Pastor: Mike Derflinger Church Office Administrator: Dee Dee Wike Chaplain in Residence: Carol Johnson Director, Children & Youth Ministries: Kris Kent Lay Leader: Judy Burner Assistant Director, Children & Youth: Dawn McDade Director of Music: Sandra Fox Nursery Attendant: Jeannie Meisner Organist: Dr. Rudy Shackelford Acolytes: 11:00 Shelby Jacobs Sound Room: 11:00 Adam White

December Altar Guild: Sarah Hillard, Peggy Lewis, Nancy Wilburn Trustee Contact for the Week: Don Thomas

Bethany United Methodist Church 1860 Hayes Road • PO Box 527 Gloucester Point VA 23062 Office Hours: M-F, 9 a.m.‒3 p.m. Phone: 804.642.2110 Email: bethanyumc3@verizon.net Website: www.bethanyumc-gp.org

STEWARDSHIP 12/10

General Fund Total 7202.85

Capital Improvement Fund 80.00

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund 100.00

Altar Flowers 80.00

Bazaar Donation (Home Tour) 20.00

GUEST Program 350.00

Cemetery 25.00

Upper Room 2.00

Poinsettias 559.00

COUNTING TEAMS December

6-Hampton, Morecock, Thomas 17

7-Cecil, Durrette, Hillard 24

1-Kaylor, Byrd, Hasty 31

SUNDAY WORSHIP 12/10

11:00 191

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Adults 29

Youth 7

Children 6

TOTAL in SS 42

Children's Church

NURSERY

8:30 0

11:00

CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES FOR 2018 may be picked up in the narthex. Please make certain you pick up the pack with your name on it. If you received envelopes but do not need them, please return them to the church office so they can be reassigned. • If you were not assigned numbered envelopes for 2018, you may request them by contacting Bernard Robins (642-6412 or bdrobins@peoplepc.com). Non-members who regularly attend Bethany may also request numbered envelopes. • Please do not use 2017 envelopes after Sunday, December 31, 2017, and do not use 2018 envelopes before Sunday, January, 7, 2018. • Donations are recorded by the Financial Secretary according to the date of the Sunday received; therefore, donations must be received no later than Sunday, December 31, 2017, to be credited for 2017.

Welcome! Bethany UMC offers a full range of study and fellowship opportunities for all ages. Sunday School meets from 9:45-10:45 each Sunday morning. For more information, visit www.bethanyumc-gp.org. For parents with small children up to age 4, we provide a nursery during both worship services. Please see an usher or greeter for directions.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017 11:00 a.m.

WELCOME, GUESTS! We are delighted to worship with you today and invite you to participate as fully as you feel comfortable. AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE: Please ask an usher for assistance if you require a large print hymnal, large print bulletin, or hearing aid. CELL PHONES: Please remember to silence your cell phone before the service begins. Thank you. Please greet one another before our worship begins.

*Please stand as you are able. And it’s okay to sit.

CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOMING OUR GUESTS Pastor Mike ANNOUNCEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS, AND REGISTRATION OF ATTENDANCE

MEDITATION Chorale: “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” Martin Luther (1483-1546) Canonic Variations on “From Heaven Above Johann Sebastian Bach to Earth I Come,” BWV 769, Vars. 1, 2 & 5 (1685-1750)

*CALL TO WORSHIP AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Isaiah 35:1-10 McDade Family – Steve, Dawn, Kayla & Cole

The wilderness will dance and the dry places will sing praises to God. When we see the glory of the Lord revealed, we will be strengthened and saved! God’s peace opens our eyes. God’s gift of hope opens our hearts. With joy, we will praise the promised Savior of the world! Let us – with joy – light the light of the Lord. *CAROL OF PRAISE It Came Upon the Midnight Clear UMH No. 218 RECEIVING GOD’S TITHES, GIFTS AND MORNING OFFERING OFFERTORY PRAYER Marsha Germek Bountiful God, we rejoice in your goodness! You have done wonderful things for

your people through the ages. We are grateful for your precious gift of being forgiven through Jesus Christ. You brought us out of sadness and into joy, as you tenderly wiped away our tears and gave us laughter. Let our gratitude overflow in love and kindness for people who are near and far away. Use our gifts and offerings to bring hope and happiness to our neighbors through the mission of this church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Psalm 126)

