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Your Monthly News & Updates
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Read about a new sermon series, becoming a Green Chalice Congregation, a new student minister at Slash
and so much more!
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I am excited to begin the season of Lent, February 18 here at Slash, by talking about Palm Sunday. Why celebrate Palm Sunday on the first Sunday of Lent? Because Holy Week is a sacred time for Christians everywhere; however, the week passes by so quickly that we don't have the time to reflect deeply on what it means. Instead of cramming our reflection time into one schedule-packed week of special services, we are going to slow down and spend the entire season of Lent on the events that took place during Holy Week.
I hope you will join us for Lenten Sunday worship as we welcome the King, talk about the trouble in the temple, learn all about trick questions, share the Last Supper, pray in the garden, and celebrate the empty tomb. The sermon series will be called
"the Final Week." Join us for Sunday worship and for Maundy Thursday Worship, March 29, at 7 pm as we celebrate the Last Supper.
Special Lenten Outreach Opportunity
on Ash Wednesday, February 14
This year we will have a special tent set up in the morning and afternoon for Ash Wednesday. Location and times will be announced soon. We will offer shoppers and people traveling to work the opportunity to learn about the sign of the cross (with ashes), receive the sign of the cross, and information about our congregation. Everyone at the All Church Planning was excited about this opportunity to share the gospel. Plan to drive by and see us or you can volunteer to take part.
En Agape',
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February Serving Schedul
e
Next Elders Meeting:
February
6
; 7:00 p.m.
Elder of the Month:
Reggie Martin
Communion Prep: Gant/Miller
| Date |
Genesis Elder/Greeter |
Elders |
Diaconate |
Acolytes |
| 4 |
Harold Manahan |
David Bremner |
Sherri Beth Smith* |
Daniel Peterman |
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Lloyd West (G) |
Reggie Martin |
Barbara Davis |
Carrie Peterman |
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Keith Davis |
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Olivia Gant (J) |
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| 11 |
Mark Highfield |
Nancy Farrell |
Jean Smith* |
Cassidy Penley |
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Cathy Tillman (G) |
Madelyn Logan |
Jared Pierce |
Emmett Pierce |
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Pat Penley |
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Meredith Farrell (J) |
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| 18 |
Judy Pierce |
Ted Jones |
Carlton Shelton* |
Lauren Markley |
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Dalton Pierce (G) |
Patsy Fowler |
Deborah Sadler |
Avery Pierce |
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Chad Baugher |
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Logan Markley (J) |
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| 25 |
Sandra Loving |
David Bremner |
Angie Dalton* |
Daniel Peterman |
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Brooken Loving (G) |
Reggie Martin |
Amanda Matassa |
John Weeks |
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Keith Dalton |
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Brenna Peterman (J) |
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(G) = Greeter (J) = Jr. Diaconate
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Reggie Martin, Moderator
Next Cabinet Meeting: February 18, 4 p.m.
Next Board Meeting: March 18, 7 p.m.
Reaching Up, Reaching Out and Coming Together is the vision we have been given by God to shape how we use our resources and what ministries God is calling us to share in our community. Rev. Michael introduced three new visions for ministry at the Planning Retreat. Today, I will share two of them with you. The third will be shared by the Outreach Committee at a later date as plans take shape.
Becoming a Green Chalice Congregation
Slash Church Cares for God's Creation
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. Out of our call to "do justice" (Micah 6:8), we strive to demonstrate the fullness of God's shalom through living out our faith by caring for God's creation. From Hawaii and Washington to Ontario and Florida, and right here in Virginia, Disciples congregations are caring for creation in unique and inspiring ways. Our Planning Committee and Board propose that we take steps to become a Green Chalice Congregation in 2018.
Shortly we will be looking for volunteers to examine how Slash can save energy, recycle, and care for God's creation in the best way possible. Our mission would be to connect Christian faith, spiritual practice and creation consciousness to demonstrate the fullness of God's shalom here in Hanover County.
Student Ministry with Lexington Theological Seminary
One of the things Slash has done well in the past is nurture people for ministry. We would like to continue that ministry in 2018. We have been approached by Lexington Seminary student, Frances Stanley, who lives here in Ashland and asked if we would mentor her as a congregation. The General Board voted last week to become a Lexington Seminary Mentor Congregation and to welcome Frances.
