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EMBRACE Newsletter

Volume 17, Issue 1  December 2015

Emmanuel’s Hammer Responders By KC Carter

A team of early responders working with Emmanuel’s Hammer over a four day period (October 14-17), went into action in Andrews, South Carolina. The team conducted over a dozen damage assessments, mucked mud, and trash from two homes, and tarped the roof of Asbury UMC. Believe it or not, the Black River was still at flood stage at that time, so access to the most devastated areas was limited. The team was, however, able to access two homes filled with standing water: Ms. Emma Johnson’s home had two feet of water, and Ms. Eva Julious’ home had six feet of water. Imagine waking one morning to step out of bed into a foot of water. Imagine the panic as you wake your daughter and one yearold grandbaby, then escape with only the clothes on your back. Finally, imagine the horror as you return to your home of more than thirty years after having over six feet of river water and sewage

running through it for a week. How hopeless and helpless would you feel? This is a sense of loss that is devastating. Now, imagine a team of complete strangers appearing pulling a fancy SC ERT trailer. That team prays with you and then proceeds to rip, tear, and haul your water-logged possessions to the street. Then over a day and a half, your home is dismantled to the studs and slab floor. As you pull aside anything that might be salvageable, you wipe away the tears. This is what happened to Ms. Eva Julious. There are hundreds of stories just like this over the South Carolina Midlands and Lowcountry. Some people were not so lucky as their homes were total losses. At least Ms. Julious may move back into her home some day thanks to the efforts of Buncombe Street UMC and many others. The experience is heartbreaking, back-breaking, smelly and nasty, but it is hope-building work all the same. If you would like to participate in the future as an early responder or with a rebuild team, contact KC Carter (kc@ eHammer1.org, 864-275-7323).

Higher and Brighter “Don’t Miss Christmas” Rev. Jerry E. Temple

During his reign, King Edward VIII of England was especially concerned about social conditions. He once decided to visit some of the homes in a slum section on the waterfront where he was to christen a ship. He stopped first at a house in which lived one of the most disreputable men in the area. He had become a social outcast. Hearing a knock at his door, he shouted in a gruff voice, “Who is it?” The answer came back, “I am your king. May I come in?” Thinking it was a cruel joke, the man refused to open the door. The king, a gentleman who respected the rights of a man in his own household, would not force his way in, so he turned and left. This poor man missed seeing his king. Christmas is such a busy time of the year and filled with many distractions. It is too easy to get caught up in the trappings of Christmas and miss its significance. After Thanksgiving, we start to feel the pressure of Christmas approaching. There are so many things to do and yet such a short time to do them. Before we know it, Christmas has come and gone, and we never really gave it a chance. We failed to let Christmas be Christmas — a time of peace and joy, a time of celebrating our Savior’s birth, a time of experiencing the coming of Christ into our lives and into our homes. Yes, many people this Christmas will miss the opportunity to invite the King in. But it’s my prayer and my hope that we will give Christmas a chance when it comes knocking at the doors of our hearts. Let Christmas be Christmas!

Employee Anniversaries Join the church staff in recognizing the following employee anniversaries and thank them for their service: Mike Baxter, Facilities Engineer, 15 years of service Cheryl Patterson, CDC Teacher, 13 years of service Quileena Whitmore, CDC Teacher, 7 years of service Keri Gibson, CDC Teacher, 6 years of service Leanda Goldsmith, CDC Teacher, 2 years of service Tiffany Houston, CDC Floater, 2 years of service Tammy Quarles, CDC Teacher, 2 years of service Rebecca Vaughn, CDC Floater, 1 year of service

On Sunday morning, November 8, 2015, our church came together during four worship services to honor and glorify God with our financial and service commitments for the coming year. For several weeks leading up to that Sunday, we have been faithfully reminded of our responsibility to be good stewards of our time, talents, and our financial resources. Reverend Jerry Temple and Reverend Justin Gilreath encouraged us to live up to the pledge we took when we joined the church; to faithfully give of our prayers, presence, witness, gifts, and service. Our financial leaders stressed the importance of meeting the annual budget goal to satisfy our operational expenses, and to allow our church to strive toward its mission of being and making disciples of Christ. The stewardship ministry team encouraged us to “leap” to new heights of giving by faithfully trusting God through sacrificial giving. By now, many have prayerfully considered and completed their pledge of time, talents, and financial gifts — some for the very first time — and for others, there has been a joyful and spiritually-fulfilling re-commitment. Each one making a commitment has strengthened his relationship with God and is helping to transform lives of those served. As the year draws to a close, let’s celebrate our “Leap of Faith,” long and high, toward new heights, and with greater intensity and purpose! You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-15

