Long Memorial News
Long Memorial UMC
226 North Main Street · Roxboro, NC 27573 · Phone: (336) 599-1193 · FAX: (336) 599-1194
JANUARY 2008
FROM THE PASTOR 
For those of us who possess a red letter Bible the 25th chapter of Matthew is a curious one. The entire chapter is nothing but red letters which means that Jesus is doing all the speaking. This particular monologue was generated by two things in Chapter 24. First of all Jesus responded to the disciples' awe concerning the Temple. It was truly a magnificent structure which was forty-six years in the making. However Jesus informed the Twelve that the day was coming when not one stone of that Temple would be left upon another, Matthew 24:2.
To this remark the disciples posed two questions: First, when will these things be? And second, what will be the sign of your coming? Then beginning at Matthew 24:4 until the end of Chapter 25, Jesus elaborates on these two questions.
Chapter 25 divides itself very neatly into three pericopes which deal with these questions. First, Jesus speaks to them a parable about ten virgins at a wedding party. In the culture of the day a wedding was a once in a lifetime event that covered several days and was the social gathering of the year. It was of great significance. So it was extremely important to be prepared for the wedding especially if one was honored by being part of the party itself. In this parable ten young ladies were the honoraries. The groom for some reason had delayed his arrival and in the interim the attendants became lax. The oil of their lamps was used up which caused them not only great embarrassment but also caused them to miss the wedding. To this Jesus warns all to, "Watch for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Matthew 25:13.
The second parable involves a king who took leave of his kingdom and entrusted it to servants. He gave them responsibility equal to their talent. When he returned he asked each to give an account of how they had served him in his absence. One had doubled the five talents he was given. Another was given two talents and he also doubled it. Finally one servant who had been given one talent was asked to report on his talent which he had buried in the ground. To this he began to accuse the king of being a hard and unfair king. In reply the king called the servant wicked and lazy. The unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness. Matthew 25:30.
Last of all Jesus advises us of how judgment will be administered in this kingdom. There will be a definite division of the kingdom into sheep and goats. Exactly how this will be decided is interesting. Those who gave food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, hospitality to the stranger, clothing to the naked, and visits to the sick and incarcerated were welcomed into the kingdom. On the other hand, those who ignored the hungry, thirsty, outcast, naked, sick and imprisoned will be cursed and "cast into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41.
John Wesley writes concerning this passage, "Me thinks we can hardly read it without imagining ourselves before the awful tribunal it describes." He goes on to convince the reader that we who call ourselves Christians cannot rest upon mere harmlessness as the hope of our salvation. Our salvation was purchased at a terrible cost, that is the blood of God's only begotten Son. Therefore Wesley writes further that, "All these works of outward mercy suppose faith and love and must needs be accompanied with spiritual mercy." As we begin a new year we all may want to look at the parables of Jesus with new understanding. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "Great will be our astonishment in that day and we shall realize "the work which God has wrought through us in His good time." He goes on to advise every person who claims the name of Christ "to look away from ourselves to Him who has accomplished all things for us and to follow Him." To this need any more be said but "Amen."In Christ Your Pastor T.R. Miller
ATTENTION:
This Sunday, January 6th - Noon - There will be a Presentation Luncheon following the 11 A.M. worship services with architectural firm, Tise-Kiester of Chapel Hill, NC. The luncheon will be in the Harris fellowship Hall. Please plan to attend this very important event that will lead us into 2008 with our renovation plans!
HAVE YOU CHECKED US OUT? WE ARE ON THE WEB AT:
http://www.longmemorialumc.org
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST
On Sunday, January 20th the United Methodist Men will have their monthly breakfast meeting. This time of fellowship will be at 8:00 A.M. in the Harris Hall. All men are invited to attend!
MEETINGS ON THE AGENDA
Preschool Board Meeting - Wednesday, January 9, 7:15 P.M. - Pastor's Study
UMYF News
Ski Trip
The Youth will be taking off for Wintergreen, VA for our annual ski trip. We'll plan to meet and leave at 3:45 PM on February 22nd. We'll plan on returning around 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 24th. If you want to go you will need to send a $50.00 deposit by January 10th!! When you make your deposit, please watch the mail for a letter with more information and the balance due.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Regular Youth Meeting
Sunday, January 6th
4:30 Youth Officers Meeting
(Jeanne, Mary Catherine, Christopher, Courtney, Carson)
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 PM
Supper Provided
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
A note of thanks has been received from Huldah Berryhill thanking the church for all the cards, the caroling and the lovely poinsettia that she received. She appreciates the thoughts and prayers of everyone.
