Our Coming Savior He IS Love

Transcription

1 S T. A N D R E W U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H Volume 15 Issue 12 December 2015 Our Coming Savior He IS Love As I ve been preparing for this month s pastor s letter significant events have been unfolding around the world. I think it s fair to say that we are living in a perilous time. Unfortunately that s nothing new. As a child, growing up during the Cold War, I remember the safety drills that were held in our elementary school in case a nuclear bomb went off. While the world s circumstances are different, at its heart the issue remains the same. Evil is real and present. I have been saddened, as I m sure you have been, at the attacks that have been made in recent weeks. Human lives have been taken in a brutal way. Christians have been persecuted and systematically killed. We see the reports, but I fear we are either not hearing, or fully understanding, what is taking place. The concept that the Christian Church, and Christians, have been wiped away from lands where the church has stood since its beginning is incomprehensible. It has been said, and I would agree, we have looked evil in its face. We saw it on 9/11 and numerous times since then all the way up to the attack that took place in Paris. In the midst of the uncertainty we are experiencing, there is even confusion on what the primary terrorist organization is called. I for one don t fully understand why some in the world call the terrorist group ISIS, while others call it ISIL. Either way, it is one of the faces of evil. words from Pastor John As we stand in the present, what happened yesterday is history, and what will come tomorrow is the future. The battle is between good and evil. We have to plan today for how we will not simply survive, but live and lead in a healthy Godly way. And in the battle between good and evil, it s a choice that we all must make between love and hate. I choose love! God IS Love! While we may have looked evil in the face, we have been looking at the very face of love this entire time. This Advent and Christmas our theme is Our Coming Savior. The message to share is one that the world urgently needs to hear. While it is true that we are living in a insecure time, we know that the battle has already been won. Jesus said, I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 And Paul wrote to the Ephesians, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 My hope and prayer for you and your family is that you will experience this Advent and Christmas focused on Love. Let us use the power of Christ to look evil in the face and say "My Savior has already won." Michelle and I wish you and your family a joyous Christmas and Happy New Year. Pastor John The people of St. Andrew have been called by God to embrace, equip and encourage persons of all ages to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. e 3

2 Happy December Birthday! Scott Hutchison 12/01 Robert Spencer 12/03 Tammy Baxter 12/06 Ben Borszcz 12/06 Nic Burja 12/07 William Doebereiner 12/08 Alex Arrington 12/10 Bill Shoup 12/10 Marilyn Durrum 12/12 Jim Booth 12/14 Cody Ganger 12/14 Dorie Williams 12/15 Randy Boudinot 12/16 Susan Fisher 12/16 Ernie Muller 12/17 Katie Miller 12/18 Julie Christian 12/22 Shaun Nicholson 12/22 Greg Williams 12/23 Joyce McCready 12/28 Betty Hughes 12/29 If your birthday is in December & is not here, please let Donna know December 6 Second Sunday of Advent Communion Sunday Our Coming Savior: Through the Eyes of Herod Matthew 2: 1-18 December 13 Third Sunday of Advent Music Sunday 10:30 Combined Service Our Coming Savior Through the Eyes Of the Shepherds December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent Our Coming Savior Through the Eyes of Joseph & Mary Luke 1: December 24 Christmas Eve 7:00 Candlelight Service 9:00 Candlelight and Communion Service Our Coming Savior December 27 10:30 Combined Service The Dress Code Colossians 3:12-17 Looking Ahead DECEMBER ~Sunday 6 UMW Christmas Program ~ Thursday 10 No Promises A cappella concert ~Sunday 13 Music Sunday, Combined Service Caroling ~Thursday 25 Christmas Eve, Services 7 & 9 ~Friday 25 Christmas Day ~Sunday 27 Combined Service Phone: Fax: standrewumc@ameritech.net Website: Office Hours: 9:00 3:00pm Monday Thursday 9:00 Noon Friday Sunday Worship Times 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am 9:30am Sunday School Child Care at Sunday Services St. Andrew UMC is a Safe Sanctuary Congregation Staff of St. Andrew - Senior Pastor pastorjohnschlicher@yahoo.com Debbie Caudill - Director of Spiritual Formation dsfcaudill@gmail.com John Slate - Cameron Voorhees Ed Baker- Organist Donna Kirk - Administrative Assistant standrewumc@ameritech.net Childcare: - Chelsea Welch The Personal Touch - Custodians Congregation - Ministers of St. Andrew JANUARY ~Friday 1 ~Wednesday 6 Meals From the Heart ~Monday 18 MLK JR Day FEBRUARY ~Tuesday 9 Shrove Tuesday ~Wednesday 10 Ash Wednesday ~Saturday 13 Bistro Dinner ~Sunday 14 Boy Scout Sunday V OLU ME 1 5 ISS U E 2 Page 2

