The Church Chimes. A Star Leads the Three Wise Men

Transcription

1 The Church Chimes 1 A Star Leads the Three Wise Men In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. Matthew 2:1-2 (NRSV) While attending Illinois Wesleyan University for my undergraduate education, I had the special opportunity to serve on the IWU chaplain s Interfaith Council. It was an eye-opening opportunity for me to learn about faiths outside of the Christian tradition. I recall participating in planning for Ramadan in tandem with my fellow Muslim students, making preparations for Jewish students to celebrate Hanukkah, and facilitating speaking opportunities for humanist and/or atheist professors to share their views on religion. These experiences challenged me with the question of whether God could move in other religions outside of the Christian faith? After two years of serving on the council, I came away with a greater appreciation for interfaith ministries accompanied by an enlightened perspective of how God does indeed move powerfully through multiple faith traditions even among those who have yet to believe! This conclusion I found out in later years of seminary connects well with our Methodist doctrine of God s prevenient grace, which is extended freely to every single person regardless of their specific religious views. On Epiphany Sunday (Jan 6th), we as a congregation reflect on the Matthew 2 story of the three wise men from foreign lands come to pay homage to the Child King, led to him by a divine star. These three wise men weren t Jews; rather, they likely held very different religious beliefs than that of their Jewish hosts. Surprisingly, the divine star leads these three gentiles to worship the Christ Child long before many other prominent Jewish leaders of Jesus time! What do we make of this occurrence so early in Jesus life? Perhaps that the divine star of God s grace does indeed move in other faiths outside of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Perhaps as narrative foreshadowing of what will be realized later in Acts when the gospel of Jesus Christ is offered to the gentiles living far beyond the borders of Judah. Perhaps as a thematic foretaste of how Jesus would seek to relate to people of all different walks of life and beliefs throughout his three-year ministry, never preemptively judging them. In terms of our unique ministry context of Glencoe, how special is it that we have the opportunity as a church to engage in ministry alongside our many Jewish brethren! This is a beautiful contour of the Glencoe community I have come to appreciate these past six months. While we as a congregation may not share identical religious views with other faiths, I wonder this Epiphany if we can give thanks for how the divine star of God s grace is very much at work in a multitude of faith traditions. Grace & peace, Scott S. Himel, Pastor

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service The birth of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is formally January 15; however, the third Monday in January is the official holiday commemorating his birthday based on the Uniform Monday Holiday Act an act of Congress which amended the federal holiday provision of the United States code to establish the observance of certain holidays on a Mondays. The act was signed into law on June 28, 1968, and took effect on January 1, Soon after establishing the holiday, some states resisted observing King s birthday, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. Surprisingly to some, Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 states, for the first time, in the year The idea of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions in contract negotiations. After King s death, US Representative John Conyers (Democrat from Michigan) and US Sen. Edward Brooke (Republican from Massachusetts) introduced a bill in Congress to make King s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came about in the US House of Representatives in However, it fell 5 votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments against it were that the paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding traditions. Only two other private figures have national holidays in the US: George Washington, who although a private citizen, was nonetheless one of the founders of this nation, and Christopher Columbus (without a doubt an interesting choice of person to honor Columbus s history has made him into an oppressive, politically incorrect figure.) That a few senators, all from North Carolina, questioned whether King was important enough to receive such an honor is somewhat mind-boggling. President Reagan originally opposed the bill, but on November 2, 1983, the president signed it, which had passed the House of Representatives by a count of 338 to 90 votes to create a holiday to honor Dr. King. Although the federal holiday honoring King was signed into law in 1983 and took effect three years later, not every US state chose to observe the holiday at the state level until Additionally, even though all states now observe the holiday, at one time some did not name the day after King. For example, in New Hampshire, the holiday was known as civil rights day until 1999 when the state legislature voted to change the name of the holiday to Martin Luther King Day. The national Martin Luther King Day of Service was begun by former Pennsylvania US Sen. Harris Wofford and Congressman John Lewis, who co-authored the King holiday and service act. The federal legislation challenged Americans to transform the King holiday into a day of citizenship action of volunteer service in honor of King. The federal legislation was signed into law by Pres. Bill Clinton on August 23, The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service transforms Dr. King s life and teachings into community service. The origins of the holiday are dotted with racism, politics, and conspiracy. Yet despite all, the day has developed into an affirmation of the best quality of citizens of the United States process generosity drawing together the enormous strength from varied backgrounds of the individual members to forge one solid unit. This is NOT a black holiday; it is a people s holiday. Coretta Scott King SEE PAGE 11 FOR SOME GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT. THE 2019 MLK DAY OF SERVICE 2 Thank you for your generosity The congregation of the North Shore United Methodist Church would like to extend sincere thanks to the anonymous donor of a beautiful set of candelabra to replace the aging ones that served us for a number of years.

