season

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Dec-Jan 2017-2018

High Spire

Towson UMC

Newsletter for Members & Friends of Towson United Methodis t Church

Tis the...

SEASON

Toy Drive Adopt-a-Family Hanging of the Greens

Chili & Chalk Talk

Sunday All-Music Service Operation Christmas Child

Joy to the World! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart Prepare Him room. Is your house ready? Or is it a swirling holiday mess? No worries. Most other folks have homes in disarray this time of year. Not everyone admits it. In life, there is always a mess somewhere. And, things never go as smoothly as planned. We love to think that our lives are well planned. We may dream of what our futures will be and work hard to make that happen. Sometimes, it does turn out as we hoped. Sometimes, our lives are very different from our plans. Always, life can be unexpected and we realize that God has plans for us that may not be at all what we had in mind. At times, our lives may even be demolished and made anew. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, we are reconstructed. And, our lives become orderly again — for the moment. This holiday season, embrace the mess. Pause. Enjoy the moment. And, miracles will abound!

Prepare Ye for the 2017 Advent Sermon Series

PRAY for PEACE

High spire

Thank YOU! Dear Congregation, The past 16 years at TUMC have been filled with many memories as we studied and were in fellowship together. We have made some wonderful friends; and we will miss you. Our home on Charmuth has been sold; and we are relocating back to Indiana to be closer to our family. As Gary likes to say, “We are going to live closer to our family and visit our friends.” During our time at Towson there have been many changes in our church. Undoubtedly, there will continue to be changes in the future. However, the one thing that has been constant during our time at TUMC has been your support, encouragement, and friendship. Whenever you are in the Indianapolis area, please stop by and say hello! ——— Jeannine and Gary Neuen

TUMC’s Inclement Weather Policy Monday-Friday  If Baltimore County Schools are closed, then there are NO church meetings or activities.  If Baltimore County Schools open late or close early, then TUMC meetings and activities may be canceled; check with your facilitator.

501 Hampton Lane : Towson, MD 21286

410.823.6511 www.towsonumc.org Business Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Sunday Worship Services: 8:15 AM and 10:15 AM

MINISTRY TEAM Rev. LaTrelle Easterling—Resident Bishop Rev. Dr. Wanda Duckett—District Superintendant, Baltimore Metropolitan District Bob Kimmons & Stephanie Kimmons— TUMC’s Church Lay Leaders Rev. Dr. Mark Johnson— Lead Pastor 410.823.3640 : [email protected] Rev. Margery Schammel—Assistant Pastor 410.823.2485 : [email protected] Rev. Doug Hollida– Minister of Music 410.823.6519 : [email protected] Rachel Livingston– Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries 410.823.3698 : [email protected]

Sundays Check the local tv/radio listings. Most of all, use your best judgment and be safe!

Kim Ayres– Business and Office Manager 410.823.3693 : [email protected] Bob Ashby– Custodian

PRAY WITH US

HAMPTON LANE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

http://towsonprays.blogspot.com

Erin Rigley– Center Director 410.825.0008 : [email protected]

Upper Room devotionals, regular and large print, available in the lobby Next High Spire content deadline: January 15th for the February 2018 issue. Send photos and copy to: [email protected]

A ministry of Towson United Methodist Church, Hampton Lane Child Development Center is a licensed childcare center with approved preschool for ages two (2) through pre-kindergarten.

www.hamptonlanecdc.org

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 2

Sunday, December 10 The Music Ministry of Towson United Methodist Church presents….

A Service of Advent and Christmas Music 10:15 AM Worship in the Sanctuary Music by the Carol Choir, Alleluia Singers, Chancel Choir, and Tower Chimes with flute, saxophone tympani, and percussion : Meditation by Rev. Margery Schammel

Sunday, December 24 8:15 AM Advent Chapel Communion Service 10:15 AM Christmas Eve Children’s Choir Musical Journeys to the Manger

8:00 PM Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service with 7:45 PM Prelude and ASL interpreted 11:00 PM Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service with 10:45 PM Prelude

Sunday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Worship and Breakfast in Fellowship Hall 10:15AM ONE Worship Service—Everyone is welcome! Coffee cake donations appreciated. Contact: Maria Springer 410.561.1157 or [email protected] Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 3

Adult Learning

Infants, Toddlers and KIDZ

Join us for Sunday Morning Adult Classes. Check out this lineup of possibilities. Everyone is welcome!

Prefer childcare during the worship service? We have your family covered from infancy through age 11!

***ALL CLASSES ARE ON SUNDAYS 9-10 AM*** Christians Under Construction : Room 111 Topical and Bible studies Young Parents’ Class : Room 114 Support to rear children as Christian parents Tower Class : Room 214 Current topics from a Christian perspective Women’s Class : Room 212 Learning and support to live as Christian women Adult Bible Study : Room 218 Studies of various books of the Bible Men’s Class : Room 310 Learning and support to live as Christian men NO ENROLLMENT NECESSARY! MEET IN THE DESIGNATED ROOMS TO JOIN A CLASS.

