The Son Shine News. A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church. Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ

Transcription

1 The Son Shine News A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church Dec 2016 Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Pastor s Message Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, 30 because my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. 32 It s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel. -Luke 2:29-32 (Continued on Page 3) 1

2 A Month of Sundays (p 22) Advent Candles Meaning (p 15) Advent and Christmas Service Schedules (p 5) Advent Sermon Series (pp 10 14) Bake Sales & Bazaar - Thanks for the Support (p 6) Bishop s Call thoughts on the Post Election (p 9) Coffee Hour (pp 4 & 18) Communion (p 18) Christmas Youth Rally at Camp Mechuwana (pp 16 & 17) Information Page (p 24) Lay Leadership Roster (p 7) Ministry of Prayer (p 19) Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 22 23) NOW Committee (p 20) Pastor s Message (pp 1,3 & 4) Pastor s Schedule (p 3) Prayer Chain (p 20) Sunday School (p 9) Pastor s messages are found in a red type on this page and the pages have a red border 2

3 (Continued from Page 1) As I sit down to write this month s Pastor s Note, it is the evening of the final Sunday of the church calendar. So, I guess for Church Geeks I should be wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I say this because the season of Advent ushers in the beginning of a new Christian year. The word advent comes from two Latin words, ad and vene, which means to come. During the four weeks of Advent we worship the God who comes to us in the form of a human baby. We celebrate God s coming to earth to free the oppressed. We remember those faithful saints who have gone before us, who waited for the coming of the Messiah. Advent is a season meant for considering the hope and longing for salvation-the opportunity to live one s life wholeheartedly. We proclaim our faith in the hope that has been fulfilled in the Christ Child. The prophets tell us that Christ is on his way. We sing our songs of joy with Mary. Our hearts are set ablaze with the passion the likes of burly John the Baptist. Our voices join with those of old Zechariah, faithful disciples such as Simeon and Anna. We lift our voices in awe: God, you can now release your servant release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I ve seen your salvation; -Luke 2:29. We celebrate the God who came to earth to walk the journey of faith with us. Each and every one of us is on a journey. Each and every one of us has a story-unique, powerful, and beautiful. The wonder that this season captures is that God comes to us in grace. When we gather on Christmas Eve we raise our candles high singing, Silent Night, Holy Night. In this holy, sacred moment we receive the greatest gift of all, the knowledge that God s grace is available for each and every one of us. (Continued on Page 4) Pastor Jen s Schedule Sunday Worship & Meetings. Monday - Bible study and Bulletin preparation. Tuesday Post office, Church office, Bible study. Thursday Bulletin prep & Sermon prep. Friday Sermon writing. 3

4 (Continued from Page 3) Our God longs for an intimate relationship, so personal that God dwells in us. The Holy Spirit comes to renew us in spirit, refining us in our perseverance, affirm us in our faith, directing us in our prayerful discernment, transforming us as the Body of Christ, and empowering us to share the GOOD NEWS with our friends and neighbors. God comes to love, to redeem, to save. Advent affirms for us that no matter the circumstances of the journey that lies ahead, our Emmanuel, (God With Us) is here, fresh from the cosmic heavens to sojourn with us. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel to each and every heart this Christmas. May Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love be yours this Advent and Christmas Season! Pastor Jen Our Sunday Morning Worship is followed by a coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall, where many gather for friendly conversation over a cup of coffee. Adults and children of all ages catch up with each other and to welcome visitors. Fellowship is an integral part of our Christian Life and the weekly coffee hour is a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with fellow parishioners. Special thanks to all who are volunteering to contribute to our Fellowship Time after worship. 4

