Pastor Patti s Ponderings Embrace the New Day

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1 Pastor Patti s Ponderings (continued from front Page) You are the new day. You are the new day. I will love you more than me and more than yesterday. If you can but prove to me, you are the new day. Send the sun in time for dawn, let the birds all hail the morning. Love of life will urge me say, you are the new day. When I lay me down at night, knowing we must pay, thoughts occur that this night might stay yesterday. Thoughts that we as humans small could slow worlds and end it all lie around me where they fall before the new day. One more day when time is running out for everyone like a breath I knew would come I reach for the new day. Hope is my philosophy just needs days in which to be love of life means hope for me borne on a new day. You are the new day. When I remember God s promises to make a path in the wilderness, and to give streams of water, I am encouraged to embrace the new day, and to find that God in fact is my new day. Blessed new year beloved, RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED St John s United Church of Christ 801 South Mechanic Street Jackson, MI Website: Church office (517) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kenney President: Richard Poor Office Administrator: Bobby James January 2018 Pastor Patti s Ponderings Embrace the New Day Listen to what God says, Do not cling to the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already you can see it now! I will make a path for you through the wilderness and give you streams of water so you can rest and drink. (Isaiah 43:18-19, paraphrased) When I was a little girl, I could hardly wait for Christmas morning. I was so excited to see the tree lit up and the stockings stuffed with surprises. What a cheerful thing to be graced to get gifts! As an adult, I confess sometimes I breathe a sigh of relief when Christmas is over. I treasure the lights and liturgy, the carols and communion, the friends and family. It feels like a marathon that I want to run well because the stakes are high finding Jesus, sharing the gifts of Advent of hope, peace, joy and love. Whew! I wipe my brow. The candles have been lit. The gifts have been given. The songs have been sung. The old, old story of Jesus and his love has been told once again. And now it s time to put away the lights, pack up the tree, and face a new year. One of my favorite songs is New Day by John David and sung by King s Singers. The inspiration for New Day was quite simple; I had just had a major blow in my personal life, and was sitting alone late at night on the settee feeling very low, and watching an ominous story on the news about the very real possibility of nuclear war. Pastor Patti Kenney I started singing to the (hopefully) soon-to arrive New Day like it was an entity, that would rescue me from the depths. If the sun came up and the birds started singing as usual then I could believe that it really was the new day in which life would go on, and in which hope would survive. Continued on back page

2 Food Pantry and Community Table Food Pantry served 116 people, representing 347 family members and 22 new families on Dec. 15. Next Pantry date is Jan 19, We are also in need of food for our emergency food closet. Donations are welcomed. Thank you. Community Table dinner was held Dec. 20, 70 plus people were treated to dinner. We would like to extend an invitation to the congregation to attend the next dinner. The next dinner will be Jan. 17, 2018 at 5pm. Also, thank you Barb Shelton for all you do in this community. Church School Teachers and Helpers We are blessed to have these volunteers for the winter. K-5 are studying Jesus the Greatest Prophet-Visitors from the East, with lessons: A Voice in the Wilderness, Jesus and the Children, A Boy s Lunch. Teachers are: Nursery Donna Benedict Younger children (K-5) 1/7/18 Nancy Hackworth, Amanda Canter (Assistant) 1/14/18-1/28/18 Connie McNeil, Amanda Canter (Assistant) Older youth (6th grade and up) 1/7/18 1/28/18 Linda Reasoner, 1/7 & 1/14 Aaron Wilson (Assistant) 1/21 & 1/28 Chuck McNeil (Assistant) February: K-5 Katie Reynolds (There is an opening for an assistant) 6+ Tom Fraser and Greg Best We are in need of helpers for the nursery, and for both church School classes in the spring. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Pastor Patti or the church office. Delia Johnson will be available to substitute teach for the month of Jan. Thank you Delia. Council Appreciation Dinner January 31, 2018 Council and Elders are hosting a dinner to honor those who completed terms of service in leadership in The dinner is Wednesday, January 31 at 5:30 pm at Steak s Eatery, and is being coordinated by Ann Church and Bobby James - Fellowship and Recreation. Honorees meals will be covered, others pay on their own. To be honored: Harry Wilson (retiring as past president) Katie Reynolds (retiring from fundraising) Al Schroeder (retiring from stewardship) Gary Reasoner (retiring from building and grounds) Larry Chase (retiring from pastoral relations) Lou Cubille (retiring from fine arts team) Barb Shelton (retiring from youth ministry) Ian Wilson, Penny Smeltzer, Dorothy Woodruff (retiring as delegates/alternates) Invitations for the event will be coordinated through the church office. Let us all offer thanks to one another for the ways we serve Christ together Church Service Themes for January 10:30 a.m. Worship January 7 - Sharing Gifts Psalm 117; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:25-32 Dedication of Council and church leaders January 14 - MLK Jr. Sunday, Pastor Mike Young preaching January 21 - Jesus Coming of Age I Kings 3:1-28; Luke 2:39-3:21-22 January 28 - Join the Adventure! Isaiah 61:1-4; Luke 4:1-30, 5:1-11; 2Timothy 2:1-9

