United Methodist Church of Le Mars Transforming Hearts, Minds, and Lives by the Gracious Love of Christ December 2017 Rev. Dr. Okitakoyi Michel Lundula Pastor Jane Rowe Administrative Assistant 901 3rd AVE SE Le Mars, IA 51031 Phone: 712-546-4037 Fax: 712-546-5771 office@lemarsumchurch.org Office Hours 8:30 am 4:30 pm Monday - Friday Prayer Chain Connect with our prayer chain by e-mailing or calling the church office or calling Mary Laughton at 562-6584 laughmg@frontier.com Change of Address? Please let us know by e-mail or phone at the church office office@lemarsumchurch.org 546-4037 Website: www.lemarsumchurch.org Friends, it is again that time of the year that we always enjoy those beautiful melodies of Christmas hymns on radios, TVs, in stores and Churches; the time that our streets, homes and porches shine beautifully with Christmas lights. All these remind us that it is the Advent of the Lord. From its original translation in Latin, the word Advent means the coming. And the key question we all need to answer in this beautiful season of joy and expectation will be, The coming of who? Looking at what our society is facing today, the season of Advent has become for some a good time to do business, a season of decoration, and for others a time to share gifts with friend and relatives. Putting all these considerations together, it is consequently evident that the season of Advent has now more social implications than spiritual. According to our Christian tradition, the season of Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of the Lord. It is a season of joyful anticipation that reminds us of the coming of the Christ who was born to save, died, ascended in heaven and who shall come again. The season of Advent provides us with opportunities to renew our relationship with Christ, to share the joy and peace of Christ with others, to experience the love of God, and to renew our self-disciplines to welcome the Messiah in our hearts. Friends, let us consider this Advent as an opportunity to prepare our hearts as we explore together our advent series entitled, A Journey to Bethlehem: A Reflection of God s love to the world. Let us also join together as the church family to share the joy of Christ through the following opportunities: Adopt Family, Caroling at the Care Facilities (Dec 10-2:45 to 4:45pm), Jail Ministry (pizza, candy bars, books etc.), Christmas Eve offering (Dr. Emmanuel and Florence Mefor, Missionaries in Zimbabwe and our Le Mars Youth for Christ). Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions on how you would like to participate in sharing the joy of Christ. May the joy of the New Born King fill your hearts and families as we prepare ourselves to celebrate His birth and His coming. Advent Greeting Happy Advent. Pastor Lundula
December Page 2 Sharing the Joy of Christmas Dec. 3 Advent Series Starts: A Journey to Bethlehem: A Reflection of God s Love Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here by Max Lucado 8:30 am and 11:15 am Dec. 3-24 1:30 pm UMW Christmas Tea Dec. 10 Caroling at Care Centers 2:45 3:15 pm @ Good Samaritan 3:30 4:00 pm @ Prime Living 4:15 4:45 pm Park Place Dec. 17 10:00 am Children s Christmas Program Collecting candy bars, books, puzzles for jail ministry Dec. 23 Taking pizza and other collected items to Plymouth County Jail Dec. 24 10:00 am Worship with Bell Choir 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion Christmas Eve offerings go to Emmanuel and Florence Mefor, missionaries in Zimbabwe for repairs to hospital and food for Waiting Mothers Shelter and also to Le Mars Youth for Christ Please contact the Church Office 546-4037 or e-mail office@lemarsumchurch.org with any questions on how you may share in the JOY of the New Born King through any of these ministries. Thank You From Peter & Priscilla Achol Family Our family would like to thank you for all of the support shown to us through our trying times during in which we experienced the death of Priscilla s father, uncle and aunt, all within a very short time. You showed us support by giving us funds that enabled us to go to Texas and back, and supported us both emotionally and spiritually by always encouraging us and praying for us. Thank You From Bruce & Debra Young Family Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time. Words cannot express our appreciation for everything you have done for us. Thank for the food basket and meals. Your generosity and thoughtfulness has touched us deeply. We feel God s touch through the kindness of others. The Family of Samuel Eli Young
December Page 3 Please pray : Greetings from the Valley Of Dreams at Old Mutare, Africa University! Investing in Africa s Future For wisdom in making decisions about investments of our time, money and other resources That all the investments in our students and farm development pay handsome dividends In thanks for the non-violent transition of power in Zimbabwe, and for wisdom for the new president During the holiday season, when so many are struggling, hurting and affected by floods and shooting incidents, may you experience joy as we celebrate Jesus birth! As always, thank you for your support, love, cards, prayers, thoughts, and emails! Your and His, Larry and Jane Kies U.M.C. Advance Special numbers: Africa University Farm Development: 3021027 Africa University Scholarships: 3021028 Salary Support: 09572Z(Larry) 10739Z (Jane) Dr. Emmanuel & Florence Mefor in Zimbabwe Christmas Eve Offering Recipients Le Mars Youth for Christ Christmas Eve Offering Recipients
December Page 4 United Methodist Women Esther Circle to Host Christmas Tea Sun. Dec. 3 1:30 pm Fellowship Hall All UMCL Women & Friends Welcome Thank You to those who helped with the Christmas decorating of the church! Welcome to New Members On Dec. 10 During Worship Children s Christmas Program Sun. Dec. 17 During Worship @ 10:00 am Bring Family & Friends! Our December Prayer Father, help us to be a transforming Church by the gracious love of Christ. We pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, You guide us to be disciples who will bring people to You. Father, hear our prayers as we pray for the blessings that the Congregational Care Team provides for the Church Family and Community. Christ s birth is a time of Hope, Love and Charity. May we reflect these gifts to all people. Lord, we give you all the praise and glory. We pray this Jesus name. Amen Morning Prayer Coffee Join us in Multi-Purpose Room Wed. Dec. 27 @ 10:00 am Together we Pray, offer Communion & Fellowship Bring a Friend! Average Weekly Attendance 2017 2016 January 112 81 February 134 94 March 128 132 April 186 94 May 101 101 June 92 105 July 81 112 August 116 116 September 116 103 October 121 141 November 121 143 Oct. Income: $ 19,312 Oct. Expenses: $ 17,404 Oct. FIF Contributions: $ 7,325 Oct. FIF Expenses: $ 8,290
BLAST MISSIONS NIGHT December Page 5 Three groups shopped for groceries to fill Christmas Baskets to families in need through the Christian Needs Center. A total of 243 items were purchased and delivered to CNC. BLAST also put together 30 shoeboxes of needed items and gifts for children as part of the Operation Christmas that ships the boxes overseas to needy children throughout the world.