Faith Witness Expanding a Christian community by empowering, transforming and enriching lives through Christian love and service.

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Traditional Worship 11 am Faith Witness Expanding a Christian community by empowering, transforming and enriching lives through Christian love and service.

6 December 2012 Cap, Sock and Outreach Project For 2012 Thanksgiving/Advent Season The Faith family is in the midst of an outreach project to collect* caps, socks and mittens during the

1 Traditional Worship 11 am Faith Witness Expanding a Christian community by empowering, transforming and enriching lives through Christian love and service. Monthly Newsletter of Faith United Methodist Church Contemporary Worship at 5 pm 3600 J Street, Sacramento CA faith36andj@sbcglobal.net Vol December 2012 Cap, Sock and Outreach Project For 2012 Thanksgiving/Advent Season The Faith family is in the midst of an outreach project to collect* caps, socks and mittens during the Thanksgiving/Advent season. The congregation is collecting caps, socks and mittens from Sunday, November 18 and continuing through Sunday, December 16. All the caps, socks and mittens are decorating a Christmas tree in the church chapel. Bring your donations and tie them to the tree along with the other gifts in kind. After December 16 all of the items will be removed from the tree and donated to Loaves and Fishes. Loaves and Fishes serves all ages so your donations of caps, socks and mittens may be for all ages. Should you not be able to shop for items, monetary donations are also being accepted. Everyone is invited to participate in this special outreach project. So bring your caps, socks and mittens From November 18 December 16! (*Note: Please do not donate scarves. A big vote of thanks is due to our dear Judi Rath (who passed away last July) for hand- knitting a large supply of scarves to use for this year s Cap, Sock, Mitten Tree project.)

Page 2 To those with a birthday in November 1- Craig Granum 4- Jessica Forte 6- Sue Wilcox 8- Ella Capri Malekian 10- Helen Hutchison John Thompson 12- Evelyn Korb 13- Carol Saylor Barbara Young 14-

Pollock Note from Financial Secretary Faith Family, As we are now in the final quarter of 2012, I would like to remind you that for contributions to be included in your 2012 statement from the

Barbara Horikoshi-Firebaugh, makes available [in Faith Witness] the Scriptures and themes for worship. This gives all of us the opportunity to prepare in advance for worship December 2012 Dec.

9: Second Sunday of Advent Luke 1:26-34; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 Giving Up on Perfect; Living God s Mission Dec.

2 Page 2 To those with a birthday in November 1- Craig Granum 4- Jessica Forte 6- Sue Wilcox 8- Ella Capri Malekian 10- Helen Hutchison John Thompson 12- Evelyn Korb 13- Carol Saylor Barbara Young 14- Christian Malekian Alayna Gerstel (Pollock) 15- Mitchell Malekian Don Scarberry 16- Nora Gurevich 19- Steve Connell Keiko Sexton 24- Jason Ewing Michelle Howard-Jones 25- Kimberly Kaplan 26- Elaine Pollock Note from Financial Secretary Faith Family, As we are now in the final quarter of 2012, I would like to remind you that for contributions to be included in your 2012 statement from the church, those contributions must be received in the church office by December 31, 2012, or postmarked before January 1, Thank you, Sandeep Pedditi Our pastor, Rev. Barbara Horikoshi-Firebaugh, makes available [in Faith Witness] the Scriptures and themes for worship. This gives all of us the opportunity to prepare in advance for worship December 2012 Dec. 2: A Different Kind of Christmas* First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 9:2-7; Isaiah 53:5-6; Luke 4:18-21 Expect a Miracle; You Are a Miracle Worker? Dec. 9: Second Sunday of Advent Luke 1:26-34; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 Giving Up on Perfect; Living God s Mission Dec. 16 Third Sunday of Advent Hosea 1:2-3, 3:1-3; Romans 3:23-24 Scandalous Love; Putting Jesus Love into Action Dec. 23: Fourth Sunday of Advent Matthew 25:31-36; 1 John 3:14, Jesus Wish List; Creating New Traditions Dec. 30: First Sunday after Christmas Amos 5:21-24; Matthew 2:2-12; Matthew 6:31-33 Buy a Different Road; Making Life Different *By Rev. Mike Slaughter December 2, 2002 Mark Your Calendars Following worship on December 2 there will be the annual Pot Luck Potluck luncheon AND Hanging of the Greens Event! Plan to join in the food, fellowship and fun of decorating the church for the Advent- Christmas Season!