3 Offering Envelopes The 2018 offering envelopes are available for pick up. If you do not find yours, please call the office and let Bobby know and a box will be assigned to you. It is so helpful for you to use an offering envelope for your contribution, as it really helps the bookkeepers. Jan 1 Ann Middlebrook Jean Shuberg Jan 2 Carmen Thompson Vivian Curl Jan 3 Courtney (DeGroote) Carter Linda Picket Sue Schroeder Jan 4 Cindy Osborne Jan 5 Kamarion Apple Marilyn Allen Krashawna Walker Jan 6 Mary Tropp Jan 7 Tenesha Canter Jan 9 Ronni Nelson Tammy Thrun Jan 10 Lisa Scahill Daniel Kuntz Duane Leece Jan 11 Beverly Kuntz Jan 12 Brian Knapp Jan 13 Grant Miller Jan 15 Lindsey Parrot Wendy Willoughby Jan 17 Tim Collins Alan Richmond January Birthdays Jan 18 Betty Allen Robert Cole Jan 20 Jean Allen Melissa Carothers Marleigh Hayes Jayme Sharples Troy Sharples Justin Shuberg Sean Wozniak Tiffany Hensel Jan 21 Orion Schill Jan 23 Noah Courts Aiden Courts Jan 24 Jay Cummings Hope Schroeder Jan 26 Jason Cummings Madelyn Miller Gary Reasoner Jr. Jan 27 Dan Hoffman Jan 28 Randy Vowler Jr. Emily (Wilson) Trantum Jan 29 Mark N. Richmond Jan 31 Wendy Morris Dijon Apple An American Red Cross Blood drive was held here at St. John s UCC on December 27, Unfortunately there was a low turnout. 16 people came and only 15 people were able to give. The next blood drive here is February 27, Please consider giving, as the Red Cross is critically low on blood. Our Council and Committee Heads for 2018 At our October Congregational meeting we affirmed the appointment of new council members. Please say hello, offer a prayer of thanks and welcome our new members. President Vickie Steck Financial Secretary Dorothy Woodruff Vice President Larry Chase Treasurer Eugene Johnson Past President Dick Poor Recording Secretary Jeannine Havens Pastoral Relations Jan Janke Facilities Carl Robinson Stewardship Jim Benedict Memorial Funds Linda Reasoner Fund Raising Janice Hoffman Education Ministries Robert Farrell Youth Ministries Anthony Thomas Fine Arts Team Jan Middlebrook Worship Mike Young Outreach Barb Shelton Christian Community & Care Team Cathy Welker & Michele Wilson Fellowship & Recreation Ann Church & Bobby James Delegate MI Conf Janell Bumpus & David Chesney Alternates Miriam Brown Dorsey & Sherman Smith Schedule 2018 Jan 07 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Driver: Carl Robinson Duane Leece Dick Poor Sherm Smith Worship: Miriam Brown Dorsey Jan Janke Sherm Smith Jim Benedict Greeter: Jean Allen W. Beavers Art Bonner M.B. Dorsey Greeter: Mary Tropp N. Hackworth Mary Tropp Jim Benedict Greeter: Lou Cubille Art Bonner D. Chesney D. Benedict Greeter: Linda Miller Barb Parks Barb Parks Greeter: Muriel Ort Usher: E. Handloser G. Reasoner N. Hackworth Barb Byrum Usher: Jim Benedict Mary Tropp Barb Parks Sherm Smith Usher: D. Benedict J.Roggenbuk D.Woodruff Cathy Welker Usher: W. Beavers T.Schroeder L. Chase Jerry Nelson Usher: M.B.Dorsey Art Bonner D.Chesney Usher: Comm: Comm: Nancy Hackworth Barb Byrum Coffee: Ann Church Note: I am in the process of compiling a schedule list from the Time and Talent forms you turned in, this schedule may change. I will keep you updated in the coming bulletins. Thank you for your help and patience.

4 January 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat p.m. NAACP 6:30 p.m. Youth Choir 7:30 p.m.adult Choir a.m. Elders Fellowship Room 7 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study :30 p.m. Youth Choir 7:30 p.m. Adult Choir :30 p.m. Civitan Dance Townsend School 14 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study a.m. Country Side Care 18 6:30 p.m. Youth Choir a.m.-12 pm Community 20 Home worship service 5 p.m. Community Table 6 p.m. Church Council 7:30 p.m. Adult Choir Food Pantry 21 9 a.m. Adult Bible Study :30 p.m. Youth Choir 7:30 p.m. Adult Choir a.m. Adult Bible Study :30 p.m. Council Dinner Steaks Eatery

