Cokesbury United Methodist Church September 2007 14806 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA Volume 46, No. 9

The Colonnade

By Bunny Mahar

The United Methodist Men presented their annual scholarship at the worship service on June 24 to Tanya Lynn Elliott, a senior at Potomac High School. Tanya is the daughter of Teresa Elliott, a member of Cokesbury. Tanya’s high school achievements included membership in the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, FBLA, Science Club, and the NJROTC. She also participated in the French competition at Forest Park High School. For five years Tanya played softball with her school and with the Junior and Senior Leagues of Prince William County. She also served for a time as manager of the softball team at Potomac High School. As a member of the Cokesbury youth group, Tanya participated in Chrysalis, a spiritual renewal retreat for youth and young adults. She also helped with the Kids’ Fest, flea market, and homeless shelter. Aside from church activities, she has volunteered with the ROTC at

the Marine Corps Marathon, participated in the Quantico Creek clean-up, and was a volunteer for the ‘05 delegate election.

TANYA ELLIOTT IS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

This summer Tanya served as a People-to-People Ambassador from her school to England, Iceland and Wales. She reports that, in addition to the overall wonderful experience of travel and making new friends, in a particularly exciting moment she was repelled 70 feet down from a castle! Tanya will attend Mary Baldwin College beginning this semester and will be part of the ladies’ leadership program. She hopes to continue to receive good grades and try many courses. She plans to do ROTC and may commission after graduation. She will focus primarily on International Relations as her major. We wish Tanya much success in her studies and future endeavors. Congratulations, Tanya, on your achievements and on being awarded the UMM Scholarship.

H E L P!! Our need for Sunday school teachers

has reached an Epidemic level! **************************** Sunday school begins at the same time public school does and, at this moment, we have “zero” people who have volunteered to teach. If you are interested, please let either Melissa Clark or Louise Young know. This is really an easier job than you might realize. Classes are limited to 2-5 kids each, all supplies and lesson plans are provided, and teaching training is in place for those who are interested. Please call Melissa Clark at 571-247-4657 or Louise Young, at 703-494-5749.

****************************

Worship Services 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM

Nursery available both services The 11am worship service features a children’s worship for 4-9 year olds. On months with 5 Sundays, Service begins at 10 AM on the 5th Sunday

Sunday School 9:45 AM (For children, youth, and adults)

Cokesbury UMC Web Site: http://www.CokesburyUMC.us

Loving others… as Christ first loved us!

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Stewardship: Living in God’s Kingdom The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus has been teaching the crowds along the seaside. As he withdraws from the crowds for the

evening, his disciples ask him to explain more fully to them what he has been saying to the crowds. Jesus responds by telling the disciples that the reign of God is like a plowman who suddenly finds treasure hidden in a field and sells everything in order to buy that field and possess the treasure that it holds.

In the biblical world there were no banking institutions where someone could safely keep their treasure. When people saw an invader coming, they would hide their treasure in tree trunks, walls, cisterns, or bury it in a ceramic jar out in an open field. Many times the person hiding the treasure would be killed or driven from the land, and the treasure would be forgotten and lost. It was possible for a workman who worked for pennies to suddenly find a treasure that would make him a man of means and affluence. In Jesus’ time, the law permitted the plowman to do just what he did in the parable – buy the field without telling the current owner about the treasure buried there.

The kingdom of God calls for response such as this man took. To know the rule of God is a treasure. Finding that treasure calls on the finder to liquidate everything in life that matters less and surrender it in order to have the more valuable treasure. As a teaching on stewardship, the message is twofold. First, the Christian must be willing to risk personal worth for the sake of the God’s kingdom. Yet this risk is taken in joy. It is joy like one who trades a plow for a treasure!

The parable of the pearl moves in a slightly different way. The hero is a pearl merchant on a grand scale. He is no mere shopkeeper, he is a pearl wholesaler seeking the finest pearls to retail elsewhere. On a given day, he suddenly discovers a pearl beyond all pearls. In response to the discovery, he liquidates his entire pearl holdings in order to buy this one perfect pearl. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give up everything he once valued in order to suddenly have something he values far more.

The call of Jesus for a person to be a part of the kingdom of God often creates a crisis of value. In the joy of discovering this new life that Jesus offers to us, are we willing to let go of the old and embrace fully and completely the new life – life in the kingdom of God – that is offered to us? These two parables suggest that the emphasis rests on the suddenness and completeness of the person’s decision. Without hesitation a person trades everything for the kingdom.

