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Mount Zion United Methodist Church

December 2016 Edition

Greetings Mt. Zion Faith Community, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!’” Luke 2:10f We REJOICE in this season of Advent and Christmas as we prepare for and proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Jesus’ birth means that God is present in the events and lives of ordinary people like you and me. Our lives are full of twists and turns, ups and downs, joys and pains, good days and bad days. Our lives are full of Chaos! And in this chaos, we seek Christ to come and fill our lives with Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace. Journey with us through this season of Advent as we focus our attention on Christmas and all that Christ offers to us. Christ is born! It is GOOD NEWS for us today, just as it was some 2000 years ago, to welcome the Savior into our world, into our hearts, and into our lives. May we choose Christmas over chaos as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth. Praise Be to God for the gift of Jesus! ‘This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.’ Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year. Blessings, Pastor Joan

Our Mission Touching Lives

for Jesus Christ.

Our Core Values To be a Loving

Christian Community.

Providing opportunities for

worship, spiritual growth,

and service.

Our Vision Love, Grow,

Serve.

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Those Called to Serve and Lead Worship

Service Times

December 4

December 11 December 18 December 25

Kid’s Time 9:00 Pastor David Jamie Humphreys Chad Hawthorne Pastor David

Counters

9:00 Andrea Smolen, Betty Ames

Roger Colvin, Larry Murdock

11:00 Rob Messerly, Chuck Norwood

Frank Lineberger, Patrick Saunderson

Evan Saunderson, Chris Maynard

Will Scott

Greeters

9:00 Louise Sehman & Wayne Mullinix

Crystal Zimmerman & Lorene Brown

Carolyn & Lamont Baskett

Alice Ellis, Hilda & Lew Rodgers

11:00 Mark Coffin Frank Lineberger & Mark Coffin

Evan Saunderson Mark Coffin

Mark Coffin

Liturgist 9:00 Ellen McKinzie Karyn Vice Steve Dennis David Norton

Projection

9:00 Chuck Sehman Jill Scott Bonnie Luepkes

11:00 Carol Hill Chuck Sehman Sam Hergert

Sound

9:00 Help Wanted Your Name Here Why Not You? Help Wanted

11:00 Bill Ray Al Hill Bill Ray Bill Ray

Usher Captains

9:00 Steve Reyda Steve Reyda Steve Reyda Steve Reyda

11:00 Gary & Patricia Heinz

Gary & Patricia Heinz Gary & Patricia Heinz

Gary & Patricia Heinz

Worship Spiritual Growth

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Worship Spiritual Growth

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Worship Spiritual Growth

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Dear Mt. Zion Family, It has been a quick three years, but I am coming to the end of my tenure as Lay Leader for Mt. Zion. It has been an honor to serve this congregation. I have gotten to know so many of you and cliché or not, to know you, is to love you. Differing views on aspects of theology, differing views on why we are here, differing views on a myriad of things; but it is our differences that make this blend of people at worship so rich and so fulfilling. It is easy to extrapolate, while also acknowledging I could never know the mind of God that His plan includes all of His chil-dren living and working together peaceably. Living together peaceably does not always mean sharing the same mind but rather sharing the same vision and respecting each one's right to be a child of God. Living peaceably means always keeping our hearts, minds, ears and eyes open to God's wisdom.

God has guided Mt. Zion through many turbulent seas. Consequently, Mt. Zion remains the place people turn to for spiritual guidance and refreshment, a sanctum from the secular world, a place where we might get a glimpse of the Kingdom that awaits.

While the nation continues to react to recent political changes, the community around us reflects that reaction. While the church is separate from the political sphere, the feelings and actions influenced by the political climate still have an effect upon us. Given the racial composition of the congregation, I find it particularly interesting that at this moment the Lord placed Mt. Zion under the leadership of a black senior pastor, a black Executive/Youth pastor and a black lay leader. For some of you, this will be the first time you have drawn that connection and for that I say, "God bless you".

In the three years since I stepped into this role, I have lost a father-in-law, a father, a sister, a cousin and another sister. Mt. Zion has been a place where I have heard Jesus whispering through the voices of His people, "You are my child. I love you." I have been blessed by your love and friendship and service. Working through hard issues is a good way to know the depths of a man or woman. I have been blessed to have worked with the best!

Even so, I am looking forward to regaining my Tuesday evenings since for the last three years Tuesday evenings have been filled with committee meetings. I have given my best effort to be the voice and conscience of the con-gregation in ministry and committee meetings. This is not the approach all Lay Leaders take and that is fine. Jesus reveals the way to each Lay Leader through an anointing system I call "on the job training."

