The Poster is. Membership Survey to Begin. Join us for this year s Advent Study: NOT A SILENT NIGHT: MARY LOOKS BACK TO BETHLEHEM by Adam Hamilton

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1 FT. DES MOINES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The Poster November 2014 Membership Survey to Begin Here at Ft. Des Moines UMC attendance has been falling off over the last few years. We would like to find out if there is anything we can do to reverse this trend. Toward that end, a committee has been set up to check with all the members who are no longer coming to see if we can ascertain if there is a common thread that can be fixed. We will start with a phone call and see if they would like to have us visit and talk to them, or just answer a few questions over the phone. Those who do not feel comfortable discussing it will be sent a short survey along with a self-addressed stamped envelope that they can mail back anonymously. Hopefully this will give us insight into how we can better serve the membership of the church. THANK YOU!!! A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Thanksgiving Ingathering this year! We were able to put together 20 School Kits, 18 Birthing Kits, 20 Layettes and 20 Dorm Kits. The dollar value of these kits came to over $1, For a church this size, that is fantastic! A Special Thanks to Larry Hart for driving all the packed kits down to Greenfield again this year. We will take a few months off and then see if we can collect at least one more kit next year than we did this year. Join us for this year s Advent Study: NOT A SILENT NIGHT: MARY LOOKS BACK TO BETHLEHEM by Adam Hamilton Witness the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Mary Imagine Jesus from Mary s point-ofview proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection; travels back in time as she witnesses his life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a stable, Mary s beautiful baby. This year, experience Advent and Christmas with Mary. Chapters: 1. Beginning with the End 2. The Piercing of Mary s Soul 3. Amazed, Astounded, and Astonished 4. Mary, Full of Grace 5. It Was Not a Silent Night Advent Study times will be determined based on interest. Possible times are Tuesdays at 10:00 AM, Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 4:00 PM. Please let Pastor Kathy know of your interest and time preference. Books are $10.00 and can be paid for at the first session. The Poster is published monthly by Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church, 6205 SW 9th St, Des Moines Iowa To contact us, phone , fax , or to ftdsmumc@ qwestoffice.net Check us out on the web: Pastor Kathy s phone is INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor s Ponderings 2-3 You re Invited 3 Nov. Calendar 3-4 Dec. Calendar 4-5 UMC#GivingTuesda 5 Christmas Sharing 6 Prayer Corner 7 Poinsettia Order form on the insert Information for The Poster should be in the Church office by the 29th of the month prior to being published. Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Monday to Friday Sunday Worship 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion is the first Sunday of the month

2 Page 2 Another Thanksgiving is fast approaching; a reminder for us to stop and express our thanks to God for all the blessings we have received. As most of you know, I love singing, and I love the old hymns of the faith that I grew up with. If you asked me what songs I most associate with Thanksgiving, I would probably say We Gather Together, Come, Ye Thankful People, Come and Now Thank We All Our God. The words to those hymns were written so long ago that most of us don't really know the circumstances behind the writing of them. And while the songs certainly can have meaning for us even if we don t know the stories behind them, I think they become richer when we know what was going on in the life of the person that inspired the words they penned. Knowing those stories helps us to know that God has been acting in the lives of persons throughout history, and that God has brought people through all kinds of difficulties and tragedies. In some cases, it also can help us to know that it is possible to praise God not only when things are good, but even in the midst of the darkest times. An example of this is the hymn Now Thank We All Our God." Because it is such an upbeat expression of gratitude and praise, it is hard to imagine that its words were written during dark and tragic times. But, the song was written in the midst of the 30 Years War, which lasted from 1618 to The author of the words was Martin Rinkart, who was an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church. At the age of 31 he was called to be the pastor in his native town of Eilenberg, Germany. He arrived there just when the horrible bloodshed from the war was starting. Because Eilenberg was a walled city, it became a very overcrowded refuge for political and military fugitives. Several waves of pestilence and famine swept through the city throughout the war years, as various armies marched through the town, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The plague of 1637 was especially severe. At its height Rinkart was the only remaining minister in the city, and he often conducted as many as 40 to 50 funeral services a day. Yet in the midst of that kind of suffering, Rinkart wrote a total of 66 hymns, including "Now Thank We All Our God." In the first Pastor s Ponderings verse Rinkart expresses gratitude to God for God's "Countless gifts of Love." The second verse is a prayer for God's continued care and keeping. You get just a hint of the hardships that have been endured from the words, "Guide us when perplexed, and free us from all ills." The last verse is a doxology of praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, "The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore." Here are the words of Martin Rinkart s great hymn of gratitude in the midst of the worst life can offer: "Now Thank We All Our God" by Martin Rinkart) Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed; and free us from all ills, in this world and the next. All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven; the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. (continued on page 3)

