The Messenger Vol. 22 November 25, 2015

Transcription

1 The Messenger Vol. 22 November 25, Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS Phone: Website: Our mission: Connect people in a growing, engaged, active relationship with Jesus Christ COME & WORSHIP 8:00 & 11:00 Traditional 9:30 Praise Worship November 29, 2015 Jeremiah 33:14-16 Exciting Hope December 6, 2015 Malachi 3:1-4 Prepared Hope Sunday School All Ages 9:30 a.m. Youth and Equip Adult 11:00 a.m. ***************************** Church Staff Ronald King Pastor Connie Perry Office Administrator Lynda Hurt Administrative Assistant Phyllis Stauffer Coordinator of Children s Ministry Joshua Hearn Organist/ Music Coordinator Scott Fears Chancel Choir Director Lance Winkler Praise Worship Coordinator Tammy Page Child Care Coordinator Harry Moyer Building Supervisor Dominick Italiano Custodial Assistant ***************************** The weekly sermon and Bible study The Compass are available online at: ***************************** Pastor Ron contact info: Work, Cell, Home, PastorRon@ shawneeumc.org Hello Friends, We are now entering one of the most holy times of the year. We re looking toward the day when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. And of course, when we look at that day, we are immediately touched by the memories of what that day has meant for us in the past. We can perhaps recall the smells of the season cinnamon, fresh pine, fruit, popcorn, as well as bay berry and cranberry aromas. Or perhaps we are reminded of a different image that of presents and lights, tinsel and family gathered around us. Or maybe we are captivated by the thought of old movies of the season Scrooge, Miracle on 34 th Street, and that classic film It s a Wonderful Life, or maybe some of the newer Christmas favorites like Home Alone or the action thriller Die Hard. Maybe your memories lead you to other places, some good; some not so good, but the memories are there. And of course, we all remember that Christmas is the season of peace. Sadly, our world seems to be absent of the peace reminiscent of Christmas and this season of giving. Fear and anxiety seem to capture large portions of the world as terrorism and their threats are everywhere. The present reality of death and the senseless killing of innocent people seems to hit us in places that makes us more anxious and less peaceful. I m reminded that whenever Christmas comes, no matter what age we are, the inevitable question arises, What do you want for Christmas? That question might invite us in this season to begin thinking about the things that are really important. Too often, we choose things that are distractions things that take our minds off of the way things are. And without much push or pull we tend to go with the traditional flow without perhaps giving much thought of how God fits in to all of our celebrations. This year, however, I d like to offer us all an opportunity to think about something different. It comes as an offer to consider what God might want us to have for Christmas this year. I hadn t really thought about it much, but as I try to take us through this journey of advent leading up to the Christmas event, I d like us all to give some thought to what might happen if in this Christmas season, we gave the gift of hope. It could happen in a variety of different ways. Perhaps we could give Christ a more faithful relationship of service which might offer hope to those who will do without this Christmas. Perhaps, we could honor Christ with an increased effort on our part to give ten percent (a tithe) of our income to the church. That would surely offer hope to those who are carrying out the ministries of Christ s Church at Shawnee. Or maybe we ve only found time to pray when something in our lives was going wrong and the gift we could give would be a more faithful prayer life. That, in itself, might offer hope, not only to us, but to those for whom we are praying, especially if they knew we were praying for them. As we make our lists and check them twice for the things we plan to give to our loved ones, my prayer is that a gift of hope will be on your list of things to give. I m sure that if our gift is given in sincerity, it will be greatly appreciated, because as you know, the gift is acceptable according to what one has. I pray that just as surely as you have hope, you will offer hope as a gift to those who may be lacking. Blessings and peace, Pastor Ron