Adult and Family Ministry

Child Development Center

Join “Creative Christmas” on Wednesday, December 2. God has given us the gift of creativity, and as our creator, we are made in his image. It’s important for us to periodically flex our creativity muscles. Now is your chance! Select from wreath making (led by Popie Whitted), stained glass nightlights (led by Lou Ellen Davis), or Christmas appetizers (led by Janet Sandifer). We will come away with something wonderful for ourselves, family, or friends. All of this takes place on one night only, and registration is required! Each class costs is $10. You may register electronically (www.bsumc.info/creative-christmas), or call the church office (864-232-7341).

For the fourth consecutive year, Buncombe Street UMC CDC participated in WonderWalk, the annual walk to support the March for Babies/March of Dimes (MOD). The walk was held at the Greenville Zoo on October 6, and 50 children and their families participated. Everyone had fun seeing the animals and we also met some superhero characters.

The Fellowship Club will meet on Tuesday, December 15, at 11:00 AM in Drake Hall for our annual Christmas carol sing. Come early, stay late, and learn about upcoming trips. See you then!

The 3K, 4K, and Afterschool Purple Theme Day children had fun with a scavenger hunt around the center. As they discovered animals at each station, they acted out or sounded out each one. They received goodies at two of the stations.

David Stubbs, 371-6088, [email protected]

For the newly single and single again, join “Survivor,” a group that is about loving yourself and God, and getting back to normal. It’s knowing that you are not alone and that there is nothing to fear. The group will begin gathering on Sunday, December 6, at 10:00 AM in Sisk Hall. Announcing Wesley Groups in 2016! Are you searching for a way to be held accountable to God’s work in your life? Do you want to meet regularly with like-minded people who will help you live for Christ every day? This is what John Wesley wanted everyone to do in order to live a life in Christ. These Wesley groups will meet in regions of the Upstate for a specified amount of time. Call David Stubbs for more information, or if you would like to help. Join others who live in the Easley, Powdersville and Piedmont area who attend or are members of BSUMC. Our next gathering will be at 6:00 PM on Monday, December 14, at Mutts BBQ in Easley. Contact David Stubbs to add your address to the email list for updates. The Real Deal series of classes will resume on January 6, 2016. Be one of those people in the Wednesday night Bible study working to save America one night at a time! We will also offer a new class on parenting. The class for parents of pre-schoolers and elementary kids is a nationally-known parenting session called Love and Logic. It will be led by one of its best certified leaders, Ann Shaw. Watch for information in the January 2016 EMBRACE. Are you registered for Right Now Media where you can get over 10,000 Christian videos for the entire family? Visit the church website to gain free access (www.bsumc.info/rightnow-media). Help! The MOPS ministry is bursting at the seams! Childcare volunteers are needed on the first and third Mondays of the month from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM. Share the love of Christ by caring for the participant’s children. Can you help? Even if you can help only some of the time, we need you. Contact David Stubbs in the church office, or Susan Finch (864-419-7889). Note that there are a couple of paid worker spots for this ministry. Simply call the same numbers if you would like to earn an little extra cash.

Pam Miller, 233-5050, [email protected]

Pajama Theme Day

During the month of September, CDC families and staff raised money to support MOD. All of the proceeds raised go to helping battle birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. By participating in WonderWalk, the children also learned the importance of giving back to their community. These were the fundraisers that were held: Bake Sale A – CDC staff baked goodies to sell to CDC parents Bake Sale B – CDC staff baked goodies to sell at Wednesday Night Dinners Online Donations M & M Tubes - Eat the sweet treats inside and fill up the tube with change (holds $14 worth of quarters) Additionally, a friendly competition took place among the classrooms to see which class could raise the most money. The winning class receives a pizza party; the first runner up receives a cookie decorating party; and the second runner up will enjoy a doughnut party. All of the classes that participated will enjoy an ice cream party! During the week of September 21-25, the CDC held Spirit Week. The halls were alive with excitement as the children and staff raised their spirits for WonderWalk! The children came to school each day dressed in a different theme! Overall, it was a tremendous fundraising effort on the part of CDC families and staff. We are proud to have raised $6,179! We were true superheroes helping to “Save the Babies!”

