“El Mensajero”

Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church 5900 Hull Street Road Richmond VA 23224

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

“The Messenger” April –Abril

2014

Our Mission: “To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World” Nuestra Misión: “Hacer Discípulos de Cristo para la Transformación del Mundo

Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Richmond VA Permit No. 2045

Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church 5900 Hull Street Road Richmond, VA 23224 (804-276-4628)

From the Pastor:

Holy Week Services Palm / Passion Sunday

April 13

-Worship services at 8:30 & 11a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Spanish Service.

Maundy Thursday

April 17

-Worship service 7p.m. in the CLC.

Good Friday

April 18

-Worship service in Sanctuary at 12noon Spanish service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Easter Sunday

April 20

-Hull Street Community Easter Sunrise service at the Manchester YMCA. 630 AM -Easter Breakfast from 7:30am to 10am in the CLC. -Worship services 8:30, 11, and 12:30 Spanish service.

Just These Lines My Friends… What would happen if we took our faith seriously? Lent is the somber season of reflecting on Jesus’ life and ministry leading to the ultimate sacrifice. Some have said his last 24 hours changed the world! As we make our way closer to Easter hope and resurrection…. Here is one more Lenten challenge for all of us… Have a heart for Christ alone…Jesus becomes the priority of our lives…..we worship him with all of our heart, mind, soul, strength… Have a mind transformed by the Word….We come to view the world as God views it, setting aside the world’s values as our minds are continually renewed by the Truth of God’s Word. Have arms of love- as the hands and feet of Jesus, we come alongside others in need, extend compassion, welcome the stranger, and live in a community of mutual love and care with other Jesus followers…. Have knees of prayer…our posture before God spiritually is one of continual dependence, trusting deeply that God is on the throne….God is good and God cares…. Have a voice to speak the Good News…we embrace the call to share Jesus with those who do not know him, leading them to The Source and the Savior…, providing a listening presence, hope and encouragement for other sojourners of faith… Have a spirit of service and stewardship…we live as servants of God and one another, doing good, living simply and generously. Heart, mind, arms, knees, voice and spirit….that’s really all that God wants of us With Lenten Blessings and Prayers,

Pastor Deb

Confirmation classes for ages 5th grade through 12th grade have begun and will run from June 8th Pentecost Sunday. The Confirmands will be received into the church on Sunday, June 8 th at the 11am service. If you have a young person who still wants to participate, please notify the church office or fill out the yellow card. Everyone is welcome!

POSTAGE STAMPS- Do you have any idea how much money is thrown away daily by not saving the stamp which gets your letter to you? Jean Mims Smith has been collecting cancelled stamps from around the Virginia Conference since 1982! In those 32 years $1,526.00 has gone to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) through Conference Treasurer. The stamps can be cut or torn off the mailing leaving ¼ inch border around them, and taken to UMW events. The York River District ladies collect them and get them to Jean and she gives them to a stamp collector and distributor. If you don’t already, start now collecting and bagging your stamps. *The collection box for the cancelled stamps will be located in the front foyer of the church.

April – Abril Birthdays- Cumpleaños Hanna Taylor

1

Ann T. Wiley

20

Dante Lowe

5

Jane Adams

22

Steve Atkinson

10

Tanya Ashby

22

Sharon Lee Cheatham

10

Patricia Person

24

Lisa Cummings Irving

12

Beverly Tucker

24

Norma Britt

13

Melissa E. Vance

25

Joel Austin

16

Jeffrey L. Harper

26

Vincent E. Rodriguez

17

Tory Shelton

26

Beverly Rugani

17

Anne Sings

29

Natalie Aguilar

18

Peter Beville

30

Mitzie Conner

20

Dennis L. Hatt

30

Curtis Walsh

20

Daniel Easley Smith

30

This is the 25th anniversary of the founding of CARITAS. We participate in the partnership of congregations and volunteers that help restore dignity and stability to the homeless. We, as a partner in CARITAS, are part of the largest provider of homeless services in the Richmond area. This program fills gaps in the systems that other groups cannot or will not supply. The CARITAS organization is now focusing on providing more stable housing so the need for the emergent weekly housing has decreased. Ramsey Memorial will provide only one week of services June 21-28, 2014. There are many ways we can assist in this ministry. Soon there will be a sign up sheet for needed supplies, specific food or toiletries. Other areas of need include providing laundry services, providing dinners, and spending the night at the church. Do you have other gifts you would like to provide the guests?

