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PRAYER IS THE FOURTH MARK OF A METHODIST
LAVALETTE
UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
NOVEMBER 2017
LAVA-LETTER
Each Week at LUMC
Sundays
9:45 Fellowship Time
10:00 Sunday School
11:00 Worship
6:00 Youth Meeting
TBA Bike Group meets
at the Smith’s
house (weather
permitting)
Tuesdays
5:30 AA Meeting
Wednesdays
6:30 Chimes Practice
7:00 Choir Practice
8:00 Christmas Rehearsal
PET
BLESSING Saturday,
November 4th
1:00pm
Shelter on the back
parking lot.
• Pet blessing
• Pet pictures
• Pet ID tags
• Pet treats
• Human snacks, too!
Chad says they will set
up by 12:15 and stay a
little after to accom-
modate everyone!
Sounds like LUMC!
More fun!
Do you realize that we are never told that Jesus taught his disciples how to
preach, but he did teach them how to pray? This seems sort of funny, especial-
ly since Jesus commissioned them to go out and proclaim.
I know what you are thinking; “Well, Ray, what do you think proclaim means?”
And my answer to you would be that “it means to announce or declare, but it
really doesn’t mean to actually preach!”
If you will remember, the disciples asked, “Master, teach us how to pray,” but
no one asked Jesus to teach them how to preach. All through the gospels, we
are given the example of how Christ would steal away from the crowds
(including into the wilderness or out into the desert) to get one-on-one with
God, and how he instructed people to “pray” to the Father.
Jesus set the example of how and when to pray! But if we truly believe this to
be true, most Christians need to return to the Scripture for further training
because most are failing in our prayer life. Listen to these statistics: • 21% spend less than 15 minutes a day in prayer — the average is 39
minutes per day,
• 16% are “very satisfied” with their prayer life,
• 47% are “somewhat satisfied”, and
• 37% are either “somewhat dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied” With these statistics in mind, I guess we should be thankful that we are United
Methodists, because we know that one of the marks of a Methodist is that we
pray constantly! (Or at least, that is the fourth mark per John Wesley).
In reading The Essential Works of John Wesley; updated in today’s language, I
chose the section entitled “The Character of a Methodist”, as recorded by John
Wesley. In this section, you will find his definition of the fourth mark of a Meth-
odist. He writes:
“For indeed he “prays without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). It is given to him always
to pray and not lose heart (Luke 1:81). Not that he is always in the house of
prayer, though he neglects no opportunity of being there. Neither is he always
always on his knees, although often is (or on his face) before the Lord his God. Not yet is he always
crying aloud to God or calling upon Him in words. For many times the Spirit makes intercession for him
with groans that cannot be uttered. But at all times the language of his heart is this: “O brightness of the
eternal glory, to you my heart, though without voice, and my silence speaks to you.” This is true prayer
and this alone. But his heart is ever lifted up to God at all times and in all places. In this he is never hin-
dered, much less interrupted, by any person, or thing. In retirement or company, in leisure, business, or
conversation, his heart is ever with the Lord. Whether he lies down or rises up, God is in all his
thoughts; he walks with God continually, having the loving eye of mind still fixed upon Him, and every-
where seeing Him who is invisible.”
I don’t know about you, but I am in agreement with Mr. Wesley in believing that we should always be in
a constant attitude of prayer (communication) with God, in all aspects of our life. Why?
1. Because we love God first in all things (Matt. 22:36) and want to always be in communication with
God;
2. We rejoice in what God has done for us, in spite of us, by giving his only son on our behalf
(salvation). “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4);
3. We “give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess.
5:18); and
4. For us not to be in a constant state of prayer means we are going it alone; that’s right, we are going
about our way solo without the guidance of God. We feel we are perfected and do not need the
touch of God in our life.
When we don’t take time to commune with God, we are saying “I know best for what is going on in my
life.” This reasoning falls short of the scriptures (both new and old) and fails to honor God. This can be
avoided if we are in a constant attitude of prayer, allowing us to continuously commune with God. But
old habits are hard to break.
