St. John's United Methodist Church 5312 Backlick Road Springfield, VA 22151 Return Service Requested

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Boutique and Bake Sale Tell all your friends and neighbors that on Saturday, December 3, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, a Christ• mas Yard Sale/Bake Sale will be held in Donaldson Hall to raise funds for 2012 missions. We will have all kinds of items for sale including things for the men. The committee is asking our St. John's family for donations of gift items, Christmas decorations, toys, games, children's books, jewelry/accessories," guy stuff", and kitchen/household items (no furni• ture). Please drop off your donations, including your pies, cakes, cookies, breads, and brownies, at the church on Friday, December 2. Contact Kimberly Strong, Betty Johnson if you have any ques- tions. Thank you. A Notefrom

~ ~ ~ Our Pastor's Message ou,~

CHRISTMAS IS SOMETHING TO SING ABOUTI

Every year I either say or hear someone else proclaim that Christmas preparations are a little earlier than the previous year. This year I heard a local radio station play "I'll Be Home For Christmas" on No• vember 10th. And why not? Christmas IS something to sing about. It has been said that there is magic in this season, and although I'm not certain that "magic" is my word of choice, it is a time of miraculous events. Music helps communicate God's story it in a way that is memorable and fresh. It has been said that the earliest Christmas Carols were considered pagan by a Church Council in the mid-Seventh Century and therefore Christians were prohibited from singing these tunes. By the Sev• enteenth Century everyone was having so much joy in singing these carols that the Puritan English Par• liament decided to abolish Christmas altogether. In spite of the fact that the Christmas Holiday was eliminated, people continued to celebrate the birth of Christ. The popularity of the Christmas Carol in• creased and it was in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries that many of our favorite carols were created. That brings us to a fascinating Carol Story regarding one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. His name is Charles Wesley. During Charles' lifetime, he wrote over 600 songs. One of his most famous lyrics is Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, something some theologians proclaim is the entire Gospel of Je• sus in one song. The music for this carol was composed by Mendelssohn almost a hundred years after Charles Wesley wrote the words. How did this come about? Wesley nor Mendelssohn would not have wanted this music to be joined with these words. Mendelssohn, a Jew, had made it very clear that he wanted his music only to be used for secular purposes. Wesley, made it known that only slow and solemn religious music be joined with his words. In the mid Nineteenth Century, long after both composers were dead, an organist named Dr. William Cummings,joined the joyous Mendelssohn music with Wesley's beautiful words to create the carol we know and love today. But what about other works such as The Twelve Days of ChristmaS? That song was originally written as a catechism song for young Catholic children to learn about their faith. The True Love in the song represents God and the many gifts He offers to believers. The partridge in the pear tree is also sym• bolic. Mother partridges will act as decoys to lead predators away from their young. So, the partridge in the carol represents Jesus. Other images also appear: Two turtledoves are symbolic of the Old and New Testaments. The Three French hens are the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love. The Four calling birds represent the four Gospels. The Five gold rings are the first five books of the Old Testament reminding us of the Creation Story ....and the images continue throughout the song. Once we know the story behind The Twelve Days of Christmas it is difficult to hear it without being reminded of a deeper meaning. The stories of Christmas Carols are abundant. I think that the message here is that Christmas is something to sing about. As you experience and feel all the wonder of this glorious season, let us re• member why we celebrate and then let those wonderful feelings flow into our carols and songs. Merry Christmas. Pa4tott ~dt A "Note" about Music Ministry

