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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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Many of you have seen the "one handed" clock I have in my office. There are no numbers on this clock. The circular face of the clock is blue, with a smaller white circle offset in the center. On top of this white circle, where there is the most blue, is a light house. This clock is a tide clock, which I picked up in Maine. While it is not always accurate, because I forget to change the batteries, it is important to me, because it serves as a reminder. Time is measured in many ways, but none more important than God's time.
When we accepted the call to Traverse City, one of the things that crossed my mind was: "Now, I'll be able to use my tide clock." When I asked someone about the tides on Lake Michigan, their response was: "Oh, the lake doesn't have tides." I thought this was strange, as I thought all bodies of water were impacted by the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon. In fact, they are and there are high and low tides on Lake Michigan. However, the fluctuation is so small, about half an inch to an inch and a half, the tides go unnoticed, in part, because there are other factors that mask them. So, though we will be living near a large body of water, my tide clock will be about as useful as it has been here on the plains. Nevertheless, it will still serve as an important reminder. Even when it is almost imperceptible, God's time is present nonetheless.
Advent is another reminder of God's time. Like the tides on Lake Michigan, which at times appear unpredictable, if they are perceptible at all, Advent time is often unpredictable and unsteady. We may sometimes wonder if it is even "God's time" at all. Nevertheless, when we attend to this season, listening prayerfully to the stories of Advent, looking with the eyes of faith at the signs all around, we will discover, anew, what it is to live on God's time.
In his reflection on last Sunday's passage from Jeremiah, Gary Charles offers a poignant perspective on Advent time. He writes,
"The stories of Advent are dug from the harsh soil of human struggle and the littered landscape of dashed dreams. They are told from the vista where sin still reigns supreme and hope has gone on vacation. Many prefer the major notes of joy and gladness in the Christmas stories to the minor keys of Advent. Advent also leaves us dizzy over time. Advent is not a steady, constant, 'time marches on' kind of time, a persistent drumbeat of day after day, year after year. Advent is unpredictable time, unsteady time. In this time-tumbling season, we look for a baby to be born while we know that the baby has already been born, and still is being born in us - this Emmanuel who came and is coming and is among us right now. Not only is Advent not well behaved, neat, and orderly; it contorts time."
My friends, it is hard to know what this Advent season will hold for any one of us in particular. However, we know from experience, in the coming weeks, some will know great joy, others will know great sorrow; some will thrive, others will be overwhelmed; some will rejoice with family and friends, others will be alone; some will get everything they ever wanted, others will go without. The season is made even more complicated by the reality that our greatest joys can sometimes become the source of our deepest suffering and our deepest sorrow can sometimes become the source of our greatest hope. Like life, Advent is "not well behaved, neat, and orderly."
People of faith, whatever this Advent season holds for you, may you discover God is with you. Your life is in God's care. Your time is in God's hands.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
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This Sunday - 2nd Advent
"Only When We Recognize Our Need for Redemption - Will We Be Redeemed!"
Malachi 3:1-4 Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 1:68-79 Luke 3:1-6
Lay Assistant: Bob Green
Advent Family: Josh, Alison, Noah, Ethan, and Grady Clark
Beedle/Crucifer: Noah & Job Runge
Usher: Jim Brown, John Turnbull, Greg Baber, John Lyle, Jim & Shari Glasgow
Greeters: Les & Jo Ellen Dollinger and Betty McBride
Children's Church: Erika Solberg
Nursery: Ian & Sarah Moschenross
Coffee Hour: Armond & Betsy Akey
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Pledge Update
The Stewardship and Budget Committee is pleased to report that we're making progress on a budget for 2013. Rod Lemon's spreadsheet is a thing of beauty! We hope to be able to supply copies to the session in a couple weeks so that they will have time to examine it before their vote at the January session and trustees meeting. As for the stewardship portion of our assignment, the church treasurer has told us that there are still pledge cards out that last year were completed. While none of the committee members knows what families give what amounts, we are eager to have pledges in from anyone who plans to pledge. Having all the facts will help us make a smarter budget.
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Sunday School
Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. PreK (3+) and Kindergarten - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Lyle and Ms. Simpson. 1, 2, 3th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teacher will be Mrs. Myers and Crystal Sargent. 4, 5, 6th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Heaton, Mrs. Dingman, and Mr. Best. 7 & 8th grade - meet in the junior/senior high room above the nursery. Your teachers will be Dr. Sargent and Jill McClintock. Senior High - will meet for lunch on October 14, at 12:30 p.m., at Dew's Diner. Adult Sunday School Faith & Life: December 9-23 - Christmas Angels (and their cousins).
Did you know...thirty-four of the Bible's sixty-six books talk about angels in detail? Every New Testament writer confirms their existence. Jesus himself referred to angels as real beings who were involved in every realm of human activity.
