Colony. Communiqué. From the Pastor s Office... Upcoming Events. Pastor Fred, Janna, Joshua, Maria. Volume 1, Issue 12 December, 2015

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1 Colony Monthly Newsletter First Brethren Church, South Bend, IN Communiqué Volume 1, Issue 12 December, 2015 From the Pastor s Office... As we embark upon a new Advent Season, I want to invite you to meditate on the Songs of Christmas found in the Book of Luke that I have been teaching. I love these songs because they invite me into the lives of those that experienced the first coming of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Yet, I want to share with you one of my more recent favorites that Bob Kauflin wrote in 1988 and was sung by the group GLAD entitled, In the First Light. I believe it envelopes the totality of advent both past and future. In the first light of the new day No one knew He had arrived. Things continued as they had been While a newborn softly cried. But the heavens wrapped in wonder Knew the meaning of His birth, In the weakness of a baby They knew God had come to earth. As His mother held Him closely, It was hard to understand. That her baby not yet speaking Was the Word of God to man. He would tell them of His kingdom, But their hearts would not believe. They would hate Him and in anger They would nail Him to a tree. But the sadness would be broken As the song of life arose. And the firstborn of creation Would ascend and take His throne. He had left it to redeem us, But before His life began. He knew He'd come back not as a baby, But as the Lord of ev'ry man. Hear the angels as they're singing On the morning of His birth. But how much greater will our song be When He comes again when He comes again. Hear the angels as they're singing On the morning of His birth, But how much greater will our song be When He comes again to earth; When He comes to rule the earth. WOW! Just to think that God loves us so much to have His Son come to earth twice to claim His Children for Himself! I don t know about you, but I will sing magnificat, benedictus, Gloria, and nunc dimittis for this Awesome God that has saved my soul for His honor & glory. I pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas season, and that you will meditate upon the real reason for the coming of Jesus Christ, and also anticipate His return. The Youngen family desires to bless you with a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Pastor Fred, Janna, Joshua, Maria Inside this issue: Church Calendar 2 Monthly Volunteer Schedule Birthday Presents for Jesus Birthdays, Anniversaries, Upcoming Opportunities, 2016 Budget Proposal Officer Ballot 8 Youth News 9 News from Benjamin 10 Newsletter Survey 11 Upcoming Events Sunday, December 6, 9:30am, Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 6, 6:30pm, Michiana Male Chorus Saturday, December 12, Men s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00am Sunday, December 13, Christmas Caroling, 12:30pm Monday, December 14, BCE Meeting, 6:30pm Sunday, December 20, Candles & Carols, 6:00pm Friday, December 25, Merry Christmas! Thursday, December 31, New Year s Eve service, War Room movie, and Bread & Cup, 6:00pm 3 4 5

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3 Colony Communiqué Page 3 December Volunteer Schedule SUNDAYS Greeters 12-6 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Kathy Galbreath Jeaniece Bumgardner & Karen Carson John & Suzanne Bush Jeaniece Bumgardner & Connie Wood * * If anyone else is interested in being a Greeter on Sunday Mornings, please contact Bonnie as soon as possible. Thank you. * * * Hosts 12-6 Bev Wolf Ellen Gilbert Bev Wolf Jan Kary This is a ministry that expands hospitality to our Sunday morning guests. Any questions please contact Bev Wolf, Nursery :30am - 10:45am - Linda Kohman & Cindi Jewett :30am - Angela Scott & Corinne Freel 10:45am - Fawn Robertson & Connie Wood :30am - Peggy Baer & 10:45am - Peggy Baer & Hanna Galbreath :30am - Kris & Claire Wright 10:45am - Kris & Claire Wright If you are unable to serve on your assigned Sunday please contact Peggy Baer, We are in need of more volunteers to help in the nursery. Please see Peggy if you can help. Blood Pressure Screening SUNDAYS This will be available on Sunday, December 20 in the Conference Room next to the library starting at 10:30am. Van Drivers We are in need of additional drivers. If you can help, please contact the church office at Dennis Wood Dennis Wood Rich & Kathy Hollister Dennis Wood Financial Stewards 12-6 Charmaine, Kathi Ginter, John Bush Bev Wolf & Linda Kohman Jack Kary, Sr. & Kathy Plaia Charmaine & Jack Kary, Jr. If you have any questions, please contact Charmaine, * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MONDAYS Monday Morning Mailers 12-7 Sandy Sherrod Judy Rose-Walley Jan Smith Sandy Sherrod If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Sherrod, We are looking for additional volunteers to help one Monday per month. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Trustee of the Month - Rich Hollister * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Friday, December 25 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Church Office Closed: Thursday, December 24 Thursday, December 31

