Happy Holy Days

Someone started a tempest in a teapot a fewyears ago about store clerks saying “Happy Holidays!” This offends some Christians, who feel the clerk is taking

Christ out of Christmas. Without going into how tenuously they hold Christ in Christmas in the first place, if a clerk can steal it from them, or the fact that others celebrate different Holy Days and religious festivals, I still think we’re missing the boat. To this whole “no happy holidays” movement, I say, “Poppycock!”

If we were to just look at what “Happy Holidays” means, we would know that this is just a straw man. The term “Holiday” is a 12th Century contraction of “Holy Day,” a day set apart for religious observance. “Holiday” is a term that is some 900 years old (not new at all) and it actuallymeans Holy Day. It’s our word. It’s our concept. It’s ours.

There are really two different celebrations going on around here that happen to share the name of Christmas. We have a secular celebration that is about doing good, having fun, dressing up, eating too much, maybe even drinking too much, and about buying stuff. We also have a Christian celebration about God coming to earth and living among us. The latter may involve gift-giving as an homage to the Magi bringing gifts to the baby

Jesus.

These two Christmases can co-exist and have for centuries. In fact, the secular celebration can give us cover to celebrate the religious holy days, with days off, etc.

So, as you celebrate the secular Christmas with cookies and gifts and eggnog and the like, also take some moments and celebrate the religious holiday where “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” as John1:14 reads in The Message.

So, when someone says, “Happy Holidays!” to you … smile and say something like, “Yes they are. I hope you have Happy Holy Days as well.” After all, this is a season for joy and wonder, not grumpiness and begrudging greetings.

Happy Holy Days!-Pastor Joel

December Worship Schedule

4 “Journey: Joseph” Matt 1:18-24Christmas Music Sunday at 10:45 Service

11 “Journey: Mary & Elizabeth” Luke 1:39-56Children's handbells – 9:30 & 10:45

18 “Journey: Nazareth–Bethlehem” Luke 2:1-7Christmas Music Sunday at 9:30 Service

24 “Journey: The Manger” Luke 2:8-20Christmas Eve – Sanctuary 6:30 and 11 PM

25 Happy Birthday, Jesus (with cupcakes)Christmas Day - Atchley Hall 10 AM

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The Monroe Doctrine

December 2016

Joy of Every Longing Heart

Rekindled will host their annual Christmas Music Sunday on December 18 during the 9:30 Praise & Worship Service. This year, they

present a Christmas worship experience titled "Joy of Every Longing Heart." It will be an hour celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through powerful Christmas praise and worship songs; a combination of Christmas favorites along with familiar and new praise songs. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors as we join together worshiping the God who cameas a precious baby to save every longing heart.

Good Fellowship

Good Fellowship will meet Tuesday, December 6,at 6:00 PM in Atchley Hall. Soup and sandwiches will be provided. Please bring only a salad or dessert to share and your own table service. A program of Christmas music will highlight the evening. Good Fellowship will not meet in January or February.

Children's Bell choir to play

The Monroe UMC Children's Bell Choir, under the direction of Sandy Curlis, will play Sunday December 11, at 6:00 PM at the Monroe Historical Society's "Christmas on the Corner." The two-day event, Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at 10 E. Elm Street in Monroe will feature Dale and Eleanor Short's "Vintage Christmas Village." Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at the museum Saturday and Sunday evenings and will have treats for the children. Bring your camera. This will be a photo opportunity for parents and grandparents.

Election Day Luncheon

Thank you from the United Methodist Women

to everyone who helped in any way to make the Election Day Luncheon a success. Our profit of $985.32 will be used for a church project in the future. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we had enough pies and cakes for the luncheon. Thanks for the money donations and to those who helped on Monday and Tuesday,and to co-chairs Pat Williams and Arlene Horton.