5 Prayer Requests Ron Thompson had a heart attack last month. He was released to home and then returned 2 days later to HF Allegiance, for a separate medical issue. We offer him and Deana prayers and support. Please continue to pray for Linda Chase, she had back surgery last month. She has been through so much and we wish her and Larry well. Sandy Harkness says Bob is doing better, after his long stay at HF Allegiance due to a heart attack. Way to go Bob. Our hearts and prayers are with you both. Cathy Welker s friend, Jed passed away. Prayers for his family. Rose Johnson is finally recovering from an upper respiratory infection. There are several church members suffering from this problem. Prayers for all to heal. Barbara Moore has been released from HF Allegiance (after 9 days) to Faith Haven (room 306-1). She will be undergoing physical and occupational therapy. Prayers for her and Henry, as Henry is scared for his Mama. Jackson Citizen of the Year 2018 Our very own Nikki Joly has had quite the year. We congratulate him on this accomplishment. You can read the full article (which is quite interesting) in the December 31, 2017 Jackson Citizen Patriot or on-line at MLive. jackson/index.ssf/2017/12/ lgbt_rights_activist_nikki_jol.ht ml We are all so very happy for you Nikki. Congratulations! Thank You We have so much to be thankful for as we recall our Advent and Christmas celebrations and begin the new year! Thank you God for Linda Reasoner. Linda retires this month after serving St. John s UCC for many years as our volunteer bookkeeper. We have been blessed by untold hours of dedication and detail. We praise God for Linda! Beloved family, Thank you for the gifts you poured out on your pastor this Christmas! I am so grateful for your good wishes, prayers, goodies, gifts, and extravagant generosity. Tom and I are enjoying homemade goodies. I have scarves to keep me warm. We have special mementos to remind us of your love. And we have resources to help us take a trip together this month, to rest and rejuvenate, filled with joy because of your love for us. Blessed New Year to all! Pastor Patti Kenney Thank you God for Bobby James. Bobby is our office administrator. Christmas week alone, Bobby prepared 4 bulletins, helped to coordinate the giving of Christmas baskets and gift cards to our adopted families, and worked with Ann Church (thank you Ann!) to coordinate a funeral lunch. We are so blessed to have someone in our office who is both organized and full of the love of Jesus. Thank you God for Carl Robinson. Carl is our church custodian. He shoveled and shoveled on Christmas Eve to make sure the walkways were safe for all three services. He polished and polished the floors, and cleaned and cleaned the bathrooms. His attention to detail never wavers. His dedication to God and care for God s sanctuary never wanes. Thank you God for Carl. Thank you God for our church musicians. Penny Smeltzer welcomed the baby Jesus and all of us with Christmas carols galore! Michele Wilson prepared the youth choir to wow us with a special rendition of Hallelujah and Light One Candle. The Wilson family players blessed us with viola, flute and guitar. Janet Middlebrook prepared the Good News Choir II to lead us all in a medley of Christmas Carol, and the adult choir and soloists, and all the congregation praising God with singing. Thank you to each and every one. Thank you God for the gift of hospitality. Thank you for each one who ushered, greeted, prepared and served coffee hour, provided oranges, and offered welcome in the name of Jesus. Thank you God for Vickie Steck. Vickie has worked tirelessly to organize our finances to turn over to a service, so we can be faithful stewards of the ministry of this church. Some weeks she has spent more than 20 hours organizing, reviewing, training, working with volunteers, and doing research for our church so God s love may spread abroad from this place. Thank you God for Vickie, who is our Council President this year. Thank you God for every volunteer. The church runs on volunteers. Some of our volunteers are appointed and have titles and committees and are charges with specific tasks. Some of our volunteers are simply motivated to pray, and love, and share their faith with others. God bless each one who offers themselves in the name of Love.

6 Summary of the December 2017 Council Meeting Highlights from 12/20/2017 St. John's UCC Church Council Meeting Researching reimbursement for Pastor's Life and Disability Insurance Policy that she has been paying out-of-pocket for the last year. The Life and Disability Insurance is part of the Call Agreement, but the sign-up period was missed. Once settled the Church will pay the Life and Disability Insurance (part of Call Agreement). Council Celebration for out going members is 01/31/2018 at Steaks Eatery Annual Congregational meeting will be 01/28/2018; reports due 01/05/2018 Christmas Eve loose offering will be donated for scholarships for St. John's UCC Youth Activities United Center for Caring No meeting was held in December 2017 Pride Center No Report for December 2017 ***Upcoming Annual Meeting*** Chair people, it is important for you to have your reports to Bobby James, in the office by Tuesday, January 9, 2018, as I will need to compile the reports to hand out by Sunday January 14, 2018, along with the bulletin. It is in our constitution to have all reporting to the congregation two weeks before the annual meeting. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Congregation, please mark your calendars and plan on attending the annual meeting held on Sunday, January 28, 2018, right after church services. It is such a vital part of the church business and your input is welcomed and needed.