Anniversaries- Aniversarios Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Beville

CARITAS Ministry Team Leader

2

Mr. & Mrs. Russell Cottrell

10

Mr. & Mrs. Austin Gene Sheek 5

Mr. & Mrs. Randall Sayles

14

Mr. & Mrs. Danny Britt

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Jump Jr. 23

7

Joan McGowan

The SPRING FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Please mark your calendars for “April 12th” –from 9:30 am to 1:30pm. As always, we are in need of your help; so if you could give us a couple of hours that day, we would appreciate it greatly. Just fill out the yellow card that is in your bulletin on Sundays with your name, phone number, e-mail address, and marked for the Spring Festival. You may call the church office and ask for Sue Newman or Joyce Walsh as well. It takes quite a lot of man/woman power to have a successful SPRING FESTIVAL. There is a place for everyone. There are two opportunities for adults this year to have fun – BINGO as we had last year and we have added a CAKE WALK. We hope you will come for the day and have a good time of fellowship and fun. Don’t forget there is food cotton candy, ice cones, popcorn, and music groups for your entertainment. You won’t want to miss being here. So plan now for APRIL 12th.

Class of 2014 - Graduation Sunday Sunday, June 1st, is Graduation Sunday. There will be a breakfast for all graduates and their families at 9:00 a.m. in the CLC and the graduates will be recognized in the 11:00 a.m. worship service. If you have a graduate or if you are a graduate, please call the church office with how many will be attending the breakfast and information to be used in a power point on the screen. Three pictures of different ages of each graduate would be nice for the power point presentation. Pictures will be given back to you after they are scanned. The deadline for getting the pictures is Monday May 26 th.

The Ramsey Trustees have available, cemetery plots, 2 sets of 2 that include 1 Tier lawn crypt. 2 burial rights, 2 vaults and a bronze memorial, at Dale Memorial. If anyone is interested or knows of anyone that may have any interest, please contact one of the trustees. Harry Newman

Beth Moore Bible Study “Sacred Secrets” Will begin on April 1st, every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for the next 7 weeks. Sign up on the yellow card or see Pat Dyson. Books are $10.00

United Methodist Women’s News Many things are happening in the life of the Ramsey UMW. Our calendars are brimming with exciting things which you are invited to participate in. Our Circles are providing Ramsey Youth with a meal each month. The Ada Mae Bookman circle with the help of other UMW circles provide the food pantry each month. Some members are working on various projects for the J.L. Francis Micah Initiative where we mentor and support the students and staff at J.L. Francis. Through the “On the Road In Mission“, we will have opportunities to travel with the District UMW to Shalom Farms at Westview on three occasions this year. We will help plant, maintain and harvest fresh vegetables. The farm not only serves the least by providing fresh vegetables to the inner city, but provides health education and connections in training students in the public schools about healthy eating habits , etc. Go to their website: www.umumr.org , www.vaumc.org to learn more about this VA. Conference Supported Project. Our Circles, Unit and District Programs are educating women regarding Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Environmental Concerns this year. Come to our Circle Meetings (listed on the Messenger Calendar) for each of the four Circles and attend a unit meeting to become more involved in the United Methodist Women. Find out how welcoming we can be! Contact Scotty Doyle for more information. 804-640-5355 April 5 UMW DISTRICT PRAYER BREAKFAST “A Calling to Prepare for Mission” 8:30 am - 11 am Bon Air UMC, 1645 Buford Road, Richmond 23235 April 26 RAMSEY Unit UMW Meeting 10 am , Fellowship Hall May 3 UMW DISTRICT MISSION TRIP- WESLEY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER- PORTSMOUTH, VA May 16-18 UMW SPIRITUAL LIFE RETREAT Blackstone, Va. (see UMW bulletin board for brochures) Or online at vaumw.org

CARITAS Hygiene Kits: With our CARITAS guests arriving on Saturday, June 21st, we are preparing 50 personal hygiene kits for our guests. Our supply of men's stick deodorant, travel size toothpaste, combs, small packages of tissues is nearly exhausted. Any help in replenishing these supplies , in addition to hotel travel size toiletries such as soap, lotion, and shampoo would be greatly appreciated. Items can be placed in the bin marked CARITAS in the Education Building Foyer.

