A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. December Longest Night Remembrance Service

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Samantha Webster
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Celebration - Run to Bethlehem Sunday, December 14, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary The Voices of Christmas Musical Celebration Sunday, December 21, 10:45 a.

..with the Chancel Choir, SNL Kidz Praise, Handbells, and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra!

Lord, we are already preparing our homes for the holidays and preparing gift lists.

celebration of worship will include the familiar songs and hymns of s, as well as some new ones.

those voices, our voices, of worship and praise.

Be sure not to miss this special s worship service. On Sunday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, the trip will begin!

Experience the Israelites anticipation of the longing for a Savior and their joy of the Messiah s birth!

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. December Advent & Christmas Worship Services Celebrate GOD with US 2014 Advent & Christmas Worship Services Christmas Concert Celebration - Run to Bethlehem Sunday, December 14, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary The Voices of Christmas Musical Celebration Sunday, December 21, 10:45 a.m. in the Christian Life Center Longest Night Remembrance Service Sunday, December 21, 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary Plan to...run to Bethlehem...with the Chancel Choir, SNL Kidz Praise, Handbells, and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra! Pray with us The prayer focus for December is for our families to make time for A CHRIST(mas) Meditation. Lord, we are already preparing our homes for the holidays and preparing gift lists. We pray that we will take time with our families to prepare our hearts to make room for the One whose birthday we celebrate. O come, let us adore Him. Christmas Eve Worship Services: Wednesday, December 24 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary 7 p.m. Worship in the Christian Life Center Join Us on December 21st in The Worship for The Voices of Christmas A Musical Celebration This musical celebration of worship will include the familiar songs and hymns of Christmas, as well as some new ones. As we continue in our Advent Series, The Voices of Advent, we will listen to the voices that spoke of our Savior s birth and add to those voices, our voices, of worship and praise. The service will be led by various members of The Praise Team, Sign of Jonah, and some very special guest musicians and singers as well. Be sure not to miss this special Christmas worship service. On Sunday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, the trip will begin! Bring your family and friends for this exciting voyage to the land of Jesus birth. Experience the Israelites anticipation of the longing for a Savior and their joy of the Messiah s birth! Join with the others as God is praised for the gift of his Son to humankind! Sunday Night Life Kidz Praise will sing with the Chancel Choir and Seasonal Singers, and our Celebration and Jubilation! Bell Choirs will present their joyous praise. Members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will join local musicians to provide symphonic foundations for the entire presentation. Mark this special event on your calendar! Longest Night Remembrance Service Sunday, December 21st, 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary The Longest Night Service, a special service of remembrance for those who have lost loved ones, will be Sunday, December 21st, at 5:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary. It is called the "Longest Night Service" because it occurs around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and embodies the feelings of those who are coping with grief. The service consists of hymns, scripture, prayers, and the opportunity for individuals to light a candle in memory of their loved one. A reception will follow downstairs. We would love to have you join us for a meaningful time of remembrance in the midst of our holiday season and to support others who are experiencing a hard time this season. Sermon Schedule Sunday, December 7 Zach Roberts Sunday, December 14 Zach Roberts Sunday, December 21 Sunday, December 28 Bart Patton Bart Patton

December 24 Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6PM 7 PM January 3 A Musical Night of Caring Christian Life Center Outreach Ministries In our prayers.

Bubba Bryant and Gordon and Carol Smith in the passing of their son, Scott Smith. Connect with us!

5 FM! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month Child Development Center Update SENIORS AT ALDERSGATE: The CDC preschool children are busy with crayons, markers and Christmas stickers as

The United Methodist Women of FUMC will fill the decorated bags with fruit, snacks and lotions and take them to Aldersgate for the annual Christmas party for Seniors in the community.

A big red box sits in the hallway of the children s wing where donations can be dropped off. COMPUTER NEEDED: A computer is needed for the Pre-K classroom.

ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: Please continue to support the Envelope Fundraiser project so that CDC families can receive help with tuition when there is a need.

OUTREACH REMINDER: Just a reminder of the collections that are ongoing throughout the year here at the church.

