john’s epistlestorage.cloversites.com... · december 2016 worship prayer concerns: karla denny,...
TRANSCRIPT
December Informer
First United Methodist Church of Gainesville Rev. John Fleming,
Pastor
John’s Epistle “Happy New Year!”
Pastor John I’m sort of a stickler for refusing to skip over one holiday to celebrate the next. You know, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like seeing Christmas decorations in stores before Halloween, not to mention Thanksgiving. Every year at this time, however, I share a “Happy New Year!” greeting in spite of the fact that December has barely arrived. If you were in worship on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, you already know why I do that. For the benefit of those who weren’t with us, I’ll explain it once again … The Christian liturgical calendar that was developed over centuries begins with the first Sunday of Advent and ends with what has become known as “Christ the King Sunday” or “Reign of Christ Sunday,” the last Sunday before the Season of Advent starts again. Not every Christian church celebrates these liturgical holy-days, of course, primarily because many churches during the Protestant Reformation rejected special celebrations of the type that had become common in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition.
The United Methodist Church, descended directly from the Anglican tradition, has always been a “liturgical” church. Most UM congregations highlight these special celebrations, especially those like ours that tend to be more traditional in nature. In my view, the liturgical seasons offer us the same kinds of opportunity to recall the gospel narrative that resulted in their original development, whether it was a thousand years ago or a hundred. Of course, that richness of symbolism only works if we continue to unlock its meaning from year to year. My custom of greeting the congregation with a “Happy New Year!” on the first Sunday of Advent is intended to help us all recall the meaning of the Season. Most obviously, I want people to know that we have begun a new Christian Year, but more importantly, I want to remind people of the meaning of the Advent Season. Advent is all about expectation and possibility. It is a season specifically set aside for us to remember that …
The people of Israel hoped for a Messiah to reestablish the Kingdom of David;
The first-Century Christians hoped for Christ to return immediately and set all things right; and
Christians throughout the centuries have lived expectantly, waiting for Christ’s return.
In a few weeks, when the calendar turns from 2016 to 2017, many people will celebrate the coming year with expectation and a sense of possibility. Others will see the New Year as a time of waiting to see what it will hold for them. Either way, people everywhere will have a sense for the same kinds of things Advent is all about. This is the kind of connection we look for as we try to share the gospel message—things that seem to naturally unlock the good news of Christ for all people. So, my friends …. Happy New Year! Grace and peace,
Pastor John
December 2016 Worship
Prayer Concerns: Karla Denny, Kelly Dill, Sue Klement, Bill & Jill Blythe’s grandson Harrison Brewer, Karen Bates, Holley Hartley and family.
Sympathy to: Pete Hawkins and family for the death of Carman Hawkins.
Ongoing Concerns: Darlene Beck, Jack Merrick, Dr. Mike Paclik, Carol Felker, Lucy Beall, Dorothy Proffer, Don Howeth, Pat Peale, Marge Priest, Kristin Hatton, Joanna & Taylor Williamson, Sam Meeks, Mia Delarosa, William Cowdrey, Betty Bennett, Jacey Schmidt, Velia Hernandez, Nancy Williams, Harold “Bud” Sutton, Jerry McWilliams, Walter Boeko Jr., Madison Clark.
Military Personnel: Ben Davis, Jerry Horn, Craig Fiske, Jacob Freeman, Kelsea Stafford Louisiana, John Enderby, James Embrey, Tim Deater, Kennedy Pierson, Larkin O’Hern, Patrick Noland, John Candie.
We Hold in Our Prayers...
Page 2 Miss ions and Min istry
December 4 Sermon: Great Expectations Part 2 “Mortal Enemies” (Romans 15:4-13)
December 11 Sermon: Great Expectations Part 3 “Uncommon Sense” (Phil 4:4-7)
December 18 Sermon: Great Expectations Part 4 “Almost There” (Luke 1:39-45)
December 25 Sermon: Great Expectations Part 5 “Now is the Time” (Titus 2:11-14)
Offering for Communion Sunday
November’s Communion Offering was for the “Agape Quilters” Because of your generosity, we can continue this ministry; creating quilts stitched in prayers which are then given to any member of FUMC who is facing long recovery of self or family. We also try to provide comfort for the Homebound. In 2013, we began extending this ministry to the newborns in our church family by presenting them with a Prayer Quilt to accompany the Bible that is given.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Children’s Pageant Rehearsal during C.O.W.
