May 2017

THE CONNECTION Jefferson United Methodist Church

115 E. Main St.
Jefferson, NC 28640

The Connection
A HEALTHY GOOD-BYE, A HEALTHY HELLO
Our church is in the midst of a transition. I am retiring, and the Reverend Da-
OUR SUNDAY vid Lawrence will become your pastor. We are going to grieve our losses, an-
WORSHIP ticipate change, move into new relationships, and let go of familiar ones. My
photo on the church wall will become a memory of a phase of the life of the
SCHEDULE
church, just like the rest of those whose images hang there. I have fond
memories of our times together, the things that happened, the ways we have
grown in Christ, the challenges we faced, and the enormous hospitality of a
9:00 A.M. great congregation. Im ending a 36-year career in ministry, and thinking
Early Worship about what God wants for the next phase of my life. Groups in the church are
talking with anticipation about, what the new pastor wants to do. This is all
10:00 A.M. part of a healthy good-bye and a healthy hello.
Sunday School
Its hard to bring an end to the sacred connection of a pastor and a congrega-
11:00 A.M. tion. It is a true privilege to be part of the lives of people in all kinds of circum-
Traditional Service stances and times in their lives. I have cherished that God opened the door
for me to serve in ministry such a special way. But in the United Methodist
Church, pastors must learn to hold gently to the people weve been sent to
shepherd, knowing that we will eventually move on. Ive never loved a congre-
gation more than Ive loved the people of Jefferson United Methodist Church,
nor have I ever felt more loved by a congregation. Thank you! Here is whats
Pastor ahead:
Karen Miller June 11, 10:00 a.m. Brunch Between will be a retirement party
June 18, 12:15 Perrys retirement party at West Jefferson (Ill leave early
that day)
June 25, 11:00 a.m. My final Sunday at Jefferson UMC
July 2, 9 and 11 a.m. Donna Weaver speaks in worship
July 5 Moving Day in Western North Carolina Conference
July 9, 9 and 11 a.m. Musical worship services (A much-needed rest for
ON THE INSIDE
the new pastor after moving.)
Our People 2
July 16 First Sunday for the new pastor
Responsibilities 5
Children, Youth Remember to keep our church in your prayers, but also all of the churches
and Families 6 and pastors who are making this significant transition! I will always treasure
Calendar 7 these four years in my heart. Thank you for allowing me the humble privilege
of being your pastor and friend. I am friends with your new pastor, and am
certain he will bring you wonderful strengths, profound gifts, encouraging
faith, and a heap of laughter. He will serve you well!
Pastor Karen

