DUMFRIES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Heather Bosley-Papp, Office Manager and Editor e Reverend Doug Geeting, Pastor
January 2011
Just a Thought ....
January has arrived once again. On average,
it is the coldest month of the year in the Northern
Hemisphere. There seems to be excitement for
New Year’s Day, but enthusiasm quickly wanes as
we enter the month and those cold winds blow.
Christmas is over, although we celebrate Epiphany
Sunday, with the arrival of the Wise Men, the miracle
of the manifestation of God in our world. The following Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, in which
we celebrate Jesus’ Baptism by John in the Jordan
River. We will again have a Renewal of our Baptismal
Vows that morning.
But still, it’s after Christmas, after the music in
the stores and on the radio has returned
to regular programming, after the
bills start to come in from Christmas. We are tempted to
make one of those
New Year resolutions,
which may last a week
or so. The decorations are
packed away for another
year. Our thoughts start to
turn towards the coming
spring. We don’t want to be
blanketed with snow like we
were last January. Apparently
January is a cold, dark and boring time of year for us.
We can look at January as the start of a great
adventure. It’s the beginning of a new year, which
brings new opportunities and challenges with it. Perhaps, it’s all a matter of the perspective we choose
as we face each day.
I wonder what the attitude was in the caravan
that took the Magi to Bethlehem? I am sure that
they traveled with expectancy and excitement.
They were bold to ask Herod about the location
of the child who was born king. They followed the
star, followed their passion, followed something that
compelled them forward.
We have never been told the rest of the story.
We know that several men arrived and brought
gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They probably
held the baby and felt the joy of holding a newborn
infant. They were told in a dream to return by another way. And the story of the Wise Men comes to
an end. What way did they go? What did they do?
How were their lives changed or touched? Did they
ever find out that the baby they sought was none
other than God’s own Son, who would become the
Savior of the world?
When we encounter Jesus in our lives, how
do we respond? Do we comprehend the depth of
the love being poured out
upon us? Do we cast all the
cares aside and forget
that it’s cold and wintery
outside, and welcome
God who comes to us
in the simplicity and
wonder of a defenseless infant? Do we
realize that we
simply need to say
“yes” to this gift
of God-with-us?
When we do, our
lives are changed; we
find new directions, hope and
forgiveness, peace and joy. May we
embrace this overwhelming gift from God
down deep within us, where heart and soul kiss.
May we come to renew our vows to live faithfully as
disciples of Jesus. May that spirit of love dwell within
us so we, too, will want to share that good news and
faith with others by inviting them to come in out of
the cold of January to discover the warmth and
love of Jesus.
Thank you so very much for your many wonderful cards and remembrances of us this Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Blessings and love,
Pastor Doug,
January Reflections
Isaiah 49:149:1-7
Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention,
you peoples from far away! The LORD called me
before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb
he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp
sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he
made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me
away. And he said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I
have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for
nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the
LORD, and my reward with my God.” And now
the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be
his servant, to bring
bring Jacob back to him, and that
Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored
in the sight of the LORD, and my God has
become my strength—
strength— he says, “It is too light a
thing that you should be my servant to raise up
the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of
Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that
my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel
and his Holy One, to one deeply despised,
abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they
shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD,
who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has
chosen you.”
This reading is considered to be a
servant song, addressing the people of
Israel, and includes all of us today.
We hear of a powerful calling to
mission and ministry. We are known by
the words we speak. Here the servant,
Isaiah, speaks the word of God. For a
time, the servant was hidden, much like
a sword inside its sheath. It is with
strong language about the power of God
that the servant addresses the people.
Yet, the servant is so very aware of
the importance of his ministry, his
mission that he feels like a failure for not
living up to the expectations of God.
However, what begins as a lament turns
into praise and confidence. He sees his
life totally under the rule and guidance of
God. This is all Isaiah needs in order to
have the assurance of success.
There is a message for Isaiah to be
a light to all nations, sharing God’s
salvation to the ends of the earth, and
sounding much like the covenant God
made with Abraham. God is the
Redeemer and Holy One. We find God’s
holiness revealed negatively in
judgment, but shown to us positively in
redemption. This prophecy has been
fulfilled in Jesus, the servant Messiah.
