Christmas in Black and White. Youth Group & Sunday School Youth Christmas Program. Saturday, December 19 at 5:00 PM

Transcription

1 December 2015 Volume 19 Issue 12 Christmas in Black and White Youth Group & Sunday School Youth Christmas Program Saturday, December 19 at 5:00 PM Come take a visit to the Polar Pet Park, along with a middle school field trip. The penguins at the park don t understand why the school kids don t mention or understand the real meaning of Christmas. They decide to help the kids discover the real meaning of Christmas. Through a fun but meaningful drama and seven songs, this Christmas musical will remind your audience that Christmas is not just another holiday, but a special day when God sent his one and only Son, Jesus, to be born in a manger in Bethlehem. created by Jeff Slaughter Rushville First United Methodist Church Located on the corner of Congress & Jefferson Pastor Grant Armstrong Teresa Boyd, Administrative Secretary; Mark Ross, Director of Music Ministries Phone , Fax office@rushvillefumc.org Blue Jean Saturday Night Worship 5:00 PM Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:35 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM

2 SIMPLE CHRISTMAS The holiday season seems to fly by, doesn t it? Between shopping, parties, travel and countless activities, we re almost too exhausted for Christmas before it even arrives. But does it have to be that way? Do we have to spend ourselves entirely and surrender our joy in order to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace? Is it possible to find happiness in a simpler celebration of Christmas? This Advent season, we re going to spend some time discovering how God helps us get to the heart of Christmas. Each week in worship, we ll journey closer to the manger as we allow Jesus to remind us that He came to set us free. If you ve ever felt overwhelmed by this whirlwind season, you re invited to simplify with us as we center on the essence of Christmas. An Invitation to Christmas Invitation As I mentioned in our first message of this series, this season also offers us a remarkable opportunity to speak simple words of invitation to our friends and family. If there is someone in your life who doesn t have a faith family to join for celebrating the birth of Jesus, would you pray and extend an invitation and welcome to that person? You can share posts from Facebook.com/RushvilleFUMC, or send people to our holiday-focused website at RushvilleFUMC.org/christmas. It is even more effective to share a simple invitation to worship or Christmas Eve services. Personal invitations work as well as ever! Making Room at the Inn Christmas Eve services are a time when we have many guests joining us for worship. Historically, over the past several years, we see more than twice our typical weekend attendance at our two Christmas Eve services. This is a great opportunity for us to show our guests our best hospitality in hopes that they would find a connection with this faith community. As you are making plans for Christmas Eve, would you pray about how God would have you show our guests an exceptional welcome? Maybe you re able to park in a terrible spot so a guest can claim a better spot. Perhaps you might choose to sit up front so our guests can sit in one of our coveted back pews. Maybe just your smile and handshake will help those who are not always with us to feel more at home. Let s make room in God s house for those He is sending to celebrate Christmas with us! Yours in Christ, Pastor Grant

