LESSONS FROM THE WORD by Pastor Steve

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F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H 7 5 1 F R A N K L I N S T R E E T ~ C A R L Y L E, I L 6 2 2 3 1 Pastor: Rev. Steven C.

org DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 LESSONS FROM THE WORD by Pastor Steve My soul magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46-55) I love the words this passage begins with; My soul magnifies the Lord They are

Mary was a normal village girl who had a very special place in biblical history outlined for her by God.

Through her, the world would know its Savior, both fully divine and fully human.

1 F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H F R A N K L I N S T R E E T ~ C A R L Y L E, I L Pastor: Rev. Steven C. Barrett Phone: (618) ~ Fax: (618) carlylefumc@gmail.com ~ Website: carlylefumc.org DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 LESSONS FROM THE WORD by Pastor Steve My soul magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46-55) I love the words this passage begins with; My soul magnifies the Lord They are words spoken by a young girl, Mary, who was a mere 12 years old and carrying the Son of God in her womb. Mary was a normal village girl who had a very special place in biblical history outlined for her by God. Because of her belief in and love of the Lord, she had been ordained (selected) for arguably one of the greatest tasks that could befall a human being. Through her, the world would know its Savior, both fully divine and fully human. You may have noticed that Mary doesn t praise God because of what He has done through her, but she praises Him because she loves Him. Through Mary s words, known to us as the Magnificat, we are reminded that God gifts those who are humble, weak and poor. While society praises the proud, powerful, and rich, God looks at the heart and lifts up those who love for the sake of love. How often do we wish for more prestige, power, or money? Unsatisfied with what we have? Mary is approached by Gabriel, an arch-angel of God, while she is fetching water from a well. Gabriel shares the news that Mary has been chosen to bear the Son of God. And Mary s response was humble and obedient; Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. In this time of Advent, let us respond to the pings on our heart to serve Christ with humble hearts. Let us praise God for His love, mercy and grace. And let s prepare ourselves for Jesus return, even as we celebrate His birth. Oh, come let us adore Him!!

We have been diligently working to support those in need (clothing the naked and feeding the hungry) and are involved in many aspects of life in our community and the world.

live in their garage. We have had strangers appear on our doorstep, in the midst of the recent cold spell, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and have clothed them in their need.

2 FROM THE PASTOR December is upon us and as you read this newsletter, we ve already been a couple of months into our preparations for Advent and Christmas. I want to thank each and every one of you in advance for your generosity. Without you responding to God s Word for your tithes and offerings, we couldn t continue to be the church we have become. We have been diligently working to support those in need (clothing the naked and feeding the hungry) and are involved in many aspects of life in our community and the world. Recently, our Missions Team Coordinator, Edith Huene, spearheaded an effort to support a family by purchasing materials for a new roof on their home; a roof in such disrepair that they were forced to live in their garage. We have had strangers appear on our doorstep, in the midst of the recent cold spell, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and have clothed them in their need. People in the community have begun calling us to help others because they know we are on point in the service of Christ. Meaning, that we take seriously Jesus words that inasmuch as you have done these things for the least of these, you have done them unto me. providing a special letter that will detail this wonderful act of giving. Second, our church will be supporting a couple of ministry events that will help us bring some Christmas cheer to families here in the Carlyle area. We will have 2 Christmas Families this year and will be providing them a range of things from gifts to gas cards to food. We will also have another Mitten Tree that you are encouraged to support by bringing in new gloves, mittens, and hats and clipping them to the tree outside the sanctuary (by the elevator). These gifts will go to the SPERO Family Services agency that provides hope, help, and healing to individuals, families, and communities (they are a United Methodist agency). This time of year reminds me of just how blessed we are. Do we bottle up that blessing and keep it to ourselves? Or do we provide an outpouring of our love for those who don t have even the basic necessities? Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor and serving alongside you! Merry Christmas! -Pastor Steve This leads me to a couple of things First, we will be supporting our annual Christmas March to the Manger offering on December 23. I ll be Page 2 W ORDS FR OM T HE HEA RT

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD by Pastor Steve On November

that were then sent to children who would otherwise not

Last year, we packed 50 boxes and my challenge to the

increase Shoebox Packing Team and instead of packing

! I was SO excited to have not only met the challenge,

And, speaking with various church leaders here in

boxes than any of the other churches in town.

