Winter, 2019
WRJCT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
106 GATES STREET
White River Jct., VT 05001
Office Phone: 802-295-7091
Pastor: Sean Delmore
Email: sdelmore@gmailcom
Church: unitedmethodistchurchwrj@myfairpoint.net
Newsletter: wrjctunitedmethodistnewsletter@gmail.com
Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/wrjumc/
“Snowing is an attempt of God to make the dirty world look clean.” Mehmet Murat Ildan
4th Annual Chowder Fest & Silent Auction: On Dec. 8th, we had another successful Chowder Fest and Silent Auction. As people gathered in the dining room of the church to enjoy a bowl of delicious chowder, Hilde Ojibway sang quietly in the background accompanied by her friend. Community members chatted with old neighbors and new friends. In the afternoon, the Valley Chords joined us to share some holiday tunes. People studied the list of items for the auction and a lot of good natured bidding went back and forth. We had an outstanding list of 101 items for our auction. Thank you to everybody that helped make this wonderful event a great success: Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals-clam chowder and rentals, Gail Wright-corn chowder, Ann & Hannah Cerasoli-sugar cookies, Karen Wright for business solicitation, Donna Wright-auction chairperson. A huge thank you to Sherry Finnemore for donating a new cork board and to Tom Franklin and Lu Johnson for installing the board for the auction and to everybody that donated, bid and supported the event in any way. Thank you! |
Please support the many local businesses that donated to our auction and let them know that their donations are appreciated: Cota & Cota Rio Blanco Salon & Spa Co-Op Food Stores Cloverleaf Big Fatty’s Janz Hair Salon BG’s Market Irving Valley Flower Co. Lebanon Garden of Eden Northern Stage Salt Hill Pub Dazzle Cupcakes Mountainview Chiropractic Oodles Bob’s Service Center Gardener’s Supply Pizza Chef Eyeglass Outlet C&S Pizza Tip Top Pottery The Hotel Coolidge Cafe Renee Lou’s Restaurant Dirt Boy Cafe The Fort Restaurant China Station Gusanoz Mexican Restaurant The Lebanon Diner Lampscapes Long River Gallery The Junction Barbershop Revolution Gateway Motors Carpenter & Main Restaurant Norwich Inn Junction Frame Shop Stern’s Produce Five Guys Cantore’s Crossroad Cafe F.H. Clothing Factory Post Norwich Bookstore Blue Sparrow Kitchens |
Santa was a very special donation by Marcella Stoelting. He is a beloved, old friend that has visited her house for many years. She was concerned that he needed to go to a good home. Happily, Santa was adopted by Amelia (Grandpa, Jeff was the winning bidder) and everybody was happy at the end of the day-especially Amelia! |
Celebrating Advent and Christmas: We were happy to have Sean lead us through the Advent and Christmas Season. Early in December, several members gathered after church to decorate the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. Two large baskets were placed under the tree to collect new socks to donate to the Upper Valley Haven. I’m sure they were greatly appreciated on these cold winter nights. Each week different families shared a reading as they lit the candles in the Advent Wreath. Thank you to our volunteers: Mary & Harris Lyman, Mike & Donna Blood, Dale & Elizabeth Parker; Ann & Hannah Cerasoli; and Rachel & Elizabeth Ticehurst. On Christmas Eve, the sanctuary was decorated with wreaths and candles in the windows and poinsettias on the altar. We gathered together to share the Christmas Story and sing favorite carols. It was a beautiful evening as the lights were dimmed and candlelight lit the sanctuary as we sang “Silent Night”. Everyone left in silence, as the peace of Christ, the light of the world went with us for Christmas day. Sean helps Brody extinguish the Advent candles at the end of the service. | Henry Van Dyke offers some thoughts on “Keeping Christmas:” There is a better thing than the observance of Christmas Day, and that is keeping Christmas. Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people and to remember what other people have done for you? To ignore what the world owes you and to think what you owe the world? To see that men and women are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy? To close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness? Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children? To remember the weakness and loneliness of people growing old? To stop asking how much your friends love you, and to ask yourself whether you love them enough? To bear in mind the things that other people have to bear in their hearts? Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas. And if you can keep it for a day, why not always? |
Thank you to Rich Wright for donating the Christmas tree for the sanctuary and to Kathie Doton for donating the beautiful tree outside our church. It’s great to see the lights shine down the street-a beacon to our church. Also, to Harold Wright Jr. for putting the tree up, watering it regularly and then taking the tree down at the end of the season. |
