Merry Christmas. 7 Expressions of Gratitude That Could Change the Way You View Thanksgiving. December, Our ministers are on call for weekend

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1 Surfside United Methodist Church December, Expressions of Gratitude That Could Change the Way You View Thanksgiving DECEMBER USHERS 8:30 AM Ed Curlee (C) Ron Sowers David Reid Debbie Quinn Ushers needed for the 8:30 a.m. worship service. If you are interested in serving, please contact John Boyd at Our ministers are on call for weekend emergencies. In case of emergency, please call for instructions on how to contact the minister on call. What is God s will for me? We wrestle with this often elusive question, but the answer according to Paul and Timothy is quite simple. God s will for us is to be thankful. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 What does a life of gratitude look like? Thankfulness has a few disguises. Let s take a look at some expected and unexpected ways to live and be thankful. 1. Hope - Hope is the attitude that says thank you before anything happens. Hope trusts the Giver of Life to keep giving life even when darkness presses in. Hope fights to rejoice always. Emit gratitude as though it was done. Henri Nouwen 2. Generosity - The overflow of thankfulness is giving. We give generously because of the gifts and blessings within. God s favor upon us is meant to be stewarded and shared. Generosity is thankfulness in action. 3. Creativity - Creativity is not just for artists. Who doesn t love beauty? Color, beauty, light, balance and energy reflect our Creator s heart. We give and receive beauty in each exchange of wonder which breeds creativity. To find beauty every day requires a spirit that finds things to be thankful for. 4. Stillness - Stillness is a sacrificial act of thanksgiving that says you value your time enough to pause and rest. It s the remembering of truth, the receiving of love and the giving of thanks. Stillness never depletes, it only fills up. 5. Amazement - Let yourself be pleased, to feel wonder and to be caught off guard by beauty, joy and goodness. We are surprised and wowed by God s love and favor, and so we become a student to amazement. When it s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. Mary Oliver 6. Encourage - Encouragement is to see what you re thankful for in others and to call it out. This takes courage, awareness and selflessness. Have eyes to see and ears to hear the Father s heart beating in each of his people. Give thanks for the miracle of Christ in me (and you) the hope of glory. 7. Celebrate - All we are and all we have is gift. We can be thankful both as a discipline and as a response to overwhelming blessing and joy. We are showered with mercy and rescue we don t deserve, yet the Father delights in lavishing it upon us. Gratitude goes beyond the mine and thine and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy. Henri J.M. Nouwen What if we focused on a simple thanksliving practice either individually, as a congregation, or both? The possibilities are endless. May God bless you. Pastor Todd Merry Christmas

2 ASSOCIATE PASTOR We Are Waiting Even though the commercial world was ready to jump straight from Halloween to Christmas, Christians are invited to move from Thanksgiving and the celebration of Christ s reign into Advent, a season of waiting. While the world rushed to the next reason to purchase more, Christians are asked to enter a season of preparation. We are challenged not only to decorate our homes, to buy gifts, and to get ready for family celebrations; but also to open our hearts and minds to receive Christ once again. Advent is a season that challenges us not to be consumed by the busy-ness of December in the world, but to prepare for the coming of Christ in various meanings. Dean McIntyre lists the following meanings: the promised coming of the Messiah to the Jews, the coming of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, the promised return of the risen Christ in final victory, and the continual coming of Christ into the lives and hearts of believers. (Dean McIntyre, Understanding Advent, Therefore, we are challenged to not only remember to celebrate, but to remember why we celebrate. Ultimately, Advent encourages us not to rush through the season, but to carve out some time to reflect on our ongoing need for a Prince of Peace, a Mighty Counselor, and a Savior. Instead we want time to pass quickly, whether we eagerly anticipate Christmas morning, or we are so filled with sadness that we just want this season to be over. The church has a responsibility to help us slow down and prepare for Christmas, by reading the prophets; by considering the poor, the captive, the blind, and the sinner that Jesus came to walk with as Immanuel; by joining together with those who mourn, and by inviting all to draw near to God s table. Together, we are doing this as Surfside UMC. As we celebrated the Hanging of the Greens, we read the words of the prophets. We have already filled Operation Christmas Child Boxes and are currently buying gifts for the Angel Tree names. Later this month, we can join with those who struggle with the coming of Christmas as we proclaim the hope Christ offers in a Longest Night Service. This service acknowledges the pain, suffering, and sadness so many experience as Christmas approaches. We will pray together, light candles, and sing as we look forward to the coming of Christ who offers us comfort and healing. The Longest Night Service will be Sunday, December 20 at 6 pm. On Christmas Eve we will gather once again to celebrate the birth of Christ. At 5 pm, we will worship by retelling the Christmas story with our children in a Family service. At 7 and 11 pm, we will celebrate the coming of Christ with Communion and candlelight. As we journey together, I pray that your time of waiting will be blessed so that your heart is once again prepared to receive Christ. Peace, Pastor Laura Page 2 Special Advent Offering It has been the tradition of Surfside UMC to receive a special offering during our worship services in the season of Advent. Our Special Advent Offering will be used to help persons in our community who find themselves in crisis situations and who are in need the love and care of the church to assist them. Thank you for giving generously. Please make check payable to SUMC and mark your check/envelope "Advent Offering." May God bless you! Thank you to everyone for their well wishes, cards, and s as I seek to recover from surgery. I have appreciated so much everyone's thoughts and prayers and look forward to being back with you in worship again soon. Much love and God's blessings, Pastor Todd Showing our GRATITUDE!! - We are very blessed by God to have such a committed and gifted staff at Surfside UMC, and we would like to show our appreciation to each staff member by giving them a gift of money for Christmas. If you would like to contribute to a love offering that will be used to show our gratitude and appreciation to our great staff, please make your check payable to SUMC (cash is great too!) and mark your envelope "staff love offering." Deadline to give is Sunday, December 13, Thank you! Surfside UMC Staff-Parish Relations Committee CHRISTMAS CANDY There will be 2 Sundays in December that you can satisfy your Chocolate cravings. The first December 13, the second will be December 20. Sales will be before, after and between services on those 2 days. There will be the usual assortment of candies and several specialties. All monies go to