Friday, Dec. 16 Learning Tree Christmas Parties Last day of classes before Christmas Break
Sunday, Dec. 18 4th Sunday of Advent Happy Birthday, Jesus party-Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant.
Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.— A Refreshing Christmas, 7:00 p.m.— A Traditional Christmas. Communion both services , Candle Lighting, and Carols.
Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Morning Worship together at 10:45
Sunday, Jan. 1 Epiphany / New Year’s Morning Worship together at 10:45
First United Methodist Church Advent & Christmas Activities
Friday, Dec. 2 Parents’ Night Out
Sunday, Dec. 4 2nd Sunday of Advent Youth, Progressive Christmas Dinner and White Elephant Gift Exchange Wednesday, Dec. 7 C.O.W. Kids will rehearse for FOCM
Saturday, Dec. 10 Rehearsal for FOCM for all involved Look for a detailed schedule to follow
Sunday, Dec. 11 3rd Sunday of Advent 6:00 p.m.— Festival of Christmas Music A reception- visitor from the North Pole!
Page 3 Chi ldren’s Min istry
Page 4 Mus ic Min istr ies
Page 5 Youth Min istry
FUMC Gainesville TX Youth @youthFUMCgville
Sundays: Sunday School: 9:45 a..m. • UMYF: Schedule Varies during November Wednesdays: Jr. High Study Hall & Bible Study 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Sr. High Bible Study 6 - 7 p.m. Contact Kristi: [email protected] (940) 641-1110
Ugly Sweater Progressive Dinner & Gift Exchange
Sunday, December 4th, 4:30 - 8 p.m. It’s time for our annual Christmas Progressive Dinner & Gift Exchange, and for fun, we want everyone to wear their best Ugly Christmas Sweater. We will meet at the church, then travel to the Sebade’s home for appetizers, the Hedrick’s home for the main dish, the Henley’s home for desserts, and the Hawkins’ home for the gift exchange. You may pick up your youth from the Hawkins or church when we are done. Please bring a wrapped gift ($10 - $15
limit, no gag gifts) for the exchange. To help our hosts plan for food, RSVP to Kristi by Thursday, December 1st. Invite your friends! It’s guaranteed to be a festive evening of Christmas fun and cheer!
A big thank you goes out to Mikki Jones and Shawna Hawkins for
providing snack suppers in November. And thank you to Shawna Hawkins, Kerri Reiter, and Marilyn Sebade for driving youth teams for the VISTO
Scavenger Hunt.
Festival of Christmas Music
Sunday, December 11th, 6 p.m. All youth and families are invited to attend this wonderful evening of music and Christmas reception. For youth who are reading, we will practice your parts during Sunday School and Bible Study.
Christmas Pageant & Movie Night
Sunday, December 18th,
5 - 7:30 p.m. Come support the children of the church and attend the Christmas Pageant at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Center. Then we will stick around for some snacks and a Christmas movie...maybe Elf! Spread the Christmas cheer by inviting a friend.
No Youth Activities Wednesday, December 21st
Sunday, December 25th
Sunday, January 1st
Regular youth programming will resume on Wednesday,
January 4, 2017
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Wednesday, December 28th, 12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
We will take a group for an afternoon of Christmas fun at Six Flags. Tickets will cost $40 per person, with a minimum of 15 tickets purchased. Anyone is welcome to join us, but Kristi will need a head count (even if you have a season pass) by Wednesday, December 14th and payment by Sunday, December 18th.
Friends are welcome. As always, financial assistance is available to any youth to help cover the cost of a ticket.
Sr. High Mission Trip 2017 June 10th - 17th
Baton Rouge, LA Save your spot now!
Page 6 Church News
Sunday School News
Financial Highlights
October 31, 2016 October YTD October Annual Budget Percent of Budget Income $ 63,981 $812,517 $892,859 91.00% Budgeted Expenditures $ 49,479 $531,702 $815,357 65.21% Designated Expenditures $ 8,073 $326,083
Subtotal Over/(Under) $ 6,429 ($ 45,268)
Debt Reduction Gift $0 $0
Over/Under $ 6,429 ($ 45,268) $77,502
Notes Payable: Sanctuary Restoration Paid in full. Phase I & II Building $517,969
The children’s classes will not meet on December 25 and January 1. The adult classes may choose to meet on these days with the understanding that there is no childcare during that time.