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7 Lay Leadership Roster (*) indicates committee chairperson COMMITTEE CLASS 2017 CLASS 2018 CLASS 2019 LAY LEADERSHIP Audrey Smith Richard Chase Vera McCormick Sharon Shaw Joan Bradstreet Lori Jones Wendy Magnan Pastor Jen * PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS Christie Saunders Gene Pfeiffer Beverly Murdock Ruth Gervais Joyce Chase Jackie McCormick Bette Curtis Sarah Alves TRUSTEES Kevin Reed Jackie McCormick Stephen (Pete) Giggey Chris Aspinall Bill Russell Dale Shaw Max Gillette (Emeritus) Joan Bradstreet Barry McCormick * Facility Coordinator Bette Curtis N.O.W. Wendy Magnan Beverly Murdock Jackie McCormick Youth Rep. Ben Reed Christie Saunders Audrey Smith Joan Bradstreet * Dottie Jansen Bette Curtis Gene Pfeiffer FINANCE COMMITTEE Jackie McCormick Beverly Murdock All Chairpersons Vera McCormick Sara Waddick Kevin Reed * LAYLEADER / LAYMEMBER AD COUNCIL CHAIR MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY CHURCH HISTORIANS Christie Saunders Gene Pfeiffer Helen Gillette Joan Bradstreet Madeline Stevenson CHARTER ORG REP SCOUTS Pastor Jen Max Gillette GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP Coordinator / Treasurer Vera McCormick 7

8 Bishop shares his post-election thoughts In a letter Nov. 12, 2016, the bishop wrote: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just last Monday, I wrote you a letter in which I quoted John Wesley s words from Oct. 6, 1774: "I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and ad-vised them, 1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; 2) to speak no evil of the person they voted against; and, 3) to take care their spirits were not sharp-ened against those that voted on the other side." Wesley s words are no less pertinent after the voting is done. The results of this election have brought a wide range of responses and emotions. We, United Methodists, were divided before the election, and we continue to be divided now. I have heard from many people this week expressing fear, distrust, disappointment, and anger as well as joy and hope. I have been in prayer for all of us during this emotional week. In the midst of our differences and feelings, let us remember the words of Paul who said, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) May we hold our elected officials and leaders across the nation and each other in prayer as we strive to uphold the principles Jesus shared with us. As builders of community, peace makers and seekers of justice for all, let us con-tinue our work and be beacons of light across New England and beyond. He shared the Prayer of St. Francis: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. 8

9 Sunday School Sundays at 10:00 am Unity United Methodist Church 13 Depot St in Unity Ages 3-12 welcome For more information please call:

10 ADVENT WORSHIP SERIES: God Bless Us Every One! "God has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things..." Luke 1 This Advent/Christmas series will take a look at how living in God s economy of grace and justice is the antithesis of the life-threatening addiction to money, success, exclusion and looking out for ourselves. The chimes of the clock-tower bells in Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol provide a wake-up call for Ebenezer Scrooge and turn him from his resentment, fear and isolation. Just as God s presence was born anew into this world, we too can be born anew, woken up and redeemed into renewed life, joy, passion, generosity, humility and love. (Continued on page 8) 10

11 (Continued from page 7) Bah Humbug! Making Change 11/27/16 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal One, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7) With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior... God has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. God has come to the aid of the servant Israel, remembering God s mercy, just as promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham s descendants forever. (Luke 1:46-47, 52-55) The cultural context in which Dickens placed his powerful Christmas story was 1800 s England a time of great divide between rich and poor something on which Dickens wanted to shed a light. His main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, is clear as the story begins that the only redeeming value in life was in getting more money. He lives in resentment, fear and the ice-cold frozen state of watching out only for himself. God s economy, on the other hand, says that there is enough for all and all are worthy of the abundance of life and joy, freedom and sustenance. Will we make are worthy of the abundance of life and joy, freedom and sustenance. Will we make change and move toward the richness of peace for all or will we continue to be chained by the poverty of exclusion? THIS SUNDAY, WE WILL ALSO BE CHANGING OVER OUR SANCTUARY IN PREPARATION OF THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON. COME AND TAKE PART IN OUR ANNUAL HANGING OF THE GREENS SERVICE. The Remembrance of Christmas Past: Hope from Heartbreak 12/4/16 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders. (Isaiah 9:2, 6) Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord s angel stood before them, the Lord s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, Don t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great assembly of the (Continued on page 9) 11