On January 1, 2017, Steve Dennis will assume the mantle of Lay Leader and begin his 3-year tenure. If you don't know Steve, you're going to love him. If you do know Steve, you know he is a man of strong faith and wisdom and you already love him.

Best wishes and Peace be with you! Bettye Ames

Advent Study ~ THE REDEMPTION OF SCROOGE You have an opportunity to explore the teachings of Jesus

as seen through Charles Dickins’ “ A Christmas Carol”. This four week study will be offered on Monday

nights at 7 pm starting November 28th and Sundays at 10:10 am at the Drop-In Sunday School Class starting De-

cember 4th. Another time maybe set as well, so contact Debra Leiss or Pastor David if you are interested: smallgroups@mtzionumchighland.com

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Mt Zion Library News - Advent season is here, and Christmas is only weeks away. Many of us go into auto drive at this time of year, shopping for gifts, decorating the house, sending out Christmas cards, and plan-ning holiday meals — hopefully, all done while centered on the birth of Jesus. But do you ever wonder why some of the traditions that we do year after year exist? Why do we tend towards red and green col-ors? Where did kissing under the mistletoe come from? Ace Collins tells the stories behind these traditions and 24 others, including those old-time favorite Christmas movies, in Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christ-mas (263.91 COL). Having grown up in the Brandywine River Valley area, I found the story behind Christmas Seals particularly interesting. It was practically a one woman effort to raise money for a well-regarded, but finan-cially strapped, TB clinic, the Brandywine Clinic, in 1907. Who knew? Another of his books delves into the Sto-ries behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (263.91). Just reading the list of 31 song titles in the table of contents gets the familiar tunes and lyrics running through your head. There’s the Christmas Eve classics, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night; but there’s also the kids’ favorites Away in a Manger, Jingle Bells, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Collins even tells a story about those seemingly crazy gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas. Another tradition in many homes is reading books to the kids. In Chicken Soup for the Soul—Christmas Treasury for Kids (263.91 CAN), a story a day is offered for families to share together starting with Dec. 1 and going through Dec. 25. If you’d like other suggestions for Christmas-themed reading, check out past December Pointer articles or send me an email.

For those with younger folks in the pews, feel free to select any of the books from the children’s section of the library. Just return the books to the green return bin after the service for me to shelve. You can fill out the check out card, or I’ll just mark it as “In-house Use” when it’s returned. Any questions, just email me at the ad-dress below.

Merry Christmas—Robin Emrich, Librarian

Email: library@mtzionhighland.com

“SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS” The Holiday Season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, while joyful for many, can be an especially painful time for those who are grieving. In an effort to bring support to those who are finding it difficult during these weeks, we are offering an evening together called “Surviving the Holidays”. It is a two-hour seminar, includ-ing a DVD presentation of encouraging counsel and practical tips, reflection and sharing, and Scripture resources produced the GriefShare Ministry. Many who have attended this evening in the past have found strength in the midst of s their struggle, perspective on the journey, and even the light of joy in the blessing of the Season.

We will offer “Surviving the Holidays” on two occasions: Mon-day, December 5, 7:00PM and Sunday, December 11 at 12:30PM. All are welcome to be a part on either of these dates. To indicate your interest (please indicate which date you prefer) or to get additional in-formation, please contact Carol Messerly (c.messerly3@gmail.com) or Pastor David (pastordavidcr@verizon.net). May the Spirit of the one whose birth we greet this season bring to us all the blessings of His loving presence.

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Children’s Ministry

Mt. Zion Christian Preschool Update We would like to thank all of our preschool families who generously donated Thanksgiving meal bags for the Open Doors Food Pantry, as well as participated in the Operations Christmas Child program! The preschool’s Christmas Programs will take place on Wednesday December 21st at 9:30am and 10:45am in the Sanctuary. All church members are invited to come and hear the songs that the children have prepared. The preschool is hosting a Chick-fil-A Fundraiser all day on Monday December 19th from 6am to 10pm at the Johns Hopkins Road location. Mention the fundraiser and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the preschool. Registration for the 2017-2018 school year is ongoing for church members and current preschool students, call the preschool main office for details (301-854-2387).

KID'S ZONE CHILDREN ARE PREPARING FOR THE

CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT 4:00 ON DECEMBER 24TH.

We will have KZ on December 4th, 11th, and 18th. There will be no Kid's Zone on

December 25th.

Attention Parents! There will be no Sunday School

on December 25th!

FAMILY GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING IS

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11TH AT 4:00 IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL!!!

