St. John's United Methodist Church5312 Backlick Road

Springfield, VA 22151Return Service Requested

a ~ puDfimtion 4

Poinsettia's

The Poinsettia flowers will be $13.00. Orders for the Poinsettia are from Sunday, October28th through Sunday, December 2nd as the Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary, onSaturday, December 8th. Choice of colors is marble and red. Please fill out the order form and

mail in your order or drop your order in the offering plate. Please indicate on your check under the"memo section" - Poinsettia.

GIVER:

Number of Plants Red Marble Amount of Check

PLEASE PRINT

In Memory of: _

In Honor of:

A Note from Our PastorA Notefrom

OW~ ~ =::=====~~~~;It is difficult for me to think about Thanksgiving without recalling the wonderful storyfound in Luke 17: 11-17about a man with a thankful spirit. No, the passage in Luke is notabout Pilgrims and our Native Americans, it is about ten people whom Jesus healed fromthe dreaded disease known as leprosy. Verses 15-17 reads, "Then one of them, when hesaw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated him­self at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus askecJ, "Were

not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?" Thanksgiving is more than re­calling the people who first gathered to give thanks for the New World and the blessingsof the season. It is a state of mind. The question is whether we will go on through lifelike the one who returned to give thanks, or the nine who did not.

It is relatively easy to ask God for things. It is also somewhat easy to confess sin, for anynumber of reasons. It may be harder for us to give thanks, not because we are too proudto say "Thank you,", but because our eyes are not always open to see all that God has doneand is doing.

While few if any of us have had all perfect days in the last year, we have much for whichto be thankful. There is so much that God has done for us. Have we thanked God?

We aren't all blessed in the same ways. But we have been blessed in countless ways. As weapproach the celebration of Thanksgiving, some will return to Jesus with praise. Otherswill not. Which prompts Jesus to ask, "Where are the nine?"

When we approach God with a thankful heart, we receive a peace that is truly beyondunderstanding. "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you werecalled in one body. And be thankful" (Colossians 3: 15).

My prayer is that this Thanksgiving will be a time of true thankfulness for you and thoseyou love and that the grace and peace of our Lord will continue to flourish in your life.

I am thankful for you and as always, I daily thank God for your faithfulness.

P~or'BaL

A "Note" about Music Ministry

Youth Talent Show Concert

On Saturday, October 20 several St. John's Youth Choir members participated in the Youth Tal­ent Show Concert. Aaron Listopad opened the concert with two hymn arrangements on his alto saxo­phone. Katie Pacak and Tyler Pacak each performed a solo piece on the clarinet and tenor saxophone.They also played a wonderful duet arrangement on the hymn "We Will Glorify". Holly Precipe sang "OnMy Own" from Les Miserables and the fun and energetic "We Are Young". Hannah Listopad performedon her clarinet and also sang several selections from "The Sound of Music". Aaron Listopad closed theconcert with "We Gather Together" on his alto saxophone. All attended enjoyed the youth's excellentperformance. Then the youth and parents helped to serve a simple dinner to raise funds for spring2013 choir trip to Lancaster, PA. We received $730. We really appreciate the generous support anddonations from all who attended the concert.

The following link is the website of all the pictures of Youth Talent Show Concert. We thankCarol Pratt for taking these beautiful pictures.http://www.facebook.com/media/ set I?set=a. 415288148526113. 99851.18949001443 9262&type= 1

Harp concert - The Harp Goes PopslOn Saturday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m. students from David Crookston Harp Studio will per­

form a concert featuring great pop tunes. All are welcome.

Sunday, November 18 Organ DedicationSt. John's organ renovation is now officially finished. Many thanks to the support from St.

John's congregation, the Trustees, and St. John's Church Council. The operation system in organ con­sole is renovated to the most current digital solid-state system.

Before the Renovation

(Old electrical relay)

After the Renovation

(New digital solid-state)F"T

~..- l'

The newly renovated organ will be dedicated on Sunday, November 18 in the worship service. In addi­tion to special organ music, St. John's choirs will present special anthems.

