December It is interesting how scary the great moments can be.

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1 December 2017 The Newsletter of Calvary United Methodist Church, York, PA Calvary News is published by and for members and friends of the congregation. Luke 2 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. It is interesting how scary the great moments can be. Success often comes to us once we get through the fears that keep it just beyond our reach. The freedom that comes with winning can be intimidating since we get so used to striving, needing, and wanting. Sometimes what if she says yes is scarier than what if she says no. Once again we have an opportunity. We carry wishes of Merry Christmas. We carry the truth of our God who came to the earth in order to have a personal relationship with us. We share the message of love, acceptance, courage, and forgiveness. We live the reality that our past need not inhibit our future. As we break through our fears, we live into the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Our God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us, die for our sins, and live forever. We can have that eternal life through faith in this Jesus Christ born on Christmas day. This is the good news of great joy that the angels brought. This is our truth every day. It will be the truth of others as well as we share our faith with boldness, confidence, and victory. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Pastor Mike

2 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES 9:15-10:00 AM Wesley Fellowship - Apostles Room Generations Class - Parlor New Possibilities - Library DECEMBER LITURGISTS 10:30 AM 3 Lance Landes 10 Roberta Navecky 17 Blanche Hake 24 Sam Andrews (10am) Jolleen Biesecker (9pm) 31 Joan Hale SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS Thank you for serving your church! Greeters/Ushers Call Karen Hoover at to serve as greeters/ushers. Acolytes - Recruiter Position Open! Liturgists - 8:00 AM Call Treva Andrews at to serve as 8:00 AM liturgist. Liturgists - 10:30 AM Call Joan Gumerlock at to serve as 10:30 AM liturgist. Flower Sponsors - $45.00 (Price increase starting January 1, 2018) See the Altar Flower Sponsor Sign-Up Karen Hoover at with questions. DECEMBER PREACHING SCHEDULE 8:00 AM 10:30AM The Flame 10:30 AM 12:30 PM Genesis 3 Pastor Mike Pastor Tanya Pastor Mike Pastors Josue, Vivian 10 Pastor Mike Pastor Mike Pastor Tanya Pastors Josue, Vivian 17 Pastor Mike Pastor Tanya Pastor Mike Pastors Josue, Vivian 24 Children/Youth Service (10 am ONLY) Communion Service (10:30 PM) - Pastor Mike 31 Pastor Mike (10 am ONLY)

3 PRAYER CHAIN For telephone and prayer chain requests, call Sylvia Holland at or her at For phone prayer chain requests, call the church office Weekly prayer requests are listed in the Sunday bulletins and remain on the list for four weeks unless the church office is notified otherwise. NOTICE Our prayer chain has been updated. Changes were made only based on information provided to office. Phone prayer chain will be activated soon. Making some phone calls to verify individuals who requested to be on this chain. Please notify the church office of any changes. The church office number is Become a part of this ministry and help lift up others to the Lord through prayer. Lectionary For Personal Devotions 3 Isaiah 64: 1-9 Psalm 80: Isaiah 40: 1-11 Psalm 85: Isaiah 61: 1-4 Psalm Samuel 7: 1-11 Psalm Isaiah 52: 7-10 Psalm Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148

4 MISSION FUNDS SUNDAY Please use the mission envelopes in the pews on every first Sunday of each month to help meet mission goals, one of which is Bishop Park s challenge of reducing the mortgage of Mission Central and the Imagine No Malaria campaign ($2,000). (You may use mission envelopes any time if you prefer another date.) Please note: This amount is based on our average weekly attendance which is now averaging over 200! CAPITAL FUNDS SUNDAY Please use the Capital Funds Sunday envelopes in your boxes of donation envelopes on the third Sunday of each month to help with Calvary s capital funds needs. (You may use capital funds envelopes any time if you prefer another date.) WORK DAYS AT THE WELL FOR CALVARY Monthly work days at The WELL are the second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each month. If you are able to give some of your time between 9:00 and 11:30 AM on any or all of these days, please call Sally Sheaffer at or Flo Waybright at or just show up at The WELL. There is work to do sitting down as well as stocking shelves and other tasks. DONATIONS TO THE WELL In addition to regularly donating non-perishable food and personal care, household, and baby items, monetary donations are welcome and help to pay The WELL s operating expenses. The WELL does not need egg cartons at this time. The WELL staff and board members are grateful for all Calvary members who help those in need in our community. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. (Matthew 26:11) STITCHES FROM THE HEART We meet every other Tuesday morning from 9 AM - 12 noon in the Apostles Room. Come when you can and leave when you must. Our next dates are Dec. 5 Please see our Mission Statement and Updated Wish List at the information center bulletin board. Contacts for Stitches are: Treva Andrews ( ; teandrews48@comcast.net) Amy Coons ( ; coonsaw@comcast.net) KUNG FU CLASSES In Calvary s Social Hall on Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM children over age 10 through adults See flyers on Information Center bulletin board. Contact Pastor Mike with questions.