And now we, too, are given a mission to
reach out to the world.
If we are known by our words, how
are you known? Do your words honor
God when we speak them?
The servant has been in despair
over what seems to be failure; however,
he finds his ultimate reward in God. SO
how do we measure success? When
things are not going well, do we find
strength and confidence in our
relationship with God? Do we try to go it
alone? We hear so much noise in the
world, so many negative voices for a
variety of reasons. When you look at
your life, what are your feelings about
your own worth? Are they tied to the
ways the world measures success? What
does it mean to be called by God? Are
you aware that He calls you? What must
we change to claim the call God places
upon our lives?
Saturday, January 1
Happy New Year!!
Sunday, January 2
Kings Kids Choir, 9:15 am, Room 217
Chancel Choir, 10 am, Room 229
Youth Group, 3 pm, P. K.’s Office
Monday, January 3
“Un-Trim” the Church, 9:30 am
Bread & Fishes, 6 pm
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
UMW Executive Board, 7 pm, MH
Guitar Clinic, 7:30 pm, S
Tuesday, January 4
CS Pack 1189, 7 pm, MH
Wednesday, January 5
Prayer Warriors, 10 am, S
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
DUMC Bells, 6:30 pm, Room 224
Choir, 7:00 pm, Room 229
Boy Scout Troop 74, 7 pm, MH
Thursday, January 6
Praise Team Practice, 7 pm, S
GS Troop 3381, 7 pm, UR
Disciple Study, 7 pm, Room 221
This We Believe Study, 7 pm, Rm 216
Friday, January 7
Kids In Christ, 6:30 pm, MH
Saturday, January 8
Love Threaders Quilters, 12 pm, UR
Sunday, January 9
UMM Breakfast, 8:15 am - 12:30 pm
Care and Share, 12 pm, MH
Youth Group, 3 pm, P. K.’s Office
Youth Praise, 5 pm, Room 229
Monday, January 10
Feed My Sheep, 5:30 pm
Bread & Fishes, 6 pm
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Guitar Clinic, 7:30 pm, S
Tuesday, January 11
CS Pack 1189, 7 pm, MH
Peter Bible Study, 7 pm, Room 216
Wednesday, January 12
Prayer Warriors, 10 am, S
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Boy Scout Troop 74, 7 pm, MH
DUMC Bells, 6:30 pm, Room 224
Choir, 7:00 pm, Room 229
KEY:
S - Sanctuary
Thursday, January 13
Praise Team Practice, 7 pm, S
GS Troop 3381, 7 pm, UR
Disciple Study, 7 pm, MH
This We Believe Study, 7 pm, Rm 216
Friday, January 14
Book Club, 7 pm, MH
Saturday, January 15
Trustees, 8:30 am, Room 221
Tuesday, January 25
CS Pack 1189, 7 pm, MH
Peter Bible Study, 7 pm, Room 216
Wednesday, January 26
Prayer Warriors, 10 am, S
Finance , 6:30 pm, Pastor’s Office
Church Council, 7:30 pm, Room 221
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Boy Scout Troop 74, 7 pm, MH
NO Music Ministry Practices
Sunday, January 16
Kings Kids Choir, 9:15 am, Room 217
Chancel Choir, 10 am, Room 229
Youth Group, 3 pm, P. K.’s Office
Youth Praise, 5 pm, Room 229
Thursday, January 27
Staff Meeting, 11 am, Pastor’s Office
Followed by Lunch
Praise Team, 7 pm, S
Disciple Study, 7 pm, MH
Monday, January 17
This We Believe Study, 7 pm, Rm 216
Martin Luther King Day - Office Closed GS Troop 3381, 7 pm, UR
Bread & Fishes, 6 pm
Saturday, January 29
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Girl Scouts, 12 pm, MH, K
Guitar Clinic, 7 pm, S
Sunday, January 30
UMW General Meeting, 7:15 pm, MH
Kings Kids Choir, 9:15 am, Room 217
Tuesday, January 18
Chancel Choir, 10 am, Room 229
CS Pack 1189, 7 pm, MH
Youth Group, 3 pm, P. K.’s Office
Peter Bible Study, 7 pm, Room 216
Wednesday, January 19
Prayer Warriors, 10 am, S
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Boy Scout Troop 74, 7 pm, MH
DUMC Bells, 6:30 pm, Room 224
Choir, 7:00 pm, Room 229
Thursday, January 20
Praise Team Practice, 7 pm, S
GS Troop 3381, 7 pm, UR
Disciple Study, 7 pm, Room 221
This We Believe Study, 7 pm, Rm 216
Saturday, January 22
Acolyte Training, 9:30 am, S
Sunday, January 23
Kings Kids Choir, 9:15 am, Rm 217
Chancel Choir, 10 am, Room 229
Youth Group, 3 pm, P.K.’s Office
Youth Praise, 5 pm, Room 229
Youth Praise, 5 pm, Room 229
UMM Chili Cook-Off, 5 pm, MH
Monday, January 31
Bread & Fishes, 6 pm
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
Guitar Clinic, 7 pm, S
Times and events listed in our monthly
calendar are subject to change.
