The Messenger. December & January. Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church

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1 December & January The Messenger Niles First United Methodist Church 608 North Crandon Ave., Niles, OH Office: Parsonage: Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am - 3pm Worship Hours: Chapel: 9:00 am Sanctuary: 11:00 am Sunday School: 11:00 Church website: Office office@nilesfirstumc.org Pastor pastor@nilesfirstumc.org The Mission of Niles First United Methodist Church is To Know God, To Love God, and To Share God. Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church 7:30 pm-11:00pm Please join us in worship as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into our lives and into the world on Tuesday, December 24. There will be two worship opportunities: 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary We will begin with carol-singing at 7:15 pm and then continue in worship including special music, Holy Communion, and the lighting of candles in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as the light of the world. 11:00 pm in the Chapel In our smaller worship setting, this service will include scripture readings, carols, Holy Communion, and candlelight. Please help us invite our neighbors to worship with us on Christmas Eve! We have 50 yard signs with information about our worship services. Signs will be available beginning Sunday, December 1.

Relay for life of Niles The Parents Club

questions, or would like to order, please call or

2 Relay for life of Niles The Parents Club Christmas cookie trays fundraiser To busy to get your holiday baking done this year? Purchase our homemade cookie trays while supporting a great cause! Small trays (3 dozen assorted) $12.00 Large trays (5 dozen assorted) $20.00 Delivery date: December 14th/15th If you have questions, or would like to order, please call or text: Patrice Amanda Allison Thank you for supporting American Cancer Society Relay For Life!!

Rachel Circle News: December 11th will be the Rachel Circle Christmas dinner at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall of the church. All ladies of the church and guests are welcome.

3 Rachel Circle News: December 11th will be the Rachel Circle Christmas dinner at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall of the church. All ladies of the church and guests are welcome. Please bring a casserole to share. RSVP to Linda Belcastro, or Becky Hanks, We would like to know how many ladies plan to attend. Thank you, Linda Please remember to contribute to our ongoing food collection for Niles Community Services. Our food pantry item for the month of December: Assorted Food ***Dec 12th is the deadline for Christmas Baskets*** Wooden Boxes are located in the back of the Sanctuary to collect these items. the journey for adults growing as deeply committed followers of Christ You are invited to join us on the greatest journey of your life the journey of knowing, loving, and serving God as together we grow as a community of deeply committed followers of Christ. Where do I start? Journey 101 courses are designed to create environments where people experience growth and support as they engaged in the journey of growing as a more deeply committed follower of Christ. This curriculum is offered as a series of three 6-week courses: Knowing God Explore the good news of the Bible and discover Bible study tools and resources to help deepen your understanding of the scriptures. Loving God Learn spiritual practices that will help you fall more in love with God as you grow in your relationship with God and with your neighbors. Serving God Understand the Biblical context for service that will enable and empower you to share your time and spiritual gifts with others. Upcoming Journey 101 classes: Serving God Mondays at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, Jan 27, 2014 Mar 3, 2014

Anyone who would like to donate a working sewing machine to the Therapy Dept. at Shepherd of the Valley in Boardman, please contact Peggy Sansom at 330-539-1949.

4 The Community Outreach and Missions Committee will be collecting cereal for the Christmas boxes for Niles Community Services. We have again committed to 100 boxes and last year we exceeded that amount. You can bring in any kind of cereal but it must be in boxes, no bags. The collection will run from November 1 to December 1. Anyone who would like to donate a working sewing machine to the Therapy Dept. at Shepherd of the Valley in Boardman, please contact Peggy Sansom at We are continuing to collect Men's, Women's, and Children's hats, scarves, and gloves to be donated to one of the local organizations. You can bring in your items and place them in the boxes in the Sanctuary. Thank you for supporting all of the projects. We are in need of Nursery helpers. If you can help serve in this area, please call the office. Thank you! The Children s Bell Choir, open to all children ages 4 12, will help provide special music during worship at the 7:30 pm Christmas Eve service. In order to prepare, children are asked to attend brief rehearsals after the 11:00 am worship services on December 15, and December 22. Thank you! In July 2013, twelve individuals from First UMC participated in a week-long work mission trip through Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky. While there, we built a back porch on a house, painted another house, and grew together in our relationships with one another and with God through worship, fellowship, and service. Any interested youth or adults are welcome to join us this coming summer as we make the trip again. If you are interested in participating in the trip, please contact Pastor Nathan or the church office as soon as possible. If you would like to support the efforts of those who will be traveling, please feel free to make a financial donation and keep the team in your prayers. Thank you!

