FROM PASTOR JERRY’S DESK
DECEMBER NON PROFIT
The Messenger
2014
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
First United Methodist Church of Wausau 903 Third Street Wausau, WI 54403
In the history of religion – all religion, not just Christianity – there have been two different ways to imagine God. Many religions stress that God is utterly different from us, completely beyond our understanding, separated from our puny humanity by an unimaginable gulf. Others see God as sort of like us, just bigger and more powerful. The first sort of God is more awe-inspiring; the second sort is more approachable.
PERMIT NO. 542 WAUSAU, WI 54403
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Church Purpose:
Sunday, December 14, Third Sunday of Advent 8:00am - No Morning Chapel this week 10:00am - Worship
A Celebration of Christ’s Gift to the World With Holy Communion and the new original short story: “His Own Knew Him Not” 2:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm
Daylight Service* Family Service (with candle-lighting)* Festival Service (with candle-lighting)*
Lessons & Carols Service Jubilate Bells, Chancel Choir Cookie Walk and The Mission Store in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:00 am Sunday, December 21 8:00am - Morning Chapel 10:00am - Worship “Children and Christmas” Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 28 8:00am - Morning Chapel 10:00am - Worship “The Search for Meaning” Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 2:13-24 *We observe Open Communion. All are welcome at God’s table.
THE MESSENGER
Coffee Hour in Wesleyan Room, Decorating Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Services
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WAUSAU
Live and Share God's Love
Sunday, December 7, Second Sunday of Advent 8:00am - Morning Chapel with Communion* 10:00am - Worship with Communion* “Why Do We Sing at Christmas?” Colossians 3:12-17
Both Gods
I should illustrate. Take, for instance, Zeus, the chief god of Greek religion. Zeus is very big and very strong, but in the Greek stories he also has a very human weakness for pretty human girls - lots of them – and an understandable fear of his wife, Hera. Powerful, yes, but with recognizable weaknesses and emotions. By contrast, Persian religion, Islam, and Enlightenment Deism usually describe God as being beyond human categories. This God exists above our sordid weaknesses, ignorance, and emotional instability. This God is worthy of worship, but is not someone you make friends with. Frankly, this God is sort of scary. What about the God of our Bible, the one revered in Judaism and Christianity? Well, we don’t seem to know what we want. On the one hand, the creation account in Genesis describes God as making the universe simply by speaking it into being. The Ten Commandments stress that there is one God and we are not to make any likenesses of that God or compare God to anything on earth, including us. So we definitely have the God that is beyond our understanding. But the same books describe God walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve, eating dinner with Abraham and Sarah, choosing one nation for a special task, and making a covenant with that people – just like people make contracts with each other. In the books of the prophets, we hear God crying out with anguish and indecision, frustrated with the way the people have broken the covenant, but wanting to forgive them and take them back. All very emotional – God seems to be like humans but more so. All this leads us toward Christmas. Really. Because, you see, the basic teaching of this season is that God is both. God is utterly beyond our understanding and yet entered our world, our time, to become not just comparable to us but rather one of us. Our God both transcends human categories and experienced them. This God is not only impossibly stronger than us, but became a frail and dependant creature among us. The core of our teaching at Christmas time is that both perspectives are valid. Both are right, but neither is sufficient by itself. We still don’t know what we want. Some Christians still want a God of impossible power that looms in majesty above our puniness, while others seem to want a God who is their best friend and with whom they can just hang out. Neither is wrong. Here’s what Christmas means: God is both. Phone 715 842-2201
Website: www.fumcwausau.org
Preparations are well underway for the Advent and Christmas season! Beyond the music, decorations, shopping, baking and the hustle and bustle of the season - the question is posed - “Is Your Heart Prepared for a King?” Advent is a season for prayer and reforming our hearts. Since it comes during the winter, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent...If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayers. Our worship will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. LONGING - WAITING - SILENCE - STILLNESS - HOPE - EXPECTATION
MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS IN DECEMBER:
HANDBELL FESTIVAL - November 8, 2014 First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, 11/30 - 8:00am and 10:00am services “Imagining Incarnation” Sunday, 12/7 - 8:00am and 10:00am services “Why Do We Sing at Christmas?” Communion Sunday, 12/14 - 10:00am service only “Festival of Lessons and Carols” featuring the FUMC Chancel Choir, Jubilate Bells, Brass Choir, and Orchestral Strings
DON’T BUG ME CONFERENCE - Remi Taylor, Cooper Stamp and Allie Majernik
Sunday, 12/21 - 8:00am - service in the Chapel 10:00 am - Sunday School Christmas Program and birthday party for Jesus Wednesday, 12/24 Christmas Eve Worship Services All services will feature an original story by Gerald Morris “His Own Knew Him Not”
EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT
2014 THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
2:00pm - Daylight service with Communion 4:00pm - Family friendly service Candle Lighting and Communion 8:00pm - Festival Candle Light Service, with Communion, Chancel Choir and Ensembles, Candle Lighting Thursday, 12/25 Christmas Day 46th Annual Community Christmas Dinner at 12:00pm St. Paul’s UCC Dine-in - NO carry out
STAFF Pastor:
Gerald Morris jerry@fumcwausau.org
Music Ministry Coordinator:
Susan Hamilton
susan@fumcwausau.org
Faith Formation Coordinator:
Leo Jacoby
leo@fumcwausau.org
Building Engineer: Accounts & Records Supervisor:
Andy White Karen Kellbach
karen@fumcwausau.org
Secretary:
Arlene Trull arlene@fumcwausau.org
CARE
Resources for Ministry Financial Update - October 2014 YTD Revenue
Milestones
Expense
Pledged Offering
$ 199,357.90
Salaries & Benefits
$ 192,066.09
Non-Pledged Offering
$
38,981.18
Programming
$
26,266.11
$
36,002.10
Apportionments to Conference
$
45,790.00
Building Operating Expenses
$
55,822.46
Other Total Revenue
Other
$ 274,341.18
$ 319,944.66 Net YTD
YTD 2014 Pledged & Non-Pledged Offerings compared to YTD 2013
$ -45,603.48 749.40 lower
YTD 2014 Total Expenses compared to YTD 2013
3,383.92 lower
YTD 2014 Other Income compared to YTD 2013
2,615.28 higher
Talking about Money
Thank You from Jerry
We do it a lot at this time of year, and it may get old, but we like to see our books balance at the end of the year as much as you do. As you can tell from the chart above, that will be a challenge. After a strong August and September, we stumbled a bit in October. And whatever the chart above says, this is about where we were last year.
As most of you know, I have been involved in the long process of being officially approved as an elder in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. Because I was ordained a Southern Baptist, and not a United Methodist, I’ve had to go through a testing and seasoning process.
