NOVEMBER 2014
Under the Bell Tower
No More Ordinary
November always puts the brakes on the long march of Ordinary Time. It’s
especially so this year. Ordinary Time is the short sequence of Sundays after Epiphany
and the long period of Sundays after Pentecost in the Christian Calendar (it began June
22 this year). The other weeks in our Christian year are focused on holy days and
festivals commemorating the life of Jesus, like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. All
told, over half the year comprises Ordinary Time. But November brings a break.
Ordinary Time is interrupted, then concluded this month.
The first Sunday of November we’ll celebrate All Saints Sunday, a special day to recall
that communion in Christ includes all those who have gone before us and will come
after us. Death does not close the door on life in Christ. Instead, it opens the windows
of life to the fullness we share in communion with God and one another. Then, three
short weeks away, on the twenty-third, we celebrate the Reign of Christ Sunday (always
the last Sunday after Pentecost). The last word of our ordinary time is that Christ is
Lord. Finally, the last Sunday of November is the first Sunday of Advent. We begin our
anticipation and hope for the coming of Christ. In the build-up to Christmas with all its
excitement and splendor, we are reminded of Christ’s promise that God’s reign of
peace, justice, and love is coming.
November is a special month this year. It invites us to ponder how extraordinary life is
for us, just ordinary people. Being ordinary can seem dull and not very special; humdrum and even boring. But if we stop and think about our ordinary lives in the context of
what we face this month then the light dawns. God’s extraordinary grace is always
shown most brilliantly through ordinary people. God’s extraordinary love is always
found in ordinary homes and churches. God’s extraordinary future is always revealed in
ordinary times.
Peace,
Doug
STEWARDSHIP REPORT THROUGH
OCTOBER 31, 2014
Annual Church Budgeted Income $208,676
Income Weekly
4,013
Income Received
Income members
Transferred from Investment savings
Expenses to Date
Net Difference
Budgeted
126,331.70
45,000.00
-174,287.10
- 2,955.40
Actual
89,288.03
68,000.00
- 158,867.58
-1,579.55
Difference
37,043.67
-23,000.00
-15,419.52
-1,375.85
ATTENDANCE FOR OCTOBER
2013
10/06
10/13
10/20
92
81
90
10/27
103
366
11/02
11/07
11/07
11/07
11/11
11/20
11/23
11/23
11/25
11/30
2014
10/05
89
10/12
74
10/19
82
SAVINGS
10/26
85
330
offerings
3,217.50
2,156.00
2,794.00
18,000.00
1,841.46
$28,008.96
NOVEMBER Birthdays
Luan (Lori) RICE
Hannah LINDSEY-SCHUMAN
Wendy RIDGEWAY
Caroline RIDGEWAY
Cordell ALLBEE
Terry WARFIELD
Patricia DiANTONIA
Thelma LEWIS
Sandra YURGA
Ava RUDIS
11/03
11/07
11/07
11/08
11/15
11/22
11/23
11/25
11/28
11/30
Elisabeth TOMLINSON
Marian DePUE
Cameron RIDGEWAY
Mary JOHNS
Sally CHILDEARS
Victor PIERCE
Sue Harris-HUNT
Jennifer DOWNS
Angela DOWNS
Patricia THOMPSON
If we missed anyone, please notify the church office to get your name on the list.
The Prayer List for Members & Friends of the Church
The list is kept current. For a copy please call the church office: 674-4177; peopleschurchdover@verizon.net
PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS
Louise Ferguson – in Capitol Rehab, room 225-B.
Daisy Hill—at home with son recuperating
Sylvia Latourette – at home being cared for by her daughter
Ann Lewis – at Silver Lake in room #231 for therapy after heart surgery
Thelma Lewis – in the Alzheimer’s unit at State Street, still a happy and welcoming lady
William Muntz – recuperating at home after surgery
Connor Rumbley – recuperating at home after surgery
Mary Reed – in rehab at Westminster Village following hospitalization
Betty Tomlinson – Westminster Health Center
Adolf Weissenfluh – home, dealing with advancing Parkinson’s disease
PRAYERS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
Harriet Griggs – : in VCU Medical Center for recurrence of infection.
