St. John's United Methodist Church5312 Backlick Road

Springfield, VA 22151Return Service Requested

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CHRISTMAS IS A CELEBRATION!Have you given much thought to the meaning of Christmas? Many people consider it a time to receive giftsand visit friends and family who will present even more gifts and overflowing tables unlike any other time ofthe year. These things are enjoyed by many, but is that how we truly define Christmas?The very word contains its true meaning. Christ and mass. The word "mass" points us to the concept of"celebration." Christmas or Christ's mass is really the celebration of Christ. The bearing of gifts is in remem­brance of the three wealthy travelers who saw a star and after following it discovered the Christ-Child. It isbelieved the gifts they brought (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) actually made it possible for Mary, Joseph andJesus to flee to Egypt while a deranged King pursued the slaying of innocent children. It is believed that thesegifts were used during a very critical time to spare the lives of Jesus and his family.This celebration of Christ is more than a commercial venture. It is part of the grand story that is the beginning

of what theologians have come to call "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Without the birth of Christ we wouldbe held prisoners under the Mosaic code and we would not know the glory of Salvation, the beauty of God'slove, and the blessings of etemallife. It is through this celebration of Christ that we come to know the inti­mate love of God. This presence calls and challenges us to be more loving and compassionate toward others.That IS something worth celebrating. We celebrate Jesus by caring for and loving one another.When you get together this Christmas with family and friends over your preparations, be they simple or elabo-

rate, consider giving thanks to Jesus, who made it all possible. Thanks for your faithfulness. !DadM ~itt

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Sunday School

ST JOHN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 - 10:00 AM

St John's UMC stepped out with several great Sunday School programs on September 26. We inviteyou to share the enthusiasm of fellowship and learning through these Sunday School classes!

Adult Sunday SchoolYoung Adults - led by JR Stratton and Debbie Ashby. (meet at McDonald's at Backlick /BraddockRoad) for college-age+ individuals, discussing Bible stories and their relevance to today's topics and intheir lives.

Life Applications - led by Suzanne Dorick in Room S-6. A flexible setting to talk about God and thespiritual side of our lives.New Beginnings - led by Allen Lovell in room S-5. Designed both for seekers wanting to learn aboutthe Christian faith AND believers who would like to learn more.

Bible Study - an intergenerational group led by Bob Winstead in the Church Parlor. Study of theBooks of the Bible, alternating from the Old and the New Testament.Bible Study - led by Rusty Grimsley in room S-9. Study of the Bible chronologically. Members sharethe variety of interpretations of Scripture from individual member's Bibles.

FaithWeaver ~ is a program that has family ministry built into it. From toddlers to adultseveryone learns the same Bible point each week at age-appropriate learning levels. Thisprogram strengthens families in learning the stories and scripture of the Bible and itsapplication in their daily experiences. On-the-go families stay connected byan e-mail messageof the story each week.

NOTE: Faithweavers Sunday School wi/!not be held on Sunday, December 26. It willresume onJanuary 2, 2011.

Nursery (up to 3 yrs)Pre-School (3-4 yrs)K-2nd GradeGrades 3-5

Confirmation (6-7 Gr)

Teens (Gr 8-12)Adult Faithweavers

Amanda Kelsheimer

Brenda Romenius, Sandy ListopadVicki Holcombe, Judy DublerDavid Chadwick, Sue Walton

DeeDee Fox, Judy & Nick BennettFay King, Lisa KinzerMike Jennings, Missy LeeseRae Winstead

S-3 NurseryF7F5FlO

Library

Rally RoomResource Center

Children's Worship 10:30 - 11 :30 AMChildren's Worship service is offered for children ages 4 years - 5th grade in conjunctionwith St John's Worship Service (10:30 - 11:30 AM). Imaginatively presented, the Children'sWorship incorporates worship, music and activities to assist children in their worshipexperience.

HELP W ANTEDI We are looking for adults to assist leader Fran Lovell with the Children's Worship

program. The program is well-structured with worship, songs (CD's and DVD;s) and games -- the chil-dren love it! We need adults to help with this worship program that is specially designed for chil-dren. Contact Fran Lovell @ 703-299-0192 or Rae Winstead 703-321-7018.

