mt. hope messenger church of december, 2014 christ...max lucado “words of hope”. he stated that...

12
Mt. Hope United Church of Christ 2400 Mt. Hope Church Rd. Whitsett, NC 27377 Office: 336-697-1561 Fax: 336-697-1449 e-mail:[email protected] website: www.mthopeucc.com church pastor Rev. J. Lloyd Spencer Cell: 336-420-6030 Home: 336-447-4169 e-mail:[email protected] Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-Noon church secretary Shirley Connor Office hours: Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Thurs. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. consistory president Lloyd Gilliam choir director / organist Tim Hucks custodian Brenda Currie Mt. Hope Messenger December, 2014 I’ve often thought that it wasn’t just a coincidence. Thanksgiving followed so closely by Christmas seems like a good idea no matter what. When you go through a year filled with so many emotional things it often drags you down. Unfortunately Thanksgiving and Christmas (the holidays) often do the very same thing. You have to prepare for the Thanksgiving meal and the thanks you’re given is everyone gathering around the TV to watch a football game. You spend hours and hours shopping for just the right gift and folks just can’t wait to get back to the store to exchange it for what they really want. We can spend a lot of time looking at all the things that are wrong with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve often thought that it wasn’t just a coincidence. Sure, what we’ve made of the holidays can really drain us. What we need to do for just a moment is to think about what those holidays are really all about. What if we just prepared a simple meal on Thanksgiving and then sat around telling each other what we’re most thankful for? What if the gift we gave someone was to tell them just how much we love them and how important they are in our lives? In a matter of one month we have the opportunity to really remember what we’re thankful for and we have the opportunity to remember who we have to be thankful for. My hope is that each and every one of us takes this opportunity to remember the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even more, my hope is that each and every one of us remembers that Jesus came to remind us that love is the greatest gift we can ever give or receive. Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas, and the very best of both seasons to everyone. Lloyd

Upload: others

Post on 27-Jun-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

Mt. Hope United

Church of

Christ

2400 Mt. Hope Church Rd.

Whitsett, NC 27377

Office: 336-697-1561

Fax: 336-697-1449

e-mail:[email protected]

website: www.mthopeucc.com

church pastor

Rev. J. Lloyd Spencer Cell: 336-420-6030

Home: 336-447-4169

e-mail:[email protected]

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-Noon

church secretary

Shirley Connor Office hours:

Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Thurs. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

consistory president

Lloyd Gilliam

choir director / organist

Tim Hucks

custodian

Brenda Currie

Mt. Hope Messenger December, 2014

I’ve often thought that it wasn’t just a

coincidence. Thanksgiving followed so

closely by Christmas seems like a good idea

no matter what. When you go through a year

filled with so many emotional things it often

drags you down.

Unfortunately Thanksgiving and Christmas (the

holidays) often do the very same thing. You have to prepare

for the Thanksgiving meal and the thanks you’re given is

everyone gathering around the TV to watch a football

game. You spend hours and hours shopping for just the

right gift and folks just can’t wait to get back to the store to

exchange it for what they really want. We can spend a lot

of time looking at all the things that are wrong with

Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I’ve often thought that it wasn’t just a coincidence. Sure,

what we’ve made of the holidays can really drain us. What

we need to do for just a moment is to think about what those

holidays are really all about. What if we just prepared a

simple meal on Thanksgiving and then sat around telling

each other what we’re most thankful for? What if the gift

we gave someone was to tell them just how much we love

them and how important they are in our lives? In a matter

of one month we have the opportunity to really remember

what we’re thankful for and we have the opportunity to

remember who we have to be thankful for.

My hope is that each and every one of us takes this

opportunity to remember the real meaning of Thanksgiving

and Christmas. Even more, my hope is that each and every

one of us remembers that Jesus came to remind us that love

is the greatest gift we can ever give or receive. Happy

Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas, and the very best of both

seasons to everyone.

