Messenger The

July 2016

BUFFALO

ROMNEY

WILLIAMSBURG UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

SUMMER

YOUTH MISSION

TRIPS

For more information,

see page 6.

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Food for Thought

By Senior Pastor Bill Jones

Last month I began a 4-part series on the reasons “why I believe the Church is of God and shall be preserved to the end of time.” The first reason is because everybody needs a place to be-long. The second reason is because everybody needs to know who Jesus is.

The main challenge of the Church is to make the main thing, the main thing. Jesus came to see and save the lost. Jesus is the reason for the Church. He has no other outlet to make disci-ples of His way. Jazz musician Fats Waller’s father was a minister. Wanting to help his dad, he often wrote spiritual songs that could be used in church. One has a line that goes, “Everything that is not of Jesus will go down.” Rock solid commitment to Christ is the only sure foundation for any church. Otherwise it will be ripped apart by the hard storms without or it will crumble and fall apart by decay from within.

Every worship service we conduct, including Messy Church, every Sunday school class we con-vene, every small group we establish, every mission trip we take, need to have as its stated and embraced purpose the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what I have tried to bring to the pulpit of this church, a solid, relevant, life-transforming affirmation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

I rejoice that as a 12-year-old I professed my faith in Christ through confirmation at the altar of Crums UMC and I have never wavered nor regretted that decision. Christ has done so much more for me that I could ever do for Him. I didn’t understand all the mysteries of the atonement, what Christ did for me by dying on the cross, but I knew I needed a Savior who would show me the right path to God and right living in the world. This month I begin my fortieth year as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Throughout these nearly four decades I have tried to ask what Je-sus would have me to do and act accordingly.

It happens that one of the leading authorities today on the life of Christ is a professor who chairs the department of religious studies at a major university, and who has written some books about Jesus and about Scripture, which are readily available in the Christian book section of our local bookstore. He claims that Jesus has been misquoted and misunderstood by the Church. I’ll have much to say about that subject in my midweek Bible study in September on “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? Who Jesus Thought He Was & What Jesus Means Today.” What this scholar does not do is to suggest how his readers might apply his discoveries and interpretations about Jesus to one’s life. He’s got the pure science of Jesus down cold (so he thinks); but that’s where the research ends. When asked about this, the learned professor replied that he himself didn’t apply his knowledge of Jesus to anything in his life because, when it comes to God and the whole Jesus thing, he’s an agnostic! Do you believe that? Knowledge about Jesus, in his case, does not translate into a knowledge of Jesus. It did not become a support for faith. It did not transform his life.

A businessman at a hotel grew weary and tired of being yelled at and sprayed with angry spit-tle from dissatisfied customers who expected five star services from a Motel 6. One day he got an idea. He placed a giant mirror behind the front desk and customer tirades all but ceased. When people saw how rude and hateful they looked while yelling and screaming, they stopped yelling and screaming.

As the songwriter says: Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the Light of His glory and grace. Would you let Jesus be the mirror of your life? Be prepared to change. That’s food for thought!

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Reflections from Rev. Kay Barré

By Associate Pastor Kay Barré

Looking Ahead to September

Senior Pastor’s Midweek Bible Study: “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? Who Jesus Thought He Was & What Jesus Means Today”

Meets in Fellowship Hall Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. &

Thursday mornings from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., beginning September 7 and 8.

Synopsis: In this study we will explore the person of Jesus against the backdrop of the religion that has developed around him, especially in view of what some contemporary secular and non-secular religious scholars say about him. It’s important that we discover the real Jesus by looking at the biblical and historical evidence for Christ. The Jesus of the Scriptures is so much more radical than we realize. When we investigate the Jesus of Nazareth who lived two thousand years ago, we will have to face up to who he is, what he has done, and what we will do about it. In essence, if we are to follow Je-sus Christ, we need to know more about the Jesus Christ we are following.

Endowment Notes You can support the ministry and mission of Williamsburg United Methodist Church

in many ways. The church accepts gifts of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, art, charitable planned gifts, and, of course, Sunday morning offering envelope gifts.

Thank You!

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the people of WUMC for your care for me and for my family during these last few weeks. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, brought food, reached out in any number of other ways, and offered to help. Especially, I thank you for your prayers for me, for my husband Doug, and for our sons Kieran and Corwin. It lifts my spir-its tremendously to know that we are surround-ed in prayer.

We continue to covet your prayers. We hope that Doug’s health rebounds soon and that Kieran’s broken ankle heals quickly. In the meantime, please know how much we appreci-ate all the caring people at WUMC. As you pray for us, we also are in prayer for you and for our shared ministry.