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, through this 5-week study we will travel with Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Coming up in January 2014 Are your goals for the New Year too small? Are you living the just-get-by plan?

Join us in worship on Sundays, January 19 February 23 for a 6-week sermon series on discerning God s dream for our lives and learning to live into it, enthusiastically and prayerfully.

5 As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, through this 5-week study we will travel with Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. All are welcome to join us on Mondays, December 2 30 at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm for our Advent Study. There are no materials to purchase. Come and join us in fellowship and learning! Coming up in January 2014 Are your goals for the New Year too small? Are you living the just-get-by plan? Or is there a greater God-sized dream for you that, if lived to the fullest, could inform every move you make? Join us in worship on Sundays, January 19 February 23 for a 6-week sermon series on discerning God s dream for our lives and learning to live into it, enthusiastically and prayerfully. For many, Christmas is a season filled with comfort and joy. For others, it is a painful time. If you are hurting this holiday season because of unemployment or under-employment, brokenness of relationship or family stress, loneliness or illness, grief or isolation please know that our prayers and love are with you and even more, that God is with you, too. Our Longest Night Worship Service is designed for those whose Christmas season might feel a little less than merry for any reason. As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, please know that you are welcome to join us for scripture, music, and an opportunity to pray privately and with the community. The brief worship service will be followed by a time for refreshments and fellowship. Please join us on Saturday, December 21 at 5:00 pm in the Chapel of First UMC.

6 Dec 4 Linda Jones December Birthdays Dec 17 Pam Lorenzetti Dec 7 Joe Salvaterra Duane Hafely Leah Haydu Dec 18 Mac Hafely Dec 9 Dan Roberts Dec 19 Alicia Starkey Ted Sloban John Johnson Brian Solley Dec 21 Megan Smith Dec 11 Bill Neiss Dec 22 Jane Boag Ann Wright Dec 24 Margaret Trombitas Dec 13 Tom Baytos Brian Shields Dec 15 Eileen Mueller Dec 25 Emily Moyers Tony Symcheck Dec 28 Matt Pfeifer Chuck Joseph Dec 29 Ryan Kelly Dec 16 Derek Janek Dec 30 Linda Belcastro Bob Lucas ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jan 2 Rick Bullock January Birthdays Jan 19 Lawrence King Jan 4 Andrew Mohn Jan 20 Darla Reiner Jan 5 Joan Matheny Jan 21 Carol Ulery Mary Alice Neiss Jan 22 Nathan Bianco Jan 6 Marissa Nori Jan 23 Brandon Weddell Jan 7 Gary Phillips Jan 24 Diana Richards Jan 8 Donise Smith Jan 26 Fran Lucas Jan 9 Nancy Phillips Makenzie Ott Jan 10 Lois Watkins Jan 29 Kim Lucas Jan 13 Brian Erwin Michael Harris Jan 14 Jim George Jan 30 Nancy Phillipson Joann Canan Jack Lorenzetti Jan 16 Judy Mandrus Jan 18 Joyce Lukz If there are any corrections or additions, please call the office at Christmas Poinsettia Order Form Please complete the order form with your check for $7.00 per plant ordered. Place orders in the offering plate or mail them to the church. Checks payable to First UMC of Niles. Deadline is December 12th. Name: Red Pink White Total plants: Amount enclosed: $ Please PRINT CLEARLY, your message, (in memory, in honor):

First United Methodist Church would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bernie Burriss who passed away on November