3 Page 3 from Judy Lienemann, President ( ) MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SURFSIDE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN With both the Marion District and SC Conference UMW Annual Meetings behind us, we held our final general meeting of the year on Saturday, November 14. Six members gathered in Marion for the district meeting bringing home not only an attendance award but recognition certificates for our mission participation all year. These certificates are on our bulletin board. Congratulations are in order for being such an active unit. At the conference meeting a special love offering was collected and given to the families of the Charleston Nine who were gunned down during a Bible study. That offering totaled $965. As we turn our calendars to 2016, we might want to plan to attend the Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting June 3-5 at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in North Charleston. What a wonderful opportunity to see UMW putting Faith*Hope*Love In Action. The conference officers are hoping SC is well represented at this meeting in our own backyard! The time to register is NOW. The Annual Cookie Walk was discontinued this month too much work and not enough participation from the community. The holiday cookies sold at the grocery stores are a pretty good bargain. Thank you for supporting this fundraiser in the past. SUMW will once again be in charge of the Choir Cantata Reception on December 13 from 9:30-10:30. Circle Leaders are keeping the president informed of food donations from their members. All foods should be brought to the Fellowship Hall kitchen by 8:30. Officers for 2016 were elected. Everyone is returning to the same office and we welcome Bonnie Maddox, as vice president, and Gini Abee, as chairman of the nominating committee. This officer is very pleased to be working another year with June, Diane, Mary Hope, and Carole, along with the five Circle Leaders, as we plan and support women, children, and youth with our mission giving. We have several exciting things planned for 2016 and do not plan to rest on our laurels. Let this message close with a daily devotional written by Rev. Billy Graham: The end of another year is approaching, and people are already predicting what the new year holds.the fact is, no one knows the future except God.He knows it all because He created it in the first place. We will always be bewildered and confused by what we don t know, if we are honest. We don t even know our immediate futures; as James said, You do not know what will happen tomorrow (James 4:14). What should this mean? It should give us humility before God, and it should give us trust trust in the God who does know our futures, and who works all things for His glory. You can trust all your tomorrows to Him! HAPPY NEW YEAR! LET THE 50 TH JUBILEE CELEBRATION BEGIN! HOPE CIRCLE Hope Circle will be having their December meeting at a luncheon at Judy Lienemann's house on December 10th. Please bring a salad or dessert and be there between 11:30 and noon. MARY BAKER CIRCLE Mary Baker Circle will meet at Damon s on Wednesday, December, 9th at 12:00. Carpool from church at 11:30. Bring a guest or friend. Information call Elaine Paige JOY CIRCLE Joy Circle will meet December, 8 at 12 pm at Damon's for our Christmas luncheon. For information call Bee Swartz We will be collecting money for our gift to the Scholarship fund. Joy Circle wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! CARE CIRCLE CARE Circle will hold their 29 th annual Christmas Gathering on Monday, December 14 th at 6:00 pm at the home of Gini Abee. Soup, tea and coffee will be provided. Bring a dish to share. Bring an unwrapped children s book. Bring a $15 item for our gift exchange. Call Gini Abee for more information and directions. All ladies of the church are welcome- but PLEASE let us know if you are coming