3 Page 3 December 2012 Paul E. Miller Memorial Library The following books are recommended for your reading pleasure: River s Song Melody Carson paints a serene and unforgettable sense of place that comes alive with the shimmering water, one woman s dream, life-changing wisdom, and characters she cares about. Following her mother s funeral, and on the verge of her midlife crisis, Widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage, despite the disdain of her vicious mother-inlaw. By transforming her old family home on the banks of Oregon s Suislaw River into The Inn as Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing a place where guests experience peace, grace and new beginnings. Starting with her own family The Faith of Ashish Kay Marshall Strom wrote this novel of India. His name is Ashish. His name is Blessing. The boy is my Blessing. Virat and Latha name their son Ashish, for he is the light and glory of their world. But Vi9rat, Latha and Ashish are Untouchables in 1905 India, members of a caste who must never contaminate the world of the other, higher castes. Yet when Ashish is in desperate need of a doctor, his father risks everything to save his son. In the dangerous realm of the high caste, the strength of a father s love, the power of a young British nurse, and the faith of a child change the lives around them. Your library reporter, Mary Miller Hey Readers! Please take me home with you! UMW Book Corner This UMW Book Corner will highlights books from the 2013 UMW Reading Program list. These books will appear on the UMW Library Cart as soon as possible, so watch for them. Cry of the Giraffe by Judie Oron Labeled outcasts by their Ethiopian neighbors because they are Jews, 13-year-old Wuditu and her family make the difficult trek on foot to Sudan in the hope of being transported to Yerusalem and its promise of a better life. Instead they are hereded into a refugee camp and Wuditu is separated from her family and forced back to the border. Her only hope is to be reunited with her family in Yersalem. How Coffee Saved My Life and Other Stories of Stumbling to Grace by Ellie Roscher. At 25, Ellie Roscher, a selfdescribed rich, white North American overachiever, decided to spend a year in Lascano, Uruguay. She reveals her physical and emotional struggles for survival, and though spiritually tried and tested, she eventually flourished beautifully. This is the story of Miss Roscher s year-long mission and how, through a multitude of grace-filled moments, she discovers that God has accompanied her all along the journey. Everyone is invited to read the books on the UMW Library cart and to be a participant in the UMW Reading Program. See Sue Slagell if you have any questions. Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, December 24, 6:00 pm Join us for this lovely candlelight service celebrating the Birth of our Savior.

4 Page 4 December 2012 A Different Kind of Christmas Pastor s Reflections This Advent season we will be going through Rev. Mike Slaughter s book, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday and a sermon series entitled, A Different Kind of Christmas. My reasoning for this is because society has become so secularized that they have taken Christ out of Christmas; and the Christmas season has become one orgy after another: too much materialism and presents, and overeating... and then we go in debt! It just doesn t make sense; and it saddens me that we have fallen so far from the true meaning of Christmas! I hold an image in my mind of long ago, of our Christmas tree lit in the dark of night, with beautifully wrapped presents below. I see it in my mind s eye as if it was yesterday, even though I was in elementary school. My heart longed for a different kind of Christmas, a Christmas of long ago when a bright star shone in the night, when shepherds watched their flocks, when a young mother gave birth to a tiny baby boy... Jesus, the Son of God. My heart was saddened as I gazed at the presents on the floor - This isn t what Christmas is all about! Searching the Christmas cards which we received, displayed on the tables in the living room, I came across one with the Bethlehem star and a tiny baby lying in the manger. That s what Christmas is all about, I thought to myself. Baby Jesus full of love, would grow up to show God s love to little children and all humankind. That is the Christmas I still long for! My heart yearns to rediscover Christ in the manger, throwing off all the busyness of the season: A Different Kind of Christmas! Henri Nouwen, my favorite author, wrote Jesus whole message is to say that you are God s beloved child.when you can hear in your heart, not in your head, that you are truly God s beloved daughter,that you are truly God s beloved son, everything turns around. The mystery of this spiritual truth is that you were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die.your dwelling in God s heart is a dwelling from eternity to eternity. Do you believe that you are God s beloved child? Do you believe this in your heart of hearts? In Jeremiah 1:4-5, we read, Now the word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Hey, While those words were said to Jeremiah, God says those similar words to you, too; and gives you Readers! a purpose for your life! Advent is a time of remembering that spiritual truth. It is a time of embracing Please that take truth fully in our hearts. It is a time of relaying that truth to others who really need to hear it: me Jesus was born for you! Will you share that truth with others? Even the angels declared in Luke 2, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for home all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord. And I say ih to you, the good news of Jesus, is the gift of your salvation a gift given in love, a gift filled with hope and abundant possibilities for you. Just as Mary held the baby Jesus in her arms, God tenderly held you in His arms, giving you birth. The grace-filled love of God continues to hold you now and always. We will be celebrating and honoring that moment of Jesus birth this Christmas Eve with beautiful song and stories of old. This worship service will be at 6:00pm; and ALL are invited to come! If you need transportation because you do not drive at night, let me or someone at Faith know. We will be happy to pick you up. Relatives visiting? Bring them along! We d love to see them! May God s presence fill your heart with love and the assurance that you are God s beloved child. May the New Year be full of grace-filled moments, full of hope, good health, and love. I look forward to seeing you this Christmas season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Rev. Barbara

