Andover UMC To create and nurture a passionate faith community through open doorways to Christ.

January

2018

WORSHIP SERIES:

Jan. 7th - Fighting Your Fear - Deuteronomy 1:19-33

Jan. 14th - Destroying Discouragement - Nehemiah 4:4-22

Jan. 21st - Liberation Loneliness - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Jan. 28th - Winning Against Worry - Matthew 6:25-32

Let Us Worship Together

Andover UMC

Worship

8:30am Word & Table

9:30am with Children’s

Church

11am Traditional

Cherry Valley UMC

Rev. John M. Germaine

Worship

11am

Sunday School

10am

Dorset UMC

Worship

10:00am

Leon UMC

Worship

10am

Sunday School

10:30am

Richmond UMC

Worship

11am

Williamsfield UMC

Pastor Pat Seger

Worship

10am

Sunday School

9am

Every New Year we aspire to something bigger and better for the coming year. I think God instilled in our make-up a desire for increase, movement and progress. From the very beginning of time, God created days and nights, weeks, months and years. He created the sun, moon and stars so we would be able to mark the passage of time. Our existence could be unbearable if we were not able to mark time. We would be like a child in the back seat asking, “are we there yet?” It really doesn’t matter if you refer to, “many moons ago”, or “last year”. The progression of time and the marking of time helps us to put the past behind us and anticipate the future. Standing at the beginning of 2018 is a time of hope and expectation. It is the beginning of a new mark in time. New opportunity and new possibilities await us. The focus for 2018 is Thrive. We will be looking at three areas in which we hope to thrive. The first is our spiritual life. There are two inseparable parts to the equation, our relationship to ourselves and our relationship to God. We want to Thrive with God. Thrive = grow, progress, flourish. To thrive is to do more than just survive. The difficulty with thriving is that there is always resistance, something holding us back, blocking our way, keeping us from the full life Jesus promised. Every new movement experiences a shadow that darkens the path ahead. We may not see it at the start, it may be just a feeling, or it may appear from the onset. But there are giants that will stand in our way. The shadow of intimidation and years of battling the fear of failure have caused us to shrink back from the vision of our future. While standing at the starting line of a new year we may be cowering at what lies between us and glory. I helped coach a high school track team. A neighboring local school had a girl that was on her way to state. She was just killing her opponents. The two-mile run often had both the women and the men running together. They get rather spread out over that distance and it’s not hard to have two races going at the same time. It's the last race of the meet and no one wants to hang around an extra 10-15 minuets to run consecutive 2-mile runs. Even though our male 2-milers would not be competing against her, they would be on the track at the same time. One fellow didn’t expect to beat her, and he said, “If she is going to lap me, I’m stepping off the track.” He preferred to disqualify himself, than to be lapped by a girl. Unfortunately, we are prone to disqualifying ourselves while we are at the starting line. We know there is a giant just around the corner waiting to dash our hopes and dreams for the year. So, we tend to just settle for less! The giant’s name may be: fear, discouragement, worry, anger, or loneliness. The only way we can move past the giant is to face our giant and realize that our God is BIGGER than any giant in our lives. Like David we will need to stand up and call Goliath out. God has promised us two things: He will be with us and He will empower us. We will move from survive to THRIVE! Blessings, Rev. Ric Harvel

January 2018 Prayer List

When we join the United Methodist Church, we take a vow that we will be, loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by Our Prayers, Our Presence, Our Gifts, Our

Service and by Our Witness. Scriptures call us to celebrate with those who celebrate and to grieve with those who

grieve. We grow in connection with one another as we know the praises and concerns of the individual churches and

respond in a manner of praise and/or prayer. Please feel free to share your news that we may share especially the prayer

concerns to the faith community.

Morgan Silvers upcoming knee surgeries Al Maline healing of cancer Eukie Diday healing of fractured pelvis Glenn Marcy knee replacement Ruth Spencer healing following surgery Ruth Jones healing of leg and hip Austin Limestoll safety (Army) Blake Little safety (Army) Trenton Krueger safety (Army) Austin O’Baker safety and guidance (Army) Jennifer White guidance and safety Sherie Daniels health concerns Art Gruskiewicz health concerns Shirley French health concerns Jack Baxley health concerns Lois Betts healing and strength Elsie Vendely health concerns Bob Guseman comfort and care Bill Lucik strength with cancer Christine Lehnert recovery with cancer Edna Davis health concerns Beverly Holden health concerns Doug Raymond health concerns Terry Nevison health concerns Vicki Gambatese health concerns Christopher Gause health concerns Phil & Carol Roberts health concerns Larry & Noreen Martin health concerns Norm & Sheila Woodard health concerns Our Veterans, Service Men & Women & Families Jason and Sara Harvel’s Ministry in Thailand God’s hand in China & Thailand with Ric & Cindy Harvel

Grief of Families & Friends Carol Shepherd

Children & Youth Cassidy Chapman - multi health issues Trent Grady - Infantile Batten Disease Kyle Mason - reoccurring health issues

Logan Howard

Our Members & Friends in Care Facilities Lois Betts, Louise's Home, Andover

Beverly Webb, Copeland Oaks, Sebring, OH Elsie Vendely, Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing,

839 W. Main Geneva, OH 44041

In the coming months, Reaching New People has decided to honor special groups of people for their

service to our community.