Attention, Women! Has God been calling you to forgive someone? Do you need to forgive yourself for something? If so, then join the upcoming Annual Women’s Retreat, “The Power of God’s Call,” February 26-28, 2016, in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Karen Doyel (www.karenalexander-doyel.com) will be the keynote speaker, and Emily Lynch Cupelli will lead our worship and music, including a mini-concert on Saturday evening. Registration is underway! Electronic registration is available from the the church website (www.bsumc.info/adult-ministries/women), or visit the tables on Sunday mornings through December 20 to register in person. Prices include a room for both nights and all five meals. Single $260

Double $175

Triple $150

Quad $130

Would you like to help? Or, do you have questions? Contact Amanda Bostick ([email protected]) or Kellie Herlong ([email protected]).

Will you be one of the 100 to hear God’s call and join us?

“What a Girl Wants” BSUMC’s Women’s Ministry Christmas Dinner will be held on December 3, 2015, beginning at 6:30 PM. (The doors will open at 6:00 PM). The ticket cost is $12 per person. In the midst of doing for others this holiday season, this special dinner is a chance to do something for yourself! “What a Girl Wants” promises to be an evening filled with what you want – girlfriend time, decadent desserts, shopping, and much more! Profits from our shopping will go to ministries that support women in need, like She Is Safe, a ministry that works to prevent, rescue, and restore women and girls from abuse and exploitation in high-risk places around the world. The evening’s keynote speaker, Frankie Sherman, will offer fun and inspiring words. She will talk about what a girl really wants! (You may remember Frankie, who spoke about “Why We Need Girlfriends” at our spring dinner in 2010; we followed up with her Bible study of the same title.) Electronic registration is underway (www.bsumc.info/adultministries/women).

United Methodist Women By Judy Suggs

On my desk above my keyboard I have a number of favorite quotes taped there. One of my favorites is, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.” Another one is, “I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something….” (Helen Keller). Thinking about that last quote reminded me of the many people at Buncombe Street UMC who willingly and unselfishly serve others. “Service” doesn’t have to be really big, time-consuming acts of service; in fact, most of the time it is not! It can be an hour or two in the nursery helping young moms who are attending MOPS on a Monday morning. Or it could be baking a cake for the VIP party at Marketfest@BStreet. It can be walking the Circles’ program children to choir practice, or making sandwiches on a Sunday night for Feeding Jesus. It can be visiting a lonely person who is no longer able to attend the church they love. It is looking at the needs of the church and then finding a way to help make it happen, in our own “small” way. James 2:18 speaks to this, saying, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” Aren’t we practicing our faith by purposefully serving in whatever way we can? Doesn’t Christ call us to do just that, to turn our faith, hope, and love into action? Let’s not stand in that garage thinking we’re a car just by being there! We invite you to one of our UMW Circles that will meet on Tuesday, December 8: The Edith Edwards Circle will meet at 7:00 PM in Orders Parlor. Their study book is What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do by Dr. David Jeremiah. Contact Diane Scott Davis ([email protected]). The Nan Ivester Circle will meet at 9:30 AM in the Tommy Thomason classroom. The program will be from Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, But I Have Several Excellent Excuses, by James Moore. Contact Margaret Clayton ([email protected]). The Ruth Diggs Circle will meet at 11:00 AM in the Truluck Room. The group is studying You’ll Get There by Max Lucado. A $5 lunch will be available. Contact Carol Ferguson ([email protected]). The Dean Mauney Circle will meet at 7:00 PM in the Truluck Room. They will continue their study of When You’re a Christian, the Whole World is from Missouri by James Moore. Contact Lib Longmeyer (864-8344803) or Carolyn Davis (864-268-2937).

