the concord herald · dudley dawson and bo carver dressed as firefighters as they provided a fully...

The Concord Herald Volume 8 Issue 10 November, 2015

Concord United Methodist Church

70 Concord Church Rd., Roxboro, N C 27574

336.599.6262

www.concordumcroxboro.com Rev. Karl Neuschaefer, Senior Minister

Curtis Hammock, Children and Youth Pastor

Mrs. Rena Morton, Music Director

Kimberly Stone, Minister of Services

Our Mission

To worship, witness, follow, and serve

Jesus Christ as Lord.

Our Vision

Christ in us; God’s glory manifested!

November

Ushers: Tommy Winstead

Dick Hatch

Rodney Crumpton

Kyle Crumpton

Greeters: Bayard and Jan Crumpton

Acolyte: Alexandra Winstead

December

Ushers: Donald Wilson

Kyle Barker

Zeke Smith

Carroll Royster

Greeters: Nancy Wagstaff and Becky Wilson

Acolyte: Alex or Maleah Leonard

The Pastor’s Corner Last month I highlighted our 200

th anniversary celebration

event and all that has been accomplished in this place to

advance the kingdom of God.

Fruitfulness is a sign of faithfulness! I

also highlighted the need for us to look

ahead so that we could live into the

bright and fruitful tomorrows God has

planned for us. To do this, our church

council will start the year doing exactly

that as we once again set ourselves apart in retreat to seek

God’s will and to utilize this work in revising our long range

plan to guide us.

Additionally, I spoke of our need to do this not only as a

church, but also individually. The church is one body, but it

is made up of many parts just as Paul describes in

1Corinthians 12:12-31. The body functions best when all its

parts are functioning well. You’ve heard me speak many

times about being in covenant with one another and with

God. We take this covenant seriously and affirm it a number

of times throughout the year. We do it when we baptize a

new member, during covenant renewal services, and annually

during our commitment Sunday. That commitment Sunday

celebration will be held on Sunday, November 22nd

of this

year. For those who submitted covenant cards last year, you

will be receiving those back in the mail this month so that

you can celebrate having completed the covenant you made

with the Lord in November of last year. This is an important

act that causes us to take serious our walk of faith and

commitment to the Lord and to one another. It is a spiritual

and private act between us and the Lord, as well as, a

communal act in that it accomplishes our commitment to

each other to do all we can to support God’s church by our

prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

None of the accomplishments we celebrated this year would

have been possible without the sincerity of each of you to that

covenant. Individually we can accomplish only so much, but

collectively as the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy

Spirit, we can bear much fruit. Thank you for your sincere

dedication in serving our Lord.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who

holds the future, and as we worship, witness, follow and

serve Jesus Christ as Lord together, I am certain the best is

yet to come! I can think of no other church that I would rather

serve, and no other people I would rather serve alongside.

See you in worship.

Karl


Nursery director immediately needed By: Bayard Crumpton

A new nursery volunteer sign up sheet is posted

on the wall beside the nursery door. Please

indicate with the

attached Sharpie time

slots that best suit your

availability. You may want to “partner up” with

your spouse, neighbor, Sunday school classmate or

whomever. A group may want to adopt a month.

This is a test process so let’s try to make it work.

Many thanks in advance! E-mail Bayard

Crumpton at [email protected] or call

336.504.4433.

Adopt-A-Cop thankful for snacks By: Kimberly Stone

Where did this year go? With all of the 200th

Anniversary Celebrations for

Concord this year has flown by

and here we are coming into

November! When we approach

this time of year it offers us an opportunity to

reflect on what we are thankful for and how we

can bless others. I am always thankful for my

Concord family and your support of First

Responders, especially the Sheriff’s Office

employees each holiday. As you grocery shop for

the holidays, would you buy a few snacks for the

Sheriff’s Office employees working Thanksgiving

holidays? Snacks may be placed in the blue plastic

tub in the kitchen marked Adopt-A-Cop. The

officers are so appreciative of how you all have

blessed them during previous holidays. Thank you

again for your support and keep praying for First

Responders, especially Law Enforcement Officers

Christmas Cantata set; voices needed Anyone who would like to join the choir for the

annual Christmas cantata, we are singing “Noel

Celebration” by Cindy Berry. It has favorite

carols and new songs that are blended for a special

Christmas musical. We are just starting preparing.

