GOOD NEWS! Advent Candles

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1 GOOD NEWS! D E C E M B E R J A N U A R Y THE NEWSLETTER OF MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, CLOVIS "THE MISSION OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD." Memorial United Methodist Church 1726 Pollasky Ave, Clovis Ca, Office Hours: 9 am to 1 pm memumc@ mem-umc.org Website: http// Pastors Janette Saavedra Wang Pao Thao Office Manager: Becky Posey Office: Cell: Facilities Manager Dorrie Osback-Rose or Dorriecares@comcast.net LIVE NATIVITY EVENT DEC , 2015 You and your family & friends are invited to the Live Nativity event between 6:00-8:00 p.m. It is Memorial UMC s walk-through telling of the Christmas story, featuring live actors and animals, music, and the story of Jesus birth told through scripture. Refreshments including cookies, cocoa, cider and hot dogs are provided at the end of each walk. Make this an Annual Christmas tradition! Walk through rehearsal Dec 11th at 6:30pm Advent Dinner Come out on SUNDAY, Dec. 6 for food, fellowship, and fun! This potluck party will get you In the Christmas mood so don't miss it! Decorating starts at 3pm Gather at 5:30 pm Dinner at 6:00 pm Look for a sign-up sheet in the narthex or contact the church office to reserve a seat. Let us know if you would like to host a table we look forward to enjoying your decorations. Advent Candles Each year at Advent we light candles that represent aspects of Jesus' coming that we want to especially remember as we prepare to receive Christ into our lives. Hope. Love. Joy. Peace. These are a few of the words that we use to discuss the meaning of the nativity. This year we invite YOU to share from your own life, "What does the birth of Christ, the light of the world, mean to you?" Can to tell us in one or two sentences? What candle would you chose to represent this? We will have forms available for people to fill out beginning Nov 29. Bring your completed form to the MUMC office, along with a candle of their choosing, by Monday, December 21. We use the candles in the worship services on Christmas Eve, at 7 and 10 pm. (Be sure to label your candle so we can return it to you after Christmas.)

2 P A G E 2 Upcoming Events FRESNO AND CLOVIS CHRISTMAS PARADES Memorial UMC has entered a Live Nativity float in BOTH the Fresno and Clovis Christmas Parades on Dec 5th. The Fresno Parade is on Saturday morning between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Clovis Parade is on Saturday between 4:30 8:00 p.m. If you would like to help by helping build the float, being on the float, walking the parade route in Nativity costume, handing out Live Nativity flyers during the parades or driving the parade vehicle, please call Connie Alfaro (cell ). Longest Night Soup Supper December 21 is the longest night of the year. In the heart of a time of busy celebrations, many people find they are surrounded by the darkness of depression, loneliness, grief, despair. Many people struggle with promoting joy when our world is so clearly broken and so many people are suffering. The SECOND Saturday Cinema We gather in the Fellowship Hall at 4:00 p.m. Bring a comfortable chair and some munchies to share. Dec 12 No Movie Due to Live Nativity Jan 9 at 4:30pm Double Feature An Affair to Remember And Sleepless in Seattle Each year we have a special time of worship on December 21. We start at 6 pm with soup supper together. Then we have a time to reflect on the pain of the world, and the deepest meaning of Christ's birth. Anyone and everyone is invited to participate in this service. Look around to see who is not usually part of our faith community and invite them to come with you to the simple and beautiful evening together. Dinner at 6 pm worship about 6:45 pm. Let pastor know if you can bring a crock pot of soup for the dinner.

