Beulah News...Beulah News Beulah United Methodist Church 161 Beulah Church Rd. Gilbert, SC 29054 I t was sometime around the beginning of October when I began to notice it; the subtle

Beulah News Beulah United Methodist Church

161 Beulah Church Rd. Gilbert, SC 29054

www.beulahunitedmethodistchurch.org

I t was sometime around

the beginning of October

when I began to notice it;

the subtle creeping,

commercial Christmas. As I recall,

Mary and I had headed up to Franklin,

North Carolina to enjoy a couple of

days away and to marvel at the fall

colors decorating the trees that lined

the Blue Ridge Parkway. (It was

indeed a wonderful time of rest and

reflection, a little time to get to know

one another again; but as with all good

things this too had to come to an end,

and as we traveled back down the

road toward home the far off taste of

chicken and dumplings began to

beckon me.) You see, I knew that in

the not too distant future we would be

passing nearby a Cracker Barrel, and

sure enough in time, the old sign came

into view. We pulled into the now

familiar parking lot, requested our

traditional table with a view and

enjoyed a fine meal together, all the

while reminiscing about the joys of the

past few days. After the meal we

wandered around the store a bit

looking at the bobbles and bangles

they sell. They do have some really

interesting things and some pretty

original gifts, if you are into that sort of

thing. Nonetheless, as we wandered

Mary drifted over to the clothes, so I

faded back and worked my way over to

toys as is my want in such situations. It

was there that I noticed it. Amongst the

toys was a nondescript little sign

reminding me that Christmas was just

ninety some odd days away with the

implied warning that I had better get

this or that toy while it lasted.

At first I simply assumed

that the sign was a stowaway from

last year’s season, but upon closer

examination it appeared to be newly

printed and placed. There were no

tattered corners, the paper wasn’t

discolored, and the tape had not

yellowed at all. So somebody had

actually put that thing up three

months before Christmas day to get

the sales going. It was then that I

knew I was getting a bit old for I

heard my father speaking when I

muttered, “What in the world is the

world coming to?” under my breath

on the way out to the truck.

Since that time I have

pondered what import the mess we

have made of Christmas has had

upon Christianity itself. What

damage, if any, has been foisted on

our faith by a world mad for money

and our participation in the

madness?

I have often preached that

we as believers need to beware of

being distracted by the

commercialization of Christmas, but

upon reflection I don’t believe that

distraction is the greatest problem. I

believe that the debasement of

Christ and cheapening the gift of

God’s grace is a far greater sin.

Just think of it. God has

placed the mystery of the incarnation

in our hearts through the coming of

the “Babe in the manger,” and we

have stood by and allowed the world

to put the mystery in a box, wrap it

with a bow, and put a price tag on it.

We have even allowed the

world to kick Christ off of the public

stage, even during the Christmas

season. If I hear one more “happy

holidays” from the lips of someone

yearning to declare “Merry

Christmas,” or hear of one more

lawsuit against a town with the

audacity to place a nativity scene on

public ground, I believe I will have to

choose between screaming and

crying. How about you?

That being said, I am not

declaring a moratorium on gift giving.

The giving of gifts is a wonderful

tradition and one that builds

memories that last a lifetime.

I am simply thinking aloud

and wishing with all of my heart that

those of us who call ourselves

Christians could find it in our hearts

to place Christ first during this

season of celebration; that we who

claim to be the ‘children of God’ have

the courage to declare “Merry

Christmas” because of our

unabashed love for Christ; that we

put aside some of our worldly

pursuits and worldly fears in favor of

the things of God.

(Continued on page 2)

Celebrate and Pass It On!

December 2014

Our Star Member for the month

is:

David Stone-892-6428

2239-B Priceville Rd.

Gilbert, SC 29054

Fellowship Friends will list in

the bulletin each month a Star

Member. A star member is

anyone over 65, a nursing home

member or a home bound

member. These are our special

members who need our care and

concern. Greeting cards or note

cards are a great way to stay in

touch when we can’t visit or call.

PAGE 2 BEULAH NEWS

So celebrate the season with

your families. Please don’t neglect

that. Buy too much if you wish. Eat too

much if you must, but never forget

what this season is all about. Never

forget why we celebrate.

Christmas is a time to celebrate

the coming of the Christ Child and

all that that marvelous moment

entails.

This is the season to celebrate

salvation coming to the earth in

the person of Jesus Christ.