Members
Betty Avery, Maxine Miller,
Willa Mae Campbell, Glenn
Crawley, Nita Lewis, Nenie
Midyette, Glenn Crawley,
Robert Carson
Military
Anatoly Ray, Riley Watson,
John Wooten, Dustin
Seaman, Nicole Seaman
Young Adults
Jason Baker, Shawn Baker,
Katie Girtman, Matthew
Hamilton, Elissa Harrington,
Jake Harrington, Carter
Kurtz, Anderson Moore,
Olivia Thore, Anna Wooten,
Dakota Little, Brandon
Jones, Glenn Bailey, Stanton
Moore, Savannah Cary,
Morgan Girtman, Michael
Harrington, Luke Cullifer
Friends
Susan Little, Philip Santiago,
Kimberly Jackson, Kiersten
Sharpe, Ron Joyal, Bill
Weaver, Donald Marsh,
Robin Marlow & Family,
Dean Olive, Jessica Blevins,
David Woods, Rev. Keith
Franklin, Bessie Cornett,
Vickie Absher, Cathy
Goodman, Ellen Sears,
Vernon Hartman, Opal
Miller
Our Staff
Karen Miller, Ashley Church,
Christina Wagoner, Zach
Fulbright, Michael Bell, Clay
Camp, Brenda Jones,
Andrea Gardner, Jimmy
Taylor, Heather Arreola,
Shea Cullifer
Please call the office to
remove Friends from the
list.
BUDGET REPORT AS OF 4/23/2017
Year-to-Date Budget Need $97,750.00
Year-to-Date Budget Receipts $83,146.28
PDF Fund Balance $83.40
EARLY SERVICE TO BEGIN MAY 7
We will have two worship services starting on May 7. The 9:00 service is less
formal, has one hymn, lasts about 45 minutes, and there is usually no choir
or bell music. Andrea Gardner is our 9:00 musician and we will happily wel-
come her back to our keyboard! She recently had surgery on her back and
we are hoping she will heal nicely from her surgery before she returns to
play. The 11:00 service will have a variety of choral and bell music, includes
two hymns, and is traditional in style. Michael Bell has been our 11:00 musi-
cian and we have been blessed to have him at the organ and piano for over
30 years!
VBS 2017 KICKOFF PARTY
Let us all get excited about Vacation Bible School this summer with a kickoff
event! Join the volunteers of Bethany UMC, Jefferson UMC, and West Jeffer-
son UMC to celebrate another great opportunity to Discover your Strength in
God! There will be classes for children, youth and adults.
WHEN: Sunday, May 7th from 3 5 pm
WHERE: 16 Hands Farm, 841 Bald Mountain Road,
West Jefferson, NC 28694
WHO: All volunteers, children (rising pre-K 12th
grade) interested in attending VBS, and parents,
grandparents, guardians, etc. of those children in-
terested in attending
WHAT: Make your own ice cream sundae or cool
off with a popsicle while you register for VBS! Hang
out with your friends and make some new ones
youll see at VBS!
ADULT GROUPS TO MEET IN MAY
United Methodist Women, Monday, May 15th, 12:00 PM
Wilma McClure and Sarah Ruth Phipps will host the
meeting. Please feel free to a bring a sandwich.
Active Adults, Wednesday, May 17th, 11:30 AM
The Adult Adults will meet at Monte Del Ray in West
Jefferson. Please call JoAnn Crawley, 336-982-3773 to
make a reservation .
 MEMORIALS
In Memory of Bill Ashley Senator Bob Dole
Food Pantry Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kennedy
Gaylord & Ann Snyder Diane Rawson
Leon & Mary Katherine McEwen Reece
In Memory of Jean Barnette
Jerry & Lynn Saunders
Food Pantry
Dr. & Mrs. James A. Smith III
Jill Ferguson
Tony & Donna Vallone
Fred & Dottie Waechter
Stained Glass Windows
In Memory of Pauline Bower
Gaylord & Ann Snyder
Food Pantry
Diane Rawson In Memory of Polly Kennedy
Stained Glass Windows
In Memory of John Crutcher
Gaylord & Ann Snyder
Food Pantry
Pearl Ashley

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for the many expressions of kindness shown to us during the recent loss of my mom,
Dorothy Greene. Your love and support for our family has been very much appreciated. Please
continue to remember our family in your prayers.
Much love,
The Perkins Family (Travis, Kendra, John Fields & Annie Clare)

Please send celebratory messages which reflect our members talents and contributions to our church
and our community to jeffersonumc@skybest.com or drop your items in the office mailbox.

LAY SERVANT TRAINING

FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS
LAY SERVANT TRAINING - 2017
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, TAYLORSVILLE
1400 NORTH CAROLINA 16, TAYLORSVILLE, NC 28681

Lay servant training is a two-day opportunity to be equipped to serve in leadership and ministry in
the United Methodist Church. Those who complete the basic course become qualified to speak,
lead, and serve in their own church. Following the basic course, Lay Servants are eligible to take
advanced courses and become Certified Lay Servants and speak outside their home church.