Safe-sanctuary, approved adults are available on Sunday mornings to spend quality time with your little ones in the Cribbery downstairs; and to host a variety of fun, social and educational activities in church classrooms for older children. Childcare in the Cribbery* : Room 122 Children: Infants-Age 3 Open: 8:45 AM through the 10:15 AM service

Pray and Play* : Room 314 Children: Ages 4-6 Open: 10:15 through the entire worship service for learning, fun and song. Kids in the Disciple Zone (KIDZ)* : Room 310 Children: Ages 7-11 Open: Part-way through 10:15 service. Children begin in the worship service and leave for learning and fun when dismissed.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Tuesdays, Nov 28-Dec 19 at 10AM

SHORT-TERM ADVENT CLASS Advent: Reconstruction Drop IN and join us in the Room 311 for an Advent Class on Tuesday mornings during Advent. We will study Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary. The Christmas story seems all too familiar to us, but to those four persons, the coming of the Messiah was a wild and unlooked for turn in their life stories. No RSVP needed!

ALL classes, Cribbery, Pray & Play, and KIDZ are canceled on 12/24 & 12/31

Kids’ Sunday School Children of all ages are invited to join a Sunday School class to learn and grow in faith with one another. Classes are taught by TUMC safesanctuary, approved adults. ***ALL CLASSES ARE ON SUNDAYS 9-10 AM *** Preschool* : Room 311 Children: Age 3-Kindergarten Elementary* : Room 312 Children: Grades 1-5

*Note: Enrollment forms are REQUIRED for participation. Find forms online at www.towsonumc.org. Click on “Ministries” then “Towson Youth.” Return completed forms to church!

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 4

TUMC Youth Scoop

Follow YOUTH GROUP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TowsonUMCYouth

Middle/High School Youth—Sunday School, 9-10 AM Middle School*: Rm 216 Youth: Grades 6-8

High School* : Rm 317 Youth: Grades 9-12

Confirmation ‘Class of 2018’ For the month of December, Confirmation students will meet with the Middle School Sunday School Confirmation students at their third church outing: Class. Then, Old Otterbein UMC in downtown Baltimore Confirmation Classes begin on Sunday, Jan. 7th, and continue until Pentecost, May 20th. This class is for youth 8th grade and older who are interested in exploring their faith and the United Methodist church, and, perhaps, joining the church. The group meets in Fellowship Hall, 9-10AM. The youth, their parents, and mentors have been getting to know one another and a bit about our Methodist history as they traveled to several sites this past fall. Please keep these youth, their families, teachers and mentors in your prayers.

YOUTH GROUP UPCOMING EVENTS December and January 12/1 Nerf Wars at TUMC, 7-9 PM 12/3 Youth Council Meeting, after 10:15AM service 12/10 Dinner & Shopping for Christmas Family, 6-7:30PM 12/17 Dinner & Wrapping Gifts for Christmas Family, 6-7:30PM 12/24 NO Youth Group or Sunday School Celebrate the coming of Christ in this World at 8:15AM, 10:15AM, 8PM or 11PM worship. 12/31 No Youth Group or Sunday School Join Us for 10:15 Brunch & Worship 1/5 Ice Skating, 6-9PM 1/7 Youth Council Meeting, after 10:15AM service 1/14 Dinner & Discussion/Bible Study, 6-7:30PM 1/20 Volunteer Local UMCOR Hub, 10AM-Noon 1/26-28 ROCK 2018! In Ocean City, MD 1/28 NO Youth Group Need more info? Contact Rachel Livingston: 410.823.3698 : [email protected]

Questions? Contact: Rev. Margery Schammel: [email protected] 410.823.2485.

THANK YOU FOR COOKING WITH US!!!! Special thanks to those who helped us cook for our “Thankful Around the World” event in November: Maria Springer, Cindy Bothwell, Annemarie Merow, and Ryan Wagner. The youth enjoyed cooking and eating their unique creations! Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 5

Annual TOY DRIVE

Stewardship Campaign The 2018 Stewardship Campaign for Towson UMC continues on, under the theme of “A New Day of Blessings”. God's promises of blessings is found in the Book of lamentations, Chapter 3, verse 23: "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day". Towson continues to be blessed. With God's promises, we can start each day with renewed hope and confidence in the future. Together with your help and God's grace, we can finalize our approach to the budget process for 2018. If you have already responded, we thank you. If not, we ask your consideration how you might invest in many more "new days" for Towson in the new year. Commitment cards are in the church pews.

