Silent Night A Song of Peace

200 Years

SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7 (NRSV)

On December 24 in 1818 in a village named Oberndorf, near Salzburg in the Austrian Alps, there was a small congregation worshipping at the Church of St. Nicholas. The church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber, was given a poem written by Pastor Josef Mohr, who some time earlier in a meditative mood, instead of walking straight to his house one night, took a longer way home. The longer path took him up over a hill overlooking the village. Looking down on the quiet little village, his thoughts went to the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.

St. Nicholas’s church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas, so Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung with a guitar. The sound of "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht" filled a worship space for the first time that night. Today the words of "Silent Night" are sung in more than 300 different languages around the world.

This year, Christmas Eve is the 200th anniversary of the debut of "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" (Silent Night, Holy Night). For many, even those who worship only once a year, the Christmas Eve candlelight service would be incomplete without this hymn. Our sermon series this December is called “Silent Night, Holy Night” and will focus each week on one of the stanzas written by Mohr:

“Sleep in heavenly peace”- PEACE CANDLE “Glories stream from heaven afar”- JOY CANDLE “With the dawn of redeeming grace”- LOVE CANDLE “With the angels let us sing”- HOPE CANDLE

In this season of Advent we wait with great anticipation for the coming of Emmanuel, “God with us.” You are invited to join us in worship each weekend and to approach God through scripture and prayer each day. On December 23 in worship, we are going to celebrate this hymn first performed with guitar, by inviting anyone who plays or has played guitar to join us in forming a guitar choir. It’s only three chords (we will do it in the key of A): A, E, & D. The more guitars the better! The music can be found on the ledge in the office or online.

May this season of peace, joy, hope, and love be a blessing to you and your families,

Pastor Matt

Joy

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Once again this year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus with four service times to select which is best for you, your family, and loved ones. Each service has its own charm, communicates the miracle of this night in a different way, and has unique features for you to enjoy. All services, however, feature some of the most beloved songs and Christmas carols that have stood the test of time, which are treasured by all generations. We hope you will invite your friends and/or family. O, come, let us adore Him!

12:00 pm (Chapel) Intimate, Carols and Communion Service

Join us for an intimate service in the Chapel. We enjoy singing the great beloved Christmas Carols and hearing the story of Jesus’ birth. Pastor Matt offers a Christmas Eve message. After we gather around the Lord’s table for communion, we will proclaim our joy with “Silent Night.”

4:00 pm One Starry Night Christmas Pageant

Join us as the shepherds journey that first Christmas night. It seemed to be an unassuming starry night - but that one special starry night changed everything! This fun and engaging service for young children includes the simplest Christmas carols for all ages to join and sing to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The pace is fairly quick to maintain the attention and interest of our little ones and the service is about 45 minutes long.

6:00 pm Nativity (Tableau) Youth Service

In this service our youth use the tableau of the nativity to tell the story of Jesus' birth. It will include singing of Christmas carols, reading of the Christmas story, a brief message by Pastor Matt, Communion, and candle lighting (glow sticks) at the end.

8:00 pm Carols, Communion, and Candlelight Service

This service is led by our youth and college age students. We enjoy singing the great beloved Christmas Carols and hearing the story of Jesus’ birth. Pastor Matt offers a Christmas Eve message. After we gather around the Lord’s table for communion, we will proclaim our joy with “Silent Night,” lifting our candles high.

10:00 pm Carols, Communion, and Candlelight Service

This late-night service has become a congregational favorite. At this service, we celebrate Jesus’ birth through scripture, carols, a Christmas Eve message, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. After we gather around the Lord’s table for communion, we will proclaim our joy with “Silent Night,” lifting our candles high.

Christmas Eve Services

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4 ways to GIVE

Buy gifts for children in our city. Their names and gift wishes are on the Tree of Love in the Jones Narthex. Donations of wrapped gifts for the children and $25.00 gift cards are due by Sunday, December 9.