Jacqueline Lenox – Jim Miller’s aunt - broken pelvis, shoulder/neck pain
Samuel Lenox – Jim Miller’s Uncle - extreme back pain
Keith Nicolls – Fred Hotchkiss’ uncle - kidney failure
Jean Tilley – Billie Boehmer’s mother in PA - Parkinson’s disease and
age dementia
Verna James – The Hufnal’s aunt: reoccurrence of Breast Cancer and other
health issues due to aging
Donald Olliver - The Hufnal’s uncle has Lateral Sclerosis and Heart concerns.
PRAYERS FOR CANCER PATIENTS
Wanda Bacon – Phyllis Simpkins’ niece - breast cancer
Willard Irwin – Lyn Arnold’s colleague
Mrs. Carla McNatt – friend of Phyllis Simpkins - Pancreas
Lillian Schrantz – Cleah Muntz’s sister-in-law
David Simpkins – Larry Simpkins’ brother, cancer
Stephanie Stegmaier – Phyllis Tarburton’s daughter - breast cancer
CAREGIVERS
The next meeting to coordinate will be November 12th at 10:30 AM at the church. We would love to have others
join us.
Shirley Hawkins
MEN'S BREAKFAST
The next Men's Breakfast will be Tuesday, November 18th at 8 a.m. in the Country Eatery on N State
St. Men, if you are reading this announcement you are welcome and encouraged to join us! We enjoy
an hour of fellowship and food at the beginning of the day every third Tuesday of the month. Why not
mark that on your calendar and plan to join us for a good time?
CHURCH VAN MINISTRY
If you or someone you know is interested in riding to worship and back home each Sunday in the church van,
OR if you would like to volunteer as a van driver for this ministry, please call the church office and let us know.
The Van Ministry is ready to respond to your call.
The list is kept current. For a copy please call the church office: 674-4177; office@peopleschurchofdover.org
SATURDAY BREAKFAST & WORK-DAY FOR WOMEN & MEN
Saturday November 15th: 7:30 AM – Church Dining Room
Full service Breakfast at 8 AM – 8:45 AM then get-er-done from 8:45 AM to 11:00 AM. See you there.
WISH LIST
It is getting along to the end of the year and the church is needing a few things to get to the
New Year!
Ice melt
Copy paper (white or colored)
Stamps
Rolls of paper towels
What’s Happening In the Interim Time?
" The Pastor Search Committee continues to meet weekly. We have received fifteen ministerial
profiles to review and have a couple of prospects we are considering. The candidates vary widely from
single to married, with families and without, men and women, and from all over the country including
Hawaii. We will continue to receive profiles for at least another couple of months, but will soon be
checking references and proceeding with phone interviews on some of the ones we have reviewed.
Please be patient with us as we prayerfully consider these candidates, review the 15-18 pages of each
one's information and respond appropriately."
Flowers
11/02
11/09
11/16
11/23
11/30
VOLUNTEERS
Barbara VanSant
B J & Dave VanKavelaar
Eileen Lockwood & Cheryl Goldsmith
Eileen Lockwood & Cheryl Goldsmith
Judy & Jeff Reed
Sunday Lessons
11/02
Liturgist
11/02
Glenn Hitchens
11/09
Joe Zingaro
11/16
Lester Gallihue
11/23
Richard Merriwether
11/30
Bill Hufnal
Ushers
11/02
Phyllis Simpkins
Jackie Niehorster
Richard Merriwether
11/09
Cheryl Goldsmith
Phyllis Simpkins
Vicky Healey
Bill Hufnal
All Saints Sunday
Holy Communion
Revelation 7:9-17; Matthew 5:1-12
11/09
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1st. Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
11/16
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
1st. Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30
11/23
Reign of Christ Sunday
Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
11/30:
First Sunday of Advent
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Mark 13:24-37
11/16
Jackie Niehorster
Jim Caldwell
11/23
Cheryl Goldsmith
Jennifer Childears
Sally Childears
Bill Hufnal
11/30
BOARD OF DIACONATE
" As the new year approaches the Diaconate will have two vacancies to fill for the 2015-2017 term (3
yrs). The Diaconate supports and formulates policy for worship at Peoples church. From supplying the
ushers, acolytes, liturgists, and even the occasional substitute preacher, to adorning and dressing the
Altar each week. The Diaconate supports the choir director, the organists, and the pastor. It helps
administer Holy communion and manages a monetary fund used to help those in need in our
community, as well as, members of our congregation. The Diaconate meets once a month for about an
hour after worship and is made up of twelve members total. While we do meet the most frequently, the
work is not hard and the camaraderie is pleasing. So please, if you are looking for a way the support
your church more please consider donating your time and talent by joining the Board of Diaconate."