2 Don t miss! Upcoming Events December 14 Run to Bethlehem Christmas Concert 7:00 PM December 21 The Voices of Christmas Musical Celebration Christian Life Center December 21 Longest Night Service 5PM Sanctuary December 24 Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6PM 7 PM January 3 A Musical Night of Caring Christian Life Center Outreach Ministries In our prayers... Christian Sympathy goes to the families of: Velda Suzy Moss Daniel Channing Campbell Daley McDaniel We lift John, Leonette, and Sara Bryant in prayer after the recent passing of John s brother, Bubba Bryant and Gordon and Carol Smith in the passing of their son, Scott Smith. Connect with us! Like FUMC Hot Springs on Facebook Follow on Instagram & Phone: (501) Fax: (501) lenglish@fumchs.com Listen to our traditional worship service every week on FM! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month Child Development Center Update SENIORS AT ALDERSGATE: The CDC preschool children are busy with crayons, markers and Christmas stickers as they decorate sixty goody bags for the Seniors at Aldersgate in Little Rock. The United Methodist Women of FUMC will fill the decorated bags with fruit, snacks and lotions and take them to Aldersgate for the annual Christmas party for Seniors in the community. OPEN ARMS: During December, CDC families, staff and Board members are being asked to donate items for the Open Arms Food Pantry. A big red box sits in the hallway of the children s wing where donations can be dropped off. COMPUTER NEEDED: A computer is needed for the Pre-K classroom. If you have a computer in good working condition that you would like to donate to the CDC, please contact LesLee Jones, Director at The Pre-K children will say Thanks! ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: Please continue to support the Envelope Fundraiser project so that CDC families can receive help with tuition when there is a need. Envelopes are on the windows of the Romper Room in the CLC waiting to be selected. Thank you members of First United Methodist Church for your continued support of the CDC, a ministry of the church. OUTREACH REMINDER: Just a reminder of the collections that are ongoing throughout the year here at the church. You may leave them at the Welcome Center of the Christian Life Center: Can tabs for Ronald McDonald House Campbell soup labels for Langston Elementary Box tops for Langston Elementary Hygiene products for Open Arms Food Pantry COAT DRIVE: We are again collecting coats of all sizes, for small children to XXL adults, for the Open Arms Food Pantry. You may leave them in the box marked Coats at the Christian Life Center. Kidz R.O.C.K. made 15 blankets to hand out this winter. With the cold weather already here, this is such a blessing. Thank you all for your support with this ministry! Other Announcements LESLEE JONES CANDY POIRIER New Legacy Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Cindy English. We will have a catered meal and are asking everyone to bring $7.00 to cover the cost of the meal. Donations of personal hygiene items will be collected for Open Arms Food Pantry. RSVP to Tommie Kelly at tktommie@gmail.com Our Bereavement Committee appreciates all those who help and cherish the faithfulness our church members have shown to our church and to the families of our congregation. They will be publishing recipes that members have prepared for the family meals and receptions each month. Jeslyn McCleary, a long time member of our congregation, prepared this recipe for the bereavement committee for many years. When she had to move to Little Rock to be closer to her daughter, she wanted this dish to continue to be a part of the bereavement committee. Jeslyn called her good friend, Helen Southard, and asked her to come over so that they could make this recipe together. Helen has since been so faithful to make this recipe for our families...what dedication and friendship!! Jeslyn s Spinach Casserole 2 (16 oz.) large curd cottage cheese 2 packages frozen, chopped spinach, thawed ½ lb. cheddar cheese ¼ lb. butter or oleo 6 eggs, beaten (sometimes I use equivalent of eggbeaters) 6 Tabs. flour 2 tsp. salt Grease baking dish. Cut cheese into small cubes; add all ingredients to thawed spinach. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours. Recipe serves 12 but may be divided in half to serve 6 to 8 but still bake 1 ½ hours.

Children s Ministry Kidz R.O.C.K. = Kidz Reaching Our Community in Kindness In November, we talked about being thankful for what God has given us.

We are also VERY THANKFUL for.officer Brandon Jones and Keena, the police dog, who came to visit! We really enjoyed meeting them and asking questions about how they protect and serve our community.

How awesome it is to have two brave local heroes that are also part of our extended church family!

If you see any of our local heroes this month, be sure to tell them THANK YOU for all they do!!! Created By God is the United Methodist Human Sexuality curriculum.

m. to 4:00 p.m. Nurse Micah Castleberry will be the facilitator. A parent orientation is required for participation in the seminar.

