the methodist advent 2016 the journey to bethlehem · pdf file11.12.2016 · the...
TRANSCRIPT
The Methodist
The Methodist Mailbox
Watch us on Cable 13
at 9:30 p.m.
on Sunday
and/or
10:00 a.m.
Thursday mornings DVD’s are being provided for the
senior adult homes
Please note that our wor-
ship service is recorded
for broadcast. Attend-
ance implies your willing-
ness for you and/or your children under
your care to be photographed or rec-
orded on video for whatever uses the
church deems appropriate.
Advent 2016
The Journey to Bethlehem
November 27 Come Thou Long
Un-Expected Jesus Isaiah 2:1-5 ♦ Matthew 24:36-44
December 4 The Journey to Bethlehem Isaiah 7:10-16 ♦ Matthew 1:18-25
Cinnamon Role Sunday (see article p.3)
December 11 No Room at the Inn Titus 2: 11-14 ♦ Luke 2: 1-7
Children’s Christmas Program (see p.3)
Birthday Party for Jesus at 9:30 a.m.
December 18 Mary’s Song Micah 5: 2-5a ♦ Luke 1: 46-55
All Music Group Celebration
Christmas Cookie Gala (see p.4)
Christmas Open House 1:30-5p.m. (see p.5)
December 24 A Not So Silent Night Isaiah 9:2-7 ♦ Luke 2: 8-20
Las Posadas Christmas Eve at 5(p.2)
Traditional Candlelight Service at 7
December 25 Christmas Day A Service of Carols and Meditation
Blessing of the Toys (Children’s Time) (p.3)
One Service at 10:00 a.m.
January 1 New Year’s Day
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 ♦ Revelation 21:1-6a
2016 Parade of Babies (see p.2)
One Service at 10:00 a.m.
January 8 Epiphany Sunday
The Work of Christmas
Isaiah 60:1-6 ♦ Matthew 2:1-12
Resume two Services 8:30 and 10:30
End of Year Financial Statements Charitable deductions for the 2016 calendar
year must be delivered to the church or mailed
and postmarked by December 31st.
Statements of giving for amounts of $250 or more in 2016 will be
prepared for distribution in January 2017.
Persons with giving below $250 may
request statements. - Cliff Lowell Financial Secretary
Parade of Babies
Celebrating Life 2016
January 1 we will be
celebrating God’s gift of
new life in our 10 a.m.
worship. One of the most
precious and awesome
experiences of life is the
birthing or receiving a child
into our midst. It culminates
the hopes and dreams and
begins the journey of shar-
ing and shaping life with
those whom we have been
entrusted.
Please e-mail a picture of
your latest family addition
by December 18 to
bring in to the office a
picture of a baby, grand-
child, or great grandchild
which was born or received
in 2016 so we may include
them in a pictorial parade
of the new life related to our
lives this past year. Make
sure to list the full name of
the child, date of birth, and
what relation they are to
you to be included in our
celebration.
robert’s reflection
at the
loneliest
lowliest
look
for him
in the emptiest
forsaken felt
place
within
where
darkness
is deepest
in your life
and you least
expect
any light
of hope
or care
there
he
will be
born
~robert
Christmas Eve Services
At 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The worship committee has set our
Christmas Eve celebrations at 5 and
7 p.m. to meet the needs of the
Seward community and allow greater
participation as this is a time for the
greatest number of visitors to our church
for worship.
Our 5 o’clock service will be very
child friendly and based on the Hispanic
tradition of Las Posadas. It commemorates Mary and Joseph’s
journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of safe refuge for
Mary to give birth to Jesus. Posadas translates as shelter on inn.
The service will conclude with Candlelight and Silent Night.
The 7 o’clock service will be more traditional with liturgy, carols
and a special Christmas message, A Not So Silent Night, Candle-
lighting and Silent Night will conclude this service as well.
If neither of those times meet your needs please join us for a
more contemplative Christmas Day Service at 10 a.m. The Methodist Mailbox
The Methodist Mailbox
Blessing of the Toys
December 25, 10 a.m.
Children are invited to
bring one toy from home
on Christmas morning for
the Blessing of the Toys
during Children’s Time. I
look forward to seeing and
celebrating with our
children.
-Pastor Robert
Calling all Senior Highs!
Ski Trip Meeting Dec.4 Can you envision yourself
communing with your
friends in God’s incredible
creation in Colorado? If you
can, all Senior High students
and their parents are invited
to an informational meeting
December 4 at noon in the
Parlor for a Spring Ski trip in
March.
Please come hear about
the possibilities, costs and
plans. See you on the 4th!
Jesus Means Christmas To Me is a Christmas
musical filled with Classic Christmas Hymns.
The narration points young hearts to the
wonder of the manger scene as it teaches
them the real reason we celebrate the
season.
