The Messenger. First United Methodist Church

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First United Methodist Church Ogallala, Nebraska 69153 The Messenger www.methodistchurchogallala.

IN THIS ISSUE Pastor s Page 2 Thank You Notes 3 Meetings This Month 3 United Methodist Women 4 Poinsettias for the Altar 5 It was an evening

Were they tired? When angels appeared with news of a Savior, had the shepherds been talking about their troubles or sharing a good joke?

How remarkable that God chose to set his great rescue plan in motion when only a young couple was paying attention and only a few shepherds

1 First United Methodist Church Ogallala, Nebraska The Messenger FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Ministers The Worshiping Congregation Pastor Chuck Rager Christian Education Director Renee Meyer Administrative Secretary LaVerne Schimpf Custodian Meridee Ewert Newsletter Editor Karen Nenstiel District Superintendent Cindy Karges Bishop of Great Plains Conference Ruben Saenz, Jr. IN THIS ISSUE Pastor s Page 2 Thank You Notes 3 Meetings This Month 3 United Methodist Women 4 Poinsettias for the Altar 5 It was an evening like any other. Ordinary men were doing an ordinary job. Shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night (Luke 2:8). Was it chilly? Were they tired? When angels appeared with news of a Savior, had the shepherds been talking about their troubles or sharing a good joke? How quickly, how mysteriously, how unexpectedly an ordinary night became the turning point of human history. How remarkable that God chose to set his great rescue plan in motion when only a young couple was paying attention and only a few shepherds were awake. God s work is sometimes so secret we may wonder if he s there or if he cares. The Christmas story tells us that God works out breathtaking plans for our lives in the dark, often while we re sleeping or going about our ordinary routines. An Activity Page 6 Youth Group News 7 Sunday School Program 7 Nativity Pictures 8 Stewards for December 9

P a ge 2 D e c em b e r, 2 01 8 Christian Symbols L Five-Pointed Star The star of Bethlehem is often shown as a five -pointed star.

It also calls to mind the wise men s journey: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been

2 P a ge 2 D e c em b e r, Christian Symbols L Five-Pointed Star The star of Bethlehem is often shown as a five -pointed star. Roughly shaped like a human being, it symbolizes Christ s incarnation. It also calls to mind the wise men s journey: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him (Matthew 2:1-2, NIV). et us begin by saying that we wish you a very Merry Christmas! We feel so blessed to be with you, and we want you to know that our warmest Christmas greetings are sent to you. If you have not yet attended a Second Wednesday Supper and Service, you are invited to come and join those who have made it a time of fellowship and worship that feeds the body and the soul. Second Wednesday in December is December 12. Supper is at 5:30 p.m. and service is at 6:15. Christmas Eve is on Monday, December 24. We have two worship services, so pick the time that best fits your schedule. One service is at 5:00 p.m., and the other service is at 7:00 p.m. Many of you know that we are becoming grandparents soon. Our daughter Rachel and her husband Brian are expecting in late December. We invite you to share in our excitement, and be in prayer for the healthy arrival of the new blessing. We are also excited and looking forward to having our son Ryan with us for Christmas, and he is looking forward to playing for our Christmas Eve services. Thank you for being a part of our lives and a part of our church. We look forward to sharing many more good things with you in the years to come. Merry Christmas, Pastor Chuck and Roberta Rager

The Messenger Page 3 Thank you to all the people who sent cards for my 80th birthday. I had them standing opened on my dining room table, and it was so wonderful! It was awesome and appreciated.

Then, that afternoon before they went home they had planned a surprise. We walked into my niece and nephew s home and many, many relatives from Lincoln and York had come out to celebrate my birthday.

3 The Messenger Page 3 Thank you to all the people who sent cards for my 80th birthday. I had them standing opened on my dining room table, and it was so wonderful! It was awesome and appreciated. People in the Ogallala United Methodist Church are so special. Thank you. I had another surprise for my birthday. Jeff and Roxanne came back. We had so much fun doing many things together. Then, that afternoon before they went home they had planned a surprise. We walked into my niece and nephew s home and many, many relatives from Lincoln and York had come out to celebrate my birthday. It was a full house, I d say. I don t know if I smiled or cried. 80th birthday must be the year to celebrate!!! I felt so humble but so blessed and happy. I have to tell you another story. One day, when I went down to get my mail, the manager and the handy man had a very, very tall tree Meetings This Month Board of Trustees on Wednesday, December 5, 7:00 p.m. Finance Committee on Thursday, December 6, 5:00 p.m. Administrative Council on Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. Notes of Thanks in the middle of the big room with all the lights on it and were finishing up with some of the other decorations to put on it. They asked me to help and of course I did. They also had put lovely wreaths all around the balcony. Since I live on the second floor, I could see all the wreaths and trees. Awesome!!! I am enjoying the holiday season in so many ways. I got my apartment pretty well decorated today. I am tired after all my fun!!!! Evelyn Lovercheck Doug and I would like to thank our church family for all of the prayers, food, visits, cards, calls, and texts received during Doug s first part of his recovery. You made being on this journey so much easier for us. You are the Best! God bless each and every one of you. Doug n Jo Teaford Special Dates First Sunday of Advent, December 2 Second Sunday of Advent, December 9 Third Sunday of Advent, December 16 First day of winter, December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23 Christmas Eve, December 24 Christmas Day, December 25 New Year s Eve/Watch Night, December 31, 2018 Season s Greetings from your church Staff! Your Church Office will be closed on December 24 and 25 for Christmas and on December 31 and January 1 for the New Year.

