February 2021

INSIDE!!! Pg. 2: Upcoming sermon topics. Pg.3: Notice from the Conference and a Bible study on the book of John. Pg. 4: Message from Pastor Andi. Pg. 5: Conference news. You Did It!! Pg. 6: News from El Refugio. Pg. 7: Sunday morning worship information and Family Coupon goal met and exceeded. Promise news. Take a moment right now and look at the chart on page 10. Go Pg. 8 & 9: COVID-19 news from the NC Department of Health and ahead—look. The first thing you may notice is the large type in the box Human Services. indicating the percentage of our military coupon goal collected to date. There is no mistake. Our goal was to collect $600,000 in coupons during 2020. Pg. 10: Military Ministry update. When all of the coupons were counted almost $700,000 in coupons had been Pg. 11: Bible trivia. collected and sent to U.S. military bases around the world. Pg. 12 & 13: Song for this month’s theme. Saying that this past year has been difficult is an understatement. Many of us have had to stay at home and “hunker down” since March. Our worship has Pg. 14: Focus on our members; Birthdays & anniversaries changed drastically as we no longer gather in the Wesley Center and the and “In Our Prayers”. Sanctuary Sunday mornings and Sunday School classes have not been able to meet for the most part. But through all of this you have been faithful to the Pg. 15: Memorials & Honorariums, JUMC Core Values & a Military Ministry of our church. Week after week coupons were brought to Valentine’s Day smile. Sunday morning gatherings and given to those who count them and then get them in the mail. (See the article for locations on page 10.) Pg. 16: Regular church activities. A giving, caring church.

While Sunday morning attendance has decreased across the past several years, the size of the heart of each of our members has grown. Our JUMC family loves one another, and we also love our neighbors, both near and far. We don’t Don’t Forget just say it, we don’t just make a slogan about our caring and stop there. No, Our next Cereal JUMC shows our collective hearts through our actions. CUOC was born at Sunday will be JUMC. El Refugio was rooted and has thrived from a seed planted within our February 7 walls. And this month let us celebrate a Military Ministry that continues to flourish after eight years of member care and support. Please read the article on page 10 to learn more about this ministry. Page 2 Life Together

Church Staff

Senior Pastor:

Andi Woodhouse

Traditional Worship Music Director & Church Organist:

Dr. Daniel Hester February 7: Communion. Mark 1:29-39; “On A Mission!”

February 14: Transfiguration. Mark 9:2-9; “Speechless!” Secretary / Bookkeeper: February 17: Ash Wednesday. 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; “Now Is the Acceptable Time!”

Kim Gunter February 21: 1st Sunday in Lent. Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22; “God’s Promises”

February 28: 2nd Sunday in Lent. Mark 8:31-38; “The Cost of Following Christ”

Nursery Director: March 7: Communion. 3rd Sunday in Lent. 1 Corinthians 1:18-23, John 2:13-22; “Proclaim Christ!” Melanie Yarborough March 14: 4th Sunday in Lent. Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-21; “The Gift of Life”

March 21: 5th Sunday in Lent. Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33; “Know the Lord”

Communication March 28: Palm/Passion Sunday. Psalm 50:4-9a, Mark 1:1-11; “The Final Journey” Ministries: April 1: Holy Thursday. John 13:1-17,31b-35; “A Night to Remember”

Deb Taylor April 4: Easter. Mark 16:1-8; “The Greatest Comeback!” Web Editor Brad Butler Newsletter Editor The first Sunday of the new year started off well with 34 Kim Gunter boxes of cereal donated as well as some canned goods for a total Bulletin Editor of 52 pounds of food. Please continue to support this important ministry by adding an extra box or two of cereal to your shopping cart this week. It’s a small act which will make a big Custodian: difference to a hungry family in Sanford. Jackie Watson

Pastor on call 919--292-2612. Maybe not three carts full—but please bring some. Life Together Page 3

NOTICE CONCERNING VOLUNTEERS JUMC 2021 Church Council FROM THE CONFERENCE: Joe Cavalluzzi Effective immediately, all Chairperson Disaster Ministries centers are not accepting volunteers, due to rising Eddie Campbell COVID-19 case numbers. This will be in Finance Committee effect until further notice. Please see the Chairperson North Carolina Conference website and the Disaster Ministries Facebook page for updates. Thank you. John Shontz Lay Leader Church Treasurer

