December 2016

THE CONNECTION

Jefferson United Methodist Church

115 E. Main St.
Jefferson, NC 28640

The Connection

APPRECIATING WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES

When a church runs well, the reasons are practically invisible. We are exceptionally thankful for all our leaders, members and staff who have contributed to creating a healthy church, including leadership by our Church Council, Worship, Finance, Stewardship, Hospitality, and Staff Parish Committees, the Board of Trustees, United Methodist Men and Women, Active Adults, and our wonderful staff.
We are happy to report the following:

OUR SUNDAY
WORSHIP
SCHEDULE

10:00 A.M.
Sunday School

Alice Thompson reviewed our 2015 financial bookkeeping and gave our

11:00 A.M.
Traditional Service

Pastor
Karen Miller

ON THE INSIDE

Our People
Responsibilities
Children, Youth
and Families
Calendar

2
5

6
9

church a positive audit report.

The finance committee created a 2016 budget with realistic expectations and
our giving met our financial needs.
Upbeat communication once a month during worship created excitement for
projects funded by our budget.
An Investment Committee was created to oversee invested funds.
The Legacy Fund was created and the interest will be useful far into the future.
We are setting aside money annually to repair or replace things that break.
We utilized good business procedures for counting, depositing, investing, and
using financial gifts.
We invested the Building Fund income.
Our staff keeps accurate reports and informs donors about their contributions during the year.
Our stewardship committee provided estimated giving for the following years,
based on pledges.
Income and expenses are reported on a weekly basis in the bulletins.
When we needed emergency funding, the congregation was generous.
Closets and storage spaces were cleaned and made usable.
The food pantry space has been tripled and painted.
Some interiors and exteriors have been painted and some floors carpeted.
Roofs were replaced on the church, parsonage and corner property.
The front parking lot was paved.
Some stained glass windows were restored.
Our parsonage has been repaired and rented.
Donated land has been sold and proceeds went to the Building Fund.
Worship committee members designed and created lovely worship services.

Thank you to everyone who supported the work of our church behind the scenes
in 2016!
Karen Miller

BUDGET REPORT AS OF 11/24/2016

Members
Betty Avery, Family of Polly
Kennedy, Maxine Miller,
Ben Hurley
Military
Anatoly Ray, Riley Watson,
John Wooten,
Jacob Hamilton
Young Adults
Jason Baker, Shawn Baker,
Katie Girtman, Matthew
Hamilton, Elissa Harrington,
Jake Harrington, Carter
Kurtz, Anderson Moore,
Olivia Thore, Anna Wooten,
Dakota Little, Brandon
Jones, Glenn Bailey and
Stanton Moore, Savannah
Cary
Friends
Susan Little, Philip Santiago,
Larry Phipps, Kimberly
Jackson, Kiersten Sharpe,
Ron Joyal, Bill Weaver,
Donald Marsh, Roger
Abernathy, Aiden Amason,
Jen Houck, Ronnie Wyatt,
Bessie Cornett, Dylan Sams,
Brenda and Jim Jones,
Family of Meaghan Price,
Family of Luis Ramos,
Family of Erick Barcenas,
Gabrielle Holt, Margaret
Brown, Family of Maude
Miller, Robin Marlow &
Family, David Phipps
Our Staff
Karen Miller, Ashley Church
Christina Wagoner,
Zach Fulbright, Michael Bell
Clay Camp, Brenda Jones,
Andrea Gardner, Jimmy
Taylor, Heather Arreola

Please call the office to

remove Friends from the
list.

Year-to-Date Budget Need

Year-to-Date Budget Receipts

$279,130.00
$281,439.54

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Each month for over a year we have highlighted an area of ministry that we share as
a congregation, calling that time "Life Together". In every case, it takes all of us contributing our time, treasure and talent to carry out our many ministries. Thank you
for the ways that you have given of yourself! We had a great day together on October 16 as we celebrated "Sharing Our Bread" Stewardship Sunday. We had an awesome duo who sang called Sunrise Shadow, and a delicious covered dish dinner. If
you have not had the opportunity to make your estimate of giving, there are cards
for children and adults available at the church. On the back of the adult card is information about how you can give your offering using bank draft, if you wish to do so.