THE OFFERTORY Toccata on “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” Garth Edmundson

(1900-1971)

All the Best for Christmas

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem R. Fischer Boyce Jeannie Harrell, soloist (arr. Tom Fettke) Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child African American Traditional (arr. Tom Fettke) Steve Wike, soloist Jesus, the Light of the World George D. Elderkin (arr. Tom Fettke) One Quiet Moment Bob Kauflin (arr. Dennis Allen) Heaven’s Child Joel Lindsey (arr. Camp Kirkland/Tom Fettke) Dawn Bontrager, soloist Adoration Tom Fettke Child in the Manger Thomas J. Williams, Camp Kirkland, & Tom Fettke Rose of Bethlehem Lowell Alexander (arr. Richard Kingsmore) Sing We All Noel! arr. Richard Kingsmore Canticle of Joy arr. Camp Kirkland & Tom Fettke

Narrator — Sandra Byrd Music Director — Sandy Fox Percussionist — Jeremy Nardozzi Organist — Rudy Shackelford

*CLOSING CAROL Angels We Have Heard on High UMH No. 238

*BENEDICTION Pastor Mike

*CLOSING CHORUS Away in a Manger, verse 1 UMH No. 217 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

Next Sunday: We invite you to join us for Christmas Eve morning service at 11:00 a.m., Family Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols at 7:00 p.m., and Candlelight Communion Service at 11:00 p.m.

Bethany UMC Prayer List 12/14/2017

BETHANY FAMILY

CANCER/CHEMO: Mike & Donna Andersen, Roy & Darlene Bauschatz, Larry & Nancy Cooper, Paul & Nancy Kendall (has finished treatments), Fred & Jane Niethamer GRIEVING: Lorraine Brown, Janice Day, Alice Doggett, family of Mary Field, Kris Kent & family, Jeannie Lipscomb, Doris Luther, Dawne Sawyer, Slattery family, Mary Dale Williams HEALTH ISSUES: Meredith Ransone Dills, Gene & Jeannie Harrell, Mike Hearon, Patrick & Rebecca Kiley, Archie & Loretta Leigh, Marshall & Bonnie Lewis, Alice McGee, Ted & Peggy Peterman (NC), Peggy Lewis, Norma Sage HOSPITALIZED: RECOVERING FROM SURGERY: Chris Denton, Jennie Lipscomb

BETHANY FRIENDS

CHILDREN & YOUTH: Jackson Scalf (& family) ADULTS: Robin Barnett (TN), Janie Blanchard, Les & Jan Breen, Cancer Patients (Susan Emory, Jeanette, and Claire), Jeff Carino, Ross Carmine, Bonita Chaplin, Mary Ann Costa, Wiley Cross, Alice Cruz, Josh Daniel, Amanda Ellis, Bill & Ruth Fenstermacher, Loretta Germek, Jerry Hall, Walt Hayden (FL), Brian Hudson, Wally Iddings, Pal Jackson, Laymon & Sarah Jacobs (TN), Ralph & JayeP. Johnson, Gale Jones, Vanessa Kellum, Donna Kidd, John Lawson, Thom Ligon, Bill Lockwood, Jim Lundquist, Bill Luther, James Marshall, Lydia Newman, Evelyn Owens, Jack Perhac, K.C. Powers, Tess Robins, Melody Rogers, Harold Royals, Bonnie Sandahl, Sherry Shackelford, Becca Shepard, Rhonda Simmons, Steve Smith, Lucy Soles, Father Kevin Sweeney, Rev. Ann Tang, Jeff Thomson, Suzanne Trio, Linda Wallace, Deborah West, Judy & Raymond West, Vicky Whitney (PA), Charlotte Wright GRIEVING: Kevin & Suzanne McDade (NC), Rev. Doug Nagel, Joan Martin HOSPITALIZED: RECOVERING FROM SURGERY: Paul Kaiser, Ashby Morgan

BUMC’S MILITARY

Edward Bailey, Todd Bontrager, Michael Brown, Peter Demetriades, Meagan Demetriades, Thomas Howse, Kevin Jacobs, Bernard Johnson, Lamont Johnson, Jim Minor, Kyle Nichols, all members of the military and their families

ASSISTED LIVING (italics-Bethany Friends)