How’s your prayer life?
Shalom,
Pastor Ray
IT’S ‘HUNTING’ SEASON! - Sara Marcum We’ve been going through the records and have found many church members that we have not seen in church in
quite a long time. If you know the whereabouts of any of these, please let us know so we can contact them. We
will begin our search with those that have been members for the longest period of time.
Jacquelin Morris Bias Suellen Cook Kilgore Garry Morris
Larry Morris Charles Alan Hicks, Jr. Vickie Ann Boyd Morrison Dale Osburn Ferguson Shirley Rakes Blatt Sharon Kaye Perdue Blankenship
Dorotha Barbour Miller Kay Barbour Russell Sandra Barbour Spry Smith
Patricia Smith Stinnett Charlotte Hicks Webb Leslie Murphy
Mary Ann Murphy Rowe Randy Spradling Dale Adkins
Page 2
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS SCHEDULE
November 5th: November 12th:
Front Door Greeters: Jim & Cindy Day Front Door Greeters: Betty Napier & Alice Roberts
Office Door Greeters: Greg & Toni Adkins Office Door Greeters: Alan Blakely & Dinah Fraley
Acolyte: Nicholas Webb Acolyte: Nicholas Webb
Nursery Worker: Skylar Brumfield Nursery Worker: Nancy Webb
Children’s Time: Sara Stapleton Children’s Time: Kinsey Booth
Liturgist: Gail Brumfield Liturgist: Kathy Sanders
Ushers: Brody Brumfield, Joe Brumfield, & Kaden Ushers: Kyle Watts, Randall Watts, & Tyler Watts
Brumfield Sound Assistant: Joe Chapman
Communion Servers: Charlie & Betty Ellis, Sara Marcum
Homebound Communion: Dinah Fraley
Sound Assistant: John Dempsey
November 19th: November 26th:
Front Door Greeters: Charlie & Betty Ellis Front Door Greeters: Steve & Monica Smith
Office Door Greeters: Peggy Davis & Billie Smith Office Door Greeters: John Mark & Heather Curtis
Acolyte: Nicholas Webb Acolyte: Nicholas Webb
Nursery Worker: Alice Roberts Nursery Worker: Sammi Jo Stapleton
Children’s Time: Phawn Cusick Children’s Time: Kristin Ferrell
Liturgist: Kevin McCann Liturgist: Missi Blatt
Ushers: Cory Booth, Charlie Ellis, & Chad Ferrell Ushers: Hugh Roberts, Kevin Webb, & Nicholas Webb
Sound Assistant: John Dempsey Sound Assistant: Joe Chapman
TRUNK-OR-TREAT FUN - Church Mouse
I hear that the youth of the church enjoyed their annual Trunk-or-Treat complete with a meal and games on the
afternoon of Sunday, October 29th. Sarah Curry reported that there were “lots of cars” in the back parking lot
loaded with treats and that it was “scary!” She shared that her daddy, Jeffery Curry, won the annual contest for
the best car. I believe that award goes to the best-decorated vehicle and that the participating youth vote to de-
termine the winner. I hear that Jeffery had lots of candy, pretzels, etc. in his stash. Yum and Congratulations!
Thanks to all that contributed time and treats for this safe Halloween alternative for our kids.
APPLE BUTTER SUCCESS! - Church Mouse Several gathered on Saturday, October 28th to make apple butter under the shelter. Many thanks to Hugh Rob-
erts for his ingenious thinking to protect the kettle and the crowd from the elements. Thanks to all those that
helped by donating jars, applesauce, sugar, lids & jar rings, labor, etc. It was an enjoyable day complete with bis-
cuits and an official tasting. Hope you got some because I hear that it’s all been sold. (And I didn’t get any! Squeak.)