LENTEN OFFERING The Finance Committee is sponsoring the Annual Lenten Offering which concludes April 20. The funds we raise will go toward maintenance items around the church which are not covered in the general budget. These items include:  Carpet installation in the Kirkie Powell classroom  Programmable thermostats for the air conditioning system.  New tables for the CLC. There will be envelopes in the pew racks for your contributions. Please consider giving generously as we continue to keep our church looking its best. Thank you for your stewardship The Finance Committee

Spring Blood Drive: Ramsey's Spring Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, May 4 in the CLC between 9 am and 1 pm. Signup sheets are on the bulletin board in the Education Bldg. foyer and in the Sunday School Class rooms in April. Our Fall Drive is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2014. Mark your calendars now for this vital Outreach Ministry. Questions or to sign up, please call Scotty Doyle 640-5355.

We want to thank the youth for their wonderful participation in our Ash Wednesday service! For those who were not able to come, the youth led hands-on devotionals at four different stations during the service, teachings us about different Lenten themes including love, authenticity, repentance, and prayer. We are also very excited about our Confirmation class during which we will incorporate the Credo Confirmation material into our regular Sunday evening youth time. The Confirmation class will run from now until Pentecost I would like to encourage our adult members to keep thinking of ways the youth can help serve the church or the community through service projects! We are already looking forward to helping in the prayer garden, and helping with the monthly community dinner. Please contact Sarah if you would have a mission or service idea and would like to extend an invitation to the youth!

“My Parents Table” is an exciting new free community meal program starting at Ramsey. Howard and Sherry Fox are facilitating this new program in honor of Sherry’s parents for teaching her about living a life of service, about having a generous heart, about helping others in need even when you have your own needs. Sherry notes that her parents table was and is always full and others are always welcome..........even to this day. The program’s goal is to address hunger in the community. The meal will typically be held on the last Sat of each month in the old fellowship hall. If you wish to volunteer with the meal please email sherry at Sherry_Fox @bshsi.org or call her at 316-3377.

Thank you -Pastor Deborah Thank you so much for the wonderful service you had for my mom. I had many compliments on your soothing voice and comforting words. I appreciate the card and prayers from the congregation as well. Thank you everyone for your kindness.

55+ Luncheon

The Kirkie Powell Class is once again sponsoring the Mother’s Day insert in the bulletin. For just 50c per name, you can honor your mother on her special day, May11. Envelopes are in the pew racks for your convenience.

When? Friday, April 11th Where? Fellowship Hall Time? 12:00 p.m. Wear your favorite Easter bonnet and invite a friend to join you. Looking forward to seeing you there! RSVP by Wed. April 9th.

Debbie Longest -Thank you to my friends at Ramsey church for your thoughts, cards, prayers, calls, visits and other acts of kindness shown to me during my recent surgery and rehabilitation. I ask for more prayers for my surgery done on March 20th Hope to be back and active again soon. Love

Dave Bissett

Every Sunday we see beautiful flower arrangements on the altar which always add to our worship service. We thank Caroline Kastelberg for lining up people to donate these flowers and we appreciate the church members who give these arrangements. However, sometimes people agree to donate them, but forget to send in a check to cover the cost. Then the church has to pick up the expense. This is just a reminder from the Finance Committee to please put a check in the offering plate for $39 whenever you donate flowers.

APRIL - ABRIL

Hispanic Congregation Events Eventos de la Congregación Hispana

MONDAY LUNES

TUESDAY MARTES 1 Tax Project Wellness Beth Moore Bible Study Disciple III McGuire Park Cir ESL Classes

6 5th SUNDAY OF LENT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

7

WEDNESDAY MIERCOLES 2

2:00pm 6:00pm

8

3 Administrative Council

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

THURSDAY jUEVES

7:00pm

9

FRIDAY VIERNES 4

Care A Van Prayer Shawl Knitting Chancel Choir Lenten Dinner ESLClasses Estudio Bíblico

5

8:00am 10:00am 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

10

SATURDAY SABADO BUCS Tax Project

11

8:00am 10:00am

12

*******AGAPE YARD SALE ******* AGAPE YARD SALE******* AGAPE YARD SALE ******* AGAPE YARD SALE ******* AGAPE YARD SALE ******* AGAPE YARD SALE***** Worship Service 8:30 &11:00am Fellowship Gathering 9:30am Escuela Dominical 11:00am Servicio en Español 12:30pm The Ellen Project 2:00pm Praise Choir 3:30pm Youth Group 5:30pm