5 DECEMBER 2017 Friday, December 1 8:00 AM AA - Apostles Room (to 9:30 AM) 6:00 PM Genesis Practice - Apostles Room 6:00 PM Hanging of the Greens 7:00 PM Church of Pentecost - Chapel (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) Saturday, December 2 8:00 AM AA - Social Hall (to 9 AM) 9:00 AM Hanging of the Greens - Sanctuary (to 3 PM) 9:00 AM WELL - Apostles Room (to 1 PM) 10:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Chapel (to 12 PM) 11:00 AM NA - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) Sunday, December 3 ~ Holy Communion 8:00 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes 9:30 AM Church of Pentecost - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 10:00 AM Fellowship and Coffee Time Apostles Room 10:30 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 10:30 AM The Flame Worship Apostles Room 12:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy 12:30 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 2 PM) 12:45 PM Caroling 4:30 PM Youth Group 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall Monday, December 4 6:00 PM White Elephant - Apostles Room 7:00 PM Chimes 7:00 PM NA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) Tuesday, December 5 9:00 AM Stitches - Apostles Room (to 12 PM) 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 6:30 PM Kung Fu - Social Hall (to 8 PM) 7:00 PM UMW - Library 7:00 PM AA - Apostles Room Wednesday, December 6 6:00 PM Trinity Wednesday - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Advent Service - St. Matthews Thursday, December 7 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Choir

6 DECEMBER 2017 Friday, December 8 8:00 AM AA - Apostles Room (to 9:30 AM) 6:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM AA - Apostles Room (to 9 PM) Saturday, December 9 8:00 AM AA - Apostles Room (to 9:30 AM) 11:00 AM NA - Apostles Room (to 1:30 PM) 1:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 8 PM) Sunday, December 10 8:00 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes 9:30 AM Church of Pentecost - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 10:00 AM Fellowship and Coffee Time Apostles Room 10:30 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 10:30 AM The Flame Worship Apostles Room 12:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy 12:30 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 2 PM) 7:00 PM One Voice Concert - Sanctuary 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall Monday, December 11 7:00 PM Chimes 7:00 PM NA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Youth Council Tuesday, December 12 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 6:30 PM Kung Fu - Social Hall (to 8 PM) Wednesday, December 13 6:00 PM Trinity Wednesday - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Iglesia Crisitana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Advent Service - Sanctuary Thursday, December 14 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Choir Friday, December 15 8:00 AM AA - Apostles Room (to 9:30 AM) 6:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM AA - Apostles Room (to 9 PM)

7 DECEMBER 2017 Saturday, December 16 10:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary (to 12 PM) 10:00 AM Not One More - Apostles Room (to 2 PM) 11:00 AM NA - Apostles Room (to 1:30 PM) 5:00 PM Social Hall Reserved Sunday, December 17 8:00 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 9:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes 10:00 AM Fellowship and Coffee Time Apostles Room 10:30 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 10:30 AM The Flame Worship Apostles Room 12:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy 12:30 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 2 PM) 4:30 PM Youth Group (to 6 pm) 7:00 PM Advent Service - St. Matthews 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall Monday, December 18 7:00 PM Chimes 7:00 PM NA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) Tuesday, December 19 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 6:30 PM Kung Fu - Social Hall (to 8 PM) Wednesday, December 20 7:00 PM Advent Service - St. Rose 7:00 PM Iglesia Worship Practice Thursday, December 21 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Choir Friday, December 22 6:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary 9to 9 PM) 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall (to 9 PM)