Page 3
Wednesday, Nov. 1 6 - 8 Trustees Work Night
7:00 Choir Practice
8 - 9 Christmas Rehearsal
Saturday, Nov. 4 1:00 Pet Blessing, Shelter on back parking lot
*Daylight Savings Time Ends. Set clocks back*
Sunday, Nov. 5 11:00 Celebration of All Saints Sunday
TBA Homebound Communion Ministry
6:00 Youth Meeting, Youth Room
Tuesday, Nov. 7 5:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, Nov. 8 6:30 Chime Choir Practice
7:00 Choir Practice
8 - 9 Christmas Rehearsal
Sunday, Nov. 12 4:00 United Methodist Women
6:00 Youth Meeting, Youth Room
Monday, Nov. 13 11:00 Meet at LUMC to go for food pickup Tuesday, Nov. 14 5:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Fellowship Hall
7:00 Administrative Council, Wesley Classroom
Wednesday, Nov. 15 9 - ? Food Pantry Prep
6 - 8 Trustees Work Night
6:30 Chime Choir Practice
7:00 Choir Practice
8 - 9 Christmas Rehearsal
Thursday, Nov. 16 9 - Noon Food Pantry
Friday, Nov. 17 9 - Noon Food Pantry
Sunday, Nov. 19 6:00 Youth Meeting, Youth Room
Tuesday, Nov. 21 5:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Fellowship Hall
6:00 Pastor-Parish Relations, Wesley Classroom
6:30 Chime Choir Practice
7:00 Choir Practice
8 - 9 Christmas Rehearsal
Thursday, Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Day We are blessed!
Sunday, Nov. 26 6:00 Youth Meeting, Youth Room
Tuesday, Nov. 28 5:30 Alcoholics Anonymous, Fellowship Hall
7:00 Trustees
Wednesday, Nov. 29 6:30 Chime Choir Practice
7:00 Choir Practice
8 - 9 Christmas Rehearsal
UPCOMING EVENTS Sunday, Dec. 3 2:00 Sweet Adelines Women’s Choir Concert, Lavalette UMC
Wednesday, Dec. 6 & Thursday, Dec. 7 Family Life Center reserved for private function
Sunday, Dec. 17 5:00 Community Christmas Cantata, Lavalette UMC
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“This I
command you,
to love one
another.”
John 15:17
(KJV)
Page 4
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY - Sara Marcum On Sunday, November 5th we will remember these from
our congregation that have passed on to their
Heavenly reward during the past year:
Carrie Opal Fisher on February 17, 2017
Thomas Martin Leete on February 18, 2017
We will also celebrate Holy Communion on this sacred day.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA - Sara Marcum
The Community Christmas Cantata will be presented at
Lavalette UMC on Sunday, December 17th at 5:00pm. Sev-
eral members from Mays Chapel UMC have joined us this
year along with a few from our church (that we’d love to
have in the choir all the time) and some others from the
community.
We will be having several instrumentalists and guest vocal
students from Marshall University performing with us. Ja-
cob is looking for extra donations to offset the cost of the
musicians. If you’d be interested in making a donation for
this purpose, please get in touch with Jacob Smith, Choir
Director, at 304-360-2337 or [email protected].
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
2 Doug Berry
3 Peggy Davis
5 Kevin Mays
8 Shaelyn Trent
9 Carol McKay
11 Hunter Arthur
15 Chad Ferrell
17 Phawn Cusick
17 Kenny Queen
20 Michael Powers
22 Marc Tissenbaum
28 Doug Stapleton
29 Ben Brubeck
Happy Thanksgiving
Be ye thankful!
Page 5
Prayer Chain
To start the prayer chain, call the first
person on the list below during the times
listed. Then, call Pastor Ray at 681-204-
7004.
Daytime Hours ( 9am - 5pm )
Nancy Webb 304-697-1851
Gail Brumfield 304-522-0476
Dinah & Liza Fraley 304-523-8124
Cindy Day 304-522-7854
Billie Smith 304-522-7084
Sara Marcum 304-529-2067
The last person on the daytime list calls the
first person on the evening list.