4 Page 4 Colony Communiqué Birthday Presents For Jesus Christmas celebrates Jesus' Birth. Usually, the person honored receives the presents; but most people celebrate Jesus' birthday by exchanging gifts with each other! Why not celebrate Jesus' birthday by giving Him a present? Once again you and/or your family will have opportunity to give "Birthday Presents" to Jesus on Sunday, December 20 at the Morning Worship Services or at the Candle & Carol Service on that same evening at 6:00 p.m. Since the church is the Body of Christ, the Birthday Wish List includes several items or tasks needed by this local body. Some District and Denominational concerns are also listed for the larger Body of Christ. At the Candles & Carols Service or that morning, bring the gift, a card containing the money for the gift, or your promise. Because we are all of differing financial means, here is a wide range of gift suggestions. Some we used regularly, and some are on our "wish list." Some require your time and talent rather than money. In these tight economic times, an extra donation to the General Fund or Building Fund in honor of Jesus Birthday would also be helpful. If you have any questions or other suggestions, please contact the church office. Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Packages of washable markers or Dry Erase markers Donation to THE COLIP FUND for Family Ministry Adult Ministries Bibles for new members (suggest a $ 25 donation for each Bible.) * Scotch tape * Donation for Children s Bibles - $15/ea. Worship Ministry Donation for AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FUND to continue to upgrade equipment Property Ministry Donation to BUILDING FUND * Antibacterial wipes, liquid hand soap * Toilet Paper & Kleenex Donation to the TRUSTEE FUND for repairing and remodeling our facility Donation toward a new church van to replace our 1992 GMC van 2 new white boards to replace the ones in the Friends classroom Outreach Ministries * Stamps / postage * Food for weekend food packages or Funds for coats for Hay Primary Ministry General Church Supplies & Kitchen Equipment Coffee (regular & decaf), hot chocolate mix, 8 oz. Styrofoam cups Cases of Bottled Water Paper supplies - paper towels, napkins, 9 volt and AA alkaline batteries for wireless mics and amplifiers Office Supplies * Case of # X 11 - white copy paper ($45) * Stamps / postage * Mailing labels (same as Avery 5160) Church Library Family DVDs for the library. Volunteer Time * Sing in the music team * Drive church van * Teach or Assist in a Sunday School Class * Work in the nursery * Shovel or blow snow * Lead or host a small group * Help with Children's Ministries * Help with Youth Activities * Make meals for sick * Provide transportation for people * Visit elderly or shut-in * Help clean the garage or storage area * Help maintain computers * Operate audio and/ or video equipment * Provide snacks for Sunday a.m. fellowship * Clean floor in the Great Hall * Clean carpets District / National / Local Benevolences: Brethren Retreat Center (Camp Shipshewana) * Faith Promise for Missions * Hope Ministries Luvability Ministries, Inc. * Brethren Relief Fund

5 Colony Communiqué Page 5 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES December Birthdays 12/1 - Brianna Freel 12/2 - Patsy Derickson 12/2 - Ellen Gilbert 12/5 - Owen Carlisle 12/12 - Kathy Spenner 12/13 - Alicia Sirovica 12/15 - Kathleen Mitchell 12/16 - Angel English 12/17 - Carolyn Lawson 12/22 - Brian McKee 12/24 - Christopher Martinez 12/26 - Arthur Barry 12/26 - Aislyn Phillips 12/27 - Janet Busfield 12/28 - Chad Freel 12/31 - Andy Holloway Anniversaries 12/4 - Keith & Cheryl Kisner 12/9 - Rod & Sandy Sherrod 12/14 - Craig & Grace Phillips 12/24 - Jeremy & Jennifer Carlisle * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * LIBRARY NEWS The library has recently received a series of DVDs from the Youngen family that will be of interest to youth ages 8-12 and their parents. This series was produced by the Voice of Martyrs and is their Torchlighters series. It is an animated program to show kids what God can do through a Torchlighter who is devoted to carrying out His will and purposes, they too will want to carry a torch of faith by serving Him. I know the holiday season gets busy but we have devotional books, decorating books, stories about other people s Christmases and things to make your Christmas more meaningful. Opportunities at Shipshewana Lake (see the foyer kiosk for more information) ~ Singles with Children Christmas Retreat December 18-20, $ ~ Snow Camp: Hibernation (Grades 3-6) January 15-17, $90.00 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Opportunities Ser- Series for Advent First Sunday of Advent - November 29 Magnificat (Mary s Song) Second Sunday of Advent - December 6 Benedictus (Zechariah s Song) Third Sunday of Advent - December 13 Gloria (Song of the Angels) Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 20 Nunc Dimittis (Simeon s Song) mon ~ Men s Prayer Breakfast will be Saturday, December 12 at 8:00am. All men are invited for fellowship, good food and a dedicated time for prayer and Bible reading as a group of men. Plan to attend! ~ WMS Women s Meetings Due to weather concerns, we have decided not to have WMS meetings for the months of December, January and February. We will resume meetings in the Spring of We look forward to seeing you then.

6 Page 6 Colony Communiqué PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET - PAGE 1 Category Income 2015 Budget Requested Amount Increase - (decrease) 300 General Fund 11 General Budget 179, ,584 (26,619) 12 Loose Offering 1,000 1, Sunday School 1,000 1, Other Income 9,750 0 (9,750) 320 Building Fund 21,448 21,448 - TOTAL INCOME 212, ,032 (36,369) Expenses: 510 Payroll 2 Youth Pastor 31,500 - (31,500) 5 Secretary 12,012 14,040 2,028 6 Youth Pastor Education (350) 8 FICA 3,000 1,074 (1,926) 520 Congregational Care 1 Program expense Travel expense First Aid supplies Pastoral Salary 1 Pastoral Base Salary 23,000 23, Housing Allowance 19,600 20, Pastoral Benefits 4 Medical Benefits 13,500 13,500-5 Pastor's Retirement 3,000 3, Office Expenses 1 Office supplies 1,375 1, New Equipment & repairs 2,600 2,300 (300) 3 Publicity Postage 1,600 1, Music Expenses 1 New Music/CCLI Contract Tuning & Repair (150)

7 Page 7 Colony Communiqué Category 2015 Budget Requested Amount Increase - (decrease) 570 Miscellaneous Expenses 1 Conference Delegate Fee (40) 2 Contingent Fund/Misc. 1,500 1,500-3 Library Leadership Development Bus Expense 1,700 1,700-8 Pulpit supplies Food services 1,200 1, Pastoral business expenses 6,000 6, Altar Committee Flowers Youth Pastor Business expenses 1,050 0 (1,050) 16 Youth Workers convention Professional Services 1,250 1, Christian Education 4 SS Supplies (350) 5 BYIC 1,200 1,200-6 Camp Children's ministries Discipleship 1,000 1, Family Ministry 1 Programming Materials (200) 2 Special Events 1,200 1, Evangelism 1 Printed materials Special programs Outreach Care Website Trustees 1 Maintenance & Supplies 7,500 7,500-2 Insurance 6,500 6,500-3 Utilities 13,000 14,300 1,300 4 Cleaning service 4,500 4,500-5 Lawn Maint. & snow removal 5,500 5, Benevolences 1 Indiana Dist % 5,066 3,750 (1,316) 2 Denominational - 6% 12,192 9,000 (3,192) 5 Memorials District Pastor - 0.5% 1,013 0 (1,013) 820 Building 2 Mortgage Payment 21,448 21,448 - Total Expenses: 99,789 94,028 (5,761)

8 Page 8 Colony Communiqué Ballot for 2016 Church & S.S. Officers The election will be held on Sunday, December 6 th. Nominations will be accepted from the floor for any office. You must have the person's consent to place their name in nomination. Moderator Vice Moderator (Elect 1) Jennifer Kary Yes No Kris Wright Yes No Yes No Yes No Recording Secretary Assistant Recording Secretary Jan Kary Yes No Mary Wisniewski Yes No Yes No Yes No Financial Secretary Assistant Financial Secretary Charmaine Lange Yes No Jack Kary Sr. Yes No Yes No Yes No Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Kathy Plaia Yes No Jeaniece Bumgardner Yes No Yes No Yes No Head Usher Assistant Head Usher Dave Lange Yes No Kevin Kohman Yes No Yes No Todd Wisniewski Yes No Librarian Assistant Librarian Suzanne Bush Yes No Bonnie Coffman Yes No Yes No Hanna Galbreath Yes No Yes No Ann Wisniewski Yes No Sunday School Superintendent Assistant Sunday School Superintendent Linda Kohman Yes No Kathy Barber Yes No Yes No Yes No Board of Christian Education (Elect 3) Trustee Board (Elect 2) Corinne Freel Yes No Chad Freed Yes No Hanna Galbreath Yes No Rich Hollister Yes No Jan Kary Yes No Yes No Tony Passannante Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Stewards Nominating Committee (Elect 3) Kathi Ginter Yes No Peggy Baer Yes No Jack Kary, Sr. Yes No Bonnie Coffman Yes No Jack Kary, Jr. Yes No Ellen Gilbert Yes No Linda Kohman Yes No Jan Kary Yes No Kathy Plaia Yes No Connie Wood Yes No Becky Reynolds Yes No Bev Wolf Yes No Deacon/Deconesses for Reaffirmation Yes No (Needs 2/3 vote for reaffirmation) Yes No Jack Kary, Jr. Yes No Jennifer Kary Yes No Joyce Schafer Yes No