Dear Friends,

HURRICANE MATTHEW UPDATE

We want to express our gratitude for your contributions toward the relief effort for
those affected by Hurricane Matthew in the Lumberton, NC area. With Gods blessing, we received numerous donated supplies and $5,000 which went to the purchase
of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, diapers, baby formula, kids
shoes and cleaning supplies. These items were purchased tax free which helped
stretch the available funds. We were able to fill an 8 by 20 box trailer with all these
items. Thank you all so much!
We delivered all donations on October 22 to the Lumberton municipal collection
center where they are being distributed by Lumberton police and fireman to individuals most affected by the aftermath of historic flooding. Please continue to pray for
the ongoing recovery efforts and souls of our neighbors.
Thank you for demonstrating Gods love and serving His purpose,
The Jordan, Locklear and Chrisawn families

ACTIVE ADULTS

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

The Active Adults will have their

Christmas lunch on Wednesday,
December 14 at 11:30 AM at
Smokey Mountain Barbeque in
West Jefferson. Please contact
JoAnn Crawley at 336-982-3773 by
December 11th to make a reservation.

The United Methodist Women will

have their annual Christmas lunch
on Wednesday, December 7. All
women of the church are invited to
attend the catered meal. Please
mark your calendar for this event.
The cost will be $11 per person.
Call Sharon Duvall at 336-982-3862
by December 1 to make reservations.

MEMORIALS
In Memory of Crystal Baker

In Memory of Polly Kennedy

Legacy Fund
Charles & Debbie Jones

Legacy Fund
Ruth Gambill
Lynn Graham
David Jones

In Memory of Jennie W. Hightower

Window Restoration Fund

Emily, David, Peter and Amberly Johnston

In Memory of Lois Ulrich

Legacy Fund
Kirk Schneider

Please send celebratory messages which reflect our members talents and contributions to our church
and our community to jeffersonumc@skybest.com or drop your items in the office mailbox.

2017 LEADERSHIP
Thank you for saying yes to serving our church in 2017!
Church Council
Scott Henson

Food Pantry
Alice Thompson

Worship Committee
Grier Hurley
Dana Colvard

Community Ministries
Laura Kesler

Finance
Wade Sanders
Nominations and Leadership
Development
Karen Miller
Staff Parish Relations
Donna Weaver
Trustees
David Jones

Stewardship
Jim Powers
Christian Education Council
Dana Henson
Drama
Jim Wooten
Safe Sanctuary
Karen Miller
Hospitality Committee
Mitch Phillips

Long Range Planning

Kevin Kurtz
Charles Jones
Parsonage Committee
Sharon Duvall
Family Ministries
Mindy Wonsick
Kendra Perkins

Investment Committee
Wade Sanders
Campus Ministry
Lisa and Courtney Camp
UM Men
Paul Horan

CONGRATULATIONS
JD Granade, son of Sharilyn Owens and Randy Gambill, was ordained into the ministry of Jesus
Christ on October 15, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Commerce, affiliated with the Cooperative
Baptist Fellowship. Reverend Granade is in his last year of seminary at McAfee School of Theology
(of Mercer University) in Atlanta, Georgia. His calling is to minister to children and to affirm them as
valued members of the congregation as they commence their spiritual journey.

METHODIST MEN PROJECTS

The Methodist Men are currently involved in the following projects:
1. Providing materials for replacing floor joists, flooring and wall panels in a home where there had
been water damage. Bald Mountain Baptist men provided floor and wall insulation.
2. Proving a load of firewood to a family
3. Replacing the water piping under a home where the pipes had frozen.
The proceeds from the Brunswick stew, peanut sales and donations have allowed UM Men to do
these projects.

UNITED METHODIST MEN FUNDRAISER

LEAVING A LEGACY

The United Methodist Men are selling peanuts for

$5 to raise money for local missions. Peanuts are
available by contacting Paul Horan at 336-982-2682.
The peanuts are also available at Past and Present
Antiques at 113 N Jefferson Avenue, West Jefferson,
NC 28694. Proprietors Pam and Glen Mores do not
charge a commission on the sale of these peanuts
a very generous gesture. Over the past few months,
peanut sales have generated a total income of
$155.25.

Leaving the church a bequest in your will is a vital

way to fund ministry for years to come. Our church
has benefitted greatly through the last three years
due to bequests. Please see Wade Sanders, our Finance chairperson, if you would like to make a gift to
the church in your will.

FOOD PANTRY TIN CAN OFFERING

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH

THANKS!

We appreciate our United Methodist Men for sponsoring a special Prime Rib Dinner in honor of the
women of our congregation.

CONDOLENCES

Our children will pass the tin cans to collect money

for Jefferson's Food Pantry during the worship service on Sunday, December 11th. Any donation you
wish to make will be helpful.

