The Nimmonsburg Witness Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church

918 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 Rev. Jenni Piatt (607) 724-5421 Nimmonsburgumc.weebly.com

December 2020

Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? I have several! The stories are

all about the transforming power of Christmas. Christmas can soften the heart,

repair relationships, and heal wounds – it can if we let it. One favored

Christmas movie is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Rudolph and Hermey, the elf who

wanted to be a dentist, go on a journey and

meet Yukon Cornelius. The three come upon

The Island of Misfit Toys. It was a land filled

with poor, rejected toys that no one wanted

because there was something wrong with them.

There was a toy train with square wheels, a

water pistol that squirted jelly, a doll with low

self-esteem, an elephant covered with spots—

all of them banished to exile, shunned to the fringe of humanity, never to be

chosen or loved. I suspect this scene was in the show to teach children about

empathy and compassion, to teach us not to judge others for their shortcomings

because, in fact, all of us have them.

I recently learned that when the show first debuted in 1964, the original

show ended with the toys left on that island, never being rescued. That ending

elicited hundreds of angry letters from children from across the country after

the show premiered. Children were so upset that the toys were left there, for-

gotten. So, the following year, the producers changed the script. They added a

scene, a correction that became a new part of the show in 1965 and has been

there ever since. Now at the end of the show, Rudolph and Santa descend onto

the island. Santa scoops them up, puts them into his bag, and loads them onto

his sleigh, giving them to boys and girls around the world who eagerly receive

them and give them the one thing they have always wanted and never had: the

gift of love and acceptance.

Advent is a time when we can discover just how misfit our human

condition really is. As much as God created us to be people of peace, hope,

love, and joy, we are an imperfect people. At best, we are only able to achieve

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deVega, Magrey;

McIntyre, Ingrid;

Casperson, April;

Rawle, Matt.

Almost Christmas.

Abingdon Press.

Kindle Edition.

Silver Bells Project

Lectionary Readings & Sermons for December

Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church is participating in the Silver Bells Project again this year. Many older adults in our community are isolated from their family and friends. That makes Silver Bells all the more important this year because of Covid-19. We would like this Christmas to bring them some cheer, and serve as a reminder that they are not alone, but thought of and loved. Thanks to angels like you, we are able to do just that.

Please choose a name from the list in the Church entryway, do your shopping, and return your gifts to the church by December 14th. Gift wrapping is not needed, but please make sure the gift is labeled with the recipient's name. Gifts will be delivered by Faith in Action volunteers.

If you cannot get to Church and want to participate, please call Marge at the Office and she can help you. Thanks!

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December 6, 2020—Communion 2nd Sunday of Advent—Purple Isaiah 40:1-11 1 Peter 1:3-9 Sermon: “Almost Christmas: An Altogether Hope

December 13, 2020 3rd Sunday of Advent—Purple Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Sermon: “Almost Christmas: An Altogether Love”

December 20, 2020 4th Sunday of Advent—Purple Habakkuk 3:17-19 Luke 1:26-38 Sermon: “Almost Christmas: An Altogether Joy”

Christmas Eve Service Christmas Eve—White/Gold Luke 2:1-20 Matthew 2:1-2, 8:12 Sermon: “Almost Christmas”

December 27, 2020 1st Sunday after Christmas Day—White/Gold Isaiah 61:10-62.3 Luke 2:22-40 Sermon: “Almost Christmas: An Altogether Commitment”

YEARLY CHURCH AUDIT

All church books need to be ready for submission to our Auditor by January 24, 2021. This includes the Endowment Fund, General Fund, Memorial Fund, Parsonage Fund and United Methodist Women. Please drop off at the Church Office.

Thanks!

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Christmas Shoeboxes for Boys and Girls Club

The Nimmonsburg United Methodist Women are collecting Christmas Shoeboxes again this year to be donated to the Binghamton Boys and Girls Club. The children range in age from 5 years to 17 years, and are pretty well split 50/50 between boys and girls.

There is a sign-up sheet in the Church entryway for you to let us know how many boxes you will be filling, and whether you’re packing for boys or girls, and their ages. If you want to pack a shoebox and can’t be at Church, please call Marge at the Office and she can sign the sheet for you.

