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Weekly News & Updates: November 25, 2022

Sunday Worship Service - 10am


Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Advent! During 10am Worship, we will light the candle of Hope.


  • This Sunday's worship will also include "Hanging of the Greens." All who are present, including children, will help prepare our sanctuary for the coming of Christ. Greenery and wreaths will be hung. Our children will place the creche pieces on the altar.


  • Following this Sunday's service, we invite all to remain to help us place Chrismons on the top half of the Christmas tree.


It is also Food Collection Sunday. Please place your food donations in the basket by the altar before the service begins.


Enter the sanctuary through the doors facing Stockley Gardens. All must follow our Covid-19 Mitigation Plan outlined below.


Don't forget. We also have Children's Church each this Sunday. Get details below.


Our nursery is available for children through age 3. Our nursery workers are CPR certified.


*Please note that our in-person worship service will next be broadcast live on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m.

Connection Card:

Click here.

Scripture:

Isaiah 2:1 - 5

Volunteer Sign Up:
*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan (Updated March 23, 2022)
For all in-person Ghent UMC Happenings
Remember that our call is to love our neighbors and to do no harm.

Wearing face masks is currently optional. Children under two years of age should not wear a mask.

Also, the Virginia UMC recommends that everyone, who is eligible, be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.

Bring your grandchildren and children to Children's Church

During Worship each Sunday morning, children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend Children's Church. They'll meet down the hall from the sanctuary after the children's message. There will be an age-appropriate Bible lesson from the Grow Kids Curriculum. And we'll have crafts and activities available to reinforce the lesson.

Two adults are with the children at all times. Our staff and volunteers are fully background checked. Children's church is optional. You are welcome to keep your child(ren) in worship with you, if you prefer. 

Join us Sundays for Plugged In!

Our new, succinct online worship service is posted at noon to our Facebook page.


There will be no Plugged In video posted

Sunday, Nov. 27.


View it alone or with friends and loved ones gathered together.


To view this Sunday's online worship bulletin, click here!



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.


Coastal Virginia District Responds to Walmart Shooting


After the tragedy this week at the Sams' Circle Walmart in Chesapeake, we wrestle with senseless violence and human cruelty. Today, and in the weeks ahead, we need transformation and healing that only comes from surrendering ourselves to a power greater than we are. Read the rest of Superintendent Brook's statement.


A prayer vigil, litany, and service of lament was also held Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Deep Creek UMC.



Ghent UMC’s Advent Outreach - Launching Sunday, Nov. 27

During the season of Advent, please consider donating a cleaning kit or supplies for a kit(s). You may also choose to give monetary donations for kits/supplies or to help those in Ukraine!

  • UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has a need for more cleaning kits as their Supply Depots are nearly depleted by the recent hurricanes. Cleaning kits enable those affected by floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up. For the cleaning kit supplies list and instructions, click here.
  • Since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, UMCOR has provided aid and assistance to the people of Ukraine, bringing hope and healing. Click here to read more about the range of support provided.

All donations are due by Sunday, Dec. 18. (Preschool deadline is Friday, Dec. 9.)

  • Monetary donations: Make a notation for cleaning kits vs. Ukraine. To donate through our online portal, click here. Make checks payable to Ghent UMC.
  • Supplies: Place items in the collection bins in the preschool lobby or in the back of the sanctuary.

Cards and Cookies for Christmas


We are also collecting pre-packaged cookies, candy, snacks, and making cards for U.S. sailors. The items are for the sailors aboard the USS Makin Island which left for the South China Sea this month.


Look for the collection box and card making supplies in the welcome center in the back of the sanctuary.

Stewardship Campaign Begins, Nov. 27


Our Stewardship campaign will launch this Sunday, November 27. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge to give in 2023.


Call or email the church office or write your pledge/Tithe on a Connection Card and place in the offering baskets. Deadline is Sunday, Dec. 11.

New Bible Study with Rev. Ry Begins THIS Tuesday, Nov. 29


The study will begin Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30p.m. It will take place on Zoom. To RSVP, contact the church office; please indicate if you need help with the cost of the book.

Rev. Ry said, “This book is a great and easy way to look at Biblical interpretation and how to read the Bible, and addresses some of the questions I have gotten from people recently.”

Join our Advent and Christmas Choir

All are invited to join our Advent and Christmas choir. We have rehearsals on Wednesdays, 5 to 6 pm, in our sanctuary. Our next rehearsal is Nov. 30.


We will learn two anthems: one for Dec. 18 and one for Christmas Eve. Also, we will be singing a new Advent call to worship and hymn on Sundays Dec. 4th through the 18th.



For more information and to RSVP for a key fob, contact Nellwyn Beamon.

Advent and Christmas

Sundays of Advent

Come to our worship services at 10a.m. each Sunday of Advent beginning Sunday, Nov. 27. Each Sunday, we will have Advent candle lighting, music, and celebration.


We will also have a Christmas Sunday service at 10 a.m. We will listen to lessons, sing carols, and sit at Christ's table for Communion.

Christmas Poinsettias

December 11

Christmas Poinsettias will be placed in our sanctuary on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 11. 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 by Sun., Dec. 4. Click here for our online giving portal or make checks payable to Ghent UMC with a notation for Poinsettias.


To order, click here, or email or leave a message with the church office, 757-622-2843.

Living Nativity and Open House

On Sunday, Dec. 11, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., come and invite your friends and neighbors to celebrate Christmas in our sanctuary with cookies, hot cocoa and cider, and beautiful music. 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, 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.


