The Messenger. Monthly Newsletter of Hillcrest United Methodist Church November Journeying to the Heights by Julie Lininger

Transcription

1 The Messenger Monthly Newsletter of Hillcrest United Methodist Church November 2017 Journeying to the Heights by Julie Lininger The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19) This summer I re-read a book called Hinds Feet on High Places. Written by Hannah Hurnard in 1955, and based on Habakkuk 3:19, it s an allegory about a girl s journey to the High Places. In 1996 Dian Layton arranged the children s book by the same title. Much-Afraid, the main character, is a member of the Fearing family and lives in the town of Much-Trembling. She is employed by the Chief Shepherd, whom she dearly loves. Her Fearing family hates the Shepherd and constantly badgers her to leave His employment. Much-Afraid longs to go up the mountains to live in the High Places, where the Shepherd lives, but fears that will never happen because she stumbles often due to crooked feet. She also has a crooked mouth and can t speak well. These two issues cause her to feel ugly and unloved. One evening, as Much-Afraid meets with the Shepherd to discuss her day s work, she reveals her deep longing. To her amazement, He informs her that she, indeed, can make that journey, but only with His help. He plants a seed of love in her heart and promises that when this seed blooms, she will reach the High Places and be given a new name. She asks that He take her there Himself, but He replies: Much-Afraid, I could do what you wish. I could carry you all the way, instead of having you climb there. But if I did, you would never develop hinds feet, become My companion, and go where I go. If you climb with the helpers I have chosen for you, even though it will seem like a very long and hard journey, I promise that you will develop hinds feet. Then you will be able to run and jump with Me, far away from your enemies. To her dismay, Much-Afraid learns that her two helpers are Sorrow and her twin sister, Suffering. She eventually agrees to go, but refuses to grasp their hands as they climb. However, during the journey, Much-Afraid realizes that she MUST do so, because the way is so difficult. She faces danger but learns to call the Shepherd, who always immediately comes to help her. She travels to the Furnace of Egypt, through the Forests of Danger and Tribulation, around the Sea of Loneliness (which seems to be taking her away from the High Places instead of toward them), over the Precipice of Injury, through the Valley of Loss, and then to the Grave on the Mountains. She is challenged to give up her fears and the things she values most to trust the Shepherd more and learns some valuable lessons: with His help, she can endure adversity (which eventually strengthens her), and that He is able to take the negative things and turn them into something beautiful if she will cooperate with and trust Him. Without giving away the ending, I will say that Much-Afraid reaches the High Places, receives a new name, as well as some surprises. This allegory is a reflection of our daily Christian walk. The High Places aren t heaven, however, but victorious living. As the children s book says, He wants us to learn how to be on top of our problems like a deer leaps on the mountains. And we certainly have problems in this life, don t we? I find that I would rather run away from, instead of embrace, my difficulties as avenues for growth. But the more I trust my Savior, the more I see that sorrow and suffering remind me of my need for Him. And the more I need Him, the more I depend on Him. Fellow travelers, are you feeling overwhelmed today? Weary? Discouraged? I know what that s like. And I know Someone who can help. I encourage you to reach out to Him and share your burdens. I promise you that our Lord is faithful and full of compassion and love. He will come to your aid because He, indeed, is our strength and is fully capable of enabling us to tread on the heights.

2 THE MESSENGER PAGE 2 This n That Please note: The November newsletter deadline will be Wednesday, November 15. This is earlier than normal due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our November Caregivers Support Group will meet Thursday, November 30, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Baker s Nook Café (127 Easy Shopping Place, Elkhart). All are welcome. I will be having surgery on both knees in December and January and will keep you informed about meetings during those months. Cathy Bloss REMEMBER! FALL BACK! Time changes Sunday, November 5! Susanna s Kitchen Our next day of serving is November 6. Questions? Contact Henrietta McCaul at November Special Days Celebration November birthdays and anniversaries w i l l b e c e l e b r a t e d S u n d a y, November 5, in the HeBrew Café after the first worship service. Everyone is welcome as we eat cake and sing to those of our congregation with special days in November. Cake Schedule: November: Rene and Dave Wenger December: Bev and Larry Slaughter If there are any questions, please see, call, or Tracy Donati: , tldon78@aol.com. Harvest and Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 4 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 2222 W. Indiana Ave., Elkhart (use lower parking lot) Breakfast available from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Lunch available from 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Pie by the slice all day Baked goods, crafts, Silent Auction Please see the flyer on the narthex bulletin board for more details. District Connection Day November 12, 3:00 p.m. South Bend Grace UMC All Hillcrest members are welcome. Foolishness always results when the tongue outraces the brain. Unknown Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, November 19 Combined Service with El Refugio Church in the Community Center 11:00 a.m. Potluck following Watch upcoming bulletins for more details.

