From the Pastor's Desk - Merry Christmas!

Volume 5 Issue 11 December 2014 From the Pastor's Desk - Merry Christmas! Advent/Christmas is my favorite time of year! There is the anticipation of Christmas Day, special services reminding of God s love for us in the birth of Christ, and all the gatherings of family, friends and co-workers. I especially enjoy the Christmas music such as the traditional hymns and carols, the secular songs, the four part harmony versions of many of the carols, Christmas cantatas and the many contemporary Christmas songs. Also, I love the opportunity to lead and attend Christmas Eve services. There is something powerful and hopeful about ending the rush of the holiday season bathed in the soft candlelight and sharing Holy Communion with our brothers and sisters within the walls of the church. Here, I take a deep breathe and let the wonder and power of this special night wash over me. Center has two opportunities to worship on Christmas Eve. The first is at 5:00 pm in a family focused service. The children will act out the Christmas story, we will hear from Sunshine the Stable Dog sharing her perspective on Jesus birth, light candles and share communion. Also, some of our youth and children will treat us with special prelude music starting at 4:30 pm. Secondly, there will be a midnight service beginning at 11:15 pm with candlelight and communion. This service will finish with singing Joy to the World on the front lawn of the church to welcome Christmas Day. Another thing I like about Christmas is that it is the season for giving. And that is as it should be! As God shows love to the world by giving us Jesus, the Christ, to be our savior, so we should focus on giving to others to show God s love to a world that so badly needs to feel that life giving love. It is fitting that we particularly share out of our abundance to those in need! Center provides 2 unique opportunities in December to help those in need. First, is supporting the Christmas Store held at Summerfield UMC and supported by all the UMCs in the Northwest Missional Network. Donations of gifts, money, time need to be given to stock and ready the store. Families chosen through the school system who are struggling financially are invited to come and shop for their Christmas presents. This store returns some of the dignity and choice that all people need and want in their lives. You can participate in this ministry by going to Summerfield on Monday evening December 1 and 8 from 7-9 pm to help sort and arrange the store, by volunteering to work Friday night, December 12 or on Saturday, December 13 when the families come and shop. Some of the areas for which to volunteer are: 1) personal shopper, 2) serve refreshments, 3) child care, 4) present wrapping, 5) prayer ministry with anyone wanting prayer, 6) helping take the gifts to the families cars, 7) dismantling and cleaning up after the event and 8) registration. This will be an exciting and very rewarding way to serve this year! Secondly, everyone has folks on their Christmas shopping list that have everything and wants for nothing! So, finding a gift for this is terribly difficult. Well, don t despair! You can share with those in need as a way to honor your loved ones on your list. The Center Mission Committee gives you three options: 1. Give a donation to help our youth go on the Winter Ski Retreat. 2. Give a donation to help sustain Camp Guilrock. 3. Give a donation to help buy a pregnant cow for our friends in Armenia. (See page 3 of Centerpiece for details of how to make these donations and receive an acknowledgement card.) These are just a few of the things I love about the Christmas season. I pray that you will participate in the various worship services, the Advent Bible Study, and the giving and service opportunities, so that you can Walk the Road to Bethlehem and meet the new born savior! Merry Christmas! Cecil Donahue, Pastor

Missions Missions by Caroline Raper Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel Thank you everyone for your extreme generosity of our Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive! Together, we filled nearly 50 baskets with items for a Thanksgiving Feast for area families in need! The baskets are distributed through the local elementary and middle schools. The counselors receive the baskets and contact the most needy families in their district. Hopefully these families will be reminded of God's grace, even during a challenging time in their lives. May you all be blessed this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season! Please read the article on page 3 about our Advent Mission Project! We will be serving a meal at Pathway Center on December 30! Please look for a menu and sign up board in the coming weeks! What better way to end 2014 than helping those in need! From the Website: The Pathways Center is a housing program of Greensboro Urban Ministry. Our purpose is to provide homeless families a safe, temporary environment to live while they are searching for other housing. The Pathways Center houses 16 families. Each family has a private living area. There is no fee to stay at the Pathways Center. Center Missions is excited to kick off 2015 with a Center T-Shirt Fundraiser!!! There will be some exciting design ideas coming soon! If you have an idea for a slogan or graphic on new United Methodist Women by Becky Saunders Center UMC Shirts, please share!!! We will have the design ready for preorders by early January! As always, thank you for supporting Center Missions! It is exciting to walk through our doors and see a multitude of mission projects going on through different organizations within our own church! Food drives and Toy Drives and Hygiene Kits...the list goes on of the endless ways that Center Church wraps our loving arms around our community, our country, and our world! We make a difference!!! Peace, Comfort, and Joy to you all during this most special time of the year! Isaiah 7:14 Page 2 The United Methodist Women have been very busy! In October we netted $400.50 from our fall flower sale. Thank you to all the women who worked and to all of you who purchased flowers. Also, thank you to our generous family at Center for the contributions to the toy and book drive for the MATCH Program of Raleigh. We will take the toys and books to Raleigh on December 8. A lot of children will have a brighter Christmas because of your thoughtfulness. In lieu of our November meeting, a group of us participated in the Feast of Caring to benefit Urban Ministries. While there we had a brief World Thank Offering program and turned in our World Thank Offerings to be sent to the Conference UMW. Also in November, we filled two Thanksgiving baskets including a $100.00 gift card for each basket and delivered them to Tabitha House. On December 15 the UMW will have their Christmas celebration at a location to be determined. We will have an ornament swap and dine together. Come join us! We are very excited to be able to host a women's retreat on Saturday, January 31. Registration starts at 10:30 and the program begins at 11:00. Our guest speaker is Vonda Skelton. We will have lunch catered by the Center Grove grill. The cost is $6.00 for the lunch. Center is co-sponsoring this event with 7 other United Methodist Churches. Plan now to be a part of this fun and inspiring time for women. UMW is open to all women of the church. If you have any questions about any of our mission opportunities or gatherings, feel free to call Becky Saunders at 430-9707 or email me at: bsaunders@themailbox.com