We must be on guard that the

miracle of the Christ Child is never

overshadowed by the ways of the

world, for that Child came to this world

of darkness to bring everlasting light

and life eternal.

This Christmas season let us:

Celebrate the Light!

Celebrate the Life!

Celebrate the coming of the “Son

of God” into this world to bring us

(Continued from page 1) salvation from our sins!


of God” into this world to bring

everlasting peace, and joy!


of God” into this world to bring us

His unconditional, everlasting love

which is beyond price!

Celebrate it and pass it on!

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Tony

Celebrate and Pass It On! (cont.)

PAGE 3 BEULAH NEWS

Steak Supper

Dear Pastor Rowell and

Beulah Church Members,

Your Fall Festival today was a

model of love and community.

I brought three children, who

all enjoyed the various

activities, games, and tasty

treats. One of the most

impressive features was the many events that

involved physical activity! It is refreshing to see

children run, climb, jump, and enjoy the outdoors.

The adult and youth monitors had friendly, loving

personalities that welcomed children of all ages.

Thank you for the immense amount of planning,

organization, preparation, and follow-up you invested.

I have loved the Gilbert community since I began

teaching at GHS in 1979. Beulah Church is the home

of numerous former GHS students and I have

enjoyed attending a variety of Beulah events over

the years. Thank you again for providing such a nice

festival for the area families. Sincerely, With Love,

Susan Wright

Thank you for having a great fall festival this year.

My family had a great time, doing the games, the

trunk or treat, riding the amusement ride, & doing

arts and crafts. It was a fun time by everyone.

Thank you too all the people who worked to put this

together & took time to do all the events. We are

very grateful. Thank you, The Robinton’s

P.S. I also appreciated having handicap parking

available, it made a big difference for my mom.

Dear Beulah United Methodist Church, I enjoyed

visiting your Harvest Carnival. The rides were

awesome. My candy tastes yummy. It was fun to

play on the obstacle course and bouncy houses. I

felt welcomed by everyone. I loved the cotton

candy. Sincerely, Cassidy Rush

Dear Beulah Church, Thank you for having your

Harvest Carnival. I enjoyed visiting your friendly

church family. I especially enjoyed the obstacle

course. Thanks for planning such a wonderful event.

Sincerely, Virgil Rush

Dear Beulah Church, I enjoyed visiting for your

Harvest Carnival. My favorite part of your church

was the rides and inflatables. Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely, Cordell Rush

The United Methodist Men

(UMM) are hosting their semi-

annual steak supper

on SATURDAY, 6 DECEBER.

Guests can dine-in or get a

meal to go. Dinners will be

served between 4-7 PM. Cost

is $9 for an adult and $6 for a

child’s meal. The United

Methodist Women (UMW)

will be holding a bake sale in

conjunction with the steak

supper.

The Christmas Star The Christmas Star will be

presented by the Children’s

Ministry, Aftershock, and the

Preschool on Dec. 7 at 10 am.

There will be no Sunday school

or Contemporary Service. We

invite everyone to come see the

children and junior youth tell

the story of Christmas

through music, dance, and

drama. After the program,

refreshments will be served.

Beulah News

Published monthly by Beulah United Methodist Church

161 Beulah Church Rd.

Gilbert, SC 29054


Rev. Tony Rowell, Pastor

Mary Joyce Gardner, Church Secretary

Karen Counts, Comm. Coordinator

Send articles by the 20th of each month by email to [email protected] or drop

articles off in the pocket on the door of the church office.

