Wesley United Methodist Church Mission Statement:

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1 December 2017 December is finally here, and with it comes a season filled with fellowship, family, and friends. I have always loved the way Advent and Christmas just feel so joyful and celebratory! Our homes and even our churches are filled with garland, wreaths, poinsettias, lights, ornaments, and trees. And as these decorations fill our gathering spaces, there is a general feeling of warmth that comes with them. The other thing that happens in the Christmas season is a sense of expectation as we wait for Christmas to finally get here. On the commercial side of things, many kids end up having a countdown for Santa s arrival. In fact, nowadays, there are even apps that track where Santa is on his present-delivering journey. Before the days of social media, I remember having a chocolate filled Advent calendar to open every day as my sister and I anxiously awaited Christmas Day s arrival. Even though it might look different, we have this same thing in the church. Each year we remember the journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem as they prepared for Jesus birth. Each year we also have an Advent Wreath that reminds us of different parts of the Christmas story, all while celebrating the many attributes of Christ, namely: hope, love, joy, and peace. I don t know about you, but I think a lot of us are coming into Advent this year needing to have our sense of hope, joy, peace, and love restored. It seems like three days can t pass without something new and devastating filling our news headlines. My prayer as we enter into Advent this year is that it would be a time for us to collectively slow down and re-center ourselves. I pray that we can all come together to be reminded that the coming of Christ to live among us on earth transforms everything. May we cling tightly to the hope, love, and joy that comes with the Christmas season, and may that bring all of us an overwhelming peace that passes all understanding. Blessings,

2 Wesley United Methodist Church Mission Statement: Come join Pastor Sarah from noon to 1:00PM in the Conference Room on Tuesdays. We discuss a variety of themes and topics, but there is always rich discussion. All are welcome and we would love to have you join us! Celebrating God! Growing in Faith! Changing the World! Pastor Sarah Kiviniemi McIntosh 826 NW 23rd Avenue Gainesville, FL Office: Fax: We are on Facebook!!! Pastor s PastorSarah@wumc.cfcoxmail.com Secretary s Terri Manche secretary@wumc.cfcoxmail.com Witness Articles Sharren Gibbs sharren2@cox.net Deadline for articles: 15th of each month Website: Weekly Sunday Activities Sunday School Adult 9:30AM 10:45AM 10:45AM (Sanctuary)

3 Barbara Baldwin Agnes Burke Carolyn Clarke Joan Croft Betty Dees Marion Holder Helen Martin Pam McCormick Barb Loehr Beth Loehr-Moody Clydia Reichert Beth Senn Margaret Singh Kim Sugar Polly Teele Lester Wigglesworth Jr George Winburn Clarence Witt On November 6th the Women s Bible Study completed their recent Kelly Minter study of Nehemiah. We spent seven wonderful weeks investigating the things that surround us and identifying those things that break our hearts. The study gave us a view of Nehemiah and his compassionate heart a heart that was broken so deeply for Jerusalem and the Jewish people. When God placed a desire in Nehemiah s heart to help restore the people s suffering hearts and rebuild the wall that surrounded the city, Nehemiah left his very comfortable life as the king s cupbearer and answered God s call. We saw how God used Nehemiah s breaking heart to restore the broken. And that is the question we have to ask and answer does my heart break over the suffering of others or only things that affect me personally? Nehemiah definitely had a heart that broke for others but will our response be with a Nehemiah heart or a cold heart when God places a desire in our hearts? The other question we must answer is What is the desire God has placed on my heart to do today? Please join us for the next Women s Bible Study as we continue to share God s Word in building our faith journey together. Blessings, Sandy Miller

4 SUNDAY SCHEDULE Small Group Classes 9:30AM Children s Church 10:45AM Worship Service 10:45AM WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE Committee Meetings 6:00PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM December 2017 WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 826 Northwest 23rd Avenue Gainesville, Florida Pastor Sarah Kiviniemi McIntosh Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 Communion Sunday Hanging of the Green Family Promise Week 10 2nd Sunday of Advent 6:00PM Sisters in Faith Weseman s 17 3rd Sunday of Advent Christmas Cantata 3:00PM Open House at the Parsonage 24 4th Sunday of Advent 7:000PM Christmas Eve Service 31 Penny March Noon Pastor s Class 6:30PM Nightingales Noon Pastor s Class 10:00AM Morning Stars Noon Pastor s Class No Pastor s Class 6 2:30PM Wesley Whittlers 6:00PM SPRC 13 11:30AM DAR Luncheon 5:30 PM WWS 6:30 PM Money Counters meeting 20 2:30PM Wesley Whittlers 27 2:30PM Wesley Whittlers 7 Noon Card Club 14 Noon Card Club 21 Noon Card Club 28 Noon Card Club 8 YAHs 11:30AM Christmas Covered dish Weseman s RSVP by 12/ Office Closed