Jerry Rice
"In keeping with a past tradition at Peoples Church anyone who would like to come to the altar
rail during the Morning Prayer/Lord's Prayer to offer up their prayer and petition is more than welcome."
Our Church's Website
Have you looked at our church's website lately? www.peopleschurchofdover.org Special thanks to
Elinor Baker for all the work she puts into her job as our webmaster.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We are off to a great start, with activities, classes, and events for everyone in our church family. Our board,
guided by our dedicated interim pastor, Doug, offers the following opportunities:
"Twenty-after"--- a twenty minute discussion, each Sunday, of the lectionaries scriptures and the sermon, led by
Reverend Griffin
Praying the Bible---4:00 pm, the first Sunday of each month, led by Reverend Griffin
Faith In Life---4:00 pm, the second Sunday of each month, facilitated by Reverend Griffin
Advent Book Review, beginning Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00pm, each week.
Hayride for children and parents: 1:00pm Saturday, November 15, leaving from the home of John and Judy
Downs
Advent Workshop for all Sunday School students, on Sunday, November 30, during Sunday School time
Parents Time Out, for all children 2-12, December 7, 1:00-4:00pm, at the church. Movie, games, and great fun
for kids.
SPAGHETTI DINNER, Sunday, November 16, 4:30-6:30 pm, sponsored by CE and the Sunday School, with
tips going to youth activities. Tickets are 7:00 adult and 4:00 children under ten, purchased in advance. They are
available now from the office, after worship, or from a board member or Sunday School student.
There are several mission projects for youth this fall:
Stop Hunger Now,, November 9, 4:00pm, at Wesley United Methodist Church, for older youth
Christmas cookie making, for Church Women United's prison ministry project and for our own Cookie Walk
Angel Tree gift wrapping
The next meeting of the board will be November 23.
Jean Hitchens, chairperson
Advent Book Study and New Group Begin in November
A new opportunity will be offered on the second Sunday of the month, beginning November 9 at
4 p.m., entitled “Faith In Life.” Have you ever felt like your prayers didn’t go higher than the ceiling and
wondered if you’re the only Christian who feels that way? Have you gone through an experience that
has left you profoundly aware of God’s intimate presence with you, but don’t feel talking about it with
coworkers? Have you just wished that just once conversations about issues of the day, like political
campaigns, war in the Middle East, or the Ebola threat, could focus on how our faith in God can effect
how we face these issues? These are the kinds of questions that Faith In Life will address. The
“agenda” will emerge from the questions or concerns that participants bring to it. The goal is not to find
answers or to have everyone in agreement, but to share the spiritual connection that flows from
prayerful fellowship.
Rev. Griffin will facilitate an Advent book study on five consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning
November 18 at 7 p.m. in the Dining Room. The book is, The First Christmas by Marcus Borg and
John Dominic Crossan. Because Advent is so short and life gets so hectic right before Christmas we
will begin the study two weeks before Advent. In The First Christmas Marcus Borg and Crossan—top
Jesus scholars and authors of The Last Week—help us see the real Christmas story buried in the
familiar Bible accounts. Basing their interpretations on the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of
Matthew and Luke, Borg and Crossan show how each story is unique and different from the other but
how the inner truth of each presents a clear and uplifting message of hope and peace. With The First
Christmas readers get a fresh, deep, and new understanding of the nativity story, enabling us to better
appreciate the powerful message of the Gospels. Books can be purchased for $11 at the Church
office. Get your book and read the first two chapters prior to the first session on November 18 at 7
p.m. The other sessions are November, 25, December 2, 9, and 16.
In addition to these new opportunities, last month we introduced a spiritual formation program
entitled, “Praying the Bible.” Ten individuals participated. They were introduced to a fifteen-minute
process for reading a selected passage of Scripture and letting it inform and guide their prayer. Each
participant also received a calendar of Bible readings for each day of the month with instructions on
how to use it for daily prayer. Praying the Bible continues on Sunday, November 2. Newcomers are
welcome, since there is nothing to “make up” or catch-up to. Attendees from last month will be able to
raise questions or problems they had and to learn from one another.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
BOARD OF MISSION & OUTREACH
NEIGHBORS IN NEED
The NEIGHBORS IN NEED offering received $254.00. Thanks you for all your
donations.