4 PAGE 4 DEC. 2 DEC 9 DEC. 16 DECEMBER SPIRIT NIGHT Menu CHILI/W/BEANS CHICKEN SALAD, TUNA SALAD OR EGG SALAD SANDWICHES SLICED PEACHES ROLLS AND BUTTER DESSERT DRINK HAMBURER STEAK/GRAVY BUTTERED EGG NOODLES PEAS APPLESAUCE ROLLS AND BUTTER DESSERT DRINK CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP HOR D OUVRES (4:30 PM) CHRISTMAS DINNER (5:30 PM) ROAST PORK LOIN/STUFFING MASHED POTATOES/GRAVY GREEN BEANS FIVE CUP HOLIDAY SALAD ROLLS AND BUTTER DESSERT DRINK We collect non-perishable food and money each week for South Strand Helping Hand. Make your reservation by 3pm on Monday at the volunteer office, by calling the church office, or online at ( The men s study, Stepping Up, will resume, and Pastor Laura will have a program including carols following our meal. On Wednesday, December 16 the Child Development Center will present their Christmas Program at 6:10 PM in the FLC. You are invited to join any of our separate exercise classes offered at Surfside UMC. On Mondays and Wednesdays, an Adult Fitness Class is offered in the FLC from 9:45-10:45 a.m. These classes consist of walking, stretching and strength conditioning exercises at a low impact rate. Weights and various other exercise equipment are provided. Men and women are invited to participate. These classes are taught by Pat Messinger, an Active Older Fitness Instructor with 10+ years experience. A contribution (in any amount) will be greatly appreciated with 10% tithe to the Church. Please call Pat Messinger at for more information. The Hatha Yoga Class: Meets Wednesday at 9:30 a.m in room 8/10. We begin with stretches and breathing exercises and then we do balancing and last we go to the floor for poses and deep relaxation. All you need to bring to class is a mat or beach towel and water and a will to learn how to bring your mind, body and spirit at peace. If you have any questions call Mary Jo Doggett at or cell at We have a wonderful group of ladies and would love to have you join us!!! Every Friday at 9:45 a.m. in Room 8/10, Yoga Exercise with Pat. The class consists of Yoga poses geared for the Older Adult ( sitting and standing only.) The Yoga breathing and poses will increase your balance, stretch your muscles in a gentle manner, make you feel more relaxed, enable you to sleep better and to cope with stress better. This class is taught by Pat Messinger, an Active Older Adult Fitness Instructor with over 10+ years experience. A contribution (in any amount) will be greatly appreciated with 10% tithe to the Church. Please call Pat Messinger at for more information. ATTENTION SNOWBIRDS: A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY Dr. Craig Miller is offering Heritage--a new, ongoing study--tuesdays, 9:30-11 in Room 5. The class blends respect for science in biblical inquiry and dependence on the Bible in theological matters. This offers us a wide avenue for pursuing our OT-NT heritage. With a doctorate in theology, he is also trained in recent approaches to biblical and area studies. The class, fueled by candid input, is for everyone. It will raise issues across and deep into the Bible, themes that may be new to you and that are always engaging. Come join in. And bring your Bible.

5 Children s Ministry December Events! December 5 th Christmas Carnival to benefit Foster children on the Grand Strand, to volunteer for this annual event. Volunteers and baked goods are needed. Please contact Leigh Gamble or Cathy Schwinghammer December 11 th Taste of Christmas Children s Ministry Trip! Parents and children will meet at church at 5:45 pm and then go to CUMC for the annual Christmas Show! (This is a love offering event). December16 th 6:30pm Dress rehearsal for Christmas Eve Service. December 20 th 11am Children will be playing the bells. (Practice on Wed nights December 2, 9, 16 at 6:30pm) December 23 rd Journey to Bethlehem Children s Ministry Trip! Parents and children will meet at the church at 6pm and go to Burcale Road for the journey to Bethlehem experience. Please sign up on children s ministry board in the narthex hallway, this is an outdoor event please dress accordingly. (This is a love offering event). December 24 th Children s Ministry presents Glory to God in the Highest at the 5 pm Christmas Eve Service. Practice on Wed. nights at 6:30 pm Dec 2, 9,16 th. CHOIR NOTE Our upcoming cantata for the advent season is Joseph Martin's Let There Be Christmas, to be presented with chamber orchestra at both worship services on Sunday, December 13. The text from one of our cantata selections states: Let the valleys ring with music. Let the desert bloom and thrive; For a Rose opens in the moonlight, bringing hope and joy and life; Bringing love to heal the nations, bringing comfort to the soul, Bringing truth to light the darkness, bringing grace to make us whole. Like a rose blooming in the winter, bringing grace to make us whole, Grace to make us whole. Jubilation Ringers rehearse on Tuesdays at 7 pm, and currently have two ringing positions open. Please contact Glynis if you are interested in joining. Our next date for ringing for worship services is December 20. CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER NEWS Dear Church Family, PAGE 5 It s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us once again. During this time of year, all of us at the CDC have to give thanks for all of our CDC families and friends, and the support of our church family. We are blessed to be here serving in this ministry and strive to keep the program growing. Thank you to all of you that came out to the Fall Festival and showed us your support at our hot dog booth. It is always a fun time of year to visit with those that we usually don t see. In November, our children dressed as Pilgrims and Indians and sang Thanksgiving songs for the Wednesday morning bible study group. On Wednesday, December 16, the children of the CDC will be performing their Christmas Pageant at 6:00 p.m. in the FLC, following Spirit Night dinner. Please come out and see us and let us bring the reason for the season to you. The CDC will be closed Dec. 21-Jan.1 for Christmas Break. On behalf of our staff, we wish all of you a merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy New Year! Much Love, Stacey Cleveland

