Brenda Orebaugh began working at Central on November 22 as our new Administrative Assistant. She comes to Central with lots of experience including 27 years working for the City of Staunton. We are delighted to welcome her to CUMC!
On October 9, Central hosted a dedication service for the new GO Pantry van. This van was purchased through a generous donation from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and will enable Central to deliver food to many throughout the Staunton area who are in need of food but cannot attend Central’s weekly Food Pantry distributions.
As part of the dedication ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a cake made and decorated by Emily Brown, Millie and Richard Brown’s daughter-in-law.
On September 11, Central celebrated its 225th anniversary of service to the Staunton community. At Morning Worship services, recollections were offered by Martha Bushman, Thelma DePriest, Wanda True, Billie Quigley, Deb Atno Shelton, and former pastor Hugh Harris. Ed Pickett provided additional historical information and special music included violinists Wanchi Huang and Jessica Embach-Jankauskas. The entire service can be viewed by clicking here.
Afterwards a delicious luncheon was provided by the Feeding Ministry Team. During lunch, a pictorial slideshow featured pictures from the past 25 years of Central’s services, mission projects, and activities.
Chris Granfield received the first Dr. Bob Hanson Scholarship awarded by Central on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Chris will attend Norfolk State University this fall majoring in nursing. This scholarship was created from the generous donation of Dr. Hanson who has been a lifelong member of CUMC and taught mathematics at James Madison University for fifty years. Dr. Hanson was able to attend the service on July 31. Pictured below are Dr. Ed Pickett from the CUMC Scholarship Committee and Chris:
The scholarship, a $1,000 one-time award, will be awarded annually to a CUMC member.
Karen Richardson is the new Administrative Assistant at CUMC. Karen began working on January 4 and has been quickly learning about her duties. She can be reached at Central’s phone number, 886-3441, or by e-mail at centralumc@centralumcstaunton.org.
PRELUDE “O Holy Night” Deborah Reed
WORDS OF WELCOME ………………………………………………………………… Pastor Un
*PROCESSIONAL CAROL #238 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT/CHRIST CANDLES The Noto Family
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you. (Light 1st Candle)
Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night.
God’s word has been made flesh among us.
(Light 2nd Candle)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined.
(Light 3rd Candle)
You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Light 4th Candle)
He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us. AMEN!
(Light the Christ Candle)
THE BIDDING PRAYER ………………………………………………………………. Pastor Un
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19……………………. …… Mary Douglas God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve’s punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
Carol #206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18 ………………………………………. Ed Pickett
God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain the blessing.
Carol #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (stanzas 1,2,4, 7)
THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7……………………………Virginia Buchanan
The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.
Organ: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” Yi-Ping Chen
FOURTH LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9 ……………………….. John Hildebrand
The King is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God’s creation.
Carol #230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
FIFTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-35, 38 Caroline Jones
The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.
Organ: “Gentle Mary Lay Her Child” Yi-Ping Chen
SIXTH LESSON: Luke 2:1-7 ……………………………………………………………. Valerie Noto
Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.
Carol #228 “He Is Born”
SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-16 …………………………………………………………….. Joe Hill
The shepherds go to see the Savior of the World, lying in a manger.
Carol #245 “The First Noel (Stanza 1 and 2)”
EIGHTH LESSON: Matthew 2:1-11………………….…………………Susan Obaugh
The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.
Organ: “In The Bleak Midwinter” Yi-Ping Chen
NINTH LESSON: John 1:1-14 …………………………………………………………… Pastor Un
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation. Carol #251 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
INVITATION UMH #12 ……………………………………………………………………… Pastor Un
*THE PEACE
OFFERING OFFETORY “Mary, Did You Know?” Betsy Gutshall/Joe Hill
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Pastor Un/Connie Davis/Linda Hildebrand
SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
*BENEDICTION
*CAROL #239 “Silent Night” Gene Blackmer
Have a Safe & Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
During the months of November and December, Central UMC will be collecting the following items to donate to our Food Pantry. If you should fill your box early, feel free to bring it to the church office during the week or you can leave it in the Gathering Room any Sunday morning. If you would like to participate but are unable to shop, we will be glad to do it for you. A donation of $40.00 would cover the cost of a box. You can make the check payable to CUMC and add Advent Box on the memo line. If you need us to pick up your box, please call the church office (886-3441) and leave your name and number and we will contact you to set up a pick up time.
November 29 – stuffing mix
November 30 – can or jar of gravy
December 1 – cake mix
December 2 – canned sweet potatoes
December 3 – paper towel roll
December 4 – box of 6 oz Jello
December 5 – box of 6 oz pudding
December 6 – canned fruit cocktail
December 7 – box of tissues
December 8 – package of cookies
December 9 – box of crackers
December 10 – deodorant
December 11 – toothpaste
December 12 – toothbrush
December 13 – bottle of shampoo (16 oz or larger)
December 14 – small bottle of ketchup
December 15 – cake frosting
December 16 – salad dressing
December 17 – small jar of mayo
December 18 – box of band aids
December 19 – bar of soap (4 oz or larger)
December 20 – brownie mix
December 21 – salsa
December 22 – bag of chips
Thanks,
Outreach Committee
On November 12, the United Methodist Men prepared 115 quarts of Brunswick Stew. This annual fundraiser involves good cooperation among members, delicious stew for the congregation and others who purchase it, and funds for many UMM projects. Click here to see some pictures of the men as they prepared the stew.
Rev. Daniel L. Garrett passed away on Sunday, April 25. Dan was pastor at Central from 1996 – 2001. Here is the announcement his family posted about his passing:
A graveside service for Rev. Dr. Daniel Lee Garrett will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 11am PDT at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, CA. Masks and social distancing will be required.
For family and friends throughout the country, the service will be live-streamed on Youtube, and available to replay later at the following link: https://youtu.be/iK_m6SgkrpMPlease note the Pacific time zone, the service will be live at 2pm on the East Coast.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Lee Garrett died peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at his home in Costa Mesa, California, surrounded by his family. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio to the Rev. Bernard John Garrett and Pauline Elizabeth Smith Garrett on March 4, 1941. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, the Rev. Dr. Susan Schweitzer Garrett, his sons David (Marcy) of Tustin, California, and Joshua (Ngoc) of Costa Mesa, California, and by his five grandchildren, Zachary, Jonathan, and Benjamin of Tustin, and June and Heath of Costa Mesa. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Veach (Bill) of Homosassa, Florida, and by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Sally and Jack Sanders and Carol and Peter Schilling, and eight nieces and nephews.
After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1963, Dan served in the Navy for four years, including as the Executive Officer of the USS Coconino County (LST-603), stationed in Vietnam. Following his service in the Navy, Dan attended Yale Divinity School, and then served as a United Methodist minister and seminary professor in Virginia for the next 40 years. His appointments included Regester Chapel in Stafford, Fincastle, Strasburg, Duncan Memorial in Berryville, and Central United Methodist Church in Staunton. He also taught United Methodist Studies at three seminaries—Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, and at Union Presbyterian Seminary and Virginia Union School of Theology, both in Richmond. In retirement, he and his wife Susan served interim pastoral appointments at First United Methodist and Braddock Street United Methodist Churches in Winchester. Retirement was also the time when Dan became a part of the Arts Chorale of Winchester and the Piedmont Singers, and when he wrote five books on United Methodist ministry, practical theology, and history.
Memorial donations may be made to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4400 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Based on results of a congregational survey, Central will resume its Sunday morning Worship Services at 11:00 on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. We’d love to have you join us! All CDC recommended guidelines will be followed.