OWNBEY CLASS MUSINGS

December 19, 2004

 

Birthdays:   Bob Grogan (25^th)

 

REMEMBER…in your thoughts and prayers these folks, others you know, and especially their caregivers…

>Others you know who need a prayer…

 

LAST WEEK:

>>Dec. 10 ~ The Ownbey Class Christmas Dinner at Aldersgate hosted 24; good times enjoyed!

>>Dec. 12 ~ Harriette & Sydnor Thompson hosted the Ownbey Class Christmas Breakfast with 35 present; Sydnor, using the International Lesson series, led all in considering what we look for in leaders.

>>Dec. 15 ~ Les Ackerman presented the Adults Plus! Christmas Concert in the Sanctuary   Hope you didn’t miss it, for it was a Christmas present for the soul!  More than 100 were in attendance!

 

THIS WEEK: Dec. 19 – 25, 2004

>>>Dec. 19 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

>>>Dec. 19 ~ Come and enjoy Christmas with Lou Bledsoe for Sunday School!

>>>Dec. 21 ~ First Day of Winter; Winter Solstice

>>>Dec. 24 ~ Remember to check your worship bulletin or The Cornerstone for all the opportunities beginning in the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

>>>Dec. 25 ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

LOOKING AHEAD:

>>>>Dec. 26 ~ Remember to set your alarm and come to Sunday School, because Carol Douglas will offer WOMEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: Questions and Commentary by Bonnie Thurston to a joint Sunday School session in Rooms 103-105 of the Parish Life Building.

>>>>Jan. 1 ~ Happy New Year!  Remember to start writing 2005 on your checks!

>>>>Jan. 2 ~ 2005 class officers will assume their duties.  In addition, Carol Douglas will present Part II of Women in the New Testament.

>>>>Jan. 6 ~ Ownbey Class Curriculum Committee will meet on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Room 110.  All teachers and members of the Ownbey Class are invited to attend the meeting and to make recom-mendations for study.

>>>>Jan. 9 ~ Poetry with Bob and Don, so well received a few weeks ago, will be the Sunday School offering.

>>>>Feb. 11 ~ DEADLINE for submitting your recollections and art work for “REFLECTIONS”, the MPUMC publication being sponsored by the Commission on Arts and the Faith.  Don’t put off your work too long!

>>>>Ann Copeland reports that South Tryon Community Church has an urgent need for cold weather clothing, especially clothing for men.  Clothing can be delivered directly to South Tryon Community Church or deposited here to be transported to the church.  Please put your name on the bag or container, as our friends at South Tryon like to acknowledge gifts with a “Thank You” note.

>>>>SUPPORT THE TROOPS!  The United Methodist Endorsing Agency, General Board of Higher Education & Ministry, reporting on the activity of a Chaplain in Iraq, informs us that some members of the armed forces have accumulated phone bills of $1,000.00 calling home.  The Agency offers us the opportunity to purchase phone cards to be given to the members of the armed forces by the chaplains.  The phone cards provide 120 minutes of calling time for $4.95, and are given away with the comment that “People who love Jesus Christ made this possible for you.”  If you want to give a car d or two, send a check to the UMEA, PO Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007.  If you would like to know more about this story, go to the website at www.UMC@UMCOM.ORG.  All funds go for designated purpose!

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY: Julie Andrews recorded “The Secret of Christmas” some years ago; a refrain says “…the secret of Christmas is not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through!” With those words in mind, Jim Hatfield reminds us about phone cards for Armed Forces members who have been returned stateside for medical care and are in rehab and recovery. The #1 thing that is very important for their rehab/recovery is the availability to call home.  Send a phone card of any amount to: Medical Family Assistance Center, Walter Reed Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. 

 

AND ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY via Jim:  $25 gets one of our troops a DOD-approved care package containing a phone card, toiletries, sunscreen, and other essentials.  Go to the following website to arrange this “Christmas things” - www.usocares.org/src/uso_donate.htm.

 

SOME 2005 DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW…AND MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR!

 

ADULTS PLUS! meets every 3^rd Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – noon, January through May, a picnic in June, and monthly meetings resume September through December.  Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to be a part of a great fellowship!  Remember, lunch ($5.00) is optional; reservations for lunch must be made monthly unless you opt for a Standing Reservation.

 

ROOM IN THE INN ~ The date for the Ownbey Class to provide for the homeless has been set for Friday, March 11^th.  Mark it on your calendar and plan to be available Friday night or Saturday morning!

 

ADULTS PLUS! Spiritual Life Retreat will probably be May 2 – 3 – 4, 2005.  Watch for a confirmation of these dates.

 

A DAY APART FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART!, the Western North Carolina Conference program for Older Adults, will be held at Myers Park UMC, Tuesday, May 24^th.  We will need hosts and hostesses for the event!  Stay tuned for more information.

 

SEJ Association of Older Adults Conference on Older Adult Ministries at Lake Junaluska is on the calendar for August 8 – 11, 2005!  A great conference is planned, so put this opportunity down on your calendar!

 

Remember:  Lou Bledsoe, reporting for the Nominating Committee, presented the 2005 Slate of Officers for the Ownbey Class.  The Slate was voted in by acclamation.  Support YOUR class officers with your attendance and your willingness to participate in all class activities such as service opportunities and social activities.  YOU are the Ownbey Class!

 

OWNBEY CLASS OFFICERS – 2005

 

 

Len & Ellen Chason  –  Co-presidents

Janie Jones  –  vice president

Eleanor Harris  –  secretary

Bob Grogan  –  treasurer

Don Hammer  –  curriculum

Harriette Thompson  –  music

Skip & Ruth Heintzelman  – Helping hands