July 1, 2012, we entered a collaborative, encouraging and revitalizing journey at Michigan City, First United Methodist Church.  This journey has been expressed as a new beginning for this church and faith community.  In these initial days, we have sought opportunities to share our history, our joys, our hopes, our anxieties, yet we are revitalized in the enthusiasm of the path God is paving for our spiritual journeying.

The fun of sharing has occurred in our worship services; in fellowship before, after and between services; in Sunday School classes; confirmation gatherings; workshops; dinner or lunch; meetings; and other small group gathering sessions.  In these sessions, I have shared about my family, favorite animals, and hobbies as you have shared the joys and challenges of family and friends.  Some of you have talked about favorite pets and places where you have traveled.  Most of our gatherings were held here at the church however, some sessions were as gatherings over a meal even at a local pizza parlor.  Some of us shared our stories in a hospital room, in the midst of health challenges and others in your homes.  You opened the doors of your homes and hearts.  My prayer is that you have experienced the open door of my space, my heart and my spiritual journey as we continue to grow in God's grace.

Our work continues to evolve as we align our faith, goals and objectives; energy, talents and abilities; with the newly created vision statement.  Our vision statement gives our eyes and hearts a glimpse of a desired future as we encourage and provoke good works and deeds, into a preferred future is seen, "A people growing and glowing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit all for the glory of God in Jesus the Christ."  The program ministries and administrative work groups are beginning to realize roles more assertively aligned to our agreed upon vision.  The end must be a reflection of the justice in our means to accomplish goals.

We accept the challenges of a growing faith.  One function of my position is working with our membership and community leadership to enhance and strengthen the identity (witness as a faith community) of the church in the community.  The city's challenges are only opportunities of ministry as we continue to grow and glow.  Zechariah 8:1-8 reminds us of the New Jerusalem which has streets filled with children and adults.  We are reminded of the United Methodist Church mission, "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."  We are challenged during this Advent and Christmas season to connect children and families to the greatest gift, Jesus the Messiah as Lord and Savior.

As we enter the month of December, First UMC is not the same church as the one encountered on July 1, 2012.  Recently, visitors in the church were expressing the joy of discovering warmth and welcoming spirit.  Shall we fill the children's stockings of all ages with the joy, peace, and hope of Jesus?

The confirmation class is planning to bake cookies and make  platters and then go Christmas caroling in our church neighborhood to deliver the cookies along with an invitation for people to attend our Christmas Eve service.  

We are asking for donations of ingredients to make the cookies ...

anything that usually goes into a cookie will help.  Examples include:  flour, sugar, butter, eggs, oatmeal, candy, brown sugar, chocolate, shortening, powdered sugar, etc.  No nuts please.  

We need these items as soon as possible.  There will be a box in the Narthex for donations.  Thank you for all the support you give these students!                                                Kathryn Triemstra

This year, we will only put lights on our Patriotic Tree in the Narthex.  We are asking people to donate a  patriotic ornament of their choice in memory of or in honor of someone who has served their country in the Armed Forces.  Please attach this person's name to this ornament.  If it can't be put on the ornament, it can be put on a tag that can be attached to the ornament.  If you have questions, call Maryann in the church office (872-7200).

The latest issue of the Upper Room is available on the Welcome Center in the Narthex or at the front entrance to the Sanctuary.  Suggested cost is 75 cents for the small edition or $1.00 for the larger copy.  Any contribution towards the purchase of a copy would be greatly appreciated.

We join with Protestants around the world who are reading, studying and meditating on Bible passages in accordance with the Standard Sunday School Lessons for 2012-2013. 

Mon  Dec 10   Zechariah 14:6-11       One Lord                       

Tue   Dec 11   Philippians 1:27-30     Working as One

Wed  Dec 12  Galatians 3:23-29        One in Christ Jesus       

Thu   Dec 13   Exodus 20:1-7            One God           

Fri    Dec 14   1 Corinthians 12:4-13   One Spirit

Sat   Dec 15   Romans 12:3-8            One Body

Sun  Dec 16   Ephesians 4:1-16         Building Up the Body Together

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Lew Timberlake and Bev Griffin for the Madrigal event direction and music.

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Emily Hooper is the new administrative assistant for Pastor Gwen.  She comes to us with a multitude of administrative experience and Methodist background.  Please join us in welcoming her to the church staff.

WORSHIP SERVICE BULLETIN

Due to the time-consuming task of completing bulletins, the church staff must have all bulletin information that will need to be published by 2:00 pm on Tuesday.

PRAYER BREAKS

The church office will be partaking in regular 10-minute prayer breaks at 9:45 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:45 pm.  During these short break periods, all office functions will be suspended.  We invite you to join in prayer for the church during these times, if possible, at your work or home.

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.