The Mission Committee’s annual toy drive will be held on December 3 and December 10. On those two Sundays, toys will be collected in the foyer for the children of the Homestead United Methodist Church on Gorsuch Avenue in Baltimore city. These toys should be NEW and wrapped in Christmas paper. On the outside of the wrapping, please indicate whether the toy is for a boy or girl and the approximate age of the intended recipient. The Outreach group at Homestead Church has a Christmas party for their community every year, at which time the toys are distributed. If there are extra gifts, the committee takes them to homeless shelters so that those children will have a toy on Christmas morning too. Our church members have been very generous in their support of the Toy Drive in the past. Many of our children have brought a gift for a less fortunate boy or girl. If you want to bring an unwrapped toy, I will be glad to wrap it for you. Please contribute a toy to this most appreciative church community before December 12. Please feel free to contact Pat Totzauer at 410.938.8699 with any questions.

Happy Birthday Wishes to YOU….. DECEMBER 2017 12/1 Nancy Chance 12/1 Travers Gralley 12/1 Robin Smith 12/2 Megan Connolly 12/2 Harry Schneider 12/3 Carol Caplan 12/3 Bill Connolly 12/4 Brandi Cunnington 12/4 Sylvia Elliott 12/5 Cynthia Anderson 12/5 Sue Garman 12/8 John Richards 12/9 Kay Bransby 12/9 Joe Corson 12/11 Suey McLean 12/11 Marie Ponzillo 12/11 Lisa Reiner 12/11 Noel Vandermer 12/12 Douglas Dollenberg 12/13 Kate Craig 12/13 Nancy Currens 12/14 Betty Cassatt 12/14 Jo Miller 12/14 Emily Wolff 12/16 Nancy Crabbin 12/16 Erin Williams 12/18 Emily Cummings

JANUARY 2018 12/18 Vernon Sevier, Sr 12/19 Roy Bopst, Jr 12/19 Chuck Gladstone III 12/19 Aaron Tobian 12/21 Liz Brown 12/21 Jordan Smith 12/21 Morgan Watkeys 12/22 Trisha Whiting 12/22 Suzanne Yoder 12/23 Diane Crider 12/23 Braden Hofstetter 12/23 Jacob Hofstetter 12/25 Laura Ruby 12/26 Barbara Bernhardt 12/27 Matt Ross 12/27 Dick Watts 12/28 Moira Edwards 12/29 Carol Engel 12/29 Betty Ledford 12/29 Marsha McDonold 12/29 Bea Post

1/4 Tom Edel 1/5 Joan Schmitt 1/6 Donna Hofstetter 1/6 June Hogue 1/6 Eric Killip 1/7 Kathryn Mules 1/7 Lissa O'Donnell 1/7 Bill Rogers Jr 1/8 Carol Bowers 1/8 Suz Ford 1/8 Carol Ross 1/8 Lee Ann Vasil 1/9 Cathy Anderson 1/10 Bob Gralley 1/11 Lu Ann Blackman 1/11 Jeanne Ripley 1/11 Nathan Watts 1/12 Cece Walsch 1/13 Christian Garman 1/14 Mike Ford 1/14 Janet Kines 1/14 Jeff Mergerian 1/15 Michele Cline 1/15 Kim Connolly 1/15 Aaron Heise 1/16 Stephen Ponzillo III 1/17 Fred Cowan

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 6

1/18 Lynn Garner 1/18 Sara Petry 1/19 Wendy Gorsuch 1/19 Erik Helsing 1/19 Nancy Waters 1/20 Gail Feland 1/20 Rick Green 1/20 Dottie Lebo 1/20 Dan Matlin 1/21 Nancy Svehla 1/21 Earl Watkeys 1/22 Mel Torres 1/23 Barb Mann 1/23 Norma Reed 1/23 John Ross, Jr 1/23 Emily Walsch 1/24 Maria Springer 1/24 Ryan Wagner 1/25 Edward Custer 1/25 Kathie Dollenberg 1/27 John Beynon 1/27 Evan Llewelyn 1/28 Rick Gawlik 1/28 Amy Kirkner 1/29 Walt Wilhelm 1/30 Sharon Kollman 1/31 Pam Carr

Music Notes From Doug Hollida, Minister of Music, Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year. The last time this happened was 11 years ago – in 2006. This presents a slight challenge in that we have to shift things a little to make it all work. And I think we’ve come up with a good plan. It also provides some unique opportunities. The big opportunity for you is that you can experience Christmas Eve – the celebration of Christ’s birth – in TWO unique ways this year. Our 5:00 p.m. Family Service has been moved to the 10:15 AM time slot. Starting two years ago, we began doing children’s musicals for the Christmas Eve Family Service. Our children are amazingly talented – they are confident, funny, and cute! The shows they do are always exceptional and definitely inspiring. So I would really encourage you to come to the 10:15 AM service. And it’s going to be even more special this year as our adult Chancel Choir also wanted to be part of the morning service. They will be presenting the musical along with the children.

