Issue #19 - November 2007
Minister's Message
As all of us know, October 31 is Halloween. For children, this occasion is simply a time to have fun --- to dress up in costumes and to go from door to door collecting candy from friends and neighbors. For Christians, this holiday is sometimes a matter of concern; that is, some of us wonder whether dressing up as "ghosts and goblins" is an appropriate activity for Christians. Here's a brief history of Halloween that I hope will prove interesting and informative to you.
Halloween is a holiday that dates back 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sowMin"). The Celts were a tribe of people who lived in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. Unlike us, the Celts celebrated the start of their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of the summer harvest and the beginning of the cold, dark winter, a time of year associated with the death of nature. The Celts also believed that on October 31, the night before their new year began, the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, where they caused trouble and damaged crops. To protect themselves from these evil spirits, they built huge bonfires and wore costumes.
By 43 A.D., the Romans had conquered the Celts. During the course of their 400-year rule, they combined the Celtic festival of Samhain with the Roman holiday of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples at many Halloween parties today.
By the 800' s, Christianity had spread to the Celtic lands. About that time, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 as All Saints' Day, a time to honor the Christian saints. In so doing, the pope was trying to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a similar, but church-related, holiday. The night before All Saints' Day began to be called All-hallows Eve (hallow is the Old English word for "saint"), which was eventually shortened to Halloween. Like Samhain, this occasion was celebrated with bonfires and by dressing up in costumes.
Seen in this light, we have no reason to fear Halloween as "Devil worship" or as a threat to our Christian faith. It is, however, a fascinating example of how Christianity has always worked: giving Christian values and meanings to the customs and traditions we encounter in the world.
~ Denny
Youth Room and YAP
There are two pieces of exciting news in the youth ministry of Louisa Christian Church. Thanks to some donations, a Youth Room was assembled downstairs in the old Acolyte Room. The room really is great! It has a fouton, rug, tv, Playstation, dvd player, books, and games for the youth. There are some rules for the room and they are posted on the door. We hope that everyone will enjoy the room and that it will help to develop a sense of community and Sabbath here at the church.
The YAP (Youth Advisor Program) is our other big news. Three youth were selected to help guide the youth ministry of the church. These Youth Advisors will help to set activities, goals, mission, and values for the youth ministry. They will also serve as role models for the rest of the youth group and church. The Youth Advisors are: David S., Daniel S., and Eric B. Our first YAP meeting will take place soon.
If you would like more information about the Youth Room or YAP, talk to Matthew.
Thanks
Dear Louisa Christian Church,
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers during my recent surgery. I truly appreciate all of the phone calls, cards, and well wishes while I was recovering. It lifted my spirits to know that so many people cared about me. I hope that I can return the compassion that you all have shown me.
Sincerely,
Lisa Ricks
Get to Know ...
Bill and Laurel Patterson
You just never know how fascinating people are until you talk to them. That certainly is true of Bill and Laurel Patterson. You may recognize Bill as he has been visiting our church for several weeks. Or, you may recognize Bill because he is a pool buddy of yours. If you have not had a chance to talk to them, this is the place to learn who they are.
Bill and Laurel live in the serenity of Lake Louisa, only disturbed by the occasional kid riding by on a four wheeler. However, Louisa is not where their roots lay. Laurel was born in Exeter, NH and Bill in Bremerton, WA. They have been everywhere in between. They have lived in NH, IN, CO, ID, and twice in TX. In fact, they retired in Louisa after moving from Boise, ID. They happened to run across Louisa while visiting some friends in Fredericksburg, VA. Bill has been to every state and Laurel has only missed out on the Dakotas.
Here are some more interesting facts about Bill and Laurel:
- Hobbies: Bill and Laurel, both, like to travel. They have been to Norway and England. They also enjoy day trips around VA. They both like to read. Bill enjoys history, watching ACC basketball, and woodworking. Laurel also enjoys reading and is a Red Sox fan since her dad played in their farm system.
- Pets: A Beagle, Corey and a Setter, Angel. Also, two cats: Elouise and Jenny.
- Favorite Music: Laurel loves country music, meanwhile, Bill like jazz and classical (in that order, says Bill)
- Favorite place: Laurel ... NH. Bill ... wherever he puts his hat down for the evening.
- Favorite author: Bill's favorite author is Anne Perry and Laurel couldn't pick a favorite, but loves mysteries.
- Careers: Laurel was a Registered Nurse. Bill was a Weather Service Specialist and the Manager of the Public Service Unit in the Boise weather office. He also taught weather labs while at the University of New Hampshire. Currently, you can catch Bill working at the county library and Laurel at the Visitor's Center at Zion Crossroads.
- Favorite food: Laurel goes for chocalate. Bill loves hot dogs. He was very happy about Laurel's recent large purchase of hot dogs from Food Lion.
If you haven't already shot some pool with Bill or had one of Laurel's blueberry muffins, don't miss out on this chance.
Board News
Recent board news:
- $100 will be donated to District 10 of the Christian Church in VA
- The Youth Advisors are invited to one board meeting per year
- The Nominating Committee reported that all 23 Deacons/Deaconesses and Jr. Deacons/Jr. Deaconesses will serve another term. Also, the following officers will be put to a congregational vote for the 2008-2010 term: Chair - David Perkinson, Vice Chair - Doug Dodge, Treasurer - Ava Pippin, Assistant Treasurer: Pat Purcell, Secretary - Maureen Dodge
- The Elders have selected Harry Jackson to serve as Elder pending a church vote
- The Board approved the Worship/Music committees unanimous recommendation to hire Steve Comer as church Music Director.
