THE SPIRE THOUGHTS FROM THE FARRER SIDE. DECEMBER 2013/ JANUARY In Christ, Pastor Jim. Share the Journey ipraise iconnect iserve

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1 Volume 44, Issue 10 DECEMBER 2013/ JANUARY 2014 Special points of interest: Our Vision Publication THE SPIRE Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church hours THOUGHTS FROM THE FARRER SIDE. Electronic giving Go green Church calendar Inside this issue: Service Schedule 2 Church Council 3-4 Announcements 4-5 Children s/youth Ministries 6 Choir News 6 Birthday & Anniversary Corner 7-8 Snapshots 9 Here we are at the beginning of Advent with Christmas just around the corner. Each week during Advent I work on preparing myself for Christmas spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I want to make certain that I have completely prepared myself to once again celebrate the coming of God s greatest gift the Christ Child! Sometimes, preparation involves making room or overcoming obstacles so that we can fully embrace Jesus. These obstacles are sometimes important things or at least things we think are important they may be shopping or holiday get-togethers or one of a hundred things we believe must get done. One of the things I would like to see each of us consider this Advent is what things might be in our way of welcoming Christ into our lives. When we can clear obstacles out of our lives, I feel it gives us the opportunity to more fully appreciate the JOY of the Christmas season. Do you have room for joy this year? Are you looking forward to the joy of the season as much as family, food and gifts? In light of asking you to consider the joy of Christmas, I would like each of you to personally let me know a joy you are planning on experiencing this year. Maybe the joy is family or get-togethers where Christ is at the center. Or maybe it s something new. I have a very special joy this year my son-in-law, Chris, will graduate from seminary on December 20 th. He, Emily and their family have sacrificed and worked hard to make this happen, and God is blessing them and me with this special joy just days before Christmas! So, what is your joy I am waiting to hear. In Christ, Pastor Jim firstchurchofmesa.com Share the Journey ipraise iconnect iserve

2 Page 2 OUR VISION We strive to reach out to the community through: A ministry of continuous spiritual growth; A ministry with children, youth, and families in all their diversity, and; A ministry of music and the arts. LIKED THE SERMON? You can now download the sermons onto your Ipod or listen via your computer. Visit firstchurchofmesa.com and start reaching out electronically to friends, family, and those who are looking for God! UPCOMING SERVICES December 1st Communion Sunday Sermon Series: Advent Lessons from Christmas Movies The Journey is Challenging (Obstacles from The Polar Express) December 8th Sermon Series: Advent Lessons from Christmas Movies Preparation is Important (Overcoming from Christmas Vacation) December 15th 9:00 Christmas Cantata 11:11 Special Christmas Music Acts 29 Band & Youth Band December 22nd Sermon Series: Advent Lessons from Christmas Movies Sing for Joy December 24th 7:00 & 11:00 p.m. (Believing from Elf) Sermon Series: Advent Lessons from Christmas Movies How to Stop Christmas! (Real Meaning from The Grinch) January 5th Communion Sunday Sermon Series: Headlines from the New Testament Pigs Fly Near Local Lake!! January 12th Sermon Series: Headlines from the New Testament Mugged Man rescued by Alien January 19th Sermon Series: Headlines from the New Testament Market Dives on Mixed Crop Report January 26th Sermon Series: Headlines from the New Testament Vandals Dig Hole in Roof December 29th Look Both Ways

3 Page 3 CHURCH COUNCIL The following reports reflect the goal of FUMC s Church Council - connecting our vision with our ministry: WELCOMING MINISTRY Thanks to everyone who attended the Harvest Luncheon. We hope you had fun and that you learned more about the volunteer opportunities at First Church! Please remember you can hand in your Volunteer Commitment forms to the office, to the Welcoming and Information Booth, or give it to an usher. The Welcoming Team had lots of assistance with the luncheon and program. Thanks to the following volunteers: Ed Rodriguez, Stephanie and Mark Winestock, Janna Jennison-Jones and the Children s Choir, Joanne and Doug Scott, Marilyn and Dick Krouse, Matt Likens, Jeff, Jean and Julie Harris, Lois Haines, Margie and Bob Rice, Walt Ahland, Lisa, Gavin and Paul Rittenhouse, Katie Phillips, Paul and Katie Mozurkewich, Joan and Andy Wilder, Jeanie and John Morrison, Lindsay and Ryan Kain, Shelly, Noah, and Gabe Hightower, Donna Young, Carol Libhardt, Rodney and Raymond Mindrup, Asa Holly, Jeanette Manley, Stephanie Bunning, Mary Kokali, Pam Upcoming Events: New Member Recognition Potluck - Sunday, January 26 - Please bring your favorite dishes and welcome those who joined our congregation in If you have joined within the past year, please come to be recognized! First Church Community Block Party - Saturday, March 15 Noon- 3:00 - We are hosting a free party with hot dogs and activities for children, youth, and adults!!! Please mark your calendars and start inviting people from outside our congregation to join in the fun. STAFF PARISH RELATIONS SPRC co-chairs Julia Adams and Pat Shaw will be completing their service in December and coming on board in January will be cochairs Margie Rice and Sandra Lackore. If you have any concerns about staff issues you can contact them starting in January. The 2013 Staff Parish Relations Committee would like to extend a thank you and our appreciation to the staff of First United Methodist Church of Mesa for a job well done and their unending dedication. Their daily outreach to our community is also appreciated. Thank you again staff! Publication Deadlines Sunday Bulletins / Announcements Wednesday Noon Spire Deadline All articles to be submitted to the church office no later than January 10th (Holidays and vacations may advance or delay these deadlines by a day or two.) Flowers To place flowers on the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone special contact the Church Office at

4 Page 4 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS M-TH: 9 4:30 pm Friday: 9 2 pm PH: Electronic Giving Electronic giving is a direct debit program where your contribution is debited automatically from your checking or savings account, either weekly or monthly. This is an easy way to fulfill your stewardship commitment, even when you are unable to attend church. You can pick up an authorization form in the church office, and talk to Lynn Adams for further details. CHECK OUT our new option to give with a debit/credit card on our website at firstchurchofmesa.com MARKETING COMMITTEE I had an epiphany of sorts when I was recently proofing material for First Church s new website being developed by the Marketing Committee. The material was about baptisms at our church and funerals. The material was organized in an easy-to-follow FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions format. Rev. Bob Mitchell wrote the material answering just about any question you might have about baptisms at First Church, and Events Coordinator Kurt Miller did the same on funerals. Not only is the information very useful, it brought to mind the services the church provides people who turn to us. Yes, the church is a place of worship, but it also provides valuable services for those who walk through it s doors. For those seeking a church wedding, we offer a beautiful venue and Christian counseling; for those seeking spiritual growth, that s our specialty; for those reaching for a connection with thoughtful and caring people, it s at First Church; for those needing comfort and understanding during anguishing times, we provide it; for those seeking to do good, we ll put you to work; for those wanting help in establishing godly values in their children, we ll help you. The marketing committee has a number of goals we hope to achieve through the new website. Foremost is introducing the church to people using the Internet for finding a place in which to worship and encouraging them to give us a try. But beyond the introduction, we want them to find on our website information they can use to bring value to their lives. We are optimistic that our new website will go live by mid-december so that those using Google to search for Christmas services can find us. On a different topic, the Marketing Committee received good news on Tuesday when the Trustees voted to support an application with the City of Mesa for a listing on the city s historic register. It now goes to the city s preservation board, followed by the zoning board, and finally to City Council. We hope to have city approval by February. Seeking official historic landmark status for the church was an outgrowth of the Marketing Committee s marketing campaign slogan Historic Church/ Modern Message. Jim Ripley Marketing Chair ANNOUNCEMENTS Attention: All Children & Youth Ministry Workers Pastor Bob will be facilitating a meeting to go over our Safe Sanctuary Policy. This meeting will take place on Sunday, December 15 th at 12:00 in the Assembly Room. It is for everyone in our congregation that works with children and/or youth in any capacity. Please make every effort to attend. Thank You!