And then I would encourage you to return in the evening to the 8:00 PM or 11:00 PM service. These services will have different messages and different choirs from the morning services. And of course there will be a change from sunlight to candlelight, so – a totally different mood. Of the churches in which I’ve served I can think of three that had two Christmas Eve services – one early evening and one late evening. It was a tradition for many, many people to come to both, even the young children came to the late one. They slept through it, of course, but they wouldn’t have missed coming out to this special time and going home after midnight – officially Christmas Day! Can you really get enough of Christmas? Can you really get enough of celebrating the birth of Jesus – the music? the hope? the joy? Joy to the World! The Lord is coming, has come, and will come. Joy to the World!

The TUMC Children’s Carol Choir — with help from the Adult Chancel Choir — present the 3rd annual Christmas Eve Musical

Journeys to the Manger Sunday, December 24 : 10:15 AM Service Meditation by: Rachel Livingston Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 7

Start the New Year with Music January is a great time to join a choir.! We start anew with all new music. All rehearsals are in the Music Room (room 321) – 3rd floor near the main stairs.

HANDBELL CHOIRS NOTE: Please let me know ahead of your interest in the bell choirs so we can have a spot for you.

Here’s all the information you need to join us! •

VOCAL CHOIRS •

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CHANCEL CHOIR - Adults - Rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:00. Music reading is not required. • JOYFUL NOISE - Adults - Rehearses & sings occasionally throughout the year. Come when you can. On the Sundays we sing, we meet at 9:45 to learn an easy an- • them. Dates are communicated via e-mail. So e-mail me, please, if you would like to be added to the list. ALLELUIA SINGERS (6th - 12th graders) - Rehearses Sunday evenings 5:00-6:00.

GENESIS BELLS - For anyone who does or does not read music and has limited (to no) experience playing bells - Rehearses Tuesday evenings 6:45-7:30. CELEBRATION RINGERS - For anyone who reads music OR has some ringing experience - Rehearses Sunday afternoons 4:00-5:00. TOWER CHIMES - Advanced ringers – Music reading is required but ringing experience is not. If you’re not sure if you’re ready for this choir, let me know and we’ll talk about it. Rehearses Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30. 2018 STARTING DATES

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CAROL CHOIR (2nd - 5th graders) - Rehearses Tuesday evenings 6:00-6:45.

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JOY SINGERS (4-year-olds – 1st graders) – Rehearses Sunday morning during Children and Worship

F A L L F U N

January 3 – Chancel Choir January 7 – Joy Singers January 7 – Alleluia Singers January 9 – Carol Choir January 10 – Tower Chimes January 14 – Celebration Ringers January 16 – Genesis Bells

The Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon was a HUGE success in November. Thanks to all our generous donors, creative vendors and event coordinators.

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 8

Yummy treats, handmade crafts and second-hand items = FUN!

CHALK ARTIST ELVA HURST at TUMC on December 10th at 11:30AM CHILI LUNCH & CHALK TALK Sunday, December 10 after 10:15AM service Mark your calendars for another event of friends, fellowship and fun —Sunday, December 10th with Chalk artist, Elva Hurst! Elva is such a creative and gifted artist ; she will tell a story while she draws the nativity! You may remember her chalk drawing from last year, opposite the elevator on the 1st floor – a winter scene with the lighted tree surrounded by a church and small village. WANT MORE CHALK ART? Elva’s Barnyard Art Studio & Gallery 1519 Brunnerville Road :Lititz, PA 17543 717.626.6582 : www.elvaschalkart.com

Bring a pot of your favorite chili (salad and dessert provided) to share with the group before Elva begins her presentation! Enjoy a relaxing lunch and work of art with your church friends! Come one and come all for an advent season meal and see the nativity come to life in chalk!!!

2018 Women’s Retreat Our annual Women’s ReFebruary 23-25 treat has been a source of renewal, friendship, and grace for several years. Women have fun, learn, grow in their relationships both with God and with one another —and have more fun. The 2018 Retreat will be held at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD. We will meet for dinner on Friday, Feb. 23rd, spend the weekend having an awesome time, and leave for home after lunch on Sunday, Feb. 25th. Registration forms are available now on our Towson UMC website or in the church lobby. The cost of this year’s Retreat is $215.00 per person. Please make your check out to Towson UMC with Women’s Retreat in the memo line. Venue info at www.skycroft.org.

Fellowship with Pastor Mark & Friends Thank you to everyone who has come out to meet and chat with Pastor Mark over the past several months. Some of you have met with Pastor Mark (and sometimes his wife, Pastor Sandi) after worship and some have come to the “Coffee and Conversation” times held at a variety of places. These informal conversations have been well attended and Pastor Mark would like to continue these fellowship times. No need to RSVP. Everyone is welcome. Or, you may call/email him to schedule a time to meet at church.

Meet on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00 AM at Bob Evans Restaurant 1265 E. Joppa Road NO GATHERINGS ON 12/26/17 or 1/2/18!!

Let every prepare Him room!

