BARNUM COMMUNITY CHURCH Volume 20 Issue 12

The Messenger

Barnum Community

United Methodist Church

PO Box 70, 3762 Front St. Barnum, MN 55707

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

www.barnumumc.org

December 2020

Sunday Worship WMOZ 106.9 FM 8:00 am Worship Service 9:30 am

Pastor Kennection Half of the fun of any event is getting ready for it to happen. I can and you can probably think of

times in your life when you were making preparation and expecting some great event to take place.

Our lives are full of planning, anticipation and expectation of things to come.

Advent is the time on the church calendar when we give attention to the coming of Christ. Often we

think of Advent as merely the four weeks prior to Christmas preparing to celebrate the historical

coming of the Christ Child. The Advent season is really much more than looking back to the event

of Christ’s coming as a babe in Bethlehem. Advent also directs our attention to the future and com-

ing again of the King of kings and Lord of lords. This same Jesus, the Messiah, who came in the

fulfillment of so many Old Testament prophesies will come again. The prophesies are given. If He

came once, He will come again as He said. As the first coming was real in time so will be the second.

Advent helps us understand the time from Christ’s death and resurrection to his Second Coming.

The time between the two events is often referred to as the “church age.” This is the period of time

in which the community of faith witnesses to the truth of His salvation and a relationship with the

Living God.

Advent is a time to become more aware of the meaning of a personal relationship with God and the

possibilities of life as a Christian community. Christ told us to be alert and watchful for his return

because He will come at a time when we least expect it.

Advent is a time of great expectation and joy. Anticipation fills the air. Matthew 25:1-13 captures

the spirit of Advent in the parable of the bridesmaids who await the coming of the Bridegroom.

There is joy at the Bridegroom’s expected coming but at the same time a sense of warning to be

ready at any moment.

It is interesting that all the virgins slumbered while waiting for the bridegroom. As the virgins in

the parable represent the church, therein lies the warning of the real danger that we in the church

do not take seriously the coming of the bridegroom, Christ, because he seems delayed. After all we

have been talking about His return for 2000 years. Paul in his day seemed to point to that coming

being soon. This delay wasn’t anticipated by early Christians.

Advent Scripture readings depict a strong prophetic tone of accountability and judgement. But at

the same time the Scriptures are faithful to the role of Jesus the coming King who comes to rule,

save and judge the world. And so, Advent is a time of preparation and prayer. Our Advent prayers

reflect devotion and commitment, prayers for deliverance as those walking in darkness awaiting a

great light.

In our becoming ready for Christmas, are we ready not only to celebrate the past, but also to greet

the returning King of kings. The ringing words of Revelation 22:7, 12,20 all declare, “I am coming

soon!” While the urgency seems real yet so many years have passed and there is temptation to not

believe but I would remind you that the most convincing evidence of the return of Christ is the cele-

bration of the first coming of Christ. One man has calculated that the odds were 1 in 1 with 57 zeros

after it that any person could fulfil the prophesies BUT JESUS did.

Advent….we look back and celebrate, we look forward and calibrate. He came and He comes again.

Fear not, this is the Gospel Good News. Joyful Christmas to you.

Traveling the faith road with you,

Pastor Kendall

Chronological

I have not departed from his commands,

but have treasured his words more than daily food.

Job 23:12

Daily Nourishment

Old & New

Testament

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Dec 1: Ezek 40-41; 2Pet 3 Dec 2: Ezek 42-44; 1John 1 Dec 3: Ezek 45-46; 1John 2 Dec 4: Ezek 47-48; 1John 3 Dec 5: Dan 1-2; 1John 4 Dec 6: Dan 3-4; 1John 5 Dec 7: Dan 5-7; 2John Dec 8: Dan 8-10; 3John Dec 9: Dan 11-12; Jude Dec 10: Hosea 1-4; Rev 1 Dec 11: Hosea 5-8; Rev 2 Dec 12: Hosea 9-11; Rev 3 Dec 13: Hosea 12-14; Rev 4 Dec 14: Joel; Rev 5 Dec 15: Amos 1-3; Rev 6 Dec 16: Amos 4-6; Rev 7 Dec 17: Amos 7-9; Rev 8 Dec 18: Obadiah; Rev 9 Dec 19: Jonah; Rev 10 Dec 20: Micah 1-3; Rev 11 Dec 21: Micah 4-5; Rev 12 Dec 22: Micah 6-7; Rev 13 Dec 23: Nahum; Rev 14 Dec 24: Habakkuk; Rev 15 Dec 25: Zephaniah; Rev 16 Dec 26: Haggai; Rev 17 Dec 27: Zech 1-4; Rev 18 Dec 28: Zech 5-8; Rev 19 Dec 29: Zech 9-12; Rev 20 Dec 30: Zech 13-14; Rev 21 Dec 31: Malachi; Rev 22

