Dec. Flashes 2013 - Faith United Church of Christ
Transcription
Dec. Flashes 2013 - Faith United Church of Christ
FLASHES December, 2013 Faith United Church of Christ WORSHIP SCHEDULE Worship Sermon's 2nd Helping 10:30 a.m. 11:40-12:15 p.m. Important Contact Information: Faith United Church of Christ Phone Number 784-4856 Church’s e-mail: faithunitedchurch@comcast.net Church’s website: www.myfaithucc.org Visit us on Facebook: Faith UCC Church office hours – Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. To contribute to the Flashes, place your article in the secretary’s mail box in the Church office or better yet- email it! Please indicate in how many issues you want the article to appear. 4040 E. Thompson Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46237 TIME DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DELIVERY COMMISSIONED BY CHRIST, UNITED IN FAITH, EMPOWERED TO LOVE, CALLED TO SERVE Luke 1:26-38 – The Magnificat I love the beginning of this ‘greatest story ever told.’ I suppose one of the many reasons is because it is, at its heart, the story of an underdog, Mary; a young, peasant girl whose life is set out before her in her pre-arranged engagement to Joseph in this little village of a few hundred olive growers until that unsuspecting day when her world is set on fire by God’s spirit, who happens to be accompanied by one of God’s more handsome and majestic angels; the ever-charming and debonair, Gabriel. This story is, at its core, the story of an insignificant, illiterate girl, in a tiny back-woods village, in a little corner of the farthest reaches of a great Empire, on a little, pale blue dot, in the middle of the infinite cosmos. It’s a story of the insignificant being made magnificent and the magnificent being glorified. It’s the story of how God chose that location and that girl to pour God’s self out into the world, and make a stand with us and for us, by becoming one of us. And Creation was transformed forever. We know that big things can come in small packages, and why not? That’s how God has always done it; surprising us by showing up in the most unlikely of places to the most unlikely of heroes, to deliver the most unlikely of Good News. It really shouldn’t shock us to know by faith that, well, this is just the way God works, and to further expect that God will keep on acting like that forever and ever, and ever, despite our sometimes inability to comprehend just how much hope, and joy, and peace, and love God continues to heap on us over and over and over again. Really, we ought to feel quite guilty about it, shouldn’t we? Some might even ask themselves ‘How can God possibly keep surprising us in these ways?’ ‘What have we done to deserve all this love and attention?’ ‘Why does God choose to keep pestering us by trying to enter into our little, seemingly insignificant lives over and over and over again?’ ‘Why are we highly-favored?’ ‘Why?’ ‘Why?’ ‘Why?’ George Bernard Shaw once said this about his approach to life: “Other people”, he said, "see things and... say: 'Why?' ... But I dream things that never were-and I say: 'Why not?'" I suppose I am either fortunate enough or dumb enough, I haven’t yet decided which one, to say that this is exactly the way I see life, and it’s the way I see Faith UCC. I always have and I always will. For me, it’s that quality of faith - that combination of hope, confidence, imagination, and the assurance of glorious things yet seen -- that is needed more than ever today, at Faith and in the world. The problems of Faith, and of the world, can’t possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics; those whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities that face us on a daily basis. The world is never going to be changed by those who say ‘we can’t.’ Our salvation will always be with those who say ‘we can.’ Heck, it’s easy for us to see the under-developed, negative images of life and think that we’re “dying” or in a “financial crisis,” that the world as we know it is going to come to an end. That kind of thinking is cause enough for us to stop dreaming, panic about our impending doom, and go back to the old ways of thinking and solving problems. What’s so much harder to do is to wait for the fully developed image to appear; to dream, and hope, and envision a bright future based on the reality of our faith. This is so much harder, yet this is exactly what Faith UCC needs right now. It needs men and women who can dream of things that never were, and ask ‘why not.’ It doesn’t matter how large or how small the church is, what matters is that we believe through faith that anything is possible with God, just like Mary did. I have no doubt that if the story of Mary hadn’t been recorded in our sacred texts, nobody would believe it today, everyone would brush her aside and she’d be tossed into the dustbin of history. But we know, thanks to the Scripture, that when an unsuspecting someone or something; perhaps labeled by some as small and weak, or perceived as insignificant, or whose future course has been predetermined by a closed-minded society and culture meets the almighty God face-to-face, anything is possible. Anything. That’s what Advent is about. It’s about new beginnings and new possibilities. It’s about being surprised by God over and over again, because, well, sometimes that’s exactly what we need; to be open to the possibility of surprising miraclereminders of God’s grace and love for us. It’s about discarding the old things and the old ways and moving forward in hope, and optimism, and faith that God will provide new ways and new creations in our lives, always. It’s about expecting the best even when everyone around you is crying ‘no way!’ It’s about the fullness of God in the smallest of places and accepting God’s grace openly and joyously. Are we ready? Yours in Christ, Pastor Kurt December Birthdays 2nd ................Karrigian Saums 3rd ...................... Judy Schaefer 3rd ..................... Kevin McKeon 9th ........................ Irene Walker 12th ............... Helen Whittington 14th .................. Edward Walden 22nd ................... Megan Adams 25th ..................... Autumn Davis 28th ................... Austin Morales 29th ...................... David Adams 29th .....................Addison Mock 30th ...................... Brenda Snell December Anniversaries Wayne & Norma Fields 12/23/1950 December Liturgist 1st ......................... Craig Amlin 8th ......................... Amy Walden 15th ........................................... 22nd .......................................... 29th ........................................... December Children’s Chat 1st ......................... Craig Amlin 8th .............................. Rev. Kurt 15th ................... Marge McKeon 22nd .......................................... 29th ........................................... December Acolyte Schedule 1st ................... Mesa Saunders 8th ...................... Cassie Adams 15th ..................... Autumn Davis 22nd ................... Madelyn Sage 29th .................Salem Saunders December Children’s Worship & Wonder 1st 8th 15th 22nd th 29 Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan Greeter ..... Gretchen Flatto Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan Greeter ....Shannon Thayer Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan Greeter .............................. Story Teller . Elaine Jordan Greeter No CWW Sunday Revised Common Lectionary – Sunday Lessons December, 2013 December 1st – First Sunday in Advent - HOPE Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon: Isaiah 2:1-5 December 8th – Second Sunday in Advent - PEACE Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 Sermon: Matthew 3:1-12 December 15th – Third Sunday in Advent - JOY Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Sermon: James 5:7-10 December 22nd – Fourth Sunday in Advent - LOVE Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon: Matthew 1:18-25 December 29th – First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) Sermon: Matthew 2:13-23 We are in great need of volunteers for Lay Liturgist, Children’s Chat and Children’s Worship and Wonder. Please consider signing up for one of these options today. December Nursery Volunteers 1st Adult . Loretta Campodonica Helper........... Cassie Adams 8th Adult ............. Adriane Sage Helper............ Shae Murphy 15th Adult ............. Adriane Sage Helper....... Courtney Nixon nd 22 Adult .................................. Helper............. Andi Walden 24th Adult .................................. Helper......... Maddie Walker 29th Adult ............... Amy Walden Helper............ Rachel Flatto Financial News To meet budgeted current expenses for 2013, Faith U.C.C. needs to receive $2,874.71 each week. The following table shows receipts (and shortfall) for the four Sundays of November: Date Receipts Surplus / (Deficit) 11/03/13 $2,486.00 ($388.71) 11/10/13 $2,701.00 ($173.71) 11/17/13 $1,782.00 ($1,092.71) 11/24/13 $1,491.00 ($1,373.71) ====== ======== ========= Total $8,460.00 ($3,038.84) Additionally, $420 was given over those four Sundays to Building for Faith, half of which will go towards meeting Faith's 2013 budget. Advent helps us to see the meaning of the coming of Christ as a way for us to work for the benefit of all from the blessings God has provided for us. When we give, generously and sacrificially, God uses our gifts to save lives, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and heal the sick. Let's share the blessings of doing good as we give God's tithes and our offerings. "Sermon's Second Helping" each Sunday from 11:40 - 12:15. This biblically-based conversation is an opportunity for anyone to ask questions of the pastor regarding the sermon they just heard in service. Maybe you have a question that's burning inside of you about something I said. Maybe you'll take this opportunity to say 'hey, I didn't particularly agree with you on that particular statement, and here's why...." or "Hey, what was it you said about such and such, I really liked that..." Whatever it is that is on your mind, pertaining to the sermon, come and join us to talk about what it is that God may have placed on your heart. "Longest Night" Service of Reflection and Meditation: Sunday, December 22nd - 7:00 p.m. The holidays can be a particularly difficult time of year for folks suffering from broken or lost relationships. It can also be a time of grief due to distance from loved ones or death. Perhaps it is a time of pain and sorrow associated with a worrisome diagnosis or health concern. This service of reflection and meditation is open to anyone who feels the spiritual yearning to break free from the noisy clamor of the advertising and commercialism of Christmas and focus on the relationship between us and God. For, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, sometimes all one needs for restoration of spirit is a quieter, more meditative service of music, Scripture, candles, prayer, and gentle silence. Christmas Open House at the parsonage. Please join the Walker Family in celebrating the Christmas Season! Saturday, December 14th, 4:00- 7:00pm How to contact Rev. Kurt Walker: Office - 317-784-4856 M-Th 9 to 1 or leave a message. The messages are checked every morning, except Fridays and Saturdays. If you have a pastoral emergency or urgent churchrelated issue and you need to be in contact with me…Cell -317-677-4347 Email address: kurtawalker@gmail.com Nurture Ministry Tis the Season! We are getting ready for the children’s Christmas program. The program will be on December 22nd @ 10:00 followed by fellowship and cake downstairs. We are planning a more traditional Christmas pageant, and we need more help with costume design this year. If you would like to help in any way please see Marge McKeon or Mindy Murphy. In conjunction with the Christmas program any child who would like to learn the songs for the program is invited to come to church at 10:00 starting November 24th for a brief sing along prior to church. Attention Parents We have started preparations for the children's Christmas pageant. The pageant will be Sunday, Dec. 22, during the worship service. It will start at 10:00. Jesus' birthday celebration in Fellowship Hall will follow. All children are invited to be in the program. Please note the following schedule. Sunday mornings at 10:00— song practice Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9:00-11:00-play practice Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9:00-11:00-dress rehearsal It is important all participants be at both rehearsals. Costume fittings during the Hanging of the Greens for the children who are there. Annual Congregation Meeting The annual meeting will be held on January 26th, 2014 This is a hectic time of year so please start getting your reports ready. They are due in the office by January 10th. Outreach Ministry If you have extra hangers cluttering up your closets now is the time to reclaim that space. There will be a tote in the Narthex to deposit your hangers. Outreach is also continuing to collect clothing for our clothing ministry. Clean clothing can be brought and put in the choir room downstairs at any time. Please see Jennifer Saums with any questions. Our food pantry is always in need. We are serving more and more families each month. Below is a list of items that can always use. Watch for those sales at the grocery. We gladly accept any donations food or money. Thank you all for your very generous giving this past year in support of our ministry. Applesauce Peaches Baked Beans Black Beans Pears Corn Soup Beans Hamburger Helper Carrots Green Beans Chicken Tuna Pasta/Noodles Ramen Noodles Chicken Helper Tuna Helper Jello Beef Ravioli Peanut Butter Spagetti Sauce Mac & Cheese Soup Tomato Chicken