July Good News newsletter 2016

From Pastor LizDear Friends,

Thank you so much for the very warm welcome you have given to me and my family. Moving can be a difficult experience and I am grateful to all who have made it just a little easier. Rick and I are excited to be part of the Chestnut Hill family. We hope to be here for many years. Thanks for all the time spent in prayer for me!

I certainly have not been here long enough to know each member by name. I also do not fully know or appreciate yet the history and traditions of our church, so please be patient with me. I am blest to be following in the footsteps of the amazing Becky Cloud and her ministry here.

I absolutely believe that there is no reason that we cannot fulfill a strong vision for our church. With much prayer by all of our members, we will see and understand where God is leading us. This cannot be accomplished overnight, nor only through the efforts of a few. This must be a concerted effort on the part of the pastor and congregation working together as partners in ministry. I pray that we each begin right now to work together to accomplish much for the Lord here at Chestnut Hill.

I really want to hear of any needs or concerns in the church and community, so please make an effort to call the pastor if you know of any needs, hospitalizations or illnesses.

I expect to be in the church office from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30, Mondays through Thursdays, and spend those afternoons from 1:00-4:30 in visitation, sermon preparation, community outreach and/or spiritual formation. Starting in the fall I will have evening hours one night a week. Friday is my day off. My cell phone number is 258-2934 and there is voice mail both on my cell and the parsonage 319-5646, so if I am not available be sure and leave a message so that I can get back to you as soon as possible. Never hesitate to call, I am here for you.

May God bless each of you as we begin our journey together. ~Blessings, Grace, and Peace, Liz 

Why I am a MinisterI have been a United Methodist all my life. After a long struggle I have accepted the fact that

I have been called to, and have the gifts and skills for ordained ministry. I have dedicated myself to serving God and His children. I want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I bring an enthusiasm to the role of pastor that I hope is contagious. I want to communicate to others the story of God’s love and grace and what He has done in my life. I believe that I have the gifts of compassion and empathy. I am genuinely concerned about those around me. I try to show them that I do care and bring comfort to them. Having experienced God in own life, and seeing how many lonely, hurting people there are in the world, I want to share with them the hope, reconciliation, and redemption that is ours through Christ Jesus and to work for the building up of Christ’s Church. The primary function of an ordained minister, in my opinion, is to be a pastor to the congregation, visiting and sharing their life events. I also proclaim the message. This is done both through preaching and administering the Sacraments.

Teaching is another important role of the pastor, which can take many forms; from teaching a Bible study or Sunday school class to the manner in which you live your life. As a pastor I must also be an effective administrator. A pastor must oversee the work of the church with regard to its members, the community and the world. All people must be allowed to experience the love and grace of God, and it is a part of my calling to make it so. All must feel like they are truly a part of the family of God. This responsibility cannot be shirked in today’s society where we seem to be drifting apart rather than coming together. I am excited and honored by the opportunity to pastor at Chestnut Hill.

~Blessings, Grace, and Peace, Liz 

Meet your new Director of MusicHello, my name is William Sperrazza and I am excited to meet everyone in the upcoming weeks. I  received my B.A. in music education from Lynchburg College and am pursuing an M.A. in conducting. I am originally from Bedford, VA and love sharing God’s gift of music with everyone. In addition to playing piano for services, I will be leading handbells and choir. I encourage all who are interested in becoming part of the music ministry to contact me. Thanks for welcoming me to your congregation!

“I’ll Be There Sunday”September 11 is being designated “I’ll Be There Sunday” by the Rev. Liz

Ecklund. The pastor is challenging all members of the congregation to clear their calendars on that date and plan on being in church that morning. Attending church should be as intentional as going hunting, fishing, golfing, or even shopping at the local mall. Pastor Ecklund is asking each church member to commit to attending worship service that day - September 11. We are announcing this now, months ahead to give you an opportunity to change any conflicting plans you may have for that Sunday. Let the church win just once over all other things. Let’s all experience what it would be like if everyone showed up at the same time to worship God. After all how can you expect your faith to take you to heaven when it won’t even take you to church?  

