T h e C O N N E C T I O N f r o m C h r i s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h D e c e m b e r

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1 T h e C O N N E C T I O N f r o m C h r i s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h D e c e m b e r Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. Journeys with Jean "And Mary said, I am the Lord s servant! Let it happen as you have said. Luke 1:38 Did you ever wonder what would have happened if Mary said No? What if, instead of readily acquiescing to the angel s statement, Mary had said, Are you crazy? or You ve got the wrong girl! or I won t do this! What then??? So often in life we end up doing things we don t really want to do, or living uneventful lives because we refuse to take risks, or wondering where all the excitement of life has gone. And here is Mary a young Jewish girl asked to carry and give birth to a Holy Child who will change the world and she says, Yes. She said yes in spite of her fear. She said yes in the face of danger and uncertainty. She said yes without fully knowing the consequences. And we are who we are as people of faith because Mary said, Yes. In this holy season, please consider saying yes to something you feel God is calling you to do. Perhaps serve hands-on with Crossroads Urban Center or one of the meal sites in SLC. Maybe visit people too often forgotten throughout the year in nursing homes and private homes and shelters. Perhaps spend time here at Christ UMC helping with the activities of the season, or volunteering with children or teenagers or seniors. Nothing God asks us to do in this life will ever be as overwhelming as what God asked Mary to do. And Mary said, Yes. May God bless all of us with the compulsion to serve, the capacity to love, and a Season of Joy and Light. Christmas Blessings, Pastor Jean Upcoming Worship Themes: A SEASON OF JOY AND LIGHT December 1 ADVENT FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS December 8 8:00am THE STORIES BEHIND THE CAROLS 9:00am Pastor Pat preaching 10:30am CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM December 15 8:00am & 9:00am A SEASON OF LGHT 10:30am Rev. Sione Tukutau preaching December 22 A SEASON OF JOY December 29 AFTER CHRISTMAS

2 Page 2 You are Invited to The Joy of Christmas UMW Silver Tea Featuring John VanWagoner of St. Ann s Catholic Church Saturday, December 7th at 1:00pm All are welcome! Complimentary Childcare! A Season of Joy and Light Festival of Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 1 at 8, 9 & 10:30am Hanging the Greens (Decorating the Church!) Sunday, December 1 at 11:30am UMW Silver Tea Saturday, December 7 at 1:00pm Children s Christmas Pageant & Advent Potluck Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am A Quiet Christmas Meditative Service Sunday, December 15 at 7:00pm Wesley Bell Ringers Christmas Concerts Saturday/Sunday, December Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 12noon (Holy Communion), 5pm, 7pm, 9pm, 11pm See pages 8 & 9 for more details.

3 Page 3 United Methodist Women DEBORAH CIRCLE: Thursday, December 19th, 9:30 am. EVENING KNITTING GROUP: Meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8pm in the Parlor Knitting and crocheting lessons from 6:30-7pm. Please join us and bring a friend! Call Donna Thomas at if you have any questions. HANNAH CIRCLE: Friday, December 13th at UMCOR. All ages are welcome. Contact Diane Minerich for more information. dianeminerich@comcast.net LYDIA CIRCLE: Christmas brunch Saturday, December 14th at 10:00am at Mimi's Café, 5223 S. State. RSVP Lorraine Lakey. Bring a new & unwrapped gift for the Candy Cane Corner. MARTHA CIRCLE: Christmas dinner on Tuesday, December 10th at 6:30pm in the Parlor. Information regarding the dinner and program will be shared by . Guest are welcome. Contact: Mary Ann Allison, allison13@mindspring.com or RUTH CIRCLE: Thursday, December 12th, 11:00 am Bring a sack lunch. WOMEN S BOOK CLUB: Monday, December 16 th at 1:00pm in the Parlor. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Windspear (Maisie Dobbs, book 2). WITTY KNITTERS: Monday, December 9th, 1:30pm in the Parlor. We will knit and crochet prayer shawls. THE DECEMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING will be held on Monday, January 6 at noon at Millcreek Grill and Bar. THE JANUARY GENERAL MEETING will be Thursday, January 9 th (note date change!) at noon. It will be a potluck luncheon. Our program will be a memorial service for our UMW members who passed away in 2013, Installation of Officers, and honoring our own Ruth Circle members. Childcare provided with RSVP. CHURCH WOMEN UNITED ADVENT SERVICE AND TEA Friday, December 6th, 1:00 p.m. Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 East Vine (6100 South) Worship will be lead by Rev. Tom Abbott For Community Outreach please bring Hats, Scarves, and Gloves for Men, Women, and Children To be distributed to Crossroads and the Bountiful Food Pantry Make a note and plan to attend CWU s Annual Meeting, Friday, January 24, 2014