A "Note" about Music Ministry

The Legacy Brass Christmas ConcertThe Legacy Brass Quintet, led by trumpeter Terry Bradley will perform a concert of Brass

Christmas Music" A Jazzier Christmas" on Sunday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. The program includes music

performed by brass quintet, organ, and percussion instruments.

2010 St. John's Christmas Concert2010 St. John's Christmas concert - Lessons and Carols is on Sunday, December 19 during the

worship service. The prelude, performed by the Annandale Strings, will start at 10:15 a.m. St. John'sSanctuary Choir, Youth Choir, Children's Choir, Senior Saints Choir, Bells of Praise, Golden Chimers,Youth Instrumental Ensemble will all participate in this program to present special music.

Spring 2011 Music Ministry Program Highlights

Sunday, January 23 at 3:00 p.m. - Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra (Chamber musicians from LevineSchool of Music) Concert

Sunday, February 27 at 4:30 p.m. - Fairlington UMC, St. Paul'sEpiscopal, St. John's Lutheran, St.John's UMC Combined Handbell Choir Festival Concert at Fairlington UMC

Sunday, March 6 at 4:00 p.m. - Alex Peh PianoConcert

Sunday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. - St. John's TWIST Youth Choir & Youth Instrumental EnsembleSpring Program

Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. - Prelude Chamber Ensemble Spring Concert

Sunday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. - St. John's Children's Choir Spring Program

Sunday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. - St. John's Bells of Praise and Golden Chimers Spring Concert

Sunday, May 22 at 10:30 a.m. - St. John's Sanctuary Choir Spring Program

Saturday, June 4 at 4:30 p.m. - Carol Ann Barry Piano Studio Concerto Concert

Monday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. - Edgar Allen PoeMiddle School Symphonic Band PopsConcert

Special Thanks to All Choir MembersI would like to give special thanks to all members of Sanctuary Choir, Senior Saints, Bells of Praise,Golden Chimers, Youth Choir, Youth Instrumental Ensemble, Children's Choir, and Golden Chimers direc­

tor Hazel Marshall, our pianist Bryan Strong, Children's Choir teachers PamEggerton and Nicki White.Thank you for your beautiful music throughout the year. I also want to give special thanks to YouthChoir Parents and Children's Choir Parents. Thank you for your support. I wish you all a Merry Christ­

mas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

YOUTHN£WS

First off, I would like to wish a happy belated Thanksgiving to each of you. I hope your holiday

was a joyous one. So now with Thanksgiving over, the Advent season is officially upon us, as we cele­brate not only Christmas, but look back at 2010.

We are looking forward to an exciting final month of the year with numerous activities to keepeach of the youth occupied and excited! We kick it off with our annual retreat to Eagle Eyrie Confer­ence Center in Lynchburg, VA, leaving Friday, December 3rd, returning Sunday, December 5th. I'mlooking forward to giving the High School students a weekend to grow as Disciples of Christ throughpowerful worship, Bible study, and small groups while building new friendships with youth from all overVirginia.

From there we will host our third annual Parent's Day Out on December 12th. Parents,

are you looking for that chance to get some Christmas shopping done? Would you like sometime to yourself? Bring your child (Ages 3-9) to Donaldson Hall, 1:00 - 5:00 that Sunday. We willhave numerous activities and games for the children as we prepare for Christmas.

~1!!f!: The following weekend is a big weekend for the church. That Sunday the 19th, the·~iStnl4s Jyouth choir and youth ensemble will perform with the bell choir, children's choir, sanctuary

Concert choir, and Senior Saints for the Christmas Concert "Lesson of Carols" during the worship

service We are very excited to show our talents to each of you. We hope you can come and supporteach and everyone of them!

Yout~~ In January, we will dust off our bowling shoes, as we attend the Annual Bi-DistrictL:::!. Bowling Lock-in, Friday night, January 14th at a local bowling alley. We will bowl all night,...... 'til we can't bowl no more! The times and locations will be announced in December.