At its best, the church bears witness to the good news through prayer, study, worship, out-reach to those in need, and care for one anoth-er. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “This is how eve-ryone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” I am so grateful to be a part of a congregation that seeks to live out that love.

Right now, I may not be in the office quite as much as I would like, but I continue to be available by cell phone (775-6898) and email (KBarre@williamsburgumc.org). As always, I give thanks for the multitude of ways we at WUMC work together to be the Body of Christ in the world.

Blessings and peace.

Kay

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Williamsburg United Methodist Women

July 2016 – UMW Circle Meetings

SISTERS-IN-FAITH CIRCLE Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Members will meet for dinner at the Center Street Grill.

SUSANNA WESLEY CIRCLE Wednesday, July 6 at 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy a potluck salad luncheon at the home of Annette Bell, 103 Par Drive.

Members should bring children’s socks and underwear to donate to FISH.

All other circles do not meet during July and August.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

VA Conference Mission Encounter July 29 — 31 at Randolph Macon College

in Ashland, VA

UMW Book Club The UMW Book Club will meet on Monday, July

11 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Linda Upshaw (101 Mathew’s Grant in Kingsmill). We will be reading and discussing, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba. This can be found in the Leadership Development category for 2012 in the UMW Reading Program. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, call Carol Brinkley at (258-0617).

Messy Church During the Summer

Yes, it’s true – Messy Church does not take a vacation during the summer months! We will con-tinue to meet during the summer on July 12 and August 9 from 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. Summer months mean warmer temperatures and the oppor-tunity to move crafts, games and Celebration Time outside. That means more messy fun! In June we brought out small wading pools and were over-whelmed with the response, so look for more water activities in July and August. We will also cook out on the grill and serve our very delicious hot dogs and hamburgers. Invite your family, friends and neighbors to Messy Church and spend a wonderful evening people of all ages will enjoy!

Our theme for July is, “The Greatest Commandment.”

Questions, contact Cindy

Banek, 229-1771.

SAVE THE DATE

United Methodist Women

Membership Celebration

September 25

2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

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Summer Choir I would like to take this opportunity to invite you

to sing in our Summer Choir. The commitment is low and the rewards are great! Take advantage of the short rehearsal time and the opportunity to get to know various choir members, as well as Tom and Lou-Anne. We will warmly welcome you and help you navigate the realm of worship singers! Who knows? You may like it and want to hang out with your new friends once Sanctuary Choir rehearsals begin in late August!

Summer Choir meets a half hour before each service (7:45 a.m. for the 8:15 a.m. service and 10:30 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. service). You won’t need a choir robe, and you won’t have to walk (process) down the aisle! It’s as easy as can be! If you’re a rising ninth grader all the way up to 135 years old, you are more than welcome to join us! Why not bring the whole family?

For more information, please contact Lou-Anne Smith, Director of Music Ministries, (229-1771 ext. 107) or lsmith@williamsburgumc.org. I hope to hear from you!

Our next breakfast will be held at the Capital Pancake House on Capital Landing Road on July 2 at 8:00 a.m.

Future Meeting Dates:

August 6 at 8:00 a.m. at

the Capital Pancake House on Capital Landing Road.

You Are Cordially

Invited

to attend the wedding of

Lionel Taylor

of Divine Janitorial, who has been working at our church for many years.

August 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Williamsburg United Methodist

Church

All are

welcome!!

Coming on September 7 . . .

“Recharge Wednesdays”

Dinner

Short Term

Adult Studies

Senior Pastor’s

Bible Study

Activities for

Children and Youth

Watch the Sunday Bulletin, Upcoming Newsletters and Weekly E-notes for further

information.

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A Mission sized RoAd TRip…

The sheer size of America is about to hit me big time. On July 9 we head for Buffalo, NY with the High School mission team for a week serving there. Google Maps tells me that it’s a 9 hour drive, in round numbers. In Ire-land, that’s the length of the country twice, or the same as London-Edinburgh-London in Britain. Here, it’s just up the road, so to speak. My head hurts just thinking about it.

We get back on July 16, and then the following week I’m off to Romney, WV with our Middle School team and Jeremiah Project. That trip is from July 23 to 30. Across the two trips we’ve got 14 teenagers and 5 adults participating. Also this summer Kate Alexander and Carrie Van Leliveld are on the second of their Lead 4:12 leadership training retreats, in July, and I’m also on a Lead 4:12 retreat as a coach, but with a different group to Carrie and Kate.

My cohort meets in early August. After that, I might just disappear into a corner for a week or two!

