The Heartbeat of Highwater

Transcription

1 The Heartbeat of Highwater May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13 Expecting the Unexpected As I write the December column, we are still over a week away from Thanksgiving and the ground is blanketed with snow. You all know me well enough by now to know that I start counting the days til Christmas shortly after the last Independence Day fireworks have gone off (only a slight exaggeration). Still, I start planning for Advent and Christmas Eve in October, and enjoy listening to the great music of Christmas as I am doing so. But, I didn t enjoy the snowstorm we endured on November 17. Spending the day working from home while my kids were out sledding and having snowball fights did permit me to get ahead on our worship services for the season that I love Advent. The season of preparing for the coming of Christ, the in-breaking of Jesus in our lives and world. I like to plan out the hymns we ll sing each week, the scriptures we ll unpack, and what we ll say as we light the candles on the Advent wreath. I noticed the paradox of all the planning my life and work get very hectic in December, so I find it beneficial to my mental state to be prepared that what I was preparing was talking about staying aware and awake and expecting God to act in our lives in new and unexpected ways. It made me think of a Bible passage that you might want to keep in mind as you wait through the blessed season of Advent for the Christ to come, Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! It was a bummer to stay home that November day, with so much work to be done. As I went outside at midday to see if my kids were frozen yet, I noticed just how strikingly beautiful the snow on the tree line behind my house was. I was reminded of God s canvas what can seem an inconvenience at first can serve to inspire and restore us. I wish you all every blessing through Advent and Christmas. Peace, Pastor Scott The Highwater Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 14th 10:30a.m. in the Legg Center Featuring The Good News Flash Highwater Family Potluck will follow. Please bring a dish to share and some cookies or dessert. Highwater Church Serving God since 1842 December 2014

2 Who to call with ideas and questions Moderator Melanie Shipley Care Ministry Mary Jo Layman Christian Education Debbie Smetts Fellowship Ministry Allyson Patton Membership & Outreach Ministry Kevin Campbell Kathy Preston Missions Ministry Mark & Lisa McKimmins Music and Worship Ministry Nancy Schmidt Sue Steele Stewardship Ministry Bill Goodman Treasurer Jack Schmidt Trustees Peggy Green Brenda Cox WISH Becky Campbell WISH II Quilt Janine Shipley Youth Ministry Coordinator Zach Cornelius WISH II Quilt Wednesday December 10th 7:00p.m. Council Meeting Christmas Gathering Friday, December 12th Melanie Shipley s 2697 Riley Rd NE Please bring a dessert / side dish to share. Bible Studies Food pantry items are always welcomed and a collection container is located in the Narthex. However, it would be great if everyone could remember to bring an item to be collected on the last Sunday of each month. The Utica Food Pantry is currently experiencing a shortage of Jello and canned fruits and vegetables... Anything and everything from Highwater is always greatly appreciated!! Also, we continue to collect 'change for change'. A jar is located in the Narthex. Please consider dropping some pocket change into the jar. Missions will allocate the collection to coordinate with the church's current missions project. Thank you for your ongoing support as we help our neighbors in need. Men s Prayer Breakfast Saturday, December 6th See you at the Lighthouse on the Hill on Rte 62 across from Branstool s Orchard at 8:00a.m. The Little Red Wagon Pick-up for Utica Food Pantry Sunday, December 28th. Please have your non-perishables ready!! You ve Got Mail!!!! The Highwater Christmas Card exchange begins November 30th. There are bins out in the narthex; just place your card in the appropriate space and remember to check for yours in return. It s fun and it saves a stamp! We will have the bins in place through Sunday, December 28th. Mondays at Noon in the Church Library During the Advent season our studies will include: 12/01 Hope Isaiah 40 & 9 12/08 Faith Genesis 12:1-9, 17:1-22, 1 Samuel 3 12/15 Joy Psalm 98, 30 & 16 12/22 Love Luke 1: /29 Jesus Isaiah 11:1-10, 61:1-11, 53:1-12 We will take a break over the Holiday Season and Gather again on Monday January 19th Nursery Schedule (0-pre-k) 10:30a.m. 12/07 Dave & Jen Snyder 12/14 Becky Wright 12/21 Amber Walker 12/28 Open Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early, and if possible, grab a friend or another family member to help you - it s easier with 2 people! Highwater Church 2 December 2014

