Nokesville Church of the Brethren

January 2023 Newsletter

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS

A few weeks ago, I began considering what I might write for this first newsletter of the new year. The first thing I thought about was that as we turn the page on our calendars, we often think about what we want to change. We make resolutions to do things differently so that our lives improve. Sadly, after a few weeks, the energy behind those resolutions tends to wane for many of us. Then, in turn, we find ourselves in a puddle of disappointment and self-deprecation. I think, “self” may be the key word.

Making changes out of our own energy and decisions seems powerful in many ways. However, often, the change is temporary. What if we made changes based on a strong conviction, a discernment, of where God is leading us? Rather than it being about our own resolution and power, it becomes about the Holy Spirit guiding our decisions and actions. The changes we make must begin with knowing what God is calling us to do in a particular moment, day, or season. Then, we can be confident that if it’s from God, God will enable us to make the change.

As we purposely seek God’s guidance, we’ll become aware of God’s working in our lives. It will be God’s power to renew and redeem–to recreate and to refresh–that becomes evident and lasting in our lives. Begin and end your days this month with a focus on this verse: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10) Trust that God will shape you to be like Jesus even as he equips you to make changes that benefit both you and others.

Grace & peace,

Pastor Janet

SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT

This ministry team is currently meeting via ZOOM on second Tuesday of each month @ 7pm.

Blessings Box: Donations and usage has continued to be strong.

Senior Socials: Attendance has gradually increased over the past few months. A Christmas party with a carry in meal was the focus of the December event. Donations were shared for the Blessing Box, gifts exchanged and carols sung with accompaniment from Suzie Evans.

The Angel Tree, organized by Pam Breslin, was a great success due to the generosity of our congregation!

CWS Blanket Drive collected $ 155.00.

Plans are being made for fund-raising for the 2023 Field of Boaz project which is our local support of the Growing a Hope Globally effort. The cost of each acre of sponsorship has increased to $500 due to the cost increase of seed, fertilizer, etc. Stay tuned for NCOB’s fund-raising projects.

The Death Row Support Project is a traveling collection of pieces of art created by Death Row inmates. This traveling exhibit, for viewing only, will be on display @ NCOB in January. Please take time to view it while it’s on display in the balcony area.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Thank you to everyone who helped us kick off the Christmas season with Christmas Craft Night. We had a great evening of crafts and snacks. Thank you to everyone who provided a craft. We appreciate the time and effort you put in to making our evening successful!

We look forward to the New Year and planning more joyful events for the congregation!

Sunday Coffee Hour: The team would like to continue to coordinate the morning coffee hour each Sunday. We have found that many people enjoy this time to gather and chat. For this event to continue on a weekly basis, we are in need of more people willing to bring breakfast. Please consider signing up for a Sunday. The signup sheet is in the foyer. Breakfast can be as complex or simple as you would like. Please reach out to someone on the Congregational Life Ministry team if you have questions.

ANGEL TREE PROJECT

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Angel Tree project. We were able to support 4 families and a total of 11 children. Each child was able to get at least two fun gifts and a needed item. We were also able to bless each family with some gift cards for them to use as the families feel necessary.

RAINBOW PRESCHOOL

Thank you to Alice and Raymond Snyder for the snack donations.

For our Thanksgiving project we collected cans of vegetables to make “Stone Soup.” Each family brought in two cans and the extras will be put in the Blessings Box.

We will be participating in the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. For every pair of pajamas donated, Scholastic Books will donate a book. You may donate new pajamas in all sizes and they will be given to children in foster care and homeless shelters. We will have a box for donations by our classrooms.

FLOWER SHARING

We have created a Signup Genius so you can order flowers online.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EABAE29A4F94-2023

Your offerings can be made through our website.

https://www.continuetogive.com/ncobbudget

SERVING JANUARY 2023

January 1

January 8

January 15

January 22

January 29

Worship Leader

Vernon Funkhouser

Ben Bear

Lyn Ficili

Gayle Hawkins

Harper Buettner

Acolytes

TBD

Children’s Story

Gayle Hawkins

Dianne Nelson

Ben Bear

Melanie Ali

Suzie Evans

Nursery

Kelsey & Danny Southard

Melanie Ali

Carrie Diethorn

Lyn Ficili

Katlyn Douglas

Pam & Pat Breslin

Dianne Nelson

Kelsey Southard

Pianist

Suzie Evans

Organist

Mary Weybright

Hymn Leader

Jeannette Funkhouser

Flowers Are given to the glory of God by

In honor of Lincoln Southard’s 2nd birthday!

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Janet’s Office Hours

Tues – Fri

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

pastor@nokesvillecob.org