1 Redwood United Methodist Church Volume 6 Issue 12 December 2017 OUR UR UR UR MISSION ISSION ISSION ISSION To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms them into world Christ transforms them into world Christ transforms them into world Christ transforms them into world- changing disciples. changing disciples. changing disciples. changing disciples. OUR UR UR UR PROCESS ROCESS ROCESS ROCESS Love God (Worship) Love God (Worship) Love God (Worship) Love God (Worship) Love Others (Small Groups) Love Others (Small Groups) Love Others (Small Groups) Love Others (Small Groups) Serve the World (Mission) Serve the World (Mission) Serve the World (Mission) Serve the World (Mission) CHURCH HURCH HURCH HURCH STAFF TAFF TAFF TAFF Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor Rev. Bradley S. Dulaney Rev. Bradley S. Dulaney Rev. Bradley S. Dulaney Rev. Bradley S. Dulaney [email protected]Minister of Community Outreach Minister of Community Outreach Minister of Community Outreach Minister of Community Outreach Rev. Susan Hughes Rev. Susan Hughes Rev. Susan Hughes Rev. Susan Hughes [email protected]Director of Music Ministries Director of Music Ministries Director of Music Ministries Director of Music Ministries Ashley Cundiff Ashley Cundiff Ashley Cundiff Ashley Cundiff [email protected]Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Children & Youth Ministries Jessi Fortner Jessi Fortner Jessi Fortner Jessi Fortner [email protected]Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Stacey Sink Stacey Sink Stacey Sink Stacey Sink [email protected]Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Pat Horning Pat Horning Pat Horning Pat Horning [email protected]Pianist Pianist Pianist Pianist Lisa Edwards Lisa Edwards Lisa Edwards Lisa Edwards Nursery Attendant Nursery Attendant Nursery Attendant Nursery Attendant Stacey Sink Worship, Communion, Carols & Candlelight! Christmas Eve Services at Redwood UMC Sunday December 24, 2017 Bring your friends and families to join us for one of our special times of worship! With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, please note differences from past years’ service schedules. 8:30 a.m. Worship Service—This laid-back service keeps the fourth Sunday in Ad- vent. With carols led by Pastor Brad on the guitar, the service will include a sermon in the Advent series Faithful. Childcare is provided. 11:00 a.m. Family Christmas Eve Service—Bring your children and grandchildren to this hands-on Christmas celebration, which will include a newly-revised impromp- tu staging of the Christmas story (by those kids who choose to participate), as well as carols sung by candlelight. Childcare is provided. 8:30 p.m. Candlelight & Communion—This traditional Christmas Eve service is filled with warmth and hope. With carols led by our choir, the service concludes with Holy Communion and the lighting of candles. Childcare is provided. 11:00 p.m. Candlelight & Communion—This traditional, “Midnight” service is a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas. With carols and special music, the service concludes with Holy Communion and the lighting of candles to welcome this holy day. A Note on Sunday School & Small Groups—Please note that, on Christmas Eve, De- cember 24 th , Sunday school classes or adult small groups will NOT be meeting. How- ever, Sunday school and small groups WILL meet on New Year’s Eve, December 31 st .
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Redwood United Methodist Church Volume 6 Issue 12 December 2017
OOOOURURURUR MMMMISSIONISSIONISSIONISSION
To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a To connect the unconnected to a
community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus community of faith where Jesus
Christ transforms them into worldChrist transforms them into worldChrist transforms them into worldChrist transforms them into world----
Rev. Bradley S. DulaneyRev. Bradley S. DulaneyRev. Bradley S. DulaneyRev. Bradley S. Dulaney [email protected]
Minister of Community OutreachMinister of Community OutreachMinister of Community OutreachMinister of Community Outreach Rev. Susan HughesRev. Susan HughesRev. Susan HughesRev. Susan Hughes
[email protected] Director of Music MinistriesDirector of Music MinistriesDirector of Music MinistriesDirector of Music Ministries
Director of Children & Youth MinistriesDirector of Children & Youth MinistriesDirector of Children & Youth MinistriesDirector of Children & Youth Ministries Jessi FortnerJessi FortnerJessi FortnerJessi Fortner
Lisa EdwardsLisa EdwardsLisa EdwardsLisa Edwards Nursery AttendantNursery AttendantNursery AttendantNursery Attendant
SSSSttttaaaacccceeeeyyyy SSSSiiiinnnnkkkk
Worship, Communion, Carols & Candlelight! Christmas Eve Services at Redwood UMC
Sunday December 24, 2017
Bring your friends and families to join us for one of our special times of worship! With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, please note differences from past years’ service schedules.