We will continue our 2012 advent theme by exploring what the Bible really says about angels, including their service to God and their ministry to people.
Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
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Christmas Time for Refreshment
Join Pastor Myers on Thursday, December 13, at 4:30 p.m. for a special Christmas Time for Refreshment. Enjoy Christmas music, McNabb's Tea, shortbread, and good conversation. Hope to see you there!
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Advent Devotions
Devotional readings for each day of Advent is now available. You may pick one up under the mirror outside of the office or in the narthex. This year's devotional is called "Simple Gifts" and comes from Presbyterians Today.
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New Christmas Trees
A special thank you to Betty McBride and Bob Green for the new Christmas trees in the Sanctuary that were given as a memorial gift. They are to replace the older Christmas trees that were originally given in memory of Jack and Betty McBride's son, Josh.
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Mitten Tree
Isabel Circle is hosting a Mitten Tree again this year to warm the hands and hearts of children in need. Help decorate the tree (located in the social hall) with hats, scarves, and gloves/mittens by December 9, 2012.
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Isabel Circle
Isabel Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. this evening, December 6, 2012 at the home of Jonalyn Heaton at 715 North 8th Street. All members and friends are welcome to attend.
Sharon Graham will facilitate Lesson Three, "A Spiritual House and Household Matters" from the
2012-2013 Horizons Bible Study. The Scripture readings will be 1 Peter 2:1-10 and 3 John 1-8. The key idea is that God makes a house a home by forming the children of God into a dwelling fit for the Holy Spirit, with Christ as chief cornerstone. When God's children extend genuine hospitality to others, they set God's household apart from all other earthly structures.
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A Maple City Christmas
Come out to the Armoury on Friday, December 7, from 5 - 9 p.m. and take a stroll down "Maple City Avenue" where you will find your favorite parts of the Christmas displayed for your enjoyment. Be sure to visit each stop along the way for interactive fun, check out what each vendor has to offer at our vendor fair, admire and bid on a Festival of Trees tree to take home and don't forget to warm yourself along the way with a bowl of soup.
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College Care Packages
We would like to thank the many Monmouth College students who participate in the life of our congregation by giving them a care package of goodies during their finals. We need your help. Please sign up on the office door if you can donate a homemade baked good, microwave popcorn, candy, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit. Please bring it to the church by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 9. Care packages will be assembled and delivered on that day.
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Attention Ushers and Prospective Ushers
The schedule of weekly usher assignments for the next six months will be issued by January 15. Please notify Deacon Usher Coordinator, Ralph Whiteman at 734-4641, if you wish to retire from your respective crew or would like to be considered for future service.
(If members of the congregation have suggestions for the improvement of usher service, please contact Ralph Whiteman.)
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Fillman Fellowship
Thursday, December 13, Fillman Fellowship will gather for brunch at 10 a.m. at Dew's Diner. It is at this gathering free will donations will be received and sent to the Lindsay Murdock Family.
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Buchanan Community Chorus
Friday, December 14, 2012
1st United Methodist in Galesburg, at 7:00 p.m.
Special Guest Artist: 'The Dancers'
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Heritage Presbyterian in Monmouth, at 4:00 p.m.
Special Guest Artist: Monmouth Roseville Choir Chimes
The cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students.
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End of the Year Reports
This year is coming to an end quickly so I'll need to begin putting the Annual Report together soon.
If you are the moderator of a committee, I'll need a report from you. If this is your first year and you are needing help, please call the church office or stop in to see Heather.
The deadline to turn in the reports from your committee will be on Friday, December 28, 2012. Thank you!
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The Freedom Angel
Be a part of something that captures the meaning of the Holiday Season! Purchase a Freedom Angel to support our troops. 100% of proceeds will support a benefit for local veterans; cost is $10; local, high-quality craftsmanship; exceptional gift idea; unique opportunity to say, "Thank You!" to local veterans; a win-win philanthropy project. The Freedom Angel is available at Innkeeper's Coffee, the Orpheum Theatre, or online at www.theorpheum.org.
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Lights of Love
In the spirit of the Holidays, the OSF Holy Family Medical Center Auxiliary of Monmouth is again sponsoring a "Lights of Love" tree to provide an opportunity to honor or remember those we love and cherish.
Contributions will be represented by our "Lights of Love" tree. You may wish to honor or remember friends or family with a $5.00 per person donation, and/or a larger gift of your choice. Names of those being honored and remembered, along with the names of the donors will be recorded in the "Lights of Love" book, located in the hospital's west lobby. A special section will be included in the book recognizing those individuals or organizations contributing $50.00 or more.
The "Lights of Love" tree will be lit on December 3, 2012, and will remain lit through the month of December representing the donations received for the "Lights of Love".