The cantata will be Sunday, Dec. 20th

during

the 11 o’clock worship service.

November Calendar

1 – Daylight Savings Time ends

3 – P.U.M.P. meeting at Mt. Tirzah UMC at 7 p.m.

7 – Ham Supper & Harvest Sale (See related article)

9 – United Methodist Women’s supper meeting at 6:30 p.m.

10 – United Methodist Men’s supper meeting- 6:30 p.m.

13 – JOY Club Person County Museum at 9 a.m.

13-15 – Youth Pilgrimage Event in Fayetteville

15 – 200th Anniversary Special Worship Event

16 – Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed and Supervision

meeting at 7 p.m.

25 – Concord UMC serves lunch at the Christian Help

Center

26 – Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Worship on Sunday’s at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Children’s choir practice each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Adult Choir practice each Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Young Adult Gathering – each Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

(unless otherwise communicated)

Youth Fellowship each Sunday evening from 5-6 p.m.

Methodist Men continue monthly gatherings

The UMM will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30

p.m. for supper and fellowship. A meal

will be provided by Zeke Smith.

All men of the church are invited to

attend to learn more about this active

group of Christian men who lead and serve our church

and community. The UMM meets the second Tuesday

of each month at 6:30 p.m. They continue to grow and

welcome new members. No RSVP required.

Stressed? Feeling Down?

Need Encouragement? Stephen Ministers don’t just

provide care for people experiencing

a major crisis. They also provide

care and support for people weighed down by the little

things in life. If you are feeling down, lonely, stressed

or discouraged, you could benefit from the care, support,

and encouragement of a Stephen Minister. It’s free. It’s

confidential. And it will really make a difference in

your life! To find out more, talk with Pastor Karl. Our

Stephen Ministers are there to care!

mailto:[email protected]


Methodist Women collect for World Thank Offering

Christ calls us to be in ministry with “the least of these,” understanding the needs of His children and then

providing for those needs by listening and helping them achieve their goals. Your generous donations

collected for The “UMW World Thank Offering - Shoe Challenge” will be used to help

accomplish those goals and they will definitely help to make a difference. To date, we

collected $359.50 or 1,438 pairs of shoes! So thank you Concord from a few of the

following recipients:

Thank you from the church-run preschool in

Roma, Siberia, that helps many of the refugee

families and children (ages 5-9) get basic

educational needs for those unable to attend regular school because

of legal status.

Thank you from the Roma families in Siberia that found

themselves homeless after being evicted from a settlement in 2012,

but now live in converted shipping containers at no cost and are

grateful to call those home.

Thank you from the UM Committee on Relief that currently helps

train the military personnel and families to grow crops through an agriculture training program in the Congo

which is helping them to support themselves after leaving the military.

Thank you from Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, Arkansas, that provides camp for children with a variety of

illnesses and disabilities.

Thank you Concord for helping to be the hands and feet of Jesus through your

donations for these missions and many more.

To learn more about some of the other missions that UMW supports, please come

to one of our meetings and be a part of what Christ calls us to do daily . . . love in His

name.

The United Methodist Women will meet on Monday, November 9th

at 6:30 p.m.

(instead of 7) and enjoy some delicious chili while they fellowship. Please come and join us as we eat and

talk about our upcoming Women’s Retreat in January. Pam Smith and Paula Royster will provide dessert and

a devotional.

Kitchen Committee needs your help We are blessed to have a wonderful kitchen that is used frequently for many

different events. The kitchen committee needs your help in making sure it is always

ready for that next event. Please follow the "use of the kitchen guidelines" posted in

the kitchen. Also, please do not leave any leftover food, beverages, or condiments in

the refrigerator unless they are to be used at a later date for a specific event. If so

make sure they are labeled, including date and event. Any recycled items should be

removed from the kitchen recycling container and placed in the blue recycling

containers outside following each event.

If you have any concerns or suggestions, please contact Becky Wilson (Kitchen Committee Chairman) at

599-7671 or [email protected].