Here's to a joyous advent season and a blessed 201O! Have a wonderful Holiday season!Many Blessings,J.R. StrattonDirector of Youth Ministries

United Methodist Women

UMW Christmas Program, Tuesday, December 7, 6:30 p.m. In addition to our Program "A Christ­mas Blessings Tea" there will be a light supper, installation of 2011 officers, collection of gifts (see be­low) for Bethany House residents, and presentation of Gifts in Mission in honor of the babies born toSt. John's Families in 2010. We will also hold a Candle burning ceremony in honor of and in memory ofspecial friends. Child care will be available - please contact Barbara at 703-354-9043. This is a won­derful occasion to start the Christmas season, have fellowship, and remember others.Circles are to bring 111Sweet, and 2 Non-Sweetll items for the dinner buffet.Set Up: Lowery Serve: Friends Clean Up: Jackson

Bethany House Gift Suggestions: (to be brought unwrapped to UMW Christmas Program on Dec7) Bethany House of Northern Virginia needs home goods for families who leave their residence, asmuch of Bethany House's resources have been exhausted. You can help stock home starter kits withnew household items such as cooking utensils, pots and pans, dinnerware, flatware, linens, tow-els. Other suggestions are toys, twin comforters and blankets, gift cards from Giant, Shopper's Food,or Target.

Items Needed for Kairos Outside Silent Auction

Kairos Outside Prison Ministry is planning a Chili Tasting and Silent Auction on February 5, 2011at Cam­eron United Methodist Church, 3130 Franconia Road, Alexandria, from 1 to 4 PM. Kairos Outside pro­vides free Christian Retreat Weekends for womenwhose lives have been impacted by incarcerated.

Now through January 30th Kairos Outside is gathering items that can be used to create Silent Auc­tion Baskets. If you would like to donate a basket or have any new or gently used items or servicesthat you can donate for this wonderful ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Give me a call and Iwould be happy to pick up the items you are willing to donate. We are a 501C nonprofit and so your do­nations are tax deductible.

Everyone is invited to come and join us for some chili, cornbread, drinks and dessert. You can also visitour Silent Auction and be eligible for door prizes too! Thank you in advance for your generosity andsupport. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Teats 703-395-5177

UMW Scholarships -- St John's UMW offers scholarships for women looking to further their educa­tional and career plans by taking college-accredited courses. The IIGerry Daggett UMW Scholarshipll isavailable to women 18 years or older and a member of St John's UMC for at least one year .. ContactBarbara @ 703-354-9043.

Circle Responsibilities:DecemberKitchen/Cards: Reed/WohlfordGreeters: Friends

JanuaryKitchen/Cards: JoyGreeters: Lowery

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Remembrances

December Birthdays1 Louise Proctor, Shirley Wagner2 Tricia Armentrout

3 Candy Brassard, Matthew Halterman4 Patrick Pacak

5 Alice Galloway, Stephanie Reynolds6 Robert DeBusk

7 Danny Whittle8 Megan Fleming9 ReganMiller10 Jada Burgess, Kevin Ledman11 Jim Gray13 Donna Perlish

14 Kathy Paulk15 Justin Gray16 Louise Claytor, Donna Griffin, Linda Griffin,

Brenda Romenius17 Pete Pederson

18 Anne Akridge, Eunice Blau20 RaymondCribbs, Robin Huebner22 Ayn Dietrich, John Novack24 Kitty Yang26 Christopher Chicarella, Roger Rivera,

Stacy Stratton26 Jennifer Gilchrist28 Ellie Holcombe

30 Wade Akridge

CongratulationslCongratulations to Jim and Eileen Leamon on thebirth of James Franklin Leamon born November

17,2010.

...On the birth of Jocelyn Ai-ling Cribbs born No­vember 1, 2010 to Gary & Kit Cribbs and grand­daughter of Ming & RaymondCribbs.

December Anniversaries4 Pete & Tina LaMon

11 Gerald & Mary Maxwell,Harlin & Fran Matkins,

Ralph & Maxine Marshall16 Jerry & Debbie Ashby21 Dave & PamGallagher22 Roy & Lois Lowery23 Leonard & Audra Poling24 Leonard & Sarah Etheridge29 John & Kathy Gilchrist

In SympathyWe express our Christian sympathy to DavidLindsey and family in the death of David's wifeJoan Lindsey.

