NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CLARKSBURG, WV

PERMIT #74

The Grapevine First United Methodist Church 117 N. Second Street Clarksburg, West Virginia 26301

DECEMBER 2017 Issue

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor Greg Godwin, Senior Pastor

304-952-1526 gagodwin@citlink.net

Rev. Harry Jenkins, Associate Pastor

Don Gardner, Director of Music and Operations

Jocelyn Blackwell, Director of Children’s Ministry

TBN, Director of Youth Ministry

Brett Miller, Organist

Debby McCune, Secretary

John Greaver, Head Custodian

Don Barickman, Evening Custodian

“Holy, Healthy, and Loving community to Know Christ and to Make Christ Known”

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Sunday Sunday School - 9:30 am

Morning Worship 10:45 am Children and Youth Groups/Choir

See Calendar Wednesday

Meal @ 5:15 pm Service @ 6:00 pm

FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

F R O M T H E

D E S K O F T H E

A S S O C .

P A S T O R

A D V E N T

S T U D Y

2

F E E D M Y

S H E E P

C A N D Y

C H A L L E N G E

A D V E N T

L U N C H E O N

3

S T E P H E N

M I N I S T R Y

P O I N S E T T I A S

4

D E C E M B E R

C A L E N D A R 5

W E D N E S D A Y

V E S P E R S /

M E A L

W H I T E G I F T

S U N D A Y

F U M C W O M E N

C O L L E G E

S T U D E N T S

6

B A Z A A R

U P D A A T E

C H R I S T M A S

B A S K E T S

P R A Y E R

C H A I N

7

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S 8

M E E T I N G S

U S H E R S

V A N D R I V E R S

B I R T H D A Y S

9

C A N - D O K I D S

G L O B A L

O U T R E A C H

1 0

W O R D

S E A R C H 1 1

The Grapevine FIRS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Clarksburg, West Virginia

D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 7

Advent

A Season

Of

Hope

Dear Friends,

Advent starts on Sunday, December 3rd. It is the beginning of a new

Christian Year and a season of “Hope” as we prepare to celebrate the

birth of Christ. The blue color symbolizes “Hope” in the liturgical

calendar, therefore the color blue may be used for Advent. We will be

using blue this Advent season on the altar and advent wreath. This

change was made possible by the Memorial Committee.

Advent’s Hope is tied to change. The entry of the Christ Child into the

world changed the course of human history. The news of his birth was

not welcomed by all. Joseph had to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt for

protection. Advent is a season of Hope that anticipates change through

the birth of Christ. Change is not easy to understand or welcome!

The new year, 2018, will offer fresh opportunities for our congregation to

explore ways to change to grow our ministry. We will start this process

on Sunday morning, January 7, 2018. Everyone is invited to participate.

Rev. Harry Jenkins will guide us through this opportunity.

I encourage you to keep our desire to grow in your prayers, to participate

in the process of discerning opportunities, and to trust the God of Hope

that guides us in growing our ministry.

In the name of the Christ Child,

Pastor Greg

FROM THE DESK OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR — Rev. Harry Jenkins

PAGE 2

Explore the Life of Joseph

this Christmas season

From his beginnings as a humble carpenter to his all-important role as the earthly father

of Jesus Christ, Joseph’s words were never recorded, but his courageous actions were

crucial to the birth of Christ and God’s salvation plan for humanity.

Join Adam Hamilton as he examines Christmas through the eyes of Joseph whose place

in the nativity story is sometimes overlooked but contains valuable lessons for us all.

The study will be held on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in room 302

beginning December 30th.

AND

On Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall

beginning December 3rd.

ALL are WELCOME to ATTEND!!

Harry

PAGE 11

Can-Do Kids N ews for Ch i l d ren & The i r Fami l i e s !

If you have any questions or would like more information on Can-Do-Kids,

you can contact Jocelyn Blackwell at 304-669-3675 or e-mail jblackwell@uswcwv.org

PAGE 10

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!

Candy Structure Challenge to be held December 17th

following Worship. Lunch will be provided for all

participants and attendees.

Please see Shelley Spellman for more details

Let’s go caroling! The youth and children are invited to

join as we do our annual caroling to the nursing homes. Date and time TBA.

See Miss Jocelyn for more details.

DECEMBER 31st SUNDAY SERVICE

The fifth Sunday service will be held on December 31st at

10:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall with breakfast at 9:30 a.m.

