Ministry Outreach of Chestnut
- All |
- Overview |
- Children's Program |
- Food Pantry |
- Mother's Day Out |
- Music |
- Preschool |
- Scouting |
- Stephen Ministry |
- UM Men |
- Chestnut Methodist Women |
- Volunteers in Mission |
- VBS |
- Youth
Ministry Overview of Chestnut UMC
The ministries at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church embody a vibrant tapestry of compassion, faith, and community outreach.
Rooted in the essence of service, our programs cater to diverse needs, embracing everyone who seeks solace, guidance, or fellowship. The church's commitment to nurturing spiritual growth extends through various avenues, from impactful youth programs fostering values of kindness and empathy to adult education courses that delve into scripture and contemporary issues. Additionally, our outreach initiatives extend hands of support to the marginalized, providing shelter, sustenance, and hope to those in need within the local community.
Through worship, education, and service, Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church fervently lives its mission, embodying the spirit of love and inclusivity.
Children's Program
Children's Ministry News
The Holiday Season is here:
Turkeys and Santa. The time where life is so busy.
November Schedule
6th-Wonderful Wednesday, 6-7 pm
13th-wonderful Wednesday, 6-7 pm
20th-Wonderful Wednesday, 6-7
24th-No Children's Church and No Sunday School
27th-No Wonderful Wednesday, enjoy your Thanksgiving
December Schedule
4th—Wonderful Wednesday,6-7pm
11th-Chestnut Family Christmas Dinner at 5:00 pm. Wonderful Wednesday, 6-7pm
18th-Wonderful Wednesday-6-7 pm
22nd-No Children's Church and No Sunday School (Cantata)
No Wonderful Wednesday December 25 and January 1 & 8
We are a Safer Sanctuaries church for all children and youth activities. If you have questions, please see Courtney or email her at: chestnutchildren@gmail.com
Sunday School is a time for children to learn the teachings of Jesus. Sunday School helps to impart values through Biblical lessons. Many young children struggle to understand the word of God when it is taught during regular services. We have teachers in place to help make the message understandable for younger children. Our Sunday School classes are divided into specific age levels so that the children learn according to their age and educational level, so they can get a better understanding of what is being taught.
Sunday School is also an important part of the socializing process as it can help members, especially those children new to the church, get to know one another. Life can be hectic, and if you find it challenging just to make it to church, you might not be even able to think about getting your children to Sunday School. However, it's great to have the support of the church as you teach your children the truth of scripture.
Here are a few reasons why Sunday School is so important.
- Learn About God
When your children go to Sunday School, they will find the age-appropriate Bible teaching that their young minds are so eager to absorb. Their teachers can shape the lessons to meet the comprehension level and interests of any age. Many Sunday School teachers will incorporate fun activities, like crafts and skits, into the lessons so your children will be able to remember them. - Find Mentors
Parenting is tough, but when you have Sunday School teachers working to mentor your children, they can provide another source of guidance. The church is a community where everyone helps their neighbors. When you take your children to Sunday School, you can rest assured you have qualified help with their spiritual education. - Make Friends
If you want your children to make more friends, Sunday School is a great place to find them. As they learn and play together on Sunday mornings, they will be able to form healthy friendships with children whose parents have the same priorities as you. - Make Friends
If you start consistently taking your kids to church when they're young, they will forever learn the good habits of church attendance. For the rest of their lives, they'll benefit from the knowledge they gained in Sunday School. - Have Fun
Don't forget the importance of play and fun. With talented teachers, great activities, and friends they enjoy, your little ones will love going to Sunday School every week. This is a great way to show your kids that learning about God can be really cool.
Recurring Events
- Fall Festival: held every October
- Trunk or Treat: an alternative to Trick or Treating. For more information, call the church office, (757) 595-6531.
- Journey to Bethlehem - a drive-through nativity held in December. For more information, call (757) 595-6531.
- Vacation Bible School - Held each July. Children learn about God's love through storytelling, arts, crafts and music.
- Wonderful Wednesdays - runs from September through May. Children ages four years through fifth grade enjoy arts and crafts, music, bells and chimes. We meet in the PreSchool Lunch Room from 6-7 p.m. For more information call the office at (757) 595-6531.
Food Pantry at Chestnut UMC
Our Food Pantry typically serves over 3,000 people in our community every year. If you need to take advantage of our pantry, we are open:
- Tuesdays 10 am-Noon
- Wednesdays 1 - 3 pm
- Thursdays 4 - 6 pm
- Fridays 10 am-Noon
At Thanksgiving, we also provide a dinner with all the fixings for roughly 100 families.