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING SESSIONS TO

COMPLETE BASIC LAY SPEAKING:
MAY 13, 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
MAY 20, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration is online only. The deadline is April 30.
Register and pay the $30 fee online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-lay-servant-training-tickets-32426706151
If you have questions, please contact the Appalachian District Administrative Assistant, Katie Hut-
ton, at khutton@wnccumc.org.
FOOD PANTRY TIN CAN OFFERING
SUNDAY, MAY 14TH
Our children will pass the tin cans to collect money Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl
for Jefferson's Food Pantry during the worship ser- which Ina Ruth Hurley presented me in mid-March.
vice on Sunday, May 14th. Any donation you wish to It was so beautiful and was such a comfort to me
make will be helpful.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT JUMC
The Community Red Cross Blood Drive will be held
in our Fellowship Hall on May 18th, 11 AM3 PM.
UNITED METHODIST MEN FUNDRAISER
The United Methodist Men are selling peanuts for
$5 to raise money for local missions. Peanuts are
available by contacting Paul Horan at 336-982-2682.
The peanuts are also available at Past and Present
Antiques at 113 N Jefferson Avenue, West Jefferson,
NC 28694. Proprietors Pam and Glen Mores do not
charge a commission on the sale of these peanuts,
which is a very generous gesture.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
A recent visit to the hospital in Winston Salem led
one of our church members to discover the SECU
Family House, an affordable lodging alternative for
adult patients and caregivers traveling to Winston-
Salem for medical care. Patients and caregivers
may request a referral from Wake Forest Baptist
Medical Center, Forsyth Novant Medical Center or
Hospice and Palliative CareCenter. The SECU house
provides 45 rooms with queen beds and private
baths, staff and volunteers, kitchen, laundry, com-
puter center, and transportation to and from the
hospital. The fee is $35 per night. For more infor-
mation, call 336-793-2822, or go to
www.familyhousews.org.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Dear Prayer Shawl Ministry,
during and after my surgery. May God bless the
hands which made the shawl.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely, Becky Pruitt
THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!
We appreciate all of those who have provid-
ed Wednesday night meals for the church during
the past school year. Laura Kesler was our primary
cook for the children and youth for several months,
and Peggy Philbrick has been working on providing
meals during Lent and later. A number of other
people provided assistance. Thank you for feeding
our minds, bodies and spirits!
CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE HARRINGTONS!
Beth and Dan Harrington will be moving to Massa-
chusetts in May, along with Michael, Morgan Girt-
man and Connor. They will live near Beths family
and Dans sister. Dan has a job nearby in Connect-
icut, and Beth will be looking for a job in a school
or college. Their son Jake will go to Georgia for 10
months of officer training in cyber security and
daughter Elissa will continue at Caldwell to com-
plete her nursing degree at Lenoir Rhyne. Beth
writes, I want to thank everyone at JUMC for their
support over the past few years and I appreciate
the care and concern that we were given. It was
fun working there and helping to contribute in dif-
ferent activities.

YARD SALE & BAKE SALE

Friday, May 5th, 6-8 PM (Early Bird Sale)
Saturday, May 7th, 7AM - 12PM
Yard sale will be held on Friday, May 5 and Saturday May 6. As last year, all can bring their items that week
(Monday through Thursday) already priced to the fellowship hall. The pre-sale on Friday night will cost $3.00
per person to enter and there will be no dickering. On Saturday there will be negotiating.

We will have a bake sale, so bring goodies to sell!

Monies will be for the stained glass window fund. We are getting so close and need to get this project completed.
 JEFFERSON UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH May 2017
B 4 Sharon Duvall
SERVICE
I 8 Elissa Harrington FLOWERS
9 Andrew Worth
R 10 Ellen Worth
7
14
Holy Communion
Kevin & Mindy Wonsick
T 13 John Wasner 21
15 Ruth Gambill 28 Alice Thompson
H Kevin Wonsick Martha Scott
D 16 Ruby Lum
ACOLYTE
19 Mary Jennie Sov
A 22 Gay Freeman
7
14
Claira Corley
Annie Clare Perkins
Y Gene Gardner 21 John Fields Perkins
MaryAnne Moore 28 Grace Zelesky
S 25 Olivia Thore
27 Pearl Ashley CHILDRENS TIME
28 Chloe Henson 7 Peggy Bailey
29 Donna Northrop 14 Shea Cullifer
21 Youth
31 Linda Segraves
28 Jim or Marilyn Wooten
Swift Black
NURSERY
7 Shea Cullifer
14 Volunteer
ANNIVERSARIES 21 Shea Cullifer
28 Tuck McClure
1 Mike and Cheryl Zelesky
3 Perry and Karen Miller 11:00 USHERS
6 Kevin and Mindy Wonsick Scott, Bill, Dana and Chloe Henson
14 Ben and Grier Hurley
TRANSPORTATION
19 Travis and Kendra Perkins Jim Wooten and Volunteers
21 Nathan and Megan Colvard
23 Greg and Jenny Johnson FOOD LION WEEKEND PICKUP
24 Paul and Loyce Horan May 6th Bill & Janice Henson
May 7th Perkins/Jones Families
May 13th & 14th Perkins/Jones Families
May 20th & 21st Terry & Peggy Philbrick
May 27th & 28th Jim & Susan Powers
We need one or two more families to volunteer to pick
up food on Sundays. Please contact Alice Thompson
at 336-877-0700.

**PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY CHANGES OR ADDITIONS.**
 CLASS TO STUDY WORLD RELIGIONS
The Bridge Builders Sunday School class is studying Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling
With Questions People Ask. The six-week video-based study will explore four major world religions:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism, and compare the beliefs with Christianity. United Meth-
odist pastor Adam Hamilton interviews a religious leader from each tradition. He treats the world
religions with great respect, recognizes the unique contributions of each, and urges Christians to
build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith.
The study will deal openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, including
why we should believe the claims of Christianity over other faiths. The class meets in the church
parlor at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

CONFIRMATION CLASS EVENTS

Our confirmation class of 12 students has had a great time learning about being a United Method-
ist Christian and growing in their faith! The schedule is as follows for the rest of the classes:
May 7 - Class at noon. Parents are requested to attend. Pizza provided.
May 14 - No confirmation class, time with families for Mother's Day!
May 21 - Confirmation Class members are invited to profess faith and join the church this day,
followed by a Covered Dish Lunch in their honor! Following lunch,
we will go to the New River State Park Wagoner access for the bap-
tism of Eli Reed and Jackson Keith.
Directions: Wagoner Access State Park is off Hwy 88E approximate-
ly 2 miles beyond Walt Sheets bridge at the Hwy 16S/88 intersec-
tion. Off Hwy 88, turn left onto Wagoner Access Road at Wagoner
Missionary Baptist Church. This road comes to a dead end at the
state park in about 1 mile. The baptism spot is at the second ca-
noe takeout, which is at lowest end of large grass field to the right
side of parking area, about 75 yards off the pavement.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, THURSDAY, MAY 4

The celebration for the National Day of Prayer in Ashe County will
be Thursday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashe County Court
House. It will feature music by the Ashe County High School Band
under the direction of Zach Fulbright, honoring of local veterans,
prayers and proclamations.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS

Peggy Philbrick will be preparing meals through WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRIES
May 24th. Children are to be attended by an 5:15 Fellowship Meal
adult, but it does not have to be the parent. This5:45 Jefferson Youth Ringers
is intended to be a fellowship meal at the 6:00 Childrens Choir
church, not carry-out meals. 6:30 Joyful Ringers
You do not have to be involved in other Wednes- 6:30 Youth Group
day night activities to attend. The form and mon- 6:30 Lenten Study
ey are to be submitted by the Tuesday prior to 7:00 Childrens Fellowship
the meal. The cost is $5.00 per person or a 7:30 Adult Hand Bells
maximum of $20 per family.
 CHILDREN & YOUTH SUMMER EVENTS

CORE (CONNECT, OWN, REVEAL, SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

EMPOWER)
Grades 6-12 will travel to the Hospitality
A summer youth-led Bible Study designed House in Boone immediately following
to help grades 612 discover their value the youth-led Bible Study. The group will
and worth as Gods children and empow- return to the church by 6PM. Each week
er them to reach their potential will be will consist of a service project.
held from 10-12 at Bohemia coffee shop June 12 Gardening & Farming
in West Jefferson on the following dates: June 19 Homeless Shelter
June 12, June 19, June 26, July 17, and July June 26 Food Pantry
24. July 17 Prepare dinner for home-
less shelter
Come enjoy friends and fellowship while July 24 Homeless Shelter
learning about your true identity in Christ!
Volunteers are needed to accompany the
group each week. Please contact Shea
Cullifer to sign up.

BLOWING ROCK POOL UPLANDS REACH

SUMMER DAY CAMP
The children and youth will go to Blowing
Rock Pool on June 14, June 21, June 28, July 10thJuly 14th
July 19, and July 26. We will meet at the 8:00 AM5PM
church at 11AM and return by 5 PM. Per-
mission slips are required if parents do
not plan to attend and are available from Grades K5
Shea Cullifer.
$175 per child
Volunteers are needed to accompany the Partial scholarships available
group. Please contact Shea Cullifer to
sign up for one or more of these dates. Registration forms are available at the
church. See Shea Cullifer or Dana Hen-
son for more information.