Lloyd

Page 2: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

Mt. Hope United Church of Christ

Consistory Meeting Minutes

October 9, 2014

Members Present: Gloria Apple, Linda Ayers,

Dallas Belvin, Bill Craft, Lloyd Gilliam, Cathy

Gossett, Clifton Greeson, Bob Hamlett, Cheryl

Royal, and Becky Stafford.

Trustees Present: Harden Phipps and Wesley Reece

and Stephen Shue.

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. A

quorum was established and President Lloyd

reviewed the proposed agenda.

Devotions: Lloyd Gilliam presented his devotion by

Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as

Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid

of saying the wrong thing. We can find blessings of

hope by reading the Bible for words of

encouragement such as John 3-16, the 23rd Psalm and

in Romans.

Trustee’s Report – Harden Phipps

Harden stated that Liberty Oil has called for the

final inspection and once this is completed we should

be ready for the initial start-up. He expects the

system to be up and running by the end of October.

Harden reported that the final cost of the new

HVAC System was $108,629.78. Of this amount

$40,000.00 down payment has been made and once

everything was complete the balance would be due.

He noted that special thanks should go out to Ray

Neese for his outstanding job doing the insulation of

the pipes, Noral Belvin for his contributions, and to

Bob Hamlett for his donation of the heating unit in

the balcony.

It was reported that the dish washer in the

Fellowship kitchen had been repaired at a cost of

$373.36 and Clifton Greeson stated that this amount

would be paid out of the Supper Fund.

It was noted that the results of the stage cleanup

were complete thanks to Sharon Moore, Gloria

Apple, Pat Branson, Barbara Greeson, and Sylvia

and Lloyd Gilliam. We would also like to thank Josh

Apple for helping to organize the Nativity Scene in

the room.

Approve previous month’s minutes: The minutes

from the September meeting were read and

approved. A motion was made and seconded that we

approve the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Craft

Bill Craft reported that we took in $16,334.70 in

September and dispersed $20,150.49. In other words,

for September expenditures exceeded income by

$3,815.79.

He noted that September was one of four “big hit”

months annually due to payments due both to the

Insurance Board and to the Pension Board. Major

expenses for September (over $1000) included the

Insurance Board payment, $4,887.75; Staff Salaries,

$4,593.89, our UCC Pension Board payment,

$3,539.60; our Pastoral Housing Allowance,

$1,153.00; and Duke Energy $1,147.51. A motion

was made and seconded to approve the September

report. The motion was carried.

Bill noted that the Consistory’s wish to provide

emergency funds to Mickey and MacKenzie

Whitehead to help with family medical expenses has

been taken care of. A total of $650 was provided as

$150 from the Community Resource allotment in the

General Fund and $500 from the Community

Resource Account Fund which is a separate account

supported via donations from our congregation and

from fundraisers such as the Andy Open.

Bill Craft gave an update of the billings from

Superior Mechanical for HVAC repair. We have

received three bills. The first invoice of $40,646.00

was paid on 5/16/2014. The second invoice was for

$40,000. It was not paid when received because Jim

Fields indicated that since the work was nearly

completed we could wait until we had the final

invoice. There was a discussion as to what we should

pay for now. It ended with a motion and second to

pay the second invoice.

The most recent and third invoice arrived around

September 30 and it was for $11,548 with a due date

of 10/8/14. This time a second motion was made and

seconded that we pay the $11,548 once we were able

to verify boiler start up. Since a 30-day grace period

is customary, we have until November 8th to pay this;

however, should we have boiler start-up prior to that

time, Bill will pay it then. Should boiler start-up be

delayed beyond this date, Bill should use his

judgment on when to pay. Both motions were

approved. [Postscript of 10-24-2014 – The second

Page 3: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

invoice has been paid, and Bill has contacted

Superior about holding final payment pending boiler

startup and there was no objection]

Proposed 2015 Budget – Clifton Greeson

A draft of the proposed budget for 2015 was

presented by Clifton Greeson. He stated that three

things should be put back in the General Fund and

they are as follows: previously the mowing had been

under the Memorial Fund, the cleaning and supplies

were taken out of building maintenance, and building

and maintenance should be back under this heading.

