Shaft United Methodist Church

Newsletter

November 2008

Rev. Harry Burchell , Jr. Pastor

If Only…

How many times have we said this? If only I had been more understanding … If only I listened … If only I had called my friend … If only I had forgiven… If only I had witnessed to… The list could go on and on. Each one of us has regrets – some recent, some long past. Though we try to forget them, they still pop up in our memories and cause us inner pain. Maybe we have tried to make an “if only” right but have been met with rejection. It may even be that the situation was not entirely our fault, but the “if only” is still there.

How do we deal with our regrets? Because that's what an “if only” really is. No one can go through life without regretting harsh words or unkind deeds. Stresses at home or work, health or financial concerns or a number of other things, can trigger a moment when we lash out at others without thinking. Regret comes later.

It is important to regret missed opportunities or harsh actions, but should we constantly allow these regrets to make us feel miserable and unworthy ? We will all look back on something in our lives that we repent having done. Corrie ten Boom once told a group of believers that we must “Give our ‘if onlies ' to God.” She says it is important “what you are now, not what you once were”.

Memories of our failures will rise to bother us even though we continue to grow in our Christian faith. They reach to the very depths of our beings to sting us. We ask God to forgive us, and we know that He does forgive us. Yet, the memory lingers. We can't forgive ourselves or have met with rejection when we ask for forgiveness the ones we offended.

Majorie Holmes tells a story in the Daily Guidepost 2006 about a four year old child and her grandmother who were watching an airplane that was skywriting. As the words began to fade away, the little girl asked, “Where do the words go?” Her grandmother was searching for an answer when her granddaughter's face brightened, and she exclaimed, “Maybe Jesus has an eraser!” ( Women's Devotional Bible, page 1408) I think this little girl, in all her innocence had the answer. Jesus does have the eraser. It isn't a magic eraser. It is the power of His blood shed for our sins. He has washed us white as snow.

Many things in my life have caused me to feel regret; things I wish I had not done or said – “if only”. But, if I truly believe that Jesus has wiped away all my regrets and “if onlies ”, then I must let them go. We are all forgiven when we earnestly give our regrets to God in repentance.
There is one “if only” we don't want when our life one earth is over; If only I had given my life to Jesus. An old hymn by W.S. Weeden says, … “All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all”. None of us can take back those times of regret of “if only”, but we can walk forward with our hand in His, knowing that we are forgiven and have the gift of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, we give you our regrets and ask Your forgiveness for the times when we have been unkind or harsh or have not witnessed for You. Help us to be faithful laborers for You . Amen.

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Happy Birthday

Nov. 3 – Viola Drew
Nov. 3 – Trudy Landis
Nov. 4 – Tony Batina
Nov. 7 – Rose Batina
Nov. 8 – Pearl Monahan
Nov. 8 – Jill Dean
Nov. 15 – Lisa Rayner
Nov. 15 – Pauline Howsare
Nov. 20 – Phyllis Howsare
Nov. 20 – Faye Wolford
Nov. 22 – Logan Howsare
Nov. 22 – Cameron Landis
Nov. 22 – Kent Parks
Nov. 23 – Grace Mann

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Happy Anniversary

Nov. 4 – Chris and Kathy Skidmore
Nov. 11 – Henry and Carolyn Brown
Nov. 25 – Irvin and Mary Ziler
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Ushers for Novemebr : Alice Monahan and Wendy Atkinson
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This month's newsletter is dedicated to the birthdays of Viola Drew, Nov. 3, and Pearl Monahan, Nov. 8. Viola and Pearl have lived their lives as faithful followers of and witnesses for God. Happy Birthday, Viola and Pearl . We love you!

Thanks to Alfred and Viola Drew and Paul and Phyllis Howsare for their generous donation to the Sunday bulletins and the newsletter. ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Dates to Remember

Nov. 4 – Election Day
Nov. 6 - 7:00 p.m. United Methodist Women
Nov. 11 – Veterans' Day
Nov. 13 – 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council Meeting
Nov.4 & 18- 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice
Nov. 30 – First Sunday of Advent
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Congratulations
Todd and Sandra Skidmore are the proud parents of a baby boy, Waylan Everett. He was born on Oct. 3. Harold and Carol Skidmore are the proud grandparents. We pray for God's blessing for Todd, Sandra and Waylan .
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Combined Worship Service
On Oct. 19, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. our church attended the Dickerson AME Church for a combined worship service. It was another wonderful time of shared Christian worship and fellowship. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“ Sonshine ” Sweets

It's time to think about ordering candy for the holiday season. “ Sonshine ” Sweets has order forms available at church in the vestibule. All orders placed by Dec. 1, 2008 will receive a 10% discount. A percentage of the profits from the holiday sales will be donated to the youth for their trip to “Rock 2009” in January.