Education Education by Ruth Pickett Young Believers On Friday, December 5 the Young Believers will have their second annual lock-in. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 for a pizza dinner. Following dinner we will play games, watch movies, and complete this year s mission project. On Saturday morning we will take the church bus downtown to pass out mosaic crosses to our homeless friends who attend the burritos breakfast. We will return to the church between 8:45 and 9:00. Join us for all the fun!! Christmas Program All children who are interested in being a part of this year s Christmas program should meet at the church on Wednesday, December 10 and 17 from 6:30 7:30 to practice. Our final practice will take place on Sunday, December 21 from 10:00 11:00. This practice will take the place of Sunday school. This year s program will begin at 5:00 on Christmas Eve. Finance Update by Jan Shipton Center United Methodist Church as of October 31, 2014 Budget Actual Tithes and Offerings 162,380 175,915 Other Income 11,590 11,829 Total Income 173,970 187,744 Expenses 190,303 Overage/(Shortage) (2,559) Loan Balance 45,990 Make Gift Giving A Blessing! - Mission Advent Project (cont on pg 8) How many people do you have on your Christmas list that have everything they need or could want? Most of us have 2 or 3 that we just don't know what to give! Here's a solution: Make a donation to a ministry supported by Center UMC in honor of that loved one. And give them a card that conveys the message that your love and/or friendship for that person has become a blessing in other people's lives. There are 4 possibilities: 1. The Honor Cards as displayed that support Greensboro Urban Ministries. 2. Make a donation to Camp Guilrock* 3. Make a donation to support our youth to attend the Winter Ski retreat**. 4. Make a donation to help buy a pregnant cow for the Agape Cattle Project*** *Camp Guilrock Camp Guilrock is located on a 232 acre tract of land located at 531 Belville Rd, Reidsville, NC. it's vision is to serve the families in Guilford and Rockingham counties through outdoor education ad spiritual growth It's mission statement is "Discover Creation, Experience God, Grow in Faith." The Executive Director, Mark Christy, a consecrated diaconal minister of the UMC, oversees the camp facilities and program. Recently, the camp has opened a ropes course designed for a great variety of skill levels to help groups build trust and relational skills. It is truly a "gem in our backyards" and provides a unique opportunity for our congregation. **Youth Winter Ski Retreat The next major youth trip is going to the mountains to ski. Skiing is fun and certainly a wonderful experience to build fellowship and strong group cohesiveness. But the trip is structured around communal meals, Bible Study, singing, inspirational worship and time of conversation to talk about things that matter in life. A give made in honor of someone will enable the youth leaders to supplement the cost of the retreat for those who have difficulty with the cost of the trip and also be used to cover group cost like fuel, adult chaperone costs and meals going to and from the site. ***The Cattle Project In Armenia The Cattle project is modeled on Heifer Project International. Project AGAPE began this in 2006 to give families in the poverty Page 3

Communion Dates Worship by Katherine Bennett Dec 24 Our Advent Christmas Services are as follows: For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 November 30th - Last 5th Sunday 10:45 Joint Service Hanging of the Green Service. Cecil: Homily - Walking the Road to Bethlehem. Following the service: Spaghetti Lunch Sponsored by our Youth - This is a fundraiser for them. Donations welcome. December 7th - Regular 9am and 11am Services Mary and Joseph - Hand in Hand December 14th - Joint Service 10:45 Adult Choir Christmas Cantata. Men sponsor a Church Wide Brunch after the service Companions In Christ by Doris Windsor On Dec. 18, 2014, at 10am, Companions In Christ will visit Old Salem, located in Winston Salem, NC. We will have lunch at the historic Old Tavern, built in 1816. We can tour the Old Salem Visitor Center, Moravian Book & Gift Shop, Winkler Bakery, Horton Center Museum Shop, Old Salem Candy Shop and Marketplace, T. Bagge Merchant and A. Butner Hat Shop at no cost. Please call Doris Windsor at 298-3169 by Dec 15 for a reservation. December 21st - Regular 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. services: Cecil's Christmas message - Journeys We Don't Want To Take December 24th - 5:00 p.m. - Children's Program 11:15 p.m. - Candlelight Communion Service December 28th - 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services - Road Trip to Egypt WISHING ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND BLEST NEW YEAR Seniors In Action by Cal Sigler Sponsored by Senior Resources of Guilford County Page 4 The spirit of Christmas is upon us, and Seniors have a wonderful opportunity to start the season early. Tuesday, December 9 is the date. Be in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m. for togetherness. Lunch will be served at 11:15 followed by caroling and gift giving.. Don't miss it. Call Cal Sigler by Friday Dec. 5 for reservations and bring a gift of food for our Out of the Garden Project.

