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Gettysburg United Methodist Church

The Weekly Vision


Phone Number 717-334-3032
Parsonage Phone Number 334-1821
Pastor's Cell Phone Number 404-1162
Website: www.gettysburgumc.org
e-mail address: mailto:gumc@onemain.com

November 21, 2004 -- November 27, 2004



“Grace and Peace to you this Sabbath day in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ! We welcome you to this time of worship, where we come to celebrate God’s saving grace in and through the death and resurrection of Christ. May your heart and mind be filled anew with God’s presence! Welcome!"

Thought for the Day
The Blessed Test
I woke up this morning and knew that today, the sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray. As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head. My car wouldn’t start so I walked to school instead. I forgot all of my assignments, I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request. “Lord, why is it that things won’t go my way?”
He gently replied, “Dear child it is because you didn’t think of me yesterday. I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again. I gave you shelter, protected your family, and even let you make a new friend. I blessed you far greater than I ever had before. But you were too busy to thank me once more. You didn’t feel sick because I maintained your health. You had money in your pocket because I maintained your wealth. You had shoes on your feet and clothes to wear, too. You had plenty of food to eat, and what did you do? You ignored me and went about your tasks. But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask. I was there when you needed me, and that wasn’t too long ago. But when things started going your way, it was me you did not know. As if that weren’t enough, I provided your favorite luxuries. This was something I didn’t have to do—they weren’t even necessities. And when it was time to get on your knees and show your gratitude, you decided that after such a fulfilling day, you weren’t in the mood. So I decided to give you just a little test. To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed.”
I began to realize what the Lord was saying. And when I got home, I fell to my knees and started praying.
He said,” My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive. But remember to remember this day as long as you shall live. I love filling your life with joy, and your pain I’ll alleviate it. But just a simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it.”



 
The Altar Flowers are presented to the Glory of God by the Reed Family.
The Bulletins are presented to the Glory of God by Shirley Chatelain.
The Greeters are the Brantlinger Family.
The Ushers are Genny Reaver, Marian Shears, Gloria Swingler, Anne Larson.
The Nursery Attendants are Joe and Jackie Angleberger.

 

The following have Birthdays this week:

  • 21 - Ruby Reddin
  • 23 - Mary Fleming
  • 26 - Bessie Slonaker
  • 27 - Charles Bushey

STAFF
Jay E. Zimmerman Pastor
Kelly E. Renner Organist
Charles H. Thompson Music Coordinator
Fred Myers Treasurer
Bruce Guiher Sexton
Sara E. Bupp Director of Youth Ministries
Natalie Price Administrative Assistant

The Weekly Calendar

Sunday, November 21 8:30 AM Children's Breakfast
8:45 AM
40 Days of Purpose Small Groups
9:15 AM
Sunday School for all persons
10:30 AM Worship - “40 Days of Purpose Celebration Sunday”
11:45 AM Celebration Lunch
1:00 PM 2004 Church Conference
5:45 PM Advent Family Night Dinner
6:00 PM UMYF
7:00 PM Advent Family Night Worship
Monday, November 22 6:30 PM  Girl Scouts
Tuesday, November 23 5:30 PM Girl Scouts
Wednesday, November 24 7:00 PM Community Thanksgiving Service at First Baptist Church at
Thursday, November 25 Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Office Closed
Friday, November 26 Office Closed
Sunday, November 28 8:30 AM Breakfast Bunch in FellowshipHall
9:15 AM Sunday School for all ages
10:30 AM First Sunday in Advent Worship Service
5:45 PM Advent Family Night Dinner
6:00 PM UMYF
7:00 PM Advent Family Night Worship
Monday, November 29 6:30 PM  Girl Scouts
Tuesday, November 30 6:30 PM  Girl Scouts
7:00 PM “40 Days of Purpose” Leader’s Meeting


Church Conference

Today, November 21, 2004 — 1:00PM
Gettysburg United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. Timothy Baer, Presiding, Chambersburg District Superintendent

We are pleased to welcome all members and friends of Gettysburg UMC, to this Annual Church Conference. Our focus will be the celebration of ministry - past, present, and future. Please note that our time together will take place in the Fellowship Hall with lunch for everyone preceding the conference. All members of GUMC are invited to vote on ministry recommendations. Please join us!