3 Children s Ministry Kidz R.O.C.K. = Kidz Reaching Our Community in Kindness In November, we talked about being thankful for what God has given us. We discovered all sorts of things that we are thankful for like family, friends, teachers, neighbors, pastors, food, animals, and MUCH more. Two special guests visited us during our meeting! We are also VERY THANKFUL for.officer Brandon Jones and Keena, the police dog, who came to visit! We really enjoyed meeting them and asking questions about how they protect and serve our community. Did you know that Officer Jones and Keena are part of the FUMC family, too?!? Officer Jones is the CDC Director, Leslee Jones husband and Keena is their family pet! How awesome it is to have two brave local heroes that are also part of our extended church family! During our meeting, we talked about how thankful we are for our Hot Springs police officers that work so hard to keep our community safe. We are grateful for their time, dedication, and service! If you see any of our local heroes this month, be sure to tell them THANK YOU for all they do!!! Created By God is the United Methodist Human Sexuality curriculum. It is presented to children in 5th and 6th grades using a seminar format. We will be offering this program for 5th and 6th graders on Friday, April 24, 2015 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Nurse Micah Castleberry will be the facilitator. A parent orientation is required for participation in the seminar. This parent orientation will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 5:00-7:00pm. Space is limited to 24 students. Students must attend the ENTIRE workshop in order to participate. Parents are required to take part in the weekend by serving as small group facilitators for at least one session or by providing snacks. FUMC members and regularly attending guests will be able to pre-register beginning TODAY: Online open registration for non-members will begin on Monday, February 2, Need more info? Call Michelle , or mwilkins@fumchs.com MICHELLE WILKINS Our mission project for December is to purchase toys and clothing for our Angel Tree children from Langston Elementary. We adopted 30 children. Gifts are due back UNWRAPPED by December 9th or before, so that we can wrap them and get them ready to present to Langston! If you adopt an angel please ONLY purchase 2 toys (or one large toy) AND one complete outfit (Shirt, pants, and shoes). New socks and undergarments for the child are also encouraged. Bring them back on or before December 9th UNWRAPPED. For questions, please contact Michelle Wilkins (501) WRAPPING PAPER DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to donate wrapping paper for our angel tree gifts, please drop it off in the collection bin in the Christian Life Center behind the Welcome Center desk before December 7th. Thank you in advance for your donation! Created By God Human Sexuality Workshop for 5th & 6th grade PARENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS! It s coming SOON! 2015 Confirmation Classes Begin Soon One of the duties of an ordained United Methodist pastor is to conduct the services of confirmation. Confirmation ranks right up there at the top with administering the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, the officiating of marriage vows, the conduct of Christian burial, and conducting membership classes. Furthermore, the Book of Discipline states It shall be the duty of the pastor (along with the parents, sponsors, godparents, officers and teachers of the church and all members of the congregation to provide training for the children of the Church throughout their childhood that will lead to a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to an understanding of the Christian faith, and to an appreciation of the privileges and obligations of baptism and membership. From a very real perspective, you could say, the young persons eyes are watching; their ears are listening; their hearts are open. They are watching us, listening to us, observing what passions drive us so that they might form a firmer understanding of this that we call the Christian faith. As this 2015 Class of confirmands comes before us, please know it is a time for all of us to drill down even deeper into the well-springs of our faith and find ways to share it with the young people around us. When Youth Minister, Bart Patton or Children s Minister, Michelle Wilkins call on you to assist in this 8 week endeavor, I hope you ll be exuberant in your response and say, Yes, I want to help too! REV. MICHAEL MATTOX CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION Wednesday, January 7th 6:00-7:00PM Class #1 - Creation & Sin Wednesday, January 14th 6:00-7:00PM Class #2 Redemption & the Holy Spirit Wednesday, January 21st 6:00-7:00PM Class #3 Church and the New Creation Wednesday, January 28th 6:00-7:00PM Class #4 Way of Discipleship & Salvation Wednesday, February 4th 6:00-7:00PM Class #5 Sacraments and Worship Wednesday, February 11th 6:00-7:00PM *Ash Wednesday Service in Cupp Hall Wednesday, February 18th 6:00-7:00PM *CONFIRMATION RETREAT WEEKEND Friday, February 20th Saturday, Feb. 21st Camp Tanako, Hot Springs Friday night, 5pm Saturday afternoon, 3pm Class #6 Renounce, Reject, Repent, Accept Wednesday, February 25th 6:00-7:00PM Class #7 Confess and I Believe Wednesday, March 4th 6:00-7:00PM Class #8 P.P.G.S.W. and Going Forth Wednesday, March 11th 6:00-7:00PM Confirmation Day with the Bishop Saturday, March 14th (Vans leave at 8:00am for Little Rock!) CONFIRMATION SUNDAY Sunday, March 15th in all 3 worship services