Dec 1: 1Cor 9-11 Dec 2: 1Cor 12-14 Dec 3: 1Cor 15-16 Dec 4: 2Cor 1-4 Dec 5: 2Cor 5-9 Dec 6: 2Cor 10-13 Dec 7: Acts 20:1-3; Rom 1-3 Dec 8: Rom 4-7 Dec 9: Rom 8-10 Dec 10: Rom 11-13 Dec 11: Rom 14-16 Dec 12: Acts 20:4-23:35 Dec 13: Acts 24-26 Dec 14: Acts 27-28 Dec 15: Colossians; Philemon Dec 16: Ephesians Dec 17: Philippians Dec 18: 1 Timothy Dec 19: Titus Dec 20: 1 Peter Dec 21: Heb 1-6 Dec 22: Heb 7-10 Dec 23: Heb 11-13 Dec 24: 2 Timothy Dec 25: 2 Peter; Jude Dec 26: 1 John Dec 27: 2/3 John Dec 28: Rev 1-5 Dec 29: Rev 6-11 Dec 30: Rev 12-18 Dec 31: Rev 19-22

We are happy to announce that we have been working on and now have several ways you can send in your Offerings.

The following are five different ways with some instructions to go along with them. If you have any questions or need some help, please call the church office and we will walk you thru them.

1. Drop off your offering off in the “Church Building Box” in the Foyer of the Church.

2. Mail your offering to the Church at:

Barnum Community Church P.O. Box 70 3762 Front Street Barnum, MN 55707 3. Online Giving - Go to our Church Website at www.barnumumc.org and click on “GIVE ONLINE” at the top of the Website, then fill in the screens it will give you.

4. GivePlus Text - You may now TEXT your Offering to our Church.

Simply type in the phone number - (833) 948-2155

Then you type in the amount you want to give…and example would be …...25 and then hit send.

The first time you give you will be given a link…click on the link and type in your contact and payment information.

Follow the directions and fill in the screens.

You will then receive a text verifying your offering has been re-ceived. You will also receive a Email Receipt.

For future giving you simple click on the phone number (833) 948-2155 and then type in the amount of your Offering…25…and it will process automatically.

5. GivePlus Mobile App –

Go to App Store or Google Play to download the free App…..GIVEPLUS by Vanco

The first time you open the app you will be prompted to put in the name of our Church…Barnum Community UMC or Zip Code…55707

After you select our Church, it becomes your Home Church.

Then create your account.

Important Events in the Life of Our Church

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Instead of Pioneer Club meeting together on Wednesday

nights at church, we are using the Barnum Community

Church Facebook page to post each Wednesday a Pio-

neer Club opening video along with a 10-minute lesson

video. The various groups of children, ranging from pre-

school through the sixth grade, also work on lessons in

the Pioneer Club handbooks or activities mailed to them

by their leaders.

Reminder for parents to mail in the registration forms if

not already done so.

UMW will not be meeting or hosting activities for the month of December. We will re-evaluate for the up-coming months. Thank you to everyone that donated to the Christmas Shoebox event. It was not as large as some years, but every little bit counts. Hats off to Den-ny Olson for managing the event and delivering the boxes to Cloquet. Thank you Denny!

"If there ever was a year that made our souls cry, "O Come, O Come

Emmanuel," 2020 has been it."- from Jennifer Farmer, host of UMW Podcast This is so true and we welcome this time of the year and prepare for Advent. I pray that all of you stay healthy and safe. Merry Christmas!

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It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

Advent is here and preparation for Christmas has begun! The youth group got to decorate the Christmas tree and we are

getting ready for Christmas. This December we're all thankful for the opportunity to be able to meet together. Here is the

Youth Group's Weekly Schedule:

Monday 6pm to 8pm: Youth Group: Campus Life

Wednesday 1pm to 3pm: Youth Group Study Session and Hangout

Friday 6pm to 9:30pm: Youth Group Movie Night

For the Month of December, Campus Life will be focusing on a different Christmas Carol each week. We will dive into the

meaning of the lyrics and test out our caroling voices. We will even have a few Reindeer Games to play. It is always a spe-

cial time of year!