���� 8:30 a.m. Worship Service—This laid-back service keeps the fourth Sunday in Ad-vent. With carols led by Pastor Brad on the guitar, the service will include a sermon in the Advent series Faithful. Childcare is provided.
����11:00 a.m. Family Christmas Eve Service—Bring your children and grandchildren to this hands-on Christmas celebration, which will include a newly-revised impromp-tu staging of the Christmas story (by those kids who choose to participate), as well as carols sung by candlelight. Childcare is provided.
���� 8:30 p.m. Candlelight & Communion—This traditional Christmas Eve service is filled with warmth and hope. With carols led by our choir, the service concludes with Holy Communion and the lighting of candles. Childcare is provided.
���� 11:00 p.m. Candlelight & Communion—This traditional, “Midnight” service is a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas. With carols and special music, the service concludes with Holy Communion and the lighting of candles to welcome this holy day. A Note on Sunday School & Small Groups—Please note that, on Christmas Eve, De-cember 24th, Sunday school classes or adult small groups will NOT be meeting. How-ever, Sunday school and small groups WILL meet on New Year’s Eve, December 31st.
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R&RR&RR&RR&R Reflections and Ruminations from the Pastor’s Study...
How Cancer Has Changed Me
On Good Friday this year, as I was
carrying a large cross around Rocky Mount
with fellow Jesus-followers, I was absorbing
the news from the day before that my wife,
Kim, had breast cancer. The weight of the
cross burdened my body, and its hardness
cut into my shoulder and against my head—
just as the thought of my wife having cancer
burdened my mind and cut my heart. Nearly
eight months have passed, and my mind and
heart have been changed through the crucible of cancer.
I’ve grown to embrace how much in life is truly beyond my
control. Who would’ve ever thought that my wife—a model of
health and wellness, with no significant family history of cancer—
would develop breast cancer in her early 40s? Even when you do
everything in your power to stay healthy, safe, secure, etc., life has
this way of throwing you curve balls you never would’ve expected or
wanted. This rocked me to my core. It helped me to loosen my grip
on things, and be/er accept whatever comes my way with open
hands, open mind and open heart—whether I like them or not. I
used to get angry or frustrated more o0en when things didn’t go
according to my plans. But now, I more easily receive what comes,
and surrender my will (wants, desires, dreams, longings) to some-
thing greater than myself. Like Jesus praying in the Garden of Geth-
semane, I am able to say, “Not my will, but your will be done”—even
when what is happening around me isn’t necessarily in accordance
with God’s will as I understand it. I be/er trust that, with God, no
trial, suffering, wrong or defeat is wasted, because grace can take
what is ugly and make it beau8ful.
I be/er grasp how precious and wonderful is life. The prospect
of losing the one person I love more than anyone else in this life
opened my eyes to just how good it is to live in this world. When
crea8ng all of this (and us), God called it good. And how truly good it
is! Being confronted with the possibility of losing my wife opened
my eyes to the blessedness and loveliness I so o0en had overlooked.
I used to let my eyes focus more on all that’s wrong with the world.
(A0er all, that’s what perfec8onists are good at doing!) But God has
be/er perfected my vision, so that I see the beauty and magnificence
of the created world energized by the Holy Spirit.
With my eyes opened more fully, I feel I’m be/er able to love.
Part of this is realizing how very deeply I love my wife. (Having
walked with her through the past months of poison and pain, surgery
and sorrow, uncertainty, sickness, and loss, I feel our bonds have
grown stronger.) But it’s also in realizing I’m loving others more fully
than I did. My heart bursts more when I see my kids get off the bus.
I no8ce people more than I used to. I find myself looking more into
peoples’ eyes, and glimpsing their fear, their hope, or their joy. God
has stoked the fires of love in my heart. And while I’m painfully
aware of how far short my love s8ll falls, I trust the Holy Spirit to
grow a more Christ-like love in my heart.
None of this is my doing. I could not change myself if I tried!
God’s taken something horrible, and used it to shake me loose, so
that I might be/er trust and rely on “the unforced rhythms of
grace” (ref. Ma/hew 11:28-30 Message transla8on). This is all God’s
work. The cross Jesus carried was one of the most wretched, horri-
ble, unjust moments of human history. The Triune God took the
death that we offered God’s Son, and transformed it into life. The
crucifixion and resurrec8on of Jesus is the fountain from which grace
upon grace flows. The cross I carried on Good Friday became what
carried me and changed me through this unwanted journey. As we
together journey to Bethlehem over the coming weeks, I pray God
will also use those unwelcomed journeys of our lives to change us
more and more into the people we were created to be.