9 A NOTE FROM ADAM Dear First Brethren Church, To all the brothers and sisters of this church, you have given me the space to discover and create. You have been a part of my life for 18 years. You were the very first youth group that I was a part of, in which initiation was kissing a pig. You were where I was baptized, where I began to hear the calling of professional ministry, and where I preached my first sermon. You were the place that I invited my friends to as a youth. And one of those friends became more than a friend. In fact, it was in the youth room where all the hand-me-down couches used to be that I asked her to marry me. A wedding that many of you attended and one of you officiated. You have been there for the loss of my Grandfather and the loss of my Sister. You shared in the joy of the arrival of my son. You were the place where I first heard the call as a Youth member, and the place where I got to begin to fulfill that call. You were once again my first youth group, but this time as staff. Thank you. Grace & Peace, Adam Richard Youth Activities for December December 2-5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven December 6-10:45am - Visit Vic & Connie Keigley December 9-5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven December 13-10:45am - Friends Class Party December 16-5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven Ugly Christmas Sweater Night December 20-10:45am - Recap, Reflection, Prep December 27-10:45am - Cooking Meals for FBC December 31-6:00pm - New Year s Eve service: Movie War Room and Bread & Cup

10 Wishing everyone a Blessed Advent! For a church mouse, I am old. And the older I get the more I forget. So, before I forget, I need to remind you of the Congregational Business Meeting Sunday, December 6 at 9:30am. Please come and vote for 2016 Officers and to pass the Budget. One of my favorite Christmas decorations are the poinsettias. I just love those bright red flowers. Being a mouse, money confuses me, but if you come each week, you will find out the details of the cost for purchasing a plant. I know they have to be watered also, and if that is something you could help with, please contact the office. The Michiana Male Chorus will be here Sunday night, December 6th at 6:30pm. This will be a special night of song and fellowship. Please come and bring some food to share with our special guests if you like. It will be a good program to invite your friends to. The Candles and Carols service will be Sunday, December 20 at 6:00pm. It s my favorite program of the year. What a great way to start off Christmas week. You will receive blessings as you remember Whose birthday we are celebrating. Please invite your family and friends. Remember, Advent is a great time to invite your friends to the weekly services. And be sure to stay for a 2nd hour class. Please use the Deacon Christmas Card mailbox to send your greetings to your church friends, and give the money you save on postage to the Deacon Fund. Remember, the Deacon Fund helps people year-round, so be generous (you can give to the Deacon Fund all year long). You can give a birthday present to Jesus by buying something the church needs. See the list of items in the newsletter or the bulletin. It can also be a gift of your time. I always enjoy watching the Everything Winter tree get covered with mittens and gloves. You know better than I do what you humans need for winter, so buy extra winter clothes and put them on the tree or under it. They will be given to kids who need them to stay warm. During the New Year s Eve service, we will be watching the movie War Room and sharing the Bread and Cup together. What better way to end the old year and start the new year. Thank you for all you do to show the love of Jesus at Advent and most important, all year through. And thank you for letting me be your church mouse for so many years. Take time to spend with your family and friends. Show the love of Jesus when out and about. Always remember, when Jesus came as a baby on Christmas, the cross was the reason. A blessed Christmas to all, Benjamin

11 Page 11 Colony Communiqué This Month s Special Events December 6-9:30am - Congregational Meeting for 2016 Officers and Budget approval December 6-6:30pm - Michiana Male Chorus & Fellowship Time December 13-12:30pm - Christmas Caroling (We will gather for a light lunch right after 2nd hour and then proceed to Christmas Caroling) December 20-6:00pm - Candles and Carols December 31-6:00pm - New Year s Eve service: War Room movie & Bread and Cup celebration Newsletter Opinion Survey We are contemplating changing the Newsletter format for the new year and wanted to get a response from our readers. Please answer the following questions and return to the church office. (drop it off, mail it or your responses) THANK YOU. 1. How much of the newsletter do you typically read? all most only a few pages (please list pages) 2. Are you interested in continuing to receive the Newsletter? Yes / No 3. If yes, how would you like to receive your Newsletter? mail to: I ll look at it on the FBC webpage / Other 4. What other feedback would you like to offer?

12 Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID South Bend, IN Permit Number S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN (574) Return Service Requested We re on the web! firstbrethren.org "Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel," which means "GOD WITH US." ~ Matthew 1:23 Candles & Carols December 20, 2015: 6pm