3 TEAMS AND MINISTRIES P A G E 3 Class about UMC General Conf Jan 10 at 12:30 Library The United Methodist Church s top legislative body, the General Conference, will meet at the Oregon Convention Center on May 10-20, Some of us understand that General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, but for many of us, that s about all we know. In order to address this, Memorial United Methodist Church will be providing classes that will explain what the General Conference is, what happens during the conference, and how all of that affects us a congregation. These classes will be led by folks who have attended the Conference in the past and can provide us with a first-hand understanding of the body and the process. Be sure to mark your calendars for the second Sunday in January, and each Sunday thereafter throughout the month. Each of these 4 sessions begins at 12:30 and will likely run between an hour to an hour and a half. Refreshments will be available. Packing Event with the Churches of our Circuit Held in our Fellowship Hall Register at 9:30am Program Starts at 10am We pay only $0.29 cents for each meal we package. Your contribution is appreciated UMW News UMW Meetings Dec 7-Ex Board 9am In the Library Dec 15-Unit Meeting 10am In the Fellowship Hall Souper Lunch-team B Wesley to be announced Scouting Ministries Currently we have classes going for the God & Life and the God & Country Programs, with 9 scouts participating. You may see them around our campus as they perform in different parts of their service for this award. Those completing these classes will be recognized on February 14th, Scout Sunday Jan 4-Ex Board 9am -In the Library Jan 19-Unit Meeting 10am -In the Fellowship Hall Jan 27-Wesly Circle -In the Fellowship Hall The Mission Thrift Shop Customer Appreciation Day Dec 4th & 5th Cider and Cookies will be served Work days for December 8 & 22 The Thrift Shop Staff will be having there End of year Quarterly Meeting along with a potluck. Date to be announced later. January Sale Days 8th & 9th Work days for January 12, & 26 Donations gladly accepted

4 P A G E 4 December January Birthdays Wanda Grimsley 12/01 Nancy Enloe 12/02 Michael Uwaoma 12/04 John Her 12/05 Sharon Hutchinson 12/05 Erin Pachelbel 12/05 Wang Pao Thao 12/05 Cecelia Acton 12/06 Dick Gist 12/06 Yia Lee Xiong 12/09 Karolyn Lambert 12/10 Chon Koua Xiong 12/10 Wilbert Swieso 12/12 Cha Wa Yang 12/15 Michelle Yang 12/16 Kong Meng Xiong 12/18 Bea Bannister 12/20 Gwen Emmick 12/22 Kristi Harkins 12/22 Robert Markland 12/23 Ricky Xiong 12/23 Lisa Vang 12/27 Lois Ames 12/29 Kevin Lee 12/29 Yer Xiong 12/31 TOY DRIVE. This year our toy drive will be partnering with the MUMC Pantry and Grace UMC. People that are served by our pantry can sign-up to receive toys for their children as they come into the pantry. Toys will be handed out in Dec along with their food. Seng Lee 01/01 Mao Vang 01/01 Shelby Cox 01/04 Bill Rose 01/04 Vernon Crooke 01/06 Betty Taylor 01/07 Pa Moua 01/08 Andrew Zastovnik 01/08 Christine Uwaoma 01/09 Mary Vollman 01/09 Lee Xiong 01/10 Bee Xiong 01/10 Wiley Harkins 01/11 Pa Nhia Yang 01/12 Pang Ying Yang 01/12 Chue Thao 01/15 Margie Cox 01/21 Jenny Xiong 01/22 Richard Alexander 01/24 Norma Crooke 01/27 Rodger Pachelbel 01/27 Rick Snow 01/27 Corinne Williams 01/29 Christian Book Club The Christian Book Club is now reading. Bad Girls of the Bible Join us on Tuesday Nights at 7 pm in the library.