4 Page 4 Children s Ministries Children s Christmas Pageant The Christmas Story Our annual Children s Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 8 th at the 10:30 am worship service. This wonderful program will include all of our children ages 3 years through 6 th grade. Our only rehearsal will be Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 11:30 am in the sanctuary and will include a light lunch. If you would like to help with organizing the program, costumes or providing lunch for the children after rehearsal, please contact Vanitta Conrad, Director of Children s Ministries. Advent Celebration and Potluck Join us on Sunday, December 8 th (after the children s program) for a potluck lunch and fun activities as we celebrate the Advent season. This event will be an opportunity for children of all ages to join together in remembering and celebrating Jesus birth! Please bring a dish to share that serves 10 to 12 people, and spend some relaxing time with your church friends. There may even be a special visit from a jolly, bearded guest! Holiday Programming Schedule There will be no Children s Church or Sunday School for children and youth on December 29 th to allow our teachers to enjoy the holidays. Regular programming will resume on Sunday, January 5 th. Your children are always welcome to join you in worship. Sunday Mornings at CUMC for Kids! We have lots of options for your children at CUMC. At each worship service there is a children s time early in the service where all children are invited to join our pastor up front for a sharing moment. Afterwards the children are escorted off to their special programming. At 9:00 am Praise Mountain Children s Church in room 201 (A special time of music, learning and fun for ages 3 years 6 th grade) At 10:30 am Buzz Sunday School for ages 3 & 4 years in room 103 Miracle Mountain Sunday School for ages Kindergarten 6 th grade that begins in room 201. (A rotational format where children experience the Bible story in different stations each week.) At 11:30 am Chorister s Children s Choir for ages Kindergarten 6 th grade in the Chapel (Room 100) Nursery care is available for ages 0-2+ years in room 102 from 8:45 am to 11:30 am. Please pick up your children promptly after each worship service. Vanitta Conrad, DCE, ext. 12 or Vanitta.conrad@gmail.com.

5 Page 5 Adult Education Opportunities Choose one that s right for you! Sundays Mornings Life & Times Class - Embracing an Adult Faith: Author and Bible scholar Marcus Borg invites us to join him in revisiting Christianity s most fundamental questions: Who is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in contemporary Christian faith? In this five-session, faith-formation resource, participants enjoy the rare privilege of witnessing Marcus in dialogue with a small, diverse group of adults as they honestly and sometimes painfully confront the big questions and work together toward authentic answers. (Room 101 at 9:00 am) Wesleyan Class - Zealot - the Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. Reza Aslan is a highly acclaimed writer and scholar of religion, who has devoted his life to studying the Bible and the historical references and writings of that time. This fascinating book looks carefully at Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was full of conviction and passion, and was a politically conscious revolutionary in an era of apocalyptic fervor, in contrast to Jesus the Christ who has been depicted in Christianity as a peaceful spiritual leader. It gives a fresh perspective on one of the greatest stories ever told even as it affirms the radical and transformative nature of Jesus of Nazareth s life and mission. We welcome you to join us. (Parlor at 9:00 am) Bible Exploration - The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus' crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. (Room 207 at 9:00 am) Sunday Evenings Weekdays Spirits & Spirituality A fun social group exploring interesting topics for men, meeting monthly usually on a Sunday evening. Next meeting Sunday, December 15 th. We ll be holding our annual White Elephant gift exchange. Contact Paul Conrad at pconradgo@gmail.com for more information or to be added to the e- mail list. Bagel Boys Enjoy great conversation about men s faith journeys over bagels and coffee. (Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am Parlor) Wednesday Morning Study Group Join us for an Advent study as we prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. All are welcome. Wednesdays, 9:00 am in the Parlor. Call Kitty Borrowman with questions. Yoga Refresh your body, mind and spirit. (Thursdays at 4:30 Room 101)