A motion to approve the budget was made and

seconded. The motion was approved. This is the

budget that will be presented to the congregation in

November.

Stewardship Committee – Bill Craft

Bill reported that the Stewardship Committee will

have one more Hotdog luncheon scheduled October

18, 2014 and asks everyone to support this effort.

Meals for Kids – Gloria Apple

Gloria Apple reported that they had the names of 18

families and planned to do two baggings in October.

Gloria also wanted to remind us of Make a

Difference Day October 25th and stated that

volunteers were needed to assemble and deliver the

bag lunches to Alamance Plaza.

Evangelism Committee – Dallas Belvin

Dallas Belvin reported that the Evangelism

committee will be meeting in October and the

members are continuing to work on the contents of

welcome bags for our visitors. They are also

continuing to work on the new church brochure.

Pastor’s Report – Reverend Spencer

Pastor Lloyd stated that he will be working with

six youth in the confirmation class.

He announced that he would be leaving Monday,

October 13, 2014 for Montreat, NC for the Christian

Association. The Presbyterians are sponsoring this

continuing education event.

Bible Studies will be starting up soon for the two

ladies circles.

Continuing Business – Lloyd Gilliam

Lloyd Gilliam stated that the year-end report was a

work in process and that October 26th was the

deadline. A draft of this report had been e-mailed to

Consistory members for their review.

Youth Leader – Dallas Belvin

Dallas informed the Consistory that his team will

have a Youth Director Volunteer. Presently the

Personnel Committee is in the process of

restructuring the youth leaders and Sunday school

personnel.

New Business – Lloyd Gilliam

Lloyd Gilliam stated that we need to be preparing for

the November 9th Congressional meeting. There will

be seven Consistory members leaving and

replacements need to be found. A new candidate

slate needs to in place by October 26 for the church

ballot. Also, the new youth director will be

announced at the November meeting.

Pastor Lloyd had the closing prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 pm.

The next meeting will be held November 13th at 7:00

pm

Respectfully submitted, Linda Ayers, Secretary

Women’s Fellowship

Thank you to everyone who

helped with the chicken

pie/barbecue supper on

November 1st. What a great

team effort this was for our

entire church, and a real gift

to our community. No

matter how great or how

small your contribution, it

was truly valued. Our bazaar turned out to be very

successful as well. Thank you to Virginia Barker,

Cynthia Morris, Cheryl Royal, Stephanie Warren,

Lorena Levens, and all the people who donated or

bought items to help our “bottom line”. Our quilters,

once again, were able to exhibit their talents and

Rocky Royal was the lucky winner of a beautiful

quilt!

We will meet jointly for our December meeting.

Linda Miller has graciously offered her home once

again. Spouses are also invited. We plan to meet at

6:30 on Tuesday December 9th. Remember to bring

finger foods to share. We will enjoy a great evening

of fellowship, and of course, good food.

Page 4: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

We have been missing dear Ruth Harris for over

a month as she recuperates from her gall bladder

surgery. We wish her a speedy recovery. Also, Cleo

Barker has been ailing for some weeks and our

thoughts have been with him, and also his

“caregiver”, Virginia. We hope he will be well

enough to join us at our Christmas meeting. Our

prayers are also with Pat and Jerry Branson as they

try to cope with life-changing medical issues. We

continue to miss our dear friend Mary Neese as she

continues to take care of her aging mother. As

always, we remember Laura Clapp at Clapp’s

nursing center. As we age it seems that everyone has

been affected in some way and we give thanks for the

love and support of our church family to help us get

through it!

Wishing each and every one a blessed

Christmas Season.