2 Notes from Children s Ministry The children, ages Kindergarten through 6 th grade, will be performing at the 11:00 a.m. service on December 13th. In preparation, we will be practicing a song and a reading during Sunday School the next few weeks. Please plan for your child to be a part of this Christmas season celebration! A blessing to pray over your child: May you know God is always with you. May you turn to Him in good times and bad times. From the Library.a quiet ministry Do you remember the film clip from the movie "Courageous", about faith, fatherhood and accountability that Pastor Ron showed a few Sundays ago? We now have this thoughtful film on DVD in our church library. Another new addition to our shelves is CALLED FOR LIFE (616) by Kent and Amber Brantly. Kent Brantly is the doctor who treated Ebola patients in Liberia, contracted the disease, was brought back to Atlanta for treatment and survived. His is a very inspirational story. Barry the Library Bear wants you to know that we have many Christmas books, DVD's and CD's for all ages. In the next Messenger Barry will list some of his favorites for children. Our annual Nativity Display will take place on Sunday morning, December 13. We would love to have your nativity set just for that morning, to be displayed in the church parlor. It's always interesting to see the variety of sets and learn their origins. Maybe yours is special for sentimental reasons, maybe you bought one on an exotic trip, maybe yours is handmade...we hope you will share it at this much looked forward to event! Questions? Contact Judy Livingston, (913) or judylikesbooks@gmail.com or Susan Ozga, (913) HEIFER CHRISTMAS CARD PROJECT The Gift That Keeps Giving We will be selling Heifer Project animals again this year in the Narthex on November 29 through December 20. For those people who don t know how Heifer Projects works, animals are given to people in third world countries, but the neat part of the program is that they are required to pass an offspring on to someone else the next year, so the gift continues to give. Heifer Project also teaches people in third world countries better farming techniques, etc. You can give an animal in a relative or friend s name. We have cards that you can give or send to the friend or relative. AMBASSADORS The Ambassadors, a senior adult group, will be meeting Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Shawnee United Methodist Church located at Johnson Drive. The potluck luncheon begins at 11:30AM. The program will be "Side By Sides" singing Gospel music. Bring a covered dish, table service and $2.00 donation. Bread and beverage will be provided. Remember to bring pop tabs. A free will offering for the community service will be accepted. The Johnson County Health Department Nurses will check blood pressure from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. All senior citizens are welcome. First-time visitors are not expected to bring food. For information call Fred Henik, READING GROUP NEWS Due to holiday schedules, the book group will not meet in November, but rather on December 3. Join us at 1:00 pm in the parlor to discuss or hear about a novel, THE BLUE MOSAIC by DeAnn Shelby, of our congregation. UMW COLLECTNG FOR BLUEJACKET-FLINT ELEMENTARY UMW is collecting healthy snacks for the Special Ed and first graders at Bluejacket-Flint such as Cheez-its, Goldfish, Teddy Grahams, granola bars, peanut butter crackers or other healthy snacks, in individual packages. They are also in need of jackets, coats, gloves, sweat pants, socks, underwear, etc. UMW would appreciate any contributions. They can be placed in the Bluejacket box in the Narthex. Thank you so much for your continued support.