Music Notes December 2014 PSALM 96:1-3 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Christmas Angels by Lisa O Hal Another joyous Christmas season is upon us! Special blessings are in store for us as we worship together during advent. Come and be blessed by special music and inspiring sermons celebrating this sacred season. Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus the reason we sing! Christmas angels sing all around us Spread good tidings over the earth Telling of the Child in the manger who is born He is the King of kings King of Glory hope for all nations Sent to earth to save and redeem Prince of peace behold and adore The Son of God has come to set us free Celebrate oh sing hallelujah Raise the banner dance and rejoice Celebrate the birth of Messiah He's the Savior King the Lord of all Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest Hosanna in the highest He is the One God's only Son Emmanuel Who was and is and is to come Emmanuel God here with us Forever and always Christmas angels sing all around us All creation hears what they say Bow before Him come and behold the Son of God Born on Christmas day Joy to the world The Lord is come Joy, joy, joy! Christmas Cantata Please join us for a special presentation The Chancel Choir will present the Christmas Cantata, His Name Is Jesus During the 10:45 am service on December 14, 2014 ISAIAH 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. CCLI# 5028890 Page 5

December 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9:00 Mission Opportunity The Christmas Store at SUMC 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Men s Bible Study 5:45 Praise Team 7:00 Adult Choir Practice 5:00 Breakfast Burritos prep 8:00 Breakfast Burritos 8:45 Young Believers pickup 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:00 Contemp. Worship 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Traditional Worship 7-9:00 Mission Opportunity The Christmas Store at SUMC 11:00 Seniors In Action 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Men s Bible Study 5:45 Praise Team 7:00 Adult Choir Practice WOW Christmas Party 4:00 p.m. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 10:00 Sunday School 10:45 Joint Service with Cantata 12:00 Christmas Brunch TBA United Methodist Women Christmas Party 6:30 Girl Scouts 7:00 Men s Bible Study 5:45 Praise Team 7:00 Adult Choir Practice 10:00 Companions In Christ to Old Salem 21 Poinsettia Sunday 22 23 24 Christmas Eve 25 26 27 9:00 Contemp. Worship 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Traditional Worship 5:00pm - Children s Program 11:15pm Candlelight Communion Service Merry Christmas Church Office Closed for holidays 28 10:00 Sunday School 10:45 Combined Worship 29 30 31 Church Office Closed for holidays No activities For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder and He shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace! Page 6

CENTER Notes CenterPiece Just a reminder that this is the last edition of the CenterPiece for 2014. We will resume publication at the end of January for our February newsletter. Please check your Sunday bulletin or the website for information on upcoming events. www.center-umc.com Bring a Poinsettia December 21 th at 9:00 to help decorate the sanctuary and honor or remember someone special to you. Please call the church office by Wednesday, Dec.17th if you would like a note placed in the bulletin. Our family would like to thank everyone for all you did as we dealt with the passing of my dad, Jerry Nelson. The meal before the service I know was prepared with love, as have been all your calls, cards and prayers. Your compassion touched each of us-. Jill Summers and Family For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Page 7

Center United Methodist Church 6142 Lake Brandt Rd Greensboro, NC 27455 Phone: 336-643-7765 Fax: 336-643-7136 E-mail: msloan@centerumc.com Website: www.center-umc.com Return Service Requested Affix label here Center Church is God Centered Making followers of Jesus Christ by loving, teaching, and serving in the community and the world. Worship Schedule Contemporary Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11:00 a.m. For inclement weather information please visit our website, call our church number for a recording or visit www.wfmynews2.com Table Of Contents Thoughts from the Pastor 1 Missions 2 UM Women 2 Education Committee 3 Financial Update 3 Worship Committee 4 Senior News 4 Music Notes 5 December Calendar 6 Center Notes 7 Mission Advent Project (cont. from pg 3) stricken region of Nagorno Karabakh help in creating a sustainable income and food of their families. To date, nearly 100 cows have been distributed with the first heifer born being passed to another family. Donations can be given in any amount. For every $1500 collected, an additional cow can be bought and shared. These donations cover the following expenses: 1. A pregnant heifer bought locally 2. Materials for building a safe structure/barn 3. Veterinarian care for 3 years 4. Education on raising food and caring for a cow and calf. Merry Christmas And A Joyous New Year