The Messenger -El Mensajero December

Christmas to-do list
es are home, when the
shepherds are back with
their flock, the work of
Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church
when the kings and princ-
5900 Hull Street Road
star in the sky is gone,
Richmond VA 23224
gels is stilled, when the
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
When the song of the an-
Christmas begins:
The Messenger -El Mensajero
December - Diciembre 2015
January - Enero 2016
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among
brothers, to make music
in the heart.
Non Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Richmond VA
Permit No. 2045
—Howard Thurman
RAMSEY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5900 Hull Street Road, Richmond, VA 23224
804-276-4628, www.ramseymemorial.org
Just These Lines My Friends….
To say I am so looking forward to all the awe
and wonder of the Advent season: of preparing
our hearts in worship, sharing in the liturgy,
hearing the sacred text, and pondering God’s miraculous story in our midst. Walking
through Bethlehem, meditating upon the Christmas story and the Christ child, sharing
from our bounty and giving of ourselves during this most joyful and generous of seasons is what the ‘heart’ of Christmas is all about.
Once again at this time of year, I find myself deeply thankful for the gifts of our vibrant
music ministries. Tammy Heller continues to bring her gifts of excellence in music and
leadership to our Chancel Choir and Praise Choir; Sue Newman continues to share her
gifts of musical accompaniment with grace and love; Sarah Russo blesses us with her
sharing of music and worship leadership. Our Hispanic Music Ministry Team led by
Milton Bonilla continues to share their passion for worship, along with bassist Oswaldo
Aguilar and the return of our excellent drummer Sammy Aguilar. All of the many
hours that these servant-hearted and talented musicians share with us is a great blessing
here at Ramsey Church! Each Sunday they gather to lead us in worship, in beautiful
inspiring music in praise of God! We will all be touched by the wonder of the Christmas season during this year’s Cantata, and our holy Advent and Christmas Eve services. Won’t you join me in praying in thanksgiving for all who serve in music ministries, and for God’s leading in what God has in store for us into our future?
Especially during this holy season, come home to worship! Be here every time you can
be; you do not want to miss what God is doing in our midst! My Christmas and New
Year’s Prayer for each one of us, is that we seek the heart of God….and the heart of
Christmas! It is my continued joy, to be at this time, and this place, with all of you.
In Advent Hope and Anticipation,
Pastor Deb
“On behalf of Virginia Blood Services and the patients, who are the ultimate
beneficiaries, please extend our gratitude to everyone who donated to help
others. Their generosity will help our neighbors in need, including cancer patients, critically ill newborns, burn patients, accident victims, transplant patients and many more who require blood products.” Sherry Driskill, Account
Manager, Virginia Blood Services
THANK YOU to our Ramsey Folks: 13 signed in to donate and 10 units were
collected.
Ramsey Church Family,
Thank you so much for all the
cards, calls and especially the prayers during Ethel’s recent hospital
stay. Thanks too to Pastor Deb for
her visits and the beautiful prayer
shawl! Ethel uses it daily.
Stuart & Ethel Baltz
From the Pickleballers,
In this season of Thanksgiving, the pickleball community of players thanks
you for the year round use
of your church facilities. We are so
grateful for your hospitality, as it
allows us to meet and enjoy pickleball with old and new friends every
Wednesday morning. We look forward to sharing our love for the
game with more Ramsey members
in the near future.
The Ramsey Church family remembers those who have
claimed the promise of resurrection this year. We offer prayers
and thoughts to the family and
friends of:
Margaret Bridgers Winfree Beulah Harrison
Margaret Kelley
Marjorie Gene Layne
Marion Woodcock
Charles W. Kraft
Virginia Gupton
Kathy Smith
Susan Turnes
Charles Brown
Rita Yoss Evers
Bernice Vaughan
Paul Hrip
Kathryn Belcher
Virginia Laine
Hattie Lindsey
Heaven Moné Salley
Alex Wicker
Hilda Baughan
Anne Stauffer
Kathryn Belcher
Louise Sweat
Andy Jorgenson
Kitty Belcher
Forrest Kirby Pollard
Sarah B. Warren
Effie Smith
Charlie Burch
Te amo, Jehová fortaleza mía. Jehová, roca mía y castillo mío, mi libertador; Dios
mío, fortaleza mía, en el confiare; mi escudo y la fuerza de mi salvación, mi alto
refugio. Invocare a Jehová, quien es digno de ser alabado…Salmo 18.