December Calendar Monday, December 1 Celebration Handbells UMW Circle Meeting Jubilation Handbells Wednesday, December 3 Worship Design Meeting Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class Knitwits Meeting WAK

4 December Calendar Monday, December 1 Celebration Handbells UMW Circle Meeting Jubilation Handbells Wednesday, December 3 Worship Design Meeting Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class Knitwits Meeting WAK Intercessory Prayer Group Chancel Choir Rehearsal Underground S Friday, December 5 Sunday, December 7 J/S Kidz ROCK Youth J/S Tackle Life Class Beginning Handbells Youth Disciple (10-12) Monday, December 8 Celebration Handbells Lectionary Bible Study Jubilation Handbells Tuesday, December 9 O Brien - Thornton Circle Rogers Moore Circle Jane Murphy Circle Helen Wilson Circle New Legacy Christmas Party 12:00 PM 11:45 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 10 Worship Design Meeting Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class Knitwits Meeting WAK Intercessory Prayer Group Chancel Choir/Orchestra Dress Rehearsal Underground S Friday, December 12 Sunday, December 14 J/S Tackle Life Class Youth Disciple Class Christmas Concert Monday, December 15 UMW Board Meeting Tuesday, December 16 Methodist Men s Breakfast Wednesday, December 17 Worship Design Meeting Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class WAK Intercessory Prayer Group Children s Council Youth Christmas Party J/S Friday, December 19 11:45 AM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM 1:30 PM 7:00 AM 11:45 AM 5:30 PM Sunday, December 21 Chapel Communion The Story Club 45 Longest Night Service Monday, December 22 Lectionary Bible Study 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Worship 7:00 PM Thursday, December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS Friday, December 26 Sunday, December 28 Monday, December 29 Wednesday, December 31 NEW YEAR S EVE January 1, 2015 HAPPY NEW YEAR

5 Special Gifts In Memory of Susan Goodrum In Memory of Claudia Van Deusen In Memory of Dr. Charles Johnson From William & Donna Willis From Priscilla Harper Cook From Kenneth & Jenny Wallace In Memory of Cindy DeWitt In Memory of Gwen Cupp From Carolyn Tennyson From Denny & Baylus East From Dr. & Mrs. Joe Howe From Ben & Kay Combs From Karen & Chester Lauck From Mary Frances Stonecipher From Ross & Mary Whipple From Ann Shelton From Ann White From Tommy & Carol Hodges From Bruce & Nitalynn Sigman From Thomas & Nancy Vandegrift From Priscilla Harper Cook From Bob & Jan Schillinger From Dr. & Mrs. John Crenshaw In Memory of Lyle Fellows From Lou Boyd From Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Marshall From Mark & Sandy White From Nancy Grigsby From Peter & Dana Lazzari From Abigail Howe From J.T. & Nancy Petillo From John & Stephanie Wade From Mark & Leslie Lee From Beverly Gates From Jessica Dowdy Yerbich From Bill & Cathy Spivey From James & Meg Casey From Julie & Bill Haught From Tommy & Carol Hodges From Kenny & Peggy Sawyer From Skip & Billie Rutherford From Jeffrey & Laura Hathaway From Liz Black In Memory of Thomas Cooper From Dr. Kyle Roper & Family From Jim & Suzy Burton From Ben Kaufman From Mr. & Mrs. Donald Tatman From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Bill & Judy Creason From Ann Goff From Mary Frances Stonecipher From James & Jeanette Pratt From T Ron & Agnes Mathis From Bill & Denise Morrison In Memory of Laurence Adkins From Jim & Suzy Burton From Lynda & Eric Jackson From David & Rynne Belk From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Dodd From Bill & Judy Creason From Larry & Gwen Stephens From Mary Frances Stonecipher From Mary Nan Carter From Ann Goff From Thomas & Marilyn Hamm From John & Holly Haggard From Latt & Terri Bachelor From Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Fleischner From David & Ruby Bush From Thomas & Nancy Vandegrift From Harry Metcalf & Carol Pratt From Larry & Elizabeth Alderman From Thomas & Catherine Pierce From Bob & Thea Mathis From Susan Cook From Mildred Smith From Bob & Jan Schillinger From Clare Martin From Bonnie McDonald From Bill & Elaine Pathmann From DL (Larry) Williams Ronnie & Camille Ribble In Memory of Dorothy Ann Wright From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Susan Wright In Memory of John Michael Harriman From Ronnie & Camille Ribble In Memory of Robin Braun From Richard & Kathy Reid From James Burns, Jr. From Doris Robey From Dr. & Mrs. Joe Howe From Lynda & Eric Jackson From Craig & Tracey Keaton From W.J. Workman, Jr. From Maurey Miller From William & Donna Willis From Mark & Patti Fleischner From Dr. & Mrs. Graham Holt From David & Nancy Bartlett From Brian & Amelia Ann Hill From Priscilla Harper Cook From Charles & Martha Dudley From Kenneth & Jenny Wallace From Bill & Elaine Pathmann In Memory of Thelma Miller From Susan Cook From Foundations Class From George & Karen Dooley In Memory of Velda (Suzy) Moss From Dr. Graham & Julie Holt From Rick & Mary Roper From E.C. & Mary Hudnall From Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Fleischner From Tony & Cheri Rogers From Eric & Lynda Jackson In Honor of Ann Felsted From Ronnie & Camille Ribble In Memory of Daniel Campbell From Dot Brown In gratitude to Dot Brown for her years of dedicated and selfless service as Board President of our Child Development Center. The Board has made a donation to the Center s Scholarship Fund in Dot s honor. Any additional donations in her honor may be designated, CDC Scholarship Fund, in honor of Dot Brown. Thank you. Made to Crave REV. TERESA HOLT This six-session small group Bible study helps women understand how cravings for lasting spiritual satisfaction are often mistaken for cravings for food. Craving isn't a bad thing, but the challenge is to realize God created us to crave so we'd ultimately desire more of Him in our lives, not more food. Many of us have misplaced that craving, overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. Made to Crave will help: - Break the 'I'll start again Monday cycle' and start feeling good about yourself today - Stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale and make peace with the body you've been given - Discover how weight loss struggles aren't a curse but, rather, a blessing in the making - Replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory - Eat healthy without feeling deprived - Reach a healthy weight goal while growing closer to God through the process Made to Crave will begin on Monday, January 5 (Preview) 9:30 11:00 a.m., followed by six weeks of classes ending on February 16th in the Christian Life Center 201 with Lynda Jackson as Facilitator. The Cost is $9.00 for book.