2012 St. John's Christmas Concert - Starry NightSunday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m.

CARE OF MEMBERS (Unknown Addresses)Hoffman, Megan Address Unknown Charge Conf 1st reading Oct 30, 2011Charge Conf 2d reading Oct 4, 2012 RC recommendedWalker, Zachary Address Unknown Charge Conf pt reading Oct 30, 2011Charge Conf 2d reading Oct 4, 2012 recommended RCTurner, Woody Address Unknown Charge Conf 1st reading Oct 4-12

•Non-Resident Members- no response to membership status letters sent Oct 12,2011 & July 2012)

1st reading at St. John's Oct 4, 2012 Charge ConferenceBennett, Daniel 1195 Harbor River Dr., Memphis, TN 38103Bennett, David 526 East Fontainero -St., Colorado Sp, CO 80918Boynton, Erin 267 S. Franklin St.; Denver, CO 80209Brammell P.O. Box 245, Barnard, VT 05031Brasse, Chris 1412 Long Meadow Way, Windermere, FL 34786Brasse, Jim 265 Marker Road, Rotunda West, FL 33947Brasse, Judy "Brock-Gruber, Stephanie 6361 Woodland Ridge Ct., Centreville, VA 22020Carringer, Nikki 11135 Affinity Ct., #17, San Diego, CA 92131Cooper, Jennifer 2106 Plantation Lane, Atlanta, GA 30341Cribbs, Gary 9911 Veiled Dawn, Laurel, MD 20723Cribbs, Greg 1107 Brentwood St., Austin, TX 78757DeBusk, Robert 23 Meadow View Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28739Eslinger, Denise 137 Casaba Ct., Cypress, TX 77429Gibson, Natalie 2808 NW 48th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605Gray, Catherine 608 Hinton Ave., Charlottesville , VA 22902Gray, T.J. 470 Morgan Springs Ct., Canton, GA 30115Greene, Brian 4082 Amberly Green, Kennesaw, GA 30144Greene, Erika "Gregory, Heather 952 N 79th St., Seattle, WA 98103Hall, Harry 176 Morris Creek Rd., Cullen, VA 23934 And Vellie Dietrich-HallHichak, Charles 5120 Sewells Point Dr., Fredericksburg , VA 22407Hoffman, Corrie 708 Route 173, Bloomsbury, NJ 08804Hollowell, Laura 1985 Washington St., #2602, Denver, CO 80203Houff, Dimmitt 1611 Jefferson Ave., Clifton Forge, VA 24422Hunnicutt, Charles 516 Cosmic Star Place, Henderson, NV 89052 And RamonaJarvis, Michelle 822 Club Ridge Ter, Chester, VA 23836Kunstel, Beth 14550 Swordale Lane, Bristow, VA 20136Laviolette, Jim 42763 Chatelain Circle, Ashburn, VA 20148 And KathyMahn, Jessie 532 Coronado, #104, Los Angeles, CA 90057Mahn, Tandi 114 N. Library St., Greenville, NC 27858Merica, Vera 103 Sextant Court, New Bern, NC 28562Minard, Stephen 10009 Locklies Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060Mullet, Marcy 5000 Butte St Lot 149, Boulder, CO 80301Oss, Michael 12620 Kahns Road, Manassas, VA 20112Ray, Margaret 206 Belle Meade Place, Kennett, MO 63857Reuschle, Amanda 6055 Viking Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612Serino, Heather 13423 Catapult Lane, Bristow, VA 20136Shea, Anita 11050 Camfield Ct., #102, Manassas, VA 20109Sheehan, Kelly 3 Atlantic Ave, Key Largo, FL 33037 And SeanSmith, Alyson 4404 Lindenwood Ct., Virginia Beach, VA 23453Sparks, Cynthia 4 Rochester Ave., Rochester, NH 03867Statum, Andrew 128 Eagle St #2, Brooklyn, NY 11222Swenton, Russ 8520 Bensville Rd. , Waldorf, MD 20603White, Casey P.O. Box 271, East Corinth, VT 05040Zink, Kevin 137 Helsley Drive, Strasburg, VA 22641

Church News

Operation Christmas Child November 12 - 18A sign up board will be up Oct. 28th for volun­teers to sign-up for shifts during National Col­lection Week which is Nov. 12-18. We had a

huge turn out last year and we are looking tobeat that this year with over 1900

Shoeb" .•••

collected. We have the schedule ~~,'---'('

set up for the following dates andtimes:

Update on Social HourThank you to the Choir Music Ministry for host­ing the Social Hour in October. In November,the Nurture Committee will provide Social Hour.

Time ChangeIt is that time of year again to roll yourclocks back 1 hour before you go tobed on Saturday night November 3.

