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DECEMBER 2008 VOL.15, NO. 12

BOOK CLUB 2

PRESCHOOL NEWS 3

PJ&E TIP 3

LIFTING OUR PRAYERS 3

YOUTH FUNDRAISER 3

GIFTS FOR GIVING 4

FAMILY LIFE 5

YOUTH AUCTION 6

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY 6

STEWARDSHIP NEWS 7

ADVENT CALENDAR 8

CRISTO EN EL MUNDO/CHRIST IN THE WORLD

Christ in the world” is St. Paul’s theme for Advent and Christmas this year. To help us

get a sense of another part of the world and its Christmas traditions, we have selected Latin America and, in particular, Guatemala, for our sanctuary décor and music.

What will be different?Instead of the traditional European symbols of the season÷evergreens and holly, for example÷the visual arts team (Shirley McNeal, Suzie Dutton, Katy Crow and Matthew Lischer) will fill the sanctuary

with red poinsettia, bright colored Guatemalan cloths, pomegranates, stars, paper flowers, nativities and traditional items from Guatemalan and our other Latin American neighbors.

The Guatemala mission team brought back wonderful fabric and garlands, and the V-A team found additional fair-trade imported items at 10,000 Villages in Overland Park. Worry dolls are common in Latin America, and you’ll see two worry doll wreaths. The cross will be decorated with a bright colored-paper flower garland.

Each Sunday we’ll incorporate one Spanish-heritage carol into the services, and the chancel choir will sing some Christmas songs with a Latin rhythm.

What will be the same?We’ll still have a Christmas tree up front with Chrismon ornaments. We will still light candles each Sunday on the Advent wreath. We’ll still sing familiar carols. Our readings and carols this year will emphasize the presence of angels in the Christmas story. We may be more aware this year that we share a common lectionary (order of readings) with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

We will hold our Christmas Eve services at 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The four ‘clock service is designed especially for young children and their families. The service is designed especially for young children and their families. The 7 and 9 p.m. services include communion and a closing candle-lit “Silent Night.”

continued on page 2

Cget a sense of another part of the world and its Christmas traditions, we have selected Latin America and, in particular, Guatemala, for our sanctuary décor and music.

with red poinsettia, bright colored Guatemalan cloths,

CRISTO EN EL MUNDO/CHRIST IN THE WORLDcontinued from page 1

On the evening of December 21, we will again hold a Longest Night service. Although anyone is welcome to come, this service is particularly designed for those who are just not ready this year to be all joyous and bubbly over the birth of a child. This service is for you if you have suffered a loss – through the death of a loved one, the breakup of a marriage, the loss of a child, the end of a relationship or the loss of a job.

Will there be special events?Of course! At 4 o’clock on December 14, our children’s choirs will present a Christmas musical called “Radio J-O-Y!” written by Terry W. York and Vicki Hancock Wright. This delightful Christmas musical retells the nativity story through songs and stories of those who shared in the glorious event of Christ’s birth. Radio studio “J-O-Y” sets the stage where a local children’s choir and their pastor present the Christmas story while being interviewed by disc jockey celebrity “Dee Jay.” Throughout the on-air show, characters from the Christmas story share how their lives were touched by the Savior’s birth. Come celebrate with Radio J-O-Y- where the Best Songs are Songs about Christmas.

On December 21, at the 8:15 and 10:45 services, the chancel choir will present “Holy Night of Miracles,” a Christmas cantata. Composer Lloyd Larson writes: his holy night, the night of Jesus’ birth, is recalled annually in our churches and homes as we celebrate the sights, sounds and spirit of Christmas. “Holy Night of Miracles” is a reminder that the hope born on that first Christmas night is sill needed today and ultimately found in the miraculous child born in Bethlehem so many years ago. Blending familiar carols with new Christmas anthems, this work is a timely reminder that the hope born on that first Christmas night is still needed today and ultimately, found in the miraculous Child born in Bethlehem. Heart-warming music, inspiring narration and congregational singing make this a moving worship experience for choir and congregation alike.