Give gifts of charity for those you love. On Sunday, December 9,

Christmas With A Conscience gives you an opportunity to shop for the gifts that fit the original meaning and spirit of Christmas! (More information on page 2)

Donate items for those in the struggle for life and dignity. We’re collecting winter clothes and

non-perishable food items for United Methodist Children’s Services and MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary in Milwaukee. Donate cuddly-soft teddy bears (brand new) for the Milwaukee Police Department and gently used books (middle-school age) for our Ghana Library Project. Donation bins are placed by the elevator in the Jones Narthex.

Prepare your Christmas offering in the envelope which will be mailed to you with Pastor Matt’s Christmas

Letter, two weeks before Christmas Eve.

4 ways to SERVE

Light the Advent candles at worship services on one of the four Advent weekends or Christmas Eve. Help sort out donated clothes at MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary (MBHS) on Saturday, December 8.

Come to the church by 9:30 am to join FaithWorks for breakfast and carpool (or drive by yourself) for the works of mercy at MBHS. You will come back by 1:00 pm.

Help out with the all-church Christmas outreach All Is Bright. You may help set up on Sunday, December 9

after the 10:30 am service or take down the set on Monday, December 17 at 9:00 am. Welcome, greet, and serve on one of the two dates of the performance, Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16.

Serve hot meals on Thursday, December 13 at Guest House (5:30-6:15 pm), or on Friday, December 21 at

St. Vincent De Paul (5:30-6:30 pm). Ring Salvation Army bells on Saturday, December 8, for one hour between 11:00 am-1:00 pm, at one of these

three places: Bayshore Mall Rotunda (indoor), Bayshore Mall Town Square (outdoor), and Walgreens at 5400 N. Port Washington Rd. (outdoor).

Contact Pastor Peace, pkim@umcwfb.org, with questions.

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It's the night of the annual Whitefish Bay Christmas Light Decorating Competition, and some of the neighbors are turning up the wattage to bedazzle the Mayor of Whitefish Bay.

Is there even a glimmer of hope that these distracted folks will make room in their heart to see Jesus, the true Light of the World?

We invite you to come and enjoy the glorious sounds of choirs, handbells, and orchestra

in this illuminating, 90-minute event that includes a nativity with live animals! Children and adults of all ages are sure to laugh, sing, and celebrate the reason for the season.

Tickets are available in advance and at the door.

$10 for adults $5 for children twelve and under

On Sunday, December 9 from 10:00 am to noon, you will have the opportunity to purchase meaningful

and lasting gifts in the form of donations to support missions in Milwaukee and around the world.

Tables with representatives from

the participating agencies and missions will be in the

Jones Narthex where you can browse, learn and make donations.

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Notes from the Board We have just celebrated Thanksgiving, where we gave thanks for the bounty of God and the blessings in our lives. We are now entering the season of Advent, where we celebrate and prepare for the birth of God’s son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Both seasons emphasize the importance of thankfulness and celebration - constant themes in the Bible and in our Christian lives. God asks us to be thankful in all things and expects us to express that thankfulness by being a blessing to others. There are many ways to be a blessing. We can visit a sick neighbor, spend time listening to and praying with a friend, donate food and warm clothes to UMCS or MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, serve meals at St. Ben’s or St. Vincent’s, or buy gifts for children from our Tree of Love. We can also contribute to the ministry of the church - the Faith Gap in our operating budget, our Capital Campaign, or mission projects like the library for Ghana. Finally, we can pray for our church, community, and world. This Advent, let’s all find a way to be a blessing! God also asks us to be joyful and to celebrate all that He has done for us. That means that, as much as we delight in Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and holiday gatherings, our Advent must also be a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas - the miraculous birth of the Christ child. During this Advent season, let us make time for our own spiritual journeys to the manger and make room in our hearts and lives for the child who is the light of the world. During this special season and throughout the year, let us remember to be thankful and celebrate the miracles that God has done and continues to do in our lives and the life of His church. Now, on to ALB news: Strategic Planning The Strategic Planning Team has been developing goals and action plans based on the “Love, Care, Serve” objectives agreed upon at its brainstorming session. Some examples of goals are: Love - a weekday service to start this summer, a Children and Family Council to work with Christy