JOY Club Amish trip a success; guest speaker Rhodes is a hit By: Joni Dawson

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) had a full month of fun and fellowship that began with a trip to

the beautiful farmlands of Pennsylvania from October 5 – 9. We were joined by nine

other churches and 34 travelers that soon became friends as we experienced the un-

cluttered and simple lifestyles of the Amish. They say a picture is worth a thousand

words, so you can share in the fun:

Later in the month, on Oct. 23, our fellowship hall was transformed into a J.O.Y. tailgate party as we all

dressed in our favorite school colors to celebrate fall football. The J.O.Y. cheerleading squad consisting of

Lennita Graves, Jeanie Neuschaefer and Pam Smith caused a full up roar of cheers and laughter as they

introduced our very own Coach Jim Rhodes with their cheer routines. After taking a few moments to

compose himself Jim shared his amazing journey of faith and

reminded us all that if our plans differ from God’s plans, it’s always

better to be on

the winning

team and follow

the Lord.

Dessert was

presented by

Dudley Dawson

and Bo Carver

dressed as

firefighters as

they provided a fully lit (70 candles) birthday cake

celebrating Lennita’s special day.

Friday, November 13th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Come with

us to visit Person County Historical Museum and see all

the new exhibits and learn about the history of our great town. Lunch will follow the tour at Brookland Eats.

Cost of museum and lunch on your own.

Monthly meetings will resume Saturday, January 9th

at 9 a.m. with a Country Style breakfast to kick off

2016. Hope you can come and be a part of our fellowship. For questions or ideas for upcoming trips, please

give Joni and Dudley Dawson a call at 597-2063 or e-mail them at [email protected].



Our Known Immediate Prayer Concerns Ethel Aiken

Vicky Amidon

Carl Anderson

Judy Baker and daughters

Charlene and Donica

Virginia Barker

Carlton Batten

Sandy Boone and her son Griffin

Brenda Callahan

Bo Carver

Ernie Carver

Sarah Clinard and her family

Glenn Cruise and family

Danny Crumpton

Joe Daniel and family

Joni Dawson’s parents

Lori Hicks Featherston

Reade Foushee

Roger Gardner and family

Sandy and Dick Hatch and

Dick’s brother John

Jan Holtsclaw

Faye Howard

Abby Hoyle

Carolyn Johnson and family

George and Jackie Johnson

Debbie Kelly

Jerry Lawson

Don Legun

The family of Doris Nowell

Elizabeth Pierson

Pam Smith’s mother, Lillian

June Taylor

Angela Thompson & her mother

Paige Tingen

Sandy and Jerry Treacy

Elizabeth Tuck

Sarah Vaughan

Chad Wagstaff

Jennie Wagstaff

Evelyn Mangum White

Dale Whitt and family

Hugh Whitt

David Winstead

Kay Winstead and her grandson James

The family of Mike Winstead

Bob Zippay’s grandson, Collin

Prayers for those serving in Our Military Troie Barker, Zachary Bell, Daylon Brann, Donovan Heist,

Christian Kirby, Danny Lawrence, Marv Morris, James

Nelson, Geoff Nowell, Erik Peterson, Jason Sabat, Eddie

Schemper, Donald C. Teague, Kyle Treacy, Robert Wolak NOTE: The globed candle to the left of the chancel area in the sanctuary is lit in

honor of all those who serve; police, firefighters, and our military, a tradition which began on 9/11/01. We

also proudly recognize those in active service who are affiliated with Concord UMC. May we continue to

uphold them with our prayers and our love.

In case you miss church and would like to hear Pastor Karl’s sermon, our website now has a link you may

use. Please log on to www.concordumcroxboro.com and check out all the wonderful, powerful information

concerning Concord Church. Thanks to Keith Hall and Ken Walker for managing this site. You can even

view the newsletter from previous months. Please contact [email protected] to

contribute to the newsletter or to be added to the distribution list.