Please Remember Towson UMC in Your Will ……… When you leave a bequest to Towson UMC in your will or estate plan you help to root your hopes and dreams in the bedrock of Christ’s Gospel. You also make a good steward’s return to God of God’s blessings in your life and leave an eternal message of what is important to you. It is easy to include your church in your estate planning by having your advisor include this language in your will or beneficiary designation: “I give, devise and bequeath _______ (insert dollar amount or percent amount) of my estate to Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286”. Questions? Call Pastor Mark and he can connect you with the Planned Giving Committee. Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 9

2018 Towson UMC Nominations & Lay Leadership Report ADMINISTRATIVE FOCUS AREAS - 2018

Church Council Chair: Alicia Corson Secretary: Carol Caplan Chair of Finance: Steve Schnur Chair of Stewardship: Dale Springer Chair of Property and Maintenance: John Engel Chair of Education Work Area: Carolyn Schnur Chair of Mission Work Area: Gene Bandy Chair of Senior Adult Council: Bill Rogers Chair of Hospitality: Susan Naeny Chair of Pathways: Susan Killian Lay Leaders: Bob Kimmons and Stephanie Kimmons Lay Members, 2018: Kevin Gralley and Fred Cowan Members-at-Large: Tarja Singer, Carol Caplan, Dan Gauer, David Garman, Stephen Rogers, Margot Gerding, Pat Day, Lissa O'Donnell, Walt Wilhelm, Kevin Gralley, and Penny Goode Board of Trustees David King 2018 Mike McWilliams 2018 Cindy Frank 2018 Ken Fisher 2019 Drew O'Donnell 2019 Nancy Klueh 2019 Jeri Allen 2020 Roy Bopst 2020 Tom Mowlds 2020 Property and Maintenance Committee Chair: John Engel Members: Mike McWilliams, Janet Kines, Kathy Stroup, David Turlington, Tom Edel, Roy Bopst, Tom Clawson, Jim Tambling, and John Dahne Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair: Bill Sleeman 2018 Members: Susan Killian 2018, Mary Carrol Peters 2018, Susan Gralley 2019, Ginny Cummings 2019, Miguel Roberts 2019, Karen Morris 2020, Michael Gambuto 2020, and Bob Naeny 2020

Finance Committee Chair: Steve Schnur Stewardship Liaison: Dale Springer Chair of Church Council: Alicia Corson Chair of Property and Maintenance: John Engel Lay Leader: Bob Kimmons Business Manager: Kim Ayres Pastor: Mark Johnson Members-at-Large: (4 year limit; year indicates last year of term)

Christian Connections Coordinator: Kevin Gralley Pray and Play Coordinator: Jo Miller Youth Council Members: Alicia Corson, Ginny Cummings, Karen Morris, Anne Sleeman, Susan Mealey, Sally Stocksdale, Susan Knabe, Maryanne Arthur, Jack Chamberlain, Margot Gerding, Margery Schammel, Rachel Livingston and Youth Parents

Steve Bauer 2018, Bob Naeny 2018, Ann Dahne 2019, Merrill Frank 2019, Linda Brooks 2020, Shelley Jackson 2020, and Ken Klueh 2020 PATHWAYS Board of Directors Chair: Susan Killian Stewardship Committee Secretary: Amanda Long Liaison: Dale Springer Treasurer: Ken Henschen Stephen Rogers Advisor: Justin Jones Mike Steer Program Director: Sharon Penhallegon Charlie Woodbury Admin Director: Mary Wynne Eisenberg Grey Goode Members: Annie Biser, Stephanie Mike McWilliams Kimmons, Joe Corson, Dave Morris, Rachel Livingston and Casey Schurman Lay Leadership/Nominations Committee Members: Sue Gralley 2018, Nancy Klueh Mission Work Area 2018, Stephanie Kimmons 2018, Members: Gene Bandy, Carole Dean, Shirley Derksen 2019, Dave Morris 2019, Pat Totzauer, John Ford, Val Wehrle, Lissa O'Donnell 2019, Janet Kines 2020, Vernon Sevier, Dwight Kines, Donna Leslie Wagner 2020 and Earl Smith 2020 Russell, Carol Sims, Libby Rogers, Anne Biser and Margot Gerding Hampton Lane Child Development Center Board of Trustees Worship Committee Ellen Berline 2018 Communion Stewards: Linda and Gordon Nancy Bopst 2018 Kennard Kathy King 2018 Ushers: Margot Gerding Dick Watts 2019 Members: Erin Giudice, Eleanor Brown, John Vandermer 2019 Sam Smith, Sue Brown, Fred Crider, Debby Maciolek 2020 Mike Steer, Noel Vandermer, Verna Sandy Clawson 2020 Lewis, Lee Ann Vasil and Sylvia Solomon