Attendance

  Last Week Last Year
Worship
Attendance
198 162
Sunday
School
71 54

Our Prayer Ministry

Hospitalizations

Bill Ryder, Recently discharged from York Hospital
David Clapsaddle, Gettysburg Hospital
Delphine Seifrit, Recently discharged from Gettysburg Hospital
Tricia Fortnum, Recently discharged from Gettysburg Hospital
Kermit Carlson (Brother of Ken Carlson), Recently discharged from Gettysburg Hospital
Steve Spatz, Gettysburg Hospital

Prayer Concerns for this Week

Our prayers this week include: Doris Deaner, Bob Dillman, Robert and Ida Smith, Margaret LeGay, Jeff Persell, Sara Rose Wickham, Michele Price and Deborah Roderick, Michael Robinson, and Kelly Bladwin, John McKenna, Marie Claybaugh, Joyce Richmond, Thomas Heflin, Joe and Jackie Angleberger, and 4 unspoken requests.


Pastoral prayers this week for those whose last name begins with these letters:
November 21st—“V,” 22nd—“W” 23rd—“X” 24th —“Y” 25th—“Z.”

 
Please remember that if you don't wish to publicly express your prayer concerns,
you may use the PRAYER PILLAR in the back of the church for your requests.

Ministries of Worship, Education, and Outreach

UMW Meeting


United Methodist Women Executive Committee and all interested women, are invited to an important meeting, tomorrow, November 22nd, at noon to make some important decisions. Bring a sandwich and join us for lunch! Contact Marian for further information at 334-4137.

Donated Food Needed

When you do your grocery shopping, why not buy two of a particular item, (ie. Pasta, can of soups, cereal, etc). Bring these items to church and donate them to the Food Pantry Box in the church library. Carty and Bob Bates deliver our donation to the local Food Pantry which helps people in our community who have special needs. Your support of this project would be greatly appreciated. -- United Methodist Women.

Help…”Pastor Jay Needs a Friend”…And So Do They

Imprisoned in the Gettysburg Hotel for one hour on December 2nd doesn’t sound like a hardship. However, dealing with Muscular Dystrophy a lifetime is!—How do the two relate? It’s actually quite simple,--On Thursday, December 2nd, Pastor Jay will be imprisoned at the Gettysburg Hotel from 9:00AM to 10:00AM on behalf of the those who deal with muscular dystrophy. This fund raiser involves the “freeing of Pastor Jay from prison” by way of your personal contribution, which will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy association. Your help is invited!—You may make a tax-deductible contribution before, during, or after (no later than Sunday, December 5th) the December 2nd Imprisonment. “Contribution Envelopes” may be secured in the church office or directly from Pastor Jay.—Checks should be made payable to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thank you for helping these special people, who have a special need!

Adult Education News…

  • “Book of Acts Series”—Thursdays at 10:00 AM will begin again on Thursday, December 2nd. All are welcome!
  • ”Jesus I never Knew Series” (A Multi-media study) by Phillip Yancey will begin Monday, December 6th at 6:30 PM.
  • ”How to be a Contagious Christian Series”—A Multi-media approach to discipleship will begin Tuesday, January0 4th at 6:30PM.
  • Disciples II-An In-depth look at scripture will begin Thursday, January 6, at 7:00 PM.—Watch for further details.

Postal Box is Here!


The POSTAL BOX has arrived! It will operate on December 5, 12, and 19 before and after church. Postage monies will benefit our local UM Youth Group projects. Deposit your cards in slot bearing last-name initial and your postage money in the jar that’s next to the box!

Books To Take Home

Our library is in need of a change. Several people are working to preserve good books and find a home for those not useful for our library. Please take a look at the library cart in the hallway. Select a book, free of charge, and enjoy!

Christmas “Wish List” 2004…UM Home for Children…

Young people are “pretty much” the same everywhere!—To prove it, just look at this year’s Christmas “Wish List” for our UM Home for Children in Mechanicsburg. Items include: Sport socks, cameras (disposables), beach towels, DVD players, magazine subscriptions, scotch tape, fishing rods, batteries, and so forth.—YOU OR YOUR GROUP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! CONSIDER A GIFT!—Additional details about the “Wish list” can be found on the church bulletin board, just outside the office area. Thanks for your possible gift!

Breakfast Bunch Continues

Come one! Come all! Our “Breakfast Bunch” gathering for children will be continuing…at least through Christmas and possibly longer.—As many know, over the recent weeks of the “40 Days,” the children have been gathering for breakfast each Sunday morning. What a good time this has been! Thus, we are going to keep it in place! Please note, however, that the breakfast will begin 15 minutes later at 8:45 AM. See you next Sunday!

Young Adult Group

The Young Adult Group welcomes new members! We are a group of 30 and 40-somethings who enjoy getting together for fellowship and fun. If you are interested in finding out more contact Laura Geesaman at Landt@pa.net or 334-1138.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Adams County Needs Your Help

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for some “elves” willing to fill a gift bag full of goodies for each of the children in their program. A list of fun present ideas will be provided. If you are interested in being an elf or if your scout troop, club or company wants to participate in helping to make a child’s holiday happy please see Laura Geesaman or call 337-3958. Thank you in advance for opening your heart to a child in our program.

