FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of...

8
FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “LOVING GOD, SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS” Phone: 419-447-6748 Email: [email protected] Website: tiffinfaith.org Lit “’It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!’ And he puzzled three hours 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! ‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn't come from a store? Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more!” The Grinch (Geisel, 1985) Well, is all of the preparation over? Are all the cards read? Are the ribbons all undone? Are all the tags and wrapping torn off? Are all the packages, boxes and bags opened? Are your bellies full? Are you wondering once again how did it all come and go so quickly? Did all of this and more help you pause for a moment? Tell me, what did you ‘get’ this year? The Grinch’s heart, it’s written, “Grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn’t feel quite so tight… He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light!” He went to celebrate with those who knew! The Grinch was lit up that day! Was your heart expanded this Christmas? One? Two? Three sizes? At least…some?! “Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more?” Thanks be to God we know it means much, much more! For a child was given to us! Jesus came to light up people and the world often filled with darkness. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:4-5, 9). “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). I pray we were all lit, relit, or that the flame was fanned a bit more within us this holy season. We are called to be children of the light of life. The electric lights and candle will be packed away. “I am the light of the world,” Jesus said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) May the light within us continue to burn and shine through as we live as children of the light. Grace & peace, Pastor Jeff 40 Days of Prayer During the season of Lent, you are being invited to commit with others to pray for members and friends of Faith UMC. A list of names to be included on prayer cards will be created based on our church membership & households but please feel free to add friends to the list so they can be prayed for during this special time. Won’t you join in giving God something through this holy season by offering 40 Days of Prayer? Please sign up so we know how much material to prepare. Last day for signing people up for prayer is January 31. Prayer cards, along with a devotional guide, will be available for pickup Sunday, February 7. Questions? See Carol Lanzer. Lenten Study: Restarting the 9 week study on Prayer We will use James Howell’s The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Sign up for the morning 10:00-11:00a.m or evening 6:30-7:30p.m. session. Last day for signup is February 7. Cost for the study is $11. Group sessions begin Wednesday February 17. Interested? Questions? Contact Pastor Jeff.

Transcript of FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of...

Page 1: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“LOVING GOD, SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS”

Phone: 419-447-6748 Email: [email protected]

Website: tiffinfaith.org

Lit “’It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!’ And he puzzled three hours 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! ‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn't come from a store? Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more!”

The Grinch (Geisel, 1985)

Well, is all of the preparation over? Are all the cards read? Are the ribbons all undone? Are all the tags and wrapping torn off? Are all the packages, boxes and bags opened? Are your bellies full? Are you wondering once again how did it all come and go so quickly? Did all of this and more help you pause for a moment? Tell me, what did you ‘get’ this year? The Grinch’s heart, it’s written, “Grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn’t feel quite so tight… He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light!” He went to celebrate with those who knew! The Grinch was lit up that day! Was your heart expanded this Christmas? One? Two? Three sizes? At least…some?! “Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more?” Thanks be to God we know it means much, much more! For a child was given to us! Jesus came to light up people and the world often filled with darkness. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a

great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:4-5, 9). “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). I pray we were all lit, relit, or that the flame was fanned a bit more within us this holy season. We are called to be children of the light of life. The electric lights and candle will be packed away. “I am the light of the world,” Jesus said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) May the light within us continue to burn and shine through as we live as children of the light. Grace & peace,

Pastor Jeff

40 Days of Prayer During the season of Lent, you are being invited to commit with others to pray for members and friends of Faith UMC. A list of names to be included on prayer cards will be created based on our church membership & households but please feel free to add friends to the list so they can be prayed for during this special time. Won’t you join in giving God something through this holy season by offering 40 Days of Prayer? Please sign up so we know how much material to prepare. Last day for signing people up for prayer is January 31. Prayer cards, along with a devotional guide, will be available for pickup Sunday, February 7. Questions? See Carol Lanzer.

Lenten Study: Restarting the 9 week study on Prayer

We will use James Howell’s The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Sign up for the morning 10:00-11:00a.m or evening 6:30-7:30p.m. session. Last day for signup is February 7. Cost for the study is $11. Group sessions begin Wednesday February 17. Interested? Questions? Contact Pastor Jeff.

Page 2: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

From the Choir Loft

Worship Services

January 3 Epiphany 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship: Eucharist Message Text: Matthew 2:1-12 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled: Eucharist

January 10 Baptism of the Lord 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled January 17 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: John 2:1-11 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled

January 24 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: Luke 4:14-21 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled January 31 4th Sunday after the Epiphany 8 & 10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Message Text: Luke 4:21-30 11:45 a.m. Worship with Reconciled

We worship you, O God, Creator of all things seen and unseen!

Sunday January 10: Baptism of the Lord

On Sunday January 10 we will celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday. It is a special time in the church calendar for us to give thanks to for being baptized and a part of as Christ’s universal church. Celebrating the Baptism of the Lord has been practiced, since the early centuries of the Church. Along with this we are remembering our baptism when by grace God claimed us as sons and daughters in a life-long covenant, and our word to God, promising a life-long response of faith, love, and servanthood. We will be given an opportunity to reaffirm our baptismal vows. It is also a time for those not yet baptized to consider baptism, after the example of our Lord. If you have not been baptized, you are completely welcome to enjoy the reaffirmation ritual or simply look on as this takes place. This is not a service of baptism or re-baptizing. If you would like to know more about the life of discipleship and about being part of the baptismal covenant, please feel free to speak with Rev. Lanzer. So, let us anticipate coming to the holy water with joy to be renewed as members of the body of Christ!

As the calendar tells us the 'old' year is ending, only God knows what changes and challenges await each of us in the 'new' year. Two truths remain: Some things are not within in our control, and because of the miracle of Christ's birth, death and resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life. When earthly life comes to a close, no longer will we marvel at how fast the days, months and years fly rapidly past because time, as we measure it, will be irrelevant. As in previous years, memories are ever-present of being together as a choir and of sharing faith and friendship through music. Thank you, each and everyone in the choir, for the abundance of kindness and dedication you give in countless and varied ways. And, as always, thank you to the congregation for

your thoughtfulness, your support and for the generous Christmas staff gift. Without any question, it is appreciated more than you can know. From the choir, our wish is that you may have the courage, the hope and the faith to conquer whatever the 'new' year brings. The following "Prayer of Blessing" is our benediction response for the January 3, 2016 communion service:

"The days of old have come and gone, yet linger in our heart; We ponder all the times ahead and seek a brand new start.

We trust that all our future days be filled with hope and peace; And that our care for those we love will evermore increase.

May God's great love and grace abound in everything we do; Let perfect peace surround us now, our lives begin anew."

~ Keith Christopher

'Sing'~cerely,

Nancy

Page 3: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our open house and celebrated the season with us! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Pastor Jeff, Carol and Family

Thank you for your generosity at Christmas time! It was greatly appreciated! Chris, Jane & Adam Arnold - Custodians Brittany Cook - Administrative Assistant Nancy Ferguson - Organist/Choir Director Paul Fortney - Youth Coordinator Jan Foy - Organist Woody Plank - Treasurer Bonnie Scherger - Financial Secretary

Winter Weather Information During these cold (or not so cold) winter months, please note that church services will be cancelled and the church will be closed if Seneca County is placed under a Level 3 Advisory. Please use caution when traveling this winter!

District and conference newsletters

are available. If you would like a copy or one sent via email., contact the church office.

Have an idea for the exterior sign?

Email Brittany at [email protected] or call (419)

447-6748!

Work on the Memorial Garden is now underway! It's not too late to order pavers—please contact the church office. Pavers are $100 each. Many thanks to those who have donated to the Memorial Garden and for the endowment funds to not only update the church property but also maintain what we have. Thanks again for your continued support!

Memorial Garden Update

UMW Meeting The U.M.W. will meet January 9th at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Our annual Pledge Service will be included during our meeting. Please join us to see what the U.M.W. does for so many women and children in our community and world.

