february 2016 newsletter - · pdf filelorem!ipsum! issue!#,!date! 2! 2016 lenten season lenten...

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February Newsletter of Olivet United Methodist Church 13575 Olivet Road, Lusby, MD 20657 4103268400, www.olivetumclusby.org Upcoming Sermons The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus Feb 7 Blinded by the Light Feb 14 The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus Baptism and Temptation Feb 21 The Way: The Healing Ministry Feb 28 The Way: Proclaiming the Kingdom Mar 6 The Way: Calming the Storm Mar 13 The Way: Sinners, Outcasts and the Poor Mar 20 Palm Sun—The Way: The final Week Mar 27 Easter—The Way: Resurrection Power Dear Friends, Isn’t it wonderful to be shoveled out of our recent snow? On Sunday, January 24, after 14” of snow, we were unable to gather together to worship, but that did not stop Olivet UMC. Thanks be to God that even though we had to cancel worship, our church’s Body of Christ continued to work! Church members made caring calls to other church members making sure they were okay. People shoveled others’ driveways, walkways and cleaned off vehicles. Several people offered their help to pickup groceries or drive for persons in need. Yes, OUMC continued to be the church even when we could not gather together for worship. That, my friends, is what it means to be the living Body of Christ! Also, during this month of February, we have additional opportunities to share in ministry together. Be sure to read this newsletter for specific information about each event. I will offer the highlights: Sunday, February 7, pickup our preordered Super Bowl Subs (made by our youth) before attending a onehour 2016 GoalSetting session at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall; Tuesday, February 9, following the 4 pm Governing Body meeting, celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a pancake dinner at 5:30 pm sponsored by our rebirthed United Methodist Men; on Wednesday, February 10 at 7 pm, begin our Lenten journey attending an Ash Wednesday service in the church; on Sunday, February 14 after 11:00 worship, enjoy fellowship and delicious food at our monthly potluck meal with the fitting theme of ‘Love.‘ Our Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10 and continues until our Easter proclamation on March 27. This year’s Lenten theme is The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus from the book by Adam Hamilton. During Lent, this theme will be considered in a 6week sermon series, in materials used in Children’s Sunday school, with our youth group on Sunday nights and in an adult Bible study on Tuesdays. Let us each prayerfully consider how God is calling us to strengthen our faith during this 2016 forty days of Lent. I look forward to what God has yet to reveal during this year’s Lenten journey together. Each day, I give thanks to God for the blessing of being your pastor! Grace & Peace, Pastor Linda THE OLIVE BRANCH

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February  Newsletter  of  Olivet  United  Methodist  Church  13575  Olivet  Road,  Lusby,  MD  20657  

410-­‐‑326-­‐‑8400,  www.olivetumc-­‐‑lusby.org    Mauris  nec  nisl  a  tellus  eleifend  mollis.  

Upcoming  Sermons    

The  Way:  Walking  in  the  Footsteps  of  Jesus  

Feb  7   Blinded  by  the  Light  Feb  14   The  Way:  Walking  in  the  Footsteps  of    

    Jesus  -­‐‑  Baptism  and  Temptation  Feb  21   The  Way:  The  Healing  Ministry  

Feb  28   The  Way:  Proclaiming  the  Kingdom  Mar  6   The  Way:  Calming  the  Storm  

Mar  13   The  Way:  Sinners,  Outcasts  and  the  Poor  Mar  20   Palm  Sun—The  Way:  The  final  Week  

Mar  27   Easter—The  Way:  Resurrection  Power  

Dear  Friends,     Isn’t   it   wonderful   to   be   shoveled   out   of   our   recent  snow?    On  Sunday,  January  24,  after  14”  of  snow,  we  were  unable  to  gather  together  to  worship,  but  that  did  not  stop  Olivet  UMC.      Thanks  be  to  God  that  even  though  we  had  to  cancel  worship,  our  church’s  Body  of  Christ  continued  to  work!    Church  members  made  caring  calls  to  other  church  members   making   sure   they   were   okay.   People   shoveled  others’   driveways,   walkways   and   cleaned   off   vehicles.  Several   people   offered   their   help   to   pick-­‐‑up   groceries   or  drive  for  persons  in  need.  Yes,  OUMC  continued  to  be  the  church   -­‐‑   even   when   we   could   not   gather   together   for  worship.  That,  my  friends,  is  what  it  means  to  be  the  living  Body  of  Christ!      