ECHO

ECHO has great demand for food, clothing andhouse hold items. Food stores are at their lowest

state in memory.Food items needed are: canned meat, baked

beans, jelly, bagged rice/beans, muffin mix, pea­nut butter, sugar (2#),powdered milk (4 qt.),juice (46-64 oz.), tea/coffee, adult/child painmeds, band aids, Kleenex, brown paper bags, pan­cake syrup & mix, Jello/pudding, cereal, cannedfruit, canned pasta, tuna, stuffing, deodorant,shaving cream, razors, and children's toothbrushes. Housewares needed are: pots and pans(all sizes), queen comforters and blankets, flat­ware (does not have to match). Clothing needsare: children & adult new white socks & under

wear, men's small shirts, men's and teen boysjeans, men and boys sweatpants.

Prayer MinistryFocus: The Stewardship Campaign "Funding OurFaith"

Question: Will you help equip our church to re­main faithful in its ministry by your personal com­mitment of prayer, worship, time, and gifts?

Mon. 11/12 - 10:00 to 1:00 pmTue. 11/13 - 10:00 to 1:00 pmWed. 11/14 - 10:00 to 1:00 pmThu. 11/15 - 10:00 to 1:00 pm and 6:00 to8:00 pmFri. 11/16 - 10:00 to 1:00 pm and 6:00 to8:00 pmSat. 11/17 - 9:00 to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to4:00 pmSun. 11/18 - 12:00 to 4:00 pm

Bi- District Training DayRegistration has begun for the Bi-DistrictTraining Day, which has been revamped, soyou'll want to spend some time, either on-line orwith the booklet, to get a feel for how the daywill go. We have made some choices easier (oneplenary keynote, for example), but otherchoices are harder: Which workshops should Itake? Do I want to be part of a mini workshopor roundtable at lunch (new this year!)?Information at www.novaumc.ora/bdtd.html­from this link, there is a drop-down menu for:keynote, workshop information, registration,and suggested reading.

Church News

ECHO, Inc7205 Old Keene Mill Rd

Springfield, VA 22150703-569-9160

St. John's United Methodist Church5312 Backlick Rd

Springfield, VA 22151

Dear Friends,

The twenty-five faith congregations that formECHO's Board of Directors and continue to sup­

port our work throughout the year are incredi­ble. Thank you for being on the ECHO team, forsending Jim Robinson as a representative onthe Board, for volunteers to work at our facil­

ity, financial support, and the donations fromgroups or individuals in your congregation. I dono send a letter for regular donations, but I dotry to send acknowledgments for specific pro­jects or to individuals giving checks when Ihave names. I apologize to anyone who may havebeen overlooked during the year. Please knowthat each and every donation is valuable to ourwork.

As you are probably aware, over the last yearwe have been making an effort to visit with allour participating faith congregations and so farwe have visited twelve. Our ultimate goal is toincrease our communications with all congrega­tions.

Thank you for continuing to help othersthrough ECHO and for your marvelous effortson our behalf. It takes the support of all of usto service those in need in our midst. Our cli­

ents are blessed to have you in the Springfield/Burke community and we continue to be blessedto have you on our team.

Sincerely,'Roberl"F. V~President

~fZUA1g~fi1IIm' I would again like to invite all of

you and your friends to join the St. John's UMCZumba Ladies on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Come join us for fellowship, laughter, and a lowimpact exercise that gets you moving withoutyou even knowing it.

Holiday Month Schedules will be the following:

11/1 Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall11/6 Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm Sanctuary Bldg11/8 Thursday 6:15 - 7:15 pm Donaldson Hall11/13 Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm Sanctuary Bldg11/15 Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall11/20 Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm Donaldson Hall11/22 HAPPYTHANKSGIVING

11/27 Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm Donaldson Hall11/29 Thursday 6:16-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall

12/4 Tues 4:30-5:30 pm Sanctuary Bldg12/6 Thursday 6:16-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall12/11 Tues 4:30-5:30 pm Sanctuary Bldg12/13 Thursday 6:16-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall12/18 Tues 4:30-5:30 pm Sanctuary Bldg12/20 Thursday 6:16-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall12/25 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

12/27 Thursday 6:16-7:15 pm Donaldson Hall

Christmas Eve Service

We will be having one Christmas Eve Service onMonday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. Wewill hold our traditional service of Lighting of theAdvent Candle, Communion, music by the youthand ensemble, Bells of Praise, Sanctuary

Choir followed by Candlelighting.

