Nokesville Church of the Brethren

March 2023 Newsletter

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS

We’re in the first week of Lent. A time when we remember Jesus and his journey in the wilderness. A time when we consider the ministry of Jesus in the days leading up to his crucifixion. A time to consider what it means to be disciples of Jesus and follow him.

As Jesus journeyed and ministered to people, his identity was often questioned. Who was this man who could perform miracles and teach with authority? Should we get excited at the possibilities or criticize an imagined bid for power? Jesus had mixed reviews.

Staying focused on his mission from God, Jesus went to people who were out of the realm of worldly acceptability. Jesus went to people who were desperate and ready to receive him. Jesus went to people who needed compassion. As he was ministering to people, Jesus took time to pray and actively mentor his disciples. As Jesus taught by example and with words, Jesus revealed his identity. Jesus, himself, asked the question to his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Then, he asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Not long after this, Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9)

During this season of Lent leading to Resurrection Sunday, we’ll explore how Jesus answered this question of his identity using “I am…” statements. “I am the Bread of Life; I am the Light of the world; I am the Good Shepherd; I am the Resurrection and the Life; I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; and, I am the True Vine.” Why is it important to consider these statements? Because in getting to know someone, we decide our level of commitment to a relationship. I invite you to consider Jesus and commit. Deepen your relationship with Jesus and seek to follow him. You will be changed by his life-giving love that meets you where you are and gives you purpose. Then, you will shine his light for all the world to see so that God might be glorified.

Discovering more of Jesus with you,

Pastor Janet

LENT

The season of Lent has begun. During these six weeks leading up to Easter, we remember Jesus’s journey towards the cross. In the coming weeks we’ll ponder the meanings of his “I am…” statements.

During this season, many people choose to look inward and consider how they might draw closer to God and the desires of his heart. You’re welcome to join Pastor Janet for a quiet time of prayer and reflection, on Tuesdays at 6:30-7pm or Wednesdays 10-10:30am in the sanctuary. (Bring a wrap or jacket in case it’s chilly in there.)

Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm, we’ll come together for Love Feast and feet washing around the theme, “I am the Vine.” And on Friday, April 7 at 6:30pm, we’ll gather for a Service of Shadows (Tenebrae) as we remember the darkness of that day.

Consider joining all or some of these opportunities for spiritual formation that ultimately leads us into the great “alleluias” of Resurrection Sunday on April 9.

SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Senior Socials: Several games of BINGO were enjoyed by our seniors at February’s event. Plans have begun for March and Gary Radford will perform in April.

Death Row Support Project (DRSP): The traveling art exhibit which was enjoyed through February 14^th was packed up and will travel to another Church of the Brethren.

Growing Hope Globally: NCOB will again sponsor an acre of land (the Field of Boaz). Our first fund-raiser will be the 2^nd Annual Palm Sunday bake sale. Last year $700 was raised – let’s see if we can top that this year. Please plan to bake for it and shop on April 2^nd.

Brethren Disaster Ministries: $160 was donated toward the annual auction for this ministry. This is a great place to donate if you are looking to donate to help earthquake victims in Turkey.

This team is currently meeting via ZOOM on the second Monday of each month at 7pm. Contact Lyn, Dianne or Nancy if you are interested in joining this team or have ideas for fundraising for projects.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

The Congregation Life Team is beyond appreciative to David and Janet for coordinating the music for our Music and Desserts evening. Thank you to Natasha Beaumont, John Grey, Sr., John Grey, Jr., Jeremiah Grey, and Jeneva Grey for sharing their talents with us. The evening was enjoyed by all!

Thank you to everyone who has provided breakfast for our Coffee Time for the month of February. We appreciate your support of this time of fellowship. If you are interested in providing breakfast, a signup sheet is in the Narthex.

Save the Dates:

Sunday, March 19 will be our Invite a Friend Sunday with a carry-in meal immediately following the service. Please consider inviting a friend to join us for the day and enjoy a meal.

The next Kid’s Lunch will be March 12 immediately following worship. We will enjoy some St. Patrick’s Day themed activities and enjoy our time together.

The Children’s Easter Party will be on Saturday, April 1 from 1:30-3:30. This event will include an Easter story, crafts, games, snacks, and an Easter egg hunt. Please consider donating candy to stuff the eggs for this fun event!

Camp Activities:

Is your child interested in attending summer camp this summer? The Church of the Brethren Summer camps are taking summer registrations. Our team has funds to support those who attend by providing 50% of the camp registration up to $200.

Camp registration has already begun. Our most popular camps are Brethren Woods in Keezletown, VA and Shepherd’s Spring in Sharpsburg, MD. If you are interested in Brethren Woods, their early bird registration fees end on March 31. If you register your child, be sure to let the camp know your affiliation with our congregation so they can bill us appropriately. If you have any questions about summer camp options, please contact Ben Bear.

Speaking of camp, save the date for our Fall All-Church Camp Weekend September 29-October 1. This is a fun weekend of fellowship at Brethren Woods in the mountains of Virginia. We have currently reserved cabins for the weekend. If you are interested in coming but would prefer to stay in the A-Frame (building with bathroom in it), please reach out to Pam Breslin or Jackie Bear. We may still be able to book the A-frame. Please also let us know if you or your child are interested in participating in the Challenge/Ropes course. We will need at least 6 people to commit to participate to book the activity.

RAINBOW PRESCHOOL

Thank you to Jackie Bear for helping put the new easel together. It was quite a project!

Thank you, Carolyn Payne, for the note pads and calendars and Gayle Hawkins for the greeting cards. The kids are having fun with them.

Registration for 2023/2024 has begun please let us know if you or someone you know needs information. Our website site is: rainbowpreschool.us and our email is rainbowpreschool538@gmail.com.

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 MARCH 2023

March 5

March 12

March 19

March 26

Worship Leader

Ben Bear

Jackie Bear

Mark Tinsman

Matt Nelson

Acolytes

Jackson Nelson

Jameson Revard

Lane Revard

Jackson Nelson

Children’s Story

Ben Bear

Gayle Hawkins

Suzie Evans

Matt Nelson

Nursery

Kelsey & Danny Southard

Megan Nelson

Carrie Diethorn

Lyn Ficili

Katlyn Douglas

Dianne Nelson

Kelsey Southard

Pianist

Suzie Evans

Organist

Mary Weybright

Carolyn Payne

Hymn Leader

Jeannette Funkhouser

Flowers

Are given to the

glory

of God by

Bev Slabaugh in honor of David Slabaugh’s birthday.

Bev Slabaugh in honor of Betty Hepler’s birthday.

Dianne Nelson in honor of Jackson Nelson’s 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.

jcmyers2@outlook.com