A note of thanks has been received from Bootie and Anna Wilkerson for the lovely poinsettia that was delivered to them. They thank you for your remembrance and kindness.
THANK YOU to everyone who filled a shoebox for 1st Lt. Cera Tillett Benbow's Marine squadron or donated money for postage. The Methodist Men, Tom Brown's Couples class, and the Crusaders' Class were a big help with the postage and the UMYF group filled a lot of boxes, as well as many of you individually. Others in the community pitched in. A total of 246 boxes were packed up and have been mailed. Thanks for all the help. I'm sure many servicemen and servicewomen will be pleased on Christmas Day. - Martha Ann O'Hara
FROM THE BUILDING COMMITTEE
Consistent with the recommendations contained in the facilities portion of the Long Range Plan adopted by the church in 2006, the pastor appointed a Building Committee consisting of the following members:
- Alan Hicks, Chair
Shirley Bradsher, Secretary
David Bradsher, from the Finance Committee
Harry Walters, from the Finance Committee
George Gentry, from Trustees
Wayne Winstead, from Trustees
Jamie Mundy
Jim Owen
Katherine Garrett
T. R. Miller
The Committee has met on at least a monthly basis since October, 2006. It began with a consideration of its mission which, based upon the charge contained in the church’s Long Range Plan, was determined to be identifying and researching the highest priority suggestions for capital improvements. The Committee reviewed the items identified as concerns in the congregational survey included in the Long Range Plan and developed the attached mission statement as a guide for its work.
As a result of this discussion, replacing the sanctuary sound system and the Plexiglas protecting the stained glass windows, as well as clearing, grading and grassing the remainder of the vacant land north of the church, were identified as items that seemed to require more immediate attention than was appropriate for a planning process such as ours. They were accordingly referred to the Trustees for consideration as maintenance or equipment matters, rather than capital projects.
Through discussion and consensus, the congregational list was then narrowed to the following items:
1. Ease of access, both within the church and for entry into the chapel.
2. Covered access at the rear entrance to the Harris Hall.
3. The long-term use of the vacant land on the north side of the church.
4. Possible upgrade and expansion of the playground.
There was interest expressed in the concept of a family life center that might be constructed on the adjoining vacant property, to possibly consist of meeting rooms, recreational facilities and other complementary uses, and to be connected physically to the existing structure. This discussion included the possible future need for some or all of this land as parking, since the bulk of the present church parking area belongs to the City. It was acknowledged that such an addition would be expensive, perhaps beyond the present capacity of the church, however, if the church is to continue to grow and attract young families, it must recognize that its facilities are a part of what prospective members consider in making choices about religious affiliation. The Committee therefore turned its focus to items 1 and 2 above.
Input was sought from the conference office relative to design professionals with interest and experience in church construction. As a result, the Committee met with Phil Kiester of the Carrboro, NC firm of Tice-Kiester, Inc. This meeting served to crystallize committee thinking on two issues:
1. An elevator, handicap accessibility to the chapel and covered access to the rear entrance to the Harris Hall are all sufficiently interrelated, due to the effect of their design on the interior of the church and on one another, that they should all be of equal priority.
2. A master plan projecting church needs into the future would be of benefit in the effort to insure that the most efficient use is made of church property, and that the congregation thoughtfully approaches the role that its physical facilities should play in the growth and development of its ministry in the community.
The Committee also met with pre-school director Pam Day and discussed needs relating to the playground. Approximately 90 children are enrolled in the pre-school program, with 60 or more being present on a given day. Additional area for the playground, which is currently available by extending the western edge of its current location and would not require significant site work, would be appropriate. The fencing should be replaced with a vertical post construction, which is safer than the current chain link configuration. Some additional swings, and equipment separately designed for older and younger children are needed.
