November 24, 2013 Thanksgiving Sunday

Rev. Dave Leckrone, Senior Pastor

Bob Lybarger, Associate Pastor

Our Mission: Invite ~ Equip ~ Engage

Worship Services

8:15 & 10:45am ~ Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:30 & 10:45am ~ Contemporary (First Place)

Welcome to Worship

Pastoral Welcome Community Sharing (Announcements- Registration Pads- Birthdays- Anniversaries)

Time of Greeting

Choral Introit Organ Voluntary “Now Thank We All Our God” *Opening Hymn “Surely the Presence” *Hymn #694 “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” *Invocation *Affirmation #889 *Gloria Patri Partners in Hope Christmas Aimee Shannon Prayer Requests, Joys & Concerns Silent, Pastoral & the Lord’s Prayer Prayer Hymn #2080 “All I Need Is You”

All I need is you, Jesus, all I need is you. You are the source of all I need. All I need is you.

Choral Anthem “Celtic Laud” Flute: Carolyn Gallehue

Hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children” Children’s Message Julie Staton

All children are welcome to come to the chancel steps. PreK-2nd graders may go to Room 304 with Kirk & Melissa Nichols.

Order of Worship continues on the back cover.

The First United Methodist Church

First News facebook.com/TroyFUMC ● www.troyfumc.org ● twitter.com/TroyFirstUMC ● staff@troyfumc.org ● 335.2826

Hanging of the Greens TODAY!

It is time to decorate the church & First Place for Christmas! Many, many hands are needed so please stay after the 10:45am services to help. There are jobs for all ages.

New Series Begins

Do you struggle at Christmas time with how many presents to buy, which parties to attend or fixing the perfect meal? Then come journey with us, starting next week, as we explore the ultimate gift at our contemporary worship services @ First Place 9:30 or 10:45am.

New Member Class If you would like to join the church, there will be a New Member Class held on Sun, Dec 9 at 9:30am in Room 311.

First Friend of the Week: (take a moment to send a note/card to our First Friend.)

Carol Marheine 485 Wisteria Dr., Troy

Happy 80th Birthday-Nov 26

Community Thanksgiving Service

The service will be held at the United Church of Christ, 124 S. Market St., (behind First Place) on Tues, Nov 26 @ 7pm. You may remember years ago, Troy had a “Council of the Churches.” Over the years that group faded away. Pastor Dave and Jack Hoekstra recently hosted a luncheon at First Place and invited area Pastors. Over 25 attended and a new group has been resurrected and is now known as the Troy Area Clergy Association. This year’s Thanksgiving Service will be their first event.

Christmas Eve Greeters & Ushers Needed

Families or individuals are needed to serve as greeters / ushers for the traditional Christmas Eve services at 7, 9, and 11. The responsibilities include welcoming our guests, handing out bulletins, and collecting the offering. The 11pm service will also require assisting with communion.

Two families have already volunteered to serve at 5pm.

Please call Steve Johnson at 339-9512 if you are willing to serve or have any questions.”

Offering Envelopes Are Here! This is the last week envelopes will be available in the Gathering room. Please stop by today to pick up your box.

TFY Update Shout out to all Sr. High students! Tonight we will be having a Sunday Funday. This event is for Sr. High ONLY! Just meet us at Troy Bowl from 7:00-9:00. We would ask you bring $5 to help cover some of the cost. Text Zack (570-617-8345) if you plan on coming so we have an idea of who to expect. Also there will be NO Youth Group next Wednesday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Calendar Today: November 24 Thanksgiving Sunday /

Hanging of the Greens / UM Student Day

8:15, 9:30, & 10:45am Worship

8:30am Community Breakfast @ First Place

12:00pm Hanging of the Greens

12:00pm Senior High Funday

Monday: November 25

6:30am Men’s Life @ Bob Evans

9:00am First Kids Preschool

9:15am Intercessory Prayer Group

9:30am Staff Meeting

11:30am Melody Men Warm Up

1:00 & 5pm Food Pantry (FP)

3:00pm Senior Chair Exercises (FP)

3:45pm Pilates Class (FP)

