Arthur United Methodist Church Arthur. Unite. December Scripture of the Month

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Arthur United Methodist Church Arthur December 2016 Scripture of the Month "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Two things happen at once, under the same banner: Christmas. I noticed one of my Facebook friends posted that she celebrates two Christmases, or more accurately, Christmas in two different ways.

It is a time of lights and sparkles and trees and TV specials. Sun. Dec 7 Youth Christmas Caroling Sun. Dec 11 Carrollton Concert @ Penn Station at 3pm nd Dec 2 VBS Training Sat.

For us it is the season of Advent, when we slow down, examine our lives and confess our sins, receive forgiveness and increase our acts of mercy, and in this way prepare our hearts for the birth

These two celebrations have coexisted for generations in a joyous dance of celebration.

We don t have to feel guilty for celebrating in both ways!

Sunday, Dec 25 10am Service (1 only) I see and hear so many people who will say Merry Christmas! no matter how politically incorrect it might be.

I would rather say Merry Christmas gently, looking within the soul of the one before me, with a compassion that comes from knowing that the birth of this baby can be the second most important

1 Arthur United Methodist Church Arthur December 2016 Scripture of the Month "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Unite - Luke 2:14 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CEDER December 2025 Events WOODS DECEMBER VOLUME Sun. Dec 4 First Sunday Food Pantry Advent is a magical time. Two things happen at once, under the same banner: Christmas. I noticed one of my Facebook friends posted that she celebrates two Christmases, or more accurately, Christmas in two different ways. There is our secular Christmas, filled with elves and Santa and presents. This Christmas is the one most of our neighbors, and even we ourselves, participate in. It is a time of lights and sparkles and trees and TV specials. Sun. Dec 7 Youth Christmas Caroling Sun. Dec 11 Carrollton Penn Station at 3pm nd Dec 2 VBS Training Sat. Dec 17 7pm Community Praise Night Sun. Dec 18 March to the Manger The other Christmas we celebrate is the church s Christmas. For us it is the season of Advent, when we slow down, examine our lives and confess our sins, receive forgiveness and increase our acts of mercy, and in this way prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus in us once again. Wed. Dec 21 7pm. Blue Christmas DecService 8th There is much talk about the war on Christmas. I do not think there is a war, except in our imaginations. These two celebrations have coexisted for generations in a joyous dance of celebration. I do not think there is so much an external war on Christmas as an internal one, where we feel these two cannot coexist in our own lives, and yet they do. We don t have to feel guilty for celebrating in both ways! For us the former must not overwhelm the latter, but that does not mean that it needs to be eradicated from our lives, nor that we insist it be wiped from the lives of others. Sunday, Dec 25 10am Service (1 only) I see and hear so many people who will say Merry Christmas! no matter how politically incorrect it might be. So, we wish someone Merry Christmas in anger and belligerence? What does that say about our Savior? That he is angry and belligerent. I would rather say Merry Christmas gently, looking within the soul of the one before me, with a compassion that comes from knowing that the birth of this baby can be the second most important event in their lives, if they allow him to be born in them. If their hearts have already been a manger for the baby, I have met a kindred heart. If not, I plant the seed of his birth in their life, and show for the joy that completes this season. So, have a Merry Christmas, and I hope that merriment might trail behind us, like the soft cry of THE baby, the light of the world, the joy of Heaven. Sat. Choir Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service at 5pm, 7pm & 11pm Practice Monday, Dec 26 OFFICE CLOSED ONGOING Sunday Dec 11th Pastors Retreat 4pm Small Group 6pm. H.S. Youth Monday: Dec 17th 6:30pm Scouts Tuesday 1 pm Pr oject Linus Wednesday 12pm Ponder w/ themission Pastor 7pm: Choir 2:30pm God s Closet 8pm Praise Band 3:30pm K-5 Youth 4:30pm Community Meals 6pm: 6-8th grade Youth Saturday: 7am Music Lessons w/ Chr is K

ProverbsMEMO 22:17 THE METHODIST PAGE 2/ DECEMBER 2016 A merry heart does good like medicine FOOD PANTRY NEWS NEWS FROM Jill Strawn Bob Doan and I are co-chairman for Thanksgiving Baskets.