MINISTRY FOCUS AREAS - 2018 Education Chair: Carolyn Schnur Members-at-Large: Jo Miller, Ann Sleeman, Erin Giudice, Susan Mealey, Leslie Wagner, Susan Killian, Sushma Roberts and Margery Schammel Cribbery Ministry Coordinator: Lissa O’Donnell

Hospitality Members: Armilda Beard, Diane Crider, Carol Edel, Debbie Ross, Tom Edel, Judy Hobbs, Maria Springer, Pat Evans, Susan Naeny, Cindy Frank, Sherry Tambling, Bill Rogers, Carol Woodworth, Janice Smart, Carol Sims and Betsie Johnson Caring Ministries Prayer Shawl Ministry: Carol Matlin and Susan Brown Funeral Ministry: Margot Gerding Visitation Coordinator: Robin Smith

Note: Year (2018, 2019, 2020) indicates last year of term

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 10

Top left: Children visited an indoor Trunk or Treat this past October. Kudos to the families who helped create this sweet and safe Halloween activity.

TUMC YOUTH IN ACTION Top right: Our Youth Group wrapped-up in FUN & GAMES at the 2017 Monster Mash Hoe Down that kicked off Halloween week. Be sure to ask a youth WHO posed as mummies? And, who won the lasso competitions? Our costumedyouth participated in games, dance contests, and arts & crafts; plus indulged in festive dinner and treats. A spooktacular event for all! Bottom left: WOW! Our youth group pitched in Thanksgiving week at Bea Gaddy’s Family Center. The youth unloaded the ENTIRE truck (seen in the photo below) that was packed with 50lb bags of potatoes and frozen turkeys. Yup! All those yellow bins were filled with turkeys. Great job, YOUTH!

Photo credits: Bea Gaddy Mission—Sushma Roberts Trunk or Treat — Brianna A-M Monster Mash — Maryanne Arthur

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 11

Send Warm Valentines & Socks During January 2018, the Hospitality Ministries Committee will be collecting warm socks for women at the House of Ruth and boxes of valentines for their youngsters. We would especially appreciate BOY Valentines for the children to give to school friends. The House of Ruth of Ruth Maryland leads the fight to end violence against women and their children by confronting the attitudes, behaviors and systems that perpetuate it, and by providing victims with the services necessary to rebuild their lives safely and free of fear. TUMC is honored to be a part of this mission.

Business Office Tips Here is some helpful information from your Business  Office! Do you know there are several different ways to send us your contributions? All contributions must be submitted to the Business Office by December 29th to receive credit on your 2017 contribution statement. Here are the different ways to send in your contributions:

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Cash or Check placed in the offering plate during worship. Please consider using an envelope including your name when donating cash.

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Drop off Donation in door slot of the main office attention Business Office.

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Mail check donations by the US Postal service to Towson UMC attention Business Office

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Online Banking you set up online checking with your bank. You control the frequency and amount sent. The bank sends a check to Towson UMC. Set up Towson UMC as a “vendor” and include your envelope number if you have one —and name as “account number.”

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Online-Giving (Credit Cards and Electronic Funds Transfers) Giving online with credit cards and with electronic fund transfers are easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions. Contributions can now be deducted automatically from your checking or savings account at any time or processed using your credit or debit card. Our electronic giving program offers convenient ways for you to give from any device (computer or phone) anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps for online giving: - Visit our website at www.towsonumc.org. - Choose ‘Click Here to Donate Online’ button - Click on the Create Profile button, then - Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and schedule your recurring contributions -You can also use the church’s QRT code.

Stock Transfer Stocks and mutual funds transferred to Towson UMC broker. Details may be obtained from the business office. Please notify the business office of any stock transfers to accounts below. For Annual Church Operating Budget Only: Merrill Lynch 901 Dulaney Valley Road, Ste 516 Towson, MD 21204 Telephone: 410.321.4323 Fax: 410.970.4295 DTC #5198 Account # 813-04325 Towson UMC For Growing Forward Capital Campaign Only: Merrill Lynch 901 Dulaney Valley Road, Ste 516 Towson, MD 21204 Telephone: 410.321.4323 Fax: 410.970.4295 DTC #5198 Account # 813-04316 Towson UMC Include the following information with the transmittal from your broker/bank to Merrill Lynch: Donor Name: _______________ Designated to: Towson United Methodist Church Purpose of Gift: ex. Annual Pledge, Capital Campaign

Everyone is called to be faithful servants. We pray you may find the level of giving that is right for you as you progress in your journey of faith and commitment. Your pledges and contributions are a critical part of how we can make a difference in our church, our community and our world.

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 12

As always, please contact Kim Ayres in the Business Office with any questions or concerns: 410.823.3689 or [email protected].

Pictorial Directory

Clothing Donations to Homestead UMC Church

The Pictorial Directory Committee is taking a break in December. The FINAL TWO SUNDAYS to pose for your photo will be January 7th and 14th. Remember, you can still take a selfie and send it to Kim in the church office at [email protected].