Deb Taylor Lenten Bible Study on Financial Secretary the Book of John Marilee Ostman Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair During Lent, we will read through the book of John and use another excellent Dave Carmony curriculum from Adam Hamilton entitled, Trustees Chairperson “John: The Gospel of Light and Life.” Books can be purchased for $6.00 from Jennie Lanane Christianbook.com and Cokesbury. Missions Coordinator Adam Hamilton Jean Spivey Memorial Committee Brief overview of Hamilton’s book. Chairperson

“The Gospel of John is the most deeply Deb Taylor spiritual of the four gospels. It includes some of the David Taylor (alternate) loftiest and most loved verses in all the Bible: "And the Lay Member to Annual Word became flesh...," "For God so loved the Conference world...," "You who are without sin cast the first stone...," "I am the resurrection and the life...," "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." The writing is Sherry Williams filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that his Christian Education Team readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that Chairperson they "may have life in his name." Join Adam Hamilton and experience a season of spiritual growth and life- Bill Huggins changing renewal while exploring the major themes of President John while reading the entire Gospel of John. United Methodist Men For more information, please contact Andi at: [email protected] Page 4 Life Together

Walking in the light of Christ.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.” (Isaiah 60:1-5a, TNIV).

This passage dates back to approximately 550-515 B.C. Israel had strayed and broken their covenant with the Lord. As a result of their disobedience the Jewish people were conquered and taken into captivity. Today’s passage gives a glimpse of what it will be like when they finally get to return from exile. The prophet Isaiah says that their beloved city will be rebuilt. The light and brilliance of God’s glory will attract all nations to Jerusalem. Best of all, the Lord is with them and will remain a faithful presence and shining light to guide their way into the future.

We are in the season of Epiphany! In these times of pain and brokenness we cling to the truth that Christ is the light of the world and the light of our lives! We continue to navigate through dark days of a lingering pandemic. Sadly, we are trying to understand and recover from the trauma of the recent attack on our nation’s Capitol.

How do we begin to respond and move forward?

We pray for healing and unity. As baptized Christians we remember who we belong to! We are loved and claimed by God! We hold fast to scripture and Jesus’ teachings of how to treat one another! Christ tells us in the sermon on the mount that we are the light of the world! We are to shine and live our lives in such a way to give glory to God! (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to serve as a beacon of hope!

Remember stanza 3 in “This Is My Father’s World.. This is My Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet! This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King, let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad” (UMH 144).

God is with us!

The light of Christ will continue to show us the way!

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (TNIV Daniel 12:3).

God bless you and keep you and your loved ones safe!

Reverend Andi Woodhouse

Life Together Page 5

Conference News scheduled. The commission wrestled with most of those issues behind closed doors.

In October, the commission named a technology study team to look at ways to accommodate full participation of nearly 900 voting delegates and other church leaders who come from four continents and multiple time zones. Among the possibilities is seeing if General Conference can do its work, at least in part, online.

The commission decided that the technology study team must submit its report by Jan. 31. The commission plans to Organizers have yet to determine whether the discuss the technology team’s report at a Feb. 20 meeting. pandemic-postponed General Conference can go forward as planned on Aug. 29-Sept. 7 in Minneapolis. In the Complicating matters are continuing questions — unrelated meantime, the Commission on the General Conference has to COVID-19 restrictions — of whether many delegates decided not to reopen the usual process for accepting can travel to the United States. One big concern is a visa petitions — that is, proposed legislation — to The United pilot program the Trump administration initiated that Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body. That could have requires travelers from two dozen countries, most in Africa, implications for the ability of General Conference to pay as much as $15,000 in bonds to visit the United delegates to have access to some big legislative proposals States. — including one outlining a potential denominational split — ahead of the assembly. Revisiting the General Conference theme.

The Book of Discipline, which contains the laws General In 2019, the Commission on the General Conference approves, says that petitions can be submitted Conference approved the theme “…and know that I am until 230 days before General Conference. That would God” from Psalm 46. The Council of Bishops executive make Jan. 11 the deadline based on the late summer 2021 committee requested that the commission change that dates for the postponed General Conference. The theme in light of the protests against racial Discipline also allows annual conferences to submit injustice following the death of George Floyd under the legislation if they meet between 230 and 45 days before knee of a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. The bishops General Conference. did not offer an alternative theme. But in making the request, the bishops cited the King James Version of Psalm A year ago, the commission determined that the reference 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” “We believe committee also would make final decisions about how to that to imply that we should gather in Minneapolis to be handle petitions submitted by annual conferences in 2020. still would not be in the interest of our church, our people However, the Rev. Gary Graves, the General Conference and the delegates who gather,” the bishops’ letter said. secretary, told UM News that the commission now has decided these conference-submitted petitions will be The commission affirmed its Theme and Logo properly presented before delegates. The commission is Committee’s decision not to change the theme. In 2019, the still looking at how to get that legislation to delegates for commission discussed at length whether to include the “be their review ahead of General Conference. That still” part of the translation. Ultimately, the group opted not legislation includes the proposed Protocol of Reconciliation to do so in part because Bibles in various languages & Grace Through Separation, a mediated agreement that translated that part of the verse in dramatically different seeks to resolve the longtime United Methodist debate over ways. For example, the German translation is more akin to homosexuality through a denominational split. English phrase “Make peace.”

