Heartbeat. news FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW HARTFORD DECEMBER 2018

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Heartbeat news FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW HARTFORD DECEMBER 2018 A GREAT EXPECTATION Are you expecting something this Christmas? Presents? Visits? Jesus born anew in your heart?

1 Heartbeat news FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW HARTFORD DECEMBER 2018 A GREAT EXPECTATION Are you expecting something this Christmas? Presents? Visits? Jesus born anew in your heart? At First UMC we are expecting something too! Christmas Worship Dec 2 First Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec 4 Blue Christmas Our church is creating a renewed culture of expectation for all of God s people that we will know and accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ, that we will share this news with all people as Jesus told us to do, and grow the church into the God-sized dream that God is expecting for us right now. See, I am doing a new thing do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19) We are dreaming the dreams of the old and seeing the visions of the young (Joel 2:28) in the preferred future for God s church in this time and place. Let the anticipation build, the expectation stretch. We know the plans God has for us, to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Our great-big, amazing God expects great things. And so do we. 7 p.m., Chapel Dec 9 Second Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec 16 Third Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m., Worship for All Dec 24 Family Christmas Eve DECEMBER MESSAGE SERIES God With Us God brings us Hope, Love, Joy, Peace and Jesus Join in worship each Sunday and don t miss a single gift! Praise/Family-oriented 5 p.m. Dec 24 Classic Christmas Eve Music and Bells, 6:30 p.m. Worship/Communion, 7 p.m.

Grief: Suffering & Tears ~Deacon Becky John 11:35 Jesus wept. As the Christmas season moves closer and the activity level becomes hectic, there are some who feel they have little to celebrate.

2 Grief: Suffering & Tears ~Deacon Becky John 11:35 Jesus wept. As the Christmas season moves closer and the activity level becomes hectic, there are some who feel they have little to celebrate. Their tears are far more evident than their excitement for parties, Christmas trees, and shopping. Our scripture for this month is a reminder that the Christ child comes especially for those who are grieving. This verse is the shortest sentence in the Bible, yet holds great meaning. It is Jesus response as he comes to resurrect Lazarus from death. God s compassion is evident in this sentence as Jesus sheds tears for the suffering that he sees in Mary and Martha. The Creator of the world and its inhabitants made it all to be good and cries over those things that cause us and the earth to suffer. Jesus tears are a statement that God does not take our suffering lightly. God is sympathetic to our distress. On that day, Martha and Mary experienced not only the sympathy of their friend, Jesus, but the incarnate God Emmanuel. In his response to their suffering, Jesus reflects God s compassion. Their tears are gathered into God s heart and God replaces them with HOPE as Lazarus is freed from his bondage to death. In this season of the coming of Christ Emmanuel may you feel God s compassion for your suffering and may you find HOPE in the midst of tears.

News for All United Methodist Women Executive Committee Meets 3:30 p.m., Dec. 10 Naomi Ruth Circle 6 p.m., December 10 th Church Lounge All women are welcome.

For questions about Naomi Ruth Circle Debby Hayes 315-732-1276 Carole Gehrig 315-736-3708 For questions about Martha Esther Circle Peg Pinkham 315-768-3905 newyorkoma@roadrunner.

3 News for All United Methodist Women Executive Committee Meets 3:30 p.m., Dec. 10 Naomi Ruth Circle 6 p.m., December 10 th Church Lounge All women are welcome. Holiday meal & fellowship Program: Prayer Cards (Caring for each other) Bring unwrapped toys for children age 3-12 at The Neighborhood Center. For questions about Naomi Ruth Circle Debby Hayes Carole Gehrig For questions about Martha Esther Circle Peg Pinkham newyorkoma@roadrunner.com Blue Christmas A special service for those who have experienced a significant loss We are fast approaching the season of joy and good cheer. But, the season of celebration and merry-making can be a very difficult time for those who have experienced a significant loss. At First UMC: New Hartford, we recognize the need for a comforting place where God can offer peace in the midst of merrymaking. We invite you to come to a special Blue Christmas Service on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. Come and be reminded of why Jesus is Emmanuel God With Us. Martha Esther Circle Noon, December 9 th Church Lounge Program: Christmas-Themed Covered Dish Luncheon Devotions: Joyce Terpstra Hostess: Peg Pinkham RSVP to Peg by Dec. 6 for planning purposes. Proverbs 22:17 A merry heart does good like medicine JOY Ministry 66 cards/20 calls 7 visits/3 meals Deacon 20 Visits 4 Calls Visitation Team 21 Visits 4 Calls Christmas Cookie Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., December 8 This sale is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the church. Sign up in The Gathering Area to bake or help with the sale. All hands are needed to make this event a success. On your mark, get set, start your ovens! The United Methodist Quilters will display and sell their beautiful hand-made quilts during the Christmas Cookie Sale. New Worship Time The Xalt Praise Service will begin at 11 a.m. starting Dec. 2. The Classic Worship Service remains at 9 a.m. Coffee Hour remains from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The time change allows more time for worship music preparation and the Adult Sunday School class time. A special, combined 10:30 a.m. worship service is Dec. 23 only. Also Dec. 23, enjoy a delicious Christmas Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall from 9 to 10 a.m.