K-8 will participate in the 8:30 and 10:30
services and the pre-school will start out
the 10:30 service with songs of their own!
Sunday School Christmas Program
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Cinnamon Roll Sunday December 4th
Please come get your cinnamon
rolls during fellowship following
both services and support the
Middle School Youth Group.
Tue Nov 29 Faith Comm Nursing 5:30 PM - Parlor
Sun Dev 4 Visitation Caring Min 6:30 PM - Parlor
Wed Dec 7 Witness Committee 5:30 PM - Parlor
Thur Dec 8 Finance Committee 7:00 PM - Parlor
Sat Dec 10 Nurture Committee 10:00 AM - Parlor
Mon Dec 12 Bldg Fund Committee 6:30 PM - Parlor
Thur Dec 15 Trustees Committee 7:00 PM - Parlor
Tues Dec 20 Worship Committee 1:00 PM - Parlor
Tues Dec 20 BBCDC Board 6:00 PM - Parlor
Tues Dec 20 Mission & Outreach 7:00 PM - Parlor
Sun Jan 8 ALL COMMITTEES After 2nd Service
The Methodist Mailbox
Christmas Churches:
Progressive Open House and Goodie Gala
Each church will open its’ doors for a festive open house, music, and a goodie gala. Participants will arrive at the designated times to each church to enjoy special Christmas Music and some seasonal goodies. Participants are encouraged to carpool for the afternoon and enjoy time of fellowship and fun. Each church will share in their own ways about the Advent and Christmas season. Join us for a special way to celebrate the season on Sunday, December 18th. Times are listed with churches below… Mark your calendars to attend this special time!
1:30-2:00 The Rock 237 S. 3rd Street
2:15-2:45 Mighty Fortress 252 N. 6th Street 3:00-3:30 Living Word 1300 Hillcrest Drive
3:45-4:15 St. Vincent de Paul 152 Pinewood Ave. 4:30-5:00 Seward United Methodist 1400 North 5th
Sunday School plans for the holidays… Thanksgiving weekend: Children and UMYF in the UMYF classroom…. Sr. High in room …..
Christmas and New Year’s Sundays… Enjoy time with your loved ones and join us for Worship at 10:00 A.M.
Notes from Jo Ellen… Church Family Life…
December Gatherings…
Advent Readings for Families: Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th
Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. The term advent is from the Latin translation of "coming." God's prophecies in the Old Testament prepared the way for His prom-ise. During December, Christians take part in advent as a way to celebrate the promise of the Savior, Jesus
Christ both at birth and looking forward to His return. During this season, Bible verses that detail the coming of Jesus can prepare our hearts to receive Christ. Read each Scripture together with your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus! (Source: Bible Study Tools)
1. Isaiah 40:1-5 2. Isaiah 52: 7-9 3. Isaiah 40:9-11 4. Genesis 3:8-15 5. Genesis 15:1-6 6. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 7. Psalm 89:15-19 8. Isaiah 11:1-10 9. Zechariah 6:12-13 10. Micah 5:2-3 11. Malachi 3: 1-6 12. John 1:1-8 13. John 1:9-18 14. Mark 1:1-3 15. Luke 1:5-13 16. Luke 1:14-17 17. Luke 1:18-25 18. Luke 1:39-45 19. Luke 1:46-56 20. Luke 1:57-66 21. Luke 1:67-80 22. Isaiah 7:10-13 23. Luke 1:26-35 24. Isaiah 9:2-7 25. Matthew 1:18-25 26. Luke 2:1-20 27. Matthew 2:1-2 28. Luke 2:21-35
Join us on Sunday, December 11th for a Birthday Party for Jesus! All children and youth will gather at 9:30, following the Children’s Musical, for a special celebration in the Fellowship Hall. We will share a special book and enjoy birthday treats. Children and youth will then go to their Sunday School classes for a special craft/study time.
At both fellowship times, the entire church is invited to celebrate at the Birthday Party for Jesus!
Christmas Cookie Gala
Sunday, December 18th from 8-12
Fellowship Hall
Come and buy a plate or two of
cookies to benefit the Mission Trip
2017!
The Methodist Mailbox
You are invited to a…
Christmas Progressive Dinner
For all Godparent Groups (G2)
Join us on Wednesday,
December 21st…
Meet at the church at 6:30 for carpooling.
6:50 Appetizers at the Christensen Home
7:30 Dinner at the Hastings Home
8:30 Dessert at the Church (Nelson)
Please bring a canned food item to donate for the holidays for food
net and an ornament to exchange (if you wish to).
We are sure to have a fun evening… rsvp to your godparents so that
we will have a total for food and carpooling… Merry Christmas!!!