The good news is that November and December are traditionally two of our three highest revenue months (along with whichever month has Easter in it). And early giving in November is encouragingly strong. You should have just received one of the regular updates on your giving for the year. If you pledged this year, take a look at where you are on your pledge. We are here for the sake of ministry. All of us can have a hand in that, both in person, and by means of financial support. Thank you for both ways that you serve.
This process has been demanding for you, too, as I’ve had to go away to take classes two different Januaries and last fall added 20 hours a week to my church schedule in order to complete Clinical Pastoral Education.
Lura Bangle, long-time member of this congregation, died on October 27 in California. We pray for her family and her many friends.
Eugene Brandenburg 14 Sharon Gisselman Stan Schacht Madeline Opper Lois Susor Sheila Lentz-Krahn Joe Schreiber 15 Dakota Vannes Linny Smith Sandy McCrory Roxanne Wenzel 16 Robert Bauer Tony Gokey
1
6
Allison Turner, daughter of Mike and Nancy Turner, died on October 31. Please pray for Mike and Nancy and Allison’s brother, Steve, as 7 they grieve in this sudden loss.
Lynne Sydow Betsy Duginski
The father of Janet Wyrick, Irving 8 George, died November 15th in 9 Spring Hill, Florida. We pray for Janet, William & Kevin and their families. 10
Tricia Emmerich Yvonne Firary Carrie Hockerman Heather Vannes
Births: Ken & Marian Attoe 11 Carroll Pieper welcomed a new graddaughter, Arthur Chang Kris Lahren Penelope Marie Attoe, born November 8th to their son & his 13 Maryanne McNutt wife in Jacksonville, FL. Steven McNutt Charlie Strong
24 Vicki Nowaczyk 26 Bella Jauch 28 Dennis Carey 29 Anita Gerber Meredith Majernik
18 Dean Marquardt
30 Isaac Wilde Michael Lattimer 19 Dave Carlson Samuel Edmondson C. Merrill McMahan Benton Edmondson Andy White Amanda Karl Mark Bauer Sue Majernik Brynn Schepp 31 Krystal Costello 20 Chad Decker Nancy Bogumill Maddie Eckardt Sara Koss Beth Burke Darlene Lee Holly Zahn 21 Herm Krahn 23 Ann Johnson
* Signifies an honored elder in a senior facility. We invite you this month to remember these members in your prayers.
On November 4-5, I interviewed with the Board of Ordained Ministry, and I have been approved. Thank you for your amazing support over the past three years.
Are Pre-Paid Pledges Right for You This Year?
FUMC Wired
If you intend to itemize deductions on your 2014 taxes, one option for you is to “pre-pay” on your 2015 Pledge. You can increase your charitable giving for this tax year, and your gift will be counted on next year’s pledge at the church. (If you’re using the Standard Deduction in 2014, this won’t help you.)
Website: fumcwausau.org With links to the weekly sermon (text and podcast)
To do this, your gift must be in the office by December 31. We cannot count gifts as having come in 2014 after we have closed the books for the year.
WiFi Network: FUMC Public (password: fumcpublic)
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Deaths: We grieve this month with the loss of these members of our church or of our families.
Advent Worship and Fellowship The annual Advent Worship and Fellowship is just around the corner! This year’s event will be on Tuesday, December 2. It will begin at 7:00pm in the Memorial Chapel, with a service on “Christmas Hymns.” The fellowship time will be in the Parlor immediately after the worship service.
facebook.com/WausauFUMC Savvy Seniors will meet at 11:30am at on Monday. December 1, at Jenny’s Restaurant on Grand Ave.
The Advent Worship and Fellowship is sponsored by the United Methodist Women, but it is open to all women and girls. Regardless of whether you are a member of UMW or ever will be, come out and celebrate Advent with the women of our church. Page 3
CARE / OUTREACH UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Upcoming Events: December 2 7:00pm - Advent Worship & Fellowship - Chapel & Parlor December 3 Sunshine Gals 9:30am - The Gardens 10:45am - Mt. View December 4 6:30pm - Executive Committee B. K. Smith Room December 11 9:00am - Cookie Baking Day Fellowship Hall December 14 9:00am - Cookie Walk - Fellowship Hall
WANTED: Yarn and/or money for the Paryer Shawl Group’s ministry.
COOKIE BAKING DAY – December 11 The United Methodist Women will be working on a mission project on Thursday, December 11 – 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.?? or whenever we're done in the afternoon!! We're looking for cookie bakers. We will provide the cookie dough and equipment; or if you have a favorite recipe or two, bring it along. Please join us in fellowship for any time on that day. Bring a sack lunch and any dough or cookie cutters. If there is time and we have cookie decorators, we will finish the cutouts. The cookies will be made for our fundraiser – the COOKIE WALK on December 14th. Any remaining cookies at the sale will go to the Community Christmas Dinner. Any questions, please call Nancy Flath at 715-446-3252.
Mission Store, December 14 Once again, our biggest day of Advent Worship is also a day of mission and outreach. On December 14, after Lessons and Carols, come to the Fellowship Hall to shop for Christmas at the Mission Store and support the Third World artisans who supply this ministry.
COOKIE WALK: December 14 – 9:00am to Noon - LESSONS AND CAROLS SUNDAY If you're looking for a no-bake way to have a huge variety of cookies, candies, breads and snacks, please come to the UMW Cookie Walk in the Fellowship Hall on December 14th. Many United Methodist Women bakers contribute their specialties. Think of someone who would enjoy a Christmas treat and surprise them with our treats! It's a win-win, because the profits go to our mission work and you get to enjoy our specialties. If you wish to donate cookies, quick breads, holiday treats or candy to help us, they can be brought to the church on Saturday December 13th – 9:00am to Noon. Any questions, please call Nancy Flath at 715-446-3252. Page 4
...All the Time
Disciples in the Making
Three Wednesday Advent Nights Advent is here! You are invited to spend some CORE time together reflecting on the deep mystery we celebrate on Christmas. Gary Getzin will lead an informal study, “A Discussion of the Incarnation” on Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm, December 3, 10 & 17 in the B. K. Smith Room. Pastor Jerry has already triggered our thinking with his sermon on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30; and with his cover message in this Messenger. For readers, Gary has provided, in the Parlor, copies of a booklet, “What Is the Incarnation?” by William B. Evans. You can also search the church library and online for other resources about what Madeline L’Engle used for one of her book titles, “The Glorious Impossible.” A light meal is available at 5:30pm—soup (starting with UMW chili from their Nov. 23 sale), plus “potluck” salads, breads and desserts you choose to bring and share. Child Advent activities are offered during these three evening formation hours, beginning at 6:15pm.