Please remember the online calendar is
also a useful resource:
www.dumfriesumc.org
Please read your weekly bullen
announcements to keep abreast of
changes.
Monday, January 24
Feed My Sheep, 5:30 pm
Bread & Fishes, 6 pm
Choir to Sing, Rehearsal to Follow
Karate, 6:30 pm, UR
NO Guitar Clinic
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K - Kitchen
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MH - Markham Hall
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UR - Upper Room
Marisa Hess
Jerrett Snyder
Robert Collins
Ollie Smith
Catherine
Winneberger
Cecile Gray
Andy Billman
Danielle Fleming
J D Ramey
Sharon Dougherty
Doug Hudgins
Connie Keys
Van Keys
Jason Umberger
Lynda Flatford
James Lassister
Nikki Tarry
Evelyn Fleming
Qua'Maine Lassister
Howard Mahle
Don Barron
Travis Dodson
Jeffrey Tidd
Carolee Alachnowicz
Michael
Duffour-Donkor
Mathew Johnson
John Cocowitch
Brady Fleming
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January 15
Please note:
all submissions for the
February Happenings must
be in the office
No Later Than
January 15th
to ensure inclusion.
The Next Selection The Reliable Wife
By Robert Goolrick
Friday, January 14th
7pm, MH
Coming February 11th:
Hotel on the Corner of
Bitter and Sweet
By Jamie Ford
Thomas & Carolyn Rachele
Chuck & Ginni Thomas
Van & Connie Keys
Kenny & Miriam Chorpenning
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UMM Chili Cook Off
Dust off those cook
books and bring your
best pot of chili to the
5th Annual UMM
Chili Cook-Off!
Sunday, January 30th,
5pm, Markham Hall.
Look for a sign-up sheet
in the Narthex.
‘Un-trim’
the Tree
2011 MAGNETIC
CALENDARS
New Year Sale
Get Yours Today
2 for $5
Many hands
make light work;
please come and
help. Monday,
January 3, 9:30 am
When you get to
your wit’s end,
you’ll find that
God lives there.
United Methodist Women’s General Meeting is January 17, 2011
Come for fellowship and fun in Markham Hall Monday night @ 7:15
Thank you for all you did in November and December with
coats, hats and gloves; there will not be a mission collection for this month.
United Methodist Day at VA General Assembly is February 3rd.
Registration deadline is January 22nd.
Things were a little slower in December for UMM. However, January 30 is the chili cook off.
I, for one, am looking forward to that. This is a fun event and the costs are minimal for all involved. Last year we had 12 entries and over 50 people attended. This year promises to be just
as much fun. Watch for flyers during the month of January. There will be a sign up sheet for
those bringing in an entrée.
December 14 was the UMM Christmas Party. To celebrate we went to the Old Country
Buffet in Dale City on Prince William Blvd. There were 19 guys and their wives attending.
The UMM breakfast continues to be popular. The menu continues to vary from time to
time but that is a good thing. We have pancakes, French toast, a variety of meats, tater tots,
grits, donuts, and coffee or tea. Where can you beat the price for an all you can eat breakfast
for a donation to UMM ministries?
