New Life Umc - Newsletter - November 2008

The New

Millennium November 2008 On The Inside: Meet the Staff Ladies Lunchl Thanksgiving Events Hanging of the Greens Prayer Request Daily Devotions Shawl Ministry Focus on Sunday School Children’s Ministry Jobs Network New Deadline for Newsletter Music Notes from Mary Ellen Epiphany Prision Miistries Preschool Youth Stuff Older Adult Ministires Thank You Notes Inclement Weather Policy

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. Church Staff checks phone messages throughout the day. Pastor Maxwell is available for appointments days and evenings and is glad to schedule at convenient times.

Worship Opportunities: Christian Education (all ages): Sundays 9:45a.m. Sunday Worship: 8:30a.m. and 11:00a.m. Praise & Worship Service: 6:30p.m. on 3rd Sunday Family Night Dinner November 16th, 5:30p.m. Praise & Worship Service to follow at 6:30p.m.

The Newsletter of New Life United Methodist

THE POWER OF PRAYER Will God hear me if I pray? What if I don’t use the right words? How do I know if I’m asking for the right things? How could such a busy God have time for me? If God knows what I’m going to say, does it make a difference if I say it or not? Prayer can be a confusing, mystery and even frustrating or disappointing mystery at times. Sometimes we wonder if it is really worth our time or God’s time for that matter. When things don’t turn out the way we had hoped they would, was it something wrong with our prayer? Yet from the beginning, prayer has been the holy conversation when we meet and relate with God. Jesus doesn’t say, “If you pray…” he says, “When you pray… (Matthew 6:5).” Looking at the early followers of Jesus, prayer became indispensable in their lives. The same is true for followers of Jesus today, prayer becomes the very heartbeat of the believer. As Richard Foster says, “Coming to prayer is like coming home. Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do.” In worship during the month of November, we will be focusing on these questions and the role of prayer in our lives. We won’t be just talking about it, but practicing it together so that we might explore the experience of intimacy with God in a safe place. As we pray together, I believe we will be brought closer to God, to ourselves, and to our community. Let’s say our prayers!

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MEET LORI EPPS Youth Director How can you hire one person and get: an enthusiastic and energetic youth director, a talented Praise and Worship singer, an aid to the preschool music program, two very good junior choir members, a church trustee and usher, two dedicated youth mission trips councilors, and two volleyball and softball players. The answer is easy. Hire Lori Epps! Lori, her husband Brent, and daughters Hannah and Hailey, have become so involved in our church congregation it is hard to remember when they were not with us. The whole congregation has benefited from their joining us, and one look at the youth calendar will tell you how involved the youth are. Along with all of this, Lori brings an amazing amount of experience in Christian youth work. Lori is the daughter of founding members of Woodlake UMC, and her Christian experience continued with Young Life while at Manchester High School. Lori later interned at the United Methodist building and during part of her college years, she was Youth Director at Ramsey Memorial UMC with Pastor Tom Sweat. During part of her college career, she served as youth director for both (at the same time) the Methodist and Baptist churches in Kilmarnock, Virginia. In 1995, Lori became the full time Youth Director at St. Marks and served there until 1998. In 1998 she became the Youth Director at Mt. Pisgah and served there until 2001, when the work load of 100 plus youth and a growing family caused her to give up full time leadership, but she continued to volunteer her time with the church programs. Lif UMC. UMC You’ll Y ’ll love l th If you would like to know more, ask her how she ended up at New Life the story.

Come have lunch with the women from new Life Church! Several women met for lunch on October 10. We had a fun time of fellowship. We will meet again on Friday, November 14th, at Peking (next to the Food Lion in Midlothian). Pease RSVP to Laura Adkins by Wednesday, November 12th, [email protected] or 320-8358

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SPECIAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE November is the traditional month of harvest and THANKSGIVING. As we have done for the past several years, New Life will join with our sister area churches for a Community Wide Ecumenical Worship Service on Wednesday Nov. 24, 2008. Worshiping together with Mt. Sinai and Bethel Baptists Churches, we will gather here at New Life for the combined Thanksgiving Celebration. The service begins at 7:00 PM and concludes with a time of fellowship and sharing of various finger foods (bring your favorite to add to the table).