6:00pm Girl Scouts

7:00pm Prayer Shawl @ FPC

7:00pm Trustees

Tuesday: November 26

9:00am First Kids Preschool: Thanksgiving Feast

2:00pm Fidelity Health

6:30pm B.I.B.L.E. Class

Wednesday: November 27

9:00am First Kids Preschool: Thanksgiving Feast

10:00am Tuba Quartet

1:00pm Food Pantry (FP)

3:00pm Senior Chair Exercises (FP)

3:45pm Pilates Class (FP)

6:00pm Team G(race) UpnRun

7:00pm Chancel Choir

Thursday: November 28

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Church Closed

Friday: November 29

Church Closed

Saturday: November 30

7:30am Men’s Prayer Bfast @ Friendly’s

7:30am Men’s Life @ Bob Evans

Next Sunday: December 1 1st Sunday of

Advent / All Church Christmas Party

8:15, 9:30, & 10:45am Worship

8:30am Community Breakfast @ First Place

5:00pm All Church Christmas Party (FP)

Please keep the following members of our church family in your prayers:

♥ Sharon Miller ~ upcoming knee surgery

♥Jim Vodde~ Myelodysplastic syndrome

♥Nick & Karla Tumbleson ~ health issues

♥Dale Fisher ~ Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma &

Mesothelioma, undergoing chemo ♥Ty Komjatis ~ undergoing chemo & radiation

♥Karen Painter ~ brain tumor

You may add a church family member to the list after first obtaining their permission and then contacting the church office at 335-2826 or staff@troyfumc.org.

Preaching Schedule Dec 1

8:15 & 10:45am Rev. Dave Leckrone 9:30 & 10:45am Bob Lybarger

Dec 8

8:15 & 10:45am Rev. Dave Leckrone 9:30 & 10:45am Bob Lybarger

Greeters Needed Greeters are needed for the traditional worship services in Nov & Dec. Please sign up on the clipboard located in the Gathering room for one or two Sundays.

Racing for Hope on New Year's Day

Registration for our 7th annual New Year's Day 5k is now open. Runners or walkers, fast or slow, everybody is welcome to participate and help raise awareness of human trafficking. Proceeds will benefit Dayton-area initiatives along with some global anti-trafficking programs. This race has been a successful fundraiser over the last few years, due to the support of the church, local businesses, and the community. Online Registration: http://raceforhope.kintera.org

Last Call for Race Sponsors If any individual or business still wishes to be a sponsor for the New Year's Day 5k, the deadline is fast approaching to get the race shirts designed including sponsor logos. Please contact Brett Bogan (937-524-7374) or Cynde Sroufe (937-524-9300) as soon as possible, or submit your sponsorship online at http://raceforhope.kintera.org. Any sponsorship amount is welcomed, and will help cover the costs of the race. Donations will be accepted through January, but we will not be able to include your name or logo on our shirt unless the commitment is received soon.

Let’s Go! 2014 Trip Preview Please join us at 6pm on Mon, Dec 9 at First Place. We will be going over 2014 trips that evening. Meat, beverages and table service will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. We need to know how many to plan for so please either sign the sheet in the Gathering room, email us at: ms.ann.baird@gmail.com or call 335-4338 by Thurs, Dec 5. We hope to see many of you there. Bob & Ann Baird

2014 Altar Flowers The sign up list for donating the Altar flowers in 2014 is now available in the Gathering room. The following dates are still available: May 4 & 18, July 13, 20 & 27, Aug 24 & 31, Sept 21 & Nov 9. This is a special opportunity to honor or remember our loved ones.

Christmas Caroling Mark your calendars! Sun, Dec 8 we will go Christmas Caroling for our “Special Folks”, something they always look forward to and thoroughly enjoy. We will meet in the Social room at 3pm, we will be divided into teams to be sent out. When we return we will enjoy pizza together. Please join us!