http://www.concordumcroxboro.com/



Birthdays November

3 – Tori Jones 13 – Bayard Crumpton

5 – Madison Howard 13 – Jackie Murray

5 – Sonja Vaughan 16 – Nancy Wagstaff

6 – Roland Heinrichs 16 – Becky Wilson

8 – Taylor Anderson 17 – Melissa Carver

8 – Avery Bowman 18 – Vivian Hammock

9 – Jadyn Chandler 18 – Juliana Jones

11 – Leslie Anderson 20 – Dexter Evans

11 – June Taylor 27 – Jackson Evans

12 – Ken Walker 29 – Neal Hamlett

December

1 – Reagan Anderson 15 – Renee Barker

2 – Bruce Wrenn 17 – Heather Leonard

3 – Ann Rimmer 17 – Leighann Long

5 – Benjamin Abel Peed 20 – Will Hall

5 – HR ( Bug) Long 20 – Ernie Jones

5 – Joel Rose 21 – Zeke Smith

6 – Natalie Hall 29 – Diane Brent

6 – Paula Royster 29 – Wendall Stone

8 – Jason Gammell 30 – Chad Sanford

8 – Carolyn Johnson 31 – Jason Barker

10 – Carrie Briggs 31 – Kyle Barker

11 – Jeff Bulla 31 – Mia Price

14 – David Whitt 31 – Louis Wade

CONGRATULATIONS TO DARRELL AND

AMY POOLE

who were

blessed with a

new daughter

at 5:30 a.m. on

October 3,

2015. Emily

Hope Poole weighed 7

lbs.14 oz. and

was 20 ½

inches long.

Amy says “She was eager to arrive, being born in

the ER 15 minutes after we arrived at the

hospital.” Proud big sister is 2-year-old Ally.

Anniversaries November

1 – Dick and Sandy Hatch

1 – Louis and Diane Wade

2 – Brian and Marla Zappia

16 – Thomas and Elizabeth Carver

16 – Larry and Margaret Poole

17 – Cleve and Nancy Wagstaff

19 – Tim and Dane Sergeant

20 – Scott and Jo Lawrence

29 – John and Janie Wagstaff

December

15 – Tim and Cherie Crews

26 – Dudley and Joni Dawson

November

1 – David and Pam Whitt

8 – Kevin and Loraine Pool

15 – Rodney and Melanie Crumpton

22 – Kyle and Virginia Crumpton

29 – Advent Wreath

December 6 – Advent Wreath each Sunday

13 – Poinsettias given by:

20 – Mac, Barbara, Brad

27 – Kevin and Loraine Pool

Prayer shawl group to meet Nov. 2 The Threads of Prayer Prayer

Shawl Ministry continue their

monthly meetings on the first

Monday of each month. The will meet Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

This group gathers to pray for and support those who are

facing surgery or recovery while making prayer shawls.

The ladies have been busy lately, delivering three shawls

in the past two months. The recipients are grateful for the

love and care shown to them.

All women of the church are invited to join the group.


CONGRATULATIONS TO JAN

HOLTSCLAW on the birth of her first great-

grandchild. Barrett

Lee Malpass was

born at 4:15 p.m. on

Monday, Oct. 19,

2015, and was 7 lbs.

11 oz. and 21 ½

inches long. Proud

parents are

Christopher and

Linda Malpass of

Goldsboro.

His maternal grandparents are Terry and

Dorothy Lancaster, and paternal grandparents are

Chris and Andrea H. Malpass. He is the first

grandchild for Andrea and Chris. His Uncle is

John Taylor Malpass, who adores him.

Backpack Pals serving

20 children weekly By: Pam Smith

Backpack Pals continues to serve 20 children

each week with our food and Joni

Dawson is feeding their spirits and

souls with a word of

encouragement and love from our

church, in a simple handout. Please

continue to support us by making

food donations in individual

serving size containers, by financial contributions

and by lifting up the children and their families in

your prayers.

For the week of Thanksgiving, it was decided

by the Backpack Pals board to send home some

extra food that can be in regular size cans. Watch

your newspaper, especially for weekly specials

that can stretch your buying power! Please place

any donations in the large red container that is

labeled for Backpack Pals. It is in the back of the

fellowship hall. Thanks so much for your

generosity and support of this program!

Choir Notes By: Rena Morton

This year, 2015, has been a very special year for

Concord United

Methodist Church.

We have come

together to be

reminded of the

“Faith of Our

Fathers” who started

this special place of

worship in 1815. We

have heard of those that came before us and the work

that they did to be a beacon of light for our Lord.

Our mission at Concord is: To worship, witness, follow,

and serve Jesus Christ as Lord. We need to continue

what our forefathers set out to do in 1815.