3 Page 3 Pastor s Ponderings continued... In good times and in bad, whether it is Thanksgiving Day or just an ordinary day; filled with the good and bad stuff of ordinary days; may we give thanks to our God for the blessings of God s provision and presence. Pastor Kathy Lyle Newman invites you to stop by Fort Des Moines Senior Housing and see him in his new residence at 505 Army Post Rd Apt 216. Or give him a call at He would love visitors! First United Methodist Church will be holding a Rummage Sale on Thursday, November 13 (3-6:00 p.m.) Cost will be $10/person to shop early. The sale will continue Friday, Nov. 14 (2-7 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 15 (7 a.m. to 12 noon). Bake sale items will also be available. Leland and Shirley Kenney invite everyone to join them as they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 15 with an open house from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Northern Warren Fire Department (2300 Hwy R63, Norwalk). No gifts, please. Biggest Sale Ever!!! is being hosted by Epworth United Methodist Church (412 Euclid) on Saturday, Nov. 15. This Bake and Basement Sale will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community Thanksgiving Service Wednesday November 26 th All are invited to an ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve service with participation by several south-side congregations. Park Ave. Presbyterian Church 3120 SW 9 th St. 7:00 p.m. Service followed by fellowship time A freewill offering will be received for the DMARC Food Pantry. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (3820 SW 9th St) is holding their Holiday Cookie Walk and Craft Sale on Saturday, December 6th, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. November Calendar Sunday, Nov. 9 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Upper level Bhutanese Nepali Church 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary 4-H 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Monday, Nov. 10 Tuesday, Nov. 11 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth Wednesday, Nov. 12 Women s Christian Fellowship 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Thursday, Nov. 13 Friday, Nov. 14 Bhutanese Nepali Church 5:00 p.m., Youth Saturday, Nov. 15 Bhutanese Nepali Church 2:00 p.m., Youth Bhutanese Nepali Church 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Sunday, Nov. 16 (Food Pantry Sunday) Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Upper level Bhutanese Nepali Church 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary Monday, Nov. 17 Tuesday, Nov. 18 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee 7:00 p.m. Conference Wednesday, Nov. 19 Thursday, Nov. 20 (continued on page 4)

4 Page 4 November Calendar continued... Friday, Nov. 21 Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Youth Saturday, Nov. 22 SHARE Iowa 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Bhutanese Nepali 2:00 p.m., Youth Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Sunday, Nov. 23 Monday, Nov. 24 Finance Committee 6:30 p.m., Conference Trustees 7:00 p.m., Conference Tuesday, Nov. 25 Bhutanese Nepali 6:00 p.m., Youth Church Council 7:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Nov. 26 Thursday, Nov. 27 (Happy Thanksgiving!) Fellowship Hall in use 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 (Offices are closed) Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Youth Saturday, Nov. 29 Fellowship Hall in Use 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Bhutanese Nepali 2:00 p.m., Youth Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Sunday, Nov. 30 (United Methodist Student Day) December Calendar Monday, Dec. 1 Tuesday, Dec. 2 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth Wednesday, Dec. 3 Thursday, Dec. 4 Friday, Dec. 5 Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Youth Saturday, Dec. 6 Bhutanese Nepali Church 2:00 p.m., Youth Bhutanese Nepali Church 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Sunday, Dec. 7 Monday, Dec. 8 Tuesday, Dec. 9 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth Wednesday, Dec. 10 Women s Christian Fellowship 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Thursday, Dec. 11 Friday, Dec. 12 Bhutanese Nepali Christmas Celebration 5:00 p.m., Youth & Sanctuary Saturday, Dec. 13 Bhutanese Nepali Christmas Celebration 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Girl Scouts 10:00 a.m., Youth (continued on page 5)