5 THE SALVATION ARMY We have big and busy plans for missions in December. In addition to our work with Family Promise we will collect both food and monetary donations for the Salvation Army. Our efforts to assist Gainesville Community Ministries in November were very successful and much appreciated. We want to try and do as well for Salvation Army. You may bring non-perishable items and leave them in the narthex. You may also leave any donations in an envelope marked Salvation Army in the collections plate any Sunday. There are so many in need and working with organizations like Salvation Army we can feed many of the flock! Another great way to help those in need is to participate in Wesley s White Christmas Event (or Tightie Whities if you prefer)! We will collect tee-shirts, underwear, and socks for men, women, and children of all ages. These items need to be new and in the original packaging. There will be a container in the narthex for these items. You may also bring them to the Christmas Eve worship service. Look for the red bags in the Narthex...they are for food stuffs for the Salvation Army. And the Angel Basket is out for the White Christmas project or as I prefer...the Tightie Whities. We need socks and underwear for adults as well as children and no, they do not have to all be white! May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year

6 You all are wonderful stewards of our community. Your generosity is amazing! Thank you! The BoGo Basket: We delivered 90 pounds of nonperishable food items to Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. Blessing Bags: We filled 24 Blessing Bags in mid November. I had planned on that being for November and December; however, you all took them so quickly that another 12 were needed. Samaritan's Purse/Project Christmas Child: You all filled 48 boxes that were delivered in mid-november to the drop off point. Thank you to the Manascos for delivering them for us! Gainesville Community Ministry: $90 in gift cards and 100 pounds of food items were delivered to GCM Thanksgiving week. Thank you to the Smith Family for helping load it into my car! Snacks for Our Neighborhood Friends: Each month goodies are delivered to our seven school centers as well as the Gainesville Police Department and Fire Station #5. I was notified the box for Finley was already empty by the afternoon of the delivery! Thank you to our dough suppliers, (Edgar and June Voyles) our bakers (Paula Mathis, Donna Dotts, Denise Pompili, Janis Bishop, Jan Ripley, Kitty Manasco, and Cindy Holmes) and our delivery team. Refreshments in the Narthex: We continue to have cookies or muffins and water available before and after services each Sunday. Becky Knight loves getting to greet everyone! Metcalfe Elementary: I delivered the last of the backpacks you all donated, for a total of 80! I am hearing such positive feedback from both our mentors (Linda Baldwin, Diane Blucher, Sharren Gibbs, Cindy Holmes, and Nancy Slaydon) and from the school staff. Mentors are so enjoying working with the students. And every time I go in, someone stops me to say how much they appreciate the help! Jackets/Costa: As the cooler weather arrives, we will collect clean and in-goodshape jackets and coats for those at Grace Marketplace. Look for the green boxes! Paula Mathis will deliver these during the month for us. The Birthday Bag: Thank you to Jan Ripley for getting us going with a new project. The collection box is already set up in the Narthex for parts...boxed cake mix, cans of icing, candles, balloons, 9 13 inch disposable aluminum pans, and festive bags...or the whole package. After the first of the year these will go to Metcalf students as well as clients at the Serenity Center. I have so enjoyed working with our Missions Ministry these last three years. Our various missions ideas have come from you, the congregation. I just have to write it up for the Witness! But it s time for some new blood, so in January, Nancy Case gets to assume that responsibility. Thank you for being such a caring and generous congregation. Thanks for all you do! Cindy Holmes and Nancy Slaydon

7 The Board of Trustees continues to serve WUMC with the sacred responsibility to keep God s house in order and oversee all related facilities. Crosier & Son Roofing has repaired the roof leaks in the kitchen area of Fellowship Hall and in both central hallway bathrooms. This damage caused by Hurricane Irma has been reported to the North Central District Office and we await a response from them. Also, many thanks to Dale Smith for replacing the damaged ceiling tiles in the kitchen area. The toilet in the hallway bathroom in the classroom wing has been repaired and all damaged parts replaced. The damage occurred during September s Family Promise session with a total repair cost of $ Family Promise has been made aware of the situation but as yet, no reimbursement has been made to WUMC. Also, the lock on the back door of the Youth House has been repaired so it now functions properly. Two budget requests from the Trustees for the budget were approved by the Finance Committee for $3, for the Trustees budget and $2, for the Lawn Service. There was no increase in either request for the budget. The Veterans requested the use of the parking lot on Nov. 10 th for a plant sale. The request was approved and supported by the Trustees. Crosier & Son Roofing Company has given us an approximate date for replacement of the sanctuary roof to begin in late November or early December. Sandy Miller, Chair Surprise! The roofing crew hard at work on Monday morning, November 27th. Who knew?

