Chimes. Mike. December To Offer New Life in Jesus Christ by Seeking, Shaping and Sending Disciples. The holiday season is upon us.

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1 Chimes December 2014 To Offer New Life in Jesus Christ by Seeking, Shaping and Sending Disciples The holiday season is upon us. For most of us, that is a good thing. We will spend time with family or friends. We may decorate or brighten up our surroundings. We may eat delightful dishes we rarely have at any other time of the year. Snowflakes, really big, fake snowflakes, magically appear in downtown Punta Gorda, along with a giant Christmas tree. Christmas music has been playing for weeks. Holidays. The word is our modern version of what originally was holy days. Times set aside occasionally for fasting, sometimes for feasting to remember the blessings of God and the call of God. In the busy-ness of this season, we can easily forget what we are called to remember: Into the brokenness of our world, the power and presence and love of the God of the universe came down. Grace was offered as the antidote to the sickness of our souls. Forgiveness, too soon hung from a cross, was God s balm to make the wounded whole. And it all began in a messy world where a young mother and a puzzled bridegroom gazed into the face of a baby in a manger. In our world, broken by the choices of humankind, and embroiled in patterns of behavior filled with violence and selfishness, it becomes easy to forget about Grace. So, we remember on holy days like Christmas. We sing that Love came down. We pray for peace on earth, good will to all. We trust that it was in the dark streets of Bethlehem that the everlasting Light really did shine for then and for all of human history. And we hope that as the earth receives her King, that every heart, every single heart, including yours and mine, would prepare Him room. In these holy days, prepare room in your hearts, so He may bring you great joy. The Lord is come! Yours in the Cause of Christ, Mike

2 Chimes Page 2 C O N N E C T Kasey Guthridge, Children s Ministry It s official the holidays are around the corner. How do I know? Relatives are asking for Christmas lists so they can get their shopping done. The commercials on TV are rolling out their latest toy temptations to get children drooling. Even the shopping malls and discount stores are busy stocking Christmas decorations just in case you feel like getting a jump-start on your seasonal lawn ornaments and light displays. With all this Christmas hoopla, it s easier than ever to lose focus on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. That s why we want to spend this month talking about Generosity: making someone s day by giving something away. We hope kids get wrapped up in others, as they show them how generous God has been to us. There s a danger in getting so wrapped up in ourselves or so wrapped up in our things that we miss the essence of this season. There s just something about giving that reflects the character of God to those around us. Every good thing we have is a gift from Him. But we also know that God s generosity has a purpose. God gives to us and expects us to do the same for others in return. Generosity changes us when we learn how to give the way God gives. Our memory verse is a great reminder. Be rich in good deeds be generous and willing to share, 1 Timothy 6:18. Many times, we think that our ability to be generous is connected to our stuff. However, being rich really isn t defined by how much we have or collect, or how many presents we get. We re not generous because we are rich; rather, we are rich because we are generous. This month, we hope that kids will discover what it really means to be rich to let God s generosity show up in their lives and help them get wrapped up in others. By Dan Scott 2014 The rethink Group. All rights reserved. *Used by permission. Connect is canceled Tuesday, December 23 rd & Tuesday, December 30 th due to Winter Break! See you next year on Tuesday, January 6 th!

3 Chimes Page 3 You may begin registering now at: Or Call the Church Office Or Fill out the Let s Connect portion of your church bulletin, check the membership box and drop in the offering plate C h r i s t m a s C r o s s P r o j e c t Deck the halls with boughs of holly 1st Church will have its halls decorated with all kinds of beautiful Christmas symbols. You may have noticed our CareMinistry s Christmas Cross decorated with special stockings last Sunday. These stockings are there to help Church members provide gifts for people who are homebound, in care facilities and families who may need some Christmas cheer. Each stocking will have personalized gift suggestions so that members may shop to give someone Christmas joy. Stockings will be there again, Sunday, December 7. Be a Christmas angel and choose a stocking. 1st Class Art Show 2015 is seeking artists for their next display in our Life Center Halls. All artists who would like to participate in 1st Class Art Shows for January, February, March and April 2015, please contact Ralph LaGro at rlagro1@yahoo.com or call