3 THE MESSENGER PAGE 3 Primetimers Thursday, November 16 gather at 11:30 with lunch at noon November is the time for giving thanks. We have so much to be thankful for and this group is living proof. Let s all bring a dish to pass to go with pork roast. Please bring canned goods for Church Community Services. We can be thankful that we have good food to eat and friends to share it with. This month Corrie and Ken Bartell will share with us their trip down the river. I'm sure we will hear some good stories. We are excited to have them. Bring a friend or friends! We would love to share with all. The time is drawing near, and I only have one more meeting before I am done doing this job. I'm sorry to leave it, but Mike and I want to travel next summer before we can't do so. Think about this job; it is not that hard. Thanks to all. See you on November 16 with lots of thankfulness. In Christ, Jane Hershberger Hillcrest Community Childcare Ministry I am excited to say that all of our Daycare and Preschool classes are full. We are very blessed. I am trying to fill a position for our Latchkey Teacher and could use some prayers that this position will be filled. It is very stressful having all of these children, but not enough staff to take care of them. We will be closed on November 23, Thanksgiving Day. The Preschool will be closed November Teresa Irelan, HCCM Director On the last Wednesday of every month, except for December, The Lerner in downtown Elkhart offers a free lunchtime concert. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and the show starts at 11:00. The November 29 show will feature two performances: The New Horizons Band from 11 a.m.-noon and Paul Erdman from noon-1 p.m. The New Horizons Band of Elkhart is a concert performing band of about 60 senior citizens. They played band instruments in high school and now are having a great time performing again. Paul Erdman draws a lot of influence from American roots music with a background firmly planted in blues and jazz. He is a seasoned guitar player with his roots in the farmlands of southern Indiana. For more information about LunchtimeLive!, you can go to or call The Lerner at

4 THE MESSENGER PAGE 4 November s Mission of the Month The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is an international religious and charitable movement which is a branch of the Christian church and is organized and operated in military fashion. The Salvation Army is motivated by a love for God and a concern for the needs of all humanity. Members of the Salvation Army include officers (clergy), soldiers/adherents (laity), members of various activity groups, and volunteers. Its purposes are to preach the gospel, teach Christian truths, provide food, clothing, and shelter, and to work to promote spiritual, moral, and physical well-being. They help people in need regardless of race, culture, gender, or age. The Salvation Army serves people in more than 100 countries. Founded in London in 1865, the Army began its work in the United States in It provides special assistance for those who are facing personal problems as well as for those who want to improve family relationships. They assist single parents, alcoholics, drug abusers, ex-prisoners, and others. They also provide work therapy, counseling, and rehabilitation services. There are daycare centers for children and their parents, as well as counseling services. The elderly are also helped in many ways, and young people are able to attend summer camps as well as other activities. They provide shelters, hospitals and clinics, services to people with HIV and AIDS-related illnesses, and work with the Missing Persons Bureaus worldwide. Locally, they raise funds for those in need for Christmas by ringing bells and collecting money in the kettles at different locations. Of every dollar spent, 82 cents sustains life-changing programs that bring hope to hurting souls. Of the remaining 18 percent, 12 percent goes to administrative support and 6 percent toward fundraising. This year we at Hillcrest will again have the opportunity to fill Red Ribbon baskets with food and basic care necessities for needy families in our area. Lists of needed items will be available soon. Thank You, The Missions Committee Scoutmaster Minute by Ronn Foster Part of every boy s training in the BSA is the act of giving back. As Scouts, we are to be cheerful givers. So, what does that mean? Sometimes a boy may not see the fruit of his actions. Sometimes he gives up his own money yes, these 11-year-old boys provide financial help to strangers to help someone without ever seeing just how it helped. After all, that money could have been spent on games, his time could have been spent playing, or he could have spent the weekend camping rather than helping some strangers. It is the Scout s faith in God that helps him know he did the right thing. Sometimes we just don t know how that little thing we do will help another, and that is OK. Have faith that God knows.