3 Chicago partner, Anita Mauro has been named a 2018 Notable Minority Lawyer by Crain s Chicago Business. She is one of 58 legal professionals recognized on the 2018 list. Anita represents clients in banking and commercial finance transactions and real estate tax assessment (RETA) matters. Crain s showcased Anita s substantial experience in connection with the administrative adjudication of tax-exempt status for charitable and religious organizations before local Boards of Review and the Illinois Department of Revenue, including a precedent-setting case in Illinois allowing meditation facilities with a yoga practice to qualify for tax-exempt status on their properties. Crain s also recognized Anita s achievements for clients in RETA matters, including her work helping numerous nonprofit charitable and religious organizations obtain non-homestead property tax exemptions over the past 18 months. For her work on behalf of PAWS Chicago and the Puppy Mill Project, an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to fighting puppy mill cruelty, Anita received the 2018 Animal Welfare Leadership award from PAWS earlier this year. Anita co-chairs Chicago recruitment for Thompson Coburn s Employment Committee and is a member of the Firm s Diversity Committee and its Sustainability team. Anita s commitment to diversity is rooted in her family: Her maternal grandmother s grandfather, Lloyd G. Wheeler, was the first black lawyer admitted to the Illinois Bar on April 20, Out of the Wesley tradition, we gather here tonight to confirm the work and decisions of the North Shore UMC. Let us open our hearts and minds to the holy spirit that we will be guided and strengthened to continue the good work of this Church. Tonight we will reflect on the past, embrace the present and look forward to new opportunities, some planned and others we do not yet see, let us keep the light of God guiding us to continue to build our vital and generous congregation. Grace and peace to all gathered here tonight and to those unable to be with us. Amen. It was with the above prayer that current chairperson of the NSUMC Church Council, Mary Figueredo, opened the service for the 2019 Annual Church Conference on December 10, A Group of members, under the leadership of Brittany Isaac, District Superintendent of the Northwestern District of the Northern Illinois Conference project of the United Methodist Church, along with Rev. Scott S. Himel, Senior pastor of North Shore United Methodist Church discussed and approved issues pertaining the business of the North Shore United Methodist Church. Below is the approved list of nominees for the 2019 year: 3

4 Role Name Last year CHURCH COUNCIL Chair/2 nd lay member to AC Mary Figueredo Exempt as lay to AC SPRC rep Leslie Muir Trustees committee rep new chair of trustees Finance committee rep David Langenbach Treasurer John Martin Secretary/1 st lay member to AC Lisa Goodale Exempt Young adult rep Outreach team chair Fellowship committee chair Pastor Deacon Historian Lay member at large Lay member at large COMMITTEES SPRC Chair TRUSTEES FINANCE/STEWARDSHIP Co- chair Co-chair Treasurer Assistant treasurer/church Council rep Head of stewardship SPRC rep Trustees rep David Figueredo Kathy Cole Scott Javore Rev. Scott S. Himel Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore Bev Fetzer Walter Calhoun Emmanuel Nyadroh Leslie Muir Karla Cavanagh Lisa Goodale Petr Kacena Judy Phillips Jim Simmons/Nancy Cole Ed Goodale Judy Phillips Ellen Bryant Scott Javore Bev Fetzer David Langenbach Art Muir John Martin Kathy Cole Walt Calhoun Pete Olson Emmanuel Nyadroh Wade Fetzer Rob Powell TBD by SPRC TBD by trustees 4

5 NOMINATIONS AND THE LATE LEADERSHIP Pastor/Chair Rev. Scott S. Himel N/A Kathy Cole 2018 Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore 2018 David Langenbach 2020 Walter Calhoun 2021 OUTREACH TEAM Family promise Chair/ Kathy Cole Co-coordinator Co-coordinator Karla Cavanagh A Just Harvest coordinator EDUCATION Chair Costumes COMMUNICATIONS Newsletter/Facebook Website/e-news/Facebook Website assistant WORSHIP Communion Steward Communion steward Hospitality/flowers Candles ADULT FORUM Co-chair Co-chair Walter Calhoun Barb Lepman David Langenbach Radka Kacena Jessica Alam Mary Figueredo Veronica Moskow Ellen Bryant Dr. Rev. Javore Rev. Scott S. Himel Carlos Figueredo Rev. Scott S. Himel Lisa Goodale Mary Figueredo Marjorie Kemp Ellen Bryant Judi Stiles Mary Figueredo Rev. Scott S. Himel Ed Goodale Rev. Dr. Barb Javore 5

