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AUGUST 2008ZION NEWSLETTERZion United Methodist Church, Seaford, VirginiaZion United Methodist John Haynes, PastorP.O. Box 240 Office hours Mon- Fri 8-1 pm2109 Seaford Road Sunday School: 9:45 amSeaford, Virginia 23696-0240 Worship: 8:45 and 11:00 amLinnea Carlson, Parish Associate Pat Sparrer, Office Administrator Judy Morel, Choir DirectorCarey Whitley, Organist_________________________________________________________________________________________________________Pastor’ CornerIn his recent book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (Abingdon Press, 2007), United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnaze writes, “Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations… embrace newcomers with a sustaining sense of belonging when they practice Christ’s Radical Hospitality. Through Passionate Worship, God shapes hearts and minds, creating the desire to grow in Christ. Through the practice of Intentional Faith Development, people make themselves available to listen for God’s Word and for the Spirit to mature their understanding of God’s will. Inner spiritual growth finds outward expression in Risk-Taking Mission and Service as people respond to God’s call to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As people grow in relationship to Christ, they grow also in the practice of Extravagant Generosity, offering more of themselves for the purposes of Christ and providing the resources that strengthen ministry and that help the church touch the lives of more and more people in the same way their own lives have been transformed by God.” (p.108).Bishop Schnaze writes convincingly that many people today are searching for congregations that are shaped and sustained by these five practices: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity (p.7). He is not alone in this conviction. The architects of our All Things New: Virginia Conference Church Growth Plan have proposed that the training curriculum for a new “Five Talent Academy” be based upon the five practices described by Bishop Schnaze. As currently proposed, an existing congregation that meets established criteria standards may participate in the academy. That congregation will then create a five-year church development plan to accomplish a Five Talent growth goal based on training provided by the academy with target goals (benchmarks), funding plans, and staffing proposals. We will hear more about this Five Talent Academy concept during the 2009 session of the Virginia Annual Conference.Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations is based on the premise that, “The presence and strength of these five practices demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches can fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (p.7). This book is a great summer read if you are interested in inviting, welcoming, receiving, and caring for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and life in Christ (Radical Hospitality). If you are interested in encountering a vision of God’s reality in Christ so that God’s Spirit can form us into the Body of Christ (Passionate Worship), then this book is for you. If you are interested in learning experiences that help people understand Scripture, faith, and life in the supportive nurture of caring relationships (Intentional Faith Development), then this book is for you. If you are interested in participating in hands-on mission projects for the well-being of others beyond your inner circle (Risk-Taking Mission and Service), then this book is for you. If you are interested in practicing proportional giving with a goal toward tithing as an essential practice of Christian discipleship (Extravagant Generosity), then this book is for you.Grace and Peace! JohnRobin Haynes is a member of Blue Star Families of Hampton Roads, affiliated with Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. John & Robin’s son, Matt, is a Captain in the Army stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska currently and due to deploy late September. The Blue Star Mothers of America first met in February, 1943 in Flint, Michigan. On February 6th, the organization was reported on Congressional record. In June, 1960 the organization was chartered by Congress.
Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II, volunteering in hospitals, train stations, packing care packages for soldiers. After the war, the organization waned in size over the years, but has since started to grow in strength again after the U.S. was attacked and our children are once again being called to war. We hang flags in our windows, on our doors and display them on our cars, with the stars indicating how many children we have in the military.On August 10th from 1 to 5 p.m. and again on September 27th from 1 to 5 p.m., the Blue Star Families members will have a table out in front of the Yorktown Wal-Mart for “Shop for Any Soldier.” A list of supplies will be available and as you shop, please consider picking up one or more items on the list. These items are packaged and addressed to a specific soldier that is picked from a list of names available to the mothers. It might even be one of our children. Our website address is www.bluestarfamilieshr.com.Also, at any time, you can drop off the items that you’ve purchased at the church office and Robin will get the item(s) to the proper people in time for shipment.A few of the items listed by soldiers are: cookies, Keebler and Nabisco snack packs, raisins, Rice Krispie treats, granola bars, hard candies, other snack crackers, fruit cups, mini-meals in a can (i.e., ravioli, beef stew, etc.), chicken or tuna lunch kits, gum. NO CHOCOLATE as it will melt! Personal items include foot powder, stationery, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, etc. They would also like board games, card games, videos, game books (crossword, Soduku) and magazines.Thanks so much!Robin HaynesKITCHEN AND SOCIAL HALL CLEANLINESSZion’s church activities are growing, especially the activities that involve preparing food in the kitchen and eating and socializing in the Social Hall. Today we have various groups within the church preparing food and serving the congregation and public throughout the year. Example for a year: Wednesday night dinners – 34; Methodist Men – 12; Bible School – 5; Annual Bazaar, MM fish fry, Brunswick stew and church picnic; pot luck dinners – 3-4; MM prayer breakfast – 24; Sunday school dinners – 12; = 94. Along with other social activities during the year, funerals, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and scout events. This has someone using the facilities easily 100 + times a year, and or 2 + times a week.Every household and individuals have different cooking, serving and clean-up practices that work well as a family group. However, in preparing food, serving and cleaning up for larger groups in public settings, it is essential users of the church facility must follow certain guidelines to maintain a workable and sanitary facility. The following guidelines are required by the health department and the kitchen committee to maintain this workable, clean and healthy facility:KITCHEN / SOCIAL HALL RULES1. ON COMPLETION OF YOUR EVENT:* ALL TABLES AND HIGH CHAIRS IN THE SOCIAL HALL MUST BE WIPEDOFF WITH A BLEACH SOLUTION AND HOT WATER. (2 oz. bleach & 2 gal. water)(BLEACH IS LOCATED UNDER THE SINK CABINET)* SOCIAL HALL FLOORS AND KITCHEN FLOOR MUST BE SWEPTor DRY MOPPED. ANY SPILLS MUST BE WET MOPED.(Brooms, dust pan, etc. located in kitchen supply room).* COOK STOVE, OVEN and MICROWAVE MUST BE CLEANED IF USED.(MAKE SURE COOK STOVE GAS SUPPLY IS CUT OFF)* ALL POTS, PANS, DISHES, SILVER WARE, COFFEE POTS, DRINKDISPENSERS, ETC. MUST BE WASHED, DRIED AND RETURNED TOTHE APPROPRIATE STORAGE AREA. DO NOT LEAVE IN THE DRAINRACK. NO EXCEPTIONS* ALL PAPER PRODUCTS – PLATES, BOWLS, NAPKINS, CUPS, ETC.WILL BE RETURNED TO THEIR PROPER STORAGE CABINET. (NOT LEFT ON THE COUNTER)ALL PLASTIC WARE, FORKS, KNIVES, SPOONS, ETC. WILL BERETURNED TO THEIR PROPER STORAGE CABINET. (NOT LEFT ON THE COUNTER)* ALL TRASH CANS MUST BE EMPTIED IN THE DUMPSTER AND NEWLINERS REPLACED IN EACH CAN. (LINERS LOCATED IN STORAGE ROOM, BOTTOM SHELF(DUMPSTER KEY LOCATED NEXT TO KITCHEN TELEPHONE)* ALL RECYCLE ITEMS WILL BE PLACED IN THE RECYLE BIN OUTSIDETHE KITCHEN DOOR. (RINSE OUT ALL FOOD CANS, BOTTLES, ETC. – KEEPS ANIMALS AWAY)* ALL KITCHEN COUNTERS, AND SINKS MUST BE CLEANED WITH ABLEACH SOLUTION. (2 oz. bleach & 2 gal. water).* ALL EXCESS FOOD SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF – TAKEN HOME, SOLD,OR TAKEN TO SHUT-IN’S. IF BEING FROZEN, PACKAGE & LABEL.(DO NOT LEAVE IN REFRIGERATOR)* ALL DRYING TOWELS, AND WASH CLOTHES SHOULD BE TAKENHOME AND WASHED CLEAN AND RETURNED TO THE KITCHEN.If users of the kitchen find unacceptable situations from a previous user, please notify the church staff or Kitchen Committee.**************************************************************************************Back Pack Blessing is Sunday, August 31stTeachers, students, bus drivers and everyone headed back to school are welcome to come up and receive a blessing as you head off to school. This will happen at both services.New MembersKristina Beavers&Betsy RoweJoined Sunday, July 27, 2008BaptizedLandon Patrick WakefieldSunday, July 27, 2008Health IssuesThe decision has been made; Jerry & Rick agree the bucket method for growing tomatoes is more trouble than its worth. They are glad they tried it but found it did not yield as plentiful of harvest as the traditional ground method. As we have been spending time in the garden, I have been reacquainted with our good old friend the mosquito. Amazing how such a little creature can be so powerful. Mosquitoes – their bites are annoying. They can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile Virus or Malaria.Our