En esta última edición de nuestro periódico mensual deseamos incluir dos ediciones en una, la edición de diciembre y la de enero. La razón, es porque el mes de
diciembre es un mes lleno de muchas actividades no solamente a nivel de la iglesia pero también a nivel
familiar y laboral. En el mes de diciembre nuestra iglesia cambia sus vestidos con el fin de celebrar y recordarle al mundo que la salvación llego en Jesucristo, el tan esperado Mesías. El gozo, la paz, la esperanza y el amor de Dios en Jesucristo, nuestro Señor es la razón de la estación. En Jesús, celebramos la luz
que conquisto la tinieblas, al bebe que nació en Belén de Judea en un establo lleno de muchos desafíos y
al mismo tiempo lleno de las muchas realidades que rodean este mundo; la carencia de la justicia divina y
una despreocupada actitud hacia Dios y el prójimo. Y es por esto que nuestra iglesia une sus manos, recursos y amor hacia Dios y a nuestro prójimo con el fin de alcanzarlos y anunciar el amor de Dios. Es a
través de nuestras actividades y programas de alcance como queremos recordarle a nuestros vecinos y comunidad que Dios sigue presente en este mundo y en Su iglesia. Como pueblo de Dios es nuestro deseo el
aplicar las palabras de Jesucristo en esa primera comisión a sus discípulos, "de gracia recibisteis, dad de
gracia". Mateo 10.8. El evangelio de Jesús es buenas nuevas tanto para el enfermo como para el sano,
para el doctor como también para el carpintero. Para el nativo como también para el extranjero. Jesús es
buenas nuevas en enero como también en Diciembre. Es también el Mesías prometido para el Judío como
también para el gentil, el pan de vida para el hambriento como también manantiales de agua viva que nace
en el desierto. En esta temporada navideña como también en las muchas o pocas que nos quedan, queremos seguir siendo un pueblo que anuncia a Jesús como nuestro libertador y la fuerza de nuestra salvación.
Y que igual que en el año viejo, en el nuevo Jesús quiere seguir siendo nuestra Roca y Castillo, nuestro
más alto refugio. Iglesia "Grita de alegría, porque Dios se ha compadecido de nosotros y nos ha rescatado, porque nos ha bendecido y nos ha colmado de alegría. Hagamos fiesta, bendigamos su nombre y celebremos su presencia en nuestras familias, iglesia y lugares de labor. Escucha oh iglesia "No tengas miedo.
Miren que les traigo buenas noticias que es motivo de mucha alegría para todo el pueblo. 11 Hoy les ha
nacido en la ciudad de David un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor." Lucas 2.10-11.
"Gloria a Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra Paz a los que gozan de su buena voluntad" Lucas 2.14.
Su colaboradora en Cristo Jesús,
Pastora, Norma
Ramsey Church Christmas Dinner
December 12th, 6pm in the CLC.
Come for spaghetti, music, and entertainment. This event is sponsored by
the youth group.
Únase a nosotros para una cena de espagueti libre el 12 de diciembre a las 6:30 pm para celebrar la Navidad juntos.
OFFICE CLOSING
The Church office will
closed from noon on December
24th until Monday, January 4th
for the Christmas holiday.
La oficina de la iglesia estará
cerrada del 24 de diciembre
al 4 de enero.
Advent is just around the corner and this year’s Advent Study is entitled – SENT: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas. Dynamic pastor Jorge Acevedo leads us on a 5-week Advent journey to
discover how, where, and why we are sent. Joining him on the journey are four young clergy who challenge us through story, art, and Bible study. The
study runs from November 22th through December 27th, starting at 9:45a.m. in the
sanctuary. Participant books will be ordered so if you are interested in one, please call
the church office, fill out the yellow card in your bulletin, or see Sue Newman. Please
come join us. We would love for you to be a part of the Advent Study.
Manchester
High School
Reunion
Come for a covered
dish supper in the
CLC on Friday
Celebrate Christmas Eve at one of our services of
Carols, Candlelight, and Holy Communion.
Celebre la víspera de Navidad en uno de nuestros servicios.
December 4th.

7:00PM Servicio en Espanol en el CLC

7:30PM Worship Service in the Sanctuary

11:00PM Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Sunday, January 10th
After morning worship,
join us in the CLC to support missions and crown
the Chili Champion!