- An official word of thanks was offered to Ruby Anne Madison, Pat Purcell, Mary Levi, and Emily Throckmorton for their hard work on the church's music and worship in the absence of a music director.
- A motion was made and passed to tear down the carport behind the church parsonage and make whatever repairs are necessary.
Schedules
Acolytes
November: Katelyn P. and Jack P.
December: Andrew P. and Amber W.
Nursery
November 4, 2007 ... Jennifer Purcell
November 11, 2007 ... Melonie Donovan
November 18, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton
November 25, 2007 ... Need help
Thanks to all of our nursery volunteers!
Comic Relief
Theory of Creation
God created the mule, and told him, "You will be mule, working constantly from dusk to dawn, carrying heavy loads on your back. You will eat grass and lack intelligence. You will live for 50 years."
The mule answered, "To live like this for 50 years is too much. Please, give me no more than 20." And it was so.
Then God created the dog, and told him, "You will hold vigilance over the dwellings of Man, to whom you will be his greatest companion. You will eat his table scraps and live for 25 years."
And the dog responded, "Lord, to live 25 years as a dog like that is too much. Please, no more than 10 years." And it was so.
God then created the monkey, and told him, "You are monkey. You shall swing from tree to tree, acting like an idiot. You will be funny, and you shall live for 20 years."
And the monkey responded, "Lord, to live 20 years as the clown of the world is too much. Please, Lord, give me no more than 10 years." And it was so.
Finally, God created Man and told him, "You are Man, the only rational being that walks the earth. You will use your intelligence to have mastery over the creatures of the world. You will dominate the earth and live for 20 years."
And the man responded, "Lord, to be Man for only 20 years is too little. Please, Lord, give me the 30 years the mule refused, the 15 years the dog refused, and the 10 years the monkey rejected." And it was so.
And so God made Man to live 20 years as a man, then marry and live 30 years like a mule working and carrying heavy loads on his back. Then, he is to have children and live 15 years as a dog, guarding his house and eating the leftovers after they empty the pantry; then, in his old age, to live 10 years as a monkey, acting like an idiot to amuse his grand children.
Community Chorus
On Saturday, November 3rd, at 4 PM and on Sunday, November 4th, at 4 PM there will be a concert by the Community Chorus celebrating the 300th birthday anniversary of Charles Wesley.
Six of our church choir members are participating in this project and it has been a wonderful experience singing with a large group. Our own Mary Levi has a soprano solo and singing with the alto section is Beverly Ellis, Eleanor Perkinson and Dottie Reynolds. Jon Quandt is helping in the bass section and Pat Purcell has been involved with the music since the project began. When the concert is performed, there will be over 50 voices bringing a celebration of faith to the local area on the first weekend of November.
The music is awesome and this will be a performance you don't want to miss!
Lectionary
November 4, 2007
Twenty third Sunday after Pentecost
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10
November 11, 2007
Twenty fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Haggai 1:15b-2:9
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Luke 20:27-38
November 18, 2007
Twenty fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 65:17-25
Isaiah 12
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
November 25, 2007
Twenty sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Luke 1:68-79
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
Take a moment and read these scriptures each week!
Volunteer Opportunities
- Come help with our Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:15pm by driving, cooking, or just hanging around.
- Attend and help at the Youth Spiritual Retreat
- We need a Santa Claus at the Youth Christmas Party in December
- Someone would be doing a huge favor for the church if they would go by the county's voter registration office every other month and send letters to people who have moved to Louisa (Matthew has been doing this, see him for details)
- Serve as the 2008 Relay for Life team captain or co-captain. Talk to Matthew.
Upcoming Youth Activities
Nov ... Volunteer with Louisa Santa Council throughout month
Nov 21 (Wed) ... No youth activities ... Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec 1 (Sat) ... Youth Spiritual Retreat for ages 8 and up (Day long ... Not overnight) ... See Matthew for info
Dec 7 (Fri) ... Parents Night Out (Ages 3 and up) ... 6-10 PM
Dec 23 ... Youth Christmas party 1 PM
Dec 26 (Wed) ... No youth activities ... Merry Christmas!
Birthdays
Eric Baker 12/8
Millicent L. Barret 12/27
Alice Garland Boyd 12/13
Mary A. Buhrer 12/22
Toni Buhrer 12/20
Patricia L. Burnette 12/15
Andrew M. Duke 12/15
Beverly Ellis 12/31
Shelby Fisher 12/23
John Coleman Fleshman 12/28
Irma B. Groome 12/11
Cameron Knight 12/14
John Knight 12/1
Mary E. Maddra 12/14
J. Monroe Martin 12/20
Edna Marie Moubray 12/16
Benjamin Perkinson 12/31
Randy Peyton 12/13
Charles F. Purcell 12/29
Diane M. Purcell 12/23
Mary Richardson 12/9
Daniel Shoupe 12/7
Rose A. Smith 12/24
Louise B. Smrkovski 12/31
Emily G. Throckmorton 12/26
Kenny Throckmorton 12/12
Evelyn Vawter 12/23
Amber Wood 12/25
If we missed a birthday, let us know.
Riddle
Answer to Last Month's Riddle Me This?
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + (8 x 9) = 100
The following number is the only one of its kind. Can you figure out what is so special about it? 8,549,176,320.
Answer: See next months newsletter.
Worship
Sunday School every Sunday at 10 AM
Worship Service following at 11 AM
Prayer Service each Wednesday at noon
Every Wednesday we offer a Bible Study at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:15 PM
Louisa Christian Church
P.O. Box 1344
104 Elm Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093
Rev. Burnette: 540-967-4884
Email
Rev. Ricks: 804-683-3537
Email