7 First United Methodist Church would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bernie Burriss who passed away on November 9, We also would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Millard Robison who passed away on November 1, First United Methodist received a donation in loving memory of Bernie Burriss from Mary Solley, Monette Traichal, Michael & Julene Lavorini, Virginia & Donald Cooper, Pamela Ignac, Fran Baker, Ron & Patricia Pollock, Mary & Russ Steib, and Donna Davis, Rex & Rainell Burriss, David & Marianne Farnbauch, S & T Raymer, Dawn & James Reichlin, Rainy Burriss, Ernest & Lynnette Sickles, Joyce Bowman, Merrill Fisher, Carl Little, Jane & Keith Rummeli, Frank Richards & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Barnes, John Rozum, Northeastern Ohio Adoption Services, Mr. & Mrs. Dave Biviano, & Mr. & Mrs. Ron Ignac. ~~~~ First United Methodist received a donation in loving memory of Joseph Guerra from Elaine Walker, Jeff & Elizabeth Wallace, Joyce & Joe Lukz ~~~~ First United Methodist received a donation in loving memory of Willie Butler from Elaine Walker ~~~~ Words cannot express how grateful I am to my church family, my mother s passing very was difficult, but when called upon each of you made it easier to deal with. Thank you to all for the beautiful flowers, donations and to the funeral committee for having a beautiful dinner I could not have asked for anything better. All of my family tells me all time what a beautiful church we have and how wonderful and helpful everyone was. Also, to Pastor Nathan who did not know my mother but did a beautiful job conducting her funeral. You are truly a blessing to our church. Again, Thank you everyone! Patrice Kish Dear Ladies of First United Methodist, Thank you so much for providing such a lovely dinner in honor of our mom, Bernie Burriss. This church and all of you were very important in her life! My sisters and I appreciate the friendship and fellowship you all provided to her. Sincerely, Bernie s daughters Jan Screiber Jeannie Neal Kim Stewart

8 Dear Members and Friends, While the scent of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie still lingers in our homes, a transformation will begin to take place. Twinkling lights and various sculptures will adorn the outside of our homes. Greetings cards, and gift wrap will be purchased, treasured cookies and candy recipes will appear in our kitchens, catalogs of every kind will fill our mailboxes and holiday tunes will be on every radio station. Christmas is in the air and we anticipate the fun and excitement connected with it, especially the gift giving that is such a big part of our celebration. I give you a tie, you give me a book. Lon gets a new white shirt and Jim gets his favorite cookies. No one is forgotten...but we must remember the ultimate gift of love that comes from God: his only Son, Christ Jesus. During this time of celebration and remembrance, we would like to honor our dedicated staff. Staff Pastor Parish in conjunction with the Finance Committee is collecting a special Christmas offering for the staff. It will be distributed on a percentage basis. What a better way to show them how much we appreciate their efforts to make our church run smoothly. Deadline for this collection will be on Sunday, December 15, If you wish to give, please place your gift in an envelope marked staff gift. We wish for all of you a Happy and Blessed Christmas and New Year! The Lord be with you, Judith George and the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee

If you have requested a paper copy of the Messenger, it will be put in your mailbox if you have one. The security door codes will be changes effective January 1, 2014.

Thank you! Congratulations to Joanne Baugh and Robert Fink for becoming new members of First United Methodist Church on November 17, 2013!

Lolly Symcheck & Patrice Kish Thank you to the entire congregation for the gracious birthday reception on Sunday, November 17.

--Pastor Nathan Dear Reverend Nathan Howe, Thank you so much for the donation of clothing for the students of Niles Primary School. We have so many needy children at our school.

Please be on the lookout for back to school deals. If its not on the list, but you think it could be used, please feel free to donate.

9 If you have requested a paper copy of the Messenger, it will be put in your mailbox if you have one. The security door codes will be changes effective January 1, If you have a code for the door, you must see jen in the office, or call to get your code. Please remember the code is for your use only and not to be passed to other individuals. Thank you! Congratulations to Joanne Baugh and Robert Fink for becoming new members of First United Methodist Church on November 17, 2013! Thanks to everyone who donated, helped, and attended this year s Trunk or treat! It was a HUGE SUCCESS!! Thank you again! Lolly Symcheck & Patrice Kish Thank you to the entire congregation for the gracious birthday reception on Sunday, November 17. Your expressions of kindness are a gift from God and very much appreciated. Thank you. --Pastor Nathan Dear Reverend Nathan Howe, Thank you so much for the donation of clothing for the students of Niles Primary School. We have so many needy children at our school. This donation of clothing will be put to good use. Thank You, Lori Joseph RN School Nurse Teen Boxes 2013 The time has come to start collecting for the teen boxes. Please be on the lookout for back to school deals. If its not on the list, but you think it could be used, please feel free to donate. This is a local mission project that the teen s look forward to every year. Please keep a copy of the list and pick up a few items when you see a good sale. Thank you for your support! Lisa Blair & Ann Wright General Needs Boys Girls 13 Bath Soap 15 Nail clippers 15 Nail Polish Remover 14 Pocket Size Tissue 15 Hair Gel 7 Hats 15 Toothbrushes 9 Hats 13 Nail Polish 15 Toothpaste 13 Gloves 12 Hairspray 26 Shampoo 15 Deodorant 11 Gloves 26 Hair Conditioner 11 Deodorant 30 Chewing gum 5 $5.00 fast food gift cards 6 Hot Chocolate (box) 29 Qtips 21 Hairbrush