   Also,   during   this   month   of   February,   we   have  additional   opportunities   to   share   in  ministry   together.   Be  sure   to   read   this   newsletter   for   specific   information   about  each  event.    I  will  offer  the  highlights:    Sunday,  February  7,  pick-­‐‑up   our   pre-­‐‑ordered   Super   Bowl   Subs   (made   by   our  youth)   before   attending   a   one-­‐‑hour   2016   Goal-­‐‑Setting  session   at   12:30   pm   in   the   Fellowship   Hall;   Tuesday,  February  9,    following  the    4  pm  Governing  Body  meeting,  

celebrate   Shrove   Tuesday   with   a   pancake   dinner   at  5:30  pm  sponsored  by  our  re-­‐‑birthed  United  Methodist  Men;    on  Wednesday,  February  10  at  7  pm,  begin  our  Lenten   journey   attending   an  Ash  Wednesday   service  in   the   church;   on   Sunday,   February   14   after   11:00  worship,   enjoy   fellowship   and   delicious   food   at   our  monthly   potluck   meal   -­‐‑-­‐‑   with   the   fitting   theme   of  ‘Love.‘      

  Our   Lenten   journey   begins   on   Ash  Wednesday,  February   10   and   continues   until   our   Easter  proclamation  on  March  27.    This  year’s  Lenten   theme  is   The  Way:  Walking   in   the   Footsteps   of   Jesus   from   the  book  by  Adam  Hamilton.  During  Lent,  this  theme  will  be  considered   in  a  6-­‐‑week  sermon  series,   in  materials  used   in   Children’s   Sunday   school,   with   our   youth  group  on  Sunday  nights  and  in  an  adult  Bible  study  on  Tuesdays.    Let  us  each  prayerfully  consider  how  God  is   calling   us   to   strengthen   our   faith   during   this   2016  forty  days  of  Lent.    

  I   look   forward   to   what   God   has   yet   to   reveal  during  this  year’s  Lenten  journey  together.  Each  day,  I  give   thanks   to   God   for   the   blessing   of   being   your  pastor!  

Grace  &  Peace,  Pastor  Linda  

 

THE  OLIVE  BRANCH    

 

 

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2016 Lenten Season

LENTEN THEME

This year during the 40 days of Lent, our church will experience The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. A 6-week sermon series will be based on this theme. All age groups will use thematic curriculum written just for them -- in Children’s Sunday school, at youth group on Sunday nights and in a weekly adult bible study on Tuesdays. No matter our age or season in life, this year, there’s a Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus Lenten connection at Olivet UMC -- for each of us!

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER

On February 9, 2016 from 5:30-7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, come celebrate Shrove Tuesday at Olivet UMC with pancakes! Sponsored by Olivet’s rebirthed United Methodist Men, a Love Offering will be accepted for this meal.

You might be wondering, how did the practice of Shrove Tuesday originate? Begun in the Middle Ages, food items like meats, fats, eggs, milk and fish were restricted (fasted) during the 40 days of Lent. The English tradition of eating pancakes came about as a way to use as much milk, fats, and eggs as possible. Doing so helped families clean their pantries of restricted foods before Ash Wednesday began the next day.

In celebration of Shrove Tuesday, let us join in fellowship at Olivet UMC on February 9 as we practice “Feed the Body, Fill the Soul, Thanks be to God!”

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

An Ash Wednesday service will be held at Olivet UMC on February 10, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the church. In addition to the imposition of ashes, this 45-minute service will include prayer, scripture reading and singing. Prayerfully consider beginning the 40-days of Lent with this meaningful service.

Any questions? Contact Pastor Linda at (410) 570-4858; [email protected].

6-WEEK LENTEN STUDY

Prayerfully consider joining a 6-week Lenten Bible study beginning Tuesday, February 23. Choose from a daytime 1:30 – 3:00 pm or evening 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm class.

For 6 weeks, this small group will study The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. Each week, short DVD segments will help us see and experience what Jesus saw as he travelled throughout Galilee and Judea. Group discussion, as always, will be a valuable part of this study.

The cost of each book is $14.26 or $9.99 for an e-book. Confidential scholarships are available. Contact Gerri in the church office to sign up and order a book. Pastor Linda is leading this study in the Library of the Good News Center. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Linda at (410) 570-4858; [email protected]. Thanks be to God!

 

EASTER SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2016

Worship Schedule

6:30 AM Sunrise Service

(at the end of Olivet Rd.)

7:30 AM Easter Breakfast

(in the Olivet UMC Fellowship Hall)

11:00 AM Traditional

Easter Resurrection Worship

12:15 PM Egg Hunt

(on Ray & Mary Dove’s lawn next to the church)

 

 

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Governing  Body       At  our  meeting  on  January  9th,  the  Governing   Body   was   pleased   to  approve   the   2016   Budget,   which   was  modeled  after  the  very  successful  2015  Budget.    As  you’ll  read  in  other  parts  of  the  newsletter,  Olivet  operated  “in  the  black”   last   year   –   thank   you   to   all  parishioners   for  your  financial  support,  and   kudos   to   all   who   practiced   good  stewardship   to   make   this   happen!    While   it’s   not   possible   to   identify  everyone   personally,   we   do   need   to  thank  Trustee  Chair  Ray  Dove  for  all  he  has   done   –   and   continues   to   do   –   to  keep   our   complex   running   efficiently:    big  shout-­‐out  to  Ray!    