She has most recently been volunteering at Ashland Christian Church and will be among us here at Slash and begin her volunteer ministry with us on February 4th.
Frances was accepted at Lexington Theological Seminary's Master of Divinity program in March 2017 in response to a call for ministry.
She currently works as policy analyst for the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), responsible for monitoring Virginia's affordable housing needs and market conditions. Prior to joining VHDA in January 2013, she worked for the nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corporation and for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where she specialized in community development analysis, GIS and research on the needs of the community.
Join us in welcoming our new Student Minister, Frances Stanley.
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Pick up a copy to share with your family during
Lent.
Available in church on February 11.
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2017
End of year giving:
End of year statements were emailed on January 26th. You may request a paper copy of your statement from the office. If we do not have an email address on file, a paper copy was mailed to you.
If you did not receive a statement or cannot open the .pdf, please call the office.
804-798-4520
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DISCIPLES WOMEN PROMOTING THE CWS BLANKET FUND DURING MARCH
Winters in Appalachia can be long and brutal, especially if your home has broken windows and isn't well insulated. Sandy Gunnell, leader of Sisters of Hope in Prestonsburg, KY realized this when she was distributing CWS Blankets to some of her most vulnerable neighbors in her community. The thick wool blankets given to one family three years ago were being used to cover the broken windows in their house to "keep the heat in and the cold wind out." More blankets were given to the family because the CWS Blanket is the only thing they have to keep them warm.
CWS Blankets are so versatile. A blanket can be a bed, a pillow,
a tote, a tent or a coat for
survivors of hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods. For the homeless or refugees or those in our own neighborhoods living in poverty, a blanket provides not only warmth but security. These are just some of the reasons for us to want to care and support the CWS Blanket Fund.
Disciples Women will be promoting the Blanket Fund during the month of March.
Due to the many disasters happening in recent weeks and months, many right here In the US, the blanket shelves at CWS are almost empty. The suggested cost of one blanket is $10.00. Look for more information in upcoming newsletters and bulletins.
The sign-up sheet is posted on the Disciples Women bulletin board
by the nursery.
Drivers for February are needed.
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Outreach Opportunities
Christmas Family Update - A note regarding the family
"Mom came to pick up the gifts and was so overwhelmed she was in tears! We packed her van so full that I don't think she could fit one more thing in there! I've met with her once since Christmas, and she said the children were overjoyed with their gifts! They had a fabulous Christmas thanks to you all! The family and the CSB are so appreciative of all of your help! You all really did bring a Christmas miracle to this family!"
Thank you again from the Outreach Team
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Week of Compassion Offering - February 18 and 25
Theme for 2018: "More Than We Can Imagine."
"Week of compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church - Disciples of Christ in the United States and Canada. We seek to equip and empower disciples to alleviate the suffering of others through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development and the promotion of mission opportunities." Through your generous giving to the Week of Compassion Offering February 18 and 25,
let us work together to relieve hunger and thirst, provide tools to help sustain life, and provide the knowledge needed to continue sustaining life where nature has not been so kind. Week of compassion helps to provide for the immediate needs after hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods as well as providing long term resources in areas where drought is prevalent and tools are not easily available to sustain life. Take a moment and think about all those affected last year by hurricanes! Let us continue to be there. Through your gifts to the Week of Compassion Special Offering and throughout the year, God is doing More Than We Can Imagine!
ACES Food Drives
The Outreach Team this year is hoping to have 3 big ACES Food Drives. The first will be during the Week of Compassion Offering. Grocery bags will be handed out on February 18th to be returned on February 25th filled with items in need. ACES (Ashland Christian Emergency Services) has been supporting Ashland and the local community for many years. Volunteers work hard to try to provide food and clothing to local persons and families who have so little and need a lift - a helping hand. The Outreach Team hopes that you will continue to help us to feed the hungry!
Alexander Home Project
It seems that the miracle happened and the brothers have a new home. Now a little help is needed in trying to provide a few of the items for the new home. If you still have a desire to help these brothers, a few items are needed to help them out:
Set of Twin Sheets,
Set of Double Sheets,
Mattress Pad Covers
Smoke Detectors,
Fire Extinguisher
Vacuum Cleaner (Could be gently used)
If you wish to help provide any of these items, please bring to church over the next two weeks and we will see that they get to their final home. Again, thanks to all those for their generous hearts!