For the first month, on Sunday, January 28th, at the 9:30 and 11:00am services

we’ll begin by honoring our rescue workers

(firefighters, police, rescue teams).

They give of their time, their effort, their care, their own security and comfort to make sure we are safe.

Please, “reach out” to invite one of your friends and neighbors who serves our community

in this capacity to church the last Sunday of January!

Let’s tell them, “Thank you!” for the watchful care they give to our Andover community!

DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS

PARTY

United Methodist Men & Friends Breakfast & Mission Work

Saturday, January 13th at Andover UMC

Meet at 8 am All are welcome to attend

Jesus Girls

Meet Thursdays at 10:15 am

“Crossing the Waters”

Faith Circle

Thurs., Jan. 11th, 1pm - AUMC Library

“Becoming a Woman of Simplicity”

Hope & Charity Circle

Thurs., Jan. 25th, 7pm - Sis Ogram’s Home

“Pew Sisters” (Christine)

United Methodist Women News

The 2018 list to sign up for altar flowers is

on the bulletin board across from the

office. Cost is $20 payable to the church Tai Chi & Silver Sneakers @ Andover UMC Tai Chi Classes

Wednesday's from 1:30-2:15pm

Silver Sneakers Classic Chair Classes

Tuesday and Thursday from 10-10:45am

Contact Jodi at 440-997-5321

Princess Ministries We have a large variety of dresses available

for any occasion. Contact Michele @ 330-760-0862 or

Sonia 440-862-0245 to arrange a time to get together.

SIMPLE STEPS Tues. & Thurs. doors open

for walking at 8:30am. Exercise from 9:15-9:45am

See Fran Martin

Giving to Andover UMC

Use this QR code to give from your

mobile device or visit:

Andoverfirstumc.org/give

SOUP’S ON!

Andover UMC Fellowship Hall

Wednesday’s! January 10, 2018 January 24, 2018

February 14, 2018 February 28, 2018 March 14, 2018 March 28, 2018

Starting at 11am - 1pm or sold out Charge $4.00

Includes crackers and dessert SOUPS are:

Stuffed Pepper, Ham-Cabbage-Potato, Chicken Noodle, Broccoli Cheese,

Sausage Tortellini, Potato, Chili ***Surprise Soup Each Week***

Give us a call to place your order 440-293-6290 Extension 104

We Deliver!! Tuesday, January 30th at 6:30pm

If you are considering membership at Andover UMC,

the first step is to attend Coffee with the

Pastors where you'll learn more about the church,

get to know our pastors and staff, and review

expectations regarding membership. Typically the

following Sunday new members are received during

worship services. Coffee with the Pastors sessions

occur three to four times a year. A typical session

has 15-20 people attending and usually lasts

about 2 hours.

JANUARY MISSIONS

Collecting good used or new

clothes for Spiderweb in Jefferson

and small appliances for Home Safe

in Ashtabula. Please label bags:

Men, Women or Children and leave

in church office or choir room

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https://youtu.be/RCnZaySeBGk Please visit this YouTube link if you

missed “Hark” or would like to see

it again

Children and Youth performed

“Hark, the Herald Angel”

Performances were enjoyed by

residents of Andover Retirement Village

and also by those attending

@ Andover UMC

Thank you to all

who rang the bell for our

Andover Salvation Army Unit in

2017

Ric and Cindy would like to give a warm “thank you” to

all who contributed to the offering for Compassio

Missions, where Jason, Sara, and the children are serving

in MaeSot, Thailand.

What a blessing! We hope to bring back stories and

pictures from our visit later in January. We would also

like to thank all of you who stopped by to bring yummy

treats, beautiful Christmas gifts, and simply shared your

love with us.

What a blessing to be serving here in Andover!

May the love of Christ envelope you with His goodness

and Presence in the coming year!

Much love,

Ric and Cindy Harvel

LIVE NATIVITY CHRISTMAS EVE BY ANDOVER UMC YOUTH

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT & STEWARDSHIP REPORT:

As of (12-31-2017)

Operating Income: $284,690.66

Operating Expenses: $296,222.15

Operating Balance $13,199.09

2017 Total Budget $312,147.00

Electronic Giving for Year: $36,905.53

Mortgage Balance:

12-31-16 $1,034,219.08

12-31-17 $ 992,432.28

Debt reduction 2017 - $41,786.80

Thank you United Methodist Women $7,773.00, United Methodist Men $2,000.00, Trustees $6,000.00 for your additional donations to reduce the debt.