Both of these mission trips will take us all out of our comfort zones, outside God’s life boat, to look back to Youth Sunday in April. We’ll be sleeping in less than comfortable surroundings (on the floor in Buffalo), meeting, working with and serving people we don’t know, trying things we haven’t done before and encoun-tering Jesus in very different environments.

The worship will at different times be loud or quiet, active or reflective, encouraging or provocative. It will be Jesus centered. As we travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles over the coming weeks, the God of grace, love and mercy will go before us, with us, and remain behind us all at the same time. The miles may be many, but our God is bigger. Please keep us in your prayers over the coming weeks.

High School Team: Alex Tuckey, Andy Glascott, Bill Herman, Cameron Kersh, Carrie Van Leliveld, Ellissa Johnson, Emily Beach, Jackson Anderson, Judy Alexander, Kate Alexander, Kayla Nordeman, Kieran Barre, Laura Beach, Liam Joyner, Stuart Beach, Steve Davis.

Middle School Team: Andy Glascott, Corwin Barre, Eira Johnson, Kieran Barre, Lauren Weber Michael McVey, Rita Welty.

(Kieran broke his ankle in June so is unlikely to participate, but please keep him in your prayers as we will while we are away — we’ll miss his energy, enthusiasm and maybe even his puns! Get well soon Kieran!)

You are very welcome to join us in the Youth Center at 7:00 pm on Friday July 8 and/or 22 to com-mission our youth mission teams — with both heading off on a Saturday this year it’s not practical to commis-sion them on a Sunday morning, so please do come and encourage them as they head off.

Thank you,

Andy Glascott, WUMC Youth Director

Do you have an article for the Newsletter?

If you would like to submit an article for publication in the Messenger, the deadline for submittals is the 15th of the month. Articles submitted should be typed or neatly printed, limited to a 1/2 page in length and are subject to editing for grammar,

spelling and content. Please submit by e-mail to Lianne Koch at lkoch@williamsburgumc.org. Questions? Please e-mail Lianne or call (229-1771).

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On July 10 following the 11:00 a.m. worship service, everyone is invited to a reception in the Fellowship Hall honoring Cindy L. Freeman as she retires from her twenty-seven-year career as the founder and director of the Early Childhood Music School of WUMC. Please save the date and come as we celebrate and say farewell to Cindy. No gifts please. Contributions may be made to support the ongoing mission of ECMS through the Cindy L. Freeman Legacy Fund of the WUMC Endowment, or Elliot’s Song, or the Jessie Elizabeth Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact the ECMS offices:

Anthony Williams: (229-1771 x108) or

awilliams@williamsburgumc.org

Tamara Carver: (229-1771 x106) or

tcarver@williamsburgumc.org

Early Childhood Music School Closing Programs

During the month of May, some 200 ECMS students participated in their annual closing programs. Parents, grandparents and other guests attended celebrations in which the students played instruments

and performed some of their favorite songs and dances.

Young Musician 2 graduating class These students completed all four levels of

Keyboard (group piano).

The ECMS board and faculty would like to wel-come our new director/instructor Anthony Williams. Anthony has been working for WUMC as Director of Music for Children and Youth for the past year. He is an alumnus of Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, as well as a Masters in Music Composition from George Mason University. In his music career Anthony has taught various age levels ranging from group music classes to private lessons on a multitude of instruments. Anthony says, “I am extremely excited to get to know every-one involved with ECMS and Elliot’s Song this up-coming year.”

A Farewell Reception Welcome to

the New Director

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Some of Your Fan Mail . . .

What a wonderful (huge) group of volunteers came out to assemble the health kits on June 4!! We were over 70 strong and put together and packed nearly 800 kits. Many thanks to all who have generously donated kits and kit supplies, money for shipping, help with assembling the kits, Dick and Keith for load-ing them into vehicles and our pastors and delegates for taking them to Conference in Roanoke on June 16.

We have been overwhelmed with the positive and joyful re-sponse to this UMCOR challenge. (Final numbers from Confer-ence in August Messenger).

Thank you all.

UMCOR Kit Committee

UMCOR Kits

WE MADE IT !!

We met the challenge . . . 1,003 health kits

Final numbers

Health Kits 1003

School Kits 300

Birthing Kits 100

Layette Kits 27

Sewing Kits 20

Grand total 1450

From the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, recipient of funding in May:

“There is perhaps no greater basic human need than food. Your generosity represents more than just food for the hungry – it instills hope. Hope for seniors, children – people of all ages who are suf-fering from hunger and need in our community. Without your generosity, we could not fulfill our mission of distributing food effectively through col-laborative efforts that minimize hunger, promote nutrition, and encourage self-reliance through edu-cation.” — Karen L. Joyner, Chief Executive Officer

From The Arc, recipients of funding in May:

“We are extremely excited about our new initia-tive, the Day Support Program, and for the oppor-tunity to raise awareness of our special clientele.” — Pamela A. McGregor, Executive Director (The Arc serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.)