  Our   next   meeting   is   February   9th,  at  4  PM  in  the  Good  News  Center  –  all  are  invited  to  gain  insights  into  some  of  the   behind-­‐the-­‐scenes   efforts   that  support  Olivet’s  worship,  ministries  and  outreach.  

-­‐  Chris  Stelloh-­‐Garner,  Chair    

Trustees     We   are   happy   to   announce   that  the  new  blinds   in  Fellowship  Hall   and  kitchen  have  been   installed.    They  are  child   safe   with   no   ropes   and   give   a  warmth  to  the  room  that  is  inviting.    

  We   continue   to   gather   supplies  for  covering  the  air  ducts  in  Fellowship  Hall  to  add  even  more  character  to  the  room.    All  is  good.    

-­‐  Ray  Dove,  Chair    

Finance  The   2015   Giving   Statements   have  

been  mailed.     If   you  have  not  received  yours,   please   contact   the   office  immediately   at   410-­‐326-­‐8400   or  [email protected]  

 

      -­‐Ceferino  Epps,  Chair    

     

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Worship  The   Olivet   Worship   Committee  

met   on   Jan   13th.   We   reviewed   the  Advent   activities   and   worship   services  and   were   pleased   with   feedback   we  received  from  attendees.  

A   long-­‐time   Olivet   member,  Vanessa  Midkiff,  went  home  to  be  with  the   Lord   on   January   10th.   A   Memorial  Service,   interment   and   luncheon   were  held   at   Olivet   UMC.   on   January   16th.    Our  prayers  go  out  to  out  to  Vanessa’s  husband,   Donnie,   and   the   entire  Midkiff  family.  

The  historic  blizzard  January  22-­‐24  forced  Olivet  to  cancel  worship  services  on  January  25th.    By  mid-­‐week,  we  were  back  to  normal.  

The   next   Worship   Committee  meeting  will  be  Feb.  17th  at  1pm  when  we  will  prepare   for  the  Lenten  Season.    The  Ash  Wednesday  service  will  be  Feb.  10th   at   7pm.     You   are   welcomed   to  come  and  participate.                      -­‐Joan  Frantantuono,  Chair  

 Kitchen  Committee  

  The   Kitchen   Committee   will  continue   its   potluck   luncheons   on  February   14th,   Valentine’s   Day,  immediately   following   the   11:00   am  worship  service.           -­‐Ceferino  Epps,  Chair  

 United  Methodist  Women  

  The   UMW   meeting   on   Feb   2nd  will   be   a  meeting   of   prayer   and   self-­‐  denial.    Broth  will  be   served  for   lunch  followed   by   a   discussion   of   plans   for  the  spring.       -­‐Marianne  Anderson,  Co-­‐chair    

United  Methodist  Men     The   UMM   will   host   the   Shrove  Tuesday  Pancake  Dinner,  5:30  to  7:00  pm,  on  February  9th.    

Olivet  UMC  Committee  Updates  

Helping  Hands  Ministry  at  Olivet?    

  Sometimes,   Olivet   UMC  members   need   help.   On   occasion,  an  Olivet  UMC  member  may  need  temporary   assistance.   This   could  happen   while   recovering   from  surgery,   an   illness   or   needing   a  helping   hand   while   navigating  through   a   life   transition,   crisis   or  recent  loss.         As   your   pastor,   I   have   been  praying,   “Who   is   God   calling   to  supervise   (and   volunteer   for)   a  ‘Helping   Hands’   Olivet   UMC  ministry?”   This   ministry   could  become  known  as  a  small  group  of  volunteers   who   are   ready   and  willing   to  provide   temporary  help  to  OUMC  members  in  need.  There  are  a  variety  of  ways  this  could  be  organized   and   supported.   For  example,   two   people   could   share  the   supervision   working   with   3-­‐‑6  volunteers   who   help   provide   the  temporary   assistance.   So,   please  pray   about   this   opportunity   and  when   God   places   this   call   upon  your   heart   (either   to   supervise   or  volunteer),  contact  me  for  a  prayer-­‐‑full   conversation   together.   Thank  you  for  joining  me  in  prayer  about  this,  and  Thanks  be  to  God  for   the  Body  of  Christ  at  OUMC!  

Choir  &  Strummers’  Practice  Resumes  on  

Wednesday,  February  3rd.  Strummers  –  6:30  –  7:30  pm  

Choir  –  7:30  –  8:30  pm    

All  are  welcome.  We  make  music  for  the  Lord.  