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6 THE MESSENGER PAGE 6 Advent Study Coming! In the Know November Birthdays 4 Helen Hemund 23 Gloria Griffith 9 Jan Sharkey 26 Karen DeVore 18 Andrea Franks Linda Vredingburgh 22 Bernice Simms 30 Mike Schafer Anniversaries 9 Alysjane and Clifford Whisler 13 Beth and Ron Laughman 17 Tracy and Rick Donati Please let the church office know of any corrections. Your Presence October 1 October 8 October 15 October "Believers are never told to become one; we already are one and are expected to act like it." - Joni Eareckson Tada Faithful Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph by Adam Hamilton Begins Sunday, November 26, in the Lifestyles Class We re not that different from Joseph. True, we may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time, but like Joseph, we encounter circumstances that we d never choose for ourselves. At times, it can be tempting just to walk away, but Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don t understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Chapter topics include: A Carpenter Named Joseph Whose Child Is This? Raising a Child Not Your Own The Journey to Bethlehem The Rest of the Story Normally, we hear the Christmas story through the eyes of Mary. How interesting it will be to hear it through Joseph! Even if you don t normally attend the Lifestyles Class, plan to join us in preparing for the Advent season by participating in this DVD study. Please contact Patty Moore, facilitator, or call the church office to purchase a book for this study. The cost of the book is $5.00. The Lifestyles Class meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the HeBrew Café classroom. In User Friendly Churches (Regal Books), researcher George Barna compares the behavior of people in growing vs. stagnant or declining churches. Members of growing churches actively participate in the church s ministry. They did not divorce their faith from their lifestyle; their faith was their lifestyle, Barna writes. They took seriously the classical Reformation doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

7 THE MESSENGER PAGE 7 First Baptist s Spanish ministry has closed, and they ve been invited to join El Refugio s ministry. This was the turn out on Sunday, October 15, for their first service together! Praise the Lord! Growth brings growing pains, so please pray for the leaders as they face new challenges and seek to faithfully minister in Jesus name. Lifestyles Class The Lifestyles Class continues its study of the DVD study entitled Moses through Sunday, November 19. For Christians, Moses life serves as the background for much that is found in the Gospels, and his life, story, and commands are alluded to in nearly every New Testament book. Moses was imperfect, afraid, reluctant, and often frustrated, all of which makes him so very human, and in turn, makes his life and story speak to our lives today. Everyone is welcome to participate in this study to learn how Moses story reveals something to us about God, about ourselves, and about God s will for our lives. You ll enjoy the fun and fellowship we share, as we study His word and relate it to our everyday lives. The Lifestyles class meets Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the HeBrew Café classroom and is facilitated by Patty Moore. Thank You, Veterans! On Veterans Day, we honor men and women who ve served and sacrificed in one of America s armed services. On November 11, 1918, America and her allies signed a truce with German leaders, ending World War I. In 1919, President Wilson decided the United States should remember with gratitude the end of that war and honor military members by marking Armistice Day, or truce day. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day, honoring veterans of every era. From TheNewsletterNewsletter Thank you to all the veterans within our Hillcrest community. I can t begin to understand your experiences and sacrifice, but am very grateful! To honor you one day a year doesn t seem like enough. Julie Lininger

8 THE MESSENGER PAGE 8 Samaritan Fund Policy Ministry Council has adopted the Missions Committee's proposed Samaritan Fund policy to clarify when and how persons who seek direct help from the church may be accommodated. The policy is: The Missions committee has determined that Hillcrest supports other community missions that provide help for those in need and are better equipped with knowledge and resources. Those agencies Hillcrest helps are: Susanna s Kitchen Faith Mission Church Community Services Safe Haven Women s Shelter When asked for outside individual help, we will say we help the above ministries which provide the type of assistance being sought. Ministry Council has approved that guideline with the provision that the pastor have gift cards for those times when he feels God s calling to help. When the pastor is not present in the church building, any person requesting assistance will be directed to the above agencies. If convenient, the person will be given printed information with directions for contacting the organizations. In a situation in which someone asks for help when the pastor is present in the church building, and he feels the need to help the situation, the following guidelines will be used: Provide the pastor (only) with the following: 2 Martin s grocery gift $25, excluding alcohol and tobacco 2 Martin s gas cards, $25 each, providing there is money in the Samaritan Fund Guidelines in using these cards: 1) That the pastor stresses to those requesting aid that this is a lifeline situation and a one-time only assistance. 2) That the pastor gets as much information as possible to help prevent repeats. 3) That the pastor accompany the person seeking help to purchase the gas or food, using it as an opportunity for the seeker to feel the presence of a Good Samaritan. 4) That the pastor provides information to the next Ministry Council after assisting someone so that the Council has a better understanding of the need and circumstances. Persons with questions may talk with Terri Longacre, Missons chairperson, Pastor Mike Butler, or Janice Dean, Ministry Council chair. When you have a sense of calling whether it s to be a musician, soloist, artist, in one of the technical fields or a plumber there is something deep and enriching when you realize it isn t just a casual choice; it s a divine calling. [That s] not limited to vocational Christian service, by any means. Charles R. Swindoll