Page 4 December, 2018 United Methodist Women December meetings On December 13, the UMW will have a pot luck luncheon in Fellowship Hall at noon.

Donations are being given to Camp Norwesca, Epworth Village, the Angel Store and the missions committee for the Bless the Badge project.

I want to thank all for their support and cooperation during my three years as president. Bea Hatch will be the next president and we will continue to support her.

Mona Radcliffe UMW President UMW General Thursday, December 13 12:00 noon Fellowship Hall Potluck Luncheon Circle 1 Thursday, December 20 9:00 am Peterson Circle 3 Thursday, December 20 2:00 pm Hess

4 Page 4 December, 2018 United Methodist Women December meetings On December 13, the UMW will have a pot luck luncheon in Fellowship Hall at noon. During the business meeting Pastor Chuck will install the officers for Our pledge to the Great West District has been met. Donations are being given to Camp Norwesca, Epworth Village, the Angel Store and the missions committee for the Bless the Badge project. Donations were given in the spring to the Good Sam fund, and scholarships were given to six campers. It has been a Thank You.... good year, and we take pleasure in sharing our blessings and our money. I want to thank all for their support and cooperation during my three years as president. Bea Hatch will be the next president and we will continue to support her. Again thanks, and may you and your families have a blessed holiday season. Mona Radcliffe UMW President UMW General Thursday, December 13 12:00 noon Fellowship Hall Potluck Luncheon Circle 1 Thursday, December 20 9:00 am Peterson Circle 3 Thursday, December 20 2:00 pm Hess Lounge Circle 5 Monday, December 17 6:00 pm Hess Lounge Christmas Supper... to the following persons who worked and/or furnished food for the Bill Baker funeral luncheon on November 13, 2018: Judy Cross Shirley Bassett Shirlee Knispel Judy Markussen Shirley Rankin Roberta Dunkel Cheryl Beckius Malinda Hoak Marlene Kosmicki Janice Cerny Karon Holscher Karen Powell Lisa Albee Renee Meyer Karen Nenstiel Denise Barrett Lunn Nelson Sharon Samp Pat Davis Barbara Draucker Arlene Dahlgren Kim Dahlgren Erica Flansburg Karla Lawler Sally Pankonin Kendace Peters Shirley Schlem Norma Shrack Mary Steinwart Claudia Stevenson Judi Adkins Christy Baltzell Sherri Walker Our Christian love and sympathy to the families of: Wanda Draucker, who died on October 24, William Bill Baker, who died on November 7, Don Bassett, who died on November 24, 2018.

The Messenger Page 5 Poinsettias Please consider sharing a poinsettia to be placed on the alter during the Advent and Christmas seasons. You may leave it at the Church Office during office hours.

A Christmas Legend The poinsettia, a shrub native to Mexico, is at the heart of a legend about a poor girl who wanted to bring Baby Jesus a gift one Christmas Eve.

ambassador to Mexico who first brought the plant to America) is known in Mexico as la flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night).