Richmond District Conference
and Leadership Training Event
Sunday, January 10, 1:30-5:00PM.
It is Love Basket time again! By participating in the Love Basket ministry,
you are connecting with our members and loved ones in the community who
are homebound or have experienced difficulties this year and need to know
the Love of God. You can help by contributing the following items:
Woodlake UMC
15640 Hampton Park Dr
Chesterfield, VA
DODGEBALL
The deadline for contributions is Sunday,
December 6. You can drop off your donations in the church office or in a bin
located at the CLC entrance. Please know
you can begin dropping off items at any
time beginning in early November. If
you would like to add a name to the list,
contact Pat Beville or the church office.
If you have any questions, contact Pat at
804-303-2660—(NEW HOME NUMBER FOR PAT)
Lotion
Hard Candy
Toothpaste
Cookies
Shaving Cream
Little Debbie’s
Deodorant
Nab Crackers
Tissues
Slipper Socks
Hand Sanitizer
Men’s Socks
Chocolate (soft, no Applesauce/Pudding
nuts)
(small containers)
Sunday, January 17th,
Valentine’s Dinner Dance
February 13, 2016, 6:30pm
$15.00 per person
Cena del día de Valetine el sábado
13 de febrero.
4:00PM-8:00PM.
The Ramsey Youth are sponsoring another dodgeball tournament. We had
80+ people in attendance last year, and this
year we plan to exceed that number. There are
lots of ways you can help, so sign up with Sarah Russo and come cheer on the Ramsey
players!
United Methodist Women Events
On November 14, Scotty Doyle, Sally Wheat, and Katie Smith attended the UMW District
Officer and Leader Development at Forest Grove UMC.
Neighborhood Supper
We appreciated your support of Ramsey's United Methodist Women's Bake Sale. We
hope your family and friends enjoyed your purchases of baked goods.
55+ Luncheons:
Please note the change of date for December.
12/5
UMW District Advent Service
Beulah UMC, 6930 Hopkins Rd. Richmond, VA 23234
Speakers: Len and Susan Eastwood, Missionaries to Kenya
Mission Emphasis: Offering for Mission Support to Kenya
WHITE CHRISTMAS:
Please bring items from the list provided according to your Sunday school class, and place them
in bins marked “White Christmas” in the foyers in the education building and CLC. Please
bring your items on Sundays, now through December 20th.
White Christmas
Items to be contributed:
Class:
Distribution:
Peanut Butter, Jelly,
Children:
The White Christmas Food
Spaghetti/Macaroni/Pastas and Sauce for
Pasta
Boxes and Family Gifts will be
Canned or Dried Soups
distributed on Sunday, Decem- Youth/
ber 20, 2015 at 2:30 pm in the Young Adults (soups that children and older adults would
like)
Fellowship Hall. If you would
Canned Fruit (Peaches, Pears, Pineapple,
like to help prepare these boxes Agape
Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, etc.), Bisquick,
for delivery, please contact
Loaf Bread
Scotty Doyle at 804-640-5355.
Escuela DoRice, Beans
Helpers will meet in the Felminical
lowship Hall immediately after
Kirkie Powell Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, Canned meat, Cofthe 11 am Sunday service to
fee, Bisquick, Vegetable Oil
prepare. We will need approxi5 lb. bags of Sugar, Cake/Muffin Mixes,
New Spirit
mately 16 people. Thank you
Oatmeal, Cereal Potatoes (White & Sweet for sharing your blessings of
Fresh or Canned)
food, gifts and time with these
Canned Vegetables (Tomatoes, Green Beans,
Otto Whitt
families.
Peas, Corn, Butterbeans, Beans, etc.)
December 4th: Join us at noon for our
Christmas celebration. Bring a friend, and
bring your canned goods for White Christmas!
January 2 (Christmas supper)
&
January 30th
5:00PM in the Fellowship Hall
Come share the love of Christ and the joy of
the holiday season with your Ramsey family
and our local neighbors. Ven a nuestras
comidas gratuitas comunidad el 2 de enero
y 30 de enero a las 5:00 pm.
There will not be luncheons in
January or February. We will
meet again in March.
Nativity Ministry and Bethlehem 2015, Dec 22nd-24th
Volunteers are needed in these areas: Nuestra natividad de la Navidad es 22 de diciembre al 24. Necesitamos muchos voluntarios!
