Weekly news & updates: July 23, 2021 |
|
Worship Sunday at 10am
Join us for Worship this Sunday.
Gary Bonnewell, who serves as our church leadership team chairperson & lay leader, will be leading Sunday’s worship service and delivering the message.
Sermon Title: "Are You Lost?"
If you cannot join us in person, you can join us for online worship. See below for more information.
|
|
|
In-Person Worship*
Where? Our worship services are currently being held in our sanctuary. Please use the sanctuary entrance that faces Stockley Gardens.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
- Our fully vaccinated guests do not have to wear a mask; everyone else must wear masks that are well-fitted.
-
6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone, except for those who are in the same household group. Hugs and handshakes are not allowed.
-
All are required to stay home when sick, and we ask everyone to self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster.
- Mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, may be reinstated if there is a surge in the positivity rate.
|
|
Online Worship
*There are 3 different ways you can access our Facebook Live service:
-
Click here to go to our Facebook page, then scroll down until you see the video of worship
-
Or click here to go to our Facebook page, then click on "More" on the page menu, then click on "Live"
-
Or click here to go directly to our "Live" page
*The link and video are viewable even if you don't have a Facebook account!
Streaming licenses: Ghent UMC is licensed to stream our FB Live worship services with permission under CCLI #20175590 and One License A-727358. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
Monthly Food Collection This Sunday |
On Sunday, please place your offerings by the altar.
To view a shopping list of the most needed items, click here.
|
|
Special Singing Opportunity: Practice Is This Sunday |
There is a marvelous hymn based on the Gospel lesson appointed for August 8th. However, although many other denominations sing this wonderful hymn, it has not made it into the United Methodist canon.
Anybody interested in learning this hymn, please stay after church on Sunday, July 25, for a short teaching session.
Arianna will be here on August 8 to play for the service. So, it would be nice to know the hymn already. Our choir members are working on it and will be able to help lead the singing on it.
Thank you, Director of Music Ministry Nellwyn Beamon
|
|
Calling Hands for the Altar Guild |
Wanted – those who can help with the altar. Regular duties include keeping the candles filled and making sure communion is set up monthly. During special events, we make sure the silver is polished, and we also make sure the hangings are proper for the liturgical year. If you are interested, please get in touch with the
church office. There will be training—but it really does not take much to do the work. Just a commitment to make sure things are taken care of, and the schedule is very flexible. Thanks!
|
|
Hot Fun at Messy Church
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our Messy Church Block Party a success!
Join us again starting in September for monthly Messy Church. Date and time TBA.
Messy Church is “Church, but not as you know it.” It is Christ-centered, for all ages, and based on creativity,
hospitality and celebration. And it’s FREE!
|
|
|
|
Application Deadline for Scholarships |
The application deadline for the Ghent UMC Scholarship Fund for full time college students is Monday, August 9.
To qualify, you must be a Ghent UMC church member attending college (undergraduate and graduate studies) full time (12+ credit hours) this fall. Previous recipients must have a C or better grade average. If interested in applying, please contact the church office.
|
|
|
|
Meet Pastor Ryan Schaeffer
Rev. Ryan Schaeffer has been appointed to our church effective July 1st. Rev. Ryan Schaeffer, who refers to himself as Rev. Ry, comes to us from Fieldstone and Asbury UMC in Christiansburg, Virginia. He loves Bible Studies, his family, and hockey. Rev. Ryan is looking forward to getting to know everyone at Ghent and growing together in faith.
Pastor Ryan’s office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11a.m. To enter, please ring the bell on our Raleigh Ave. door or call the church office, 757-622-2843.
Pastor will be out of the office/ on vacation through Wed., 7/28.
Please contact the church office for urgent needs at 757-622-2843.
Messages will be returned as soon as possible.
|
|
|
|
To view an introduction message from our new pastor and family, click here.
|
|
|
|
Watch Out for Phishing Scams |
Districts and local churches across the Virginia Conference, including Ghent UMC, have been the targets of phishing scams. Phishing is worldwide Internet-based fraud conducted by criminals. Almost all information involved in a Phishing scam comes from email scans sourced from virus or malware-infected computers.
Please be wary of any texts or emails being sent out that ask for assistance and/or funds. Trying to appear legitimate, these communications may use the name of our church's pastor, Ryan Schaeffer, or even our former pastor, Melody Tanner.
Learn more with this resource shared by the conference IT Department.
|
|
At last, we are able to sing together again, at least outside! And so we shall pick up where we left off in the summer of 2019.
Join us on Wed., Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. on our front porch and stair landing facing Stockley Gardens to sing songs from Wales. Bring your own chair, your own water (sorry, no lemonade this year), your voices, and your instruments. We will have music for you and fans to keep you cool. We are looking forward to seeing and hearing you!