Wimmer, and the formation of a Generosity Team, Care – the formation of Hospitality, Fellowship, and Connections teams, and Serve - 100% participation in mission by the congregation and partnership with an inner-city church. The team will develop a chart with timelines for each goal and will put together a bubble chart comparing the goals according to their impact and the resources required to implement them. Financial 2018-19 Budget - the October financials show a $10,000 surplus with a slight increase in pledge income over last year. The surplus is $16,000 less than last year, however, due to a $20,000 higher spend to date for house repairs and staff compensation. Faith Gap - we have received donations toward the Faith Gap of $11,280 as of Sunday, November 25. Capital Campaign - as of November 25, we have received $618,012 in donations toward the Capital Campaign.

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Trustees Over the past several months, the Trustees have undertaken an extensive review of the properties at 810, 816, and 820 E. Glen Ave. The 816 and 820 houses have been inspected and the 810 home will be inspected soon. The inspections have shown that significant repairs will be required for the 820 and 816 houses, including to the heating systems and foundations. Some of the repairs at 816 will start soon, thanks to a grant received from the Foundation. The repairs to 820 are also not expected to be funded by the operating budget. The Trustees are considering the possibility of selling the 820 property next summer. The property would be sold as is and the sales proceeds would be used to fund additional repairs of the 816 and 810 houses. One issue is how to retain the use of part of the 820 backyard for the church playground. The playground currently encroaches on the backyards of the 816 and 820 properties and needs those parcels to satisfy the space requirements for daycare and preschool playgrounds under Wisconsin law. The Whitefish Bay building inspector has informed us that the church can redraw the lot lines of its properties so the 820 playground parcel is included in the church lot provided the playground parcel is rezoned for church use and the remaining 820 property stays within the mandatory lot size. This would require an application and public hearing before the Whitefish Bay zoning board and new surveys filed with the register of deeds. The Trustees have also checked on the requirements for retaining the tax-exempt status of the 816 property. The Village assessor has told us that the property will remain tax-exempt in 2019 even though it is unoccupied, but that the tax-exempt status must be renewed for 2020. Tax-exempt status will be renewed as long as the church uses the property for clergy housing, meetings, office space, or another church use. To allow maximum flexibility, the Trustees are considering dual zoning – zoning the property for residential and church use. This would also require an application and public hearing before the Whitefish Bay zoning board. Before any of this can happen, the congregation must approve the sale of the 820 property and the rezoning of the 816 property at a Church Conference. We anticipate that the Church Conference and the Village applications and hearing would take place next winter and spring. This would set the stage for the redesign and reconstruction planned for the playground next summer by the Carpenter’s Shop Christian Daycare and Tree of Life Christian Preschool.

Technology

Our new financial and administrative data

platform, ShelbyNext, will be installed by

year-end and the staff who will use

ShelbyNext will take an online training

course before year-end. This new system

should greatly improve the data

management by the church. It will also

give members of the congregation access to

their own records and the ability to review

and update their information.

Staff-Parish Relations

The job descriptions for the staff are now

complete. Pastor Matt also met with every

staff member before the end of November

to set goals. The job descriptions will be

available in the office for interested

members of the congregation.

The next meeting of the Board will be

held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

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“Who ya gonna call?” Church Drivers!

Our church is blessed to have folks who are willing to drive their own vehicles to pick people up and bring them to

church for the 10:30 am service on Sundays. Drivers stop at St John’s and Eastcastle, both on the east side of

Milwaukee. We are blessed with having so many people who want to attend that we need additional drivers and

subs! Hallelujah!

Most drivers will drive one time monthly - subs only occasionally. Currently we have a need for an additional driver

on the first Sunday of the month so that we can have 2 cars to pick up all the folks on the east side of town. If you

think you might be interested in this ministry, please contact Nell at 414-964-2424 ext. 218 or nnash@umcwfb.org.

You will be rewarded in ways that you can’t even imagine!