13 PASSION/PALM SUNDAY

Care A Van

Ada Mae Bookman Tax Project Wellness Beth Moore Bible Study Disciple III Hazel Gibbs Circle ESL Classes

8:00am

14

Wellness Beth Moore Bible Study Disciple III ESL Classes

EASTER DAY

Worship Service 8:30 &11:00am Fellowship Gathering 9:30am Escuela Dominical 11:00am Servicio en Español 12:30pm Praise Choir 3:30pm Youth Group 5:30pm

27 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER Worship Service 8:30 &11:00am Fellowship Gathering 9:30am Escuela Dominical 11:00am Servicio en Español 12:30pm Praise Choir 3:30pm Youth Group 5:30pm

21

Mission Butterfly Class 7:00pm

Wellness Beth Moore Bible Study Disciple III ESL Classes

28

29

6:00 pm

Promotores de Salud 6:00 pm Mission Butterfly Class 7:00pm

Wellness Beth Moore Bible Study Disciple III ESL Classes

2:00pm 7:00pm

16

Care A Van Prayer Shawl Knitting Lenten Dinner Chancel Choir ESLClasses Estudio Bíblico

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

18

Care A Van Prayer Shawl Knitting Chancel Choir ESLClasses Estudio Bíblico Worship Service

23

24

30 Promotores de Salud 6:00pm

Girl Scouts Troop3382 6:30pm

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Promotores de Salud 6:00pm Troop 767 6:00pm Finance 7:00pm

Food Pantry 10:00am Promotores de Salud 6:00pm SPRC 7:00pm

55+ Luncheon 12:00pm

8:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

17

6:00pm

22

Promotores de Salud

Nina Woodfin Trustees

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

15

Worship Service 8:30 &11:00am Fellowship Gathering 9:30am Escuela Dominical 11:00am Servicio en Español 12:30pm Praise Choir 3:30pm Youth Group 5:30pm

20

11:00am 2:00pm 6:00pm

Care A Van Prayer Shawl Knitting Chancel Choir ESLClasses Estudio Bíblico

8:00am 10:00am 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

9:30 AM TO 1:30PM 19

GOOD FRIDAY Worship Service 12:00pm Servicio en Español 7:00pm

25 8:00am 10:00am 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

**COMMUNITY SPRING FESTIVAL**

26 Girl Scouts Troop3382 6:30pm

Free Community Dinner 4:00-7:00pm

Desde un Rincón Pastoral Isaías 2:19-20 " Te desposaré conmigo para siempre; sí, te desposaré conmigo en justicia y en derecho, en misericordia y en compasión; te desposaré conmigo en fidelidad, y tú conocerás al Señor."

Venga el Sábado 12 de Abril desde las 9:30 a.m. hasta la 1:30 p.m. Tendremos:  Musica en vivo  Bingo y premios  Juegos  Actividades para los niños  Comida y refrescos  Venta de articulos usados

La Cuaresma es un tiempo adecuado para que la iglesia deje oír su voz profética de manera decidida y llena de compromiso, y también es el tiempo indicado para retar nuestras vidas a vivir una vida santa y a la altura de las demandas del nuevo pacto, que es en Jesucristo nuestro Señor. La Cuaresma, y de igual manera nuestro cada día, requiere de nosotros, no una limpieza superficial, sino profunda y total. Es una oportunidad para relacionarnos de nuevo con Dios, para darle a Dios la oportunidad de hablar directamente a nuestros corazones en Amor. Los profetas en los tiempos antiguos eran a menudo despreciados porque consistentemente recordaban al pueblo de su pecado, al olvidar el pacto establecido con Jehová. Que en esta estación de Cuaresma recordemos lo básico del nuevo pacto: Dios ama a su pueblo y quiere que le conozcamos y le amemos. Dios nos invita a un íntimo conocimiento y relación con El. Dios quiere que anunciemos, con voz profética, acerca de lo que El espera de cada uno/a de nosotros/as. Les invito a que examinemos nuestros corazones para ver si hemos sido fieles, si queremos conocer íntimamente a Dios o si solamente nos contentamos con saber acerca de El, pero sin tenerlo como amigo personal en nuestras vidas. Esta es nuestra oportunidad para decidir si queremos seguir viviendo vidas rotas o si queremos una segunda luna de miel con nuestro Dios. En Gracia, Misericordia y Paz, de Dios nuestro Padre y Cristo nuestro Señor. Amen

Pastora Norma

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Tendremos un banco de sangre en nuestras instalaciones de Ramsey el día 4 de Mayo en el CLC, desde las 9am hasta la 1pm. Aquellos interesados en donar sangre pueden registrarse en los formularios que se encuentran en el pasillo cerca a los salones de educación, también puede llamar a Scotty Doyle al 640-5355 o llamar a la oficina de la iglesia.