 

 

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Healing  Service    

  On  the  4th  Thursday  of  every  month  at  6  PM,  Pastor  Linda   will   conduct   a   Healing   Service   in   the   sanctuary,  with  the  emphasis  being  on  meeting  the  needs  of  those  who  are  hurting  on  all  levels:    physically,  emotionally,  or  spiritually.     She   will   offer   Holy   Communion,   anointing  with  oil,  and  laying  on  of  hands.    All  are  welcome  to  seek  healing  comfort  and   strength  through  God’s  mercy   and  grace  at  this  worship  service.  

Friends  For  Christ  Friends  For  Christ  is  a  Christ  based  ministry  sharing  

the  love  of  Jesus  through  fellowship  and  study  for  Young  Adults   /   Youth   with   Special   Needs.   We’ll   be   meeting  every   other   Sunday   at   Olivet   from   6-­‐8   pm.   Upcoming  meeting  dates  are  Jan  31st,  Feb  14th  and  Feb  28th.    

We   usually   start   our   time   with   the   Lord’s   Prayer  and  prayer  requests;  we  have  a  short  lesson  with  a  game  and/or  craft  that  relates  to  our  lesson  and  some  type  of  snack.    

For  questions  please  feel  free  to  contact:    

Kit  Jones  at  Home  (410)  436-­‐902  Cell  (443)  404-­‐1170  or  [email protected]  

 Kathy  Biggans  at  (410)  326  -­‐  1205  

 

Alzheimer’s  Caregiver  Support  Group    

  Sponsored   by   the   Calvert   Library;   the   Office   on  Aging,   Calvert   County   Commission   on   Aging;   and   the  Alzheimer’s   Association,   this   new   group   will   focus   on  providing   education   and   support   to   those   caring   for  individuals   diagnosed   with   Alzheimer’s   and   other  dementias.     Group   facilitators,  who   have   gone   through  the   approval   and   training   process   required   by   the  Alzheimer’s  Association,  are  Jeannette  Findley  and  Chris  Stelloh-­‐Garner.    

  Meetings   are   scheduled   at   the   Prince   Frederick  Library,  the  second  Thursday  of  each  month,  7:00  –  8:30  PM.    The  first  meeting  is  February  11.    

  Calvert  County  is  full  of  giving  people  who  want  to  make   a   difference   in   the   community.     If   you   know  someone  providing   care   for   an   Alzheimer’s  patient   and  can  offer   to  sit  with  his  or  her   loved  one  for  two  hours  while  they  attend  this  once-­‐a-­‐month  support  group,  you  will  be  doing  a  great  service.    For  more  information  and  to  register,  call  Calvert  Library  at  410-­‐535-­‐0291.    

A  note  from:  Rev.  Dr.  Andrea  Middleton  King  

Associate  Director  Ministry  with  the  Poor,  BWC    

A   few   years   ago,   while   attending   the   annual  gathering   or   the   Black   Clergy   Women   of   The   United  Methodist  Church,  I  was  enlightened  by  a  spokesperson  from   The  United  Methodist  Women  who   shared   about  the  atrocities  of  human  trafficking.  

 

The  use  and  misuse  of  children  and  adults  occur  in  our  very  own  communities,  and  many  of  us  are  oblivious  to   what   is   happening.     Please   take   the   time   today   to  learn   more   about   what   human   trafficking   is   and   what  role  you  can  play  in  educating  others!  http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/human-­‐trafficking-­‐awareness-­‐day.    

              -­‐Andrea  King  

 

 

CareNotes  

For  

Kids  Check   out   our   new  collection   of   CareNotes  for   Kids!     They’re   in   the  spinning   rack   to   the   left,   near   the   bottom,   just   after  entering   the   Good   News   Center.     One   addition   is   A  Booklet  of  Prayers  for  All  Your  Cares,  and  it  includes  “I’m  Feeling  Angry,”   “I   Don’t   Like   Being  Sad,”  and  “Help  Me  Learn,”  among  others.    Although  written   specifically   for  youngsters,   they’re   perfect   for   kids   of   all   ages,   even  grown-­‐up  ones!  

 

A  special  thanks  to  an  anonymous  donor  who  gifted  the  Kitchen  Cmte    with  red  aprons  that  have  the  motto  printed  on  them:      

Feed  the  Body.  Fill  the  Soul.  Thanks  Be  to  God!  