From FISH, Inc., recipient throughout the year of funding and your weekly donations of clothing and food:

The need for our sharing with those less fortu-nate continues even as the economy has improved for many of us. All of us at FISH join in this mes-sage of thanks to all the members of your church who so willingly continue to share their blessings with others in need.” — Gene Bruss, President

From Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, sponsor of Erase the Need,

recipient of a portion of the Lenten Offering:

“Your support and commitment to student suc-cess is truly appreciated. On behalf of the WJCC School Board, thank you for your kindness and part-nership with our community’s schools.”

— Steven M. Constantino, Superintendent Local Outreach Team

Syrian refugee children in Jordan receiving school kits and health kits

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If you ever have a moment, stop by our website to see what’s going on at our church. The address is www.williamsburgumc.org. Find out about all the ministries and other activities that you or your family may be interested in joining!! We have something for everyone!!

If you have any questions about something you see on our website, contact the church office (229-1771).

Have you checked out our Website?

Four New Stephen

Ministers Commissioned

Imee Duke, Marijane Harper, Joy Mair, and Christel Stanley were recently commissioned to join our congregation's Stephen Ministry team. Each faithfully completed 50 hours of training over the past five months to prepare themselves to provide one-on-one Christian care to individuals facing diffi-cult times in their lives. If you feel that you could benefit from the care and support a Stephen Minis-ter can provide, please contact Dawn Gates, Ste-phen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, or one of the pastors.

Council President: Statement on the Orlando shooting

Minneapolis, Minn.: Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the United Methodist Council of Bish-ops, issued the following statement about the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida:

United Methodists across the world are horrified by the despicable act of terrorism in Orlando, Flori-da, that took the lives of 49 individuals and wound-ed 53 others.

We are in shock. We join those who grieve. We pray for the victims, their families, and the LGBTQ community targeted by this hateful attack. We stand against all forms of violence, committed any-where in the world by anyone.

We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters who have condemned this heinous act. We pledge to work together to overcome evil with good, ter-rorism with peace, hatred with love, and inequity with justice.

We commend the Florida Annual Conference as they gather this week in Orlando. They, along with Bishop Ken Carter, are our connectional presence in the midst of this tragedy. We pray that God will work through them to be a source of Christ’s wit-ness, reconciliation and healing to the brokenness of an entire community.

As the people called United Methodist, let us not lose heart, but redouble our commitment and ef-forts to fulfill God’s vision of the Beloved Communi-ty throughout the world. As we combat evil, let us not let evil fill our hearts. As we struggle to end violence, let us not let violence become our way of life. As we battle terrorism, let us not become ter-rorists in the process. As we seek to be vigilant, let us not let fear curtail our hospitality. As we pray for peace, let it begin within our own spirits.

In the peace of the Lord, Bishop Bruce R. Ough President, United Methodist Council of Bishops

United Methodist Communications Office of Public Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2016

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Safe and Secure From All Alarms By Rev. Helen Casey-Rutland

What makes us safe? Our faith tells us we are secure in the faithful love of God, a solid foundation that nothing can shake. But we also want physical and financial security. This is the second of a series of short articles about safety and security at all stages of life and especially as we age.

Issue #2 – Don’t Fall Down!

How often do we warn our children about falling? Yet falling is something children do all the time. For them it is rarely dangerous. Bumps, bruises, sprains, even broken bones heal well most of the time in chil-dren. As we age, however, falling becomes a much greater hazard. Bones break more easily and heal more slowly. Even minor injuries can hinder physical activity, putting us at risk for permanently reduced mobility and independence and potentially limiting the ways we can reach out to others with God’s love. For most folks past a certain age, the greatest risk to health is not cancer or heart disease or Alzheimer’s. It’s falling.

So how can we reduce the risk of falling?

1. Eliminate unnecessary hazards at home.

The Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health identify some common risks:

loose rugs

clutter on the floor or stairs

carrying heavy or bulky things up or down stairs

not having stair railings

not having grab bars in the bathroom

poor lighting

slippery or uneven surfaces

2. Make safety a habit.

Do one thing at a time. Do not climb the stairs and talk on the phone simultaneously. Do not

read the mail as you return from the mailbox – wait until you are not walking.