3 Highwater Advent/Christmas Calendar Sunday, November 30 10:30a.m. Special Music: Bell Choir Christmas Card Exchange Begins Sunday, December 7 10:30a.m. Women s Ensemble Christmas Communion 5:30p.m. 8:00p.m. Family Advent Party Pizza at 5:30p, Caroling to follow And we ll end with activities and cookies. Monday, December 8 6:30p.m. Women s WISH Christmas Gathering at Jenifer Bruce s Sunday, December 14 8:30a.m. Worship Service in Sanctuary 9:00a.m. - Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal Angel Tree Gifts need to be under the tree in the Narthex 10:30a.m. - Christmas Pageant Women s Ensemble The Monotone Angel 11:30a.m. Christmas Family Pot Luck Sunday, December 21 10:30a.m. Sounds of Christmas Featuring: Women s Ensemble / Divine Divas Men s Ensemble Bob Tucker 7:00p.m. Bitter Sweet Christmas Service Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00p.m. -Candlelight Worship w/ Children s Message Special Music: Jenifer Bruce 11:00p.m. - Candlelight Worship Sunday, December 28 8:30 and 10:30a.m. Worship Services Mr. Zach Cornelius will speak from the pulpit this morning Youth Lock-In Please Pick Up Your Christmas Cards

4 Thank you Highwater for your continued generosity! Salvation Army - Angel Tree we have 30 names gifts are due December 14 th Salvation Army Tag Distribution Days at the Mall sign up sheets are in the church binder Support for the Missions Ministry continues to be strong at Highwater. We collected many hats, gloves, and scarves during the month of October. These will go to local school children, and given our present weather, they are being donated just in time. Kay Hissong from the Utica Food Pantry was more than thrilled when she learned of our $1,100 donation in the mail from Highwater. Our Christmas in July initiative, combined with money collected at the end of October comprised this wonderful holiday donation. Kay said now she is sure the Food Pantry will be able to provide local families with turkeys and hams for the holidays. Many opportunities to help will be available in conjunction with the Salvation Army during the month of December. We have elected to help 30 children through the Angel Tree Program. In addition, Kay Hartman could use some help manning the Angel Tree Table at the Indian Mound Mall. It is also fun to be a part of gift distribution day at the Salvation Army. Look for detailed information in our bulletin and binder on Sunday mornings in December. Merry Christmas to all! Mark and Lisa McKimmins - Mission Ministry BUGS and TIGERs December Schedule 10:30a Sunday - November 30th BUGS and TIGERs Pageant Practice (I will need a few parents to help me here.) 10:30a Sunday, December 7th BUGS Regular Sunday School with Elli & Bekah Kalas TIGERs and Middle Schoolers Pageant Practice (Mr Zach, Deb Smetts, Molly Keller and Karen Holt helping) 9:00a & 10:30aSunday, December 14th (BUGS at 9:30a) Dress Rehearsal and Pageant December 21st and 28th Regular Scheduled Sunday School 21st Kathy Preston & Lisa McKimmins and Brad & Allyson Patton, Angels Visit Luke 1: th Jennifer & Brandon Piper and Beth Schieber & Becky Campbell, Simeon and Anna Luke 2: Highwater Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24th 5:00p.m. & 11:00p.m. Pastor Scott will offer reflections on Christmas, we'll have special music, carols, and scripture. The services will end with a candlelit singing of "Silent Night." 5:00p will be a family traditional service. 11:00p promises to be filled with a quiet peaceful glow. Join us as our Advent anticipation gives way to a celebration of the birth of the Christ child! Sunday, December 28th Lock-In WISH Christmas Party Monday, December 8th Jenifer Bruce s Cozy Christmas Cottage 5319 Loudon St NW Jenifer invites the women of Highwater to share a meal and some of the JOY of this season. Please bring a side dish to share. We will have a white elephant gift exchange. And.An Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest! Highwater Church 4 December 2014