6 Page 6 YOUTH CORNER 2016 Winter Retreat Information The 2016 Youth Winter Trip will be over Martin Luther King Weekend, January 15-18, We will travel to Lake Junalaska, NC and will stay in a cabin near the retreat center. The cost of the trip is $200 per person and includes a three-night stay, programming / participation in worship at Lake Junalaska, a day of skiing or snow tubing (with rentals and lift tickets), travel expenses for bus, and all meals (except for two fast food meals). The deadline to register for the retreat is past due! Please contact Blair Delappe if you plan to go but have not registered. The final payment deadline is December 15. Checks can be made to SUMC Youth with your child s name and Winter Retreat written in the memo line. Please remember that financial assistance and scholarships are available for those who need it. For more information, please contact Blair Delappe. Youth Small Group Bible Studies Our High School Girls Assurance Small Group Bible Study will meet Tuesday, December 1st from 7-8 PM (Location TBA). Youth Bible Study small groups are separated by age and gender and are designed to encourage real community, spiritual growth, and accountability with peers. A female volunteer is needed to help lead the Middle School girls small group and men are needed to help lead the high school and middle school boys groups. If you are interested in mentoring young people through these spiritual growth groups, please contact Blair Delappe at bdelappe@surfsideumc.org. December Youth Calendar Saturday 12/5 Foster Care Children s Christmas Party (2-5 PM) *Youth Volunteers Needed* Sunday 12/6 Regular Youth Group (5-7 PM) Sunday 12/13 Youth Service Project Serve Dinner at Sea Coast Academy (4-8 PM) Friday 12/18 Youth Tacky Sweater Progressive Dinner Christmas Party (5-8 PM) Sunday 12/20 *No regular Youth Group* (Christmas Holidays) Sunday 12/27 *No regular Youth Group* (Christmas Holidays) Youth Contact Info: Questions / Comments? Contact Blair Delappe bdelappe@surfsideumc.org (cell) (work)

7 Page 7 Please remember that the Upward Basketball and Cheerleading registration will close on December 20th! Please spread the word about this awesome ministry! To register please follow this link: UPW60506 or visit our church s website at and follow the Upward Registration Link which can be found under the Ministries tab at the top of the homepage. The cost to participate is $65 for the first child, $60 for the second child and $55 for the third child. Uniforms and end-of-year trophies are included in the registration fee. Additional uniform items (shorts or turtlenecks) are also available for purchase upon registering. *(Please note the cost to participate increased by $5 at the end of Early Registration). The current Upward Program Schedule is as follows (subject to change): Registration Ends: December 20, 2015 Evaluation 1: January 5, PM Evaluation 2: January 9, AM - 12 PM Coaches Training: Week of January 4, 2016 Practices Begin: Week of January 11, 2016 Games: Every Saturday from January 23 - March 12, 2016 Upward Celebration: March 19, 2016 The Upward Ministry is also seeking volunteers who are willing to serve in the following areas: Basketball Coach - Cheerleading Coach -Concessions - Devotions - Prayer - Referee - Score Keeping - Set Up - Tear Down- And More! If you would like to volunteer to serve with the Upward Ministry at SUMC or for more information, please contact Blair Delappe at bdelappe@surfsideumc.org. GROUNDS UPDATE Statement Bricks for the Courtyard The forms for brick dedications are on the bookshelf in the narthex. Fill out the form, include your name and phone number, place it in a pew envelope and drop in the offering plate. Still looking for special statements for our th Anniversary. Bricks available as long as there is a blank brick in the courtyard. Funds to provide upkeep for the grounds and campus projects. Contact Lynn Livesay, , if you have a question. Thank you! Anniversary Stickers (Jubilee Year) Make a donation to the 2016 Anniversary Committee! We are requesting a $10.00 donation for each sticker on the book shelf in the narthex. These funds will off-set some of the cost for the Jubilee Year Celebrations! Leave your donation in the box provided or use a pew envelope and write "anniversary committee" on the envelope and drop it in the offering plate....supporting the human spirit. Lynn W. Livesay lynnwlive@aol.com