 

 

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Patuxent-­‐Appeal  Elementary  School    

 

 

   

PAC-­‐Olivet  Partnership       In   January,   the   4th-­‐graders   developing   a   project   to  demonstrate   that   Actions   Speak   Louder   Than   Words  presented   their   proposal   for   a   play   to   Principal   Treft.    While  approving  the   idea,  Mr.  Treft  also  asked  the  group  to  take  the  idea  one  step  further:    to  develop  a  challenge  for   the   school.    We’re   working   on   that   now,   along   with  dialogue   for   the   play,   which   we’re   hoping   to   present   to  PAC  students,  teachers  and  staff  early  in  March.      

PAC  Valentine’s  Day  Dance     PAC   is   hoping   that   Olivet   can   provide   some   cookies  for  this  event.    If  you’d  like  to  help,  please  deliver  them  to  church   or   the   office   by   Sunday,   February   7th.     Alas,  because  of  health  codes,  only  store-­‐bought  cookies  can  be  accepted.    Thank  you!  

-­‐  submitted  by  Chris  Stelloh-­‐Garner  

CareNotes...     ...are   you   familiar   with   them?     Perhaps  you’ve  noticed  the  new  spinning  card  rack  just  to  the   left   as   you   enter   The   Good   News   Center.    That   rack   is   full   of   CareNotes,   which   are  pamphlets   that   offer   thoughts   on   a   variety   of  life’s   challenges   and   help   us  refocus   on   God’s   mercy   and  grace,   especially   when   we  feel   God   is   far   away.     Topics   are  geared   for   different   age  groups,   including   youngsters,  youth  and  adults.     Please   review   the  pamphlets   and   feel   free   to  take  copies  of  any  that  speak   to  you   or   that   you   think   may  benefit   a   friend.     They’re  yours   to   keep,   or   you   can  recycle   them   by   returning  them   if   you   wish.     Finally,   if  

 

Olivet Supports S M I L E

Food  Pantry  Always  needed:  

2-­‐‑lb.  sugar,  fruit  juices,  canned  fruits,  meats,  or  vegetables;  peanut  butter  and  jelly,  cereal,  coffee/tea  Drop off at Sunday worship or at the church office.

   

ANNUAL  MEETING  SMILE  Ecumenical  Ministries  

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS    

March  10,  2016  ~  6:00  pm  Middleham  &  St.  Peter’s  Episcopal  Church  

10210  H.G.  Trueman  Rd,  Lusby,  MD    

Anyone  is  welcome  to  attend  all  annual  Board  of  Directors’  meetings.  

   

VOLUNTEER  NEEDED  Facilities  &  Maintenance  Directory  

SMILE  Thrift  Store  Lusby,  Maryland  

 

Contact  Bob  Bulock  for  full  details  410.474.0369  

   SMILE  is  an  expanding  ecumenical  ministry  encouraging  people  to  come  together  in  Christ’s  love  to  provide  assistance  and  support  to  those  in  need  so  they  can  achieve  their  God-­‐‑given  purposes.  

 

   Alcoholic  Anonymous      Meetings  at  Olivet  UMC      Good  News  Center  

Fridays  at  8:00  pm  

Saturdays  at  7:00  pm  Help  Line  800.492.0209  –  www.somdaa.org  

 

Super  Bowl  Subs  Olivet   UMC’s   Youth   Group   is   preparing  

delicious   submarine   sandwiches   for   Super  Bowl   Sunday   on   Feb.   7.   Place   your   order   by  

Wednesday,   Feb.   3,   2016   to   the   church   office   by   1:30  pm.      Your   choice   of   ingredients   includes   ham,   salami,  cheese,   lettuce,   Italian  dressing  and  onions.   Subs  cost  $6  each  and  must  be  picked  up  on      Sunday,  Feb.  7  by  1  pm  in  the  Olivet  UMC  kitchen.  Proceeds  will  benefit  Olivet  UMC  youth  ministries.

  If  possible,  please  bring  a  can  or  two  of  CHUNKY    or  HEARTY  SOUP  to  Olivet  on  Sun,  Feb  7th.      

Thank  you!  

 

 

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6  

 

Spiritual  Decluttering:  A  fresh  start  for  a  new  year  

 

  The  following  is  a  UMC.org  Feature  by  Joe  Iovino;  it  appeared   December   31,   2015   on   www.umc.org.    Underlined  phrases  are  hyperlinks  to  other  sources.    

  “One  of   the  wonderful   things  about  each  new  year  is   that   it   brings  with   it   a   sense   of   a   new   beginning,  365  days   of   promise   and   possibility.     Some   use   this   time   to  bring   freshness   to   their   lives.   They   may   decide   to  declutter   the   junk   drawer,   attic,   or   garage.   It   may   also  mean   removing   many   of   the   sugars,   fats,   and  carbohydrates  from  our  diets.    