Community Hymn Sing FUMC will host a second round of this popular activity from 4-5pm on Sunday, December 7. As the name suggests, it will be a sing-a-long, and Susan Hamilton will accompany. It’s a great chance to come together and sing favorite hymns, including seasonal songs and carols. Invite your friends! We will start with a few chosen hymns sitting around the fireplace, and then there will be an opportunity to take requests. Time for refreshment and fellowship will follow. Call Nancy Runner, 715-298-0615, for more information.
Spending CORE Time Together The two events described above, plus an October series on prayer, are examples of how members responded to an invitation last Fall to take an initiative and invite others to focus on one or more of our CORE values. On a daily basis, we can practice Care, Formation, Worship, and Outreach in our personal lives. But it’s also good to spend CORE time together, and not just at weekly worship or programs initiated by staff. By all means, make suggestions to staff what kind of programming you would like to see offered Wednesday nights or other times. Also consider what invitation you can create for “two or three” to gather a few times from January thru March. Share your invitation by midDecember to be announced in the next Messenger.
Children’s Christmas Program Each class of children and youth are planning a way to share the Christmas message during 10:00am worship service on December 21, the fourth Sunday of Advent. Don’t expect the popular and hilarious "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson (titled "The Worst Kids in the World" in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.) Be prepared to sing and enjoy some of the many talents our “Best Kids in the World” will share. Rehearsals will be scheduled on Wednesday evening, December 17, for each class as needed. Sunday school for children and youth will be in recess December 28, and resume January 4. We welcome Wes Ebert who has offered to teach 8th grade and older.
Report on November 7-8 Lock-in Karli Johnson, Zoë Martin, Chloé Larson, Rachel Zahrt, Allie Majernik, Linnea Baraboo, Ali Buul, Lincoln Larson, London Larson and adult chaperones Jen Marzu, Deb Martin and Leo Jacoby called FUMC home for one night. Evening activity included games, the Disney movie Maleficent, and chapel vespers. We were all sleeping at a decent hour! In the morning we discovered our youth are pretty good breakfast cooks. Watch for another Lock-in in January, perhaps connected with Shabbat, January 23.
CAN YOU HELP? The Aesthetics Committee and Board of Trustees are holding a work day on Saturday, December 6th. Please email Sue Kissinger at skissing@uwsp.edu if they can count on your assistance in one of these two projects: Fellowship Hall painting — beginning at 7:00am, Brian Rohland will be heading up the painting of Fellowship Hall. They will need help with spreading plastic, taping, painting the lower parts of the walls/trim and moving the scaffolding. Brian and his friend will be painting the ceiling and upper parts of the walls, so adult volunteers will not be up on the scaffolding. Sanctuary & Chapel cleaning — beginning at 9:00am to prepare for Christmas, we will be polishing the woodwork, vacuuming the pews, cleaning the altar and organizing the pew hymnals and bibles. Please bring your vacuums, especially hand held ones. Other cleaning supplies (rags, furniture polish, etc.) will be supplied. Youth volunteers are welcome on this project. Let’s “Prepare the Way of the Lord!”—with donuts, coffee & juice :)
Concert Opportunity The Central Wisconsin Master Chorale directed, by Dan Larson, presents Bach’s Magnificat, plus seasonal carols with the Suzuki Institute Choir at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 709 Weston Ave, Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm. Advance concert tickets (age 18 and younger are free) available in the Office or from (bass) Leo.
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FAITH FORMATION God Is Forming All of Us... Don’t Bug Me! Report Remi Taylor, Cooper Stamp, and I attended the "Don't Bug Me" Imagine No Malaria Campaign Conference in the Dells on Saturday, November 15th. (See pictures on inside cover page.) We participated in playing Malaria Jeopardy where we learned some shocking facts about how malaria affects people of all ages, especially the children, in Africa. We also learned how to help our home church raise money to provide the people of Africa with much needed bed nets, medicine, and education. There were more than 500 people in attendance and we met some new friends from a church in Madison. It was a great experience! — By Allie Majernik MALARIA JEOPARDY—Take the Challenge! At the Imagine No Malaria display in the Parlor, you can find a more challenging set of answers/questions. Prevention 100 Q: What is the best way to protect yourself from malaria? 200 Q: Where can you go to find a new mosquito net? 300 Q: What is an LLIN? 400 Q: What is IRS? General Malaria 100 Q: What percentage of people in Rwanda are at risk of malaria? 200 Q: True or False: It is not possible to eliminate malaria. 300 Q: Name three high-risk groups for malaria 400 Q: What district in Rwanda has the most cases of malaria? Science 100 Q: What animal transmits the malaria parasite? 200 Q: What is the name of the parasite that causes malaria? 300 Q: Name three symptoms of malaria? 400 Q: Where do mosquitoes lay their eggs? Testing and Treatment 100 Q: If you begin to show symptoms of malaria, when must you go to the health center? 200 Q: Name two places where you can be tested for malaria. 300 Q: When the doctor gives you medicine for malaria, for how many days must you take it? 400 Q: Name one way to test for malaria. ANSWERS P100 A: Sleeping under your mosquito net P200 A: the health center P300 A: Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net P400 A: Indoor Residual Spraying G100 A: 100% G200 A: False G300 A: Children under 5 years, pregnant women, people living with HIV/AIDS G400 A: Kirehe S100 A: female anopheles mosquitoes S200 A: Plasmodium spp. S300 A: headache, fever, chills, vomiting, body ache, fatigue S400 A: In stagnant water T100 A: Immediately T200 A: health centers, community health workers T300 A: Until the medicine is finished T400 A: microscopy, rapid diagnostic test
You can find two sets of more challenging questions at the No More Malaria display in the Parlor. Page 8
Jesse Tree (Jesus’ Family Tree) Come, Lord Jesus and be born in our hearts! Reading these scriptures and crafting symbols for each day is a great way to prepare for Christ. The given symbols are suggestions only—be creative or find examples of patterns online. Dec. 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 sun, moon, stars, animals, earth Dec. 2 Adam & Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 tree, man/woman Dec. 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 tree, serpent, Apple with bite Dec. 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 ark, animals, dove, rainbow Dec. 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 torch, sword, mountain Dec. 6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush Dec. 7 Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 kettle, ladder Dec. 8 Joseph: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 bucket, well, silver coins, tunic Dec. 9 Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 baby in basket, river and rushes Dec. 10 Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 lamp, temple Dec. 11 Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 crimson robe, shepherd's staff Dec. 12 David: 1 Sam. 17:12-51 slingshot, 6-pointed star Dec. 13 Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28 scales of justice, temple, two babies and sword Dec. 14 Joseph: Matt. 1:18-25 hammer, saw, chisel, angle Dec. 15 Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 lily, crown of stars, pierced heart Dec. 16 John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8 shell &water, river Come, Lord Jesus Preparation intensifies with use of the "O" Antiphons: Dec. 17 O Sapientia Jesus is Wisdom: Sirach 24:2 (or Ecclesiasticus in old Bibles) Wisdom 8:1 oil lamp, open book Dec. 18 O Adonai Jesus is Lord: Ex. 3:2; 20:1 burning bush, stone tablets Dec. 19 O Radix Jesse Jesus is Flower of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3 flower, plant with flower Dec. 20 O Clavis David Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22 key, broken chains Dec. 21 O Oriens Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7 (some Bibles: may be Psalm 18) sun rising or high in sky Dec. 22 O Rex Gentium Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20 crown, scepter Dec. 23 O Emmanuel Jesus is Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22 tablets of stone, chalice and host Dec. 24 Jesus is Light of the World: John 1:1-14 candle, flame, sun
Find more Advent ideas at www.umc.org/advent
OUTREACH December Mission Offering Community Christmas Dinner As reported last month, this year the Community Christmas Dinner will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, under the directorship of Dawn Sapp, who has been one of the key leaders of the dinner for years, and who is a member at that church. Since Doris Huckbody began the dinner, nearly 50 years ago, it has been held here at First UMC, but it has been a community-wide project, with ecumenical leadership for most of those years. While we continue to be intimately involved in the ministry, this year for the first time we will not host it.
