hobby, or
tickets to a sporting event or play. This is perfect for friends who want to
try something new but aren’t willing to spend the money on themselves. Plus,
you don’t have to wrap the gift.
Give a monetary donation to a local charity in someone else’s name. Many
people feel good knowing that they are helping out someone during the
holidays. Again, no giftwrapping involved!
Invest in your family and friends. Instead of giving a gift, contribute to a
child’s savings account, education IRA or give them a U.S. Savings Bond.
Don’t wrap gifts. Hide them and give the recipient clues. Make the search
a treasure hunt.
Make the wrapping a useful part of the gift; put cookies in a flower pot or
hide jewelry in a new pair of gloves.
Please bring gifts of food for OCIM on Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas and Epiphany Sunday.
Pleasant Green United Methodist Church 3005 Pleasant Green Road Durham, NC 27705 (919) 383-5764
Website: PleasantGreenUMC.org
Pastor - Rev. Laura Thompson (919) 383-2339
Director of Youth Ministry-Patrick Neitzey
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide is provided free of charge to the PGUMC congregation by the United Methodist Women. You may pick up
a copy in the Narthex.