4 Page 4 What s Happening Myrt Creigh A couple of months ago, I changed my devotional time to a format that has brought me great joy and has been so up lifting. Rather than the usual schedule of scripture, a devotional reading, and prayer; I ve added messages by famous pastors and music to my repertoire. It has been rewarding. As I ve shared with some, the internet is not bad unless you ve set yourself up to receive bad. Many folks don t realize that you can design your choices to provide you with worthwhile viewing or with material that is not appropriate. Thankfully, I ve been able to arrange my sites to be spiritually uplifting and insightful (even Facebook). Maybe you ve had a question about different books of the Bible or a special preacher/speaker you ve heard about from a friend. Go to YouTube or Google type in the title or name and you will find a wealth of information. if you haven t already, here are some websites you might consider adding to your bookmarks; such as godvine.com, UPtv.com, I Love Christian Music, Jesus Daily, LiftBump to name a few. Go to YouTube and type in Christian Music in the search line and you will find an infinite number of sites where you can play 4 to 12 hours of non-stop Christian music. You don t have to sit at your computer to listen to it, you can still get the house cleaned. What I wouldn t have given years ago to have had this technology available to help me in my yearning to understand His Word. I just thank God I ve lived long enough to have experienced the growth that has been possible. There s no excuse any more for anyone to say they don t know where to look for help. Oh, what about the new Smartphones? If I want to get a definition or answer quick, I just talk to my phone.yes, talk to it and the answer will come up. Wow! Who would have thought just 20 years ago we d be able to do that? What an awesome God we serve. A short commercial for Carrie Underwood s new Christian song, Something in the Water. Reminds you of why we are baptized. Cancer Support Ministry Hope for the Journey: Coping with Cancer through Faith Begins December 3, :30-8:30 p.m. Room 9 Our FUMC faith based cancer support group is open to all adult cancer survivors and their caregivers from our church and our community. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. New participants are always welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of their cancer type, church affiliation or faith base. Please contact Jane and/or Brian Sheppard at or janesheppard@rocketmail.com with questions or to indicate your interest in becoming a part of this group as a participant, facilitator or resource. We look forward to hearing from you.

5 Page 5 Let the United Christian Women Bake Your Christmas Cookies this Year Come to our Second Annual Cookie Walk!! Saturday, December 13 th, from 8 AM to 10 AM In the Life Center We will be selling delicious homemade cookies for $8.00/lb. Our Circles will also be selling crafts, church plates, and other items. Punta Gorda Garden Club Home Tour Christmas in Paradise December 5 and 6 Donations $15 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds go to the scholarship and community projects fund Don t Miss the Poinsettia Sale At 1st Church

6 Chimes Page 6 Spaghetti Dinner December 11 Life Center Begins at 5:00 pm Suggested donation $5.00 Florida Conference Women s Retreats: The Florida Conference has put together another fabulous program for the 2015 Women s Retreat. This year s theme: BELIEVE. Friday January 30, 2015 Sunday February 1, 2015, at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg, Florida Keynote Speaker: Rev. Rwth Ann Fuguay. Along with Pastor Fuguay, a team of gifted women to provide spiritual enrichment in so many ways---music, hymn sing, nutrition & wellness, chalk drawing, cardio fitness and so much more. Registration: On-line web site search & click Florida Conference Women s Retreats. Cost: Commuter w/no meals $87 or Weekend Guest w/room & all meals $177 (double occupancy). Carpooling can be arranged. All women can attend. Bring a friend or neighbor! B E L I E V E Contact: Linda Gillen, or at gooddecision@msn.com Spiritual Enrichment Chair, UCW

7 Page 7 "Morning Coffee With The Word" Friday December 12th. 9:00am - 10:00am Come to the church library for our monthly Spiritual Coffee Klatch. We read from Scripture and Spiritual poetry. Let me welcome you... LADIES RETREAT A TIME OF REFRESHING! A great way to start the New Year. JAN (Fri. evening to Sunday noon with communion) THEME: Lets Celebrate Grace John 1:14, 16, 17 Life Enrichment Center, Leesburg FL Led by Charlotte Yates. Charlotte has a heart for women and their relationship to God. God has inspired her with Retreats for at least 40 years. Cost: double occupancy - $135; single $175. If you are interested call Barb Bryant at Have You Heard? Things are happening to bring about an organized meal ministry to 1st Church. We all read about the homeless and their need for help, but often times there are Church members who have a temporary need for food. This may be due to an illness, death in the family or other personal problems. You may be able to help by providing a meal during this time when they are overburdened. Consider being a part of the Meal Ministry Team as an ICare Minister and a representative of Christ s love. Call an ICare Coordinator and you will find helping is easy to do. You don t have to be a yearround member to participate. The program is flexible (you don t even have to know how to cook!). Let the spirit of Christmas giving encourage you to call today. Contact: Shirley Busse, hsbusse@gmail.com, Joyce Tilden, jltilden@comcast.net,