Nut and candy sale

The UMW nut and candy sale was a huge success; however, we still have the following goodies for sale: walnuts $10.00, chocolate raisins$7.00, chocolate cranberries and dark chocolate bridge mix $9.00. Contact Jane Majors to make a purchase. Thanks for supporting the UMW.

UMW December program

The United Methodist Women will celebrate Christmas with worship and fellowship Thursday, December 15, at 1:00 PM in the Mt. Pleasant Chapel. Pastor Karen Fleming will provide the devotions; Lynne Alleman, the program. Please bring your "Dimes for Jesus' Birthday" offering for our mission outreach gift. All women of the church are invited to attend.

Men's Breakfast

The next Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 9:00 AM in Atchley Hall.

2017 Altar flowers

The 2017 altar flower calendar for the sanctuary is hanging on the bulletin board in the narthex; cost is $25.00/Sunday. Envelopes are available onthe table below the sign-up sheet. A sign-up sheet and envelopes are available on the bulletin board in Atchley Hall for the 9:30 worship service. The cost is $15.00/Sunday.

Caregivers Support Group

Our next Caregivers Support Group meeting will be Monday, December 5, at noon in Melvin's Room. We will be celebrating the holidays with

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Christmas goodies in addition to supporting one another in our tasks of caring for others. If you have responsibilities in caring for another adult, please join us.

Make it and Take it Workshop

Jodi Blacklidge from Wright State University willbe returning for another "healing oils" educationalsession on Tuesday, January 10, from 7:00 to 8:30PM. This workshop will focus on any medical/psychological concern you may have andlet you make your own individualized oil specifically for your needs. Cost will be approximately $7 - $10 per bottle depending on the oils used. To make sure we have enough supplies, please RSVP the church office.

Pastor’s Advent Study

Beginning on Thursday, December 1, Pastor Joel will be offering an Advent Study entitled “The Journey.” It’s a video-based study of the story of the birth of Christ and the actual places mentionedin that holy story. The class will meet in Melvin’s Room on Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 7:15 PM. There will be a small charge for the book.

Eating to prevent disease

Sheila Agee, RN. will lead a seminar on eating habits that promote health and prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Learn what foods can help prevent cancer. Sheila is trained in holistic health practices and has presented seminars for many hospitals and companies in Ohio. She will have samples of healthy foods for you to try. This seminar will be held in Atchley Hall on Tuesday, February 7, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Cost for the presentation is usually $20 per person; however, for the first 30 people who register the cost will be $10 per person, which includes all handouts and food. Call the church office to sign up for this life-changing seminar.

Angel Tree

You can help make a child's Christmas a happy one. For many children in our community, the holidays are a sad reminder of the poverty their

family struggles with every day. We will have an angel tree with names and wish gifts for needy children in the narthex. There are gifts priced from $5 - $60. Please take a tag, buy the gift and return the wrapped gift to church by December 18. If you would like to make a monetary gift, please put "angel tree" in the memo line on your check. Please see Holly Stevens or Ann Copeland with any questions.

We will also have a "mitten tree" in the narthex. We would like to "decorate" it with scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens. These items will be donated to needy children in our community. Please open your heart and share your love with those in need.

Teen Sunday School

Teen Sunday School meets once a month. The next gathering will be Sunday, December 4, at 10:45 in the youth room. We are using popular Christian author Francis Chan's series entitled "Basics," that centers on the basics of the gospel and how the church is called to live those basics out. All 7th - 12th grade students are invited and welcome.

Sunday evening groups

Teen girls and guys small groups will meet Sunday, December 4. All 7th - 12th grade girls and guys are invited and welcome to join us for fellowship and relevant/challenging study of God's word together, led by adult mentors who care.

Wednesday fellowship

This month's Wednesday night fellowship, will beDecember 7, at 6:00 PM in the student ministry wing. We'll have a time of worship, pray for one another, get into God’s Word, relax over pizza, and make friends with a few games. We will be using the Dare 2 Share devotional series.