We have started a new Wednesday activity for students now that they are doing distance learning. I talked with a few

students who mentioned struggling with their assignments so each Wednesday we are going to have a Study Session to

help students with their school work. When the work is done there will be a little hangout time as well.

Our Friday Movie Nights will continue and students say it is what they look forward to all week. Youth Group is for stu-

dents from 7th to 12th grade.

I want to take a moment and thank everyone at the Barnum Community Church for being a blessing to me and my fami-

ly. This last few months has been so unique and I praise God that He has helped us all navigate it and to thrive.May you

and your family have a Wonderful Advent Season and a very Merry Christmas!

December Wellness H

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December Health and Wellness Moment

Healthier Holiday Eating

As we run headlong into this Christmas season I thought I would offer some ideas to decrease our guilt with all our holiday eating and increase our satisfaction with our holiday eating decision mak-ing. There are certainly plenty of celebrations and for me anyhow, countless items that I hope to enjoy. One study estimated the average holiday meal contained 3,000 calories, that is double the calories most adults need on a daily basis. As I think of all the holiday meals ahead I also hope my clothes will continue to fit me as I head into the new year. Perhaps some of these ideas may be of assistance with your planning, as I know they will be for mine.

Don’t skip meals before a feast or you’ll be more likely to overeat

Start with a healthy helping of vegetables to curb your appetite

Cut back on carbs like potatoes and bread, things you could have any day to save room for more sweets or special foods you only see once a year

Fill a small plate with your favorite foods, then leave the buffet table

Avoid or limit alcohol as it decreases your will power, but if you do have some, drink with food

Eat slowly; it takes 20 minutes for the brain to realize you’re full

Choose one dessert you really love, then savor it slowly, with small bites and one serving

Make room for physical activity, like a walk with family, after a meal

Avoid empty calories, choosing water and low calorie drinks, instead of sodas, punches and alcohol

May your Christmas season be merry and bright. May your heart be full of joy and your cravings be satisfied knowing you made positive choices and still enjoyed all the wonder parts of the holi-day season. – Taken in part from LA and Pennsylvania Departments of Health

Wishing you good health for His work!!!

Allicen ~BCUMC Parish Nurse

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ACROSS 1 Israel, who pursued ___ ___ of righteousness (1,3) (Rom 9:31) 5 Therefore, get rid of all ___ filth and the evil (James 1:21) 9 God is ___ to make all grace abound to you (2 Cor 9:8) 13 A deceptive manoeuvre (especially to avoid capture) (Josh 9:3-4) 14 you must cancel any debt your brother ____ you (Deut 15:3) 15 this message will bring ___ terror (Isa 28:19)

16 he entered the temple ___ and began driving out those who were (Luke 19:45) 17 The body is a ___, though it is made up of many parts (1 Cor 12:12) 18 Sarah's Egyptian handmaid (Gen 25:12) 19 Three times I was ___ with rods (2 Cor 11:25) 21 Bel bows down, ___ stoops low; their idols (Isa 46:1) 23 member of the first family of the Bible 24 And he ____ in his right hand seven stars (Rev 1:16) 25 After them, seven other heads of grain ___ thin and scorched (Gen 41:6) 27 No one can deliver out of my hand when I act, who can ___ it? (Isa 43:13) 31 That which groweth of ____ own accord of thy harvest (Lev 25:5) KJV 32 also, that women ____ themselves in modest apparel (1 Tim 2:9) 33 will men take ___ ___ of it to hang any vessel thereon? (1,3) (Ezek 15:3) 36 ___ put forth his left hand, and took the dagger (Judg 3:21) KJV 40 and drew the ____ to land full of great fishes (John 21:11) 41 praise him with the ___ and flute (Ps 150:4) 44 Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ___ (Job 28:2) 45 If you really ___ me, you would know my Father as well (John 14:7) 47 Jesus was led by the Spirit ___ the desert to be tempted (Matt 4:1-2) 48 The king got up in ___ ___ (1,4) (Est 7:7) 50 son of Noah (Gen 6:10) 52 for out of that well they ____ the flocks (Gen 29:2) 54 He will deliver us from the ___ when he invades our land (Mic 5:6) 59 a quarter of a ___ of seed pods for five shekels (2 Kings 6:25) 60 to see if there are any ___ understand, any who seek God (Ps 14:2) 61 keep away from every brother who is ___ (2 Thess 3:6)

