The Methodist. Advent 2016 The Journey to Bethlehem

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1 The Methodist End of Year Financial Statements Charitable deductions for the 2016 calendar year must be delivered the church or mailed and postmarked by December 31st. Statements of giving for amounts of $250 or more in 2016 will be prepared for distribution in January Persons with giving below $250 may request statements. - Cliff Lowell Financial Secretary Advent 2016 The Journey Bethlehem November 27 Come Thou Long Un-Expected Jesus Isaiah 2:1-5 Matthew 24:36-44 December 4 The Journey Bethlehem Isaiah 7:10-16 Matthew 1:18-25 Cinnamon Role Sunday (see article p.3) December 11 No Room at the Inn Titus 2: Luke 2: 1-7 Children s Christmas Program (see p.3) Birthday Party for Jesus at 9:30 a.m. December 18 Mary s Song Micah 5: 2-5a Luke 1: All Music Group Celebration Christmas Cookie Gala (see p.4) Christmas Open House 1:30-5p.m. (see p.5) December 24 A Not So Silent Night Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2: 8-20 Las Posadas Christmas Eve at 5(p.2) Traditional Candlelight Service at 7 Please note that our worship service is recorded for broadcast. Attendance implies your willingness for you and/or your children under your care be phographed or recorded on video for whatever uses the church deems appropriate. Watch us on Cable 13 at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and/or 10:00 a.m. Thursday mornings DVD s are being provided for the senior adult homes December 25 Christmas Day A Service of Carols and Meditation Blessing of the Toys (Children s Time) (p.3) One Service at 10:00 a.m. January 1 New Year s Day Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Revelation 21:1-6a 2016 Parade of Babies (see p.2) One Service at 10:00 a.m. January 8 Epiphany Sunday The Work of Christmas Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Resume two Services 8:30 and 10:30

2 robert s reflection Parade of Babies Celebrating Life 2016 January 1 we will be celebrating God s gift of new life in our 10 a.m. worship. One of the most precious and awesome experiences of life is the birthing or receiving a child in our midst. It culminates the hopes and dreams and begins the journey of sharing and shaping life with those whom we have been entrusted. Please a picture of your latest family addition by December 18 umcseward@gmail.com or bring in the office a picture of a baby, grandchild, or great grandchild which was born or received in 2016 so we may include them in a picrial parade of the new life related our lives this past year. Make sure list the full name of the child, date of birth, and what relation they are you be included in our celebration. at the loneliest lowliest look for him in the emptiest forsaken felt place within where darkness is deepest in your life and you least expect any light of hope or care there he will be born ~robert Christmas Eve Services At 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The worship committee has set our Christmas Eve celebrations at 5 and 7 p.m. meet the needs of the Seward community and allow greater participation as this is a time for the greatest number of visirs our church for worship. Our 5 o clock service will be very child friendly and based on the Hispanic tradition of Las Posadas. It commemorates Mary and Joseph s journey from Nazareth Bethlehem in search of safe refuge for Mary give birth Jesus. Posadas translates as shelter on inn. The service will conclude with Candlelight and Silent Night. The 7 o clock service will be more traditional with liturgy, carols and a special Christmas message, A Not So Silent Night, Candlelighting and Silent Night will conclude this service as well. If neither of those times meet your needs please join us for a more contemplative Christmas Day Service at 10 a.m.

