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Weekly Blurb -- Nov 8, 2012
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Welcome to
First United Methodist Church
of Michigan City, Indiana
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Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for Transformation of the World
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ADVENT SEASON BIBLE STUDY
FIRST UMC, MICHIGAN CITY
"Christmas As Value in Today's World"
As we prepare for the season, which celebrates the birth of the Messiah, the Son of God, the health of the world presents us with ambiguous emotions and thoughts. In the middle of a culture which communicates plenty and financial wealth, are individuals and families struggling to provide healthy meals for the family. Children are attending school and often without clothing warm enough against winter's chill.
When I was a child, I recall a story, aired on the television during the Christmas season entitled, "The Little Match Girl." The movie became a reality in many countries. Early in 1980, I was shocked to see adults sleeping on the corners of the streets. At the time, those persons were living on the streets in developing nations. Imagine the shock to see people attempting to live a life of some security in the United States with no other choice than to live on the street. As adults are surviving the challenges of life on the street, their children are without a home, also.
A more recent rendition of the story of homelessness in a world of plenty was released in 2006 entitled, "The Pursuit of Happiness" based upon a true story. Again, the image of homelessness is focused upon a child and the child's parent. Jesus said, "suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven." We are reminded in this season that focuses upon giving to children commercial wealth items, the faith community knows Godly love, grace and mercy can make the difference in life.
Has the Christmas message lost its value as a liberating power in the world? What is the role of Christianity in the world today?
We at First UMC, Michigan City are guided towards the fulfillment of the vision placed before us. Let us focus upon Christ in Christmas reaching into the hearts, wounds, and souls of "A People" strengthening each for the work before us in glorifying God in the world through the gracious love of Jesus the Christ.
Be encouraged to SIGN UP TODAY...
Pastor Gwen. Roberts
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Get-To-Know-You Gatherings held at the church in small group settings provide an opportunity for you to know Pastor Gwen and for her to know you.
... Dates that are still available are November 6, 8, 13 and 15.
... Please register today for the date you would like to attend.
... Sign up sheets are in the Narthex.
Staff/Parish Relations Committee.
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"Making Christmas About Christ"
Pastor Gwen will be leading Bible Study for the Advent Season.
The study is for only four weeks on Tuesdays.
Dates are Tuesday, Nov 27 thru Tuesday, Dec 18.
Each Tuesday will have a 1-hour session at 10:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Please sign up on the sheets on the Welcome Center in the Narthex as soon as possible since we need to order books for attendees.
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exploration.youth retreat
The exploration.youth retreat is designed for youths in grades 9-12 to learn about Christian vocation and explore God's calling.
The dates are Nov. 16-18 and you must register by November 7. Registration fee of $45 includes meals, 2 nights bunking at University Heights UMC, and all materials.
For more information, call Rev. Brian Durand at 317-564-3249 or go to www.INUMCconnect.org/explore.
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Ushers, Greeters, Liturgists
Allison Haynes is going to be contacting many of you as she is going to be in charge of scheduling people for the above jobs.
Also, there are still openings that need filling for ushers & greeters.
If you can help with any of these services, please phone Allison at (219) 229-9881. She'll be glad to hear from you.
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College and Military
Well, believe it or not, recognize it or ignore it, the Holiday Season is fast approaching. This means a lot of things, but for our college kids, it means it's almost the end of the first semester.
It's that time when we want to remind our college and military members that we are here thinking and praying for them and wishing them the best wherever they are.
Please complete a form, if you haven't done so already, so that we can send them a box of treats to help during late night studying.
Any questions, please call Melissa Morse at 874-3479.
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Willing to Give Time One Sunday a Month?
We need your help! If you can give one Sunday every four to six weeks, please give us a try. Read a Bible Story to the children, do a craft, a science project, show a Bible video. We have lots of materials to choose from. You name the Sunday.
If you want more information, please call Joyce Dalton @ 874-5832 or leave your name and phone number in the Church office and we will get back to you.
Please give prayerful thought toward helping build the future of our Church. Christian Education Committee
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| Prayer Corner
Please keep these in your prayers
Our United Methodist Church
military members and their families
Health and Recovery Issues
: Shirley Aigner, Steve Beardslee, Tina Carey, Brigitte Coan,
Larry Dalton, Angie Davis, Lance Domke, Elma Epple,
Ruth Gabbert, Carson Gallagher, Carol Gilbert, Dennis Hippensteel, Wally Hook, George Jenks, Mike Kallahan Jr., Becky Lute,
John Lyness, Marcella Ratcliffe, Sandy Staback, Madelyn Tedesco, Sally Wenzel. and Roxanne Yagelski
If you have someone listed on the prayer corner, please keep the office informed of their progress.
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Homebound Ministries
When you haven't been able to connect to your friends at church for some time, it is especially important to hear from them on special occasions.