8 DECEMBER 2017 Saturday, December 23 8:00 AM AA - Social Hall (to (9;30 AM) 11:00 AM NA - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) Sunday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve 9:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes 10:00 AM Children/Youth Service 12:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy 12:30 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 2 PM) 9:00 PM Communion Service NO YOUTH GROUP Monday, December 25 ~ Merry Christmas! CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 7:00 PM NA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) Tuesday, December 26 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy - Sanctuary (to 9 Pm) 6:30 PM Kung Fu - Social Hall (to 8 PM) Wednesday, December 27 8:00 AM AA - Apostles Room (to 9:30 AM) 8:00 AM Social Hall Reserved (to 2 PM) 6:00 PM Trinity Wednesday - Apostles Room (to 7 PM) 7:00 PM Iglesia Worship Practice 7:00 PM Missions - Parlor Thursday, December 28 6:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM Genesis Prayer & Bible Study - Apostles Room (to 8:30 PM ) 7:00 PM Choir Friday, December 29 6:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room 7:00 PM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary (to 9 PM) 7:00 PM AA - Social Hall (to 9 PM) Saturday, December 30 8:00 AM AA - Social Hall (to (9;30 AM) 10:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Sanctuary (to 12 PM) 11:00 AM NA - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 1:00 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 5 PM) Sunday, December 31 ~ News Year Eve 9:00 AM Church of Pentecost - Social Hall (to 1:30 PM) 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes 10:00 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 12:00 PM Iglesia Cristiana El Gran Yo Soy 12:30 PM Genesis - Apostles Room (to 2 PM)

9 The office is still updating records. If you have noticed that your anniversary or birthday has not been listed in our newsletter publications, please call the office and make sure we have your information. We do want to be sure to have accurate records and of course we would love to celebrate with you. Also, if you have any special joy you would like to share with the congregation, please let the office know so it can be publicized so everyone can celebrate in your joy. 12 Wingrove and Agnes Hutchinson 18 Chad and Jamie Cash 20 June and Winfield Paules 23 Gale and Jon Yinger 29 Carol and Tom Lehman 30 Mark and Michelle Baker Happy Anniversary! May God bless you with many more years! 1 Linda Thieme 6 Michelle Myers 10 Emma Leonard 11 Diane Andrews 11 Ian Cowfer 11 Kiley Oberdick 12 Melissa Jacoby 13 Terry Markle 14 Andrew Shaffer 14 Dennis Snyder 14 Thomas Wonderly 16 Connor Bacha 18 Sarah Kohr 18 Holly Sterling 19 Greg Eisenhart 21 Alexis Cash 21 Jay Cross 21 Easton Gohn 22 George Fox 23 Naomi Waybright 23 Gina Sterling 24 Emily Shaw 26 Jean Bailey 26 Jourdan Diem 27 Christine Kohr 29 Nancy Kohr 29 Elizabeth Marlowe 29 Melissa Stump 30 Kit Bailey 31 Alexander Munufie

10 DECEMBER 3 ~ Youth Group 10 ~ One Voice Concert (no Youth Group) 17 ~ Youth Group ~ Lock-in 24 ~ No Youth Group 31 ~ No Youth Group Come Out and Support Our Youth 12/6 West York Middle School Band/Choir 6:30 West York Middle School (Elena, Analiese) 12/10 West York High School Band/Choir 3:00 West York High School (Jordan, Lilliana, Alex) 12/10 One Voice Choir 6:00 Messiah UM (Caitlyn, Lilliana, Alex) Future Dates: 3/11 West York Middle and High School District Choral 3:00 West York Middle School 5/18 West York Middle and High School Pops Choir 7:00 West York Middle School *tickets required Some fun at Cherry Crest Farms! Halloween Parade Youth Group at St. Matt s

11 Dear Calvary Friends, Schaffer s Florist are increasing the cost of altar flowers. They have not increased their prices in many years, so we are fortunate with that. The new cost will be $45 each week (that we have a sponsor requesting flowers). The current cost is $40, so the $5 increase is not to bad. The new cost will go into effect on January 1, Thank you for your many expressions of love. We wish you a joyous Christmas and happiness throughout the coming new year. God Bless You! Love, Pastor Roland and Sue The Meaning of the Snowflake Every new snowflake comes to the earth as a picture of our Saviour s birth, because they are sent from up above and remind us of God s care and love. Each one is so intricate and small because Christ sees the details of us all, and just as two are never the same the Lord knows and calls us each by name. Snowflakes gently cover the world in white and hide what s unlovely from our sight, showing us how He covers our sin and gives us His grace when we come to him. So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind and in every bit of white may you find a reason to celebrate anew and a reminder of his love for you.