6 Page 6 United Methodists are invited to sustain the spirit of Thanksgiving into the Advent season. For one day only, on December 3rd, as part of UMC #GivingTuesday, gifts made online to any project through The Advance will be matched. With the Giving Tuesday initiative and matching funds, we have extra incentive to remember what the Advent season really means and to redirect some of our retail-shopping money to a better purpose. says Marie Kuch, Chair of the Communication and Development committee of Global Ministries. 100% of each gift supports the project designated by the donor. For more information, please check out the website, or speak to someone on the Missions Committee. Thank you to the Stewardship Committee! Each of you has all served with great patience, grace, humor and creativity. You have taught me much, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of you. Thank you to Jean and Pat! You are Pastors without equal, willing to take a crazy idea and turn it into the most fun stewardship campaign any of us can remember. But most of all, Thank You to the Congregation! Your generosity is humbling. Thank you to everyone who turned in a pledge card this year, especially to those who agreed to increase your giving for Your gifts will change the world! Nanci Snow Bockelie, Co-Chair, Stewardship Committee October Giving Pledge Budget YTD $ 455,417 Pledges Received YTD $ 420,454 Percentage of pledge 92% Revenue YTD $ 576,871 Expenses YTD $ 626,321 Deficit/Surplus YTD $ (49,450) October Mortgage Payment $ 14,544 October Mortgage Pledges Received $ 8,462 End of Year Donations All contributions to CUMC for 2013 need to be turned in to the office by Sunday, December 29 th at Noon. Mailed contributions need to be postmarked by Saturday, December 28 th. Electronic donations on our website ( need to be made by Friday, December 27th. If you have questions for Vanitta Conrad, our financial secretary, please contact her before December 23rd ext. 12 or Vanitta.conrad@gmail.com. Thank you for your generous support of Christ UMC, our missions and programs.

7 Page 7 CHRISTMAS BACKPACK PROJECT 2013 Sandwich Service Project. December: The Williams Family January: Camping Group Please remember that your donations for the HYRC Backpack by Wednesday, December 11th at CUMC, and no later than Friday, December 13 th at the Center (655 South State Street). For the list of requested items, please see our website or the November Connection. Give the Gift of Warmth: The Snowmen and the Mitten Tree will be available for your donations of gloves as well as hats, scarves and warm socks for children and adults FOOD OF THE MONTH: CANNED FRUIT CLOTHING OF THE MONTH: MEN'S AND BOY'S PANTS MISC. ITEM: RAZORS If you ordered a Christmas wreath, they will be available for pick-up on Sunday, December 1 st. Thank you for your support of this UMW fundraiser. All monies will be used for mission projects for women and children. Did you know that Family Promise is celebrating 25 years of service to homeless families in the United States? Nationally Family Promise has served over 500,000 homeless men, women and children over the past 25 years. We are so fortunate to be able to have this opportunity has a congregation to participate in this service. Our next hosting at CUMC will be December There are many easy ways to serve! Check out the sign-up board at coffee hour. For questions or to sign up contact Gina Williams ( , chuckgina1@comcast.net). Or Paula Vernon, paularunner@comcast.net Just as the Magi brought their gifts so long ago, we bring our gifts to support the mission of Christ. In remembrance of the story of a bare, lifeless tree made beautiful in the forest by the gifts of love brought by the villagers who passed by it, so a bare tree outside the narthex will once again be transformed into a thing of beauty by the loving gifts of our congregation. With your help, this bare tree will be transformed into an ENCHANTED TREE for Jesus Christ. SAVE THE DATE... FOR OUR NEXT BLOOD DRIVE BY RED CROSS Tuesday, March 18, p.m. PLEASE COMMIT EARLY by signing up with Phyllis Hunt at stevephyllispat@gmail.com or The Mission Work Area has chosen four mission projects for you to consider to receive your gift. These projects are listed below. 1. CUMC GOOD SAMARITAN FUND. 2. CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER EMERGENCY FUND. 3. UMCOR WEST DEPOT IN SALT LAKE CITY. 4. IMAGINE NO MALARIA (previously - Nothing but Nets), 5. OTHER. If you prefer, you may write-in a project of your choice. For more information about any of these projects, please check out our website. Please indicate on the forms found by the tree if you would like for your gift to honor or memorialize someone.