In the hymn, “Find Us Faithful” the message is as

follows:

“O may all who come behind us find us faithful;

May the fire of our devotion light their way.

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe,

And the lives we live inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.”

As autumn continues to show her glorious splendor

in God’s beauty of nature, let us remember that “This Is

My Father’s World” and he created “All Things Bright

and Beautiful” for us to enjoy. We receive many

“Simple Gifts” that we often take for granted. “A

Mighty Fortress is Our God” that blesses us with these

“Showers of Blessings.”

As “We Gather Together” this Thanksgiving season

let us continue to remember those that have gone before

us who were faithful members of Concord. “Count

Your (Our) Blessings” by “naming them one by one.”

“Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises” given to

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Youth change meeting time; stay busy with service projects By: Curtis Hammock

With fall in full swing, the leaves aren't the only thing showing their true colors.

The Concord Youth have been hard at work and hard at prayer preparing for

November while trying to enjoy October. We have been meeting regularly with good

attendance for more than a month now following our summer break. We've helped to support shoeboxes for

Armenia and met to learn more about an international mission trip this summer with our brothers and sisters

from Crosswave.

We are really looking forward to helping with the ham supper fundraiser (the most spiritually delicious

and nourishing fundraiser known to man).

Sunday October

15th, some

members (pictured)

of Concord had the

privilege of

worshiping and

sharing a time of

fellowship with

about 20 students

from Africa.

Afterward we

welcomed them to

our fellowship hall for a night of rest.

Of course, November isn't November without the North Carolina Conference Pilgrimage! This year we

will take a party of about 20 to Fayetteville to worship with thousands from across North Carolina. I hope

you will consider praying for the spiritual formation of all who attend November 13-15.

Please also keep a lookout for an upcoming youth fundraising effort in December. It should be a huge

help this holiday season (hint, hint). May Our Lord bless you and keep you. . . .

The youth meet from 5 – 6 p.m. each Sunday. The group continues to grow as we are able to offer more

opportunities to learn and grow in Christian love.

Concord offers 2016 mission trip to Peru This past October 28

th a group of approximately 30 interested

individuals met with representatives of CrossWave Ministries to discuss

the possibility of our teaming with them for their 2016 mission trip to

Peru. Our church has been invited to participate as we did in 2012 and we

were excited to have a great deal of interest. Our church has budgeted a

significant amount for next year as seed money to support our being able to go. A great deal of prayer has

already gone into the selection of Peru as a destination. It is not only a country in deep need of hearing the

Good News, but also safe enough for sending first time participants in international mission, including both

adults and youth.

For more information click on http://gatewayraleigh.org/crosswave/peru-missions/?view=mobile or talk

with Jeanie or Karl. Applications are available along with information sheets. Is God calling you to

participate in a life transforming experience?

http://gatewayraleigh.org/crosswave/peru-missions/?view=mobile


Local PA to participate in medical mission to Haiti Julie A. Thompson, daughter of Sidney and Angela Thompson and a PA with MedAccess in Roxboro, is

going to Haiti on Nov. 8 and asks for prayers from the church family of safety and a successful medical

mission. “Although more medical based, we plan on sharing Christ as well,” Julie said. There will be two

others from MedAccess along with a larger group. Julie is praying it will reward her as much as help the

people there.

Julie is also hoping to travel to the Philippines with Antioch Baptist Church in early 2016. She is seeking

prayers from the church family about this mission also, that they touch as many people as they can, and for

the groups' safety.

There are two fundraisers coming up very quickly. The attached posters give times and dates for the BBQ

sale (pre-sales accepted and can be ordered by calling 336-598-1293 by Nov. 7) and a Turkey Shoot with

great prizes. Apparently, these have been fun and successful fundraisers in the past, according to Julie. All

the proceeds go to the Philippines Mission trip.

Julie is also making a receptacle for Concord where we can accept old eyeglasses, reading or prescription,

to take to the Philippines. “I’m hoping our church will participate and check at home to see if they have ones

they are willing to donate,” Julie said.

Please remember these doctors and volunteers in your daily prayers as they spread the word of God.