As a result of frequent meetings of the Committee and architect Kiester, a preliminary campus development plan has been prepared, with the priority items above listed as Phase 1 and the future use of the remaining undeveloped church property comprising Phase 2. A more detailed preliminary plan for the Phase 1 improvements is also available, providing more graphic detail on this proposal.
The United Methodist Discipline requires that proposed capital improvements such as this be approved first by the District Committee on Church Location and Ground, and subsequently by the local church conference. The initial meeting with the District Committee is scheduled for January 21, 2008. However, the Committee wants to present its work to date to the entire congregation on an informational basis at the 11:00 service on January 6. Mr. Kiester will be in attendance that day to present theses preliminary plans, and a luncheon prepared by the United Methodist Women will follow.
We look forward to sharing these exciting developments with you on Sunday, January 6.
Durham District Leadership Workshops Set
"Cultivating Healthy Congregations" is the theme of this year's Durham District Leadership Workshops, to be held Sunday, Jan. 27, from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. at Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church in Durham. Each participant will have the opportunity to attend two 45-minute workshops, with a break for refreshments in-between. All workshops will be offered twice. Workshops and facilitators will be:
"Entertaining Angels Unawares - Radical Hospitality" by Rev. Sara Webb Phillips "More than a Spectator Sport - Passionate Worship" by Rev. Billy Olsen "Going out on a Limb Without Falling - Risk-Taking Ministry" by Steve Taylor "Get a Life! - Intentional Spiritual Formation" by Rev. Dennis Adams "Is the Doctor In? - Healthy Congregations, for Pastors" by Rev. Gray Southern
Anyone may attend the workshops (church leaders and clergy are encouraged to attend), and the event is free of charge. Babysitting is available free of charge by calling Mt. Sylvan, 919-471-0032, at least one week prior to the workshops. Mt. Sylvan UMC is located at 5731 North Roxboro Road in Durham.
To print out a flier, please go to http://www.durhamdistrictumc.org and click the link "District Leadership Workshops."
MEMORIALS DONATIONS
September, October, November, December
In memory of John O’Briant from: Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Mundy, Helene Morgan, Debbie Moran.
In memory of Betsy Allen from: Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett, Mr. & Mrs. Gil Stovall.
In memory of Jane Kirby Harris: Loudell Long & Family.
In memory of Doug Gray from: Waldo Hawkins, Helene Moran, Debbie Moran.
In memory of Rachel Brown from: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stovall.
In memory of Dracy Bradsher from: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stovall.
In memory of Ruth Brown from: Brooks & White Funeral Home.
In memory of Kathleen Lacy from: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Linville.
In memory of Victor Williford from: Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett.
In memory of Bonnie Boyer from: Marilee Sergeant.
In memory of Bea Pleasants from: Marilee Sergeant, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann.
In memory of Alice Klinker from: Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann.
In memory of Margaret Craven from: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blanks.
In memory of Ruth Barth Tucker from: Pam Barth & Family, Stephen Barth, Elizabeth Terry.
In memory of Ruth Vail from: Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann.
In memory of Marjorie Rogers from: Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Mundy.
In memory of Pridmore Thomas from: Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stovall, Ted Michie, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Marilee Sergeant, Mr. & Mrs. Barnett Hobgood, Mr. & Mrs. Claiborne Tuck, South Plainfield Friends, Randy Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Radford Garrett, Marilyn Chester, Phillip Ridge, D.C. Horton, Mr. & Mrs. John Bradsher.
In memory of Grant Boone from: Mr. & Mrs. Claiborne Tuck, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blanks, Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Kirby, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stovall, Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Wilkins, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann, Mr. & Mrs. Jamie
Mundy, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Tillett, Mr. & Mrs. W.T. Adcock, Charles Hussey, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Owen, Ted Michie, Marilee Sergeant, Mr. & Mrs. John O’Hara, Mr. & Mrs. Barnett Hobgood, Dolly Denton, Helene & Debbie Moran, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Alexander, Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett, Mr. & Mrs. John Bradsher, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Deal, Hanky MacFayden, Clyde Almond, Mary & Lou Lockhart, Mr. & Mrs. Keith Starr, Doris Pillow, Robert Boone, Phillip May, Julius Abernathy.