Susan’s MusingsSusan’s MusingsSusan’s MusingsSusan’s Musings Thoughts from RUMC’s Minister of Community Outreach...
2017
Confirmands
This past Sunday was a fantas8c
celebra8on as we talked about the year in
review and truly gave thanks for the small
and mighty ways God has worked in and
through our community of faith. One of
the ministries that was celebrated was
our Wednesday night intergenera8onal
ministry that we affec8onately call "The
Connec8on." Nancy Beach, one of our lay leaders, shared an
overview about the programs that we have for children,
youth, and adults at The Connec8on. But this month, we also
have a special celebra8on just for The Connec8on. This will
be happening on Wednesday, December 13 at our regular
8me with dinner beginning at 5:45 pm and our programming
beginning at 6:30 pm. This night we have a Christmas
celebra8on and gradua8on! We will be specifically li0ing up
the adult classes that have been going on this fall as well as
recognizing a special event—gradua8on for the GeKng Ahead
par8cipants! Many individuals will have the opportunity to
share what they have been learning in class and how they
have been impacted. In the past, this celebra8on night has
been a 8me of tes8mony—more about how we have been
growing in our love for God and each other as well as learning
a few things! If you are not a Connec8on regular, I encourage
you to come and listen in—see what The Connec8on is all
about and enjoy hearing the powerful stories that will be
shared. Besides that... it is usually the best spread of Christ-
mas cookies and desserts around!
I look forward to seeing you on December 13 at The
Connec8on! May you be blessed to be a blessing to others!
Peace and Joy,
SusanSusanSusanSusan Susan Hughes
Minister of Community Outreach
Please Help Us Fill thePlease Help Us Fill thePlease Help Us Fill thePlease Help Us Fill the
Stepping Stone Bags for Christmas!Stepping Stone Bags for Christmas!Stepping Stone Bags for Christmas!Stepping Stone Bags for Christmas!
Redwood UMC will be helping to fill 50 Christmas Bags for the children
of Stepping Stone Mission in Rocky Mount, Virginia. This will be the 6th
year we, as a church, have participated in this important community
service project. Please help us fill the bags with the following items:
Items Needed for Children Ages Infant to 14 Years OldItems Needed for Children Ages Infant to 14 Years OldItems Needed for Children Ages Infant to 14 Years OldItems Needed for Children Ages Infant to 14 Years Old
����HatsHatsHatsHats
����GlovesGlovesGlovesGloves
����SocksSocksSocksSocks
����Small Toys (board games, playing Small Toys (board games, playing Small Toys (board games, playing Small Toys (board games, playing
Start your Tuesday with sharing in a means of grace in
Holy Communion. All are invited to this 30-minute
service! Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m., followed by Interces-
sory Prayer Team Mee8ng.
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Ashley’s NewsAshley’s NewsAshley’s NewsAshley’s News Notes from RUMC’s Director of Music Ministries…
As our musical ensembles have been rehearsing selections for the up‐coming Christmas Music Extravaganza during the past couple of months, I’ve had astronomers on my mind. Maybe this is an odd association, but considering that our theme this year is “Bring in the Light,” it’s not coming completely out of left field.
When I decided on the theme (before last year’s Christmas Extravaganza was even over!), I was thinking about the Christmas star, and about how completely befud‐dled, amazed, and even terrified people must have been when it miraculously appeared over Bethlehem. My guess is there were many who were too mired down in their earthly concerns to even turn their gaze to the heavens to see it, and many more that found the mystery of its presence unsettling, and chose to look away. But those who did decide to gaze upon it, and to follow its light, were blessed beyond measure as they found God, not off in some celestial space light years away, but right there with them. So my thoughts have turned to astronomers, who dare to search for light in realms inconceivably far away. Maybe they're not directly searching for Christ as the Wise Men were, but I have to assume they somehow encounter something of the divine anyway, as they take in the great miracle that is the universe. I confess that I often keep my gaze downward, mostly looking at my own two feet as I trudge through busy days and earthly worries. It seems like it takes more energy, or motivation, or even courage, than I can drum up to turn my gaze to the sky and search out the light. My daughter, a tiny astronomer herself, knows better. She knows that the first thing to do when looking out into the night is to actively search for the moon, the stars, and the planets. And I find when I follow her example I’m too amazed at creation to feel bogged down by earthly shortcomings anymore. God is in those celestial lights, which somehow manage to shine all the way down to earth. As the winter nights grow darker, I invite you to join us on December 17th for the Christmas Music Extravaganza, where we will all be reminded that even when times seem dim, a light is always burning for those who have the courage to search for it. I hope you’ll join me and the rest of the music ministry in experiencing this special event!