Because of COVID-19, visa restrictions and the slow rollout of vaccines, big questions remain about whether the (For more on this go to: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/ 10-day General Conference can go forward safely as grappling-with-postponed-general-conference Page 6 Life Together

Welcome Sandra Torres as El Refugio Executive Director!

El Refugio is delighted to welcome Sandra Torres as new Executive Director of JUMC’s outreach ministry. You may already know Sandra from her prior work as El Refugio Program Director, bracketed by service as an instructor and volunteer in grant writing, family literacy, Safe Sanctuary, literacy, events and more!

Sandra is a Sanford native who earned her Bachelor in Social Work at UNC Pembroke and Master of Social Work at North Carolina State University. Her experience includes professional positions in domestic violence, rape crisis, social services, and as an ESL instructor / administrative personnel in the College & Career Readiness department of Central Carolina Community College.

Growing up in Sanford with her Mexican and Salvadoran parents, Sandra was exposed to the richness of the Latinx cultures and the distinct challenges immigrant families face due to cultural and language barriers. Her decision to return to nonprofit community work through El Refugio stems from her vision to work toward change, to inform, and to empower immigrant communities.

The Executive Director position is now full-time, and we look forward to Sandra Torres Sandra’s leadership as El Refugio continues to build bridges through sharing, learning and serving together while respecting cultural identities.

Paid Summer Internship with El Refugio

El Refugio will once again offer a paid, full-time, eight-week summer internship for a rising college sophomore, junior or senior. Applicants must also be eligible to receive a Pell grant.

This year’s internship will focus on event planning, volunteer recruitment/ training, and social media communication. It is NOT required that the intern be fluent in Spanish. The internship is funded primarily through the Z Smith Reynolds Non-Profit Internship Program, which has selected El Refugio to participate for five years.

Please encourage any students you know to explore this possibility! Deadline to apply is noon on February 15. For details and to apply, direct students to https://www.zsr.org/non-profit-internship. Life Together Page 7

Next-Stage JUMC Worship: Faces … Voices … Video!

As this newsletter goes to print, JUMC is poised to launch its new approach to sharing worship. All aspects of the worship service will take place inside the sanctuary and be videotaped. This format will continue to protect community health, expand JUMC outreach and ensure a consistent worship experience if winter weather threatens.

Folks are still encouraged to come for drive-in worship in the parking lot, continuing our community witness, safe gathering and opportunities for giving. The service will be transmitted to your car’s FM radio, station 96.7.

Pastor Andi will be available before worship in the breezeway, for socially-distanced greeting, prayer and connection with you in your car. Whether or not you stay for drive-in worship at 11 am, Pastor Andi will be out to greet you from 10 – 10:45 each Sunday morning.

JUMC appreciates your patience as we embark on new ways to advance God’s kingdom! Please keep in touch via the weekly emails so we can share links to JUMC video worship and updates on the process.

(Not receiving the emails? Please send your email address to [email protected].)

Note: There were to be pictures accompanying this article showing those who are helping keep services up and running while we have been limited to “distance worship”. Unfortunately, I made a mistake with the pictures and their quality was poor. Check next month for a page of pictures of those, both inside the building and outside, who make things flow so smoothly. Brad Butler

Family Promise at JUMC.

Looking back at 2020 and ahead to 2021. This past year, (2020 ), was a very different year for all of us as well as Family Promise. In February, JUMC and Pocket Presbyterian Church hosted two families; one a mom, dad and two children, and the other consisting of a mom, dad and four children. All ten guests ate supper and spent the night at JUMC. Beginning in March, due to COVID 19 restrictions, a limited number of families stayed at the Day Center and churches were asked only to bring them dinner. In May, we were scheduled but there were no families and the staff used this opportunity for a deep cleaning on the Day Center. In September., we fed 1 family, Mom and 1 child. In December we fed two families; one a mom, dad with three children and the other a mom and three children.