Prayers for Rev. Tom Mousin who was struck by a car while in a crosswalk in December near his home in Massachusetts. He went from the hospital to rehab to recover from a broken pelvis, a concussion, bruises and lacerations. |
Mike and Donna Blood surprised Harold Wright with and early Christmas gift-a FOUR pound lobster. As the lobster boiled on the kitchen stove, Mike and Harold shared great stories and old memories. When the lobster was ready, Mike displayed all of his wonderful knowledge of how to enjoy every nook and cranny of this amazing creature. It was great to watch the two of them enjoy their time together as they created new and wonderful memories. |
Chalking the Door: Sean shared chalk with us so we could share our message. On the Feast of the Epiphany, the family gathers to ask God’s blessing on their home and on those who live in or visit the home. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. A traditional way of doing this is to use chalk to write above the home’s entrance. It can also be written somewhere inside the home. The letters C, M, B have two meanings: +20 C M B 19+ • They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. • They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross and 2019 is the year. |
In Memoriam: Our church family has lost some friends and family members. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.
Leonard R. Jacobs, 93, died at home with his family at his side on Tuesday November 13, 2018. He was born December 4, 1924 at the family home in White River Jct., the son of Leon Floyd and Edith Alice (Cole) Jacobs. Leonard was drafted into the US Navy shortly before graduation from Hartford High School. He served from 1943 until 1946 aboard several ships in the Pacific Theater of World War II, witnessing some of the most difficult battles of the war, including the battle of Iwo Jima where he saw the flag raised on Mt. Suribachi. After the war he returned to White River Jct. and began working with his father at Jacob’s Taxi. He was married to his childhood friend, Jacqueline Johnson on June 5, 1949 at the White River United Methodist Church. As a re-enlisted member of the Naval Reserves he was called back to active duty during the Korean War the day after his daughter was born, this time serving aboard a minesweeper out of Charleston, SC. When his father retired from the taxi business, Leonard drove truck for Gay’s Express for a time before beginning his 28 year career at the US Post Office in White River Jct. Leonard enjoyed trips to Newfoundland and Northern Maine fishing and hunting moose, attending LCI 1056 reunions throughout the southeast US as well as time on Cape Hatteras, NC. The family also visited Lake Sebago in Maine the same weeks every year for the past 58 years, making life long friendships with generations of neighboring campers. Leonard was intrigued with knowing how things worked and could fix or make almost anything. Over the years he did everything from making snowshoes for the whole family to building his own radios to creating a dune buggy out of a VW bug. He also spent many hours fixing and building things at the Methodist Church including helping to install an elevator for the handicapped. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jackie, and daughter Linda Johnson both of White River Jct.; a grandson Brandon Johnson of Burlington; siblings Pauline Foley of White River Jct.; Stuart Jacobs and wife Anzi of Shelburne, VT; Leon F. Jacobs Jr. and wife Doris of White River Jct.; as well as many nieces, nephews and a cousin. Contributions in his memory may be made to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA or the charity of your choice. |
Freda Kingsbury, 85, died Dec. 7, 2018 ath Hanover Terrace. Freda was born May 9, 1933 in Bradford, VT. She married John T. Kingsbury on May 11, 1951. In 1968 they moved to Wilder and she worked for the VT Heel Co., Corner Drug in WRJ, CB Sports in Lebanon and then in food services at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Freda took care of her father and father-in-law until their deaths.Freda enjoyed square dancing, knitting, crocheting, and most of all socializing with her family. Freda supported our church and roasted many turkeys for our famous turkey suppers. Freda was predeceased by her husband; son, Steven; and sister, Joyce Carbee. She is survived by sons, Gary and Michael; daughter, Patricia Barbour; brother Byron Kidder; sisters Donna Wing, Betty Spring, Linda Minckello; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held in May. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bugbee Senior Center. | Jesse Miles, 88, died at her daughter’s home on Jan. 14th. She was born July 11, 1930 in White River Jct.. Jesse graduated from Hartford High School and married the love of her life, Vernon, on Feb. 21, 1957. Vern and Jesse enjoyed many winters in Kissimee, FL. Jesse was predeceased by her husband; son Chris; sisters, Audrey Hadlock and Francis Mosher; and brothers Fred, Gordon, Chet, Arnold and Nathan Mace. She is survived by her son, Lloyd; daughter, Jodie Jones, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Durkee and Joyce Davis; and brother Forest. Jesse enjoyed bowling and visiting the VFW as well as camping with family and friends. Jesse and Vern were long time members of the WRJ UMC and will be remembered for their friendly attitude and volunteering on many turkey suppers as well as their very generous donation to the church. A graveside service will be held in the Hartford Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the WRJ United Methodist Church. |