~.'@[@)YOLIT

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November will be a month of experiencing God's love and caringness in so many ways for our youth pro­gram. This November is "Serving Other's Month" for our youth, and it begins on Sunday, November4th, when we will visit Rising Hope UMC and attend their worship .service. We will experience a cultur­ally diverse contemporary service that will open our youth's eyes! We will then after the service treatour hosts to hospitality as we serve lunch to the wonderful congregation.

On Sunday, November 12th, the youth will be participating in the 'Lego Church wide Luncheon' afterworship, working with the children build' Christian" Lego sets! The following Sunday, we will be onceagain participating in the final day of Operation Christmas Child, packing boxes for those less fortunatethan we are. All of these weekends can go towards community service hours if you need them or wantthem too! I can't wait!

Youth Schedule:November 4: No Faithweavers

Rising Hope UMC Day 10:00 am to 1:00 pmNovember 11: Faithweavers 9:15 to 10:10

Lego Luncheon after worshipNovember 18: Faithweavers 9:15 to 10:10

Youth Lunch 11:30 - 12 Noon

Operation Christmas Child, Noon to 3 pmNovember 25: Faithweavers 9:15 to 10:10

-~+ -~~ Uti ~~' ATTENTION Senior Highl~~ 0 liIt{§ The following weekend, November 30th to December 2nd, is the Annual State-

2~troo.t! wide High School Retreat in Lynchburg, VA. This is a wonderful weekend of funfellowship with high scholars across the state, and a weekend away from the fam­

ily. The schedule is to leave Friday afternoon, and come back late Sunday afternoon. The cost is just$25 per person. St. John's will cover the rest of the expenses. I must know if you would like to gowith the $25 by November 18th!

Thank you everyone for your continued support of this wonderful ministry! God Bless!J.R. StrattonDirector of Youth Ministries

United Methodist Women

UMW - Making a DifferenceThe following are excerpts from UMW "Response" magazine October 2012 byUMW PresidentInelda Z. Gonzalez.

As we look forward to Thanksgiving and the thanks that we hold in our hearts for the blessings we re­ceive, we need to be mindful of the thanks we owe to tens of thousands of ordinary women. "Whatkind of people does God use to make a difference in the world? Most of the people who made a differ­ence in the Bible were not well known or all that talented. Most of them didn't seem to be qualified forthe work that God gave them ....Mary was a simple peasant girl who pleased God and become the motherof the Messiah. God doesn't always use people who are wise or influential. God often selects theunlikely people of this world to make a special difference .

...United Methodist Women's work has steadily made a difference in the lives of many. Community cen­ters founded by our foremothers, some more than a century ago, are still making a difference forwomen, children, youth and families by providing the supportive services they need to grow in healthy,loving ways. Day Care, Head Start, after-school tutoring, sports and camping programs (like CampHighroad), parenting workshops, English as a second-language, mentoring opportunities, vocational train­ing, fellowship for seniors are just some of the ways that ... United Methodist Women...are still makinga difference for families.

In a world full of great problems, we might think that our personal service is not very meaningful andwonder if we can really make a difference. But we can and do. Let's not quit or tire of offering ourhands to those in need. Let's allow Jesus to make a difference in our lives and through our lives."

You do not need to be a member of the United Methodist Church to belong to United MethodistWomen. If you are a UMW member reading this article, share it with a friend. If you are not a UMWmember, we hope that you would visit at a UMW activity or St. John's UMW Circle get-together. In­terested? Contact Jean Summers at 703-569-4857 or CJnGGSummers@verizon.net.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Nov. 2 - 10:00-11:00 AM. Church Women United - World Community Day "Sights & Sounds of Har­mony" @ Springfield UMC, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA.

Nov. 3 - 9 - 11:30 AM. Training Day for UMW Officers @ Fairfax UMC, 10300 Stratford Avenue,Fairfax, VA

Dec. 4 - 6:30 PM. St. John's UMW Christmas Reception and Program in Donaldson Hall.

CIRCLE DUTIESKitchen CardsGreeters

NovemberWomen in ActionJackson

DecemberReed/WohlfordFriends

QW1dOX~'&:hool ~ '

CldSl~~

A Note from the eELT

Finding Rest in the Sabbath"And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creat­ing that he had done. II

Genesis 2:3

An article in the Oct. 7 Washington Post's Sunday Outlook section caught my eye - "Young Americansaren't losing their religion ... Rabbi Adam Greenwald and the Rev. Geoffrey Nelson-Blake say the Sab­bath helps us unplug and recharge." In the busy-ness of balancing home, family, job, school, sports,traffic, holidays, technology, etc., more young people are choosing to find solace in keeping the Sabbathholy. They are making a deliberate choice to abstain "from the distracting, the noisy and the ordinary.Instead (they) carve out time to focus on family, community, relaxation and reflection. For at leastone-seventh of our lives, we put away our wallets, park our cars, shut down our digital devices and tryour best to live like we already have everything we need to be happy and fulfilled."

