The Slash Report ~ February 2014
On the Week of Compassion
As I write, we are coming to the end of a cold and snowy month.
Today, I invite you to plan to participate in the
Week of Compassion in February here at Slash. I believe that when
you learn about this important ministry it will warm you up in ways that
will help you in these cold temperatures.
We live in a world that is filled with discord and division, the earnest words of Jesus' farewell
prayer on behalf of his followers could not feel more relevant or more urgent. "The glory that
you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them
and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that
you have sent me and have loved them even as you loved me" (John 17:22-23). Jesus
prayed this prayer at the last supper with the first disciples around him, because he understood
how easy it was for human beings to divide themselves up into groups. When in reality no
matter who you are or where you come from you are loved and valued in God's sight. God did
not intend that some have and some have not! God intended that all the bounty of the earth be
shared by all.
That is why we have the Week of Compassion. This is an opportunity for those of us who
have, to share what we have with those in need. Why do I believe that the Week of
Compassion is the most important Special Offering we receive each year? Because each
time a gift is given it helps people living in poverty, victims of war, families fighting for long term
food security, families all over the world struggling to recover from storms, among many other
needs these gifts help.
Please plan to give generously on the last two Sundays in February and then join us for a
Celebration of Compassion Soup Luncheon at Noon on February 23rd. Your gifts will help
heal this fragmented world.
Giving makes all our hearts warm!
En Agape',
Rev. Michael
Men of Slash make plans to attend the
Disciple Men of Virginia Retreat; April 25-27
Airfield Conference Center; 4-H Educational Center
15189 Airfield Rd., Wakefield, VA 23888
Payment in full is due no later than March 31st
Registration forms are available in the office and online at
http://www.ccinva.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2013-Mens-Retreat-registration-info-1.pdf
Please join us in fulfilling our goal of 8 men in attendance from Slash.
Slash Christian Church recently ordained
new elders, Catherine Young and
Caroline Putnam as well as installing our
new officers. The complete list of
leadership is posted on the bulletin board
in the Education Building. We thank all
our leaders for following God's call in
their lives.
We also honored two members in worship. In a recent message, Rev Michael
talked about how Elders are through their words and deeds called to live as examples among
us. Two such Elders recently retired from active service and were recognized for their lives and
ministries among us, Don Kersey and Carolyn Nash.
Carolyn and Don love their church and it shows in their teaching, service, and presence. Filled
with the Spirit of God, they have led us in worship at the Table, coming together to grow
spiritually, and have led us in reaching out to the community. The Elders and the General Board
of the Church bestowed upon Don and Carolyn the Elder Emeritus Pin and thanked them for
their continuing service among us at Slash Christian Church on Sunday, January 26, 2014. Well
Done Good and Faithful servants.
Flower Ministry:
The 2014 flower chart is posted in the back of the sanctuary. If you would
like to purchase flowers in memory of or in honor of a love one please
sign up on the 2014 flower chart, fill in an order form and return it to the
office. You may email or call the office (798-4520) to order sanctuary
flowers. The sanctuary flower price is $27.00 with checks made payable
to Slash Christian Church. Orders do not have to be prepaid.
We are looking to put together a list of people who are willing to
cover the nursery for Church services or events when Sibrena is
unavailable. If you are willing to be on the list, please contact
Jessica Colbert (571-437-5344) or jmr0515@gmail.com
IMPACT Youth: Regional Youth Winter Retreat in RVA
February 14 – 15: Grades 6th through 12th
Event is Friday at 9 pm (registration opens at 8 pm) to Saturday at 7 pm. We are staying at
Tabernacle Baptist Church. (1925 Grove Ave in Richmond) Cost is $50 for those who register
now. Please bring towels, sheets and pillows and toiletries. We are staying there because they
have beds and showers we can use. We will be learning about and discussing Civil Rights,
including watching The Butler, and exploring the Richmond Slave Trail and the VA Holocaust
Museum on Saturday. Register by Feb 7 and use the original registration form
Email revannshepherd@gmail.com or ccinva_sg@hotmail.com if you are planning to
attend so we will be on the lookout for your registration forms.
Blessings,
Sue Gordon
February Serving Schedule:
Elder of the Month: Sandra Loving; Communion Prep: Tom Putnam
Day
2
Genesis
Elder/Greeter
Carol Payne
Carlton Shelton
Elders
Deacons
Acolyte
Steve Harrison
Carolyn Putnam
Polly Cheung*
Barbara Dykema
Ginnie Caudell
Dalton Pierce
Angie Dalton*
Olivia Gant
Debra Sadler
John Haines
Ronnie Benson*
Norma Miller
Erin Payne
Madison Payne
Meredith Baugher*
Julie Peterman
Kacie Dalton
Meredith Farrell
Tanea Webb
Niqe Neal
9
Judy Pierce
Madelyn Logan
Catherine Young
16
Ed Hellerman
Barbara Dykema
David Bremner
Carol Payne
23
Ron Bryce
Polly Cheung
Ed Hellermann
Sandra Loving
Grace Gillam
John Weeks
Kaylee Coffey
Logan Markley
Chloe Baugher
Lauren Markley
Stewardship & Finance Promotes Free On-Line Christian Financial Course
Special Offer: FREE Self-Paced Online Course
"Personal Finance: Making More with What You Have"
Learn why building a household budget is both biblical and practical.
