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Thought for the Day:
As we bring every part of our natural bodily life into harmony with the new life God has placed within us, He will exhibit in us the virtues that were characteristic of the Lord Jesus.
- Oswald Chambers |
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A Thrill of Hope: THE FLIGHT
Matthew 2.13-23
This weekend we are going to conclude our series on A Thrill of Hope. As the world rejoices in the hope that has come in the child Jesus, we turn our attention to an early story in the Gospel of Matthew following the child's birth. It is, ultimately, a story of hope, a story of assurance, a story of God's working in and through the child to bring God's reign in the world.
As you prepare for worship and read this story, it is a complex one. In fact, it is a story I have never preached on. As you read it, I'd like to have you read it as a confession of faith rather than an objective story. As you read it, what do you hear God saying to you through these words? A few thoughts I have include hearing God say that even in the midst of evil and ugly actions, God will prevail. A second thought is reflecting on the suffering of innocent children and the number of children who suffer today. A third thought is the voice of the angel and how angels (as God's messengers) often give us instructions to go a different direction. In all these thoughts, how does our life reflect God's hope that has been born and is known in the Christ child? When you read the story, what else do you hear?
I look forward to beginning the new year with you this weekend. It will be the last weekend of the Christmas season. I pray that the joy of this time has filled you.
See you this weekend.
Pastor Susan
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Thank you Everyone!
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Around here, it takes a village to create Christmas. I just want to take a moment on behalf of all the staff to thank you for your service this past year and especially a moment to thank those of you who helped to make Christmas happen for so many this year. Over 1300 persons attended our six Christmas Eve Services.
To make that happen, I want to thank all those who served as greeters, coffee servers, welcome center staff, ushers, musicians, office staff, cookie bakers, bulletin stuffers, outdoor grounds keepers, indoor house care, decorators, worship leaders, costume managers, nursery workers, communion providers, candle stuffers, and the list goes on.
I wish all of you could hear what I hear on Christmas Eve and the days that follow. "That was a beautiful service." "Thank you for making us feel so welcome." "This is the place to be on Christmas Eve." "I love that you do something special for children and families." "The candlelighting is my favorite part." "The music was absolutely beautiful." "My family from out of town feels like this is their home."
Thank you everyone for making this a special place to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Pastor Susan |
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Year End Giving
If you would like to make a year end gift to the church, the church office will be open through noon December 31. Gifts outside of this time can be placed in the dropbox next to the office window. All gifts received next week and postmarked by the 31st will be credited as 2010 gifts. Any questions regarding year end giving can be directed to Pam Vaughan, Business Manager, 414-964-2424 or pvaughan@umcwfb.org
Another giving opportunity comes through the new Tax Reform Act, signed by the President on December 17th, allowing persons age 70 1/2 and older to transfer up to $100,000 directly from a Traditional or Roth IRA to the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay in 2010 and 2011.
Gifts must be given by January 31, 2011 to be credited for 2010 and given by December 31, 2011 to be credited for 2011. More information can be obtained from your attorney or financial adviser.
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New Years Eve Wedding of Kelly Paull and Colin Wilcox
6 PM, Sanctuary
We invite you to share in the joy of the new beginning of a new life together at the wedding of Kelly Paull and Colin Wilcox. Celebrate with us their New Year's Eve exchange of vows December 31 at 6 PM in the Sanctuary.
This church family has been an important part of Kelly's life and faith. We hope you can join us on her wedding day and hold them in your prayers. |
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New Years Eve, 11:00 PM, Chapel
As your last act of worship to God in 2010, join us in a New Years Eve Watch Night Service in the Chapel, starting at 11:00 PM. Traditionally, the watch night service began during the civil war as slaves awaited the new year, when the emancipation proclamation of Abraham Lincoln would take effect on Jan 1, 1863. We will take this opportunity to give thanks to God for our freedom in Christ and His blessings through the year, participate in John Wesley's Christian Covenant Renewal service and share in Holy Communion. |
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sunday, Jan. 2 at 9 & 10:30 AM: Children K4 - 5th grade are invited to an Epiphany Party! Join us in Fellowship Hall for games, activities, special treats and a celebration of the story of the Three Kings journey to the baby Jesus.
Sunday, Jan. 9 at 9 & 10:30 AM: Rotational Sunday school resumes with "Shepherd Sunday". Children will leave the Sanctuary following the children's message and meet their Sunday school Shepherd in Fellowship Hall. Each class will meet in small groups to "recap" our Advent lessons and celebrate the New Year and a new term in Sunday school.
Wednesday, Jan. 12: Wednesday Night Live resumes with dinner & fellowship from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., all new adult classes, family hang-time and youth group and children's choirs. This is a great time to join in on the fun on Wednesday nights! For more information, see the church website.
Sunday, Jan. 16: NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL ROTATION STARTS! Perhaps you haven't been to Sunday school this fall....and are looking for a good time to "jump-in"... this is it! Join us as we start a new lesson "Living God's Word: Friendship". We will learn that God loves us and one way each of us responds to God's love is by being a faithful friend.
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 December Food/clothing drive Results
Food- 720 pounds (the largest one month delivery we have ever made)
Clothing- 81 pounds
We needed 680 pounds to surpass last year and we did it!
A really big thanks to the congregation as we didn't think it could be done.
Also, a reminder about a few things:
No glass items
Please double bag heavy items it would be a great help. Many of the bags break and cans are rolling all over the car.
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