After having 4 large donations this fall (First Sunday congregation donation, Christian Church wagon train, Fall Food Drive by our youth, and Arthur Woman's Club admission to their Halloween

2 ProverbsMEMO 22:17 THE METHODIST PAGE 2/ DECEMBER 2016 A merry heart does good like medicine FOOD PANTRY NEWS NEWS FROM Jill Strawn Bob Doan and I are co-chairman for Thanksgiving Baskets. This year we delivered 60 baskets. We would like to thank all those who donated to this project and helped deliver the baskets. The pantry continues to be busy. After having 4 large donations this fall (First Sunday congregation donation, Christian Church wagon train, Fall Food Drive by our youth, and Arthur Woman's Club admission to their Halloween Festival) I only need donations of cereal. I appreciate the large support (both food and monetary donations) I receive from so many! In His Service, Jill Strawn GOD S CLOSET Iris Ramsey The weather has gotten cooler, winter will be here soon and people will be looking for warm clothing. God s Closet has been having requests for winter coats for adults and children any size! Sweatshirts and sweat pants as well as warm clothing for infants would be much appreciated too. Thank you to all of those who donate as donations are always welcome! In His Service, Iris Ramsey Hebrews was a sermon for a specific people and culture in the midst of martyrdom and persecution, but is also so relevant for us today, reminding us to continue walking toward Jesus regardless of our culture or our circumstances. Join Lisa Harper as she journeys through this bridge between the Old and New Testaments to get to the heart of the matter: Jesus is our accessible King. He is not a faraway God, but an up-close Redeemer who draws near to us. Hebrews helps women make the connection between God the Father and God the Son and reminds us that Jesus is supreme, but He is also compassionate, empathetic, and loving to no end. Sessions start Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 6 p.m. Arthur United Methodist Church 128 E Illinois St, Arthur, IL Call the church at to reserve your book or with any questions All women are welcome!

3 PAGE 3/ DECEMBER 2016 Welcome! The Crafty Crafters had another successful year at their bazaar. They made over $8,000 this year! They would like to thank all of those that helped throughout the year and the day of the bazaar. Items are still available in the lounge as well as pecans. The Crafty Crafters are also taking orders for the CUBS Microwave holders. God Bless the Crafty Crafters and all the work that they do throughout the year!

PAGE 4/ DECEMBER 2016 (Although we are trying to get these lists updated as best we can, we always seem to miss somebody.

Ariana) 1 - Jill Cohan 14 - Michele Price 3 - Marcy Petersheim 16 - Jace Green 5 - Andrew Allison 17 - Karl Brown 6 - Bill Brown 18 -

Allison 9 - Laura Jurgens 25 - Hannah Miller Charity Oye 26 - Corrine Chancellor Evan Seegmiller Gabrielle Chancellor Morrow 10 - Ken

UPCOMING EVENTS Bruce Weiman 31 - Gene Good 13 - Zachary Bartholomew Jim Jurgens ANNIVERSARIES 10 - Bill & Lynn Salrin 16 - Bruce &

4 PAGE 4/ DECEMBER 2016 (Although we are trying to get these lists updated as best we can, we always seem to miss somebody. Please be sure to contact the office with any information you might have. Thanks! Ariana) 1 - Jill Cohan 14 - Michele Price 3 - Marcy Petersheim 16 - Jace Green 5 - Andrew Allison 17 - Karl Brown 6 - Bill Brown 18 - Vickie Clark Scott Seegmiller 19 - Janece Dicks 7 - Isaac and Ellis Platzbecker 20 - Marilu Hafer Dalton John Vanausdoll 8 - Haley Allison 9 - Laura Jurgens 25 - Hannah Miller Charity Oye 26 - Corrine Chancellor Evan Seegmiller Gabrielle Chancellor Morrow 10 - Ken Brown 27 - Grace Mast Nelson Herschberger 30 - Jacob Cohan Taylor Stone Ed Coller 11 - Allison Chancellor Zowie Kauffman Ervin Miller UPCOMING EVENTS Bruce Weiman 31 - Gene Good 13 - Zachary Bartholomew Jim Jurgens ANNIVERSARIES 10 - Bill & Lynn Salrin 16 - Bruce & Kathy Oye 27 - Don & Sally McCarthy Look for the Arthur United Methodist Church on Facebook. Our page is Arthur United Methodist Church. Need to contact Bruce? Call his cell or him: bruceweiman@gmail.com

PAGE 5/ DECEMBER 2016 Infant Baptism & New Members On November 6, 2016, AUMC had an infant baptism as well as new members joining the church.

