Bugle 'N Brief is a bi-monthly newsletter used to keep everyone 'up to date' on what is happening at Wesley Chapel UMC.

BUGLE ‘N BRIEF November / December 2024

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

CHURCH CALENDAR:

Nov 2 Live Nativity stable set-up, meet at the church, 9 am. (Rain date is November 9, same time)

Nov 3 Holy Communion & All Saints Day Nov 8 Holiday Bazaar set up in Parish Hall. Crafts accepted. 9 am to noon.

Nov 9 Holiday Bazaar, 9 am to 2 pm. Nov 16 Church Conference. Parish Hall. 10:30 am to noon.

Nov 21 Trustees meeting, Parish Hall. 7 pm.

Nov 24 Christ the King Sunday Dec 1 Holy Communion. Advent begins. Dec 1 Poinsettia orders due. (Order form on back page of this newsletter!)

Dec 1 Live Nativity, Urbana Fire Hall back parking lot. 6, 7, 8 pm.

Dec 14 Holiday meal at The Dungeon at Dutch's Daughter. 4 pm. Dec 19 Church Council meeting. Parish Hall. 7 pm.

Dec 24 Christmas Eve service. 9 pm.

Dec 25 CHRIST IS BORN! BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

Dec 29 Laity Sunday.

FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Gratitude, Joy, and Generosity FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN One of the great things about the discipline of gratitude is that it fosters two of the foundational virtues of the Christian Faith: Joy and Generosity. Amy Weatherly states that “Perception is a key component to gratitude. And gratitude a key component to joy.” And Joe Rigney proposes that “the first step toward Christian generosity is to receive what God has supplied with deep and heartfelt gratitude.” A second great thing about generosity is that it is a discipline, not merely a feeling or emotion, fleeting and ephemeral, leaving us at the mercy of our circumstances. When we take the time to be observant, to be “mindful,” we notice things for which we may be actively grateful, then taking the moment to thank “someone,” or the “One”! Sometimes we get frustrated in our expectations of others. People can really surprise us, if we are willing to be surprised. Some of you know that Bonnie and I have recently faced some plumbing challenges. In both locations, we have found contractors who were responsive, skilled, and reasonable in what they charged for their services. Despite the otherwise frustrating circumstances, we were grateful, and we thanked them. I find myself reminded of Paul’s teaching regarding the distribution of spiritual gifts to the various members of the church, so that each may bless the others. Is this not true in the larger world as well? To paraphrase Paul: God gave some to be auto mechanics, some to be finish carpenters, some to be electricians, and some to be plumbers. I thank God for the aptitudes and skills of the many who provide the varied services we need from day to day. Henri J.M. Nouwen proffers that gratitude - "... goes beyond the 'mine' and 'thine' and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.” When we make the deliberate choice to practice gratitude, making it a discipline, part of our “intentional faith development,” we will find ourselves responding more joyfully in all of life and being more generous with others. Generosity is more than something done with money and goods. It can also be a way in which we respond internally. We may see someone having a bad day and we pray for them, perhaps asking if we can assist in some way, instead of developing a negative attitude toward them. Over these next few weeks, I would urge you to be especially deliberate, to take time to be reflective and mindful, and write down things for which you are grateful. Look for several each day; maybe more than once each day. I believe you will find it transformative for the entire holiday season. While you are at it, you might pray for a more generous spirit toward others as well. (Just a thought.) I think the following poem is fitting. Thanks Giving We see signs of summer's passing in golden leaves, shortening days, misty mornings, autumn glow. We sense it's passing in rain that dampens, winds that chill, Harvest's bounty placed on show. Creator God, who brings forth both great shoot and hoar frost, sunrise and sunset, we bring our thanks for seeds that have grown, harvest gathered, storehouses filled, mouths fed. And, as your good earth rests through winters cold embrace, we look forward to its re-awakening. when kissed by Spring's first touch. Author: John Birch, FaithandWorship.com

Grace and Peace, Pastor Dave

Pastor’s Contacts: Rev. Dave W, Hodsdon 240-676-7825 www.facebook.com/david.w.hodsdon Mail: 4227 Headwaters Lane, Olney, MD 20832 www.youtube.com/david.w.hodsdon3533 email: revdwhodsdon@gmail.com

LITURGISTS November 3 - Tom Maher 10 - Sam German 17 - Leslie Short 24 - Becky Ireland

December 1 - Pat Huff 8 - Carolyn Maher 15 - Christine Smith 22 - Laura Wood 29 - Kendra Gibson

BIBLE STUDIES The Monday Sunday School is now beginning a new book, “The Women of Easter” by Liz Curtis Higgs, a study of the three Mary’s noted in Scripture. This group meets Monday mornings at Dinah Benson's home from 10:00-12:00. All are welcome! The Thursday morning Adult Bible Study group is finishing up the book, “In the Presence of Jesus” by Paul Bane and Matt Litton. They will begin a new study for Advent, “On the Way to Bethlehem” written by Rob Fuquay, which follows the journey from Rome to the stable in Bethlehem. This group also meets from 10:00-12:00 at Dinah Benson's home and all are welcome to share in the good discussion and sweet fellowship!

MEALS AFTER WORSHIP There will be no fellowship Meals After Worship for the duration of the holiday season. They will resume in January. Enjoy this time with friends and family.

ALTAR FLOWERS The November altar flowers: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLIE!!, are given by her parents, Roger & Samantha German.