Noodle Vegetable Cream of Chicken Cereal Corn Flakes Rice Krispies Cheerios Jelly New Addresses Norma Babington Univ. Heights Living Comm. 1380 E. County Line Rd. S, Room 511 Indianapolis, IN 46227 Temporary – (2 wks) Betty Kelly Manor Care 8549 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 Women’s Guild The Guild will meet on Thursday, December 5th at 9:30 am to decorate gift bags, 10:00 to see the movie The Fourth Wise Man, and 11:00 for a pitch-in luncheon (no desserts, please) and cookie exchange. All women of Faith are invited to spend the entire day with us or come for those portions of the meeting you can attend. To participate in the pitchin and cookie exchange, please bring a covered dish and 3 dozen cookies to share. Volunteers The Volunteers will meet Friday evening, December 13th at 6 pm for an appetizer, finger food and hors d’oeuvres party at Don and Marilyn Sandberg’s home. Please let Marilyn know that you PRAYER REQUESTS: If you would like to have your name added to those who receive Prayer Chain messages or if you have a message to convey, please notify Jo McDermott788-0960. Keep in your prayers: Edwin & Leah Knapp, Tom Knapp, Kathy(Knapp) Hadger and the entire Knapp family, Jim Patterson, Vickie Partin, Carl Partin (Vickie’s Uncle), Betty Kelly, John Cook, Jean Schoch, Francis Reuter and Joyce Conrad (Frank Reuter’s dad and friend) Prayers of gratitude and safety for our servicemen Jeff Richardson, David Melsheimer, Aaron Patterson, Marty Mills and Ben Dustman Along with the families of 6,779 men & women who have died in this current conflict. Was it not just yesterday?? 1973 1977 1981 1995 2011 1967 1973 1986 Check back next month for more memories…………….. Faith United Church of Christ Consistory Meeting November 11, 2013 Present: Clara Kirsch, Judy Schaefer, Mindy Murphy, Gary Snell, Steve Sandberg, Marge McKeon, Kathryn Theobald, Lisa Walker, Debbie Springer, Sherry Burns, and Rev. Kurt Walker. Guest: Michael Costa The meeting was called to order by Steve Sandberg at 7:00 P.M. Devotions were read by Mindy Murphy. Guest: Michael Costa made a written and oral presentation requesting an increase in salary. He is currently working more hours than contracted. He wants to increase his time even more to add a children's choir and a bell choir. Pastor's Report: Accepted as printed. Pastor asked for input concerning the amount of participation of the children in the Christmas Eve service. Mindy Murphy shared that the children's Christmas program will include children reading the Christmas scriptures. Secretary's Minutes: Kathryn Theobald moved and Sherry Burns seconded the minutes be approved. Treasurer's Report: Gary Snell moved and Lisa Walker seconded the report be accepted. NEW BUSINESS: Debbie Sandberg has resigned from the Consistory. She has removed her membership from Faith Church. Frank Reuter has sent a letter removing his name from all responsibilities. Minister of Music Salary: After much discussion, Sherry Burns moved: The Consistory will recommend at the Congregational Meeting in November, the Minister of Music salary be increased by $100 per week with adjustments made to the contract/job description to include a children's choir and a bell choir, and increase the hours from ten hours per week to twenty hours per week. Judy Schaefer seconded. Motion carried. Wedding Policies: The policies will remain as they are. We need to identify a person or persons to serve as a liaison between the church and the wedding party. 2014 Budget: Guidelines for using the Discretionary Fund were approved as printed. Nomination Committee: There will be two positions to fill. Tom Bromstrup and Gretchen Flatto have agreed to be candidates. Agenda for the Annual Meeting: Items on the agenda are the election, the budget, and a report from the merger committee. Hanging of the Greens: Scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2013, from 2:00-6:00, with a meal at 5:00. Each ministry will be responsible for decorating an area of the church. Nurture – make ornaments and decorate cookies with the children. Outreach – the Narthex Evangelism – food Stewardship – Fellowship Hall Worship – the Sanctuary, with the help of the Volunteers Communion: After extensive discussion, it was decided to return to serving communion in the pews for December 1st. and Christmas Eve. The subject will be re-evaluated after the first of the year. Pastor Kurt Walker closed with devotions. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. The next meeting will be December 9, 2013. Marge McKeon will have devotions. Respectfully submitted, Margaret McKeon, Secretary