Week 12 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 12 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 12 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 195 points for week 12 with a grand total from the start of 2710 points. This is the final week of the challenge. Since the beginning of the 12-week challenge, participants altogether have exercised over 903 hours. Wow!

Our party to celebrate the conclusion of the fitness challenge will be on Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. All are welcome to come and enjoy snacks and we will sing the twelve Christmas carols featured during the challenge. Participants will also receive a goody bag and certificate.

I hope this challenge has given folks the encouragement to continue exercising on a regular basis!

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 12 Totals

Week 11 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 11 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 11 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 157 points for week 11 with a grand total from the start of 2515 points.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 12 (1/1 through 1/7) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 11 Totals

Week 12 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 12 Fitness Challenge - Go Tell It on the Mountain

Welcome to Week 12 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This is it - our final week. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 14 at 2:00. We will have a party to celebrate the completion of the challenge with fun, food, and fellowship and participants will receive certificates.

Go, Tell It on the Mountain was written by Joseph Simpson Cook. Many sources indicate that the tune was written by Frederick Jerome Work. This joyful hymn was voted Christmas Carol of the Year in 2004 and has come to be anthem for freedom and a call to strong faith for many.

Click on the links below to hear several versions of Go, Tell It on the Mountain:

• GoldenGospelPearls
• Dolly Parton
• MercyMe

"And she (Anna) in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:38

Week 10 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 10 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in points for week 10 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 201 points for week 10 with a grand total from the start of 2358 points. A lot of us had lots of Christmas get-togethers and activities going on for Week 10 and I congratulate those who persevered and fit in a little exercise on top of the packed schedules.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge. Turn in Week 11 (12/25 through 12/31) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Week 10 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 11 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 11 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge Joy to the World

Welcome to Week 11 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week's Christmas hymn is Joy to the World. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics in 1719. If his name sounds familiar, perhaps this is because he wrote about 650 hymns and is known as the "Father of English Hymnody." Lowell Mason wrote the rousing melody, perhaps basing part of the melody on Handel's Messiah.

Click on the following links to see videos of various versions of Joy to the World:

• David Archuleta & Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• Central Church
• American Sign Language Version by Rock Church Deaf Ministry

"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." Luke 2: 30-32

Week 9 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 9 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 9 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 220 points for week 9 with a grand total from the start of 2157 points. Perhaps everyone in our challenge is running around shopping - these numbers are the highest in the past month!

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 10 (12/18 through 12/24) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 9 Points

Week 10 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 10 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge The First Noel

Welcome to Week 10 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week features The First Noel or The First Nowell. The word nowell is from a Latin word natalis that means birth. The origin of this Christmas carol dates back to at least the 1800s but may be several hundred years older than that. This hymn is a bit unusual in our modern hymnals because it typically includes six verses, which is longer than many of today's hymns.

Click on the following links to hear some beautiful versions of "The First Noel"

• University of Utah Singers
• Pentatonix
• ToR + Saksit's Piano Improvisation

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews, For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him..." Matthew 2: 1-2

Week 8 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 8 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 8 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 199 points for week 8 with a grand total from the start of 1937 points. This time of year gets incredibly busy and I applaud all who are still fitting exercise into the routine!

You are invited to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 9 (12/11 through 12/17) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 8 Weekly Totals

Week 9 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 9 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - Silent Night, Holy Night

Welcome to Week 9 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week features "Silent Night, Holy Night," a Christmas carol that has captured the hearts of many from war torn battlefields to serene hay fields and an untold number of sites in between.

Joseph Mohr wrote the picturesque lyrics, and Franz Gruber created the simple yet captivating melody. The hymn was originally sung to the tune with guitar accompaniment on Christmas Eve in Obendorf, Austria in 1818.

I have played for many Christmas services in which this song is sung in the hushed stillness of candlelight. It is not surprising that this Christmas carol is often a favorite of folks all over the globe.

Click on the links below to hear several versions of Silent Night:

• Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood & Reba McIntyre
• Rafael Scarfullery - Classic Guitar instrumental
• The Cathedrals

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

Week 7 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 7 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in totals for week 7 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 212 points for week 7 with a grand total from the start of 1736 points.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 8 (12/4 through 12/10) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 7 Totals

Week 8 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 8 Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Welcome to Week 8 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Hark! The Herald Angels Sing has seen several unlikely transformations. Charles Wesley first wrote Christmas Day Hymn that included ten four-line verses in 1739. Later, George Whitfield changed several lines of the original hymn.

For about 100 years, the music for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was solemn and slow. An organist named William H. Cummings later reorganized the lyrics into the stanzas and refrain we know today and combined them with a lively tune written by Felix Mendelssohn to commemorate the invention of the printing press.

Click on the following links to hear several versions of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing:

• Celtic Woman
• Amy Grant
• Vince Guaraldi (Peanuts Christmas)

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God..." 
Luke 2:13

Week 6 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 6 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in totals for week 6 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 171 points for week 6 with a grand total from the start of 1524 points.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 7 (11/27 through 12/3) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 6 Totals

Week 7 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 7 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Happy new year and welcome to Week 7 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Wait...what? Before you start thinking that perhaps you slept until 2017, don't worry. Today, the first Sunday of Advent, marks the new year on the Christian calendar.