8 Page 8 Joys, Concerns and Thanks Deepest Condolences to Doris Fagley and her family and the friends of Bob Fagley on his death Sunday, November 3rd. Congratulations to Jason, Haley, and Hunter Hodges on the birth of their son and brother, Jackson Lee, October 30th. He weighed 8lbs 6.6 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing well, and Hunter is very excited to be a big brother. Thank you to our church family for the prayers, thoughts, and warm expressions extended to us during the recent illness and passing of my mother, Betty Lengyel. We are very grateful for the extraordinary service of Pastor Pat and Pastor Jean during this time. And there are not enough words to express our appreciation for the love, fellowship, and comfort that my mom received from the Stephens Ministry. God bless you all Frank, Joan, and Andrew Lengyel Just dropping a note to say THANK YOU to all the wonderful folks at CUMC who donated badly needed WINTER COATS to Crossroads!!!! They all went out as soon as they got here!!!!! Thank you again!!!!!!!!! KC Stephen Ministry Prayer Corner Christmas Prayer May the spirit of giving, Go on thru the year, Bringing love, laughter, Hope and good cheer, Gifts wrapped with charity, Joy, peace and grace, Ribboned with happiness, A tender embrace. Norma Woodbridge Parking at Christ Church Please take care when pulling into the parking lot at CUMC. When approaching from the West, consider entering from 3225 South on the north side of the building, instead of crossing the double yellow line on 3300 South, to avoid the danger of getting hit from oncoming traffic, or from behind by cars not expecting you to stop. Overflow parking is available in the mortuary lot, just West of the church and across 3300 South in the ball field parking lot. We listened, and there are now more handicap parking spaces for Sunday mornings! Please remember, it is now the season of possible slippery conditions! Please use extreme caution when entering the parking lot and building when ice may be present. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 12 noon A Service of Holy Communion 5:00pm Children & Family Service A lively, fun and interactive service especially perfect for young children and the young at heart! Choristers children s choir will sing 7:00pm A Service of Special Music and Candlelight with the Herriman High School Singers 9:00pm Stories, Carols and Candlelight with appraiseation and the Chancel Choir 11:00pm Stories, Carols and Candlelight with the Wesley Bell Ringers

9 Page 9 The Hanging of the Greens (a.k.a. Decorating the Church for Christmas) Sunday, December 1 at 11:30am Lunch is provided, and all ages are welcome! We ll put up Christmas trees, hang the garland, and string lights to create A Season of Joy and Light. The Stories Behind the Carols Sunday, December 8 at 8:00am in the Chapel Join Rick McClure (8am worship musician) for a journey through some of our favorite carols of the season. Each carol has a special story and Rick is a wonderful storyteller! A Quiet Christmas Sunday, December 15 at 6:30pm A meditative worship service for anyone seeking peace of mind, heart and spirit this holiday season. You ll have the chance to request and receive prayers and to remember those who have passed away, those who are grieving, and those for whom life is a struggle. Please join Pastors Jean & Pat for this special time of worship. All-Church Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 21 at 3:00pm Join us as we carol to our church members who are in nursing homes, or unable to leave their own homes, or those who have just had a really tough year. Our care and compassion will bless them and bless each one of us as we let them know they are not forgotten. We ll sing, then return to church for a soup supper. Soup and drink provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Annual Charge Conference Sunday, December 15 at 11:30am (Room 101) It s a United Methodist thing. The District Superintendent comes to visit, and we report on the accomplishments of the past year and set goals for the coming year. District Superintendent, Rev. Sione Tukutau, will preach at the 10:30am worship service, then conduct the meeting immediately after the service. Snacks will be served so we can all keep our energy up! All congregation members are invited to attend.

