Author: Work

The Belltower rings
To Announce What’s Happening at
Hedgesville United Methodist Church
July 2012

From the Study: Report From General & Annual Conferences
Well, Annual Conference is over but I wanted you to have the highlights available for your review. My notes are fairly simple, but if you have any questions please pull me aside and I’ll do my best to answer your inquiry.
Report From General & Annual Conferences
General Conference is held every 4yrs. It is the main legislative body of the United Methodist Church. From it comes major policies of operation for the next four years.
*It is the only body that speaks for the 13 million member denomination.
-- Four major policies were approved.
The Discipline’s language concerning homosexuality has not changed.
(Did away with) There will be no more guaranteed appointments
Problem pastors will not be given an appointment (malfeasance (malpractice) poor work ethic)
The lack of spiritual & moral presence & authority will not be tolerated.
Entered into full communion with a number of historically black pan-Methodist denominations
AME African American Methodist Episcopal Church
AMEZ African American Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
CME Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Approved making the UMW an autonomous organization rather than operating it under the church’s mission agency.
Annual Conference
646 Churches: 500 Clergy 700 Laity
1. $17,086,722.00, 2013 Budget- (reduction of $1.4 mil in the conf budget) Our apportionments will be less in 2014 than in 2012.
2. 2 Deacons and nine elders were ordained
14 commissioned as provisional clergy
23 Elders retired
3. Endorsed Rev Rodney Smothers as a candidate for Bishop to be voted on in July.
Celebrated those who have served in the ministry for 25, 40, 50yrs.
Jack Vineyard was celebrated for 50yrs service as an elder in our conference.
4. Remembered Pastors who had died during the past year.
5. Began the work of putting together a “2020 Vision”.
For Our Congregation
Pastor George

**60 Nations
4300 Attendees
1200 Petitions

*reduce the Benevolence part of the apport to 16%=saving of 10% of the annual church budget.
*keep the money in/at the local church.

A member of our congregation has dedicated his life as a full-time missionary. Alan Brown travels around the United States to serve as a missionary for Christ. In the past two years, his travels have taken him to Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Rhode Island, Indiana, and Florida where he has served at youth summer camps, soup kitchens, and community outreach ministries that provide home repair and other needed services. The Lord blessed Alan by revealing His plan for him and opening the pathway to his passion for helping others. The Lord provided the purpose and wherewithal and in 2010, Alan joined the United Methodist NOMADS (Nomads On Mission of Active Devine Service).
Since that time, Alan has worked at United Methodist churches, children’s homes, summer camps, outreach ministries, and a boys’ ranch. He has performed such things as farm maintenance, summer camp repair and winterization, home repair, and feeding the homeless and disadvantaged. He readily admits that the Lord has opened new opportunities to do things he has never done before. The Lord also put Alan outside his comfort zone, on several occasions, but in all cases, He provided the right knowledge and skill, and courage, for the task. Alan found his passion in life. His daughter, Amber, recently said, “Dad, I’ve never seen you so happy.”
So, who and what are the NOMADS?
NOMADS is a mission outreach ministry of the United Methodist Church. Though the NOMADS program targets individuals and couples with Recreation Vehicles who wish to be involved in Christian service, there are many opportunities for folks who do not have an RV. NOMADS formed in 1986 under the North Central Jurisdiction Volunteers-in-Mission Board with just one couple. By 1989, 24 NOMADS completed five projects in Oklahoma and Texas. In 2000, NOMADS took on national status and became affiliated with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) Mission Volunteers. Today, approximately 1200 mission volunteers, mostly retired United Methodists, work on NOMADS teams for United Methodist organizations around the country.
The NOMADS website (www.nomadsumc.org) lists projects for members to review, consider, and apply for a project team as a worker or leader. During the winter months, projects are primarily in the southern states, such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida. During other months, projects are found throughout the continental United States and involve a variety of ministries. Later this year, Alan will head to Maine, New York, Kentucky, and Missouri to serve on more mission projects.
NOMADS travel at their own expense and provide self-sufficient living. They furnish their own tools and meals, and provide labor for projects. The projects last three weeks, with NOMADS working Monday through Thursday, and generally involve repair, remodeling, maintenance, cleaning, and painting. Each workday begins with devotions and a discussion of the day’s tasks. Evenings and weekends are filled with fun, friendship, and exploring. Host agencies provide all materials for the projects and parking space with utility hook-ups. Some host agencies offer housing for NOMADS who do not own an RV. For the most part, NOMADS do whatever the agency requests. Construction skills are helpful but all that is required is a willing heart. For Alan, NOMADS has become a way of life and an expression of his faith.
Benefits of Alan’s association with NOMADS includes fulfillment and joy by using his hands in serving the Lord, fellowship and lasting friendships with like-minded people, worthwhile projects designed to help people in need, and opportunities to travel and experience different cultures within our nation.
NOMADS members are mostly from the Midwest region of America. In fact, according to the recent update to the NOMADS membership director, Alan is one of two residents of West Virginia. The average age of NOMADS is around 73 years of age. Alan has worked with some who are well into their 80’s and still travel the country serving the Lord. Alan is blessed to have found true meaning and purpose through the United Methodist NOMADS, by the Grace of our Lord.
NOMADS contact information: www.nomadsumc.org, toll free: 1-866-466-6237, email: director@nomadsumc.org, and mail: PO Box 3508, Shawnee, KS 66203.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Handbells!!!
Believe it or not, it’s time to begin preparing for the hand bell choir that will start back again in the fall. Would you be interested in joining us? Because music has to be ordered in advance and I need a good deal of time to prepare, it’s necessary to finalize the “lineup” in months in advance. Everyone from 6th graders to great-grand parents are welcome. You don’t have to read music—you just have to be able to count, and to stand in place for about an hour for rehearsal. If you have a tall stool, you are welcome to bring it to rehearsal.
If you think you would be interested, please call me at 304-754-5039 or email me at johnkatebrown@comcast.net.
Kate Lewis Brown