Love, Elizabeth Craft

Greensboro Urban Ministry:

On November 10th, we sent 123

pounds of food to Urban

Ministry. This was for October

and November. They were

most appreciative. With

Christmas fast approaching,

while you are purchasing food

for you family dinner,

remember those less fortunate

and buy a can or two for Urban

Ministry and help others to have Christmas dinner

too. The December dates for Urban Ministry

collections will be Sunday, December 7th and again

on Sunday, December 14th. For your convenience a

basket has been placed in the Narthex for your

donations. There is also a container for a monetary

contribution if you can’t get to the store to buy

something. There are also containers in the

breezeway. One or two cans from each of us will go

a long way to help feed those less fortunate than we

are. We pray for God’s blessings on all of us as we

support this much needed ministry. The need is still

great four your help! Thanks for all you do. Merry

Christmas to all!!!

Friends and Neighbors

Our Friends & Neighbors group met in the

fellowship hall on Tuesday, November 18. Chairman

Dottie Deeter greeted everyone and made all feel

welcome. We were especially pleased to welcome

Nancy Slaughter as our guest. Linda Miller presented

a Thanksgiving devotion asking us all to recall things

for which we are thankful; and it was easy to name

many things for which we are truly thankful. Psalm

100 was read and Doug Clapp sang "Now Thank we

all our God" and "We Gather Together." We

recognized October and November birthdays of Pat

Huizinga, David Clapp, Mary Ann Strader, Cynthia

Morris, and Thomas Bowles and sang happy

birthday to all. We signed cards for the sick and

prayed for their speedy recovery. Door prizes were

awarded to: Nancy Slaughter, Dottie Deeter, Linda

Miller, and Mary Catherine Moser. We brought toys

for the "Toys for Tots" Christmas toy drive, and

fireman Kevin Chestnut from Mt. Hope's Station 38

came to pick them up. They will be combined with

other toys collected and will be distributed during

Christmas to children in our community. David and

Diane Clapp arranged for us to have a speaker from

Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program

(SHIIP) to assist us in making informed decisions on

health insurance for next year's coverage. Mr. Bob

Boyd pointed out important things to look for when

selecting Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental

plans. If you still have questions on your insurance,

you can contact SHIIP at 1-800-443-9354, or call

Guilford County's Senior Resources at 336-373-

4816 and ask to speak with a SHIIP counselor.

Be sure to join us for our December meeting on

December 16. We will meet in the sanctuary at 10:30

and enjoy Christmas music played by pianist Pat

Wade; we will also have a sing-a-long. Be sure to

bring canned goods for our food bank. Instead of

exchanging gifts we will help feed hungry people

then enjoy sharing a Christmas lunch together at

Western Steak House.

Here are some photos from our last meeting:

Page 5: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

The Gleaner – Whitener class met for their annual

cook-out on Labor Day at the home of Elizabeth and

Bill Craft. It was decided we would wait until

September so the weather would be cooler and we

lucked out! It was only 89 or 90 degrees that evening.

Elizabeth cooked the burgers and hot dogs with the

extra trimmings furnished by the class members. So,

with no need for sweaters, we enjoyed an evening of

fellowship and a variety of great tasting foods. A

lovely time was had by all and we’re hoping to do

this again next year. We extend our appreciation and

thanks to Elizabeth and Bill who made this a

delightful evening.

Page 6: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

Fall Chicken Pie / Barbecue Supper: Thanks to

everyone for being a part of a great team for our

Chicken Pie & BBQ Supper. It was a great success

with lots of good food and many friends to enjoy it.

We saw lots of new faces this year as well as many

who return every year. We are so appreciative and

thank you for supporting our church and supper. The

15% of our proceeds going to non-profits will go to

Greensboro Urban Ministry to help feed hungry

people and Tristan’s Quest which helps improve the

quality of life for children with developmental

issues.

Page 7: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

Quilt Raffle: The beautiful quilt that was up for

raffle at the Women’s Bazaar was won by Rocky

Royal. He said this is the first thing he has ever won!!

Congratulations to Rocky! We know he will enjoy

using the quilt. Check out the photos below:

Virginia Barker picks the winning ticket.