We collected a grand
total of 145 Boxes for
Operation Christmas
Child this year… thank you so much for
your support of this special missions
project!
Bell Ringers Needed...
Sign up to ring
with us on Fri-
day, December
23rd… times
from 5-9p.m.
You and your loved ones are invited to a … Community Christmas Dinner
Sunday,December 25th 2:00-4:00p.m.
Fellowship Hall at Seward UMC
1400 North 5th Street Seward, NE
Join us for this FREE Dinner open to all who wish to …
Please R.S.V.P. by December 20th to
Seward UMC at
call (402) 643-4156.
Donations of food items needed will be on sheets at the Welcome Center.
The Methodist Mailbox
The church office will be closed
Friday, December 23rd at noon
through Tuesday, December 27th.
PANTRY
COLLECTION
ITEM
DECEMBER
RICE
2017 Leadership Organizational
Potluck/Meeting
January 8 at Noon
Do you know when the newsletter deadline is each
month? Or the deadline for information to be in the worship
bulletins? Or how do you get an announcement on the
screens before worship or make an announcement before
the service begins? Which door do I come in for meetings
at the church? Where are the AED device or fire extinguish-
ers located? Who sends meeting notices and minutes?
What are guidelines for using the kitchen and where are
they located? If you do not know all the answers, that is
okay because you can learn about all of these and more
at our first All-Church Leadership Organizational Meeting
Sunday, January 8 in Fellowship Hall.
The Committee on Lay Leadership (formerly Nomina-
tions Committee) would like to thank all leaders who have
agreed to serve in leadership for 2017. As an appreciation,
all leadership are invited to a potluck at noon on January 8
hosted by your Lay Leadership Committee and 2017 Chair-
persons. You will learn basic administration information
about Seward UMC, get to
know your committee mem-
bers with whom you have
been entrusted by God to
carry the ministry and vision
for Seward UMC, and plan
together when and how of-
ten your committee will
meet. Together you will accomplish far greater ministry than
any one of us can do alone.
Let’s all plan to kick-off the new calendar year right
by attending January 8.
Building Improvement Fund Status
Goal $553,000
Bala
nce a
s of
11/2
2/1
6
$335,6
50
$160,000 of the balance is from the sale of the north property and $4,920 from UWW. The remaining amount has been graciously donated by 113 families. Please prayerfully consider your donation to help reach our goal.
The Methodist Mailbox
The Seward United Methodist Church and the Seward United Methodist Women would like to thank each of you who contributed in some way to the success of the 2016 SUMC Annual Bazaar November 12 and 13, 2016. To summarize, we were blessed to have had:
40-45 dedicated volunteers, 60 talented contributors including the UMW Evening Circle providing the Coffee Shop
treats and beverages, More than 750 items were for sale in the Gift Shop and Kountry Kitchen. Approximately
500 or more items sold for an average of $11 each, Eager shoppers of all ages, enjoying the lovely fall weather and the 3 rooms full of gifting,
fellowship and outreach. Contributors responding positively to using the new sales tags, easing the Friday prepara-
tion for the Bazaar volunteers, Made approximately $5,250 to be used this year for our Church’s youth camp scholar-
ships, missions and needs of our Church. God has blessed us with a wonderful, caring and generous congregation. Thank you.
Wed Dec 7 Christmas Luncheon 11:30 AM Fellowship Hall
Thu Dec 15 Evening Group Cookie Exchange & Games
7:00 PM Fellowship Hall
Wed Dec 21
UWM Reading Group
5:00 PM Maxine Moore’s Home
THE KNIT WITS ARE MAKING A CHANGE - We need your help and input
What: Get together for friendship & knitting. Crochet and hand work included. Where: At the church or in my home
Why: Prayer time for those in need and our Joys & Concerns for ALL God’s Children. Projects: There are many: premie hats, MMDC sweaters, hats for the homeless, any project to do for homeless vets, etc. You name it. We are open to ideas.
Let me know your ideas to increase this ministry’s effects on all of God’s children. Thanks for your time and interest. - Sarah Shively “A United Methodist Woman who needs help from her friends” Phone (402) 643-3036
October 2nd
The Methodist Mailbox
Monthly Budget: $31,930
October 2016
Donations: $ 29,678
Expenses: $ 30,356
Donations: General Operating & Mission Shares
Expenses: Budgeted Items Only
November 27th
A sincere “Thank You” to our church
family for the cards, calls, visits, food,
prayers and other kindnesses extended to
our family during my illness, hospitaliza-
tion and recovery at home. The past
three and one half months have presented
challenges and I have been blessed with a return to healthy status.
The compassion and help of our family, our church family, our co-
workers and our friends have helped us endure and we offer our
sincere and heartfelt “Thank you”. Blessings to you all!