A big thanks to everyone who helped set up and

take down the decorations for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany! The poinsettias were also beautiful additions!

to the families of

Hal Philbrook, Medreth Scheer &

Marion “Bud” Moon

Page 4: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

Sunday January 17 is

God created each of us in God’s image, and we all have potential to do great things. We celebrate that potential—and the opportunities to work

together—on Human Relations Day. Your Human Relations Day offering strengthens outreach to communities in the United States and Puerto Rico and encourages social justice and work with at-risk youth. Your gifts help to build community across all races and peoples. Purpose "This Sunday occurs during Epiphany, the season of manifesting God's light to the world. Human Relations Day calls the Church to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other. The purpose of the day is to further the development of better human relations." (Par. 264.1, The Book of Discipline 2004)

History The 1972 General Conference established Human Relations Day to promote support for Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services and Police-Community Relations programs. Begun in 1968, the three programs had received support from the church wide Bishop's Fund for Reconciliation. In 1989 the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program replaced the Police-

Community Relations Program to respond to the growing population of youth offenders and their need for creative redirection. Recipients Because of your gifts on Human Relations Day, caring ministries continue in communities across the United States. Your Human Relations Day offering enriches ministries related to:

Children’s after-school and summer initiatives Youth, especially at-risk teens Domestic hunger and poverty HIV/AIDS and other health issues Substance abuse and rehabilitation Technological empowerment Economic development

Education Homelessness Emergency services Employment Gang intervention Child care & parenting Older adults Prison ministry Restorative justice

Special envelopes will be provided for those who would like to participate in

support of this ministry!

“Speak out for those who cannot speak,

for the rights of all the destitute.” Proverbs 31:8, NRSV

Page 5: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 18 Dinner this year, catered by Aramark, begins at 6pm, followed by the program at 7:15pm, when School Children will be awarded for the winning essays submitted, and a Peacemaker’s Award will be given to someone whose work for peace is known in the community. Guest speaker is Larry Hamilton, teacher of African American History, World and Current Events at Piqua High School. His speech for the evening is entitled "Healing Through an Inclusive Heritage." There is also to be a collection for FISH of any non-perishable and canned goods. Dinner tickets can be purchased through Tiffin University by calling Jill Earl at 419-448-3264 through Jan. 14th. The cost is $12 per adult and $5 for children 10 and under. The service is free.

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter

sponsor code: FAITHUMCTIFFIN.

We need Blood Drive volunteers!

Bake cookies

Help with set up

Work registration table

Serve soup & cookies

Help tearing down

Name: ____________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________

Email: _____________________________________

For more information, contact Micki Tusing at

(419) 816-2625.

Please turn in information to church office.

A big thank you to all who supported the missions for December. It was like a whirl-wind trying to get everything completed by the deadlines but you all did a fantastic job. We took over 80 gifts to Flat

Rock for their Christmas. I'm sure that they all enjoyed their Christmas. We also provided gifts for two families at Salvation Army and gift certificates for Krogers so that they might also have food on their tables for the holidays. Gifts for the Mary's Shower were also well received by grateful moms. Giving our time, sharing our talents and helping those who have little is what Jesus would have us to do. Praise God that He sent his son to show us and tell us what we must do for others.

Missions for January We are collecting 2 flat, double-size bed sheets, 2 pillowcases and 2 bed pillows. If you can not afford all of these items, perhaps you could ask another member to share the cost with you. We would also like to collect dish towels and cloths for the Sharing Kitchen and the Connections Group that meet and eat at St. Paul's. Both of these are community families and youth that benefit from the meals and fellowship that our community supports.

Page 6: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

January Anniversaries

6-Jim & Joanne Kimmel 8-Allen & Deborah Fuller 16– Nell & Jim Crum 31-John & Anna Grover

1-Thomas Clifton, Dan Hilborn 2-Jim Albert, Nicole (Clagg) Salaciak, Elaine Reedy 3-Hollie Borer, Bonnie Scherger 5-Jesse Bianchi, Judy Oder 7-Paul Eborg 8-Scott Blue 9-Justin Reinbolt, Kenneth Robinson, Mary Solomon 10-Dorothy Dundore 11-Donna Boyd, Michelle Perin 12-Michael Albert 13-Ryan Edelman, Nicole Stahl 14-Kristin Swihart 15-Barbara Trapp, Joan Hossler 16-Henry Albert, Amanda Smith 17-Billy Dawson, Tisha Fugitt, Joyce Weaver 18-Cheryl Burkhardt, Tony George 19-Carol Perin, Michelle Seigley 20- Howard Plank, Micki Tusing 21- Fred Ritter, Phyllis Wisebaker 22-Michael Miller 23-Beth Burdine 25-John Cleveland 27-Marilyn Davis 28-Sue Klopfenstein, Sandra Laibe, Betty Shaull 30-Lois Berger, Jane Reinbolt

