FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “LOVING GOD, SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS”
Phone: 419-447-6748 Email:
[email protected] Website: tiffinfaith.org
Prepare
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus…of his kingdom there will be no end’.” Luke 1:30-31 The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus which means “coming.” Advent is the season of the year we place some added emphasis on preparing for the arrival of our Savior. It is a time for us to consider once again what it might have been like for those who first yearned for a deliverer. It is a time for us to consider again what it might have been like for those who were first made aware the time is near and how we might have responded. Advent is also a time for us to consider what it would have been like for Mary to have the Holy Spirit come upon you and bear Christ for the world. I have a feeling Mary would have appreciated a little more preparation time or forewarning before this announcement by the angel Gabriel! I wonder how many times during those nine months she wished she could reconsider? Of course her people had waited a long long time for this kind of news, but did anyone really give serious thought they might be asked to participate in such an up-close and personal way?! And yet how blessed she was to say yes, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Luke’s Gospel presents some wonderful pre-birth moments describing encounters between divine messengers and willing recipients. Mary and Elizabeth greet one another and share the news, blessing, and meaning not only for themselves, but for their people and the world of what is to come. They had months to ponder and prepare to bring forth the life within them, given them by God as gifts for the world. As we make preparations for Christmas to come the challenge often seems to be how will we slow down enough to savor this
Christmas Season
Remember the song The Twelve Days of Christmas? We all know how the stores put Christmas decorations out before Halloween these days and then quickly clear them away. It seems like no sooner do they do this then the spring clothes are put out! What if the church reclaimed the season and celebrated Christmas for twelve days?! I mean, what would people think if they heard the churches still singing the wonderful hymns after the stores stopped playing their “holiday” tracks? Would the peace and joy and good will towards all people fade as quickly if we kept singing…he has arrived! He is here! He is coming again to you and me so rejoice and sing with the angels! The season of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and continues through the Day of Epiphany, January 6, when we celebrate the visit of the Magi and Christ being revealed to the world.
precious time of year and the reason the church celebrates it? Will we connect for the first time with our faith ancestors of old, or reconnect again, as we engage the scriptures this time of year? Will we celebrate our faith ancestor’s openness and willingness to participate in God’s mighty acts of salvation not only to receive the Holy coming upon them, but to bear this gift for the world as well? As we wonder what to buy someone else, or bring things to share with those in need, do we pray this greatest gift come upon, be at work within and through them as well? What a gift given to us! What a gift to receive! What a gift to share! You know the hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”? Here are the last two verses. Read, meditate, reflect and pray with them if you like. 3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. 4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! It is time to prepare once again. The time has come to make ready and go on the journey to Bethlehem and lift up our voices with the angels! Maybe pull out one or more of your favorite hymns for this time of year and allow the Spirit of God to come upon, fill, and lead you to share the gift. Grace & Peace be with you all this holy time of year,
Pastor Jeff Mary’s Shower & Thank Offering Program The United Methodist Women met at the church on November 14th at 10:00 a.m. Our program centered around our annual "Thank Offering". We meet every other month during the year and we extend a welcome to anyone interested in joining us. Our mission for December will be our annual Mary's Shower. We are asking for baby items, such as diapers, blankets and clothes for babies from new-born to two years old. We ask that the clothing be new or gently used. These items are then given to our local Heartbeat who will dispense to young mothers in need who earn these items by attending classes and training in caring for their babies. A play pen will be available for the items that you bring. On behalf of Heartbeat and the children that benefit, we thank you.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! From the Choir Loft The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word meaning “coming” or arrival.” It’s the season we look back to Christ’s first coming as a baby born in Bethlehem, and we look forward with joy to His second coming. Then, as Advent progresses, our thoughts begin to think of gifts, especially of God’s greatest gift to mankind when He gave his one and only son to the world, but the world knew him not. C.S. Lewis, the famous author wrote: “The Son of God became a man to enable man to become sons of God.” Obviously, gifts are many and varied and are shared in countless times and ways throughout the year. God has given each of us unique abilities, talents and gifts, including the gift of music, to be used in His service. The third Sunday of Advent, December 13, the chancel choir is planning to share our gift to the congregation during the 10:15 morning worship service. “Return to Bethlehem” is a collection of some favorite seasonal anthems and includes an original theme song as well as abbreviated liturgy to contemplate as the celebration of Christmas grows near. In addition to “Return to Bethlehem,” Jo Lynn is planning to share her gift of harp music at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve as a prelude to the traditional service with the choir at 7 p.m. This year, as we once again follow the star and “Return to Bethlehem,” let us, like Mary, ponder all the spiritual gifts we will see and hear and receive during this most sacred, holy season. Sing ~ ‘cerely,
Nancy Short Term Study
A great way to begin the new year! Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity & Generosity, by Adam Hamilton is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money. Sign up for the morning 10:00-11:00a.m or evening 6:30-7:30p.m. session. Last day for signup is December 20. The 5 sessions begin Wednesday Jan. 6, 2016. Cost for the study is $10. Questions? Contact Pastor Jeff.
Congratulations to Lauryn Lanzer on her induction into the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society on November 7! Lauryn was chosen for having over a 3.5 GPA and being in the top 20% of her class at Baldwin Wallace University!
We can not thank our church family enough for all of the generous gifts and kind sentiments we received for Pastor Appreciation. Our trip to Green Bay to attend the Packers game was unbelievable! Our time away was so enjoyable and much needed after a long, stressful summer! The cards, gifts and kind words are so truly appreciated. Thanks again to the SPRC for the Pastor Appreciation brunch that was held for us. Also, thanks for the cards we have received as we became first time grandparents on Sept. 30 to Reese Elizabeth Banyasz ~ our hearts are so full of joy!! We are blessed to be a part of the Faith UMC family!! With gratitude ~ Pastor Jeff and Carol
Christmas Missions The Mission Team has met and is planning the activities for the new year and we have some exciting projects coming up. But before we close 2015, we want to thank all of you who gave so generously to the Christmas Gift Wish for the residents at Flat Rock. These items were delivered to a grateful group of wonderful people. You made their Christmas very special and our committee thanks you for all that you gave. We now have a few more annual projects to do for the month of December. As we have done in the past, we will be adopting two families through the Salvation Army that have requested help for Christmas gifts. We will use the Christmas tree to hang the requested items and you may choose the gifts that you would like to purchase. Do not wrap the items. Put them in a bag with the tag from the tree. Once again thank you for your giving hearts that help others in need. We will also be asking for hats, mittens, gloves and warm scarves for the Sharing Kitchen's Christmas Party at St. Paul's UMC and for Patchworks House. You may buy these items, or if you have time and want to knit them, your gifts are always appreciated. Thank you and God bless. The deadline for both the Salvation Army and St. Paul's is December 7.
Worship Services Dec. 6 2nd Sunday of Advent 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship: Eucharist Message Text: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79; 3:1-6 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled: Eucharist Dec. 13 3rd Sunday of Advent 8 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Luke 3:7-18 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship: Message through music by Choir 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled Dec. 20 4th Sunday of Advent 8 a.m. Traditional Worship: Message Text: Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 10 a.m. Traditional Worship: Children’s Program 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 6:30p.m. Harp Prelude to 7p.m. service 7:00p.m. Traditional Candlelight: Service of Lessons & Carols 11:00p.m. Lessons, Carols, Candlelight & Communion December 25th Christmas Day Dec. 27 1st Sunday after Christmas 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Luke 2:41-52 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled
We worship you, O God, Creator of all things seen and unseen!
Love Offering Once again, the SPRC is inviting you to be part of expressing your appreciation to the staff of this church through a love offering to be shared equally between the support staff Sunday, December 6 and 13. Those employees are: Chris, Jane and Adam Arnold, Custodians; Nancy Ferguson and Jan Foy, Organists; Brittany Cook, Administrative Assistant; Bonnie Scherger, Financial Secretary; and Woody Plank, Treasurer. Thanks for affirming their work for our church.
Christmas Open House Pastor Jeff, Carol & Family invite you to join with them on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 1:30 p.m. —4:30 p.m. at the parsonage for a Christmas Open House. Indulge in some delicious appetizers & festive desserts and enjoy lots of fun & fellowship as we celebrate this holy season!
Special Christmas Services
Reconciled:
11:45 a.m. services December 6 through Christmas The series tells the story of Christmas through different perspectives, including figures such as King Herod, the angels, the innkeeper, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph.
Annual Children's Christmas Play
10 a.m. December 20 This year’s play is “Christmas Returns”— a fun look into the day after Christmas. We look forward to seeing you there!
Community Kids Program Community kids without a home church are to present their view of Christmas during the Reconciled
11:45 a.m. December 20 Please come and support these kids and their families.
The following people have received our special prayers this past month:
Kelly Pelayo Betsy Frase David Bakos the family of Hal Philbrook the family of Medreth Scheer the family of Linda Remington those in the military and their families the church James Crawford Darl Wilson Ben Ladd Nita Doran Aydin Bradner Melanie Gladden Marilyn Rumschlag Earl & Sherry Ash
December Anniversaries 2-Don & Karen Knaur 5-Patrick & Stephanie Marshall 11- David & Charlene Thomas 17-Dan & Shirley Galaba 20-Gary & Jan Dundore, Harold & Laura Lou Schubert 26-Daniel & Melissa Martin 27-Ronald & Melody Creeger 30-Bo & Jani Yanni
1-Terry Glick, John Hilborn, Joby Johnston, Jim Kimmel 3-Deb Fuller, James Knott 4-Steve Cochie, Kanae Kuretani, Mark Tooley 5-Jeanne Gnepper, Don Knaur, Cassandra Traunero 6-Kalyn Starkey 7-Alice Harding, Ralph Harding 9-Joyce Austin 10-Aryonna Albert, Doris Eborg, Jason Solomon 11-Carol Lanzer, Pat McDonald 12-Weston Reinbolt, Stephen Robinson 13-Deborah Madden, Danielle Willman 14-Becky Faber, Marilyn Kisabeth 15-Julia Barger, Melissa Martin, Rev. Donna Van Trees 16-Donna Mae Charlton, Ray Nutter 17-Sherry Ash, Sharon Skeel 18-Elizabeth Barber, Marcus Feasel, James Rumschlag, Clara Shawberry 19-Phyllis Earl 21-Maizie Grace Mellott 22- Becky Whitmer 23-Ronald Creeger 24-Donovan Kiser 25-Ken Foy, Emily Hepperly 27-Dorothy Decker, Joseph Hummel 28-Dan McKenrick 31-Layla Feasel, Anthony McDonald, Alaina Ritter, Lynette Seigley
Sun.
6
13
Mon.
7
14
7 p.m.
Tues.
27
21
28
Thurs.
1
2
3
4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers
7:30 a.m. Bible Study at Bailiwicks 6:30 p.m. The Landing
8:30 a.m. TOPS
8
9
10
4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers
7:30 a.m. Bible Study at Bailiwicks 6:30 p.m. The Landing
8:30 a.m. TOPS
15
16
17
4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers
7:30 a.m. Bible Study at Bailiwicks 6:30 p.m. The Landing
8:30 a.m. TOPS
22
23
24
4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers
7:30 a.m. Bible Study at Bailiwicks 6:30 p.m. The Landing
8:30 a.m. TOPS
29
30
31
4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers
7:30 a.m. Bible Study at Bailiwicks 6:30 p.m. The Landing
8:30 a.m. TOPS
Trustees meeting 20
Weds.
Fri. 4
Sat. 5 8:00 a.m. Weight Watchers
7p.m. Choir Practice 11
12 8:00 a.m. Weight Watchers
7p.m. Choir Practice 18
19 8:00 a.m. Weight Watchers
7p.m. Choir Practice
7p.m. Choir Practice
7p.m. Choir Practice
25
26 8:00 a.m. Weight Watchers
FAITH UMC
NON-PROFIT ORG US Postal Permit #287
75 N. Sandusky St.
Tiffin, OH 44883
Tiffin, OH 44883
LITURGISTS 8:00 a.m. Laura O’Millian
10:15 a.m. Kris Klopfenstein READERS
December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27
Sandy Mesnard Laura Quickle Linda Depinet Bonnie Scherger
Lois Eisenhard Joan Shobe Chris Arnold Jerrie Pryor
December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27
David Dietrich Alexis Quickle Kevin Dietrich David Dietrich
Abby Glover & Hannah Borer Max Fortney Sydney Fortney Noah Borer
December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27
A/V OPERATORS Brian Briggs Kevin & Jonathan O’Millian Tim Everhart & David Dietrich Brian Briggs
Jason & Noah Borer Bruce & Julie Morris Greg Glover Jason & Noah Borer
ACOLYTES
NURSERY December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27
Jason & Hollie Borer Micki & Mark Tusing Melissa & Curt Mellott Bruce & Julie Morris GREETERS & USHERS 8:00 a.m. Dave, Linda, & Ryan Depinet
10:15 a.m. Nell & Jim Crum