All of these families completed the program and are now in their own homes. Without the help of our 33 active volunteers and many, many more who supported the program with prayer, this would not have been possible - especially in these trying times. LOOKING AHEAD at 2021

JUMC is scheduled to host the weeks of March 14, June 13, Sept. 12 and Dec. 12. As of now, we don’t know if that will be at the church or if they will still be staying at the Day Center. We will keep you informed.

Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help and support the families who are temporarily homeless. Page 8 Life Together

COVID-19 Vaccine Update January 7, 2021

Tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will including in clinics and drug stores, as well as at vaccination help us get back in control of our lives and back to the people events in communities. and places we love. How will people know if they are in the first Phase (1a) of vaccinations? Phase 1a vaccines will first go to health care Scientists had a head start. The vaccines were built upon workers critical to caring for patients with COVID-19 or at decades of work to develop vaccines for similar viruses. high risk for COVID-19 exposure because of their work Tested, safe and effective. More than 70,000 people duties. That includes people: • caring for patients with volunteered in clinical trials for two vaccines (Pfizer and COVID-19; • working directly in areas where patients with Moderna) to see if they are safe and work to prevent COVID- COVID-19 are cared for, including staff responsible for 19 illness. Volunteers included Black/African Americans, cleaning, providing food service and maintenance in those Hispanics/Latinx, Asians and others. To date, the vaccines are areas; • performing procedures at high risk of aerosolization 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 with no serious on patients with COVID-19 (e.g., intubation, bronchoscopy, safety concerns noted in the clinical trials. The U.S. Food and suctioning, invasive dental procedures, invasive specimen Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure the vaccines are safe collection, CPR); and, • handling decedents with COVID-19. and can prevent people from getting COVID-19. Like all Health care workers administering vaccines in initial mass drugs, vaccine safety continues to be monitored after they are vaccination clinics are part of this first phase. All longterm in use. care staff and residents qualify for Phase 1a. Vaccines in most You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. You may long-term care facilities are being managed by the federal have temporary reactions like a sore arm, headache or feeling government through the newly created Pharmacy Partnership tired and achy for a day or two after receiving the vaccine. for Long-Term Care Program with CVS and Walgreens. Supplies are very limited. Right now, very few vaccine Who is part of the vaccination Phase (1b)? There are not doses are available. enough vaccines for everyone in this phase to be vaccinated Take your shot at no cost. The COVID-19 vaccine will be at the same time. Vaccinations will be available to groups in available for free, whether or not you have insurance. the following order. • Group 1: Persons 75 years and older: All people age 75 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated GETTING VACCINATED first in this group. There is no requirement to have certain Who will be vaccinated first? To save lives and slow the qualifying chronic conditions. • Group 2: Health care workers spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public with in-person patient contact and frontline essential workers health advisory committees recommend first protecting health 50 years or older. Patient-facing direct health care workers care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people who are those directly caring for or working directly in areas are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying and those where in-person patient care occurs. Essential frontline at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. The first supply will workers are defined by the CDC as workers who are in go to vaccinate health care workers working with COVID-19 sectors essential to the functioning of society and who are patients, like doctors, nurses and those cleaning areas used by substantially higher risk for exposure to COVID-19. There is COVID-19 patients. Hospitals will give vaccines to staff on no requirement to have certain qualifying chronic conditions. different days in case they have temporary reactions that may • Group 3: All other health care workers with in-person prevent them from working for a day or two. Long-term care patient contact and frontline essential workers of any age. staff and residents are also one of the first groups who will There is no requirement to have certain qualifying chronic receive a vaccine. Most vaccinations at nursing homes, adult conditions. care homes and other long-term care settings are being Which chronic conditions put someone at increased risk managed by the federal government. However, the vaccines for severe illness from COVID-19, making them a higher used in long-term care will come from North Carolina’s priority for vaccination? The CDC defines the chronic supply. COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to people medical conditions that put someone at higher risk of severe 75 and older. Because vaccine supplies are still limited, those illness from COVID-19. Currently, the list includes cancer, 75 and over may have to wait, but they have one of the first chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive spots to take their shot. As more vaccines become available, pulmonary disease), heart conditions (heart failure, coronary vaccinations will be offered to everyone who wants one, artery disease, cardiomyopathies), immunocompromised state Life Together Page 9

(weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, but it is not required by the state. pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking and type 2 diabetes How much will the vaccines cost? There is no cost. They mellitus. are free to everyone, even if you don’t have health How will I know when it’s my turn to get a vaccine? insurance. The federal government is covering the cost. The best way to fight COVID-19 is to start first with Administration fees will also be covered for those who are vaccines aimed at helping to slow the spread and save uninsured and should be covered by all health insurance lives. YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov is updated regularly with companies. information about who can currently get vaccinated. Talk Why are two vaccine shots necessary? The Pfizer and with your health care provider or employer about where Moderna vaccines require two shots a set number of days your spot is based on your health and job status. How apart. You need two doses to build up strong immunity quickly North Carolina moves through each phase will against COVID-19. The second shot will come about 3-4 depend on the available vaccine supply. Currently, weeks after the first. It is important to get two doses of the supplies are very limited. The federal government notifies same vaccine. While other countries may take a different states weekly of how much vaccine they will receive. We approach to vaccinations, the FDA and CDC continue to find out the week before how many doses of each vaccine recommend that everyone get two shots. Currently there is we will receive for the following week. This makes it not enough data to suggest that one shot offers enough difficult to know when we will move to the next phase. protection against COVID-19. With two shots, both the Where will I be able to get vaccinated? Currently, Pfizer and Moderna vaccine are 95% effective in supplies are very limited. Right now, very few vaccine preventing COVID-19. doses are available. If it is your turn, your local health If two shots are necessary, how will people know when department or hospital can help you get your shot. Because to get their second shot? North Carolina will use a secure supplies are very limited, most doctors cannot provide data system called the COVID-19 Vaccine Management vaccinations in their offices. As vaccines become more System (CVMS) to make sure you are safe and get your widely available, vaccinations will be offered to everyone second shot at the right time. When a person gets the first who wants one in clinics and pharmacies, as well as shot, they get information on when to come back for the vaccination events in communities. We will continue to second and they are asked to make a second appointment. expand the available sites so that people have a spot where People will also be given a card with information about they can easily get their vaccine. Information on where to which vaccine they got for their first dose and the date of take your shot against COVID19 is available at that shot. Keep the card in a safe spot and take a picture of YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov. When it’s your turn, you can it just in case it gets misplaced. People will receive an get your shot from any local health department in the state, email notification with a reminder for the second shot. no matter where you live. Individuals who choose to use V-SAFE, a CDC tool to Do I need to sign up to get vaccinated? For people in the provide personalized health check-ins after their shot, will first group (Phase 1a), your health care employer, local receive text reminders for their second dose. The provider health department or long-term care facility will register who gave the vaccine may also help with reminders for the you for the vaccine. You should follow the instructions second shot. State and federal privacy laws make sure they give to you. At this time, you may be registered none of your private information will be shared. The shot through your employer for Phase 1a. You can also you take and when you need the second is confidential schedule at a site providing vaccinations to get registered health information that is carefully managed to protect when it is your turn in the prioritization groups . Learn your privacy. how to find your spot to get your shot at https:// covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot. This article was copied from a North Carolina Does the state require or mandate vaccination? No. Department of Health and Human Services website. North Carolina has no plan to require people to be To read the complete article and get further, more recent vaccinated against COVID-19. It is possible that some information, please go to employers or schools will require vaccines for their employees or students. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/ What kind of identification will be required to be vaccinated? North Carolina does not require an identification card, like a driver’s license, to be vaccinated. Some employers or health care providers could request ID, Page 10 Life Together

Collected to date Percent of goal Percent of year gone OUR COUPONS GOAL: $600,000 $682,627.06 113.7% 100%

OUR CELL PHONE GOAL: 22 44% 100% 50 As of December 31, 2020

Coupon Goal Exceeded!

As you can see from the chart above, we exceeded our goal of $600,000 in coupons during 2020. Only in 2017 were more coupons collected and considering the COVID pandemic this year’s total is more impressive than the $704,908.29 collected that year. For your generosity and consistent efforts during this difficult time all of you are to be congratulated.

Often the question is asked, “Just where do these coupons go”? The answer is—All over the world. This past year coupons were sent to:

One base in Brussels Belgium. Two bases is Germany, one in Ansbach and another in Spangahelm. Two bases in Italy, one in Vicenza and another in Sigonella Sicily. Seven bases in Japan, one in each of the following cities: Atsugi, Iketo, Sasebo, Okinawa, Yokohama, Iwakuni, and Yokota. One base in Osan Korea. One base in Rota Spain. One base in Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. All of these bases received a shipment of coupons at least once in 2020, many received two, and the base in Rota Spain received four shipments.