Members and Friends in Our PrayersMembers: Lois Augustad, Betty Ayscue,Marquerite Bickers, Doris Brock, Louise Claytor,Vicki Collins, Leonard Etheridge, Justina Gray,Tiny Hartzell, Linda Hitchcock, Ed Jones,Helen Jones, Margaret Marsh, Barbara Murray,Anne Stegall, Macel Thompson.Extended Family: Susie Canard, Virginia Cook,Nellie Davis, Dottie Giannini, Nancy Gonzales,Becky Jackson, Winona Kelsheimer, Henry andKay Lind, Sadako Lykes, Joy Sadoti, Bill and BettySmith, and Bert Wood Jr.

Please pray for other members and friendsnot named here but in need of our prayers.

Church News

COFFEE HOUR UPDATE

Thank you to all the Circle, Sunday Schoolclasses, and committees who provided CoffeeHour for St. John's this year. The Joy Circleprovided Coffee Hour in November. Don Ace hasvolunteered for December and will need assis­tance. December 19 there will be a Potluck

Luncheon after Worship; therefore, they will notbe a Coffee Hour. The calendar is open for2011. Please volunteer! For additional informa­

tion, contact Judy Paseur, 703-425-1247.

ALTAR FLOWER INFORMATION

The generosity of the St. John's community hasbrighten our sanctuary with altar flowers andflowers at Easter and Christmas. Thank you for

your support.

BAKED ITEMS NEEDED

On December 4, there will be a FUNFEST MISSION SALE from 8:00a.m. to 12:00 noon. There will be a

Bake Sale. Items needed include cupcakes, cook­ies, small loaves of tea bread, etc. Please bringyour contributions to Donaldson Hall on Fridayfrom 1:00-5:00. Questions: contact JudyPaseur, 703-425-1247 or e-mail

impaseur@yahoo.com

Prayer MinistryPrayer Focus: St. John's budget and programsfor next year.Question: Are you supporting St. John's withyour time, talents and tithes?

CHRISTMAS 2010

r Order your Poinsettias starting,~ Sunday, October 31st and run

through Sunday, December 5th. The colorsare red and Marble for $10.00. Flowers will be

placed in the church Saturday, December 11th.You will find an order form in the Sunday bulle­tin, or you may call or email the church officeto place your order.

Christmas Eve Service Ch.~"Traditional Family Service 7:00 p.m. '~ ••.•.•Candlelight Service 11:00 p.m.

Notice

If you are having surgery, recovering from sur­gery, sick or need anything please contact thechurch office. Many of your friends at St.John's call the office and if we don't know anyinformation it makes it hard to pass on.

CongratulationslPlease congratulate Ken Davis on being the sec­ond recipient of the John Wolfgang LifetimeAchievement award from the National CapitalArea Council. This is a very prestigious award,and will be honored on November 30 at the

"Salute to Scouting Centennial" Dinner.

Church News

Celebration SingersThe Celebration Singers will present "Christmas

is for Children" on Sunday, December 5 at 4:00p.m. at the Springfield Christian Church. All arewelcome to come and enjoy a wonderful program

Yard Sale/Bake SaleWE NEED YOUR HELP! and Please

come to shop!The Fun Festival Committee is looking for yourdonations to support a yard sale/bake sale beingheld Saturday, December 4, from 8 a.m. tonoon in Donaldson Hall. We will be accepting theyard sale items now through December 3. Pleaseleave in spare office, or contact Kimberly Strong,Betty Johnson, or Marty Bickford to arrange spe­cial pick up. We need gift items, Christmas deco­rations, toys, games, children's books, jewelry/accessories, clothing, and kitchen/householditems (no furniture). ALSO, This year, for thefirst time, baked goods will be sold. Weneed pies, cakes, cookies, breads, and browniesdrop off on December 3. Thanks for yoursupport.

LATE FALL CLEAN-UP

Church Property Committee isrequesting volunteers to help remove tree leavesand trash from around the church grounds on De­cember 11, from 9: 00 am - 12 Noon. Lawn

bags and tarps shall be provided. Pleasecome outwith your gloves and rakes to make our churchlook beautiful for the upcoming holiday season.Contact the church office at 703-256-6655.