9 THE MESSENGER PAGE 9 Cookie Walk It is time to heat up our ovens and get out our recipes for the COOKIE WALK! We will need all kinds of cookies and will have a place for breads and candies as well. Again this year our profits will be divided between Project Linus, Ribbon of Hope, Hillcrest Community Childcare Ministry, and the church. If anyone has any questions about the organizations we donate to, please don't hesitate to ask me. You can bring your cookies to the kitchen on Friday, December 1, between 2-6 p.m. If that is a problem for anyone, please let me know. I will gladly take items on Saturday morning; it s just easier to get them on trays the night before. If you need your containers back, please mark them accordingly, and they will be ready for you to pick up on Sunday. On Friday we will need help setting up tables, folding boxes, washing trays, and plating cookies. This will be done between 2-6 p.m. On Saturday, from 8-12 noon, help is needed with selling, refilling trays, and cleaning up. I will also need two people designated to work at the money table. One person will weigh the boxes, and the other will take the money. Watch for the sign-up sheets. Even if you don't sign up to bring cookies, you can still bring them! We won't turn anyone away! Thank you, everyone, for your support. Let's make this another great Cookie Walk. Maria Purciarele Hillcrest is again sending boxes for Christmas to our deployed military overseas. The table in the narthex has a lot of information on it, but I will gladly answer any questions you have. I have been asked if I prefer products or money. Whatever works best for you is fine with me, but I can only send as many boxes as I get postage for. Postage did go up again and boxes are now $17.35 to send. I will put any money towards postage and products. I go to Dollar Tree for a lot of the items I send. Examples are on the table. If it is more cost effective to buy in quantity (example, laundry pods) that is fine, and I will divide it into Ziploc bags. Again, the lists on the table are just suggested items. Pretty much what we like to eat can be sent with a few exceptions. The can't send items are listed. I pack the boxes tightly! It's amazing what you can wedge in even when you think the boxes are full! I will be taking donations through November 27 and mailing out the boxes that week. Thank you so much for your support. Maria Purciarele Cookie Walk Recipe Here is an easy cookie recipe that always gets great reviews. one box cake mix, any flavor 1/3 cup oil 2 eggs Mix all together and drop on greased cookie sheets. Bake 350 degrees for approximately 8 minutes. I add chocolate chips, nuts, lemon juice, etc., but they are good plain as well. Maria Purciarele

10 THE MESSENGER PAGE 10 HILLCREST WOMEN S MINISTRY Women s Ministry Board: Nikki Behne and Cathy Bloss, co-leaders; Terri Longacre, board member; Martha Sims, advisor Our Women's Ministry prayer: Father, thank you for helping us to grow closer as a sisterhood in your service. Help us to be compassionate and to support each other, to accept our differences gracefully, and to show appreciation for the contributions of others. Remind us to be aware of the impact that our small services may have on others. We ask your blessing on our sisterhood. Amen. Circle of Friends Stamping Ministry We have been working diligently on designs for the bazaar at Crossroads Community Church. Our cards will also be available at our own Cookie Walk. We have all new Christmas designs again this year and really hope to sell a lot of cards at the bazaar. There will also be a big variety of birthday and other occasion greeting cards available. Please remember that all profits from the sale of our cards go toward mission projects and agencies within our own community and Hillcrest Church. Your support makes this possible. We hope you will continue to support us throughout the coming year. After the bazaar and Cookie Walk we will be taking off the month of December so we can all enjoy the holidays with family. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Marilynn Anson The Crossroads Community Church Bazaar will be Saturday, November 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hillcrest Women s Book Club No meetings in November and December Please consider joining us on Thursday, January 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillcrest narthex. (Hey, those couches and chairs are really comfy!) Newcomers are always welcome, and the New Year would be a great time to start. The book choice for January will be announced in January s Messenger. Until then, we can keep in touch by to share information on books worth recommending. If you have a question or want to be added to our list, call Diane Lewandowski ( ) or Martha Sims ( ). L.I.F.T. (Ladies In Fellowship Together) 1st Tuesday of each month 9:00 a.m. Perkins Restaurant (107 North Pointe Blvd., Elkhart) L.I.F.T. will meet for breakfast November 7. We had 27 in attendance at our October gathering. In observance of Thanksgiving, during the month of November ladies are asked to bring unscented Kleenex to the breakfast. The Kleenex will be donated to a school in Elkhart. We ask that neither scented Kleenex nor hand sanitizers be donated due to allergies. Artistry in Bloom Tuesdays from 10:00 noon Fellow painters, crafters, friends, and helpers: We invite you to our class. Stop by for a visit to see if you would enjoy it, also. We will help you get started. Carol Hartranft, Carole Julian