We extend our love and sympathy to Gale Hurley on

the loss of his brother Wayne and to the family of
Polly Kennedy on her death.

WEDDING BELLS

Karen Millers daughter, Liz Miller, will marry Gabriel

Hopkins on December 28th. Pastor Karen will be
The Community Red Cross Blood Drive will be held away December 26th through January 1st. Staff Parin our Fellowship Hall on December 15th, 11 AM3 ish Chairperson Donna Weaver has asked those
PM.
who wish to give a cash gift to give it through the
church and one check will be given.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT JUMC

FEELING GLOOMY?
In a season when it is expected that "all is merry and bright", not everyone feels merry or bright. When days grow shorter, or holidays are
difficult reminders of loved ones lost, or illness or injury or age changes the way you feel, disappointment or depression may set in. Though
we don't talk about it as often as physical health, mental health is a vey
important part of our well-being.
Depression is a condition in which you feel discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated or disinterested in life in general. A short bout may
be "the blues", but when it lasts for two weeks or longer and starts to
interfere with life activities such as family time or activities you enjoy, that can be considered a major depressive episode. Depression effects your state of mind, but can also compromise immunity, leaving the
body more vulnerable to fight infections and cancers. It can cause persistent sleepiness or insomnia,
make it difficult to concentrate or remember details, lead to headaches, cramps, aches and pains, and
digestive pains. It may even result in thoughts of suicide.
Treatments for depression vary. The great tendency is to withdraw to be alone. However, lack of social
connection is an enormous risk factor for depression. It is important to find others that can help bring
meaning and purpose to your daily life. Depression can sometimes be treated with medication, so early
diagnosis and treatment are important. Even if you feel embarrassed, don't be afraid to ask for help from
your medical provider. Medication, exercise, interaction with others, and doing things you love can be
part of a treatment plan. Depression can be treated and managed and your quality of life can be improved.

JEFFERSON UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH

B
I
R
T
H
D
A
Y
S

1
3
4
6
7
8
10

Trilby Wall
Polly Himm
Anna Wooten
Wade Sanders
Shelby Dowell
Heather Arreola
Janet Miller
John Fields Perkins
11 Michael Harrington
17 Audrey Wasner
18 Jim Wooten
19 John Crutcher
24 Jim Weaver
25 Joe Duvall
27 Ruth Hurt
Kelsey Johnson
29 Grace Zelesky
30 Jean Colvard
John Wooten

ANNIVERSARIES
18 Charles and Debbie Jones
19 John and Edith Crutcher
26 Billy and Laurel Smith

December 2016
SERVICE
FLOWERS
The sanctuary will be beautifully decorated
with poinsettias and the Advent wreath during the month of December.
ACOLYTE
4
Addisen Calhoun
11 Claira Corley
18 Annie Clare Perkins
25 John Fields Perkins
CHILDRENS TIME
4
Jessica Roland
11 Karen Miller
24
25 Peggy Bailey
NURSERY
Heather Arreola is our interim nursery
worker. We need volunteers 20 or older to
assist in caring for our youngest children
once a month during Sunday school or worship. If you are interested in serving, please
contact Karen Miller.
11:00 USHERS
Cheryl Baker, Dottie Waechter, Sarah Ruth
Phipps, Hunter Jones
CHRISTMAS EVE USHERS
Sarah Ruth Phipps, The Bailey Family
TRANSPORTATION
Jim Wooten and volunteers

**PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY CHANGES OR ADDITIONS.**

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS

EFFECTIVE PARENTING CLASS

We will be offering a month of Wednesday night

meals in the fellowship hall for $5 per person
per meal, or a maximum of $20 per family per
meal. The meals will be from local restaurants
like Pizza Hut and BoJangles and a set amount
of food will be provided for each person. Participants will check in for the meal. Children are to
be attended by an adult, but it does not have to
be the parent. Weekly clean-up will be shared
by the participants. This is intended to be a fellowship meal at the church, not carry-out meals.