First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 Spotlight on the Open Arms Food Pantry We had a great surprise from members of Grow and Show Garden Club Hot Springs on

Open Arms Food Pantry is located within First United Methodist Church and is a volunteer-driven food pantry serving those in need in our community. Open Arms is open every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., offering help with food, toiletries, spiritual direction, and a place to feel welcome.

Pictured left to right are: Zach Roberts - Associate Pastor of FUMC, Stacy Hudgens, Candy Poirier - Director of Outreach Ministries at FUMC, Sharon Cissell - Grow & Show President, and Andrea Hamby.

6 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Spotlight on the Open Arms Food Pantry We had a great surprise from members of Grow and Show Garden Club Hot Springs on Thursday, November 13th! They donated an abundance of items to our Open Arms Food Pantry as well as a monetary donation to help with the purchase of food to be distributed each week. Open Arms Food Pantry is located within First United Methodist Church and is a volunteer-driven food pantry serving those in need in our community. Open Arms is open every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m., offering help with food, toiletries, spiritual direction, and a place to feel welcome. Thank you for your kindness and your support of this ministry, Grow and Show Garden Club Hot Springs! Pictured left to right are: Zach Roberts - Associate Pastor of FUMC, Stacy Hudgens, Candy Poirier - Director of Outreach Ministries at FUMC, Sharon Cissell - Grow & Show President, and Andrea Hamby. A Musical Night of Caring On Saturday evening, January 3, 2015, performing artists Ken Goodman and Roy Rivers will combine their musical talents to offer A Musical Night of Caring to benefit The Caring Place in Hot Springs. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center located at 218 Pratt Street. Their combined singing talents will offer concert-goers a variety of musical favorites from Rivers John Denver tribute songs to Goodman s show tunes and Broadway hits. Ray and Ruth Liebau will provide pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m. with guitarist Don Jones. Tickets are $20 prior to the event ($25 at the door) and may be purchased at The Caring Place. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit The Caring Place Scholarship Fund. For tickets or more information, contact Dian at The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw, or Judy Wehunt at We are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.

A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. December 2013

A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. December 2013 Begin with Thanksgiving REV. ZACH ROBERTS Happy New Year! Welcome to Advent, the first season