IMMANUEL IMAGES January 2020

January Worship Schedule Sunday mornings – the heart of our life together 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 Nursery Care begins (infants – age5) 9:15 Choir Practice in the Sanctuary 10:00 Worship for All Ages – Sanctuary 11:00 Refreshments and Fellowship Time – in the Narthex

Sunday, January 5: We will be celebrating Epiphany on this Sunday Second Sunday after Christmas Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12- 20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9), 10-18 Epiphany Scripture: 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7 and 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-1 Sunday, January 5, technically is the Second Sunday after Christmas, and the highlight of the “Christmas” scriptures is the prologue of John and the Word becoming flesh – the incarnation of God in Christ. However, with Epiphany on Monday, January 6, we will be celebrating that holiday and using those lectionary readings on the first Sunday of the New Year. Beginning with the Isaiah’s words, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,” and including the account of the Magi guided by a star to the Christ child, light, as expected, is a theme of the scripture lessons on Epiphany. Paul, in a way affirming the visit of the wise men of the , writes about his knowledge of Christ and his role as evangelist to the . The psalmist offers a song of praise for God’s care of .

Sunday, January 12: The Baptism of Christ Scripture: :1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 The Sunday after Epiphany focuses on the Baptism of Christ and so we would expect, in the Year A cycle of the lectionary, to hear the Matthean account of Jesus’ baptism by John at the river Jordan. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a servant, possibly an individual and possibly the nation of , who while suffering, will be used to be a covenant to the people, to be a light to the nations, and to open the eyes of the blind. Peter, in the Acts of the Apostles, summarizes the work of Christ and the disciple’s mission to preach the gospel to all people. The Psalm is titled, “The voice of God in a great storm.”

Sunday, January 19: Second Sunday after Epiphany Scripture: :1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, I Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 This week we move to the gospel of John and its account of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. In the gospel lesson this day, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, and then Jesus calls his first disciples. In the Old Testament book of

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Isaiah, we will read the second of the , where God, despite Israel’s weak standing among the nations, will use Israel, as a servant and manifest glory among the nations. The psalm offers thanksgiving for deliverance and prayer for help. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul begins the epistle by giving thanks for the members of that congregation and their spiritual gifts. Pastor Dale will be on vacation this week and Rev. Dr. Thomas Long, a resident of Cambridge and the former preaching professor at Emory and Princeton seminaries will be offering the message.

Sunday, January 26: Third Sunday after Epiphany Scripture: :1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, I Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 As the holidays and their celebrations fade away, and we get into the “in-between times” before Lent and Easter, Jesus, in the gospel lesson, begins his ministry in , again calls his first disciples, and ministers to the crowds by teaching, preaching and healing the sick. In the letter to the Corinthian church, haven given thanks for the Corinthian congregation and their relationship with Christ, Paul comments on the divisions within their church and the need and means for harmony. The psalm is a triumphant song of confidence and in Isaiah, continuing the Epiphany theme of light, the prophet writes about the righteous reign of the coming King saying, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.”

Pastor’s Message As we approach Epiphany with its emphasis on the Magi and the star in the narrative of Jesus’ birth, found exclusively in the gospel of Matthew, we remember that Matthew is the source of many of the gospel readings in this year’s lectionary. So, let us take a moment to review some of the basics of the first Gospel of the New Testament.

The Big Picture: • The author is anonymous and likely not one of the twelve disciples o The name Matthew is only mentioned twice – 9:9, 10:3 o The gospel wasn’t associated with Matthew until the late second century, about 100 years after it was written • Matthew finds it sources in the , Q (a group of stories that are the foundation of stories found in Luke and Matthew), and a source unique to Matthew • The basic structure of the gospel is: o 1:1 – 4:16: The Identity of Jesus o 4:17 – 16:20: The Ministry of Jesus o 16:21 – 28:20: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Time and Place • Likely written around 70 C.E. • Second century writings (Didiche – a church manual, and Ignatius’ letters) refer to Matthew and suggest a window between 75 and 100 C.E. • Antagonism toward the synagogue also indicates a date in the 80’s • The gospel was most likely written in Antioch of Syria or Galilee