Mission & Outreach Christmas Mission Giving News The Operation Christmas Child mission was carried out on Nov. 11 th after the first and second services.

Thank you to all, especially the youth group who gave a big push, for box packing Sun., Nov. 4th.

4 Mission & Outreach Christmas Mission Giving News The Operation Christmas Child mission was carried out on Nov. 11 th after the first and second services. We had a total of 150 boxes with gifts, supplies and hygiene items completed for children all over the world to receive. The boxes were delivered to the collection center in Whitesboro. Thank you to all, especially the youth group who gave a big push, for box packing Sun., Nov. 4th. Our church Christmas giving mission this year is collecting items for four nursing homes in which members of our church are residents. Many of our seniors in nursing homes have only $50 per month to use for all of their needs. We would like to collect some of the extras that will brighten their day. Stop by the Mission and Outreach table for more information. Items will be collected at church until Dec. 23. Deacon Becky has provided a list. Items for residents in nursing homes (For a Christmas delivery) After speaking to Activities Directors and Chaplains, we ask for the following items which will be greatly received: Bingo prizes Stuffed animals Soft foods Activity books/puzzles Large Print books (i.e. Readers Digest) Magazine subscriptions Stationery and Pens Lap robes Tennis balls for walkers Bags to attach to walkers and wheelchairs Hygiene products (toothpaste, mouthwash toothbrushes, combs and brushes) Using this list as a guide, you may come up with a wonderful idea that residents would enjoy. These items will be given in bulk. The home will discern which residents would get the most enjoyment from them. Recipients are: LutheranCare, Presbyterian Home, Masonic Home, Sitrin, and Focus, where we have members in residence. Thank you for supporting this endeavor. For questions, contact Deacon Becky at or becky@firstumconline.org Welcome! Family Nursery School Begins a New Year Family Nursery School, a non-sectarian, private nursery school for children ages 2, 3, 4 and 5 not in Kindergarten, is off to a great start this past September. This school is housed within the First United Methodist Church building. We are pleased to have three excellent teachers returning to the program. There are still limited openings if you know of a child who would benefit from nursery school. The 3- and 4-year-old classes each have 1-2 spots available. The 2-year-old class is full but running a waiting list for a possible new session. A child s class is based on her or his birthdate. Call to enroll. Give the gift of education this Christmas Season and enroll now to start in January MOPS, a small group ministry for mothers, meets Fridays at the First United Methodist Church. Contact Amy Benson, , to find out about dates and how to get started.

TWO NEW STUDIES Go from Bah, Humbug! to a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance.

The Redemption of Scrooge shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in the words of the beloved Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

The story holds a special place in our cultural Christmas celebrations.

5 TWO NEW STUDIES Go from Bah, Humbug! to a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? The Redemption of Scrooge shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in the words of the beloved Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. TWO MORE NEW STUDIES Learning more about God s Greatest Gift Jesus The Nutcracker is a delightful, whimsical Christmas classic to which we look forward each year. The story holds a special place in our cultural Christmas celebrations. Explore The Gift of the Nutcracker to help understand God s greatest gift, the Christ child, and the kingdom Christ came to establish. Join Pastor Brad and Sue Jones for a brand-new Advent season Bible Study: 10 a.m., Nov. 25, or 7 p.m., Nov. 29, and continuing to meet throughout Advent. Join Deacon Becky and Pastor Brad for another new Advent season Bible Study: 6:30 p.m., Nov. 27, or 10:30 a.m., Nov. 28, and continuing to meet throughout Advent. Painting Party, Dec. 2, after Xalt Worship Help give our Children and Youth Ministry Area a brighter outlook with a fresh coat of paint, about 12:15 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2. Bring any painting supplies you may have and wear old clothes. Let s cover the patches in the wall and make the space look inviting and welcoming for our young people. Christmas Breakfast, Dec. 23, 9-10 a.m. All are welcome to eat and help set up, cook or clean up. There will be sign ups in The Gathering Area. For questions, see Christie Chesebro. Celebrate the final Sunday of Advent and invite friends and family members to join you for a hot breakfast and church at 10:30 a.m., following the breakfast.

6 CONNECT WITH YOUR CHURCH firstumconline.org Worship Sundays 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pastor Brad Chesebro - brad@firstumconline.org Deacon Becky Guthrie - becky@firstumconline.org Office Manager Carolee Roche - office@firstumconline.org Mission and Outreach Carol Bandych - cbptny@aol.com Linda Weatherup - lrwtoo@aol.com Music Ministry Hugh Jones - hugh.w.jones@gmail.com Kerri Cook - kbcook98@gmail.com Advent Studies THE REDEMPTION OF SCROOGE starts Sun., Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. during Adult Sunday School and also 7 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 29, and continuing throughout Advent. Is redemption possible for Ebenezer Scrooge a greedy, dark, and sad character? Don t be a Humbug! Join us as we learn how the teachings of Jesus are found in the classic story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER starts Wed. Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. in the Lounge and also 6:30 p.m., Tues., Nov. 27, and continuing throughout Advent. We will take a look at this Christmas classic through the lens of faith. Through this story, we will better understand God s greatest gift of the Christ child and the kingdom Christ came to build. All are welcome!