Why are we doing this?Once in a while, it’s important that we take a moment – or in this case, a month – to remember that Jesus and the story of Jesus is not just our story, but the world’s story. We hope that this Advent and Christmas will be a way to let a little Latin-American culture reach into our lives and touch our hearts in a new way. We will hold our Christmas Eve services at 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The four ‘clock service is designed especially for young children and their families. The 7 and 9 p.m. services include communion and a closing candle-lit “Silent Night.”

CELEBRATION SERVICE ADVENT SERIES: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Join us for our 9:30 AM Sunday Celebration Service Advent sermon series “What Are You Waiting For?” Waiting is never easy, expecially when we want

something...an answer, healing, comfort, an open door...Pastor Sandra Cox will explore what it means to “wait” and will ponder what exactly it is that we might be waiting for. We will take a closer look at the human condition and God’s expected or oftentimes unexpected response.

WaitingWHAT ARE YOU

FOR?

PRESCHOOL NEWSSing the News! Spread the News! God has sent his Son!

If you come to the preschool area during December you are more than likely going to hear this song being sung as we prepare for the baby Jesus’ entry into our world once again. Preschool is so much fun and Christmas time is

an especially joyful time to share our savior’s story with the children. Our Good Shepherd staff, Deborah Reiman, Shannon Mullen, and Kim Langstraat have wonderful lessons to present that include hands-on materials such as various nativity pieces to provide a meaningful experience of the Christmas story.

Our school also shares with the children how Jesus wants us to take care of others. In response to this, the preschool children will be bringing non-perishable food items to be given to local pantries as our holiday mission project. The preschool teachers are intentional about helping children understand the value of giving to others and this year with the struggling economy this lesson seems extra important. We welcome the congregation’s help in supporting our efforts in any way you can.

Our preschool Christmas program will be on December 19. We will be doing two performances, at 6:00pm. and 7:00pm., and will involve performers from our seven preschool classes. Anyone is invited who would like to attend. Our friends from Lenexa Assisted Living will be attending. The preschool will be closed for the Christmas holiday from December 22 through January 2. On behalf of the staff of St. Paul’s Preschool, we wish you the joy and excitement that the birth of Jesus brings to our lives!

PJ & E TIP: OBTAIN A LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT!

Kansas City WildLands, in partnership with Johnson County Park and Recreation District, is offering the public an opportunity to remove invasive red cedars and take them home to decorate for the holidays! Volunteers

are needed for this popular annual event. Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee, Kansas. When you take home a tree, you’ll not only make your house smell great but you’ll be helping restore these wild places to their original health! For more information or to volunteer, contact Linda Lehrbaum, 816-561-1061, x116 or linda@bridgingthegap.org.

LIFTING OUR PRAYERS

We extend our deepest sympathy to Dave Platt, upon the loss of his aunt, Jackie Day. We extend our deepest sympathy to Susan Fussell, upon the lost of her mother, Lois Torpy.We joyfully celebrate the baptism of Hannah Leigh Singhal on November 16, 2008.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUND RAISER

COME AND JOIN US AT RED ROBIN 95TH AND METCALF

COME ON OUT AND HELP SUPPORT ST. PAULS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THEIR YOUTH MISSION TRIP ON DECEMBER 2ND, TUESDAY NIGHT, FROM 4PM TO 10PM.

10% OF ALL SALES ASSOCIATED WITH ST. PAULS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WILL BE GIVEN BACK TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH MISSION TRIP THIS YEAR!! IT WILL BE AN EXCITING NIGHT WITH GREAT FOOD AND A FUN ATMOSPHERE WHILE SUPPORTING A GREAT CAUSE.

COME AND JOIN US AT RED ROBIN 95TH AND METCALF

COME ON OUT AND HELP SUPPORT ST. PAULS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THEIR YOUTH MISSION TRIP ON DECEMBER 2ND, TUESDAY NIGHT, FROM 4PM TO 10PM.

GIFTS FOR GIVINGNeed a Gift for the Person Who Has Everything? Give a Gift Help Someone Who Has Much Less….

GLOBAL IMPACT

Heifer International (www.heifer.org)This organization has helped 9.2 million families around the globe by addressing hunger, poverty and sustainability through gifts of livestock and agricultural training. Heifer’s strategy is to “pass on the gift” as people share their animals’ offspring with others. You can make a general donation or “purchase” an animal for a particular family/location!

Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (www.cfcausa.org)Founder Bob Hentzen grew up in Lenexa and founded this organization in Guatemala to help families in developing countries put food on the table and send their children to school. You can make a one time donation or sponsor a child or aging friend ($30/month) with school or medical expenses on an on-going basis.

MicroPlace (www.microplace.com)This organization provides you the opportunity to invest dollars to fund organizations that make loans to the world’s working poor. You can choose the developing country in which you invest, the level of your investment and the

time frame for your financial return! If you invest a minimum of $20.00 in honor of someone, they can receive a Chilean artisan piggy bank and/or an e-card announcing your investment in their honor!

GLOBAL IMPACT WITH GIFT PURCHASES!

Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com)Located in old downtown Overland Park (7947 Santa Fe Dr.), this store offers folk art, home décor, jewelry, baskets and more! Items are hand-crafted and shares the traditions and cultures of artisans from a developing world.

Cojolya Market Place (www.cojolya.org)An association of Mayan women weavers dedicated to the preservation of backstrap loom weaving and the traditions which surround it through the provision of economic incentives to women weavers. Its Guatemala headquarters is in Santiago, Atitlan, where some of the women from the St. Paul’s Guatemala mission team visited in November. Beautiful gift items include purses, scarves and pillow covers.

NATION-WIDE IMPACT

Society of St. Andrew (www.endhunger.org)This ministry is dedicated to gleaning America’s fields and feeding America’s hungry by providing healthy, nutritious produce to society’s most vulnerable through innovative, cost effective programs. St. Paul’s first Pastor, Jeff Allen worked with Society of St. Andrew for a number of years. They offer a Christmas gift card and advent devotions on their web site.number of years. They offer a Christmas gift card and advent devotions on their web site.

LOCAL OPTIONS

Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network (www.jocoihn.org)IHN engages people of faith to empower homeless families. It partners with over 30 churches in John-son County to provide overnight accommodations and meals for homeless families (up to 14 people) for one week at a time every 3 – 4 months. St. Paul’s is a support church with Shawnee UMC and provides volunteers for meals and overnight stays. It also provides social service assistance to families as needed. Located at 11503 Strang Line Rd., Suite C, Olathe, KS 66062. Phone 345-2121.

Heartland Habitat for Humanity (www.heartlandhabitat.org)A grassroots Christian organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty and substandard housing. It builds simple, decent homes and communities in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. Located at 1401 Fairfax Trafficway, Building D, Suite 323, Kansas City, KS 66115.Phone 342-3047.

THERE’S A CHILL IN THE AIR…HOWEVER FAMILY LIFE EVENTS WILL WARM YOUR SPIRIT.

Another yoga class has been added to the schedule. No children’s daycare will be available. The class meets early Saturday morning at 7:30am and the cost of the class will be the same

as the current Thursday evening class. If you have further questions, please e-mail Deb Humphrey, dlhumphrey@kc.rr.com, or Angela Schaffer, angela@schafferfitness.com.

The youth and Family Life would love for you to join us on December 7 when we go Christmas Caroling to shut-ins. Everyone will join together at 5pm and then head off to bring a little Christmas cheer to folks. We’ll meet back at the church around 7pm for a soup and sandwich dinner. This annual event is a great opportunity to do something special this time of year and is a great way to gather with other St. Paulians. If you have any questions, please call Deb Humphrey, 334-2575, or e-mail her, dlhumphrey@kc.rr.com.

Looking for something to feed your marriage? Then sign up at the ConneXions Center for the next marriage enrichment seminar tentatively scheduled for February 7, 2009. This all-day event costs $35 per couple.

One lodge room has opened up for our retreat to the YMCA of the Rockies next summer July 26-30 of 2009. The lodge rooms sleep six and cost varies according to the number of adult and children that are attending. If you’d like to experience an economical trip for your family that affords lots of variety and family fun, plus the added benefit of Rocky Mountain National Park, please contact Deb Humphrey at dlhumphrey@kc.rr.com and reserve your spot. The opening will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Remember to check the ConneXions Center periodically for signups for special Family Life events. The Family Life crew is always looking for special opportunities for our St. Paul’s Family. Look for more information on events in the coming months.