8 Page 8 MISSIONS Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift is from Above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning: ( James 1:17) As we wind down the fiscal year 2015 and enter into a new year, 2016, I would like to thank each of the chair people who gave of their time to promote the following missions in our church. In 2016 we will be Celebrating our 50 th year, or our Jubilee Year. The following people gave of their time while each of you gave from your heart to the following causes! Mission Contact Blood Mobile Sandy We er ( ) Christmas Angel Tree Leigh Gamble ( ) Coastal Samaritan Counseling Curt Harper ( ) Correspondence w/ college students Trish Brunko ( ) Blair Delappe ( ) Correspondence w/armed Forces Dave Brunko ( ) Epworth Children s Center Nancy Yongue ( ) Foreign Missions Team Chair Glynis Hopkins ( ) Good News Club (Dus n Ventura) Linda Pagani ( ) Help For Kids Sophie Neely ( ) Host Missions Teams Dave Brunko ( ) Jason s House Elaine Page ( ) Li le Pink House of Hope United Methodist Women Mobile Meals Nancy Yongue ( ) Sallie Crowley ( ) Neighbor to Neighbor Bill Dogge ( ) Judy Thomas ( ) Opera on Christmas Child Lee Ritchey ( Horry County OCC Linda Boyd ( ) Salkehatchie Blair Delappe ( ) South Strand Helping Hand Pa Maglie e ( ) Upward Basketball Blair Delappe ( ) Winter Coat Drive Brenda Richards ( ) These are just a few of the Missions supported in the community and around the world. Currently: We Need Your Help The Good News Club: Lost Two of their supporters: Cara Davis, is working full me as a care nurse for our minister, and Carole Atkins, recently had a major opera on. This Mission is opera ng with just 7 of the 12 volunteers that were needed. They need your help for one hour every Tuesday a ernoon. Praise the Lord, they have over 50 students at Lakewood Elementary, who stay a er school to hear about our Savior. Can you help? Please contact Linda Pagani (the number is listed above). Thank you Cra Club for the support given to Missions from your sales at the Fall Fes val. Thank you to each of our members who built a Christmas Shoe Box for the Opera on Christmas Child. We exceeded our goal of 500 boxes. What a Church Wide team effort.

9 Page 9 The Winter Coat Drive is s ll going forward, containers are inside the back door entrance to the church and the entrance to the Family Life Center. Please think of Help for Kids, as you give. South Strand Helping Hand, please remember the less fortunate this me of Year and give an extra bag of food to this great cause. The Angel Tree has been set up. How many of the Children count on each of us to make a difference in their Christmas? I am sure Leigh Gamble could use your help! Red Cross Blood Drive: Thank you to those members who gave a Pint of Blood to save a life during the Holiday Season. Watch for the upcoming date in January. You could be that person who saved a life. Jason s House: Thank you for helping serve over 60 families in The Li le Pink House: Thank you for le ng the Women of our Church prepare a meal for those women who had breast cancer. Please con nue to support Neighbor to Neighbor and Meals on Wheels. Did you Hear? Alpha is going to come to you in January on Wednesday a er the Spirit Night Dinner! What a Blessing to those who have a ended. Ask one of the previous par cipants. LOOKING FOR THAT MISSION YOU WANT TO SUPPORT? Please mark your church envelope in the Special BOX. The dona on goes right to that account. May each of you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Jeff Jewell, Mission Chair Person Thank you to everyone that delivered Mobile Meals this year. Our church will be responsible for nine weeks in We always need additional volunteers. You do not have to drive your car. The driver of the van knows the route. Your responsibility is to either pack the basket, or take it in to the shut-in. Please call Sallie Crowley or Nancy Yongue if you can help. Give A Meal A Month December Menu Beef Ravioli Canned Vegetables Any Kind Canned Fruit Any Kind Brownie Mix Peanut Butter or Jelly Optional Food donations are always welcome! Please return filled food bags to the GAMAM display in the Narthex. Thank you for supporting South Strand Helping Hands Food Pantry and feeding the needy in our community. Call Patti Magliette at with any questions. Good News Club The Good News Club is up and running at Lakewood Elementary School. This club brings God to the children after school on Monday from 2:30PM -4:00PM three more times in December. Our church was asked to lead this ministry at Lakewood but so far we don't have enough volunteers. Other churches and volunteers from other clubs are helping us at present. The club is so popular that there are almost twice as many children participating as had been expected. 45 and still growing! This is our chance to make a difference in the lives of children! We plan to do a series next semester also. Please call me at or at ljkossow@aol.com for more information.we NEED YOUR HELP! Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes was a huge success. Our church collected 532 shoeboxes. Thank you for participating in this mission.