6 Advent Sunday The 2019 liturgical year got underway this past Sunday, December 2nd first Sunday in Advent. The Kaplan family lit the first candle in the Advent wreath, Members of the congregation participated in the "Hanging of the Greens", a joyous occasion many look forward to. A warm thanks is given, not only to those who worked to make the sanctuary look great for the Christmas season, but also to those who provided a healthy, delicious lunch for the congregation members who participated in this annual tradition at the North Shore United Methodist Church, 6

7 On December 9, 2018, Andrew Moore, NSUMC Choir Director provided Forum attendees with a presentation on his August 2018 trip to Europe. Andrew was invited to attend the Choral Institute in Sicily, Italy for a 10-day study on choral conducting, from this invitation Andrew developed his travel itinerary which began with a layover visit in Iceland, then on to England, Italy and back to England. This was Andrew s first extended stay in Europe, prior to this trip, he had a brief 3-day trip to England. Andrew did extensive research on his flights and lodging and was able to save money by connecting to Europe through Iceland. He had a lengthy layover which allowed him time to explore Reykjavik which included modern and traditional forms of architecture. Although the weather in Iceland is primarily grey and overcast, he found the people to be warm and friendly. Andrew stayed with family friends outside of London for approximately 1 ½ weeks and explored areas which included Way Bridge, Portsmouth, Winchester, and Cambridge. Andrew went on to Italy by way of the speed rail. He spent time in Florence, visiting the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Uffizi Museum, and the Academia Museum. He went on to Rome where he visited the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St. Peter s Cathedral. He spent a day with a former student and her family in Naples, then on to Sicily for study at the Choral Institute. After his time in Sicily, Andrew circled back to London taking in the sites of the city, highlights included, Kensington Park, St. Paul s Cathedral and John Wesley s stomping grounds. We thank Andrew for sharing his experience with us and appreciate the informative slide presentation he so ably produced. 5 Valerie Compher Meredith Smith 9 Alex Moon Art Muir 13 Holly West 23 Radka Kacena 24 Brian Bloom READERS USHERS FLOWERS HOSPITALITY All items mentioned above are components of the Sunday morning worship services. Please consider volunteering to read usher or bring goodies for the hospitality we also need flowers to beautify the altar. Sign-up sheets can be found on the back of the narthex. HEALING. Marguerite Newsome, mother of former member Mollie Suddhoff, Marguerite has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and is hospitalized in Georgia. Mo Cimbalo, recovering from pneumonia and other lung issues. Now in rehab and will be going home soon. Persistent cough is improving. Walter Calhoun, recently diagnosed with early signs of non-hodgkin's Lymphoma. 7

8 United Methodist Women Christmas gathering. The 2018 UMW Christmas/ornament exchange party was a resounding success. A few photos below show the atmosphere of fellowship and joyous celebration. 8 Merry Christmas Rev. Scott S. Himel with Laurie Shults

9 In most of the Spanish-speaking world, as well as a few other parts of the globe, January 6 is known as Epiphany and is an important part of the total Christmas-season experience. Traditionally, Epiphany El Día de Los Reyes Mago for the Hispanics is a day of gift-giving to the children, as it represents the day when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem and presented the baby Jesus with their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. In the US, the general public knows Epiphany as Little Christmas or Three Kings Day. Epiphany falls at the end of the 12-Days of Christmas period; a time of the year that is mostly dismissed by many in the modern era. In Western Christianity, the feast of the Epiphany commemorates principally but not solely the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. Likewise, in some Western Christian denominations, Epiphany also initiates the liturgical season of Epiphany tide. In Methodism, the Epiphany season or Epiphany tide includes all the Sundays between that day [January 6] and Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. (Epiphany. Christian Advocate. United Methodist Publishing House. ) Answering the question, what does Epiphany celebrate? can become a somewhat multifaceted issue. Much depends on which expert is quoted or the particular branch of religious Body referenced. For Western Christians, the feast chiefly celebrates the visit of the Magi, with a minor reference to Jesus s Baptism and The Wedding at Cana. The Eastern Orthodox Church has a somewhat different view; one beyond the scope of this article. The essence of the feast, however, is the same for both Eastern Orthodox and Western Churches: a) the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan) and b) the Mystery of the Incarnation. According to an electronic article from BBC-Religion, (November 7, 2011), the miracle of The Wedding at Cana is celebrated at Epiphany 9 Epiphany because it is the first manifestation of Christ s public life. The way in which Epiphany is celebrated in different parts of the world varies. As quoted above, Epiphany is primarily a children s holiday throughout most of the Spanish-speaking world. In contrast, in Slovenia (especially the western part of the country) it is the children who go from house to house to receive nuts, dried figs, chocolate, and other goodies to eat instead of gifts being brought to them. Even within the United States celebrations differ from each other. In Louisiana, Epiphany marks the beginning of the carnival season. It is customary during this season to break the King Cake - the interval between Epiphany and the beginning of Mardi Gras is often known as King Cake Season. In colonial Virginia. Epiphany (also known as 12 th Night), was an occasion for great merrymaking, consisting of elegant parties and magnificent balls. Tarpon Springs, Florida is known throughout this nation for the elaborate religious ceremonies related to the Greek Orthodox Church, produced by the town on a yearly basis. Very similar to the season of Christmas, Epiphany has its own music. In addition to several pieces by the great German classical composer J.S. Bach, there are a few carols which depict this specific time of the year: As with Gladness, Men of Old, and of course, the most famous of all the carols for this time, We Three Kings of Orient Are. Sometimes, the hymn The Three Kings is used in choral versions by some churches throughout the United States. Finally, artists have created highly desirable paintings with the Epiphany subject. Museums throughout the world proudly display treasures such as The Adoration of the Magi by the famous Greekborn artist of the Spanish Renaissance, El Greco, as well as a painting with the same titled by Edward Burne-Jones, an English artist of the 20 th century.