5 The Messenger Page 5 Poinsettias Please consider sharing a poinsettia to be placed on the alter during the Advent and Christmas seasons. You may leave it at the Church Office during office hours. Put your name on it if you want to reclaim it after Christmas. Thank you! A Christmas Legend The poinsettia, a shrub native to Mexico, is at the heart of a legend about a poor girl who wanted to bring Baby Jesus a gift one Christmas Eve. As she walked to church, she gathered a bouquet of weeds which Jesus miraculously transformed into lovely red flowers. Thus the poinsettia (named for Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico who first brought the plant to America) is known in Mexico as la flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night). The poinsettia is also an ideal Christmas symbol because its leaves turn red when deprived of sunlight and its flowers (the red inner buds) bloom in December. While We Are Waiting.... Advent does not lead to nervous tension stemming from expectation of something spectacular about to happen. On the contrary, it leads to a growing inner stillness and joy allowing me to realize that he for whom I am waiting has already arrived and speaks to me in the silence of my heart. Just as a mother feels the child grow in her and is not surprised on the day of the birth, but joyfully receives the one she learned to know during her waiting, so Jesus can be born in my life slowly and steadily and be received as the one I learned to know while waiting. ~~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Submissions for the January, 2019, issue of The Messenger need to be in the editor s hands no later than Monday, December 17. Bring items to the Church Office, or you may them directly to the newsletter editor at: ogallalaumcnews@gmail.com. This deadline is set a little earlier than usual so that the editor and staff can have some time with family during the Christmas holiday. Please help us out by observing the deadline. Thanks so much for your help and. Merry Christmas to everyone! MONDAY, DECEMBER 17

rulers were in power? A. Quirinius B. Pontius Pilate C.

6 Page 6 December, 2018 An Activity Page for Younger People A Bible Quiz When Jesus was born, which two earthly rulers were in power? A. Quirinius B. Pontius Pilate C. Caesar Augustus D. King Herod Answer: A and C (See Luke 2:1-2.)

Th e Me s s e n g e r Page 7 Dear Methodist Youth, Thank you so

Food Drive. We served 3,154 people in 2017.

Keith/Arthur County Food Pantry You are invited to participate in

we are involving the entire congregation in our program!

7 Th e Me s s e n g e r Page 7 Dear Methodist Youth, Thank you so much for the donation of 299 pounds of food from your Halloween Food Drive. We served 3,154 people in Your generosity is appreciated. Keith/Arthur County Food Pantry You are invited to participate in this year s Sunday School Christmas Program, Good News This year we are involving the entire congregation in our program! No Rehearsal required! Join us at 8:30 am Sunday, December 16, to choose what character you want to be in our program! See You Sunday!

Page 8 December, 2018 The Nativity scene on the front lawn

through the generosity of memorials and special gifts from

It is displayed through the Advent and Christmas season to

8 Page 8 December, 2018 The Nativity scene on the front lawn of Ogallala First United Methodist Church is donated through the generosity of memorials and special gifts from members and friends. It is displayed through the Advent and Christmas season to help us remember the reason that we celebrate this occasion. (Thanks to Chuck Graff for the lovely pictures.)

Page 9 The Messenger Page 9 STEWARDS FOR DECEMBER, 2018 Dec.

Todd Neill, Dave Baltzell, Sharen Terry, Susan Schimonitz Dec.

9 Page 9 The Messenger Page 9 STEWARDS FOR DECEMBER, 2018 Dec. 2 Greeters Judy Cross, Larry & Doris Keller Fellowship Betty Kupper, Deb Kupper Rock Rezac, Tai Le Children s Moment Pastor Chuck & Roberta Rager Group 9: Buck Markkussen, Eric Troxel, Parker Reil, Hunter Reil, Ryan Holechek Dec. 9 Greeters Bev Johnson, Doug & Linda Fuller Fellowship Larry & Shirley Schlem, Larry & Doris Keller Hayden Erwin, Sawyer Smith Children s Moment Carmen Troxel Group 10: Cena Graves, Dave Sheldon, Todd Neill, Dave Baltzell, Sharen Terry, Susan Schimonitz Dec. 16 Greeters Fellowship Children s Moment Jim & LeAnn Ayres, Ken Hagge Sunday School Program Hayden Shaw, Tylie Walker Sunday School Program Group 1: Jeff Peterson, Lonnie Peters Craig Draucker, John Stulich, Jim Persinger Dec.23 Greeters Ken & Edna Meyer, Herb & Karen Knudsen Fellowship Ken & Chris Snyder Children s Moment Jonnie Peterson Group 2: Steve Shull, Burrell Albee, Terry Johnson, Jerry Speck, Richard Johnson, Lou Hoak, Mike Henry Dec. 30 Greeters Fellowship Children s Moment Norm & Rhonda Duba, Cliff & Shirlee Knispel Bea Hatch Group 3: Dennis & Teresa Davis, John & Sharon York, Wendell & Ramona Upright Jan. 6 Greeters Jim & Dorothy Glenn, Buck & Judy Markussen Fellowship Terry & Gwen Johnson Children s Moment Ginny Steinke Group 4: Roger Rankin, Pete Peterson, Phil Armstrong, Ken Meyer If you would like to have your name added to the rosters for any of the service opportunities listed above, please contact the church office.

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CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

First United Methodist Church Ogallala, Nebraska 69153 www.methodistchurchogallala.com CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH December 16, 2018 Ministers The Worshiping Congregation