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The Family Circle A Publication of Fairview United Methodist Church

254 Robinson Street Binghamton, New York

607-724-6886 FairviewUMChurch1@gmail.com Website: www.fairviewumcbinghamton.wordpress.com

December 2016 / January 2017

************************************************************************************* From the Pastor

Recently I attended the Hope Awards for the Rescue Mission. (Whitney Place) It was an amazing evening. I heard emotional stories of men who had turned their lives around thanks to the help of the staff and others. Several mentioned that they were alive today thanks to the efforts of the Rescue Mission. In some cases, they were truly rescued from a life of drugs, alcohol and homelessness. One of our church members, Charlie Smith, got a "Faith" Hope Award for his involvement in our church! I was also overwhelmed to see Andrei and his family. He is the young man who was hit by a car about a year ago while riding his bike. You may recall that our church prayed for him as he struggled to hang onto life. His mother told me that he kept the prayer shawl that we gave him through his hospital stay and in two rehab facilities. It is still on his bed as a reminder of the power of prayer. I saw him up and walking and conversing with his old friends. Awesome! The season of Advent is upon us. In the mad dash to get gifts bought and wrapped I invite you to pause and consider some ways to give to those beyond your gift list. Consider giving to the Rescue Mission, the Pastor's Discretionary Fund, Toys for Tots or give to a person in need. The gifts we bring don't have to be monetary. Spend time with someone who is lonely, remember the elders among us, sit on the floor and play with a child. Volunteer at church or in the community. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Reach out. Babysit so a couple can have some time alone. Stop. Breathe. Pray for someone. Listen to what God may be saying to you. Sit at the feet of Jesus and offer back some time in God's presence. As a church we have come a long way and been blessed. We will make an effort to give back as a way to say thank you Lord. On Christmas Eve (our largest church offering) we will give 10% of all collected to the Rescue Mission. Recalling the familiar carol, "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head." We remember that we come to give thanks for the God who came to earth to meet us where we are. Jesus, the son of God was homeless too. Jesus, Child of God, may we watch for you today in the faces we meet - the stranger, the refugee, the homeless, the poor. May we recognize you in unexpected places. Amen (By Beth Richardson)

Fairview Friends, may we be faithful this Advent Season.

Pastor Jan

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Leading Us in Worship-December 2016 December 4 Greeter: Jeremy Kimball Liturgist: Deb McMichel Ushers: Dave Tyler, Kevin Emmons, Dave Gardiner, Sue Barton Acolyte: Nathaniel Evans Crucifer: Mike Purdy Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 Message: “A Voice to be Reckoned With”

December 11 New Members Join Greeters: Debbie Tweedie Liturgist: Leon Jicha, Sr Ushers: Jeremy Kimball, Jim Burlingame, Sandy Burlingame, Linda Merritt Acolyte: Isabella Ross Crucifer: Jessica Spencer Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25 Serrmon: “Joseph’s Call” Evening Worship – Blue Christmas Service

December 18 Sunday School Christmas Pageant followed by dinner Greeter: Floyd Ross Liturgist: Sarah Eastman Ushers: Alan Slocum, Mark Slocum Mike Purdy, Michael Garren Acolyte: Emily Bentley Crucifer: Erin Bentley Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 Sermon: “Christmas Letters” A play by the children and youth of our church. December 24 Christmas Eve 4:00 Family Service celebrating the birth of Jesus Liturgist: Marcia Focht 7:30 Traditional Candlelight Service Liturgist: Kevin Emmons December 25 Merry Christmas Greeter: Nancy Price Liturgist: Joe Coons Ushers: Joan Murray, Penny Daugherty, Karon Lewis, Linda Purdy Acolyte: Zoe Barr Crucifer: Riley Spencer

Liturgists for January 2017 January 1 Leon Jicha, Sr 8 Ellen Gardiner 15 Jessica spencer 22 Kevin Emmons 29 Marcia Focht Remember Our “Seniors”

Holiday time is soon upon us. What better time to remember our seniors and those who are shut-in….with a call, a note or better yet make a visit. Elizabeth Church Manor Dorothy Crane 863 Upper Front Street Binghamton NY 13901 Joyce Gilkeson same as above Willow Point Bucky Merritt Room 101 (for Rehab) 3700 Vestal Road Vestal, NY 13850 At Home Betty Buck 209 East Frederick Street Binghamton NY 13904 Louise Disbro 110 Chenango Place Apt 4A Binghamton NY 13901 Evelyn Evans 130 Robinson Street Binghamton NY 13904 Nellie Hickok 156 Bigelow Street Binghamton NY 13904 John Hillard 54 Bigelow Street Binghamton NY 13904 Pat Reynolds 8 Wilcox Street Binghamton NY 13904-1335 Katherine Roe 33 Riverside Street Binghamton NY 13904

The Blessings of Peace The Beauty of Hope The Spirit of Love

The Comfort of Faith May these be your gifts this

This Christmas Season.