5 TEAMS AND MINISTRIES P A G E 5 October The Special Friends Group met October 8th thinking about the change in the weather and thanking God for the seasons that bring the joys of spring, summer, autumn and winter each one a way of showing His love to us. The Scripture was from Jeremiah 31:3, The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying I have loved you with unfailing kindness. Our meditation came from Morning with Jesus, October 5th by Susanna Aughtman. My seven year old son had fallen at church causing a bloody nose and a puffy upper lip, known as a kissy lip in our family. This became a great way for mother and young son to share their love with each other. I love him. He s mine! And Jesus feels the same way about us. He really truly loves us from the depths of his being. We are His. He draws us to Himself with His great love for us, with His goodness and kindness, with His grace. He stopped at nothing, not even death, to create a way for us to have a relationship with Him. When we read His Word and sit in His presence, His great love is addictive. Today we have before us a bowl of candy kisses to share with others like those shared between the mother and son, as an act of kindness, suggesting it be passed along to others as God passed His love to us. Sharing news of Special Friends: 1We were saddened by the news of Betty Anderson s death after years of various illnesses. 2 Carol Febuary is home after a week at SJV Rehab, unable to put weight on either foot. 3 Max Cannon has been having problems with balance, causing falls. 4 Funeral services were held for Helen Ring, September 16th. This month we have made 35 phone calls, 5 visits, and sent 37 cards and letters. Our next meeting will be Thursday, Nov 12 at 2:30 pm (special time) Closing thought; Read 1 Corinthians 13 and meditate on the amazing kind of love Jesus has for you. Blessings, Lorraine Special Friends November The Special Friends Group met November 12th rejoicing over a day of gentle rain in the valley and snow falling in the mountains! We're grateful also for our abundant blessings as Thanksgiving is upon us, and welcome new member JoAnna Eckert, to our group. The scripture is John 6:63. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Meditation comes from Mornings With Jesus October 25, 2015, by Gwen Ford Faulkenbury. What kind of words do you speak? I want my words to be like Jesus words-spirit and life. But sometimes when I hear myself nagging or complaining I know I m not bringing life. I'm quenching any chance of the Spirits work. It can be difficult to know how to speak words of life if you have to give discipline. But if we follow Jesus example, words of life are not always about butterflies and rainbows. They can be hard sayings, rebukes, corrections. All of these have their place, but the trick is how to speak them with love. I think one of the main things is to think about what we are trying to accomplish. We should be in the business of building up, not tearing down. Another thing to think about is what kinds of words do you listen to? At times I find myself dwelling on words others have spoken that are neither spirit nor life. We need to let those words go, no matter who speaks them. When He lives in us He helps us discern what words are spirit and life both in our speaking and in our listening because they come from Him and accomplish His purposes. News of Special friends: 1 We enjoyed a celebration of John Tall madge's life, with a service and reception. 2 Rembering Bob Brown who passed away last week 3 Adding Margaret Nichols to our 90 s list. During this month we made 40 calls, sent 26 cards & letters, made 12 visits and transported 9 people. Our next meeting is Thursday, Dec 10th at 2pm. Closing thought: Practice taking a moment to think before speaking today. Ask Jesus to help you decide whether you are speaking words of life. Invite Him to speak through you. Blessings, Lorraine

6 P A G E 6 TEAMS AND MINISTRIES Finance October Finance Report Income in September and October was lower than our average income for the previous months but expenses hovered at the high end of average. The total General Fund income for October was $19,029. Expenses totaled $24,123. With a deficit from September of $132, this put us further behind with a total of $5,226 in arrears. The main reason for the high expenses in October is the quarterly payment of both pastors health insurance premiums. This totals $8,786, which is over one-third of our expenses for October. We won t have this payment to make again this year, so it should be easier to meet our obligations for November and December. We will be paying the remainder of our apportionments during these months, with the help of the Boutique and the Thrift Store. We also collect special offerings for Thanksgiving and Christmas to assist with our missions. We appreciate all those who give generously to help the church meet its financial obligations and missions. It would be greatly appreciated if some who have fallen behind in their estimates of giving can catch up so we can complete the year in good financial shape, including some carry-over to cover the insurance payments in January which include not only the health insurance premiums, but also our annual property insurance payment. Holiday Boutique 2015 Holiday Boutique 2015 is in the record books and what a time we had! We had help from inside and outside our church. If you could not attend, you missed a wonderful experience. Thanks to our cooks Stan and Guin Jenanyan and their helpers; we were served a wonderful lunch on Friday and to many volunteers who made soups for Saturday. Our handmade things were beautiful and we were blessed by many items made by the Best Fabric Friends and Geek Items many of which were sold at Zapp-Con by Pastor Janette and her family. Thanks to all who brought fudge, brownies, cookies, jam and other sweets for our Country Store; it all sold. Our drawing winners were: Lucy s daughter Susan won the quilt Shirley was THRILLED to win the dolls, outfits and accessories made by Judy, and Duane Wamsley won the afghan. You also will be happy to hear that the Boutique Group will be making a $5000.donation towards our apportionments, a $2000 to the renovation of the kitchen project, $1000 to our Youth and $100 to the shawl ministry. I am continually amazed by our Holiday Boutique. So, thanks to all for another successful boutique.

