The Pastor’s Corner

Greetings:

  Gary Zimmerman asked me to write an article for this edition of the Trumpeter. I’ve never written an article for a church newsletter before I became the pastor of that church so I’m just going to write a few lines introducing myself to you. In the future I’ll use other approaches to this column.

            My name is Robert Carter. Most people call me Rob. I know that there are some people who find it hard call their pastor by his or her first name but I want you to know that it is OK with me to do so. If you just can’t then let me propose a compromise. Rev. Rob or Pastor Rob have been widely accepted in the other churches I have served. If you absolutely have to, then Rev. or Pastor Carter is OK.

            I’ve been a pastor in the Baltimore Washington Conference for more than 30 years. I took my first appointment in 1977 at Galesville UMC and have served Smithville Church in Dunkirk, Calvert  County, Eastport Church in Annapolis, and the Fork-Waugh Charge in Baltimore County. For the last three years I have, as most of you will know, been pastor of Calvary Church in Waldorf and this July 1, Calvary and Shiloh become a two point pastoral Charge.

I am married to Carolyn, who is the Director of the Education Center at Good Shepherd UMC here in Waldorf. She has spent most of her adult life in the business caring for and education children, including our three Matt, Melissa and Melanie, all grown now. The girls live in Baltimore City and Matt lives in Waldorf with us.

            I look forward to getting to know you each personally and getting to know Shiloh church better. In the course of the discussions between the Staff Parish Relations Committees of the two churches I have been struck by the similarity between the situations of the two churches. Issues relating to the absence of youth and children,  to the  changing demographics of our communities, the graying of the church, the need to answer Christ’s call to his church to grow are all things both churches have in common. We have a challenge in front of us but with God’s help we are certainly not helpless or hopeless in the face of the challenge. I very much want to join with you and be a part of helping Shiloh grow to be a growing presence for ministry and discipleship in Western Charles County.

God Bless,

Rob Carter.

THANKS FROM THE HARRELLS

Dear Friends,

           We want to express our thanks for the many remembrances and kindnesses you have shown us. We are most appreciative.

           Shiloh has been a great congregation to serve. You are a strong people with much ability and hearts of gold. We love each one of you.

           Remember that Shiloh is your church. It will accomplish only what you do. To the extent that you are faithful to God and reach out with the love of the Lord, you will be blessed.  God has all the resources you need; you only need to trust God and obey His will. God loves you far more than you can imagine; let God’s love flow through you in all that you do.

           Grace and peace be with you,

           Stanley & Lucy Harrell

CHOIR NOTES

By Cora Westmoreland

The summer time is upon us, and like everyone else, I like warmer weather but I’m not sure that I like hot weather.  I lived in Louisiana for several years, and we don’t even know what HOT means up here.  Not only do they have high temperatures there, but the humidity is right side-by-side with it.  I’ve seen it reach 103 degrees in the shade, and the humidity at 100 % but not raining.  That, my friends, is HOT.  Since I was unable to go in May, I told my son I’ll make the trip sometime in October when it’s cooler.

The choir is now out for the months of July and August.  We are in search for a director since Sandy has resigned as Director, but will continue to sing with the choir.  Her Ft. Washington Branch of MT Bank did so well, they promoted her to a Vice President position, and gave her another Branch to also manage.  She is one busy lady.  Hopefully, our new preacher, Rev. Carter, may have a few recommendations.  I contacted him regarding the

We have come across many friends as we journeyed along the

            “Nearer, my God to thee, nearer to thee!

             E’vn though it be a cross that raiseth me,

            Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to

                    thee;

            Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!”

Every Job’s Daughter meeting is begun by singing the 1^st verse of that particular hymn.  Dorothy said that she has heard it, and Deanna has also confirmed it.  Maybe we should all start our day with that first verse too.

As we are getting down to the end of

If you happen to know of someone that can sing or play an instrument, please let myself or Sandy know.  All of our special music is performed by individuals that were known by someone in our church.  You can only find out about their, or one of their friend’s talent, by asking.  Also, if you have a special song you would like the choir to do, just speak up and tell us.

LET’S KEEP THE LOVE OF MUSIC FLOWING.  GOD AND MUSIC TOGETHER FORM A POWERFUL DUO.

JULY  BIRTHDAYS

1          Doug Patton

4          Deanna Osterman

5          Avie Maloney

14        Shirley Rackey

22        Victoria Daniels

25        Robie Keller

27        Margaret Scott

28        Audrey Robertson

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

5          Jamie & Chad Smith

27        Margaret & John Scott

GREETERS       

July

6          Nora Lou Willett

13        Adele Brewer

20        Elizabeth Gifford

27        Laurie Hamilton

August

3          Peggy Hamilton

10        Linda Hilwig

17        Avie Maloney

24        Connie Sanders

31        Margaret Scott

SCRIPTURE READERS

July

6          Linda Hilwig

13        Jean Manders

20        Adele Brewer

27        Elizabeth Gifford

August

3          Linda Hilwig

10        Jean Manders

17        Adele Brewer

24        Elizabeth Gifford

31        Linda Hilwig

Please notify Adele if you cannot take your turn,

or, if you would like to be a Scripture Reader.

USHERS

July

6          Joan Hedges

            Elvan Hedges

13        Adele Brewer

            Laurie Hamilton

20        Mary Ann Terry

            Larry Terry

27        Joan Hedges

            Elvan Hedges

August

3          Adele Brewer

            Laurie Hamilton

10        Mary Ann Terry

            Larry Terry

17        Joan Hedges

            Elvan Hedges

24        Adele Brewer

            Laurie Hamilton

31        Mary Ann Terry

            Larry Terry

Would you like to be an usher?  Let Adele know

and we’ll put you on the list.