“Do   you   worship   in   the   same   pew   each   Sunday?  Consider   a   new   seat   for   the   new   year.     As   a   United  Methodist  church  member,  parting  with  some  things  for  a  season,   may  help   declutter   your   spiritual   life.   Doing   so  helps  make  room  for  a  new  movement  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in   the  months  to   come....     Some  of  us  worship   from   the  very   same   pew   every   week....[or]   gravitate   toward   the  same   general   area....     Choosing   to   worship   from   a   new  seat   for   a   season   will   give   you   a   new   perspective—literally.  You  will  see  the  service  from  a  different  point  of  view,  but  more  than  that,   it  may  also  change  the  people  around   you   each   Sunday,   the   usher   with   whom   you  interact,   the  members   of   the   choir   ...   you   can   see,   and  more.  All  of   this   can  help  you   stay  more   focused  on   the  worship  service  as  you  see  things  a  little  differently.    

“Time-­‐wasters.     John   Wesley   instructed   his   pastors   to  “Never   trifle   away   time....”     Instead,   they   were   to   be  engaged  in  the  practice  of  ministry  or  the  development  of  their  spiritual   lives.  While  we  may  not  want  to  get  rid  of  all   time-­‐wasters   since  we   need   times   of   rest,   there   are  diversions  we  could   remove  and   replace  with   something  more  beneficial.    Consider  finding  ways  to  free  up  time  to  volunteer  at  a  local   food  bank  or  other  mission,  to  make  regular   calls   to   old   friends   and   church  members   you   no  longer  see,  or  join  a  class  or  small  group  at  your  church.    

“A  version  of   the  Bible.     If  you  have  been  a  Christian  for  some  time,  you  probably  know  the  Bible  fairly  well.  There  are   verses   you   know  by   heart,   and   stories   that   are   very  familiar.  Reading  from  a  different  version  of  the  Bible  can  help   bring   new   life   to   those   passages.   A   translator’s  decision   to   use   one   word   over   another   may   give   you  some  new  insight  you  hadn’t  thought  of  before....  Search  the  web  for  Bible  reading  sites  and  apps  (many  are  free)  where  you  can  access  a  new  version  of  Scripture.    

“A  devotional.    Devotionals  are  helpful  aids  to   lead  us  in  Scripture   reading   and   prayer   every   day,   but   we   can  become  stuck  in  a  rut  with  them  as  well.  If  you  have  been  using  the  same  book  or  website  for  more  than  a  year,  you  may  benefit  from  trying    something    different  this  year.    A  

 

new   devotional   resource,   like   an   unfamiliar   Bible  translation,   can   bring   new   life   to   your   time   with  God....  Try  something  new.  

“A  favorite  author.    Many  readers  have  favorite  authors.  We   like   the  way   they   turn   a   phrase,   develop   a   story,  or  how  they  put  into  words  what  we  have  thought  or  felt  for  some   time.   Growth,   though,   often   comes   from   thinking  about   things   from   a   variety   of   perspectives.   Reading   a  variety  of  authors  can  challenge  us  to  do  just  that.    When  looking  for  a  book  to  read  for  spiritual  enrichment,  ...  you  might   want   to   read   from   a   theologian   whose   work   you  have   heard   is   important   but   you   have   never   read,   a  person  on  the  best-­‐seller   list  whose  views  you  think  may  be  different  from  yours,  or  a  recommendation  from  your  pastor.  

“A   class   or   group.     Give   yourself   permission   to   take   a  break  from  that  class  or  group  you  have  been  attend-­‐ing  solely  out  of  habit.   It’s  OK.  Try  a  new  class.   Join  a  group  that   discusses   things   that   interest   you.     Be   careful   with  this  one  though.  Connections  to  other  people  of  faith  are  vital,   so   don’t   pull   away   from   all   groups.   If   you   take   a  break   from   one   group,   make   sure   you   find   other  Christians  with  whom  you  can  share  and  from  whom  you  can  learn.  

“Negativity.    Although  we   do   not   like   to  admit   it,   there  are   seasons   when   many   of   us   can   fall   into   patterns   of  negativity.   Discouraged   by   the   news,   the   theology   of  others,  policies  of  our  denomination,  and  practices  of  our  congregation  can  become  sources  of  stress  and  fodder  for  complaining.     Removing   negativity   from   our   lives   and  choosing   instead   to   find   things   to   celebrate   can   lift   your  spirits   and   renew   your   passion   for   that   which   matters  most.   Find  where  you   see   the   love  of  Jesus   in   the  world  and  celebrate  it.  