Imagine No Malaria I know. This was last month’s mission offering. Are we still doing this? Yes, we are. Because it’s worth doing. Because we can make a difference. Because it should have been done a long time ago. That’s right. Malaria used to be the scourge of Louisiana, Florida, and other southern states of our own nation. But Malaria was completely eradicated in our country over 50 years ago. So it’s possible. So why is it that in sub-Saharan Africa someone still dies of Malaria every 60 seconds? We are surrounded by world problems that seem to have no solution. No one has a cure for Ebola. No one seems to know what to do with religious extremists from Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. No can get the Palestinians and the Israelis to talk. But this is a problem that we know how to solve. We’ve done it before. And if we know how to eradicate a disease . . . why is it that 627,000 people died of that disease last year? Our youth department has taken on this challenge. Expect to hear from them. Expect to be challenged by them. Expect to have many more opportunities to help. Because this one we can do. Every $10 we give buys a mosquito net and saves a life. Our small change helps support massive education and treatment efforts.
A part of our continuing involvement is that, following the tradition of many years, we are dedicating our December mission offering to helping underwrite the expenses of feeding 200 people on Christmas Day.
Here’s the good news. We’re already making a difference. In 2007, a million people died, so in five years we’ve cut fatalities by over a third. Here’s the bad news: 627,000 deaths in a year is not something to brag about.
Volunteers are welcome, too, but this year the dinner will only be served on-site, so there will be no need for drivers to deliver meals.
P.S. Remember our mission offering for October, Paul Webster and the Mujilla Falls project in Zambia? Pray for Paul. He has Malaria again.
Bring 4th Food, Mosinee UMC This month, our Fourth Sunday food collection will go to the Community Center of Hope, which is associated with the Mosinee United Methodist Church. This ministry center is one of the newer food banks in our area, but it is the only one in the Mosinee area. They are serving an average of 500 people every month, offering not only the nonperishable food items that we and others collect but also fresh fruits and meats donated by businesses all over Marathon (and even Lincoln) counties. The CCH also has a thrift shop and will accept used clothing donations. You may drop off clothing donations here at First any time, and we will take them down when we have a full load. Page 5
DECEMBER 2014
Sunday
Next Month
Monday 1
11:30am Savvy Seniors 3:00pm Communion, The Gardens 6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee 6:00pm Yoga 6:30pm Finance
7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion 6:00pm 8:45am Education Hour 10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel 10:00am Worship - Communion 11:00am Coffee Hour - Wesleyan Room Decorate Sanctuary after Worship 1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship 4:00pm Community Hymn Sing 4:00pm Community Meal - First Presbyterian Church
14
8:45am 9:00am 9:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am 1:00pm
15
Education Hour 8:00am Cookie Walk 6:00pm The Mission Store 7:00pm New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship - "Lessons & Carols" Coffee Hour Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
21
22
8:00am 8:45am 10:00am 10:00am
Morning Chapel 6:00pm Education Hour New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship - Children's Christmas Program 11:00am Coffee Hour 1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
28
BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY
8:00am 8:45am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am 1:00pm Page 6
Morning Chapel Education Hour New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship Coffee Hour Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
29
Yoga
Messenger Articles Due Yoga Ministries Council
Yoga
Tuesday 2
10:00am Program Staff 2:00pm Mt View Chapel Service 3:00pm Kennedy Park Chapel 7:00pm Ladies' Advent Worship & Fellowship
9
10:00am Full Staff 1:00pm Personal Needs Closet Open 5:30pm Board of Trustees
Wednesday 3
9:30am 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm
10
5:30pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:30pm
16
17
23
24
Sunshine Gals Light Meal Jubilate Bells "The Incarnation" Study Child Advent Activities Chancel Choir
Light Meal "The Incarnation" Study Jubilate Bells Chancel Choir
Bishop Jung's Visit (tent) 10:00am Program Staff 6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations 5:30pm Light Meal Committee 6:15pm “The Incarnation" 7:00pm Finance Committee Study 6:30pm Jubilate Bells 7:30pm Chancel Choir
CHRISTMAS EVE
2:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm
30
Daylight Christmas Eve Worship Family Christmas Eve Worship Traditional Christmas Eve Worship
Thursday 4
8:30am AA 10:30am PNC Steering Committee 6:30pm UMW Executive Committee
11
8:30am 9:00am 2:00pm 5:45pm
AA Cookie Baking Worship - Forest Park Love Hope UMW Circle
18
Bishop Jung's Visit (tent) 8:30am AA 10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe 6:00pm Missions Team 6:30pm Worship Design Team
25
CHRISTMAS DAY
Office Closed 8:30am AA 12:00pm Community Christmas Dinner at St. Pauls UCC
Friday
Saturday
5
6
12
13
19
20
26
27
Office Closed
Office Closed
Office Closed
Office Closed
7:00am Fellowship Hall Painting/Work Day
8:30am
Chancel Choir Dress Rehearsal 9:00am Set up for Cookie Walk 10:00am Jubilate Bells Dress Rehearsal
9:00am Personal Needs Closet open
31 NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY
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DECEMBER 2014
Sunday
Next Month
Monday 1
11:30am Savvy Seniors 3:00pm Communion, The Gardens 6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee 6:00pm Yoga 6:30pm Finance
7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion 6:00pm 8:45am Education Hour 10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel 10:00am Worship - Communion 11:00am Coffee Hour - Wesleyan Room Decorate Sanctuary after Worship 1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship 4:00pm Community Hymn Sing 4:00pm Community Meal - First Presbyterian Church
14
8:45am 9:00am 9:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am 1:00pm
15
Education Hour 8:00am Cookie Walk 6:00pm The Mission Store 7:00pm New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship - "Lessons & Carols" Coffee Hour Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
21
22
8:00am 8:45am 10:00am 10:00am
Morning Chapel 6:00pm Education Hour New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship - Children's Christmas Program 11:00am Coffee Hour 1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
28
BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY
8:00am 8:45am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am 1:00pm Page 6
Morning Chapel Education Hour New Life UMC Worship - Chapel Worship Coffee Hour Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
29
Yoga
Messenger Articles Due Yoga Ministries Council
Yoga
Tuesday 2