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Our Worship Attendance November 6 136 November 13 122 Evening 26 November 20 115 November 27 99 A special THANK YOU goes to: - Marcia Focht for leading Book Study on “Choosing Civility” - Barb Crane and all her helpers for a delicious Turkey Dinner - Karen Gdovin for her leadership chairing the Cabaret - to all who helped in any way with the Cabaret - Robin Eastman for the Advent devotionals she purchased for children, youth and adults From Peg Muth..… Thank you to everyone for all the prayers during my illness at Wilson Hospital and my stay at Good Shepherd during August and September. A special thank you to Pastor Jan for her visits and prayers. I am doing better. From Sue Boucher…... Thank you to the Holy, Heavenly, Blessed Bakers who made all the delicious decadent desserts for the Cabaret. What a agreat team!

ADVENT AT FAIRVIEW You won't want to miss the following events: Sundays in December. We mark the days that lead to Christmas with the lighting of the Advent candles, music and more. December 4 Come celebrate the season with Church Pot Luck after worship followed by New Members Class December 5 Sisters of Lydia Christmas Party 6 PM Bring dish to pass Special Java and Jesus Class Sundays Dec 4, 11 and 18 @ 9:15 in Bouton Room "Adventurous Advent" by Bruce Epperly led by Marcia Focht December 11 Family and Friends Evening Worship 6 PM Refreshments, 6:30 Worship with a contemporary twist led by our Praise Band Blue Christmas: a time to seek God's peace when considering our losses. Special prayers and the lighting of candles to recall our losses December 18 "Christmas Letters" Children and Youth present Play during worship with luncheon to follow in Fellowship Hall. Sandwiches and homemade soup! December 24 Christmas Eve 4 PM Family Service featuring the Children's Choir and special message and gifts for childen 7:30 PM Service of Lessons and Carols with candlelight communion December 25 The Birthday of Jesus Come and sing together carols and learn of the stories behind familiar songs. Advent Box: Pick up one of our special boxes and place a canned good in it for our Food Pantry each day during Advent. Return the box on Sunday,January 1. Let's create a time of giving.

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The Worship Committee is so excited to announce some additions to our worship service. We have added three wonderful young members to our acolyte team...Bella Ross, Nathaniel Evans and Zoe Case!! We now have enough acolytes/cross barriers to cover the entire month!!! Yeah!! This is a great way for our young members to get involved. We also are happy to announce that starting January 1st we have a new "team" that will coordinate our ever so popular Social Hour after Sunday Service. We thank Emily Claire and Connie Papastrat for keeping this social time going. At the same time we give Judy Becker a HUGE thank you for coordinating this weekly event for many years. It is also so important on Sunday mornings to not only greet our visitors, but also make them feel comfortable by providing them with information about our church and let them know why we are happy to call it our church home. We now have four lovely ladies who will be taking one Sunday a month to monitor our Welcome Center and provide our visitors with what they need to feel comfortable in our home. Thank you to Cindy Emmons, Karen Gdovin, Myrt Buchanan and Dawn Spencer. Pastor Jan, Marcia and the Praise band continue to work hard at providing the congregation and our community an additional service on the evening of the Second Sunday of each month. This is a casual way to worship with friends...wonderful music and message that is sure to put comfort and joy in yourheart! Please join us on the evening of December 11th for our next contemporary service and BRING A FRIEND!!!! We look forward to seeing you this Holiday Season and Wish all of you a Season of Hope, Joy and Happiness!!!