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" was written by Nahum Tate, a man who was stricken by poverty for much of his life. Perhaps he could relate to shepherds who probably sat on the ground and endured all types of weather while watching the night sky. Christmas programs referencing Luke 2 often feature this Christmas carol.

This Christmas carol is commonly sung to one of two different tunes. The most popular tune includes Christmas by Handel, while the second most popular tune is Winchester Old that was likely arranged by George Kirbye.

May each of us may find a refreshing, unexpected surprise as we go about a mundane task that we have performed many times over the years. And in case you haven't joined our fitness challenge, this week is a great time to come on board and commit to being physically active with the start of our Christ-centered new year!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8

Week 5 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 5 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Sixteen participants turned in totals for week 5 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 171 points for week 5 with a grand total from the start of 1324 points. Numbers are a little lower as quite a few folks were traveling and preparing for Thanksgiving or fighting illness. I applaud those particularly that are incredibly self-motivated during this busy time of year. I have no doubt that we'll all get back on track soon!

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 6 (11/20 through 11/26) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 5 Totals

Week 6 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 6 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - O Come All Ye Faithful

Welcome to Week 6 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program. This week includes Thanksgiving for those of us in the United States. Despite difficulties, we all have much for which to be grateful!

This week features "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Those who have sung with a choir or know Latin might recognize the song as "Adeste Fidelis." John Frances Wade penned the words that first appeared in a collection of his Cantus Diversi in 1751. Frederick Oakley and William Thomas Brooke translated "O Come, All Ye Faithful" into English in 1852.

I am struck by how many of these beloved songs have continued to speak to generations hundreds of years later. I have played for quite a few Christmas programs, and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is almost always a favorite to sing and play. Take a few minutes to click on and listen to these great versions of this week's Christmas carol: Luciano Pavarotti, Casting Crowns, and Celtic Woman.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:15-16

Week 4 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 4 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty-one participants turned in totals for week 4 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 268 points for week 4 with a grand total from the start of 1153 points. Whew...that's a lot of physical activity! These next few weeks will be challenging. Many people's schedules will begin to overflow with holiday preparations. We can all sneak some physical activity on the calendar by parking farther away, arriving a early, and taking a brisk walk before an event. Walking at the mall is another way to rev up the steps without a lot of added effort. Upcoming meals may be a bit less than healthy, but we might consider adding one healthier dish to the choices and perhaps a group walk after clean-up.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 5 (11/13 through 11/19) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 4 Totals

Week 12 Results and Grand Finale for the Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 12 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 12 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encouraged participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earned 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 195 points for week 12 with a grand total from the start of 2710 points. This is the final week of the challenge, and altogether participants exercised over 903 hours in twelve weeks. Wow!

Our party to celebrate the end of the challenge is this Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. All are welcome to come, enjoy some snacks, and sing the twelve Christmas carols featured in the challenge. Challenge participants will receive certificates and goody bags at the party as well.

Week 12 Totals for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 5 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 5 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Welcome to Week 5 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week includes November 13 through November 19.

Dr. Phillips Brooks wrote the beautiful lyrics for the beloved Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" after visiting Bethlehem. Seeing the countryside must have made a profound effect on him. Lewis Redner finished writing the tune for the song on Sunday morning, the day it was first sung. Those of us who tend to procrastinate can have hope that perhaps some of our best work may come close to the deadline!

Click here to hear a version of the carol with Nat King Cole. And here is another example with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us." Luke 2:15

Week 3 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 3 Results Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Twenty-one participants turned in totals for week 3 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of  284 points for week 3 with a grand total from the start of 885 points. It's been another great week for exercising. Lots of folks are going outside to rake leaves or take a walk and enjoy the motley mix of colors on the trees.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 4 (11/6 through 11/12) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem Week 3 Weekly Totals

Week 4 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 4 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - What Child Is This

Welcome to Week 4 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! If you have ever wished for more time to exercise, this is your week. We "fell back" last night, giving us the chance to enjoy an extra hour this weekend.

"What Child Is This" holds a special place in my heart. The hymn's words were from William Chatterton Dix's poem entitled "The Manger Throne" and set to the tune called Greensleaves. Lindsay Sterling has an instrumental violin version of "What Child Is This" here. Listen to a trio of guitarists, Don and Wendy Francisco and Jerry Palmer, playing the carol here. Or hear the beautiful lyrics to "What Child Is This" by listening to Johnny Mathis here.

If you go outside and simply sit and listen to nature, you may discover that nature's music is often in a minor key. Most of our more famous Christmas carols are in major keys, but this melody's distinctively minor key offers a uniquely beautiful tune. Many of my friends say "What Child Is This" is their favorite of all the Christmas carols that begins painting a mental picture of a baby in his mother's arms. The times surrounding Jesus birth were beautiful and joyful, yet many people suffered greatly. The holidays for many people are a time of sadness, yet I hope each of you may find a glimmer of hope in the season.

Do you have any favorite versions of "What Child Is This?"

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7