3 November 29 December 13, 2015 Sunday, November 29 7:45 a.m. Prayer Time, Conference Room 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Praise Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Adult and Children s Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Tradition Worship Service, Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Youth Brunch Bunch, Gym 11:00 a.m. Equip Sunday School, Room :00 a.m. Youth Sunday School Hour, Fellowship Hall Stage Monday, November 30 7:00 p.m. Inntonation Music Group, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 93, Fellowship Hall and Gym Tuesday, December 1 10:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study, Room 304 6:30 p.m. CONALD Meeting, Library 6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 3352 Den 2 (Wolves) Joe Page, Room 307 7:30 p.m. Open Coed Basketball, Gym Wednesday, December 2 6:00 p.m. Lectionary Bible Study, Parlor 6:00 p.m. Worship Committee, Room 304 6:30 p.m. Youth Physical Fellowship, Gym & Lounge 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Group 1, Annex 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Youth Care Groups, Gym & Lounge Thursday, December 3 10:00 a.m. UMW Executive Meeting, Room 308 1:00 p.m. Prayer Quilt, Room 307 6:15 p.m. TOPS, Room 307 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Group 2, Annex 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl, Parlor 7:00 p.m. Keystone Class Home Bible Study Group Friday, December 4 10:00 a.m. Friday Prayer List 5:30 p.m. Keystone Class Christmas Dinner Potluck, Fellowship Hall Saturday, December 5 8:00 a.m. Trustees Meeting, Room :00 a.m. Gideons Meeting, Room 307 Sunday, December 6 7:45 a.m. Prayer Time, Conference Room 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Praise Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Adult and Children s Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Tradition Worship Service, Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Youth Brunch Bunch, Gym 11:00 a.m. Equip Sunday School, Room :00 a.m. Youth Sunday School Hour, Fellowship Hall Stage Monday, December 7 All Day Cross-Lines Hot Lunch, Cross-Lines 7:00 p.m. Inntonation Music Group, Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. SPRC Meeting, Library 7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 93, Fellowship Hall & Gym Tuesday, December 8 10:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study, Room 304 6:00 p.m. Stephen Leaders Meeting, Library 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry, Room 304 & 306 7:30 p.m. Open Coed Basketball, Gym Wednesday, December 9 6:00 p.m. Lectionary Bible Study, Parlor 6:30 p.m. Youth Physical Fellowship, Gym & Lounge 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Group 1, Annex 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Youth Care Groups, Gym & Lounge Thursday, December 10 4:30 p.m. Staff Meeting, Room 304 6:15 p.m. TOPS, Room 307 6:30 p.m. Pack #3352 Meeting, Gym 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Group 2, Annex 7:00 p.m. UMW Unit Meeting, Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m. Keystone Class Home Bible Study Group Friday, December 11 9:30 a.m. Hand and Foot, Fellowship Hall 10:00 a.m. Friday Prayer List Saturday, December 12 Sunday, December 13 7:45 a.m. Prayer Time, Conference Room 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Nativity Display, Parlor 9:30 a.m. Praise Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Adult and Children s Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Tradition Worship Service, Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Youth Brunch Bunch, Gym 11:00 a.m. Equip Sunday School, Room :00 a.m. Youth Sunday School Hour, Fellowship Hall Stage 5:00 p.m. Maranatha Christmas Soup, Fellowship Hall Attendance November 15, 2015 November 22, :00 a.m. 51 8:00 a.m. 46 9:30 a.m. 63 9:30 a.m :00 a.m :00 a.m Sunday School 102 Sunday School 126

4 SUMC Foundation Ways to Give There are many ways you can make a difference through gifts to the Foundations. From outright contributions to planned giving, there are many opportunities for you to get involved. As a charitable organization, gifts to the SUMC Foundation are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes. Cash Gifts Cash contributions are the most frequent charitable gift. Checks should be made payable to SUMC Foundation. Gifts of Securities Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds Charitable gifts of stocks, bonds or mutual funds that have been held for at least one year and have appreciated offer special tax advantages, You will receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the gift, but you will not have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciated amount. If you sell depreciated stock and contribute the proceeds, you will receive both a tax deduction for the charitable gift and a deduction for the capital loss. Memorial Gifts Any gift may be given in memory or honor of a friend or family member. Corporate Matching Gifts A matching gift program provided through your employer or board membership may allow you to increase the value of your gift. Many companies match charitable gifts made by their employees, retirees or board members. Deferred or Planned Gifts Deferred gifts help insure the Foundation s future. A deferred gift through an estate plan or life income gift offers you the ability to support the Foundation but retain the income from those assets during your lifetime. Will or Revocable Living Trust A bequest contained in a person s will or revocable living trust is the most common form of planned gift. Charitable Remainder Trust This gift allows you to irrevocable place cash, securities or other property in a trust but keep a specified income for life. This can be done by an annuity trust or unitrust. Other Options Gifts of Life Insurance and/or Gifts of Retirement Plans (IRA or 401k). THE GRACE OF GOD I have seen and felt the grace of God. I have been lifted and sustained by the prayers of others. The first week of November I went to Minnesota to be with my family. One of my siblings was going through a difficult time, and since I had vacation time to spend, when I realized I was needed, I scheduled vacation from October 30 through the following week and headed north. It was a gracefilled week. I have been struggling for a while with depression, and getting outside of myself to help my family completely drove those demons away. I had the grace I needed, and the strength and wherewithal to provide whatever was needed. Prayer works. Prayer draws us closer to God and gives us the vehicle with which to communicate with God. Yet it is also a powerful tool in the hands of anyone who believes to work miracles and effect daily healing. Nothing is too small or too big to take to God. I prayed, asked for prayers, placed myself completely in God s hands, and felt and saw the results. And my dear sibling is much better. My whole family is better. Thanks to those same prayers. God is good. All the time. Julie Italiano, Prayer Team Co-Chair Weekly Prayer List Please pray for our members: Kathy Madison Dennis Brown & Family The Family of Judy Petersen Wilma McReynolds Bob Waller Curt Dixson JoLayne Mullins The Family of Sue Martin Charles Self Floreine Crumrine Jim and Frances Torrey Donna Lee Virginia McDaniel Eric Hendrickson Flora Whisler, Willa Schumacher & Family Nancy Potter & Family Fred Henik and Family Pat Riddell Please pray for our friends: Nancy Morando Christie Goebel Linda & Mickey Houser Dennis Newsome The Family of Sam Danso Kate Asiedua Terry Irwin Jeanne Hoffman Gloria Benson Greg Gonzales & Family Sandy Rickey Michael Koehler Michael Welborn Dan Saucerman Maria Hernandez Rick Nelson Steve McCrary Larry D. Brown Becky Olson iplease pray for our homebound members: Doris Cathey Lorene Cobb Darrel LaRue Harriet Guthrie Jack Richter Clena Wilson Clifford Jennings Ruth Lund Vera Goebel Virginia Hubbard Beth Crane Jess Clark