Korin Spencer, Worship Chair

Java and Jesus – Advent Study Did you know that Advent is the beginning of our Christian year? Advent includes the four Sundays before Christmas, and this year starts November 27. We consider it a busy and bustling time, but it can also be a time of anticipation and contemplation, a time where we consider the incredible coming of "God with us". December 4, 11, and 18, Java and Jesus will be reflecting upon and discussing short daily devotions and questions found in the guide "Adventurous Advent" by Bruce Epperly. We have copies to share, so feel free to stop in and enjoy the exciting season of Advent. ~ Marcia Focht SISTERS OF LYDIA Sisters of Lydia has welcomed many new faces this year and WE LOVE IT! The group is growing into an amazing circle of women who share in the path to Christ. Can’t wait to see what this year holds for all of us. Our next gathering is December 5th at 6pm. Remember we are going to celebrate the beginning of the holy season with sharing a meal together, so bring a dish to pass if you can. Also, read chapter 3 in our study book “Half Truths.”. See you on the 5th. ~ Sue Papastrat CABARET 2016 Thanks to all that made the Cabaret 2016 such a success ! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful church that is filled with passionate people. God Bless each of you .. ~ Karen Gdovin - Cabaret Committee

FRIENDS and FAITH Evening Worship with a Twist

Music by the Praise Band

December 11th Blue Christmas Service

6:00pm Light refreshments 6:30 Worship

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Greetings from your food pantry! Where has this year gone? Thanks to all of you who contributed to this wonderful mission. This past year has been very successful. We average about 32 families every week now! Thanks be to God. On November 13th, we had a meeting of pantry members. We welcomed 3 new members to our team: Karon Lewis, Patty deClercq, and Kevin Hurlbert. We discussed several topics: explanation of duties for Michelle and Sue, the budget, fund raising, "Advent" boxes, utilizing Leon's skills in technology, as well as other items. Our biggest project for now is the "Advent Food Collection Box". Pastor Jan and Michelle gave a Children's Sermon" on this project on November 20th. Starting on the first Sunday in Advent,, the 27th and ending on January 1st, people will be asked to fill a box with a daily food item needed for our food giveaways. It is like doing a "reverse Advent calendar". We will have boxes available for you. We are hoping that at least 30 families will participate. Watch for a sign-up list. An information write-up will be in the box. Be creative; make it a part of your daily walk with Christ during the Advent season. Read a Bible verse as you place your food items you’re your collection box. Sing a Christmas Carol. Reflect upon all the blessing in your life. Pray for those who might receive your food that the food will nourish them and the Word will quench their thirst! In anticipation, thank you for your participation in this mission! Together, we CAN make a difference. We couldn't do this without your support and donations! A big thank you goes out to Patty deClercq/Jenny Craig for their most generous contribution of food pantry items. They had an incentive campaign for their clients and incorporated our pantry.. Watch for more ideas that we are looking

into to raise money and/or food items in the future. Once again, thank you so much, for making this mission work. Love in Christ, Susan Barton & Michelle Newkirk

MUSICAL NOTES FROM PASTOR JAN Special thanks go to the Chancel and Bell choirs for performing at the Cabaret. It certainly was a chance for us to "cut loose" a bit! Our bell choir also came several Saturdays to paint the backdrop. We had a "Yellow Submarine" for our Beatles song played on the bells and a colorful backdrop for our Laugh In Wall. Thank you to Peg and Bob Muth for their recent gift to the bell choir. On All Saints Day we welcomed harpist Mellisa Collins. Her music is so moving and added so much as we placed carnations on the altar remembering our loved ones. Special thanks to the Palmer family for paying for our harpist. We were also pleased to welcome soloist Zeb Carstrom (Mina Daugherty's son) who added so much to our service. The choirs are busy preparing for the Advent and Christmas season. We have some great music in store for you in these days that lead to Christmas.