The call of Jesus upon a person’s life creates a life-changing perspective on the values of a lifetime. Out of joy and with urgency the Christian gives up something once loved for something suddenly prized even more. In the life of a Christian steward, the call of Jesus prompts a willingness to give whatever it takes for the kingdom of God.

In God’s grace,

Russ

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

3 Mary & Thomas Taylor 12 Jaczueline & Joseph Elliot 22 Billie Lou & Victor Wertz 25 Debbie & Steven Nelson 28 Gail & Jack Kornieck

1 Carrie Edmonds 2 Marsha Eland Helen (Peggy) Keen 3 Jacob Clark 4 Tony Clark 6 Charles Burke 8 Tamara O’Brien Katilyn Finney 10 Donna Sapp Paul Aquino 11 Glenna Durham Deborah Salyers Mary Wright 12 Paul Hatch Mary Deahl 14 Mary Helmer 15 Jerry Edmonds II Amy Alvarado 16 Mammusu Sesay 18 Isata Sesay 20 Harry Miller 21 Wilfred Jones, Jr. 23 Doug Phelps Bridget Biller Jessica Salyers 24 Eleanor Young Debbie Nelson Jonah Ash 25 Andrew Lawson 27 Jean Pascale Kathleen Martin Elizabeth Schaver Cheryl Petitt 28 Gayle Urban

Copyright 1999 from Christianity Today, Inc. Used with permission

Hand Bell Players NeededBy Tanya Vance

In order to get the hand bell choir up and running again, we need at least 3 new players to join us. Reading music is not required although it helps. We meet on Mondays from 6:00-7:00. If there are enough players, we will start practices in September. Please consider joining us. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If interested, please call Tanya Vance at (703)897-7208.

Loving others… as Christ first loved us!

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HEALTH SCREENINGS By Bunny Mahar

Cokesbury will host a Life Line Screening for the community on Wednesday, September 12.. They will perform four different health screenings using Doppler color flow ultrasound:

Carotid Artery/Stroke Screening ($45) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

($45) Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening

($45). This is the #1 cause of diabetic amputation.

Osteoporosis Screening ($35) Complete wellness package of all four

tests is $129.00 Vascular package - $119.00

These screenings are completely painless, non-invasive, and typically not part of a routine physical. Costs for these tests using similar equipment in the hospital settings are much higher. Appointments start at 10:00 but you must pre-register by calling 1-800-324-1851.

The Advocate … Get It? By Bunny Mahar

Subscribe to the Virginia Advocate, the official news magazine of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is inspiring, informative, insightful and humorous. The Advocate serves as your monthly resource to local church stories of faith and discipleship. It provides training events for all ages and mission opportunities around the world. It is a convenient resource for news for today’s United Methodists. See first-hand who benefits from your donations of time and money through missions. Stay informed with up-do-date information on current issues affecting Virginia United Methodists. Gain new and exciting ideas for our church from others’ experiences through the Local Church section. Discover how God’s

vision is being shared every day through insightful, and sometimes humorous, commentary and reflections. The Virginia Advocate news magazine costs only $15/year (12 issues). Or subscribe for 2 or 3 years and save $5-$9. For more information, contact the church office at 703-494-5400.

ANNUAL CHARGE

CONFERENCE By Bunny Mahar

Cokesbury’s annual Charge Conference will be held on Saturday, October 27th, at 11:00 a.m. Reports are required by committee chairpersons and especially by trustees, lay leaders, and finance chairman. In order to meet the deadline for the conference in preparing the paperwork and copies required, we request that you provide your reports to the church office by mid-September. It is important that we can show that we have achieved the congregational goals we set for 2007, and the ways in which we have provided outreach to the community and the world. It is a time when the church membership numbers are calculated and benevolences and apportionments are set. It is Cokesbury’s most important conference, and is chaired by the District Superintendent, Rev. Alan Reifsnyder. All members of the congregation are welcome to attend. Reports may be turned in to the church office by e-mail (office@cokesburyumc.us) or hard copy. Typing assistance will be provided if necessary.

Choir Members Needed By Tanya Vance

Please consider joining the choir. If you love to sing, we need you! The choir meets on Wednesday nights at 7:30. If interested, please call Tanya Vance at (703)897- 7208.

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Money Matters By Don Dorton, Finance Committee

The table below shows Cokesbury’s financial picture as of July 31, 2007. 2007 Funded Annual Budget = $210,400

Month-to-Date Year-to-Date Income Year-to-Date Expenses

Month

Required to meet the

Budget

Budgeted Income

Received

Required to meet the Budget

Budgeted Income

Received

Percentage of the Budget

Funded

Budgeted Expenses

Income to

Expenses January $16,185 $12,593 $16,185 $12,593 77.8% $12,512 100.6%

February $16,185 $12,670 $32,370 $25,263 94.1% $30,462 82.9% March $16,185 $17,078 $48,555 $42,341 88.9% $43,181 98.1% April $20,230 $22,421 $68,785 $64,762 94.2% $58,130 111.4% May $16,185 $15,897 $84,970 $78,529 92.4% $85,730 91.6% June $16,185 $15,782 $101,155 $94,311 93.2% $109,830 85.9% July $20,230 $20,759 $121,385 $115,106 94.8% $121,521 94.7%

August $16,185 $137,570 September $20,230 $157,800

October $16,185 $173,985 November $16,185 $190,170 December $20,230 $210,400

** As of July 31 the debt balance remained at $8552.33. $930 in debt reductions funds were

received but not allocated at the end of July. ** • Month to Date: Required to meet the Budget – Amount the church needs to meet its projected funding. These figures are based on

the projected monthly revenues based on offering history and projected fundraisers. • Month to Date: Budgeted Income Received - Amount the church has received toward the budget for the month indicated. • Year to Date: Required to meet the Budget - Cumulative budget needs to date. • Year to Date: Budgeted Income Received – Cumulative amount the church has received toward the budget. • Year to Date: Percentage of the Budget Funded - Comparison of budgeted offerings received vs budget needs. • Year to Date: Budgeted Expenses - Year-to-Date amount the church has spent against the budget. ‘N/A’ indicates that

expenditures have not been updated since the last end-of-month period. • Year to Date: Budgeted Income vs Budgeted Expenses – Percent of income received to expenses received.

_______________________________________________

The Colonnade Staff Editors: Linda Ennis and John Derickson

Church Mailbox #3

Send Articles to: lindaennis@verison.net

Send Complaints to: johnderickson@comcast.net

Church email: office@cokesburyumc.us

Calendar: Bunny Mahar

Postal Coordinator: Melissa Clark

Church Office: 703-494-5400

Articles for The Colonnade are due by the

15th of each month for the next month’s edition.

Facilitator Needed

A FACILITATOR IS NEEDED TO LEAD THE NEXT DISCIPLE STUDY CLASS.

ALL STUDY REFERENCES PROVIDED. SUBS PROVIDED FOR THOSE DAYS

WHEN YOU HAVE IMPORTANT PLANS. CONTACT PASTOR RUSS (703-494-5400)

OR JOHN DERICKSON (703-730-1242) VERY REWARDING!

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Submitted by Emmett Wright On Sunday, August 12th there was a an order of Commissioning for Short -term Christian Service for the Cokesbury Mission Team as they prepare for departure on their mission trip to the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky from Sunday, August 19th through Saturday, August 25th. The service included responses by Pastor Russ, the congregation and the mission team members. Also there was available in the narthex copies of a paper requesting prayers from the congregation to support the mission team by means of their prayers, along with cards with the name of each team member and a picture of praying hands for members of the congregation to take. The mission team members are as follows: Joe BeMiller, Robin BeMiller, Robert Deyerle, Peggy Dorton, Barbara Firth, Rebekah Gribik, Pam Herin, Kyle Kornieck, Donna Sapp, Marci Villenueva, Alejandra Villenueva, Barbara Wagner, and Emmett Wright. All the team members for reasons beyond their control will not be able to go on the mission trip, but we ask prayers for them as well because we all stand in the need of prayer. I wanted to share with you the story behind “The Praying Hands” picture on the cards. Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. In order merely to keep food on the table for his family, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer’s eldest children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a plan. They would toss a coin, the loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines. They tossed a coin on Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer, Jr. won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.