- Greg and Dixie Zabka
TEAM 1: Monday Sunday
Larry Chapman 641-1689 #1 Nov. 14 to Nov. 20
Marc Guthrie 643-9499 #2 Nov. 21 to Nov. 27
Jim McHugh 525-4550 #3 Nov. 28 to Dec. 4
#4 Dec. 5 to Dec. 11
TEAM 2: #1 Dec. 12 to Dec. 18
Bill Snell 641-5856 #2 Dec. 19 to Dec. 25
Mike Flyr 643-8008 #3 Dec. 26 to Jan. 1
Clay Shepherd 641-8181 #4 Jan. 2 to Jan. 8
#1 Jan. 9 to Jan. 15
TEAM 3: #2 Jan. 16 to Jan. 22
Neal Butzke 643-5819 #3 Jan. 23 to Jan. 29
Jamie Axthelm 910-214-1356 #4 Jan. 30 to Feb. 5
Ander Axthelm Same #1 Feb. 6 to Feb. 12
#2 Feb. 13 to Feb. 19
TEAM 4: #3 Feb. 20 to Feb. 26
Rod Barth 643-3260 #4 Feb. 27 to Mar. 5
Doug Barker 641-2057 #1 Mar. 6 to Mar. 12
Blaine Clowser 326-8769 #2 Mar. 13 to Mar. 19
#3 Mar. 20 to Mar. 26
Subs #4 Mar. 27 to Apr. 2
John Moody 540-5038
Bruce Mavis 646-5405
Dale Lambert 308-991-5815
Sunday Services will most likely not be cancelled because of snow but please don’t risk your safety to get here. We plan to make an “all call” if the services are cancelled. The church offices will be closed if school is cancelled.
The Methodist Mailbox
POINSETTIAS
The time is here to start thinking about Christmas Poinsettias. Please turn this
form into the office by Monday, December 12, 2016. You can send this form to our office at 1400 North 5th. Poinsettias need to be in the sanctuary by noon,
Saturday, December 17th.
Name________________________________________________
Number of Poinsettias___________________________________
In Memory of__________________________________________
In Honor of___________________________________________
Please remember those who were lifted up in prayer for on-going health concerns.
Prayers For:
Continued strength and comfort for Arnold Boldt.
Doug and Gail Brand at the loss of Doug’s father, Myron Brand.
New Members in October (not previously pictured)
Leonard & Rose Sitzman
Janine & Isabella Marker
Please join us for an Open House to celebrate Jeannie Jeary’s 90th Birthday
December 3, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Fellowship Hall To Send a Card: Jeannie Jeary, 1874 280th, Sew ard To Share a Memory: Please w rite on a sheet of paper or bring a picture - these will be put in a book for her to enjoy.
The Methodist Mailbox
Join us for: Family Pitch Night
Sunday, December 18th 5-7 PM
Bring your favorite snack to share.
ALL AGES WELCOME We will teach you how to
play if you don’t know how!
The new flooring has been installed in the Fellowship hall. It looks beautiful and will be so
much easier to keep clean.
Several of the pews were shortened to be able to
accommodate wheel chairs.
Come Celebrate the Joy of the Season. God’s House is ready.
Phone 402-643-2141 Email: [email protected]
Check us out on our Facebook page Bbcdcseward
Lots of pictures of kids and activities
The Methodist Mailbox
Thank you to everyone who supported us through our book fair. It was a huge success.
If you would like more information please contact Kerry at 402-309-3642
Reminder BBCDC will be closed from Friday, December 23rd
through January 2nd for Christmas and New Year’s Break.
Bailey Jisa will be starting at BBCDC as the new Assistant Director.
BBCDC Christmas program, Polar
Express, will be Sunday, December
11th at 4 pm, followed by a soup
supper.
Looking for volunteers from 9-10 am on Thurs-
day to help with teaching the children music.
The teachers will remain with the children but
we need someone who would be willing to do
music with the different classes. We are also
looking for someone from 9-10 am on Friday
mornings to read stories to the children for their
own story time.
~ JANUARY~
MAILBOX DEADLINE
Monday, December 19th
Submit News by NOON
Drop off your article at the office,
call Sandy at the church office OR
e-mail articles to [email protected]
Carla Schwahn
402-643-2884
Marty Bender
402-643-2387
Church Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. M-F
Phone: 402-643-4156
Fax: 402-643-4159
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sewardumc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sewardunitedmethodist
Robert Henre, Pastor
(402) 803-9216
Jo Ellen Axthelm, Ministry Assistant
Every Member, Minister
BBCDC: 402-643-2141
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Seward, NE
Permit No. 62
Seward United Methodist Church 1400 North 5th Street Seward, Nebraska 68434
Label
DECEMBER Issue
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
UMW Local Church Activities Chair persons for DECEMBER are: