Congratulations to Chuckie Ware and Ashley Banks who were married on November 14, 2009 at New Street UMC.

During the flu season we are taking extra precautions within the worship service.  Hand sanitizer is available in the Narthex and various areas of the church.  Some of us may be more reluctant to shake hands and risk the spread of germs.  Please do not take offense.  You may notice some minor changes in the way communion is presented in an attempt to reduce the risk of contamination by more hands.  When we use intinction, be certain your fingers do not come in contact with the juice.  If you do not feel confident that you are safe, please do not feel obligated to participate right now.  Again, no offense should be taken.

Remember we don’t get any extra points from God for coming to church when we are ill.  All of us get sniffles, coughs, and colds and they tend to last seven days.  If we stayed home until all the symptoms were completely gone, we would miss out on more than needed.  But if there is a hint of fever, one needs to remain home.  It can indicate a more serious illness and potential threat to others.  We pray for the health and well-being of all our church family and friends through this time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Jane Rinard, Congregational Health Committee Chair.

“We have been asked to furnish Christmas gifts for Reeders as we have done for many years.  Suggested gifts are  Kleenex, Puffs, Scott’s brand facial tissues, Gillette Good News disposable razors, deodorant, costume jewelry, lotion, night eye masks, sunglasses, toothbrushes, hair brushes, Shaving cream, denture tablets, candy, toothpaste, hand sanitizer wipes, instant dry nail polish, scented body spray, polish remover, birthday cards, perfume/cologne, sugar free candy, make-up, craft supplies, CD’s, DVD’s.  Gifts should not be wrapped. There will be a box in the Narthex for you to place your gifts.  Gifts can be collected through November 29.

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Even with Halloween past, a lot of scary things seem to be lurking near by. Economic uncertainties and national security concerns loom, but perhaps more threatening in the minds of many is the risk of a very serious H1N1 flu. Local schools are seeing their share and the vaccine is not in adequate supply at this time for those at risk. Hopefully that will change in the near future. And then the seasonal flu is not far behind. But until we can feel better protected, you may notice some extra precautions being taken within our own worship service. Hand sanitizer will be available in the narthex and various areas of the church. Some us may be more reluctant to shake hands and risk the spread of any germs from one to another. Please do not take offense. You may notice some minor changes in the way communion is presented in an attempt to reduce the risk of contamination by more hands. When we use intinction, be certain your fingers do not come in contact with the juice. If you do not feel confident that you are safe, please do not feel obligated to participate right now. Again, no offense should be taken.

I read an article that reminds us that we don’t get any extra points from God for coming to church ill. All of us get sniffles, coughs and colds and they tend to last 7 days if taking medicine and a week if you do not take medicine. If we stayed home until all the symptoms were completely gone, we would miss out on more than needed. But if there is a hint of fever, one needs to remain home. It can indicate a more serious illness and potential threat to you and others. We pray for the health and well-being of all our church family and friends through this time.

Mary Jane Rinard, Congregation Health Committee

…to all who would like to read the actions we took at our Charge Conference, October 13 held at Oakland UMC. You will find them in the narthex and the Fellowship Hall with a bright pink cover.

On Sat, November 14, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 15 from 10:15-12:45 p.m. Harmony United Methodist Church, 9455 Williamsport Pike (Rt. 11), Falling Waters, WV is hosting Red Bird Mission Crafts to give you an opportunity to enjoy quality Appalachian crafts. There will be food including a Pig Roast on Saturday.

The Red Bird Mission is a United Methodist Mission, located in the southeastern Kentucky Mountains. Red Bird Mission has a school, medical center, community outreach, community housing improvement, and economic opportunities. By providing a market for local artisans, the craft program is a vital part of the economic development. This source of income is important in an area of 50% unemployment.

Crafts will include baskets, woven rugs, dolls, beeswax candles, jewelry, jams and jellies. There will also be note cards, history books of the area, books with special recipes, hand painted gourds, brooms, wooden toys, games and furniture. For more information about the crafts and artisans of Red Bird Mission go on their website at www.crafts.rbmission.org.

The Season of Advent will start Sunday, November 29. The theme for Advent this year is “A Baby Changes Everything”. During this season, we are invited to think about how God chooses to come into the world as a baby, Emmanuel meaning “God is with Us.” How do babies change us? And how does this particular baby named Jesus, change our priorities, our perspectives, our timing, our loving, and our whole life? Watch for more details on special events during the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Seasons.

Make sure to save these dates: December 20 – Children and Chancel Choir will present a special music program in worship. December 24 – 4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service and 11:00 p.m. A Traditional Christmas Eve Service with carols, scriptures and readings.

The Annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, November 22 at 4:00p.m at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. The Shepherdstown Elementary Choir will sing, there will be a time of community sharing of blessings, and an offering of non-perishable food and/or money will be taken to go to Jefferson County Community Ministries. All are welcome to come.