Virginia & Cynthia Morris

Rocky with his new quilt and the quilting ladies,

Ruth Harris, Mary Catherine Moser, and

Cynthia Morris

On Tuesday November

11th the Eagle Scout

Board gave Kraven

Webb their final

approval and he became

an Eagle Scout. Kraven

has been in scouts since

he could first join scouts

back in cub scouts. He

has worked his way up in

the ranks to life scout and completed at least 21 merit

badges of which 11 are Eagle required and he

completed an Eagle Project to the Eagle Rank.

Kraven did his Eagle Project for Hagan Stone Park

which was a fire pit and two benches for their

campground. He had to lead the troop in doing the

Page 8: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

project to show leadership skills because being an

Eagle Scout is about being a leader. This takes a lot

of commitment and will be something that he will be

proud to say he is the rest of his life.

Congratulations Kraven! We are proud of you!

Kraven is shown here with two of the Eagle

Board Members

Kraven is also shown here with some of his troop

the day he completed his project.

Congratulations to Casey Ellis, Brianna

Chapmon, Garrett Bradsher, Emma Strouth,

and Rachael Gossett on their induction into the

National Technical Honor Society. This is an

honor organization based on enrollment in

career and technical programs and also on their

character, achievement and leadership.

Emma Strouth is shown here at Southeast

Guilford signing her National Letter of

Intent to play fastpitch softball at Virginia Tech.

Congratulations to Emma for the hard work and

perseverance it took to accomplish her goal of

becoming a Virginia Tech Hokie! For more

information about Emma and Virginia Tech

Softball visit www.hokiesports.com/softball.

Page 9: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

What Young People Are Looking For In A

Church

1. Something spiritual

2. A group that helps them search for it

3. A group that allows them to voice their

doubts

4. A group that gives them permission to search

and explore for themselves rather than telling

them what they have to believe

5. A group that accepts them and loves them

even when they don’t agree on a faith issue

6. A group that values them as people rather

than as a number or a dollar

7. A group that isn’t just about heaven but about

living this life in a way that makes a

difference

8. A group that doesn’t just show up for church

but who lives their faith outside the church

9. A group that doesn’t just hear the words of

Jesus but who practices the love and

acceptance that Jesus taught

10. A group that tries to hear the whole gospel

message and not just the parts they pick and

choose

11. A group that practices evangelism by

friendship rather than through programs and

gimmicks

12. A group where everyone participates in

evangelism and not just the pastor and a few

lay people

13. A group that shows hope in the middle of fear

rather than giving in to fear

14. A group that provides opportunities to restore

the world (service)

15. A group that speaks a language that we

understand (Contemporary)

16. A group that is open to all people and doesn’t

participate in denigrating people

17. A group that is fun to be with

18. A group that is FOR something rather than

being AGAINST something

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2014 Christmas Card

Delivery System: The Mt.

Hope Christmas Card

Delivery crew will be at

work again this Christmas Season; however, they

will be doing it a little differently this year. Instead

of delivering cards during the Sunday School hour,

our wonderful youth will be delivering them after the

morning service. This way they do not miss out on

Sunday School during the Season. The dates for

delivery this year are as follows: November 30th,

December 7th, 14th, and 21st. Please be sure to take

advantage of this system and get your cards done

early!!

MARK YOUR

CALENDARS!!

Christmas is just

around the corner!! We will be decorating our

church on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 6:30

p.m. As usual, we will serve a light supper before we

get started. Tim will provide Christmas music on the

piano as we decorate! Please come out and join

us! It's a great way to start our holiday season!!

“Magic of Christmas” Luncheon:

We will be having a Soup and

Sandwich lunch on December 14th

directly after the worship service.