St. John's Organ - Past and Future Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert During August, 1973, Casavant Freres of Canada installed The Ars Nova chamber orchestra is an innovative the first unit of St. John's pipe organ. Official use began 30-member self-conducted chamber orchestra. with the first Sunday of September that year. The concert given in celebration of this event featured organist Nor• The musicians take on the role of the conductor, man Scribner, Director of the Choral Arts Society of which produces a more collaborative approach to Washhington, D.C. Mr. Scribner served as primary con• orchestral performance. The Ars Nova is made sultant for St. John's new organ project. Thereafter fol• up of members and former members of the Bos• lowed a series of public concerts featuring the organ with voices, instruments and as a solo instrument. ton Philharmonic, U.S. Marine Band, and Indian• apolis Symphony. The group also includes other In 1977 the Dyer family presented a memorial to Harold distinguished D.C.area musicians. Dyer in the form of a "ChimeAtron". Although not a part On Saturday, December 3 at 3: 00 p. m. of the organ, these two octaves of chime sound function Ars Nova will perform a holiday concert with through the great keyboard of the organ. organist Kitty Yang at St. John's. The program In 1983, the Music Committee at that time began re• includes J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.3, searching feasibility of additions to the organ and began Arcangelo Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Albinoni's the drive for funds. The success of this drive was assured famous Adgio in G Minor, and Elgar's with a generous donation from Esther Goerg in memory of her brother, Thor Ohman and contributions from St. Serenade. ~~ John's interested members. Mr. Scribner recommended .;J~ Ed Hammons for consultation and subsequently the firm St. John's 2011 Christmas Concert ~, "~ of Irving G. Lawless and Associates signed the contract with St. John's for the additions. The additions, com• St. John's 2011 Christmas Concert Ch~'nstmas c'~oncert "Nine Lessons and Carols" will be on pleted in November 1986, brought the original organ to the state we currently use. Irving Lawless and Associates Sunday, December 18 in the worship service. did the maintenance of the organ since then. A new Zim• The Annandale Strings, a community string or• blestem (cymbal wheel, a "bell-star" light sound) was chestra directed by Ms. Ruth Erbe will start the also added in 1986 in loving memory of Elizabeth Bracey performance at 10:00 a.m. All of St. John's by family and friends. choirs will present special music in this program. From 1986 to 2011, St. John's organ served the congrega• There will be a reception after the worship ser• tion faithfully on every Sunday. Many musical events of vice. St. John's also feature this brilliant sounding organ in ac• companying the choir, performing with orchestra, or as a Advent Special Choral Concert solo instrument. The award-winning Annandale Singers, directed In September 2011, after almost forty years since the first by Ms. Jessica Lardin, from Annandale High use of St. John's organ, the Lawless & Associates needed School will perform a special Advent Choral Con• to repair the two air reservoirs of this organ. With careful cert at St. John's on Monday, December 19 at assessment, the company also indicated the problems with 7:30 p.m. the relay and combination action systems of the organ. They said: "Weare not looking at immediate failure, but this is something that should be addressed before too Christmas Eve Special Music long." St. John's Sanctuary Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Instrumental Ensemble, and Bells of Praise will On Friday, January 6 at 7:45 p.m. Dr. Kitty Yang will present special music in the Christmas Eve 7:00 perform an organ concert to establish a special fund for St. John's organ upgrade in the near future. p.m. worship service. Three special concerts featuring St. John's organ in 2012 Lenten season will also receive offerings for the organ upgrade fund. News Around the Church

Prayer Ministry GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE, DONATE BLOOD Focus: Sharing thanks during the Holidays MAKE YOUR LIFESAVING APPOINTMENT TO• Question: How do we share our thankfulness? DAY TO DONATE BLOOD AT ST. JOHN'S ON DECEMBER 4. 6 St. John's is Looking for a Director of Everyblood transfusion.three secondsTheresomeoneis no substituteneeds a BLv~t/VE~ Christian Education for human blood. Approximately 32,000 St. John's Pastor Staff Parish Relations (PSPR) pints of blood are used each day in the United Committee has initiated a job search for a Direc• States. One out of every 10 people entering a tor of Christian Education. This individual will hospital needs blood. Anyone who is in good plan, initiate and oversee all Christian Education health, is a least 17 years old, and weighs at least programs within St. John's United Methodist 110 pounds may donate every 56 days. All blood Church including: Adult, Youth and Children's Sun• types are needed but the blood center is often day School; Confirmation Class; Sunday Children's short of types and A. Make your appointment in 0 Worship Program; Vacation Bible School; Weekly Donaldson Hall or call the church office at 703• Adult Bible Study Classes; Advent/Lenten Stud• 256-6655 or Fran Matkins, 703-256-3214 ies, and; Children's Chapel for St. John's CECE. This position requires an individual with experi• ence in planning and coordinating Christian Educa• tdl-r LATE FALL CLEAN-UP tion programs. As such, the individual must be ~~ The Church Property Committee is re• ~ questing volunteers to help remove tree able to plan and implement programs under the leaves and trash from around the church grounds supervision of the Pastor and in coordination with on December 10, from 9: 00 am - 12 Noon. other members of the church staff and volun• Lawn bags and tarps shall be provided. Please teers. An understanding of the United Methodist come out with your gloves and rakes to make our Church structure and the general philosophy of church look beautiful for the upcoming holiday Christian Education is strongly desired. A degree season. Contact the church office at 703-256• in Theology, Christian Education, United Method• 6655. ist Studies or similar discipline is preferred, but relevant hands-on experience in similar positions St. John's Pipe Organ Fund may be substituted for degree. Strong interper• sonal skills and effective verbal and written com• The Board of Trustees and the Music Depart• ment will be establishing an Organ Fund Drive munication skills are a must. This is a part-time starting in January 2012. The church pipe organ position requiring 24 hours per week at the church. was installed in 1973 by Casavant of St. Hyacin• the, Canada, and in two years it will be 40 years A copy of the job requisition can be found on the old, and shall require a necessary upgrade to pre• St. John's website at www.saintjohnsumc.org or is vent it from having a complete failure within the available in the church administrative of• next few years. Additional information about this fice. Interested and qualified candidates should upgrade will appear in the Chimes throughout respond to Tip Holcombe, Chairman of the Pastor year. Staff Parish Relations Committee, at [email protected] at 703-622-8805. News Around the Church