The Second Annual Thanksgiving With Friends . . . Don’t Want To Cook?!? Grandma’s Going Where?!? Can’t Catch Your Turkey?!? Congregational Care Would Like To Invite You To Come, Share Fellowship, And A Meal, With Your New Life Friends On Thanksgiving Day! Location To Be Announced. For More Information And To R.S.V.P., Please Call Robin Ann Gauthier @ 804-350-9045. The Congregational Care Team Would Like To Wish You And Your Family A Happy Thanksgiving! Loyce Edwards

Robin Ann Gauthier

Tracy Swineford

Midge Washburn

Pastor Mike

Ann Pierce, Pastor Jimy

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HANGING OF THE GREENS As we decorate our homes, so do we decorate our church home for the coming of the Advent Season to prepare for the birth of Jesus. We will make this a meaningful and fun time. Since the first Sunday of Advent is November 30, all this will happen on Saturday, November 29 beginning at 2:00 PM. We will join together in the Sanctuary for the special Service of the Hanging of the Greens - learning the symbols of Advent and Christmas as a family. After the service we will gather around for Apple Cider and Christmas Cookies (please bring a plate of your favorites to share.)

DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE CHURCH FAMILY? 1. Visit www.newlifeumc.org and click on Eprayer to submit your prayer request. If submitting via computer is not for you, please call Robin Ann @ 804-350-9045. 2. On Sundays, at worship service, your prayer request can be placed in the offertory plate for the prayer team and/or church family.

IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE IN OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY WHO IS IN NEED OF CARE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR CHURCH OFFICE OR Robin Ann Gauthier @ 804-350-9045.

DAILY DEVOTIONS Again, the Worship Team would like to recommend you pick up a copy of THE UPPER ROOM from the table in the Gathering Area. This is an excellent guide for your personal daily devotions. Each day’s entry is written by United Methodists just like you from around the world and contains a suggested scripture, short devotional thought and prayer.

Anyone interested in helping with the Shaw Ministry should contact Joan Bowers at her new email address msjoanbowers@verizon. net or at at 639-9306. This ministry knitts or crochets Prayer Shawls, then they pray over them. The shawls are given to individuals in the hospital, hospice, a nursing home, or who are going through a difficult time. Lessons will be given to those interested. Everyone is invited!

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A FOCUS ON SUNDAY SCHOOL The children are starting a new Sunday School theme: Isaiah, the prophecy of Jesus. During the months of November and December the children will do activities that help them learn about Isaiah, how God gave him hope that a Messiah will soon come, and that God keeps His promise to all of us! The children will do art projects, storytelling, cooking, science, play games, and watch a video. Bob Andrus will visit us to read a Native American story about Christmas! The Bible story is summarized in Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 9:6; and Isaiah 11:1-9 (Can you find the verses that Handel used in “The Messiah”?). So often we only look at the Christmas story through the lens of the New Testament, but God planned Jesus’ arrival before the world was created! It is a joy to know that God is in control! Every 2-monthed theme needs volunteers to make it a success. If you would like to help out with this program, or if your child would like to start coming and has questions, please contact Cindy Butler, [email protected], 379-3578, 690-4517.

Lori Epps is our new Children’s Choir Director! She has volunteered to work with the preschoolers through fifth graders, starting with the Christmas pageant. Lori has led music for Fun with Faith and Camp Kaleidoscope, and currently teaches music at the New Life weekly preschool program and sings in the praise band. Her own daughters have beautiful voices and a love for singing praises to God; it’s easy to see where they get their passion and talent! If you would like to speak with Lori about helping out or if you have questions, you can call her at 897-4537 or email her at [email protected].

Does your child want to sing &/or act in the Christmas Pageant? It’s not too late to sign up your child (preschool – 6th grade) to be a part of the Christmas pageant! There are many speaking and non-speaking parts, and the Children’s Choir will sing as part of the performance. Your child can be part of the skit and/or the chorus. Most practices are Sunday afternoons and the performance will be December 14th at 4:30. Please contact Tim Gettemy (403-3494) if your child wants a speaking or non-speaking part. Contact Lori Epps (8974537) to be a part of the chorus.