Raising children is a challenge! Every day they are

bombarded with pressures of peers and pop culture. Often parents feel helpless to instill great
values in children. We are offering a video-based
program called "Effective Parenting in a Defective
World", Wednesday nights at 6:30 in the blue
classroom. Some of the topics include:
How to Raise Positive Kids in a Negative World
How to Develop Your Child's Full Potential
How to Prepare Your Kids to Win Life's Biggest
Battles
How to Discipline Your Child Effectively

Meals are for anyone who registers and pays

for the entire month in advance. There are no
refunds if you are unable to attend. You do not
have to be involved in other Wednesday night
activities to attend. The form and money are to
be submitted by the Monday prior to the beginning of the month.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRIES

5:15 Fellowship Meal
5:45 Jefferson Youth Ringers
6:00 Childrens Choir
6:30 Joyful Ringers
6:30 Youth Group & Parenting Class
7:30 Adult Hand Bells

Karen Miller facilitates the class. Thanks!

NUTS OR NO NUTS?
A few people in our church family are very allergic
to tree nuts. When we have covered dish meals,
they would very much appreciate knowing if the
food people bring contains nuts. A simple label
would provide this information, and would be
helpful for those who wish to eat at the church
without worrying about a life threatening allergic
reaction. Thanks!

ISLAMIC BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

JOB OPENINGS
As of this publication date, we are still interviewing for Director of Children, Youth and Families.
All interested applicants can contact Donna
Weaver at 336-977-7494 or
janinemom88@gmail.com.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Many of our young adults will be home for the
Christmas holidays. Please remember to invite
them to worship or spend time with them while
they are on their holiday breaks from school or
work.

We are considering offering a study on Islamic

beliefs and practices in January. Please contact
Karen Miller if you would be interested or would
like more information. The teacher will be a faculty member at Wilkes Community College.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING ON SUNDAY,

DECEMBER 18
Children and youth will meet at the church on
Sunday, December 18 at 4:45 PM. In order to
reach more people, we will divide into two
groups, children & families and youth group. Our
goal is to leave the church at 5:00 PM and return
to the church at 7:00 PM for pizza. Please contact Colleen Dixon for more information.

GIFTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING:

All Former Choir Members
Jeanette Little

Thomas Burl Fowler

Vickie Fowler

Milton & Mabry King

J.J & Rachel Johnston & Girls

Bill Ashley
Pearl Ashley

Maynard Gambill
Elam Kurtz
Randy Gambill & Sharilyn Owens
The Kurtz Family

Jim Barnette
The Kurtz Family

Earl Gower
Jeff & Nancy Gower

Gayle Misoyianis
Edie Merritt

Walter & Mamie Bennett

Joe & Polly Himm

Danny Harmon
Rebecca Victoria

Susanne G. Black, M.D.

Swift Black, Jr.

Joe & Edith Himm

Joe & Polly Himm

Irene Morphew
Gerhard & Karen Kalmus
Gene & Nenie Midyette

Swift C. Black, M.D.

Susanne E. Black

Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Hubbard

Bo & Betsy Ziroli

Raymond & Lillian Bruzdoski

Jeff & Nancy Gower

Carrie Hudler
Wade & Sarah Sanders

Melissa Coguhlan
Diane Killen

Maude James
Pearl Ashley

Kent Coleman
Mable Coleman

Jerry Jeremiah
Gerhard & Karen Kalmus

Carl & Agnes Cooper

Karen Cooper

Ira T. & Mary Johnston

J.J & Rachel Johnston & Girls

Keith Cooper
Karen Cooper

Thomas & Mary Johnston

J.J & Rachel Johnston & Girls

Worth & Vea Dollar

Ralph Reeves & Family

Dean C. Jones, Jr.

Charles & Debbie Jones

James Eller
Charles & Debbie Jones

Robin Barker Jones

David Jones

Jimmy Eller
Charles & Debbie Jones

Polly Kennedy
Gerhard & Karen Kalmus

Linda Parmalee
Kitty Parmalee
Dayton & Bernice Pennington
Karen Cooper
John Perkins
The Perkins Family
Henry & Sarah Tunstall
Sarah Ruth Phipps
Betsy Reeves
Ralph Reeves & Family
Lon & Clyde Reeves
Ralph Reeves & Family
Vernon & Joan Sanders
Wade & Sarah Sanders
Mike W. & Helen Zelesky
Mike & Cheryl Zelesky
Bert Ziroli
Bo & Betsy Ziroli
Mr. & Mrs. N.A. Ziroli
Bo & Betsy Ziroli

GIFTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN HONOR OF THE FOLLOWING:

