South Roanoke United Methodist Church

THE ANGEL TREE

THE ANGEL TREE is up.  We will have at least 80 angels on our tree, most of them are from Henry Fork Service Center in Franklin County. The children that the center serves come from a low income neighborhood outside of Rocky Mount. The Center is a mission of the United Methodist Church.

Please consider adopting an angel for Christmas this year!

PRESCHOOL

     South Roanoke UM Preschool is practicing for our annual Christmas program on Dec. 16th at 9:30 AM in the gym.  Please join us for the performance and reception.

      As we look forward to the new year, South Roanoke Preschool is looking forward to some exciting additions to our program.  Beginning with the 2012-13 school year we will be offering a full day option.  Of course the half day program is still available along with Early Bird and Lunch Box Kids.  We want to meet the early educational needs of our preschool and church families and feel like the extended day offers that opportunity.   Contact Debby in the Preschool office, 982-3707 or srumps@srumc.com  for more information on hours and fees.

INTERFAITH  HOSPITALITY NETWORK

SRUMC will be hosting IHN in our Youth House on Dec. 26—Jan.1. We will be joined in this endeavor by a wonderful group from Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. We will also be blessed to have an individual from First Pres. to carry the full load for one night,  Helen Dean.  We are hoping that First Pres. changes their minds and joins our group in the coming year.  We are hoping to recruit new people in our congregation to help. 

On October 30th at 9:30 in our sanctuary there was a presentation given by Stephen Niamke, Director of Guest Services for Roanoke Interfaith Hospitality Network. He brought with him some wonderful people who had benefited from the IHN program, who were willing to share how the program helped them get back on their feet. We hope the people who attended this presentation got a lot of information about the workings of IHN.  We will try to schedule another presentation in the future for those who were not able to attend.

IHN Schedule for 2012
February 12-19
April 1-8
June 17-24
September 9-16,
November 18-25. 

Please check your calendar and see how and when you could help your church with this mission.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Aldersgate Class:  will be starting an Advent lesson at the end of November called "Christmas Gifts that Don't Break" by James Moore. Hope to see you there.
 Kathy Cain
Coordinator

Wesley/Wimmer Class:  Meets in the Wesley/Wimmer room outside the fellowship hall. All are welcome!
Betty Leach / Regina Rackow
Coordinators

Pathfinders Class: Meets in the church Parlor across from the church office.  All are welcome. The class will be studying "Prophets of Advent"
Stan Wright
Teacher

CIRCLES TO MEET

MARY CIRCLE 
The Mary Circle will meet on Monday January 16, at 7:30 PM in the church parlor. For further information, call Anne Ferguson at 345-2436.
Anne Ferguson
Coordinator

UPPER ROOM CIRCLE 
The Upper Room Circle meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Look for details in weekly bulletins.  Contact Dawn Long at bdljlong@cox.net or call 989-2837 for information.
Dawn Long
Coordinator

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

Christmas isn't here yet, but I feel like I have already been gifted with so many prayers and wishes and support of all good kinds while I've been recovering from recent surgeries, that Christ's coming is very real. "As He cares," you really do care.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

On Friday December 24 and Monday December 26 for the Christmas Holliday. The office will also be closed on Friday December 30 for New Years Day and on Monday January 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

CHRISTMAS CD

South Roanoke's own Christmas CD!

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS RECITAL

CHRISTMAS SERVICE

PUMPKIN PATCH

Monday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. – Church Council

TO BACH AND BACK

As you read this, I realize several weeks will have passed since our Music Ministry presented CELEBRATE LIFE. Hopefully, that presentation helped us prepare for the beautiful and meaningful Season of Advent and the Celebration of Christmas. I recall these melodies and the text of..There Is A Great Joy A Coming...He's The Wind I Soar On...Hello Baby...and others. Here are some music events of the season ahead to lead us to worship in that spirit:

December 11 The Children's Choir presents their Christmas musical Hooray For Baby Jesus. These SONshine Singers will bring a smile and a prayer of gratitude. Pastor Stan will be Mr. Christie as he encourages the children to share the spirit of Christmas. Judy Clark and our Youth Praise Band will accompany.

December 18 The Chancel Choir in the morning service presents Christmas Tide a collection of familiar carols with beautiful orchestral accompaniment including O Holy Night. We will have in our ensemble, several members of the Valley Chamber Orchestra, which I am privileged to also conduct.