BEULAH NEWS PAGE 4

MR. & MRS. DALE L GOSSETT 12/04/1970

MR. & MRS. BARRY LEAPHART 12/10/1983

MR. & MRS. ROBERT "BOB" KELSEY 12/10/2011

MR. & MRS. CHAD R BRANHAM 12/14/2002

MR. & MRS. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR 12/17/1994

MR. & MRS. KEITH SCHUMPERT 12/18/1993

MR. & MRS. STEVEN LLOYD 12/19/2002

MR. & MRS. FRED TAYLOR 12/20/1969

MR. & MRS. JOHN BARNETT 12/20/1974

MR. & MRS. C M "MIKE" BURTON 12/21/1974

MR. & MRS. JOE CARTER 12/21/1989

MR. & MRS. J TERRY BURNETT 12/22/1967

MR. & MRS. LARRY EPTING 12/23/1986

MR. & MRS. PETE MILLS 12/26/1942

MR. & MRS. HARRY WOODARD 12/27/1963

MR. & MRS. BRENT WEAVER 12/28/1996

MR. & MRS. DONDI BEST 12/30/1995

MR. & MRS. JAMES "JIM" GRIMM 12/31/1992

1 MITCHELL KOON AMY SCHOFIELD

JUDITH TOMPKINS 20 MICHELLE GAUSE

2 BIFF STALVEY KATELYN DAVIS

JOAN FRALEY HERBERT MYERS

EMILY STALVEY 21 KARLA PRIESTER

3 DON DEERING PATRICIA "PAT" CONN

5 ALLEN SHEALY HOLLY WEED

6 EDWARD ARMSTRONG BRIAN K BROWN

BOBBY SMITH 22 DONDI BEST

7 SPENCER "SKIP" PRICE LUTHER ROGERS

ANGELA TOMPKINS JOHN PRICE

8 STEVE COVINGTON 23 JOHN JASE LEIGHTY

9 RICKY SMITH, JR 24 BILLY JOE OSWALD

10 THOMAS H TAYLOR 25 JAMES E KELLY, JR

EUNICE DURST 26 CANDACE THIBEAULT

WILLIAM THORNBURG DELORES RAINES

11 PATRICK EVANS 27 NAOMI BAKER

LORAN JERALD WILLIAM SCHOFIELD

JETTIE COVINGTON CYNTHIA S MAKUTA

12 BRUCE PATNAUDE JIMMY GANTT

13 P BRETT REEDER 29 MATTHEW DAWSON

14 WILLIAM "BILL" CROSBY 30 BLYTHE SUSAN PRICE

MARY KATHERINE CLAWSON LINDA A PRICE

15 SANDRA WOODARD COLEMAN HERNANDEZ

17 JERRY SHEALY JOHN BARNETT

BRADLEY ADAMS JOE WORKMAN

COLLIN HENDRIX 31 SARAH CAMPBELL

18 ANGELA OSWALD ROSE NIX

19 BETTY K COCKRELL

J.A.M. Time for December On December 7 the children will

meet at the church at 4:00 pm. We

will board the bus and go to CiCi’s

Pizza for supper. After supper we

will see “The Living Christmas Sto-

ry” presented by Union United

Methodist Church. The children

remain on the bus and view the

story as it comes to life scene after

scene. Please let Melba Smith,

Mindy Price, or Mary Rowell know

if your child(ren) plan to partici-

pate in this field trip. There will be

no other J.A.M. time in December.

BEULAH NEWS PAGE 5

Epworths Children’s Home Visit

Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser

December 8th 6p.m.-8 p.m.

Come and enjoy a silent auction with many great items! We also are included a few venders

this year. Great time to come shop for Christmas presents!

Beulah Methodist Preschool December 2014

Preschool news

This month, the school collected

bedding and bath items on the

urgent needs list for Epworth's

Children’s Home. Our 4 year old

class enjoyed a field trip to the

home, where they received a tour

and did a Chapel lesson with the

Youth Pastor. Teaching children

to be thankful for what they have,

and giving to others is a lesson

well-learned. Beulah Methodist

Preschool teaches more than just

academics, but life lessons in be-

ing a good Christian, and a good

member of the community as

well. After delivering pillows and

blanket to children that do not

have them, the Beulah children

were very thankful for what they

have at home!

BEULAH NEWS PAGE 6

He is Here A Musical for Christmas

Created by: Dennis & Nan Allen

Sunday, December 14th at 6pm – Family Life Center

(Food and fellowship following)

Emmanuel – God with us. For those who actually encountered Jesus in the manger, it may have seemed too good to be true, somewhat surreal. Even two thousand plus years later, what exactly does it mean for God to be with us?

This year’s underlying theme helps us better understand, even now, that He is with us. His Spirit calls us; sometimes we may feel that presence, other times we may reach out to Him. “He is Here” reminds us of who Christ is, not only for those who actually encountered the manger, but also to those who now abide in Him. To prophets, He was the Promise. To Mary He was the Gift; to the shepherds and angels, He was the Good News; to the wise men He was the King of Kings; and to us….well, what is He to you?