Hello! This bio is so that you can get to know a little bit about me and how I fit in the Gaffney family and the UMCWFB community. I am the lucky husband of Christine, and proud father of Jamison (15) and Leah (13). We live in Glendale, right on the bank of the Milwaukee River, which through the years has given us many joyful recreational opportunities, tranquil nature views and occasional restless worries about rising water levels. We started our relationship with this church when one of my wife’s co-workers invited our young family to a Children's Musical: "Daniel and the Lion's Den". We were impressed by the warm welcome and atmosphere we found here and made the switch from our previous church where our kids were baptized. We saw great potential at this church for our family and we have not been disappointed. We typically attend the 9:00 am Sunday Worship service but we are also frequently found at church on Monday evenings with the Boy Scouts and Wednesdays for WNL dinner and classes. The list of activities goes on with participating in FaithWorks, mission projects, youth programs and many other enriching opportunities. I was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin then attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. My work has been a very worldly experience with frequent travel all over the globe. I was also able to take on a short term assignment in 2013 with the whole family; which had us living in Vaasa, Finland for a year. There were no Methodist churches in Vaasa, but we did find a small Lutheran church with English services attended by a diverse group of people from all over the world, that kept us connected to a community of faith while we lived in Finland. One of the experiences I have been a part of at UMCWFB has been as a member of the Finance Team and now as a member of the ALB. Finance is not my daily business focus, but I try to work with the others to help set the budget and monitor activity to ensure proper allocation. A few years back, when our church was making the decision to move to the Accountable Leadership Board, I was firmly on the sidelines. I did think though that the concept of a smaller working board allowing for more people to be available for ministry work and learning was great. When I was asked directly to be part of the board, I took some time to consider the commitment and then did agree. I knew I would not have all of the answers, but I made myself ready to be asked the questions. My experience on the ALB has given me insights to our church and how I personally can be a better church member and Methodist.

There is still room on the Board - no matter your experience, please consider this an invite!

Sean Gaffney

Last Month for Ghana Library Project

We’re very elated to report on the progress of the Ghana Library

Project: over 1,900 books and about $ 2,800 have been donated.

The Ghana Library Project collection of gently used elementary and

middle school books and monetary donations for renovations and

furniture continues until the end of this year. On Sunday, January 13

we will have a blessing of the books at the worship service and the

books will be shipped to the hands of 934 students and 39 teachers at

Winneba Methodist Primary and Junior/High Schools.

There are opportunities this month to contribute. There will be a

table-top display at Christmas with a Conscience on December 9.

African place mats and table runners will be available for purchase as

well opportunities to make a donation for bookcases, desks and

windows to furnish the new library room. It is estimated to cost

US$5,000.

To meet this goal, the Mission of the Month/loose coin offering in

December will be allocated to the Ghana Library Project. Donations of

books will continue at the collection box near the elevator or at the

church library.

New building for class rooms and the

The room to be the new library

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Thank You for a Successful Thanksgiving Express Food Drive.

135 bags of groceries collected! This year was better than most!

Northcott Neighborhood House is a multipurpose and multi-ethnic community center supported by the Wisconsin Conference UMC and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Northcott operates an emergency food pantry, which serves about 1,200 community residents annually. In addition, they distribute food to 1,000 older adults and recent Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program graduates. Our donation will support these efforts.

Thank You for a Triumphant Pumpkin Patch. Net profit of $7,660.45 was an all-time high! We broke the record three years in a row!

Funded with the proceeds are the three mission initiatives: our youth/adult Appalachia Service Project (July 13-21, 2019), our six-time-hosted Feed My Starving Children Mobile-Pack (April 25-27, 2019), and Meal Programs in Milwaukee that we cook for and serve every month.

Thanks to all those who helped make this such a success, from the pumpkin unloaders, to the evening money counters, and to all those who sold and bought pumpkins here. We continue to tell the community that we, the Pumpkin Church, are here to serve in the world.

Let’s celebrate St. Nick’s Day and Christmas together

with food, fun, and fellowship!

Wear your favorite beautiful, ugly, or gaudy

Christmas sweater/outfit!

Prizes, Stockings, and more!