12 (Continued from page 8) heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors. (Luke 2: 8-14) Anyone who has ever been in therapy knows that shining a light on our past requires courage and hope. When the Ghost of Christmas Past makes a visit, Scrooge is immediately afraid of the light that emanates from it. But as he begins the terrifying journey, he sheds a tear for the disappointment of his own past and compassion slowly begins to make an appearance in his life. How will we be inspired to share hope in the midst of the world s heartbreak? [if a music sunday replace last sentence above with ] The music that permeates his memory (and our celebration this Sunday) begins to transform mourning into dancing, and despair into hope. How will we be inspired to share hope in the midst of the world s heartbreak? The Life of Christmas Present: Look Upon Me 12/11/16 Now if there are some poor persons among you, say one of your fellow Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the Lord your God is giving you, don t be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your poor fellow Israelites. To the contrary! Open your hand wide to them. (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and much grieving. Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were no more. (Matthew 2: 1-18) Ebenezer Scrooge has a prescription for humanity at the beginning of the story the poor have only themselves to blame and would be better off dead. So when he is visited by the spirit of the present, he is admonished to look! He must really see the truth of the suffering world and his own hand in it. Love is the center of the message this week. What if we modeled our Advent and Christmas comings and goings as if we actually believe that God has already blessed everyone and we are called to make visible and tangible those blessings? (Continued on page 10) 12

13 (Continued from page 9) The Hope of Christmas Future: Death-Defying Acts 12/18/16 Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. (Revelation 1:4) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. (Luke 4:18-19) So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it isn t an obligation to ourselves to live our lives on the basis of selfishness. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. All who are led by God s Spirit are God s [offspring.] You didn t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as God s children. (Romans 8: 4b-17) Fear of the future. We all have this to varying degrees, affecting our behavior, our relationships, our generosity and our ability to truly know the joy of life. The journey of Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is harrowing. He tries to hide from it, run from it to no avail. It is only when he realizes that h e has the power to change the destructive course he is on that his fear is transformed to joy. Along with Scrooge, we can defy death-like attitudes and reawaken to life. No matter how far off course we might have gone, we haven t missed it! Christmas Eve: The Redemption of Scrooge: Keeping Christmas Well 12/24/16 Six months after Elizabeth found out she was pregnant and would bear a son named John, in Nazareth, in the rural province of Galilee, the heavenly messenger Gabriel - Luke 1:26 - Luke 2:20; Matthew 2:1-14 Keeping Christmas well is not about signs of our own prosperity, but signs of our own redemption getting our true selves back so that we might give of ourselves with joy. In this story, Scrooge s journey is not complete until he reconciles with his family. Scrooge knocked at the door and asked to be welcomed, and with joy, he was. If Scrooge can be redeemed, then so can we! Continued on page 11) 13

14 (Continued from page 10) Christmas Day: God Bless Us Every One! 12/25/16 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:1-14) Christmas Day has arrived! The Christ Child is born and we, as the Body of Christ, are reborn with him. Our very essence is peace, hope, love and joy. How will we live this out? Ebenezer Scrooge could not contain his exuberance at being given the gift of living truly living another day. On this day of gift-giving, how will our lives continue to be a gift and a blessing for the sake of every one? Church will be open for worship on Christmas day at the regularly scheduled time. 14

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18 Coffee Hour We have really been struggling to keep the coffee and refreshments going each Sunday after church. Even with trying the every other Sunday schedule, it is just a few people who are carrying the load. Can we just be satisfied with coffee and juice? What are your thoughts? Please let me know what you think. If you have other ideas that you think could be helpful, I am glad to listen and consider whatever they might be. Thanks, Christie Holy Communion Holy Communion, or the Lord s Supper, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. United Methodists practice an open table. We do not exclude people based on age or religious tradition. We receive Holy Communion by intinction, the method whereby the bread is given and then the cup is offered. The bread is then dipped in the juice and both elements are received at the same time. 18

19 The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: Jerry Sullivan and family, Bonnie - Maura s grandmother; Marilyn Joyce Chase s sister; Joyce Chase, Joan Bradstreet; Olive Tinker and Bette s cousin - Valerie; Madeline Stevenson; Helen and Max Gillette; Nancy Henry; Sharon Shaw; Tammy Shaw; the family of Tonya Hubbard; Olive and Carl Braley; Charlene & Paul LaBrie; Charlene s nephew - David; Wendy and Monte Magnan and Emily, and Carter, her sisters Nancy, Bonnie, Cindy,& Sarah; Evelyn Wilbur & family; Connie Reynolds; Jane Glen; Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson; Roger & Marie Barber; Dottie and Bruce Jansen; Seth Reed; the children & parents-of our Sunday school program; Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2016 and The Unity community. See Pastor Jen to add your prayer concerns here or to change status of those listed. If you or a family member goes to a hospital and you need pastoral care, please contact Pastor Jen. In the event of a pastoral emergency and Pastor Jen is not available, please contact NOW Committee Chair Joan Bradstreet at or Lay Leader Christie Saunders at