Costa Rica Mission Trip

Dates of the mission trip to Costa Rica in February 2014 are tentatively set. The team will leave for Costa Rica on Wed, Feb 5 and return home on Mon, Feb 10, or possibly Tuesday the 11th. The cost for the trip will likely be $1,000 per person, with an initial deposit due by Dec 9. A meeting will be held towards the end of the month

for those who may be interested in going to discuss possible projects and trip logistics. For anybody strongly considering going on the trip, you should start the process for getting a passport if you don't already have one, and also look into immunizations. You can still add your name to the list in the Gathering Room or at First Place if you have an interest in going on the trip. If you have any questions, you can contact Brett Bogan.

Christmas Mail for Heros Each year the American Red Cross provides assistance to more than 2 million service members and many of our nation’s 24 million veterans. And once a year, they get the joy of delivering holiday greetings to veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world.

The cards and personal messages, sent by tens of thousands of Americans, provide a welcome “touch of home” for our troops during the holiday season. Each year we collect cards between October and early December and then distribute them at military installations, veterans hospitals, and in other locations.

There are several ways to be part of the Christmas Mail for Heroes program. In addition to sending cards on your own, you may want to start making plans to host card signing parties or card making parties. Here are a few guidelines to help you on your way:

Card Guidelines: Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by

Red Cross volunteers working around the country. Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process: Ensure that all cards are signed.

Use generic salutations such as “Dear

Service Member.” Cards addressed to

specific individuals cannot be delivered

through this program. Only cards are being accepted. Do not send

or include letters.

Do not include email or home addresses on

the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

Do not include inserts of any kind, including

photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.

Please refrain from choosing cards with

glitter or using loose glitter as it can

aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.

If you are mailing a large quantity of cards,

please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal

shipping boxes. Each card does not need its

own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

All holiday greetings should be addressed: Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The deadline for having cards to the P.O. Box is December 6th.

Holiday cards received after this date cannot be guaranteed delivery.

UMCOR: The Philippines (United Methodist Committee On Relief) Support UMCOR’s relief and recovery work in the Philippines by giving to International Disaster Response Advance #982450. 100% of your money will go to those in need. You may give online at umcor.org or in the offering plate. Please mark your check UMCOR or Philippines.

Kyle School Christmas Outreach

Our church is a community partner with Kyle School and we have several opportunities to participate in meaningful activities for the students during this Christmas season: 1) Sign up in the Gathering room to volunteer at their Christmas Gala on Sat, Dec 7 in the morning. 2) Donate a dollar towards their Gala breakfast at the dollar collection on Sun Dec 1. 3) Select an ornament off the green trees on Nov 24 & Dec 1 to purchase gifts for Kyle students and their siblings. Specific directions will be provided on Nov 24 but gifts need to be returned to the church by Sun, Dec 8. The families we help are nominated by teachers and guidance counselors. They do not participate in the Partners in Hope Christmas but both projects are important. We appreciate your support. The FUMC Outreach Committee

Generations of Life Hosts Holiday Grief

Program for Children Generations of Life, a service of Hospice of Miami County, will host “Bravehearts,” a holiday program offering education and

support program for children and teens who are dealing with grief.

“Bravehearts” includes games, crafts, a holiday movie and popcorn, as well as a complimentary lunch for the children. The event will be held Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hospice of Miami County office at 550 Summit Ave., Suite 101 in Troy.

“Bravehearts” is free and open to the public; however those wishing to participate must register by December 6. To register, please call Generations of Life at (937) 573-2100.

Pastoral Care If you are going to be in the hospital and would like a pastor to visit, please email: staff@troyfumc.org or call 335-2826.

Mitten Trees Today in the Gathering room & First Place are undecorated Christmas trees. We are asking you to decorate this tree with mittens, hats and scarves for needy children and adults in our community. If you have any questions please contact Penny Hoekstra at 335-2826 or by email at: phoekstra@troyfumc.org.

Special Campaigns

Third Floor Ceiling Project

Total Spent: $48,248

Total Contributions Received: $18,478

Deficit: $29,770

Cookies Needed Partners in Hope has asked our congregation to provide fifteen dozen cookies for the Annual Christmas Shop. The cookies will be for refreshments and each family will be given one dozen to take home. Please package the cookies one dozen per zip lock plastic bag, and deliver to the church office on Mon, Dec 16 & Tues, Dec 17. Contact Bob Schuller with questions at: tlmsw511@aol.comor call 339-4110.