Your coupons go on quite a journey from the moment you deliver them to church. First a volunteer cuts and totals the values of the coupons, separating the food from the non-fool coupons. Then Joe and Barbara Cavallucci pack hundreds of coupons in a box (the average box containing around $20,000 worth of coupons) and send them to one of the bases listed above. Upon arrival at the base the coupons are made available to our military families to use at stores on the base. They are good for six months after their expiration date so the earlier you bring your coupons to church the longer the families on the base have to look through arriving coupons to find those they can use. Just imagine. An egg coupon you bring to church this Sunday may be used by a military family in Japan. The coupon for detergent may be helpful to a military wife in German who is having a hard time making ends meet on her husband’s salary. A female soldier in Korea may find the $11.00 coupon for contact lens care is just what she needs. That’s $11.00 she won’t have to spend because you brought in the insert from this week’s Sanford Herald or some other paper.

You get the idea. There is no telling what coupons will be used and which ones will be discarded, but we do know that no family can use a coupon you throw in your recycle bin. This effort started in 2013 when $48,571.46 in coupons were collected. That number has grown fairly steadily through the years, and as of December 31, 2020, coupons worth $3,532,569.34 have been collected, cut, and sent overseas.

Again, thank you for your caring, your time, and for the love you show through this ministry. May God continue to bless each of you as He has blessed so many military families through you.

Life Together Page 11

BIBLE TRIVIA

TEST YOUR BIBLE IQ

1. What do we call someone who goes out of his or her way to help someone? 2. What organization, founded in 1898, is famous for placing Bibles in hotel rooms? 3. John Steinbeck’s novel To an God Unknown takes it title from a passage in which New Testament book? 4. There are many paintings with the title “Ecce Homo”, which means “Behold the man.” They show Jesus with a certain Roman official. Who? 5. Thornton Wilder’s play The Trumpet Shall Sound takes its title from a description of Christians’ resurrection. In which New Testament epistle does this title appear? 6. David Garrett’s novel Two by Two” concerns what Old Testament man? 7. How many church buildings (not Temples) are mentioned in the Bible? 8. Scotland is the home of a town that is supposedly the birthplace of the game of golf. What apostle is the town named for? 9. Where did Jesus perform his first miracle, turning water into wine? 10. Who named the animals God created? 11. What two Old Testament men saw a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire? 12. Guess this Bible person’s real name by this nickname: Stoned Martyr. 13. What jealous king threw a javelin at David? 14. Which Bible translation does this abbreviation refer to? TLB? 15. Guess this Bible person’s name by this nickname: Dry Bones Man? 16. What city with a biblical name do we associate with Elvis? 17. Minnesota’s capital city is named after which Bible character? 18. What Texas city has a name that means (in Latin) “Body of Christ”? 19. Abilene, the name of a new Testament city, is also the city where President Eisenhower grew up. What state is it in? 20. San Clemente, California, is named for a friend of what New Testament figure? 21. What city with a biblical name had Clint Eastwood as its mayor? 22. What did Jesus put in the eyes of the blind man and then told him to go to the pool of Siloam? 23. Who says in his heart, “There is no God”? 24. What praise-filled book ends with the words, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord”?

25. Which New Testament letter talks about the importance of “bridling” the tongue”

(1:26). James 25. (150:6). Psalms 24. 14:1). (Psalm

7). 23. The fool fool The 23. 7). - 9:1 (John Mud 22. Carmel.. 21. 4:3. Philippians in Clement mentions who Paul, 20. Texas. 19. Christi.

prophet who had a vision of a valley of dry bones being brought to life by God. 16. Memphis. 17. St. Paul. 18. Corpus Corpus 18. Paul. St. 17. Memphis. 16. God. by life to brought being bones dry of valley a of vision a had who prophet

man to die for his faith, stoned to death. (Acts 7). 13. Saul (1 Samuel 18:11). 14. The Living Bible. 15. Ezekiel, the the Ezekiel, 15. Bible. Living The 14. 18:11). Samuel (1 Saul 13. 7). (Acts death. to stoned faith, his for die to man

Andrews. 9. Cana (John 2:1), 10. Adam (Genesis 2:19), 11, Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:11). 12. Stephen, the first first the Stephen, 12. 2:11). Kings (2 Elisha and Elijah 11, 2:19), (Genesis Adam 10. 2:1), (John Cana 9. Andrews.