Gayton Terrace 12041 Gayton Rd., Richmond, VA 23238

Dorothy Critzer, Room 418

Gloucester House 7657 Meredith Dr., Gloucester, VA 23061

Jean Heywood, Room 110 Esther Marie Jordan, Room 509

Sanders Assisted Living 7407 Walker Ave., Gloucester, VA 23061

Harry Jordan, Room 201

Sanders Rehab – 7385 Walker Ave., Gloucester, VA 23061 Les Breen, Room 1203

Stonebridge at Woodbury (Memory Care) 2778 Country Club Dr., Hampstead, NC 28443

Gloria Wallace

Sunrise Senior Living 2015 Cranbeck Rd., Richmond, VA 23235

Pauline Harris, Apt. 107

York Convalescent & Rehab Center 113 Battle Rd., Yorktown, VA 23692

Alice Doggett, Room 27B Jerri Doggett, Room 32A Mary Poland, Room 27A

OUR MISSIONARY – Clara Biswas, Cambodia ($3,315.00)

CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY

Family of Kandee Willis, stepsister of Mike Harrison, who passed away on December 12.

THIS WEEK AT BETHANY UMC

TODAY There will be no 8:30 services in December.

9:00 a.m. Church-wide Breakfast (hosted by UMM)

10:55 a.m. Prayer Time—Mary Lotsey Room

11:00 a.m. Christmas Cantata & Worship

Monday, December 18 9:30 a.m. Homebound Ministries

6:30 p.m. Troop 75

7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study

Wednesday, December 20 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 21 9:30 a.m. C.A.R.E. Ministry

10:00 a.m. House of Prayer

4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Children & Youth Bell Ringers at Peebles

Sunday, December 24 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School (meets at class discretion)

CHRISTMAS EVE 10:55 a.m. Prayer Time—Mary Lotsey Room

11:00 a.m. Morning Worship

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service Monday, December 25 & Tuesday, December 26

OFFICE CLOSED – Christmas holiday (Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday, December 27-28

Friday, December 29 & Monday, January 1

OFFICE CLOSED – New Year’s holiday (Office will reopen at noon on Tuesday, January 2.)

YOUTH & CHILDREN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES will not meet on December 17, 24, or 31.

HOME BOUND MINISTRIES will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 18 to prepare and deliver meals to our shut-ins. Please consider joining us for fellowship and ministry as we bring joy to others.

REVERSE ADVENT BAGS should be returned to the church by next Sunday, December 24. You may bring your bag to church or drop it by the church office during the week (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Thanks for your generosity to our neighbors in need this Christmas!

A SPECIAL THANKS to our United Methodist Men for a delicious hot breakfast this morning! The food and fellowship were outstanding!

After Nancy’s “all clear” following her last cancer treatment, we are full of thanksgiving. Thanks to the researchers who developed the chemicals used and to previous patients who tested them in clinical trials. Thanks also for doctors and nurses who know how to use them. And thank you for your prayers, meals, cards, phone calls, conversations, prayer shawl, and other acts that supported and encouraged us and reminded us of God’s constant love. Praise God! —Paul and Nancy Kendall During the course of the year, the members of the Abingdon Woman’s Club (AWC) work very hard to raise funds for the community and provide fellowship. This could not happen without your generous support in providing the meeting space as well as a location for our Annual Yard Sale. It is with great pride that the AWC presents you with this check for $500. The AWC is honored to donate to Bethany United Methodist Church and to support the excellent work you do to serve the residents of Gloucester County. – Valerie Cook, President

ALTAR FLOWERS – The altar flowers in our sanctuary are provided weekly for the glory of God by members of our Bethany family, who donate them in celebration or in memory of loved ones. The 2018 flower calendar is now posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway. If you wish to donate altar flowers, please write your name on an available date or call the church office (642-2110) to check availability. PLEASE NOTE: The cost to place altar flowers is $45.00, and checks should be made payable to Bethany UMC with “altar flowers” noted in the memo line. For more information, please check the information card on the bulletin board or contact the church office. Thank you.

