S T. A N D R E W U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H Volume 16 Issue 12 December 2016 The Advent Journey 2016 The Advent Season is upon us. Sunday, November 27 th will be the First Sunday of Advent, a season observed in the church as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming." For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. Advent offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. There are many traditions associated with Advent: keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically, through a hanging of the greens ceremony. There are familiar words, words that warm our hearts and spirits, from Luke 2:1-20 2 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. (continued on page 3) The people of St. Andrew have been called by God to embrace, equip and encourage persons of all ages to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. e 3
Happy December Birthday! Robert Spencer 12/03 Tammy Baxter 12/06 Ben Borszcz 12/06 Nic Burja 12/07 William Doebereiner 12/08 Bill Shoup 12/10 Marilyn Durrum 12/12 Jim Booth 12/14 Cody Ganger 12/14 Dorie Williams 12/15 Randy Boudinot 12/16 Susan Fisher 12/16 Ernie Muller 12/17 Katie Miller 12/18 Julie Christian 12/22 Shaun Nicholson 12/22 Greg Williams 12/23 Joyce McCready 12/28 Betty Hughes 12/29 Please note: As Winter approaches, if the church is closed due to inclement weather, the building will remain closed all day and all evening. Be sure to check your local TV stations or call the church office for information. Sermon Topics and Scriptures NOVEMBER 27 Journey to Jerusalem DECEMBER 4 Journey to Nazareth DECEMBER 11 Journey to Bethlehem Special Christmas Music Celebration DECEMBER 18 Journey to The Countryside of Judea DECEMBER 24 Journey to the Home of The Messiah DECEMBER 25 Journey to the Ends of the Earth NOVEMBER ~Thanksgiving & Friday 24-25 Office closed ~ Sunday, 27 1st Sunday of Advent ~ Tuesday, 29 St. Andrew Church Conference DECEMBER ~ Thursday, 1 Lunch, Prayer and a Movie ~ Thursday, 8 Timothy Noble, Pianist UMW Christmas Program ~ Sunday, 11 Christmas Musical Celebration Christmas Caroling ~ Thursday, 15 No Promises Concert Phone: 937-426-6491 Fax: 937-426-6746 E-mail: standrewumc@ameritech.net Website: www.standrewumchurch.org Office Hours: 9:00 3:00pm Monday Thursday 9:00 Noon Friday Sunday Worship Times 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am 9:30am Sunday School Child Care at Sunday Services St. Andrew UMC is a Safe Sanctuary Congregation Staff of St. Andrew Rev. John Schlicher - Senior Pastor pastorjohnschlicher@yahoo.com Debbie Caudill-Director, Spiritual Formation dsfcaudill@gmail.com Cameron Voorhees, Music Director Ed Baker, Organist Laura K. Smith, Administrative Assistant standrewumc@ameritech.net Ryan Lageman, Youth Director lageman8@gmail.com Kaitlin Fahey, Child Care The Personal Touch - Custodians Congregation - Ministers of St. Andrew ~ Tuesday, 20 Men s Prayer Breakfast ~ Friday, 23 ~ Saturday, 24 2 Christmas Eve Services ~ Sunday, 25 1 Combined Christmas Day Service ~ Monday, 26 JANUARY ~ Sunday, 1 Combined Service ~ Monday, 2 ~ Monday, 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 12 Page 2
The Advent Journey 2016 (continued) The Sundays of Advent My hope and prayer for you is that during this Advent season you will engage in all of the opportunities to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. We ve meticulously planned and shaped each of our services to reflect our very simple theme, The Advent Journey. We re going to begin with Jerusalem, moving then to Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Countryside of Judea, and on Christmas Eve to the Home of the Messiah. Breath of Heaven ~ Combined 10:30 Service Along our Advent Journey, of special note is our combined Christmas Musical Celebration on December 11, with the service beginning at 10:30 am. It s titled, Breath of Heaven, and our choir has been practicing for weeks. We ve got several special musical artists joining us for the day; it s going to prove to be an exceptional worship experience. Christmas Caroling will be held on the afternoon of the 11 th from 3 to 5 pm. We need many people to join in, and we will divide into several groups with assigned locations. At 5 pm we will all come back together for refreshment and fellowship here at the church. Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve there will be two services, one beginning at 7 pm and the second at 9 pm. We ve dug deep to plan extraordinary worship experiences on Christmas Eve. At both 7:00 and 9:00 you will experience candlelight services, and there will be a beautifully portrayed nativity. In addition to Sunday Worship Advent Journey experiences, we ve planned several other special opportunities... Advent Life Group First is an Advent Life Group opportunity on Monday mornings beginning at 10 am. Our Director of Spiritual Formation, Debbie Caudill is leading this group, and the first of the 4-week series begins on November 28 th, with the final session on Monday December 19 th. Call the church office if you d like to participate in the group. Christmas Concerts & Movies We ve also planned three special events, I ll call 3D, three special days in December. First on Thursday, December 1, beginning at 11 am is Lunch, Prayer and a Movie featuring The Bishop's Wife. It s hosted by Laura Smith and Debbie Caudill, and will be held in our Theater. Call the church to make your reservations. Then on Thursday, December 8 we are co-hosting a special Christmas Concert with Timothy Noble at Hillside Chapel. Timothy is an incredibly talented pianist. And finally on Thursday, December 15 right here at St. Andrew, No Promises will be our special guests. This men s acapella group, featuring our own Adam Wheeler and John Slate, will perform. More information about both of these special concerts is provided in this newsletter. My prayer for us this Advent Season is that we grow closer to one another, that we are filled with awe as we gaze again at the nativity, and that we are strengthened in our faith. May God Bless you and your households abundantly throughout these days Advent. Thanking God for each of you and for everything you do to further God s Kingdom, Pastor John & Michelle Page 3 F OOTPRI NTS