YOUTH AUCTION

Once again, a “Youth Auction” fundraiser is underway for the UMYF group planning to participate in a Mission Trip during the summer of 2009. UMYF members have filled out Bid Sheets which are

posted on a table in the entryway of the church. Members and friends of St. Paul’s can bid on a variety of services and goods that the youth are willing to provide to one or more bidders in exchange for fees that will help them pay for their Mission Trip-related expenses. Please take some time to browse the Bid Sheets and perhaps find some things of interest. Please note that this fall’s Youth Auction closes December 7. The youth will contact you to schedule delivery of the services or goods and/or collect the agreed-upon fees by no later than January 10, 2009. Please direct any questions to Roger or Leslie Williams, 745-5781.

JOHNSON COUNTY INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK UPDATE

JoCoIHN is currently hosting 4 homeless families (17 people). St. Paul’s partners with Shawnee United Methodist to provide food and a warm place to sleep for a week every 3 months. Volunteers are needed to

provide meals, evening fellowship & overnight stays. The next Volunteer Training for JoCoIHN is Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-9pm at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church. Please contact Pat White, 894-5891, for more information on how to get involved with homeless families or visit their website, www.jocoihn.org.

JoCoIHN needs help providing Christmas baskets for 17 families--four are currently homeless & the others “graduated” from the program this past year. Your gift of a $10 (or more) gift card will help make their Christmas a little more special. Use BAG It! Bucks to purchase a Walmart, Kohls, or Target card. Hyvee or Price Chopper or any gas card would also be appreciated. Please drop off your gift cards to the ConneXions Center by Sunday, December 8. The families will be receiving their gifts & food baskets on Sunday, December 14. Please call Pat White, 894-5891, for more info on JoCoIHN or visit their website, www.jocoihn.org.

ST. PAUL’S BOOK CLUB

When: 7:00 pm, Monday, January 26Where: Linda Stoner’s home 12803 W. 50th St.What: Great discussion of Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and Warby Nathaniel Philbrick.

Open to everyone who wants to join the fun!

For more information, contact Linda Stoner (lindastoner@kc.rr.com)

When: 7:00 pm, Monday, January 26Where: Linda Stoner’s home 12803 W. 50th St.What: Great discussion of by Nathaniel Philbrick.

Open to everyone who wants to join the fun!

WORSHIP READINESS CLASSJanuary 11 to May 3, 2008

What is religion, who is John Wesley and what are the sacraments of Baptism and Communion all about? These are all topics that will be discussed in St. Paul’s Worship Readiness Class that is geared towards 2nd

grade students. We also recommend this class for 3rd and 4th grade students that have not taken it. The Worship Readiness Class is designed to help children better understand the worship service so they can easily transition from Children’s Church and join in the adult worship service. The class will also cover a little history of the United Methodist Church.

The 17-week class will begin on Sunday, January 11, at 9:30 a.m., during the Sunday School hour. The final class will be held on Communion Sunday, May 3, when the students will celebrate the sacrament of communion at the 10:45 a.m. worship service. To fully enhance your child’s understanding of the worship service and its value, we encourage him\her to attend class regularly. Parents and adults are welcome to join us also.

Class Topics:

January 11 What is Religion? What is a Christian?

January 18 What is Worship? Why do we Worship?

January 25 Who is John Wesley?

February 1 Church Seasons, Colors and Holidays (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany)

February 8 Church Seasons and Colors (Lent, Easter and Pentecost)

February 15 Vocations within the church

February 22 Membership, Preparatory Membership, Constituent Membership

March 1 History of the United Methodist Church, Who are United Methodists?

March 8 Prayer/Creeds/Affirmation of Faith

March 15 Bible Readings/Sermon

March 22 Hymnal/Music/Singing in Church

March 29 Baptism

April 5 Baptism

April 12 Easter (no class)

April 19 Communion

April 26 Communion (Last Supper)

May 3 Communion Celebration at the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

Contact Claudia Vines, 268-9551 or Gina Taylor, 438-2287 if you have any questions.