Children’s Ministry

Rev. Gayle Quay, 371-6089, [email protected], Candice Lenthe, 371-6104, [email protected] E RE

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O Buncombe Street UMC has partnered with Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School (a Title I school), in Greenville County for several years. What began as an inquiry about donating food has turned into AS N a multi-faceted partnership of working together E. K ME ERNS ELE to enrich the lives of some of Greenville County’s students who are in need. As new needs arise, we work together with the school staff and administration to see how BSUMC can come alongside the students and staff to offer support.

BUNCOMBE

“Giving Versus Buying”

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There is now a group of ten church members who volunteer as mentors and tutors each week. Various individuals, groups, Sunday school classes, committees, and BSUMC ministries volunteer to pack bags of food weekly that go home with the fourteen students that have been identified by the school’s social worker as having a tremendous need for nutritious food at home over the weekends. One of our Sprouts’ groups has made “TEK teacher appreciation” their home project, and has created small gifts and encouraging notes for the teachers who work so hard each day to impact the lives of their students. Most recently, we have worked with the school social worker to aid a family, who had been displaced from their home, with the basics of food and clothing. There is always room in our partnership for more individuals who are willing to donate their time or resources in order to assist these precious students! Please contact Gayle Quay or Candice Lenthe for more information on how you can partner with us. Leisure Ministry and Music and Arts Ministry have teamed to offer an exciting trip to the Christmas Living Gallery at Bob Jones University. “It will be a beautiful celebration of the season. ‘Dawning Light’ combines the tradition of Lessons and Carols with wonder-inspiring tableaux vivants – featuring dozens of live models bringing great masterworks of art to life. Accompanied by orchestra and chorus, the story of Christ’s birth will cause your heart to soar!” This one-of-a-kind show will inspire you through drama, uplifting music, and life-size re-creations of masterpieces that will be brought to life with live hu-

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” – John 3:16 Every year as the Christmas Season approaches, many of us feel the pressure to buy our loved one gifts. We might surf through websites or walk down the aisles of stores trying to find something that we can purchase as a sign of our appreciation and love. While our intentions may be good, perhaps there is a better way to show someone how much they mean to us. We could follow the example of Jesus who gave of himself. He came and lived amongst humanity, gracing us with the presence of God on earth, even to the point of giving his life on the cross. Maybe this year, instead of simply buying something, consider giving part of yourself to someone. Plan a short trip with your family. Take a friend out to dinner. Help a neighbor with yard work. Give the most precious things you have to offer­— your time and presence. After all, that is what Jesus did for us.

man models. Those attending can ride the church bus leaving the church promptly at 3:45 PM for the 4:30 PM show on Friday, December 4. Or, you can meet up with the group at Bob Jones at 4:00 PM. Tickets are $13 per person. With only 50 spots available, go online to reserve your seat, or contact Tom Buchanan (864-363-2422, www.bsumc.info/christmas-living-gallery).

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone, please complete this form and place it in the offering plate, or mail it to BSUMC, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601. A check for $20 per poinsettia must accompany your order. Make your check payable to BSUMC, and write “poinsettia” on the check memo line. Money collected will go toward greenery and decorations throughout the church. Poinsettias may be picked up following the 10:00 PM worship service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015. Orders must be received in the church office no later than Tuesday, December 15, 2015. One slip per order, please. Please carefully print: # of Poinsettias__________________________________________ In Memory of:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ In Honor of:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Given by:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your telephone number:_________________________________________________________________________________________ (A complete list of poinsettias given will be published in the Christmas Eve bulletin.)

Church Staff Directory Adam Layne Fisher Non-Traditional Worship Leader 371-6101 Alane Kelley Executive Assistant to Senior & Associate Ministers 371-6084 Alison Lister CDC Director 233-5050 Boy Scout Troop 9 Scout Hut 371-6102 Candice Lenthe Children’s Ministry AssistantEducation 371-6104 Chris Malaska Church Administrator 371-6085 Crisis Ministry 235-6011 David Stubbs Adult & Family Programs 371-6088 Gail Flowers Church Receptionist 232-7341 Gayle Quay Children’s Minister 371-6089 Grover Putnam Parish Minister 371-6098 Jerry Hill Minister of Missions and Outreach 371-6090 Jerry Temple Senior Minister 232-7341 John Fahrney Youth Minister 371-6094 Julia Sibley-Jones Endowment Administrator 803-414-3275 Justin Gilreath Associate Minister 371-6086 Mike Baxter Facilities 371-6093 Nancy Gobble Finance 371-6087 Prayer Chain 371-6099 Rebecca Phifer Assistant Youth Director 371-6091 Rory Henderson Ministry Assistant 371-6096 Rosemary Hughes Director of Music and Arts 371-6092 Tom Buchanan Leisure Ministry Coordinator 373-6461 Vance Jenkins Sanctuary Organist 371-6092