December 18 at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon Our fine organist Judy Clark will present a Christmas Concert. See the article elsewhere in this edition of the Tower Times. CD's are available in the church office. She has worked hard to prepare this wonderful concert for our church and guests.

As we come into January I am reminded of what a fine time that is for new folks to visit choir rehearsal. The fellowship is outstanding and we would love to welcome many new folks to visit to see how it fits your schedule. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and will resume rehearsals January 4 after a Christmas break for December 21 and 28.

Debbie and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas  and  HAPPY NEW YEAR

ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will go to lunch at the Hotel Roanoke on Saturday, December 3^rd. The bus will not be available that day so we ask that everyone meet at the Hotel at 11:30. There is a signup sheet on the AFG Board by the church office. We need to make reservations with the Hotel so you need to sign up if you want to go. We will also take the opportunity to see the beautiful Christmas trees that decorate the Hotel during December.

Next year the group will meet on Thursday, January 19^th at 12:00 PM in the fellowship hall for a catered lunch and program. Please look for the sign-up sheet on the AFG board by the church office. We will need a head count to order lunch. Remember that if you sign up we have to pay for your lunch whether you come or not. So if you need to cancel call Penny, 344-4437 ext. 10.

ADVENT OFFERING

Please consider prayerfully supporting the Advent Offering.  This is our moment, our chance to reach out to our National and World wide missions with our love at this most beautiful time of the year.  Sharing our gifts, our Christ like love is the very heart of Christmas.  

We will have some Mission Moments throughout the Advent season.  Below is a list of our Missions outreach.  Offering envelopes will be found in the pew racks for your contributions, and are included in this mailing.

Ellie Clark
Missions Chairperson

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS RECITAL

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB will meet on Tuesday, December 6th, at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Our Boy Scout Troop will be serving dinner and the group will enjoy BINGO after dinner. The next meeting is on Tuesday, January 3rd at 6:00 PM to go Christmas shopping at Bonsack Walmart.

If you need more information about our Social Club, call bonnie dayton, 981-0237.

bonnie dayton
Coordinator

CHRISTMAS WREATHS AND POINSETTIAS

CHURCH CLEAN-UP DAY

We had 40 people help with the First Annual Clean Up Day. We were able to clean out the basement, garage, stage crawl spaces, library and other spaces throughout the church. The chandeliers were cleaned, pews polished and foyers organized through out the day. We also want and need to thank Wayne Van Dyck for his tireless work in organizing the day. The church staff truly appreciates every one’s hard work. THANK YOU.

FLOWER CALENDAR

THE NEW FLOWER CALENDAR for 2012 is on the bulletin board by the church parlor. If you would like to remember or honor a loved one on a special day, please sign up on the calendar, or you can call or email Penny to reserve your Sunday, 344-4437 ext. 10

THE ANGEL TREE

    THE ANGEL TREE will be up by Sunday, November 20^th. We will have at least 80 angels on our tree, most of them are from Henry Fork Service Center in Franklin County. The children that the center serves come from a low income neighborhood outside of Rocky Mount. The Center is a mission of the United Methodist Church.

Junior Mints ~ TUESDAYS

This program meets on Tuesdays
from   3:00—4:30.

Children in K-2nd grades are invited to attend & friends are always  welcome. Each Tuesday, this group participates in music, snack, craft, indoor & outdoor games, Bible lessons and fun…

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

This year we will have three classes available for 3 yrs.—5th grade. The groups will meet upstairs in the children’s wing.

Your child will be led in music, Bible lessons, drama, crafts and free play based each week’s theme. We are blessed to have Ms. Patty with the 3’s—pre-k and Ms. Bittsy back this year with the K-1. We are also blessed to have Tim Johnson and Evan Jones to join the teaching ranks with the 2nd—5th graders.

Jelly Bellies

Do you have a child ages 3—5?
We have a program just for you!

Each Wednesday from 1:00—2:15

Your Child is invited to join us as we learn about God, play, sing, participate in craft and cooking activities, and develop friendships.

Please call Paula if you are interested in this program. We hope to have Jelly Bellies up and running by 10/13/11.

2012-13 Class  Registration for current students, siblings, and SRUMC church members has begun.  We will have a closed registration until February 6 at which time registration will be open to the general public. This time frame allows our current students and church members to have the best choices and opportunity to sign up for classes. Please return your applications ASAP. There will be a waiting list for any classes that fill up and registration will continue until all spots are filled.  The registration fee is $50 for the first child and $30 for siblings.