5 Page 5 December Calendar continued... Narcotics Anonymous 7:00 p.m. Youth Sunday, Dec. 14 Potluck Christmas Luncheon 11:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall 4-H 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Monday, Dec. 15 Tuesday, Dec. 16 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth SPPRC 7:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Dec. 17 Thursday, Dec. 18 Friday, Dec. 19 Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Youth Saturday, Dec. 20 SHARE Iowa 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Bhutanese Nepali 2:00 p.m., Youth Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Sunday, Dec. 21 (Food Pantry Sunday) Monday, Dec. 22 Finance Committee 6:30 p.m., Conference Trustees 7:00 p.m., Conference Tuesday, Dec. 23 Bhutanese Nepali Church 6:00 p.m., Youth Wednesday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall December Calendar continued... Thursday, Dec. 25 (Merry Christmas!) Fellowship Hall in use 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26 (Offices Closed) Bhutanese Nepali 5:00 p.m., Youth Alcoholics Anonymous 8:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Saturday, Dec. 27 Fellowship Hall in use 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bhutanese Nepali 2:00 p.m., Youth Narcotics Anonymous 7:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Sunday, Dec. 28 Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall Bhutanese Nepali 11:30 a.m., Sanctuary Monday, Dec. 29 Tuesday, Dec. 30 Bhutanese Nepali 6:00 p.m., Youth Church Council 7:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Dec. 31 (New Year s Eve) No Choir Practice UMC#GivingTuesday The United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries announced that on Dec. 2, 2014, it will match up to $1 million in gifts made online to any project through The Advance as part of #Giving Tuesday. UMC#GivingTuesday is part of an international movement that builds on the recent U.S. shopping traditions of Black Friday, Local Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. It offers an opportunity to start off the holiday season by giving instead of getting through supporting organizations that have been researched and approved by the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. 100 percent of all gifts made through The Advance are given directly to the designated project. To make a contribution, donors will go to on UMC#GivingTuesday and donate online to any of the projects and missionaries listed there.

6 Page 6 Bidwell Christmas Sharing Program This is the 60th year for the Christmas Sharing Program at Bidwell! This year marks a major change from the recent past as there will be no sponsorship of families. All families served will attend the Christmas Sharing Days (Dec. 13 & 14). Another change this year is the location Christmas Sharing will be held at the Iowa Annual Conference Center of the United Methodist Church. Ways you can participate: 1. Gift cards for gifts most of the gifts come from Toys for Tots, however they do not provide gifts for children over the age of 14 and items available for children between 12 and 14 are scarce. Gift cards will go to families with teenaged children. The preference is cards from Target or Wal-Mart in $25 or $50 amounts, however we can make use of just about any gift card. 2. Gift cards for food all families will receive a gift card to provide them a Christmas dinner. Hy-Vee or Fareway are the stores that are most accessible to the families Bidwell serves. Any amount is welcome, but as a guide consider $10 per family member. 3. Volunteer it takes 150 volunteers to make this event run smoothly. People will be needed to set-up on Dec. 12, work the event both the 13th & 14th, and clean up on the 15th. A variety of shifts are available. Please contact Missy Reams at mreams@bidwellriverside.org or call ext. 214 for more information. Ft Des Moines UMC members can contact Sharon Peterson at or the church office to take part. Food Pantry Tidbits Cash donations to DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council) help to provide food, formula, diapers, child care, rent, and fuel for delivery trucks. Non-Perishable Food and produce make up 20% of all food distributed. For a list of most-needed items, visit dmreligious.org or call Volunteers provide more that 35,000 hours of service through the various DMARC programs, partner agencies and more. To volunteer or learn more, visit dmreligious.org/volunteer, or contact Daniel at dbeck@dmreligious.org. Visit dmreligious.org or contact Kristine at kfrakes@dmreligious.org for other ways to support DMARC. Bidwell Needs Funding: At this time Bidwell Riverside needs cash donation to meet its operating expenses. Your financial gifts make it possible for hundreds of lowincome people to receive vital help each and every month. Ongoing financial gifts also fund staff salaries, utilities, building maintenance, insurance and other essential expenses. Volunteers: Committed individuals and groups help with a variety of projects. There are regular volunteer assignments as well as one-time or occasional assignments. Contact Missy Reams t or mreams@bidwellriverside.org. Hope for Glen Glen Whiteside was diagnosed with liver disease in He is now on the list for a liver transplant at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. Park Ave. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at 3219 SW 9th St, is hosting a fundraising silent auction on his behalf on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Auction items include but are not limited to a $500 Firestone certificate, ISU Basketball signed by Fred Hoiberg, certificates to Skips, Barattas and Applebee s, KC Chiefs Autographed photo of Hall-of-Famer Anthony Hall; $50 certificate from Brewer s Meats, and 8 hours of handyman services by Dean Poortinga. Live music will be provided by the Paige Harpin Group. Cash or Check only.