If you would like to donate to our pantry, please keep us in mind when you do your grocery shopping. Suggested items include:
| canned corn | beans |
| peas | rice |
| fruit | ramen noodles |
| spaghetti sauce | pancake mix |
| instant mashed potatoes | syrup |
| pasta | peanut butter |
| cereal | jelly |
| macaroni and cheese | canned chicken |
| hot dogs | canned tuna |
| hot dog buns |
Monetary donations are also always welcome. Please mark any donations for the Food Pantry.
Please feel free to Contact Us if you need more information.
Mother's Day Out
We welcome children who are two and a half through five years of age to join our classes. We offer an opportunity for children to develop social and academic skills. Our daily routine consists of painting, coloring, manipulative tables, dramatic play, outdoor recess, snack time, music and movement activities, story time, art projects, lunch time, a short video that coordinates with our theme for the day, games and library time.
If you would like more information, please contact the church office at (757) 595-6531. Space is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mother's Day Out News
Mother's Day Out continues to be very busy learning about fall, Thanksgiving and looking forward to learning about Christmas next month and celebrating the birth of Jesus! They are some busy little children in that MDO room. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and subs in out Mother's Day Out Program.
Music
Welcome Back to Chestnut Choirs!
Fall Start Up Times
Adult Choir & Bells Thursday, September 5
6:15 - 7:15 pm Chestnut Chimes Handbell Choir
7:30 - 9:00 pm Chancel Choir
How to Read Music Class
Tuesday, September 10 11:00 am
Tuesday Bells
Tuesday, September 10
Children Choir & Bells
Wednesday, September 11
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Age 4 year old's - 5th grade
Including Music, Games, Arts & Crafts
Praise Team & Band TBA
The Choirs of Chestnut minister to all ages from children to teenagers to adults. We learn to sing and ring together primarily to contribute our praise and glory to the worship service. But Music at Chestnut goes beyond Worship. Music helps teach VBS, Christmas Pageants, and Musicals such as "Once Upon a Parable", Moses and the Freedom Fanatics", "Malice in the Palace", and "David and Goliath" just to name a few. Music Ministry at Chestnut reaches out to the community through concerts by our choirs as well as other groups such as "The Jeremiah People", Langley's "Heritage Band of America" and the "Virginia Wesleyan Choir". The world-renowned "Raleigh Ringers" Handbell Choir was also very well received by our congregation and the whole community! Participating in a choir at Chestnut is a wonderful experience with many benefits. You learn about music and tips on how to make music - and you may even make new Christian friends.
Chestnut offers opportunities for everyone to participate in Music Ministry - not only in Worship and hymn singing but through the many singing and ringing choirs for all ages.
For more information on Music Ministries at Chestnut, please email our music director Kurt Snider, music@chestnut.hrcoxmail.com or call 757-595-6531.
THE CHOIRS OF CHESTNUT UMC
Tuesday Morning Bells
Tuesdays 11 a.m. -- Noon
Contact Kurt to attend
Wonderful Wednesday Children's Music Program
Wednesdays 6-7 p.m.
Ages 3 through 5th grade
Contact Kurt to attend.
Wednesday Evening Youth Choir and Bells
Wednesdays 6-7 p.m.
6th through 12 grades
Contact Kurt to attend.
Praise Team
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Contact Carley to attend.
Chestnut Chimes
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
Contact Kurt to attend.
