THE LIGHT. First United Methodist Church. Christine

Transcription

1 THE LIGHT First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA December 2017 Volume 64, Issue 12 First United Methodist Church Website: Sunday Schedule Nursery available 9:00-11:35 AM Sunday School 9:15 AM The Grapevine 9:30 AM 310 Court Ave. Worship 10:30 AM Mabaan Worship 12:30 PM Pastor Rev. Eric Guy Minister of Discipleship Christine Anders Office Manager Lisa Karen Hankey Director of Music Dr. Tin-Shi Tam Finance Manager Michelle Mathews Maintenance Duane Harris Director of CCYC Connie McFarlin But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25 They say if you want to know people s priorities, look first at their calendar and then at their checkbook. Our priorities are reflected in how we spend our time. We cannot truly be a Christian without giving of our time in service to others. The church and many other worthwhile organizations depend on such contributions of time to carry out their vital missions. We encourage you to give a minimum of one hour a week in service to others. Talk with Pastor Eric or Christine if you are looking for a place to serve. Remember you are the hands and feet of Jesus. Measuring Your Progress We are on a journey of discipleship. When you are on any journey it is important to periodically stop and check the map (or GPS) and see where you are. Ask yourself Am I being a doer of the word by serving others? Am I giving to the church financially in proportion to what I have received? Am I continuing to read and study God s word? Am I regularly attending worship? Am I daily spending time in prayer? Christine

2 2 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church ADVENT CALENDAR This year Advent begins on December 3 rd. Along with our regularly scheduled events, a few of the special things planned for the Advent and Christmas seasons at First Church are: December 3 1st Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m. Worship with Communion Hanging of the Greens Service Food Pantry Sunday 11:45 a.m. New Member Orientation December 6 Advent Meal & Study, Children s Program Practice 5:45 p.m. Advent Meal, Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Advent Study, Room #110. 6:30 p.m. Children s Program Practice, Sanctuary December 9 the Church, 9:00 a.m. - Noon Church Christmas Decorating December 10 2nd Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Advent Music Series Chancel Choir & WhiteChapel Chimes 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Chapel Communion December 13 Advent Meal & Study, Children s Program Practice 5:45 p.m. Advent Meal, Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Advent Study, Room #110. 6:30 p.m. Children s Program Practice, Sanctuary December 16 Children s Christmas Party 9:00 a.m. - Noon Children s Christmas Party December 17 3 rd Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Advent Music Series Children s Program 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Chapel Communion December 20 Longest Night Service, Advent Meal & Study 5:00 p.m. Longest Night Service, Chapel 5:45 p.m. Advent Meal, Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Advent Study, Room #110. December 24 4 th Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Advent Music Series Central Iowa Brass 10:30 a.m. Worship with Central Iowa Brass 11:45 a.m. Chapel Communion 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service - A Service of Lessons and Carols

3 3 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church December 25 Christmas Day Office Closed on December 25 th and 26 th December 31 1 st Sunday after Christmas 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Chapel Communion January 1 New Year s Day Office Closed January 7 Epiphany Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship with Communion Food Pantry Sunday Some of the events listed above are described elsewhere in The Light. Contact Christine or Eric about any of the events if you would like more information. Member Coffees Here are the 2018 dates for our member coffee times at Wesley Acres and Scottish Rite Park. Scottish Rite Park Jan 8, April 9, July 9, Oct 8 (10:00 AM) Wesley Acres Jan 10, April 11, July 11, Oct. 10 (2:00 PM) December Ushers Head Usher Craig Strayer Junella Schultz Josh & Will Sadler Delvin Sadler (balcony) Welcome/Information Center Schedule December 3 Mandy Chouangmala December 10 Ann Herteen December 17 Volunteers Welcome! December 24 Tom Gruis December 31 Tom Gruis Greeters for December December 3 Evonne Schaaf & Jeslyn Dally December 10 Emily & Mike Schaumburg December 17 Junella Schultz December 24 Abby & Cory Darrington December 31 Martha Hardie & Rick Broman 90+ Birthdays Happy 90+ Birthday to the following: Verna Bernhard on December 9

4 4 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church Longest Night Service December 20, 2017, 5:00 PM Christmas can be a difficult and painful time some years. The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. Our Longest Night service this year will be on December 20 th at 5:00 PM in the Chapel above Kenyon Hall. Join with others in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background or no church background - is welcome. You are welcome to invite others that you think may appreciate this service. Christmas To Do List Be 1. Buy presents 2. Wrap gifts someone in a hug 3. Send gifts love Donate 4. Shop for food 5. Make cookies memories Be 6. See the lights

