December 2016 Newsletter 1200 Atlantic St. Milford, MI 48381 (248) 684-2798 FAX (248) 684-9585 Office Email: [email protected] Link to MUMC website-http://www.milfordumc.net/

Pastor’s Column: Doug’s Discoveries I’ve discovered excitement in The Fourth Quarter. In high school and in college intramurals, playing football was a formative experience for me, and I still think about life in football metaphors. When teams are evenly matched and a game goes down to the final plays, I like to see my team win, but if we lose, I still say, “That was a great game!” I congratulate the winner and pat my team on the back, and say, “We’ll get ‘em next Upcoming Events time!” Community Sewing Bee For Haiti (pg. 4) Children are in the First Quarter of life. As Christian parents and as a faith community, we provide God’s kids with a supportive church home, learn their names, pray for them, and cheer them as they take the field in their lives in many ways. These are irreplaceable years for learning and spiritual formation. “Lord, help us give your kids a great start in our life together at MUMC!”

Thursday, Dec. 1st 10am – 4pm Hall

In the Second and Third Quarters of life we tackle emerging questions… or wrestle with them… and keep learning/improving our game skills, season by season. We build our lives and aim for our goalposts. This is our time to abide in Christ and live as disciples. This is not a practice! Get in the game! Give your best for Christ in the Second and Third Quarters! “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Cookie Walk (pg. 6) Saturday, Dec. 10th 9am-12pm Hall

Birthday Party for Jesus (pg. 4) & Christmas Play Sunday, Dec 4th 11:30am Hall

Christmas Cantata Sunday, Dec.11th 9:30am service Advent Tea (pg. 6) Thursday, December 13th 7-9 pm Hall

I feel that I’m entering the Fourth Quarter of my active ministry. UMW Christmas Program (pg. 6) On the down side, my formal training was in the 1980’s, and the Friday, December 16th 10 am Hall world they trained me for has been replaced by this amazing, new, perplexing world we’re in today. On the up side, I feel the benefits ASPIRE Community Caroling/Potluck (pg.10) of my experience… an ability to notice things that escaped me in Sunday, December 18th 5:00 pm Hall younger days. Are you in the Fourth Quarter? You can make your greatest impact for Christ now through your seasoned prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. These are golden years. I’ve heard football coaches say that certain athletes “Left it all on the field,” meaning they put their hearts into it and gave the whole game their best effort. Thank you, teammates, for your excellent plays here at MUMC in 2016. We’ll need your best efforts in 2017. Whatever your age, I hope you are living for Christ as if it’s the Fourth Quarter. Let’s leave it all on the field! I love you all, Pastor Doug 1

Blue Christmas/Longest Night Svc. (pg. 3) Wednesday, December 21st 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Services (pg. 12) Saturday, December 24th 4:30 pm-Family Service 7:30 pm-Chancel Choir Service 11:00 pm-Communion Service Christmas Day Service (pg. 12) Sunday, December 25th, 9:30 am “Pajama” Service

