December 2013 THE PASTOR S PAGE

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1 F I R S T E D I T I O N December 2013 First United Methodist Church of Wabash, Indiana Mission Statement To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Vision Statement...To provide a loving fellowship that brings about spiritual transformation through worship, prayer, study and action in order to know Christ and to make Him known. THE PASTOR S PAGE 110 N. Cass Street, Wabash, IN My favorite worship service of the entire year is the midnight Christmas Eve service. I was talking with a young man in our congregation last week and he reminisced about that worship time with the candles and the ambience. Talking with him, I could tell that there was something special about the memories of that service for him. Last year we did Mike Slaughter s A Different Kind of Christmas program in October looking at what Christmas gift we plan on giving Jesus. This year we are going to be looking at all the stuff around Christmas and encouraging one another to be intentional about making the traditions, the family time, the food, and the decorations all point us back to the story of a world fallen to rebellion and destruction being rescued by the Creator of all that is through the audacious and unlikely plan of infant wonder. Last night I was watching Sunday night football and heard the commentators tell about one of the linebacker s baby girl and how he swore he would not cry when she was born.but he did. Elizabeth looked at me and said, There s just something about babies that touches us deeply. I believe that every newborn child is an expression of God s hope that maybe, just maybe, we will embody the best of what we can be and that hope and promise will blossom in us. They are the future made tangible in the now. God bless us as we intentionally embody with children, adults, systems and possibilities the best of what we can be this Advent and into all of Shalom, Rev. Kurt Senior Pastor - Rev. Kurt Freeman Pastor of Visitation - Rev. John Cook office.wabfirstumc@cinergymetro.net Phone: (260) FAX: (260)

2 How Your Church Works: Larry and Cindy Hoffman are in charge of the Witness Team which oversees worship and newcomers ministries. They are currently looking for a team of people to help them. Please let someone from Nominations know if you are interested in helping. Shalom, Rev. Kurt EXCITEMENT BUILDING IN CHILDREN S MINISTRIES It s an exciting time for children s ministries at First United Methodist Church! Our e d u c a t i o n program is partnering church and family in a way that will maximize spiritual growth in every child. As Pastor Kurt demonstrated during a recent service, the time we have with our children is precious and short, so every minute on Sunday morning is important! Beginning in December, the curriculum that we will be using in both the 9:00 and 10:00 Sunday school hours is a strategy called ORANGE. It is a web-based curriculum that introduces preschool children to God s love through a program called FIRST LOOK, and teaches older children about the truths in the Bible through a program called 252 BASICS. The children will participate in large group activities such as worship, praise, and singing. There will also be engaging and instructional small group activities for preschool, kindergarten through second grade, and third through fifth grade children. We will be utilizing the SMART board in the Sunday School gathering area for the worship time and for Bible stories with the children. In order to connect church and home there is a strong family component (known as Parent Cues) that will be sent via to parents each week. The Parent Cues give suggestions for continuing the Sunday morning topics throughout the week at home. If you would like to know more, please visit: whatisorange.org. Susan Vanlandingham, Director of Children s Ministry CONFIRMATION We will meet for confirmation on Sunday, Dec. 8 from after worship (11:37ish until 1:49. Please bring your prayer journals, Bible, mentor, and football stuff as we discuss the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and Worship. Pastor Kurt Youth Christians in Action Join us during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday School hour to study Creation! Sunday, Nov. 24th - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Raken-Run. Meet at church and bring your favorite finger food. Sunday, Dec. 1st Youth will be greeting before 10:00 a.m. worship service. Sunday, Dec. 15 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Mission opportunity at Bickford Cottage, Wabash. Participation in this event earns FREE admission to Toboggan Run event on December 30th. Monday, Dec. 30th Trip to Pokagon State Park for Toboggan Run. Depart from the church at 9:00 am., return to church at 4:00 p.m. Pack a sack lunch. Money due December 22nd. $8.50 covers two hour toboggan rental and gate entry fee. Call or Text Emily Boardman ( ) for details. Club 345 Fun, Food, Fellowship Sunday, December 8 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Andrea Schuler, Coordinator KIDS FIRST PIZZA HUT FUNDRAISER The fundraiser consists of a discount card for $10.00 that is good until 12/31/2014. You can get your card from Nancy Devore, the church office or the daycare. All proceeds will go to the playground fund.