7 Page 7 November/December Milestones November Birthdays 2 Carrie Yang 4 Mitch Keller 5 Nicole Little 6 Jean Drew 7 Paula Garland 8 Janan Horak 11 Esma Graham 12 Jeri Crane 12 Keith Eis 14 Wyline Gardner 16 Madonna Miller 16 Will Houck 18 Craig Cave 18 Tim Pherigo 19 Austin Casper 21 Jean Pease 26 Marcia Barrett 27 Bonnie Pearson 29 Donna Ness 30 Maggie Brooks November Wedding Anniversaries 18 Lew and Wally Lewellen 20 Leland and Shirley Kenney Council Highlights December Birthdays 1 Earl Sides 2 Pam Schisel 3 Joshua Schmidt 4 Gloria Roeder 6 Dean Garland 7 John Mikovec 9 Dan Jones 10 Connie Otte 11 Jackie Sutter 11 Cindy Eatwell 11 Sandi Eatwell 14 Skip Phillips 14 Donald Miller 18 Charlene Seid 20 Kristi Norris 21 Verna Kent 24 Donna McIntosh 24 Steve Garland 25 Madison Dinan December Wedding Anniversaries 14 Rod and Verna Kent The Church Council met on October 28. Here is a short summary of the reports given: $350 was made serving the meal at the Vendor Fair. Annual parsonage walk-through has been completed. A deadbolt needs work. Some braces for hanger rods need to be repaired. Christmas Potluck will be on December 14, following the worship service. Jasmine Miller was chosen for the open position on the Committee of Leadership and Sharon Wilcox was chosen for the open position on the Board of Trustees. Prayer Corner Ft. Des Moines UMC, it s programs and leaders Bhutanese Nepali Truth Church in Iowa, it s programs and leaders Bloomfield UMC, it s programs and leaders Those who are home bound and their caretakers And we especially name Ruby Price, Greg Brain, Gloria Roeder, Fred Drew, Jean Volz, Donna Ness, Darrell Zeliadt, Doug Smith, Martha Coleman, Jean Davidson and Rosemary Dearden. Our Christian Condolences to the family and friends of Lois Ipsen who died on Oct. 9. Our Christian Condolences to the family and friends of Lois Clevenger who died on Oct. 21. Lyle Newman has a new address: 505 Army Post Rd Apt. 216, Des Moines IA October Finance Report General Account Income $ 17, General Account Expenses $ 11, Designated Funds Income: $ Trustees Income: $ Year-to-Date Total Income $ 121, ($21, was moved from Emergency Fund) Total Expenses $ 122, (About $5,100 of this was collected in 2013 but disbursed in 2014.) Nut sales are going great this year. As you know we only ordered 500 lbs. which was 250 lbs. less than the year before. We have 300 lbs. SOLD! Don t wait if there is something you really want because we have less than 5 lbs. left on some of the varieties. Wouldn t it be wonderful to have them all gone by Dec 1 st!!! Don t forget we also have cookbooks. We are running a holiday special. 1 cookbook is $15, 2 for $25, 3 for $30 or 4 for $ Stop by the office or contact Debbie McCloney for your holiday gifting needs.

8 Poinsettia Order Form You may give a poinsettia plant in memory of or in honor of someone or to the glory of God! The price this year is $8.00 each. Make your check out to the church. Deadline to order will be Dec. 7, In Memory of In Honor of To the Glory of God Your Name Number of Poinsettias Amount Attached $ I will take my plant home Share with a shut-in member

9 Address Service Requested Ft. Des Moines United Methodist Church 6205 SW 9th St Des Moines IA Phone: Fax: We give thanks for: YOU! The Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church: a community of faith in worship and action, open to all in the Spirit and Love of God. Christian Education Classes will be held thru May 17, :00-11:45 a.m. Staff Rev. Kathy Sides Pastor Laurie Jenkins, Church Musician Pamela Schisel Choir Director Jane White, Administrative Assistant Earl Sides Custodian Lesson Texts These are the lesson texts for the coming weeks, should you want to read ahead: 9th Joshua 24:1-3a, Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25: th Judges 4:1-7 Psalm Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25: rd Ezekiel 34:11-16, Palm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25: th Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:-17, Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13: th Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 November/December 2014 Events: 27th Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday. 28th Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday. 14th Christmas Potluck dinner following the worship service. Special Offerings: Food Pantry Sunday will be November 16th. Donations of cash, nonperishable food items, formula, diapers and brown paper grocery bags will be received. United Methodist Student Day offering will be received on November 30. The purpose of this offering is to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. It provides scholarships and loans to students.