5 Page 5 Journey to the Manger O welcome little Christmas Guest Dear Jesus from above; Upon thy face, so pure and mild, We see God s smile of love. The journey from Advent to Epiphany unfolds as all good stories should, step-by-step. Advent, which starts on December 1, is a season of preparation. It s a time to get ready for the supreme being: the coming of the Christ Child. During Advent, we prepare for Christmas which is centered in the joy, the celebration, and the new hope brought by a baby. The number one way to keep Christ in Christmas is to have Him present in your daily life and in the way you live your life. Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, and by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. There are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season; Give one special gift from you to God. Set aside time to read the Christmas story. Set up a Nativity scene in your home. Plan a project of good will this Christmas. Take a group caroling in a nursing home. Forgive someone who has wronged you in the past. In past years, donations received through the Christmas gifts to the Christ Child have been used to benefit Mission projects including Sojourner s House, Paz de Cristo, Child Crisis Center, UMOM, Rosie s Kids, Pregnancy Crisis Center, Mother s Day Out, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch and Faith In Action. In addition, the Missions Committee provides scholarships for our own youth. During the worship service on December 15, you will be encouraged to present a monetary gift to the Christ Child. These Christmas gifts will allow the Missions Committee to extend the heart of our church throughout the year. Let us all join on this Journey to the Manger and in keeping Christ in Christmas. Thank you The Hill Family would like to thank you all for your prayers, cards, love and support during the recent death of Casey Frazier, Tanya s fiance. We thank you very much for the time you gave in preparation of the delicious food for the luncheon and meals you provided for our family. Your continued acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy in our great loss touched us deeply and meant so much for both families. Please continue to keep Tanya, our grandchildren and the Frazier family in your prayers for strength, courage, and the faith in knowing God is always with us. We sincerely appreciate the token of love and God bless you all. Wayne & Eva Hill HELP US GET IT RIGHT AND GO GREEN If your name or address is incorrect; if you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically; or you want your name removed from our mailing list, please let us know and we will be happy to make the changes. We appreciate your help! Church Calendar Is now available on the church website at firstchurchofmesa.com/ news/index.html

6 Page 6 JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! Dinner served from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Free for kids under 18 $3.50 per adult PLUS Spiritual Growth Class Personal Growth Class Choir Rehearsals Youth & Children s Activities CHILDREN S MINISTRIES THANK YOU!!!!! Trunk or Treat was a great success thanks to all of you who worked so hard!! It would not have been the wonderful fun filled evening that it was without so many dedicated volunteers!! I also want to thank you for filling out the volunteer survey forms. I really appreciate your feedback!! Joan Wilder-Siersma Children s Ministry Coordinator YOUTH MINISTRIES Upcoming Activities: 12/8 - great activities, fellowship and dinner - $2 each for dinner. 12/15 - We are walking to the Temple to look at Christmas lights - dress warm, hot chocolate afterwards. 12/22 NO YOUTH GROUP. 12/29 NO YOUTH GROUP. January brings new groups for Youth starting Wednesday, January 8 th. Junior High and Senior High will each have a Connexions group meeting on Wednesday nights 5:45p-6:45p after common meal. Youth group resumes on January 5th at a new time: 5:00pm 7:30pm. We are having a New Year s dinner party. Hurry and register for Mingus Winter Camp January 18-20th! The Youth group will be starting their summer mission trip fundraising campaign... please watch for details! CHOIR NEWS Wednesday Rehearsals: Bell Choir 5:00 to 5:55 p.m. Adult Lounge Youth Band 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. FLC Celebration Singers 6:15 to 6:55 p.m. FLC Youth Choir 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. FLC Chancel Choir 7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Please note: No rehearsals on December 25th or January 1st. Dec. Performance Schedule: 9:00 a.m. Youth & Chancel Choirs 9:00 a.m. Celebration & Chancel Choirs 9:00 a.m. Chancel Choir presents Cantata 7:00 p.m. Celebration & Youth Choirs 11:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 9:00 a.m. Special Music Need a Tax Deduction? Find out information for donating to Justa Center by contacting Rev. Bob Mitchell at the church office or justacenter.org Find out information about ECA credit for donating to Guerrero, Holmes, Edison or other Mesa schools at mps.org. This is not intended to be tax advice see your tax professional for further information on how donations can be deducted.

