EPIPHANY
Sarah Bentley Allred, Master of Divinity student at Virginia Theological Seminary
The church celebrates Epiphany on Jan. 6 each year, 12 days after Christmas Day. On Epiphany, we recall the arrival of the wise men to visit the newborn baby Jesus. The season of Epiphany stretches from Jan. 6 until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The season varies in length because the date of Easter changes yearly. Epiphany might be as long as nine weeks or as short as four weeks.
While the season of Epiphany does not get as much hype as the preceding seasons of Advent and Christmas, it is an important time of the church year nonetheless. After all the December celebrations die down, Epiphany reminds us that Christmas is just the beginning of the story!
While secular culture generally celebrates Christmas on a single day, the church extends the celebration of Jesus’ birth until the arrival of the magi on Jan. 6. Most of us are familiar with the story of the wise men from the popular hymn We Three Kings. They follow a star to find the Christ child and bring him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Epiphany is a good opportunity to expound on some of the details of the story that make the magi so remarkable. First, the wise men are paying attention. They “observed his star at its rising” and realized it was a sign (Matthew 2:2). Second, the wise men trust God’s guidance. They leave their country and travel a great distance without knowing exactly where they are going. After finding the Christ child, the three kings are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they diligently leave “for their own country by another road.” (Matthew 2:12). Third, the magi humbled themselves at the sight of an infant king in a manger: “They saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.” (Matthew 2:11) Despite the odd circumstances – a baby born to an unwed, un-wealthy mother in a barn – the magi presented Jesus with gifts fit for a king born under very different circumstances.
While the season of Epiphany does not get as much hype as the preceding seasons of Advent and Christmas, it is an important time of the church year nonetheless. After all the December celebrations die down, Epiphany reminds us that Christmas is just the beginning of the story!
While secular culture generally celebrates Christmas on a single day, the church extends the celebration of Jesus’ birth until the arrival of the magi on Jan. 6. Most of us are familiar with the story of the wise men from the popular hymn We Three Kings. They follow a star to find the Christ child and bring him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Epiphany is a good opportunity to expound on some of the details of the story that make the magi so remarkable. First, the wise men are paying attention. They “observed his star at its rising” and realized it was a sign (Matthew 2:2). Second, the wise men trust God’s guidance. They leave their country and travel a great distance without knowing exactly where they are going. After finding the Christ child, the three kings are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they diligently leave “for their own country by another road.” (Matthew 2:12). Third, the magi humbled themselves at the sight of an infant king in a manger: “They saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.” (Matthew 2:11) Despite the odd circumstances – a baby born to an unwed, un-wealthy mother in a barn – the magi presented Jesus with gifts fit for a king born under very different circumstances.
WELCOME HOME OF CHATTANOOGA
Nancy Thompson
Several months ago, the 49ers had the pleasure of hearing Sherry Campbell talk about the services of Welcome Home of Chattanooga. Sherry is the Founding Director of WHC, and was a Social Worker with Hospice of Chattanooga for over twelve years. What happens when someone is in need of hospice care, but does not have a home or shelter for nurses and staff to administer care? Or an individual is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but has no one at home to help when the patient is very weak? For almost ten years, Welcome Home has worked to create “a community of hope, healing, and compassion for those who are facing a serious illness or death and need safe shelter”. Professional services are provided by local hospices, but the shelter is provided at Welcome Home’s “Quiet Creek”, a beautiful wooded area near Amnicola Highway and Hwy. 153.
Welcome Home has one 4-bedroom hospice home and two 3-bedroom homes for cancer respite. Cancer respite residents are there during treatment months only, while hospice residents usually receive end-of-life care. Welcome Home partners with local agencies to provide in-home care and support, and residents pay on a sliding scale for room and board. Funding also comes from donations and grants, fundraising, and in-kind gifts (e.g. yard work, furniture when needed, and others) from individuals and groups like churches and civic groups.
There are a number of volunteer or participation opportunities with Welcome Home.
1. Go-Go Club – Every week there are residents who have doctor or chemotherapy appointments, and the “Go-Gos” assist by driving patients to their appointments. Quite often, it is the supportive word of a volunteer driver that helps get the patient through difficult procedures, while other times they just need a quiet, peaceful ride.
2. Supper Club – Every night of the year, someone brings dinner for WHC residents. There are about 12 dinners needed each evening. In fact, RUMC’s Seekers Class takes dinner from time to time, and the volunteers either drop off the food or remain to eat with residents.
3. Companions – Companion volunteers commit to four hours per week, and they help get dinner on the table, watch TV with residents, or sit and talk with residents who are not able to get out of bed.
4. Circle of Friends – These individuals or groups may not have time to volunteer, but commit to sending a donation each month.