20 Witness Common Responsibilities of Nurture, Outreach and Witness Ministry Teams and Project Groups Understand the overall goals of the congregation and relate the goals to specific projects and programs so that the goals are extended into and beyond the congregation. To accomplish the goals of the congregation, short-term teams may form and disband throughout the year to implement specific ministries. Explore and build networks with existing organizations, people, and resources in the congregation and community to fulfill the mission of the church. Sometimes it s not easy to stand up and speak out our personal prayer needs. If you have a prayer request, we will keep your needs in our prayers each day for the week following your request. Also, if you need has been answered, we would love to hear and rejoice with you in prayers of thankfulness. OPTIONS: Turning in a prayer card (found in the back of the sanctuary) during our Worship Service Contact Helen Gillette, our Prayer Chain Leader, at Contact our secure online site for our Christian community Companions in Christ, The Way of PRAYER ( Our church believes in the power and importance of prayer: Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 20

21 Month of Sundays December 4, 2016 (Second Sunday of Advent) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Communion Steward Bette Curtis Fellowship Host OPEN December 11, 2016 (Third Sunday of Advent) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN December 18, 2016 (Fourth Sunday of Advent) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN December 25, 2016 (Fifth Sunday of Advent) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN Please call Christie Saunders at and let her know when you would like to help on Fellowship. 21

22 1. RADICAL HOSPITALITY FINAL STRATEGIC GOALS (SG) SG #1: Being intentional about inviting the unchurched into our faith community SG #2: Being intentional in church the GSTS in offering sincere greeting to welcome people to worship as they are, where they are. God loves you as you are. SG #3: Being intentional about offering a safe, friendly, pleasant facility/grounds in which people can gather, learn and worship. 2. PASSIONATE WORSHIP SG #1: Being intentional about connecting people to God through a meaningful worship experience SG #2: Being intentional about exploring various ways of inviting church members/outside groups to share their gifts in worship. 3. INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT SG #1: To be diligent in offering opportunities for each individual of our faith community to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge and love of God. 4a. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **THE CHURCH SG #1: Discerning God s call to step out beyond our comfort zones to meet the needs of our community. 4b. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP SG #1: Discern intentional ways in which to offer God s love and grace to our local community through the ministry of the Good Steward Thrift Shop. SG #2: Intentionally providing more opportunities for volunteers to share in God s love and grace by serving at the Good Steward Thrift Shop. 5. EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY SG #1: Intentionally seeking opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people beyond our walls through congregational support and outreach. SG #2: Intentionally cultivating a spirit of generous giving within the congregation throughout the year. SG#3: Intentionally teach, preach, and practice that generous giving is a spiritual discipline. 22

23 The Leadership Team has completed their work in discerning the church s new mission and vision statements. This has come after months of prayerful meetings in which the congregational responses to survey questions were considered. Below are the mission and vision statements along with the strategic goals formulated out of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations material. All were approved by the Administrative Committee on Sunday, July 19, Thanks to all who participated. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS: Unity Union Church Mission Statement: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Unity Union United Methodist Church Vision Statement: As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God s light and love. In order to live out our vision we covenant to practice: RADICAL HOSPITALITY Welcoming one another as we are with the love of God PASSIONATE WORSHIP Connecting to God through authentic and engaging worship INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT Growing together in the grace and love of Jesus Christ RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE Reaching out to meet needs within our community and beyond EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Cultivating a spirit of generous giving of our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness for the Glory of God. 23

24 Information Page Unity United Methodist Church 13 Depot St. PO Box 146 Unity, Maine Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Reed; or Lay Leader: Christie Saunders; Council Chair: Gene Pfeiffer; Trustee Chair: Barry McCormick; Worship Service 10 AM Sunday Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday Please Like the Unity United Methodist Church in Facebook Check out our Church WEBSITE at articles to: or Contact us at final The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold. 24