December Menu

5th - Breakfast with St. Nick

12th - Baked Chicken

19th - NO WNL

26th - NO WNL

We wish you all a Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

We will resume on January 9!

Wednesday Night Live

St. Nick/Christmas PARTY

December 5

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New Adult Classes in January...

JOURNEY 101 courses are designed to create environments where people experience growth

and support as they engage in the discipleship Journey. It is taught in a group setting with a

short, thought-provoking DVD session followed by discussion. You can take one of these

courses, or all three, in the order you choose.

KNOWING GOD - January 16 – February 20

Explore the good news of the Bible and discover Bible study tools and resources to deepen your understanding of

the Scriptures.

LOVING GOD - Begins February 27

Learn spiritual practices that will help you fall more in love with God as you grow in your relationship with Him

and others.

SERVING GOD - Begins Fall 2019

Understand the biblical context for service that will enable you to share your time and spiritual gifts with others.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY provides biblically-based, common-sense education and empowerment

that gives hope to everyone - from the financially secure to the financially distressed. Please contact us with any questions! Linda

Hentzen (lindahentzen@gmail.com) & Katie Stolz Fleming (kmsfleming@gmail.com). Begins January 9.

CHURCH AND SOCIETY EVENT

With the knowledge that Milwaukee is one of the most segregated cities in the country and the new realization that generational trauma plagues many of the city’s people of color, the Church and Society committee invites you to explore with us how racism functions in our lives in unconscious ways. Among topics we will take a look at are racism as a system of unequal power, group prejudice backed by institutional power, and the hot button issue of “white privilege.” Please join us on Wednesday, January 9 at 6:15 pm in the Chapel for this important discussion. We will start the meeting with a recorded "Ted Talk-like” presentation by Dr. Robin DiAngelo, an expert on helping people see how racism, as an unconscious bias, may affect how they interact with people of color. We intend to continue with additional "Ted Talk-like” discussions on the following four Wednesdays through February 6. These presentations and discussions will focus on important issues of race, including how unconscious bias may be having unintended consequences in different areas of our society. Please mark your 2019

calendars so you don’t miss this important series!

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ASP Mission Trip - A Life-Changing Experience

for Both High School Students and Adults!

Register Now to Attend

Please join us for our 2019 Appalachia Service Project trip. We will again be providing service to the people

of West Virginia to make their houses warmer, safer and drier, and will return home with kids and adults

who are stronger, wiser, and closer to God. We would love for you to join us!

WHO CAN ATTEND: Open to all current 8th graders through current high school seniors; you do not

need to be a church member. We also need adult leaders to accompany us on the trip. This is a great

opportunity for parents and kids to have an experience they can share for a lifetime.

WHEN ARE WE GOING: Leaving on Saturday, July 13 and returning on Sunday, July 21.

WHAT’S THE COST: $450 for youth, $225 for adults, plus participation in fund raisers such as spaghetti

dinner, stock sale, spring/summer car washes, etc. (Need-based financial help is available.)

HOW DO I SIGN UP: Required forms can be found on the UMCWFB ASP Facebook page, on the

UMCWFB.ORG website under Youth Ministry, or you can pick them up at the church office. Turn in the

forms and fees to the church office. A non-refundable deposit of $225 is due by December 31. Balance is

due April 30.

CONTACTS: Any questions, please contact Bruce Thompson at bxthompson@outlook.com or Steve

Lirely at slirely@umcwfb.com.

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Presents

Christmas Old & New With Sue Stanley Mortellaro

Tuesday, December 18

Noon: Lunch in Fellowship Hall Beef Stroganoff

1:00 pm: Christmas Old & New Sanctuary

Cost: $10 - RSVP in the Church Office Join Sue, an accomplished vocalist and pianist, as she leads us into the Christmas spirit. She will share some of our favorite Christmas songs as well as some songs that may be new to us.

The Longest Night Sunday, December 9

3:00 pm in the Chapel

All who are experiencing grief

this holiday season are invited to join us for the

Service of the Longest Night.

