Weekly news & updates: December 3, 2021 |
|
Worship with Communion, Sunday, 10am
Join us for Worship this Sunday. It is the 2nd Sunday of Advent! Each Sunday of Advent, we will have Advent candle lighting, music, and celebration.
We will also have Holy Communion during Worship. A gluten - free option will be available.
Enter the doors facing Stockley Gardens. If you cannot join us in person, you can tune in to online worship. See below for more information.
|
|
|
In-Person Worship*
Where? This Sunday's worship service will be in our sanctuary. Please use the sanctuary entrance that faces Stockley Gardens.
|
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
Remember that our call is to love our neighbors and to do no harm.
- When inside the building, everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted.
- When outside, those who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear a mask, while 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Our church nursery is open during 10am Worship* |
|
Our church nursery is now open during our 10a.m. worship service for children through age 3. Our safe and responsible nursery workers are CPR certified and fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. Please ask for help from an usher to locate the nursery. Families are also welcome to have children remain in the sanctuary with them.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan (Updated Aug. 2021)
- When inside the building, everyone [2 years of age or older], whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted.
-
6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained by everyone [We understand this may not be possible for children], 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.
|
|
This Sunday, December 5, during worship, children will be invited to hang Chrismons on the low hanging branches of our Christmas tree!
Rev. Ryan is going to give a children's message all about Chrismons. What are they? What do they symbolize? Then the children will get to place some on the tree. Bring your children or grandchildren. You don't want the children in your life to miss this.
|
|
|
Christmas Poinsettias, Orders Due by this Sunday |
Christmas Poinsettias will be placed in our sanctuary on the third Sunday of Advent, December 12.
Donations of $15 are being accepted to sponsor a poinsettia plant. You may dedicate your gift in honor or memory of someone special. After the service, feel free to pick up the plant you sponsored or leave it in place for the rest of Advent and Christmas seasons.
Orders and donations are due this Sunday, December. 5. You may give through our online giving portal, the offering plate on Sundays, online giving from your bank, or you may drop off checks through the mail slot at our Raleigh Ave. entrance. Make checks payable to Ghent UMC with a notation for Poinsettias.
|
|
Scams During the Holidays |
Please be alert. There are scams happening through emails, texts, and phone calls. Yesterday, one of our members received an email request for a gift card from someone pretending to be me. Similar things have happened to some of our other members, also, in the last year. In addition, this has been happening in our district and throughout the Virginia Conference.
Here is a good rule of thumb. Neither our Pastor nor leadership members would normally ask for money or gift cards through email, texts, or phone calls.
If you do receive such a request:
-
Check the email address/ phone number to see if it matches the supposed requestor's real address/ phone number
-
And using the contact information that you already know is correct, contact myself, the requestor, or the church office. Do this in person or through a phone call to verify the validity of the request.
If any email is questionable, delete the email without clicking on any links. Do not respond, if it is a text message.
|
|
Living Nativity & Open House* |
On Sunday, December 12, 4:30 - 6:30p.m., come and invite your friends and neighbors to celebrate Christmas in our sanctuary with cookies, drinks, and beautiful music at our Open House.
Also, experience the wonder of our Savior's birth across the street in Stockley Gardens, with Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and wise men in our Living Nativity! Angel and shepherd costumes are available for our littlest guests to wear. Be sure to pet the stable animals from The Teeny Tiny Farm, too.
This child and family-friendly event is free & open to all. For the Open House, please use the sanctuary entrance that faces Stockley Gardens.
*Covid Mitigation Plan: All are required to wear masks inside; while outside, those who are fully vaccinated may remove masks. Also, 6 feet physical distance must be maintained; self-check in at each entrance with our health acknowledgement poster; and stay home when sick.
|
|
|
|
Toy Drive for WCSC ends December 13 |
Wesley Community Service Center of Portsmouth is asking the UMC community to give to a worthy cause.
To support those families who have had a harder time this year, WCSC is hosting a toy drive to ensure all the children served through the WCSC have something to unwrap this year.
- Collection ends December 13, 2021.
-
New, unwrapped toys are wanted. Please see a list of desired items at https://tinyurl.com/wesleytoydrive
- Please send or deliver toys by December 13 to their office in Portsmouth.
|
|
"Wishing You Here"
Music Video Premiere and Potluck
Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4:30pm, GUMC fellowship hall
Please mark your calendars and plan to come to the music video premiere of “Wishing You Here” on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 4:30 p.m. Ghent Church community’s Tina Micula has a custom song service, Honor a Life Song, which, along with ODU film students and local singers/songwriters, has created this music video this holiday season to lift up those who are experiencing grief, loss, or separation. This video includes people in our local community, and a lot of it was filmed on location at Ghent UMC.