5 5 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church disaster relief and the fact that 100% of all donations go directly to relief activities. One half of our Christmas offering will be sent to Christmas Offering UMCOR Disaster USA #6152 to help the people of Puerto Rico recover. This year s Christmas offering will reach out to help our Puerto Rican neighbors hit hard by Hurricane Maria and to support our covenant relationship with a United Methodist missionary who is taking the message of God s love to the world. On September 20, Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island of Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm with wind speeds of 155 miles per hour, just weeks after it had been brushed by Hurricane Irma. The island suffered unprecedented levels of destruction, leaving them without communications, water and power in many areas, and devastating the lives of millions of people. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless and displaced, many of whom are relocating to New York and Florida. Most air and sea ports were severely damaged which slowed the initial shipments of food, fuel and supplies. But next day UMCOR had already reached out to partners in the region for assistance and were coordinating relief and recovery programs with the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico in areas where help was most needed, in addition to sending them a $100,000 grant, with more on the way. This was the most destructive storm to hit the island this century, if not in modern history, and the recovery will take many years; but UMCOR and the church will be there working side by side with the people of Puerto Rico until the work is done. UMCOR is currently involved in 23 active long-term recovery sites throughout the United States. In recent months, UMCOR had already received some $15 million from donors in response to U.S. disasters, thanks in part to full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times highlighting the denomination s commitment to For several years, First Church has committed to a covenant relationship with a missionary serving the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries who has personnel, programs and mission partners in 136 countries facilitating international and domestic mission, including missionary service. The United Methodist Church has over 300 missionaries serving in more than 60 countries around the world engaged in a range of activities and professions including pastors, educators, congregational and leadership developers, regional coordinators for UMCOR, agriculturalists, health coordinators and doctors. Through a covenant relationship, we partner with one of these missionaries to provide not only financial support, but spiritual and emotional support as well. It is much more than a financial commitment, it is a dynamic relationship where we pray for one another and communicate regularly. When we covenant with one missionary, we support the entire United Methodist missionary community on their behalf and in their name. A global understanding of mission as the presence and action of God in the world, invites us to participate in all areas of service and to a practice of mission from everywhere to everywhere. One half of our Christmas offering will be used for missionary support. During this season of giving, may you know the hope, love, joy and peace that is Christmas and share that message with the world.

6 6 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church A Trip to the Holy Land! In Our Thoughts & Prayers Sympathies to the family and friends of Daniel Kunz who passed away on October 19 th. Sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Gillaspey who passed away on October 22 th. Sympathies to the family and friends of Anna Hysell (Trudy Gurnsey s mother). Anna passed away on October 22 at the age of 96. Thanksgiving Ingathering Thank You A grateful thank you to everyone who contributed to this year s Thanksgiving Ingathering. First Church contributed 81 UMCOR health, school and cleaning kits valued at $1,159 as well as $162 to cover shipping costs and $ to the UMCOR Depot for the purchase of additional relief supplies. You will have a chance to visit the Holy Land. Next April 16-27, Christine will be leading another trip to Israel/Palestine. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Jesus; standing on the Mount of Olives looking over the ancient city of Jerusalem, walking the Via Dolorosa, visiting Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. What would it be like to renew your baptism in the Jordan River and sail on the Sea of Galilee? We will be visiting the cities of Ibillin, Haifa, Capernaum, Cana, Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Jericho. We will also be visiting Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem. If you have always wanted to walk where Jesus walked, this will be a wonderful opportunity. If you or anyone you know might be interested, there is a brochure on the desk in the church office or you can contact Christine at ext. 3 and she can send you a copy. Registration deadline is December 31 st.

7 7 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :300 AM Mabaan 3:00 PM Preparation for serving at shelter - Kitchen 6:30 PM FUMC serves Central IA Shelter 1420 Mulberry St. 3 1 st Sunday of Advent Hanging of the Greens Communion, Food Pantry 12:30 Mabaan Worship Sanctuary Saints Poinsettias will be at the church for delivery 10 2 nd Sunday of Advent 10:00 AM Advent Music Chancel Choir and WhiteChapel Chimes 12:30 Mabaan Worship 17 3 rd Sunday of Advent 10:00 AM Advent Music Children s Program 12:30 Mabaan Worship Christmas Eve 12:30 Mabaan Worship 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 31 12:30 Mabaan Worship 9:00 PM Mabaan New Year Event Sanctuary, Gym, FH 4 Room 11:00 AM Peace Not Walls / Missouri Synod CR1 11 Room 18 Room Christmas Office Closed 5 11:00 AM MEPEC Meeting CR1 12 9:00 AM Staff meeting 6:00 PM CCYC - CR1 6:30 PM Capitol City AA Fellowship Hall LL Office Closed 6 Room 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 5:45 PM Advent Meal 6:30 PM Advent Study Room 110 6:30 PM Children s Rehearsal - Sanctuary 13 Room 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 5:45 PM Advent Meal 6:30 PM Advent Study Room 110 6:30 PM Children s Rehearsal - Sanctuary 20 LIGHT Deadline Room 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 5:00 PM Longest Night Service Chapel 5:45 PM Advent Meal 6:30 PM Advent Study Room Room 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 7 Room 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 14 Room 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM CCYC Lunch with Santa KH, FH, Kitchen 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 21 Room 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 28 Room 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes :30 5:00 PM Meal Preparations Kitchen 4:45 PM FUMC serves at Trinity (CFUM Supper Club) th St, DM :00 12:00 PM Christmas Decorating 10:00 AM Mabaan 12:00 PM FUMC- Mabaan Partnership Team Meeting CR2 16 9:00 12:00 PM Kid s Christmas Party 10:00 AM Mabaan 23 10:00 AM Mabaan 30 10:00 AM Mabaan

8 8 - THE LIGHT December 2017 First United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA (515) DMFirstChurch.org The LIGHT First United Methodist Church NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Alternative Gift Market Once again the Outreach Committee will be offering the Alternative Gift Market as an opportunity to make Christmas gift giving more meaningful. During Advent a Shopping List will be available in Kenyon Hall. Gifts you choose from that list will honor your friends or loved ones while providing much needed financial support to ministries that give assistance to hungry, homeless, and hurting people in our society, both locally and abroad. Thus your gift gives twice and brings joy in double measure. The Gift Market will be open after worship on December 3, 10 and 17. Please stop by. Class on United Methodist Social Principles to be Offered Have you ever wondered where the United Methodist Church stands on a specific social issue? After every General Conference the UMC updates it s official stand on various societal issues and makes them known in the United Methodist Social Principles. On January 3 rd and 10 th at 6:30 pm Eloise Cranke will be teaching a class on the UM Social Principles. Come and learn more about how the United Methodist Church casts a vision for a just and equitable world. Call the church office to register or you may sign up on the attendance sheet.

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