    In order to accommodate parents’ work schedules, we will offer a full-day option for your 2 1/2-5 year old children.  The hours are 7:30 am-5:30 pm.  We will also offer a half-day program in all of our age groups from 9:00 am-noon.  Early Bird is available at 7:30 am and Lunch Box Kids from noon until 1:00 pm.  I look forward to your children returning in the fall.

OPEN HOUSE

   Please join us for Open House on February 20 from 4:00-6:30 pm. Come visit your child’s teacher and see some of the children’s art work displayed.  Bring a friend!

Director’s Notes

Kindergarten Registration for Roanoke City Schools will be held on March 8 and 9.  Please take your child’s birth certificate, health/immunization record, and proof of residence (utility bill) with you when you register.  Call your home school for more information.  The Smart Beginnings February Parent’s Page lists registration dates in the Roanoke Valley.

  Inclement Weather Policy

   School closings and delays will be announced via public service announcements on local radio and television stations.  We will follow the delay and closing decisions made by Roanoke City Schools.  If Roanoke City Schools are closed, SRUMPS is closed. 

  In case of delays, if Roanoke City Schools have a two hour delay, SRUMPS will open at 10:00 am.  There will be no Early Bird on days of a delayed opening, but Lunch Box Kids will be available.  Parents should use their own discretion regarding driving conditions.

     Mother’s Day Out

  Well who thought February would come so fast?  Not me!

   As a result our activities are picking up.  We have been painting, gluing,  studying the alphabet, colors and properties of objects.  We’ll start our first science project this Friday to watch crystals grow.  I have other experiments planned, such as making slime.

   With this glorious weather our outdoor play has barely slowed down.  They enjoy climbing and sliding down the slide, but in the gym the riding trikes and cars are very popular too.

   I rotated the manipulatives to more advanced ones and the play dough activities continue to be a favorite; they cut it, roll it, put it through the press, and stamp it.

   The children are happy,  well adjusted and learning quite a bit through rich play and activities.

Fondly,  

  Miss Lori

OLDER TWO’S

    We are very excited with Valentine’s Day coming up!  The children will be learning all about it, as well as the shape heart, color pink, and letters Q, R, S, and T.  “Ring Around the Rosie” and “Roses Are Red” are our first two rhymes this month.  After Valentine’s Day, we will switch to the semi-circle shape, and the rhymes will be “Rub-a-dub, dub” and Rain, Rain, Go Away”.  Our class “party” will be on Monday February 13^th, during snack time, with a card exchange, all provided by the pre-school.  The focus will be on expressing love, rather than on candy.   Happy birthday wishes go out to Jairdan, as well as our “Miss Lori” this month!  Have a fun and Happy Valentine’s Day!

PRE-KINDERGARTEN and THREE’S

     February is here and the Pre-kindergarten class is ready for some fun!  We welcome our friends from the 3 year-old class full time. They have already made a smooth transition.  The class will be continuing the alphabet with the letters P, Q and  R.  We will be having a Pizza Party on the 10th and a Valentine’s Day Party on the 14th (3-day students are invited to come to school on the 14th). 

   We are planning a field trip to Famous Anthony’s on the 28th to work on our manners and “R”estaurant skills.  I hope that the children are enjoying our time together as much as I am.

LOOK FOR AN ARTICLE ABOUT SOUTH ROANOKE PRESCHOOL IN THIS MONTH’S South Roanoke Circle.

1

Young Life Blow Out

7:00 p.m.

meeting at PH

Parking Lot

3

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

4

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

5:45—6:45

Youth Praise Band

5

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie

$130.00*

Meet and Leave @ 5:00

* This will include dinner on Friday and lunch on Sunday

6

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie

7

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

5:00—5:45   Orchestra

5:45—7:30    SRUMCY**

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie        return by 3

* We will have Youth Tonight for the Advent Angel practice

8

Youth Leadership

6-7

COM (Kemper)

7:00 p.m.

9

DYC

MEETING

10

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

11

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

5:45—6:45

14

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

5:45—7:30    SRUMCY**

ADVENT ANGEL        

17

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

18

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

5:45—6:45

19

Youth fundraiser ~    

 Parent’s night out

21

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

6:00—7:00 

Church  Music Program

7:00—8:00

Youth Diner & Christmas

22

23

Serve

Breakfast at the Rescue Mission

24

No Programs

25

MERRY

26

28

Youth Lock In

29

31

January 1

January 2