3 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST Saturday, December 7 7:30 10:00 a.m. In the mac COME, VISIT WITH Santa FREE WILL DONATION Proceeds to Kids First Childcare Ministry Hanging of the Greens! Sunday, Nov. 24 from 4-6pm officially, come early though!!! CHRISTMAS EVE AT FIRST CHURCH Tuesday, December 24, :30 p.m. Family Christmas Service Why the Chimes Rang Presented by our children 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service featuring The Chancel Choir Message by Pastor Kurt Freeman BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Blue Christmas worship service will be December 1 at 7pm. This is a service recognizing that, for some people, Christmas is a reminder of pain rather than a celebration of joy. If you know anyone who has had a divorce or a loss in their family, loss of job, or just struggles with the season, please invite them to come with you for this opportunity to acknowledge grief and encounter grace. Pastor Kurt HOLIDAY TREAT WBCL will welcome Mark Schultz to the Honeywell Center on Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. for a show featuring songs from the Dove Award winner s latest album, All Things Possible, as well as inspiring Christmas classics. Tickets went on sale August 23. The Corporate Sponsor is Halderman Farm Management Service. CHRISTMAS CANTATA 2013!! The Heart of Christmas Featuring Choir & Orchestra Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. In the Sanctuary Plan to come, bring your friends and family for this FUMC Christmas tradition. WESLEY ACADEMY PRESCHOOL & KIDS FIRST CHILDCARE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. In the MAC Everyone Welcome ORDER YOUR POINSETTIA Each year we decorate the Sanctuary with a display of beautiful poinsettias. We rely on you to accomplish this. If you would like to help, the deadline to order is December 9 and the cost is $14. Look for order forms in Sundays bulletins or call the church office

4 VOTING ON MEMORIAL FUND GRANT REQUESTS Sunday, December 8 following 10:00 worship in the Sanctuary. The Parish Health Ministry wishes you Healthy Heart, Mind and Spirit, and a blessed December. Linda Gardner, Parish Nurse MONDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY IS MORPHING Monday night Bible Study is morphing a little into a worship planning team. We will be utilizing the time to, not only look in depth at the passages being covered for the coming Sunday, but we will plan ways we can creatively express the Gospel in upcoming sermons 3 and 6 weeks out as well as brainstorming series possibilities 3 and 6 months out. Please feel free to join us at 6:15 p.m. Mondays in the Library/Conference Room. Pastor Kurt Monday morning Bible Study has concluded their recent study and will not meet again until January 6, At that time they will begin a study of Esther. Watch for sign-up sheet and further information at a later time. SAVE THE DATE The renown author of many Bible studies, Beth Moore, will be at the Fort Wayne coliseum Saturday, Sept 13, 2014 from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm. Wabash First will have a group going, so be looking for more information at a later date. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY We have registered our church to present another Financial Peace University for 9 weeks beginning Sunday, Jan. 5th at 5:30 p.m. Max Highley will be leading the class with Tiffany and Rex Reimer assisting. Look for the sign up sheet or contact Max for more information. DO YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY? Anyone interested in tending the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings from 9:35-10:05 to help with welcoming newcomers please see C i n d y H o f f m a n, e m a i l h e r a t hoffmannursery@hotmail.com, call , or let the church office know. " If hospitality is your GIFT, we are looking for you!" F.I.S.H. CONTRIBUTION REMINDER The 1st Sunday of each month is canned and/or dry goods Collection Sunday for F.I.S.H. and Kids First Child Care. INDIANA DREAM TEAM TO BE AT FUMC Dec. 8th, during our 9 am Sunday School hour, residents from the Indiana Dream Team (IDT) will be at Wabash First Church to talk about their experiences in this program. IDT is the program on which New Beginnings is basing and modeling their program. So if you have been involved or would like to know more about what New Beginnings is about, please come and join us in the MAC. Also be looking for times to work with these gentlemen at New Beginnings Dec. 6, 7 or 8th as a mission project. They are coming to Wabash to help get New Beginnings ready for their first residents during these dates. Times will be announced soon. NAME TAGS - Our name tags are now up to date. If you have been attending FUMC recently, please check the name tag display board for your tag. If you find there is no name tag there for you, please contact the church office. Thank you.