Please use the building entrance next to the parking lot. We will start with a pot luck meal in the fellowship hall and enjoy Christmas songs performed by local musicians. Then we will proceed upstairs to the sanctuary for the music premiere.
To RSVP for the premiere and pot luck, click here.
|
|
A combination of members battling poor health and folks moving away has made it extremely challenging to meet and learn music on a regular basis. For the time being, we are not meeting. However, don’t fill that Wednesday night spot yet! We hope to do something in the Spring in anticipation of Easter, if we can.
Meanwhile, there are other musical opportunities, if you play an instrument. For Gathering Jam, we meet 15 minutes before the service on the second Sunday and play through the service that day. We also provide the music for Messy Church services. If you like to sing and don’t play an instrument, come out and play the maracas or other hand percussion.
Also, after Epiphany, we will be having mini - rehearsals before the service so you, the congregation, will be even more of a choir than you are already! One of the blessings of GUMC is that you are a singing congregation.
God Bless, Nellwyn Beamon
|
|
Our next meeting will be Monday, Dec. 20, at 6:30p.m., and takes place at one of our book club member’s homes. We will have a Christmas dinner together. We will also finish our discussion on "Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place" by Danielle Shroyer, starting with section 2. Please come and bring a buddy!
We will move our discussion of "The Universal Christ” by Richard Rohr to January. If you plan to attend on Dec. 20, please contact Lisa King for more details and to RSVP.
|
|
Christmas Eve Service at 5pm |
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service will be Friday, December 24, at 5p.m.
Christopher Taylor will play the violin, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior.
Gluten free option will be available for Communion.
|
|
|
|
|
"Holy One, cleanse my heart this day so that I might be a preparer of the way and guide me into proclaiming the Good News…"
|
|
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. Ghent UMC's first table has finished its work!
We are currently forming a 3rd table which will begin in January. So, we are seeking volunteers who wish to serve on the Table. Full training will be provided.
For more information or to volunteer, leave a message for Faye Joseph at the church office at (757) 622-2843.
|
|
|
|
We're Hiring Nursery Workers! |
Ghent United Methodist Church in Norfolk is seeking a nursery worker for our 10a.m. weekly worship service on Sundays. The hours are 9:30-11:30a.m. and the pay is $11 per hour. Experience with childcare preferred. Background checks and COVID vaccination required. CPR training required; will be provided if needed. To apply, contact Lisa King at office@ghentumc.org.
|
|
|
|
Let’s Stay Healthy at Ghent UMC
|
The VA UMC recommends that everyone, who is eligible, be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. Please get the shot! The vaccine is the best proven method of protection against the infection. Click here to read more.
We are entering flu season with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. If you are able, we strongly encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine. Click here to read more.
|
|
|
In this new podcast episode, of Get Your Spirit in Shape,
the focus is on giving, gratitude and generosity.
Linda Bruner, of United Methodist Communications,
shares her enduring United Methodist roots, what generosity means to her and why being part of a local congregation is key to her faith journey. Click the image above to listen.
|
|
Churches and individuals in the Virginia Conference purchased 3,694 items to share with Afghan allies. Items donated through the VAUMC Amazon wish list drive for Fort Pickett, Nov 10-14, included clothing for men, women, and children; personal hygiene items; play items for children, and much more. The Amazon wish list is still active for anyone who wants to continue shopping. Visit the website.
|
|
Checkpoint Church's (Western UM Conference) community has developed their very own Advent game and they want to share it! In the game, you will control the journey to church on Christmas Eve. You will run into roadblocks and unexpected changes to your path. Meet characters, make connections, take action, or simply survive the night on your own. Check out the trailer and details by clicking on the image above.
|
|
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.
|
|
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has a compiled a list of things church leaders can do to help anti-racism progress.
|
|
The Upper Room invites you to listen in as friends and neighbors of The Upper Room share how they are creating daily life with God in the face of racial injustice and the trauma induced by racial inequity in the U.S. Join Ron Bell as he shares about fathering his two young sons and shares a poem for our consideration. Click on the image above.
|
|
Join other United Methodists for a day of advocating on January 27, 2022.