Page 5 December 2012 Please remember those listed below in your prayers 1. THE OASIS Contemporary Service prayers for success in reaching others in Jesus name 2.

Carol and Ron Saylor prayers for healing, encouragement and strength 5. Betty and Rev. Chinn continuing prayers for strength 6. Jim and Joan Miller prayers for healing and strength 7.

Barbara as she leads our congregation to deeper commitment in its Christian journey A number of members of the Faith family are confined to their homes or live in a medical facility because of their

5 Page 5 December 2012 Please remember those listed below in your prayers 1. THE OASIS Contemporary Service prayers for success in reaching others in Jesus name 2. Lee Ramsey peace and comfort as she grieves the death of her husband, Bob 3. Erica Randall continuing radiation and chemotherapy 4. Carol and Ron Saylor prayers for healing, encouragement and strength 5. Betty and Rev. Chinn continuing prayers for strength 6. Jim and Joan Miller prayers for healing and strength 7. Norman Jonson prayers for strength and peace 8. The Congregation prayer for continuing growth in relationship with God and His commission to Faith 9. Rev. Barbara as she leads our congregation to deeper commitment in its Christian journey A number of members of the Faith family are confined to their homes or live in a medical facility because of their health. They are rarely able to be in worship. As their Christian Family, let us remember them and their families in our prayers each day: Vivian Bischoff, Betty and Rev. Chinn, Kay Connell, Helen Hutchison, Norman Jonson, Joan and Jim Miller, Mary Miller, Tom Nakayama, Erica Randall, Ron and Carol Saylor, Phyllis Wilborn Special Event for Advent Sponsored by Elizabeth Circle December and the Advent- Christmas season is almost upon us. A part of the season is the annual invitation to the congregation to decorate the Chancel and Sanctuary for Christmas with poinsettias. It is not too early to begin letting Evelyn Korb know if you are planning to purchase a poinsettia through her. Evelyn has to place her order early to be sure to get the number of poinsettias that would be needed. If you already know that you are planning to purchase your poinsettia through Evelyn, please let her know. Sunday December 16, 2012 Following Morning Worship Albright Hall Elizabeth Circle invites the congregation to share in a special display of Crèches and Nativity sets. If you have a Nativity set or Crèche that you would like to share in this special display, bring it to the church on Sunday, December 16. Tables will be set up in Albright Hall on which to display all of the sets that are brought. Everyone is invited to participate!