November 2008

The New Millennium Christmas Pageant Performance!

“Happy Birthday, Jesus!” The children (preschool through 5th grade) are celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 14th during the Sunday School hour. There will be activities reinforcing the reason for Christmas, as well as a birthday cake for Jesus! For more information, please contact Jean Hobbs at 378-9947.

New Deadline for the Newsletter Starting in December, any information that you would like to go in the newsletter should be submitted to the office by the second Thursday of the month. Please email your articles to [email protected]. When writing your articles please make sure to include all pertenient information such as when, where, who, etc. Also include complete information for a contact person. All emails will be acknowledged, so if you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Corinne Campbell at 794-4522.

Everyone is welcomed to come to the children’s Christmas pageant on December 14th at 4:30. Afterwards we will have pizza ($5 donation maximum per family), drinks, and dessert. Then we will drive to Brandermill Woods Nursing Home to sing Christmas carols. Please come and be blessed by the children’s performance and be a blessing to others as we carol at Brandermill. If you have questions, please contact Cindy Butler, education@ newlifeumc.org, 379-3578, 690-4517.

Need a Job? Know of a Job? Congregational Care is putting together a “Jobs Network”. Do you know of employment opportunities within your company or elsewhere that you can share with those in our church family that may be in need of work? If so, please submit all opportunities for our file in Congregational Care. Here is how to do that: 1) On a standard index card, please describe the position available and contact information. 2) Submit to the Church office in a sealed envelope to the attention of Congregational Care/Robin Ann Gauthier.

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Epiphany We would like to thank our New Life family for your support of the Epiphany Prison Ministry through your prayers, letters, and monetary donations. The weekend was amazing! Once again, God was so faithful. He showed Himself in such powerful ways to 23 young men. They began to understand the gift of God’s love and forgiveness. They, themselves, started the process of forgiveness, and ALL accepted a cross by the end of the weekend - Praise God! There was a lot of joy and gratefulness from these young men, and they, too, send a big “Thank You” for sharing the love of Christ with them. Please continue to pray for this ministry and these young men. And if you ever feel God calling you to serve in this manner, please let me know. The next weekend will be in May. May God Bless you for your faithfulness~ Sherri Fleck and Tracy Swineford

New Life Weekday Preschool Counts Its Blessings New Life Preschool counts its blessings during this season of Thanksgiving. We are “Thankful” for: •

The 40 families involved in our weekday program

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Loving and caring teachers

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Pastor Mike and Pastor Jimy teaching Chapel Time

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Ms. Lori for teaching Music and Movement weekly

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Our Annual Wheel-A-Thon fund-raiser taking place this month

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Fun field trips (The Chesterfield Berry Farm Pumpkin Patch)

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A solid Christian curriculum (Scripture Bites)

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A supportive church congregation

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And so many more…

New Life Preschool is a ministry of New Life UMC. We are currently in our seventh year of service. If you have a talent or skill you would like to share with the preschool, please contact Tracy Cooper, Director at 794-4522. Also, we have three spaces available in our 3-year old classes. If you know of anyone looking for a school for their 3-year old, please have them call the school at 794-4522.

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Rake & Run Secret Mission on November 2 @ 12:30pm: To Help those in our Congregation & Community by raking leaves for those in need. If you choose to accept this mission…..bring a rake, wear your tennis shoes, and come prepared to be surprised!! We will eat a pizza lunch following the service and then head out to Rake & Run. For more information, please contact Lori Epps.

Talking with God

How’s your prayer life? Are you struggling at school? Could your relationships with Parents, Siblings, and friends use improvement? Are you hurting & lost? Would you like to know what to do with your life? Is Prayer the answer? Join youth at G.R.A.V.I.T.Y. on Sunday, November 9th to learn more about how we can find the answers to life’s questions through talking with God. I am praying that you will answer the call and come.

Hey God….Can you hear me? It’s me……. Want to get connected to God? Do you long for a relationship that is unconditional and filled with love? God is the answer…Come and Worship – Youth Style as we talk to God through our songs, our prayers, our testimonies, and through each other. God said, “Where two or more are gathered, I am here also.” Step into His presence on Sunday, November 16th from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Youth Music News Sunday, November 2nd

3:30-4:30

Sunday, November 9th Sunday, November 16th

Youth Praise Band Practice No Practice

3:30-4:30

Youth Choir Practice

Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday, Nov. 22nd

Youth Jam

Sunday, November 23rd

No Practice

Sunday, November 30th

No Practice

For more information regarding Youth Praise Band or Youth Choir please contact Sarah Cafazza.

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Take a ride on the waves & join us for an exciting time at our Beach Retreat!

Who?

Anyone who wants to have tons of fun with Awesome Youth, Great Food, Dynamic Programs, & an Amazing Location.

What?

We will be hanging-out, learning about God’s plans for us & His great love, playing games, and enjoying one another’s company.

When?

December 5,6,7

Where?

Gainsforth’s Beach Cottage in North Carolina

Why?

Because it would not be the same without you!!!

Cost?

$30, which will cover food, transportation & materials *scholarships available if needed For more information & to sign-up please talk with Lori Epps, Director of Youth Ministries at 794-4522 or [email protected] A Christmas Carol

The Christian Youth Theatre will be putting on their production of “A Christmas Carol” on Sunday, November 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Steward School. Advanced tickets are necessary. We will leave from church following the 11:00a.m. service and go to lunch together before the performance.

Happy Thanksgiving No Youth Group Sunday, November 30th

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New Life Older Adult Ministries Council Be ready for fun and excitement! We are not retired but re-treaded!! Luncha Buncha For our next luncheon on November 9th the Lunch Bunch would like to invite the congregation of New Life to enjoy fellowship as we dine together (dutch) at Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant, 13564 Waterford Place, Midlothian. 12:00 pm. There is a report that we will have an authentic Mariachi Band to serenade us. Sounds like FUN! Please join us! Please make your reservation by calling Olive Jane at 897-0678 or email to MSANODIZE@ COMCAST.NET. Older Adult Ministries (OAM) Bible Study Workshop (Twice a month now 2nd and 4th Thursday) Our Bible Study is scheduled for November 13th.at 10:30 am at the church. If you missed last month---that’s okay, this study will allow you to jump right in now. We will explore Revelation via a short DVD presentation and workbook. (No cost to participants) This study helps separate fiction from Revelation truth. Bring your Bibles. There will be no class on the second Thursday, November 27. Boomers and Beyond and Older Adults After the Bible Study Workshop on November 13, at 11:30 there will be a time of fellowship, lunch and a program. Please bring a sandwich of your choice. A side dish will be provided with hot apple cider, not apple jack! A program will be presented by Linda Shields MSW from The Capital Area Agency on Aging. Linda will bring to us a wealth of information that Boomers and Older will want to have. There are many opportunities and offers available to these unique age groups. So attend and enjoy the program and a delicious meal. Please call Olive Jane and Frank Stiller 897-0678, If you plan to attend this event. Also, Boomers and Beyond enjoyed a Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Train Ride on October 14th. God indeed ordered the colors, scenery, and fellowship of the day. Many participants had enjoyed this train excursion before; however, they said that this was the most colorful and pleasant time of all. God never fails to WOW us when we are attentive. Alzheimer’s Support Group On November 12th.or--- 2nd, Wednesdays we’ll have our monthly Support Group Meeting at the church at 10:00 AM. If you have or even think you may have a loved one with this disease, come and learn more about it. Sometimes care giving can be a challenge and we all learn from each other. A facilitator from The Alzheimer’s Association, Bridget Soyars will bring us up-to-date information.

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Older Adult Ministries Thank You We enjoyed fine fellowship and food--- Thank you Peggy Lee Tsaclas for the delicious meal you gave the Boomers and Beyond at our October meeting. We also thank you, Jill Dynia of Life Line Screening for the informative program concerning Adult Health issues. Thank you New Life for supporting Adult Ministries first Brunswick Stew Sale on Sat. Oct 25. Thank you to all the folks that have helped get our Adult Ministries Council activated. We have had so many wonderful ideas for programs, recreation, and mission projects presented to us. Please don’t stop with the feedback, you are an important factor in our planning. Pastor Jimy Edwards 794-4570

Dear New Life Church:

New Life family & Evangelism Team

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers at the recent loss of our friend and father. Harold Wilbanks. Our round-trip travel to Texas was without incident as we celebrated a life well lived by one who loved the Lord.