Fred Grabner
UMM President
Fred Grabner
Pres. UMM
Acolyte Training
Training for those children and youth who are interested in serving our
church as acolytes will be held Saturday, January 22, 9:30-10:30 in the church
sanctuary. The main requirement for serving as an acolyte is that the young
person be mature enough to sit quietly and reverently throughout the service
and that he/she be tall enough to light the candles on the altar table.
The word “acolyte” is taken from an ancient Greek word that meant
companion, attendant, or helper. It also means server and that is what our acolytes do: they
serve our pastor and the church in worship.
Both boys and girls serve as acolytes. Our acolytes are assigned to serve for a month at
a time and they serve at the worship service (9:00 and/or 11:00) that their family attends.
Those acolytes who are presently serving are welcome to attend training for a “refresher”
course.
For more information, please call the acolyte coordinator Nancy West at 703-221-1372.
NURSERY NEWS
Are you looking for a place to serve in our church?
Does the sound of a giggling child make you smile?
Is a rocking chair one of your favorite places?
Do you have a heart for sharing Jesus with our youngest members?
Yvonne Frye, after a number of years serving as our Nursery Worker, has decided
that she would like an opportunity to be back in regular Worship and Sunday School.
In light of Yvonne’s resignation, our Sunday morning nursery will now be staffed by volunteers. We will
need to have 2 adults (men and women) for the 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am hours. If we can develop a
group of 8-12 people for each hour, you would be called upon to serve every 4-6 weeks. Please consider staying an additional hour and providing nursery coverage. Once we get established we will look to
add youth volunteers as well. We are in the process of writing guidelines for everyone to follow.
Resources to use will be provided.
Please sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Mark Your Calendars
August 8-12, 2011
PANDA PONDERINGS
The New Year has arrived and plans for this years’ Vacation Bible School
are underway; I can feel the excitement starting to build! You may be
wondering if I have really lost it since it is only January, but bringing together PandaMania and not “panda”monium takes lots of prayer and
planning. Please add VBS to you daily prayer list. Watch for PANDA
Spottings – the panda will be of all shapes and sizes. Once you see one,
complete a spotting card and place it in the envelope in the Sunday
School Hallway (starting January 2nd). There will be a special treat for 3
randomly drawn winners each month. POC: Barbara Swingle
PANDA TRIVA QUESTIONS
What is the Chinese word for Panda?
What does the Panda eat?
Do pandas hibernate?
How much do male bears weigh in the wild?
Look for the answers in February’s Happenings!
Love Threaders Quilting Group
Don’t miss our January 8th meeting!
Come join us for this month’s Love Threaders fellowship!
We won’t meet again until next quarter so plan to join us this time. It may be chilly
outside but the Upper Room will be filled with the warmth and light of Christ on
Saturday, January 8th, from 12 - 3 pm. We will bring our own lunches, share a
devotional, and make more prayer quilts. But this time we will also start our new
project: knitting and crocheting caps for babies, children, and chemo patients.
We will share patterns, needles, and yarn, and then finish our projects at home.
We will donate the caps to local hospitals and shelters.
We would love for you (and your children who are old enough to handle scissors and needles) to join us
even if you have never quilted, crocheted or knitted before.
Most of the quilting process involves pressing, cutting, layering, pinning, and tying the fabric (you can already do that), and we are eager to teach you and your children the sewing, knitting, and crochet skills.
So plan to bring your own lunch and something to share such as a favorite devotional, Christian music,
fabric or yarn.
Yours in Christ,
Nancy Hummer
[email protected]
There is always room for you!
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL
10:10 - 10:50 am
Come join us and Study Regularly
If you would like to start a new class or have a topic that you would like to study please contact
Barbara Swingle, 703-580-6408, or [email protected]
Have you made any resolutions this year? Tom has challenged us each to draw nearer to God.
Sunday School is a great way to draw near; bring your children and encourage our youth to
attend. Set the example for others by being a faithful attendee in class. Set your priorities for the
New Year. Will you: read the Bible daily, complete a Bible study, learn about Christian worship
traditions, attend church and Sunday School weekly, complete a daily random act of kindness, the
list can go on and on. You can take charge of what happens in this New Year!