Our Deacon-Rev. Sherry As we head into Advent and the Christmas season, thoughts of reconciliation are on my mind. We have just endured a long and contentious political season, full of hate, anger, and some violence. I had great hope that when the election was over, that people would accept whatever the result was and move on, to stop spewing angry words and actions and give those who would be elected a chance to chart a new course for our country. I have never before seen such a negative and evil reaction to a presidential election result in our country. I think we need God more than ever and we ALL need to seek reconciliation with each other. Advent is a time of coming together, anticipation of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ who makes all things new. If we allow Christ and God's love to work through and in us, we can move forward. I posted this piece of advice on Facebook from John Wesley, but I feel it bears repeating yet again. "I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them, 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy: 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against: And, 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.” -John Wesley, 18thcentury Anglican preacher and founder of Methodism. This was written in his journal on October 6, 1774 in reference to the British Parliamentary elections held in the fall of that year, and England survived the election. Seems to me this is still good advice for Christians no matter who we each voted for. We are all brothers and sisters in the coming Christ. My Christmas wish and prayer is that we the people pray that God leads President-elect Trump and others in positions of power as well as ourselves to release the anger and bitterness and to reconcile in order to work together for a better world. May you all have a blessed Christmas and a joyous new year. Blessings, Rev. Sherry Advent Notes When. Advent marks the beginning of the church year. It begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and ends Christmas Eve. What. Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, meaning "coming." It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ in various meanings: the promised coming of the Messiah to the Jews, the coming of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, the promised return of the risen Christ in final victory, and the continual coming of Christ into the lives and hearts of believers. Liturgical Context. Advent, which marks the beginning of the liturgical year, is part of the cycle of seasons that includes Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, all related in some fashion to the coming of Jesus. That cycle is followed by Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and the long Pentecost season. History. Advent began in France in the fourth century. Color. The color for Advent has traditionally been purple, but some churches have adopted blue for Advent. The United Methodist Book of Worship upholds the traditional color of purple for Advent, signifying penitence and royalty; but it also allows blue, the color of hope. The Intrusion of Christmas. Advent is a season rich in tradition, symbolism, art, music, and liturgical practice. It has its own unique themes as well as those that point the way to Christmas. And yet, we annually confront questions like, "Why is Advent a separate season from Christmas, with different music and traditions?" The answer is, that Advent has its own themes, practices, spirituality, history, traditions, symbols, art, and music. Without this distinction, we lose the richness and the benefit of experiencing the promise, longing, hope, and expectation of Advent. The world, television, and shopping malls have done all they can to convince us that Advent does not matter. It has no place in our culture, and many of us have come to accept that for our church, as well. Through Advent traditions, our faith community offers us a valuable season of reflection and preparation. - adapted from an article on the UMC Discipleship website by Dean McIntyre 2

Advent

More from Rev. Sherry

2016

“God Bless Us Every One!” The Redemption of Scrooge Our Advent theme this year is called “God Bless Us Every One!” developed by worship guru, Marcia McFee. It is based on an Advent study called “The Redemption of Scrooge by Matt Rawle. The services will have a slightly different format but still filled with the richness of Advent and Christmas tradition with multi-sensory elements. The weekly themes are: Week 1: Bah, Humbug! Week 2: The Remembrance of Christmas Past Week 3: The Life of Christmas Present Week 4: The Hope of Christmas Future. On the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, each family will receive a chain of gold ribbon links to take home. This is an Advent countdown chain. It is intended for you to hang up in your home and remove one link each day in Advent, thinking of things you can let go of. Please keep the links you take off in a bag and bring them to church with you on Christmas Eve. These ribbons will become the golden straw that lines the manger for the baby Jesus. Each person will also receive a small bell on a ribbon to keep with you throughout Advent. This will be a reminder of church bells tolling and keep us focused on the real reason for the season. We hope that Advent will be a meaningful time as we move to Christmas and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In the words of Tiny Tim, “ Bible Study Opportunity - “The Redemption of Scrooge” by Matt Rawle The Wednesday morning Bible study class will be studying the book that is the basis for our Advent worship, November 30 – December 21 at 10:00 am. Purchase of a book is not necessary, but if you would like one, the cost is $10. Please contact Rev. Sherry if you would like one.

Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. They may be facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce. Some are sad, lonely, or hurting. Perhaps they have been unable to have a child, or have suffered through an emotional trauma. Or perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations. Milford UMC would like to reach out to people who feel such burdens by having a Blue Christmas service for the community on December 21, 2016 at 7:00pm. This service will have a more quiet, reflective feel than a traditional Christmas worship service. Scripture, music and meditations will focus on the comfort God offers during dark times. We welcome you to attend this service of reflection and of coming into the light. Our hope is for God’s love and peace to surround us as we sing hymns, read and reflect on scripture, and walk together into the light of the coming King. 3

Birthday Party for Jesus: All members and friends are invited to join us after the 10:30am worship service on Sunday December 4th to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We will be serving our traditional sloppy joe lunch followed by cake and ice cream. After dessert our Christmas pageant performance will begin! No RSVP is required – but we do ask for donations of new, unwrapped toys, books, clothes or other gifts for children infants through teens – these will be donated to the Baldwin Center in Pontiac for less fortunate families. This really is a fun afternoon and we are looking forward to sharing this celebration of the TRUE meaning of Christmas! *Please feel free to invite friends and family members as well! Special thanks also to Bob and Jan Olari for delivering our gifts to the Baldwin Center every year after the program Mitten Tree: Our tree is back in its place in Fellowship Hall, ready to receive your decorations of new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, slippers and socks! These are the most beautiful of decorations for people who are cold as many people around us are in the winter months. This is our way of literally wrapping the warmth of God’s love around them. Donations received by the Birthday Party for Jesus will be given to the Baldwin Center; donations received after that will be given to Community Sharing and Grandma’s Comfort. The tree will remain up through January so we can give the gift of warmth through the winter! Thanks so much for your generosity! Operation Christmas Child: Thanks to some generous donations, we were able to send 89 filled shoebox gifts this year! Each box will be given to a child in a country where there are no other gifts available. For most of these children it will not only be the only gift they get this year but the only one ever – no guarantee of one in future years. This is such a fun, beautiful, tangible way for us to show God’s love around the world. Let’s Keep It Going! Our God is a mighty God and He can use even the smallest everyday items to make a difference in a life. If you are a handcrafter there are many things you can make that would be appropriate – small purses/bags, washcloths, pillowcase dresses, socks, etc. THANK YOU to everyone who helped this year, and a special shout-out to the Mission Committee who donated the cost of shipping the shoe boxes. We look forward to big things in 2017!

Community Sewing Bee For Haiti

Thursday, December 1, 2016 10am – 4pm

Come, bring your friends and join us in a sewing bee for Haiti. We will continue to sew cloth diapers and “pillowcase dresses” to send to help those in need in Haiti, especially after the last hurricane they endured. No sewing experience is needed! There are plenty of jobs besides the actual sewing to be done, such as cutting and pinning. A light lunch will be served. Bring any of the following that you can: portable sewing machines thread (any color) Scissors Pins cutting mats and rotary cutters new or gently used flannel fabric pillow cases (kids' designs or solid colors, any size) or cotton fabric (about 1 yd.) gross grain ribbon (3/8” up to 1” wide, any color) In October, we completed 40 diapers in one day with 14 workers through the day. Let's see if we can double that number and get at least 10 dresses done too! This can be a great day of fellowship and creative effort to help people in Haiti. Don't forget to bring your friends or neighbors! (More on page 5 about the diapers). 4

Community Sewing Bee for Haiti (Continued) Also needed:

Old clean mattress pads, for diaper liners

Old clean flannel sheets, for diaper liners Flannel - new Twill tape – diaper ties Large plastic storage bins Everyone is invited to participate in this event.

ProActive Parenting: Communication with Your Child or Teen Children do not come with an instruction manual. But, we can learn from those who have taught others parenting skills as well as learning from one another. The goal of this parenting series is to enhance our parenting skills and to have a platform to share with one another and support one another in the most wonderful and challenging work we may ever experience. The series, using a DVD based format featuring Jim Williams a national parenting advocate and speaker, is led by Marianne McMunn. As a class, we are enjoying lively and encouraging discussion times as well as learning some practical parenting tips from our lecturer and from one another. We will take the month of December off and start up again with a new topic in January. It’s not too late to join in!

Weekly Topics Will Be: 1/8: Recognizing the Barriers We Build 1/15: Understanding Your Child’s Ages and Stages 1/22: Learning Your Child’s Communication “Style” 1/29: Improving Communication in Your Home All are welcome. There is no pressure to attend all of the classes. Come to any of the classes as you are able. Meet in the Parlor at 10:45 a.m. Childcare is provided. Questions? Call Marianne at 248-875-3783.

BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE We are happy to report to you that an inspection of the front of our building was conducted at the end of October. Through our contacts at the Village of Milford, Dave Ebert met with Mr. Ed Boryn to inspect the condition of the north brick wall, the roof and drainage. It was recommended that we install new drainage tiles at the base of the building and reroute water drainage off the roof towards the street as soon as possible. Mr. Boryn met with Dave and, generously, did not charge us for the inspection. The Building Committee decided that we would like to proceed with the repairs using the funds already donated. Church Council and the Trustees agreed but asked that a motion be presented at the annual Church Conference on 11/13/16 to approve this expenditure because the funds, originally donated for the inspection, were proposed to be used in a different manner. That motion was made and approved at the Church Conference and plans will proceed to repair the drainage and cracks in the north wall as soon as weather permits this spring. The Building Committee will be working with the Trustees to obtain bids for the repair work. Please remember the Sanctuary Renovation project when you are considering your year-end giving and your budget for 2017. We estimate that $7000 is needed to hire an architect to plan and prepare for the sanctuary renovation. We would like to have these plans in place by next year when we will be celebrating 50 years on Atlantic Street. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact any of the Building Committee members. FYI: Because of the holiday, we will not be meeting in December. Thank you all for your consideration and support. 5

United Methodist Women December 1st-9:30 am Morning Glories, Meeting place: Home of Tracy Bruletti December 7th-1:30 pm Executive Board Meeting, Parlor December 10th-9:00 am-12 noon Cookie Walk Sally Schiemann and Kimberly Golden NOTE: Setup December 9th December 13th-7:00 pm-9:00 pm Advent Tea (See below) December 16th-10:00am Clara’s Helping Hands Circle & All UMW Christmas Celebration “Love At Christ mas” Hostess-Everyone “A heart at peace gives life to the body” Proverbs14:30 December 20th-7:00 pm Mary-Martha Circle, Meeting place: Home of Donna Caswell Gifts are exchanged (under $5), and they can be homemade items (if you wish to participate). Need a ride: 248-685-8806.

The Advent Tea!! Why did God choose shepherds to be the first to see the Christ Child? Join us December 13th (Tuesday) from 7-9 pm to ponder this question and celebrate the season with carols, fellowship, and delicious snacks. We need 10 volunteers to decorate individual tables with Christmas ornaments and supply a tea pot for each table. Everyone is invited; open seating at any table. Cups, snack trays, and silverware are provided. Please bring a plate of your “specialty” snack to share. Let’s take time from the busy-ness of the season to sing carols, visit with friends, and think about life as it was about 2016 years ago. Questions? Contact Linda Sturgeon at 248-685-8806 or Barb Harris at 248-685-0289.

Cookie Walk Is Coming! Start digging for your favorite Christmas Cookie recipes. Our annual Cookie Walk is Saturday, Dec.10th, 9am –12pm. We need lots of bakers. Sign up sheets are in the fellowship hall after Sunday service. We need to know if your cookie contains NUTS. The monies raised are used for local, as well as world wide missions. Contact Sally Schiemann or Kimberly Golden for more information.

Christmas Offering Please consider making a special Christmas Offering to MUMC in addition to your regular tithes and offerings. The Christmas Offering helps our general fund finish the year with all our obligations funded, including apportionments: our fair share in the support of our church’s connectional ministries. Yes, your help is needed! You may send your Christmas Offering to the church office or present it at any worship service. Thank you! Christmas Cards for Church Staff If you wish to acknowledge any member of the church staff, there will be a Christmas card basket in the fellowship hall. If you wish to include a check, it should be payable to the individual, not to the church.

Offering Envelopes 2017 Offering Envelopes will be available for pick up beginning December 11 near the Church Entrance. Please pick them up early as if to show God how excited you are about giving.

Best Wishes and Blessings All of the staff at Friends Preschool and Kindergarten wish blessings to all of the congregation for a wonderful, happy, and healthy Christmas and New Year. Merry Christmas! 6

Did You Know? That The Following Things Occurred At MUMC This Year? -This year, Stitching for Others sent 21 quilts to Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield and 44 lap quilts to Rivertown Assisted Living in Detroit. -Last month The United Methodist Women gave the 2016 honor of “Special Mission Person” to the following people: Sandy Thomann, Phyllis Motley, Pat Loder, Sue Shove, and Ann Godwin. Thank you for letting your lights shine! -In early 2016, MUMC sent $100 to “The John Dean Town Health Project” in Liberia. Our Ann Arbor District is partnering with our friends in Africa to improve maternal health care in a remote area. We are making a difference. We pray for God’s grace upon those who lead this life-saving mission. That Henry Shettler Has Provided Substantial Information Technology Support To Our Church? We can thank Henry by recommending him to others for their IT support needs. His number is 248-318-4036. That There Is A New Law Regarding Caregiving After A Hospital Stay? According to AARP Magazine, Michigan has a new law that helps ease certain tasks of caregiving. The CARE Act (Care, Advise, Record, Enable) requires hospitals to: -Let patients designate a caregiver at the time they are admitted. -Notify the caregiver when the patient is about to be sent home or transferred. -Provide instructions to the caregiver about tasks required once the patient comes home.

VCI Travel Team Report Your VCI Travel Team (Cheryl Daman, Sherry Foster, Bette Knedgen, Cory Lupinacci, Doug McMunn, and Katy Weeks), has been hard at work, learning from excellent authors in the field of church vitality. On three Saturday mornings we have travelled to Howell: First United Methodist Church to meet with similar teams from 5 other churches. We have recently accessed a web-based service called MissionInsight, which provides us with demographic information. The subscription is paid by the Detroit Annual Conference, supported by our apportionments. It lets us select, for example, an eight mile radius circle surrounding our church and learn about the people who live in this area and the projections for the next ten years. We learn about common characteristics of our neighbors so that we can, with God’s help, find more ways to serve more of the people around us. We found the website very useful. Our next “VCI Home Team” session is on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to join in these learning sessions. So far, we have been joined by Lance Oberg, Marianne McMunn, and Julia Lupinacci.

Your Family Christmas Letters? If you publish your own Christmas card with photos, or if you write a family Christmas letter, we invite you to post a copy in the Fellowship Hall on our Wall of Opportunity. This is one more way for us to get to know each other in the church. Enjoy!

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Happy

Anniversary

12/27 David & Nancy Ebert 12/28 Carl & Linda Sturgeon

Dec 1: Jeff Motschenbacher, Bob Olari & Karen Smith, Dec. 2: Mark Herwick & Pastor Doug McMunn, Dec. 3: Doug Holloway, Dec. 4: Allison Schils, Dec. 5: Joan Wilson, Dec. 6: Braden Edwards & Dana Watkins, Dec. 13: Gillian James & Melissa White, Dec. 14: Sam Gorton, Dec. 15: Todd Rockwell, Dec. 17: Chloe Atkeson, Dec. 19: Kendyll Klingensmith, Dec. 20: Carson White, Dec. 21: Katja Olari, & Leah Tribble Barrett, Dec. 22: Andy Cowell, Bonnie Glinter, & John Heidt, Dec. 23: Cory Lupinacci, Jonathon Heidt, & Shawn Shove, Dec. 27: Stacy Atkeson , Dec. 29: Tom Smith, Dec. 30: Glenda Grix & Dave Ebert, Dec. 31: Richard Skarritt

IN OUR PRAYERS

Tos.

New Prayers: An unspoken request Continuing Prayers: Ella Bench, Arlene & Steve Booker, Jill Coget, Julia Cohea, Betty Dryer, Patty Harvey, Carol Hawkinson, Rebecca Gierhart, Shauna James, Virginia Jeffers, Margaret Leibler, Richard Leibler, Eddie McManus, Loni & Scott McNeice, Allen Morris, Larry Moscal, Tom O’Brien, Elise Patarek, Sharon Peterson-Moshenko, Bert and Norma Weening, New Sawtrol UMC (sister church, Liberia), missionaries: The Gablers and The

Homebound, Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Care: Winnie Crawford, Elizabeth Gordinier, Barb Harrison, Bill Lorenz, Gary Scholes, Richard Skarritt, and Kyoung Yim.

Members in College: Lane Andrews, David Bonhard, Alexandra Craig, Audrey Fisher, Christian James, Katie Loder, Rachel McAuliffe, Cole McKane, Luke Olari, Katja Olari, Marshall Rittenger, Jessica Rockwell, Mike Rockwell, Audrey Shoberg, Brendan Shove, Dana Shove, Ieasha Shufflebarger, Kayla Shufflebarger, Nathan Smith, Sarah Smith, Ben Weeks, Evelyn Rose Whitlock, and Lauren Whitlock. Other church members in postsecondary education? Please notify the church office.