Food Pantry 2013 November Week 2: Families 131 Individuals* 422 1st Time Visitors 7

Year Families 5661 to Date Individuals* 16919 Total: 1st Time Visitors 467

*individuals = # of persons living in household

LightReaders present:

Sun, Dec 15 @ 8:15 & 10:45 am Often the Christmas season becomes all about the manger, but

the manger is only the beginning of God's plan. We will find the redemption and peace we seek because the manger is empty, and

Jesus is in the world.

Your Christmas celebration can last the whole year long because of His promise.

"Stay in My love, and I will be with you to the end of the age!"

Chancel Choir Members: Sopranos: Kathi Dow, Janice Harshman, Lillian Holmes, Joyce Mosher, Jan Murphy & Nan Conard Altos: Myrle Briggs, Pam Gibellino, Bobbi Kelly, Carla Lohrer, Carol Marheine, Jill Peters, Jan Wise & Janet Wright Tenors: Jim Braby, Doug Burch, Peter Dow, Mark Rogers & Nick Tumbleson Basses: Bob Blythe, Dale Fisher, Scott Harshman, Jack Hoekstra, Allen Marheine,

Joe Mosher, Bruce Scranton & Stan Shaw

Journey to the Manger First Lutheran Chruch will present “Journey to the manger”-a live nativity, drive through, on Sat, Dec 7 & Sun, Dec 8 from 6-8pm. This event is free and open to the public. The church is located at 2899 W. Main St., Troy.

Thank You! “Isaiah’s Place deeply appreciates your generous donation of the pajamas! Donations like yours help us give the foster children a better lifestyle. With Christmas approaching, it will give them another present to open and something else to be excited about. Thank you so much for thinking of the children.

Sincerely, The Staff at Isaiah’s Place

Thank You! “Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for our family.” Ginger Williams

We extend a warm welcome to all our visitors today!

Nursery Care: Rooms 200-202 An Usher can direct you. Childcare Staff Person(s): Sandra Makemson and Barbara Warner

We Welcome Children in Worship. The following items are available to assist you in the sanctuary: quiet bags, children’s bulletins, a child-sized table and rocking chairs are available. If you need assistance ask an Usher.

Greeters: 8:15am:

Franklin St Stanley Neves & Nancy Yantis Cherry St Lowell & Mary Davis

10:45am: Franklin St Susie Barhorst

Cherry Street Mark, Loren, Owen & Liam Evilsizor

Usher Captains: 8:15am: Bruce Beeman 10:45am: Steve Johnson

Acolytes ~ 10:45 Madison Dixon & Megan Robinson

Special Needs: are available from an Usher.

Church Information: The First United Methodist Church

Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 110 West Franklin Street

Troy, Ohio 45373 Website: www.troyfumc.orgEmail:

staff@troyfumc.org 937-335-2826

Twitter: twitter.com/TroyFirstUMC Fax: 937-332-0070

facebook.com/TroyFUMC

The Fellowship

Sunday School Class The Fellowship Class will begin an Advent Study on the book titled While We Wait by Mary Lou Redding. Everyone is invited to join us in Room 321 at 9:30am beginning Sun, Dec 1st.

Christmas Greetings for the Food Pantry

For the holidays, Troy Public Radio (TPR) 91.9, is offering a chance for you to be on the radio for $25. You can wish your family, friends, co-workers, students, teachers or anyone you choose- a Merry Christmas on the radio. Scott Hornberger of TPR has offered to give part of his proceeds to our First Place Food Pantry and the Miami County Veterans Museum. $6.25 of the $25 will go to the Food Pantry and $6.25 will go to the Veterans Museum. The balance will go to new equipment for TPR. Dates for recordings are Nov 20, 3-7pm, Nov 22, 3-7pm and Nov 23, Noon-5pm. Contact Scott Hornberger, 301-9990 or visit: www.tcrtroycommunityradio.com.