Operation Christmas Child Leadership Members for 2012 We have prayed, shopped, packed, stacked, Administrative Leader taped, transported, counted and hoisted for Op• Chairperson Bob Winstead eration Christmas Child. And it is good. As a re• Pastor Bill Burrough sult we collected 1,800 shoeboxes that went Lay Leader Mike Jennings and Tip Holcombe for distribution to countries all over the globe. Alternate Lay Member to Annual Conference The shoeboxes share the love, hope, joy and Good Phil Bulter News of Jesus Christ with hurting children and Lay Member to Annual Conference their families. A sincere thanks to all, especially Jean Summers the youth. Coordinators of Program Ministries Teams Nurture Patti Parker Outreach Anne Moore Bi- District Training Day Witness Margo Robinson Have you registered for Bi-District Training Day Chairpersons of Administrative Committees (January 7, 2012 at Floris UMC) yet? Don't Trustees Terry Donald wait too long. Workshops are filling up. Remem• Finance Mike Jennings ber to register by December 18 to get the $30 Pastor-Staff-Relations Tip Holcombe discounted fee (financial assistance available as Lay Leadership Bill Burrough needed for those who register by Dec. Endowment Mike Jennings 18). Walk-in registration is $60 and workshops Center for Early Childhood Education Anne Moore are slim pickings. For details and registration go to www.novaumc.org. Presidents of United Methodist Women Jean Summers United Methodist Men Ron Kinzer United Methodist Youth

At Large Members (4) Betty Johnson May your world be filled with warmth and good Angie Garrison cheer this Holy season, and throughout the year! Randy Pratt We wish your Christmas be filled with peace and Bob Stober love. Merry Christmas from St. John's Staff. Members of the Staff Business Administrator Ken Walsh Minister of Music Kitty Yang Director of Youth J.R. Stratton Assistant Administrator Debbie Ashby Director of CECE Kathy Boyt United Methodist Women ~nijl\~' ~~';:S:,I _ ~~~~.~~ THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR There's a pretty little legend that I would like to tell of the birth and death of Jesus found in this lowlyshel/. If you examine closely, you'll see that you find here, four nail holes and a fifth one made by a Roman's spear. On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star that appeared unto the shepherds and led them from afar. The Christmas Poinsettia etched on the other side, reminds us of his birthday, our Happy Christmastide. Now break the center open and here you willrelease, the five white doves awaiting to spread Good Will and Peace. This simple little symbo'- Christ left for you and me to help us spread His Gospel through all eternity.