10 Page 10 YOUTH NEWS!!! We are sorry to announce that Jesslyn Popwell has resigned as Youth Director to concentrate on her pre-medical studies and her full-time work. We are grateful for her work among us, and wish her well in all her endeavors. Pastor Jean and Patsy Simons will be covering the Youth Director responsibilities for the next few weeks. Sunday, December 11:30am: Come DECORATE THE CHURCH for the Christmas season! Lunch is provided, and we ll have a great time joining other church folks for this fun project. No Evening Youth Group. Sunday, December 11:30am: SHOPPING FOR ANGEL TREE KIDS. Meet in the Youth Room to divide into teams for shopping. This is a project where we provide Christmas gifts for children who have one or both parents who are in jail. Bring whatever $$ (your own $$, that is) that you re willing to donate Sunday, December 11:30am: ANGEL TREE PARTY The Angel Tree kids come to the church and we throw them a party! While the kids are playing games with you, their parents put their surprise gifts in their cars for the kids to receive on Christmas. Saturday, December 3:00pm: CHRISTMAS CAROLING We ll sing to church members who are in nursing homes, or who have had a really hard year. We ll return to the church for a soup supper, and you ll have plenty of time to prepare for the WBR concert if you re in bells. Bring a friend or two or several NO Youth Group on Sunday, December 22. New Year s Party at Dablings House on December 29 at 6:00pm 5119 S Wander Lane If you have questions on any youth stuff, please contact Pastor Jean pastorjean.christumc.slc@gmail.com or Patsy Simons psimons1@live.com Thank you to everyone who supported our Pumpkin Bread Fundraiser!

11 Page 11 The Joy of Giving 2013 A Soul Gathering Event The United Methodist Committee on Relief West Office (UMCOR West) cordially invites you to participate in the first annual Joy of Giving holiday weekend on December This three day event is designed to help reclaim Christmas in a time when this sacred season has been pushed to the side by materialism. The real meaning of Christmas is God s gift to us in the person of Jesus the Christ. Our faithful response to Jesus is to give back in gratitude by serving the people Jesus called us to serve. This year we are asking that you give back to God by supporting the following organizations: UMCOR West, Crossroads Urban Center, Family Promise, and Homeless Youth Resource Center. Four Christmas trees have been placed inside the UMCOR West warehouse representing our four non-profit organizations. You are encouraged to bring items of need and to place them under/on one or all of the trees at anytime during our three day celebration. Some suggestions for your gifts are: *UMCOR West: Supplies for School Kits, Health Kits, and Layette Kits. These items can be found at UMCOR.org. *Crossraods Urban Center: Non-perishable foods, new and gently used clothing. *Family Promise: New pillows / blankets. *Homeless Youth Resource Center: New socks, underwear, and personal hygiene products. Of course you are more than welcome to offer a financial gift to any of these organizations if you prefer. If you bring your gifts on Dec 13 th please come between 6-9pm. A performance stage has been assembled and any are welcome to share their talent with us through song, dance, etc. On Saturday the 14 th we will be open from noon to 8pm and again you are invited to share your talents on stage. On Sunday the 15 th at 6pm we will be having our regularly scheduled S.O.U.L. Gathering Worship Service to close the weekend festivities. The Christmas trees will remain up at UMCOR West until January 6 th which is the feast of the Epiphany. Feel free to drop by during normal business hours to offer your gift and to learn more about UMCOR West and other mission opportunities in the valley. For more information please call Maika Tukuafu at or by at maikatukuafu@gmail.com.

12 2375 East 3300 South Salt Lake City, Utah Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Salt Lake City, UT ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED December 2013 Issue Published Monthly Coffee Hour Hosts, mark your calendars! December 1 Missions Committee 8 Life and Times Sunday School Class 15 Church & Society 22 Worship Committee 29 TBA Christ United Methodist Church,CUMC Salt Lake Inside this Edition of the Connection: Journeys with Jean Page 1 Upcoming Worship Silver Tea 2 Season of Joy and Light Schedule United Methodist Women 3 Church Women United Crafter s Club Children s Ministries 4 Join The Wesley Bell Ringers for Christmas at Christ Church. Please note the addition of a matinee concert, especially for those that do not like to drive at night during the winter. Saturday, Dec 7:30 PM Sunday, Dec 4:00 PM Sunday, Dec 7:30 PM Tuesday, Dec 11:00 PM - Christmas Eve Worship Service Adult Study 5 UMC Giving Day 6 Stewardship Corner Year End Giving Outreach and Community 7 Joys, Concerns and Thanks 8 Stephen Ministry Prayer Parking Notes Christmas Eve Schedule Season of Joy and Light Details 9 Charge Conference Youth News 10 Poinsettia Order Form 11 UMCOR Event Coffee Hour Hosts WBR Concerts 12 Page 12