3 Sunday School Christmas Program Sunday, December 11, 2016 Jesus Means Christmas To Me is a Christmas musical filled with Classic Christmas Hymns. The narration points young hearts the wonder of the manger scene as it teaches them the real reason we celebrate the season. K-8 will participate in the 8:30 and 10:30 services and the pre-school will start out the 10:30 service with songs of their own! Cinnamon Roll Sunday December 4th Please come get your cinnamon rolls during fellowship following both services and support the Middle School Youth Group. Blessing of the Toys December 25, 10 a.m. Children are invited bring one y from home on Christmas morning for the Blessing of the Toys during Children s Time. I look forward seeing and celebrating with our children. -Pasr Robert Tue Nov 29 Faith Comm Nursing 5:30 PM - Parlor Sun Dev 4 Visitation Caring Min 6:30 PM - Parlor Wed Dec 7 Witness Committee 5:30 PM - Parlor Thur Dec 8 Finance Committee 7:00 PM - Parlor Sat Dec 10 Nurture Committee 10:00 AM - Parlor Mon Dec 12 Bldg Fund Committee 6:30 PM - Parlor Thur Dec 15 Trustees Committee 7:00 PM - Parlor Tues Dec 20 Worship Committee 1:00 PM - Parlor Tues Dec 20 BBCDC Board 6:00 PM - Parlor Tues Dec 20 Mission & Outreach 7:00 PM - Parlor Sun Jan 8 ALL COMMITTEES After 2nd Service Calling all Senior Highs! Ski Trip Meeting Dec.4 Can you envision yourself communing with your friends in God s incredible creation in Colorado? If you can, all Senior High students and their parents are invited an informational meeting December 4 at noon in the Parlor for a Spring Ski trip in March. Please come hear about the possibilities, costs and plans. See you on the 4th!

4 Notes from Jo Ellen Church Family Life December Gatherings Advent Readings for Families: Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. The term advent is from the Latin translation of "coming." God's prophecies in the Old Testament prepared the way for His promise. During December, Christians take part in advent as a way celebrate the promise of the Savior, Jesus Christ both at birth and looking forward His return. During this season, Bible verses that detail the coming of Jesus can prepare our hearts receive Christ. Read each Scripture gether with your family celebrate the birth of Jesus! (Source: Bible Study Tools) 1. Isaiah 40: Isaiah 52: Isaiah 40: Genesis 3: Genesis 15: Deuteronomy 18: Psalm 89: Isaiah 11: Zechariah 6: Micah 5: Malachi 3: John 1: John 1: Mark 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Luke 1: Isaiah 7: Luke 1: Isaiah 9: Matthew 1: Luke 2: Matthew 2: Luke 2:21-35 Join us on Sunday, December 11th for a Birthday Party for Jesus! All children and youth will gather at 9:30, following the Children s Musical, for a special celebration in the Fellowship Hall. We will share a special book and enjoy birthday treats. Children and youth will then go their Sunday School classes for a special craft/study time. At both fellowship times, the entire church is invited celebrate at the Birthday Party for Jesus! Christmas Churches: Christmas Cookie Gala Sunday, December 18th from 8-12 Fellowship Hall Come and buy a plate or two of cookies benefit the Mission Trip 2017! Progressive Open House and Goodie Gala Each church will open its doors for a festive open house, music, and a goodie gala. Participants will arrive at the designated times each church enjoy special Christmas Music and some seasonal goodies. Participants are encouraged carpool for the afternoon and enjoy time of fellowship and fun. Each church will share in their own ways about the Advent and Christmas season. Join us for a special way celebrate the season on Sunday, December 18 th. Times are listed with churches below Mark your calendars attend this special time! 1:30-2:00 The Rock 237 S. 3 rd Street 2:15-2:45 Mighty Fortress 252 N. 6 th Street 3:00-3:30 Living Word 1300 Hillcrest Drive 3:45-4:15 St. Vincent de Paul 152 Pinewood Ave. 4:30-5:00 Seward United Methodist 1400 North 5 th Sunday School plans for the holidays Thanksgiving weekend: Children and UMYF in the UMYF classroom. Sr. High in room.. Christmas and New Year s Sundays Enjoy time with your loved ones and join us for Worship at 10:00 A.M.