7 Page 7 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 12/02 Bunning, Victor 12/02 Duffey, Marie 12/03 Baum, Sarah 12/04 Rizzo, Chloe 12/04 Gurevitz, Ashley 12/05 Hairston, McKenzie 12/05 Kuck, Aaron 12/06 Lucchesi, Crystal 12/06 Portis, Joseph 12/06 Gorin, Janet 12/06 Tinsley, Jordyn 12/07 Robinson, Kevin 12/09 Harris, Jeff 12/09 Schreiber, Mason 12/09 Haines, Lois 12/10 Tyers, Stephanie 12/10 Thatcher, Julia 12/11 Cecchine, Ann 12/14 Cummings-John, Harriet 12/15 Hitchcock, Sheila 12/15 Olges, Rhianna 12/15 Warden, Marilyn 12/16 Knappenberger, Doug 12/17 Orr, Susan 12/17 Lewis, Pete 12/18 Ripley, Pam 12/20 Robinson, Scott 12/20 Chapman, Tim 12/20 Carbone, James 12/20 Miller, Buford 12/21 Reed, Margo 12/22 Kirby, Lorraine 12/22 Tone, David 12/22 Mozurkewich, Nicholas 12/22 Sellers, Winter 12/23 Broderick, Ashley 12/23 Ramsey, Malia 12/23 Tripoli, Lillian 12/25 Ramsey, Michelle 12/25 Robinson, Laura 12/27 Blais, Tracy 12/29 Gardner, Kevin 12/29 Holt, Alita 12/30 Brouillette, Scott 12/30 Green, Marie 12/30 Morgan, Chris DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 12/05 Thompson, Alan & Vicki 12/12 Boggess, Ken & Barbara 12/27 Schreiber, Mason & Corrie Congrats to all our birthdays & anniversaries! If your name is not on our list (or if you know of someone who should be), please call the church office so we may update our information. We truly do not mean to leave anyone out.

8 Page 8 Having a Party? All of our rooms & spaces are available for rent! Contact Kurt Miller in the office for more information. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 01/01 Tatom, Julia 01/01 Robinson, Justin 01/01 Escobedo, Felipa 01/01 Harmon, Betty 01/03 Richgels, Rebekah 01/04 O'Neal, John 01/04 Buscas, Isabella Rae 01/04 Craig, Rachael Olmedo 01/04 Kilgore, Sue 01/05 Sublett, Naomi 01/06 Black, Betty 01/08 Rennick, Shirley 01/08 Lewis, Tom 01/08 Cummings, Geoff 01/09 Friederich, John 01/09 Switzer, Lola 01/10 Woodcock, Amanda 01/13 Ferguson, Debbie 01/13 Day, Ella 01/15 Snodgrass, Joshua 01/16 Weber, Nancy 01/18 Phillips, Matt 01/18 Olges, Sherry 01/18 Sellers, Mike 01/19 Hitchcock, Sheryl 01/20 Davis, JoAnn 01/20 Snodgrass, Adam 01/21 Lackore, Cecil 01/21 Standage, Caleb 01/21 Standage, Kyle 01/22 Chenier, Larry 01/22 Haines, Dylan 01/23 Kramer, Hattie Belle 01/24 Likens, Matt 01/25 Woodcock, Brandon 01/26 McCraw, Shannon 01/26 Smith, Beverly 01/28 Strouse, Carol 01/28 Schreiber, Warren 01/28 Valenzuela, Michael 01/28 Wauneka, Shawn 01/30 Hook, Floyd 01/30 Portis, Devon 01/31 Smith, Kathleen 01/31 Wauneka, Dean JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 01/10 Royer, Ryan & Tina 01/11 Reich, Travis & Rosey 01/17 Kopf, Harold & Mary 01/28 Smith, Ken & Beverly

9 Page 9 SNAPSHOTS FAITH IN ACTION 2013 We have Sunday School Classes available for all ages pre-school to adult! Join us from 10:10 to 11:00!

10 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Pastors: Rev. Dr. Jim Farrer Rev. Dr. Bob Mitchell Rev. Cecil Lackore - Pastor Emeritus THE SPIRE (USMC ) is published monthly, by the First United Methodist Church, 15 East First Avenue, Mesa AZ 85210, a nonprofit organization. Periodical postage paid at Mesa AZ THE SPIRE First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave. Mesa, AZ fax Spire Submissions: secretary@firstchurchofmesa.com Office Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Thursday 9 am - 2 pm Friday Editorial Policies: The mission of The Spire is to be one communication source for the First United Methodist Church of Mesa. Other communication sources include s, the Sunday church bulletins and verbal announcements made at services or other official meetings. Chairpersons of Boards and Committees, coordinators, members and friends of First UMC may submit announcements, information or items of interest that relate to the mission of the church. The Editor shall reserve the right to either accept or reject articles, to edit for space, grammar and accuracy. Currently, the Spire is being published monthly. Deadline for submission of articles are published both in this newsletter and weekly bulletins. The deadline for submission of articles for the next issue is January 10, The Spire Newsletter Team Editors: Katie Mozurkewich and Linda Phillips Publisher: Linda Phillips Printers: Jo Ann Ramirez Davis, Kermit Davis Assemblers: Pam Rutkowski, Irene Risser, Tillie Whitford, Carla Zwald, Linda Miller, Margaret Desenberg