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan Our fully vaccinated guests do not have to wear a mask; everyone else must wear masks that are well-fitted. 6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone, except for those who are in the same household group. Hugs and handshakes are not allowed. All are required to stay home when sick, and we ask everyone to self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster. Mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, may be reinstated if there is a surge in the positivity rate.
|
|
Did you know that everyone is invited to help on Sunday? There are several opportunities each Sunday for adults, youth, and children to participate in our worship service!
If you have any questions, please contact the church office at office@ghentumc.org or call 757-622-2843.
|
|
|
|
|
Please set aside time each day to pray for 2-3 minutes.
"God our Shepherd, we are like a lost sheep. Help us to find You. Guide us to where You want us to be. Let us rejoice with you and tell others about our path to you..."
|
|
Altar Flowers In the worship setting, one or two flower arrangements may be placed by the altar. They are given in thanksgiving to God, and often, they are dedicated in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special event or person. To learn about flower arrangement options and/or to sign up for a Sunday, please contact the church office.
|
|
Looking to start a rewarding career making a difference in your community? Become part of the Hope House team! They offer flexible schedules, competitive pay, and benefits. Click here to read more. You can also email Elena Montello at emontello@hope-house.org.
|
|
United Methodist couple “sows the word” with their service and garden.
Upon arrival to Reelfoot Rural Ministries in March 2021, Lyn and Gene Saltzman began planting crops on an acre of land. The summer harvest will serve neighbors in four counties across Tennessee and Kentucky.
|
|
Lifelong United Methodist Dylan Mulligan uses his hobby of building castles in the sand to share his faith. Through the years, Mulligan has come to realize that what some might call child’s play is his God-given gift.
|
|
The UM Board of Church and Society has kicked off a Sacred Worth Books Summer Read-along Series on its YouTube channel. Every Wednesday in July at 2 p.m. EDT, leaders from the agency will read and discuss a different book that speaks to particular justice issues and connects with faith. The first book was "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom. Click the image above.
|
|
Anti-racism campaign marks one year |
|
The anti-racism work of The United Methodist Church is just getting started after the first year of the Dismantling Racism Campaign, say bishops and others. Upcoming initiatives include an anti-racism social justice agenda, more educational materials and an Advent devotional series. Jim Patterson reports. Read the story.
|
|
A very sweet video book called "Don't forget: A Book About Racism and the Kingdom of God" is for children.
Click the link above to watch the video.
|
|
In the second episode of "Expanding the Table," a new podcast series on practicing anti-racism by the Commission on Religion and Race, three Asian American Christian theologians examine the history and current realities of anti-Asian racism in the U.S. and what every Christian should know and do. Listen to the podcast.
|
|
Tuesday Talks: The Prayer Box
Recently Rev. Jason Stanley had a conversation with Rev. Dr. David Jiminez of Memorial UMC about their new ministry, The Prayer Box. The Prayer Box is having a double impact – on the community and the congregation.
You can watch the conversation on the image above or here.
|
|
The death of Steve Austin, a mental health proponent who struggled with and spoke often about the importance of mental health, has shaken those who knew him.
The Remembering Steve Austin Compass Podcast seeks to promote the legacy of Austin for the help he provided and the laughter he brought, rather than for his suicide. Listen to podcast.
|
|
In the past months, many of us have grown more comfortable in digital spaces. Have you worshiped on Facebook or connected with family on Zoom?
In this episode of the podcast Digital Discipleship, The Rev. Ryan Dunn, with RethinkChurch, joins for a conversation about digital discipleship. How can you and I be a pleasant presence of grace when we’re online? Watch the video to find out.
|
|
Details about the Tent Shelter at the former Greyhound Station |
Our Ghent Church Homeless Committee members are planning to volunteer at the shelter again this summer. Please stay tuned for more information so you can join us in this mission effort.
First Presbyterian's Urban Renewal Center is offering a temporary shelter at the old Greyhound Bus Station, 701 Monticello Avenue in Norfolk. In partnership with the city of Norfolk, eighty tents are available in the parking lot, while gathering space, services, and meals are served inside. It is open 24/7. And volunteers are needed.
1. Any volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent and closely supervised. Please make a note on the Sign Up Genius for any volunteers under age 18, so we can follow up to get you the information you need.
Donations: There is a currently a HUGE need for men's underwear and undershirts. Monetary donations are needed. Food items must be individually wrapped and sealed.
|
|
|
|
We are Forming a 3rd Open Table
Ghent UMC has Two Tables underway at our church and we will be forming a 3rd table to begin in January 2022!
GUMC is licensed to host The Open Table which is a model in which an at-risk person creates relationships with a small group community volunteers to help meet their goals. It is a transformative process for all involved.
For more information or to volunteer, leave a message for Faye Joseph at the church office at (757) 622-2843.
|
|
Congregational Care In response to Christ's call to love one another, we want the members of our congregation to care for one another. In-person visits are limited currently, however, prayers, phone calls, and mail from the care team are continuing.