5 You are invited a Christmas Progressive Dinner For all Godparent Groups (G2) Join us on Wednesday, December 21st Meet at the church at 6:30 for carpooling. 6:50 Appetizers at the Christensen Home 7:30 Dinner at the Hastings Home 8:30 Dessert at the Church (Nelson) Please bring a canned food item donate for the holidays for food net and an ornament exchange (if you wish ). We are sure have a fun evening rsvp your godparents so that we will have a tal for food and carpooling Merry Christmas!!! We collected a grand tal of 145 Boxes for Operation Christmas Child this year thank you so much for your support of this special missions project! Bell Ringers Needed... Sign up ring with us on Friday, December 23rd times from 5-9p.m. You and your loved ones are invited a Community Christmas Dinner Sunday,December 25th 2:00-4:00p.m. Fellowship Hall at Seward UMC 1400 North 5 th Street Seward, NE Join us for this FREE Dinner open all who wish Please R.S.V.P. by December 20th Seward UMC at umcseward@gmail.com or call (402) Donations of food items needed will be on sheets at the Welcome Center.

6 Balance as of 11/22/16 $335,650 The church office will be closed Friday, December 23rd at noon through Tuesday, December 27th. PANTRY COLLECTION ITEM DECEMBER RICE Building Improvement Fund Status Goal $553,000 $160,000 of the balance is from the sale of the north property and $4,920 from UWW. The remaining amount has been graciously donated by 113 families. Please prayerfully consider your donation help reach our goal Leadership Organizational Potluck/Meeting January 8 at Noon Do you know when the newsletter deadline is each month? Or the deadline for information be in the worship bulletins? Or how do you get an announcement on the screens before worship or make an announcement before the service begins? Which door do I come in for meetings at the church? Where are the AED device or fire extinguishers located? Who sends meeting notices and minutes? What are guidelines for using the kitchen and where are they located? If you do not know all the answers, that is okay because you can learn about all of these and more at our first All-Church Leadership Organizational Meeting Sunday, January 8 in Fellowship Hall. The Committee on Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations Committee) would like thank all leaders who have agreed serve in leadership for As an appreciation, all leadership are invited a potluck at noon on January 8 hosted by your Lay Leadership Committee and 2017 Chairpersons. You will learn basic administration information about Seward UMC, get know your committee members with whom you have been entrusted by God carry the ministry and vision for Seward UMC, and plan gether when and how often your committee will meet. Together you will accomplish far greater ministry than any one of us can do alone. Let s all plan kick-off the new calendar year right by attending January 8.

7 The Seward United Methodist Church and the Seward United Methodist Women would like thank each of you who contributed in some way the success of the 2016 SUMC Annual Bazaar November 12 and 13, To summarize, we were blessed have had: dedicated volunteers, 60 talented contriburs including the UMW Evening Circle providing the Coffee Shop treats and beverages, More than 750 items were for sale in the Gift Shop and Kountry Kitchen. Approximately 500 or more items sold for an average of $11 each, Eager shoppers of all ages, enjoying the lovely fall weather and the 3 rooms full of gifting, fellowship and outreach. Contriburs responding positively using the new sales tags, easing the Friday preparation for the Bazaar volunteers, Made approximately $5,250 be used this year for our Church s youth camp scholarships, missions and needs of our Church. God has blessed us with a wonderful, caring and generous congregation. Thank you. Wed Dec 7 Christmas Luncheon 11:30 AM Fellowship Hall Thu Dec 15 Evening Group Cookie Exchange & Games 7:00 PM Fellowship Hall Wed Dec 21 UWM Reading Group 5:00 PM Maxine Moore s Home THE KNIT WITS ARE MAKING A CHANGE - We need your help and input What: Get gether for friendship & knitting. Crochet and hand work included. Where: At the church or in my home Why: Prayer time for those in need and our Joys & Concerns for ALL God s Children. Projects: There are many: premie hats, MMDC sweaters, hats for the homeless, any project do for homeless vets, etc. You name it. We are open ideas. Let me know your ideas increase this ministry s effects on all of God s children. Thanks for your time and interest. - Sarah Shively A United Methodist Woman who needs help from her friends Phone (402)