New Women’s Class
Women of the Covenant: Spiritual Wisdom from Women of the Bible
By: Kimberly Sowell, Edna Ellison
God Himself made a covenant with His people, and throughout the ages He has remained perfectly
faithful to His covenant promises. Just as the women of the Bible experienced His faithfulness, so can
believers today. The matriarchs of the faith left a legacy of timeless truth for the women who would
follow. God led such incredible women as Deborah, Rebekah, Miriam, and Hannah through life
experiences that now offer great wisdom for the Christian life. Women of the Covenant explores the
stories of eight women from Scripture. The authors also include contemporary faith stories from their
experiences. These unique testimonies show meaningful application of the scriptural truth explored in
each lesson. This eight-lesson study includes questions for individual preparation and group discussion.
God's inspired Word includes stories of real people - with both failures and victories - that point to the
redeeming work of God, experienced today through Jesus Christ.
JANUARY BIBLE STUDIES
Listening to God Through 1 & 2 Peter, Lectio Divina Bible Studies
Thursdays, 7- 8:30pm beginning January 6, Room 216
Lectio Divina, Latin for divine reading, is the ancient Christian practice of
communicating with God through the reading and study of Scripture. This Bible study
builds on this practice, introducing modern readers of the Bible to the time-honored
tradition of "listening for God" through His Word incorporating silence, reading,
meditation and prayer.
This We Believe -The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice
Tuesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm, starting January 11, Room 216
For John Wesley, the Bible is the joyfully consistent testimony of God’s never-ending grace and everseeking love. Likewise, studying the Bible is more than merely knowing what Scripture says; it is also
about living every day as a child of God.
Beginning with the Core Terms found in The Wesley Study Bible, Bishop Willimon systematically lays out
key Wesleyan tenets of faith so that you will have a fresh way to hear God’s voice, share in God’s
grace, and become more like Jesus Christ.
Lenten Devotions
This year we would like to provide each member of our church family with a Lenten
devotional. This devotional will include the day’s scripture, a meditation and a
prayer. Each days devotions will be written by members of our church and will follow
the lectionary scripture references. If you would like to write a devotion please sign up NLT January 3.
Assignments will be given by January 7 and completed devotions returned NLT January 24. If you have
questions please see Mike Gentile or Tom Swingle.
Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed a great end to 2010 and
are looking forward to a fantastic 2011. One of the great things about
the New Year is that it reminds us that we have the chance to begin
again, to correct old mistakes, and to get our lives back on track.
So, how are your resolutions going? Did you make any? How many
have you already broken? How many are the same ones you made –
and broke - last year? I admit that I stopped making New Years resolutions several years ago. It seemed that within a few weeks or a month, I
had broken most of them and within two months, I had forgotten what they were.
I think that we don’t give up on our resolutions as quickly as we forget why we made
them. More than that, I think that sometimes we don’t understand why we want to change
or even if we’re changing at all. Results may not come fast enough. We commit to eating
better, or exercising, or losing weight so we will feel better, or look better, or live longer, but
when we don’t see any visible improvement in a few weeks, we wonder why we need to
discipline ourselves. Then when we miss a day or two of exercise, or go off our diet and
don’t feel any worse, we begin to question the whole point. Maybe we become victims of
our own success. We commit to a goal, say losing 20 pounds and we remain committed to
that goal until we meet it. Then we go back to our old way of living (I know about this one,
Barbara can tell you I’ve lost hundreds of pounds, 20 pounds at a time, but still I weigh the
same or more than I did last year). Or maybe we just become overwhelmed with the requirements we place on ourselves. We commit to reading each night or morning, but our
personal and family schedules don’t work out and we are just plain too tired to continue.
These things happen when we do things for, and of, ourselves.
John Wesley, in his sermon, “The More Excellent Way”, gives a different perspective.