We INVITE EVERYONE to come and end the year 2017

In fellowship with one another and worshiping in the name of the Lord.

More details later!

CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED

on December 26 & 27

and on January 1.

PAGE 3

“Christmas In….”

Candy Structure / Scene Challenge

Mission Project to benefit Tyrand Cooperative Ministries

Last year we had our very first “Candy Church Challenge” during Advent and raised

approximately $600 for the Upshur Parish House. Teams of children and adults had a great time creating and displaying their masterpieces. There was such a positive re-

sponse to the challenge that we’ve decided to do it again this year!

This year’s theme is “Christmas In….” Use your imagination! Teams could choose to depict Christmas

in the country, city, woods, etc. or, they may wish to display Christmas in their favorite country. The possibilities are endless!

Begin getting your “Christmas In ….” challenge team together and making plans. Remember, there must be at least one child or youth on each team. Teams are limited to four members.

All structures/scenes will be decorated with edibles on December 17th, after church during the two-hour challenge time period. A luncheon will be provided for participants and spectators

prior to the start of the competition.

Monetary voting on structures will begin immediately following the December 17th event and conclude

on Christmas Eve. Winners of the challenge, as well as monies collected, will be announced at the

December 31st, morning worship service. Winners will be acknowledged by having the monetary gift

given to Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in their name as well as the name of the church. Join in the fun while supporting a very worthwhile project.

Questions? Contact Jocelyn Blackwell or Shelley Spellman.

OFFICES CLOSED

December 25-26

MONDAY,

DECEMBER 18th

NOONTIME ADVENT SERVICES

“What Gift Can We Bring?”

Service fron 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Luncheon follows.

For more details, call 304-623-3397

Tuesday, Dec. 5th

Pastor David Hulme, American Baptist Area Coordinator Meal: Sausage & Tortellini $5.00 per person

Tuesday, Dec. 12th

Rev. Nora Becker, Christ Episcopal Church Meal: Baked Chicken $5.00 per person

Tuesday, Dec. 19th

Rev. Chris Mullett, Clarksburg Mission Meal: Homemade Lasagna $5.00 per person

PAGE 4

December, the month we as Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus

Christ. And what a holiday there is! Bright lights and shiny decorations abound; we see and hear silver

bells and favorite Christmas carols; we enjoy special foods and special events and special

services; we spend special times with family and friends, or at least we anticipate - we hope

with joy - that as many of these things as we desire, will become available to us through our

own or combined efforts.

But even during this special month, some things may remain the same, a current illness, family dissensions,

or economic factors; or they may come rapidly, unexpectedly - an accident or other health issue, job or family

instability, or necessary home or car repairs. Life can get messy.

During times of celebration, we tend be nostalgic; to recall memories of past holidays - times of great joy and

also times of great sorrow. Grief from past events we thought were finished rear up again, causing pain and

sadness. For some, loneliness may create a bleak outlook difficult to overcome.

Although it may seem overwhelming, there is help available and it is important that you be willing to seek the

encouragement you need. Our church has a trained group of Stephen Ministers full of patience, encourage-

ment and compassion, ready to walk with you (or someone you know and care about) and share with you

during this time of struggle. Days can be brighter and burdens seem lighter when shared with a friend.

Our Stephen Ministers are easy to find – just call our Referral Coordinator Cheryl Moorhead at 304-677-9859

or Rev. Harry Jenkins at 304-623-3397. Just Call - It will help and It can be life changing!

Remember – Stephen Ministers are Caring and Confidential

STEPHEN MINISTRY … CARING MOMENTS

Would you like to provide a poinsettia for the Christmas Season?

Poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary

for the two December 24th Christmas Eve Services.

Any size flower is fine. Please bring poinsettias to the church by noon on Thursday, December 21st. You may place them in the Groom’s Room.

Call the church office (623-3397) by Wednesday., Dec. 20th, with memorial information for the bulletin, or fill out the bottom of this form

and drop in the offering (if you will be bringing in a flower).

In memory of OR in honor of _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Given by________________________________________________________________

REMEMBER:

If schools are closed or dismissed early due to

extreme weather, we are likely closed too.