5. Other Opportunities – As other needs arise, staff member Michelle Goble (often known as “Director of Happiness”), sends out a call for volunteer for things like spring cleaning, yard work, helping a resident move, or even helping replenish the toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
Welcome Home also offers workshops and classes on end-of-life issues and grieving the loss of a loved one. Last year, our own Sally Ensley was invited to be a guest speaker on dealing with grief. Some of these classes can be use for continuing education units for Social Workers, students, and others in the helping professions.
If you have questions about helping at Welcome Home of Chattanooga, feel free to contact WHC at 423/355-5842 or view the website at welcomehomeofchattanooga.org. Nancy Thompson may also be able to answer some of your questions (nancythompson232@gmail.com or 706/207-3045).
“When there is no place, we are that place. Shelter, healing, and compassionate end-of-life care for those in need.”
Welcome Home has one 4-bedroom hospice home and two 3-bedroom homes for cancer respite. Cancer respite residents are there during treatment months only, while hospice residents usually receive end-of-life care. Welcome Home partners with local agencies to provide in-home care and support, and residents pay on a sliding scale for room and board. Funding also comes from donations and grants, fundraising, and in-kind gifts (e.g. yard work, furniture when needed, and others) from individuals and groups like churches and civic groups.
There are a number of volunteer or participation opportunities with Welcome Home.
1. Go-Go Club – Every week there are residents who have doctor or chemotherapy appointments, and the “Go-Gos” assist by driving patients to their appointments. Quite often, it is the supportive word of a volunteer driver that helps get the patient through difficult procedures, while other times they just need a quiet, peaceful ride.
2. Supper Club – Every night of the year, someone brings dinner for WHC residents. There are about 12 dinners needed each evening. In fact, RUMC’s Seekers Class takes dinner from time to time, and the volunteers either drop off the food or remain to eat with residents.
3. Companions – Companion volunteers commit to four hours per week, and they help get dinner on the table, watch TV with residents, or sit and talk with residents who are not able to get out of bed.
4. Circle of Friends – These individuals or groups may not have time to volunteer, but commit to sending a donation each month.
5. Other Opportunities – As other needs arise, staff member Michelle Goble (often known as “Director of Happiness”), sends out a call for volunteer for things like spring cleaning, yard work, helping a resident move, or even helping replenish the toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
Welcome Home also offers workshops and classes on end-of-life issues and grieving the loss of a loved one. Last year, our own Sally Ensley was invited to be a guest speaker on dealing with grief. Some of these classes can be use for continuing education units for Social Workers, students, and others in the helping professions.
If you have questions about helping at Welcome Home of Chattanooga, feel free to contact WHC at 423/355-5842 or view the website at welcomehomeofchattanooga.org. Nancy Thompson may also be able to answer some of your questions (nancythompson232@gmail.com or 706/207-3045).
“When there is no place, we are that place. Shelter, healing, and compassionate end-of-life care for those in need.”
SPRC THANK YOU
Laurie McGee, SPRC Chair
On behalf of the SPRC, I would like to thank the congregation for giving generously to our staff appreciation fund. We recognize that we have a staff that goes above and beyond to give of themselves to our church family and community. Their talents and gifts are a huge blessing to all. Thank you again for showing your appreciation. Let’s continue with this support by giving back of our time and talents to support them in their ministries.
Blessing to you and yours during this season.
Blessing to you and yours during this season.
MISSION FAIR
Laura Kay
Discover How You Can Make a Difference!
Join us for the Mission Fair at Ringgold UMC to explore the many volunteer opportunities available through our church’s missions. This is your chance to learn how you can get involved in making a positive impact in our community and beyond!
When: Sunday, January 12th
10:00 AM during the Sunday School hour
12:00 PM after Contemporary Worship
Where: In the Gym at Ringgold UMC
Each mission will have an exhibition to showcase what they do and who they help. Snacks will be provided, and there will be a door prize you can enter to win!
Don’t miss this opportunity to find your next step in serving others. Explore how you can make a difference and be a part of something impactful!
Join us for the Mission Fair at Ringgold UMC to explore the many volunteer opportunities available through our church’s missions. This is your chance to learn how you can get involved in making a positive impact in our community and beyond!
When: Sunday, January 12th
10:00 AM during the Sunday School hour
12:00 PM after Contemporary Worship
Where: In the Gym at Ringgold UMC
Each mission will have an exhibition to showcase what they do and who they help. Snacks will be provided, and there will be a door prize you can enter to win!
Don’t miss this opportunity to find your next step in serving others. Explore how you can make a difference and be a part of something impactful!
SUPPER WITH SALLY
Sally Ensley
Calling all ladies!!!