They came to perform at the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair this past summer and now they are back!

Carrollton will also be sharing their music with us at the 10:00 am Worship Service the morning of Dec. 11th! Let s make their visit and concert a great one!

Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and

5 PAGE 5/ DECEMBER 2016 Infant Baptism & New Members On November 6, 2016, AUMC had an infant baptism as well as new members joining the church. Hazel Barvitsky was baptized into the Arthur United Methodist Church and her parents Jackie Dunnell and Jared Barvitsky joined as members. They came to perform at the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair this past summer and now they are back! Come help us fill Penn Station on Sunday, December 11th at 3pm for a free concert to welcome Carrollton to Arthur! Carrollton will also be sharing their music with us at the 10:00 am Worship Service the morning of Dec. 11th! Let s make their visit and concert a great one! Not everyone is jolly and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregation and community, even years after the event. There is a growing attentiveness to the needs of people who are blue at Christmas. Our church is creating a sacred space for people who are living through dark times, and those who support them. Our Blue Christmas service is reflective, accepting of where we really are, and holding out healing and hope. Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Our Blue Christmas Worship Service will be held on December 21 at 7:00pm. Please join us, whether you yourself are blue during this Christmas season, but especially if you would support someone who is, and share with your friends this opportunity to worship.

It was a beautiful service with a variety of readers speaking about topics such as The Legends of the Evergreens, the story of the Creche, Christmas carols, candles, poinsettias and candles.

6 PAGE 6/ DECEMBER 2016 The Hanging of the Greens Service w as Su nday, November 27th at 9:00 a.m. It was a beautiful service with a variety of readers speaking about topics such as The Legends of the Evergreens, the story of the Creche, Christmas carols, candles, poinsettias and candles. The children passed out candy canes, a collection of Christmas hymns were sang and Communion was celebrated. Pastor Bruce began his series, All I Want for Christmas. At this service, he focused on loving one another as Christ loves us. It was a great start to the Advent season! THANKSGIVING BASKET DELIVERY The Thanksgiving Basket Outreach delivered a total of 60 boxes this year. Not only did they deliver a box of food and vouchers to households in need, but they also brought with them the gift of love. Jill Strawn noted, that this year for one of the first times, everyone was home and there wasn t a need for additional trips. She was thankful for everyone s help to those who donated, set up and help delivered. AUMC is very blessed to be able to offer this ministry.

PAGE 7/ DECEMBER 2016 Youth Christmas Caroling Wednesday, Dec 7 Free Concert.

17 @ 7pm March to the Manger Blue Christmas Service 5pm: Sanctuary Contemporary

Dec 18 during Worship Wed, Dec 21 @ 7pm 7 pm: Barn Service @ Seegmiller s 11pm:

Our Cub Scout pack 74 is alive and well (about 74 years strong!

This is a group of first through 5th grade boys.

ranks such as woodworking, communication, knots, pocket knife safety, camping, duty to

They also have a "Pack Meeting" once a month where families and scouts can all

Many of the pack meetings would be an awesome time for our congregation to see just

Some of their upcoming pack meetings and outings include: *December 21 : Isaaks Family

date TBA: Bike Safety and Blue & Gold Banquet. All are welcome!

gutter and welcoming new any and all boys of scouting age to join us at Brad-O-Clen!