Anyone who wants to make a gingerbread house is invit-ed!! Please bring an empty clean 1 pt milk container for

each gingerbread house you would like to make and a bag of candy per family to share!! It is always a great

time!! Children are invited to wear their PJ's if they wish! Contact Jena Meredith with any questions,

childrensministry@mtzionhighland.com

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Youth Ministry

Sunday Morning Youth Gathering ~ 10:10 am Students 6th - 12th Grade in Youth Center Youth Choir Rehearsal ~ Sundays at 5 pm

Youth Ministry ~ Sundays at 6:15 pm in the Youth Center Confirmation ~ Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the

Youth Center

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Youth Ministry The little dresses for Africa have arrived to their final destination and new owners.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2017: Jan 4th 7 p.m. Confirmation Class Resumes Jan. 8th Sunday School and Youth Group Re-

sumes Jan. 16th Youth Ministry’s Missions Project

Kicks-off Feb. 3-5th ROCK Conference 2017 Mar. 11th Leadership Day May 7th Confirmation Sunday June/July Camp Hope

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Personal Planning Tips from Your Finance Team IRA and 401(k) Designated Beneficiary Options

Each year, IRA and 401(k)s are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Because the distributions start at just under 4% at age 71 and then slowly increase, many IRA and 401(k) plans will continue to grow. While the distributions will eventually become larger, most individuals will eventually pass away with an IRA or 401(k) balance reasonably close to the value of their plan at age 70.

For this reason, the eventual distribution options for an IRA or 401(k) are quite important. For you and many other readers, the IRA or 401(k) may be the largest asset in your estate. IRA and 401(k)s are transferred through a designated beneficiary that you select on your IRA or 401(k) custodian's form. The five common choices for designated beneficiary are the surviving spouse, children, a charity, a trust for children or a trust for spouse and children. More information on these choices is provided by the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foun-dation, Inc. at the following link: http://maumflegacy.org/?pageID=34&docID=22&RID=263&SLID=637

Christmas Shopping???? - Easy way to support Mt. Zion’s Missions

As you start your Christmas shopping, please remember to shop through Amazon Smile - Mt. Zion UMC where a portion of all your shopping helps to support the Mission and Ministries of Mt. Zion.

Use this link and #StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-0748639 for your holiday gifts and Amazon donates to MT Zion United Methodist Church.

Discipleship Spiritual Growth

Stewardship & Finance

Stewardship ~ Pledge Cards "Giving of our time, talent and treasure is what makes us a community of believers that can truly make a difference in our community and beyond. It takes everyone’s participation and during the past few weeks, we have each been looking into our hearts as we have been choosing how we want to be involved and support our Church. Please return your Pledge Card that you received last month if you haven't done so yet. We have blank cards in the nar-thex and will be accepting cards for the next few weeks. As always, please continue to Pray Bold-ly about your financial and spiritual commitment to Mount Zion."

2016 Year-End Donations In order for donations to be counted for 2016 tax purposes, they need to be received in the church office by 3:00 pm on December 30th or Postmarked no later than December 31, 2016. As a reminder the church of-fice will be closed on Monday, December 26th and will be closing at 3:00 pm on the 30th. For questions or assistance regarding your year-end donations, please contact our Treasurer at Belinda.norton@verizon.net or in the church office at x14.

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Discipleship Spiritual Growth

United Methodist Men A few pictures from Men's Retreat 2016 at Pecometh Riverview Retreat Center. Save the date (10-12 November 2017) and join the fellowship next year.

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

2016 - The church and preschool provided 99 boxes

for Operation Child Care. another successful gift from YOU!

COAT COLLECTION CONTINUES

In preparation for our Day at Ames UMC in west Baltimore on Saturday, De-cember 10, our collection of coats, hats, and gloves continues. Our intention is to prepare and serve a meal for the community around the church and provide a warm coat, gloves and hats for those who come. While members of the congre-gation have already contributed many new or lightly used coats and some hats and gloves, we still have a long way to go to meet the need. We remember the words of Scripture instructing us: “Whoever has two coats must share with any-one who has none.” (Luke 3:11) Let’s search our closets and cupboards again to find the warmth that others need and bring coats, hats, and gloves to our collec-tion on Sunday. Would you like to volunteer to go with us on December 10 and help with the meal and clothing distribution? It would be great to have more workers as a part of the hospitality we wish to bring to the community. Please con-tact Fred Towner or Pastor David and make this project a part of your Advent life.