Jim Newberry a former member of the WRJ UMC, who actively participated in teaching Sunday School, leading youth groups, organizing Vacation Bible School, and serving at church suppers died on Feb. 2nd at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Edith; and son, Brian. |
“Fix it up, Wear it out Make it do; Or, do without.” Brandon Johnson quoting his grandfather, Leonard Jacobs
Mission Sundays
The third Sunday of each month we welcome a different member of our community to join us during our service to share information about themselves or their group.
Windsor County Partners: We were pleased to welcome Megan Culp from Windsor County Partners (WCP) to our service on Oct. 21st. WCP (soon to be Windsor County Mentors) was founded in 1974 by a lawyer/judge concerned about the increased number of young people he was seeing in the judicial system. Their mission is the transformation of children’s lives through mentoring in Windsor County by providing mentors for children ages 7-12. Mentors build trusting relationships and attachments. Mentees learn to build strong social relationships, stay in school longer, show less risky behaviors, and are more likely to graduate. WCP is a preventative force for our children and youth. The mentor helps support and stabilize a family-they DO NOT replace a parent. Mentors are older/retired, empty nesters, young people who don’t have kids yet, or former mentees. A mentor commits to one year but many continue through the years. There are school based and also community based mentors. WCP receives no federal funding. When asked what her mentor means to her, Jackie a 7th grader in Hartland closed her eyes and said, “when Beth arrives, it’s the best day of my week.” Another mentee shared with his mentor that he had been approached by some friends who offered him marijuana. He said “no” to his friends because he knew his mentor would be disappointed in him. Powerful stories. Mentor-One caring, consistent adult. |
David’s House: On Nov. 18th, we were pleased to have Brandi join us from David’s House. While undergoing treatment for leukemia at DHMC (back when it was in Hanover), David Cyr was a young boy concerned about the welfare of other families dealing with health struggles. He and his dad, Dick, saw families sleeping in waiting rooms, their cars and even tents. He and his dad joined other children during treatments when their family couldn’t be with them. David lost his battle with cancer at age five. He always stashed change and money under seat cushions and nooks and crannies around the house. After David’s passing, Dick Cyr searched the house and collected $300.78 from his son’s savings. That was the original funding for David’s House thirty-two years ago-young David’s dream of helping families of sick children had come true. David’s House is open for children that are receiving treatments, their families, or as a respite program during the day. They have helped families from all over the world-Spain, China, Korea as well as local families from the Upper Valley. David’s House provides food, games, laughter, a place to rest and a listening ear-all free of charge. They depend solely on volunteers and donations. We are lucky to have such a wonderful program to help families recuperate and regenerate here in the Upper Valley. |
Totals for Mission Sundays 2018: Jan. EWins VT! 187.00 June Bugbee Senior Center 275.00 July Habitat for Humanity 141.00 Sept. Cathedral in the Light 301.00 Oct. Windsor County Partners 103.00 Nov. David’s House 166.00 2018 Total: 1273.00 *Free will offerings are collected for organizations that are not already supported by our congregation. We also enjoyed visits from a representative from our new neighbor, The Village; Leo Pullar, Hartford Town Manager; and Scott Cooney, Hartford Fire Chief. | Rest Area Breaks: The Women's Group was able to give to our missions this year through donations at the rest area coffee breaks. This year we set up our goodies at the Hartford Rest Area. Through the 3 dates we were able to provide $525.39, divided three ways and given to the VNA-NH/VT, The Bugbee Sr. Center in White River and the Good Neighbor Clinic. It is such fun visiting with the travelers and getting to know each other better while sitting at the entrance of the rest area building. This year Mary Rose joined Connie for the first time. Thank you faithful church members who always sign up for "duty" on these weekends, and to those who make the wonderful goodies for this important mission fundraiser. |
Upcoming Mission Sundays: Mar. 17-Denise Gariepy, Good Beginnings Apr. 14-Palm Sunday-No Mission Sunday May 19-Randi & Bo Harron-Special Olympic Torch Run June 16-Phil Kasten, Hartford Police Chief | "There is no winter without snow, no spring without sunshine, and no happiness without companions." - Korean Proverb |
Winter CELEBRATIONS!