All ladies are invited to our first Supper with Sally for 2025! Again this year, we will use our time to trade with one another those things that we received for Christmas that we really can (and want to) live without! Yes, it is our re-gifting Post-Christmas party! Please bring an item that you received for Christmas or that you have sitting around the house that, while it is not your favorite thing, someone else might think it is wonderful! We will be trading around “our precious finds,” so there is no telling what treasure you might go home with!!!!
We will be gathering on Sunday night, January 12 at 5:00 pm in the gym. In addition to a wrapped gift, please bring some finger food to share. If those whose last names begin with A -L bring sandwiches/finger food and those whose last names begin with M-Z bring dessert, I am sure we will have more than enough food to go around.!!!
I do hope that you will plan to join us for a fun-filled evening of food, laughter and fellowship!
All ladies are invited to our first Supper with Sally for 2025! Again this year, we will use our time to trade with one another those things that we received for Christmas that we really can (and want to) live without! Yes, it is our re-gifting Post-Christmas party! Please bring an item that you received for Christmas or that you have sitting around the house that, while it is not your favorite thing, someone else might think it is wonderful! We will be trading around “our precious finds,” so there is no telling what treasure you might go home with!!!!
We will be gathering on Sunday night, January 12 at 5:00 pm in the gym. In addition to a wrapped gift, please bring some finger food to share. If those whose last names begin with A -L bring sandwiches/finger food and those whose last names begin with M-Z bring dessert, I am sure we will have more than enough food to go around.!!!
I do hope that you will plan to join us for a fun-filled evening of food, laughter and fellowship!
JANUARY 49ERS
Helen Young
Winter is here. The days are shorter and the temperature is colder, but that doesn’t stop the 49er’s from enjoying our monthly gathering. Expect good conversations and lots of laughs when we gather for lunch on January 14th , at 1:00 pm, Parkplace Restaurant, 2891 Lafayette Rd., Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. Lunch is ordered from the menu at the individual’s expense.
FUNDING OUR MISSION
General Budget
Full Year Budget: $610,500
Budgeted in November: $50,875
Received in November: $38,691
Spent in November: $45,669
Budgeted November YTD: $559,625
Received November YTD: $512,703
Spent November YTD: $548,909
Full Year Budget: $610,500
Budgeted in November: $50,875
Received in November: $38,691
Spent in November: $45,669
Budgeted November YTD: $559,625
Received November YTD: $512,703
Spent November YTD: $548,909
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
In Person :
9 AM: 84
11 AM: 45
Online:
9AM: 22
11 AM: 12
9 AM: 84
11 AM: 45
Online:
9AM: 22
11 AM: 12
MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS
Maintenance & Repair Reserve
In Honor of Lee & Laura Kay
by Anonymous
In Honor of Bill & Audrey Collison
by Anonymous
NCIC
In Honor of Sharon Hardin, Janet Cumbee, and Susan Jackson
by Anonymous
Benevolence
In Honor of Aubrey & Donna Greeson
by Anonymous
In Honor of David & Katie Cott
by Anonymous
CARES
In Honor of Donna Greeson
by Lee Kay
In Honor of Lee & Laura Kay
by Anonymous
In Honor of Bill & Audrey Collison
by Anonymous
NCIC
In Honor of Sharon Hardin, Janet Cumbee, and Susan Jackson
by Anonymous
Benevolence
In Honor of Aubrey & Donna Greeson
by Anonymous
In Honor of David & Katie Cott
by Anonymous
CARES
In Honor of Donna Greeson
by Lee Kay
Ringgold United Methodist Church
706-935-4777 | www.ringgoldumc.org
7484 Nashville St
Ringgold, GA 30736
David Cott, Senior Pastor
Sally Ensley, Minister of Care
Kirsten Lankford, Director of Children’s Ministry
Michael Arnold, Worship Band Leader
Kodi Lowry, Director of Preschool
Taylor Lankford, Executive Director of Worship and the Arts
Marty McGee, Coordinator of Senior Adult Ministries
Pam Blaylock, Office Administrator
Drew Sherrill, Communications and Technical Director
Jamie Smith, Director of Youth Ministry
Carolyn Turner, Organist
Ann McMillen, Pianist
706-935-4777 | www.ringgoldumc.org
7484 Nashville St
Ringgold, GA 30736
David Cott, Senior Pastor
Sally Ensley, Minister of Care
Kirsten Lankford, Director of Children’s Ministry
Michael Arnold, Worship Band Leader
Kodi Lowry, Director of Preschool
Taylor Lankford, Executive Director of Worship and the Arts
Marty McGee, Coordinator of Senior Adult Ministries
Pam Blaylock, Office Administrator
Drew Sherrill, Communications and Technical Director
Jamie Smith, Director of Youth Ministry
Carolyn Turner, Organist
Ann McMillen, Pianist