Opportunities to Serve Missions

WINTER SHELTER ARRIVES IN MARCH 2017

This year we will be hosting Winter Shelter (Winterhaven) from March 5-12. Hopefully we will avoid the blizzards of recent years by going from January back to March. We will begin recruiting volunteers in mid-January. However, I am hoping that a few members will agree before January to help me as Assistant Coordinators and to help with planning, recruiting volunteers and intake of arriving guests when they arrive at the church. If you are interested in helping or getting more information please contact Rod Barr at rodbarr@verizon.net or 410-730-4919.

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December Report

The Open Doors Food Pantry handed out almost 120 Thanksgiving din-ners last month, and it’s all thanks to each of you that provided a bag of groceries, or change in the offering plate to help purchase the 90+ turkeys. At the November food pantry we had 144 families come to receive food, which is 579 people that you helped to keep fed for another week or so. The Angel Tree has 102 angels on it this year, which is more than we’ve ever had. Each of these angels is a child from one of our regular food pantry clients, that is looking to have a present or two for Christmas. If you haven’t received an angel yet, please see Karen Greiner for one. The Parenting Class is once again taking on the task of having the Polar Express Shop open for the kids that come to the December food pantry, so that they can take home a gift for their family. If you want to help, please see Katie Davis. On Saturday, December 17th we will need a lot of hands to help bag the 6,000+ lbs of fresh produce that will be arriving around 9am. After the fresh produce is bagged and brought into the Fellowship Hall, we will have our regular food distribution, the Polar Express Shop will be open, and Santa will be arriving sometime that morning to see all the kids. It’s our busiest day of the year, and we’d like to see you there helping in any way pos-

sible. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Carol Hill or Laurie Norwood at open-doorsfoodpantry@gmail.com Don’t forget to drop your loose change in the offering plate, as that is how we are funded. Thank you so much for your continued support of this very important mission! Carol & Laurie

There are 102 Christmas Angels needing sponsors for

the December Food Pantry Christmas Celebration. You can sign up for one or more Angels in the West Narthex or at the following link:

http:/www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4eaaac2fa0fc1-2016

Opportunities to Serve Missions

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Birthdays

7 Matt Fatig 9 Kate Brown Lenore Holt 10 Beatty Shipley 11 Barb Jacques Craig Smolen Elizabeth Tavakolian 12 Bob Greiner 13 Christopher Athey Kim Murray 14 Dottie Bordenet Mik Parr Bill Ray Jr Jonathan Riseberg 16 Jackson Doser Nancy Maloney Joni Pohutsky 17 Melyssa Fatig Charles McEldowney Annie Scott James Yingling 18 Evan Tubbs 19 Brian Glenn

1 Sanford Ames Sara Daly Chuck Sehman III Diana Towner 2 Frances Colvin Willem Kalbach Betty Millman Katie Proia Steve Snowden 3 Alice Ellis Cheryl Munshower 4 Carolyn Oltjen 5 Judy Erdman Rick Kline 6 Molly Daniel Kathy Dunn Carol Hill Ted Marshall Eric O'Keefe Chuck Plant *Joe Pohutsky

20 Dave Sealing Laurie Tubbs 21 Janelle Crawford Jennifer Landy Joseph O'Keefe 22 *Tobi Ajayi Kevin McCarthy Sr. 24 Donna Ray 27 Lynne McWithey Joseph Squirlock 28 Bill Cashmark Tom Erwin Jen Gallagher Curt Island Megan Reyda Karyn Vice 29 Debbie Dunn Rob Gettier 30 Richard Daum Abby Franklin Andrew Franklin Cindy Monroe Ronald Riggin Jeffrey Sines 31 Tom Burtzlaff Matthew Erdman

Brochure Available in

Narthex! Celebrating Marriage ~ February

17 - 19, 2017 At the Dunes Manor in Ocean

City, MD

Great Grace, Great Marriage

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January Pointer

Please submit all articles by Sunday, Dec. 18.

In this Month’s Pointer…

Page 1 - Message from Pastor Joan

Page 2 - Sunday Worship Schedule

Page 3 - Advent Activities

Page 4 - Christmas Eve Services

Page 5 - Lay Leader letter & Advent Study

Page 6 - Discipleship Opportunities: Surviving the Holidays & Library News

Page 7 - Preschool & Children Ministries

Page 8 - Youth Ministries & Breakfast with Santa/Secret Santa Shop

Page 9 - Youth Ministries

Page 10 - Stewardship and Finance

& Finance Com.

Page 11 - Pictures from UM Men’s Retreat

Page 12 - Opportunities to Serve in Missions

Page 13 - Opportunities to Serve in Missions -

Food Pantry

Page 14 - December Birthdays

Page 15 - December Church Calendar

Page 16 - UMC Information & UMW Holiday Evening