The St. Andrew Theater Presents: Luncheon, Prayer & A Matinee Hosted by Debbie Caudill & Laura Smith The Bishop s Wife Thursday, December 1, 2016 A Light Lunch at 11:00 Movie Begins at 11:30 Make your reservations by calling or e-mailing the church office. See you at the movies! 7 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 The UMW of St. Andrew United Methodist Church will present Timothy Noble, a 17 year-old nationally recognized pianist and vocalist on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 7 p.m. Timothy and his family present 80 concerts all over the country during the year. He has been featured at the Grand Piano Extravaganza, Faith and Freedom Rally, National Quartet Convention in the Regional Artist Showcase and honored to be selected to play on the main stage program called The Parade of Pianos that features the top gospel pianists in the nation. STARS Christmas Lunch and Entertainment Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 11:30 AM Chicken and drinks will be provided. Please bring a dish to share! The sign-up sheet is on the STARS bulletin board. Bonnie & Jim s Clubhouse located at 565 Park Hill Crossing Fairborn, Ohio STARS St. Andrew Retirees His Beavercreek concert will consist of gospel and Christmas music and is hosted at the Hillside Chapel, 3515 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek. A love offering will be accepted. V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 12 Page 4
Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 11 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Refreshments afterwards in the Conference Room Sign up in Atrium, Gathering Grounds or the office Christmas Eve Services 7:00 and 9:00 PM Combined Christmas Day Service 10:30 AM NO PROMISES VOCAL BAND Thursday, December 15 7:00 PM Sing in the Christmas season with the breathtaking harmonization of the NO PROMISES VOCAL BAND. With an all-new repertoire, the men of NO PROMISES introduce their debut album and offer an unforgettable evening of sacred and secular holiday favorites, along with jazz and pop tunes from Manhattan Transfer, Andy Williams and even Taylor Swift. Featuring St. Andrew worship drummer Adam Wheeler and former music director John Slate. Free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be accepted. Arrive early; capacity crowds expected. Christmas Poinsettias Order forms for elegant red poinsettias are in the Atrium, Gathering Grounds, and church office. Deadline for ordering is December 11! Page 5 F OOTPRI NTS
December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 11:00 Lunch, Prayer & Movie 7:00 UMW Executive Meeting 7:00 Ascent Practice 2 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 3 4 2nd Sunday of Advent 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 1:00 Dress Rehearsal for 12/11 Musical 6:30 Women s Study 5 6 11:30 Office Angels Christmas Party 6:00 Oak Tree FH, EDU Corner 7 5:30 Dinner 6:30 Life Groups 7:00 Choir Practice 8 7:00 Ascent Practice UMW Christmas Program Timothy Noble Concert at Hillside Church 9 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 10 11 3rd Sunday of Advent 9:30 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Combined Worship Christmas Musical Celebration 3:30 Caroling 6:30 Women s Study Poinsettia Order deadline FP Deadline 12 6:00 Lions Club CR 13 14 1:30 Staff Meeting 5:30 Dinner 6:30 Life Groups 7:00 Choir Practice 15 7:00 No Promises Concert (A Cappella Men s Group) Poinsettia delivery FP Folders 16 2:00 Girl Scouts FH 17 18 4th Sunday of Advent 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 19 20 6:30 Men s Prayer Breakfast 6:00 Oak Tree FH, EDU Corner 21 (No Life Groups) 22 23 24 Christmas Eve Services 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM 25 Christmas Day 9:30 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Combined Worship 26 27 28 (No Life Groups) 7:00 Choir Practice 29 7:00 Ascent Practice 30 31 V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 12 Page 6
Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ By Timothy Keller Reviewed by Pat Reynolds In this book Timothy Keller takes the reader through passages from the Bible that are well known because they are dusted off every Christmas. As Keller puts it, this is the one time of year when our secular society and the Christian church are, to a degree, thinking about the same thing. But how does the non-christian parent answer their child s question about what the words mean found in, Hark the Herald Angels Sing born to give them second birth? The first few chapters reveal, through the gospel of Matthew, the gifts God gave us at Christmas. In later chapters, Keller focuses on the gospel of Luke and discusses how we can welcome and receive those gifts. He concludes that our salvation is by grace this is the meaning of Christmas. Because Christmas really happened, fellowship with God is possible. Joy for us has come through ordinary means. Really listen to the words of our familiar Christmas carols and be prepared to answer questions from the secular world. The Memorial Team will accept orders for memorial bricks through early January of 2017. Large bricks are $50.00 and the smaller bricks are $25.00. This price includes the engraving. Order forms are available in the church office and can be given to Laura Smith or Karen Spencer or they can be placed with a designated check in the offering plate. Thank you! Christmas Adopt-A-Family Jerry Sedlacek Our Christmas tree with gift ornaments for children and adults in our Adopt-A-Family program was set up in the Atrium the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 20. This year we will gather Christmas gifts and food for families from the Wesley Center and Fairbrook Elementary School. Cash donations designated for our Adopt-A-Family program will be needed to complete the gift and food packages we assemble for each family this year. Gift, food, and cash donations should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 11 so our gift packages can be completed and sent to the Wesley Center and Fairbrook Elementary School in time for Christmas. The need this year continues to be great so please be generous in your support of this program. Page 7 F OOTPRI NTS
non profit organization us postage paid Xenia Ohio 45385 permit #13 350 N. Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45430 937.426.6491 pastorjohnschlicher@yahoo.com standrewumchurch.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1 St. Andrew United Methodist Church 350 North Fairfield Road Beavercreek, OH 45430 Our Annual Christmas Musical Celebration Sunday at St. Andrew December 11th One Combined Service at 10:30 AM Continue in the Journey