The service will be led by Jacquelyn Oliveira, certified grief counselor, and

Pastor Peace Kim. It will include prayers, readings, a short message,

quiet reflection time for participants, communion, and opportunities for

lighting a memorial candle and receiving anointing if you desire.

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United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay

Ministry to Children from preschool to college

FUELING FAITH IN THE NEXT GENERATION

Children’s Ministry

We believe that children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is real and authentic. Our role is to provide a

foundation of experiences on which children build a life of learning and growth toward a mature and vital faith. Children who

become deeply committed followers of Christ who LOVE God, CARE for others and SERVE in the world.

One Starry Night—December 24

This Christmas Eve, help us celebrate the birth of Christ. At 4:00 pm we will put on a playful pageant

full of shepherds, angels, wise men, carols and scripture.

At 6:00 pm we will use song, scripture

and non-speaking actors to tell the Christmas story.

Early Childhood Sunday School

Elementary Sunday School

Christy Wimmer Monica Bessette Director, Children & Family Ministries Director, Carpenter’s Shop Daycare Co-Director, Tree of Life Preschool Co-Director, Tree of Life Preschool 414-964-2424 x 221 414-964-2424 x 115 cwest@umcwfb.org mbessette@umcwfb.org

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Going to Church? Where Do You Connect?

I grew up in the home of a minister. Yes, I was and am a

“PK” or preacher’s kid. I didn’t really have much of a choice

about going to church, Sunday school, youth meetings, choir

practice and pretty much any other time the church lights

were on. But, there were times when my life outside of the

church building conflicted with those activities. Activities like

basketball practice and games, cross country and track meets,

band rehearsals and concerts, Boy Scout meetings and

campouts and, yes, even homework could be a distraction.

But, way back in those long gone days of history, Wednesday

nights and Sundays were pretty much reserved for church

activities. That’s not the case in 2018. Schools and

community activities happen 7 days a week and pretty much

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LOFT FOR DECEMBER?

In December we will be continuing our mission theme by collecting warm clothing and blankets for McCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, library books for the Ghana Children’s Library, and new teddy bears for the Milwaukee Police Department. Donations can be placed in the Youth Room upstairs at the church. Teddy bears should be new with tags attached and can be placed in the Youth Room or the Sanctuary. December 2 Movie Night at the church from 6:00–8:00 pm December 9

Christmas Caroling and Party. We’ll depart the church at 5:00 pm for caroling. We’ll gather again at the church at 6:30 pm for refreshments and a gift exchange. Everyone should bring a wrapped $10.00 gift to exchange. We’ll conclude at 7:00 pm. December 16 All Is Bright Christmas Program in the church Sanctuary at 4:00 pm. Purchase your tickets at the church office or on Sunday mornings in the church lobby. December 23 – No Meeting December 30 – No Meeting Winter Xtreme Retreat at TimberLee Camp is coming January 25, 26, and 27. Are you and your friends going? Cost is $165 per person. Watch your email for more information or check with Steve Lirely, Brooke Julian, or Ann Markuson for more information.

So, with all of the extra homework, school activities,

athletic events, community organizations, etc., where

and when do you plug into church? With the holidays

coming up, the demands will be even greater but the

opportunities to connect to church will increase as

well. Perhaps you’ll find some way to carve out an

hour or two for church. Take a look at the list of

things coming up in LOFT, ROC, Confirmation,

You might be surprised at how important

and life-changing these moments can be,

plus you never know which one of your

friends will be there as well.

See you at church!

Steve Lirely

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6th and 7th Grade Sunday School News!

Our lively group of middle school youth is continuing to explore the Old Testament each week during Sunday school. In addition to making connections with each other through fellowship and weekly games and activities, we are finding that the Bible holds so many lessons that are relevant to our lives in 2018! The Bible truly is our "Instruction Book" and "Travel Guide" that helps us work through the many challenges and joys of being a teen as we continue on the path of our own unique faith journeys.

In December we will be exploring Advent themes each week - join us in Room 208/221 from 10:15-10:30 am for fellowship time and 10:30-11:30 am for class. We look forward to seeing all of our students during this fun-filled time of year!