10 Page 10 This year we have asked members to reaffirm their commitment to the mission of SUMC by supporting our financial needs. Throughout this stewardship period we have shared and celebrated what our church's mission means to us and others. Our mission of living out the love of Jesus is acted out in many ways - through worship, music, pastoral care, congregational life, educational programs, programs for youth and children, financial support for agencies doing God's work locally and elsewhere, maintaining our facilities and sharing them with other worthy groups and organizations. Within our diverse congregation, we know that members approach pledging from different perspectives. However, our current pledge amounts confirm that we as a congregation agree that living and giving generously is a central part of being Christian. So the Finance Committee wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the generosity of our members to the programs, ministries, and general operational needs of SUMC. We recognize that family circumstances vary but every pledge, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated and needed. We thank you for supporting what God is doing through each one of us as we strive to live out the Gospel. But while pledges to the operating fund have certainly exceeded expectations, pledges to the building fund are still below the yearly amount of $96, that we need to cover our mortgage payments, which are not included in the operating budget. We ask that you prayerfully consider your part in faith and respond as your heart is led. It's not about how much you give, nor is a gift too small, because every contribution will help us leverage new dollars. Psalms 116:12 says, "What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?". Your response will be in gratitude to God for the many and marvelous gifts that He has already bestowed upon you. I believe that it is a privilege for all of us to be a part of such a growing and vibrant church. We have felt God's blessings more and more and we can make 2016, our 50th year, our greatest year as a church. I know that you will continue to help us meet our financial commitments as we seek to lift high the name of Jesus and to remember the needs of our church knowing this is where our Blessings will continue. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! Vicki Blair, Chair Finance Committee A Note From the Finance Chairperson We will not meet in December. Everyone have a Great Holiday Season, lets never forget the reason for the season. Jesus is the reason. The Surfside United Men-n-Ministry had a successful season. Anyone that can help at the Christmas tree lot it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to each and everyone who helped us this year, we want you to know we are thankful for all your efforts. The South Carolina Men-n-Ministry Weekend is fast approaching. It is February 19-21, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church, in Myrtle Beach. Bishop Holston has challenged us to have 1500 in attendance. I am asking for at least 20 men attend from our Church, each year as more men attend, they always can't wait until next year. It is that good. I challenge anyone who has not attended our State Convention please do. It is life changing. Until December 31 it is $65 and after that it is $90. Sign up online at umm@umcsc.org. If I can do it online, I know you can. After you sign-up add your name to the list on the Men-n-Ministry board in the hallway so we will know how many we have going. Thanks again, Surfside United Methodist Church Men-n-Ministry President, Kenny Bingham

11 Page 11 Friendly Senior News Members of Rolling Thunder (SC Chap3) and Warrior Watch Riders of SC arrive to present colors and honor veterans for the Friendly Senior s November meeting. These dedicated patriots give generously of their time and service to provide support for POW-MIA and US military members. Our speaker was Army Chaplain (Colonel, Retired) Michael BeLue from Conway, SC. (Photos provided by Hart Rist, Kesha Sims and Mary Hope Funkhouser) DECEMBER EVENT You may remember that The Grand Strand Harmony Chorus performed last December for the Friendly Seniors. They will return and sing for us on December 15th. They will offer a diverse selection of songs for our entertainment. Lets join in this December and offer them a warm reception.

12 Spirit Night-Halloween October 28, 2015 Page 12 Mark Cierzan & Art Chamberlain Tom & Barbara Benfield Pastor Todd Davis Mary Jo Doggett Jerri Alexander Margaret Phillips & Pastor Todd Davis Dee Fields, Jo Leonard, Jane Chamberlain, Carolyn McClintick Shirley Christy

13 Page 13 SHARE A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER! Join us again this year as we set up the greeting table in the Fellowship Hall for you to share Christmas cards with our church family. This will be set up the first Sunday in December. Please be sure to stop by and check for cards each week. Christmas Trees Have Arrived!! The pumpkin patch has been transformed into a Christmas tree lot of fresh cut Fraser fir trees from the North Carolina mountains. SUMC benefits financially from this sale, as do our church members who have been hired to run the lot. Plan to bring your family to smell the wonderful aroma of fresh Fraser firs and select your Christmas tree! We also have Christmas wreaths & bows for sale this year! Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00AM- 8:00PM; Sundays 1:00-8:00PM Family Friendly Children s Program and Candlelight Service 5:00 PM Candlelight Communion Service 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM Jim Stefee joined our church family on November 15. He transfers from Spartanburg First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC.