8 Ocber 2nd Monthly Budget: $31,930 Ocber 2016 Donations: Expenses: $ 29,678 $ 30,356 A sincere Thank You our church family for the cards, calls, visits, food, prayers and other kindnesses extended our family during my illness, hospitalization and recovery at home. The past three and one half months have presented challenges and I have been blessed with a return healthy status. The compassion and help of our family, our church family, our coworkers and our friends have helped us endure and we offer our sincere and heartfelt Thank you. Blessings you all! - Greg and Dixie Zabka Donations: General Operating & Mission Shares Expenses: Budgeted Items Only TEAM 1: Larry Chapman Marc Guthrie Jim McHugh TEAM 2: Bill Snell Mike Flyr Clay Shepherd TEAM 3: Neal Butzke Jamie Axthelm Ander Axthelm Same TEAM 4: Rod Barth Doug Barker Blaine Clowser November Subs 27th John Moody Bruce Mavis Dale Lambert #1 #2 #3 #4 #1 #2 #3 #4 #1 #2 #3 #4 #1 #2 #3 #4 #1 #2 #3 #4 Monday Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28 Dec. 5 Dec. 12 Dec. 19 Dec. 26 Jan. 2 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Feb. 6 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 Mar. 6 Mar. 13 Mar. 20 Mar. 27 Sunday Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 26 Mar. 5 Mar. 12 Mar. 19 Mar. 26 Apr Sunday Services will most likely not be cancelled because of snow but please don t risk your safety get here. We plan make an all call if the services are cancelled. The church offices will be closed if school is cancelled.

9 New Members in Ocber (not previously pictured) Leonard & Rose Sitzman Janine & Isabella Marker Please join us for an Open House celebrate Jeannie Jeary s 90th Birthday December 3, :00 PM - 4:00 PM Fellowship Hall To Send a Card: Jeannie Jeary, th, Sew ard To Share a Memory: Please w rite on a sheet of paper or bring a picture - these will be put in a book for her enjoy. Please remember those who were lifted up in prayer for on-going health concerns. Prayers For: Continued strength and comfort for Arnold Boldt. Doug and Gail Brand at the loss of Doug s father, Myron Brand. POINSETTIAS The time is here start thinking about Christmas Poinsettias. Please turn this form in the office by Monday, December 12, You can send this form our office at 1400 North 5th. Poinsettias need be in the sanctuary by noon, Saturday, December 17th. Name Number of Poinsettias In Memory of In Honor of

10 Join us for: Family Pitch Night Sunday, December 18th 5-7 PM Bring your favorite snack share. ALL AGES WELCOME We will teach you how play if you don t know how! Come Celebrate the Joy of the Season. God s House is ready. Several of the pews were shortened be able accommodate wheel chairs. The new flooring has been installed in the Fellowship hall. It looks beautiful and will be so much easier keep clean.

11 Phone Check us out on our Facebook page Bbcdcseward Lots of pictures of kids and activities Thank you everyone who supported us through our book fair. It was a huge success. Reminder BBCDC will be closed from Friday, December 23rd through January 2nd for Christmas and New Year s Break. Bailey Jisa will be starting at BBCDC as the new Assistant Direcr. BBCDC Christmas program, Polar Express, will be Sunday, December 11th at 4 pm, followed by a soup supper. Looking for volunteers from 9-10 am on Thursday help with teaching the children music. The teachers will remain with the children but we need someone who would be willing do music with the different classes. We are also looking for someone from 9-10 am on Friday mornings read sries the children for their own sry time. If you would like more information please contact Kerry at

12 Seward United Methodist Church 1400 North 5th Street Seward, Nebraska Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Seward, NE Permit No. 62 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Label DECEMBER Issue Church Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. M-F Phone: Fax: umcseward@gmail.com Website: Facebook: Robert Henre, Pasr rhenre@greatplainsumc.org (402) Jo Ellen Axthelm, Ministry Assistant joellenaxthelm@gmail.com Every Member, Minister BBCDC: ~ JANUARY~ MAILBOX DEADLINE Monday, December 19th Submit News by NOON Drop off your article at the office, call Sandy at the church office OR articles umcseward@gmail.com UMW Local Church Activities Chair persons for DECEMBER are: Carla Schwahn Marty Bender