We are also ACTIVELY RECRUITING additional teachers to be part of our team beginning in January and continuing through the spring. We have many upcoming Sundays that we are in need of teachers. If you feel called to walk this Faith Journey with our awesome group of 6th and 7th grade students, please contact Steve Lirely or one of us to join the team. Not sure? Feel free to join us for a class during Advent to check it out!

Teachers Chris Gaffney and Chris Robinson

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ROC FOR DECEMBER?

December 5 Celebrating Advent – Advent Candle project December 12 Prepare for Christmas Celebration December 19 Christmas Party and Stained Glass Ornament Project ROC is open to all middle school youth who want to build friendships, have fun, and learn about living a life of faith. ROC is a place where you can be yourself – no matter what! You belong here! Come join us.

Please contact Barb Armstrong, John Fruncek or Steve Lirely

for more information.

Toiletry Gift Bag Items—travel-sized please

Advent in Sunday School The Christmas season is approaching and I love this time of the year. My wish is that this year we, as a church family, slow down to savor the gifts God has given us, then take the time to show compassion to others. We will focus on the virtue of compassion this month in preschool and elementary Sunday school.

COMPASSION is caring enough to do something about someone else’s need.

We have selected the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary toiletry bags as our gift-of-compassion project. We will be collecting travel-sized items all month long to assemble into gift bags on December 23 as a part of our annual Advent Workshop during Sunday school.

Each week in December we will explore the Christmas story and savor the compassion of God. We will talk about how to make compassion part of our daily lives.

Blessings, Christy Wimmer

Vaseline Floss Powder Chapstick Mouthwash Combs—wide-tooth Shaving cream Shavers - men/women Nail clippers-small or large Gallon bags–winter or

Christmas printed

Please place in the box in Fellowship Hall.

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MEN’S MINISTRY

Mark your calendars for Men’s Ministry December activities with a varied flavor:

Sunday, December 9 from about noon until finished - starting after the 10:30 am worship service. We

need your help to put up the set for the Christmas production of ALL IS BRIGHT in the Sanctuary. The plan

includes having the Packers v. Falcons on the screen so you won’t miss the game.

Monday, December 17 from 9:00 am until finished - take down the Christmas set in Sanctuary. Donuts,

juice and coffee.

Friday, December 28 at 7:00 pm - We are going to the Marquette v. Southern basketball game at

Fiserv Forum - your chance to see the new arena and a game. This is Marquette’s last non-conference

game. The plan: A list of those who want to go is being put together - let Dick Steinmetz

(rsteinmetz@wi.rr.com) know to be on the list. You are welcome to bring others. We will confirm the list for

tickets in mid-December before buying tickets - with a group discount that should be $20 - $25 each for

adults.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

OCTOBER - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Thanks to the nine men from the church who spent an October Saturday putting up drywall in new houses at

the Habitat site in Milwaukee. Habitat continues to be a mission project sponsored by the Men’s Ministry

with opportunities for all church members.

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United Methodist Church of

Whitefish Bay

Min-

Children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is real

and authentic. Our role is to provide a foundation of experiences on

which children build a life of learning and growth toward a mature and

vital faith. Children who become deeply committed followers of Christ

who LOVE God, CARE for each other and SERVE in the world.

Many thanks to each of you for your

morning time and talent (including

dancing vacs) to help put together more of

the Christmas set.

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Christmas Luncheon Tuesday, December 11 at 11:30 am

Sign up TODAY!

Enjoy a punch reception and a delicious meal. ($8) The Gifts of the Season program will

feature readings, songs and instrumental pieces. Creative table decorations

will set this event apart! This is a great opportunity to make holiday

memories with family and friends.

Women’s Minsitry

COME DECORATE WITH US! The poinsettias, trees, lights and candles are COMING! Help us prepare ye the way for the arrival of Advent this coming week leading up to December 1 and the first week of Advent. Contact Nell Nash (nnash@umcwfb.org) or Christy Wimmer (cwest@umcwfb.org) for details on what YOU can do to deck these halls! Advent decorating: Saturday, December 1, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, All is Bright hallway decorating: Thursday (following WOW) December 6, 1:00-4:00 pm.