Suggestions for items to include in the shoeboxes are: Mittens, gloves, winter hats, earmuffs, socks, games, crayons, coloring books, stickers, writing paper, pencils, erasers, puzzles, tablets, jewelry (for girls), special toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloths, shower gel, barrettes and hair ribbons (for girls), card games, game books, stickers, balls, checkers, jump ropes or other small toys.

Please do not include candy, gum or snacks due to allergies.

Boxes should be colorfully wrapped, and ribbons and bows may be used. A label must be placed on the outside of the box indicating if it is for a boy or girl, and their age.

Please return your filled and decorated box(es) to Church by Sunday, December 13th. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Weeks, Phyllis Bartlett or the Church Office. Thank you!

an “almost” kind of Christmas. If we’re honest, all of us are just a bunch of misfit toys. We spend a lot of

time and effort trying to project to other people that our lives are a lot better than they actually are. But

deep down inside we have our own hang-ups, habits, and heartaches. We live in relationships that are bro-

ken, a past that is full of shame and guilt, and a future that is fraught with worry. We have the constant re-

play of old tapes in our minds that would convince us that we are far removed from the kind of life we

know we should live. If only someone could come and rewrite the script for us, to add a scene, to do for us

what we cannot do for ourselves: to scoop us up and show us what unconditional love and second chances

might look like. Good news: that’s the meaning of Christmas!

In Jesus, God became a misfit, just like us: a human being, susceptible to the same vulnerabilities

that we face every day. God drew near to us, so that our story can have a new ending, one with hope and

possibility, and the promise of new life. There is just one thing we need to do in response: agree to come

on board. All those misfit toys had to do was jump into Santa’s sleigh for an adventure that would change

their lives. And according to John Wesley, that should be our response when it comes to Jesus: agree to

follow him and commit our lives to him.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Jenni

Continued from Page 1

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Celebrating our December Birthdays & Anniversaries!

12/1 - Scott Lindsey 12/3 - Judy St. John Nathan St. John 12/4 - Michael Burish 12/8 - Jenni Piatt 12/9 - Dan Morgan 12/11 - Victoria Austin 12/12 - Andy Halavik 12/13 - Holly Sensenig Sammy McFadden

12/18 - Michelle Hennings Cassidy Nowik 12/19 - Mark Rueffer 12/21 - Marin Lesch 12/22 - David Bryson 12/24 - Patricia Hiser 12/27 - Samuel Nowik 12/28 - Lindsay Rovere

12/29—Phyllis & Carleton Churchill

Did we miss your special day? Please let us know so we can

celebrate with you!

Birthdays Anniversaries

Bishop Webb’s Laity Regional Gathering

On December 8th, the Southern Tier Region is invited to join Bishop Webb’s Laity

Gathering by Zoom. This Gathering will be a time of prayer and conversation around our

ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church in these unprecedented days. Bishop Webb

said, “I look forward to gathering with the laity of each region to join together in prayer,

celebrate the ongoing ministry within each congregation, and keep our focus upon the

common task we share in ‘making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world.’”

Join the Zoom meeting on December 8th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm: Meeting ID is 962 8916 4197 and

the Passcode is 778210. If you have any questions about joining the meeting, please call 646-558-8656 for

assistance.

Adult Sunday School begins

again on January 10th

HOW LONG?

1. How long did Noah and his family remain in the ark?

2. How long was Saul blind?

3. How long was Lazarus in the grave?

4. How long was Christ’s temptation?

5. How long was darkness over all the earth during the crucifixion?

6. How long did Zimri reign?

7. How long did Manasseh reign?

8. How long did the children of Israel wander in the wilderness?

9. How long did Jesus live on earth before He was baptized?

10. How long did the sun and moon stand still at Joshua’s command?

Answers on Page 6

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It's that time of year, and time to think about the family we’re adopting for Christmas

this year. We've been matched with a family of 4 children ages 2-17, and their wish

items are below. You can either purchase a gift and drop it off at the church or to Debbie Hagerman, or you

can send a donation and Debbie will do the shopping for you. (You can mail a check to Debbie or send money

via Paypal or Venmo). Gifts should be unwrapped, and are needed by Friday, December 11th. Debbie

would also like to purchase a gift card for the family's holiday meal.

