Online services only for two Sundays following Christmas
There has been a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and percent positivity rates at the same time as hospital capacity is being stretched. This trend is likely to persist or even worsen as we move past Christmas and deeper into Winter. Therefore, at the strong recommendation of our District Superintendent, to help keep everyone safer CUMC and many other area UM churches will be going to online worship services only for at least the two Sundays after Christmas, December 27 and January 3. We will continue to communicate more information as it becomes available, including what to expect for Sunday, January 10 and beyond. Thank you for your diligence, obedience, cooperation, humility, and understanding during this unprecedented time.
Charles Wesley SS Class offers Max Lucado Study
Six weeks beginning January 10th
When life feels depleted, does God care? When I’m facing an onslaught of challenges, will God help? When life grows dark and stormy, does God notice? When I’m facing the fear of death, will God help me? The answer is a resounding YES. Please join the Charles Wesley Class for a six-week study, starting on Sunday, January 10 at 10:00am, by Max Lucado, You Are Never Alone. Please contact Terry Buzzard < tbuzz42091@yahoo.com> or Gary Lupton <GLuptonSR@gmail.com> for Zoom information.
Missions Report
Food insecurity on the increase this year
Donate Advent food bags early
Christmas is a very busy time for all of us, even as we are isolating. The city of Virginia Beach is trying to find shelter for the homeless in our area, and moving many of them into hotels started this week. On Thursday there was a meeting of several citywide organizations making plans for this to happen as well as how to provide the necessary food. The Emergency Hotel Sheltering Plan is replacing Winter Shelter this year since we are unable to house people in our buildings.
The PIN Ministry (People in Need) is asking churches in the area to help provide meals and we will be signing up. I am in the process of doing that so we can take our Advent Calendar bags which will include a can opener. The pop top cans are not easy to find so I bought enough openers to add one to each bag.
An emergency request was received earlier this week to help provide food for a few days as people are being placed in a secure environment. Several churches are sharing this request and using our missions fund, I purchased enough canned ravioli and Ramen noodles for 115 people as requested.
If you are ready to donate your Advent Bag and have a key fob, please leave it in the Bell Tower. If you come in person to church this Sunday, your bag may be left in the Narthex. Someone will help if you need assistance. The church office hours are limited now so please call or text before going if you don’t have a fob, or need to see a staff member. There are many needs right now which may cause a staff member to change their schedule. Andrea has shared her number (757—949-4854) where she can be reached or can help otherwise. We still plan to have the drive through Nativity on Christmas Eve for those members that prefer to make your donation then.
It is an understatement to say that this has been a year for adapting as our situation changes on a daily basis, but we are living during a very serious health crisis. One final mission donation made this year was providing $1,000 to the Faith in Action Fund to assist people dealing with eviction issues. I am so proud of how our members have continued to support and reach out to so many.
Thank you so much for all that you do. Take care of your loved ones and each other.
With Service in Christ,
Mary McConathy, Mission & Service Coordinator
Andrea Jones, Small Groups and Youth Coordinator
Volunteer to help distribute food
It’s the Holiday Season! Yet, with all the lights and decorations we are still living under the very present reality of the pandemic. Food insecurity continues to be an issue in South Hampton Roads. Families continue to rely on food banks across the city to help defray monthly living expenses as well as additional holiday expenses. Fresh Food Wednesday continues to provide food and relief to families weekly. Did you know that we are one of the only food pantries in the City that provides services after working hours? (Most food pantries are only open during working hours).
We are in need of volunteers who are willing to serve through the month of December. Please click here to sign-up. Bring your festive holiday spirit! While volunteering, feel free to don you festive holiday apparel. We will also have musicians playing Christmas music for our clients as they wait in the parking lot for some of the Wednesdays in December.
We will continue to practice social distancing, wearing masks and gloves and encouraging hand-washing.
Thank you for bringing hope to our community this holiday season!
Robby Rockey The Gathering at Scott Memorial United Methodist Church
How to submit items to this newsletter
Send your announcements for publication in the newsletter to Melissa Snow, Office Manager, by e-mail at msnow@cumcvb.org or cumc@cumcvb.org.
Make your announcement or article brief but clear. Put essential information in the beginning of your announcement; longer articles are less likely to be read in detail.
The newsletter is published by e-mail on Mondays and Thursdays.
Your announcement should include basic information:
Who – identify person or small group making the announcement and who are the intended readers
When – Date and time (planned start, planned finish) of the event
What – A brief description of what did or will happen
Where – Location of the event including room numbers if at CUMC
Why – If your announcement supports a new or not well-known initiative, program, group or cause, provide some explanation of why the event will be held or was held, and some background information about the program/group supported.
Points of Contact & links – Be sure to include a point of contact (name and phone number, e-mail address, or internet link URL) if readers need to sign-up, get more information, or take other actions.
Publication window – as necessary, provide a range of dates when your announcement should run. Generally, announcements will not run for more than a week unless instructions to the contrary are indicated.
Graphics – Submit PNG, JPG, or GIF files for pictures and graphics. Image width should not exceed 564 pixels. Pictures of children (minors) should not be submitted without parental permission. Contact the church office for further guidance on our child protection policy.
Need a mask?
Support UMW missions by buying a mask. Go to https://www.facebook.com/CUMCVBUMW/photos/3433955436696066- to see masks available. $5 for 3-pleat, $7 for beak-style. We are also now accepting Square for credit/debit! Contact Julie Kissell (2sing4you@gmail.com or 757-404-1783) to purchase. 100% of donations made for masks will go to UMW missions.
Meals on Wheels Update
King’s Grant Presbyterian Church on Little Neck Road is now the new location for Meals on Wheels. Volunteers need to know that the new pickup time is 10:30 AM. They have been extremely accommodating and even provide an office. Chef by Design prepares the meals and they presently serve 140 people. Volunteers are always needed so if you are interested, contact Lou Schroeder at 757-495-1809.
Current CUMC Contact information
To help keep everyone safe, the church is now working with minimal staff, uncertain office hours, and limited operations. If you have a need during this time, please note the following contact info: Pastor Matt: 703-819-0687
Minister Jannette: 757-633-1843
Leadership Team Rep. Liz Griffin: 757-621-9795