Jean Barnette
The Kurtz Family

Polly HImm
Joe Himm

Warren & Joyce Nephew

Mike & Cheryl Zelesky

Ruth Eller
Charles & Debbie Jones

Evelyn Jones
Charles & Debbie Jones
Gerhard & Karin Kalmus

Nancy Parmalee
Kitty Parmalee

Dorinda Fowler
Vickie Fowler
Ruth Gambill
Randy Gambill &
Sharilyn Owens

Orpah Kurtz
The Kurtz Family
Nenie Midyette
Gerhard & Karen Kalmus

Angela & Mark Wolfenberger &

Daughters
Joe & Polly Himm
Cecile Worrell
Martha Scott, Alice Thompson &
Joe Worrell

SERVING OUR CHURCH & COMMUNITY: HOLIDAY EVENTS

Dec. 4

Cantata at 11 AM

Dec. 18

Love Feast & Childrens Pageant at 10:30 AM (No Sunday School)

Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Service 6 PM

Dec. 25

Christmas Day Casual Service, 11 AM (Children are invited to wear pajamas)

AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS

This year our Chancel Choir will be performing their annual Christmas Cantata entitled, "An Appalachian Christmas". The Cantata is composed in the spirit of folk music, combining traditional
sounds with more rustic elements, creating a blend that is fresh and pleasing. Is mixes popular
American carols like Away in a Manger and O Little Town of Bethlehem with traditional spirituals
such as Children, Go Where I Send Thee and Go, Tell It on the Mountain. Sacred Harp tunes are
retooled for the season and stand alongside new versions of Shaker hymns and Appalachian
melodies. Thoughtful narration weaves the movements together in a meaningful tapestry of
song and scripture. This Cantata is sure to bring praise and worship to the holiday season as we
celebrate the joyful meaning of Christmas through song and celebration.
OFFICE CLOSED AFTER CHRISTMAS
Our church office staff will be on vacation the week after Christmas. Bulletins and the January
newsletter will be printed by December 21. Please turn in information to be published no later
than December 15.
DECEMBER 18 WORSHIP AT 10:30 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
To include the Childrens Christmas Drama and the Love Feast, our worship will begin in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30 on December 18.
THANK YOU FOR GENEROSITY
Our church sponsored 110 children during the Ashe County Christmas Project. We appreciate
the generosity of change through the red cups, other monetary donations and other families
who purchased items for children.

PRIME RIB DINNER

Sunday, December 4, 6:00 P.M.
Fellowship Hall
Bluegrass Gospel Music
Free for women of our church
$5 per plate for men and other women guests
No childcare provided.
RSVP required by Nov. 21st
Sponsored by the Jefferson United Methodist Men

Sunday Worship Schedule

10:00 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Worship

Church Office Schedule

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Monday through Thursday

The office is closed on Fridays!

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed
1

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE

5:15 Fellowship Meal
5:45 Jefferson Youth Ringers
6:00 Childrens Choir
6:30 Joyful Ringers , Youth Group ,
Effective Parenting Class& Adult Choir
7:30 Adult Hand Bells
4

9:00 to 12:00
Food Pantry

11:00 AM
Cantata
No Communion

6:00 PM
Trustees

6:00 PM
Prime Rib Dinner

11

12

Tin Can
Offering

18

19

10:30 AM
Childrens Program
Love Feast

Thu

Fri
2

11:00 AM
Casual Service
No Sunday
School
Optional PJ day
for children

3
7:30 PM
NA Meeting

12:00
UMW Christmas Lunch

10
10:00 AM
Set Up
Poinsettias

5:157:30 PM
Wednesday Night Activities

7:30 PM
NA Meeting

7:30 PM
NA Meeting

13

14

15

9:00 to 12:00
Food Pantry

11:30AM
Active Adults Lunch

11:003:30 PM
Blood Drive

5:157:30 PM
Wednesday Night Activities
7:30 PM

6:00 to 7:00 PM
Food Pantry
Night

20

21

22

9:00 to 12:00
Food Pantry

7:30 PM
NA Meeting

16

17
10:00 AM
Set Up for
Love Feast
7:30 PM
NA Meeting

23

24
6:00 PM
Christmas Eve
Worship
7:30 PM
NA Meeting

No Sunday
School

25

Sat

26

27

28

9:00 to 12:00
Food Pantry

7:30 PM
NA Meeting

29

30

31

Welcome!

USA

Jefferson United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 236
115 East Main Street
Jefferson, NC 28640

FOREVER

Were on the web!

www.jefferson-umc.org

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS

From your church staff: Rev. Karen Miller, Ashley Church, Christina Wagoner,
Zach Fulbright, Michael Bell, Clay Camp, Brenda Jones, Jimmy Taylor,
Heather Arreola and Andrea Gardner