5 CELEBRATION CARDS Coming in 2014 I will be sending cards marking birthdays and anniversaries. If you do not get one it means we do not have your information in the computer. If you suspect we do not have your information, please get that to the Church office before I miss your birthday! Pastor Kurt BOOK remarks The Christian Book Club will not meet in December. We are in the process of choosing books for 2014 and hope you will consider joining us in January for a new year of reading. You may call Sondra Harrell if you have questions. CLAVINOVA SILENT AUCTION The Trustees are offering by silent auction our 1997 Black Yamaha Clavinova with a starting bid of $ The auction starts on Sunday, December 1 and will end on Monday, December 16 th at noon. Please see any of the Trustees if you have any questions. THANK YOU TRUSTEES Thank you from Elizabeth and me to the trustees for all their work at the parsonage. You have done a huge amount this year. Please, church, thank the trustees for all they have done and are doing. Chapel bids are coming in and work will begin soon. Shalom, Rev. NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Dec. 15 PLEDGE CARDS Attached with your newsletter is a pledge card. If you have not turned one in, please take this moment to fill that out so we can plan ministry for IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OUR CHURCH TREASURER, Mel Rennaker As in the past, some of you have asked how much is required to finish your pledge for the remainder of this year. FUMC will be mailing contribution statements at the end of November. These statements will show the amount pledged thru December 31, 2013 and the amount donated through November 30th. The amount (if any) required to meet these annual pledges by the year end will also be indicated. Pledges for 2014 If you have made a pledge for the 2014 church budget, FUMC will be including a pledge statement with the November contribution report. Please review the amounts of the statement to ensure they have been entered correctly. Contribution Services: If you would like to make a full or partial contribution for the 2014 budget and receive credit for your taxes this year, please indicate on the memo line 2014 contribution. These funds are placed in a savings account, and at the end of each quarter, ¼ of the funds will be transferred to the general budget including the interest earned. We need to receive the funds in the office by December 31, 2013 (not postmarked). If you are interested in other means of making your financial contributions to the church, the church will accept shares of common stock instead of cash. If interested in this option, please contact me (Melvin Rennaker). Offering Envelopes for 2014: If you are currently not using offering envelopes and would like to use them for the year 2014, please notify the church office. If you are using offering envelopes and would like to stop using them in 2014, please notify the church office. The offering envelopes will be available the first Sunday, January 5th.

6 FROM OUR CHURCH TREASURER Mel Rennaker 2013 FINANCIAL REPORT October Approved Budget Monthly Amount Year-to-Date Percentage $364, $30, $303, % October Year-to-Date Income $67, % $332, % Expenses $48, % $303, % Difference $1, $29, GENERAL BUDGET OVERVIEW Beg Balance Income Expense Ending Balance $40, $332, $303, $70, GENERAL BUDGET INCOME October YTD Income YTD Estimate Annual Est. Member Pledges $ 44, $ 252, $ 245, $ 294, % Member Contribution $ 4, $ 43, $ 33, $ 40, % Non-Member Contribution $ 3, $ 11, $ 6, $ 8, % Loose Offering $ $ 4, $ 3, $ 4, % Sunday School Offering $ $ $ $ % Checking Interest $ $ $ $ % Upper Room $ $ $ $ % Offering Envelopes $ - $ $ $ % Building Use $ $ 1, $ 1, $ 2, % 2011 Pledge Payment $ - $ $ $ % Extra Gift Contribution $ 15, $ 18, $ 12, $ 15, % TOTAL $ 67, $ 332, $ 273, $ 364, % GENERAL BUDGET EXPENSES Committee Groups October YTD Expenses Budget Missions $ 1, $ 13, $ 16, % Denomination Ministries $ 7, $ 36, $ 38, % Personnel $ 14, $ 147, $ 181, % Council of Ministries $ 1, $ 12, $ 14, % Building & Grounds $ 22, $ 90, $ 107, % Office Operations $ $ 1, $ 4, % Finance & Stewardship $ $ 1, $ 2, % TOTAL $ 48, $ 254, $ 364, % NON-BUDGET MISSIONS October Year-to-Date UMCOR-US Disaster Relief $ $ 1,720.00