January | February | March |
Birthdays: 1/14-Brody Stiebris 1/26-Kim Finney 1/28-Mary Blackmer 1/28-Tom Franklin Anniversary: 1/29-Kim & Ernie Finney | Birthdays: 2/6-Trevor Adams 2/8-Elizabeth Ticehurst 2/13-Harold Wright Jr. 2/20-Makenzie Hall 2/24-Penny Johnson 2/25-Curtis Steins 2/27-Finn Lofgren 2/28-Tarun Manthena | Birthdays: 3/15-Hannah Cerasoli 3/19-Lu Johnson 3/23-Debbi Franklin 3/26-Gail Wright 3/30-Harris Lyman |
Calendar of Events: 1st Sunday Communion Pastor’s Purse Offering 3rd Friday Finance Committee @2:00 Trustees-Tues. following Finance Meeting @9:30 3rd Sunday Mission Sunday Brown Bag Sunday 4th Sunday Ad Board Meeting @ 11:00 Tues.- Bible Study 6-7pm Feb. 26-Sean Conference-Austin Hornyak Mar. 3-Sean vacation-Austin Hornyak Mar. 6-Ash Wednesday-Ecummenical Service LCC Mar. 9-Turkey Supper Mar. 10-Daylight Savings Time Mar. 17-Mission Sunday Apr. 6-Turkey Supper Apr. 14-Palm Sunday Apr. 19-Good Friday Apr. 21-Easter Sunday | Walking on Water All of his life George from Cape Breton had heard stories of an amazing family tradition. It seems that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been able to walk on water on their 21st birthday. On that day, they'd walk across the lake to the boat club for their birthday cake. So when George's 21st birthday came around, he and his pal Corky took a boat out to the middle of the lake. George stepped out of the boat and nearly drowned! Corky just managed to pull him to safety. Furious and confused, George went to see his grandmother. "Grandma, it's my 21st birthday, so why can't I walk across the lake like my father, his father, and his father before him?" Granny shook her head in disgust, looked into George's eyes and said, "Because your father, grandfather and great grandfather were born in January, you were born in July." |
Please remember those in Assisted Living: Bonnie Briggs-Valley Terrace #202,2020 Christian St.,WRJct.,VT 05001 Vivian Derrick-Evarts House #205, 46 N. Main St., Windsor, VT 05089 Beverly Hunt-Westboro House, 11 Elm St., West Lebanon, NH 03784 Connie Carr-Genesis-Lebanon Center#124,24 Old Etna Rd, Leb. NH 03766 Velma Sprague-Hanover Terrace,#19 49 Lyme Rd., Hanover, NH 03755 Mary Dean-Davis Home, 24 State St, Wndsor, VT 05089 | A challenge: Harold Wright challenged himself to read the Bible from cover to cover in 2018. He read a little every day-took a break during the summer months but in the fall went back to his daily readings. On Dec. 1st he finished reading the Bible and met his challenge. What is your personal challenge? |
Turkey Suppers: Our turkey suppers are starting up again. We have a take out only supper in Feb. followed by regular suppers on March 9 and April 6. There is always a need for volunteers to roast a turkey, bake a pie, or wash some dishes-many hands make light work!. | Turkey Hunters: We have a freezer full of turkeys for our spring suppers! Thank you to everybody that purchased turkeys during the holidays and donated them to the church. Harold Wright Jr. generously donated a dozen turkeys to our cause. Thank you Harold! |
“Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” Emory Austin