10:00am Program Staff 2:00pm Mt View Chapel Service 3:00pm Kennedy Park Chapel 7:00pm Ladies' Advent Worship & Fellowship
9
10:00am Full Staff 1:00pm Personal Needs Closet Open 5:30pm Board of Trustees
Wednesday 3
9:30am 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm
10
5:30pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:30pm
Thursday 4
Sunshine Gals Light Meal Jubilate Bells "The Incarnation" Study Child Advent Activities Chancel Choir
8:30am AA 10:30am PNC Steering Committee 6:30pm UMW Executive Committee
Light Meal "The Incarnation" Study Jubilate Bells Chancel Choir
8:30am 9:00am 2:00pm
11
5:45pm
AA Cookie Baking Worship - Forest Park Love Hope UMW Circle
16
17
10:00am Program Staff Bishop Jung's Visit (tent) 6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations 5:30pm Light Meal Committee 6:15pm “The Incarnation" 7:00pm Finance Committee Study 6:30pm Jubilate Bells 7:30pm Chancel Choir
Bishop Jung's Visit (tent) 8:30am AA 10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe 6:00pm Missions Team 6:30pm Worship Design Team
23
24
25
CHRISTMAS EVE
2:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm
30
Daylight Christmas Eve Worship Family Christmas Eve Worship Traditional Christmas Eve Worship
18
CHRISTMAS DAY
Office Closed 8:30am AA 12:00pm Community Christmas Dinner at St. Pauls UCC
Friday 5
Office Closed
12
Saturday 6
7:00am Fellowship Hall Painting/Work Day
13
Office Closed
8:30am
19
20
Office Closed
26
Office Closed
Chancel Choir Dress Rehearsal 9:00am Set up for Cookie Walk 10:00am Jubilate Bells Dress Rehearsal
27
9:00am Personal Needs Closet open
31 NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY
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FAITH FORMATION God Is Forming All of Us... Don’t Bug Me! Report Remi Taylor, Cooper Stamp, and I attended the "Don't Bug Me" Imagine No Malaria Campaign Conference in the Dells on Saturday, November 15th. (See pictures on inside cover page.) We participated in playing Malaria Jeopardy where we learned some shocking facts about how malaria affects people of all ages, especially the children, in Africa. We also learned how to help our home church raise money to provide the people of Africa with much needed bed nets, medicine, and education. There were more than 500 people in attendance and we met some new friends from a church in Madison. It was a great experience! — By Allie Majernik MALARIA JEOPARDY—Take the Challenge! At the Imagine No Malaria display in the Parlor, you can find a more challenging set of answers/questions. Prevention 100 Q: What is the best way to protect yourself from malaria? 200 Q: Where can you go to find a new mosquito net? 300 Q: What is an LLIN? 400 Q: What is IRS? General Malaria 100 Q: What percentage of people in Rwanda are at risk of malaria? 200 Q: True or False: It is not possible to eliminate malaria. 300 Q: Name three high-risk groups for malaria 400 Q: What district in Rwanda has the most cases of malaria? Science 100 Q: What animal transmits the malaria parasite? 200 Q: What is the name of the parasite that causes malaria? 300 Q: Name three symptoms of malaria? 400 Q: Where do mosquitoes lay their eggs? Testing and Treatment 100 Q: If you begin to show symptoms of malaria, when must you go to the health center? 200 Q: Name two places where you can be tested for malaria. 300 Q: When the doctor gives you medicine for malaria, for how many days must you take it? 400 Q: Name one way to test for malaria. ANSWERS P100 A: Sleeping under your mosquito net P200 A: the health center P300 A: Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net P400 A: Indoor Residual Spraying G100 A: 100% G200 A: False G300 A: Children under 5 years, pregnant women, people living with HIV/AIDS G400 A: Kirehe S100 A: female anopheles mosquitoes S200 A: Plasmodium spp. S300 A: headache, fever, chills, vomiting, body ache, fatigue S400 A: In stagnant water T100 A: Immediately T200 A: health centers, community health workers T300 A: Until the medicine is finished T400 A: microscopy, rapid diagnostic test
You can find two sets of more challenging questions at the No More Malaria display in the Parlor. Page 8
Jesse Tree (Jesus’ Family Tree) Come, Lord Jesus and be born in our hearts! Reading these scriptures and crafting symbols for each day is a great way to prepare for Christ. The given symbols are suggestions only—be creative or find examples of patterns online. Dec. 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 sun, moon, stars, animals, earth Dec. 2 Adam & Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 tree, man/woman Dec. 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 tree, serpent, Apple with bite Dec. 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 ark, animals, dove, rainbow Dec. 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 torch, sword, mountain Dec. 6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush Dec. 7 Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 kettle, ladder Dec. 8 Joseph: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 bucket, well, silver coins, tunic Dec. 9 Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 baby in basket, river and rushes Dec. 10 Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 lamp, temple Dec. 11 Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 crimson robe, shepherd's staff Dec. 12 David: 1 Sam. 17:12-51 slingshot, 6-pointed star Dec. 13 Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28 scales of justice, temple, two babies and sword Dec. 14 Joseph: Matt. 1:18-25 hammer, saw, chisel, angle Dec. 15 Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 lily, crown of stars, pierced heart Dec. 16 John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8 shell &water, river Come, Lord Jesus Preparation intensifies with use of the "O" Antiphons: Dec. 17 O Sapientia Jesus is Wisdom: Sirach 24:2 (or Ecclesiasticus in old Bibles) Wisdom 8:1 oil lamp, open book Dec. 18 O Adonai Jesus is Lord: Ex. 3:2; 20:1 burning bush, stone tablets Dec. 19 O Radix Jesse Jesus is Flower of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3 flower, plant with flower Dec. 20 O Clavis David Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22 key, broken chains Dec. 21 O Oriens Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7 (some Bibles: may be Psalm 18) sun rising or high in sky Dec. 22 O Rex Gentium Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20 crown, scepter Dec. 23 O Emmanuel Jesus is Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22 tablets of stone, chalice and host Dec. 24 Jesus is Light of the World: John 1:1-14 candle, flame, sun
Find more Advent ideas at www.umc.org/advent
OUTREACH December Mission Offering Community Christmas Dinner As reported last month, this year the Community Christmas Dinner will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, under the directorship of Dawn Sapp, who has been one of the key leaders of the dinner for years, and who is a member at that church. Since Doris Huckbody began the dinner, nearly 50 years ago, it has been held here at First UMC, but it has been a community-wide project, with ecumenical leadership for most of those years. While we continue to be intimately involved in the ministry, this year for the first time we will not host it.