SAVE THE DATE!! Calling all women of Concord…… Mark January 23, 2016, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on your calendars for a wonderful day of

fun, food, and fellowship! The United Methodist Women are sponsoring a retreat for the

women (and their daughters and/or mothers) of the church. What better way to start out

the New Year? More information will follow but save the date and look for a flyer on the

bulletin board in the near future.

tel:336-598-1293


Ham Supper and Harvest Sale set for Nov. 7 Volunteers are being recruited to chop apples and prepare the tables for our anticipated record breaking

crowd. Apple chopping begins around 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 7. Be sure to check where you will be working

this year. (If you worked a particular job in the past, chances are you will be assigned there again. To

volunteer, please contact Pam Kinn at: [email protected] or 336.504-5221. Donations for desserts will be

accepted the morning of the event. Those who have not participated in the

past are encouraged to help this year. This is a church-wide event and

everyone is asked to help. Duties include one hour shifts such as parking,

serving, refilling drink cups, take-out, and table clearing.

Be thinking what you can offer for the Harvest Sale. Ideas for the

auction include baked goods, beach trips, Christmas décor, theme baskets,

framed art, etc. Use your imagination and create something that will

encourage bidding wars! Dan Lawrence always surprises us with a

beautiful and unique woodcraft item that always brings out the high

bidders. Advance tickets will be sold but also available at the door for $10

adult; $4 for children under 12. Eat-in and carry out will be available. Supper served from 5 – 7 p.m.

Harvest sale immediately following serving times.

Carroll Royster, Zeke Smith and Bob Zippay have worked diligently to distribute all the tickets. We are

asking members to take packets of 10 tickets to sell / purchase and turn in their $100 (10 tickets x $10/ticket)

or money and any unsold tickets to one of the ticket committee members. Money and unsold tickets will

have to be turned in by the night of the event. Tickets are also available for sale at NuWay Cleaners and

Community Barber Shop. Be sure to tell you friends. This is an annual event you don’t want to miss!

Also, after each service Tim Chandler (Early Service) and Ernie Carver (11 o’clock service) will be

collecting donations to help pay for the cost of the hams.

Our Church Council voted that the proceeds from this year’s Ham Supper / Auction will be designated as

seed money for our next building expansion.

Save the Date: Let’s fill the bus for a road trip on Nov. 29 Last year, a bus load from Concord traveled to Jamestown, NC, for a wonderful Advent program at

Jamestown United Methodist Church. The annual candle light

Hanging of the Greens event will inspire you to prepare your hearts

for the coming of the Christ child. This is a standing-room-only

event at a church that seats more than 600.

What is Hanging of the Greens? Many churches hold a service

of preparation for Christ's coming, which includes hanging

greenery traditionally associated with everlasting life. Greens such

as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for everlasting life, holly

symbolizing Jesus' death and ivy representing the resurrection are

used. A worship service of Scripture and music is too beautiful to

describe. Come see for yourself the first Sunday of Advent.

This is the home church of Carroll and Paula Royster who would

love to share the experience with as many as possible. Times and

dinner plans will be finalized in the next few weeks and will be

communicated through the weekly announcements.



Governor Issues Declaration Honoring Concord’s 200 Years During our 200

th anniversary celebration event which took place on October 4

th, we were presented with a

proclamation from the Governor of North Carolina. As part of the

proclamation, one of the

significant whereas statements

read, “because of commitment

to faith, family, and

community, the doors of

Concord United Methodist

Church remain open to

worship, witness, follow and

serve…” This is a great tribute

to the mission of our church!

The actual proclamation

read, “NOW, THEREFORE, I,

Pat McCrory, Governor of the

State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 4, 2015, as “CONCORD UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH 200TH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its

observance to all its citizens.”

What a special distinction to receive such a prestigious honor on such a great day of celebration. The

Governor’s proclamation was presented to Concord Church by Harold Ray (Bug) Long Jr. of Roxboro, NC,

who is a member of the Highway Patrol and currently assigned to the Governor’s Security Team. The

proclamation has been framed and will be displayed in an appropriate location within the church for all to see.

What does it mean for ‘the church to be the Church?’ By: Shannon Zippay

The final services to celebrate our 200th anniversary will be held on November 15th and will be lead by

the Nurture, Witness and Outreach committees. In preparing for these special services, we realized that our

committees’ main function is to support “the church being the

Church” or in other words, to help all of us at Concord to be

the "hands and feet of Christ.” Then we realized that this way

of serving goes well beyond these three committees, and there

are many examples — too numerous to count — of our

congregation serving others within our church, as well as in

our community and the world.