3 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD by Pastor Steve On November 10, a group of volunteers showed up to pack shoe boxes that were then sent to children who would otherwise not receive a gift this Christmas. Last year, we packed 50 boxes and my challenge to the Missions Team was to double that number and pack 100 boxes this year. Well, when you re doing God stuff, He will provide the increase Shoebox Packing Team and instead of packing 100 boxes, our church prepared and sent 121 boxes!! I was SO excited to have not only met the challenge, but to have exceeded it. And, speaking with various church leaders here in Carlyle, we definitely led the charge and sent out more boxes than any of the other churches in town. And, while it s never about who does more, I was excited that we were able to provide this type of leadership to our community. Blessing the Shoeboxes VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 Page 3

SEVERE WEATHER - CHURCH EVENT CANCELLATIONS We have signed up on KMOV Channel 4 to have the ability to post the closing of our church due to sever weather.

In the menu bar on the upper left, select MENU. Then scroll down and select the down arrow to the right of WEATHER. Click on Closings and Delays.

THANK YOU - by Sharon King I would like to thank everyone who brought food, helped set up, helped in the kitchen and helped clean up to make the Fall Harvest Dinner a success. We had great fellowship.

4 SEVERE WEATHER - CHURCH EVENT CANCELLATIONS We have signed up on KMOV Channel 4 to have the ability to post the closing of our church due to sever weather. This is for church services, Bible study and other events. To check our closings they will be posted on KMOV Channel 4. If you prefer to look it up online, go to In the menu bar on the upper left, select MENU. Then scroll down and select the down arrow to the right of WEATHER. Click on Closings and Delays. This will take you to the CLOSINGS screen where you can select CHURCHES / OTHER. This is where you can find if Pastor Steve has posted that the church event has been canceled. THANK YOU - by Sharon King I would like to thank everyone who brought food, helped set up, helped in the kitchen and helped clean up to make the Fall Harvest Dinner a success. We had great fellowship. Thank you again. Sharon King, Kitchen Coordinator UPCOMING EVENTS The Thursday Morning Women s Bible Study will be starting a Christmas Advent study during December. We meet in the fellowship hall at 10:00 a.m. Anyone is welcome to join us. Please come and bring a friend. Christmas Caroling December 14 at 6:00 PM. Live Nativity December 21 at 6:00 PM Live Nativity on the south lawn. Christmas Eve Service December 24 at 7:00 PM. Christmas Mitten Tree Look for the tree near the elevator and attach mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. Please have items here by December 16. These items will go to needy recipients at the SPERO Family Services ministry in Mt. Vernon! Christmas Families We are supporting 2 local families this year for Christmas. Gift tags will be available on the table in the foyer. Please have items here by December 16. Thanks for supporting this great ministry! POINSETTIAS AND SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS Poinsettia orders are now being taken through December 11. The cost for poinsettias are $10.00 each. Envelopes are available on the table in the back of the Sanctuary. You may order poinsettias or make a donation to the Matthew 25 Ecumenical Food Pantry or the Ministerial Alliance. Poinsettias may be taken home after the Christmas Eve Service. Page 4 W ORDS FR OM T HE HEA RT

5 MISSIONS by Edith Huene and the Missions Team We just want to let everyone know a little bit about what your mission team and our church has done this year: A percentage of the 2017 Thanksgiving offering went to support Connie Wieck, who is a Methodist missionary in China A monetary donation was given to Carlyle High School Post Prom, The VBS children s offering was designated to be split between Carlyle Grade School and OSLC Comfort Dog Ministry. Missions matched the offerings given by the children. A monetary donation was given to the Rotary Club for Christmas baskets of food, Pastor Steve purchased through Missions, clothing for a bicyclist who was injured. A monetary donation was given to help with funds for an expectant Mother for lodging. We paid for handling fees and bought supplies for Samaritan Purse Christmas boxes. Instead of going on a mission trip, we helped a local family from Huey purchase shingles for their roof with the help of other churches in our area. The churches involved in this mission were: FUMC Carlyle, Huey Methodist, First Assembly of God, Carlyle Baptist, Way of Life, Carlyle UCC, and the Carlyle Christian Church. Shoes were collected and donated to the Shoeman Water project. Bibles and educational materials were collected and brought them to Love Packages in Butler, IL Bicycles and flood bucket donations were collected and brought to Midwest Distribution in Chatham, IL. Special monetary offerings were given for: UMCOR for the flooding on the East Coast World Communion Sunday Peace With Justice Sunday Native American Sunday Carlyle Ministerial Alliance Matthew 25 Ecumenical Food Pantry (along with donating food all year long) The Missions Team just want to say how proud and how thankful we are of this church and how gracious and caring and giving you are. You may not always see all that you do but we are reaching out and helping others in many, many ways. It is through your generosity and caring that we are able to do all these acts of love for others. Thank you, thank you, thank you and may God bless you! Edie Huene, Sherry White and Mary Frerker V OLU ME 1 0, IS SU E 12 Page 5

