Hopewell United Methodist Church Pastor Timothy Barth 4585 Dry Fork Road Dry Fork, VA 24549

Brother and Sisters in Christ,I was sitting in my office this past month with Linda Maxey and Lois Wells; somehow I made it out alive!

As we were sitting there cracking some jokes and carrying on, Lois pulled a book of the bookshelf called Leaves of Gold and began to read a poem called Sermons We See by Edgar Guest. It goes like this:

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds, for to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, but I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do; for I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live."

As I was listening to these words I began thinking in some way shape or form we are all “preaching a sermon”. Every one of us is a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Every day we come in contact with someone who would rather see our witness than hear it. Someone who needs to see you and I live out our faith.

As we come into this season of thanksgiving, may we be a reminded of how much God has blessed us this past year. May we remember that we are blessed to be a blessing to others! I pray that in this time of giving thanks, spend time with family, and meeting around the table you and I will be a reminded of how much God has blessed us in small and big ways and that we will find ways to bless those who are going through hardships! God truly works through his church in big and small ways. I pray Hopewell will continue to see how God has blessed our community of faith and that we in return won’t be able to help ourselves as we burst into songs of praise! I pray God will give us the courage and faith to go out into the world and bless the less fortunate! May we see that Christ’s is in each other this season of thanksgiving as we continue to seek God’s transformational power for our lives and are constantly being brought us to a place of spiritual renewal. May the love of Jesus show us a way of living that helps us to live meaningful, healthy, prosperous lives; lives that are blessed in order to bless others!

NJB Genesis 12:2 and I shall make you a great nation, I shall bless you and make your name famous; you are to be a blessing! The church’s story – our story – starts with what Jesus began. It commences with Jesus’ action and continues with his followers’ reaction. Christ began a good work in us! Now with God’s help we must react in light of the spirit. We are authors of a sequel. What we do – our work and our witness – reflects upon Jesus. How do The Acts of Hopewell United Methodist Church read in this time of thanksgiving?

Donald Miller once said: “I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone, I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes. After that I liked jazz music. Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way."

Friends, this story of God’s love, grace, hope and life is not a secret to be hidden, but a story to be heralded. The Gospel is not something we come to church to hear; it is something we go from church to tell. We have this incredible story, God’s Story, so let’s share it! Let us show people God’s love in action. Let us be like the saxophone player! Let us show the world the love Christ has to offer in this time where others wonder why they should be thankful! After all: “Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way." Your Servant in Christ our Lord,

Rev. Timothy Joseph Barth Rev. Timothy Joseph Barth

20142014

WAS IT A DREAM?You were here for a short while and now you are gone! When we

were young we thought “this is going to last”, but now we are old and the time passes so quickly. Why, just yesterday you were going to school and time seemed to stand still. The next thing we noticed is that you are no longer at home with your laugh and sometimes tears.

As the years flew by you went to conquer the new life of growing up. Marriage came along, children, grandchildren. We wonder where you are and what are you doing. Do you really understand that time is short and maybe this could be the last? The things that really brought us joy were taken away from us for this or that reason; but life goes on. They say “suck it up”, but that’s not how “real life” works! The hurt that you are no longer here with us lingers far after your visit.

There was so much we wanted to talk about but it never seems to happen in our twilight years. We think

that maybe next time things will be different, but it only seems to stay the same. The things that seemed so big back then have taken a turn. They are not as important as they once were.

So hurry back as soon as you can, Dad and Mom.-WILLARD HARRISON STOOTS

Treasurer’s Report for the month of September

In September, we again had an increase in our General Fund after all bills were paid for the month!Beginning Balance: $11258.40

Income $ 8295.78 Total: $19554.18 Expenses ($6300.05) Ending Balance: $ 13254.13

Danny Bartee , Church Treasurer Home 434-724-7253 Cell 434-222-1469 Email: lesterbartee@embarqmail.com

Reminders from Pastor Tim…………..

Mandatory Spiritual Formation Retreat is Friday and Saturday, November 14 & 15 (no cell phones allowed) *Remember to purchase your

Reading week is December 1-5 2015 calendars and greeting Exam week is December 8 – 12 cards from any youth

member!!If anyone is willing to preach on one or more of the Sundays listed below, please let me know:

September Increase:$1995.73

Let us all work toward keeping this trend going.

November 16, December 7 and/or December 14

Hopewell United Methodist WomenAnnual ReportSeptember 2013 to September 2014

Mission Gifts: Henry Fork Service Center $260 for table and 8 chairs Red Bird Mission $100 Mission Aviation Fellowship $100 in honor Jan and Art Lincoln Student Ivan Beshlyage at Moscow Evangelical Christian Seminary in Russia - $100 $150 to two needy families Supplied peanut bags for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry Christmas Agape Bags Salvation Army $25 LeRoy Jones Evangelical Ministry $25 Put aside our mission money for furnishing a room at The Haven (home for women and children of

domestic violence and assault in Danville, VA. The home will hopefully be open by the end of 2014). The room to be named Sue’s Room in memory of Sue Jones.

Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center $27.50Other Outreach:

At each meeting Judie Dodson directs our letters and notes to the shut-ins and sick of our church. Kitty Stow Sunday Class also participates in this ministry.

Ongoing collection of labels for Henry Fork Service CenterHonors:

Our unit received a Certificate of Ministry from the Danville District UMWPrograms:

November meeting of Thanksgiving—planning to help families in need. Hands-on preparation of Thanksgiving gifts

Fellowship Christmas dinner Two programs on Women of the Bible by Mary Wright Prayer—using the Psalms as they had been used in ancient times (led by Pastor Mike) Danville District Christian Mini-School of Missions; Class: How Is It With Your Soul Testimony by Rashael Jones, formerly of Ecuador. “Steps of Faith”; she told of the Lord leading

her family to Lynchburg, VA, and their new ministry as well as continuing their ministry in the summers in Ecuador.

October program, “Cancer Journey” testimony from Patsy Meadows.

Hopewell UMW extends deep appreciation to the church family for your faithful support of our events and mission projects!