3 Prayers for our Church Family Please continue to keep these family members and loved ones in your prayers. Jennie English had successful shoulder surgery. Mike Reed, Teresa s brother, had back surgery and is home recuperating. Brianna Billingsley had some cysts removed. Please keep the families of John Corse, Gene Wise, Ruth Busby, Susan Schimmel, Patti Boyd, and Brett Creager in your prayers. We have been asked for prayers for Melissa Busby Clark and family. Mary Lou Gillenwater had fallen and also had shingles. Jonathan Cox, Betty Roberts nephew has been diagnosed with MS. Karen Williams had bladder surgery. Jerry Walker had an eye procedure done. Sheila Burton had a gas bubble placed in her eye and had to lay face down for weeks! Georgie Haney had been in Springfield hospital for a couple of weeks due to an infection and has been moved to Heritage Manor in Mt. Sterling for a short time. Amy Watkins & sons house caught on fire. Kenneth Schramm has been placed on hospice. Beth Stambaugh has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Dawn Bronson has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Tracen Bainter had tubes placed in his ears. Jim & Nancy Greene are dealing with some serious health issues. Kraig Kotter will be going to Chicago to see if he qualifies for the heart transplant list. A daughter, Myrra Marie was born to Kelly & Leesa Merrill of Macomb on October 26 at 12:35 PM. Myrrra weighted 7 lbs, 8 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. Myrra was welcomed home by big sister Kallie, grandparents Don & Donna Young, Tod and Tracey Hamilton of Macomb, Jim & Terri Merrill of Church Hill, TN, and great grandmother Doris Marie Young. A son, Landon James, was born on November 10, 2015 to Nick and Amy Orndorff of Decatur. Landon weighed 8 lbs., and was 22 inches long. Grandparents are Don and Janis Wade of Rushville and Jerry Orndorff and the late Rose Orndorff of Carlock. A daughter, Harper Vanessa was born to John & Kasey Anderson Wynn on November 24 at 7:38 AM. Harper weighted 7 lbs 8 oz, and was 19 inches long. Harper was welcomed home by maternal grandparents Jan Anderson and the late Dr. David L. Anderson and paternal grandparents are Terry Wynn and the late John Wynn of Jefferson City, MO. If you have any updates on the following folks that might result in having their names removed from the list, please contact the church office so that corrections can be made. Please continue to remember these folks in your prayers as well: Cathy Heckel, Mary Ward, Diana Dowacter, John Cessna, Bob Hood, Joe Simpson, Dan Swift, Norma Toland, Linda Wilson, Elvis Wilson, Melissa Poling, Dusty Mathis, Donna Manning, Joyce Schafer, Brian Stephens and family, Duane Easley, Kruse Logsdon, Dean Taylor, Barry Scego, Pam McNeely, Beatrice Hall, Sharon Russell Peck, Bonnie Vaughn, Brenda Reynolds, Eloise Baxter, Dorcas Herche, Dick Etter, Doris Young, Warren Dodds, Dale Abbott, Marie Leonard, Mike Dean, Martha Davis, Dixie Prather, Helen Donohew, Dessie Zingher, Don Webster, Gale Lee, Denine Cox, Norma Rowland, Amanda Law, Nancy Stauffer, Edith Goldsborough, Kristi Hamilton, Freddie & Sherry Henninger, Mildred Hunter, Dorothy Morrell, Mary Lerch, Florence Bottorff, Wayne Runkle, Bill & Ruth Kinsey, Frank Billingsley, Virginia Stocker, Luan Phillips, Earlene Wallace, Larry Lashbrook, Pat Unger, Beth Mellor, Janet Hayes, Emmett Garriott, Dana Hopping, Dr. William Tyree, Eric Peacock, Nancy Greene, Beth Stambaugh, Dawn Bronson, Kenneth Schramm,, Georgie Haney, Betty Herche, and Jonathan Cox. Each week in worship we will be lifting up a different church or charge and pastoral team from our community in prayer. As we lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ and their work for the Lord, the ministry and message of Christ shall be strengthened. This month we will be praying for the following churches and their pastors: The week of December 6 St. Claire s Episcopal Father Lewis Payne The week of December 13 St. John s Lutheran Joe Eckman The week of December 20 St. Rose Catholic Anthony Bernas The week of December 27 West Central Charge UMCs Dixie Croxton

4 B O O K N O O K B Y S H E I L A Sum It Up by Pat Summitt with Sally Jenkins Pat Summitt learned the game of basketball against her three brothers. Their father built a basketball court in a hayloft, where they played in the evenings after supper and farm chores. Pat was strong from lifting hay bales and milk cans. When she was in the third grade, she was asked by the school principal to stay after school and practice with the eighth-grade girls basketball team. The family moved from a comfortable brick home to a dilapidated two-story clapboard home with no insulation, next to the family grocery store, so that Pat could attend a high school that had a girl s basketball team. She won an Olympic medal and in 1974, at twenty-two became head coach at the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. For over forty years she established Tennessee as the most elite team in the country and won more games than anyone in NCAA Division 1 history. The records and accolades did not mean nearly as much to her as her coaches and players. She balanced career with marriage and motherhood. She has contended with heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis and early onset Alzheimer s disease. This very enjoyable book tells of an extraordinary life. Sally Jenkins is the author or coauthor of nine books. She has been a staff writer for the Washington Post for more than twenty years. This book is in the United Methodist Women 2015 Reading Program in the Category of Leadership Development. I borrowed this book from the Rushville Library. by Sheila Yates COMING TO A CHURCH BASEMENT NEAR YOU: CHILDREN AND FAMILY DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT! Friday, December 18th from 6:30pm - 7:30pm in the lower level carpeted area. FREE! On Friday, December 18th, First UMC will host a movie night featuring VeggieTales: Saint Nicholas after the children s play rehearsal. About the movie: When Junior Asparagus and his Veggie friends learn that Laura Carrot s dad has lost his job on Christmas Eve, Bob the Tomato decides to tell the kids a very special story about giving. Using a big storybook and a little imagination, they all travel back to ancient Greece to meet Saint Nicholas the world s greatest giver. (Run time: 45min) This free event is open to the public, and the whole family is more than welcome to join the fun. Children are encouraged to bring along their best cardboard cars and recycled racers to park on the floor and lounge in as the movie is shown on our projection wall in the lower level. Feel free to bring your own snacks if you d like, but popcorn, hot cocoa and water will be provided! No ticket required. Just come and enjoy! Seeking to to Make a Difference for Christ in in the Community