risk of acquiring a disease is low but having your plans change due to mosquitoes is high. How often we hear “the mosquitoes were eating us alive so we came inside”. Mosquitoes are generally more active dusk to dawn. The female mosquito is the one who does the biting. The mosquito is like a military air craft honing in on its target. She can smell and sense you from over 100 feet away.The mosquito is attracted to:1. warm body temperatures.2. carbon dioxide in our exhaled breath.3. skin chemicals – like lactic acid produced when we exercise.Research indicates that1. men,2. people with blood type of 0,3. obese individuals,are more likely to be bitten by a mosquito.It is recommended you use a DEET based mosquito repellent strength 10-30%. A DEET strength of 10% provides protection up to 2 hours. The DEET makes it more difficult for the mosquito to find you. Natural oils such as citronella or lemon eucalyphes can be effective (caution to be used for children less than 3 years old.). Citronella candles or plants emit a scent that masks our human smell.Helpful hints to protect against mosquito bites.1. Wear light colored clothing.2. Wear long sleeve shirts and tuck pants in socks or boots.3. Use a repellent and apply often (do not apply to children’s hands).4. Use a yellow colored outdoor light.5. Light citronella candles or torches when out in your yard.6. Plant citronella or eucalyptus plants around your deck or porch.7. Eliminate breeding areas of standing waters, bird baths, wading pools, outdoor pet water bowls, old tires and flower pots by emptying or changing water once a week.8. Cool off after exercise indoors or take a dip in the pool. This reduces the “chemical” attraction for the mosquito.If you do get a mosquito bite – resist the urge to scratch it to prevent a skin infection. You can apply a cortisone cream (0.5%-1%) strength, calamine lotion or a baking soda paste to the areas. If the area looks infected, see your doctor. If you experience fever, chills, body aches, head aches, nausea & vomiting seek medical care as these symptoms can be a sign of a serious disease requiring treatment.Enjoy the rest of your summer. Stay safe & remember your sunscreen.Take care – God Bless You - Till next time, Cathy Robins
Cut Down on Waste by Advertising Your Trash!Landfills are filling up fast. Last year, Americans generated nearly 390 million tons of trash – and more than half was carted off for landfill burial. Almost 100 landfills across the U.S. closed last year because they were crammed to the brim. And within 50 years, approximately 2,216 landfills that exist today will reach full capacity.This is why recycling and reusing items is so important. Reusing items cuts down on energy use as well as the amount of debris that goes in the landfill. Every retail item you purchase has already cost energy to grow, mine, manufacture, alter, or build, and then transport. This energy is unrecoverable unless the item is reused or recycled. Check out a few of these sources before you go to the dump or before you head to the store to purchase something new. You never know what kind of treasure you may find or neighbor you may meet.The Freecycle™ Network is a nonprofit movement of people who are gifting and getting stuff for free in their local communities. Their goal is to keep good, usable items out of our landfills by gifting them to others. There are more than 4,500 Freecycle groups across the globe and there is a group for every city in the Hampton Roads area (including Yorktown). Individual groups are run by local volunteers through Yahoo! Groups. Membership is free. Need to get rid of that old sofa or a bag of toys the kids don’t play with anymore - post it as an Offer on Freecycle. Emails start poring in from people who would like it, you choose who gets it and they come pick it up. Want a specific John Grisham novel? Post a Wanted for it; someone may have just finished reading it and would like to pass it on. Freecycle is simple, organized and fun! Visit www.freecycle.org to find a link to your local group.EBay – Need a new faucet for the kitchen sink? Did you find a box of Weebles in the attic from the 70’s that your children no longer want? Take a picture, write a description and list them on EBay. You never know how high an auction may go or what kind of deal you will find. EBay is the largest online auction site on the Internet for new and used items. Membership is free but there are fees to list items. www.ebay.comCraig’s List is a local classifieds forum where you can find just about anything in your community. There are listings for jobs, housing, goods, services, advice, and everything else. There’s even a free section. Posting an ad is free. Visit www.craigslist.org.Caution: Because you’re dealing primarily with strangers, use some common sense. Of course, 99.9% of the people you’ll meet are interesting, responsible, environmentally concerned folk like yourself. If you think