Jim Pilar has been homebound for several years now and will be celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, Nov 14. Perhaps you could send him a birthday greeting. His address is 6287 W. Bleck Road, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Bill Staples passed away last month. His 85th birthday would have been Thursday, Nov 15. That will be an especially hard day for Betty so please pray for her and if you see her, give her a hug. It will be good for her to know that you remembered Bill in a loving way. They both have meant a lot to our church.
Marlene Woodfield
Homebound Ministries Coordinator
219-362-4406 or mtwoody@comcast.net
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UMW Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 17 Bazaar at 11:00 am in Narthex Luncheon at 12:00 noon in Community Room Tickets are $9.00 for the luncheon and are available from any UMW member, UMW chairperson, or the church office. |
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Ladies' Night Out
At Benny's on Thursday, Nov 15 at 5:30 pm.
For reservations or more info, call Nancy Patterson at 874-6982.
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Community Thanksgiving Service
On November 18, The Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring a Community Thanksgiving Service at 6:00 p m at St. John's United
Church of Christ, 101 St. John Road. Michigan City.
Our Memorial Handbells and Café Band will be part of this service.
Everyone attending is asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be given to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.
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Scripture Readings for the Week
We join with Protestants around the world who are reading, studying, and meditating on passages in accordance with the Standard Sunday School Lessons for 2012-2013.
Mon 11/12 A Failure to Minister Ezekiel 34:1-6
Tue 11/13 God's Ministry to the Flock Ezekiel 34:11-16
Wed 11/14 God's Judgment of the Selfish Ezekiel 34:17-22
Thu 11/15 Extend Hospitality to Strangers Romans 12:9-13
Fri 11/16 Ready For Every Good Work 2 Timothy 2:20-26
Sat 11/17 Do Good to All 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Sun 11/18 Ministering to the Sick Acts 28:1-10
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Swingbelly's Give-Back Day
On Monday, Nov 12, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Swingbelly's is having a give-back day for our church. When you eat there on that day, 10% of your check will go to our church.
There are coupons in your worship service bulletin and on the Welcome Center in the Narthex. Please share them with your friends and relatives. This is an excellent way to raise money for our church and enjoy a lunch or dinner at Swingbelly's.
Click here to download coupon now
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Articles Left in Office on Sundays
If you leave items in the church office on Sunday mornings,
please leave a note on them so office staff will know whose they are.
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This Sunday Services:
8:15 a.m Contemporary Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Children's Choir Practice 9:30 a.m. Children's & Adult Sunday Schools 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 2nd & 3rd Sundays of each month at 6:00 p.m. "Come As You Are" Cafe Service |
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Weekly
Calendar
Worship Service
9:00 a.m.
Children's
Choir Practice
9:30 a.m.
Children, Youth
and Adult
Sunday School
10:45 a.m
Worship Service
4:45 p.m.
Youth Bells Practice
6:00 p.m.
Café Service
Speaker: Allison Haynes
Monday, Nov 12
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Soup Kitchen
7:00 p.m.
Gambler's Anonymous
(Community Partner)
in the Library
Tuesday, Nov 13
6:00 p.m.
Memorial Handbells
Wednesday, Nov 14
9:30 a.m.
Mary-Martha Circle
in the Narthex
10:00 a.m.
Overeaters Anonymous
(Community Partner)
in the Chapel
1:00 p.m.
Esther-Lydia Circle
in the Narthex
2:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Seniors-in-Action
Bible Study
(Community Partner)
5:00 p.m.
Café Band Practice
6:00 p.m.
Contemporary Choir
6:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Mtg
in the Library
7:00 p.m.
Chancel Choir
7:00 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous
(Community Partner)
in Middle High Room
7:00 p.m.
Questers
in the Narthex
Thursday, Nov 15
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Soup Kitchen
5:30 p.m.
Ladies Night Out
at Benny"s
6:30 p.m.
Quilters
Friday, Nov 16
Office Closes at Noon
No Canasta in Nov or Dec
UMW Set Up
for Bazaar & Luncheon
in Narthex and Community Room
Saturday, Nov 17
11:00 a.m.
UMW Bazaar
in the Narthex
12:00 Noon
UMW Luncheon Community Room
Sunday, Nov 18
8:15 a.m.
Worship Service
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinic
9:00 a.m.
Children's Choir
Practice
9:30 a.m.
Children, Youth
and Adult
Sunday School
10:45 a.m.
Worship Service
Youth Bells - No Practice
6:00 p.m.
Community
Thanksgiving Service
at St. John's Church
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This Month's Mission
Open Door Clinic
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Hospital Visitor
This Week:
Karen Durnell
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Altar Flowers
This Week
Provided
by Staff/Parish Committee
in honor and thanksgiving
for Pastor Gwen Roberts
and her ministry
and
by Lois Chase
in celebration of
Duane Chase's birthday
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Our
Worship
Services
on PBS TV
Cable Channel 99 Wed 2:30pm Fri 4:30pm Sun 7:00pm |
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