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Deacon Christmas Caroling
The Deacon Christmas Caroling will be held Sunday evening, December 23, 2012, at 4:00 p.m.
We will meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. and return to the church for soup, drink, and finger food. Soup and drink will be furnished and each one attending should bring a finger food to share.
Mother to Mother and Faith's Youth Group will be joining us. Everyone is invited to attend.
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Christmas Pageant
This Christmas the children of our church will be offering their Annual Christmas Pageant to you and God on Christmas Eve at 5:00 p.m. This celebration of Christ's birth is not meant only for the children and their parents. Please join us as we travel, with our children leading the way, to the manger of our Savior's birth.A Service of Lessons and Carols
The ancient Service of Nine Lessons & Carols - from King's College Chapel, Cambridge - recounts the prophecy and birth of Christ in the words of Holy Scripture and in songs of devotion and praise. Join us at 8:00 p.m. as we hear again the message of the angels and go even unto Bethlehem!
Candlelight Communion
Following the order of service for evening prayer, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus by celebrating the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at 11:00 p.m. If you have been looking for a moment of peace during this hectic holiday season, this is a good place to find it.
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Christmas-tide Breakfast
Join us on December 30, 2012, for our Annual Christmas-tide breakfast potluck at 9:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service.
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2013 Elder Training
Saturday
8:30 - 3:00
Rev. Dick Johnson Date Place RSVP by
January 26 Lewistown - First January 11 (March 2 snow date)
February 2 Woodhull - United January 19
February 9 Bloomington - St. Luke January 26
February 16 Springfield - Third February 2
February 23 Peoria - First Federated February 9 Mark your calendar for the upcoming 2013 Elder Training! To register elders in your church, please email (pattiparrish@greatriverspby.org) (or call 800-537-8592) Patti Parrish at the presbytery office. You will need the name, address, phone number and email address for all who plan to attend.
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Christmas Flowers
Traditionally, we have a beautiful sanctuary during the Christmas season. If you would like to make a donation for either Christmas flowers or decorations for the sanctuary ($6.00 each), please fill out the form below and return it with the money to the office by December 14th.
________ I would like to donate to the Christmas flower & decorations fund to be given in memory of:
________________________________________________________________
or
________ To be given in honor of:
________________________________________________________________
(Please check appropriate box)
________ I wish to pick up a poinsettia following the Christmas Eve service.
________ I wish to donate a poinsettia to an at home member.
Flowers are welcome simply as gifts to the church either by family name or anonymously.
Given by:
________________________________________________________________
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December Birthdays
1 Andrea Spainhour 17 Job Runge
2 Beverly Davis 18 Dorothy Huthisson
5 Rodney Lemon Jarrett Baber
6 Gary Pullen 19 Jason Haynes
Karen Angotti Evelyn Blackford
11 Jo Ellen Dollinger 23 Joyce Allison
12 Stephanie Reading 25 Ralph Whiteman
13 Noah Clark George Nieman
15 Mark McVey 27 Kristin Sorensen
16 John Sorensen 30 Merle Brown
Alexis Crosier Bette Vance
31 Chuck Hallam
Dawn Brown
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Thank You:
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Thanks to all "my Faith Church Family" for cards, visits, flowers, and phone calls while I was in the hospital. Your wonderful thoughtfulness certainly helped me improve!
Hugs to all,
Ruth A. Wright
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Simple words cannot possibly express our true appreciation of the tremendous support all of you have shown Lindsay and our families during the past 5 months. The people of Monmouth, Galesburg, Aledo and all of the surrounding communities have been amazingly generous, kind and caring during this challenging time in our lives. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and donations. Although it is impossible to list all of your names, please be aware that every kind word, gesture, and prayer has given us strength on this journey. Special thanks to those who organized the benefit for Lindsay include Claudia Conchas (Volley for Lindsay tourney and shirts), Bre Christian and Katie Lair (Tipping for Lindsay Night), Ashley Swedell (Thumbs Up T-Shirts), Rae Connelly (Lindsay's day at Olivia's), Chris Youngquist (Hog Raffle), the United Volleyball staff and team ( Volley for Lindsay Night), and Cynthia Rich, Chris Dokolasa, and Nancy Teerlinck for the benefit at Playcrafter's Barn. Because of everyone's hard work and generous donations, Lindsay has received intensive therapy at On With Life, which is a top notch brain rehab in Ankeny, Iowa. We are so blessed to live in such a caring community! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
With Love,
The Murdock and Hull Families
Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and beautiful rose during my last surgery.
I am so thankful for such a caring church family. God bless you all. Bless you all! Stephanie Reading
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Prayers
For:
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Sally McVey, Gary Youngblood, Evelyn Carlson, Dorothy Hutchisson, Vernon Mettler, Don Tomlin, Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Lindsay Murdock & family, Vern Carr, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
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