Discover ten "economic rules" that will lower your anxiety about money
and help you build the capacity to practice generosity.
This course is taught by Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, Director of The Center
for Faith and Giving, a ministry of the Office of General Ministry and
President (OGMP) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This
course is suitable for any individual who wishes to register to learn
sound personal finance practices. ALSO, this course can be used in group settings such a
small-group study. Each member of the group can register for their own FREE access AND this
course also includes a FREE Group Public-Use License which allows our video to be shown to
groups of people in a church setting. To register go to
https://www.transformingthechurch.org/pages/course_detail/Course_Personal_Finance_Making
_More_with_What_You_Have. It only takes a few minutes!
From the Elders
As we begin our new year supporting our mission to Reach Up, Reach Out, and Come
Together, we have the opportunity to connect with those who visit our church by taking
advantage of the "three-minute rule." At our Jan. 26th, All Church Planning Meeting, Pastor
Michael shared an article from Ed Stetzer, titled "Five Ways to Connect With Disconnected
People". The first way is to take advantage of the "three-minute rule".
"The three-minute rule begins when the final prayer is said or song is
sung. This is not the time to talk to your best friends. During those first
three minutes, two things are going to happen: People who are familiar
are going to talk to each other and people who don't know anyone are
going to leave quickly. This is where it's crucial. If you take the time in
those first three minutes to talk to the people who aren't connected, you
will have time afterward to talk to your friends who are more likely to stick around. You need to
see those first three minutes after a church gathering as a time-sensitive corporate fishing pool
for Group prospects. You have three critical minutes to look immediately around for people who
are not connected in the body. Be friendly to them, ask them if they are in a group and invite
them if they are not connected to one." (1)
Let us all look for the opportunity in 2014 to apply this "three-minute rule" with new members
and visitors to Slash Christian Church.
(1) Referenced from Ed Stetzer's full article at http://www.churchleaders.com/outreachmissions/outreach-missions-articles/172282-ed-stetzer-ways-to-connect-with-disconnectedpeople.html
Blessings,
Ed Hellermann, Elder Team Chair
Mission Stewardship Moment from Xuyen Dangers in Laos:
Emails from Xuyen indicate she is busy as always in the work she does with the Social Work
students, teaching at the University and keeping up with the activities of the Child Development
Centers. Always being ready to help with new activities and re-teaching many of the activities to
new students each time a new school opens. All of this and she is making plans for retirement
and to move to the US this summer. Land has been purchased in Ozark, AR. with plans to build
a house and start a "Secret Garden". (Pictures will be available of the special "Secret Garden"
in Laos.) Keeping tradition at Christmas, Xuyen had the young students to her house to make
Christmas cookies. By doing so, it gives an opportunity to teach. Learning to read the recipe,
following instructions, learning skills, sharing with others the fruits of their labor and learning an
American tradition make for a good social time. According to Xuyen, she says "my house is
always full of people and there are just two of us, Skip and me."
Through Xuyen we learn that "Sili is active always and learning so much while at ASI in the
Philippines working on his masters degree in Social work." He went with his teachers and
classmates to help with children victims of the typhoon that destroyed Tacloban City. Sili,
always a leader while volunteering at the CDC's and after school activities continues to take
leadership roles in class and school activities and continues to teach drama to the students.
From Xuyen, " Sili an organizer, performer and more has been elected Vice-President of the
International Students at the Asian Social Institute. His multiple talents are fully used. Having
never read a book in English while studying in Laos, he now is always in the library reading
English books."
Xuyen and Sili continue to express their gratitude for the support of Slash Church and for
helping Sili with his scholarship to work on his master's degree. Please keep them in your
prayers as they continue their work. Xuyen's birthday is February 10th. Happy Birthday
Xuyen, our prayers and blessing go out to you.
Highsteppers, AARP and friends hit the road!
Email Judy Ladd or Ginnie Caudell for more information or to reserve your spot.
February 13, 2014: Second Thursday Lunch; We meet at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Please,
let us know if you plan to join us so we can make reservations.
February 19, 2014: "Gypsy" Riverside Theater Fredericksburg -The cost is $49 due January 20,
2014 plus $5 donation for gas to driver. The cost includes lunch and gratuity.
April 16, 2014: "Forever Plaid" Riverside Theater Fredericksburg - The cost is $49 due March
17, 2014 plus $5 donation for gas to driver. The cost includes lunch and gratuity.
May 21-22, 2014 Lancaster, PA "Moses" We received information from Kenwood United
Methodist Church, Kenwood Kruisers are going to Lancaster PA to see the Play "Moses".
If you are interested we will be glad to send you to details. This sounds like a lot fun.
Ginnie Caudell and Judy Ladd plan to go. We would love to have some Highsteppers join us.