Rosies Get It Done! Ladies – come laugh while you clean the corners here at God’s House, Friday, December 7 from 9:00-11:00 am. Odd jobs, organizing and cleaning are on our Godly “to-do” list. It’s a busy month, but so important that we, as a church family, put our best foot forward before we welcome the visitors for All is Bright and Christmas Eve. Contact Mary Paull or just come with your favorite grubbies on. (It’s a monthly fashion show of sorts!)

Do you know someone who needs to be wrapped in prayer? Our prayer ministry has a beautiful selection of hand-made prayer shawls in all shapes and colors. Be a blessing this season by visiting someone who could use an extra prayer wrapped around them. See Nell Nash for prayer shawls, directions to make prayer shawls and/or details.

SOUPER BOWL Wouldn't it be nice to have an easy lunch of

yummy homemade soup before the big game? There will be three varieties to choose

from. Must be pre-ordered January 13-27.

Start thinking who you might surprise with the gift of soup and fellowship on a chilly February day, or plan to get your favorite soup bowls out for a savory meal! If you would be willing to help make, jar, and label soup, contact Sue Daugherty (suekdaugherty@gmail.com). Brought to you by United Methodist Women.

New things arriving daily in Lydia’s Treasure – our mission store that makes a difference! Last year, we were able to share $8,500 with five different missions and a tithe to UMCWFB. We are praying for the ability to share more this year. With your purchases of decadent chocolates, luscious lotions, aromatic candles, thoughtful greet-ing cards, colorful decorations and fun finds – YOU make the difference. Round up for mission when purchase and add an extra layer of blessing. Come see and be delighted – Sundays 8:45 am–Noon, Mondays & Tuesdays 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Wednesdays 5:00-7:30 pm, second Saturday (December 8) 9:00 am-Noon and before and after each All is Bright presentation. Lydia’s Treasure – where EVERY purchase, EVERY day, helps support mission in at least ONE way!

The Women’s Advent Study Unlikely Gifts

by J. Ellsworth Kalas began Thursday, November 29

at 10:15 am. Contact Nell Nash to purchase a book.

18

December 1st

Hoylman, Mrs. Elizabeth -Betsy

Ebert, Jonathan -Jon

December 2nd

Jeffery, Mr. James

Han, Mrs. Mary Lynn

December 3rd

Wind, Dr. Geraldine -Jeri

December 4th

Gruber, Ms. Lois

December 5th

Loots, Mrs. Mary

Blegen, Mr. Douglas

Guenther, Mrs. Margaret -

Margie

December 6th

Curran, Mrs. Carolyn

Bessette, Monica

December 9th

Abel, Mr. Daniel -Dan

December 10th

Van Volkinburg, Mr. Tim

Abram, Mr. John

December 11th

Welstead, Mr. Jon

Harvey, Benjamin -Ben

December 13th

Herzberg, Mr. Frank

December 14th

Furlong, Mrs. Heidi

Behrens, Mr. Don

December 15th

Carey, Craig

Dean, Dr. Larry

Motte, Mrs. Shirley

Hentzen, Samantha

December 17th

Wunderlich, Mrs. Joelyn

December 18th

Greenlee, Dr. James -Jim

Rice, Dr. Nancy E.

December 20th

Ebersohl, Mrs. Susan -Sue

December 21st

Balmer, Mr. Robert -Rob

December 24th

Edwards, Mrs. Kate

December 25th

Peterson, Mr. Chris

December 26th

Chetlain, Mr. J. Marshall

December 27th

Johnson-Olson, Ms. Cory

Dietz, Mr. Mark

Scheu, Mr. Kevin L.

Armstrong, Megan

December 28th

Boor, Mr. John

December 29th

Stuebe, Frances

Novak, Alexander William-

Sasha

Sander, Mr. Robert -Bob

Modrinski, Ms. Grace

December 31st

Pruhs, Mr. Martin

Walker, Carol

Kiefer, Mrs. Christine