Dear Friends, One of our beloved hymns (#377 in the United Methodist Hymnal) is “It Is Well With My Soul.” The words were written by a Chicago-based Presbyterian attorney, Horatio Spafford, who invested heavily in real estate shortly before the Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire destroyed all of his investments, and the family struggled through the next two years. Stepping out on faith, in 1873, the Spafford decided to join a religious pilgrimage to Europe. When Horatio’s work delayed him, the rest of the Spafford clan sailed as scheduled aboard the S.S. Ville du Havre. A collision with another ship caused the ship to sink, and all four Spafford daughters drowned in the wreckage. Horatio soon sailed to Wales to join his bereaved wife. During that journey, he composed the lyrics to “It Is Well With My Soul,” likely near the area of the sea where his daughters drowned. The words of this hymn poignantly reflect Spafford’s personal heartbreak (“when sorrows like sea billows roll…”), while also reflecting a timeless truth of the Christian journey: our souls rest well through Christ, even when the world around us is in turmoil. This hymn reflects some of the power of our faith: a powerful statement of truth when our souls do feel at peace, and a tender expression of hope when we struggle. In this year ahead, we will journey together through life’s up and downs, through storms and through sweet peace and beautiful joy. I pray that together, we will continue to seek that deep peace beyond all understanding, which sustains us with the gift of knowing that it is, indeed, well with our souls. Blessings,
Information about Horatio Spafford is drawn from Kenneth W. Osbeck’s 1982 text, 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns. |
Join Us! Sunday, March 10 Celebration of Ministry & Gifts Worship 9:30 * Free meal 10:30 The journey toward Easter, toward new life and renewed joy, begins with Lent. We start with a clear-eyed assessment of where we are, in preparation for the journey to draw closer in relationship with God. We invite you to join us on the first Sunday of Lent, March 10th, for worship and a celebratory meal. We will honor the relationships, stewardship, faithfulness, gifts, and service that have brought WRJ United Methodist Church to where we are today. Whether it’s been ages or days since you’ve been through the doors at 106 Gates Street, we look forward to welcoming you home! |
Around the Parish: There are always lots of happenings with our busy church members. Drop me a short e-mail so that we can share all of the happenings with our members and old friends. | A speedy recovery to: Kathie Doton (broken arm) and Lu Johnson (broken Collarbone). |
Happy Studies to: Mikayla Hastings as she begins an LNA course. | Welcome home to: Alicia Cerasoli as she returns from travels to Brazil. |
Vendor Sale: (Submitted by Hannah Cerasoli) On an icy Saturday, October 27, 2018, we welcomed over 20 different vendors and food trucks to our church for our Second Annual Fall Vendor Fest. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our vendors for their flexibility, kindness, and for chancing the weather to be with us! Another big thank you to everyone who attended, filling our building with energy and friendship! We appreciate your continued support and hope you had a great time. Stay tuned later this year for the date announcement for our third annual event. |
Charge Conference: The Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, Vermont District Superintendent led our church conference on Mon. December 17th. It was a cold, wintry night and just a few gathered in the sanctuary to discuss the challenges and achievements of the church. It was agreed that committee members would roll over for another year as Sean builds relationships with members. Year end reports were presented and accepted from each committee. Financial statements were also presented and discussed. The meeting ended with the sharing of communion. Thank you to everyone that shares their gifts to support our church. |
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT FANS!!!!!