14 Sunday: 8:30 AM Morning Worship 9:30 AM Fellowship Time 9:45 AM Church School 11:00 AM Morning Worship 5:00 PM UMYF 5:30 PM AA Meeting Monday: 8:30 AM-12:00 PM CDC Preschool 9:45 AM Adult Fitness Class 11:00 PM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM AA Meeting 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM NA Meeting 7:00 PM Sisters in Faith W E E K L Y E V E N T S Tuesday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM CDC Preschool 9:00 AM Craft Club 5:30 PM AA Meeting 6:30 E-Group Study 7:00 PM Huff-n-Puff Basketball 7:00 PM Jubilation Ringers Wednesday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM CDC Preschool 9:45 AM Adult Fitness Class 9:30 & 11:00 AM Hatha Yoga 10:00 AM Prayer Group 11:00 AM CDC Chapel 5:30 PM Spirit Night Dinner 6:30 PM Spirit Night Classes 7:00 PM Spirit Singers Rehearsal Page 14 Thursday: 8:00 AM Men s Grow Group 8:30 AM-3:00 PM CDC Preschool 5:30 PM AA Meeting 7:00 PM Huff-N-Puff Basketball Friday: 8:30 AM-12:00 PM CDC Preschool 9:45 AM Adult Yoga w/pat 5:30 PM AA Meeting Publication Submission Deadlines The deadline for the Bulletin is 9:00 am on the preceding Wednesday. The deadline for The Messenger (newsletter) is 12:00 pm on the 20th of each month. Calendar Scheduling Please contact the Office Manager as soon as possible to get your upcoming events on the calendar. Rooms are scheduled on a first-come basis. DECEMBER 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Christmas Tree Lot Open Mon Sat 10:00am 8:00PM and Sunday 1:00 8:00 till Dec :30 Children s Choir 3 12:00 Hope Circle 6:30 Children s Choir 4 3:00 Setup Angel Tree Carnival 5 12:00 Angel Tree Carnival 6 10:30 Board of Trustees 7 6:00 Finance Committee 7:00 Sisters in Faith 8 12:00 Joy Circle 9 10:30 Mary Baker Circle 6:30 Children s Choir :00 Spirit Singers Christmas Cantata Rehearsal 13 Christmas Cantata 4:00 Youth Service Project 14 7:00 Sisters in Faith 15 12:00 Friendly Seniors 5:00 50th Anniversary Meeting 6:30 Endowment Meeting 16 6:30 CDC Christmas Program 6:30 Children s Choir :00 Progressive Dinner Christmas Party Newsletter Articles Due 6:00 The Longest Night Service 21 7:00 Sisters in Faith Church Office Closed Christmas Eve Services 5:00, 7:00, 11:00 27 No Youth Meeting 28 7:00 Sisters in Faith