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Themes: Matthew has • The most Jewish tone and references • The clearest and most comprehensive record of Jesus’ teachings • An emphasis on the validity of the law as a guide for moral behavior • A dualistic view of reality, often dividing people and things into clear-cut categories of good and evil. • Exhibits hostility towards synagogues and Jewish leaders • While not easily visible in English versions, Matthew’s grammar and linguistic style is more polished than Mark. • Writes to a wealthier, more urban, and Jewish Christian community • Matthew is very organized and displays a penchant for patterns and the use of numbers. For instance, the five great speeches of Jesus may be intended to recall the five books of Moses (Pentateuch) in the Old Testament. There are also ten miracle stories in chapters 8 and 9, and seven parables in chapter 13. Matthew is also fond of pairs and doubling. • Matthew is concerned about the fulfillment of prophecy and includes many quotations of Old Testament scriptures. • While Kingdom of God is often used in the other gospels, Matthew uses the phrase, Kingdom of Heaven. • Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. • Matthew is the only gospel to talk about the church that is to continue after he is gone • Peter receives special prominence in this gospel

There is so much more to say about the gospel, so this is a but a tease of things to come. Join us this year as we move through the gospel, the prophet Isaiah and other lessons that will lead us on our spiritual journeys.

Peace be with you and Happy New Year!

CALL TO THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020

All members of are encouraged to attend to cast your vote for our 2020 Church Council members and review the 2020 budget. This year we will be electing three people to the council for a 3-year term, replacing Kim Bair, Dennis Jones and Lynn Malkus-Lyons, who have completed their terms of service.

During the Congregational Meeting held on December 15th, Donna Campbell accepted and was elected to serve as President of the Congregation for 2020. The 2020 Budget was presented and approved as printed.

While all members and friends of the Congregation are invited to attend and participate at the Annual Meeting, only members are eligible to vote.

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ANNUAL REPORTS

Please have your committee reports into the office by January 10, 2020. The Annual Meeting will be Sunday, February 2 and this will allow the office time to get it assembled and have it available for you to pick up a copy on Sunday, January 19.

SPECIAL BENEVOLENCE

Thanks to everyone who continues to support our food pantry. Communion Sunday, the first Sunday of each month, we have asked that you bring some item(s) to add to our pantry and you have certainly responded, not only with items for the pantry but also helpers to serve in the pantry during assistance nights. Thanks to you and Robin Burton, through our Special Benevolence efforts, we were able to offer support to many in our community who are struggling with today’s economy. Keep up the good work!

CHRISTMAS FAMIILIES

This year the Salvation Army presented us with approximately 31 names (6 families) for the “Angel Tree”. We have a very giving congregation as all the names were taken and presents purchased. Thanks to all who gathered on Thursday morning, December 19, to make the Christmas season a little brighter for the families we adopted. Thank you for your continuing support! As a footnote, all the families were contacted prior to delivery and each and every one of them expressed such warm heartfelt thanks for your generosity.

UNHANGING THE GREENS

What goes up - must come down. Helpers are needed to "unhang the greens". If you can stay after church on Sunday, January 5th to lend a hand to do this it would be appreciated.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – EMERGENCY COLD WEATHER SHELTER

Our local shelter serves some of the most vulnerable people in Dorchester County: those without homes who struggle with joblessness and, in many cases, addiction and mental illness. The Shelter opened in December at the Salvation Army on Washington Streets in Cambridge, where the guests are provided a warm bed, hot dinner, and breakfast in the morning. In addition, guests receive counseling regarding local transition resources for their various needs. All of this is made possible by the generosity of local congregations such as ours, donations from businesses, foundations and community groups and the hard work of many volunteers.

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Immanuel Church is responsible for preparing and serving dinner and breakfast on the second and fourth Thursdays from December through March. As we did in 2019, we will need people to step up and help. A sign-up sheet is located on the table in the Narthex. We also need people who will take the food down to the Shelter, reheat and serve, and be a compassionate presence with the guests from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. on our appointed evenings. See the sign- up sheet in the Narthex. No one under the age of 18. At this time, we need people to cook and people to take the food to the shelter and serve.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We have had many Church activities in 2019 and that will continue in 2020. Not only do we have things happening with fundraisers, and covered dish lunches, but we also have community activities such as the Women’s Prayer Breakfast in March, and Lenten Lunch during Lent. All of these activities require lots of help and we are asking you to consider showing your support and help during these events. You don’t have to work all day or evening—just a few hours may be needed or stay and help after you have enjoyed your dinner. You don’t have to help for all events, but perhaps a few! There are many opportunities, such as: • Setting up Fellowship Hall prior to a dinner, funeral, or other activity usually requires 1 to 2 hours of your time, depending on the number of people involved. • Serving at a dinner, which may require some standing—but you could relieve someone else. • Bussing tables and replacing place settings during some of our dinners. • Welcoming guests and taking money at the door for our dinners. • Working at the bake table—usually two people make this area successful. • Helping with the “drink” table, pouring and serving tea, coffee, lemonade, water • Washing and drying dishes—yes we have a dishwasher, but dishes need to be loaded, dishes unloaded and dried. • Help cleaning up after a function—cleaning off tables, putting things away. • Help working in the kitchen doing different things, other than cooking—peeling potatoes, cutting up vegetables, making lemonade, cutting cakes—lots of odd jobs. • Baking—we have many loyal bakers who make multiple items for our events, but we could always use more bakers. The baked good DO NOT have to be fancy— a cake or pie would be a great asset to our dinners or other events. We are an equal opportunity organization—all ages are welcome. We have had many teens, over the years, work at our events and even bring friends to meet their Community Service requirements. It’s not all work—you meet new people that you may only see in Church, make new friends and even have fun. If you are interested, or just want to learn more, please contact Diane Murphy. You DO NOT have to join the Hospitality Committee or any other Committee—just think about the opportunity to give a little time of help—ALL COMMITTEES COULD USE YOUR HELP!