Duties of Trustees and Others Nov. 18, 2018 This applies to both the Sanctuary and Parish House (Contact Trustees if you are willing to help.)
| Expectations Marcia Sumner 2007 I release the expectations That others will do or act how I would, See things as I do, Or feel how I feel, Leaving them free to be themselves. I recognize that things that affect me Are due to my interpretation Of how they are meant, Not necessarily how they are. Submitted by Connie Anderson (This was sent to me by my 6th grade friend. We’ve remained good friends since 1954.) |
My lunch Date with Habitat for Humanity (submitted by Connie Anderson) It was a beautiful, sunny but cold day, November 12th, as I traveled to Sharon, VT. I had never been on the Sharon Meadows Road that led me to the Habitat home that was being built for a young family. My car climbed up their steep driveway, being warned by Mike and Donna Blood who had been there three days before, that I needed to be careful going back down! Men were going in and out of the building, sounds of hammering coming from the inside and a voice from a scaffolding told me he would be right down. A young man offered to help with the turkey and ham and cheese sandwiches, chips and Clementines, while Andrew, the foreman, met me as I carried the cider and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to the picnic table behind the house. It was almost 11:45 when they would break for lunch and I was sure they were hungry because so many voices called out, "Thank you, thank you so much", we really appreciate this". Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization of volunteers who build homes for those less fortunate. The family is part of the crew and works just as hard as the others. As a Single Volunteer of the Upper Valley, years ago I too, worked on a home in West Lebanon, sanding the mudded areas on the sheet rock walls. It was such a good feeling to be part of providing a family with a place of their own. This time I was providing a meal for the hard working men who were using their skills to do as I had once done. Needless to say, I drove away with a full heart. |
Donna Blood presented a prayer shawl to Austin Hornyak on his last Sunday with us. Many members and friends of our church have appreciated the gift of a prayer shawl or blanket. This has been a wonderful ministry started by Dottie White. Dottie has decided to step down and we want to express our gratitude to Dottie for all of the hard work she has done with this wonderful ministry. If you are a knitter or crocheter please consider stepping up and helping to continue the prayer shawl ministry. Thank you, Dottie! |
Several members have furnished meals for Habitat but they continue to send out dates when meals are needed for their volunteers. Please consider furnishing a simple meal for 6-10 volunteers as they work to build and remodel homes for local families. | One day a space shuttle crashed to the ground in the yard of a preschool. When he finally struggled out of the wreckage, the astronaut shouted, "I'm free! I'm free!!!" At this point, one of the little children standing there shouted back, "Big deal, I'm four!" |
Think Positive And Positive Things will Happen. | Thank you to Joan Harris for continuing to provide a meal for the Good Neighbor Health Clinic once a month. What a great mission-I know it is greatly appreciated, Joan! |
"People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy."- Anton Chekhov
A God Moment: (Submitted by Karen Wright) I attended New Hope Puna church in Pahoa, Hawaii when I lived there, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and have always "believed" in God, because that's what my parents taught us. That feeling of true belief was never so great as it then became one night in Hawaii. We were moving from one house to another. We had our cat, Starlight, in the van with us and it was a warm Hawaiian day so our windows were open half way. We were a few streets from our new home when Starlight decided to jump out the window and take off through the jungle. We stopped, called and called, went as far as we could go walking on unsteady lava, through thick bushes and after 30 minutes decided to bring out load of belongings to the new house. When we were all unloaded we went back to look for her and spent most of the day, until nightfall, looking for her and calling to no avail. This went on for many days. We put posters with her picture on telephone poles, contacted the Humane Society to be on the lookout, talked with the neighbors in that area and did all we could to try and find her. My daughters, Rachel and Sarah, were so sad, especially Rachel, as Starlight was her cat. A week had gone by and I tried to explain that she might have fallen down through a crack in the lava or a wild boar might have gotten her, but still we prayed each night for her. One evening we were having a gathering on the lanai (porch) with friends and I was inside cooking, by myself. I was so sad and missed Starlight so badly. All of a sudden a very deep, soft voice said to me, "Go to the place where she left you and there you will find her." I looked up from the stove to see who had said that, but no one was in the room. I just ignored it and again, louder, in