Bible Study

"The Exchange," Rick Drake's Bible Study groupwill begin meeting Sunday, December 4, at 6:00 PM in Melvin's Room.

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DECEMBER 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

27First Sunday in Advent

286:30 PM Yoga/AH

2910:00 AM ShareGroup/Parlor6:30 PM Cub Scouts/Rms6 & 77:00 PM Line Dancing/AH

3011:00 AM - 12:00 PMYoga/AH6:00 PM - 7:00 PMHandbells/MR7:00 PM Chancel Choir

110:00 AM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR6:00 PM - 7:00 PM NA/MR6:30 PM - 7:30 PM GirlScouts/Small FellowshipHall7:00 PM Rekindled/AH7:15 PM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR

211:00 AM Yoga/AH

39:00 AM Men'sBreakfast/Atchley Hall

4Second Sunday in Advent10:45 AM Christmas Music Sunday10:45 AM Youth Learning Group6:00 PM Bible Study/MR6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Youth Small Groups

512:00 PM CaregiversSupport Group/MR6:30 PM Yoga/AH

69:00 AM - 11:00 AM ClergyCluster/MR10:00 AM ShareGroup/Parlor2:00 PM Loss RecoveryGroup/Parlor6:30 PM Cub Scouts/Rms6 & 77:00 PM CongregationalHealth Team/Parlor

711:00 AM - 12:00 PMYoga/AH7:00 PM Chancel Choir7:00 PM Youth Dinner,Games & Worship

810:00 AM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR6:00 PM - 7:00 PM NA/MR7:00 PM Rekindled/AH7:15 PM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR

911:00 AM Yoga/AH

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11Blood Pressure Screenings/NarthexHoly CommunionThird Sunday in Advent5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Kid's Christmas on theCorner6:00 PM Bible Study/MR

1210:00 AM Staff Meeting6:30 PM Yoga/AH

1310:00 AM ShareGroup/Parlor7:00 PM ChargeConference

14BLAZE Families ChristmasDinner Party & Auction/AH11:00 AM - 12:00 PMYoga/AH7:00 PM Cancer SupportGroup/MR7:00 PM Chancel Choir

1510:00 AM Hornet HavenChristmas Program &Brunch10:00 AM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR1:00 PM United MethodistWomen go to Mt. Pleasant6:00 PM - 7:00 PM NA/MR6:30 PM - 7:30 PM GirlScouts/Small FellowshipHall7:00 PM Rekindled/AH7:15 PM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR

1611:00 AM Yoga/AH

179:00 AM - 12:00 PMRekindled Rehearsal &Set-up/AH1:00 PM Garitson FamilyChristmas/AH

18Fourth Sunday in AdventNewsletter Deadline9:30 AM Christmas Music SundayService/AH6:00 PM Bible Study/MR

196:30 PM Yoga/AH

2010:00 AM ShareGroup/Parlor2:00 PM Loss RecoveryGroup/Parlor6:30 PM Cub Scouts/Rms6 & 7

2111:00 AM - 12:00 PMYoga/AH7:00 PM Chancel Choir

2210:00 AM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR6:00 PM - 7:00 PM NA/MR7:00 PM Rekindled/AH7:15 PM Pastor's AdventStudy/MR

2311:00 AM Yoga/AH

246:30 PM Christmas EveCandlelight Service7:00 PM Christmas Music11:00 PM Christmas EveCandlelight Service

25CHRISTMAS DAY10:00 AM Happy Birthday Jesus CombinedWorship Service/AH12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Rachel Amis/AH

26Church Office Closed

2710:00 AM ShareGroup/Parlor

2811:00 AM - 12:00 PMYoga/AH

296:00 PM - 7:00 PM NA/MR7:00 PM Rekindled/AH

3011:00 AM Yoga/AH

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December Birthdays 1 – Steve McDonough