Members of the Virginia Conference have been change-makers in the Commonwealth for 30 years through United Methodist Day at the General Assembly. One of the ways that faith is put into action is by advocating for the least, the last, and the lost at the General Assembly. Come meet delegates and senators to continue the legacy.
|
|
General Conference organizers plan to decide early next year whether the pandemic - postponed, legislative assembly can go forward as scheduled next summer. In the meantime, commission members approved a list of values that will guide their decision. Read the story.
|
|
The Rev. Juanita Rasmus was co-pastor of rapidly growing St. John's UMC in Houston. Depression ambushed her, leaving her barely able to get out of bed for months. She's written a memoir about the "treasures" of insights she gained in coming back from depression, and she elaborated on those in a Nov. 20 event titled "Learning to Be: Immersive." Read her story.
|
|
Rev. Ry invites everyone to help on Sundays!
There are several opportunities for adults, youth, and children to participate in our worship services. Just put your name or your child's name on the sign up sheet on the Welcome Center table in the back of the sanctuary; or you can click on the following link: Worship Volunteer Opportunities & Sign-Up.
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 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 or click here to sign up.
|
|
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
Pastor Ryan delivers a brief Children’s Message each week immediately prior to the Scripture and the adult sermon.
Our MS/HS youth group's next meetup will be in December (date to be announced). Ring the Raleigh Ave. door to be let in. Please attend and invite a friend!
Led by Pastor Ryan (a.k.a. Rev. Ry) and his wife Erin, we are a fully inclusive faith community; i.e. welcoming to all.
|
Ghent Inspire Book Club meets one day each month, usually, at 7:30pm.
Our next meeting will be Monday, Dec. 20, at 6:30p.m., and will take place at one of our book club member’s homes as we will have a Christmas dinner together. We will also finish our discussion on "Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place" by Danielle Shroyer, starting with section 2. Please come and bring a buddy.
We will move our discussion of "The Universal Christ” by Richard Rohr to January. If you plan to attend on Dec. 20, please contact Lisa King for more details and to RSVP.
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.
|
Anyone can play during the Gathering Jam.
Once a month, usually on 2nd Sundays, all ages are invited to bring an instrument and play along during the gathering part of our service at 9:45am. The next Jam will be December 12.
|
The choir is on hiatus until the Spring.
In the meantime, play-along during Gathering Jams or Messy Church services. If you like to sing and don’t play an instrument, come out and play the maracas or other hand percussion.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan: When inside the building, everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted. Read the rest of the Plan in FAQ below.
|
The next Leadership Team meeting* is TBA in the sanctuary after Worship.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan: When inside the building, everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted. Read the rest of the Plan in FAQ below.
|
|
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. The next meeting of the Homeless Task Force is on Zoom, Wed., Jan. 19 at noon. 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 Committee This committee spearheads the church's ministry to those experiencing homelessness. The last meeting of the Homeless Committee was Tuesday, Sept. 7th. The next meeting is TBA. For more information or to help, please contact the church office.
|
Sunday Adult Bible Discussion*
Weekly, in-person, discussions are Sundays, 9 - 9:45am. Meet in the sanctuary lobby. Please enter through the Stockley Gardens door.
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan: When inside the building, everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted. Read the rest of the Plan in FAQ below.
|
Ghent UMC Preschool operates safely as teachers and students follow the recommendations of the CDC, Dept. of Social Services, and VA UMC Covid-19 protocol.
The never predictable Hampton Roads weather brought some warmer days for the children to play outside this week. That was nice! GUMP had its monthly fire drill. As usual everyone did very well.
If you or someone know is interested in being a GUMP substitute teacher, email the Director Ann Robertson. Background checks will be completed prior to substituting.
|
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. |
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.
When inside the building, everyone, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks that are well-fitted. When outside, those who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear a mask, while 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.
|
|
How can I get in touch with church staff and the Pastor? You may click here to access their email addresses, or call the church office at 757-622-2843 and leave a message.
Pastor Ryan Schaeffer and the church office staff are available by appointment only in order to help keep the preschool healthy from Covid-19. If the appointment is during preschool hours, members and guests may enter, fully masked, through the Raleigh Ave. entrance and go directly to the church or pastor's office.
To enter, please ring the bell on our Raleigh Ave. door or call the church office, 757-622-2843.
For an appointment with the church office staff, email office@ghentumc.org or leave a message at the church office 757-622-2843. Our voice mail is monitored, in general, Monday through Friday. Messages will be returned as soon as possible.
|
|
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