FOOD BANK
The First Baptist Church Food Bank gives out Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner food baskets.
Until December 14, we will focus our food drive on helping to fill these baskets for those who would
otherwise not have a special dinner. Items needed are instant mashed potatoes, instant stuffing,
canned sweet potatoes, green beans and corn. Money can also be donated for turkeys and pies.
Food Bank envelopes are in the hymnal rack; make checks payable to People's Church. Collected in
October were 42 items and $10 taken to the Holy Cross Food Bank. Just a reminder - expired items
are not accepted by the Food Banks. Thanks!!
Women’s Fellowship
At our last meeting, October 12th, 18 women enjoyed our speaker, Karen Kirstender, the
marketing director of Westminster Village. attended. We learned about the various levels of care and
that WV is a not-for profit organization.
Phyllis Simpkins still has Family Thanks bags to collect change. These will be dedicated after
Thanksgiving. ½ of the proceeds will benefit the Diaconate Fund and the other ½ will be split between
Caring Hearts Helping Hands and the Stockley Auxiliary.
Nearly 100 shawls/quilts/blankets have been given to friends and family members since we
started in 2010.
The ladies approved the nominations for 2015 officers:
President – Ruth Gallihue
Devotional Life – Jane Kent
1st VP – Shirley Hawkins
Program Chair – Robin Hinderer
nd
2 VP- Robin Hinderer
Material Aids – Shirley Hawkins
Secretary – BJ Van Kavelaar
Hospitality – Marian DePue
Treasurer – Phyllis Tarburton
House – Jane Zink
Parliamentarian – Phyllis Simpkins
Publicity – Pat Thompson
Key Woman – Mary Johns
Family Thank Offering – Phyllis Simpkins
Advisor – Jean Hitchens
Nominating Committee – Shirley Hawkins
Phyllis Simpkins will purchase supplies for the craft for the Nov. meeting. We will make wind
chimes to bring to our shut-ins with 1” clay flower pots. Ladies can donate $1-2 for supplies.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 9th at 11:20am. We will be making cranberry relish to
sell and crafts for our shut-ins. Phyllis Tarburton will purchase the cranberries; ladies volunteered to
bring sugar, apples and oranges.
CARING HEARTS HELPING HANDS (phone 698-1900)
The Christmas program is gearing up. We are currently looking for wish-grantors and volunteer
shoppers.
The members and volunteers at Caring Hearts Helping Hands are cleaning out the summer
clothes and hanging fall and winter clothes in our warehouse. We are accepting gently used and new
children’s clothing, furniture, small appliances, kitchen items, linens, toys and board games (with all the
pieces included) and always need cleaning supplies, paper products, personal hygiene items, and gifts
for teen birthdays.
Our office hours are every Tuesday, 10 am - 2 pm; the first Wednesday evening of each month,
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturday of each month, 10 am - 12 pm. Please feel free to
come by any time, email us at caringhearts@verizon.net or check out our website: “chhhde.org”.
If you shop at Redner’s and use your “pump perks” card, please send us your grocery receipts
as Redner’s gives 1% of those tapes to charities. We have already collected over $40,000 in receipts
and received checks for over $400 which pays for Christmas gifts for four children.
If you are interested in helping or know of any teens or college students who need hours of
community service, we would be happy to have their help as well. If you like to shop but are not able
to sponsor a family for Christmas, we are also looking for shoppers.
Thanks again for all your support.
BJ Van Kavelaar
Secretary/Director
NOVEMBER 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
1 PM C.O.D.A
All Saints Day
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
All Saints Sunday
10:00 am worship
Holy Communion
Sunday
11:00 Coffee
12:15 pm NA
& 7:00 pm NA
meetings
7:00 pm AA
meeting
9:30 amGenesis part-1
12:30 PM
F.A.I.R.