December and January Newsletter Articles

The Holidays are approaching rapidly, and accordingly, our office is thinking about the newsletter schedule that relates to December and January. Please be reminded that December articles are due on Tuesday, November 16th at 9:00 AM.—Also, please note that the January Newsletter will feature a simple listing of January information verses detailed articles. This information is due December 28th at 9:00 AM. Thank you for your participation.

Community Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 24th at 7:30PM
First Baptist Church Rt. 30 West


Advent and Christmas Horizon

Looking into late November and December? Now is the time to mark your calendar with the many wonderful ministries of Advent and Christmas.  While our December “Vision” Newsletter will highlight them all, here is a brief listing of what is on the horizon:
  • Advent Worship at 10:30AM will feature the decorating of the Chrismon Tree (November 28th)
  • The hanging of the Greens and Holy Communion (December 5th),
  • service of Carols and Lessons (December 12th)
  • Journey into Bethlehem (December 19th)
  • Advent Sunday Evening Services at 7:00 PM will begin this season with a light meal at 5:45 PM in the fellowship hall. Christmas Music and first person portrayals of the Nativity characters will highlight our time together
  • A live outdoor Nativity is currently in “preparation” for December 17th and 18th.
  • Plan now to come to our “Congregational Christmas Dinner” (No cost) hosted by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and Jay and Linda Zimmerman on Thursday, December 16th.
  • Christmas Eve Service will be celebrated at 6:30 PM (family service) and 10:00 PM (Traditional Candle light).

Tape Ministry

Do you know a shut-in who would like to hear the word of God through our service on Sunday mornings? Or perhaps you didn’t get to church on Sunday and wanted to hear the message. The Tape Ministry in our church was established for these very reasons—to bring the word of God to everyone. It brings our church closer to those who are not able to attend. There is no charge for the ministry. You may keep the tape or if you would like, you can return them so we may use them again. God’s word and God’s gift are here for you! To request a tape, contact Edgar and Charlotte Moore at 334-1716, Dave Schmidt at 334-4325, or call the church office at 334-3032.

Save Your Labels and Help a Preschool

GUMC is now participating in Campbell’s Labels for Education Program, so all Campbell’s products labels should be saved. By doing so, for each label we send in, a donation ins made towards helping one of the Methodists Church’s preschool. For more information on how you can make a difference, see Faye Krantz and stop by the table in front of the office.

Expanding Our Children’s Ministry

We haven’t been, but we should be…providing childcare during the 9:15 AM Sunday School hour. Why? Quit simple! By doing so, our younger parents can come and share together in a small group setting that can be significant in their Christian ministry.—We need your help! We are looking for persons who would be willing to offer their love and care for Nursery age children at the 9:15 AM hour particularly, but also the 10:30 AM hour, as Tammy Lytle (the nursery coordinator for the 10:30 AM hour) is always looking for assistance. Please inquire in our office and/or sign-up on the bulletin board just outside the church office! Thank you!


ATTENTION KENNIE'S SHOPPERS!
 If you are a frequent shopper at any Kennie's
Market location and you'd be willing to designate Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Adams County for the Community Treasures program, please contact Laura
Geesaman at 334-1138 or landt@pa.net

Regular and large print Bibles are available at the back of the church for your use.
We invite you to use one to follow along in the reading of today's scripture.

PEW ENVELOPES! You may have noticed the pew envelopes and on top of the mission can. These envelopes are to be used for donations to the church that are not covered by your regular envelopes. Some examples are mission can donations, special collections, special service offerings, etc. If the envelopes are used, we will be able to add that record to your giving statement. Please be sure to put your envelope number and/or name on the envelope so we know to which account it should be recorded. If you have any questions, please see Fred Myers or Connie Thompson.

Tape Ministry - Do you know a shut-in who would like to hear the word of God through our service on Sunday mornings? Or perhaps you didn’t get to church on Sunday and wanted to hear the message. The Tape Ministry in our church was established for these very reasons—to bring the word of God to everyone. It brings our church closer to those who are not able to attend. There is no charge for the ministry. You may keep the tape or if you would like, you can return them so we may use them again. God’s word and God’s gift are here for you! To request a tape, contact Edgar and Charlotte Moore at 334-1716, Dave Schmidt at 334-4325, or call the church office at 334-3032.

REMINDER: Please remember to call or e-mail the office by Tuesday prior to the Sunday you are sponsoring bulletins or altar flowers. Phone or mail reminders are no longer being issued - that information is now part of the newsletter. All announcements to be placed in the Weekly Vision must also be in the office by Tuesday. Thank you.


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