Urgent Emphasis on Prayer in July

Chestnut Hill UMC is a wonderful church! We have everything we need here to make an incredible impact on our community and help to bring Christ’s kingdom here on earth right now. We have warm friendly disciples, Spirit filled worship, a wonderful building and location. So why aren’t we growing and reaching more people for Jesus?

We will be examining ways that we can do that over the next few months, but there is something we all can do right now. I’m proposing a radical solution for the church right now. Prayer. That’s right, prayer! For the month of July, let’s dedicate ourselves to praying for this church and our dreams and vision for it. If every member would spend as little as fifteen minutes a day in prayer for the church and its ministry, we could change the world. That’s it! That’s all I’m asking - fifteen minutes a day praying for the church and its members. Ask God for his guidance, and listen for his answer. Remember Christ’s promise in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds,   and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Bring our members into the circle of God’s love. Ask him to use them and Chestnut Hill to make an impact in our community. If we all do that, I promise you it will make a difference, but it requires two things: commitment to pray and faith that it will make a difference. If you do, it will transform this church and, at the same time, make a huge difference in your own life, spiritually and in all ways.

Please, just try it for the next thirty days. I promise they will be the most powerful thirty days you have ever spent. -Pastor Liz 

Mark Your Calendars…Chestnut Hill United Methodist will be doing Wednesday night dinners at Park View Mission on August 17 and November 2 this year. Please mark your calendar if you are able to help, either by cooking or serving and cleaning up. Judy Robertson will be calling people in July.

 

JULY BIRTHDAYS1 Lauren Childers

Jane DunkleyAl Wood

2 Garrett Severe3 Richard Finch

Gregory HendricksLinda Wright

4 Devin BeilerPam CroftLisa Gunter

5 Wilton Burgess6 Judy Martin7 Betty Smith

Hudson Willis8 Connor Burgess9 Douglas Ayers10 Rachel Glass

Betty Shelton12 Benjamin Thomas13 Aubrey Crist

Paisley KleinGrace Phillips

16 Imogene Scott20 Penny Baunach

Sharon ChildersPete Witt

21 Erik LunsfordElizabeth MaysLinda Wingfield

22 Penelope Price24 Justin Payne

Angela Trent25 Alan Finch

Carrie Smith26 Jordan Scott27 Melanie Jay

Fred Shafer28 Edwin Pinigis, Jr.29 Megan Carr

Jeanette Cyrus30 Ann Robbins

Children’s MinistryMany thanks to all of you who helped with VBS 2016. I really appreciate your

dedication, time, and hard work! Kingdom Kids will began again in the Fall. Please watch for upcoming

information in the bulletins and the newsletters for dates and times. Please continue to pray for Kingdom Kids, the children, and the volunteers.

Remember our goal is to share God’s love with all children and to provide opportunities to each child to feel welcome and experience God through Bible activities, play time, craft mission projects, music, and meals with their friends.

Attention Children: There will be a new curriculum for Children’s Church:

“Believe, Think, Act, and Be Like Jesus”.Jody Underwood, Lay Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Top of the Hill will meet on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at “City Market”

on Main Street. If you would like to carpool, contact Sue Norvelle. 

FRIENDS WHO CAREPlease send your reports of visits and phone calls each month to Scottie Nuckols,

1250 Jefferson Oaks Court, # 44, Forest, VA 24551. Or e-mail to mx55566@gmail.com. On your report please note the month and year, names of those visited (or called) and the number of times visited or called that month and any comments of our pastor. Please try to get this information to Scottie by the 5th of the month. We express our appreciation to all the volunteers who participate in this ministry of compassion.

A total of 21 visits and 73 phone calls were made in MAY. 