8 Our last Family Promise week will be December 3rd 10th. Please see Nancy Slaydon to sign up for the 5:00 7:00 PM or 7:00 9:00 PM shifts. We always appreciate overnighters as well! Because we have had some facility problems (primarily plumbing and availability of shower facilities), we have decided to withdraw Wesley from being a host church for the Family Promise program moving forward. Hopefully we will be able to serve as support for other churches in the future. We will certainly miss that closeness we have felt with our support churches...bartley Temple UMC, Greater Liberty Hill UMC, Mt. Nebo UMC, Mt. Pleasant UMC, and Abiding Faith Christian Church. Nancy Slaydon and Cindy Holmes Carolyn Clarke wanted so much to put a little squib in the newsletter about musical events during the Advent season, but, alas, she just did not have enough time and/or energy to gather her thoughts. She wanted to mention our "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain" (December 3rd) as a reminder for us to keep on telling the Good News; and to enjoy joining our forebears (early Americans, who seem primitive to us in their sense of joy at the coming of the Lord) with "I Hear the Prophet Callin on December 10th. The cantata, Shout the Good News! on Sunday, December 17th, is another wonderful opportunity to sing and celebrate the birth of the Lord, and of course we will hold our beautiful candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Please join the choir and your Wesley family for these cherished events. Wesley Whittlers meet in the fellowship hall on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. This is not just for veterans anyone can come and learn this fascinating craft! Pastor Sarah has shown us the acorn and comfort bird she carved. Several veterans have begun attending church here, which means an increase in transportation needs. Danny Aguila

9 Well, 2017 is coming to a close. I hope everyone will be enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. We will meet after church on Sunday, December 3rd, for a quick meeting to review and vote on our 2018 budget. Saturday, January 27th, will be the district Leadership and Officer Training at Dunnellon UMC. Anyone can attend. If you are filling a position that you would like to learn more about, this is a great opportunity. Please mark your calendars! We have not organized a carpool yet, but we can make arrangements to meet before leaving Gainesville. We are in the process of updating our yearbook for Please submit any changes in your circles if you have not done so already. Thank you to those who have updated their information. Ladies of the church this is a great time to visit our circle meetings if you are interested in learning more about UMW. Thank you to everyone for your love and commitment to a ministry that focuses on women and children. I am proud to work with all of you and I think we do a lot in our unit. You are loving, creative, and always supportive. I love Wesley!!! ALACHUA GIRLS' ACADEMY We delivered 27 tote bags to the academy in October. We are still collecting fun items for our December-themed goody bags Christmas love. You can drop off any goodies you have to the church office until December 15th. Thank you, Wesley, for supporting this mission. Again, thank you to UMW for your generous financial contribution that allowed for really nice gifts in October and December. Blessings, Joyce Welsh

10 We continue to meet and eat, this month on December 8th at 11:30 for our Christmas covered dish luncheon at the Weseman's. Please bring paper goods so we can share with those in need. RSVP to Donna by December 3rd. Blessings, ~Donna The YAHs met at the Weseman home for a covered dish dinner of our favorite recipes to celebrate Thanksgiving. Around the table from the left: June, Joan, Denise, Sandy, Sharren, Jane, Jim, Donna, Paula, Cindy, Linda, Becky, and Helen. Thank you again and always, dear Wesley Family, for your wonderful caring responses to my October 8th fall. Your visits, calls, cards and prayers have meant so much to me! I hope to be back with you soon and to join in with my Choir Buddies! Love you!!! Barb Loehr To cut down on the cost of printing in color and postage, we send out the Witness each month via . Be sure we have your correct address please contact the church office either by phone ( )or at secretary@wumc.cfcoxmail.com) We also make several copies to put in the narthex each month for visitors and those who would rather pick them up on Sunday mornings. If we need additional copies, please let the church office know.