5 Worship, Attendance & Giving for November Weekend of Sat Open Arms Preschool 8:15 10:35 Offering Nov $6, Nov $4, Nov $3, Nov $2, Nov $4, Our themes at preschool during the month of November were Dinosaurs, Veteran s Day, and Thanksgiving. We invited Jason Goddard to come to our classroom. He talked to the class about what it means to be a veteran and a little bit about what it s like to be active in the military. The kids really enjoyed this visit! We made paper plate dinosaurs and painted dinosaur pictures with our footprints. We also learned a lot about the first Thanksgiving, about the pilgrims, their voyage on the Mayflower, and about their first years in America. We made special handprint turkeys to give to special people we are thankful for and had a very fun Thanksgiving party on November 25. The preschoolers sang during worship on November 15 and did a great job! We are very proud of our students and were excited to show them off to the congregation. Thank you to everyone who supported our program s fundraising efforts by purchasing a t-shirt or sweatshirt. We sincerely appreciate it! We celebrated a birthday in November with Elisabeth Burton who turned 5 years old on November 4. We will have two new students joining us in January and we are looking forward now to lots of Christmas activities in the upcoming weeks. We will dismiss for Christmas break on December 11. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! As a faith community, we graciously continue to return gifts to our generous God. Through His grace and the workings of His Holy Spirit, we are enabled to accomplish the ministry He has set for us in the community and throughout the world. Thank You. December 1 Izek Morse Kaylynn Briney Amelia Stauffer 2 Nathan Clark 3 Eric Zeeck 4 Fred Henninger, Dianna Eifert Ragon Goddard 6 Jim Peterman, Don Wade 9 Ali Wilson, Katelyn Koch 10 Bill & Ruth Kinsey 11 Joan Woodworth, Heidi Vincent Nena Martin 12 Barbara Botts, Mary Ward, Tim Painter 13 Leesa Merrill 14 Brady Klitz Dave & Georgie Haney 15 Alexis Downs, Chuck Edmiston James Divan, Steve Trone Tom & Dianna Eifert 16 Clarice Bartlett, Bob Stauffer Jim & Konnie Crane Lyle & Cathy Harrison 17 Mike & Leanne Lamb 18 James N. Moore Donnie Schieferdecker 19 Crystal Bartlett, Addison Phillips 20 Bryce Harper Fred & Sherry Henninger 21 Raymond Eifert Jim & Laura Moore 22 Ron & Judy Busby 23 Rick Bartlett, Jared Prather, Rick Phillips Tim Zeeck, Cynthia Greer 24 Debbie Worthington 25 Bob & Nancy Stauffer Andy & Tiffany Maxwell 26 Betty Herche Jim & Carol Breedlove 27 Lyle Harrison, Louise Boyd 28 Trevor Seal 29 Matthew Mayer, Brantlee Malcomson 30 Jakob Vincent 31 Steve Bottorff Dennis Henninger John & Barbara Botts

6 Dear friends at FUMC, Thank you for so warmly welcoming us into the community and providing us with a church home during our short time in Rushville. We are very appreciative of the support, prayers, and cards we received during Bryce's surgeries. We miss you and are praying that God continues to do good things for the community through your church. Chris, Meghan and Bryce Harper Dear church family, We would like to thank our church family for all the cards, texts, calls, prayers and support during Dan's dad's illness and passing. We were blessed by a wonderful meal that Marian, her UMW ladies and church members put together for us. With love, Dan and Niki Wise To my wonderful church family -- Thank you one and all for your prayers and calls of concern for me during my eye surgery and while recuperating at home. This was very scary for me but I was blessed with a great doctor who did a great job and saved my sight. All of your prayers helped me through all of this including the 2 weeks of "head down" recovery. Thank you!!! Sheila Burton Beef and Rice Casserole This recipe was brought to the church for Gene Wise s funeral dinner from Norma Atwater. 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can cut green beans, undrained 1 tablespoon instant minced onion 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 cup rice, uncooked 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon peeper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 can cream mushroom soup 1/2 cup Mexican Cheddar Pepper Jack Cheese 1 can tomato soup Brown ground beef in a skillet with oil, stir, drain fat. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Cook until rice is tender. Put cheese over the top and bake until melted. Bake at 350 degrees at about 35 minutes. Enjoy! Thank You, Leland Hardy & Ron Herr for taking out the air conditioners in the church office and classroom.