When have you seen “the church being the Church?”

Where have you seen the love of God flowing through

others as they served as "the hands and feet of Christ?"

During our services on November 15th, there will be an

opportunity to offer praise for times where you have observed

(or personally experienced) God’s love and support through others. Rather than recognizing specific

individuals that day, let’s offer our thanks and praise to God for how He is working through our church to

serve those who need to feel His love and mercy. Please consider what you might share. More details to

come in our weekly communications!


In the Spotlight: Featuring Chuck Richards and Lori Howard Chuck Andrew Richards and Lori Ann Howard met

three years ago at a Halloween Costume Party. It was a

brief encounter but they managed to take a quick picture

together. The two parted and didn’t see each other again

until Feb 13, 2013, the following year where they both

ended up at the same place to watch the Duke vs Carolina

basketball game. Lori remembered Chuck from

Halloween and the two struck up a conversation. Chuck

still had the photo they had taken together, and sent it to

Lori’s phone and told her to save his number and text him

sometime. So she did. A true and caring friendship began

that day. They met and talked several times over the

coming months and neither thought they would ever “fall

in love” but that’s exactly what happened! Lori and

Chuck both began to notice and appreciate deeper

meaningful characteristics in the other, and eventually

grew to love one another deeply. As Lori would later say,

“I love you, deeply and truly, none of that fluffy

“fluttery” stuff but wholly and completely.”

They realized they had a lot of mutual friends and

Lori had even been taking her car to the garage where

Chuck is a mechanic for years, but neither had ever been

introduced. They also share many things in common; a love for the lake, boating, and spending time with

family and friends. They both enjoy music, cooking, (well mostly Lori enjoys it when Chuck cooks), riding

motorcycles and relaxing on Lori’s back porch, where I understand the friendship became a romance. There is

a long standing joke with Lori and Chuck, “How long you gonna make him sit outside,” their friends would

ask Lori? “A while; a long while,” she would reply.

They are both from Durham and found Concord UMC on their way to the lake. Chuck, as a child, driving

up with his Grandfather to their place here, and Lori more recently as she passed by headed to different

friends places she knew on Hyco Lake. They had been looking for and praying about a smaller “country

church” in Durham initially where they could fit in and be a part of the body of Christ, serving others, and

others serving them as well. The Lord has had his hand in their relationship the whole time and they feel he

brought them to Concord United Methodist Church, for just that reason to serve, and be served.

Lori sold real estate in Durham for years before going to work for a Vertical Real Estate company. She

is now a Leasing Administrator who handles leasing and amendments for carriers when they locate on, or

upgrade their equipment on existing cell phone towers. Chuck is a mechanic who has been employed by

Couch’s Automotive Repair in Durham for more than eight years now. He hopes to one day live at the lake

full time and open a shop on Hyco Lake for both cars and boats.

Chuck was recently baptized by Pastor Karl at his family’s place at Hyco Lake, where they also got

engaged June 13, 2014. Lori and Chuck joined Concord that special day in September where Chuck joined by

profession of faith and Lori joined as an affiliate member while maintaining her membership at The Summit

Church in Durham.

The couple is planning a December 12th wedding here at Concord United Methodist Church. We will

enjoy seeing this couple grow in Christ through their service to others as we support their faith journey.


Concord’s 200th

Anniversary Celebration welcomed a full house for worship and lunch.

From the welcoming fall arrangements at both entrances, to simple but elegant table

settings, the church was abuzz with a host of former members and guests. The historic

displays were reminders of our past and were well received. Nov. 15 will officially end our

celebrations, but hopefully the memories of the year will live on in our hearts and minds.

The following photos capture only a small part of the love and joy felt during the day.

Thanks to Melba Thompson for capturing some wonderful memories. And a special thank

you to the 200th

Committee for putting this together for our enjoyment. Although the

weather prevented us from having our picnic on the lawn, the fellowship hall brought us all

together. May Concord continue to bask in its Glory to our Lord!


More Pictures from October 4, 2015 catered picnic

the concord herald · dudley dawson and bo carver dressed as firefighters as they provided a fully...

Documents