“Obligatory   church-­‐stuff.         Some  of  us   do   things   in   the  church  that  bring  us  no  joy.  We’re  not  really  sure  how  we  ever   got   the   job.   We   don’t   really   want   it.   Yet,   we   are  pretty  sure  that  if  we  don’t  do  it,  it  won’t  get  done.  Those  types   of   obligations   often   lead   to   church   burnout....    Schedule   a   conversation  with   your   pastor.   Ask   how   you  can  step  away  from  that  obligation  and  into  a  new  way  of  using  your  gifts  to  serve  your  church  or  community.  That  will  be  a  blessing  both  to  you  and  your  congregation.  

“New   possibilities.     The   New   Year   can   be   one   of   new  experiences   in   your  church  and  spiritual   life.  Make  room  in  days  ahead  for  the  Holy  Spirit  to  do  a  new  work  in  you.  Then  see  what  happens.”  

 

 

 

 

 

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7  

2016. A brand new year. How are you going to use this gift? May I make How about reading the Bible through? 220.5 Bible NIV The One Year Bible is laid out to help you do just that. It is the easy to understand New International Version. Is that too big a challenge? 225.5 Bible CEV is The Year of the Bible: New Testament in Contemporary English Version. Perhaps you would just like a plan of daily devotions. You can go to several years from which you can choose. The year is not that important. The Bible does not change. How about reading the Bible through? 220.5 Bible NIV The One Year Bible is laid out to help you do just that. It is the easy to understand

You   are   a  Methodist.  How  much  do   you  know  about   Methodism?   Would   you   like   to   know   more?    Do  you  have  questions  about  Methodist  doctrine  and  beliefs?   287.6   All   Meet   the   Methodists:   An  Introduction   to   The   United   Methodist   Church   or   230.7   McA  Questions  and  Answers  about  the  United  Methodist  Church  might  be  a  good  place  to  start.  

   

Or  do  you  want  to  know  more  about  early  church  leaders?  Go  to   the  Biography   section   and   look   for  B  Wesley  Wel   John  Wesley:  The  Great  Methodist  for  a  book  about  our  founder.  Or  go  to  B  Straw  Mas  Robert  Strawbridge:  First  American  Methodist Circuit  Rider  to  learn  more  about   one   of   those   amazing   circuit   riding  preachers.   B  Maser   Frederick   E  Maser:   The   Dramatic   Story   of   Early   American  Methodism.  

 

These   are   just   a   few   ideas   to   get   you   started.   Search "ʺMethodist"ʺ  for  even  more  ideas.  Come  by  and  check  us  out.  

 

-­‐‑Andrea  Abrams,  Librarian  

01 Gracelynn Blackistone 1 1 Jack Shunk

02 Jess ica Deeney 17 Marva Burgess

04 Myrna Smith 17 Bonnie

Barrett

05 Wes Motter 18 Kathy Baker

08 Peggy Davis 24 Me gan Stangl

If your February b irthday is not l isted and you would l ike it

BWC offers college scholarships

The   Baltimore-­‐Washington   Con-­‐ference   is   awarding   scholarships   for  qualified   students   currently   attending  college   as   well   as   high   school   seniors  who  plan  to  attend  college  in  the  fall  of  2016.  To   be   considered   for   a  scholarship,   students   must   complete  the   full   online   application   which  includes   uploading   their   current  transcripts.   In   addition,   the   student  must   provide   contact   information   for  their  pastor  and  one  additional  church  reference.   The   pastor   and   reference  will  be   contacted  and  asked   to   submit  information   on   the   student's  participation   in   the   local   church.  The  entire  process  will  be  done  online  and  must   be   completed   before   March   1.    To   learn   more,   go   to  www.bwcumc.org.     Click   on   Finance,  then  click  on  Scholarships.  

February Birthdays

Sarah   and   Lauren   both  graduated   from   the   College   of  Southern   Maryland   on   January  21,  2016.      

Sarah  has  2  AA  degrees:  Arts  &  Sciences  &  General  Studies.  

 

Lauren  received  an  AA  in  Arts  &  Sciences:  Social  Science.  (Lauren  will  continue  her  education  

at  Salisbury  University.)    

B  R  A  V  O  !    

Congratulations  Sarah  Blair  and  Lauren  Williford  

 

 

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8  

February 2016 - Olivet Church Calendar

110a Prayer G

roup @ Asbury

6p Weight W

atchers

212p UM

W M

eeting1:30p Covenant Bible Study7p Covenant Bible Study

36:30p Puppet Practice6:30p Strum

mers Rehearsal

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

49a W

eight Watchers

10:30a Ripple Center

56p G

irl Scout Daisy Tropp8p Alcoholic's Anon (11thStep)

67a Alcoholics Anonym

ous(12 & 12)

78:30a Inform

al Worship

9:45a Cov Disc Grp

11a Children's SS11a Trad W

orship12:30p 2016 G

oal SettingSession5:30p Youth G

roup

810a Prayer G

roup @ Asbury

2p Trustees Meeting

6p Weight W

atchers

91:30p Covenant Bible Study3:15p Finance M

tg4p G

overning Body5:30p Pancake Supper7p Covenant B.S.