Imagine No Malaria I know. This was last month’s mission offering. Are we still doing this? Yes, we are. Because it’s worth doing. Because we can make a difference. Because it should have been done a long time ago. That’s right. Malaria used to be the scourge of Louisiana, Florida, and other southern states of our own nation. But Malaria was completely eradicated in our country over 50 years ago. So it’s possible. So why is it that in sub-Saharan Africa someone still dies of Malaria every 60 seconds? We are surrounded by world problems that seem to have no solution. No one has a cure for Ebola. No one seems to know what to do with religious extremists from Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. No can get the Palestinians and the Israelis to talk. But this is a problem that we know how to solve. We’ve done it before. And if we know how to eradicate a disease . . . why is it that 627,000 people died of that disease last year? Our youth department has taken on this challenge. Expect to hear from them. Expect to be challenged by them. Expect to have many more opportunities to help. Because this one we can do. Every $10 we give buys a mosquito net and saves a life. Our small change helps support massive education and treatment efforts.
A part of our continuing involvement is that, following the tradition of many years, we are dedicating our December mission offering to helping underwrite the expenses of feeding 200 people on Christmas Day.
Here’s the good news. We’re already making a difference. In 2007, a million people died, so in five years we’ve cut fatalities by over a third. Here’s the bad news: 627,000 deaths in a year is not something to brag about.
Volunteers are welcome, too, but this year the dinner will only be served on-site, so there will be no need for drivers to deliver meals.
P.S. Remember our mission offering for October, Paul Webster and the Mujilla Falls project in Zambia? Pray for Paul. He has Malaria again.
Bring 4th Food, Mosinee UMC This month, our Fourth Sunday food collection will go to the Community Center of Hope, which is associated with the Mosinee United Methodist Church. This ministry center is one of the newer food banks in our area, but it is the only one in the Mosinee area. They are serving an average of 500 people every month, offering not only the nonperishable food items that we and others collect but also fresh fruits and meats donated by businesses all over Marathon (and even Lincoln) counties. The CCH also has a thrift shop and will accept used clothing donations. You may drop off clothing donations here at First any time, and we will take them down when we have a full load. Page 5
CARE / OUTREACH UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Upcoming Events: December 2 7:00pm - Advent Worship & Fellowship - Chapel & Parlor December 3 Sunshine Gals 9:30am - The Gardens 10:45am - Mt. View December 4 6:30pm - Executive Committee B. K. Smith Room December 11 9:00am - Cookie Baking Day Fellowship Hall December 14 9:00am - Cookie Walk - Fellowship Hall
WANTED: Yarn and/or money for the Paryer Shawl Group’s ministry.
COOKIE BAKING DAY – December 11 The United Methodist Women will be working on a mission project on Thursday, December 11 – 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.?? or whenever we're done in the afternoon!! We're looking for cookie bakers. We will provide the cookie dough and equipment; or if you have a favorite recipe or two, bring it along. Please join us in fellowship for any time on that day. Bring a sack lunch and any dough or cookie cutters. If there is time and we have cookie decorators, we will finish the cutouts. The cookies will be made for our fundraiser – the COOKIE WALK on December 14th. Any remaining cookies at the sale will go to the Community Christmas Dinner. Any questions, please call Nancy Flath at 715-446-3252.
Mission Store, December 14 Once again, our biggest day of Advent Worship is also a day of mission and outreach. On December 14, after Lessons and Carols, come to the Fellowship Hall to shop for Christmas at the Mission Store and support the Third World artisans who supply this ministry.
COOKIE WALK: December 14 – 9:00am to Noon - LESSONS AND CAROLS SUNDAY If you're looking for a no-bake way to have a huge variety of cookies, candies, breads and snacks, please come to the UMW Cookie Walk in the Fellowship Hall on December 14th. Many United Methodist Women bakers contribute their specialties. Think of someone who would enjoy a Christmas treat and surprise them with our treats! It's a win-win, because the profits go to our mission work and you get to enjoy our specialties. If you wish to donate cookies, quick breads, holiday treats or candy to help us, they can be brought to the church on Saturday December 13th – 9:00am to Noon. Any questions, please call Nancy Flath at 715-446-3252. Page 4
...All the Time
Disciples in the Making
Three Wednesday Advent Nights Advent is here! You are invited to spend some CORE time together reflecting on the deep mystery we celebrate on Christmas. Gary Getzin will lead an informal study, “A Discussion of the Incarnation” on Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm, December 3, 10 & 17 in the B. K. Smith Room. Pastor Jerry has already triggered our thinking with his sermon on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30; and with his cover message in this Messenger. For readers, Gary has provided, in the Parlor, copies of a booklet, “What Is the Incarnation?” by William B. Evans. You can also search the church library and online for other resources about what Madeline L’Engle used for one of her book titles, “The Glorious Impossible.” A light meal is available at 5:30pm—soup (starting with UMW chili from their Nov. 23 sale), plus “potluck” salads, breads and desserts you choose to bring and share. Child Advent activities are offered during these three evening formation hours, beginning at 6:15pm.
Community Hymn Sing FUMC will host a second round of this popular activity from 4-5pm on Sunday, December 7. As the name suggests, it will be a sing-a-long, and Susan Hamilton will accompany. It’s a great chance to come together and sing favorite hymns, including seasonal songs and carols. Invite your friends! We will start with a few chosen hymns sitting around the fireplace, and then there will be an opportunity to take requests. Time for refreshment and fellowship will follow. Call Nancy Runner, 715-298-0615, for more information.