5 CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA/CONTRIBUTION ORDER FORM Please turn in this form to the office by Monday, December 7 with your payment. I/we would like to contribute $11.00 to the following: (Please mark the one you desire) Red Poinsettia (to be taken home by the donator) Flower Fund (to purchase flowers for inside or outside of Church) Shawnee Community Services (67 th and Nieman) Make checks payable to Shawnee United Methodist Church and designate on the check for Poinsettia, Flower Fund or Shawnee Community Services. I/we would like it to be: Given by: In Memory of: In Honor of: THANK YOU! Thank you to so many people who served and brought delicious food for the family of Judy Petersen. This is a gift we give to the families, to have time to visit and be together. It is much appreciated and a loving thing for you all to do. The Community Dinner last Sunday was truly a Thanksgiving Feast. The food was wonderful, the warmth of the friendships encircled our church with love. We wish you all a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! SAVE THOSE PULL TABS On behalf of the Ambassadors, please continue to save pull tabs. They are for the Ronald McDonald Houses, a great fundraiser for them. Only aluminum tabs are accepted. You can use a magnet to check them. If it doesn t stick, it s aluminum. They may be left in the Ambassador s box in the office. We appreciate your continued support for the Ronald McDonald Houses which are wonderful places for families to stay while their child is in the hospital for an extended time. UMW SOCK TREE for CROSS-LINES The United Methodist Women are sponsoring a SOCK TREE for CROSS-LINES. Bring socks of all sizes and types and hang them on the tree in the Parlor. Hats and gloves are welcome too. LET'S FILL UP THE TREE1!!! SCOUTING RELIGIOUS EMBLEM CLASSES TO BEGIN DECEMBER 16TH All young people in grades two through five and their parents are invited to join us 7pm Wed, Dec. 16 in Room 300 to begin the God and Me and God and Family program at Shawnee UMC. After the 16 th, we will be meeting every Sunday in January to be ready for these national awards to be presented on United Methodist Scouting Ministry Sunday in February. This program is officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire USA, Girls Scouts of the USA, and Heritage Girls as the religious awards program for youth in protestant churches. Parents should first check out the programs at Please call Harry Moyer at or at time4tunes@hotmail.com to register for the program or if you have any questions. For more information about Shawnee United Methodist Church visit our website: Like us on Facebook

6 SUN. NOV. 29- Praise 9:30, Brunch Bunch 10:30, SS 11:00 WED. DEC. 2- Physical Fellowship 6:30-7:30, Care Groups 7:30-8:00 WED. DEC. 9- Physical Fellowship 6:30-7:30, Care Groups 7:30-8:00 SUN, DEC 13 Youth Christmas Party; 6:30pm at Buca di Beppo; meet at church at 6:00pm SUN, DEC 13 Payment due for One Event in Grand Island, NE; bring money to office and put in the Youth mailbox. MON, DEC 21 Sherwood Center Christmas Party; meet at the church at 9:15am Mark your calendars: Great Plains "One Event" January 29-31! Watch for summer Mission Trip registration materials.