6 Page 6 December 2012 OASIS to Stop It is with some sadness that THE OASIS will not go forward into the New Year. We did not have the money in the New Year to continue to pay Joseph Silmaro, our Worship Leader. We did not have the money to have more than ONE advertising campaign since the OASIS started on Easter. In order, to successfully market any event, you need to have more publicity; more ways of reaching those in the community; more ways of reaching the same people! It takes 7 touches 7 times that you are before them with some kind of advertising! However, we didn t have the money to do more than one try. We knew this; but, our hands were tied without money to do so. We are going to continue the OASIS until the end of this year; and will be resurrecting it in some fashion next year. But, more planning needs to be done; and more advertising! I do what to thank all those who helped with the OASIS Charles Kale, Steve Connell, Sue Slagell, Barbara Campbell, Naomi Schmidt, Mary Dess, Travis Pollock, and my husband, John. I couldn t have done it without you! And of course, we thank those who came to worship. Thank you, Rev. Barbara Faith is a footbridge that you don t know will hold you up over the chasm until you re forced to walk out onto it. Nicholas Wolterstorff Special Advent Study On Sundays at 9:15 and Tuesdays at 10am At Faith, we will be going through this five-week study to help us see the traps and discontentment of consumerism and the call of God to live generously to fulfill God s mission in the world. This study features a DVD with Mike Slaughter, Lead Pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church. Sessions include: 1. Expect a Miracle 2. Giving Up on Perfect 3. Scandalous Love 4. Jesus Wish List 5. By a Different Road Since Christmas and New Year s Day fall on a Tuesday, that group will begin this study on November 20 th ; and the Sunday group will begin this study on November 25 th. Everyone is invited to join us for this most relevant and important study. Faith Church Friends, Please accept our sincere thanks for your prayers, cards and phone calls at the time of our sister, Judi Rath s death. Your support and concern helped provide the strength and comfort needed at such a difficult time. We would also like to thank those who helped with the memorial service and reception. Your willingness to help in honoring Judi is very much appreciated. Sincerely, Joan Miller, Coralee Howard and our families

7 Page 7 November 2012 The Angel s Side By Jan Haag (a friend of Faith UMC) December 24, 3005 it was work, pure & simple, convincing those shepherds to leave their flocks that night, insisting they go the distance & the star getting the star to shine just so the biggest celestial searchlight we coul manufacture that was a production in itself & arranging for the inn to be full & the manger empty all the maneuvering of the animals & we had words over how to cope with dung & hay not a good way to bring a baby into the world not at all but it was all part of the script, a drama mankind could re-enact in the dead of winter, bringing their own children to sing the songs & plat the parts don t forget the three kings with their odd names & their flashy gifts listen: the line we still like best after 2,000 years behold! We bring you good tidings of great joy! it makes us tingle when we hear it spoken, reminds us that our finest moments even ones requiring so much behind-the-scenes effort look miraculous when all the players perform their roles to perfection Silent Night By Jan Haag (a friend of Faith UMC) December 24, 2007 ~ for Dick The first strains of the old organ piped through tall brass into the sanctuary, and we re done, verklempt in an instant though we promised ourselves through the whole service this time we wouldn t. The notes cascade the decades, lifetimes, into reverie and memory. Holding tight to the blue Hymnal between us, the one with your mother s name in front, my voice catches firth, then yours, as our dead loved ones rush at us, as if we ve called them here which, I suppose, we have. sleep in heavenly peace Your mother, our fathers (who are in heaven), grandparents, A husband, departed friends They fill our hearts, and The tears trace familiar Paths down our cheeks. And when they get to the fifth verse in German Leonard, the choir master booming the thick words directly at the congregation we give up, weep openly at heilige nacht, letting the love we thought had passed overtake us, understanding that this is how they return, this is what we do. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! All is calm, all is bright! Nur das traute hock heilige Paar, Holder Knabe mit lockigem Haar, schlaf im himmlischer Ruh, schlaf im himmlischer Ruh.

Page 8 December 2012 Alert! Alert! Alert! Alert! The 30 th Annual California International Marathon will be on Sunday, December 2, 2012.

8 Page 8 December 2012 Alert! Alert! Alert! Alert! The 30 th Annual California International Marathon will be on Sunday, December 2, As in the past Kevin Pool (CIM Course Director), wants to remind the church family that the intersections in the area of the church will be closed at various times on that morning. The Church family is asked to adjust your schedules and routs accordingly. The Marathon race starts at 7 am near Folsom Dam and travels Oak Avenue, Fair Oaks Blvd., and J Street to the Capitol. Intersections will be closed only while the race comes through, but be prepared, if necessary, to leave home early and avo the race course on your way to church. Plan your time and route to reach church on Sunday, December 2, 2012 Mark Your Calendars for a Special Time of Fellowship for the Christmas Season! Saturday, December 22 at 5:00 pm 6:00 pm ~ Time of Christmas Caroling for some of the Faith Family folks who are homebound Following the time of Caroling, returning to the church for Hot Chocolate and Dessert EVERY ONE IS WELCOME! COME! BE A PART OF THIS SPECIAL FELLOWSHIP EVENT!

Page 9 December 2012 The History of the Christmas Tree (from Christmas Legends to Remember by Helen Haidle) Evergreen trees, with their changeless color and long-lasting needles, have long been used

Boniface explained that the shape of the evergreen tree, which looks like a triangle from the side view, could help us understand God.