2 – Joe DeBord

Tyler Phillips

3 – Shelley Copeland

5 – Rachel Watkins

7 – Steve Miltenberger

9 – Tim Curlis

10 – David Sanvee

11 – John Osterman

Sandra Curlis

12 – Fay Bartlett

Betty Gilby

13 – Linda Larkin

14 – Aimee Busdieker

Steve Izor

Vernita Clark

17 – Steven Tannreuther

Jim Clark

20 – Paula Pierce

22 – Rhonda Finley

24 – Scott Miltenberger

Mike Bresnahan

Jessie Hull

25 – Alex Watkins

Jeanne Berry

26 – Ruth Carpenter

Jerry Craft

Beth Nixon

28 – Bill Hall

Tim Williams

December Anniversaries 4 – Bobby & Christina Fink

5 – Mike & Jody Long

12 – Rick & Karen Gardner

15 – William & Ellen Kinsey (66 years)

16 – Chuck & Debbie Garitson

19 – John & Melanie Flower

21 – Rob & Pam Kilburn

29 – Don & Sharon Warmoth

Statistically Speaking…

Attendance Offering

10/23 208 $2,451

10/30 188 $4,955

11/6 206 $8,329

11/13 226 $5,792

Special Events for December:

Thursdays in December

10:00 am & 7:00 pm

Pastor's Advent Study/MR

4th – Christmas Music Sunday, 10:45 am

15th – UMW to Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1 pm

18th – Christmas Music Sunday,

9:30am service

24th – Christmas Eve

Christmas Music, 6:30 pm

Worship Services

7:00pm & 11:00pm

25th - Christmas Day

10:00 am - "Happy Birthday Jesus"

Worship Service in Atchley Hall

Holiday Health & Safety Tips The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate life, to be grateful, and reflect on what’s important. They are also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Here are some holiday tips to support your efforts for health and safety this season.

1. Wash your hands often- Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

2. Manage stress-Balance work, home, and play, getting support from family and friends.

3. Stay warm- Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers.

4. Eat Healthy & Be Active- With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music.

5. Travel safely- Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. If you are traveling away from home, don’t post your travel plans online as burglars watch for when people are not home.

6. Fire Safety-Be careful: December is the deadliest month for electrical fires! Before you string lights on your house or trees, inspect the strands, to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked bulbs and don’t use. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Install a smoke detector andcarbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

7. Prevent Injuries- Injuries can happen anywhere. Use step stools instead of climbing on furniture when hanging decorations.

8. Handle/Prepare Food Safely- Wash hands and surfaces often avoiding cross-contaminationby keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eatfoods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly and do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

9. Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!! Blessings from your CHM team

MONROE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 206 East Avenue, P.O. Box 310 Monroe, OH 45050-0310 REQUESTED RETURN SERVICE

Mission Statement:

Shining the light on the hill by connecting with Jesus Christ,

connecting with each other, and connecting with the world.

MONROE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Phone: 513.539.7290

E-mail: monroeumc@cinci.rr.com Website: www.monroeumc.org

Monroe UMC Staff

Rev. Joel Harbarger, Senior Pastor: pastorjoel@swohio.twcbc.com Edna Miller, Office Manager: monroeumc@cinci.rr.com Brittany Gould, Youth Ministry Director: mumcyouthdirector@yahoo.com Rick Drake, Children’s Ministries: rick.drake20@gmail.com Rev. Ann Copeland, Pastoral Care/Outreach Coordinator: annxhpm@yahoo.com Chuck Garitson, Worship Leader: garitson_c@yahoo.com Rachel Watkins, Hornet Haven Director: HornetHavenMumc@cinci.rr.com Larry Daniel, Director of Music Melanie Flower, Organist Linda Larkin, Nursery Attendant Steve Rizkallah, Custodian Jerry Lapham, Newsletter Editor Treasurer, Connie Wesner Jeremy Uitto, Website Developer Fin. Secretary, Lindsay Fields MINISTERS: CONGREGATION