He talks about every day things of life, how much we sleep, what we eat, our work, how to
pray, how to use our free time, and how to use our money. He says that for most Christians
there is nothing wrong with what they are doing, but there is a “More Excellent Way”. Do
everything to the glory of God with a goal of drawing nearer to God. Get enough sleep to
refresh yourself, but don’t lie about, and use the time you gain as a result productively. Eat
enough to give you energy for the day, and remember to thank God for your food. Remember who your true boss is and make your work a work of praise. When you pray, really
talk to God. Praise Him, cry out to Him, Tell Him the desires of your heart, and then agree to
do His will. Think about whether your pastimes draw you nearer or move you further from
God. And remember God is the source all you have and use your resources to help His kingdom grow.
WOW! That provides a new perspective on resolutions! I should eat and exercise and
rest because I want to be healthy and able to do God’s work. I should read and pray, and
order my day to better understand God’s Word and know the will of God in my life. I should
evaluate everything I do to see whether it moves me closer to or further from God. These
things will still be hard to do, but if I do them to the glory of God, He will be faithful and give
me the strength and perseverance I need.
So this year, I am making one resolution, to draw closer to God. I will look at everything I do to see if it helps me to keep that resolution. And I know that because of God’s
love when I fail, I won’t have to wait until next year to start again.
Tom Swingle
The Christian Life Of Prayer
“The natural person does not
accept the things of the Spirit of
God for they are folly to him,
and he is not able to understand
them because they are
spiritually discerned. The spiritual
person judges all things, but is he
to be judged by no one. For who has understood
the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we
have the mind of Christ.” ~ 1Corinthians 2:14-16
Delivered Out Of Darkness
What it really boils down to is that people
who have not received God’s justifying
grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit
have no meaningful means for discerning
wisdom, other than their natural senses
through the filter of their human
understanding. They are limited by their
senses and are unable to grasp or even be
grasped by the mind and heart of Christ. It’s
about what influences our passions and
desires. It’s about what we embrace and
how we comprehend truth and
consequently in what manner we respond
to that truth. It’s about matters that can
only be discovered, when the revelation is
revealed to a regenerated heart.
This isn’t about a diminished ability, for
everything God has intended for good has
been given to each and every person, by
Grace, for their own recreation. But our
animal senses, absent the power to
activate God’s graces by the means of our
regeneration through the Holy Spirit, will
surely pervert God’s truth. A perfect
example of this would be the principles
involved in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus.
All the players were there, the politicians,
the great religious thinkers of the times, and
the crowd of majority thought. And yet, this
cross-section of human wisdom was blind to
the reality and significance of the Christ
who prayed for their lack of wisdom. They
could not know the truth for their hearts and
minds were governed by their carnal
instincts and concerns. Their eyes had not
seen, their ears could not hear and their
hearts would not receive the love that God
had prepared for them since the founding
of the world.
The good news is that there are these things
that God has prepared for those who love
him. And these things are illuminated
through the light of the gospel which gives
life and abolishes death through the Spirit of
Christ Jesus. The great truths of the gospel
are unreachable without God’s inspiration
because no human mind can receive it
absent the council of the Holy Spirit who
was sent at the behest of the Son of God.
These truths do not need to be garnished
by any human skill or eloquence for the
Spirit of God teaches and gives all who
receive Him the words of wisdom and the
discernment needed in order to judge
righteousness.
Why is this important, why should we the
children of God concern ourselves with this
dynamic? The simple answer is that the
causes of divisions are born out of hearts
that are devoid of God’s Spirit. The light
shines into the darkness and the darkness
cannot comprehend it but in fact the
darkness will choose to focus instead upon
the shadows created by the light. But those
who have received the baptism of the Holy
Spirit have been transformed into the
kingdom of God’s beloved Son and
delivered out of that darkness and into the
very mind of Christ Jesus.
By: Michael Gentile, Prayer Coordinator
A New Melody
By Howard Thurman
The old song of my spirit has wearied itself out. It has long ago been learned by
heart so that now it repeats itself over and over, bringing no added joy to my days or lift
to my spirit. It is a good song, measured to a rhythm to which I am bound by ties of habit
and timidity of mind. The words belong to old experiences which once sprang fresh as
water from a mountain crevice fed by melting snows. But my life has passed beyond to
other levels where the old song is meaningless. I demand of the old song that it meet the
need of present urgencies. Also, I know that the work of the old song, perfect in its place,
is not for the new demand!