Some say that Martin Luther was the first person to bring a tree inside his home to celebrate Christmas.

It turned out that what looked like lights was actually starlight reflecting off tiny icicles hanging from the evergreen branches and needles.

9 Page 9 December 2012 The History of the Christmas Tree (from Christmas Legends to Remember by Helen Haidle) Evergreen trees, with their changeless color and long-lasting needles, have long been used as symbols of life. However, over one thousand years ago, a monk by the name of Boniface is said to have been the first person to use an evergreen tree to help teach people about God. Boniface explained that the shape of the evergreen tree, which looks like a triangle from the side view, could help us understand God. Just as a three-sided triangle has three separate lines and corners, so our Lord god is one God, yet made up of three separate and distinct persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some say that Martin Luther was the first person to bring a tree inside his home to celebrate Christmas. One clear frosty night, as he walked home through the woods after a Christmas Eve church service, it appeared that thousands of twinkling lights were lighting up the trees. It turned out that what looked like lights was actually starlight reflecting off tiny icicles hanging from the evergreen branches and needles. So Martin Luther cut down a small evergreen and took it home to his family. He set it up in his living room as a reminder of the living presence of Jesus among us. Martin Luther also is credited with using small candles on the tree s branches as a reminder of Jesus Christ being the light of the world. Later as more people celebrated the birth of Christ, they often decorated evergreen trees with glass ornaments and trinkets or sweet treats such as breads, candy, and cookies. Many other symbolic ornaments were added as reminders of the Christmas star, the angels and the shepherds lambs. Sunday December 23, :00 Worship Service Musical Celebration of the Birth of Our Savior Special Music presented by the Handbell Ensembles and the Chancel Choir Let us worship God and celebrate the birth Of Christ the Lord!

10 Page 10 Rev. Barbara s Goals for 2013 Action Plan for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World at Faith Church There is a song in our hymnal entitled, We Are the Church. The words of the refrain are: I am the church! You are the church! We are the together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we re the church together! The words of the verses talk about what the church is; and what it is not. Which brings me to a question that was raised in my Circuit meeting today: What are we [our congregations] about? All we need to do is look at the words of Jesus in the Great Commission: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to make disciples that is what we are to be about! And what is a disciple? A disciple of Jesus Christ is a person who makes a serious commitment to Christ; who commits to the basic spiritual disciples for growth; who is involved in ministry consistent with their spiritual gifts and abilities; and is committed to missions, helping those in need and witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ. God. Therefore, in 2013, we will be intentional in helping people to Know God, Love God, and Serve Practices of Passionate Worship Practices of Intentional Faith Development Knowing God Passionate Worship Loving God Intentional Faith Development Intentional Faith Development Risk-Taking Mission/Service Serving God Using the Church of the Resurrection s Journey 101, a 15 week study on disciple making, there will be small groups going through it, for existing members as well as new members. The first group will be like Jesus first group of 12 disciples how biblical is that! The intent of the first group is that after the 15 weeks, 3 of them would start their own group of 6-7. This would lead to more groups and more people participating in this study. Throughout the study, I will have each person take part in leading the group. This way they will be equipped to lead a group of their own. Is God calling you to be a part of that first group of disciples? Let Rev. Barbara know. Let us all commit to grow in our faith! As John Wesley said, We are to go on to perfection [to be more like Christ]! No matter how long you have be coming to worship, spiritually, there is much growing we all need to do!

11 Pastor ~ Rev. Barbara Horikoshi-Firebaugh Faith Witness Editor ~ Naomi Schmidt Holiday Concert by RiverBells! ~Friday, December 14, 2012~ ~Faith UMC Sanctuary~ 7:30 pm Make This Holiday Concert a Part of Your Holiday Activities~ SUBMISSTION DEADLINE OF ITEMS FOR PUBLICATION IS THE 10 TH DAY OF EACH MONTH. THANK YOU FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3600 J Street Sacramento, CA Phone: (916) Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #635 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Christmas December 25 TIME DATED MATERIAL ARE YOU MOVING? BE SURE TO LET US KNOW

Faith Witness. Advent Christmas Season 201. December Vol Faith United Methodist church Monthly Newsletter December 2015

Faith Witness. Advent Christmas Season 201. December Vol Faith United Methodist church Monthly Newsletter December 2015 FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3600 J Street Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone (916) 452-7637 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #635 Sacramento, CA Faith Witness We, as