Spending CORE Time Together The two events described above, plus an October series on prayer, are examples of how members responded to an invitation last Fall to take an initiative and invite others to focus on one or more of our CORE values. On a daily basis, we can practice Care, Formation, Worship, and Outreach in our personal lives. But it’s also good to spend CORE time together, and not just at weekly worship or programs initiated by staff. By all means, make suggestions to staff what kind of programming you would like to see offered Wednesday nights or other times. Also consider what invitation you can create for “two or three” to gather a few times from January thru March. Share your invitation by midDecember to be announced in the next Messenger.
Children’s Christmas Program Each class of children and youth are planning a way to share the Christmas message during 10:00am worship service on December 21, the fourth Sunday of Advent. Don’t expect the popular and hilarious "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson (titled "The Worst Kids in the World" in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.) Be prepared to sing and enjoy some of the many talents our “Best Kids in the World” will share. Rehearsals will be scheduled on Wednesday evening, December 17, for each class as needed. Sunday school for children and youth will be in recess December 28, and resume January 4. We welcome Wes Ebert who has offered to teach 8th grade and older.
Report on November 7-8 Lock-in Karli Johnson, Zoë Martin, Chloé Larson, Rachel Zahrt, Allie Majernik, Linnea Baraboo, Ali Buul, Lincoln Larson, London Larson and adult chaperones Jen Marzu, Deb Martin and Leo Jacoby called FUMC home for one night. Evening activity included games, the Disney movie Maleficent, and chapel vespers. We were all sleeping at a decent hour! In the morning we discovered our youth are pretty good breakfast cooks. Watch for another Lock-in in January, perhaps connected with Shabbat, January 23.
CAN YOU HELP? The Aesthetics Committee and Board of Trustees are holding a work day on Saturday, December 6th. Please email Sue Kissinger at skissing@uwsp.edu if they can count on your assistance in one of these two projects: Fellowship Hall painting — beginning at 7:00am, Brian Rohland will be heading up the painting of Fellowship Hall. They will need help with spreading plastic, taping, painting the lower parts of the walls/trim and moving the scaffolding. Brian and his friend will be painting the ceiling and upper parts of the walls, so adult volunteers will not be up on the scaffolding. Sanctuary & Chapel cleaning — beginning at 9:00am to prepare for Christmas, we will be polishing the woodwork, vacuuming the pews, cleaning the altar and organizing the pew hymnals and bibles. Please bring your vacuums, especially hand held ones. Other cleaning supplies (rags, furniture polish, etc.) will be supplied. Youth volunteers are welcome on this project. Let’s “Prepare the Way of the Lord!”—with donuts, coffee & juice :)
Concert Opportunity The Central Wisconsin Master Chorale directed, by Dan Larson, presents Bach’s Magnificat, plus seasonal carols with the Suzuki Institute Choir at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 709 Weston Ave, Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm. Advance concert tickets (age 18 and younger are free) available in the Office or from (bass) Leo.
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CARE
Resources for Ministry Financial Update - October 2014 YTD Revenue
Milestones
Expense
Pledged Offering
$ 199,357.90
Salaries & Benefits
$ 192,066.09
Non-Pledged Offering
$
38,981.18
Programming
$
26,266.11
$
36,002.10
Apportionments to Conference
$
45,790.00
Building Operating Expenses
$
55,822.46
Other Total Revenue
Other
$ 274,341.18
$ 319,944.66 Net YTD
YTD 2014 Pledged & Non-Pledged Offerings compared to YTD 2013
$ -45,603.48 749.40 lower
YTD 2014 Total Expenses compared to YTD 2013
3,383.92 lower
YTD 2014 Other Income compared to YTD 2013
2,615.28 higher
Talking about Money
Thank You from Jerry
We do it a lot at this time of year, and it may get old, but we like to see our books balance at the end of the year as much as you do. As you can tell from the chart above, that will be a challenge. After a strong August and September, we stumbled a bit in October. And whatever the chart above says, this is about where we were last year.
As most of you know, I have been involved in the long process of being officially approved as an elder in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. Because I was ordained a Southern Baptist, and not a United Methodist, I’ve had to go through a testing and seasoning process.
The good news is that November and December are traditionally two of our three highest revenue months (along with whichever month has Easter in it). And early giving in November is encouragingly strong. You should have just received one of the regular updates on your giving for the year. If you pledged this year, take a look at where you are on your pledge. We are here for the sake of ministry. All of us can have a hand in that, both in person, and by means of financial support. Thank you for both ways that you serve.
This process has been demanding for you, too, as I’ve had to go away to take classes two different Januaries and last fall added 20 hours a week to my church schedule in order to complete Clinical Pastoral Education.
Lura Bangle, long-time member of this congregation, died on October 27 in California. We pray for her family and her many friends.
Eugene Brandenburg 14 Sharon Gisselman Stan Schacht Madeline Opper Lois Susor Sheila Lentz-Krahn Joe Schreiber 15 Dakota Vannes Linny Smith Sandy McCrory Roxanne Wenzel 16 Robert Bauer Tony Gokey
1
6
Allison Turner, daughter of Mike and Nancy Turner, died on October 31. Please pray for Mike and Nancy and Allison’s brother, Steve, as 7 they grieve in this sudden loss.
Lynne Sydow Betsy Duginski
The father of Janet Wyrick, Irving 8 George, died November 15th in 9 Spring Hill, Florida. We pray for Janet, William & Kevin and their families. 10
Tricia Emmerich Yvonne Firary Carrie Hockerman Heather Vannes
Births: Ken & Marian Attoe 11 Carroll Pieper welcomed a new graddaughter, Arthur Chang Kris Lahren Penelope Marie Attoe, born November 8th to their son & his 13 Maryanne McNutt wife in Jacksonville, FL. Steven McNutt Charlie Strong
24 Vicki Nowaczyk 26 Bella Jauch 28 Dennis Carey 29 Anita Gerber Meredith Majernik
18 Dean Marquardt
30 Isaac Wilde Michael Lattimer 19 Dave Carlson Samuel Edmondson C. Merrill McMahan Benton Edmondson Andy White Amanda Karl Mark Bauer Sue Majernik Brynn Schepp 31 Krystal Costello 20 Chad Decker Nancy Bogumill Maddie Eckardt Sara Koss Beth Burke Darlene Lee Holly Zahn 21 Herm Krahn 23 Ann Johnson
* Signifies an honored elder in a senior facility. We invite you this month to remember these members in your prayers.
On November 4-5, I interviewed with the Board of Ordained Ministry, and I have been approved. Thank you for your amazing support over the past three years.
Are Pre-Paid Pledges Right for You This Year?
FUMC Wired
If you intend to itemize deductions on your 2014 taxes, one option for you is to “pre-pay” on your 2015 Pledge. You can increase your charitable giving for this tax year, and your gift will be counted on next year’s pledge at the church. (If you’re using the Standard Deduction in 2014, this won’t help you.)
Website: fumcwausau.org With links to the weekly sermon (text and podcast)
To do this, your gift must be in the office by December 31. We cannot count gifts as having come in 2014 after we have closed the books for the year.
WiFi Network: FUMC Public (password: fumcpublic)
Page 10
Deaths: We grieve this month with the loss of these members of our church or of our families.
Advent Worship and Fellowship The annual Advent Worship and Fellowship is just around the corner! This year’s event will be on Tuesday, December 2. It will begin at 7:00pm in the Memorial Chapel, with a service on “Christmas Hymns.” The fellowship time will be in the Parlor immediately after the worship service.
facebook.com/WausauFUMC Savvy Seniors will meet at 11:30am at on Monday. December 1, at Jenny’s Restaurant on Grand Ave.
The Advent Worship and Fellowship is sponsored by the United Methodist Women, but it is open to all women and girls. Regardless of whether you are a member of UMW or ever will be, come out and celebrate Advent with the women of our church. Page 3
Preparations are well underway for the Advent and Christmas season! Beyond the music, decorations, shopping, baking and the hustle and bustle of the season - the question is posed - “Is Your Heart Prepared for a King?” Advent is a season for prayer and reforming our hearts. Since it comes during the winter, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent...If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayers. Our worship will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. LONGING - WAITING - SILENCE - STILLNESS - HOPE - EXPECTATION
MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS IN DECEMBER:
HANDBELL FESTIVAL - November 8, 2014 First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, 11/30 - 8:00am and 10:00am services “Imagining Incarnation” Sunday, 12/7 - 8:00am and 10:00am services “Why Do We Sing at Christmas?” Communion Sunday, 12/14 - 10:00am service only “Festival of Lessons and Carols” featuring the FUMC Chancel Choir, Jubilate Bells, Brass Choir, and Orchestral Strings
DON’T BUG ME CONFERENCE - Remi Taylor, Cooper Stamp and Allie Majernik
Sunday, 12/21 - 8:00am - service in the Chapel 10:00 am - Sunday School Christmas Program and birthday party for Jesus Wednesday, 12/24 Christmas Eve Worship Services All services will feature an original story by Gerald Morris “His Own Knew Him Not”
EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT
2014 THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
2:00pm - Daylight service with Communion 4:00pm - Family friendly service Candle Lighting and Communion 8:00pm - Festival Candle Light Service, with Communion, Chancel Choir and Ensembles, Candle Lighting Thursday, 12/25 Christmas Day 46th Annual Community Christmas Dinner at 12:00pm St. Paul’s UCC Dine-in - NO carry out
STAFF Pastor:
Gerald Morris jerry@fumcwausau.org
Music Ministry Coordinator:
Susan Hamilton
susan@fumcwausau.org
Faith Formation Coordinator:
Leo Jacoby
leo@fumcwausau.org
Building Engineer: Accounts & Records Supervisor:
Andy White Karen Kellbach
karen@fumcwausau.org
Secretary:
Arlene Trull arlene@fumcwausau.org
FROM PASTOR JERRY’S DESK
DECEMBER NON PROFIT
The Messenger
2014
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
First United Methodist Church of Wausau 903 Third Street Wausau, WI 54403
In the history of religion – all religion, not just Christianity – there have been two different ways to imagine God. Many religions stress that God is utterly different from us, completely beyond our understanding, separated from our puny humanity by an unimaginable gulf. Others see God as sort of like us, just bigger and more powerful. The first sort of God is more awe-inspiring; the second sort is more approachable.
PERMIT NO. 542 WAUSAU, WI 54403
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Church Purpose:
Sunday, December 14, Third Sunday of Advent 8:00am - No Morning Chapel this week 10:00am - Worship
A Celebration of Christ’s Gift to the World With Holy Communion and the new original short story: “His Own Knew Him Not” 2:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm
Daylight Service* Family Service (with candle-lighting)* Festival Service (with candle-lighting)*
Lessons & Carols Service Jubilate Bells, Chancel Choir Cookie Walk and The Mission Store in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:00 am Sunday, December 21 8:00am - Morning Chapel 10:00am - Worship “Children and Christmas” Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 28 8:00am - Morning Chapel 10:00am - Worship “The Search for Meaning” Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 2:13-24 *We observe Open Communion. All are welcome at God’s table.
THE MESSENGER
Coffee Hour in Wesleyan Room, Decorating Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Services
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WAUSAU
Live and Share God's Love
Sunday, December 7, Second Sunday of Advent 8:00am - Morning Chapel with Communion* 10:00am - Worship with Communion* “Why Do We Sing at Christmas?” Colossians 3:12-17
Both Gods
I should illustrate. Take, for instance, Zeus, the chief god of Greek religion. Zeus is very big and very strong, but in the Greek stories he also has a very human weakness for pretty human girls - lots of them – and an understandable fear of his wife, Hera. Powerful, yes, but with recognizable weaknesses and emotions. By contrast, Persian religion, Islam, and Enlightenment Deism usually describe God as being beyond human categories. This God exists above our sordid weaknesses, ignorance, and emotional instability. This God is worthy of worship, but is not someone you make friends with. Frankly, this God is sort of scary. What about the God of our Bible, the one revered in Judaism and Christianity? Well, we don’t seem to know what we want. On the one hand, the creation account in Genesis describes God as making the universe simply by speaking it into being. The Ten Commandments stress that there is one God and we are not to make any likenesses of that God or compare God to anything on earth, including us. So we definitely have the God that is beyond our understanding. But the same books describe God walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve, eating dinner with Abraham and Sarah, choosing one nation for a special task, and making a covenant with that people – just like people make contracts with each other. In the books of the prophets, we hear God crying out with anguish and indecision, frustrated with the way the people have broken the covenant, but wanting to forgive them and take them back. All very emotional – God seems to be like humans but more so. All this leads us toward Christmas. Really. Because, you see, the basic teaching of this season is that God is both. God is utterly beyond our understanding and yet entered our world, our time, to become not just comparable to us but rather one of us. Our God both transcends human categories and experienced them. This God is not only impossibly stronger than us, but became a frail and dependant creature among us. The core of our teaching at Christmas time is that both perspectives are valid. Both are right, but neither is sufficient by itself. We still don’t know what we want. Some Christians still want a God of impossible power that looms in majesty above our puniness, while others seem to want a God who is their best friend and with whom they can just hang out. Neither is wrong. Here’s what Christmas means: God is both. Phone 715 842-2201
Website: www.fumcwausau.org