66 a third of a shekel for sharpening ___ and axes (1 Sam 13:21) 68 I will make thee ruler ____ many things (Matt 25:23) KJV 70 testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in ___ (Acts 23:11) 71 loose the chains of injustice and ___ the cords (Isa 58:6) 72 so is good ____ from a far country (Prov 25:25) 73 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the ___ of life (Rev 2:7) 74 ___ there be debates, envyings (2 Cor 12:20) KJV 75 But neither so did their witness ____ together (Mark 14:59) 76 A large ___ of pigs was feeding on the nearby (Mark 5:11-12)

DOWN 1 ___ and Dumah, and Eshean (Joshua 15:52) 2 See if you can ___ him into showing you the secret (Judg 16:5) 3 the throne there was what looked like ___ ___ of glass (1,3) (Rev 4:6) 4 you say, 'It will be fair ___, for the sky is red (Matt 16:2) 5 they will tear down your ___ and destroy your lofty shrines (Ezek 16:39) 6 and begat a son in his ____ likeness, after his image (Gen 5:3) 7 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my ___ and my heart (Ps 26:2) 8 there is only ___ ___ between me and death (1,4) (1 Sam 20:3) 9 he warmeth himself, and saith, ____, I am warm (Isaiah 44:16) KJV 10 Take ye wives, and ___ sons and daughters (Jer 29:6) KJV 11 Let love and faithfulness never ___ you; bind them around your (Prov 3:3) 12 Surely I have acted like a fool and have ___ greatly (1 Sam 26:21) 15 But God will ___ them with arrows (Ps 64:7) 20 The wicked man ___ deceptive wages (Prov 11:18) 22 He will ___ those wretches to a wretched end (Matt 21:41) 26 Of what ___ is money in the hand of a fool (Prov 17:16) 27 Mordecai the Jew was second in ___ to King Xerxes (Est 10:3) 28 garden (Gen 2:15) 29 I cast my ___ against them (Acts 26:10) 30 to settle down and ____ the bread they eat (II Th 3:12) 34 digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the ___ he has made (Ps 7:15-16) 35 Am ___ ___ trying to win the approval of men, or of God? (1,3) (Gal 1:10) 37 as small as the ___ frost on the ground (Ex 16:14) KJV 38 I particularly ___ you to pray so that I may be restored to you (Heb 13:19) 39 He was a prophet, powerful in word and ___ before God (Luke 24:19) 42 encourage the ___, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thess 5:14) 43 that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or ___ (Rev 20:2) 46 Awake, O Lord ___ do you sleep? (Ps 44:23) 49 He saved us through the washing of ___ and renewal (Titus 3:5) 51 angels hastened Lot, saying, ___, take thy wife (Gen 19:15) (KJV) 53 ___ ___ on him who is lax in doing the LORD's work (1,5) (Jer 48:10) 54 What about this ___ crime that was committed (Judg 20:12) 55 His face ___ like the sun, and his clothes became as white (Matt 17:2) 56 appointed priests from all ___of people (1 Kings 12:31) 57 her maidens walked ____ by the river's side (Exodus 2:5) 58 Moses replied, "I will ___ appear before you again" (Ex 10:29) 63 the ____ has faded and has not spread in the skin (Lev 13:6) 64 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an ___ of manna in it (Ex 16:33) 65 I have ____ to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? (Matt 3:14) 67 a man clothed in linen who had a writing ___ at his side (Ezek 9:2) 69 bring two male lambs and one ___ lamb a year old (Lev 14:10)

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The Messenger Welcome to

Barnum

Community UMC

A Community of Faith Dedicated to

Spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ,

Providing Spiritual Nurture to Persons of All Ages,

and Reaching Out in Christian Fellowship to the Surrounding Community

BARNUM COMMUNITY CHURCH

PO Box 70 , 3762 Front Street

Barnum MN 55707

218 -389-6876 of fice

www.BarnumUMC.org

Off ice@BarnumUMC.org