7 PAGE 7/ DECEMBER 2016 Youth Christmas Caroling Wednesday, Dec 7 Free Concert. Carrollton Community Praise Night Sunday, Dec 3pm at Penn Station Saturday, Dec 7pm March to the Manger Blue Christmas Service 5pm: Sanctuary Contemporary Service Sun. Dec 18 during Worship Wed, Dec 7pm 7 pm: Barn Seegmiller s 11pm: Sanctuary: Candlelight Service Christmas day : One worship service at 10:00 am. Our Cub Scout pack 74 is alive and well (about 74 years strong!) They are meeting every Monday at the firehouse at 6:30pm. This is a group of first through 5th grade boys. During these meetings they work on activities that advance them through the Cub Scout ranks such as woodworking, communication, knots, pocket knife safety, camping, duty to God and many more! They also have a "Pack Meeting" once a month where families and scouts can all participate together. Many of the pack meetings would be an awesome time for our congregation to see just how AWESOME Cub Scouting is! Some of their upcoming pack meetings and outings include: *December 21 : Isaaks Family Fun Day *January date TBA: Movie Fun at AUMC *February: Pinewood Derby at ALAH *March date TBA: Bike Safety and Blue & Gold Banquet. All are welcome! *April date TBA: Raingutter Regatta Recruiting Day -racing homemade boats in pieces of gutter and welcoming new any and all boys of scouting age to join us at Brad-O-Clen! *May date TBA: Plant a tree in the park. All welcome! *June date TBA: Cross Over ceremony where Weeblo Scouts move up in ranks and move from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. What can we as church family of these boys do to help keep scouting alive in our congregation: 1. Donate milk jugs to the church for a project that the boys will be working on. 2. Candy bars will be available to purchase in February for their fundraiser. 3. Attend and cheer us on in our Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta!

PAGE 8/ DECEMBER 2016 Sunday School Classes/9:00 9:45 Ages 3 K Room on Balcony Level

Adult Sunday School: Meet in church lounge at 9:00 a.m.

Wed. Dec 14th: Last day of Youth for Christmas break. Wed, Jan 11th: Youth starts back up.

The Arthur Preschoolers visited the food pantry on November 9th.

The preschoolers were quite busy that day as they made a trip to IGA too.

YOUTH Little Caesars SPAGHETTI SUPPER Pizza Kit Fundraiser On Nov 11, the Youth served 80

8 PAGE 8/ DECEMBER 2016 Sunday School Classes/9:00 9:45 Ages 3 K Room on Balcony Level Grades 1-3 3r d Floor Grades 4-6 3r d Floor Junior High 3r d Floor High School 3r d Floor Adult Sunday School: Meet in church lounge at 9:00 a.m. Led by Pastor Bruce IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Youth Christmas Caroling on Wed, Dec 7th. Wed. Dec 14th: Last day of Youth for Christmas break. Wed, Jan 11th: Youth starts back up. Start Super Bowl Sub Fundraiser when return. The Arthur Preschoolers visited the food pantry on November 9th. They all got to visit with Jill and made a donation to the food pantry as well. The preschoolers were quite busy that day as they made a trip to IGA too. The kids had a great time while learning about helping others. YOUTH Little Caesars SPAGHETTI SUPPER Pizza Kit Fundraiser On Nov 11, the Youth served 80 individuals for their Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and made $495. Great job Youth! For the first few weeks of November, the Youth sold pizza kits from Little Caesars. They had another successful year, selling $777 worth of pizza kits. Way to go!