Family Ministries Family Ministries met last in September. The first Pot Luck was held in October and will be the first Sunday of every month throughout

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the year. November was skipped because of all the extra activities that were going on in the church. There will be a Pot Luck on December 4 and January 1. Josie Reinhard and Jeannie Reinhard are the committee hostesses for this meal. We appreciate help with the after meal clean-up. The Family Ministries put together an Ice Cream Basket for the Cabaret. Our next meeting is Monday, December 12 @ 6:00pm Nancy Price, Chair

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN It is really hard to believe that 2016 is coming to an end...seemed like only yesterday it was January. Our church is so busy doing good for others as well as growing in leaps and bounds. We enjoyed having our annual Palm Sunday Breakfast for our church family. A big thanks to anyone who donated items for our Spring and Fall Rummage sales. I heard it said that one man's trash is another ones treasure. I think the bag sale the last hour is the most exciting for me to see just how much stuff can fit in those bags. We continue to collect Box Tops for Education and Campbell Soup coupons to exchange for electronic items for Calvin Coolidge. Last Fall we provided breakfast for the new United Men's Group and asked them to serve our Mother/Child Banquet and what a success that was. We are truly thankful for this fine group of men. Each year we take a collection at our Birthday Tea to be used for a mission both inside and outside our church. This year we gave it to the Praise Band to help replace the stolen guitar and a new amplifier. I believe this year we had the most attendees at Trunk or Treat . I think at last count it was 250. In December, we along with Missions, willgive a small token of Christmas to the men at the Rescue Mission as well as donations to our church and local agencies.

We look forward to having our Bazaar and Victorian Tea on January 28, 2017. Please mark your Calendars! ~ Sue Boucher ,President

THE YOUTH GROUP Through the month of November, the Youth Group has enjoyed spending time together serving our community and our church. We served dinner at Whitney Place and the youth said the prayer before the men ate. We also spent an afternoon tie dying gloves and backdrops for the bell choir’s performance at the Cabaret. On December 18th, we are having a Christmas get together (including a small gift exchange). We will meet in the Youth Room after having dinner in Fellowship Hall as this is the same Sunday as the Christmas Pageant. The gift exchange has a $5 limit. Please see Katie or Jenn if you are planning on attending or have any questions.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT The Sunday School got off to a great start this year. There are many classes for all ages of children as well as adults. You can join a class at any time throughout the year. If you are unsure as to what class is the right fit for you, please speak to Jamie Andres or Pastor Jan Clark. We are sure we are able to meet your spiritual needs. Our committee is extremely dedicated to sending interested campers to Sky Lake for spiritual development.. Please let Leon Jicha, or myself, Amy Kehoe, know if you or a family member would like to attend 2017 summer camp. We also offer scholarships for adults for spiritual/educational opportunities.

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We will be conducting our major fundraiser in December by selling Christmas Cookie Trays. We are hoping that people will be willing to make cookies for the trays again this year. If you cannot make cookies, maybe you could purchase a cookie tray??? The cookie trays cost $20.00. If you would be willing to make cookies, or buy a cookie tray, please look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. We are currently planning the Christmas luncheon (delicious homemade soups and sandwiches) that will be held after the Christmas Pageant , during our regular church service on December 18th. Please mark the date on your calendar. The Christmas pageant is always a very moving experience at such a holy time in the Christian calendar. We hope that you will be able to attend the pageant as well as the luncheon. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please sign up for the luncheon so that we will be able to adequately plan for the number of guests that will be attending. Also, please remember to recycle cans and bottles at the church to benefit camperships. The recycle bin is just outside the church office. If you need someone to pick up your bottles, that can be arranged! Please let us know! Also a reminder that glass bottles should be sorted and bagged separately. In Christ’s Love, Amy Kehoe, Co-chair

LOOKING AHEAD to activities you won’t want to miss! December 4 – New Members Class Pot Luck Dinner December 10 – Deadline for Poinsettia orders December 11 – New Members Join Evening Blue Christmas Service

December 18 – Christmas Pageant and Dinner Youth Group Party December 24 - 4:00 Family Service 7:30 Candlelight Service See the enclosed calendar for December church meetings and additional activities. FROM THE TRUSTEES TABLE…. As Advents begins we will be testing a new Sound System in the Sanctuary. We are in the process of deciding which system will be purchased. Our hope is to have the new system installed by Easter. Robin Eastman & David Tyler, Co-Chairs

MISSION AND OUTREACH…..the hands and feet of Fairview UMC

Where would we all be without helping hands? As Missions chair I would like to offer a huge "Thank you" to those who helped out in our many activities. We started 2016 off with collecting sheet sets for the Rescue Mission. Twenty sets were collected from the congregation and our team.We held our first annual Soup and Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Rescue Mission. Eight cooks entered their favorite recipes and we collected almost $200.00. We purchased sets of sweats to give to people as they were released from jail so they had clothing. In May we held the "Blanket the World with Love" campaign to send financial support to Church World Service in order to buy blankets. Summer seemed our busiest time...we had "Hear a Story-Take a Story," a story and craft time. For 6 weeks we read stories, taught crafts and gave a snack to those children in the neighborhood. Each week they took a book