Chancel Choir
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Contact Kurt to attend
Our Music Notation Began In The Church
If you can imagine what life would be like without any form of written language, it would be a similar thing as if we had no form of written musical notation. It used to be like that a long, long time ago. The church decided that it would be a great idea if some form of musical notation could be developed to help preserve music as a better means of remembering songs. The Roman Catholic Church was the driving force behind its development. Prior to music notation, liturgical music was handed down as an oral tradition and thus subject to ravages of memory and interpretation. The scholar and music theorist Isidore of Seville, while writing in the early 7th century (Pope Vitalian), considered that "unless sounds are held by the memory of man, they perish, because they cannot be written down." The church began notating plainchant melodies so that the same chants could be used throughout the church. The founder of what is now considered the standard music staff was Guido d'Arezzo, an Italian Benedictine monk who lived from about 991 until after 1033. He taught the use of vocal syllables based on a hymn to St. John the Baptist. Using Ut, re, Mi, fa, Sol, la, Si. Ut was changed in most countries except France to the easily singable, open syllable Do, believed to be taken from the Italian theorist Giovanni Battista Doni. Christian monks developed the first forms of modern musical notation in order to standardize liturgy throughout the worldwide church, and an enormous body of religious music has been composed for it through the ages. Modern music notation is used by musicians of many different genres throughout the world. Musical notation gives the same information to a musical performer, telling them what notes to play, how fast or slow, how long to hold a note, and instructions about how loud or soft for the notes. Musical notation helps people learn the music without having ever heard it before. I remember in my early musical training that the treble clef sign is also known as the "G" clef because it specifically shows you where the note G is and that the G note was for God. The bass clef sign is also known as the "F" Clef because it specifically shows you the note F stands for the Father. And middle C located in the music is exactly in the middle of the two clefs and the note C is for Christ. So there it is, Christ God The Father. Thank God for music in our lives and that the church figured out a way to write it down for all to share and enjoy!
Preschool
November is a busy month! We start out the month with our fall parent/teacher conferences. Later in the month, Chestnut Pre-school will have its annual Friendsgiving where we will have a thanksgiving themed lunch with all the students and teachers. We will have foods that remind us of how the pilgrims and Native Americans ate 400 years ago. We will discuss how they grew, hunted, and prepared their meals. Prepping for this event, we will be discussing healthy foods and unhealthy foods. The teachers will be doing a simple recipe in the classroom where the students will be measuring out and mixing ingredients. Cooking with preschoolers teaches them to follow directions and develop problem-solving skills. Thank you to all who have expressed their support and continue to pray for us. We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Christmas is approaching at full speed! What an exciting month! The preschool children will be
bringing in spare change and other monies for our Angel Tree Program. Every time they bring in money, they are able to place an angel on their class tree outside their classroom. All the money goes to families that our Preschool has identified as in need and with whom we can share our many blessings. On Wednesday, December 18th at 10:00 am we will have our traditional Christmas program. We invite everyone to join us in in the fellowship hall! These little ones will
put a smile on your face and get you ready for the Christmas Season!
The Preschool Staff and Students wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our goal at Chestnut Memorial Preschool is to provide each student with an excellent foundation for learning. Your child is very important to us! We realize that each child is a unique individual full of potential and ready to learn. At Chestnut, the children learn while they are having fun with a curriculum designed to prepare them for future learning and the exciting life ahead of them. Through a variety of activities, they will develop not only academic skills, but a belief in themselves, respect for others, good work habits, and an eagerness to learn.
Preschool will give your child the opportunity to become a member of a group where they will learn to share materials, toys, and adult attention. The ability to do these things will help your child make an easy transition to other learning environments.
Our teachers at Chestnut are simply the best! They understand the needs of preschool children and how they learn best. With warmth, affection, and a nurturing heart, they will help your child develop the many skills necessary to be successful not only this year but in the future.
The Chestnut Preschool family consists of a supportive school board and a quality teaching staff. This professional group of individuals is responsible for what we believe is a superb program here at Chestnut Memorial Preschool.
If you are interested, please contact us at 757-591-0429.
For more information on our programs, please visit our Preschool website: http://chestnutmemorialpreschool.com.
Christine Cole, Director
Scouting
Hello, everyone!
My name is Dick Barnes, and I am the new Scouting correspondent for Troop 11. Chestnut provides a clean, safe place for us to meet and to store our equipment, and we are always willing to assist where needed.
For over 100 years, the Order of Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrow Men are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality Leadership development and programing that enrich an help to extend Scouting to America's youth. In September, Troop 11 had three members induced in the OA...Trey, Zayne, and Jesse. All are certainly worthy of recognition, and we expect them to be active members of the Order. Trey also was recently advanced to Life rank and is already planning his project for Eagle Scout.
Troop 11 has always had a quality program, and so it should come as no surprise that we are once again in first place in the running for the Colonial Virginia Council Commissioner's Cup. The Cup is awarded to the best unit in the Council, and I based on many different criteria, but mainly it confirms that the Troop is healthy and being run in accordance with all applicable requirements. We expect to maintain this lead and win the Cup again this year.