In the Creation Story of Genesis, we are told that after creating the universe, skies and seas, earthand living things, that God purposely set aside a day to "rest." Amazing, isn't it, that our omnipotentand ever-vigilant, 24/7 God is telling us that He needed rest! Further, He tells us in the 10 Command­ments given to Moses that we are to observe the Sabbath. God tells us that we need to reserve thistime by creating space where we can worship, reflect on our relationships, and give our bodies andminds the permission to "dial down" the hectic pace and daily concerns that takes over our lives.

Sunday is God's 9ift to us. "In place of anxiety about the scarcity of time, energy and resources,and instead of judging our personal connections by counting our Twitter followers or Facebook friends,faith gives us space to spend time with community members and loved ones. In place of the constantbarrage of information and responsibilities, the Sabbath gives us room to breathe." We should takethe wisdom that He offers to replenish our over-driven batteries and focus on the blessings He pro­vides.

6LlndOY~

~.",~ from the eELTSUNDAY SCHOOL AND ADULT BIBLE STUDIES - 9: 15 - 10: 15 AM

Make it "easy" on Sunday mornings and enjoy a lite breakfast in Donaldson Hall 8:50 - 9: 15 AM.

Children's Grow. Proclaim. Serve, for ages 4 years - &h Grade. [Room S-5] During the month of No­vember, the children learn about Moses and Joshua.

Confirmation Class for 6th and 7h Grades. [Church Library] In November, confirmands will study theDisciples and how Jesus taught. They will visit Rising Hope UMC on November 4 to Worship and servelunch.

Teen Faithweavers for 8th _12th Graders. [Rally Room]Led by JR Stratton and J en Kuehnle. Teens meetfor Bible study, conversations on Christian values in today's world, and hands-on-mission activities.Teen and Adult Faithweavers will share some classes together.

Adult Faithweavers [Resource Center] Led by Rae Winstead. This parents class provides Bible studyfor adults, as well as discussions on parenting by applying God's truth to everyday life. On-the-go fami­lies will receive a weekly e-mail bulletin to continue their faith conversations during the week.

Bible Study - Old and New Testaments. [Room S-9] Led by Rusty Grimsley. Study of the Books ofthe Bible, alternating from the Old and New Testaments.

In the Book. [Parlor] Led by Bob Winstead. Members share the variety of interpretations of scrip­tures from individual member's Bibles. Study is structured through the use of handouts that addressthe preceding weeks' daily Bible reading assignment.

Life Applications. [S-2] Led by Suzanne Dorick. Studying the "The Hole in Our Gospel." A flexiblesetting to study and talk about God and the spiritual side of our lives.

Children's Worship - 10:30 - 11:30 AMIn addition to Sunday School, a separate Children's Worship service for children ages 4 years - 3rdGrade will be offered during St. John's Worship Service. The Children's Worship incorporates wor­ship, music and activities to assist children in their worship learning experience. NOTE: Nursery isprovided during this time for ages up to 3 years old.

Thursday mornin9 Bible Study, led by June Aylor, 10:30 AM - Noon [Church Library]. The classstudies the Old and New Testament scriptures, Christian values and traditions, through weekly read­ings and discussions. Currently studying the book of Genesis.

I\£-:t I Making Homes Wanner, Safer and Drierj Dr Transforming Uves

Your 2012 ASP Teams returned home safely in July, from Appalachiaa week of service in Avery County, North Carolina. SERVICE I'ROJl'.CT'"

Working as part of Appalachia Service Project (ASP), a Johnson City, Tennessee-based home repairministry, the groups helped to provide urgently needed home repairs to families in that area.

We will share a slide show and stories with our church family on Sunday, January 13, 2013 during the

worship service, which will highlight the accomplishments of our 30 volunteers and their experienceswhile bonding with our ASP families.