Heart to Heart

Holiday Cheese Spread Sale The Heart to Heart Retreat planning team is once again selling cheese spreads for the holidays. This year we are featuring a cheddar cheese ball and a cranberry cream cheese spread. Orders will be taken on Dec 1, 8, & 15 in the Gathering room and at First Place after all 4 church services. Pick-up will take place at the same locations on Dec 15 & 22. Each 8-ounce cheese spread

costs $6. Thank you in advance for your support!

Christmas Eve Services Traditional: 5, 7, 9 & 11pm, Sanctuary Contemporary: 6 & 8pm, First Place

Childcare: 5, 6 & 7pm (3yrs and under) Candlelight at all services.

Communion at 11pm. Pre-service music 6:30-7pm

Holiday Office Hours The church office will be closed Thurs, Nov 29 & Fri, Nov 30 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Estimate of Giving Cards It’s not too late to turn in your card. You may drop it into the offering plate, mail it to the church or drop it off during the week.

Upcoming Events Nov 24: Hanging of the Greens, 12pm Dec 1: All Church Christmas Party, 5pm Dec 8: Church Christmas Caroling, 3pm

Dec 9: Let’s Go! 2014 Trip Preview, 6pm, FP Dec 11: Let’s Go! La Comedia’s C-mas Spectacular Dec 15: Fair Trade Sunday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Services: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11pm Jan 1: World Race 4 Hope 5K, 10am Jan 5: Un-hanging of the Greens, 12pm Feb 21: Father & Daughter Valentine Dance, 7pm Mar 21 & 22: Heart to Heart Retreat (FP)

Attendance Worship: 610 Sunday school: 17

Stewardship Report General Operating Pledged/Unpledged Giving

Week 46 of 52

11/17/13 11/18/12 Change % Change

$13,164.25 $10,316.25 $2,848.00 2+7.6%

1/1/13-11/17/13 1/1/12-11/18/12 Change % Change

$484,511.03 $482,003.78 $2,507.25 +0.5%

Notes

1) The 2013 General Operating Budget is $665,778 ($12,803 per week). This year’s budget is

3.51% higher than the 2012 budget.

2) To date, we have received 72.8% of our operating budget needs for the year.

3) Online giving is included in the year-to-date figures. Through 10/31, total online giving for all

funds was $81,414.

Questions? Ask the Treasurer: bdbogan@troyfumc.org

Last Week’s Offering Money Received for the General Operating Fund

General Pledged/Unpledged Tithes & Offerings $13,164.25

Loose Plate 278.01 Sunday School 8.25

Coffee 20.55 Upper Room 0

Breakfast 89

Youth Tickets 186 Facility Use 0

Wed Meal 156 Books 16.50

Benevolence Fund 1275 Money Received & Designated to Special Projects & Other Funds Not Included in General Operating.These are designated gifts, contributions and other income received by the church from church members and constituents. These amounts do not represent any financial support from the general operating fund to these special projects and funds.

BHoH 1300 PiH 50 First Kids PS 260.78

FISH 100 UMCOR 680 Camp 300 Memorials 20 Let’s Go~ 2156 Race 60 Concert Tickets 108 Fair Trade 152 Lemonade 71

Offertory “Praise and Thanksgiving” *Offertory Prayer *Hymn #131 “We Gather Together”

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28:1-10 Dave Pinkerton Sermon “The End of the Story” Rev. Dave Leckrone *Hymn #327 “Crown Him With Many Crowns” *Benediction

Postlude “By Faith Justified” Tawnie Johnson, Organist *congregation stands if able

_________________________________________________________________________

Choral Anthem “Celtic Laud” Text: Pam Martin Music: Craig Courtney

For fruit of the vine,

For harvest of wheat, For bread and for wine,

The gift of your feast,

The cup of thanksgiving I gratefully raise,

O Lord of my living, My love and my praise.

For dove in the sky,

For wind in the trees,

For coal in the fire, Your Spirit in me,

The cup of thanksgiving

I gratefully raise, O Lord of my living

My love and my praise.

For springtime’s green earth,

For morning’s first light, For every new birth,

For grace and for life, The cup of thanksgiving

I gratefully raise,

O Lord of my living My love and my praise.

The Altar flowers are presented to the Glory of God by Myrna Yoder, with a grateful heart for family and friends.