BSUMC

children’s ministry

Worship

Advent “Message and Music” with Lunch on Wednesday, December 2, 9, & 16, at 12:00 PM (Memorial Chapel & Truluck) Healing Service, First Wednesday at 6:00 PM (Memorial Chapel) Non-Traditional Worship, Sundays at 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM (Sisk) Traditional Worship, Sundays at 8:55 AM & 11:00 AM (Sanctuary)

Study

Choir Sunday School Class, Sundays at 10:00 AM (Orders Parlor) Confirmation Class, Sundays at 10:00 AM (217) Confirmation Mentor Night on Sunday, December 13, at 5:00 PM (Memorial Chapel) Disciple 4, Tuesdays at 6:00 PM (215) Disciple I, Sundays at 10:00 AM (Truluck) The Greatest Gift on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:15 PM (203)

Youth

High School Leadership on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM (Youth Hall) Youth Bible Study on Wednesday, December 2 & 9, at 6:00 PM (Middle School Room)

Children

2nd-5th Grade Bible Study on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM (217) 3s/4s Play and Worship on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:35 PM (LL05) Children’s Choirs Christmas Music on Wednesday, December 9, at 6:15 PM (Sanctuary) Children’s Choirs Rehearsal on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM (Sanctuary) K5/1st Grade Bible Study on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:35 PM (209) Sprouts on Sunday, December 6, at 5:15 PM (217)

Recreation

Basketball Games, Thursdays at 5:30 PM & Saturdays at 8:00 AM (Drake) Basketball Practice, Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays at 5:00 PM; Sundays at 2:00 PM (Drake & Sisk) Basketball, Mondays at 6:00 PM (Drake) Joyous Joggers/Walkers, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00 PM Men’s Basketball on Friday, December 11 & 18, at 5:30 PM (Drake) Well-Balanced for Seniors, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:30 AM & 1:15 PM (Drake)

Child Development Center

Events

Creative Christmas on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:15 PM (Truluck, 100, 101, 102) Fellowship Club on Tuesday, December 15, at 11:00 AM (Drake) Rushingbrook Children’s Choir Concert on Tuesday, December 15, at 7:00 PM (Sanctuary)

CDC 3K Music, Wednesdays at 9:45 AM (Choir Room) CDC 4K Music, Wednesdays at 10:30 AM (Choir Room) CDC After-School Music, Fridays at 4:00 PM (Choir Room) CDC Chapel, Tuesdays at 10:30 AM (Memorial Chapel) CDC Christmas Program on Friday, December 4 (Drake & Sisk) CDC Staff Christmas Party on Friday, December 11 (Truluck)

Women

Beautiful Mess: Motherhood for Every Moment, Thursdays at 10:00 AM (203) Beth Moore’s Breath: The Life of God in Us, Thursdays at 10:00 AM (217) Dean Mauney Circle on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM (Truluck) Edith Edwards Circle on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM (Orders Parlor) MOPS on Monday, December 7, at 9:30 AM (217) Nan Ivester Circle on Tuesday, December 8, at 9:30 AM (100) Priscilla Shirer’s One in a Million, Thursdays at 10:00 AM (215) Ruth Diggs Circle on Tuesday, December 8, at 11:00 AM (Truluck) Women’s Ministry Christmas Dinner on Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 PM (Sisk)

Music

3s/4s Music and Movement on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM (Amphitheater) Carillon Choir, Wednesdays at 5:30 PM (Handbell Room) Chancel Choir Breakfast on Sunday, December 6, at 10:00 AM (Truluck) Chancel Choir Rehearsal on Saturday, December 5, at 10:00 AM (Sanctuary) Chancel Choir, Wednesdays at 7:15 PM (Choir Room) Rushingbrook Children’s Choir, Mondays & Thursdays at 4:00 PM (Choir Room) Rushingbrook Singers on Monday, December 7 & 14, at 6:00 PM (Choir Room) Youth Choir, Sundays at 4:40 PM (Choir Room) Youth Handbells, Sundays at 4:00 PM (Handbell Room)