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Nuestros hermanos de la comunidad anglosajona, Howard y Sherry Fox están facilitan un programa creado para ofrecer comida a la comunidad. Este programa se llama “My Parents Table” (La Mesa de mis padres). Este programa fue creado en honor a los padres de nuestra hermana Sherry, los cuales inculcaron en ella una vida de servicio, un corazón generoso, y ayudar a otros que lo necesiten. El propósito de este programa es poder hacer algo contra el hambre en nuestra comunidad. Ellos proveerán comida el último sábado de cada mes en el Salón social .Si usted desea ser voluntario o ayudarnos de alguna manera sírvase de contactarnos a la oficina de la iglesia o a la hermana Sherry al 316-3377

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El Comité de finanzas de nuestra iglesia necesita de su apoyo. Durante el mes de Marzo hasta el 20 de Abril deseamos juntar fondos que estarán dedicados hacia el mantenimiento de algunos artículos dentro de nuestra iglesia. Algunos de estos artículos son la instalación de carpetas en el salón Kirkie Powell, programación de los termostatos para el sistema de aire acondicionado, y por ultimo obtener nuevas mesas. Tendremos sobres disponibles en las bancas del santuario. Le agradecemos por su apoyo.

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Tendremos clases de confirmación en Ingles para aquellos niños entre las edades del grado 5 a grado 12. Las clases culminaran el 8 de Junio ,Domingo de Pentecostes. Los confirmados serán recibidos en la iglesia durante el servicio de las 11am. Si usted tiene un niño o niña que desea participar, por favor de notificarnos en la oficina de la iglesia. Todos son bienvenidos!

Anuncios/Actividades de Importancia ±

Los invitamos a que nos puedan acompañar a nuestros servicios durante la Semana Santa: -Domingo de Ramos, el 13 de Abril tendremos nuestro servicio a las 12:30p.m. -Jueves Santo, El 17 de Abril habrá un servicio en Ingles a las 7:00 p.m. en el santuario. -Viernes Santo, El 18 de Abril tendremos un servicio en Ingles a las 12:00p.m. y uno en Español a las 7:00p.m. en el santuario. -Domingo de Pascua, El 20 de Abril habrá un servicio durante el amanecer a las 6:30 a.m. en el YMCA Manchester localizado en la Hull St. Road., seguido por un desayuno que nuestra congregación desde las 7:30 am hasta las 10:00am. Luego procederemos a tener nuestros servicios regulares en Ingles a las 8:30 y 11:00 a.m.; seguido por nuestro servicio en español a las 12:30 p.m.

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El Domingo 1ro de Junio celebramos junto a todos aquellos que se estén graduando de la secundario o la universidad en este año 2014. Habrá un desayuno especialmente para los graduados y sus familiares a las 9:00 a.m. seguido de por el servicio en Ingles a las 11:00 a.m. en el cual serán reconocidos por sus logros. Si usted es un graduado por favor llamar a la oficina de la iglesia y déjenos cuantas personas asistirán al desayuno; también le pedimos que nos provea con tres fotos distintas en donde aparezca en diferentes años de su vida para una presentación que tendremos en la pantalla. Se le devolverán las fotos una ves que hayamos hecho las copias necesarias. El plazo para recibir su información es el día lunes 26 de mayo. Nuestros invitados de Caritas están llegando a nuestras instalaciones el sábado 21 de junio. Requerimos de su ayuda, ya que deseamos prepararles un kit personalizado de artículos de higiene; necesitamos desodorante de hombre, pasta de dientes de tamaño pequeño, peines, paquetes pequeños de papel tissue, así como jabón, lociones y shampoo de tamaño de viaje. Todos estos artículos los pueden dejar en el pasillo que se encuentra en los salones de educación, y favor de marcar los paquetes a nombre de CARITAS.