1 PM C.O.D.A.
Election Day
10:30 AM Care
Givers meeting
12:15 am
NA & 7:00
pm AA
meetings
11:20 am – 20 After
7:00 PM
Choir Practice
Chesapeake
Assoc. Fall
Meeting,
Catonsville
12:15 pm NA
meeting
4:00 pm – Praying
the Bible in
Fellowship room
Daylight Savings
Time Ends
9
10:00 am worship
11:15 LuncheonTrustees & Finance
11:10 am W F Make
Cranberry Relish
10
11
12
13
14
15
12:15 pm NA
& 7:00 pm NA
meetings
7:00 pm AA
meeting
12:15 pm NA
Meeting
12:30 PM
F.A.I.R.
9:30 am Bible
Study-Genesispart 1
7:30 AM
Breakfast &
Work Day
Veterans Day
OFFICE
CLOSED
12:15 pm
NA & 7:00
pm AA
meetings
7:00 PM
Choir Practice
11:15 Board of
Management meeting
10:30 am
Caregivers
meeting
11:20 am-20 After
Redners
Food Drive
1 PM C.O.D.A.
1:00 pm
Hayride –
John Downs
farm
4:00 pm-Faith in Life,
Fellowship Room
16
10:00 worship
11:00 am coffee
4:30 pm Spaghetti
Dinner Dining room
Silent Auction
17
12:15 pm NA
& 7:00 pm
NA meetings
18
19
20
21
22
8:00 AM Men’s
BreakfastCountry Eatery
12:15 pm NA
meeting
12:30 PM
F.A.I.R.
1 PM C.O.D.A.
11:30 am – K E
M lunch &
meeting
9:30 Bible
Study-Genesis
part 1
7:00 PM
Choir Practice
12:15 pm
NA & 7:00
pm AA
meetings
7:00 pm AA
meeting
6:00 pm PFLAG
mtg. – Dover
Public Library
11:30 am
UCC Interim
Minister
Group
Redners
Food Drive
23
Thanksgiving
Sunday
10:00 am worshipReign of Christ
Sunday
24
25
26
27
28
29
12:15 pm NA
& 7:00 pm NA
meetings
7:00 pm AA
meeting
12:15 pm NA
meeting
12:30 PM
F.A.I.R.
OFFICE
CLOSED
1 pm
C.O.D.A.
7:00 pm
Advent book
study
9:30 Bible
study-Genesis
part 1
OFFICE
CLOSED
2
3
4
5
6
12:15 pm
NA & 7:00
pm AA
meetings
1 PM C.O.D.A.
11:00 am coffee
11:15 Trustees
Meeting
11:10 am. Bd. of
Christian Ed
7:00 pm
Community
Thanksgiving
Service
30
1ST. Sunday of Advent
DEC.
9:00 Trustees
Meeting

10:00 Worship
11:20 am – 20 After
1
12:15 pm NA
& 7:00 pm NA
meetings
7:00 pm AA
meeting
12:15 am NA
meeting
12:30 PM
F.A.I.R.
7:00 PM
Choir Practice
THE PURPOSE / MISSION STATEMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S CHURCH OF DOVER
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
The purpose of this church shall be to worship God who embraces all people;
to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as our Revealer, Lord and Savior;
to celebrate the sacraments; to facilitate spiritual growth;
to practice Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church Universal;
to proclaim the Bible as the story of our faith and to educate and nourish that faith among all ages;
to render loving service towards humankind; to be faithful in our stewardship responsibilities with our time, talent and
treasures; and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.
Church Office – 302-674-4177, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Email address: office@peopleschurchofdover.org
WebPage: peopleschurchofdover.org
Rev. Douglas Griffin, Interim Pastor (302) 857-0177, Email: interimpastor@peopleschurchofdover.org
office 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 M-Th
Worship Service
10:00 AM
Philip S. Betts
Organist
Kathy Hanebutt
Assist. Organist
Robin Hinderer
Treasurer
Cynthia Hotchkiss
Adm. Assist.
Dr. Paul Hanebutt
Randal Revay
R. Jefferson Reed
Choir Director
Sexton
Head Usher
Board Chairpersons
John Downs, Sr. - Moderator
Sue Hunt
- Mission and Outreach
Gerald Rice
- Diaconate
Jean Hitchens - Christian Education
Keith Kreisher & Robin Hinderer - Co-chairs Management
John Downs, Jr. - Finance
**DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER 2014 NEWSLETTER IS NOVEMBER 20, 2014**