Fundraising for HUMC– Food Lion Rewards Program
As many of you know, Hedgesville United Methodist Church has been participating in the Food Lion Rewards program offered to non-profit/charitable organizations in the community. While the rules of the program have changed a little over the years, the bottom line is that if a MVP card is used at the checkout counter and has been registered for HUMC, the total amount of the sales is then used to calculate a percentage rebate for HUMC. In 2012, HUMC received three rebates: $257.56, $339.73, and $298.07. In 2011, we received three rebates for: $207.66, $306.15, and $221.03.
At the current time we have 79 people signed up under HUMC. If you have not already provided your MVP card number, please consider providing your name, telephone number, and the 12-digit number from the back of your MVP card; or, if you have received a new card since registering your MVP card, please consider updating your information. You can also submit MVP numbers for your other family and friends to help us increase the number of individuals signed up under HUMC, even if they reside in other states. The church secretary will be happy to receive this information and make sure it gets entered for the program.
All Food Lion Brand products will earn a share of the donation including Food Lion Brand, Healthy Accents, Home 360, Nature’s Place, Smart Option, Taste of Inspirations products. And, if you shop on the 10th of the month and purchase qualifying brands, double credit will be entered for your purchase amounts to the HUMC account.
This has been a wonderful program and has helped Hedgesville United Methodist Church earn additional income to help offset operating expenses of the church. Please see the church secretary if you have any questions regarding this program.

Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee is asking that every active congregational family gets involved in our monthly “pot luck” luncheon. We are asking that you get involved “once” a year by acting as co-hosts. This involves setting up, receiving and serving the food and clean up. There are always committee members available to assist you. If you haven't yet attended a pot luck, you’ve missed a wonderful opportunity for good food and fellowship.
We encourage you to join us at our next committee meeting, Thursday, June 14th @ 7pm. This is the evening of the community dinner, which is at 5pm. If you wish to sit in on our committee meeting and be apart of ongoing fellowship activities, you will be welcomed to join us. Our purpose is to grow in fellowship and friendships.

GROw to ShaRe
Most of you know that Grow to Share is a community effort sponsored by the Hedgesville Community of Churches to provide fresh produce to people who might otherwise find it difficult to purchase quality, local vegetables.
For the past two years we’ve distributed produce every Friday from June through August. This year, we’ll be distributing produce once a month—on Loaves and Fishes day, the fourth Friday of the month—from May through August.
We will continue to rely on generous donations from our church families as well as local farms. In addition, we’re asking that each of the four churches in the Hedgesville Community of Churches (Hedgesville Presbyterian, Hedgesville UMC, Mt. Zion Episcopal, and St. Bernadette’s Catholic) pledge $40 for each month we’re in operation.
If you are able to help with produce or monetarily, or would like more information, contact Judy Cross at 304-754-4773 or judithcross@frontier.com.