I will sing a new song. As difficult as it is, I must learn the new song that is capable
of meeting the new need. I must fashion new words born of all the new growth of my life,
my mind and my spirit. I must prepare for new melodies that have never been mine before, that all that is within me may lift my voice unto God. How I love the old familiarity of
the wearied melody - how I shrink from the harsh discords of the new untried harmonies.
Teach me, my Father, that I might learn with the abandonment and enthusiasm of
Jesus, the fresh new accent, the untried melody, to meet the need of the untried morrow. Thus, I may rejoice with each new day and delight my spirit in each fresh unfolding.
I will sing, this day, a new song unto Thee, O God.
In Our Worship
O God of the music in our lives,
We sing your praises
And of your glory.
Thank you
For the music in life.
For the words and notes,
For the melodies and harmonies
Which move us.
We pray, that with your leading,
We will bring glory to you
And inspire those who hear us,
As we share in the service of worship.
Thank you for this wonderful gift.
We realize
There is more to the music and harmony of life
Than there is in a particular anthem, hymn,
response, or organ fugue.
Help us to see the greater vision
And be of service to those around us.
At times we are tempted to hear only our own
parts,
And ignore the rest.
Help us hear the whole piece
With vibrato and power.
Be with us as we celebrate your Word
And the wonders you perform.
Uplift us as we join our voices together.
Help us find our strength in you.
Quiet our hearts and minds
That we may hear your voice
And know your love and mercy.
Inspire us,
That we may make a joyful noise
And sing to the Lord a new-made song,
Because our lives have been touched by you.
For the sake of Christ, we pray. Amen!
Pastor Doug
Unchurched Harry and Mary: What Makes Them Tick?
Worship services at Willow Creek Community Church, located in a northwest Chicago
suburb, attract 15,000 people each week. In his book, Lee Strobel describes the kind of young
adult Willow Creek leaders think about when planning their worship, preaching, and programs.
Leaders of every congregation can benefit from Strobel’s description of “Unchurched Harry
and Mary.”
1.
2.
3.
4.
The have rejected church, but they have not necessarily rejected God.
They are morally adrift, but they secretly want an anchor.
They resist rules but respond to reasons.
The have legitimate questions about spiritual matters, but they do not expect answers from
Christians.
5. They do not ask, “Is Christianity true?” as often at they ask, “Does Christianity work?”
6. They do not want beliefs and values; they want to experience them.
7. They do not want to be somebody’s project, but they would like to be somebody’s friend.
8. The distrust authority, but they are receptive to authentic biblical leadership.
9. They are no longer loyal to denominations, but they are attracted to places that meet their
needs.
10. They are not joiners, but they are hungry to connect with a cause.
11. Even if they are not spiritually sensitive, they want their children to get quality moral training.
12. They take pride in their tolerance of different faiths, but they think Christians are narrowminded.
13. They may try church if a friend invites them, but they often respond negatively to that
church’s worship experience.
14. When they attend church, they value anonymity.
15. In worship services, they look for quality, creativity and something from the heart.
16. They look for something in the worship service to which they can relate, and the best possibilities are music, humor and drama.
17. The expect sermons that deal with ‘the why’ as much as ‘the what’.
18. They expect sermons that speak their language and are not holier-than-thou.
Do you know anyone that fits this description? The experts tell us these unchurched folks
are the ones we need to reach out to in love. What modifications do you think Dumfries UMC
should make to bring the unchurched into our fellowship?
17th Century Nun’s Prayer
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself, that I am
growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal
habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on
every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not
bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it
all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me
wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains.
They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming
sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility
and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with
the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint – some
of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of
the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good
things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people.
And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.
AMEN
Do you have the heart of a servant? Are you feeling called to reach out to others? Would you like to
show love and compassion to those around you? Then the Care and Share Committee is for you!! We
would like for you to join us!
There is a position for EVERYONE - from short visits, a quick phone call, or simply dropping a note in the
mail. Please join us at our next meeting for a no obligation, risk free trial!
The purpose of the Care and Share Committee is to reach out to those who are not able to attend
services, may be hospitalized, or away at college.
