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VOL. 14, NO. 2

Light display benefits missions

WESTMINSTER Happy Birthday Jesus, spelled out in blue lights and surrounded by a snowman, wreath and green holly bell all in lights, was just the tip of the iceberg at the annual display of seasonal luminescence at Ron Winsons home on Route 97.

Using $700 worth, or a mile, of extension cords and 36,000 lights, Wilson, a member of Zion UMC, lights up Christmas each year with hard-to-miss joy. As part of the display, he also opens his yard for a few nights to visitors as a fund-raiser for the church. Last year, the Carroll County Times reported, the event raised almost $2,000 for the churchs outreach programs.

Youth group kicks off Souper Bowl

WEST FRIENDSHIP The youth of St. James UMC will celebrate Souper Bowl Sunday Jan. 26 by asking members of their congregation to drop contributions in a soup kettle. The money will help a team of youth travel to Camp Hope in Western Maryland this summer to fix the homes of people who are unable to do the repairs themselves.

The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national, annual fund-raising effort for youth. Last year more than 10,000 congregations reported collecting $3.1 million, which each youth group used for an outreach project of its choice.

For more information contact (800) 358-SOUP or www.souperbowl.org/top.htm.

Church creates stars for Christmas

WALKERSVILLE In a project called, Let your Light Shine, the youth of Walkersville UMC raised money this holiday season for needy families in the community by making star ornaments. The stars were sold for $5 each and the $390 in proceeds purchased gift certificates to Wal-Mart, which were distributed through Arc of Frederick County.

VIM team sought for Alaska

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA The Revs. Bonnie and John Campbell, former pastors of Davidsonville UMC in the Annapolis District, are now serving in extension ministries in the Alaska Missionary Conference. The pair is looking for a Volunteers in Mission team to assist them this summer with a major painting project at First UMC in Fairbanks. The church can provide housing and will assist with meals and supervision. Contact them at or (907) 452-2956.

Pastor featured in preaching story

WASHINGTON, D.C. An article in the Dec. 1 Washington Post exploring how pastors craft their spiritual messages included the comments of the Rev. Anne Yarbrough, pastor of St. Lukes UMC. In a discussion on how good sermons link the lessons of the biblical text to peoples daily experiences, Yarbrough said she has been inspired by Garrison Keillors mode of storytelling on public radio.

Hes made an enormous difference for preachers because of his capacity to convey a message without slamming you over the head with it, she said.

Mother church undergoes renovation

BALTIMORE Sunday worship at Lovely Lane UMC will be held in the churchs Brannan Chapel until the extensive sanctuary renovation is complete. Lovely Lane, the denominations oldest congregation founded in 1772, is restoring the sanctuary of The Mother Church of American Methodism at a cost of $1.2 million. The restoration will include re-plastering and painting the celestial ceiling of the vaulted dome to reflect the sky over Baltimore the night of the historic Christmas Conference.

The church recently finished a restoration of its roof. The outside spire is illuminated on four sides and can be seen from a variety of vantage points throughout the city, exceeding the plans of Baltimore City, which has lit several other church spires as part of the mayors Inspire Baltimore initiative.

Tours of the historic building are available by contacting the church office at (800) 368-2520.

G-Sharp program flourishes

SANDY SPRINGS In 1998, a program was started at Sharp Street UMC to work with students who were having difficulties at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring. Today, that program has expanded into six sites throughout the county.

The G-Sharp program is a non-profit group that works with students who have been suspended in school and teaches them conflict resolution and relationship building. Last year the program served more than 100 students, the Gazette newspaper reported. More than 85 percent of them were not suspended a second time.