Volunteers are needed to help with refreshments and stable construction and to be actors for our cast. Please click here to sign up. Any and all help will be appreciated. Thank you so much!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, 5pm

We will have our annual, Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 5pm.

That evening, Christopher Taylor will play the violin as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our savior.


A gluten-free option for Communion will be available. This is a child and family-friendly service and is open to all.

Crafter's Fellowship Group

Are you interested in participating in a Crafter's Fellowship Group in which attendees meet, perhaps weekly, to work together on their individual craft hobbies (crochet, painting, cross stich, etc…)? If so, contact Karen Kowalski who is organizing this group.  

Daily Prayer Starter

"Lord God, you have woken me from sleep. Enable me to live honorably this day..."


(Adapted from Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion)


For prayer requests, contact Pastor Ryan.

Little Library / Food Pantry

Thank you to everyone who has been helping to stock our food pantry box! We know you see that this outreach is needed.

We always need volunteers to help monitor/ fill our church's Little Library / food pantry on Raleigh Ave. Please sign up to help on one or more weeks. During your "week," at least once, please stock the little library using items from the collection box that is inside the church.


Or use the sign-up sheet on the welcome table in the back of the sanctuary!
Food Donations Needed

We are always collecting non-perishable food and hearty snacks to place in our little library / food pantry and to donate to the food pantry at WCSC. The food is to benefit those who are hungry, including those experiencing homelessness, families, or individuals.

Place your offerings in the basket by the altar on 4th Sundays or contact the church office to make arrangements for drop off.
UMC News: World, VA, and Local

$100,000 UMCOR grant helps flood recovery. Read the story.


Shut down your inner critic, find healing Latest Get Your Spirit in Shape podcast


"Space at the Table: Conversations of Hope for the UMC Future" Read the article.


CBS' "Ghosts" actress is a lifelong United Methodist Read more.


Listen to and/or read simple talk on hard topics pertaining to our conference and denomination. Check out the Skunk on the Table blog and podcast. Watch the 1st episode.

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, prayers, phone calls, and mail are examples of the ways we reach out to one another.
 
For more information, prayer requests, or if you are feeling called to get more involved, contact the church office.
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.
How may I offer a gift or tithe?
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 about the various ways to give.

Long Haul The UMC is committed to the long haul when it comes to anti-racism work. Read the story.

What Can We Do?

  • START with prayer. We are asked to pray for Dismantling Racism efforts, as well as, all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice, oppression, and white supremacy. Click here for the daily prayers.

  • The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has a compiled a list of 8 things church leaders and members can do to help anti-racism progress. One way is to denounce false notions of “two equal sides.” Click here to learn more.

  • Listen to individuals 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. Click here to listen.


UM Bishops call for equal voting rights. Read the press release. Read the statement.

Retired Bishop Stith thinks that US divisions are due to a refusal to address issues related to equity and the racial divide. Read more.

Join the GCORR Racial Justice Prayer & Action Challenge. Find out how.
Groups & Leadership
Children and Youth 
Pastor Ryan delivers a brief Children’s Message each week immediately prior to the Scripture and the adult sermon.

The next MS/HS youth group meeting dates and times are TBA. Led by Pastor Ryan (a.k.a. Rev. Ry) and his wife Erin, we are a fully inclusive faith community, welcoming to all.

For more information about children and youth discipleship material and activities, contact Pastor Ryan Schaeffer.
Anyone can play during the Gathering Jam.
Once a month, usually on 2nd Sundays, all ages are invited to bring an instrument or use one of ours and play along during the gathering part of our service at 9:45am.

Do you want to share your gift of singing? 

Singers are always welcome to help lead the songs in worship each Sunday. Contact Nellwyn Beamon if you are interested so she can order a singer’s mask for you and help to get you started!

The next Leadership Team meeting is Sunday, Dec 18, 11:15a.m., in the sanctuary after Worship. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link will be made available. Contact the church office if you need the link.


Charge Conference will be Saturday, December 3, 10am - noon at Great Bridge UMC in Chesapeake.

Ghent UMC Preschool teaches toddlers to children in Pre-Kindergarten.


GUMP Pajama Day is Dec. 8. The Christmas pageant will be Friday, Dec. 9, the last day of school before the break.


If you would like to be a substitute teacher, contact Director Ann Robertson.

Sunday Adult Bible Discussion

Weekly, in-person, discussions are Sundays, 9 - 9:45am. Meet us in the back of the sanctuary. Please enter through the Stockley Gardens door.

This group reviews the Bible using the Standard Lesson Quarterly series. To read this discipleship material or for more information, contact Peter Griffin.
The Homeless Task Force is a group of people from a number of local 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. 

This group next meets on zoom on Wed., Dec. 21, 12–1 p.m. 

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 UMC’s Homeless Committee meets quarterly. The next Zoom meeting is Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in the evening. Time is TBA.

Please pray to discern if God puts the homeless in your heart, and if so, contact the church office. If you have questions, please ask Karen Kowalski.
GUMC is licensed to host The Open Table which is a model in which an at-risk person creates relationships with a small group of community volunteers to help meet their goals. It is a transformative process for all involved. Full training is provided for volunteers. Read a brochure about The Open Table or click here to watch a video about the program. To learn more or volunteer, 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.
Shop thousands of stores, just in time to support Ghent Church while prepping for the holidays.

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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).

How can I get in touch with church staff and the Pastor?


The church office hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 9a.m. to noon. You may also make an appointment, if needed. Rev. Ry is in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-12pm.

Click here to access email addresses or call the church office at 757-622-2843.