The Arbor Vine Ann Arbor District of The United Methodist Church Rev. Mark E. Spaw, District Superintendent

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1 The Arbor Vine Ann Arbor District of The United Methodist Church Rev. Mark E. Spaw, District Superintendent December 2015 Rev. Goah comes to the District Office. Rev. Roosevelt Goah, the District Superintendent of the St. John s District of the Liberian Annual Conference, visited in November. Rev. Spaw and the Liberia Task Force showed him around the district and they attended the National Liberia partners Summit on November

2 DISTRICT NOTICES NEW UM SEXUAL ETHICS WEBSITE This is a Ministry of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of The United Methodist Church, raising awareness, preventing sexual abuse, promoting healthy boundaries, bringing about justice and healing. Learn more at SMALL CHURCHES ARE VITAL - NOV 2-4 IN WEST BRANCH The Town and Country Circuit Rider Retreat celebrates and supports the smaller churches. Visit: Page 2 CARLETON UMC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Come to this annual event at Grafton Rd in Carleton. On Dec 5, 10:00-2:00. Cookies, bake sale, fresh greens, crafts, etc. Luncheon available for purchase. For more information call ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CHICKEN DINNER AT STONY CREEK Saturday, Dec 12-5:00-7:00 Bring a new toy for Toys for Tots. Adults $10, Children 6-10 $4, younger children free. JOB OPENING AT HOWELL FIRST CHILDREN S MINISTRY DIRECTOR This position will work with children birth through fifth grade to develop an exciting, creative, safe, and dynamic children s ministry program through worship services, evening programs, Sunday School, and special events. 30 hours per week. Full description is at Submit resumes by Nov 20. ADVICE NEEDED FOR FLOORING PROBLEM The Springville church is preparing to level a floor and lay tile but they could use some advice on how to do it properly. If anyone can help, call Rev. Julius Nagy at JOB OPENING AT BRIGHTON FIRST ALSO CHILDREN S MINISTRY DIRECTOR Children's Ministry Director, part-time. Oversee children's ministry, ages infant - 4th grade. Recruit and support volunteers, research curriculum, direct Sunday School, children's events and Vacation Bible School. Must have paid or non-paid experience in children's ministry. Approximately 18 hours per week. Send resume to childrensministry@brightonfumc.org (no phone calls please). Deadline December 11. UNITED METHODIST BLACK COLLEGE FUND Go to their website at umcgiving.org website to find videos, articles, a photo gallery and a plethora of resources all free. SAVE THE DATE The 14th Annual Keep Making Peace Summit will be held April 16, 2016 at University UMC in East Lansing, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Info: Rev. Rich Peacock, rjpeacock@wowway.com.

3 Spaw s Paws Some thoughts from your D.S., Rev. Mark E. Spaw ADVENT THOUGHTS AND CHRISTMAS HOPES Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) Page 3 Jesus Christ s birth into our world not only splits time and history in two, but comes both as a judgment and redemption for all persons for all time. Do you realize that if all traces of His life were taken from us, museums would b empty, great works of art unpainted or unsculpted, great music silent and great poetry and prose unsaid. Granted this loss would be great, but how would our personal life be different had Jesus not come? Has God been able to come alive in you because His human face and word has made a difference in your life? In our recent events of violence, terror, hatred, and signs of despair has the birth of our Savior made a difference? ONE SOLITARY LIFE Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away, one of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying - and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Twenty wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark, when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned put together, have not affected the life of man (Humankind) upon this earth as powerfully as has that "One Solitary Life." Author Unknown He has come! He has promised to be with us always..."where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ enters in." My hope for you this Advent season is that your faith is deepened, your soul awakened, your heart softened, and your life radically affected because of Christ's presence in your life. May the Christ child, the only one who could have come in such a wonderful way, and may His saving Grace be yours this Advent season and beyond. Merrv Christmas! In the Name of the Christ Child, Rev. Mark E. Spaw, D.S.

4 CORRECTIONS FOR THE ANN ARBOR DISTRICT DIRECTORY Add to retired list: Rev. Margaret Passenger, 4010 N. Custer Rd. Monroe 48161, Diana Smith (Rev. Mark Smith, dec.), Strasburg Rd. Erie 48133, Arthur Spafford s (Lois Summer) Manhattan Cr, Novi 48376, Rev. Douglas Olsen (Sandra) 557 McBride St, Dundee MI 48131, OTHER Rev. Andy Baek appointed at Dundee UMC, lives at 241 Sidney, Dundee Page 4 December Birthdays and Anniversaries Dec 2 Brian William Dec 3 Marion Damberg Dec 3 Marion Damberg Dec 4 Gail Burdette Dec 5 Stephen & Connie Perrine Dec 13 Patricia Brown Dec 15 Ann Thomas Dec 16 Connie Perrine Dec 17 Susan & Mike Norton Dec 18 Russell Smith Dec 20 Zach & Rachael Dunlap Dec 23 John Mehl Jr. Dec 24 Linda & Robert Selberg Dec 24 Paul Hahm Dec 25 Susan & Mike Clemmer Dec 26 David Church Dec 27 Christopher Momany Dec 27 Florence & Eric Hammar Dec 28 Leigh & Matt Hook Dec 28 Joan Ward We mourn the passing of retired Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt, who died Nov. 26. A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2:00 pm at Ann Arbor First UMC ( ).

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6 Ann Arbor District Office of the United Methodist Church 900 S. Seventh St. Suite 1 Ann Arbor MI Return Service Requested The Arbor Vine