7 Rushville 1 st United Methodist Church Corner of Congress & Jefferson P.O. Box 208 Rushville, IL NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Rushville, IL PERMIT NO. 47 Change Service Requested Sunday Worship Info for December December 6 8:15 AM 10:35 AM Acolytes: Bronson Bartlett Liturgist: Cathy Teel Carol Fuller Greeters: Francis Bauer Betty Johnson Jim & Carol Breedlove & Joyce Williams December 13 Acolytes: Jason Klitz Liturgist: Tina Cox Praise Band Greeters: Dave & Lucille Morgan Brian, Molly, Gabby & Aubrey Sorrell December 20 Acolytes: Lily Armstrong Liturgist: Sarah Duncan Eric Ewing Greeters: Cheryl Utter & Ron Busby Amy, Lily, Clara Armstrong December 24 7 :00 PM 10:00 PM Acolytes: Rob Bartlett & Family Randy Little & Davidson Family Liturgist: Chris Utter Sylvia Herr Greeters: Alan Acheson & Family Randy Little & Davidson Family December 27 Acolytes: Tyson Davidxson Liturgist: Mary Sue Merritt Praise Band Greeters: Jim & Laura Moore Jerry & Joan Ewing & Nancy Schisler

8 Bowl-A-Thon For Africa University Scholarships Sunday 1:30-4:00 PM January 24, 2016 Bowlero Lanes in Carlinville or Sunday, February 21, :00-4:00 PM in Quincy at Tangerine Bowling or Sunday, 1:00-4:00 PM February 28, 2016 Bowl-In, 224 North East Street, Jacksonville Any youth interested? Sponsored by LaMoine River District Youth Thank You! The Youth Group kitchen staff is very thankful for the donations they have received for youth group this year. We would also like to thank Ruth & Marvin Phillips for the extras they bring each week. Please make sure you contact the church office with any changes in your address or phone numbers! United Methodist Women We are women who participate in the global ministries of the church. Our emblem reminds us of our heritage of women who pioneered in service for the church at home and in other countries. We are a group of Christian women with many gifts who are unified by one Spirit and participate in God s mission in all areas of life. We invite you to join the membership of Rushville UMW in LaMoine River District in Illinois Great Rivers Conference. All women of Rushville United Methodist Church are invited to join one of the following UMW circles for Bible study, mission lessons, and fellowship: Food Basket Asking for Help The Schuyler County Food Basket is requesting help from churches to replenish its supplies of canned and non-perishable items. Canned fruits, vegetables, and soups are needed as well as canned and dried pastas, and such canned meats as tuna, mackerel, chicken and ham. You may bring any donations into the church office. UMW Circle Information Serendipity: 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Esther Daystar: 1st Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. New Beginnings: Times may be changing