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FLOWER CHART

The Flower Chart is now available for the 2020 calendar year. . The congregation has the opportunity to sign up for a specific Sunday to supply the flowers in the sanctuary for that date. Maybe you’d like to memorialize a loved one, or recognize a particular occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, baptism or some other special date. When the time of your Sunday approaches, someone from the Chancel Committee will contact you to arrange the necessary details.

A dedication for the flowers will be requested, which will be printed in that Sunday’s bulletin. Please have your dedication into the church office by Wednesday of the week you are giving the flowers. Please contact Helen Krom, Chancel Committee Coordinator, at 410-228-8085 if you have questions. A BIG thank you goes to the volunteer members of the Chancel Committee who provide the flowers on the Sundays of their designated month. Helen Krom, Chancel Coordinator

WITH GRATITUDE AND THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED IN 2019

To Robin Burton, Kathy Kelly and the Missions Committee for coordinating another successful Christmas for the families we adopted from the “Angel” program through the Salvation Army. Thanks to our Christian Education Board for the splendid performance by the children and youth of Immanuel in presenting the Christmas Story during worship on December 8, and for coordinating the Family Christmas Party with Santa and gifts for the children. To all the children who took part – THANK YOU! To all our dedicated people who participated in working with our young people in Sunday School and assisting in our nursery. Thanks to all our helpers! To the Chancel Choir, our Music Director, Curtis White, pianist Lynne Breil and Tina Lyte and to Bill Bair for his contribution during many of our worship services on the violin. Thank you! To the Spiritual Council and the Pastoral Relations Committee who handled many duties this past year. Thank you to the Chancel Committee for the flowers that grace our sanctuary each Sunday. To those who prepare the meals and to those who served the meals at the Emergency Cold Weather Shelter – Thank you! Thanks to everyone who provided desserts and breakfast for the shelter. To our Hospitality Committee who worked long and hard to put on the many dinners that we have each year. To C. R. Newman who works tirelessly in the kitchen and in resolving all the little maintenance problems that arise from time to time. Thank you! To the rest of our staff: Janice Haller, our church secretary, to Stephanie Carmine for caring so lovingly for our little ones; and to all you “behind the scenes” people who keep this place thriving! Thank you!

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To the many volunteers who provide refreshments during fellowship after our worship services, especially to the Bair family and Tom Wilkison for covering on many Sundays. To Michal Dixon for her help in recycling the ink cartridges with Staples.

We know that it is impossible to cover all the people that need to be thanked for your contributions throughout 2019 but know that you are appreciated and we welcome your continued help and support in the years ahead. Church Council 2019

2020 Plans

We have seen 2019 come to an end and look forward to the New Year with many hopes. As we begin the year, we wanted to thank everyone for their help and gifts for the many “fund raisers” held during the past year, which assisted in the funding of the Church operation.

We will continue to have our other fundraisers throughout the year and will need your help supplying desserts and items for both the Spring Sale and Holiday Bazaar, plus your continued help with the various events. We have been very blessed this past year with your help and hope that you will continue your support in the coming year.

The Hospitality Committee

FAMILY WATERFORL HUNT

Plans are underway for our Waterfowl Hunt which will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Registration will begin at 5:15am. The cost will be $80 (continental breakfast, hunt and lunch); $50 for youth 16 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). You may also come for lunch only (donation accepted and welcomed). Contact Jock Luthy 410-463-0985; Robin Burton 443-521-7869 or the church office 410-228-4640 if you have questions or would like to have a registration form mailed to you.