The December Altar Flowers are given by Ed & Jean Rhinehart in honor of their grandkids: Zachary & Morgan & Lennon, Jonny, Emily, Gage & Burke.

The 2025 Altar Flower Chart will be in the Narthex soon. Costs remain the same as last year at $60 for both vases. The flowers will be displayed on the altar for the entire month. Sign up early to get your favorite month. If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Maher.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday November 9 - Parish Hall. 9 am - 2 pm. Everyone’s help is needed for the Mission Team’s Holiday Bazaar. It may be a holiday event, but items of all kinds and for all seasons are needed. The profits will be used for those in need. We ask that all items be handmade. Some examples are: jewelry, ornaments, table decor, textile/fabric gifts, crochet, knitted, etc. Baked goods will be needed as well. Crafts and baked goods will be accepted Friday, November 8 from 9 - Noon. Baked goods will be accepted at 8 am, November 9. Breakfast and lunch are to be offered. A large variety of soups will also be on sale by the quart, as well as sandwiches. For more information contact Judy Pontius, 301-831-8153, Carolyn Maher, 301-662-5769, or Nancy Bittle, 301-639-3136.

THE LIVE NATIVITY Sunday, December 1. The Camel is coming and other “stable” animals, too! The Hahn Family is excited to be able to bring their animals, (possibly 3 camels) to Wesley Chapel’s 24th Live Nativity. Show times are 6, 7, & 8 pm at the Urbana Fire Hall back parking lot. This is a wonderful event, one that has become a tradition for many families in the area. For some, it is their first time coming to this event. For others, particularly children, it is the first or only time they get to hear and see the true story of Christmas. Let us all reach out to bring God’s gift to as many people as we can that night through the Live Nativity. Below is a list of how YOU can help. - Saturday Nov. 2 (rain date Saturday Nov. 9) - Stable building. Manpower and lady power are needed. Meet at the Church parking lot at 9:00 am to load the parts. The stable is much lighter and easier to move than in years past. - - - -

The “FEED THE CAMEL” banner will be hung. $500 is needed to bring the camel(s) and other animals to the Live Nativity. Each $20 donation will “buy” a bale of hay. Please send your donation to the “Feed the Camel Fund” to our Wesley Chapel treasurer, Christine Smith, 2298 Persimmon Drive, Ijamsville, MD 21754. On the memo line, please remark “CAMEL” or place in the offering plate.

Actors, no speaking parts. Please consider participating. A minimum of 13 actors are needed, but more would be great. We usually have 21-23. All costumes are cleaned and ready. Once again, ASL interpreter, Nan Cronk Walker, will be available at all 3 shows. Hosts and hot chocolate makers are needed. All ingredients are ready to be easily mixed and heated. Hosts will be needed to pour drinks and serve cookies.

Cookie bakers. Please put 2 cookies in each bag and seal. Mark the bags accordingly if cookies have nuts or peanut butter. Bring cookies to the Church on Sunday, December 1, by 2 pm. Please write your name and type of cookie on the available list. If you have would like to help or have any questions, please contact the Maher’s 301-662-5769, Carolyn’s cell 240-409-6428 or Thomas cell 240-626-3334.

MARK YOUR 2025 CALENDARS! SIGHT AND SOUND TRIP "Noah" is coming back to Sight and Sound in 2025. Wesley Chapel is once again making plans to attend this wonderful presentation. The date being looked at is Tuesday, June 24 for the 3 pm show. If you would like to join us, by carpool or solo, please let Dinah Benson or Judy Pontius know by January 15, 2025.

YARD SALE – May 3, 2025 Begin gathering items now for the upcoming Wesley Chapel Yard Sale! Wanted are those out grown clothes, unwanted knickknacks, household items, tools, and electronics in good working condition. Small furniture pieces, lamps, books, toys, household goods and that thing you don’t remember what it was for or why you bought it in the first place are all good choices! More details about drop-off and help needed will be forthcoming in upcoming issues of the Bugle!

THANK YOU! To Carolyn and Tom Maher and all those who helped with Earl Hawkins’ funeral luncheon. To Carolyn and Tom Maher and all who helped with Vicki Dotterer's memorial luncheon. To all who prepared, served, and cleaned up after these recent life celebrations, and for the ones who brought desserts, your service was a blessing of comfort and love. Thank you. To all who made soups and brought bread for the Bread and Soup Feast. To everyone who helped in any way at the Urbana Indoor Art & Craft Show. To Janet and Jim Hoffman and family for the fun October Halloween meal after worship. END NOTES Kind words are jewels that live in the heart and soul and remain as blessed memories years after they have been spoken. Marvea Johnson

GARDEN OF THE NATIVITY Once again, Wesley Chapel will decorate its sanctuary for the Christmas season with beautiful, live poinsettias. These florist- quality, 4 – 6 bloom plants will cost $8.00 each. This year’s supplier is the FCPS Career & Technology Center, the same as last year. The poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary on Sunday, December 15, and will remain there until after the Christmas Eve service. You may then take them to enjoy. Prepaid orders must be received no later than Sunday, December 1. This year you have a choice of either Red or White poinsettias. Fill out the form below, mark your checks “plants” and place in the offering plate or send to Carolyn Maher, 323 Adam Road, Frederick, MD 21701.

Please Print:

In Memory (deceased)_____________________________________________ _______________________________

In Honor (living)__________________________________________________________________________________

Given by_______________________________________________________________________________________

Number of Red plants______________

Number of White plants_____________

Total Number of plants_____________ X $8.00 = $_____________________

Phone number___________________________________________________