CALL to CONFIRM!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

01 Lisa Black

03 Chad Evans

03 Sharon Ullom

05 Lorie Wyant

06 Pastor Greg Godwin

06 Marty Thomason

06 Hunter Yost

10 Jeanne Dyer

10 Jeff Keister

10 Andrew Winters

11 Steve Hannah

11 Mary Marquess

12 Matt Moscar

14 Mike Critchfield

14 Frederick Prichard

15 Laurel Klein

15 Timothy Thompson

JUST A

REMINDER …

Monday, December 4

6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee

Tuesday, December 19

5:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting

5:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting

6:00 pm Church Council

Wednesday, December 27

4:00 pm Trustees Meeting

PLEASE MAKE NOTE AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

If there are

corrections

or omissions,

please accept our

apologies,

and let us know.

DECEMBER USHERS

Sue Brarndimarte, Al Cox,

Ike Skidmore, Tim Thompson

Jack Brandimarte—team captain

DECEMBER VAN DRIVER

Mark Lilly

COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULE

PAGE 9

16 Becky Bigger

17 Ed Arnold

17 Lauren Morrison

18 Bethany Winters

19 Carter Morrison

19 Amy Phillips

19 Ruth Winters

20 Avery Gay

21 Sharla Richards

22 Lola Cox

22 Jamie Logue

24 Jeremy Cottrill

24 Isabelle Mines

27 Chris Cox

29 Caroline Sprenger

31 Brian Murphy

31 Samantha White

PAGE 8 Light and Life

Special Events at First Church

THE ANNUAL MADRIGAL FEAST AT FIRST CHURCH!

Monday, December 4 — at 7:00 p.m. An evening of food and song, featuring the

Clarksburg Madrigals. $10.00 Contact Cheryl Moorhead for reservations.

2017 ADVENT NOONTIME SERVICES AND LUNCH

Tuesdays, December 5th / 12th / 19th - 12:00—12:30 pm

Come celebrate the Christian “New Year” at these weekly gatherings, with guest preachers and musicians for a 30 minute service, followed by a delicious $5.00 homemade lunch!

Dec. 5 / Pastor David Hulme Dec. 12 (to be determined) Dec. 19 / Pastor Chris Mullett

WVWC BIG BANDS!

Tuesday, December 5 — 7:30 p.m. See Don Gardner for more information.

2017 CELEBRATION OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Sunday, December 10 - 10:45 am This beloved service is our annual celebration in music a

and scripture of the traditional Biblical passages guiding us to the manger.

Brass quartet, bells, dulcimer, pipe organ, and choirs lead the service.

CAROL SING DINNER AND “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS”!

Wednesday, December 13 - 6:00-7:30 pm What a great way for our church family to

enjoy the secular songs of the season….”White Christmas”, “Deck the Halls”, “Jingle Bells”.

Come a 6:00 p.m. for the covered-dish dinner, sing a few favorites, then enjoy

our kids in their pageant. It all ends with our littlest ones enacting the nativity.

FAMILY DECORATION CHALLENGE 2017!

Sunday, December 17 — See Jocelyn Blackwell and Shelley Spellman for details

on this exciting “friendly competition”! Participants & observers all are welcome!

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Sunday, December 24 — Yes, there is morning worship at 10:45 a.m. on this day,

but we will also gather at 11:00 p.m. for this inspiring candlelight service.

Sun. 03-10:45 am Holy Communion /

All Saints Sunday

Children’s Church during worship

12:00 pm Kids Choir (till 12;45)

Mon. 04—6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee

7:00 pm Madrigal Feast

Tue. 05- 12:00 pm Advent Luncheon ($5.00)

Wed. 07- 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship

Thur. 08- 4:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal

5:30 pm Advent Study

7:00 pm Chancel Choir

***************************************************************

Sun. 10–10:45 am White Gifts Sunday

Lessons and Carols

Children’s Church during worship

12:00 pm Kids Choir (till 12:45)

Tue. 12- 12:00 pm Advent Luncheon

12:00 pm FUMC Women

Wed. 13- 6:00 pm Carol Sing Dinner

Thur.16– 4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal

5:30 pm Advent Study

7:00 pm Chancel Choir

==========================================

Sun. 17—10:45 am Worship Service

12:00 pm Kids Choir (till 12:45)

Candy Challenge

Mon. 18 -12:00 pm Feed My Sheep

Tue. 20- 12:00 pm Advent Luncheon

5:00 pm Finance Committee

5:00 pm Outreach Committee

6:00 pm Church Council

Wed. 21– 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal (4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship

Thur.22- 4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal

5:30 pm Disciple Study

7:00 pm Chancel Choir

Holy Communion will be served on the 1st Sunday of

each month at 10:45 a.m.