Evening Hours ( 5pm - 9pm )
Marian Tissenbaum 304-525-0968
Vicki Hunter 304-272-9002
Betty Ellis 304-529-1919
Kinsey Booth 304-972-6616
Linda Burns 304-529-2957
Helen Dunkle 304-529-6557
Sara Stapleton 304-544-2174
Gayle Curry 304-523-1339
Betty Napier 304-634-2648
George Bias 304-522-9811
Emergency ( 9pm - 9am )
Sara Marcum 304-529-2067
Helen Dunkle 304-529-6557
If you are unable to speak with the next person, please call down the chain until you
speak with someone so the chain remains
unbroken. Thank you!
PRAYER LIST
Norman A. George B. Alan B. Ethan B. Joe B. Dallas C.
John C. Phawn C. & family Cindy D.
Charlie E. Allison G. & family Leslie G. & family Jared & Machala H. Rev. Carol Monica S.
Loretta S. Rev. Ray Chad’s mother
Dinah’s niece Loretta’s niece, Vicky
Marian’s friend, Lindsay Rev. Randy & Rhonda A.
Alice’s brother, Bill L. Daniel & Debbie R.
Alan’s co-worker, Bryan P. Chad’s cousin
Del, Latasha, & Rylee S. Chad’s friend, Kim
Kristin’s mother Julie’s step-grandmother, Janet S.
Marissa, Zach, Rylee & Oaklee N. Lavalette UMC
Flood & hurricane victims, shut-ins; the homeless;
our military; those traveling; our world; our community;
our nation; Food Pantry Families; those grieving loved ones; those who don’t know Christ; those struggling with addiction;
and unspoken requests.
If you would like to add someone to the prayer list,
Please write their name on a notecard and place it in the offering plate.
Names will be kept on the prayer list for 30 days.
THANK YOU! Your support of the community food pantry has been incredible! Your
donations of food, the time given to help stock shelves and prepare food pack-
ages, and the monetary gifts given as well as your prayers helped us to serve
about 149 families last month.
The Food Pantry dates for this month are Thursday, November 16th and Fri-
day, November 17th from 9 - Noon. We will get items ready on Wednesday,
November 15th from 9 until we are finished.
If you have a little spare time to help out on any of the food pantry days, we’d
love to have you. We have lots of good fellowship while we’re working PLUS
the holiday months always bring in more clients, so any extra help would be
greatly appreciated!
Page 6
Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds.
PO Box 478 4623 Route 152
Lavalette, WV 25535-0478
Phone: 304-523-5931 E-mail: [email protected]
LAVALETTE UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
OUR GIVING Thank you for your tithes and offerings which support the mission and minis-
tries of our congregation, our Annual Conference and our mission to the
world. Below is a snapshot of our giving for the month of October. As of
October 31, 2017 the Family Life Center loan balance is $ 246,062.23. Our
monthly payment for the loan is $ 2,879.16.
Any gift that you can give toward the remaining balance of our loan and to
our weekly ministries would be greatly appreciated. The more gifts we re-
ceive, the more ministries we can offer and quicker the loan can be repaid.
Thank you for your generous gifts to God and the ministries and missions of the church!
Our Gifts for the Month of October:
General Budget Offerings received $ 13,633.00
Sunday School 73.00
Building Fund (Trustees) 340.00
Family Life Center 4,430.00
Food Pantry 410.00
Choir 222.00
UMCOR 100.00
Apportionment 1,200.00
Total $ 20,408.00
Amount needed each month to do ministry through our budget - $11,613.42
Amount needed each month for FLC loan payment - $ 2,879.16
Amount needed each month to support ministries through our apportion-
ment - $ 2,587.09
SUNDAY SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE - OCT.
Alan Blakely Gail Brumfield Joe Chapman
Cindy Day Jim Day Betty Ellis
Charlie Ellis Dinah Fraley Liza Fraley
Sara Marcum Linda Roberts Kathy Sanders
Roger Smith Steve Smith Elaine Stonestreet
Marian Tissenbaum Emma Webb Kevin Webb Nancy Webb Nicholas Webb
We’re on the web:
lavaletteumc.com
On Facebook at: Lavalette
United Methodist