that deep, soothing voice came, "GO to the place where she left you and there you will find her." I was very calm, shut off the stove, put my rain jacket on because it was pouring out that night, went out the back door, past all the guests and when my husband said to me, "Where are you going?" I turned to everyone and said, "I'm going to get Starlight and I'll be right back, and I proceeded to get into our van and leave. As I was leaving I heard my husband say to them, "She's so sad about our cat, she probably just needs to go for a ride." I drove, with windshield wipers moving fast because of the pouring rain, to the place where Starlight had jumped out of the van and in the rain I went slightly into the greens and yelled, "Starlight. Come, kitty." I could hear her cry and called again. She was there, soaking wet, and huddled under a cave-like piece of lava rock. I burst into tears and picked her up, skinny, wet yet purring. I got into the van, wrapped her in a towel and immediately thanked God for two things he had just done for me: 1) He took away ANY doubt that he is real and 2) we had our family member back because He spoke to me! When I drove back to the house and in the driveway, with Starlight wrapped in a blanket, there was dead silence with ALL mouths dropping in awe. My husband said, "How did you find her? and where?" I said, "God told me exactly what to do and where to find her!" There was silence as I went into the house, my daughters following, lighting up the sky with their smile! That voice will always stick with me from that day. It was a powerful, soothing, deep voice and one that I felt no fear from, just comfort. As the song goes, "Where He leads me, I will follow, anywhere that He tells me to!" |
Cook’s Corner: Long before the internet we shared recipes with our friends, family and neighbors. Each time you use the recipe, you think about the person who gave it to you-a quick smile, a warm thought or a nod of the head at a fond memory. I would like to continue this tradition in the newsletter. Please send me a recipe -a hearty soup, tasty sweet treat or family favorite casserole. It can be an old family classic or a new, healthy tradition. (wrjctunitedmethodistnewsletter@gmail.com) Tatha's Banana Bread (Submitted by Connie Anderson) 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup nuts 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs well beaten Cream the sugar and butter, add the beaten eggs, vanilla. Mix well. Add the sifted dry ingredients. Put in greased loaf pan and bake for 70 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy! |
On Dec. 30th, the Valley News printed a great article about Abi Lowe. Abi continues to be an outstanding member of the Hartford High School track team. He holds the state record in the 55-meter dash (6068 seconds) and is also the top-seeded indoor 300-meter runner in the state (37.52 seconds) and anchors two of Hartford’s relay teams. But most of all Abi is a selfless leader, hard worker and always very humble. Abi will study mechanical engineering at Brown University in the fall. We are all very proud of you Abi! |
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes,walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!" | 47 pounds of non-perishable food items and new socks were delivered to the Haven in January. Thank you to everyone who donates!! Kim Finney |
INTERVIEW WITH PEG RICHARD (Submitted by Pat Stark) Margret Russell Bull Richard was born on April 7, 1930 in Norfolk, VA. She was named for her parents, who had hoped for a boy. Thus her Pen Name is Margaret Russell. She grew up with 6 adults and 3 children [at different times], and later in her grandfather Fred Graham Davis’s home. He was a Methodist minister who was very important in forming Peg’s Life Values and Outlook. He followed the old English custom of acting like an adult inside – arguments, etc. were carried outside. Drawing and painting was always a favorite pastime for her. She recalled the small town was full of relatives from various branches of the family. Her early education was at local school in the small town – grade school in Capeville, and High school in Eastville. She then entered college at Mary Washington University in Fredericton, VA. studying surgical nursing .NYC Polyclinic Hospital formed her career. She then worked in hospitals along the East Coast over the years. Peg met her husband Lawrence Richard Jr. while he was in the National Guard in Virginia. He then left to train troops in Europe for deployment in the Mid-East. He was from a Baptist family in St. Albans, VT and worked for the railroad, which eventually brought him to WRJct. He was trained on the job as an Electrical Engineer, working on the diesel engines. They married in 1952 and had 4 children [1 daughter and 3 sons]– all born in a different town [Leigh in St Albans, VT, Allen in Virginia, Steven in Hanover, NH, and Brian in Lebanon, NH Richard Electric was started as a home business in their garage, and eventually moved into a space on Gates Street across form Miller Auto, where they sold electric appliances. Peg always worked for the company. She recalls painting the big display windows, one Easter with big rabbits holding paint brushes and painting