Join us on Sunday, December 14th at 6pm in the Family Life Center as we offer this message of assurance that God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel. No matter what difficulties we face in the shadows, listen closely…through the moving of the Holy Spirit, He is calling out your name. He is Here…..even now.

December BUMY Youth Events December 3, Wednesday

Prayer Breakfast – 7:15 till 7:45 –

Subway, Gilbert

Pickup Basketball Games 7:30

till 9:00, 7th thru 12th grade and

Parents welcome

December 7, Sunday

Youth Family Christmas Party

4:00 till 7:00, Full meal and fun, At

the Home of Dondi and Nancy Best

December 10, Wednesday


Subway, Gilbert

No Basketball

December 14, Sunday

No Sunday Night Live

Christmas Cantata performed by

the Sanctuary Choir



Subway, Gilbert

Pickup Basketball games 7:30

till 9:00, 7th thru 12th grade and

Parents welcome

December 21, Sunday

SNL Roadtrip 4:30 till 7:30,

Christmas shopping – location TBD


Prayer Breakfast

No Basketball

December 28, Sunday

No Sunday Night Live


New Years Eve Lock-in, Beulah

FLC 9:00pm till 8:00am

MORNINGSIDE ASSISTED

LIVING

Ella V. Woodruff

c/o Morningside of Lexington

Apt #113

218 Old Chapin Rd.

Lexington, SC 29072

HOMEBOUND

C. J. Price-892-3988

307 Lewie Road

Gilbert, SC 29054

Alan Tompkins-892-2816

616 Tom Drafts Circle

Gilbert, SC 29054

Rosetta Leaphart-892-2266

212 Shore Rd.

Gilbert, SC 29054

Thomas E. Taylor, Sr., 324390

Broad River Corr. Inst.

Montecello Unit-Room 144B

4460 Broad River Rd.

Columbia, SC 29210

Sarah Bailey-892-2594

5 Downing Way

Gilbert, SC 29054

Luther Rogers-892-3601

2033 Shull Ave.

Gilbert, SC 29054

David Stone-892-6428

2239-B Priceville Rd.

Gilbert, SC 29054

Mildred Price-532-6615

3712 Hwy. 378

Leesville, SC 29070

Hazel Moore-892-2544

431 Peachland Dr.

Gilbert, SC 29054

Esther Kaminer-532-6730

156 Half Circle

Leesville, SC 29070

Betty Ricard-892-6655

3834 Augusta Hwy.

Gilbert, SC 29054

Polly Derrick-892-6660

1833 Lewie Rd.

Leesville, SC 29070

Mickie Folk-532-1029

108 Bob Sharpe Pt.

Leesville, SC 29070

USHERS-MONTH OF NOV

Jerald Hancock-Leader

Chuck Wallace

Chuck Knight

Bobby Smith

Jim Hill

GREETERS

Loretta Price & Mary Price

ACOLYTE

Parker Evans

SCRIPTURE READER

Nick Ulmen

AFTER SERVICE GREETERS

Jamie Patterson-Church Council

Dec. 7 & Dec. 14

Jim Eidson-Lay Leader Dec. 21 &

Dec. 26

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

Dec. 7 - Judy Knight

Dec. 14 - Jerry & Janna Davis

Dec. 21 - Poinsettias

Dec. 28 - Doris Lybrand

SEPT COUNTING TEAM

Richard & Jane Flythe

Mike & Sandy Burton

Tony Counts

LEXINGTON EXTENDED CARE

Ruby Bedenbaugh

Lexington Extended Care

815 Old Cherokee Rd.

256 A Caughman Way

Lexington, SC 29072

Betty Jo Gable



Room 144-Lexington Trace

Lexington, SC 29072

Wayne Leaphart



Room 114 A-Palmetto Lane

Lexington, SC 29072

Wilma Raye Covington



Room 603 A - Camilla Ct.

Lexington, SC 29072

Carlos J. Price



Room 503 B - Azalea Circle

Lexington, SC 29072

AGAPE

Frances Smith

Agape-The House

2705 Leaphart Rd.

West Columbia, SC 29169

Homebound and Residential Care

Our December Helpers

BEULAH NEWS PAGE 7

BEULAH NEWS PAGE 8

PRAYERS: Ruby Bedenbaugh, C. J. Price, Alan Tompkins, Esther Kaminer, Sarah Bailey, Luther Rogers,

Polly Derrick, Mildred Price, Hazel Moore, Thomas Taylor, Sr., Rosetta Leaphart, Dean Price, Mickie Folk,

Betty Jo Gable, Frances Smith, Carthon Kaminer, Lillian Kaminer, Jo Nicholson, Wilma Raye Covington, and

Betty Ricard.