5 Happy Birthday to: 12/01 Laura Laughlin 12/03 Becky Lloyd 12/04 Rachel Vaughan 12/08 Bill Goodman 12/08 Kathy Preston 12/09 Maddie Parrill 12/10 Dennis Cox 12/11 Molly Keller 12/11 Stephen Green 12/13 Gene Branstool 12/13 Doug Radabaugh 12/13 Renae Hoar 12/14 Nancy Karam 12/14 Scott Schieber 12/16 Storm VanWey 12/18 Chad Kegler 12/21 Steve Barna 12/23 Steve Smoke 12/24 Judy Grace 12/25 Andy Kalas 12/26 Emelia Burgess 12/27 Nate Bowman 12/30 Jenna Simon Celebrations & Concerns Prayers for those in need of healing: Betty Nash, Gayle Gibson, Paul Harris, Bob Tucker, Becky Wright, Paula Olson, Bruce Claggett, Carolyn Claggett, Tom Siegel, Joy Smith, Amy Kerr, JoAnn Gault, Tanner MacLachlan, Becky Campbell, Terri Andrews, Dick Gibson, Dave Nash, Sue Baughman, Betty Bruce, John Stout, Miriam Thayer, Sharon Mummey, Mark Frick, Carl Richards, Marsha King, Sydney Davis, Evajean Greenlun, Richard Preston, Stewart Krulikoski & Family, Kevin Arway, Toni Worthing, Linda Kerr, Beverly Morrow, Melinda Shoen, Theresa Gonda, Larry Blacksten, Neil & Brenda Butt, Charlie Stephens, Susan Phillips, Kay Wightman, Dave & Carol Sturgill, Mary Hardison, Becky Carlin, Elaine Little, Karis Crosmer Continued prayers: for those who serve in our armed forces and all of their families, as well as those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. We welcome our Council Representatives through terms noted Happy Anniversary 12/03 Bob & Bev Yoakam 12/07 John & Nancy Karam 12/11 Ned & Cindy Campbell 12/14 Tom & Jane Lake 12/15 Jim & Patsy Farmer 12/17 Andrew & Cathy Bero 12/21 Dave & Mary Jo Layman 12/27 Mark & Lisa McKimmins 12./27 Bryan & Shelley Payne Thank you to Melanie Shipley and Allyson Patton for the past two years of service on council. Your time was valuable to our Highwater Family and has been visible in many ways. Please Note- Congregational Meeting We will have an election of Trustees following the 10:30a service on Sunday, December 28th Mark McKimmins Moderator 12/2016 Jack Schmidt Treasurer 12/2016 Debbie Smetts Secretary Indefinite Ministry Chairs: (All terms ending 12/2015) Beth Schieber Fellowship Jackie Parrill Mary Jo Layman Care Bill Goodman Stewardship Mark & Lisa McKimmins Missions Debbie Smetts Christian Education Kevin Campbell Membership and Outreach Kathy Preston Nancy Schmidt Music and Worship Sue Steele Becky Campbell WISH Trustees: Brenda Cox 12/2014 Tom Siegel 12/2014 Bob Tucker 12/2014 Peggy Green 12/2015 Jeff Preston 12/2015 Here I am Lord. Highwater Church 5 December 2014

6 Highwater Congregational U.C.C Dutch Lane Rd. Newark, OH Phone Pastor Scott Schieber, Minister Phone : (h) (c) Zach Cornelius, Youth Coordinator zcornelius500@columbus.rr.com Phone: Debra Smetts, Church Administrator & Newsletter Editor highchurch@windstream.net Phone : Melanie Shipley, Moderator Sunday Schedule Worship - 8:30 & 10:30a.m. Sunday School - 10:30a.m. WISH COOKBOOKS ONLY $ /$5.00 or $3.00 Each Buy some now for the Holidays! WE RE ON THE WEB! Check us out! Did You Know? Flowers for the month of December are donated by Paula Olson, Mary Perry and Annette Thomas in memory of parents/grandparents; Paul & Betty Sillik, and Jeff & Kathy Preston in memory of Bobbi Preston, Sandy Nethers, and Jim Davis. Greeting us with the love of Christ in the month of December are Bob, Daniela, Evan Rowe and Rachel and Sara Vaughan. Acolytes for December: Shelby Kerr, Emma Piper, Cate Schieber, Ethan Barnes, Nick Patton, James Kalas and Sara Vaughan. Office Hours : Monday: 8a - 10a Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8a- 12p Planning an Event? Use the LEGG Center Call Peggy Green at for rates, information and to reserve your date. And, if you want to use Highwater s tables, chairs, or other assets, please be sure to check first, and sign them out with both a departure date and a due-back date. Sunday, December 14th 10:30a.m. Highwater Christmas Pageant Family Potluck to follow Peace, Hope, Faith, Love, Joy Through Giving & Attendance 11/02 3, /09 2, We Need $2, Weekly to achieve our yearly budget. YTD we are under budget by -$7,714.00