Operation Christmas Child—Samaritan’s Purse Thanks to all of you that filled a Samaritans Purse Shoebox. This shoebox in most cases will be the only gift these underprivileged children will receive this year. A special thanks to those of you who filled multiple shoeboxes . This is your opportunity to help spread the gospel. This year we filled 144 shoeboxes! A special thanks goes to Kim Ayres, Margot Gerding and Bob Ashby for their project support. — John & Nancy Ross

December Mission/ Communion Offering DISASTER RELIEF for Residents of the Southern United States Our next Communion/Mission Offering is Sunday, December 3rd —-and through the month of December — benefiting Disaster Relief. With all the unfortunate weather this year in the southern United States and the people who need out help, contributions to Disaster Relief seem to be of paramount importance! Please consider making a monetary donation to support this worthy cause. Make your checks payable to Towson UMC and note that it is for “Disaster Relief”. Send to church by mail or place your check in the offering plate during Sunday worship. Thanks!

Towson UMC has been collecting and sending clothes, shoes, and accessories to Homestead United Methodist Church every month. A big THANK YOU to Ron and Marilyn Donoho who take these items regularly to Homestead UMC! At Homestead UMC, there is a group of dedicated ladies, including Barbara Conway, who spend their Tuesdays cooking and serving at the weekly soup kitchen, and distributing the donated clothes. With this article, are a few images of the clothes and bags of food for participants of the soup kitchen to take home after enjoying a meal. We ask that you please continue to help us help those in need by placing your clothing donations in the bins located next to the playground in the back of our church. Thank you!!

Spread Holiday JOY with Poinsettias!

Happy Holidays 2017! It’s that time of year when the men of Towson United Methodist Church have arranged for you to purchase or donate a poinsettia — in honor or memory of — someone in your life. Celebrate!! Your poinsettia will remain in the Chancel area throughout all the holiday worship services and festivities this Yuletide Season. After the 11pm Christmas Eve service, you may take your poinsettia home. OR, a church member will deliver your donated plant to a shut-in, spreading much-needed Christmas Joy to someone special in our church community. Pick up an order form in the church lobby for 2017 flowers. NEW deadline to order flowers: December 10th.

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 13

PATHWAYS Tutoring: Looking to the Future

Thanksgiving Baskets

As we reach the midpoint of our 12th year, PATHWAYS tutoring continues to welcome new students and tutors. Each Monday evening students run up the stairs with their “baggage” -- pencils, notebooks, books, joys and concerns, but mostly, anticipation of their special time with a caring adult. PATHWAYS has been blessed over the years with amazing leadership. Our current Directors, Mary Wynn Eisenberg and Sharon Penhallegonn, have been strong partners for three years. They, along with Susan Killian, our Chairman of the Board, have made sure that the ball was not dropped after Stephanie Kimmons’ departure. Starting in August of 2018, we will need new leadership in place as Mary Wynn, Sharon, and Susan will step back from their positions. The board has delineated the roles for each position of Administrative Director, Program Director, and Board Chair. The Administrative Director oversees the logistics of the program (i.e. working with schools and families). The Program Director oversees the week-to-week operations. The Board Chair works with the board to raise funds needed to implement PATHWAYS and to set policy as needed. You can learn more details about these positions by contacting Mary Wynn (Administrative Director 410.908.6216), Sharon (Program Director 410.665.2175), or Susan (Board Chair 410.236.9785). We ask that you consider either yourself or someone you know who has a passion for underserved children. The candidate could have a background in education or not. The hours vary depending on the time of year and the immediate needs of the program. It is a part-time, volunteer position with an abundance of awards in the way of personal satisfaction and a new appreciation for the resilience of students and the generosity of tutors who give their time weekly. PATHWAYS tutoring has been supported financially by many of our church members and those in the community who want to see it flourish. Please help to ensure it continues to serve the community by prayerfully considering what role you or someone you know might fill in the future. Perhaps someone in your book club, service group, school, neighborhood, professional life, or retirement community would like to hear about PATHWAYS. Pass on our need and make sure that we continue to represent TUMC’s mission to serve those who need us around the world and in our own backyard.

Thanks to everyone who filled or purchased a Thanksgiving basket this year — and, thanks to the many members who donated additional funds for the TUMC Emergency Food Pantry staff to provide gift cards and other needed holiday items for the guests who visit our food pantry. You have truly made a difference!