A parent letter with more information about these events will be mailed
the beginning of May.
 GRADUATION SUNDAY
We will be honoring all of our high school and college graduates on Sunday, May 7. Please contact
Shea Cullifer or Karen Miller if you are graduating or you have a student in your family who is grad-
uating! Notes of encouragement, cards or gifts can be placed in the graduates box located in the
hallway outside of the sanctuary.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 FRIDAY, JUNE9
Starting at 5:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
Serving breakfast at 8:00 AM
at Jefferson United Methodist Church
Get ready for an action-packed 4 day super
hero training camp where kids discover their
strength in God. Hero Central 2017 VBS
from Cokesbury prepares kids to Do good!
Seek peace and go after! Ps 31:14B (CEB)
Kids at VBS Hero Central learn Gods heroes
have Heart (Samuel Anoints David), Courage
(Abigail), Wisdom (Jesus Goes to the Temple),
Hope (Beatitudes), and Power (Pentecost).
Grab your cape and get ready to fly with epic
music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, he-
roic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories.
THE MALARIA MISSION OF THE
JEFFERSON UNITED METHODIST YOUTH
Youth from Jefferson United Methodist
Church are washing vehicles of all types on
Saturday, May 6 from 8 am to 2 pm, to raise
money for the Nothing but Nets Campaign.
This campaign saves lives by preventing ma-
laria in sub-Saharan Africa. In the poorest re-
gions of the world, insecticide-treated bed
nets are the most cost-effective way to pre-
vent malaria transmission. Ten dollars will
provide one treated bed net that lasts four
years. One child from this region dies every
60 seconds due to malaria. JUMC Youth are
on a mission to make a difference, because
they feel that one death from a preventable
disease is one too many!
There are various ways to donate to this mis-
sion. In addition to the car wash on Saturday,
May 6, there will be special offerings during
worship on Sunday, May 7, at 9 and 11 am to
support this mission. Also, you can contact a
member of the youth group to donate. An-
other acceptable method of supporting this
mission would be to mail your donation di-
rectly to the church at: JUMC, P.O. Box 236,
Jefferson, NC 28640.We have a Go Fund Me
Account for those who wish to give online
with a credit card. Here is the link: go-
fundme.com/nothing-but-nets-mission.
 May
Join us for 9:00 AM Early Worship, 10:00 AM Sunday School and 11:00 AM Traditional Worship.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6
Church Office 9:00 to 5:157:30 PM 6:00 PM 6-8PM 7AM-12PM
Schedule Morphew 12:00 Yard Sale Yard Sale
Wednesday Night Activities Finance
8:00 AM to 3:00 Scholar- Food Pantry Committee (Presale) .

ship Ap- 7:30 PM 8AM-2PM

PM
plication 5:00 PM NA Meeting Car Wash
Monday through
Thursday Deadline Plan Peace 7:30 PM
The office is closed University NA
on Fridays! Meeting
6:00 PM
Trustees
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Begin 9 AM Service 12:00 PM 9:00 to 5:157:30 PM
7:30 PM
Worship 12:00 Wednesday Night Activities
Holy NA
Communion Cmte Food Pantry 7:30 PM Meeting
Gradation Sunday NA Meeting
12:00 PM
Confirmation Class
3-5 PM
VBS Kickoff Party
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Mothers Day 9:00 to 11:30 AM 11:003:30
12:00 PM PM 7:30 PM
12:00 Active Adults
UM Wom- Blood Drive NA
Tin Can Offering Food Pantry 5:157:30 PM Meeting
en Wednesday Night Activities 6:00 to 7:00
7:30 PM PM
NA Meeting Food Pantry
Night
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Confirmation Sun- 9:00 to 5:157:30 PM 7:30 PM
day & Covered 12:00 Wednesday Night Activities NA
Dish Lunch Food Pantry Meeting
7:30 PM
NA Meeting

28 29 30 31 WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE

No Meal 5:15 Fellowship Meal
Tom Miller to Office 9:00 to
5:45 Jefferson Youth Ringers
preach Closed for 12:00 6:30 PM 6:00 Childrens Choir
Holiday Food Pantry Adult Choir
6:30 Joyful Ringers , Youth Group , &
7:30 PM
Adult Choir
Adult Hand Bells
6:30 Parenting, Emerging Adults Class
7:30 PM
NA Meeting 7:00 Childrens Fellowship
7:30 Adult Hand Bells
 USA
Welcome!
Jefferson United Methodist Church FOREVER
P.O. Box 236
115 East Main Street
Jefferson, NC 28640

Were on the web!

www.jefferson-umc.org

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS

NEW PASTOR STARTS IN JULY

David Lawrence was born in Mt. Airy. He went to High Point Uni-
versity and studied Biology, then to Emory University and re-
ceived a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology. He
has served several churches in Western NC including starting a
new congregation. He comes to our church after serving Oak
Hill United Methodist Church in Morganton.

He is married to Candy, who served as a nurse and is now re-

tired. They have two adult children. Anna graduated from NC
State and Duke Divinity School and teaches at The Asheville
School, a boarding school for high school boys and girls. Jona-
than graduated from Campbell University School of Pharmacy
and lives at Lake Junaluska.
Pastor David enjoys going on mission trips. He also enjoys swim-
ming, running, cycling and cross fit classes. He has served as a
Chaplain and Firefighter at Oak Hill Fire and Rescue and is also on the board of Burke Habitat
for Humanity.

The official Moving Day for the Western North Carolina is July 5. We look forward to greeting Da-
vid and Candy Lawrence and welcoming them to our church!