Please check with Debbie Hagerman before you purchase an item to make sure it hasn't already been bought. You can contact Debbie at debhag@hotmail.com. Child 1 - 4-year-old-boy (Favorite color is red and favorite characters are Spiderman & Hulk) 1. Lego set for 4-6 year old 2. Police car with lights and sound 3. Fire truck with lights and sound Child 2 - 16-year-old boy (Favorite color is red and he likes sports, especially basketball) 1. Sports sweatshirt - Men's Medium 2. Pajamas - Men's Medium 3. Full size comforter - Red or red print or sports print 4. Full size sheets - Red or red print Child 3 - 2-year-old girl (Favorite colors are pink and purple) 1. Snow boots - Toddler Size 6 2. My Little Pony 3. Unicorn Toy Child 4 - 17-year-old girl (Favorite colors purple, yellow or grey) 1. Hooded sweatshirt - Adult Medium 2. Cardigan sweater - Adult Medium 3. Leggins - Adult Medium 4. Gift card to Mall

Adopt-a-Family

Celebrate United Methodist Student Day

What is Student Day? It is one of six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings

of The United Methodist Church — United Methodist Student Day takes place the first

Sunday after Thanksgiving. This Special Sunday calls the church to support students as

they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The offering provides scholarships for

qualified United Methodist applicants. When you give generously on United Methodist

Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge.

If you would like to give to this offering, you can write “United Methodist Student

Day” on your check and put it in the offering or send to the Church Office. You can also

visit https://bit.ly/SpecialSundaygift to make a direct donation to Student Day.

Christmas Shopping at NUMC

December 6th, 13th and 20th

9:00-10:00 am and 11:00 to Noon

Fellowship Hall

We have many really beautiful gift items made by

our Needle Arts Group, and Pastor Jenni will be

selling and autographing her four books, including

her newest release “Merry Christmas, Daddy!”.

- Stress-Free Shopping -

Thank you to everyone who

donated so generously to the

Thanksgiving Offering!

NUMC Finance Committee

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1. Do I so far practice justice, mercy, and truth, as even the world requires? 2. Do I even appear on the outside to be a Christian? 3. Do I practice godly behavior? 4. Do I refrain from doing evil things, as is described in the Bible? 5. Do I do good with all my might? 6. Do I seriously follow God’s commandments whenever I can? 7. Do I do everything with a sincere plan and desire to please God in every way? 8. Am I, at the very least, observing the qualities of an “almost” Christian? 9. Am I willing to go a step further and be an “altogether” Christian? 10. Is the love of God shed abroad in my heart? 11. Can I cry out, “My God, and my All”? 12. Do I desire nothing but God? 13. Am I happy in God? 14. Is God my glory, my delight, and my source of joy? 15. Is this commandment written in my heart: “That he who loves God loves others also?” 16. Do I love my neighbor as myself? 17. Do I love everyone, even my enemies, even the enemies of God, as my own soul? 18. Do I love others as Christ loved me? 19. Do I believe that Christ loved me and gave himself for me? 20. Do I have faith in Christ’s blood? 21. Do I believe that Jesus has taken away my sins and cast them as a stone into the depth of the sea? 22. Do I believe that Jesus has blotted out the handwriting that was against me, taking it out of the way, nailing it to his cross? 23. Do I feel the assurance that I have been redeemed of my sins? 24. Do I feel the assurance of the Spirit that I am a child of God? 25. And the last question, based on Wesley’s final instruction is: Can I lift my hand up to heaven, and

declare to him that lives forever and ever, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love you”? John Wesley, Sermons on Several Occasions, Sermon 2 “The Almost Christian,” Acts 26:28, July 25, 1741.

25 Questions to Prepare our Hearts for Christmas

We are collecting

new greeting cards (all

occasion and holiday) and

2021 calendars to be used

by the residents of the

Greater Binghamton Health

Center.