There will be homemade soup and

grilled cheese sandwiches along

with entertainment. Please mark your calendar,

invite your friends & neighbors to come have lunch

with us to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. We will

also have a visit from a special guest from the North

Pole. There will be no charge for lunch, but if you

would like to make a dessert to be enjoyed after the

lunch please let Carmen Cox or Gloria Apple know

what you are bringing. Plus there will be a sign up

sheet in the breezeway. Thanks

Soup Fundraiser: Cliff’s

delicious soup will be available

to be picked up on Saturday,

December 13th. Be sure to

contact Cliff Greeson or any of

the Consistory members to

place your order. The cost of the soup is $6.00 a

quart. Proceeds will go toward supporting the

General Fund here at the church. Be sure to place

your order ahead of time!!

The Poinsettia Fund - Due to

the overwhelming success of

our change in tradition in 2013,

we are NOT going to order

poinsettias again this year to

decorate our church. Instead, we

are going to give you an opportunity to donate money

Page 10: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

in memory or in honor of your loved ones. The funds

collected and placed in the Poinsettia Fund will be

divided between Urban Ministry and the Meals4Kids

Mission. An insert will be placed in the bulletin on

Sunday, December 21, listing the names of the

memorials and honorees. Instead of purchasing a

poinsettia, we hope you will donate $10 toward this

worthy cause. Please turn in your donations and

completed forms to the office or place in the offering

plate by Thursday, December 18th. Thank you! A

form is available at the end of this newsletter.

Christmas Eve: Everyone is

invited to attend the Christmas

Eve Service which will be held

Wednesday, December 24th at

8:00 p.m. Please join us in a

service of music, scripture,

Holy Communion and

candlelight.

Thank you: I want to thank you all for your prayers,

cards, calls, and visits during my recent illness. I am

out of the hospital now but not up to full steam yet.

It is so good to have such thoughtful friends,

neighbors, and church family. Lu Eller Ingold

Thank you: Thank you for the prayers, visits, cards

and the concerns during my illness. I am truly

grateful for the loving and caring church family that

I have. Carol Sawyer.

Thank you: To the Church Family: We want to

thank you for the love and support you have shown.

Also for the food, cards and prayers. Just knowing

that our church family is praying for us will help us

get through this time of grief. Jerry and Nancy

Bartenfield

Thank you: We can’t really say enough for the gifts

given and the prayers said for our family and

especially, our little Mykah Grace. We wish for

everyone the blessing given by Moses in the book of

Numbers: The Lord bless you and keep you. The

Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be

gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance

upon you, and give you peace.” We are so very

thankful to God for our little miracle, Mykah, and our

goal is to be the very best parents we can as God

leads us. The gift, inspired by God, from Mt. Hope

Church has been a blessing. Thank you so much from

the bottom of our hearts. Your friends in Christ,

Mackensie and Mikey Whitehead

Thank you: My name is Mykah Grace Whitehead.

My mommy is Mackensie Rackley Whitehead, and

my daddy is Mikey Whitehead. God blessed them

with the news that I was to be born, but there were

complications with the pregnancy. My mommy was

put on bed rest and my daddy continued to work

every day at his job to support our family. The

doctors decided to deliver me early. I was delivered

on July 21, 2014 at Women’s Hospital in

Greensboro, NC. I weighed only one pound and three

ounces. Our home is in Graham, so my daddy and,

later, my mommy travelled back and forth every day

to be with me and help me. God encouraged

churches, like Mt. Hope UCC, and friends to help us

with medical, gas and food bills and rent. Thanks be

to God and those, through Him, that helped us. On

November 7, 2014, I finally relocated to my home in

Graham. On that day, I weighed in at five pounds and

four ounces. I have a long way to go to reach goals

set by the health professionals, but GOD IS GOOD!!

Your little friend in Christ, Mykah Grace Whitehead

Thank you: Dear Friends of Greensboro Urban

Ministry: What an awesome response to the

community needs at this, the beginning of the most

wonderful Season of the Year – a time of love for

others and giving! May we take this opportunity to

thank you for another food donation of 123 pounds!