Make sure your feet are both securely planted before you stand.

Wear secure, comfortable shoes. They may not meet your standards for fashion, but neither

would a cast or crutches.

Sit down to put on slacks and shoes and to dry your feet after bathing.

Take care of your feet! Get help if you cannot adequately clean your feet, trim your nails, or

tend to sore spots.

3. Be aware of your personal risks.

If your eyesight is iffy, be especially careful in unfamiliar terrain. If you use any kind of device to help you get around, take care to use it correctly. If standing makes you dizzy, hold on and stand still until the dizziness goes away. In his wonderful book, Being Mortal, Atul Gawande notes that the “three primary risk factors for falling are poor balance, taking more than four prescription medica-tions, and muscle weakness. Elderly people without these risk factors have a 12 percent chance of falling in a year. Those with all three risk factors have almost a 100 percent chance.” (2014, p 40)

Each of our lives is a gift from God, a gift to be treasured. We are stewards of our time, our talents, our treasure, and our bodies. We cannot eliminate every risk, and we do not want to go so overboard in trying to be safe that we are reluctant or scared to fully enter into life. But a bit of care for ourselves to avoid a fall might just prolong our strength and our ability to offer a bit of care to others in need. The good news is that, no matter what comes, God promises that we cannot fall beyond God’s love and care.

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Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have passed away during the month of June:

Judy Richley

Honorarium Giving JUST A PRAYER AWAY! Now that summer is here children will be going

to camp and visits away from home. I was remind-ed of this when I recently read a story about a little girl preparing to go to camp. As her mother packed her suitcase, the girl pleaded “Don’t make me go, Mom!” But her mother insisted it would be fun. She’d make new friends and she could write her family every day telling them about the fun things she was doing. As the little girl dissolved into tears, her mom gathered her in her arms and told her she had an idea. They could have a secret prayer! Whenever she was sad or homesick, she could say, “The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other.” (A verse found in Gene-sis 31:49) I’ll be praying for you also her mother told her. Mother recited and helped her memorize the verse and she felt a little better.

When the girl opened her suitcase at camp she found the verse taped to the inside of her suitcase. She had fun at camp and made new friends too, but when she felt lonely or missed home, she remem-bered the Bible verse — her special prayer — and she always felt better knowing her mother was praying for her also.

You and I could learn this verse Genesis 31:49 and always feel close to our loved ones, as well as to God. By doing this, our loved ones and God are only a prayer away. This verse as-sures us that God is always with us.

Have a happy prayer filled summer!

For more information about our Prayer Ministry, contact Cindy Banek (229–1771)

or cbanek@williamsburgumc.org.

Memorial Giving

given to Respite Care in honor of Dr. Arthur Post's 91st Birthday from

Mr. & Mrs. Barry Patron

given to Endowment Fund in memory of Ronald Warren Cranford from

Ms. Carol Ann Ellett

Dr. & Mrs. Richard Bauer

given to Music Program in memory of Gloria Jane Boatright from

Mrs. Marjorie Lindsay

given to Respite Care in memory of Stowell Symmes from

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Symmes

given in memory of Mr. Bob McCullough from

Mr. Doug & Mrs. Kelli Mansel Arbuckle

Jeanne Gale

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The Messenger

A Monthly Publication of

Williamsburg United Methodist Church

500 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185

Church Office (757-229-1771)

www.williamsburgumc.org

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Juli was involved in a terrible automobile accident in early June. She had surgery on her neck, and is now recovering nicely. Juli was released from the hospital Friday, June 17, and is currently staying with a friend in Williamsburg. She is receiving in-home physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to as-sist in her journey back to normalcy. Once she is strong enough to maintain her balance, she will put her walker aside.

This from Juli:

There is lots of pain in all I do right now, but not as much as before. I am just having to bear down and have to get through this. Truly God is my everything. I am having to really gather strength to do the simplest things, but I am truly lucky to even be alive. My family and I have been so blessed by each of your thoughts, prayers, notes, financial generosity and actions. We so appreciate you being behind us as we climb this mountain.

If you would like to write a note to Juli, go to Connection Cor-ner, select a notecard and drop it in the jar marked, “Notes to Ju-

li.” If you would like to make a financial contribution to Juli and her family, write your non-tax deductible check to the church and annotate: “Agape Fund – Juli Zacharias.” We will provide periodic updates in the Sunday bulletin on Juli’s recovery. Questions? Contact Cindy Banek (229-1771).

From our Juli Zacharias,

Director of Mother’s Day Out