8 Chimes Page 8 Vickee Christa Gail

9 Chimes Page 9 The Alpha Course is Returning to the community of 1st United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda as well as to Charlotte County and Southwest Florida. As many people have experienced, the Holy Spirit has been working very successfully through the Alpha course to answer some of our deepest questions about the meaning of life. The Alpha Course is designed to help people better understand their faith and grow in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Hosting the Alpha course will bring all the best of our church to the community through hospitality, fellowship, worship, learning and exploring together what this new life with Jesus Christ can truly look like. Each gathering begins with a meal and refreshments a chance to get to know others and then a short period of gathering music. Following this, a short video will address different aspects of the Christian faith. Small groups will gather for a time of discussion and everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask questions. People usually remain in the same small group for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment. Our God-given vision to Offer New Life in Jesus Christ by Seeking, Shaping and Sending Disciples is on our hearts. Each of us is in the middle of a great story. The question is how is God seeking, shaping and sending you at a time such as this? Let Him woo you into a deeper and fuller relationship with Him by engaging in the Alpha course. Coming to you January 8, 2015 on Thursday nights from 6-8 pm. Meals and childcare will be provided. No fee to attend. Plan to be there and bring a neighbor or friend. Over 12 Weeks, the Alpha Course will address questions such as: Is there more to life than this? Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How can we have faith? Why and how do I pray? Why and how should I read the bible? How does God guide us? Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? How can I resist evil? Why and how should we tell others? Does God heal today? What about the Church? To register visit or call Peter Gillen at

10 Chimes Page Sessions Begin Tuesday Evenings, January 6th from 6:30-8:30 pm or Wednesday Mornings, January 7th from 10am to noon (Room 13) Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend Grief Share is a support group that meets weekly for 13 weeks. You ll find it to be a warm, caring environment and will come to see your group as an oasis on your long journey through grief. There are three key parts to your GriefShare experience: Video Seminar Encouraging, information-packed videos Featuring leading grief recovery experts Support Group Small group discussion about the weekly Video content Workbook Journaling and personal study exercises That reinforce the weekly session topics. Your Journey From Mourning to JOY Is This Normal? The Journey of Grief part one The Journey of Grief part two Grief and Your Relationships Why? Guilt and Anger Complicating Factors Stuck Lessons of Grief part one Lessons of Grief part two Heaven What Do I Live for Now? To register contact Melodie Austin or melharryaustin@yahool.com

11 Chimes Page 11 MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS AT 1ST CHURCH More information will be added as available to place your event on this calendar Friday 5 Garden Club Tour, 11am 4pm Saturday 6 Garden Club Tour, 11am 4 pm Saturday 6 Punta Gorda Parade Sunday 7 Christmas Concert, 3-5pm Thursday 11 Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner 5pm Saturday 13 Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am Saturday 13 Cookie Walk, 8-11am Sunday 14 Southport Square Concert (Choir) 2:00 pm Sunday 21 Christmas Caroling 3 pm Sunday 21 Blue Christmas (for those who have suffered a loss) Wednesday 24 Christmas Eve Services 4pm, 7pm, 10 pm Tuesday 6 GriefShare 6:30 pm 8:30 pm, Room 13 Wednesday 7 GriefShare 10:00 am noon, Room 13 Thursday 8 Beth Moore 9:00 am 11:15 am, Life Center Thursday 8 Alpha Starts 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Life Center Wednesday 14 1st Steps 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Room 9 Wednesday 21 1st Steps 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Room 9

12 Chimes Page 12 H e r e w e c o m e A - C a r o l i n g Love and joy come to you, And to you glad Christmas too, And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year. Wouldn t you like to sing these words to someone who may need some Christmas spirit? As Christians, we enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus and we need to spread that joy by reaching out to others who may be unable to participate in the many Christmas activities. You may have heard that 1st Church is organizing a group of carolers to sing for people at the various care facilities and 1st Church members who are homebound. What you may not have heard is you don t really have to have a good singing voice! Just laughter and love in your soul. Want to join the fun? Come to the Church parking lot on December 21 at 2:30 p.m. Groups will be formed and caroling will be from 3 p.m. 5 p.m. Afterwards, join in fellowship for a pot luck supper from 5-6:00 p.m. Please Contact Coordinator, Linda Rines: Lrines2@yahoo.com or phone: Yes! I/we want to carol and spread cheer: Name(s) Phone: Yes No I have a large car and would be willing to drive carolers. Note: Children younger than 5 th grade must be driven by one of their parents. P l e a s e r e t u r n t o t h e C h u r c h O f f i c e