12 Christmas Offering for Susquehanna Conference Benevolent Homes Dec. 10 As people of faith, we claim God's love as offered to us without condition through the life and teaching of the Jesus. We strive to live a life that witnesses to that love each and every day. Through our words and actions, we have the opportunity to bring not only joy, but security to those who are cared for in our Benevolent Homes. When we give generously to help others, it is a profound act of kindness. Through your gifts, both the elders and youth that we serve are assured they will have a safe and secure place to live, nutritious food to eat, and necessary medicine. They deserve our very best care each and everyday - so please give to this important special offering that will benefit seniors and youth in the Susquehanna Conference. The residents of the following Benevolent Homes will benefit from our gifts: Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg; Normandie Ridge Senior Living Community, York; Quincy Village, Qunicy; Riverwoods Senior Living Community, Lewisburg; United Methodist Homes' Wesley Village Campus, Pittston; and United Methodist Children's Home, Mechanicsburg. The offering envelope for the Benevolent Homes can be found in your offering envelope pack for December 10. Warm Items Needed The temperatures are reminding us that it is time to think about cold weather clothing. Again this year we will be collecting coats. I have encouraged our friends who attend Trinity Wednesday to find a warm coat when we have them. They are often not prepared for cold weather. Also, we have them available to anyone who needs a coat at our Thanksgiving Eve dinner. Also, we will have our tree of warmth for hats, mittens or gloves, scarves, socks,etc. The coats and tree items will be taken to St. Matthew s Church for Christmas Day distribution. Along with their free Christmas dinner, they allow adults and children to select from these items. Thank you in advance for you generosity in providing this clothing. Diane Andrews Planning Meeting The Nurture and Worship Committees will be meeting On January 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM to plan for the year. This is an important meeting; please plan to attend. Thank you to everyone for their generous contributions to our funds. It will enable us to continue buying supplies and providing for our ministry to those in need. Calvary UM is a loving and caring congregation. God Bless all of you. Love, Treva and Amy

13 Advent Series December 6th - 7 PM, St. Matthew Lutheran Church Jesus, the Gift of God Who Offers Peace Pastor Tanya Brubaker December 13th - 7 PM, Calvary UM Church Jesus, the Gift of God Who Offers Love Father Daniel Richards December 20th - 7 PM, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Jesus, the Gift of God Who Offers Hope Pastor Keith Fair Walk a Christmas Mile Sunday, December 17-4 PM at St. Matthew Celebrate the Christmas Story with the choirs from Calvary UMC., St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, and St. Matthew Lutheran Church. The journey begins Monday, December 11 at 6 PM. You ll start at St. Mark s Lutheran Church (700 E. Market St.) and end at 4th UM (20 N. Lehman St.) with snacks, Fellowship, and a Puppet Ministry program. There will be a few stops at other churches on the way. Limited transportation is available for those unable to walk the distance. Bring a flashlight. Bring the family. Bring a friend!

14 Staff of Calvary UM Church Rev. Dr. B. Michael Brossman, Lead Pastor Rev. Roland E. Garvin, Assistant Pastor Pastor Tanya LH Brubaker, Associate Pastor Pastor Josué Marrero, Staff Pastor Pastor Vivian Rodríguez, Staff Pastor Mrs. Nancy Huttel, Organist and Choir Director Mrs. Sue Wolschlaeger, Pianist Ms. Breanne Brunner, Youth Director Mr. Mike Gurtizen, Sexton Ms. Lorraine Kirwin, Sexton Mr. Lee Kunkel, Lay Leader Mrs. Allison Leisure, Secretary Contact the Pastors Pastor Mike: (call and text) Pastor Roland: Pastor Tanya: (call and text) Scheduled Church Office Hours Mondays 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Thursdays 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Fridays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Calvary Congregation strives to be a welcoming church family that is active in the local community and the wider church. Please join us! 8:00 AM Informal Worship Service - Sanctuary 9:15 AM Christian Education Classes All ages 10:00 AM Coffee and Fellowship - Apostles Room 10:30 AM Worship Service - Sanctuary 10:30 AM The Flame Worship Service - Apostles Room 12:30 PM Genesis UM - Apostles Room January Newsletter Deadline Date Submissions for the Jan. Newsletter are due by Monday, December 18. (It is appreciated if newsletter articles are submitted electronically if possible; and submissions earlier than the deadline are always welcomed.) Bulletin Announcements Deadline Date 8:00 AM Wednesday Calvary News Calvary United Methodist Church 11 North Richland Avenue York, PA Church Material