We had four teams this year, one team 007 traveled to Carter County, TN to work on a home thatneeded their floors replaced, place drywall and paint the bedrooms. Two of our teams, 7 Musketeer'sand 7 Carpenteer's worked on two separate homes which were next to each other. The 7 Mustakeer'sbasically renovated the house with flooring, plumbing, siding, painting plus miscellaneous work. Mean­while, the 7 Carpenteer's built a deck with a handicapped ramp and installed guttering with a drainage.Our last team, Helping Hands, was split between 7 Musketeer's and 7 Carpenteer's. It was a joy havingthe Helping Hands working on both teams as it made the work go a little faster. However, we would ro­tate people around to give them a variety of work to do. Dynamic Duo helped out with different teamsbut mainly worked with the 7 Musketeer's where plumbing was desperately needed. In all actuality, wehad three teams working together and the nice part was we were able to have lunch together and enjoyfellowship . .on Friday, the 7 Carpenteer's and Helping Hands moved to another worksite to help anotherteam finish their project. We made their front porch sturdy, finish underpinning, while some of thefolks worked on the back deck and placed flooring through out the house.

As St. John's has completed another year of ASP, I look back over the years as to how St. John's hasgrown and how energetic and enthusiastic the adults and especially the youth are in going on ASP. Withhelp of my staff, Angie Garrison and Debbie Ashby, we provide the basic tools and we watch how eachand every ASP volunteer grows into their own role especially when we are on the trip. When we pull outof St. John's all the volunteers are under my wings and my job is to bring them home safely.

As the ASP Coordinator, you have a lot of responsibility from following ASP Headquarters rules andregulations to preparing your volunteers from filling out paperwork, preparing the study sessions,scheduling meetings, planning projects to do around the church, arranging transportation, sending outemails to the volunteers updating them on upcoming activities. You start in the early months to develop

your group as a team. Time spent together and shared information will strengthen the bond and readi­ness of all the volunteers. However, I don't do this alone, Angie and Debbie are right there assisting

me. Basically we work from November to September as we try to prepare a wonderful but meaningfulASP Mission trip to our volunteers, especially our youth. Sometimes our career work goes on the backburner, while we are working on ASP as ASP takes our priority. As we have said over the years, studysessions, fundraising and team building and if you have an enthusiastic staff your volunteers will be en­thusiastic and will receive the benefits from going on ASP. The hardest part of this job is placing the

teams. With prayers and observation and guidance, Angie and I place the volunteers very carefully onthe teams.

This year ASP felt like "Homecoming": we had fellow youth, new college students join us, new youth, ourreturning veteran youth, our returning adults, plus new adults who have stepped out of their comfortzones to be part of the ASP team. It is a blessing to have the adults knowledge and willingness to shareand explain to the youth their expertise. This was also the year that we had a brother or sister join inwith their older sibling and/or parent and watching them interact and work with each other was joyful.Some of the families could see a difference with their children once they returned home, as they camecloser together. They could see how ASP made a difference to them.

We were with two other churches, one church from Lexington UMC, Lexington MD, and the other onefrom Somerton UMC, Philadelphia, PA. After a good day of working and bonding with the families, we allreturn back to the center, clean up and sit down to a "family style" dinner talk about our work day, plusmaking friendships with the other churches. After dinner, we spend our evenings with free time forshowers, resting or playing sports then we all gather for evening gatherings (EG). We start off by sing­ing, have reflections of the day's work, we had culture night where two gentlemen came in from thecommunity to play and sing folk songs. We sang and had our own "Mike Jennings" start dancing and oth­ers followed. After EG we all gather in our vans and drive off for ice cream.

Our teams were the last volunteers for the seven week program. This presented a challenge of addedresponsibility since it is essential that the jobs that have been worked on for the six weeks prior to ourarrival must be finished by the end of the week. When our 30 volunteers take on a task, they fully pre­pare themselves to work till the job is complete. Our Dynamic Duo, Rick, Dale Wilson along with othervolunteers, Joe, Scott, James and Chali stayed late the last two nights to attempt to complete thework on the 7 Musketeer's home, as the plumbing was a big issue.

Friday is the hardest day of the week as you have accomplished and watched your volunteers grow withone another, you have bonded with your family, you now have to say your goodbyes, and it's hard toleave. The families may not say much, but in their eyes you can see how much they appreciated whatASP has done for them. As we return back to the center, we also were needed to help do the finalclean up and close the school where the volunteers and staff were housed this summer. As we are hav­ing our "Olympic Cleaning Party", we still have one team working on a house.