3 Please pray for these people who have been in the hospital, ill, or recuperating in the past month or are simply in need of our prayers and support. Ann Shelton Julie and Stan Erk Diane Hutton Edith Leonard Betty Bracken Jack Darst Kara Sandberg Marjorie Craver Nancy Schlicher Mary Lou Fox Vera Kercher Alia Powell Alex Reed, grandson of Art & Kathy Bauer Care and Prayer The St. Andrew prayer chain is always available to pray for you. Contact Jan Garrett Prayer requests can be made at the Atrium prayer box, or by contacting the church office. Every week, a group of people pray for the needs of our members, our church, our community, our country and world. remember where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them - Matthew 18:20 The Outreach team is excited to announce: An A Cappella Christmas with NO PROMISES A CAPPELLA Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm at St. Andrew UMC Coffee, punch and cookies will be available during the music program. Warm your holiday spirits with soaring vocal arrangements of popular and sacred holiday favorites, alongside hits by the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Ambrosia. A family-friendly, one-hour concert featuring the incomparable voices of NO PROMISES A CAPPELLA. Our friend and former St. Andrew Music Director John Slate sings bass, and our praise band support, Adam Wheeler, sings lead and harmony in NO PROMISES, a new professional a cappella ensemble bringing exhilarating vocals and breathtaking harmonization to popular favorites of jazz, Motown, classical and adult contemporary music. Contact the office if you will need care for a child 3 and under. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join us for a wonderful evening! Page 3 F OOTPRI NTS

4 A Treasury of Christmas Miracles True Stories of God s Presence By Karen Kingsbury Reviewed by Pat Reynolds In A Treasury of Christmas Miracles, Karen Kingsbury presents a collection of real-life stories centered around the miracles people have experienced throughout the United States during the Christmas season. Written in an inspiring voice with each story, we gain an appreciation and awe for the undeniable proof of God s presence in our lives and how very little we are in control. This is an important reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and each miracle story reminds us of God s biggest miracle of all. Please stop in the church library any time for some quiet reflection. Mary Lou Fox has donated a beautiful set of books about Christmas around the world. Your self check-out is always available by leaving the card in the box by the door with your name. There are no due dates just remember to bring the book(s) back for others to enjoy. CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS It is time once again to order Poinsettias for the decoration of the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. If you wish to order a plant in memory or honor of a loved one, complete this form or one found in the attendance pads, and drop it with your payment in the offering plate or the church office. Deadline for ordering is Dec. 13. You may take your poinsettias home after either Christmas Eve service. Name 6 ½ inch POINSETTIAS: $10.00 each COLORS Prestige Red Burgundy White Pink Marbled (Salmon with white edges) TOTAL COST QUANTITY $ In honor/memory of _ Our Christmas tree with gift ornaments for children and adults in our Adopt-A- Family program is up in the Atrium. This year we will gather Christmas gifts and food for families from the Wesley Center and Fairbrook Elementary School. This year, in addition to the purchased items, cash donations will be needed to complete the gift and food packages we assemble for each family. All donations should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 13 so our gift packages can be completed and sent to the Wesley Center and Fairbrook Elementary School in time for Christmas. The need this year continues to be great so please be generous in your support of this program. Jerry Sedlacek V OLU ME 1 5 ISS U E 2 Page 4