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


We are offering a special invitation for the community and other
churches to come participate. Estamos invitando a los miembros de la comunidad y de otras iglesias para ayudar.
Cast members to fill the different roles each night. Necesitamos actores para interpretar a los personajes bíblicos.
Help with our yard crew. Necesitamos ayuda en el estacionamiento.
Donations of food, beverages and goodies each night for the cast members. Ayudar
a proporcionar la cena para los actores.
Help with dressing each cast. Necesitamos ayuda con los trajes.
The first cast goes on at 6:30p.m. and the second cast at 7:00 p.m. El primer show es a
las 6:30 PM, entonces esos actores se toman un descanso, mientras que otro grupo
de actores se haga cargo a las 7:00 PM. If you can help, contact Tammy Howe 804621-4959 [email protected] or Carole Harper [email protected]
Birthdays & Cumpleaños
Let Ramsey help with your Christmas gift giving! If you have people on your list
that are hard to buy for, or already have everything, we have a solution – Designated Giving. Instead of buying another tie or sweater, just send a check to Ramsey in honor of that person and designate it for a cause that person is interested in.
It could be Missions, Vacation Bible School, church maintenance, the Living Nativity, our Youth
Group, the Food Pantry, or just to help with the regular monthly expenses like the electric bill or
cutting the grass. We will send that person an acknowledgement card telling him or her of your gift.
Envelopes are available in the back of the church. Just fill it out and we will take care of the rest.
So this year, skip that trip to the mall and give a gift that really makes a difference.
December—Diciembre 2015
January—Enero 2016
Phyllis Tyler
2
Cachet Brown
3
Milton Bonilla
5
Jean Chandler
5
John Hall
Ann Hallinan
Morris Sings
Robin Davis
1
1
1
3
Carol Hotchkiss
9
Maria Ahles
10
Patricia Finestone
10
Kacky Grubb
Julia Lainez
Louise Smith
3
6
10
C. Riley Irving
10
12
Daniel Vaughan
12
Lois Crafton
14
11
12
14
16
Thank you for your stewardship — The Finance Committee
Pattie H. Madison
Cole Irving
Joyce Walsh
Nancy Hoover
Mary Brame
Jane Cummings
14
Darlene Sweat
14
Katherine A Rivera
Katie Smith
15
16
Tray Alan Rives
June Bryant
Laura K. McHale
18
20
20
McKenzie Jump
17
S. Craig Lane
17
Beth Lane
Janet Sheek
Oswaldo Aguilar
21
22
24
Adam Madison
17
Rodney Taylor
17
Chante Brown
18
Cecil Goolsby
Ann Harris
Sally Wheat
Gail Barker
24
25
25
26
Sue Newman
19
Hazel Stewart
19
Dolores G. Thomas
21
Scott Cummings
Keishla Rodriguez
Laura Coleman
26
26
28
We are blessed with a wonderful Mission Team that have been doing our Lord and Savior’s work
for several years. We are also blessed with a congregation that supports these servants for Jesus
Christ. There are many of us that wish they could do mission work but because of age, infirmities,
work, family, finances etc. can’t go on mission trips. We have recently received a letter from Rev.
Ben Horrocks, Pastor of Asbury Memorial UMC that gives us the opportunity to serve our Armed
Forces Personnel (3,000 per month) as they pass through RIC. We can do this by supporting our
USO with individually wrapped small packages of cookies, candies, crackers, and individually
wrapped bags of chips. If you would be interested participating in this wonderful Stewardship
please call Dan Hallinan (804) 271-4758 or the church office for more information. You will be
asked to make up some of these packages and drop them off at the church and a member from Asbury Memorial UMC will pick them up on a monthly basis and take them to the USO for distributing them to our Armed Forces as they transition to and from their duty stations through the USO at
RIC. You can read more about the RIC USO along with a great testimony at the following web site:
Sherry Fox
25
Violet Williams
28
Carolyn Wood
29
Margaret Flynn
Matthew Meadows
Miriam Ferrer
28
28
29
Anniversaries & Aniversarios
Mr. & Mrs. Morris Sings
12/6
Mr. & Mrs. Fredrick Heller
12/17
Tim Eells & Wendy Inge
12/17
Mission Stewardship for Ramsey
http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_58480352-9639-5bd0-a24e-edb5f37d827b.html
Moreover; we are currently looking at the possibility of sending a team of volunteers to SC in the
near future. If you would be interested in good hard work and helping the poor victims from the
recent floods please contact Dan Hallinan (804) 271-4758 or call the church office.