Meetings

Archives Committee on Wednesday, December 9, at 9:30 AM (Archives Room) Breakfast Club on Tuesday, December 22, as 12:00 PM (Library) CDC Board of Directors on Wednesday, December 2, at 8:00 AM (102) Circles on Wednesday, December 2 & 9, at 5:30 PM (Sisk, 215, 216) Emmanuel’s Hammer Board on Monday, December 28, at 12:00 PM (102) Leisure Ministry on Wednesday, December 2, at 7:15 PM (301) Mission Commission on Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 PM (102) Narcotics Anonymous, Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:00 PM (217) Order of St. Luke on Monday, December 7, at 11:30 AM (102) Program Staff on Tuesday, December 1, at 10:30 AM (102) Share and Care on Friday, December 4 & 18, at 10:00 AM (206) Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Committee on Tuesday, December 1, at 6:00 PM (102) Staff-Parish Relations Committee on Monday, December 7, at 6:00 PM (102) Take Heart on Saturday, December 12, at 8:00 AM (Truluck) UMW Board on Tuesday, December 1, at 10:30 AM (215) Women’s Ministry Team on Sunday, December 13, at 12:00 PM (102)

Visit the calendar link at www.BSUMC.com The Church Office & CDC will be closed on December 24 & 25

Many, many thanks are expressed to all those who have given so generously to the Chancel Choir’s upcoming trip to Carnegie Hall in January 2016. Should you still wish to support our efforts as the year comes to a close, please do so. Checks may be made payable to the church with “Carnegie Hall” on the memo line.

- Rosemary Hughes

Saints Society Luncheon By Julia Sibley-Jones, Endowment Administrator

All Saints Day provided a perfect opportunity for the Buncombe Street United Methodist Church Endowment Fund to honor the living saints among us. The Church created the Saints Society in 2002 to honor those who have made a lasting commitment to our congregation by contributing to the Endowment Fund during their lifetimes or by including charitable gifts to the Endowment Fund in their estates.

Gifts & Memorials

In memory of Louise Brooks by Catherine Ann Brown, Betty Crenshaw, Mr. & Mrs. Amal Dow, Mr. & Mrs. James E. Ferguson, Eoline & Richard Few, Betty, Camille & Brooks Gentry, Jane & Tony McAlister, Jean B. Price, Larry M. Robinson, Maxine B. Robinson, Laura & Frank Sutherland, Gay & J.B. Watts, Jan Waters, Mary & Don Wilson, Steve Wood, Marlena & James Yates, Staff Members at Daniels Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC. In memory of Churchill A. Carter by Tammy Reeves & Saundra Tate In memory of Pat Coker by Mr. C. Brock Bauknight, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Bauknight, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Fulk, Gay & J.B. Watts In memory of John C. Hayes, Sr., father of Janice Holliday, by Robbie & Harold Boman In memory of Al Isaac by Robbie & Harold Boman, Betty Crenshaw, Penny & Larry Gall, Ida Hudson, Judy & Hugh Pennell, Trent Ninestein In memory of Don Phillips by David & Carey Hudson & Family In memory of Harry LaDon Phillips, Jr. by C. Brock Bauknight

Sympathy

The church extends Christian sympathy to the following individuals and their families: To Janice and Happy Holliday and family on the death of Janice’s father, John Hayes. To Janet Isaac on the death of her husband, Al Isaac.

New Members

Please extend the hand of Christian fellowship to those who have recently joined the church.