6 VETERAN S DAY RECOGNITION Our Veterans CHILDREN S CHOIR by Pastor Steve If you missed the debut of our Children s Choir, you missed a great Sunday! If you have kids or grandkids, please consider having them sing with this special choir. For more information, see David Wilton, Amy Bass, or Alison Davison! PRIME TIMERS by Sharon King Prime Timers are taking the month of December off. We will meet again in January Watch for further details in upcoming bulletins! A merry balance In Luke 10:38-42, Martha gets a bad rap. After all, we need Marthas to get things done and to show hospitality. (Note that Martha is the one who opens up her home to Jesus in the first place!) Marthas are needed in December, but holiday preparations shouldn t shift our focus from the reason for the season. When we become worried and distracted as Martha did (v. 41, NRSV), we re tempted to trade God s one thing (v. 42) for the world s many worthless things. Yet if we re only like Mary, we may forget to let the world know who we re celebrating! So this Christmas, keep a proper balance between your inner Mary and your inner Martha. Take time to be Mary, kneeling at the manger, so that all the merry things you do as Martha have meaning and serve the newborn king. Page 6 W ORDS FR OM T HE HEA RT

A PAT ON THE BACK by Pastor Steve While many are

Christmas Parade and when I saw the trailer, there was

Not only did Jason build the manger scene for us, but

7 A PAT ON THE BACK by Pastor Steve While many are deserving of a pat on the back, I wanted to highlight Jason Davison this month. We recently had a parade float for the Carlyle Christmas Parade and when I saw the trailer, there was a fully built manger on it! Not only did Jason build the manger scene for us, but he also got the trailer set up and provided his truck to pull it all! Without his exceptional help, our entry for the parade would have been MUCH more difficult to pull together. Thanks for all your help, Jason! VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 Page 7

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9 VOLUNTEERS FOR DECEMBER 2018 December 2 First Sunday of Advent December 9 Second Sunday of Advent December 16 Third Sunday of Advent December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24 Christmas Eve December 30 First Sunday after Christmas MORNING M Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett M David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton L Carol Johnson Kathy Beckemeyer Edith Huene Carol Johnson Kathy Beckemeyer Edith Huene CHILDREN S M Ami Shanafelt Pauletta Goodin Children s Program Volunteer Needed Alison Davison U Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed M -M Sherry White Darin Smith Stacy Smith Sherry White Darin Smith Stacy Smith SOUND T Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed C Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris N Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla NURSERY A Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed OFFERING C John White Phyllis Rahm John White Phyllis Rahm John White Phyllis Rahm John White Phyllis Rahm John White Phyllis Rahm John White Phyllis Rahm VOLUNTEERS FOR JANUARY 2019 January 6 Epiphany of the Lord January 13 1st Sunday after Epiphany January 20 1st Sunday after Epiphany January 27 1st Sunday after Epiphany MORNING M Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett Rev. Steven C. Barrett M David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton David Wilton L Carol Johnson Kathy Beckemeyer Edith Huene Carol Johnson CHILDREN S M Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed U Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed M -M Sherry White Darin Smith Stacy Smith Sherry White SOUND T Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed C Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris Jerry Harris N Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla Linda Masulla NURSERY A Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed OFFERING C Bill Beckemeyer David Gazda Bill Beckemeyer David Gazda Bill Beckemeyer David Gazda Bill Beckemeyer David Gazda ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2018 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 SS NURSERY SUPERVISOR/ASSISTANT SUNDAY SCHOOL NURSERY CHILDREN SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS SUNDAY SCHOOL K ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS SUNDAY SCHOOL ADULTS WORSHIP V OLU ME 1 0, IS SU E 12 Page 9

12/1 Daniel Behrens 12/4 Courtney Davison 12/5 Jim McClaren 12/5 Hannah Stamps 12/8 Michelle Diekemper 12/9 Hope Johnson 12/10 Jessa Barnard 12/12 Tonya Nettles 12/12 Kristin Von Hatten 12/13 Carol