ASHLAND CHRISTIAN EMERGENCY SERVICES
Friends,
The following items are needed:
Men's shoes, size 9 and up; Men's shirts, extra, extra large
Boy's shirts and pants, sizes 6 through 18;
Girl's shirts and pants, sizes 14 through 18
Canned meats, Canned ravioli and spaghetti, Canned spaghetti and meatballs
In Christian love,
Bonnie Hoskin
Thank you from the Hanover Christmas Mother
Dear members of Slash,
I cannot begin to thank you enough for all of the beautiful caps and gloves that were donated to
our Christmas Mother Program. Even though we think of caps and gloves as a means of
keeping warm when we go outside, there are often times that these caps and gloves keep
individuals warm inside as well. The time that you and other members spent in making these
caps and then matching them with gloves was invaluable.
In addition, many members and youth came to Doswell to help in the boxing of foods in
preparation for delivery to area families. Without members like you who desire to give back to
their communities, this program could not succeed. You played a vital role in make in Christmas
2013 so much more memorable for families who otherwise may not have been so lucky. You
gave hope for a brighter tomorrow for many! I, as the Hanover Christmas Mother, am honored
to be a part of the Slash Christian Church family. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Cathy Tillman
2013 Hanover Christmas Mother
Community Program Offered
"Untold Stories: Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover-- Black and White Experiences"
February 16 at 4:00pm
Come hear stories about growing up in our town and county in days gone by, about going to
different schools, and about dealing with how things were and how they were changing. This
event, entitled "Untold Stories: Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover Black and White
Experiences," is jointly sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, the Hanover County
Black Heritage Society, the Ashland Museum and Ashland Main Street Association. The panel
discussion includes participants from around our county--Beryl Carter, John Gordon, Earl
Hunter, Hilda Kelly, Eloise Piccolo and Woody Tucker. Closing comments will be provided by
Dr. Jamelle Wilson, Hanover County Public Schools Superintendent. The Ashland Community
Gospel Chorus, leg by Lenora Davis, Minister of Music at Shiloh Baptist Church, will move us to
listen to each other. Free and open to the public on Sunday, February 16 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm
at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. For more information, please call the Center at 7982728.
Prayer Concerns:
Church Family
Zachary Fowler, George Williams, Joyce Loving, Mary Lee Jones, Sophie Stidham, H.T. Loving,
Warren Duling, Carolyn Nash, Susan Hysong, Ernest Goodman
Homebound
Dorothy Wade (Autumn Care Nursing & Rehab), Eleanor Thurston (Ashland Convalescent
Center), Meg Miller (staying with relatives)
For Healing
Tom Burns (client of Polly Cheung), Vinnie Dung (friend of Carven Cheung)
Gilman family (friends of Meredith Baugher), Mae Burdue (sister of Dorothy Wade)
Roland Westbrook (father of Dawn Westbrook-Boyd), John Peterman (father of Michael Peterman)
Bob Galaspie (brother-in-law of Helen Kersey), Dan Ficklen (friend of Troy Payne)
Erma Traylor (mother of Patsy Fowler), Ellen Masters (friend of Polly Cheung)
Rachel Robertson (mother of Ronnie Benson), Rex Reed (friend of Polly Cheung)
Nita Purvis (friend of Sarah Jo Bryce), Kenny Stewart (friend of Judy Pierce)
Marion Bryce (mother of Ron Bryce), Betty McGuire (aunt of Michelle Weeks)
Tom Herbert (friend of B.L. Miller and B. Vaughan)
Love and sympathy are extended to …
The Peterman family upon the death of Julie’s grandfather, Karl Weber
The family and friends of Meg Menzies
The Elders respectfully request that prayer concerns be updated every two weeks by notifying
the office by phone (798-4520) or email admin@slashcc.org
Disciple Women invite you to a baby shower...
Additional Events this month...
February 3: Girl Scout Meeting 6:30 pm; Ruritan Meeting 7 pm
February 4: Elders Meeting 7 pm
February 6: Worship Committee Meeting
February 9: Disciple Women Baby Shower 2 pm
February 11: Education and Membership Committee Meetings
February 12: Youth Meeting with parents
February 13: Pastoral Relations Committee Meeting
February 15: Disciple Women's Meeting
February 16: Cabinet Meeting
February 17: Office Closed; Girl Scout Meeting 6:30 pm
February 20: Guests in Fellowship Hall 10:30 am & 6 pm
February 23: Week of Compassion Luncheon - Noon
February 24: Ruritan Board Meeting
February 26: Spirit Night Chick-Fil-A; 5 to 8 pm
Sunday Schedule
We are here if you need us!
G3nes1s Worship – 8:45 a.m.
Fellowship Café – 9:30 a.m.
Children’s Choir – 9:45 a.m.
Church School - 9:45 a.m.
Worship - 11:00 a.m.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
798-4520
Rev. Michael Weeks
Mobile: 238-6399
pastormichael@slashcc.org
Children Worship & Wonder offered
at both worship services.
www.slashcc.org