Stewardship Below is a chart of operating revenues and expenses for 2008 as well as YTD equity.

2008 Operating Revenue and Expenses

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec YTD

Revenue

Expenses

2008 Operating Budget Equity

05000

10000150002000025000

Beginn

ing Jan

Feb Mar AprMay

June Ju

lyAug

Sept

Oct

Equity

October pledged contributions were received at 85% of budgeted and expenses were expended at 98% of budget. YTD pledged contributions as of end of October are running at 86% of budget ($58,018). We continue to run behind on pledged contributions at about the equivalent of one month’s expenses so your continued stewardship is very important to our ministries. In October we did bring income into budget from the auction which did help offset some of the amount we are running behind on revenues. Also the 4th quarter for St. Paul’s is typically very strong; I would expect that to follow past history and continue to be true. Below is a chart of debt reduction revenues and expenses for 2008. 1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. Oct . YTD Pledge Revenue $ 55,170 $ 48,489 $ 74,795 $10,196 $ 189,190 Rental Revenue $ 12,160 $ 11,410 $ 10,610 $ 4,070 $ 38,250 Loan Payments – Interest $ 39,926 $ 38,405 $ 37,135 $12,100 $ 127,566 Loan Payments – Prin. $ 20,207 $ 21,728 $ 23,000 $ 7,945 $ 72,880 Rental Expenses $ 0 $ 4,693* $ 961 $ 225 $ 5,879 *½ half property taxes Total collected to date for 3 year Debt Reduction $421,555 (42.90%). This does not include rental income. The current balance on our building loan is $1,842,309.

sundaymonday

tuesdaywednesday

thursdayfriday

saturday

31 days of giving

december 2008

12

34

56

78

910

1112

13

1415

1617

1819

20

2122

2324

2526

27

2829

3031

Rake leaves or

shovel snow for

an elderly neighbor.

Instead of givingthe party hostessa bottle of w

ine,donate to a localcharity in her nam

e.

Shop online for giftsthrough a charitablesearch engine such as iG

ive.com.

Donate your old

cell phone to victims

of domestic violence

at ncadv.org.

Send old books tobooksofafrica.org, anational nonprofit that funnels books to schools and libraries.

Turn off the water

while brushing your

teeth and save 25gallons a m

onth.

Visit an elderlyresident at a nursinghom

e. Many people

do not have loved ones to spend tim

e w

ith during the holidays.

Tutor a budding writer

at 826national.org.G

ive your old eyeglasses to peoplein developingcountries w

ho can’t afford them

atU

niteforsight.org.

Bring a carload of new

spapers, towels

and blankets to an anim

al shelter.

Volunteer to babysitfor a single parent.

Give a loved one a

list of the “Top 10C

herished Mem

ories”you’ve sharedtogether.

Mentor an at-risk

teen online aticouldbe.org.

Forgive someone.

Send your old computer

to an underprivilegedchild in one of 61countries atw

orldcomputerexchange.com

.

Use recyclable bags

to grocery shop today.

Put a quarter in som

eone’s expired m

eter.

Vaccinate peoplearound the w

orldagainst deadly diseasesw

ith a donation atdoctorsw

ithoutboarders.org.

Help protect half an

acre of rain forest inSouth and C

entralAm

erica atrainforestalliance.org.

Give up your seat for

someone on the bus

or metro.

Help som

eone learnEnglish atLiteracyvolunteers.org.

Hold the door open for

the person behind you.Save energy by shutting off your com

puter at day’s end.

Find projects that helppeople in your area atdosom

ething.org.

Buy local fruits and vegetables atlocalharvest.org.

Help fund supplies

and field trips to underfunded publicschools atdonorschoose.org.

When you hear a siren,

say a little prayer for the person(s) in need.

Donate your frequent

flyer miles to fam

iliesof injured soldiers atherom

iles.org.

Start a little league inyour com

munity.

Volunteer – inside orout – at a nationalpark. G

o to nps.gov.

Pay for the person behind you at the toll.

You don’t have to change the world to brighten a corner.

Here are 31 things m

ost anyone can do this month to help another, show

appreciation and spread random acts of kindness.