5 All Church Christmas Caroling: Reaching out by making a joyful noise! One very fun and rewarding activity for December will be the opportunity to join with others to go caroling on Sunday, December 13 th. We will meet at the church at 4:00 pm and divide into teams to visit shut-ins and others needing Christmas Cheer. When the teams have finished their caroling, we will all head back to the church for some hot chocolate and cookies. This is an inter-generational activity; the more the merrier (and louder) so be sure to invite your friends and neighbors. We would also appreciate donations of cookies for the carolers. Cookies can be dropped off in the office. This Advent season, we will embark on the journey to the birth of Christ in a new way. The story is very familiar to us, but this year we will hear it through the eyes of the participants. Starting November 29th and continuing through Christmas Eve, join us as we hear the message anew. On December 13th we will have a combined service at 10:30 am, where we will celebrate the good news through music. Looking forward to journeying through Advent with you! A Christmas Welcome from our UMW How joyful it is to gather at this time of year to celebrate the coming of our Savior! Come and be with us on Sunday, December 6, at 3:00 PM. Lydia Circle invites the women of the church and their friends to the Conference Room with food, song and the sharing of Susy Fox's Mexican nativities. Our hors d'oeuvres were selected from one of Mary Lou Fox's many Christmas cookbooks. The singing of the carols we so fondly remember will be accompanied by John Slate. Perhaps one will awaken a special memory that you would like to share. Susy's nativities will be on display for you to see how the people of Mexico envision the people and place of Jesus's birth. As we remember Mary and Joseph being turned away from inn after inn, let us be mindful of those in our own place and time who find themselves without a place to rest. The Interfaith Hospitality Network would welcome the items listed to the right.: Please bring something to share with the homeless of Greene County to let them know they are loved. prepared or prepackaged after school snacks and food items including juices; school supplies; paper products such as toilet tissue, roll paper towels, napkins & facial tissues; cleaning supplies (not pine); personal items such as lotion, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and feminine products. Page 7 F OOTPRI NTS

6 Memorial Garden The Memorial Committee will continue to accept orders for memorial bricks until January 10, This will insure we will have them to set in the garden in late spring. If you would like to order either a 4 x 8 or 8 x 8 engraved brick for our garden, the forms are in the office, or the information shelf by the ramp entrance. If you have any questions, please see Karen Spencer or Diane Hutton. ST. ANDREW UMC DECEMBER YOUTH EVENTS Wednesday Youth 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sunday Mornings 9:30 10:45 December Schedule: Sunday School on December 6th and 20th only. Thursday December 3rd Newsboys at the Nutter Center Meet at church at 5:00 p.m. for a light supper, then we will caravan to the Nutter Center. The concert starts at 7:00pm Sunday, December 13 th, 4-8 p.m. Join us in spreading some Christmas cheer. It doesn t matter if you sing well or not. We ll team up with a whole gang from church and drive to visit the homes of some of our shut-ins and let them know how much we care and that they are not forgotten by their church family during this Christmas season. When we are done we will enjoy yummy treats back at the church! For more information or to RSVP for an event please contact our youth team at youthst.andrewsumc@gmail.com or Ann & Dan LaMothe at (571) V OLU ME 1 5 ISS U E 2 Page 8

7 December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:00 Oak Tree Corner FH, EDU 7:00 Ad. Council CR Naomi Circle OS 2 Staff Christmas Celebration OS 11:00 Koinonia Circle OS 6:00 Fellowship Meal 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 3 4 7:00 UMW Exec. Board CR 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 8:00 NA FH 5 11:40 STARS : Living Christmas Tree: Grace Polaris Church 6 Second Sunday of Advent 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School-All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study UMW Christmas Tea 3:00 CR 7 8 7:00 Why Weight :00 Angel Luncheon 7:00 Outreach CR 9 6:00 Fellowship Meal 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 10 7:00 No Promises Concert 11 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 8:00 NA FH 12 10:00 Dress Rehearsal for Music Sunday 13 Advent Music Sunday 10:30 Combined Worship 9:30 Sunday School 4:00 Caroling Footprints Deadline Adopt a Family Tree items Due :00 Why Weight 105 6:00 Oak Tree Corner FH, EDU 16 6:00 Fellowship Meal 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 17 10:00 Footprints Folders 18 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 8:00 NA FH Advent 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School-All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study Esther Circle OS :00 Why Weight 105 7:00 Choir Practice Christmas Eve 7:00 Candlelight Service 9:00 Candlelight Service with Communion 25 Christmas 8:00 NA FH :30 Combined Worship 9:30 Sunday School :00 Why Weight 105 New Years Eve Office Closes at 12:00 Page 9 F OOTPRI NTS

8 non profit organization us postage paid Xenia Ohio permit # N. Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek, OH standrewumchurch.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1 Sermon Series for Advent Our Coming Savior Sunday Services: 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00 am Special Music Service December 13: One Service at 10:30 Christmas Eve Services, December 24: 7:00 Candlelight Service 9:00 Candlelight and Communion Service Sunday, December 6 th 3:00 pm UMW Christmas Tea All women of the church and their friends are invited December 13 4:00 pm An A Cappella Christmas with NO PROMISES A CAPPELLA Thursday, December 10, 7:00pm Angel Tree is in the Atrium Gifts are due December 13