Loaves and Fishes
Next Loaves and Fishes:
Friday, June 22, 2012 at 8:30am
Food Needed:
Cereal- Asst Kinds
Peanut Butter
Jelly Asst Kinds
Peaches
Fruit- Asst Kinds
Mashed Potatoes
Macaroni & Cheese
Pasta Sauce
Spaghetti
Vegetable Soup
Tomato Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup
Luncheon Meat
Tuna
Baked Beans
Green Beans
Corn
Pancake Mix
Syrup
Sloppy Joe
Cheeseburger Hamburger Dinner
Ramon Noodles
Long Grain Rice 16oz
Instant Oatmeal
Thanks
Dottie Shickle,
Treasurer of Loaves & Fishes

Hedgesville UM Church,
Dear Members/Friends,
The Family of Tom Sanders sends our deepest appreciation for your sympathy and prayers and the meal that was served after the service.
Thank you for all you do and wishing God’s blessings to all.
Most Sincerely,
Susan, Scott & Wristy

Ribbon Gift Cards
Gift cards for all occasions.
www.myribbongift.com
For more information email ic.enterprises@yahoo.com

Christian Stewardship
The Love of Christ compels us. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Cor. 5:14-15
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians also states that God makes us “rich” so that we can be generous to others on every occasion. We may question God as to our particular state of richness, but it rare indeed to find someone who doesn’t have far more than he actually needs. We give generously because God has given so generously to us. The greatest gift ever given, was the gift of Jesus who died for each of us personally. Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift.

ATTENTION!!!
PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT HEDGESVILLE UMC COMMUNITY DINNER
Please join us for our
Community Dinner on
Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.

Volunteer Hosts
Fortunately we have volunteer hosts for both the coffee hour and the Sunday Pot Luck, but we will be looking for Helpers for both. Our goal is two co-hosts for Sunday Pot Luck only once a year, with helpers for each Host. Coffee hour Host will need at least an helper for each host.

Attention ALL HUMC Men
You are invited to a Hedgesville Methodist Men breakfast on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Enjoy a good breakfast and good fellowship. For inquiries call Clay Ritchie, 304-754-7806.

UMW Summer Schedule
July– No Meeting
Thursday, August 2– Picnic in the park. Meet at the Norwalk Pavilion, War Memorial Park. Bring your own bag lunch.
Thursday, September 6– Luncheon at Mary Jane Peitersen’s, election of officers. RSVP

Tailgate Sunday
26 August 2012
Beginning for the football season. Bring your own High School, College, or professional articles for your team. Sweat shirts, caps , t-shirts, or the college wearing apparel to about your team. Bring your favorite food to eat at your favorite team game.

First Autumn Community Dinner
Thursday, Sept 13th @ 5pm
followed by our Fall Fellowship Committee meeting at which Hosts for both the Pot Luck dinner and the coffee hour will be invited so we can set up schedules for the coming year.

Hedgesville United Methodist Church NON-PROFIT ORG
P.O Box 35 US Postage
Hedgesville, WV 25427-0035 PAID
Hedgesvilleumc@hotmail.com Hedgesville, WV
304-754-8793 25427-0035
Permit No 18

WE LAUGH!
WE CROCHET!
WE KNIT!
WE’RE THE HAPPYHOOKERS!
Join us on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the church library. Bring a project, or we’ll help you find one. Don’t know how to knit or crochet, no problem. We’ll teach you.

FYI...
Church school has ended and will resume on Sunday, 2 September.

July Birthday
Calendar
4 – Terry Graves
4 – Elizabeth “Hobbit” LeMaster
9—Thomas Estes
16 – Claudia Davis
20- Linda L Jones
21 - Judy Nine
24 – Michelle Rodia
26 – Greg Cook
28 – Madalyne Langdon
28 - Dale Miller
30 – Britney Rodia
Have a Happy & Blessed Day! :)