9 United Methodist Women s Prayer Calendar 2015 December 1 Revelation 22:12-16 December 2 Luke 11:29-32 December 3 Philippians 1:12-18a December 4 Philippians 1:18b-26 December 5 Luke 9:1-6 December 6 Luke 3:1-6 December 7 Romans 8:22-25 December 8 2 Peter 1:2-15 December 9 Luke 7:18-30 December 10 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 December 11 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 December 12 Luke 1:57-66 December 13 Luke 3:7-18 December 14 Hebrews 13:7-17 December 15 Acts 28:23-31 December 16 Luke 7:31-35 December 17 Hebrews 10:10-18 December 18 Hebrews 10:32-39 December 19 Luke 13:31-35 December 20 Luke 1:39-45 December 21 Colossians 1:15-20 December 22 Ephesians 2:11-22 December 23 2 Peter 1:16-21 December 24 Hebrews 10:5-10 December 25 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) December 26 Acts 6:1-7,7:51-60 December 27 Luke 2:41-52 December 28 Revelation 21:1-7 December 29 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 December 30 Mark 13:32-37 December 31 John 8:12-19 Pregnancy Resource Center The Pregnancy Resource Center would like to say a heart felt thank you to our congregation for their donations to the Baby Bottle Boomerang. Our church donated a total of $ this year. If you have found a baby bottle at your house it is not to late to turn it in. Just bring to the office and Teresa will see that it gets to the center. Chicken Nuggets This is another recipe from Norma Atwater that was prepared for the Gene Wise funeral. 1 pkg. skinless boneless chicken Ritz Crackers or round crackers (crumbled) Flour Paprika Garlic powder or garlic salt Pepper 2 eggs wisked Oil to cook chicken in Cut chicken to nugget size, wash off with water, drain. Have 3 bowls set for dredging chicken, 1 for flour, 1 for egg and 1 for cracker crumbs, paprika, garlic powder or salt, & pepper. Have your oil hot for cooking nuggets. Carefully place nuggets to fry, drain on wire rack with cookie sheet under wire rack. Fry a few minutes. Drain and enjoy! Thank you to Bob Bottorff, Steve Bottorff and Barb Huntley for decorating the sanctuary for Christmas!

10 News from the the Pews Pan Supper This is another recipe of Norma Atwater s that was prepared and served for the Gene Wise funeral. 6 large potatoes, diced 4 large carrots, diced 1 large stalk celery diced 1 large onion, diced 1/2 green pepper, diced 1 large pkg. Polish Sausage, slice and dice 1 can cream of mushroom soup Sautee onions, peppers in oil add celery, carrots, potatoes, polish sausage and soup. Cook on medium heat until vegetables are cooked. Serve and enjoy! Red Cross Blood Drive Christmas Eve Services Please join us for our annual Christmas Eve services which will be at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Thursday, December 24. Generations Choir and Revelation Bells will be performing at the 7:00 PM service with communion at the 10:00 PM service. The message this year is Simply Jesus. We will be lighting the candles at both services during the singing of Silent Night. Hope to see many of you here to celebrate Christ s birth. The Red Cross Blood Drive will be Thursday, December 10 at the First Christian Church. Sally Poltawsky is looking for some volunteers to help with the canteen and be greeters. She is asking for volunteers to help for a 2 hour period starting at 12:00 noon until 6:00 PM. Please contact Sally at or the church office at Bell Directors We are in need of bell directors for next year. You must be able to read music, know how to prepare bell music for practice, performance and have patience in working with children. Directors are needed for Angel Chimes (third & fourth grades). Please contact Mark Ross at or during the day. Outside Lights We have been asked by a neighbor to please make sure that the outside lights at each door on the north side of the church be turned off after meetings. H.E.L.P. Center Christmas Food Baskets The H.E.L.P. Center has once again asked us to help with Christmas Food Baskets. We have been asked to donate 140 boxes of cake mixes. These items need to be in the church office by Friday, December 18.

11 Reaching New People Saturday, January 23 rd, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Did You Know? 89% of new people who attend your church, and return, come with a friend 82% of people not connected to a church are somewhat likely to attend if invited 70% of people not connected to a church say they ve never been invited Workshop Leader: Rev. Mike Crawford, Illinois Great Rivers Conference Coordinator of Congregational Development Date/Location: Saturday, January 23 rd, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On-site check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Murrayville Community Building at 503 Main (across from Murrayville United Methodist Church), in Murrayville, IL Cost: $10 per person (includes snacks and lunch) For Whom: A church team which includes a minimum of the pastor and three laity. The larger the number of people who attend, the greater the likelihood the principles will have a positive impact on a church s ability to reach new people. BRING A LARGE TEAM!! How to Register: Register your team on-line at: Workshop Information: Too often churches take a wait for people to come approach, or they think invitation means standing on street corners or initiating painfully difficult conversations. Not so! This workshop will teach principles which are effective in churches of all sizes that are making new disciples of Jesus Christ. The key to reaching new people is to move beyond the walls of the building and develop relationships with people in the community. This workshop will equip the church to reach out in non-threatening ways. If more people of the church intentionally engage in this invitational model, the church will be more effective in reaching new people. Food: Lunch and snacks will be provided for all who are registered. Please indicate during the registration process if any participant of your church team has any dietary restrictions. Registration deadline: January 16 th, 2016