The Heartbeat Nampa United Church of Christ December 2017 Christmas Inflatable's As I walk our dog Teddy around the neighborhood, or drive around town to see the Christmas decorations, I have noticed many inflatable characters in the yards. Jolly snowmen waving in the breeze, packages colorfully wrapped and stacked, Minnie and Mickey like mice, playful dogs and even laser lighted dragons adorn lawns throughout the city. How times and decorations have changed since I was growing up. Lights along the eaves of houses, a shrub or tree with Christmas lights on it in the year or perhaps a wooden stocking or candy cane were the sights of outdoor decorations. Simpler decorations for a simpler time I guess. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy seeing yards decorated with these inflatable characters. However, when my walk with Teddy is in the early morning hours, I notice something distinctly different. The air is out of the Inflatable's. No doubt the blowers were turned off during the night and the air went out. They are just crumpled, unidentifiable lumps lying on the ground. Without the support of that blowing air, they do not stand. Now I had a couple thoughts come to mind as I thought about these deflated characters lying in disheveled piles. The first brought a bit of a smile and an admonition to myself that, "Oh, I shouldn't go there." The second a bit more serious. That first thought tossed around politics and politicians. Huge facades pumped by a lot of air, usually hot, and little substance inside the exterior. Cut off the air supply filling their egos and support systems and they deflate and end in a crumpled unrecognizable piles. You probably can come up with your own character for this image. After walking a little further a second image came to mind about the inflatable Christmas characters. Maybe I am not so different. Maybe I too am little but a vessel for the blowing air. Maybe I am just as dependent on the wind as are those snowmen and packages. If I am not filled by the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, I am nothing but an empty shell suitable only for collapse. The wind that swept over the gathered people on that first Pentecost is the same wind that inflates our very being. It is the presence of God lifting us up and filling us with the love and wisdom of our Lord. Being inflated by the Holy Spirit enlivens us to be God's people, not empty shells of meaningless words and hurtful deeds. That is what separates the wind of only air and the wind that is the sweet breath of God. Christmas season will soon be over and all those inflatable's will be packed away in boxes in the attic. Rightfully so. That should also be the fate of those larger than life inflatable's we encounter in politics, pundits and false prophets. If we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, then it will be the breath of God nourishing us with caring, compassion and love. We become puncture proof with an never ending supply of that warm, sweet breath of God filling us with grace and good works to share this Christmas, next year and forever after in our lives.
Christmas time has always been my favorite time of year. Even though I d rather not be in the snow, I love to watch the snow fall, and people put up their trees and decorate their houses. Nativity scenes are my all time favorite. My second favorite holiday, would have to be New Years Eve. In Cuba it is custom to have many parties on New Years Eve (through out the day) to wish others the best on the upcoming year, and traditionally, you eat 12 grapes to signify the next twelve months. In the United States, we have the New Years ball drop, many parties and fun but as an ER nurse, I ve seen my fair share of horrible New Years Eve crashes due to the mass intake of alcohol and the poor choice to drive. As we celebrate this new year, I d like to pass around a poem that I heard in high school that has stuck with me for many years. When celebrating this Christmas and New Years, please remember to have a designated driver or remain sober if you have to drive! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Èva R. Lopez-Montoya The Class Ring Close to the door he paused to stand, As he took his class ring off her hand. All who were watching did not dare to speak, As a silent tear ran down his cheek. All through his mind the memories ran, Of the moments they laughed and ran in the sand. Now her eyes looked so terribly cold, And he knew he d never have her again to hold. They watched in silence as he bent down near, And whispered, "I love you" in her ear. He touched her face and started to cry, As he put on his ring and wanted to die. And just as the wind started to blow, They lowered her casket into the snow. This is what happens to man alive, when friends let friends drink and drive.
Attention, Attention everyone! I have a Christmas wish for this church. I need everyone s help. If every week, everyone who attends, supports and contributes to the church would take a few minutes to ask God for help for this church. Please pray for wisdom, guidance, and then that we as members or supporters will listen for the reply to do what God wants this church to do. Please pray for Warm Welcoming this church has been know for its warm welcoming of everyone to comes through the doors Integrity- of the church-that we honor and support the UCC theology Spirituality-that we ask that God s presence and His Spirit flows over our congregation and our mission. Finances-that we ask God to help us to pay the bills and maintain this building so that we can serve God and whatever mission He wants for this church. Mission-that we ask God to help us to find a mission that our small congregation can do and uplift His name by doing it. Community Service-That we as His people shine God s light in the community so that others may learn about Him, and know that he is a loving God. If we can take a few minutes a week and ask God to help us find the pathway that he wants us to take so that we can honor him and shine his light to everyone. We need to remember that part of this time is listening to hear God s reply. Be aware of new opportunities that will come our way. Thank you everyone, this is my Christmas wish to the congregation. Laura Creech Church Moderator
Christmas The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-20 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Upcoming Events! Dec 3 Hanging of the Greens Dec 10 Deacon s Meeting Dec 17 Council Meeting Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dec 25 CHRISTMAS! Dec 31 Guest Speaker, Èva Lopez-Montoya December Birthdays Dec 5 Shannon Daly Dec 7 Marti Rippe 26 Bud Weise 25 Jesus Christ 27 Dino DeGiorgio 29 Russell Morgan December Anniversaries Dec 22 Paul & Bonnie Kloster Dec 27 Kari & Lori Roberts January Birthdays Jan 1- Charlotte Gun Jan 15 Brittany Stover Jan 18 Harold Henderson Jan 23 Paul Alberts January Anniversaries Jan 29 Pastor Chi & Dianne Morgan
The Heartbeat A Place Where Everyone Is Welcome We Are An Open And Affirming Congregation 55 S. Midland Blvd. Nampa, ID 83651-2422 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Pastor Chi Morgan (208) 250-6531 Cell (208) 466-6581 Office Pastor Chi s Email: pastor@uccnampa.com Office Email: contact@uccnampa.com www.uccnampa.com The Mission of Nampa UCC is to be a community centered in the Holy Trinity that hears the still speaking God with an open heart and welcomes all. SEND TO: ALL ARE WELCOME Current needs: -Donated canned or non-perishable foods. -Unused hygiene products. -Used cell phones for cell phone drive fundraiser -2 new furnaces. -Treats for fellowship after service. If you can help in any way, please contact 208-466-6581 or via email treasurer@uccnampa.com For more information, to add or remove your email address from our mailing list, or for questions/ concerns, contact: Èva Lopez-Montoya contact@uccnampa.com 208-466-6581 office