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12 As many of you heard, Chris Blake spoke recently about safety in our church in view of the recent attacks on churches around the country. It is NOT our desire to lock out anyone who wants to attend a worship service, but we find we MUST be prepared for the possibility of a horrible event at our beloved church. Recently the North Central District office sent out some guidelines for churches a slightly edited version is printed herein: Church Safety Resources & Firearm Information The Florida Conference has a long-standing commitment to safety, and considers the care of God s people to be of utmost importance. As such, we want all of our churches to be prepared for any crisis situation that may arise on their campuses. Below are resources recommended by the Ministry Protection Department: The Department of Homeland Security s website has a wealth of information, including fact sheets that can be downloaded and printed, and training videos. The Department of Homeland Security s Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship. Redacted Security Assessment Reports (SAR) performed on a pilot group of Florida Conference churches by a global security firm. The randomly selected pilot group included a cross-section of churches within the Conference, i.e. a large, urban church, a large, suburban church, a small urban church, etc. The SARs include specific assessments related to all levels of security in our churches and a helpful checklist that would be beneficial to all churches. The SAR that most closely matches your church will be made available upon request from the Ministry Protection Department (hmitchell@flumc.org). Firearm Information While the Book of Discipline does not address the matter of guns in church, and the Conference does not mandate an official policy, the 2016 United Methodist Book of Resolutions Number 3428, paragraph 7 calls on congregations to display signs that prohibit carrying guns onto church property. The following information relates to weapons and conduct as contained in Florida statutes: It is unlawful in Florida to carry a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device on one s person without a license, except in one s own home or place of business. F.S and F.S (3) Provisions concerning guns in the workplace can be found in F.S Please consult with your church attorney regarding specific requirements contained in these laws and how they apply to your church.

13 The Women s Retreats are designed to provide women a time to intentionally come away from the responsibilities of their home, children, families, and jobs; to set their feet on holy ground; and to meet Jesus Christ face to face. Come and join us at one of our weekends held annually at the Life Enrichment Center on the shores of beautiful Lake Griffin in Fruitland Park. Donna Weseman says she plans to attend the February conference why don t you join her? February 16-18, 2018: Keynote: Rev. Geraldine McClellan Bible Study Leader: Sarah Baldridge Music Leader: Cindy Cleveland Devotions: Kim Fisackerly, Suzanne Raines March 9-11, 2018: Keynote: Vidalis Lopez Bible Study Leader: Diane Gutierrez Music Leader: Casey Culbreth Devotions: Cynthia Ulrich, Mary Best Registration is online at and will begin Tuesday, November 1, :00 am. Retreat cost: LEC $ (Double Occupancy) Commuter w/meals $ Commuter no meals $90.00 Campground w/meals & own RV $ Campground no meals & own RV $110.00

14 L-R: Leisa Wiseman, Linda Baldwin, Donna Weseman, and Barbara Cleveland

15 WESLEY WEDNESDAY SUPPER Our next Wesley Wednesday supper is our annual Christmas Dinner on December 13th at 5:30PM! Whether you are on the permanent attendee list or not, if you plan to attend please call the office by Monday, 12/11. We need a very close head count for this special dinner! We really hope that more people will come out and enjoy this fellowship with your church family! You won t want to miss the yummy holiday treats we have in store for you!! Donna Sharren Gibbs, Linda Smith, Barbara Cleveland, and Linda Baldwin make corn bread dressing for the Christmas Dinner. Behind the camera is the ever-present Donna Weseman, our Queen of all things kitchen. We couldn t do it without her! We know you will enjoy the fruits of our labors!

16 December Meetings 12/6 6:00PM SPRC 12/13 6:30PM Money Counters Meeting December Birthdays 1 st Cathy Clarke 2 nd Jason Dotts 3 rd Leisa Baldwin 6 th Kevin Hales Billy Reeves 9 th Pamela Christensen 10 th Marilyn Browning 13 th Jason Yaxley 19 th Sherry Adams 27 th Carolyn Clarke 28 th Betty Holder 29 th Leonard Giddeon December Anniversaries 11 th Pamela & Harley Christensen 18 th Kitty & Skip Manasco 20 th Susie & Danny Aguila FUN AND GAMES Join the Canasta card club at Wesley United Methodist Church! Have fun and meet great people! Invite family and friends, the more the merrier! When: Thursdays, 12:00 Noon (except holidays) Where: Wesley United Methodist Church 826 Northwest 23rd Avenue Fellowship Hall Call Harley or Pamela Christensen at for information. We have wonderful members waiting to teach you Hand and Foot Canasta! Card Club Guidelines Bring a sack lunch and beverage if you wish. Please arrive on time if possible. Please help clean up after the games end. Please give us your address and phone number in case of scheduling changes. A sign-up sheet will be passed for volunteers to come at 11:30AM to set up and make coffee.