Since studying in the Advent season of 2011the book Christmas is not your Birthday by
United Methodist minister Mike Slaughter we as a church have practiced the
spiritual discipline of sacrificial giving.
Realizing that consumerism
during this special religious season directs us away from a proper faith
response we want to once again put the focus back of Jesus. To do this we
invite each other to make a special gift to the one whose birthday we are
celebrating. These gifts are (above and beyond our regular support of the
church and its ministries) to make a special impact by spreading the love of
Jesus to others. In giving a special Christmas gift in Jesus’ name to mission
and ministry we put the emphasis back on Jesus, (the reason for the season).
How do we give to Jesus? By
remembering Jesus taught that when you do to the least of these you do it unto
him. I challenge you to calculate what you are spending on your family and
friends and to give the same amount to Jesus. If you feel you can’t equal
a gift to Jesus in the amount what you spend of yourself and family at least
give a tithe (10%) gift to Jesus or 15, 20, 25%..., whatever you believe is
appropriate.
Again this year you can also give a special gift through the Church by simply marking your gift Special Holiday Giving. We will be dividing the offering in 3 ways this year: 1) In support of special ministries in our church, 1/3 will be divided between the Basketball Academy and MSPS for scholarships. 2) 1/3 will be giving to a local mission agency Neighbor Helping Neighbor. 3) 1/3 will go to a world mission project, this year we are designating The Philippines disaster relief. Let's Give Jesus the gift he so freely gave to us love; by loving others in his name.
Again this year you can also give a special gift through the Church by simply marking your gift Special Holiday Giving. We will be dividing the offering in 3 ways this year: 1) In support of special ministries in our church, 1/3 will be divided between the Basketball Academy and MSPS for scholarships. 2) 1/3 will be giving to a local mission agency Neighbor Helping Neighbor. 3) 1/3 will go to a world mission project, this year we are designating The Philippines disaster relief. Let's Give Jesus the gift he so freely gave to us love; by loving others in his name.
P.S. If you haven’t read the book Christmas is not your Birthday look for a copy in the Church
Library as it’s a great read.
ADVENT
Advent is a season of four weeks including four Sundays. Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means "coming." The season proclaims the comings of the Christ—whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by fasts for preparation. Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: Christ's coming in final victory (First Sunday), John the Baptist (Second and Third Sundays), and the events immediately preceding the birth of Jesus Christ (Fourth Sunday).
ADVENT
Advent is a season of four weeks including four Sundays. Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means "coming." The season proclaims the comings of the Christ—whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by fasts for preparation. Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: Christ's coming in final victory (First Sunday), John the Baptist (Second and Third Sundays), and the events immediately preceding the birth of Jesus Christ (Fourth Sunday).
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
The Christmas Giving Tree is now decorated with names tags in the
Narthex. Please help our church give some Christmas joy for less
fortunate families. Your generosity in the past has been greatly
appreciated. Gifts need to be returned to the church office by
December 18th, with the tags attached. Contact Bev Sterling if you
have questions at 842-5286.
SALVATION
ARMY BELL RINGING
Bell ringing has begun and will continue throughout the
Christmas season. You can help again this year in two ways: 1) There are signup sheets and schedules in
the Narthex to share your gift of time for those in need this Christmas Season
or you may contact Merna Furney at
641-842-3072 or 641-218-8026. She keeps
the master list and will gladly add your name to the list. 2)
Give generously. Every penny adds
up.
Typhoon Relief Needed
A
category 5 storm swept through the Philippines on Nov. 8 causing extensive
damage displacing at least 670,000 people and affecting over 11.3 million. UMCOR is providing emergency food, water, and
water purification. Many there have no
access to food, water or medicine. Give
generously to, Advance #982450 in your
check memo, to support UMCOR staff and volunteers as they work tirelessly
to provide assistance to those in need.
UMCOR Reponds to MIdWEST TornadOES
Illinois,
Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee were all
affected by severe weather, but the most widespread damage occurred in the town
of Washington, 140 miles SW of Chicago, where a powerful EF-4 tornado occurred. To give to funds to this disaster mark, Advance #901670 in your
check memo. 100% supports the response in Illinois and other
areas where tornadoes hit.
LOOKING FOR STOCKING STUFFERS?
Our Fair Trade Equal Exchange Pantry in
the Narthex is stocked for the holiday shopping. We have coffees, teas, cocoas, baking cocoa,
and lots of dark and milk chocolate bars.
These are all excellent quality produced by the small farmers and
businesses around the world. Treat
yourself and others as part of the proceeds go to support UMCOR. They are perfect for using or gift
giving. Check it out!
Van Driver Needed
The “Where to Now” senior travel group is in need of a volunteer
van driver. We average ten day trips
each year. If able and interested, phone
Christa at 842-5452.
