Long Memorial News
Long Memorial UMC
226 North Main Street · Roxboro, NC 27573 · Phone: (336) 599-1193 · FAX: (336) 599-1194
FEBRUARY 2008
Many years ago when I was about twelve, my Sunday school teacher was asked a question by a fellow classmate that has stuck in my mind from that day to this. The teacher was asked if he had heard of a certain celebrity residing in Hollywood who recently donated all of his royalties from a movie to his local church. The mind boggling sum of $10,000 had been given. At that time I did not know $10,000 even existed in all the world. It was an unheard amount of money, and to me it was a magnanimous gesture, one that was sure to get God's attention.
It was then that my Sunday school teacher burst my bubble. He was a retired Air Force veteran who had just returned from a tour of duty in Vietnam and was one of the most highly respected Christians in our church. So this grand gesture, my teacher said, was a publicity stunt or a tax write off. The man was probably advised to make the donation by his agent or accountant.
In the naiveté of my youth that understood neither Hollywood nor the IRS it was still inconceivable to me how anyone could have so much money that they would give that much away. Now that I am older with no claim to being wiser, (I still don't understand Hollywood or the IRS) I do understand that it was not the amount of the gift but the motive behind it. The celebrity did not need to make public his donation which I think was my Sunday school teacher's point.
In Matthew's gospel Jesus speaks of this very issue. Matthew 6:1-4 is a common Lenten passage used to remind us that humility, not hubris, is one attribute which will gain our Lord's attention. In the larger context of this sermon Jesus lifts up three areas of Christian discipleship which are important for our own personal spiritual formation. From Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus preaches about charitable giving, prayer, and fasting. Nowhere in the text is Jesus urging anyone to tithe or pray or fast. It is commanded in the Law of Moses to do these things. The Jews of Jesus' day understood this. What Jesus is urging them to do is tithe, pray and fast with the right attitude. Douglas Hare puts it this way, "Giving, prayer, or fasting, if undertaken for the praise it will win from others is basically irreligious, and the practitioner who pretends to be seeking to glorify God but in fact is intent only on seeking self glory is a hypocrite."
During Lent we will embark upon an inward journey of godly sorrow, repentance, and outward signs of piety. John Wesley reminds us of the purity of intention, "Without which none of our outward actions are holy." The Pharisees of Jesus' day were notorious for outward acts of piety but it must be noted had murder in their hearts. Jesus said, "They love to pray standing on the corners of the streets that they may be seen by men"
In Lent, may our journey be one that God can bless. May we give cheerfully, pray earnestly and fast knowing that to be empty of the world is to be filled with the Spirit. As surely as soap and water will wash away the ashes of Lent so may the blood of Christ wash away the stain on our souls. Lent is a time for us to see as God sees. May the God who sees in secret reward us openly.
In Christ
Your Pastor
T.R. Miller
top
Dear Long Memorial Family,
We would like to express our most sincere gratitude for the support you showed our troops on deployment over the Christmas season, especially HMLA-169 at Camp Taqaddum, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Your response to the Serviceman Shoebox project was totally overwhelming to us. Having a family member on deployment during the holidays is difficult but seeing the tremendous support for these men and women expressed so generously, as was from this community, enabled us to realize just how valued their military service is and that it is certainly worth the sacrifices they make. The memory of coming into the Narthex one Sunday morning around the first of December, seeing all those beautifully wrapped gifts and knowing who was going to be receiving and opening them is something that will remain with us always. We wished we could have made the trip with them as well.
Cera reports that the packages arrived, safely and soundly, and were greatly appreciated by the squadron. Due to your efforts, every member received a gift from Roxboro which served as a wonderful witness to each.
Thanks again for your caring support!
With love,
Ben, Harriett and Christen Tillett
top
HAND IN HAND
January was filled with activity in support of South Elementary School. In addition to the ongoing endeavors of our 13 tutors, 9-member prayer group, 8-member encouragement team, as well as other volunteers, the school received some unexpected resources from Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CIS).