ST. JOHN'S UMW Christmas Reception - December 6 On Tuesday, December 6, St. John's UMW will holds its annual UMW Christmas Reception at 6:30 PM. We hope that you will bring a friend and join us for an evening of fun and fellowship. Circles are asked to bring 2 non-sweets and 1 sweet for the buffet, which will surely be delicious! Circle Responsi• bilities: Set-up - Lowery; Serve - Friends; Clean up - Jackson. There is no cost for this evening program, but we ask that you would bring a donation (cash or gift) for Bethany House of Northern Virginia (www.bhnv.ora). Bethany House provides housing and programs for families who are victims of domestic violence. Each year St. John's UMW has made contributions in the form of gifts and/or cash to Bethany House for Christmas, which has been gratefully appreciated by the families it supports. Bethany House is in need of new, twin-size comforters and sheets, and towel sets for the families in its shelters. Also, they have provided a Christmas "Wish List" for the Mom's and Kids of Bethany House Mom's Wish List Kids 12 & Up Wish List Slipper/Robes (sz: M-2XL) Gift cards to : Electronic stores, sport Bath & Body Works Sets or Body Wash stores, Game Stop, Target, K-mart, Coats (sz: M-2XL) Wal-Mart Gift Cards - Marshall's, Ross, TJ Maxx DVD's Pajamas Leapfrog Learning games/ toys Slow Cookers/Rice Cookers DS games / Wii & Wii Games Scarves / Purses/ Hats V-tech Learning toys & games Jewelry Kid Make-up / Barbie Dolls Footballs / Basketballs / Soccer balls Gi Joe's / Transformers Sketch books/ Art Supplies

Lunch for Rising Hope St. John's UMW is preparing a hot lunch for Rising Hope UMMC in mid-December. The UMW is preparing the meal - it will be delivered to Rising Hope and they will heat and serve it. The selected meal is Vegetable Beef Soup, Fruit, Rolls, Brownies, and Cheese and Crackers. If you would like to help with preparing this meal, please contact Jean Summers @ [email protected] Youth News

2011 is coming to a close. With the end of the year, comes remembrances; remembering all we did that helped us grow into who we are today. I remember our Bi-District events, going bowling back in January, where only 6 of us went, and there was a lot of sleeping, but watching others bowl so much I thought arms were going to fall off! Then there's the 30-Hour Famine, it was a boy's weekend, as we had an all boys group come this year, and support the cause! I remember the Super Bowl Party, remembering the Pacak's who were gracious to provide warm food and dinner for everyone, watching the game on the projector screen, and watching the youth play Dance Revolution (I think), shaking their night away! I remember taking a handful up to Laurel, MD, to go Curling, but going with Trinity UMC from Arlington. I know the youth and adults had an awesome time, and I can't wait to take you again this year! One of our biggest events of the year, was the youth trip to Philadelphia. Remember the drive up watching Rocky, the climbing the steps, and being exhausted, or the tour of the old prison, where Babe Ruth once played? How about the laughter we had going to the sports comedy show. And I loved going to the old church to perform our music to such a loving and welcoming congregation. I remember Youth Sunday, and couldn't have been prouder of seeing so many of you up front in front of our congregation, reading the word, giving your talents back by singing, discussing the fun we had in Philadelphia, and hearing our Seniors discuss the importance of our church family! Then there was ASP. I was so disappointed having to back out last minute and miss each of you and your hard work and effort in West Virginia, under that tough heat of the summer. I loved getting to see you upon your return and telling me the stories of the week, it makes me more and more proud of each of you! We then began our new school year, trying something new; holding Sunday School after the service. I have been excited to see the numbers being willing to stay and listen to the word. Thank you. And now we come upon December, preparing for the final month of the year. Don't forget to be thank• ful for all that we have, day in and day out, because there are hundreds of thousands who don't have the word of God in them, but you do, and it's helping you grow into wonderful teens, and I can't thank you enough for all you do. God bless you! God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving, J.R. Stratton Director of Youth Ministry

Upcomin2 Youth Activities Nov. 27th - No Youth Activities (Thanksgiving Holiday) Dec. 2_4th - Senior High Retreat to Eagle Eyrie (Lynchburg) Dec. 11th - Parent's Day Out Fundraiser and Activity (12:30-4 p.m.) Dec. 18th - No UMYF, but will hold Sunday School and Lunch December 25 and January 1st - No Youth Activities A Note from the eELT