APPORTIONMENTS:

Recently there has been a lot of conversation at St.John's about apportionments. I have written the fol­lowing brief and non-inclusive article to give oneaspect of the importance of your apportionment dol­lar.

Unlike many of our protestant friends throughout thecommunity we as United Methodists are part of aconnectional system. We are connected with UnitedMethodist congregations around the world. By beingconnected we are able to do things that we could notaccomplish as an independent organization.When Katrina struck the Gulf area we witnessed the

extreme devastation on the nightly news followingthat storm. The federal government realized that aportion of the money it needed to spend to aid thatregion could be best distributed by the United Meth­odist Church's U.M.C.O.R. (United Methodist Com­mittees On Relief). One of the reasons U.M.C.O.Ris able to do a superior job to almost all other organi­zations is that 100% of the funds they receive goes tothe need, not administration. So what does this haveto do with apportionments and what are apportion­ments?

In the first place apportionments cover a variety ofthings, such as the support of our colleges and uni­versities. They also include the district and confer­ence staff, support of retirees and widows of minis­ters, and World Service to name only a few. Theseapportionments are also the foundation that supportsthe numerous ministries of our district and confer­

ence and allows groups like those employed byU.M.C.O.R. to step into Katrina type situations andnever miss a beat. Unlike some groups that do notform until disaster strikes, our folks at U.M.C.O.R.are much like a 911 responder ready to go whereneeded. If this foundation supported by your appor­tionment dollars is not in place, the result would becomparable to a ship unloading food on a dock withno trucks to deliver it to starving people.I want to thank you for your support of all the minis­

tries of St. John's and for your part as a connectionalchurch. I also hope this brief article may open a win­dow or two into a better understanding of our appor­tionment dollars.Thanks for our faithfulness. Pastor Bill

St. John's United Methodist Church

December 2010 December 2010January 2011

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Sunday

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdayDecember 1

234

5:00pm Hand

10:30am Bible1:OOpm Set up8:00am YardChimes

StudyYard SaleSale/Bake

(Library)(Library)(DH)Sale (DH)

6:30pm Bells of

10:30am SR6:00pm Brass-RehPraise

Saints-Reh(Sanctaury;

7:00pm Finance

7:30pm SanctuaryMtg

Choir

7:30pm Vision Mtg

(Choir

Room)

5

67891011

9:00am Sunday7:30pm Scouts9:30am CECE5:00pm Hand10:30am Bible 9:00am Church

School980 (D. H.)ChapelChimesStudy Clean Up

10:30am Worship

6:30pm UMW(Library)10:30am SR Saints 1:OOpm KairosService

Christmas6:30pm Bells of11 :30am SR Saints Outside

11:40am Childrens

BanquetPraiseLunch (DH)Choir

7:30pm PSPR Mtg7:30pm Sanctuary12:20pm Youth

Choir

Choir(Choir

4:30pm Youth Ice

Room)

Skating 7:00pm Legacy 12

1314151617187:00am UMM

10:30am ReedlWohl10:00am Lowery9:30am CECE10:30am SR SaintsJanuary Chimes Due8:00am PrayerBreakfast

7:30pm Scouts CircleChristmas(Hermitage Ministry

9:00am Sunday

980 (D. H.)12:00pm Tuesday Prgm7:30pm SanctuarySchool

Players11 :OOam Hand ChoirClasses

6:00pm ScoutChimes(Choir

10:30am Worship

Banquet(Library)Room)

Service

(DH)6:30pm Bells of11 :40am Childrens

7:15pm ChurchPraise

ChoirCouncil7:30pm Joy Circle

1:OOpm Youth-Pare Day Out19

202122232425

9:00am Sunday

7:00pm Kairos 1:OOpm Chime7:00pm FamilyMerry ChristmasSchool

(Parlor) MailersServiceClasses

7:30pm Scouts 11 :OOpm Candlelight10:30am Worship

980 (D.H.) ServiceService 11:30am Pot luck Lunch

26

2728293031

10:30am Worship7:30pm Scouts12:00pm Lunch7:30pm Bells of

Service980 (D.H.)BunchPraise

(Fox Fire)

5312 Backlick Road, Springfiled, VA 22151 703-256-6655 stjohns1@aol.com saintjohnsumc.org