Points of Contact for Scouting at Chestnut:
Girl Scouts, Troop 1260: contact Sandy Elder, troop1260@verizon.net
Boy Scouts, Troop 11-B (boys): contact Dick Barnes
Stephen Ministry
Chestnut Memorial UMC is a Stephen Ministry church. A Stephen Minister is a member of our congregation who is trained to listen, care, encourage, pray, and walk alongside you during difficult times. It's confidential, free, and very helpful.
We all face challenges in our lives. Some we cope with more easily than others. Are you facing one of life's difficult challenges? A death in the family, divorce or separation, loss of a job, a difficult pregnancy, chronic illness, terminal illness, hospitalization, loneliness, aging, relocation, or some other life crisis? Please feel free to request a Stephen Minister if you think you'd benefit from having someone visit you once a week. They'll listen to you, encourage you, and pray for you. Everything you say to a Stephen Minister is strictly confidential; no one else will know your "business." Having a Stephen Minister means you won't have to bear your burden alone.
For more information or to request a Stephen Minister, talk to or call our Stephen Leader, Nell Twiggs at the number listed in the church directory. You can also tell Pastor Ken or talk to any of the Stephen Ministers you see around church. Once you have made your request, one of our Stephen Leaders will contact you to provide more information and assign you a Stephen Minister.
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season, while a time of joy for many, can bring waves of sadness, longing, and loneliness for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This season is often filled with memories and traditions, making the absence of a loved one feel more pronounced. Whether your grief is recent or has been with you for years, here are some ways to approach the holidays with compassion toward yourself and your journey through grief.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Grieving is personal, and it's okay if this season doesn't feel "merry and bright" for you. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes naturally—whether that's sadness, anger, or even relief. Trying to suppress these feelings can often make them more overwhelming. Give yourself permission to experience your emotions without judgement.
2. Plan Ahead
Decide which traditions or gatherings feel manageable and which might be too difficult this year. You might choose to adapt certain traditions to honor your loved one or even create new ones that better fit where you are in your healing journey. Planning your schedule, with flexibility in mind, can help you feel a sense of control during a season that may otherwise feel challenging.
3. Seek Support
You don't have to navigate the holiday season alone. Reach out to family members, friends, or support groups who understand your grief. Talking about your loved one with others who care can bring comfort. Some people find solace in attending grief support meetings, faith-base gatherings, or joining online communities. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand your grief can help ease the loneliness.
4. Honor Their Memory
Find ways to include your loved one in your celebrations. Lighting a candle, setting a place at the table, or sharing stories can be beautiful ways to honor their memory. Some people choose to make a charitable donation in their loved one's name or spend time volunteering as a way of remembering them through acts of kindness.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so take care of yourself. Rest when you need to, allow yourself to decline invitations, and don't feel pressured to meet others' expectations. If you find joy or laughter amid your sorrow, embrace it—grieving doesn't mean you can't experience moments of happiness.
6. Focus on the Present Moment
Try to focus on one day at a time, rather than anticipating the whole season. Being mindful of the present moment can help reduce feelings of overwhelm. Small acts, such as going for a
walk, journaling, or practicing meditation, can help ground you and ease some of the pain of your loss.
7. See Professional Support if Needed
If the weight of grief feels too heavy, consider seeking help from a counselor, therapist, or grief support specialist. Professional support can offer valuable tools to help you process your feelings and find peace. If you feel you would benefit from someone coming alongside you in your time of remembering and grief, you can reach out to our Stephen Ministers here at Chestnut. Or you can contact one of our Stephen Leaders, Nell Twiggs or Connie Thompson or reach out to Pastor Waclo.
Closing Thoughts
While the holidays may not feel the same, remember that grief is a journey that doesn't need to be faced alone. Reach out, give yourself grace, and allow yourself to experience this season in a way that is most healing for you. Be gentle with yourself and know that it's okay to redefine what this season means for you.
If you are not fine, and would like someone to sit beside you, please contact Connie Thompson at simplycon-niet@hotmail.com, or Nell Twiggs at Nelltwiggs@cox.net and we can connect you with a Stephen Minister to do just that. You never have to suffer alone.
United Methodist Men
The General Commission on the United Methodist Men says it this way: "The ministry of men in the local church is defined as a core group of men, partnering with their pastor, to invite and initiate spiritual growth opportunities for all men of the church. Everyone has different gifts, graces and areas of interest. Therefore, opportunities for participation would include diverse ministries of the church, such as prayer groups, missions, Bible studies, retreats, workshops/seminars, small groups in the Wesleyan tradition, leading and participating on committees, teaching Sunday school classes, youth ministries, scouting, mentoring and assisting in leading worship service. The focus is not inward, concentrating only on those who attend a set meeting, but outward to all men, assisting them to engage the process of spiritual growth."