you may be dealing with the other 1%, just politely decline, or opt to meet in public – and make sure to get any cash up front.MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST SCHEDULE:The Methodist Men will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays in the Social Hall from 7 - 8 a.m. for a prayer breakfast. All men are invited for one hour of fellowship and devotions. What a good way to start the day. We are currently averaging 10 - 12 men to participate.Schedule: Aug. 9 Aug 23ZUMY (Zion United Methodist Youth)The youth are having an awesome summer. We had a great time at VBS. There were lots of visitors and friends at VBS. Please join us Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. We are happy to welcome our new 6th graders: Steven Suarez, Maddie Jones, Ethan Jones, Aubrey Wroten, Hannah Pauley, and Joey Prata. Our schedule for August is:August 3rd Surprise!August 10th Visit Senior MembersAugust 16/17th Tubing Weekend (details below)August 24th Mission WeekendAugust 31st- No ZUMY - Labor Day WeekendSaturday August 16th – Sunday August 16/17thWe will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. Sat and return about 3 p.m. on Sun.Where: Rappahannock River Campground (Near Fredericksburg, VA)Who: All junior high and senior high youthCost: $30 for camping, tubing and foodBring:• Permission Slip• Bible• Sleeping bag• Pillow• Swimsuit• Sunscreen• A couple of changes of clothes• Old pair of shoes to tube in• TowelLimit of 30 peopleDeposit of $20 is due to Linnea or Pam by August 8thCoordinator for the Readers for Sunday Services.Assign lessons to readers. Coordinate with Pat Sparrer for bulletin and newsletter. Send out the reader list and lessons to participants. Having a computer is necessary. Contact Linnea in the church office.Host and Hostesses for Sunday Morning Coffee.Either set up or clean up the coffee fellowship on Sunday morning.Contact Loretta Stokes Rae at 234-0343, 761-0930 orGina Lindsey at 814-8077.*********************************************************************************PRAYER VIGIL – September 12-13On Friday, September 12th, a 12 hour “Open Heart-Open Door” Prayer Vigil will begin at 7 p.m. and continue through Saturday, September 13th, 7 a.m.Members of the Zion family have asked for shorter and more frequent prayer vigils. You will have the opportunity to pray for students, teachers, administrators, workers and families as they enter their new schedules and experiences, as well as pray for special needs, problems and trials, and give praise and thanksgiving to our great God for his unfailing love.Hourly and half-hour slots will be available for your participation in special prayer time for Zion and her constituents. Plan now to join us in prayer.Spiritual Growth Discipleship TeamDISCIPLESHIP TEAM MEETINGDiscipleship Communications Team Meeting Tues., Aug. 5th at 7 p.m.All members of all teams will meet on Wed., Aug. 20th at 7 p.m.WORSHIP SCHEDULE – AUGUST3RDAcolyte: 8:45 Aubrey Wroten & Maddy Jones, 11:00 John Michael Pack & Kelleen FutrellNursery: 8:45 Elsie Henley, 11:00 Elsie HenleyLector: 8:45 Flo Rush, 11:00 VBSChildren’s Church Volunteer: Communion Sunday. No Children’s Church10thAcolyte: 8:45 Kristen Turk, 11:00 Kyle Taylor & Danielle TaylorNursery: 8:45 Sharon Jones, 11:00 Bridgette PressonLector: 8:45 Carl Henley, 11:00 Gerald Ray HopkinsChildren's Church Volunteer: Lisa Elder/Susan Shaw17thAcolyte: 8:45 Aubrey Wroten, 11:00 Steven Suarez & Hannah HartmanNursery: 8:45 Bridgitte Thompson, 11:00 Margo BavusoLector: 8:45 Madeline Jones, 11:00 Scott JamesChildren's Church Volunteer: Anne Conner/Amy Greenwood24thAcolyte: 8:45 Hannah Pauley & Maddy Jones, 11:00 Anne Mills Conner & Wessie CollierNursery: 8:45 Holly Lyons, 11:00 Kay ArmisteadLector: 8:45 Larry Shaw, 11:00 Anne ConnerChildren’s Church Volunteer: Shawna Needy/Peggy Ely31stAcolyte: 8:45 Kristen Turk, 11:00 Scott TyreeNursery: 8:45 Elsie Henley, 11:00 Elsie HenleyLector: 8:45 Bridgitte Thompson, 11:00 Ben TyreeChildren's Church Volunteer: Lisa ElderAugust Calendar
If an activity at Zion is not listed, pls. contact Pat in the Church office@ 898-7417. (S.H. – Social Hall). Aug 4-8 Kaleidoscope Music Camp. Aug. 5 Discipleship Communication Team Meeting. Aug 9 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m. in S.H. Aug. 10 ZUMY to visit Senior Members. Aug. 16 & 17 ZUMY Tubing/Camping Trip. Aug. 16 Builder’s Class 6:30 p.m. in S.H. Aug 20 Discipleship Council Mtg. 7 p.m. in S.H. Aug. 22, 23, & 24 Middle School Jeremiah Mission Project. Aug. 25 District Stewards Mtg. 7-9:30 p.m. @ Zion. Aug. 26 ZUMM dinner & mtg. @ 6:30 p.m. (Providence & Crooks). Aug. 31 Combined Adult Sunday School Class. (Bible Class hosting) Aug. 31 Back Pack Blessing. Aug. 31 5th Sunday Hymn Sing.************************************************************************************************************Return to top of page
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