7 From the Pastor P A G E 7 As many of you know, my husband is a gifted musician. One of my favorite songs that he wrote says this in the refrain: "Once and for all, so totally, I will lose myself in thee... Abba, I believe." While I truly love this song, I will confess that I have not succeeded in completely losing myself in God. It is a matter with which I have been doing an interesting faith-life dance for decades. Here is how Paul puts it: I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Romans 7:18-20) All around me I see evidence of this same struggle happening in other Christians. Right now there is a crisis producing a mass exodus from Syria, and there are people who, on one hand WANT to follow Jesus with all their heart - and on the other hand want to ignore Jesus' teaching and example and turn away from people in need. And there are as many rational reasons to ignore the plight of the refugees as there are people who want to follow this course. But there are NO faithful reasons to do this. So many of us wrestle with this conflicted nature that our world is in constant turmoil. We might pretend that we are isolated from this insanity, but that is an illusion. We can try to insulate ourselves from the worst of it, but that, too, will crumble in time. The solution is to follow Jesus. Even to the cross, if need be. We cannot force others to become faithful followers - particularly when we confess our own struggle to be faithful. We must do what we can, and that would be to stay engaged with the world in all it's messy brokenness, and to continue to open ourselves to God's healing love. For about a quarter of a century I have dabbled in 12-step recovery meetings. I find them helpful and encouraging. Since I am not personally addicted to chemicals (alcohol or narcotics), I have not immersed myself in the 12 steps. Yet the steps DO speak to me. Substitute "life" for the word "alcohol" in step one and read these first three steps: 1. We admitted we were powerless over (life), that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. It is here that I get a bit stuck; here that in honesty I must admit that I have not yet completely surrendered myself and my life to God. I have done MANY faithful things in service to God. Yet, sin still lurks nearby, whispering words of self-righteousness and condemnation toward others. And I am tired of it. I have been talking with folks for a few years about seriously exploring the 12 steps for average people. Someone asked me what we were addicted to, and I responded "Sin!" Through the years I have heard many people with various addictions say, "I could quit any time I want, I just don't want to." It seems to me THAT is the very definition of addiction. To continue to do what is unhealthy or unhelpful, and not to WANT to change - but be content while life is being destroyed. And then I think about sin in my life. Why do I hold back from God? Why am I content to continue to allow sin of any kind to rent any space at all in my life? Am I addicted to sin? I think there are others who also find that they have not yet become fully lost in the love of God. Maybe you would like to join with me in making a searching and fearless exploration of our lives, that we might turn from sin and grow in grace and love. I plan to begin an SA (sinners anonymous) 12 step meeting in January Let me know if you would like be on this journey, too. The meeting time will be set when most folks can be present. If you are not interested in participating in these meetings, will you please pray for those of us who are in need of these meetings? We truly depend upon your prayer support! Your sister in Christ, -js

8 Dec. 4 & 5 8:00am Thrift Shop Open Dec. 5 8:00am United Methodist Men s Breakfast Dec. 5 11:00am Fresno Christmas Parade Dec. 5 6:30pm Clovis Children's Electric Christmas Parade Dec. 6 2:00pm Academy Advent Service Dec. 6 6:00pm Advent Dinner Dec 12 6:00pm Live Nativity Dec 13 10:00am One Service Staff Appreciation and Dedication of New Officers Dec :30pm 2nd Sunday Lunch Dec 13 6:00pm Live Nativity Dec. 21 6:00 p.m. Longest Night Dinner/Service Dec. 24 4:00 pm Academy Christmas eve service 7:00pm Christmas Eve Services 10:00pm Christmas Eve Service Memorial United Methodist Church of Clovis 1726 Pollasky Ave Clovis, CA Cookies! We need cookies for our Live Nativity-Christmas Card for the Community Plan to bring cookies to the church Dec 8th-11th CHURCH PHONE: CHURCH memumc@mem-umc.org