It's now approaching midnight, the cleaning is now done, we have gathered for ice cream and our Godmoments for the closing ceremony. The anxiety has hit, we are all worried about our team, which arestill working away. Adults are going to bed, as we need them fully awake to drive the next morning.Youth are up, waiting patiently for the team to arrive, safety is now a factor for driving, we notify Deb­bie Ashby that we are leaving later, we still have a team out working and they need their sleep. Now allthe adults are in bed, I wait with the youth; the youth know that the adults need sleep. They tell me togo to bed we will wait up for the team as we can sleep in the vans you need to drive.

It's now 2:30 a.m. the team arrives back at the center and sitting outside they see St. John's youthwaiting for them patiently, making sure they are alright. The team was speechless, the hugs were givenout; this was their highlight of their trip seeing the "Youth" waiting for them. St. John's is a very car­ing church and supportive of each other and you can see that in each individual no matter what commit­tee you are on.

We might as well say that we had five working teams, as we had a team of "Ladies" working all week atthe "Poling Palace preparing a scrumptious buffet for the ASP Volunteers. The thrill of victory as youare driving to the Poling Palace down a long gravel driveway and seeing family and friends as the folksare cheering and waving you on, as you are honking your horns. They know it's been a hard long week andthe Welcome you received is breathless. As we eat a delicious "home cooked" meal we sit back and en­joy the company of each other, grateful that family and friends could share with us our journey.After playing games and relaxation, it's off to one more stop, St. John's.

Five ASP vans roll into St. John's church, where another crowd, is cheering you on and welcoming youback. You are greeted by family and friends it's just a warm feeling seeing everyone as they welcomeyou back. As the volunteers roll out the vans, they are exhausted but a good tired from a wonderfulweek of ASP. Then the unpacking starts, cleaning of the vans are underway, families are helping andcarrying items into the church, once the vans have been cleaned the drivers return their vans. Wordscan't describe as you see everyone working together, as St. John's lived up to the theme, "All for One."The youth, adults have now left, the doors are now locked it's time to drive away, feeling sad but ahappy sad. It was another successful year for Team 2012 ASP in the books!!

ASP is about building a new you, whether you're college, mid-career or retired, your ASP experience willenrich your life in dramatic ways. You develop a true heart for Christian service. You come home ener­gized and ready to give back to your church, your workplace or community. You discover what you arereally made of; it gives you appreciation for what you have. Most of all, you come home more on fire foryour faith and more involved in your church or community.

Not only do you build a new you, ASP is a relational ministry. You will spend a lot of your time interact­ing with the Appalachian family you are helping. Getting to know their needs, their culture, and theirhearts. You'll be inspired by their genuine gratitude and motivated by their down-to-earth faith. Andmost of you all, you'll forge a friendship with them that will impact you for the rest of your life.

On behalf of my amazing staff with my remarkable 30 ASP Volunteers, we thank St. Johns', once again,for supporting, encouraging, assisting and praying for all of the volunteers. Your positive influence en­ables us to continue to serve more families every year.

It has been my privilege and honor being your ASP Coordinator for the past eight years. I have a won­derful time working with each and everyone of you especially our youth. As we make homes, safer,warmer and drier for the families in Appalachian.

My work is never done, now, it's time to read and start preparing for 2013!!!!!

Blessings to All,Patti ParkerASP Coordinator

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Remembrances

November Birthdays1 PamJennings, Ann Langley,

Dean Stapleton2 Karen Blaine, Ryan Blaine, Judith Giannini3 Emily Eike, Tony Forcier4 Brain Lahr

5 Shayna Dubler6 Macel Thompson7 Andy Hetzer, Shelley Hollowell, Karen Kurland8 James Paseur, Gavin Kunstel9 David Brassard

11 Justina Gray12 Connor Antoun, Michelle Jarvis, Patti Parker,

Ann Stegall13 Bridget Herget, Kathy Kinzer, Erin Kraft,

Bob Winstead15 Lillie Fairchild

16 Kathy LaViolette17 Hadley Bardoni, Tom Gray18 Dori Kauffman19 John Jenkins

22 Michael Parker , James Stalp23 Dave Hollowell, Cathy Klineburger24 Ginny Sheehan25 RaymondRivera, Thomas Rivera26 Emily Greer, Ann Lahr27 Robert Bracey, Ron King28 Gary Cribbs, Carla Minard29 Gregory O'Nei II30 Emilee Anderson