** Staff Meetings — every Wednesday @ 11:00 am ** NA Meetings — every Mon., Wed. &

Thurs. @ 7:00 pm ** AA Meetings — every Mon., Tues., & Wed. @ 12

noon; and Tues. at 7:30 pm All NA & AA meetings take place in the Library.

Sun. 24 -10:45 am Worship Service

Children’s Church during worship

11:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight

Service

Mon. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY

Tue. 26 - OFFICES CLOSED

Wed. 27—5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship

Thurs.28– 4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal

7:00 pm Chancel Choir

=========================================

Sun. 31—10:45 am Worship in the Fellowship Hall

NEW YEAR’S EVE

EVENTS LISTED BELOW ARE

OPEN TO EVERYBODY!

These announcements are your invitation to participate in the

mission & ministries of our church.

Questions? Contact Don Gardner at 304-623-3397.

Fellowship Meal at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday Worship from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.

Join us at 5:15 p.m.. for a home-cooked meal ($4 donation) in our church parlor.

From 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., an Evening Prayer service is offered.

Even if you don’t come for the meal, do come for the worship.

Sunday morning worship is still our primary service,

but if you can’t come on a Sunday, do get your weekly worship on a Wednesday.

Questions? Contact Don Gardner at dgardner55@yahoo.com or 304-623-3397.

Note: This event will be held on Dec. 6th and Dec. 20th

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP MEAL

PAGE 6

FUMC WOMEN

Instead of the regular meeting of the FUMC Women,

we will ne attending the Advent Service and Luncheon

on Tuesday, December 12th at noon for

An Advent Gathering.

Come and enjoy a delicious lunch and program together.

The FUMC WOMEN will NOT be meeting in January or February 2018.

ATTENTION UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS!

Stop by the church parlor

before the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve

to pick-up a handmade scarf….

a gift from our Prayer Shaw folks

and the Congregational Care Team.

If you can’t be here, we’ll ask Santa to deliver it to you!

(Parents, please let us know ASAP if any of your kids is in this group. Thanks.)

WHITE GIFT SUNDAY

The Advent Season begins on December 3rd.

On that day, you are invited to bring gifts of food

wrapped in white to place on the altar.

These will be donated to the Mustard Seed for distribution.

This celebration of “White Gift Sunday” is part of our local

United Methodist heritage...a tradition continued from St. Paul’s

MARK YOUR

CALENDARS ...

NO Outreach Meeting -

in December

PAGE 7

Every year during Christmas, the Salvation Army provides Baskets full of food (for a Christmas

dinner) for people in need. Our church has “adopted” 9 families or 9 baskets to fill. Here’s how

you can help: Beginning Sunday, December 3rd, there will be a display in the Narthex and at the

elevator entrance. These displays will list items needed for the baskets. (Instructions for what to

do with the items will also be provided)

Also, we will provide Christmas gifts for any children (in addition to the food baskets) for the families we have

adopted. An additional tree with tags for the gifts will be in the Narthex. Simply pick a tag - all instructions will be

provided.

Most of us here at First Church are fortunate enough to enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner. Through the

generosity and assistance that First Church is known for in our community, let’s make this a special Christmas for

those less fortunate. Questions? Contact Cheryl Moorhead (304-677-9859).

FUMC TO PROVIDE CHRISTMAS BASKETS & GIFTS

This year, our church also will provide for anyone who is in need among our own members

in the congregation. If you are part of our church family and would like for us to provide a

Christmas basket (similar to the Salvation Army baskets),

please contact Pastor Greg by December 3rd.

All requests will be kept anonymous and baskets will be provided privately.

If you have previously received a basket, you are already on our list and

you don’t have to request one this year

BAZAAR UPDATE

THANKS so much to ALL who helped with this year’s Bazaar. It was

quite a success with proceeds of over $6,000.00 going to Mission.

We, also, sold over $1,800.00 in SERRV items.

A wonderful time of fellowship was had by all!

PRAYER CHAIN

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Philippians 4:6

If you would be willing to join in prayer for church members, their families and friends urgent needs,

we would love to have you join our Prayer Chain. When a need arises, you would be contacted

through text or phone call. All you need to do is pray!

If you are interested, contact Tammy Matheny at 304-476-2015 or Phil Ferber 304-476-0800.

The members of the Prayer Chain would be happy to pray for your urgent prayer requests.

Requests may remain anonymous if you prefer. If a special need arises, contact Tammy or Phil

at the numbers above.