9 2016 March to the Manger Offering Arthur United Methodist Church On Sunday, December 18 we will receive this special offering. Please prayerfully consider a gift to missions at this time. Enclose your gift in an envelope along with this sheet completed and bring it to either Worship Service, 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m., on December 18 and place it on the altar at the designated time. In order to have this offering recorded with your regular giving, you will need to sign the sheet to identify it with the financial secretary. All funds will be distributed by the church treasurer as you have designated. Following is a list of projects for your consideration. Undesignated gifts will be directed to special projects by the Outreach Team. ARTHUR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OUTREACH: Due to the needs of several families for food and clothing recently, our funds can always use replenishing. We give these families what they can use from the food pantry but use our funds to provide vouchers for perishables. We also give out children s clothing from God s Closet and use the funds to provide things we do not have. Community meals have been a blessing for both our community and the people of the church. Your gifts help us to continue to provide assistance where needed. FOOD PANTRY: GOD S CLOSET: COMMUNITY MEALS: ARTHUR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING FUND: This money will go toward our building project of a new Fellowship Hall, kitchen, restroom, library CAMPING SCHOLARSHIPS: We have many in our congregation who have benefited greatly from their experiences in this area. Your donation will help send more of our young people to camp. ARTHUR MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: This money is used to help individuals and families who live within the Arthur School district, in times of emergency need. Historically this type of help has been given for burnouts, heating, prescription drug, rent and medical assistance. BABY FOLD: Located in Normal, Ill., founded in 1902 and supported by the M ethodist Church, Baby Fold serves 1,000 children & families annually. Many of our youth have enjoyed spending a week there in the summer as part of their camping experience. CUNNINGHAM CHILDREN S HOME: Operated by the United Methodist Women of the Conference, Cunningham Home has been in assistance to troubled children for many years. Your gifts to this project will help to continue the work of CCH. RED BIRD MISSION: Red Bird Mission and Clinic have been providing ministries in this region of the Appalachian Mountains since Today the need remains critical in this isolated, rural distressed area. Chronic poverty, lack of jobs, poor housing, and rugged mountainous terrain provide obstacles to a fuller life for the residents of this area. Red Bird Mission and Clinic strives to meet these needs through ministry in five areas: Education, Health and Wellness, Community Outreach, Economic Opportunity, and Community Housing Improvement. HEIFER PROJECT INTERNATIONAL: HPI is an interfaith organization that provides animals and other forms of assistance to rural families in under developed countries. Gifts to HPI help provide the animals and the expenses of getting them to where they are needed. UMCOR: The United Methodist Committee on Relief is one of the first responders on the scene after acts of terrorism and natural disasters. This mission arm of our denomination reached far and wide. The recent hurricanes have taken their toll on the resources of organizations that provided aid in these emergency situations. Your offering will help to allow UMCOR to continue giving help where needed. Amount$ IMAGINE NO MALARIA: A denomination-wide ministry focused on eliminating malaria as a source of death on the continent of Africa by Amount$ You may wish to give to a project of your own choosing. If so, you may do so in the following spaces: Project Name: Undesignated Amount$ Amount$ Name

The United Methodist MEMO The United Methodist Church 128 East Illinois St.

Contemporary Service 7 p.m. Barn Service At the Methodist Church At Scott and Steffanie 128 E.

Dress comfortably 1656 CR 2400 N, Arthur 45 minute service North on Arthur/Atwood Rd 3

Band Learn about the meaning of Christmas Nursery available Seegmiller s barn 11 p.m. Candlelight Service AUMC128 E.

(north) 543-4019 Dress for cold weather Live animals in the barn Sing Christmas Hymns

Contest Sunday, December 11 @ 5:00 p.m. In the church basement Sandwiches provided.

10 The United Methodist MEMO The United Methodist Church 128 East Illinois St. Arthur, IL p.m. Contemporary Service 7 p.m. Barn Service At the Methodist Church At Scott and Steffanie 128 E. Illinois, Arthur. Dress comfortably 1656 CR 2400 N, Arthur 45 minute service North on Arthur/Atwood Rd 3 miles, Sing Christmas Songs turn left (west) on 2400 N3rd house with the AUMC Praise Band Learn about the meaning of Christmas Nursery available Seegmiller s barn 11 p.m. Candlelight Service AUMC128 E. Illinois, Arthur Dress comfortably 60 minute service Music by AUMC Choir on right (north) Dress for cold weather Live animals in the barn Sing Christmas Hymns and end the evening lighting a candle and singing Silent Night Gingerbread Decorating Contest Sunday, December 5:00 p.m. In the church basement Sandwiches provided. Please bring a drink or snack to share. Join in the fun! Participants will be in groups and given a gingerbread house kit. When all the groups are finished decorating the houses we will vote on a winner!

Arthur United Methodist Church

Arthur United Methodist Church DECEMBER 2018 Scripture of the Month The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,