November Anniversaries

1 Eddy & Serena Mullet2 Christopher & Sherry Minear,

Dick & Wilda Getman

3 Suzanne Dorick & Jim Hickey5 Gary & Stephanie Reynolds6 Kevin & Tricia Armentrout

8 Nick & Judy Bennett11 Kyle & Beth Kunstel13 Charles & Freda Robertson,

Mark & Nancy Kraft14 Andy & Kathleen Hetzer21 David & Susan Chadwick22 Leo & Lorrie Wilmes

23 Ron & Shirley Wagner25 Bill & Brenda Romenius

In Our PrayersLois Augustad, Marguerite Bickers, Luke CataniaIV, Vicki Collins, Leonard Etheridge, TinyHartzell, Linda Hitchcock, Betty Johnson, EdJones, Jonah Kuhlman, Don Lahr, Ann Langley,Margaret Marsh, Barbara Murray, Anne Stegall,Macel Thompson and Connie Ward.Extended Family: Nancy Gonzales, Henry and KayLind, Joy Sadoti, Patricia Nelson, Bill and BettySmith, Bert Wood, Jr., Dolores Martin,

Danny VanGorder, Robert N. Giannini and AnitaLawrence.

Law Enforcement and those Serving in theArmed Forces

Jared Davis, serving in the Army IntelligenceBranch at Ft. Meade, MD.

Des Walton, serving with the Army in Bangkok,Thailand.

Jeremy Honaker, nephew of Debbie & JerryAshby, deployed to Afghanistan.Matt Stratton, serving in the Army, GuantanamoBay

St. John's United Methodist Church

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday ThursdayNovember 1

10:30am Bible

Study(Library)

10:30am Sr Saints

(Aarondale:

6:15pm ZumbaClass (DH)

7:30pm SanctuaryChoir

(ChoirRoom)

Friday Saturday2

Turn clocks back

4 5 61 7 8: 9

2

8:00am PrayerMinistry(Library)

9:00am OCC (DH)1:OOpm OCC (DH)1:30pm Harp

Concert

(Sanctuary:

4:00pm PCE-Reh

23'Office Closed

161

10:00am OCC (DH)6:00pm OCC (DH)

10:00am CECE

(DH)10:30am Bible

Study(Library)

10:30am SR Saints

(Arden Ct)

6:15pm ZumbaClass (DH)

7:30pm SanctuaryChoir (Ch

~10:00am OCC (DH)10:30am Bible

Study(Library)

10:30am SR Saints

(Hermitage

6:00pm OCC (DH)7:30pm Sanctuary

Choir

(Choir Rm)

21Ha

11 :OOam HandChimes

(Library)

5:30pm Bells ofJoy

6:30pm Bells ofPraise

1410:00am OCC (DH)11 :OOam Hand

Chimes

(Library)

5:30pm Bells ofJoy

6:30pm Bells ofPraise

7:30pm PSPR Mtg(Library)

4:30pm ZumbaClass (DH)

7:00pm Order ofArrow (DH)

7:15pm ChurchCouncil

(Library)

131

20

Election Day (DH4:30pm Zumba

9:30am CECE

Chapel

10:00am OCC (DH)10:30am Jackson

Circle (Li

12:30pm TuesdayPlayers (

4:30pm Zumba(DH)

7:00pm Kairos(Library)

197:30pm Scouts

980 (D.H.)

No School

7:30pm Scouts980 (D.H.)

1210:00am OCC (DH)7:30pm Scouts

980 (D.H.)

117:30am UMM

Breakfast

9:15am SundaySchoolClasses

10:30am WorshipService

11:30am Trustees

Mtg (Pari

11 :45am FellowshipLunch (Le

~

9: 15am SundaySchoolClasses

10:00am Youth

RisingHope

10:30am WorshipService

12:00pm UMWBoard Mtg(Library)

9: 15am SundaySchoolClasses

10:30am WorshipService

12:00pm OCC (DH)3:00pm PCE

Concert

(Sanctuary:

25:

9:15am SundaySchoolClasses

10:30am WorshipService

11:30am BloodPressureCheck

(Office)

267:30pm Scouts

980 (D. H.)

279:30am CECE

Chapel

1:15pm CECEStaff Mig

4:30pm ZumbaClass (DH)

7:00pm Pack Mtg(DH)

11 :OOam HandChimes

(Library)

5:30pm Bells ofJoy

6:30pm Bells ofPraise

281 2910:30am Bible

Study(Library)

10:30am Sr Saints

(AnnadaleHealth)

6: 15pm ZumbaClass (DH)

7:30pm SanctuaryChoir

(Choir Ro

301

1:OOpm Set-up DH4:00pm SR High

Retreat

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