BIBLE STUDY

We will be starting an 8 week Bible study on “The Lord’s Prayer” January 7,2020- February 25,2020. It will be from 12-1pm with soup provided. Books have been ordered and will be available in the office people to pick up if they are interested in joining us. Please contact me or Claudia if you are interested. The book we have chosen is “The Lord’s Prayer” by Douglas Connelly, one of the Life Guide Bible Studies series. Claudia McDonald-410-463-4055 Donna Campbell-443-521-0112

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MEMBERS & STAFF JANUARY CELEBRATIONS

Member Birthdays Member Anniversary Kari Tolley 1/2 Carter Warfield 1/3 Patti & Cannon 1/13 John Philip Giese 1/6 Barbara & Phil Albert 1/15 Courtney Travers 1/8 Diane & Jim Murphy 1/23 Harrison Spies 1/8 Debi & Jay Book 1/29 Wallace Dodson 1/11 Ann & Mahmood Shariff 1/30 Brian Burton 1/12 Ashton Elzey 1/13 William Spicer 1/13 Elsa Schnoor 1/14 Birthdays (Continued) Garrett Luthy 1/15 Thomas Paul Jones 1/20 Elizabeth Krotee 1/16 Debbie Collins 1/22 William Foxwell, Jr. 1/17 Sarah Todd 1/23 Mitch Simmons 1/18 Ariana Spillman-Wise Mossberg 1/26 Alison Cherry 1/19 Tammy Luthy 1/28 Vinson Spies 1/19 William Brady Lyons 1/30 Donna Campbell 1/19 Dave Leonard 1/31

Your Staff

The Rev. Dale Krotee Pastor Janice Haller Church Secretary J. Curtis White Choir Director/Organist Lynne Breil and Tina Lyte Pianist Stephanie Carmine Nursery Care Provider

Your Church Council

Donna Campbell – President

Kim Bair Kate Deckenback Dennis Jones Keith Malkus Lynn-Malkus Lyons Terry Melius John Dodson Lynne Browne Kristina Luthy

Church Contact Information Office Hours - Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Phone: 410-228-4640 FAX: 410-221-6419 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

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IMMANUEL PRAYER LIST: You are invited to remember these people in prayer

Members of Immanuel: Norma Lee BURTON, health issues, at Bayleigh Chase, Easton Shirley BURTON, mother of Robin Burton, health issues Wells David DODSON, son of Scott & Amy Dodson Bill FOXWEL L, facing health challenges Jean FOXWELL, health issues Evan KOZAK, health issues Helen MALKUS, health issues, at home Milton MALKUS, JR., health issues Elsa SCHNOOR, health issues, at home Nancy SIMS, health issues, assisted living in Silver Spring, MD Irene TAYLOR, health issues, at The Pines, Room 303, Easton

Friends of Immanuel Church: Janet GIORDANO, friend of Janice Haller, at Doey’s House Hospice of Washington County Charles LOWENSEN, brother of Diana Krotee, health issues Lillian LOWENSEN, mother of Diana Krotee, health issues Jackie RAE, sister-in-law of Don Rae, health issues Emma Jean SELLERS, grandmother of Kristina & Garrett Luthy, at Health South

Other Prayer Requests: Guidance in Immanuel’s leaders for 2019 and beyond Our adopted child, Royer Gaeel Arroyo Sulca, from Peru Dorchester County Public Schools Children at the border Those shot in our country Those suffering the effects from natural disasters

Members and Friends Serving in Our Armed Forces: Christopher ANTENEN, U. S. Air Force, now stationed in the USA, grand-nephew of the late Jean Haddaway Jake CREIGHTON, U.S. Army, stationed in Georgia Buddy HAYDEN, friend of Robin Burton, U.S. Air Force Harley E. JONES, friend of Robin Burton, U. S. Marines Keagan ROSARIO, U.S. Air Force, friend of Kim Leonard, now stationed in the U.S. Matthew L. RUBLE, II, U.S. Army, nephew of Michal Dixon, stationed at Fort Polk, LA Jason T. WARDEN, Marines, nephew of Michal Dixon, stationed in Havelock, North Carolina

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IMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 5401 White Hall Road PAID Cambridge, Maryland 21613 PERMIT NO. 150 CAMBRIDGE, MD 410-228-4640 email: [email protected] 21613 Return Service Requested

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 FOLLOWING WORSHIP 11:15 A.M.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 FOLLOWING WORSHIP