The Story Behind the picture of “The Praying Hands”

Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost

an immediate sensation. Albrecht’s etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works. When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht’s triumphant homecoming. After a

long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, “ And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.” All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, “No, no, no, no” Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, “No, Continued on Page 7 – “Hands”

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“Hands” – Continued from Page 6 brother, I cannot go to Nuremberg, it is too late for me. Look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or brush. No, brother for me it is too late.” More than 450 years have passed, By now, Albrecht Durer’s hundreds of masterful artworks hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer’s works and that is the picture of “The Praying Hands”. One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply “Hands”, but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love “The Praying Hands.” The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be a reminder, that no one ever makes it alone!

~Source Unknown~

Sisters in Christ By Gayle Urban

1. The UMW reading totals need to be turned in to Anita Yount by September 9. If you've read from the UMW reading list, give Anita the list of titles so that she can pass this along to the district. 2. All women are invited to the Alexandria District UMW "Spiritual Life Event" on Saturday, September 22. Theme: "Native American Spirituality, To Walk in Harmony," and the guest speaker is Cynthia Abrams from General Board of Church and Society. The cost

is $12, which includes lunch; the event is from noon-4 p.m., at Springfield UMC (7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, 22150). Registrations are needed by September 16. If you plan to attend, you can contact Gayle Urban (703-494-2963). 3. Looking ahead: The annual UMW Conference meeting at Blackstone is October 27-28. Registration is $67.50 for the two days, and the deadline to register is October 17. Focus groups will have a theme of "peace and reconciliation."

God's blessings to you, from the UMW!"

Youth Activities By Linda Ennis As we begin the new school year I am very excited about all the possibilities for fun, worship, retreats, lock-ins, and other activities that are available to us through the Virginia Conference and the Alexandria District. But there is also frustration in that we can’t do it all. We are all volunteers who work all week and give up a part of ourselves every weekend for our youth, and sometimes our schedules conflict with family responsibilities or simply a need to take a break for ourselves. As the year progresses, we will be looking at activities that are available and balance them against the adult leaders who are able to attend. In addition, we will follow the Child Protection Policy that requires us to provide a number of adults per outing in addition to the need to have a male and female adult worker at all times. And therefore, we must pick and choose which activities we are able to attend every year. That means that there is lots of cool stuff happening that we can’t even begin to participate in. However, you would like your youth to attend an event and Cokesbury is not going, that does not mean that your youth cannot go. If you would contact me or the church office we will contact other churches to see if you can join up with theirs. But since Cokesbury is not sponsoring the trip, keep in mind that you will probably be required to pay the full price of the event.

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By Linda Ennis

The kids are getting ready to return to school and that means a return of our Youth Group. This year we are focusing on several themes that will include games, snacks, share and care groups, and lessons that will focus on each theme. As we meet together for the next several months I will write more about each theme. The themes and lessons for the first theme are listed below. We hope to see all 6th through 12th graders for our first meeting on Sept 9th

• Defining Moment • Judge Knot • Titans Remembered • Altar Your Life • The Party Life • Games We Play

Our first theme will begin in September. Defining Moment – Now is the Time. God is committed to our transformation from the inside out. When we see God at work, when we choose to follow Jesus, we accept our God-given mission, we will experience a defining moment that will forever change and bless us. Sept 9 – Chosen First.

• Soul Food: God chooses us, regardless of our past, to be part of the big picture God is painting.

• Scripture: Acts 9:1-22 (God chooses the unlikely Saul) Sept 16 – Do I Really Need to Change?

• Soul Food: Good is good but not good enough. More is required of us: to give our all to Jesus.

• Scripture: Matthew 19: 16-26 (The rich young man seeks eternal life) Sept 23 – From The Inside Out

• Soul Food: Surrendering our lives to Christ brings the change that makes all the difference!

• Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (In Christ we are made new.) Sept 30 – Time For Action

• Soul Food: By doing good for others, we show our love for God • Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 (Christ-followers are to be light to the world so that

others see their good works and give glory to God.)