Betsy, Matt, and Coleman Shouse

On Sunday, November 1, members of the Saints Society gathered at Larkins to share a great meal, reminisce about good times, and hear an update on the Endowment Fund. From its beginning in 1992, the Endowment Fund has grown to $4.2 million, and in 2015, gave out grants totaling $195,000. The Endowment Fund serves as an umbrella and comprises 35 named funds within the larger whole. Members heard a report of one of those: the Sutherland Leisure Ministries Endowment, which was established in 2003 by Laura and Frank Sutherland in recognition of the leadership and Christian influence of David Stubbs, Director of Adult & Family Programs, and in honor of their two sons and wives, Christopher and Amy, Brian and Christine, and their families. Here’s the power of collective investing. The Sutherland Fund was established 12 years ago with $25,000. In 2007, an additional gift of $5,000 in memory of Don Davis was added. Since 2002, the Fund has granted $17,326 to leisure ministries AND grown to its current balance of $38,391! We think the Sutherlands are living Saints who continue to bless this congregation with their generosity and intentional planning for the future of Buncombe Street UMC. The Saints Society provides a way for the Endowment Fund to recognize and thank all such individuals, during their lifetimes and beyond. Becoming a member of the Saints Society speaks of one’s life of stewardship and desire to leave a legacy to further God’s kingdom. If you would like to become a member of the Saints Society, we would be delighted to meet with you. If your estate plan has been completed, simply notify us of your plans to leave a gift to the church or to the Buncombe Street UMC Endowment Fund.

Alma Grosgrove joined on October 25

Mary Earle McCraw joined on November 15

M idweek Dinner Menus December 2 — Spaghetti with Meatballs & Sauce, Bread Sticks, & Brownies for Dessert. Servers: New Beginnings/Next Chapters Class December 9 — Turkey with Dressing & Gravy, Sweet Potato Slices, Italian Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Yeast Rolls, & Red Velvet Cake for Dessert. Servers: Active Spirits/TAP Class

The January 2016 EMBRACE copy deadline is Thursday, December 3.

Rev. Jerry E. Temple Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Justin Gilreath Associate Minister

Rev. Grover Putnam Parish Minister

Non-profit Organization Greenville, SC U.S. Postage PAID Permit #603 Return Service Requested

To Be and To Make Disciples of Christ 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601  864-232-7341  www.bsumc.com Worship Schedule

Non-Traditional Worship, Sundays at 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM (Sisk Hall) Traditional Worship, Sundays at 8:55 AM & 11:00 AM (Sanctuary) Healing Worship Service, First Wednesday at 6:00 PM (Bryan Crenshaw Prayer Chapel)

Church Staff Mike Baxter

Director of Facilities and Engineering

Tom Buchanan

Leisure Ministry Coordinator

John Fahrney Youth Minister

Alane Kelley

Executive Assistant to Senior & Associate Ministers

Candice Lenthe

Children’s Ministry AssistantEducation

Adam Layne Fisher

Chris Malaska

Gail Flowers

Rebecca Phifer

Nancy Gobble

Rev. Gayle J. Quay

Rory Henderson

Julia Sibley-Jones

Rev. Jerry M. Hill

David Stubbs

Rosemary Hughes

Child Development Center Alison Lister

Non-Traditional Worship Leader

Assistant Youth Director

Church Receptionist

Children’s Minister

Finance

Endowment Administrator

Education and Programs Minister of Missions and Outreach Director of Music and Arts

Vance Jenkins

Sanctuary Organist

Director of Administration

Director of Education and Programs

Director

Rejoice in the Glory of Christ’s Birth Wednesday Advent “Message & Music” Series

December 2 - Rev. Jonathan Tompkins, Rosemary Hughes, & Adam Layne Fisher December 9 - District Superintendent George Howle, Catie Moyer, Rosemary Hughes, & Tom Taylor December 16 - “Let’s Dress Up For Christmas” with the 4K Classes of the Child Development Center 12:00 Noon – Memorial Chapel Childcare provided. $5 lunch following the service.

Child Development Center’s Christmas Program Friday, December 4 – 3:30 PM – Sisk Hall

A Morning of Christmas Worship

Sunday, December 6 – 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM – Non-Traditional - Sisk Hall

A Service of Lessons & Carols

Chancel Choir, Youth Choir/Handbells, & Instrumentalists Sunday, December 6 – 8:55 AM & 11:00 AM – Traditional – Sanctuary

“Christmas is Jesus” by the Children’s Choirs Wednesday, December 9 – 6:15 PM – Sanctuary

Christmas Eve Services with Communion 12:00 Noon – Traditional – Memorial Chapel 3:00 PM – Non-Traditional – Sisk Hall 5:30 PM – Traditional – Sanctuary 10:00 PM – Traditional – Sanctuary Communion served as part of each worship service. Childcare provided at 3:00 PM & 5:30 PM.