15 Ruth Lilly 1 Duke Singleton 1 Patricia Townsend 1 Steve Welch 1 June Reese 2 Jackie Cantrell 3 Melody Rushing 3 David Terry 3 Mike Vereen 3 Ron Neiderland 4 Ruth Schweitzer 4 Morris Hucks 5 Sheri Johnson 5 Paul Lundberg 5 Jeffrey Pemberton 5 Matthew Pemberton 5 Richard Troutman 5 Donald Cassey 6 Catherine Goyak 6 Marlene Jewell 6 Karleigh Jones 6 Ethel Lane 6 Debbie Praete 6 Duane Proctor 6 Amy Pyles 6 Kevin Byrd 8 Bruce Ellis 8 Marci Hogue 8 Frances Reynolds 8 Robert Herlinger 9 J.F. McCartha 9 Jessica McNutt 9 Candace Capaldi 10 Nigel Nordeen 10 Liam Ogburn 11 Jax St. Romain 11 Brad Harris 12 Debbie Michalic 12 Danny Navarro 12 Alicia Rife 12 Ryan Updike 12 Stephanie Benton 13 Chuck Boschen 13 Pete Dry 13 Tom Peek 13 Jordan West 13 Lisa Floyd 14 Barb Horton 14 Nancy Proctor 14 Tracina Schmaus 14 Megan Stevens 14 Robert Causey 15 Nikki Morgan 15 Fonda Rist 15 Jake Ammons 16 Sarah Beck 16 Norman Fullerton 16 Sydney Lesando 16 Joe Michalic 16 Suzanne Perritt 16 Sarah Radcliffe 16 David Pendergrass 17 Kathy Tuck 17 Jim Neely 18 Bob Walker 18 Alan Wray 18 Jillian Jones 19 Phillip Gajewski 20 Liam Lockadoo 20 Mike Gamble 21 Hudson Jacobsen 21 Jeff Kiser 21 Ann Vereen 21 Danny Hardee 22 Liz Hock 22 Morgan Prentice 22 Jerry Adams 23 Bill Bensarasky 23 Kim Fullwood 23 Amber Fullwood 23 Lindsay Monahan 23 Ray Williams 23 Emily Ebaugh 24 Hunter Kelly 24 Bree Moore 24 Olivia Rose 24 Kristen Jordan 25 Bettie Padfield 25 Doreen Taylor 25 Bob Warner 25 Amber Dendy 26 Jacobs Johns 26 Irene Reese 26 Stefanie Ritter 26 Doug Thornton 26 John Cox 27 Peggy Hathaway 27 Rod Smith 27 Jean Sutton 28 Caitlin Sansbury 28 Kenny Bingham 29 Ashlyn Huguenin 29 Nick Nicolucci 29 Gloria Smith 29 Kim Story 29 Bill Trail 29 Brenda Ziegler 29 Adelle Davis 30 Ryan Drumwright 30 John Ferguson 30 Becky Pendergrass 30 Taylor Josephs 31 Lily Rivera 31 PAGE 15 Dave and Cindy McLaughlin 1 Mark and Kesha Sims 1 Brian and Beth Adams 2 John and Nell Boyd 4 Dick and Bev Monroe 5 Harold and Judy Walton 5 David and Irma Miller 9 Don and Barbara Roy 10 Jody and Bess Altman 12 Joe and Debbie Michalic 12 Kenny and Marion Bingham 15 Bil and Leigh Gulledge 16 Pete and Betty Longobardi 18 Paul and Donna Lundberg 18 Mark and Shelia Mitchell 19 Bob and Gloria Smith 20 George and Jean Frees 23 Joe and Linda DeNatale 24 Juan and Billie Rodriguez 26 Glenn and Krystle Parsons 27 Mervyn and Cathy Nel 27 John and Lillian Daily 28 Scott and Larissa Madill 28 Denton and Sandra White 28 Ron and Betty Neiderland 29 Jack and Teri O Conner 31

16 SURFSIDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH th Avenue North Surfside Beach, SC Phone: Fax: Church Office Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM Friday Church Staff Rev. Todd Davis, Lead Pastor Rev. Laura Whitt, Associate Pastor Rev. Ed Curtice, Pastor of Care & Visitation Kesha Sims, Office Manager Blair Delappe, Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Family Life Center Ministries Cathy Schwinghammer, Dir. of Children s Ministries (cschwinghammer@surfsideumc.org) Glynis Hopkins, Music Director (glynishopkins@gmail.com) Sherri Boschen, Church Organist (sboschen@surfsideumc.org) Stacey Cleveland, Dir. of Child Development Ctr. (scleveland@surfsideumc.org) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED SAVE THE DATE!! JANUARY 31, 2016 We will celebrate 50 Years of Blessings in this Place! The Rev. Farrell Cox (pastor here from 1972 to 1978) will preach at both the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. In addition, we hope that many of our former pastors and charter members will also be present. After the 11:00 service, SUMC Friends and Family Join us for a true Low Country Luncheon (catered by Dilly Beans of Conway). RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED BY 12/31/2015! EARLY BIRD PRE-PAYMENT before 12/1/2015 is $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 5-12). AFTER 12/1/2015 luncheon fees increase to $15 per adult and $7 per child. Send check payable to SUMC (attn: KSims 50 th luncheon). Or, you can go to and click online giving, then click on give now, click on 50th Anniversary Luncheon and follow instructions to make payment. This is our once in 50 years time to share memories and milestones with old and new friends and family. It truly is a JUBILEE celebration! Don t miss it! REMEMBER: RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED BY 12/31/2015. SAVE THE DATE!! APRIL 17, 2016 To conclude our Jubilee celebration of 50 years of Blessings in this Place, SC Bishop Jonathan Holston will preach at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. Following the 11:00 a.m. service, we will enjoy a picnic with fried chicken and all the fixings. Don t miss it!! The SUMC 50 th Anniversary Committee is seeking photographs of people, events, and activities from our 50 years of ministry and mission. If you have pictures you think would be of interest, please them to Ed Curlee at: ecurlee5566@aol.com.