The Esther Thompson Cottage is a small residence used to provide emergency housing for families in crisis. The Esther Thompson Cottage Committee has recommended to the Board of Trustees that the cottage be sold. The Trustees have had an initial meeting to discuss the cottage and want to receive input from members of the congregation. The Trustees will host two listening meetings – on January 10, 2018 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and January 25, 2018 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. – whereby members of the congregation may offer their comments. Comments should be limited to less than 10 minutes per person. Written comments are encouraged, especially from those not able to attend in person. The Trustees will not be speaking in response to comments or making a decision at this time. Please note that the Board of Trustees recommendation is presented to the Administrative Council. The Council makes the final decision. To schedule a slot, please call or speak with Marsha Germek (804-815-3639). Please give written comments to Al Burner (aburner@cox.net).

BAZAAR WORKSHOPS—Our Bazaar Bunch is ready to work on the 2018 Bethany Bazaar! Mark November 10, 2018 on your calendar, with the night before for the Preview Dinner. We hope you will consider coming out to help. (You don’t have to be “crafty,” just willing to work!) We will meet weekly on Thursdays from 9 a.m. til noon, beginning January 4. On January 11 we will add a night session from 7-9 p.m. to give others a chance to participate!

When you clean out after Christmas, think of us before getting rid of usable Christmas decorations that we can recycle. We will have a Vintage Room again so please put aside antique items for next year’s Bazaar. We will let you know what items to begin saving, but we can always use corks, shells, and Tide Pod containers.

Thanks for all your help and we’ll see you on January 4!

The Bazaar Bunch Judy Burner & Nancy Wilburn, Co-Chairs Committee: Donna Andersen, Sue Morecock, Joni Neal, and Nina Whitmore

MUSIC AND THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION ADVENT/CHRISTMAS, PART 2

On December 3rd, the first Sunday in Advent, we heard two sharply contrasting treatments of Martin Luther’s hymn Savior of the Nations, Come (UMH No. 214). Excerpts from the Partita by 20th-centurty German composer Hugo Distler expressed joyful anticipation of Christ’s arrival. Taking a longer perspective in his chorale prelude on this hymn, Johann Sebastian Bach dwelled upon the tragic crucifixion and death that followed the Savior’s birth. Today we will devote both the organ Meditation and Offertory to music inspired by another Lutheran hymn, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come. To herald Christ’s coming with “Glad tidings of great joy,” American composer Garth Edmundson composed a brilliant Toccata (“touch piece”) that displays the organist’s virtuosity. Against the hymn tune, played on a piercing trumpet stop in the pedals, swirling scales and roulades sweep across the entire keyboard to evoke cascading peals of bells. Like flying buttresses that brace the walls of a cathedral, massive chords support the final statement of the hymn – or perhaps these are the voices of the heavenly choir who, with the organist, “His glory share.” With the Canonic Variations on “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” one of his last compositions, Johann Sebastian Bach nourishes both the mind and spirit. All five variations take the form of CANON (or round) where the leading part is imitated by one or more following parts at fixed intervals of pitch and time. Moreover, the parts involved in canon must also harmonize with the hymn tune, which is played simultaneously. Thanks to Bach’s supreme mastery of the art and science of canon, the music is always elegant and transparent, never pedantic or obscure. Today we will hear only the first, second, and fifth variations. The first two, both in three parts, are the simplest and radiate the innocence of the Holy Infant. In the finale of Bach’s Canonic Variations, God’s chief musician throws open the portals of “His kingdom bright and fair.” The whole work is crowned by a miraculous stretto presenting all four phrases of the hymn at once, as if angelic voices intoned a sublime “Alleluia” from the four corners of the earth! — Rudy Shackelford

Bethany United Methodist Church Holiday Schedule

Sunday, December 17

Church-wide Breakfast (sponsored by UMM) – 9:00 a.m. No Sunday School

Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata & Worship – 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, December 24 Sunday School – 9:45 a.m. (classes will meet at their discretion)

Morning Worship – 11:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols – 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion – 11:00 p.m.

Christmas Week OFFICE CLOSED on December 25, 26, and 29.

Office will be open Wednesday & Thursday, December 27-28.

Sunday, December 31 Sunday School – 9:45 a.m. (classes will meet at their discretion)

Morning Worship – 11:00 a.m.

Monday, January 1 OFFICE CLOSED –New Year’s Day

(Office will reopen at noon on Tuesday, January 2.)