St. is town The Scotland. of saint patron the considered is he Andrew, 8. together. believers of group a gather could they

first generation of Christians did not have, or even want, special buildings for worship. They met in homes, or wherever wherever or homes, in met They worship. for buildings special want, even or have, not did Christians of generation first

Noah (An easy one.) 7. None! The The None! 7. one.) easy (An Noah 6. ” changed. be shall we and incorruptible, raised be shall dead the and sound, shall

The trumpet trumpet The “ says 15:51 Corinthians: 1 5. Pilate. Pontius 4. 17:23), (Acts ” God. Unknown the To “ inscribed, monument 1. A Samaritan or a Good Samaritan. 2. The Gideons, 3. Acts, when Paul preached to the Athenians, he refers to seeing a a seeing to refers he Athenians, the to preached Paul when Acts, 3. Gideons, The 2. Samaritan. Good a or Samaritan A 1.

Taken from the book “The Whimsical, Quizzical Bible Trivia Book” by J. Stephen Lang 1994 Page 12 Life Together

I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT

I want to walk as a child of the light I want to follow Jesus God sent the stars to give light to the world The star of my life is Jesus

In Him there is no darkness at all The night and the day are both alike The Lamb is the light of the city of God Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus

I want to see the brightness of God I want to look at Jesus Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path And show me the way to the Father

In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike The Lamb is the light of the city of God Kathleen Thomerson Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus

I'm looking for the coming of Christ I want to be with Jesus While at the University of Texas, When we have run with patience the race Kathleen Armstrong met Jamie Edward We shall know the joy of Jesus Thomerson, marrying him on June 1, 1957.

In Him there is no darkness at all He went on to a career as an ichthyologist The night and the day are both alike and professor at Southern Illinois University The Lamb is the light of the city of God Edwardsville. The couple had three children, Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus two sons and a daughter, and remained Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus together until his death from prostate cancer on January 4, 2015. Life Together Page 13

“I want to walk as a child of the light” communicates Story behind the hymn deep conviction and personal sincerity, while avoiding any hint of pretense. The first person perspective and the writer. invites the singer to join Christ, the Light of the World, in discipleship – a journey of faith. The second

line of each stanza deepens this commitment: From time to time, a hymn captures our Stanza 1: “I want to follow Jesus.” imagination because of its simplicity and transparency. Such a hymn is “I want to walk as a Stanza 2: “I want to look at Jesus.” child of the light.” In singing this hymn, we feel the Stanza 3: “I want to be with Jesus.” spirit of Epiphany unfold. From a Wesleyan perspective, the theology of this Kathleen Armstrong Thomerson (b. 1934) is a native hymn outlines sanctifying grace, the perspective of the of Tennessee. She wrote the hymn during the summer Christians as they move toward perfection in the faith, of 1966 during a visit to the Church of the Redeemer becoming transformed in the image of Christ. Each in Houston, Texas, the location providing the origin stanza adds greater luminosity to this walk. In the first for the tune name HOUSTON. Her musical education stanza, “God sets] the stars to give light to the world.” took place at the University of Texas and Syracuse Christ in turn becomes the “star of my life.” References to stars support the hymn’s University, with additional studies at the Flemish Royal Conservatory in Antwerp. She has studied with appropriateness for Epiphany. Stanza two expresses several of the most noted organists of the twentieth the desire to “see the brightness of God.” The “Sun of century. Righteousness” illumines “the way to the Father.” The final stanza extends the journey toward the “coming Ms. Thomerson directed music at University United of Christ,” an eschatological direction toward our Methodist Church in St. Louis and was on the organ future hope. faculties of St. Louis Conservatory and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. From 2004 As in most gospel hymns, it is the refrain that carries through 2013, she served Mt. Olive Lutheran Church the essence of its meaning; and indeed it is this in Austin, Texas. In addition to this hymn, she refrain, with its scriptural allusions that virtually quote contributed tunes for hymns by Patricia B. Clark in from Revelation 21 and 22, that distinguishes this their joint collection, A Taste of Heaven’s Joys: A hymn from many earlier expressions of discipleship. Collection of Original Hymns (2005). While a deeply personal expression of piety, the poet roots her devotional expression firmly in Scripture, “I want to walk as a child of the light” comes to The avoiding the maudlin and simplistic notions of some United Methodist Hymnal by way of the gospel songs. Episcopal Hymnal 1940 supplement, Songs for Celebration (1980). A musician with such a The simplicity of the music and text does not imply a distinguished musical pedigree does not usually simplistic faith. “I want to walk as a child” reminds us compose a gospel hymn of such elegant simplicity. A of one of the paradoxes of our faith, that we need to folk-like melody conveys a text based upon a wide become as a child to fully understand the realm of range of scriptural allusions and biblical God (Matthew 18:2-4). images. United Methodist Hymnal editor, Dr. Carlton *Text © 1970, 1975 Celebration, P.O. Box 309, Young notes some biblical passages that support the Aliquippa, PA 10001, USA. Used by Permission. text: Isaiah 42:6c, “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.”; Malachi 4:2, “But C. Michael Hawn is University Distinguished for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of shall rise, with healing in its wings”; Revelation Theology, SMU. 21:25b, “And there will be no night there,” and 22:5b, “They need no light of lamp or sun.”