Each year the area is involved in a “Bikes for Christ Campaign” they are looking for donations to
get bikes to needy children in the area. Last year they were blessed to hand out 200 bikes to smiling
faces. But there were many children they had to turn away. Therefore; their goal this year is 1000
bikes. If you can help in this great mission campaign please contact the church office. God is always there for us and asks that we be there for others that need a spiritual moment in their life. Pray
that we are listening to him as he speaks to our hearts and mind through the Holy Spirit.
Happy Thanksgiving and be blessed in Jesus’s name.
Missions Coordinator—Dan Hallinan
JANUARY—ENERO 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1 Church office closed
Sat
2
Happy New Year!
5:00PM Neighborhood Supper
3 8:30AM Worship
4
5
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
6:30PM Youth
8:00AM Care A Van
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
10 8:30AM Worship
11
7
7:00PM Administrative Council
8:00AM Care A Van
12
13
14
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
10:00AM Pickleball
2:00PM Nina Woodfin Circle
7:00PM Board of Trustees
8:00AM Care A Van
20
21
18
19
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
4:00PM Youth Dodgeball Tournament
8:00AM Care A Van
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
10:00AM Pickleball
6:00PM Communications Team 10:00AM Food Pantry
6:00PM Finance Committee
6:30PM Come and See
24 8:30AM Worship
25
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
6:30PM Youth
31 8:30AM Worship
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
6:30PM Youth
8
9
15
16
22
23
29
30
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:00PM Chili Cook-off
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
1:30 District Training Day
17 8:30AM Worship
6
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
8:00AM Care A Van
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
6:00PM SPPRC
26
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
27
28
6:00PM SPPRC (inclement
8:00AM Care A Van
5:00PM Neighborhood Sup-
weather)
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
per
DECEMBER - DICIEMBRE
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
6:30PM EL/Civics
10:00AM Pickleball
8:00AM Care A Van
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
6:00PM James River Highschool
Group
6:30PM EL/Civics
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
12:00PM 55+ Luncheon
8:30AM BUCS
6:00PM James River Highschool 2:00PM McGuire Park Circle
Group
Manchester Group Event
9
10
11
12
6: 2nd Sunday of Advent
7
8
8:30AM Worship
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
6:30PM Youth
6:00PM James River Highschool Group
11:00 Ada Mae Bookman Circle 10:00AM Pickleball
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
2:00PM Nina Woodfin Circle
6:00PM Hazel Gibbs Circle
7:00PM Board of Trustees
6:30PM EL/Civics
8:00AM Care A Van
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
10:00AM BonSecours/Shalom
Farms
6:00PM James River Highschool
Group
6:30PM EL/Civics
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
1:00PM Hazel Gibbs
Private event
6:00PM James River Highschool 6:00PM Ramsey Christmas
Group
Dinner—sponsored by youth
13: 3rd Sunday of Advent
14
15
16
17
18
8:30AM Worship
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Worship
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
6:30PM Youth
6:00PM James River Highschool Group
5:30PM H.O.P.E. Basketball
6:30PM EL/Civics
10:00AM Pickleball
10:00AM Food Pantry
6:00PM Finance Committee
6:30PM Come and See
8:00AM Care A Van
9:30AM Prayer Group/Knitting
6:00PM James River Highschool
Group
6:30PM EL/Civics
7:00PM Estudio Biblico
6:00PM James River Highschool
Group
20: 4th Sunday of Advent
21
22
23
24 Church office closes at noon.
25 Church office closed
8:30AM Christmas Cantata
9:30AM Sunday School
11:00AM Christmas Cantata
11:00AM Escuela Dominical
12:30AM Servicio en Espanol
2:30PM Children’s Christmas
Party
White Christmas
27
10:30AM Combined Worship
6:30PM Living Nativity & Bethle- 6:30PM Living Nativity & Bethlehem
hem
6:30PM Living Nativity
7:00 Servicio en Espanol
7:30 Candlelight Service
11:00 Candlelight Service
Christmas Day
28 Church office closed
29 Church office closed
30 Church office closed
31 Church office closed
19
26