Thank you very much for the gift cards. They will come in handy. For those late night studies the Starbucks card will give me a pick up for those early mornings. And when I am pressed for time the Wendy’s & Chick-fil-a cards can be used for lunch.

We are deeply grateful for a praying church family. Pastsy & Jerry Reid

Thank you again! God Bless! Shana Morris

The Epps family would like to say a special thank you to everyone for their prayers, presence, gifts, and service. We have felt such joy & love from our New Life Family during my father’s hospital visit and now recovery. It is such a blessing to call you our brothers & sisters-in-Christ. Thank you for your kindness!

New Life Thank you so much for my gift cards, they will come in handy. I miss you all so much. I am so glad to be apart of New Life. Love Lynette Scott

The Trustees would like to thank everyone who came out to help with the Church workday on October 18th. Windows were washed; floors stripped and resealed, and trees were trimmed. Everyone’s help made it a fun day!

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MUSIC NOTES from Mary Ellen Believe it or not December is close at hand. We are constantly reminded while shopping, through commercials, decorations and ads. One more flip of the calendar page and we are entering a busy month. What gets you in the Christmas Spirit? Well you know MUSIC does it for me. Just a reminder to have you mark, December 7th as an important date in the life of our church with music. The Adult Choir and soloists will be presenting “One Incredible Moment” at both services of worship, 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. “One Incredible Moment” is a musical celebration. “The majesty of the manger, the splendor of the star, the anthem of the angels brings heaven to our hearts; as we proclaim the message, redemption’s timeless plan; in one incredible moment, our God became a man!” The text is by Max Lucado and the music is composed by Tom Fettke. The choir and soloists will be accompanied by an orchestral CD. “More than two thousand years later, the miraculous circumstances of Christ’s birth still astound us; yet everything from that night--the shepherds and the angels, the star and the wise men, the virgin birth in a stable--remains in the shadow of the Child Himself. In one incredible moment, God reunited Creator and created. His perfect plan appeared in the flesh, becoming the cornerstone of man’s redemption. We pray that the wonder of that ‘One incredible Moment’ will be experienced again and that lives will be transformed.” Thank you to all who participated in the Favorite Contemporary Songs and the Favorite Hymns survey. Here is a list in order of popularity which was conducted through September: CONTEMPORARY SONGS: (Many more got one vote) 1. Look Where He’s Brought Me From 2. I Can Only Imagine 3. On Eagles’ Wings 4. A number of songs: Amazing Grace Lord, I Life Your Name on High Amazing Love He Is Exhaulted Draw Me Close to You Over the Mountains and the Sea El Shaddai This Little Light of Mine HYMNS: (Too many hymns to list here got one vote.) 1. Here I Am Lord 2. Blessed Assurance 3. A number of hymns: How Great Thou Art Onward Christian Soldiers In the Garden Because He Lives The Old Rugged Cross Pass It On 4. A number of hymns: Go Tell It on the Mountain God Bless America Great Is Thy Faithfulness Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior Love Lifted Me

New Life United Methodist Church

900 Old Hundred Road Midlothian, Virginia 23114 Office: 804-794-4522 [email protected] Rev. Mike Maxwell: [email protected] www.newlifeumc.org

Inclement Weather Policy The decision to cancel church activities for all or part of a day, or to have a delayed opening, is made as early as possible, but is often affected by changing conditions. In general, decisions regarding canceling church activities will be made by the pastor in conjunction with the Trustees Chair taking into consideration the safety of the facility and travel conditions. Announcements of canceled Sunday services or delayed openings can be found at the following locations: Church Website www.newlifeumc.org NBC Channel 12 Church information line – call 794-4522 for recorded message. For cancellation of meetings or other church events: Church Website www.newlifeumc.org Church information line – call 794-4522 for recorded message. For closing of New Life Preschool: Chesterfield County school systems schedule is followed. If Chesterfield County has a one-hour delayed opening, Preschool will open one-hour late (10:30 a.m.). However, if Chesterfield County has a two-hour delayed opening, the Preschool is closed.