Page 14 Life Together Focus on our members

February Birthdays February Anniversaries

Feb 5 Mike Ingram Feb 3 1973 Larry & Linda Cameron Feb 6 Sherry Cooper Feb 27 Scott & Bethany Stone Feb 16 Tyler Soule Feb 17 Ruth Ann Spears

Feb 18 Shannon Atkins I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right; Feb 18 Margie Wolfe but it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation may be on the Lord's side. Feb 22 Dave Carmony Abraham Lincoln Feb 23 Eric Cox Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/prayer- Feb 23 Lauren Brooke Sloan quotes_2 Feb 23 Neil Kaiding Feb 24 Janice Wolters Feb 24 William Cooper If you have a name would like to have included on the prayer list please either call the church office or email Feb 26 Sarah Stephenson Kim at [email protected] and she will include the names. You MUST have the permission of the person being listed before submitting the name. In our prayers Military Personnel & Their Families: Andy Cook, Pat Mohan, Trey Walden, Larry Cameron Jonathan Pemberton, Adrian York, Andrew Rhodes, Adam Bowen, Hal Cleavinger Bob Lanane III, Colleen Pemberton, Brianna Gordon. Corrine Cockrell Thomas Garrett

Alan Kyles COVID 19 has forced many people who usually Sam Sillaman Sr. are able to get out a little to remain at home all day every day with little or no contact with others. David Taylor Please remember our elderly members who are “shut-ins” Janice Wolters with your prayers, a call, or a card. Life Together Page 15

Memorials and Honorariums In Honor of Allen and Nell Matthews—Given by Margie Mann

Your gift of gratitude lets another know how much you care for them and empowers our profession of faith for the future. Donation forms are available in the office and from the JUMC website.

Jonesboro Core Values

Jonesboro United Methodist Church has been a vital part of our community for 140 years. Our mission is to "Know Christ and Make Christ Known", through actions that reflect our core values by being:

 Welcoming to everyone, including those just beginning their spiritual journey.  Prayer-filled as our Lord and Savior Jesus taught us to be.  Generous with our time, talents and resources in service to God and our neighbors. As we work to offer Christ to others, our hearts are filled with love and gratitude. Our minds are focused on serving with excellence. Our doors are open to all in hospitality. Come find a place and a purpose in our church family!

All scripture references, unless otherwise noted, come from the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2002 edition, Kenneth L. Barker General Editor. Translation by: The Committee on Bible Translation, International Bible Society, 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

All pictures and clip art are obtained on line from: Google Images—https://www.google.com/imghp unless otherwise noted.

Nonprofit Org.

U. S. Postage Paid

407 West Main Street Permit No. 101 Sanford, NC 27332 Sanford NC Phone: 919-775-7023 Fax: 919-775-3605 E-mail: [email protected]

Worship Services Sunday Morning Regular JUMC activities

Contemporary Worship in the WC Sunday Wednesday 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion—1st Sundays. 9:30 a.m. Community Bible Study @ Mrs. Food & Good Samaritan Fund —1st Sundays Wenger’s Restaurant.

Second Mile Sundays—4th Sundays ($20.21) Sunday School 11:00 a.m.—Distance worship. 9:45 a.m. 6:00 p.m.—Bible Study, WC (Periodically). 6:30 p.pm—Handbell Choir (Sept.—May). 6:30 p.m.—Small Groups and studies. Traditional Worship Monday 7:30 p.m.—JUMChoir, Music Room. in the Sanctuary 12:00 Noon—Bulletin submission deadline. 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.—ESL classes in both buildings. Thursday Temporary summer schedule: 1:00 p.m.— Knitting Group, Library. Distance worship 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.—ESL & SSL classes in both No Sunday School Tuesday 6:00p.m.—ESL & SSL classes in both buildings buildings. 8:00 p.m.—AA, Basement Education Building. 8:00 p.m.—Alanon, Education Building. Newsletter Deadline: 8:00 p.m.—AA, Basement Education Bldg.

18th of each month. Next deadline is February18 Many of our regular church activities have been cancelled or changed due to the for the March 2021 COVID-19 virus. If you have questions about any event call the church office for issue. updates.