Charitable Giving Opportunities
There are many non-profit organizations in our community, our nation, and throughout the world that use charitable donations to serve people in need. Maybe you are looking for ways to help in a specific way. Whether it is to help feed or clothe others, or perhaps your heart lies with helping children who have cancer or unclean water, there are many organizations looking for your help. Want to help but not certain what you wish to help with? Call the church office M-T for some suggestions. 940-665-3926 Greta Cuellar
What a wonderful church we have to worship in and church family to fill the many needs inside our walls and outside. We are the church. As a staff member I see many hands doing the work Christ calls us to do. As we grow in faith this Advent season let each of us find an opportunity to serve in some way. Inside our walls we could use more adults to teach the children, run the sound board, and the power point slides. There is dusting and cleaning, stacking and sorting. Little hands are important helpers too. Outside our walls there is Second Time Around, Ramps to be built, and even gardening help, not just for the church but also for our neighbors in need. Call the church office for needs or projects you may be able to help with. 940-665-3926 Greta
A Place For All
Children’s Snack Table Update We have placed the sign-up sheet for snacks on the Missions Bulletin Board in the kitchen hallway. Any-one may sign up to provide snacks. There are still some spots to be filled if this is your calling. Need 2017 sign-up’s please.
The new altar flower calendar is now posted on the door by the elevator, If you would like to sign up for flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one.
Altar Flower Calendar
Christmas Eve Candle Light Services
Page 7 Church News
This year we will have two Christmas Eve services of worship at 5:00, and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, December 24. The 5:00 service is designed especially for families with children and will be more casual and relaxed. It will include both Communion and Candle lighting. Communion will also be served at the more traditional 7:00 service and all are invited to the Lord’s Table. Both of these services will close with the lighting of candles as we sing “Silent Night.” Feel free to invite family and friends to these special times of worship.
Service Saturday
Thank you for your loving support. Gifts such as this, help us perform the mission that we have been called to fill. Thanks you, Amy Fuselier Exec. Director UMCOR
Thank You for the quilt and your prayers and concerns. Matthew Sebade
Gwen’s Group for 50+
Gwen’s Group will meet again until January 2017. Details will be announced in the January Informer.
Thank You
Thank you for your generous donation. Your kindness to the poor is remembered in heaven and celebrated here on earth. Bekki Jones Exec Dr. V.I.S.T.O.
Christmas Pageant New for Children Not in C. O.W. Program
The children of members who are not involved in the C.O.W. program can still be a part of the Children’s Christmas Pageant. Call time will be at 4:15 p.m. with the Pageant beginning at 5pm. If your child(ren) are interested in taking part, I will need to know no later than Monday, December 5. The pageant will be on Sunday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m.
Calling for Cookies and Finger Foods
The Festival of Christmas Music hosts a reception for all who at-tend. Tables are filled with cookies, fruits, and breads to encourage our members and guests to enjoy fellowship with one another. The man in the “red suit” will make an appearance and every child can sit on his knee and receive at treat bag. What a perfect photo-op for parents! If you are able to bring a food item, please contact Marilyn Melton or Greta Cuellar.
End of Year Financial Up-Date
As we near the end of the year, we can use your help meeting our financial goals for mission and ministry in 2016. Please consider making a special “above and beyond” gift to the church budget for 2016 to make sure that we meet all of our obligations and finish the year on a successful note. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Thank you for your generous gift. Thus far in 2016, CASA of North Texas has served 162 children whose homes are not a safe place to be. Vicki Robertson Exec. Director CASA
214 S. Denton Street
Gainesville, Texas 76240
We’re on the Web! www.firstumcgainesvilletx.com
Phone: 940-665-3926
Fax: 940-665-4372
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First United Methodist Church
Your Church Staff
Rev. John Fleming Pastor Greta Cuellar, Christian Education Director Mary Jarvis, Finance Administrator Jean Smelcer, Church Office Administrator Melodye McLeroy, Church Accompanist Susan Beall, Music Ministries Director Debra Poore, The Learning Tree Director Kristi Bloom, Youth Ministries Director Staff E-mail Addresses: John Fleming: [email protected] Susan Beall: [email protected] Mary Jarvis: [email protected] Greta Cuellar: [email protected] Jean Smelcer: [email protected] Kristi Bloom: [email protected]
Debra Poore: [email protected]
105 S. Denton Street Gainesville, Texas 76240
Monday / Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
665-7939 Volunteers welcome!
Second Time Around Informer Article Deadline
All articles and information for January 2017 issue of “The Informer” need to be submitted no later than Thursday, December 22, you may drop off your information to the church office or e-mail to [email protected]
12/2016
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The Mission of First United Methodist Church is to know Christ and make Him known.