flowers. It certainly “dressed up” the street back in the 1950’s! Because Lawrence was a Baptist, when they first came to town they attended the Wilder Church. When that church had problems, they finally came here and Peg was happier. She considers this church to be very important as it is not only her Church family here, but connects her with her past. In 1985 she received a Masters Degree from Dartmouth College. In 1986 Lawrence died and the children took over the business. She remembers at the time of the funeral the church was ‘disheveled’ as we were busy with the elevator installation. She remembers Steve Burt performing the funeral. She remembers when Tom Mousin brought his concertina and encouraged the ‘young folks’ to dance in the aisle with him, and she is convinced Tom’s music brought many folks into our church then. Peg attributes her love of poetry in part to her grandfather Davis, who taught her to find and love the poetry of the King James Bible. She attends a weekly poetry workshop in Middlebury when she can, and was given a collection of her poems presented there by a fellow attendee. She has written many stories and books of fiction based on the east coast, including a trilogy [published in one volume – Power and Tender in 2011]. Currently she has 9 grandchildren and 5-6 great-grands. When not attending family functions, she writes, looks after her property in Kiptopeke, VA, which is across the inlet from the Cape Charles Lighthouse, and the properties on Taft Flat, as well as her home on Chandler Terrace. |
A Stranger in my House: A very weird thing has happened. A strange old lady has moved into my house. I have no idea who she is, where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly did not invite her. All I know is that one day she wasn't there, and the next day she was. She is a clever old lady, and manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her. And whenever I look in the mirror to check my appearance, there she is, hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. This is very rude. I have tried screaming at her, but she just screams back. If she insists on hanging around, the least she could do is offer to pay part of the rent, but no. Every once in a while, I find a dollar bill stuck in a coat pocket, or some loose change under a sofa cushion, but it is not nearly enough. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think she is stealing money from me. I go to the ATM and withdraw $100, and a few days later, it's all gone. I certainly don't spend money THAT fast, so I can only conclude the old lady is pilfering from me. You'd think she would spend some of that money to buy wrinkle cream. Lord knows she needs it. And money isn't the only thing I think she is stealing. Food seems to disappear at an alarming rate -- especially the good stuff like ice cream, cookies and candy. I can't seem to keep that stuff in the house anymore. She must have a real sweet tooth, but she'd better watch it because she is really packing on the pounds. I suspect she realizes this, and to make herself feel better, she is tampering with my scale to make me think I am putting on weight too. For an old lady, she is quite childish. She likes to play nasty games, like going into my closets when I'm not home and altering my clothes so they don't fit. And she messes with my files and papers so I can't find anything. This is particularly annoying since I am extremely neat and organized. She also fiddles with my DVR so it does not record what I have carefully and correctly programmed. She has found other imaginative ways to annoy me. She gets into my mail, newspapers and magazines before I do, and blurs the print so I can't read it. And she has done something really sinister to the volume controls on my TV, radio and telephone. Now all I hear are mumbles and whispers. She has done other things -- like make my stairs steeper, my vacuum cleaner heavier and all my knobs and faucets harder to turn. She even made my bed higher so that getting into and out of it is a real challenge. Lately, she has been fooling with my groceries before I put them away, applying glue to the lids, making it almost impossible for me to open the jars. Is this any way to repay my hospitality? She has taken the fun out of shopping for clothes. When I try something on, she stands in front of the dressing room mirror and monopolizes it. She looks totally ridiculous in some of those outfits, plus she keeps me from seeing how great they look on me. Just when I thought she couldn't get any meaner, she proved me wrong. She came along when I went to get my picture taken for my driver's license, and just as the camera shutter clicked, she jumped in front of me! No one is going to believe that the picture of that old lady is me. - Author Unknown - |
Proceed with much prayer, and your way will be made plain. John Wesley
It is exciting to share all of the great things that are happening around our church. If you have an item (committee reports, travel plans, celebrations, etc.) for the newsletter please send an e-mail to:
wrjctunitedmethodistnewsletter@gmail.com
or jot it down and give it to me at church. Donna Wright, Newsletter Editor
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