ANGEL TREE PROJECT TUMC will be supporting needy families this holiday season through the Angel Tree. Take an “angel” from the tree in the lobby on Sunday Dec. 3 and fulfil the wishes of a child or parent. Return the wrapped gifts by Sun., Dec. 10. If you are unable to wrap the gift, volunteers will wrap it. Also, we will be giving each family food and a gift certificate for meat for their Christmas dinner. Cash donations will be used for this purpose. Please make checks payable to Towson United Methodist Church and write “Angel Tree” as the subject. Volunteers will prepare the gifts for delivery on Thursday, Dec. 14, and they will be delivered on Saturday morning, Dec. 16. If you have questions or want to volunteer, please contact: Margie Bandy, 410.583.2105 [email protected]

Food Pantry: NEW DATES in 2018! OPEN from 9:00-10:30 AM In 2018, the TUMC Food Pantry is “slightly flexing” its schedule. The new dates will be on a Saturday closer to the 20th of each month (not the last Saturday of the month as in precious years). Many of our guests receive their government checks around the first of each month; and are out of funds by mid-month. We believe, the new schedule will be of a more timely-benefit for Food Pantry guests. For a complete 2018 Food Pantry Schedule, please visit the TUMC webpage, click “missions”, then ‘Emergency Food Pantry”. Please continue to volunteer and donate. Thanks! Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 14

UPCOMING EVENTS

Looking Forward: SERMON SERIES and BIG HAPPENINGS

Sunday Morning Worship 8:15 AM and 10:15 AM ALL Dec

Communion Offering: Disaster Relief

ALL Tues

Meet the Pastor @ Bob Evans, 9:30AM

Jan Sun Dec 1

Photos for Pictorial Directory Youth Group: Nerf Wars

Advent: Under Construction

Dec 2

Gingerbread House Workshop

Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24

Dec 3 Dec 3

Youth Council Meeting @ 11:30 AM Holiday Toy Drive Bring a new toy to church All-Music Worship Service Food, Fun & Fellowship for All Seasons Chili & Nativity Chalk Talk FREE! Angel Tree Project Ends Bring gift donations to church Holiday Toy Drive Bring a new toy to church Youth Group: Dinner & Holiday Shopping for Christmas Family Youth Group: Dinner & Gift Wrapping No classes, childcare or youth group 8:15 AM Chapel Advent Service 10:15 AM Carol Choir Musical Worship 8:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service 11:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service 10:15 AM New Year’s Eve ONE Worship Service & Breakfast in Fellowship Hall No classes, childcare or youth group New choir groups begin Youth Group: Ice Skating Christ Deaf Church visits TUMC Say “Cheese!” for Pictorial Directory Youth Council Meeting @ 11:30 AM High Spire Deadline for Feb issue Say “Cheese!” for Pictorial Directory Youth Group: Dinner and Discussion Youth Group: Volunteer Mission @ local UMCOR hub Youth Group ROCK in Ocean City, MD NO Youth Group at TUMC Women’s Retreat in Middletown, MD

Dec 1—June 3

Zechariah: A New Voice Elizabeth: Worth the Wait Joseph: A New Purpose Mary: Unexpected Changes

Dec 10 Dec 10

I Love to Tell the Story Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4

How Can I Explain This? John 1: 1-18 Dueling Priests 1 Kings 18: 17-39 Is There Something in the Water? Luke 10: 1-15 Good What? Luke 10: 25-37 The Blind Man Who Saw John 9

Big Events Jan 7 Feb 11 Mar 18 Apr May 13 Jun 3

Christ Deaf Church visits TUMC Bishop LaTrelle Easterling preaches Back to Church Sunday: Children’s Musical Youth Choir Cantata Mother’s Day Marriage Renewal Sunday

Towson United Methodist Church is a community of Christfollowers growing in love of God and neighbor. This is what we at Towson UMC believe Christian discipleship is, what we are to be, and what Jesus meant when he sent his followers to “make disciples”— We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We commit to Jesus’ example of inclusive love, care, and intentional hospitality with persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, physical or mental ability, economic status, or political perspective. We respect our diversity of opinion and expressions of faith. Therefore, as God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ. — adopted by the TUMC Church Council

Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 24

Dec 31 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 7 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 20 Jan 26-28 Jan 28 Feb 23-25

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 ... page 15

High spire

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

PERMIT NO. 198 LUTHERVILLE, MD

TOWSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 501 Hampton Lane : Towson, Maryland 21286 410.823.6511 : www.towsonumc.org Business Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

RESIDENT or

Rise & Shine SUNDAY MORNINGS AT TUMC 8:15 AM

Traditional Service in the Chapel Communion every Sunday with piano or organ accompaniment.

8:45-10 AM

Coffee Hour in the Parlor

9-10 AM

Educational Classes & Programs

10:15 AM

Worship Service in the Sanctuary Communion on the first Sunday of each month — open to all — with a richly varied service that blends vocal and handbell choirs, praise band, traditional and contemporary song, old-fashioned hymns, and glorious 3,000-pipe organ music. Yes! Gluten-free bread is available.

Peace on Earth

Learn Great Things about God. Do Great Things with God! Licensed childcare and pre-school ages 2 through pre-kindergarten

Dec-Jan 2017-2018 410.825.0008 www.hamptonlanecdc.org

Towson UMC