11 THE MESSENGER PAGE 11 Serving in Worship Date Scripture Readers Greeters Ushers Communion Media November 5 Diane Lewandowski Martha and Harry Sims Nancy and Jerry Rowe Lorraine and Bob Whitmer Dan Null November 12 Chuck Vredingburgh Martha and Harry Sims Nancy and Jerry Rowe November 19 Wayne Rowe Martha and Harry Sims Linda and Chuck Vredingburgh Tracy Donati November 26 Gari Lewandowski Martha and Harry Sims Bernice Simms Bev Slaughter Women s Ministry Premier Designs Fundraiser for the YWCA Tuesday, November 14, 7:00 p.m. in the HeBrew Café Please join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, fundraising, and fashion! Lesley Butler will be hosting a fundraiser with Premier Designs Jewelry. It s the perfect time of year for accessorizing your fall wardrobe, choosing holiday gifts for family and friends, AND raising money for a great cause. Premier Designs is a company you can trust, is biblically based, and is all about service! To check out the jewelry before November 14 (or if you are unable to attend), visit LesleyButler.mypremierdesigns.com. Catalogs are also available from Lesley, Nikki Behne, or the church office. ALL ARE WELCOME! We look forward to seeing you on the 14 th! An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. Irv Kupcinet The Wooden Shoe of Worry The word sabotage has a fascinating history. Sabot is the French word for a wooden shoe. Sabotage was the act of throwing a shoe into machinery to stop work. Now it means any attempt to hinder production or spoil a product. Satan tries to cast a wooden shoe into our souls to prevent us from accomplishing God s plan. That shoe is worry, which can crush the spirit, sour our disposition, and interfere with Christian service. That s why Jesus instructs: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34, NIV). Jesus isn t promoting laziness or indifference; instead, He encourages us to trust our Father, who provides for all our needs. Be on guard, and don t let worry sabotage your faith! If we must cancel a church service, our closing information will be listed on our Facebook page (Hillcrest UMC Elkhart Indiana), our website at WNDU Channel 16, and their website, and WSBT Channel 22, and their website,

12 Hillcrest United Methodist Church 4206 East Bristol Street * Elkhart, Indiana secretary@hillcrestumc.comcastbiz.net Web site: STAFF Pastor: Mike Butler m.h.butler@comcast.net Worship Leader: Molly Kellner Pianist: Joel Lininger Administrative Assistant: Julie Lininger secretary@hillcrestumc.comcastbiz.net Ministry Council Chair: Janice Dean Trustee Co-Chairs: Gari Lewandowski, Harry Sims Staff-Parish Chair: Patty Moore Hillcrest Community Childcare Ministry: Teresa Irelan, Director hccmdir@gmail.com WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHEDULE 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m. HeBrew Café fellowship 10:30 a.m. Adult Studies 12:00 p.m. El Refugio Church CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. DECEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: November 15 Looking Ahead: Susanna s Kitchen Monday, November 6, 10:30 a.m. Trustees Monday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. Primetimers Thursday, November 16, 11:30 a.m. Ministry Council Monday, November 20, 6:00 p.m. Brentwood Service Sunday, November 26, 1:30 p.m. Caregivers Support Group Thursday, November 30, 1:30 p.m. First Sunday of Advent December 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Journeying to the Heights 1 This n That 2, 3 Missions Scoutmaster Minute Calendar 5 In the Know 6 Ministry Updates 7 Samaritan Fund Policy 8 Upcoming Ministry Opportunities 9 Women s Ministry 10 Serving in Worship 11 4