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home. In August we again participated in the "National Night Out" with games and prizes. We had Central Endicott clothing bank bring gently use clothing for our Food Pantry families. BOCES gave haircuts to those in need. And then there was the "Christmas in August" school supply drive. Over 700 articles of school supplies for Calvin Coolidge. In October we gave out glow sticks to advertise our annual Trunk or Treat Night. Over 250 parents and kids visited our parking lot for safe goodies. And now we come to our last but not least activity...our "Hat and Mitten" tree for Calvin Coolidge and East Middle school. Look in our bulletin for a list of personal items to send to the high school. What a year it has been!!

~ Sue Boucher, Chair Finance Committee October Actuals Revenue $126,808 Expenses ($131,405) Deficit ($4,597) The good news continues! Our year-to-date deficit is only $4,597! Our prayers and hard work are paying off. It appears that this may be the year that our revenue will match our expenses. It has been a long time since we have been able to say that! And more importantly, this will include us paying 75% of our Ministry Shares which is exactly what we told conference we would do! This happened because of each and every one of you doing your part! God Bless and Thank you! The Auction’s initial report shows that we made $2200! Thanks to all, especially Dale Spencer and family. It was a lot of hard work and a great event. The Turkey Dinner was a sellout. Profit was $1650. Thanks to everyone who helped and/or bought a meal. It couldn’t happen without all of you doing your part! Stewardship campaign is coming to a close. Please send in your pledges, if you haven’t

done so – it’s not too late! For those of you have pledged – Thank you!! You’re generosity is hugely appreciated! As this is my last Finance Committee Report, I want to say thank you to everyone who helps. We are so lucky to be a part of such a blessed community! Good Luck to Dale Spencer as he takes over as Finance Chair! God Bless, Barb Crane Finance Chair

FROM THE OFFICE - Carol February Family Circle articles are due NO later than January 20th Please mark your calendars and honor that deadline . Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9:00 to 2:00 E-Mail: FairviewUMChurch1@gmail.com Website: www.fairviewumcbinghamton.wordpress.com

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Please consider using these businesses – they all generously donated to the 2016 Cabaret. Thank you, Karen Gdovin on behalf of the Cabaret Committee

AK DESIGNS: ADRIENNE KITNER APPLEBEE’S APPLE HILL

ARBY’S BELLE PIZZA

BINGHAMTON METS BLACK BEAR WINERY

BURGER KING C&D LIQUORS

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL CHRIS’ CLIP & CURL

CIDER MILL CINEMA SAVER

COLDSTONE CREAMERY COLE MUFFLER

COST CUTTERS – ROBINSON ST DENNY’S

DISCOVERY CENTER ENDICOTT FLORIST

ESSENTIAL EXERCISE FIVE GUYS

FRATERNITY CHINESE RESTAURANT FROSTY JOES

GOODYEAR TIRE GRANDES RESTAURANT

HOOPLA JACK SHERMAN JANE’S DINER JENNY CRAIG JODY’S DINER

KOVARIK’S HARDWARD LJ SPORTS CARDS & COLLECTABLES:

(LEON JICHA, JR) LAURA’S HAIR SALON

MARKET PLACE FLORIST - Kirkwood MARY K – LISA GIARDINA

MCDONALD’S MICHELANGELO’s

MIDAS MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL MONROE BRAKES & TIRE

MR. TIRE NATIONAL PIPE & PLASTICS

NEW YORK PIZZERIA NEZUNTOZ NUMBER 5 OUTBACK

PAMPERED CHEF – CHARLENE MOSER PARK DINER PIZZA HUT

PRICE CHOPPER RED OAK REMLIK’S

ROSS PARK ZOO SCHNEIDER’S Market

SOUTHBRIDGE LIQUOR SPOT DINER

STOCKHOLM’S BARBER SHOP STYLE DOTS: MARY ANN CARANGELO

SWEET FROG BINGHAMTON SWEET FROG VESTAL TEXAS ROADHOUSE

TOMMY’S HAIRSTYLISTS WALMART – JC

WEGMANS WEIS