106:30p Puppet Practice6:30p Strum

mers Rehearsal

7p Ash Wed Svc

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

119a W

eight Watchers

10:30a Ripple Center

126:30p G

irl Scout Troop 45458p Alcoholic's Anon (11thStep)

137a Alcoholics Anonym

ous(12 & 12)

148:30a W

orship9:45a Cov Disc G

rp11a Children's SS11a Trad W

orship12p Potluck Lunch5:30p Youth G

roup6p Friends for Christ

1510a Prayer G

roup @ Asbury

6p Weight W

atchers

161:30p Covenant Bible Study6p G

irl Scout Service UnitM

eeting7p Covenant B.S.

171p W

orship Comm

ittee6:30p Puppet Practice6:30p Strum

mers Rehearsal

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

189a W

eight Watchers

10:30a Ripple Center

196p G

irl Scout Daisy Troop8p Alcoholic's Anon (11thStep)

207a Alcoholics Anonym

ous(12 & 12)

218:30a Inform

al Worship

9:45a Cov Disc Grp

11a Children's SS11a Trad W

orship5:30p Youth G

roup

2210a Prayer G

roup @ Asbury

6p Weight W

atchers

231:30p Lenten Bible Study7p Lenten Bible Study

246:30p Puppet Practice6:30p Strum

mers Rehearsal

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

259a W

eight Watchers

10:30a Ripple Center6p Healing Service

266:30p G

irl Scout Troop 45458p Alcoholic's Anon (11thStep)

277a Alcoholics Anonym

ous(12 & 12)

288:30a W

orship9:45a Cov Disc G

rp11a Children's SS11a Trad W

orship5:30p Youth G

roup6p Friends for Christ

2910a Prayer G

roup @ Asbury

6p Weight W

atchers

SundayM

ondayTuesday

Wednesday

ThursdayFriday

Saturday

 

 

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OLIVET  UNITED  METHODIST  CHURCH  13575  Olivet  Road,Lusby,  MD  20657  

 

Weekly&Schedule

!!Sundays

Adult!S

unday!School

!!9:30!am

Children's!S

unday!School

11:00!am

Youth!Gatherin

g!!5:30!pm!?7

:30!pm

!!Mondays

Prayer!G

roup!at!A

sbury

10:00!am

Weight!W

atch

ers

!!6:00!pm

!!Tuesdays

Covenant!B

ible!Study

!!1:30!or!7

:00!pm

!!Wednesdays

Book!Club

10:00!am

Puppet!P

racJce

!!6:30!pm

Choir!R

ehearsa

l!!7:30!pm

!!Thursd

ays

Weight!W

atch

ers

!!8:30!am

!!Frid

ays

Alco

holics!A

nonymous

!!8:00!!pm

!!Saturdays

Alco

holics!A

nonymous

!!7:00!am

13575!Olivet!R

oad,!Lu

sby,!M

D!20657

(410)&32648400"From

Olivet W

e Follow"

www.olivetumc?lu

sby.o

rg

Sunday&Worship

8:30&am&W

orship&Connec@onInform

al)worship)led)by)Pastor)Linda

(Held)in)the)Good)N

ews)Center

across)the)street)from)the)church.)

11:00&am&Tradi@onal&Service

Since the 1880s

Pasto

r!Linda!M

oUer

!Olivet's!m

ission!sta

tement:

From)Olivet,)W

e)Follow!!!A

lso!known!as!th

e!M

ount!o

f!Olives,!

Olivet!

was!

a!holy!place!where!

Moses,!

David,!Jesus!

and!others!

retre

ated!to

!reconnect!w

ith!God.

)We)

welcom

e)you)

to)com

e)and)

connect)with)O

livet)and)its)family.

     Sundays  Adult  Sunday  School  

 9:30  am

   

Children’s  Sunday  School  

               11:00  am  

     

Youth  G

athering      

 5:30  pm

       M

ondays    Prayer  G

roup  at  Asbury  

               10:00  am  

 Weight  W

atchers      

 6:00  pm

       Tuesdays  

Covenant  Bible  Study    

 1:30  pm

   

Covenant  Bible  Study    

 7:00  pm

       W

ednesdays  Puppet  Practice  

   

 6:30  pm

   

Strummers  Practice  

   

6:30  pm  

 Choir  R

ehearsal    

   

7:30  pm  

     Thursdays  Weight  W

atchers      

 8:30  am

       Fridays  

Alcoholics  A

nonymous  

 8:00  pm

       Saturdays  

   A

lcoholics  Anonym

ous    

7:00  pm  

February 2016 Newsletter