Poinsettias – 2017

In Loving Memory of…

Yeardley Blackwell by Robert Blackwell

My dear husband Patrick Eugene Brown by Lorraine Brown

My mother Gladys Davis by Ann Byrd

My husband Lawson by Ann Byrd

Dorothy Clark by Sharon Cheek

My husband, Robert by Dawn L. Cluts

Howard Day by Janice, Shaun, and Angela

Harvey Williams by Marion Dixon

Jo Anne Lewis by Marion Dixon

Warren Belvin by Marion Dixon

Merle Luther by Marion Dixon

Bertha Arrington, Ima Gene Ervi, and Ruth Paiva by Loreen Paiva & Ron Ervi

Our departed family members by Joan & Tony Fecondo

William J. Hargis, Jr. by Marcia Hargis

Parents Mr. & Mrs. Frank Harrell and Mrs. & Mrs. Val Hopkins, and sons Rick Bollinger and Ronnie Harrell by Gene & Jeannie Harrell

David & Ella Grey Burke by Roger & Nancy Heflin

My brother Derise Foster by Nerine Hickman

Wayne & Pat Hogge and Douglas Hall by Jason, Susannah, Baum & Decatur Hogge

Grandparents Joe & Buena Jordan and grandparents Ben & Stella Foster by Lionel and Audrey Jordan

Parents Lionel & Marie Jordan and brother Ray Jordan by Lionel and Audrey Jordan

Warren Belvin by Lionel and Audrey Jordan

Jack by Mary Kaylor

*Names in each section are listed alphabetically by last name of submitter.

In Loving Memory of…

Our parents by Paul & Nancy Kendall

Our special loved ones by Nan & Bobby Leigh

Harry and Jo Anne Lewis by Brian Lewis

Donald G. Broadwell by Carolyn and their children

Suzanne T. Hagelberger by her mom, Frances and Graham

Leslie & Evelyn Lewis by Melissa, Carolyn, Marshall & Bonnie and their children

Delbert & Diddie Hogge by Bonnie & Marshall and their children

Garland & Myrtle Lewis by Melissa, Carolyn, Marshall & Bonnie and their children

Carroll Lipscomb by Jennie Lipscomb

Reinaldo Morales by Patsy Morales and Dito Morales & Maria Johnson

Sally Nardozzi by Bob & Jeremy Nardozzi

George Neal by Joni Neal

My parents by Joni Neal

William Berry; Joe, Nonnie & John Neikirk by The Neikirk Family

Tom & Edith Emory by Don Sandridge

Louise & Rudolph Shackelford and Annie Lee Owens by Rudy Shackelford

William & Grace Lee Rowe by Melissa & V C Sutton and family

Their parents Mr. & Mrs. Noah C. Thomas and cousin Agnes L. Williams by M.E., Brenda, and Don Thomas

My mother Ida Mae Cameron by Judith C. Vaughan

My best friend and her daughter, Barbara & Jessica Downey by Judith C. Vaughan

My aunts, Dot Bransfield and Dot Leydens by Judith C. Vaughan

John & Silver Wallace by Ruth Wallace

Jalmer & Erma Ahola by Ruth Wallace

My mother Pearl Bassett by Lavalle & Paul, Jr.

In Honor of …

Mike and Donna Andersen by Traci & Jason, Troy & Family

Our grandchildren by Patsy & Kirk Bell

My daughter Laurie and son David by Ann Byrd

My mom, Charlotte – Love, Duane and Alex

Miss Ruth & Mr. Jack Wallace – Love, Duane and Alex

Wes Hogge by Sharon Cheek

Those who are victims of gun violence by Dawn L. Cluts

Bethany’s choir, Sandy, and Rudy by Alan & Sandra Harvey

Jim & Laura Hodges by Jason, Susannah, Baum & Decatur Hogge

Kris Kent & Dawn McDade for their work with the children and youth by Jason, Susannah, Baum & Decatur Hogge

Our children by Paul & Nancy Kendall

My three daughters by Joni Neal

Barbara Berry by The Neikirk Family

Our grandchildren Gavin, Isaac, June & Nolan by Nancy & J J Orth

Jean Heywood & Mary Kaylor by Don Sandridge

Our daughter Coleman Conner and family by Nancy & Tom Smith

Our daughter Jen Naquin and family by Nancy & Tom Smith

Our daughter Susan Ward and family by Nancy & Tom Smith

Dr. Rudy Shackelford for filling my heart with beautiful music by Nancy Smith

Charlotte Cecil by Ruth Wallace