In memory of Doris Carver from: Mr. & Mrs. Alan Hicks, Nancy P. Mangum, Mr. & Mrs. Claiborne Tuck, Mary Overby, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Daniel, Mr. & Mrs. Barnett Hobgood, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Brann, Mr. & Mrs. John O’Hara, Mr. & Mrs. Al Cole, Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett, Mr. & Mrs. W.T. Adcock, Helene & Debbie Moran, Mr. & Mrs. John Bradsher, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Deal, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Wilkerson, Mary & Lou Lockhart, Ted Michie, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Alexander, Marilee Sergeant, Dolly Denton, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kennington, Nan Leach, Mr. & Mrs. James Huey, William Wilde, Mr. & Mrs. Roy Holler, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Perry, Mr. & Mrs. Danny Talbert, Paul Horton, Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Mundy, David Veasey, Mr. & Mrs. Brantley Burnett, Daphne Crumpton, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fitzgerald, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Tillett, Richard Hurst, Peggy Gregory, Ronald Bowes, Carolyn Payne, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stovall, Donald Hubbard, Mr. & Mrs. David Whitt, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blanks, Anne T. Cates, Jean Beam, Mr. & Mrs. W.A. Wilkins. Mr. & Mrs. Bill Sabiston, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Lloyd, Charles Solomon, Radford Holton, James Crawford, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Pointer, Mr. & Mrs. George Gentry.
In memory of Robah Burke from: Mr. & Mrs. Mark Galloway, Circle #5, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Saunders, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Robinson, Sarah Lorrimore, Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Pergerson, Alice Shealey, Alice Lynch, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lewis, Mary & Lou Lockhart, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Alexander, Margaret Burke, George Paylor, Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie King, Mr. & Mrs. John O’Hara, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Owen, Mr. & Mrs. Woody Garrett, Norma Morrison.
NURSERY SCHEDULE - JANUARY 2008
9:00 AM Worship Service January 6 - Stacey Paith January 13 - Janet Clayton January 20 - Christy King January 27 - Angie Martin 11:00 AM Worship Service January 6 - Lisa Wesley January 13 - Diana Stovall January 20 - Amy Bradsher January 27 - Maryellen Kimbrough
ACOLYTES - JANUARY 2008
January 6 - Josh & Brandon Pleasants January 13 - Katie & Carson Pleasant January 20 - David & Daniel Oakley January 27 - Charles Rhew & Ashley Stewart
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
January 03 - Brantley Burnett, Ben Tillett January 04 - Elizabeth Garrard January 08 - Jerry Stewart January 09 - Mary Calhoun January 11 - Mary Winder Holeman January 12 - Peggy Owens January 13 - Keith Starr January 14 - Bobby Long January 16 - Louis Day, Carson Pleasant, Patrick Morgan, Doug Deal, Gail Fitzgerald January 20 - David Weinberger January 23 - Joann Bradsher January 24 - Janet Clayton, J.T. Morgan January 25 - Deborah Burke, Jimmy Edwards January 28 - David Bradsher, Bud Smith January 29 - Mary Lib Winstead January 30 - Katherine Craven
Flower Calendar - January
If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary on any of the above dates please call the church office at 599-1193.
January 06 - January 13 - Leon Long January 20 - January 27 -
Circle Meetings - Monday, January 28th
1 & 2 - Harris Hall - 10:00 AM
3 - Harris Hall - 10:00 AM
4 - Harriett Adcock - 7:30 PM
5 - Maxine Galloway - 7:30 PM
PRAYER CHAIN
Members of the prayer chain are offering daily prayers for those on our prayer list. If you, or someone you love, would like daily prayers for a special need, please call Tania Edwards at 599-3863.
SYMPATHY
- Our deepest sympathy is extended to:
- the family of Alice R. Klinker;
- Dolly Denton in the death of her mother, Margaret Carven;
- Juanita Green in the death of her son, Bryan Green;
- the family of Louise Long Day.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Those who walk with God always know
in what direction they are going.
MEDICAL CONCERNS
- Audrey Blanks - At home following hospitalization
Have a Newsletter Article or Bulletin Entry?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSLETTER OR BULLETIN PLEASE E-MAIL IT TO: pwade@esinc.net
WORSHIP WITH US EVERY SUNDAY:
9 A.M. - Early Service - Chapel
9:45 A.M. - Sunday School
11 A.M. - Worship - Sanctuary