10 December Schedule December 1, 2013 Liturgist Sanctuary Corey Bowman Liturgist Chapel Linda Belcastro Greeter-Sam Mohn Ushers-Terry Hamilton, Doug & Peggy Sansom, Shane Hafely Nursery Amy Anos Acolyte Vivian Godoy Counters-Jerry Rogers &Becky Hanks, Deb Fink observe December 8, 2013 Liturgist Sanctuary-Colleen Aliberti Liturgist Chapel-Nancy Malone Greeters Patrice & Bob Kish Ushers-John Anos, Tony Kelly, Rhonda Harris, Joyce Bowman Nursery-Wendy Duncan Acolyte Maliya Rutherford Counters-Joan Ries, Evie Rice, Carolyn Lorent observe December 15, 2013 Liturgist Sanctuary-Jerry Rogers Liturgist Chapel-Anna Jones Greeters-Jen Medve Ushers Leroy Walker, Jon Bowman, Bob Kish Nursery-Merrily Rogers Acolyte Alissa Erwin Counters-Becky Hanks & John Lewis, Deb Fink observe December 22, 2013 Liturgist Sanctuary-Sam Mohn Liturgist Chapel-Terry Johnson Greeters Joyce & Joe Lukz Ushers Diana Richards, JoAnn Baugh, Richard Hanks, Joyce Lukz Nursery-Patrice Kish Acolyte-Annmarie Anos Counters-Linda Belcastro, Sam Mohn, Carolyn Lorent observe December 24, 2013 Christmas Eve Liturgist Sanctuary- Liturgist Chapel- Greeters Lolly & Tony Symcheck, Joyce Bowman Ushers Bob Kish, Terry Hamilton Nursery- Acolyte-Alaina Erwin Counters, Dec 26: Evie Rice & Becky Hanks December 29, 2013 Liturgist Sanctuary-Rhonda Harris Liturgist Chapel-Donise Smith Greeter Kathie Hafely Ushers individuals will be asked Nursery-Kelly Prokop Acolyte-Abigail Smolko Counters-Patrice & Dick Bullock, Deb Fink observe

11 January Schedule January 5, 2014 Liturgist Sanctuary Corey Bowman Liturgist Chapel John Johnson Greeter-Sam Mohn Ushers-Terry Hamilton, Doug & Peggy Sansom, Shane Hafely Nursery Amy Anos Acolyte Counters-Joan Ries & Jerry Rogers January 12, 2014 Liturgist Sanctuary-Jerry Rogers Liturgist Chapel-Pat Pfeifer Greeter Joyce Bowman Ushers-John Anos, Tony Kelly, Rhonda Harris, Joyce Bowman Nursery-Wendy Duncan Acolyte Counters-Patrice Kish & Deb Fink January 19, 2014 Liturgist Sanctuary-Rhonda Harris Liturgist Chapel-Donise Smith Greeters-Lolly & Tony Symcheck Ushers Leroy Walker, Jon Bowman, Bob Kish Nursery-Patrice Kish Acolyte Counters (January 20) Becky Hanks & Carolyn Lorent January 26, 2014 Liturgist Sanctuary- Liturgist Chapel-Linda Belcastro Greeters Peggy & Doug Sansom Ushers Diana Richards, JoAnn Baugh, Richard Hanks, Joyce Lukz Nursery-Ellin Smolko Acolyte- Counters-John Lewis & Sam Mohn

The Administrative Council and Board of Trustees have decided to move forward with a project to renovate the existing restroom facilities in the office hallway in order to make them more accessible

The room next to it (the former pastor s office) will become the new women s restroom with two sinks and three stalls, one of which will be handicap accessible.