PRESENCE

As Of November 16, 2014

Total Budgeted Income YTD: $386,079

Total Budgeted Expenses YTD: $373,413

Total Income in Designated Accounts: $315,828

Stewardship Report

11-2 11-9 11-16 Average

Sunday School 87 98 87 90

Worship Service 188 238 234 220

Photo: Senior Trip to Myrtle Beach, Nov. 2014

Calendar for December 2014

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1

9:30 am Bridge - SH

5:00 pm Disciple 4

6:30 pm Advent Study

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

9:30 am Bible Study

6:30 pm Youth Ministry Pers. Comm.

7:00 pm REFIT Class - FLC

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

7:15 am Prayer Breakfast

10:00 am Weight Watchers - SH

6:30 pm Choir Practice

Selena -FLC

7:30 pm Youth Basketball - FLC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

6:30 pm Bible Study - SH

7:30 pm Praise Choir

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

9:00 am Mother’s Morning Out (until noon)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

The Christmas Star Rehearsal

1:00 pm Aftershock Road Trip

4:00 pm Steak Supper (until 7:00 pm)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Worship

10:00 am The Christmas Star - FLC

No Children’s Church

4:00 pm J.A.M. Road Trip

Youth Family Christmas Party

6:00 pm Bible Study

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

9:30 am Bridge

5:00 pm Disciple 4

Preschool Christmas Bazaar -FLC


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

9:30 am Bible Study

6:30 pm Emmaus - SH




10:00 am Weight Watchers


Selena - FLC


10:30 am Fun, Food, and Fellowship - FLC



FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12


8:00 pm Square Dance


10:30 am Cantata Rehearsal - FLC

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

8:30 am Meet & Greet

Contemporary Worship

9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service

10:00am Sunday School

Traditional Worship

9:00 am Sunday School

10:00 am Traditional Worship Service

Children’s Church

4:00 pm No J.A.M.

No Aftershock

5:00 pm No Sunday Night Live

6:00 pm Christmas Cantata - FLC

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

9:30 am Bridge

5:00 pm Disciple 4


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

9:30 am Bible Study





10:30 am Preschool - FLC


7:30 pm Youth Basketball - FLC


10:30 am Preschool - FLC


Prayer Group


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19



9:00 am Breakfast with Santa

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21




10:00am Sunday School

Traditional Worship



11:15 am Potluck

4:00 pm No J.A.M.

No Aftershock

4:30 pm Sunday Night Live Road Trip

6:00 pm Bible Study

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22

9:30 am Bridge

5:00 pm Disciple 4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23

9:30 am Bible Study




10:00 am Weight Watchers



Christmas Day

Jettie Covington - SH

Vicky Gossett - FLC

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28





Traditional Worship



Children’s Church

4:00 pm No J.A.M.

No Aftershock

5:00 pm No Sunday Night Live

6:00 pm Gospel Singing

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29

9:30 am Bridge

5:00 pm Disciple 4

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30

9:30 am Bible Study





9:00 pm Youth Lock In - FLC, Bus

(until 8:00 am)

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Leesville, SC 29070

PERMIT NUMBER 8

Beulah United Methodist Church

161 Beulah Church Road

Gilbert, SC 29054


Return Service Requested

W e would like to invite you to Fun,

Food and Fellowship. We meet

every second Thursday at 10:30 am

(except for November, when we

have the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner). We hope

you will come have

lunch and get

together with all

your friends and

make new friends.

Invite all your

neighbors to come

with you. We would

be glad to have you

attend. Any questions, please call the church

office at 892-2842.

Fun, Food, and

Fellowship

December 11, 2014

Aftershock Schedule for

November

Dec 6 - 1 pm - 8 pm, Aftershock Road Trip

- Shopping for Angel Tree Kids, Supper,

and Christmas Lights $10

Dec 14 - No Aftershock

Dec 20 - Breakfast with Santa Time TBA

Junior Youth Help



Documents

Beulah News...Beulah News Beulah United Methodist Church 161 Beulah Church Rd. Gilbert, SC 29054 I t was sometime around the beginning of October when I began to notice it; the subtle