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS 2013
“Miracle
in the Manger” is our Advent devotions for the advent season Dec. 1 – Dec.
25. Make room in your heart and in your
busy days throughout the month for a few minutes each day reading scripture,
reflecting on a brief meditation, and praying, in preparation for the Savior
who is to come. Booklets are available
on the church office window ledge.
2nd ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE NATIVITIES
The open-house
viewing of nativities will be held on December 7th from Noon to 5:00
p.m. in EFH. Nativities may be picked up
from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 8th.
KNOXVILLE COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Knoxville’s Community Chorus will perform holiday concert on December 14 at 2:00 p.m. FUMC. The concert will showcase holiday music, and will feature a quartet known as “A Thorn Among Roses,” which will perform some more offbeat, humorous numbers. Everyone is invited to attend, and a free-will offering is appreciated.
CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The
annual FUMC Children's Christmas Program will take place during Sunday service
on December 15 at 9:30 am. Join us for this special event as the children help
tell the message of Christmas. There will be refreshments served by the
youth in West Fellowship Hall immediately following the program.
Christmas
Program Rehearsals: Attention parents- If your child would like to
be part of the Christmas Program on December 15, they will need to attend rehearsal
on Sunday, December 8 immediately following the church service from 10:30 to
11:30 a.m. Due to the Christmas Program,
there will be no Children’s Church on December 15.
Preschool Christmas Program
The
MSPS Christmas Program will be held Thursday, December 19 at 9 am. Our
church family is encouraged to come watch and meet our MSPS families for this
special morning!
YOUTH GROUP
NEWS
Ø Dec. - 1st -
4 to 6
Ø Dec. - 8th -
4 to 6
Ø Dec. - 15th
- 4 to 6 – (Christmas Pizza Party!)
Youth Save the Date - Friday, March 28, 2014 is Winter Jam in Des Moines!! More information to come in the next couple of months.
Youth Save the Date - Friday, March 28, 2014 is Winter Jam in Des Moines!! More information to come in the next couple of months.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to the family of Bob McRoberts on his passing.
Condolences
to the family of Stanton Metcalf on his passing.
Condolences to Mandy Branson and family on the death of her
father.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who attended, contributed, or donated to
the benefit that was held for me. A
special thank you to the FUN Group, the United Methodist Women, and Eta Lambda
Sorority. I have been overwhelmed by the
generosity from so many! There are too
many to name by name but know I am extremely grateful! I feel so blessed to have the support and
love. Thank you, Linda Petersen O’Dell
Thank you to all who contributed,
donated or attended the Fall Harvest Dinner and pie benefit. A Big thank
you goes to the FUN Group, UMW and MSPS for all their work. It continues
to overwhelm me with all the generosity and support from so many! God
Bless and Thank You, Linda Petersen O’Dell.
Another big thank you to
our church family for all of your love and support at the time of Mom's (Doris
Dykstra) death. We could feel God's
presence with each comforting word and hug, as well as the memorials and food
and visits. Your kindness helps give us
the strength to get through this difficult time. Pat and John Haning
Thanks to the generous giving of our church family we were
able to spread God’s blessings with Thanksgiving Baskets to 60 families in our
community. The baskets provided a
turkey dinner to 275 of our brothers and sisters. PS Thanks for all the help in putting the
baskets together!!!
I would like to thank everybody for their
prayers and cards I received while I was in the VA Hospital. It was much appreciated. Jolene Frahm
STEWARDSHIP
As
the end of the year approaches, we give a sincere ‘thank you’ to all that
support FUMC throughout
the year with their attendance, service and regular contributions. If you have not yet made your pledge, we ask that
you take a few minutes to prayerfully consider a gift for this year. If you have already responded, thank you.
inclement
weather
If school has been cancelled, evening meetings will be cancelled. KNIA will be the primary source for weather
related cancellations. Worshipers please
use your discretion. If you are worried,
that may be an indication you may need to stay home.
ADDRESS CHANGES
For those of you who winter in a
different location other than your usual residence, please contact the church
office at 641-842-3712 or fumchurch@iowatelecom.net and let us know your winter address.
REMINDER
A reminder as there are a lot of evening activities
happening at the church, be sure to lock the building and turn out all of the
lights if your group is the last in the building for the night.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSURES
The church office will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday,
December 25 for the Christmas holiday.
In addition, the church office will be closed Wednesday, January 1 for
the New Year holiday.
2013 HOLIDAY CHECKLIST
- Nativities Open House December 7th at Noon to 5:00 p.m. in EFH
- Community Chorus Holiday Concert December 14th at 2:00 p.m.in Sanctuary
- Children’s Christmas Program December 15th at 9:30 a.m.Church Service
- MSPS Christmas Program December 19th at 9:00 a.m. in Sanctuary
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Services December 24th at 7:00 p.m.and 11:00 p.m.