12 The Administrative Council and Board of Trustees have decided to move forward with a project to renovate the existing restroom facilities in the office hallway in order to make them more accessible to persons with mobility restrictions. The current women s restroom will become a handicap accessible restroom. The room next to it (the former pastor s office) will become the new women s restroom with two sinks and three stalls, one of which will be handicap accessible. The total project is estimated to cost around $60,000 to complete. We have already received a memorial donation in the amount of $10,000 which has been designated for this purpose. If you would like to make a donation to help fund this project, helping First UMC to extend hospitality to all our neighbors, please write a check payable to First UMC with restroom project indicated on the memo line or on the outside of the envelope. Thank you! Used Clothing Drop-Off at First United Methodist Church At First UMC, we are partnering with an organization called St. Pauly Textile, Inc. to provide an easy drop-off location for used clothing donations. The drop-off shed is located off the parking lot on Hughes Avenue and is accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Items Accepted: All clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, drapes, and stuffed toys. Your donations will not be cut up or shredded. (Please, no rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys, or household goods.) Benefits: Send clothing to people who can use it all over the United States and the world. Help the environment by keeping useable clothing out of landfills. Receive a tax deduction for your donation. Receipts are available on the shed. If possible, please place your donation in tied or closed bags. Thank you!

13 Thanks to the generosity of this congregation and especially our children, on November 17 we sent $ to support the relief efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief in the Philippines following the typhoon that devastated the area on November 9. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to serve our neighbors! The Children s Coin Collection is an ongoing opportunity. If you have loose change that you would like to donate, just come to the 11:00 am worship service and hand your coins to one of the children who come forward for Children s Time. Thank you for your generosity. Confirmation Class beginning January 2014 Students in grades 7 and up who have not been confirmed into the life of the church are invited and encouraged to participate in this year s Confirmation Class. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Nathan (pastor@nilesfirstumc.org) Dec 15th. Classes will begin meeting on Sundays after the 11:00 am worship service in January 19th, and students will be confirmed on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, Please remember to bring in your used ink cartridges to the church. We will receive $2.00 per cartridge in rewards at Staples. This really helps to cut OFFICE SUPPLY costs! You can leave them in Jen s mailbox. Thank you for your support!

The Messenger FIRST UNITED METHODI ST CHURCH 608 N. CRANDON AVE., NILES, OH 44446 PHONE: 330-652-1439 ~ FAX: 330-652-1430 WORSHIP: 9:00AM & 11 :00 AM OFFICE HOURS M -TH 9-3PM WEBSITE: WWW.

, Niles, OH 44446 (330) 652-2053 Carol Batson Grace Woods Village- 730 Youngstown Rd., Niles, OH 44446 (330) 652-4177 Olive Allen #308 Briarfield at the Ridge: 3379 St. Rt.

14 The Messenger FIRST UNITED METHODI ST CHURCH 608 N. CRANDON AVE., NILES, OH PHONE: ~ FAX: WORSHIP: 9:00AM & 11 :00 AM OFFICE HOURS M -TH 9-3PM WEBSITE: RSTUMC.ORG OFFICE OFFICE@NILESFIRSTUMC.ORG PASTOR PASTOR@NILESFIRSTUMC.ORG February Messenger Deadline Jan 17th Autumn Hills Care Center : 2565 Niles Vienna Rd., Niles, OH (330) Carol Batson Grace Woods Village- 730 Youngstown Rd., Niles, OH (330) Olive Allen #308 Briarfield at the Ridge: 3379 St. Rt. 46, Mineral Ridge, OH (330) Lois Watkins (330) Sue Bullock # 704 Home Bound: Margaret & Chuck Trombitas: 1804 Stepney St., Niles, OH Marie Bond: 5092 Highland Ave., Warren, OH Charlotte Rankin: 125 Helen, Niles, Oh (330) ***Call Carol Glunt FIRST before (330)

February 2013 The Messenger

February 2013 The Messenger Niles First United Methodist Church 608 North Crandon Ave., Niles, OH 44446 Office: 330-652-1439 Parsonage: 330-652-9152 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am - 4pm Worship Hours: