|
Thought for the Day:
Jesus the baby grew into the man who set the example, giving himself to the poor and marginalized, feeding, healing, teaching.
- Mona Bagasao-Cave |
|
|
|
|
A THRILL OF HOPE - Advent Series 2010
During the Advent and Christmas season we will look at the familiar Christmas story in Word and art. As we hear the well known story from Matthew and Luke's gospel and ponder the art of John August Swanson, the series is to be a catalyst for our journey of faith. Swanson's use of complex color, his wide depiction of diversity, the involvement of the community and the world of Christianity bring to life in new ways God's working in our world and in our lives. Through the story, art, and music of the season we will experience both God's sense of possibility and our human sense of possibility for life and creation.
December 4/5: THE NATIVITY
Second week of Advent
Luke 2:1-7
Communion Weekend
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am
I suspect that you have heard the saying or have experienced it first hand, "A baby changes everything." When our first born, Nelson, came into our lives, the changes were dramatic. He changed the amount of sleep I could get at one stretch of time. The accumulation of equipment and goods in our home increased significantly, I never left home without packing to respond to every imaginable scenario, he demanded attention, and he amazed me with the discovery of my capacity to love. Most everything about our lives changed with his birth.
This weekend we are going to look at the birth of Jesus and the way in which his birth changed everything. Luke tells us in his story, Jesus' birth marked a change from the time of those days v.1 to this day v.11. No longer was the fear of the Roman Empire the standard. For on this day, a child was born who would bring new possibilities and hope for a different way of life.
I look forward to sharing the second weekend of Advent with you. I hope that you will take a moment to invite someone to come with you to worship this weekend. I am reminded that there are some times in the year when people are especially longing for something more and receptive to an invitation to be part of a church community. The Advent and Christmas season is one of those times.
See you in worship this weekend!
Pastor Susan
|
|
|
| ________________________________________________________________ |
Thanksgiving Offering
Thank you to those of you who have already given a Thanksgiving gift to support the mission and ministry of our congregation. As of Mon, Nov 29, we received $40,000. The offering envelopes and financial commitments continue to come into the office through the mail. Your Thanksgiving gift will allow us to staff our congregation and provide excellent pastoral and congregational care, increase our mission giving to those in need outside our congregation, provide for Christian education for our children and youth, and support families who are going through difficult times. As you may be reflecting on how to make year end gifts, the Thanksgiving Offering goes to support incredible ministry to over 5000 persons who come into our building each week as well as countless others in our Milwaukee community, in our country and throughout the world.
Many of you have shared with me that it has been a special privilege and joy for you to give to this Offering. There have been many reasons: in thankfulness for pastoral care that has been received, for the excitement and support of new staff, for the care of persons in our congregation who are hurting, for exceptional worship and for unexpected gifts. I have been touched by your responses.
Gifts can be made by using the Thanksgiving Offering envelopes or simply writing, Thanksgiving Gift on the memo line of your check. Additional commitment to giving cards can be obtained through Pam Vaughan's office pvaughan@umcwfb.org
Again, thank you. Pastor Susan
|
| ________________________________________________________________ |
 Taize WorshipFriday, 7:30 PM
Come take a breather and fill your spirit with the Holy Spirit. The holidays can overwhelm us. Come celebrate the Christ in Christmas!
The Taize service is marked by singing and long silences for meditation and prayer. It is meant to encourage a close connection with God through deep relaxation, to bypass intellectual part of the brain and go straight to the soul. |
| ________________________________________________________________ |
|
SIGN UP TODAY for our Family Advent Workshop on Sunday, December 5 from 3:00-5 PM in Fellowship Hall. Come for an hour...or two and choose between 8 different craft stations where you can make a gift for someone special or to take home and enjoy for years to come! Enjoy holiday refreshments, music and fellowship with friends while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with your family. No cost for participation, a free-will offering will be accepted at the workshop. RESERVATION REQUIRED. DEADLINE: Wednesday, Dec. 1 - call the church office at 414-964-2424 to make your reservation today! For more information, contact Dana Saxton at x 113. |
| ________________________________________________________________ |
Christmas with a Conscience Fair
Sunday Dec. 5, Jones Narthex
Numerous missions will be represented at this annual event, giving you the opportunity to make a donation as a gift for someone else. This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all, the gift of giving.
Participants include: Mission Store, The Elephant's Trunk, Heifer Project, Community UMC, Nome, Alaska, Sister Church in Talanga, Honduras, United Methodist Children's Services, Northcott Neighborhood House, and others. |
| ________________________________________________________________ |
|
Support our troops this Holiday Season!
The Army Reserve Medical Training unit, located down Silver Spring Drive, is having their annual Christmas celebration on Dec. 12. They are in need of someone to provide a meal on this day. Our congregation has provided meals in the past and would like to continue supporting this small local unit of soldiers.
We need folks to prepare a special Christmas meal for approximately 30 people and to deliver it to the unit. What a wonderful way to show our support to those serving our country locally. If you are interested, please contact Chris Pagenkop at chrispage13@hotmail.com or 414-443-4404 (work) or 262-780-5489 (home)
|
| ________________________________________________________________ |
|
Saturday Dec. 11: 3:00 PM Sunday Dec. 12: 3:00 and 7:00 PM
Child of Hope, a church-wide Christmas event to help our congregation and the community prepare for and rejoice in Jesus' birth. This inspiring 90-minute event will prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ Child through the glorious sounds of choirs, handbells, and orchestra. More than 150 participants will be offering music, poetry, scripture, liturgical dance, ballet, and drama.
One of the greatest gifts of caring that you can give to another person, is the gift of an invitation to church.
$10 Adults- $5 Children Tickets are available in the church office or from any of our staff members.
|
| ________________________________________________________________ |
|