Mission NewsIn May the food cart was full of many different goodies. We collected 17 boxes of crackers,

20 packages of cookies, 6 jars of peanut butter,9 cans of fruit, and 8 cans of meat products for a total of 47 lbs. of food items.  We also collected 4 pks. of toilet paper totaling 28 rolls; 7 pks. of diapers totaling 165 diapers; and 8 bars of soap.  Thank-you for your continuing support of this mission that benefits our community.  Park View Mission survives on food donations and money that people give.  With out the support of individuals and churches in the area this mission could not stay open.  We show love for our neighbors when we share our money, time, and goods with people in need.

~Thank-you from Linda Jessen & the Mission Committee

FOOD CART ~ JulyIn July we will be collecting peanut butter, canned fruits, canned meats, and toilet paper for Park View Mission.  I know you wonder why they ask for toilet paper every month but that is an item that is always running out.  We can only give one roll per customer and many times we don't have any to give.  So you see the need is great. 

Please place in the food cart, located in the Commons. Help those in need.

Those Who Serve ~ JULYUSHERS: Fred Norvelle, Head Usher

NURSERY CAREGIVERS:July 3 ~Margo Allen, Brenda TorianJuly 10 ~Jody Underwood, Jane WhiteJuly 17 ~Ann Ruhland, Linda WrightJuly 24 ~Linda Jessen, Robbie HodgesJuly 31 ~Lisa Redford, Pat Moore

GREETERS:July 3 ~ Linda WrightJuly 10 ~Jane WhiteJuly 17 ~Elizabeth AshworthJuly 24 ~Marsha BurksJuly 31 ~Pat Short

CHILDREN’S CHURCH (Ages 4-11)

Watch Sunday’s bulletin for information.

OFFERING COUNTERS:

Lisa Redford, Robbie Hodges* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

GOOD NEWS is published monthly for members and friends of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church. Send articles to the church office by the 15th of the month. 

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OUR ATTENDANCE

SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP

5/29        34           526/5        46           706/12        39                       1326/19        24                         58 

Our Church Financial PictureThrough the end of May 2016

General Operating Funds:

Needed to meet our 2016 Budget $ 240,162

Needed to meet our budget to date $ 100,067

Actual receipts to date $ 89,026

Shortfall to meet budget to date $ 11,041

Actual expenditures to date $ 77,067

Overage meet expenses to date $ 11,959

Joy In Missions Funds:

Our Giving Goal for 2016 $ 11,600

Needed to meet our goal to date $ 4,833

Actual receipts to date $ 5,453

Special Offerings* (not budgeted):

Received to date $ 5,337

Dispersed to date $ 4,193

*Christmas, Easter, Annual Conference,

World Communion, etc.

2016 Joy In Mission Donations

To date, the following amounts have been paid to the missions indicated.

Missionary Covenant Relationship $ 625

UMCOR(One Great Hour of Sharing) $ 0.00

Free Clinic $ 125

Heart Havens $ 201

Missions~Food for Families $ 480

Interfaith Outreach $ 250

Meals on Wheels (Souper Bowl) $ 1,024

Habitat for Humanity $ 125

Churches for Urban Ministry $ 125

Adult Care Center $ 125

Daily Bread $ 125

Camp Timothy $ 500

Society of St. Andrew $ 310

Good Neighbor $ 0.00

Heifer $ 0.00

UMCOR-Non-Administrative $ 0.00

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank $ 125

Undesignated $ 0.00

Thank You for Your Generosity

 Summer Contributions

It’s summertime and many families are on vacation, but the expenses of the church remain constant. Please don’t forget your church contributions while you’re away. Thanks! 

The Prayer Breakfast Group will meet at the home of Beryl Martin for the month of July at 9:00 a.m. 

Deepest Appreciation...Dear Chestnut Hill Friends,Thank you so much for being wonderful children of God these past seven years. It has been a joy and privilege to serve as your pastor. You have blessed me with so many wonderful words, celebrations, and gifts as I embark on a new season of my life in retirement that words fall short of expressing my gratitude. My heart is full. I leave you in the capable hands of my colleague, Pastor Liz Ecklund, and pray God’s blessings upon you, as together you seek God’s will in the work of ministry.