Please drop off your donations in the box

on the shelf in front of the mailboxes at church by

December 6th. Thank you!

HOW LONG? - ANSWERS

1. More than a year (Genesis 7:11; 8:13, 14)

2. Three days (Acts 9:9)

3. Four days (John 11:39)

4. Forty days (Matthew 4:2)

5. From the sixth to the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45)

6. Seven days (1 Kings 16:15)

7. Fifty-five years (2 Kings 21:1)

8. Forty years (Exodus 16:35)

9. Thirty years (Luke 3:23)

10. The sun stood still about a whole day (Joshua 10:13)

Cards & 2021 Calendars

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We are planning a mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky from May 23 to May 29, 2021. Henderson Settlement is one of four mission institutions of the Red Bird Missionary Conference. Their mission is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through service to the community by meeting basic needs in Appalachia. In 1925, Methodist minister Hiram Frakes came to the Laurel Fork Valley in Southeastern Kentucky with a dream of educational, economic and spiritual reform for the

community. Today we have an opportunity to invest time, money and labor to help the people of this area.

Henderson serves the community by providing a food pantry, senior center, young mothers’ assistance, thrift store, soup kitchen, home repair and emergency center for the homeless. We are excited to come alongside of this mission to help.

Who: Everyone is welcome to be part of this mission experience.

What: We will select a project(s) to work on while there. This could be anything from building, building repair, working in the food pantry or thrift shop, and everything in between. The project will be selected once we know who and how many will be on our team.

Cost: The cost will be roughly $325 per person, plus meals during travel and project materials. Again, once we know how many people and the projects we will be doing, we will be able to calculate a more exact cost. Cost should not deter anyone from attending. We will have fundraisers. There are individuals who cannot attend but will sponsor attendees, and there are funds available through the Church.

Here’s What We Need: In order to move forward, we need to know that people are interested and committed. The hope is to have 10-12 people who are willing to travel together to Kentucky and spend a week working together. As of right now, we have 7 people who are interested.

Please contact Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church Office at (607) 724-5421 if you are willing to commit to this mission experience or if you would like any further information.

Pastor Jenni Piatt

Henderson Settlement Mission Trip

Christmas Eve in a Bag

On December 19th from 1:00-3:00 pm, each church person/household can

stop by a drive-thru which will be set up in front of the Church and pick up their

“Christmas in a Bag”. Each bag will contain a candle, an

Order of Worship for Christmas Eve, instructions to watch the

service on YouTube, a communion cup, and maybe a small

surprise. A full transcript of the service will be provided for

those without a computer. If you would like to help packing

bags, passing them out at the drive-thru, or help with deliveries to those who

cannot pick them up, please let Pastor Jenni know, or call the Church Office.

With everyone's help, we can make this a very special Christmas Eve for every-

one, no matter if we can attend Church or not!

NUMC

Christmas

Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church 918 Upper Front Street Binghamton, New York 13905 (607) 724-5421

We are taking orders for Poinsettias to grace our Sanctuary for Christmas. The

cost is $15 each, and payment must accompany your order. Please contact the

Church Office at (607) 724-5421 if you would like to order a Poinsettia.

Nimmonsburg United Methodist ChurchNimmonsburg United Methodist ChurchNimmonsburg United Methodist Church E-Mail: Phone:

Bishop: Rev. Mark J. Webb BishopsOffice@unyumc.org Ofc: (855) 424-7878

Bing. District Super.: Rev. Nancy Adams BinghamtonDistrict@unyumc.org Ofc: (607) 748-0662

Pastor: Rev. Jenni Piatt ChurchPastornumc@gmail.com (716) 560-4400

Office Administrator: Marjorie McCoy ChurchOfficenumc@gmail.com Ofc: (607) 724-5421

Chair of Trustees: Paul Derr paulderr2@gmail.com (607) 648-5471

Chair of Admin. Board Patti Derr pakderr@gmail.com (607) 648-5471

Chair of SPPRC: Don Birtch debirtch52@gmail.com (607) 238-7983