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The Latest Youth News from Slash
Our youth maintain an active schedule of mission, Bible study, and fun. Just a reminder that Youth Group at Slash includes 6th-12th graders. Everyone is always welcome to bring
friends. We have several activities coming up that we want to make sure everyone has on their calendars.
- January 28, 2:00 pm, Celebration and Wedding Shower for Anna West at Slash.
- February 4, 5-6:30 pm, Youth Bible Study, at Slash Church
- February 18, 5-6:30 pm, Youth Bible Study, at Slash Church
- May 6, Youth Sunday
Summer 2018 Craig Springs Schedule
Remember Slash provides half price camperships to many of these camps as well as paying 100% of the fees for our 9th-12th grade youth who volunteer as counselors at Nature Camp. Camp sign up forms will be out in the new year.
Spring Work Weekend - May 25-27
Nature Camp - June 25-29
Special Camp - July 1-6
Triple 1 - July 8-13
AMPDD Camp - July 16-21
Triple 2 - July 22-27
New Covenant Camp - July 29- August 3
Family Camp - August 3-6
Fall Work Weekend - October 5-7
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Flower Ministry
The 2018 flower chart is now posted by the office
. If you would like to purchas
e flowers
in me
mory of or in honor of a loved one please sign up on the 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.
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LIFELINE SCREENING COMING TO SLASH
Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Have members of your family suffered from these ailments? Do you have a poor diet? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may want to consider being screened for your risk of stroke through the services of Life Line Screening. Life Line Screening uses ultrasound technology to view the plaque build-up in your carotid arteries, the main arteries that carry blood to the brain. Blockages in these arteries are a leading cause of stroke. We are pleased to host this Life Line Screening event 2/14/2018 at Slash Christian Church . Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $149. All screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete.
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Current Needs:
Adult Clothing:
Men's thermal underwear (all sizes).
Men's work boots (sizes 9 and above)
Women's bras (all sizes)
Children's Clothing:
Boy's winter pants and shirts (sizes 8 and larger)
Girl's winter pants and shirts (sizes 6 and larger)
Toddler (boy's) winter pants and shirts (size 18 months)
Boy's and Girl's winter coats (all sizes)
Pantry:
Canned fruit and apple sauce
Pasta/Spaghetti sauce
Oatmeal
Jelly (small to medium size - not the big ones)
Canned chicken
Canned stew (beef and Brunswick)
Warehouse:
Electric heaters
Can openers (manual, not electric)
Thank you for your continued support!
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Prayer Requests
Church Family
Jo Richardson, Catherine Young, Gail and Jakob Hellermann, Dianne Jones, Carolyn Nash
Homebound
Buck and Frances Hale, H.T. Loving, MaryLee Jones, Norma Jennings, Beverly Vaughan
Alvin Loving, (Hanover Manor)
For Healing
Brad Moore (friend of Don Moore), Delores Sergent (Ted Jones' son-in-law's mother),
Diane Smith (sister of Nancy Murdock), Jessica Thompson and Victoria & Joseph Wix (niece of Jessica Colbert and niece's siblings), All those struggling with substance abuse and domestic violence, Tim Thomason (Judy Pierce's niece's husband), Catherine Muir (Carolyn Putnam's daughter in law's niece), Patty O'Riley (friend of Carolyn Putnam), Maryanne Reid (friend of Meredith Baugher), Kaitlyn Stahr (neighbor of Carlton Shelton), Keith Bates (brother-in-law of Becky Baugher), Sandra Colley (friend of Ginnie Caudell),
G
loria Mangum (sister-in-law of Judy Pierce),
Bob Henderson (husband of Barbara Henderson),
Darlene Webb (friend of Gail Hellermann),
Luella Markley (grandmother of Logan and Lauren),
Iris Epps (friend of Gail Hellermann),
Pam and Craig Brown (friends of Gail Hellermann),
All military personnel, first responders and their families
Unspoken prayer concerns
Love and sympathy are extended to Catherine Young upon the death of her uncle, Harvey Price.
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