The following people have

received our special prayers this

past month:

Jane Benty

Jeff Berner

Aydin Bradner

Wayne Kirby

Paul Fortney

Peg Ward

Robert McBride

John Covert

the church

Kelly Pelayo

Betsy Frase

James Crawford

Melanie Gladden

Darl Wilson

Ben Ladd

Nita Doran

David Bakos

Marilyn Rumschlag

Earl & Sherry Ash

those in the military and their families

the family of Linda Remington

Damion Steinmetz II

the family of Marion “Bud” Moon

the family of Hal Philbrook

the family of Medreth Scheer

the family of Donald Joseph Sr.

Page 7: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

Sun. Mon. Tues. Weds. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

1 2

8:00 a.m.

Weight

Watchers

3 4 5

12p.m.—6p.m.

Blood Drive

4:30 p.m.

Weight Watchers

6

7:30 a.m.

Bible Study at

Bailiwicks

6:30 p.m.

The Landing

7

8:30 a.m. TOPS

7p.m.

Choir Practice

8 9

8:00 a.m.

Weight

Watchers

10:00 a.m.

UMW

10

5p.m.—7p.m.

The Challenge

Youth Group

11

12

4:30 p.m.

Weight Watchers

13

7:30 a.m.

Bible Study at

Bailiwicks

6:30 p.m.

The Landing

14

8:30 a.m. TOPS

7p.m.

Choir Practice

15 16

8:00 a.m.

Weight

Watchers

17 18

MLK Event

5pm-9 pm

19

4:30 p.m.

Weight Watchers

20

7:30 a.m.

Bible Study at

Bailiwicks

6:30 p.m.

The Landing

21

8:30 a.m. TOPS

7p.m.

Choir Practice

22

23

8:00 a.m.

Weight

Watchers

24

5p.m.—7p.m.

The Challenge

Youth Group

25 26

4:30 p.m.

Weight Watchers

27

7:30 a.m.

Bible Study at

Bailiwicks

6:30 p.m.

The Landing

28

8:30 a.m. TOPS

7p.m.

Choir Practice

29 30

8:00 a.m.

Weight

Watchers

31

Page 8: FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Amazon S3€¦ · Learning to Pray as a guide into the life of prayer and the devotional life. A sample book and sign-up sheet is in -11:00a.m or -7:30p.m.

FAITH UMC

75 N. Sandusky St.

Tiffin, OH 44883

NON-PROFIT ORG

US Postal Permit #287

Tiffin, OH 44883

8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. LITURGISTS

Bonnie Scherger Paul Fortney READERS

January 3 Mark Milroy Beth Donaldson January 10 Tim Everhart Jim Donaldson January 17 Jane Dietrich Jacke Renninger January 24 Laura O’Millian Peggy Fout January 31 Bonnie Scherger Paul Fortney

ACOLYTES January 3 Ryan Dietrich & Carson Mellott Max Fortney January 10 Alexis Quickle Sydney Fortney January 17 Kevin Dietrich Hannah Borer & Abby Glover January 24 David Dietrich Max Fortney January 31 Ryan Dietrich Noah Borer

A/V OPERATORS January 3 Kevin & Jonathan O’Millian Bruce & Julie Morris January 10 Tim Everhart & David Dietrich Greg Glover January 17 Brian Briggs Jason & Noah Borer January 24 Kevin & Jonathan O’Millian Bruce & Julie Morris January 31 Tim Everhart & David Dietrich Greg Glover

NURSERY January 3 Jane & Chris Arnold January 10 Kevin Dietrich & Sandy Yarbrough January 17 Shelly & Greg Glover January 24 Jason & Hollie Borer January 31 Micki & Mark Tusing GREETERS & USHERS

Sandy & Mark Mesnard, Lois Hoover, Jane Schubert Barb Eborg & Scott Blue

Address Correction Requested