ADVENT As I write this article, it is November - not yet Thanksgiving and weeks yet before Christmas. Yet, amidst the pumpkins and turkey displays there sit glittering Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and candles, all ready to push us ahead to holiday celebrations and gift-giving. I wonder, where is Advent among all this display? Why do we feel that we have to rush so quickly past "giving thanks" to being pressured to buy presents? I wonder, too, if the next year will go as quickly as the last, hustling and bustling about with one commitment after the next, but missing the big picture - taking the time to put God and Jesus in the center of my life and my family's. This is the purpose of the Advent Season, to remind us that we are in need of being re-made by God and placing ourselves in His hands as we await the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day. Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas Day - this year on November 27th. In earlier traditions, and in some faiths today, it marks a time of repentance and penitence. The word "Advent" means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the reflection and celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. In this double focus on past and future, scripture readings often reflect the emphasis of the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. The four candles - Hope, Peace, Joy, Love - symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The symbol of Advent is an evergreen wreath or circle to symbolize the eternal, never-ending mercy of God. Around the circle are placed 4 outer candles, with one in the center. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which them• selves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. As the candles are lighted over the four-week period, they symbolize the darkness of fear and hope• lessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the center Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized! In anticipation of the holidays, let us resist the hustle-bustle, busy-ness of holiday pressures. Rather, let us put Advent in our lives by lighting Advent candles in our homes, reading Advent scriptures or at• tending Advent services, reflecting on its meaning and hope for the light to come. Shalom, Salaam and Peaceto you and to the world!

DECEMBER/JANUARY - Children's Sunday School and Children's Worship Dec. 18 - Christmas Concert - no Children's Worship Dec. 25 - No Sunday School/ Children's Worship Jan 1 - No Children's Worship (one room Sunday School that day) A Note from the eELT

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December Birthdays December Anniversaries 1 Louise Proctor, Shirley Wagner 4 Pete & Tina LaMon 2 Tricia Armentrout 11 Gerald & Mary Maxwell, 3 Candy Brassard, Matthew Halterman Harlin & Fran Matkins, 4 Patrick Pacak Ralph & Maxine Marshall 5 Alice Galloway, Stephanie Reynolds 16 Jerry & Debbie Ashby 6 Robert DeBusk 21 Dave & PamGallagher 7 Danny Whittle 23 Leonard & Audra Poling 8 Megan Fleming 24 Leonard & Sarah Etheridge 9 ReganMiller 10 Jada Burgess, Kevin Ledman 11 Jim Gray 13 Donna Perlish In Our Prayers 14 Kathy Paulk Members: Lois Augustad, Betty Ayscue, 15 Justin Gray Marquerite Bickers, Luke Anthony Catania IV, 16 Louise Claytor, DonnaGriffin, Linda Griffin, Louise Claytor, Vicki Collins, Leonard Etheridge, Brenda Romenius Justina Gray, Tiny Hartzell, Linda Hitchcock, 17 Pete Pederson Ed Jones, Helen Jones, Margaret Marsh, 18 Anne Akridge, Eunice Blau Barbara Murray, Ilene Patrick, Randy Pratt, 20 RaymondCribbs, Robin Huebner Anne Stegall, and Macel Thompson. 22 Ayn Dietrich, John Novack Extended Family: Tiffany Carter, Nellie Davis, 24 Kitty Yang Nancy Gonzales, Henry and Kay Lind, Joy Sadoti, 26 Christopher Chicarella, Roger Rivera, Bill and Betty Smith, and Bert Wood, Jr. Stacy Stratton Please pray for other members and friends 26 Jennifer Gilchrist not named here but in need of our prayers. 28 Ellie Holcombe Please call the church office if your name 30 Wade Akridge should be added or removed from above list.

Family Members Serving Overseas Tim Sanford, grandson of Lois and Engagement Bob Augustad is deployed to Afghanistan. J.R. Stratton and Laura Whittle wish to announce Chris Shepherd, nephew of Fran & Harlin their engagement and are to be married in Janu• Matkins is deployed to Afghanistan. ary 2012. If you have a family member serving on active duty we would like to include their name on this prayer list. Let the office know. St. John's United Methodist Church

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5312 Backlick Road, Springfiled, VA 22151 703-256-6655 [email protected] saintjohnsumc.org