For more information, prayer requests, or if you are feeling called to get more involved or become a member of Ghent UMC, contact Pastor Ryan.
|
|
Children and Youth
To view the latest message on our Facebook page, click here.
|
Ghent Inspire Book Club meets one day each month at 7:30pm.
On Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7:30pm, we will continue our discussion of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
For those who don’t have time to read the books, we will have a few general questions in each discussion so that everyone will be able to participate.
|
The Homeless Task Force is a group of people from a number of Ghent faith communities and community organizations who meet regularly online to share resources and ideas for serving those who are homeless. A few people from Ghent UMC are actively involved in this group, but more are always welcome. For more information or if you feel led to answer this calling to help those in need, please contact Faye Joseph at office@ghentumc.org.
Ghent Church Homeless Task Force We have started our own Homeless Task Force at Ghent UMC to minister to those in need. For more information or if you feel led to answer this calling, please contact the church office.
|
We want to update the plants and shrubs in our memorial garden and along Raleigh Ave. We are planning for the memorial garden to be a tranquil respite; exploring ideas like a prayer tree and Biblical Herb garden for the Raleigh Ave. side. Improvements need to be made to our garden gating, as well. If you want to be a part of the planning, planting, and/or implementation, please contact Debbie Bonnewell. |
|
Sunday Adult Bible Discussion*
Weekly, in-person, discussions have resumed on Sundays, 9 - 9:45 am. Meet in the downstairs fellowship hall. Please enter through the parking lot door.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan Our fully vaccinated guests do not have to wear a mask; everyone else must wear masks that are well-fitted. 6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone, except for those who are in the same household group. Hugs and handshakes are not allowed. All are required to stay home when sick, and we ask everyone to self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster. Mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, may be reinstated if there is a surge in the positivity rate.
|
Ghent UMC Preschool continued to operate safely as teachers and students followed the recommendations of the CDC, Dept. of Social Services, and VA UMC Covid-19 protocol.
Also, GUMP is always looking for substitute teachers. Background checks will be completed prior to substituting.
|
The last Leadership Team meeting* was Sunday, May 23 in the sanctuary. The next meeting is TBA.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan Our fully vaccinated guests do not have to wear a mask; everyone else must wear masks that are well-fitted. 6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone, except for those who are in the same household group. Hugs and handshakes are not allowed. All are required to stay home when sick, and we ask everyone to self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster. Mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, may be reinstated if there is a surge in the positivity rate.
|
|
|
Christ & St. Luke’s has a community garden on their property which is on the other side of our playground fence. The community is welcome to lend a hand with the garden which provides produce for those who are in need. For more information or if you are interested in helping with the garden, please contact Nicole Pabst.
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions related to COVID-19 restrictions |
|
Are we able to gather and worship in person? We are able to gather and worship in person, however, our guests are required to follow our COVID-19 Mitigation Plan. Our fully vaccinated guests do not have to wear a mask; everyone else must wear masks that are well-fitted. 6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone, except for those who are in the same household group. Hugs and handshakes are not allowed. All are required to stay home when sick, and we ask everyone to self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster. Mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, may be reinstated if there is a surge in the positivity rate.
|
|
How can I get in touch with church staff and the Pastor? Our church staff are continuing to work from home and only come to the church building on an as needed basis. To contact church staff, click here to access their email addresses, or call the church office at 757-622-2843 and leave a voice mail. Our voice mail is monitored, in general, Monday through Friday. Messages will be returned as soon as possible.
Pastor Ryan’s office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11a.m.
(Pastor will be out of the office on Tuesday, 7/27/2021.)
To enter, please ring the bell on our Raleigh Ave. door or call the church office, 757-622-2843.
|
|
How may I offer a tithe or gift? We understand that these are uncertain times for most of us financially, but we want to offer the opportunity for us all to continue to fully participate in worship through the offering of a tithe or gift. Click here to learn of the various ways to give, including access to our online giving portal and instructions on online giving from your bank. Also, you may drop off checks through the mail slot at our Raleigh Ave. entrance. For assistance, contact the church office.
|
|
Jesus is for everyone. No exceptions.
A Word of Welcome from Ghent UMC
Ghent United Methodist Church is called to the affirmation of the sacred worth of all people. We embrace as a gift the diversity of our neighborhood and the world. We acknowledge our human family's diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, language, age, faith history, theological orientation, economic status, education, marital status, abilities, and any other defining feature, real or perceived. Click here to read the message in its entirety.
Click here to read former Pastor's, Melody Tanner, special message for our church and community.
|
|
 |
UMCmarket, powered by iGive, helps you generate a donation to Ghent United Methodist Church when you shop online at thousands of retailers. It's win-win-win!
|
|
|
|
Shop by starting with OUR LINK at smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0599700 and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Ghent United Methodist Church, at no cost to you. Or activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS or Android phones (found under settings on your app).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