7 December A = Wedding Anniversary B = Birthday Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 B-Casey Boardman B-Melissa Ford B-Chuck Leeka 2 3 A-Dan & Tammy Ford B-Shawn Jones A-Terry & Shirley Keaffaber B-Amy Ford 8 A-Travis & Christa Schuler B-Tammy Ford B-Bettie Miller 9 A-Lamoine& Sally Scott A-Derek & Megan Palmer B-Josephine Draper B-Jodi Short B-Kayla Spangler 14 A-John & Angel Hostetler B-Kelly Schuler 15 B-Sabrina Wagner 16 B-Bill Rager 17 B-Ida Gerber 18 A-Bob & Susan Vanlandingham 19 B-Rebekah Freeman B-Mike Goff 20 B-Jacob Schuler B-Susan Stewart 21 B-Dan Ford B-Mason Payton A-Mike & Donna Goff B-Caleb Hemsoth B-Josie Ridenour B-Jesus B-Cindy Hoffman B-Harrison Hoover B-Katie Ogan A-Edwin & Harriet Benjamin B-Jennifer McFarland B-Alex Reed B-Jenna Halderman B-Susan Hunter 29 B-Larry Curless 30 B-Whitney Myers B-Ruth Ann Pilgrim 31 B-Travis Shears

8 December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1st Sunday of Advent (white) 7pm-Blue Christmas Service 7-9pm-Orchestra Practice (Choir Room) 2 6:15PM-Pastors Bible Study 7PM-Boy Scouts 3 1pm-Wabash Musicale (Choir Room) 6PM-Wesley Academy Board 6pm-Building Committee 4 6:30PM-Kids First Board Mtg. 7 PM-Chancel Choir (Choir Rm 8pm-Cantata Rehearsal (Choir Room) 5 7pm-Wesley Academy & Kids First Childcare Christmas Program (MAC) 6 7 7:30am-10am- Community Breakfast (MAC) 8 2nd Sunday of Advent (purple) Memorial Fund church vote 11:30 AM-Club :37am- Confirmation 7-9pm-Cantata Orchestra Practice 9 6:15 PM-Pastors Bible Study 7 PM-Emmaus Board Meeting 7 PM-Boy Scouts 10 6pm-Cub Scout Den Mtg. (MAC) PM-Cantata Rehearsal am-Noon- Cantata dress rehearsal 15 3rd Sunday of 16 Advent (purple) 6:15 PM-Pastors 3-4:30pm-Youth Bible Study mission to Bickford 7:00 PM-Boy Cottage Scouts 7 PM-Christmas Cantata 17 11am-Red 18 Cross Blood Drive (MAC) 7:15pm-Chancel Choir (Choir Rm) th Sunday of Advent (purple) 29 1st Sunday after Christmas (white) 23 6pm-Building Committee 6:15 PM-Pastors Bible Study 7:00 PM-Boy Scouts 30 9am-Youth to Pokagon State Park 6:15 PM-Pastors Bible Study 7 PM-Boy Scouts 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 5:30pm-Family Service 11pm-Candlelight Service 31 NEW YEARS EVE 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS Kids First, Wesley Academy, Church office Closed Wesley Academy Pre-School closed for Christmas break SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Teen & Adult Sunday School & Children s Faith Activities 10:15 a.m. Sunday School for Pre-school thru 5th Grade following Children s Message (except for first Sunday each month) Wesley Academy Pre-School closed for Christmas break