Grace and peace,Pastor Becky

 Be sure to notice the parking lot garden and prayer garden outside the Commons. Thanks to Ruth Ann Harris for putting in hours of work to make these areas beautiful! I cannot express in words how grateful I am to each and everyone of you for your support, care, and prayers and all other expressions of love that I have received during the untimely passing of my husband, Kevin. Thank you to Pastor Becky, Pastor Phil, and Vanessa for your visits, prayers, and love and especially for making his memorial service so special. I know Kevin was with us and was very proud. May God bless each and every one of you.

~All my love, Monica 

Anniversary/Homecoming 2016Attention Active and

Inactive Members of CHUMCYou are invited to the 65th Anniversary of our church on Sunday, September 18, 2016.

Come fellowship with your church family. There will be historical displays and lunch will be served immediately following morning worship service. We are asking if you want to participate, every adult and child put away a dollar a week to give on the anniversary Sunday. Donations of any amount will go toward funding of on-going church projects.

AND be sure to start collecting pictures, and any memorabilia you would like displayed. Hope to see you there!!

~Co-Chairs, Sylvia Glass, Judy Robertson 

Read Ahead Each Sunday the lectionary provides us with readings from the Gospel, the Epistles (Letters) the

  

Old Testament and the Psalms. The lectionary follows a three year cycle, which when finished will have covered the majority of the Bible. Pastor Liz believes that reading ahead will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the service.  For July 3, 2016 Independence Sunday the Scriptures are 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:1-16 & Psalm 30. The sermon text is Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 and the message is “Leaving Things Behind” For July 10, 2016 the Scriptures are Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 & Psalm 82. The sermon text is Luke 10:25-37 and the message is “A Parable ” For July 17, 2016 the Scriptures are Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28 & Psalm 52. The sermon text is Luke 10:38-42 and the message is “Priorities and Balance”. For July 24, 2016 the Scriptures are Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 & Psalm 85. The sermon text is Luke 11:1-13 and the message is “All You Need to Know”. For July 31, 2016 the Scriptures are Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11 & Psalm 107. The sermon text is Luke 12:13-21 and the message is “Three Foolish Things”. 

You are cordially invited..There will be a Reception after church on Sunday, July 10, to welcome our new pastor, Liz Ecklund, & her family to Chestnut Hill. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome! Food and drink will be provided. 

What to Bring When Coming to Church

Bring yourself and your spirit of worship.Bring reverence for God and His house.Bring your offering (the tithe plus).Bring a spirit of love and fellowship.Bring a hearty handshake and a smile.Bring a kind word and helpful thoughts.Bring your willingness to help sing, and sing out of your heart.Bring a friend or relative.Be sure to bring your visiting friend.Bring your best each Sunday to Church.Get the church-going habit.

  

Gifts & MemorialsIn Memory Of:

Kevin Campbell

Given by: Theresa Perkins, Owen Stinnette, Imelda Chancey, Laird & Joanne Ramsey,Jim & Rhunell Gillis, Bob & Eleanor Elium,

Georgia Mason, Frances Unruh, David & Eleanor Maxham, Jimmy & Barbara Blunt

 

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church

4660 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Phone Number: 434-239-8423: FAX: 434-239-7209

E-mail: chestnuthillumc@comcast.net

On the web: www.chestnuthillumc.net

Church Office HoursMonday-Thursday9:00 am—3:30 pm

Friday9:00 am-1:00 pm

DIRECTORY OF CHESTNUT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Young Jin Cho Richmond Area Resident BishopScott Davis Lynchburg District SuperintendentLiz Ecklund MinisterVernie Barrow Minister EmeritusMonica C. Campbell Administrative AssistantWilliam Sperrazza Director of Music MinistryJudy Martin BookkeeperElaine Clarke Lay LeaderJody Underwood Lay Children’s Ministry CoordinatorChris Glass Lay Youth Ministry Coordinator