10 Rejoice Historical data tells us that it was St. Francis of Assisi who in 1223 set up the first nativity scene, giving birth to what has become the Christmas pageant. Prior to the creation of the nativity scene, people celebrated Christmas primarily by going to a worship service (most likely a Catholic mass) in which a priest one of the few educated individuals of the time would tell the story of the birth of Christ in a foreign language. St. Francis purpose was for everyone to understand the story in a clearly defined away. The first nativity presentation became very popular and spread worldwide. As it spread, people added more figured than the ones St. Francis originally was able to handle in his life nativity scene. Shepherds, sheep, camels, and three Kings joined Mary, Joseph, the donkey, and the ox, in the spectacle in adoration of the baby Jesus. The North Shore United Methodist Church has followed in this tradition almost since its inception over 100 years ago. On December 16, 2018 the third Sunday in Advent known as Gaudete; a name taken from the introit Gaudete in Domino Sempre Rejoice in the Lord always the children and youth of the church recounted the story of the Nativity. Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore has written and directed the scripts for over two decades now. Many thanks to Ellen Bryant, who year after year dresses the kids with superb costumes. The photos below reflect a portion of the joyous occasion: Rev. Barbara Javore 10

11 MLK Day of Service general information. Specific information will be posted by Rev. Scott S. Himel in the Wednesday e-news articles as the time approaches. All NSUMC members interested in participating in this day of service should follow those directions. To register: REGISTRATION BEGINS Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 Go online to NUMC s Web site: Call the church: or Sharon Noha: snoha123@gmail.com Christmas Luncheon The NSUMC congregation celebrated its annual Christmas luncheon following the worship service on December 16, The pictures below provide a view of the wonderful atmosphere of community for which the North Shore United Methodist Church is known. 11

12 Looking Ahead at NSUMC Worship every 10:00 am, followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship afterward. Monday, January 1, 2019 New Year s Day OFFICE CLOSED Thursday, January 10, :00 pm ~ Choir Rehearsal Tuesday, January 15, :00 pm ~ SPRC Meeting Friday, January 18, :30 pm ~ Dinner/Movie Night Saturday, January 19, :00 am ~ Trustee Meeting 10:30 am ~ Church Council Meeting Monday, January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr.Day MLK DAY OF SERVICE Opportunities at Northbrook UMC. MORE INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY JANUARY! Saturday, January 26, :00 AM to noon - Chicago Northwest District LEAD Glenview UMC Wednesday, January 30, :15 pm ~ A Just Harvest Soup Kitchen 12

13 Thank you 13 Dear North Shore United Methodist Church, I would like to thank you all as a congregation for the very generous gift you all provided to me in worship on December 9th. This gift helped me pay off a sizable loan I incurred in order to move into the Glencoe area earlier this year. This loan was significantly impacting my finances; I'm glad to be free of this issue now. I would also like to extend a special word of thanks to Leslie Muir and all members of SPRC for their work in communicating my financial need to the congregation. Please know how grateful I am for this tremendous gift! You all in many ways have helped me to feel warmly welcomed into your community these past six months. I look forward to many years of shared ministry ahead! God's blessings to you all. - Scott S. Himel

14 NORTH SHORE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 213 Hazel Avenue Glencoe Illinois A Reconciling Congregation STAFF Senior Pastor Rev. Scott S. Himel Youth/Children Ministries Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore Choir Director Andrew Moore Organist Tomoko Shibuya Secretary Peggy Bucklin Custodian Rick Short Chimes Editor Carlos Figueredo due date to submit articles for February is January 20 th 14