Blessings,
AshleyAshleyAshleyAshley
Ashley Cundiff Director of Music Ministries
Please join the music ministry for our second annual Christmas Music Extravaganza on Sunday, December 17that 7:00 p.m. All of our musical ensembles, including choir, praise band, and bell choir, will come together for an evening of scripture and a variety of awesome music designed to bring the light of the season into your heart! ! Wise Men (and women) searching to brighten the Advent and Christmas seasons know that the light of Christ can be found in our sanctuary during this very special evening. Don’t miss the joy, fun, and beauty of this inspiring event!
Christmas Reception following the Music Extravaganza in the Welcome Center!
Please stay for Fellowship, Beverages and other Refreshments!
Wednesday, December 20th
6—8 p.m.
Meet In and Return To the
Welcome Center
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Covenant LetterCovenant LetterCovenant LetterCovenant Letter From Lisa Nichols, Henry Fork Service CenterFrom Lisa Nichols, Henry Fork Service CenterFrom Lisa Nichols, Henry Fork Service CenterFrom Lisa Nichols, Henry Fork Service Center
November 2017
Dear Friends,
“I thank God every 8me I remember you, constantly praying with joy in eve-
ry one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the
first day un8l now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work
among you will bring it to comple8on by the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-6
Giving Tuesday will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, encouraging churches and individuals to
share through the Advance of the United Methodist Church. Giving Tuesday has become a day of giving for many
different not-for-profit organiza8ons, and I hope you will consider sharing through the Advance.
What will your gi0s do? A gi0 to my Advance Special number (982953) will support missionaries around the
world through Global Ministries. Global Ministries just consecrated 7 new adult missionaries and a class of 18 Global
Jus8ce Fellows, all of whom will be serving in the interna8onal track. We celebrate the goal of “From everywhere to
everywhere” and rejoice that adults of all ages are willing to serve God through Global Ministries.
Your gi0 can support the recovery efforts from the recent natural disasters through UMCOR. Because of the
One Great Hour of Sharing offering taken by churches, 100% of the money that goes to UMCOR actually goes
through UMCOR to places where it is most needed. Here in VA that has been the VA Beach area, where UMCOR and
UMVIM teams are helping to rebuild a0er Hurricane Ma/hew. Although many agencies respond when disasters oc-
cur, the United Methodist Church is known to be one of the last groups to leave a0er the recovery phrase of the re-
sponse. To find and fund specific projects go to www.umcmission.org, click the Give Now bu/on at the bo/om of
the page, then click either UMCOR or missionaries.
Your gi0 can be your 8me and talents. Henry Fork Center uses individual and teams to work with our students
and keep the campus beau8ful and func8onal. Ferrum College and Blue Ridge Bible College students come to get
credit for class, but also to get to know our students and spend one-on-one 8me together. Ms. Linda comes and
helps our older students with homework and reading skills. Teams from PA come during the summer and are our
“miracle workers” on the campus and in the community. Where can you use your gi0s and talents?
Thank you for sharing your gi0s and talents through the Advance and assis8ng Henry Fork Service Center in
“making God’s love visible in our community.” I greatly appreciate your prayers, cards, and support, and thank God
that we are in partnership together in mission. May God con8nue to bless and grow your outreach ministers in your
community, your state, and around the globe.
Grace to you, and peace,
Lisa Nichols Lisa Nichols Lisa Nichols Lisa Nichols
News and Notes From Henry Fork Service Center...News and Notes From Henry Fork Service Center...News and Notes From Henry Fork Service Center...News and Notes From Henry Fork Service Center...
RUMCRUMCRUMCRUMC’s Christmas Offering s Christmas Offering s Christmas Offering s Christmas Offering
to benefit the Henry Fork Service Centerto benefit the Henry Fork Service Centerto benefit the Henry Fork Service Centerto benefit the Henry Fork Service Center
This year’s Christmas Offering will be used to help re8re the
mortgage at our Henry Fork Service Center. Celebra8ng 50 years of
serving children in an impoverished area of Franklin County, the
Center s8ll has a mortgage balance of about $36,000. Paying off the mortgage will enable the
Center to serve more children and purchase a new van. Your generosity can help us reach our goal
of raising $10,000. Several other suppor8ng churches are par8cipa8ng as well, as we all seek to