Casey 1/3 Allyssa Kleine 1/4 Marlene Carpenter 1/9 Lynn Garrett 12/1 Brent Johnson 12/22 Vicky Geest 12/24 Steven Becker 12/26 Morgan Barackman 12/26 Tonya Foster 1/1 Naomi Wernsman 1/4 Tami Courtial

12/26 Bob & Sylvia Evans SPECIAL DATES IN DECEMBER First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018 First day of winter,

10 12/1 Daniel Behrens 12/4 Courtney Davison 12/5 Jim McClaren 12/5 Hannah Stamps 12/8 Michelle Diekemper 12/9 Hope Johnson 12/10 Jessa Barnard 12/12 Tonya Nettles 12/12 Kristin Von Hatten 12/13 Carol Strate 12/14 Jason Davison 12/16 John Becker 12/16 David Huene 12/18 Vicky Geest 12/19 Maggie Bass 12/19 Mary Frerker 12/20 Drew Smith 12/24 Jean Kleber 12/27 Kayla VonBurg 12/30 Justin Voss 1/2 Jen Casey 1/3 Allyssa Kleine 1/4 Marlene Carpenter 1/9 Lynn Garrett 12/1 Brent Johnson 12/22 Vicky Geest 12/24 Steven Becker 12/26 Morgan Barackman 12/26 Tonya Foster 1/1 Naomi Wernsman 1/4 Tami Courtial 1/8 Courtney Davison 12/5 Dennis & Jane Buchele 12/5 Tyler & Carrie Kramer 12/15 Nathan & Brandi Wilkins 12/17 David & Jane Gazda Sr. 12/26 Bob & Sylvia Evans SPECIAL DATES IN DECEMBER First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018 First day of winter, December 21, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2018 Christmas Day, December 25, 2018 New Year s Eve/Watch Night, December 31, 2018 Pastor: Rev. Steven C. Barrett Cell Phone: (618) rev.steve.barrett@gmail.com Available Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 12:30-4:00 PM Phone: (618) carlylefumc@gmail.com Website: carlylefumc.org Page 10 W ORDS FR OM T HE HEA RT

11 KIDS PAGE V OLU ME 1 0, IS SU E 12 Page 11

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 UM Special Sunday - UM Student Day 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School

PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study 9:00 AM Cookie Walk / Craft Bazaar 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Advent 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service

PM Chancel 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service 16 17 18 19 8:30 AM Matthew 10:00 AM Women's 25 Food

AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Children s Christmas Program 7:00 PM Christmas Cantata at St.

Nativity 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service 9:00 AM Card Ministry 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day 8:30 AM Matthew 25

12 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday UM Special Sunday - UM Student Day 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:30 AM Hanging of the Greens 9:00 AM Card Ministry 8:30 AM Matthew 25 Food Pantry 6:00 PM Israel Trip Information Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study 9:00 AM Cookie Walk / Craft Bazaar Advent 8:30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Prayer Service 1:00 PM Martha Circle Meeting 6:00 PM Trustee Meeting 8:30 AM Matthew 25 Food Pantry 2:00 PM Communion Service at CHC Assisted Living 5:45 PM "Going Deeper" Bible Study 7:00 PM Chancel 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study :30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service :30 AM Matthew 10:00 AM Women's 25 Food Pantry Bible Study 5:45 PM "Going 6:00 PM Deeper" Bible Administrative Study Council Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 20 6:00 PM Christmas Caroling :30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Children s Christmas Program 7:00 PM Christmas Cantata at St. Mary s Church 8:30 AM Matthew 25 Food Pantry 5:45 PM "Going Deeper" Bible Study 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal Newsletter Deadline 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study First Day of Winter 6:00 PM Live Nativity :30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service 9:00 AM Card Ministry 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day 8:30 AM Matthew 25 Food Pantry 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study :30 AM Prayer Team 9:00 AM Sunday School - PreK- Adult 10:00 AM Worship Service New Year s Day 8:30 AM Matthew 25 Food Pantry 5:45 PM "Going Deeper" Bible Study 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 751 Franklin Street ~ Carlyle, IL 62231 Pastor: Rev. Keith A. Michaels Phone: (618) 594-2051 ~ Fax: (618) 594-2205 ~ Email: carlylefumc@gmail.com ~ Website: carlylefumc.org