On January 22, Susan Pennock of CIS delivered over 1,900 new books to South Elementary. The books were provided by First Book National Book Bank, working together with CIS to provide new books to children participating in community-based mentoring, tutoring and family literacy programs.
And on January 30, in celebration of National Mentor Month, all the volunteers who work at South Elementary, which included Long Memorial's 31 Hand in Hand volunteers, were treated to a delicious dinner in Harris Hall. The dinner, which was prepared by our UMYF, was funded from a grant by Progress Energy to CIS. CIS is an organization viewed by Progress Energy as having a "lasting impact" on communities, and our Hand in Hand ministry is blessed to be associated with it.
When you picked up your latest copy of the "Upper Room" from the table in the church hallway, we hope you noticed all the notes of appreciation that are posted on the bulletin board above. Over the holidays, these notes were sent by South Elementary School students to their Hand in Hand tutors. Following is a heart-felt expression of the influence one adult can have on one child:
"Thank you so much for teaching me many things. Thanks for coming and being here when I needed you the most.... You are the very best, you are the best mentor/teacher to me. You never yell or scream at me. You are very nice to me.... I support you and I show my manners to you. I will never ever disrespect you. You are just like a second mommy to me. You tell me something when it's not right, you tell me the meaning of things, and you and I played many guessing games like what is our favorite things to do. I wish you could come all year round..."
Our next Hand in Hand event at the school will be a Valentine remembrance in appreciation of the teachers. Watch for details in your Sunday bulletin.
top
Despite the fact that the Christian Help Center has a surplus of canned vegetables right now, they continue to be grateful for the receipt of any items that will help to round out their food supply, such as canned meats, peanut butter and jelly, and dry goods (flour, sugar, cereal, rice, pasta, etc.).
top
Choir members and persons who like to sing
District Lay Rally - February 24th
District Choir
Mount Sylvan UMC, Durham, NC
(If you are interested in singing at this event please contact Doug Newell.)
top
On Sunday, February 17, 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!
top
The family of Clifton Hester appreciates the many acts of kindness shown to them during their recent loss. Your love and support means so much. — Kattie Johnson
The family of Alice Klinker thanks you for the cards, phone calls, visits and food during her illness and death. The thoughtfulness during this time was so comforting. We are blessed to be part of this church. — Lester, Sherry, Kerry, Kelly and Kevin
A note of thanks has been received from Musette Barnette and Betty Garrett for the lovely poinsettia that was delivered to them. They thank you for your kindness.
Dear Long Memorial,
Thank you for the prayers, cards and visits while I was in the hospital. I can never put in words how thankful I am for all the support I received. Prayer is a powerful tool in healing. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to recover.
Love and gratitude,
Tommy Humphries
top
Mission Committee - Tuesday, February 5, 7:00 P.M. - Library
Church Council - Thursday, February 7, 7:00 P.M. - Chapel
Many thanks to Ralph and Ann Lewis for the gift that has been given to the church in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lewis, Sr. The money will be used to update the Lewis Assembly Hall per their request. Thank you!
top
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.
Wednesday Prayer Luncheons
Harris Hall, 12 Noon - 1 P.M.
Buffet Lunch - $3
Noon- Lunch Served
12:30 P.M. - Meditation
top
February 13 — Roxboro Baptist Church
The Rev. Dupre Sanders, Message
Special Music
UMM, Meal
February 20 — First Baptist Church
Rev. Bill Foust, Message
Special Music
UMW, Meal (Circle 1 & 2)
February 27 — Saints Mary and Edward Catholic Church
Father Roberto Keenan, Message
Special Music
UMW, Meal (Circle 3 & 4)
March 5 — Roxboro Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Ed Donnell, Message
Special Music
UMW, Meal (Circle 5)
March 12 — Saint Mark's Episcopal Church
Dr. Harmon Smith, Message
Special Music
UMM, Meal
Communion in the Chapel
11:30-12 Noon Each Wednesday during Lent
top
MEMORIAL 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.
top
Please mark your calendars for several important dates coming up in the next few weeks:
February 13 — Lenten Lunches begin at 12:00 noon. These will continue through lent. Five luncheons all together.