The needs have never been greater, and this will, and

has helped so many. The need for food and other

essentials is at a record high, and providing sufficient

food for Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Emergency

Assistance Program and for the requirements of our

Potter’s House as they feed meals daily, is critical as

we attempt to meet the needs of so many who come

here for help. As part of the Greensboro Urban

Ministry Team, daily we are reminded of families

who are facing challenges to survive, and with a

response such as you folk have given, these needs are

met. Thank you for caring. Grace and Peace,

Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Bank, Val

Marshall, Food Bank Office Manager.

Page 11: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

December Events

1st 6:30 p.m., Decorate the church

3rd 9:00 a.m., Quilters meet

6:45 p.m., Handbell Choir Rehearsal

7:30 p.m., Choir Rehearsal

7th 9:45 a.m., Sunday School

11:00 a.m., Worship

9th 6:30 p.m. Ladies Combined Dinner

10th 9:45 a.m., Quilters meet

6:45 p.m., Handbell Choir Rehearsal

7:30 p.m., Choir Rehearsal

11th 7:00 p.m., Consistory

13th Pick up Soup Orders

14th 9:45 a.m., Sunday School – Kids Music

11:00 a.m., Worship

12:00 p.m., Magic of Christmas Luncheon

16th 10:30 a.m., Friends & Neighbors

7:00 p.m., Evangelism Team

17th 9:00 a.m., Quilters meet

6:45 p.m., Handbell Choir Rehearsal

7:30 p.m., Choir Rehearsal

18th 7:00 p.m., Consistory & Staff Dinner

21st Christmas Fund Special Mission Offering

9:45 a.m., Sunday School

11:00 a.m., Worship

23rd 7:00 p.m., Stewardship Committee

24th 8:00 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight

Service

25th Merry Christmas!!

28th 9:45 a.m., Sunday School

11:00 a.m., Worship

December Birthdays

2nd Cindy Hughes, Rocky Royal

3rd Linda Miller, Christine Robinson

4th Chelsey Cox, Austin Whitesell

5th Douglas Clapp, Bennie Gerner

7th Pamela Greeson, Carolyn Simpson

8th Lauren Moser

9th Brenda Hutchen

10th Kent Tayler

11th David Roberts

12th Emily Neal

13th Dallas Belvin, Lance Belvin, Stacy Gardner,

Cory Underwood, Megan Underwood,

Sherron Whitesell

15th Cheyenne Wilkerson

16th Jason Hughes

17th Barry Andrews, Mary Beth Day

20th Elizabeth Craft

22nd Denny Ingold, Zoey Lashley Harold Reece,

Sr.

23rd Todd Chapmon, Bernda Currie, Jerry

Greeson, Debbie Underwood

24th Tracy Brady

25th Don Kirkman

26th Anne Welker

28th Philip Brewer, Cathy Gossett, Andrew

Needham, Kenny Taylor Jr.

29th Darce Greeson, Tamara Greeson, Sharon

Johnson, J.R. Shoffner, Jr., Abby Strouth

30th Annie Lee Apple

December Anniversaries

18th Douglas & Amy Lord

22nd Jack & Dona Branson

Goldie &: Carol Sawyer

Page 12: Mt. Hope Messenger Church of December, 2014 Christ...Max Lucado “Words of Hope”. He stated that we as Christians have a hard time consoling and are afraid of saying the wrong thing

Poinsettia Fund

The Poinsettia Fund – As we did last year, instead of Poinsettias, we are giving you the

opportunity to donate money in memory or honor of your loved ones. The money collected in

this Fund will be divided between Urban Ministry and Meals4Kids Mission. Please turn in your

donations along with a completed form by Thursday, December 18. Make your check payable to

Mt. Hope UCC and place in the offering plate or mail it in to the church office by December

18th.

An insert listing the names of the contributors and honorees will be included in the

bulletin on December 21st.

Name__________________________________________

Phone________________________________________

Amount Enclosed_______________________

In Memory of ______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

In Honor of _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________