There are many ways you can serve on the committee!!
~ Making phone calls
~ Visiting
~ Sending Cards
~ Helping around the house (yard work, etc)
~ and ????
Please contact me for more information!
Jennifer Marth, 703-897-8014, [email protected]
Check us out on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/careandshareatDUMC
To Care & Share For You
Do you know someone who is unable to get out and about and would benefit from a visit
from the Care & Share Committee? Maybe even just have them added to the ‘Card
Ministry’ and sweets notes will be sent to them periodically. Just fill out the form and leave it
in my mailbox and we’ll do the rest! Jennifer Marth [email protected]
Please check below:
◊
Home Visits
◊
Cards Only
◊
I Would like to join Committee
Their Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Their Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Their Phone #: _____________________________________________________________________
Your Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Your Phone #: _____________________________________________________________________
Your Email: ________________________________________________________________________
Share His Incredible News Everywhere!
Woodbridge/
Dumfries Store
16714 Jefferson Davis Highway (US1)
Dumfries, VA 22026
(703) 221-0609
Store Manager: Frances Halpern
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703-221-2880
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January Youth Events
Sunday, 2
Youth Group, 3 - 5 pm
Sunday, 9
Youth Group, 3 - 5 pm
Sunday, 16
Youth Group, 3 - 5 pm
How To Contact Pastor Kwon:
Pastor Kwon has church office
hours on Thursdays from 9 am
until Noon. You can call the
office, 703-221-2880, and
Heather will put you through to
him. Or, you can email him:
[email protected] to
arrange an appointment.
Sunday, 23
Youth Group, 3 - 5 pm
Sunday, 30
Youth Group, 3 - 5 pm
All youth 6th-12th Grades Welcome!!
Youth Group meets upstairs
in Pastor Kwon’s office
All families with children or grandchildren Kindergarten - 5th grade
(younger and older siblings always welcomed) are welcome to join us.
If you have questions call or e-mail – Barbara Swingle: 703-580-6408 - [email protected]
January 7, 2011
6:30-8:00 pm
New Beginnings
We will have a building challenge
– kids vs. adults.
Reach out to our shut-ins and
make plans for our hosting
the Feed My Sheep Dinner on
January 10, 5:30 pm
Soup and Sandwich for Dinner
February 4, 2011
6:30-8:00 pm
It’s All About Love
Valentines will be the order of the day.
We will have a heart shaped theme
pot-luck dinner.
4 March 2011
6:30-8:00
Getting Ready for Lent
We will learn about Lenten traditions
and have a Mardi Gras Dinner.
Watch for more details.
2011 Church Meetings
Church Council
Fourth Wednesday, 7:30 PM
Except November - 30th
Finance
Fourth Wednesday, 6 or 6:30 pm (watch bulletin for time)
Except November - 30th
3rd
Trustees
Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM
Book Club
2nd Friday of each month at 7:30 PM
Youth Group
Sundays, 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM
Kid in Christ
1st Friday, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Praise Band Practice
Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Chancel Choir
Sundays at 10:00 AM & Wednesdays (except 4th) 7:00 PM
4th Mondays at 7:00 PM
Bread and Fishes, with the Clothes Closet
Mondays from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM
Bread and Fishes Worship Service
Mondays 6:30 PM until 7:00 PM
Care and Share Committee
Second Sunday at 12:00 PM
Feed My Sheep
2nd and 4th Mondays at 5:30 PM
Dumfries United Methodist Church
3890 Cameron Street
Dumfries, VA 22026
Sunday Worship Services
8:15 am - Communion Service
9:00 am - Praise & Worship Service
10:10 am - Sunday School For All
11:00 am - Traditional Worship Service
Church Phone Number: 703-221-2880
Fax Number: 703-221-4605
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website address: www.dumfriesumc.org
Office hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Who We Are
Resident Bishop: Bishop Charlene Kammerer
District Superintendent: Reverend Ken Jackson
Pastor: Reverend Doug Geeting
Director of Youth and Young Adults:
Reverend Hyeok Won Kwon
Traditional Music Director: Betty Wade
Praise & Worship Music Director: Tom Geenty
Office Manager: Heather Bosley-Papp