March 16 — Palm Sunday
Special music by the chancel choir, liturgical dancers, and drama team will be present at the 11 AM service. The title of this beautiful account of the time leading to Jesus' death on the cross is called, "The Weeping Tree" by Joseph Martin. The service will begin with the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and end with this intensely lovely and meaningful work.
March 23 — Easter
A great lineup of music will again be featured at our 11 AM service. We will have special anthems from the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children's Choir and Children's bell choir.
Please make plans to attend these services and bring a friend.
BELL CHOIR TO START REHEARSALS
Well, it is time to start ringing those bells again. We will be playing for the Easter service on February 23. Rehearsal begins February 10 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. See you there!
CHOIR SCHEDULES AT A GLANCE
Chancel Choir — Wednesdays at 7 PM
Handbell Choir — Begins Feb. 10 at 6:30 PM
Children's Choir — Begins Feb. 17 at 5:30 PM
Drama team — TBA
| 9:00 AM Worship Service |
| February 3 | — Lisa Brooks | |
| February 10 | — Lynn Dean | |
| February 17 | — Marcia Miller | |
| February 24 | — Stephanie Linville | |
| 11:00 AM Worship Service |
| February 3 | — Maryellen Kimbrough | |
| February 10 | — Sam Craig | |
| February 17 | — Yvonne Pleasant | |
| February 24 | — Nina Briggs | |
top
| February 3 | — Kaitlyn Long & Anna Wesley | |
| February 10 | — Carly Allen & Patrick Morgan | |
| February 17 | — Sarah Bayliff | |
| February 24 | — Josh & Brandon Pleasants | |
| | Feb 2 - | Clarence Blalock, Rachel Currier |
| | Feb 3 - | Judy Robinson |
| | Feb 6 - | Tate Allenn |
| | Feb 7 - | Bobby Currier, Birdie Wisser |
| | Feb 9 - | Felicia Allen, John O'Hara, William Crabtree |
| | Feb 10 - | Amy Bayliff, William Weinberger |
| | Feb 11 - | Eddie Bridges |
| | Feb 12 - | Diana Stovall, Ray Kirby |
| | Feb 13 - | Helen Slaughter |
| | Feb 14 - | Patty Reynolds, Gordon Carver, Eva Arcuni |
| | Feb 15 - | Maryellen Kimbrough |
| | Feb 16 - | Mary Catherine Day, John Lacy Harris |
| | Feb 17 - | Betty Garrett |
| | Feb 18 - | R.K. Burke |
| | Feb 19 - | Joseph Weinberger, Carly Allen |
| | Feb 21 - | Robert Wrenn |
| | Feb 22 - | Jay Bayliff |
| | Feb 24 - | Hunt Fitzgerald
|
| | Feb 26 - | W.T. Adcock |
| | Feb 28 - | James Blankenship |
top
| February 3 | — | |
| February 10 | — Cathy Winstead | |
| February 17 | — Gaye Currier | |
| February 24 | — | |
If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary on any of the above dates please call the church office at 599-1193.
top
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.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to:
- Mary Winder Holeman in the death of her mother, Mary B. White
- Amy Bradsher in the death of her grandfather, Lee laughlin
-
-
top
Those who walk with God always know
in what direction they are going.
- Margie Thomas - Person Memorial Hospital
- Musette Barnette - Person Memorial Hospital
- John Garrard - At home
- W.T. Adcock - At home following surgery
- Buddy Bradsher - At home following surgery
- Huldah Berryhill - At home following surgery
- Wilbur Brann - At home following surgery
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSLETTER OR BULLETIN PLEASE E-MAIL IT TO: pwade@esinc.net
9 A.M. - Early Service - Chapel
9:45 A.M. - Sunday School
11 A.M. - Worship - Sanctuary
top