Attendance

Sunday Worship Weekly Average 190

Children’s Church (weekly) 13

Small Groups (weekly) 29

THANK YOU for your faithfulness to the mission and ministry of our church.

2017 Operating Expenses by Percentage:

Payroll 45

Mortgage 27

Conference Shared Giving 10

Utilities 10

Ministry Programs 3

Taxes & Insurance 3

Service Contracts 1

Office Expenses 1

Jan. 21st Island of Misfit Toys

Christmas Eve

Midnight Celebration

Service

Jan. 7th - No Meeting

Jan. 14th - Movie Night - 5pm

“Narnia” - everyone is welcome

Jan. 21st - No Meeting

Tweens 4th-6th Grade

Contact a Leader for more information or

to get involved with these events!

Youth Group: Pastor Jason Hockran

Tweens: Mark & Alicen Limestoll

Winter Unit 2:

Jesus, the Greatest Prophet

January 7th

The Visitors from the East

Matthew 2:1-12

Bible Verse:

When the people saw that he had done a miraculous sign,

they said, “This is truly the prophet who is

coming into the world.”

John 6:14

January 14th

A Voice in the Wilderness

Mark 1:9-11

Anchor Point:

God sent Jesus to tell us

about God.

January 21st

Jesus and the Children

Matthew 19:13-15

January 28th

A Boy’s Lunch

John 6:1-15

Join us as we

continue on our

Deep Blue

Adventure!

Jan. 7th - No Gathering

Jan. 14th - TBD

Jan. 21st - Gathering @ Church - 5pm

Youth Group 7th-10th Grade

Children’s Church & Nursery

You can download the free Deep Blue Adventure app for Scripture jumble, trivia, mini games and quests!

Children’s Bell Choir

“ringing out their Christmas Carols”

in the gathering space on Dec. 24th

between services

Practice: Jan. 7th

Performance: Jan. 14th

Cleveland Food Bank

@ Andover UMC

Open 4th Friday of each month

From 10am to Noon

(Nov./Dec. dates may change)

For residents of P.V. School

District who are in need

Proof of residency is required

Sponsored by the AUMC

Mission and Outreach

Committee

Volunteers are always welcome

and appreciated

Parish Nurse Nook

NEWSLETTER INFO UPDATE: All information for the newsletter should be emailed or provided to CHURCH OFFICE

by the 25th of each month. Send to receptionist@andoverfirstumc.org

Hypothermia and Frostbite

How are you each tolerating this bitter cold streak that we are having to endure in Northeast Ohio?

It’s bone-chilling and very often more confining that we are accustomed to! But it is also a good time

to brush up on winter safety. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy throughout the season.

First of all, know what to watch for! Signs of hypothermia include: uncontrollable shivering, lack of coordination,

mental confusion, slurred speech, slowed reactions, apparent exhaustion and sleepiness.

Signs of frostbite are found in extremities such as fingers, toes, tips of nose or ear lobes, and include the following:

white or pale splotches on skin and loss of feeling to the affected area.

What would you do if you or a family member has hypothermia or frostbite? Get the person into dry clothing and

under blankets with a warm water bottle, heating pad or other heat source and keep them still. Immerse frostbitten

areas in tepid, but not hot, water for 15-30 minutes. Give the person warm drinks. Seek medical help immediately if

symptoms worsen. Do not give the person alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers or pain relievers. Do not massage, rub

or jostle the person. Do not apply salves or ointments to affected areas.

We are planning a winter seminar for the public on Winter Safety to be led by Alicen Limestoll. Please watch the

bulletin and newspaper for date and time!

___________________________________

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Our pastors spoke about starting the New Year with a “clean slate”, letting go of the past, forgiving and moving on!

What pain or baggage is holding you hostage? Many cultures promote forgiveness as a way to begin the New Year.

Research shows that forgiving others makes you healthier by lowering blood pressure, stress, hostility, anxiety, and

chronic pain. “Letting go” also gives you a sense of well-being that translates into healthier relationships and less

illness.

It is not easy but with God’s help you can make the choice to take control and keep the hurt from ruling your

emotions or actions. Forgiveness takes time. Give it your energy and by next Christmas see what changes have been

made in your life!!

Happy New Year everyone!

First United Methodist Church of Andover

181 South Main St

P.O. Box 207

Andover, OH 44003

Sent with a prayer to:

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Food Pantry January 12th 10am-Noon

Located at Andover UMC

Open to all of those in need in the PV School District

Cleveland Foodbank

Distribution

January 26th 10am-Noon

Located at Andover UMC

Open to all of those in need in the PV School District

Free Dinner Friday

January 26th Andover UMC Fellowship Hall

Lasagna, salad and bread

Dinner at 5:30 pm & Devotion at 6 pm

Invite a friend!

Come and enjoy a delicious dinner with us!

Fighting

hunger.

Delivering

hope.

Community Center Housed in the Old Fellowship Hall.

Lunch is served at noon for a donation.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday’s

From 9-3 pm

Stop in to see what is available.