Those in the Military: Capt. Jamie Bowman, Matt Cowell, Sgt. Jennifer Ducote, Sgt. First Class Michael Ducote, Staff Sgt. Sean Foster, Jeremy Francis, Col. Chris Garver, ABF Elena Glinter/Navy, Kelly Harvey, Sgt Deacon Holton, Sgt. Ryan Kidd, Lance Corp. Michael Leibler, 2nd Lt. Alaina Maten, ANG, Jonathan Maten, Army, Gunnery Sgts. Connie & Gary Ollar, Airman Adam Rack, Jeremy Rudd, Jacob Smucker, Chris Thomas, Staff Sgt. Charles VanAcker III, & Capt. Bryan Vaught. Deployed: Col. Christopher Garver ; Major Matt Graham in USAF Minot AFB, N.D.; Lt. Col. Eric Harris deployed to the UAE, Bahrain, & Saudi Arabia, Danny Scull deployed to Japan. Others deployed? Please notify the church office. Thank you all for your service!!

**Newsletter Deadline** The Deadline for the January newsletter is December 15th. 8

God Inspired Turning Points – Celebrate by Debbie Llewellyn I was listening to the radio on the way to work and “Celebrate” by Kool and the Gang was playing. This song fills me with joy every time I hear hit. My foot starts tapping and my fingers start snapping. I can’t help myself. And, the good feeling “sticks” because the music has residual impact. As I was walking into my office still singing, it suddenly occurred to me, God wants me to feel like this all the time – despite what may be going on in my life at any particular moment. Sure, it’s the season to celebrate – extra time with family and friends, and the most important thing of all -- it’s the time Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But, imagine feeling like this all the time. It’s possible. Keep these passages from the Bible in the forefront of your mind, or jot them down on a piece of paper to read as you go through your day: * Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” * Psalm 98:4: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” * Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is a fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” And, of course, you can throw in some Kool and the Gang: “There’s a party goin’ on right here A celebration to last throughout the years So bring your good times, and your laughter too We’re gonna’ celebrate your party with you! It’s time to come together It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure Everyone around the world Come on!” Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Witness Committee Report-out As we get “wrapped up” in the hustle and bustle of the season, may the lyrics from Jackie DeShannon’s tune “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” be your guide: “Think of your fellow man Lend him a helping hand Put a little love in your heart And the world will be a better place For you and me You just wait and see” A few suggestions: * Volunteer at a food kitchen * Drop some spare change into the Salvation Army Bucket * Be a Salvation Army bell ringer * Support the Marine’s “Toys for Tots” program * Donate food to Community Sharing so a family can prepare Christmas Dinner * Make peace with a family member or friend 9

For more information go to www.christ-lutheran-milford.org Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers from our church who made the Cass dinner last Sunday a big success. It was a little disappointing that we had fewer guests than usual, due to a mix-up in their schedule, but still a joy to entertain the ones who were able to come. Always a blessing to see them! As always, we had plenty of eager volunteers to interact with our guests and give them an enjoyable visit and delicious food. We even had a few young children come this time. A special thank you to Vicki & Scott Smith for providing the majority of the food for the Cass dinner, Cathy Dykstra for preparing the food and running the kitchen and BRIDGE for their participation. This congregation is always amazing with their mission support, even on a very busy weekend. In his name, Carla Gorton, Mission Committee BRIDGE Calendar and Events

December 4: regular {Cory-travel} December 11: regular December 18: ASPIRE Community: Christmas caroling ASPIRE Community - Christmas Caroling at 5:00 pm As is our tradition, we will be Christmas Caroling in the Milford community surrounding the church. This is open to EVERYONE --- so please bring families and friends. This will be followed by a potluck dinner. An online sign-up will be sent out shortly. Please put this on your calendar --- it's always fun! For more information contact Cory Lupinacci-248.931.9951 or [email protected].

ASP Mission Opportunity Our next Appalachia Service Project mission trip will be July 1 - July 8, 2017. We will be traveling to eastern Kentucky. There are 36 spaces available of which 11 must be adult leaders. We will have an informational meeting on December 11th at 7:30 pm. Please join us to learn more about our trip. ASP is a life changing experience. It is a youth work project where teams of two adults and 4 to 5 youth team up to work on home repair. The repairs could be anything from painting and insulating to major construction or reconstruction to make homes warmer, safer and dryer. ASP welcomes people of all experience levels. ASP considers itself a relationship ministry that does construction on the side. Many of us who have attended ASP have formed lasting bonds with some of the families we have helped that continue long after we return home. ASP also allows our team members to get to know each other and produces bonds that last a lifetime. ASP offers adults to get to know the youth of our church in a way that would be impossible under normal circumstances. If you are unable to travel to ASP with us, we also need help at home with fundraising, preparation, vehicles to use for the week and your prayers for us as we prepare and travel. If you are interested in ASP or have questions about ASP, please contact Cheryl Smith at 248-310-9370 or [email protected]. 10

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Worship Service Volunteers December 4 Greeter: Judy Culbertson Ushers: Julius Glinter, John Robinson, Al Worrell, Linda Fraser Liturgist: Gary Herwick Counters: Linda Fraser & Al Worrell Children’s Church: Karen Smith December 11 Greeter: Sue Trevas Ushers: Doug Radeka, Ray Michaels, Jeff Motschenbacher, Chris Smith Liturgist: Brian Stevens Counters: Bette Knedgen & Deb Bonnewell Children’s Church: Stacy Atkeson December 18 Greeter: Carol Hawkinson Ushers: Roger Clemens, Lance Oberg, Ron Opfer, Carla Gorton Liturgist: Barb Harris Counters: John Olari & Doug Holloway Children’s Church: Melissa Vickory December 25 Greeter: Doug Holloway Ushers: Jan/Bob, Regina Olari, Larry Shaver, Carl Hawkinson Liturgist: Vicki Katchever Counters: TBD Noisy Offering-Missionary Support Fellowship Hour Hosts-Men’s Club

Kelley’s Korner-

December 2016 Worship Features and Sermon Themes “The Redemption of Scrooge,” a series based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Matt Rawle’s book, The Redemption of Scrooge. December 4 Advent II Holy Communion Luke 2:8-14 “The Remembrance of Christmas Past: Hope from Heartbreak” December 11 Advent III Choir Cantata “Go Sing it On the Mountain” December 18 Advent IV Luke 4:18, 19 “The Hope of Christmas Future: DeathDefying Acts” December 24 Christmas Eve “The Redemption of Scrooge: Keeping Christmas Well” 4:30 p.m. Child-Friendly Worship with the Gospel in drama 7:30 p.m. Pastor’s Christmas Message, Choir, Candles, and Carols 11:00 p.m. Carols, Pastor’s Homily & Holy Communion December 25 Christmas Day Matthew 2:1-18 “The Life of Christmas Present: Look Upon Me” January 1 Holy Communion John 1:1-14 “God Bless Us- Every One!” John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer January 8 Joint Worship Service at Milford Presbyterian Church-10:00 am

Merry Christmas to you all! May this month bring you love, peace and joy! I am so thankful that God sent His son and to celebrate and rejoice in His birth. Last month I reported on the MI-AIM weekend retreat that I attended in October. On November 18, Pam Haskell and I held our first gathering as the Ann Arbor District Representatives for MI-AIM. We invited the District secretary, Dar McGee and the secretaries from the churches closest to us. We are looking forward to hosting more in the new year.

Ministers– All members of the church Pastor– Rev. Douglas J. McMunn Deacon- Rev. Sherry Foster Children’s Ministry Director-Karen J. Smith Music Director-Linda Lutz Nursery Care Director– Kayla Shufflebarger Friends Preschool Director-Robin Fletcher Office Manager-Kelley Cerny Custodian-Margie Majewski Maintenance-Tim Bonnewell

Lost & Found: Black Leather NAS Bible; sunglasses - brown tortoise shell; black and gold glasses; keys; a couple different single earrings; a thirty-one water bottle carrying bag. These items are in my office and I would love for them to find their homes! 12