7 DECEMBER 2018 Dec. 1st Dec. 2nd Dec. 4 th Dec. 5 th 9am Fellowship, Faith & Fitness 10 am Bible Study 9 am Classic Worship 10 am Coffee Fellowship 10 am Adult Sunday School 11 am Xalt Praise Service 11 am Children s Church 12:15 pm Painting Party 10:30 am Quilter s Club 6:30 pm Men s Class 6:30 pm Nutcracker Bible Study 7 pm Blue Christmas 10:30 am Nutcracker Bible Study 6 pm Bell Choir Practice 7 pm Choir Practice Dec. 15 th Dec. 16 th Dec. 18 th Dec. 19 th Dec. 20 th 9am Fellowship, Faith & Fitness 9 am Classic Worship 10 am Coffee Fellowship 10 am Adult Sunday School 11 am Xalt Praise Service 11 am Children s Church 10:30 am Quilter s Club 6:30 pm Men s Class 6:30 pm Nutcracker Bible Study 10:30 am Nutcracker Bible Study 6 pm Bell Choir Practice 7 pm Choir Practice 7 pm Finance Committee Mtg 7 pm Scrooge Bible Study Dec. 6 th Dec. 7 th Dec. 8 th Dec. 9 th Dec. 10 th 7 pm Scrooge Bible Study 9:30 am MOPS 9 am-1 pm Christmas Cookie Sale 9 am-12 pm Quilter s Club Sale 9 am Classic Worship 10 am Coffee Fellowship 10 am Adult Sunday School 11 am Xalt Praise Service 11 am Children s Church Noon Martha Esther Circle 3:30 pm UMW Exec. Comm. 6 pm Naomi Ruth Circle 6:30 pm Men s Meeting Dec. 21 st Dec. 22 nd Dec. 23 rd Dec. 24 th Dec. 25 th 9:30 am MOPS 9am Fellowship, Faith & Fitness 9 am Christmas Breakfast 10:30 am All-Church Worship 10:30 am Children s Church 5 pm Christmas Eve Family Worship 6:30 pm Music and bells 7 pm Classic Worship (Candlelight and Communion) Christmas Day/Office Closed Dec. 11 th Dec. 12 th Dec. 13 th 10:30 am Quilter s Club 6:30 pm Men s Class 6:30 pm Nutcracker Bible Study 10:30 am Nutcracker Bible Study 6 pm Bell Choir Practice 7 pm Choir Practice 7 pm Scrooge Bible Study 7:30 pm Trustee Meeting Dec. 29 th Dec. 30 th 9am Fellowship, Faith & Fitness 9 am Classic Worship 10 am Coffee Fellowship 10 am Adult Sunday School 11 am Xalt Praise Service 11 am Children s Church

8 December Birthdays: Jeanine Servadio December 1 Roxanne Grzywacz December 3 Jean Bender December 4 Brad Chesebro December 9 Makayla Pape* December 11 Jack Elseth, Maureen Orton December 12 Leslie Bormann December 13 Katherine Bandych, Joseph Roche December 15 Joyce Wilbur December 19 Francesca Servadio* December 20 Millie Kennelty December 23 Carl Ciccarelli December 24 Carole Gehrig December 26 Paula Healy December 27 Blake Ford December 28 Anniversaries: Dave & Shannon Williams December 21 The following people are those who are on active duty or deployed in the military effort. Continued prayers are appreciated: Recruit Jesse Babicz (son of Carol Babicz) Capt. Elissa Adams (granddaughter of Roger & Beryl Griffith) Rev Dr. Keith Manry (friend of Carole Gehrig & Pastor Brad) Capt. Benjamin Adams (Elissa Adams husband) SSgt. Simon Miguel-Romero (friend of the Healy s) A.J. Knaul (friend of the Adsit family) Jon Huff (friend of Ryan Healy) MSG Sean Kurdziolek (grandson, Elizabeth Brewer) Captain Patricia Linck McEaney (friend of Patty Przyluke) PFC Keenan Marin (Grandson-In law of John And Prudy Smith) Captain Schuyler Van Buren (friend of Sue Bowley) SFC Brian Boyt (relative of Mike and Sue Timian) Tyrell Thompkins (son-in-law of Marge Wilcox Jones) UPCOMING EVENTS

news FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW HARTFORD NOVEMBER 2018

Heartbeat news FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW HARTFORD NOVEMBER 2018 Time to Give Thanks Because of God s goodness to us, we give thanks! Because God has blessed us with the ultimate gift, Forgiveness