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Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child
Again this year, our church is participating in Franklin Graham's special Christmas mission. If you would like to help with this project, bring a shoebox filled with items for a child from birth to 16 years of age. Wrap only the lid of the box, and mark it for the age and gender. It costs $7.00 to send each box. Checks should be made out to Samaritan's Purse. Carol Skidmore has information concerning the contents of the shoeboxes. Carol and Skiddy will deliver the boxes to Grace Memorial Community Church. The last day to bring the shoeboxes to church is Sunday, Nov. 23.
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Additional Birthday

Nov. 11 – Hali Bostjancic
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Remember to keep our troops and our nation in prayer.

Pastor Says…
If you feel God urging you to step out in faith to do something, then go for it. We have three beautiful girls coming to our church services. Wouldn't it be great if we could organize a “children's church” for them during part of our morning service? If you would be interested in being part of a group to begin this program, contact Sharon Ashby. There are many Christ-centered activities that could be used. Maybe a program like this would encourage other parents to bring their children to our church.
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The beautiful basket of flowers that were on our altar on Nov. 2, were in memory of Wes Hann from his friend, Jerry.
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Thanks!

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you for the wonderful evening you had for me on Oct. 26. I was completely surprised when Pastor Burchell announced that the dinner was not only to dedicate the handicapped accessible ramp, but also to honor me. How you pulled the surprise off is beyond me! The evening was so special, and I can't express the gratitude I feel for the engraved silver piano music box, the cards and gifts, and the special words of kindness. I was overwhelmed. My family being there and the special message from John and Jill Dean also meant so very much to me. The evening came at a time when I needed a lift in my spirits. Everyone worked so hard. The food was great, the cake was beautiful and the Christian love was abundant. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am blessed to be part of Shaft Church . God bless all of you.

In Christ's love,

Sharon
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Poinsettias

If you would like to order poinsettias to be placed on our altar for the Christmas season, you can put your name on the sheet at church. The cost is $6.00 for each flower, and the colors are red, pink and white. Indicate on the sheet whether the poinsettia is in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The last day to order is Nov. 16. Selina , Susie and Lisa are taking care of ordering the flowers for us. Thanks, ladies!
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New Care Group

Marsha Staggs has once again stepped up to do a much needed job. She is conducting a care group for middle and high school age girls every Saturday at the church. Marsha has selected the material carefully to meet the needs of this age group. If you would like more information, contact Marsha at 301-690-9251.
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On Friday, Nov. 14 at the Nazarene Church near Morgantown , Ray Van der Laan will be presenting a program about his work in the Holy Lands. If you would be interested in attending the meeting, contact Shaun Skidmore at 301- 895-4461 or Sharon Ashby at 301-689-5006. The Friday night care group, facilitated by Karen Skidmore, has been viewing Ray Van der Laan's series of messages on the Holy Land .

Remember Our Veterans and Those Still Serving in our Armed Forces.

Why Taps Is Played
All of us have heard the haunting sound of “Taps”. It brings tears to our eyes and a lump in our throats. Here is the story behind the song.
It began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe , was with his men near Harrison 's landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Capt. Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier that lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if the soldier was Union or Confederate, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through gunfire, the captain reached the soldier and began pulling him toward the encampment. When the captain reached his own lines, he discovered the man was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light of the lantern, the captain saw the face of the dead soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he joined the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military funeral, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The captain asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the captain, they did say they could give him one musician.

The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his son's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we know as “Taps” was born. The words were:

Day is done… Gone the sun
From the lakes… From the hills
From the sky… All is well.
Safely rest… God is nigh.

Fading light… Dims the sight…
And a star… Gems the sky
Gleaming bright… from afar
Drawing nigh… Falls the night.

Thanks and praise… For the days
Neath the sun… Near the stars…
Neath the sky… As we go…
This we know… God is nigh.

Shaft United Methodist Church
c/o 60 Victoria Ln .
Frostburg , MD 21532

“A thankful heart is a great virtue, and the parent of all other virtues.”

“A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing.”

“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”

From: Apples of Gold Calendar