At Chestnut, those opportunities for participation have included fish fries and barbecues, plus mission projects such as building handicapped ramps for members of the church. We also sponsor the yearly Tommy Jobe Memorial Scholarship (see below).
UMM JOBE SCHOLARSHIP
The Tommy Jobe Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Tommy Jobe, a dedicated member of the Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church and United Methodist Men (UMM) organization.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist qualifying high school seniors of Chestnut Memorial UMC in their educational endeavors. Funding for this scholarship is derived from Chestnut Memorial UMM fundraising events. In total, we have awarded over $4,000 to graduating seniors over the last five years.
For more information contact Tim Knapp or the church office.
Chestnut Methodist Women
ATTENTION LADIES!
Holiday Cookie Walk on December 14th from 9am—2 pm. Come and purchase your Christmas Cookies.
We will have plenty to choose from including gluten free items. It was a huge success last year! Come and have fun picking out your goodies while enjoying fellowship with each other.
ATTENTION ALL WOMEN AND FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH—-SAVE THE DATE
What: Women's Retreat
When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Please mark your calendars now to reserve this date. Projected time is 8:30 am—2:30 pm
Continental Breakfast and Lunch is provided. More details will follow soon!
The purpose of the Chestnut Methodist Women (CMW) is to come together as a group to enhance our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Christian fellowship, love, care, and with Christ's grace, we will provide support to each other, our church, and our local community. Any women connected in any way to our great church are welcome to attend. Just call the church to add your email address to our mailing list.
Our meetings are held monthly, September through June on the third Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Wesley Classroom. We try to keep the meetings to around an hour, followed by refreshments and often crafts for the kids and/or shut-ins. We also use this time to send cards to members as needed.
Our women are proud to support a number of local missions, including: Lackey Clinic, Transitions, Menchville House, Avalon, Latisha House, and our own Food Pantry and Mother's Day Out Program. The CMW also team with the United Methodist Men to support the international program, Rise Against Hunger.
As always we support our church as needed and strive to work with all members to help the church grow by being disciples of Christ and reaching out in love to all people.
By Sally Ritchie
Volunteers in Mission
General Info
"United Methodist Volunteers in Mission is a grassroots movement within the United Methodist Church designed to provide an official channel for volunteer service. Through UMVIM, Christians (lay and clergy) can offer their skills and talents for service in their home country and around the world on short-term assignments at their own expense.""The UMVIM network offers guidance, organization, and training for more than 125,000 volunteers each year who give of their time and talent to minister with the poor, build churches and other mission facilities, assist in disaster recovery efforts, participate in community health programs and take part in leadership training events each year."
Source: UMCMission.org
At Chestnut, we normally have two or more mission trips attended by a dozen or so volunteers. We go where the need is greatest, often to areas ravaged by flood or hurricane. Members are divided into teams and might perform tasks such as painting, putting up drywall, doing yard work and the like. Trips are usually a week to 10 days in duration and transportation is provided by the church. Opportunities for both national and international service are offered.
Vacation Bible School
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for making our Vacation Bible School program a resounding success! Your enthusiasm, dedication, and support created an enriching and joyful experience for all participants. We couldn't have done it without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the generous contributions of our donors, and the enthusiastic participation of the children and their families.
Thank you for being a vital part of this wonderful journey. We look forward to seeing you all again next time as we continue to grow, learn, and celebrate together!
Youth
We meet every Sunday for Sunday School at 10:45 am in the Youth Room.
Lots of upcoming events for our youth in the next couple of months.
November 15 (1800-2100) Wii Game Night Night @Church
November 17 (during Sunday School) Charlie Brown Thanksgiving @ Church
November 24 No Sunday School
December 1 (1100-1500) Starving Artist Studio
December 6 (1600-2200) Christmastown @ Busch Gardens *Families Welcome
December 13 (1800-2100) Game Night @ Church
December 15 (During Sunday School) Sundaes on Sunday with ornament exchange
December 22 No Sunday School
January 4 (1630-2100) Progressive Dinner
If you have any questions, please reach out to Brittni Smith at chestnut.memorial.youth@gmail
In consideration of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church allowing the Participant to participate in children or youth ministry activities, please download the Parental Consent and Liability Release Form from our Online Library.