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By Linda Ennis The Pick N’ Plunge was a coordinator’s nightmare. This is a District event that we have been taking the youth to for several years. It is a good way for the youth to participate in something good while having a good time as well. All of the churches in the Alexandria and Annandale Districts meet at a church, have some games and meet and greet one another. Then we head out to a farm in Beltsville Maryland where we glean fruit or vegetables for food banks in the area. Afterwards, we have lunch and head to the pool for a cool dip, have worship, and enjoy pizza before heading home. However, this year was different…. You might say this event was a coordinator’s nightmare. Virginia has had a long, dry, hot season and the crops did not materialize, so we could not do gleaning this year. However, the District Coordinator, Jan Harrod, managed to get several projects for the youth to do instead. Then after the youth had headed out on their projects, we were all looking forward to a cool dip in the pool. That fell through as well, since a storm came through just at that time, forcing everyone to leave. Once again, Jan scrambled and took the whole group to St. John’s United Methodist church close by and immediately came up with a game that was fun and exciting. We ended with all of the groups sharing what they had accomplished and then we all went home. Sounds like pretty much a bust? Not when you step back and see what was accomplished as servants of God that day. • We brought diapers for mothers who could

not afford even these basic items for their children. We were told that at the distribution point, mothers will line up at midnight to receive diapers that will be given

• out at 6:00am because they know the supply is short.

No Pick and No Plunge Youth Mission Day

• Most of Cokesbury’s Youth went to Rising

Hope. We helped them clean out plastic tubs that held food and mopped the dining room floor after lunch. We watered some thirsty plants out front and washed down playground equipment so that children would have a place to play for their upcoming Vacation Bible School. We found out that at noon, all work stops as volunteers and staff alike join together in a prayer service.

• One group made “Happy Hats” for children

who had lost their hair because of medical treatments. These hats help the children and hospital staff to communicate happy thoughts as they work through their illnesses.

• Another group put together school kits for

children who could not afford materials otherwise.

• One projects included cleaning up facilities

for residents. • Also because of the short day, we did not

have the pizza we had expected, but we all agreed to contribute the money that was brought for pizza to the Virginia Conference “Nothing But Nets” campaign and additional nets will be sent to save children from dying of Malaria.

Maybe things don’t always go as planned,

but we need to remember to use the talents that God gives us to be His servants in the world and to take advantage of caring those who need us. We are also thankful that the District staff is so flexible as to make this a very successful day.

Loving others… as Christ first loved us!

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HOW TO TELL A WINNER FROM A LOSER

A loser says, "Nobody knows." A winner says, "Let's find out." When a loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault." When a winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong." A loser tries to go around a problem and never gets past it. A winner goes through a problem. A loser makes promises. A winner makes commitments. A loser says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people." A winner says, "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be." A loser tries to tear down those who are superior to him. A winner tries to learn from them. A loser says, "That's the way it's always been done here." A winner says, "There ought to be a better way to do it."

PRAYER

Prayer is so simple, It is like quietly opening the door

And slipping into the very presence of God; There in the stillness

To listen to His voice; Perhaps to petition Or only to listen.

It matters not; Just to be there In His presence

Is prayer.

THE PASSING OF SOMEONE ELSE The church was bowed in grief this week to learn that one of our most valuable members, Someone Else, passed away. This death creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Someone Else has been with us for many years. During all these years, he did far more than a normal

person's share of the work. Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results.

Tidbits From Everywhere

Whenever there was a job to do-a class to teach, or a meeting to attend-one name was on everyone's list: "Let Someone Else do it." Someone Else was also among the largest givers of the church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference. This beloved church member was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing super-human; but a person can only do so much. Everybody expected too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone. Who will pitch in to do the things that Someone Else has done? If you are asked to take a job in church, we hope you won't reply, "Let Someone else do it." Now we need you to pick up where Someone Else left off.

Loving others… as Christ first loved us!

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Loving others… as Christ first loved us!

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Bible Study to be Offered Cokesbury United Methodist Church would like to offer a Bible Study course, to start sometime during the last two weeks of September. The Disciple III course, “Remember Who You Are” has been discussed as a possible course; however, other courses would be considered if there is sufficient interest. Disciple III is a 32-week study and is divided into two segments of 16 weeks each. The first 16 weeks concentrates on the books of the prophets and the second 16 weeks on Paul's letters. Plans call for an evening class to be held on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., but a daytime class could possibly be added, if there is enough interest. If you’d like to learn more about this book we call “The Bible”, please call the front office at 703-494-5400 or John Derickson at 703-730-1242 and let them know you are interested. Course materials need to be ordered as soon as possible, so hurry … and be the first on your block to sign up for this very enriching course! ALSO … we are in need of a facilitator for this course. All study guides are provided and you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to lead this course. This ministry is a very important part of our effort to learn and understand the Word of God and is VERY rewarding.