The Vision “For the VISION is for the days yet to come.” Daniel 10:14 Volume 9, Issue 12 December 2016

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2: 8-11)

Around the world the legends of Christmas reveal the mystery and majesty of the birth of Jesus. We read of animals that can speak, trees putting forth buds out of season, and flowers blooming into radiant colors. The world slept while even nature felt the presence of the Divine Gift: the miracle of God’s love entering into the human drama.

Beyond the legends, however, the Gospel stories tell us that the Christmas Gift came into our midst so simply, so quietly, and so humbly. Perhaps that is how great miracles are birthed. The rancor and chaos of daily life does not pay attention to the power of unseen events. If we feel like the miraculous has to be ecstatic, flamboyant, or noisy to be acknowledged, then

we have missed the point. After all, every birth is a miracle, every sunset a signature of the Holy, and every loving parent a gift.

I would encourage us to remember not only the miracle of the gift of the Christ-child, but also to ponder the gifts and, yes, the miracles of God all around us. Our faith community at Velda Rose United Methodist Church, for example, is a gift. It is also a miracle. We are a fellowship bound together in unity in Jesus Christ. Together we are more influential in reshaping our community and world than simply acting as individuals. We often don’t realize the power God has put into our hands.

I would also add that our faith community is a place where miracles do occur and are also waiting to happen! Who knows, you might be the very person who, through a kind word, a generous deed, or a loving action, empowers a miracle to happen in another person’s life. God has shared the miracle of His Son with us! Are we to do less? As God works in and through our lives, we may become the instrument that helps another to discover a miracle in their life—and many desperately need to know that divine touch. What an amazing possibility!

The shepherds were pretty ordinary folk. In fact, in first-century Palestine they did not have a particularly good reputation. They were often seen as shiftless and not to be trusted. Yet, it is to the shepherds that the angels announce Jesus’ birth. It is to them that an opportunity to participate in the Divine Drama is opened. Their response is “Let us go…” The Christmas Miracle still compels us to go to Bethlehem and behold the Heart of God. It is an invitation to live life in the hope, expectation and the assurance that miracles abound in our midst! May you experience a blessed Christmas! See you in church.

Pastor Larry

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‘Tis the Season! I have been in Arizona for 18 months now, having moved here after spending the majority of my life in the Midwest, but I am not yet acclimated. I still have to make a conscious effort to remember what time of year it is. It feels like perpetual summer to me! I have not fully adjusted my personal climactic clock to be in the mindset of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve when the weather does not require coats and hats and mittens, and there is nothing to rake or shovel. I may never adjust fully; I long for the “good old days.”

For me, the good old days in regards to the Christmas season conjure up so many pleasant memories: images of hoping for lots of snow for a white Christmas, and a home filled with the aromas and taste of holiday baking, the fragrance of a freshly cut Christmas tree, the warmth of a welcoming fire in the fireplace, the sounds of Christmas carols playing, and the sights of Christmas lights everywhere. I was very fortunate to have a good family environment as a child—my good old days—and I believe my children would say the same thing about their experience growing up as well (I sincerely hope so, anyway!).

The good old days. These are the days that are in the past, and upon which we typically look back with great fondness. In itself, looking back with fondness is not a bad thing, especially with pleasant family and holiday memories. But sometimes we end up focusing so much time and energy on longing for practically a déjà vu experience of life from our own “good old days” that we miss the goodness of today. And sometimes what we perceive as the good old days of our past bears little resemblance to what actually took place. Several years ago, my kids were reminiscing quite passionately about something that “we always used to do,” and about how much fun it had been, and they wondered with some level of indignation why we had ever stopped doing this fun thing. I had to tell them that actually, we had only ever done that one thing the one time—only

one time!

If we are honest with ourselves, we often have fuzzy memories about the past. We do not necessarily recall the whole picture. Unless there was a traumatic element of some sort, I think the natural tendency is to remember the good old days as better than they actually were. One thing I vividly recall that related to “good old days” reminiscing, took place during my sophomore year at Iowa State as a Civil Engineering student. It was nighttime, around the time of Homecoming, and many alumni were descending upon the campus. I was walking back to our house with one of my sorority sisters, another engineering student, and our brains were fried from having taken a two-hour engineering physics midterm that night. I made the observation that the alumni who had returned to Iowa State and were busy reminiscing about their good old days on campus probably did not remember things like physics tests, or pulling all-nighters, or endless calculus homework, or chemistry labs.

How much time do you spend longing for the good old days? People for the most part set out at the beginning of their lives hoping to live a long, healthy, happy life; but the truth of course is, the longer you live, the more loss you will experience, and chances are, your health will shift over time. If we look back on the “good old days” with a broader, more accurate lens of all the events and people that surrounded us at the time from back in the day, we might recall that there were actually challenges and hardships at that time, and that the people that were much older than us back then suffered many of the same ills from which we suffer now, but had significantly fewer options for treatment and cures than we have now. Sometimes it seems that nowadays there are more people than ever dealing with difficulties such as cancer, but in reality the cancer rate has not increased. It is a combination of people surviving other things that would have been an automatic death sentence 40, 50, 60, or 70 years ago, coupled with

the eventuality that our earthly bodies are not designed to last indefinitely.

What we long for, in part, are the days when we had fewer worries (or we were just unaware that such worries existed), and our health was more robust; perhaps we took it too much for granted. But since we cannot go back to how things were, we should instead focus on making our reality today the best it can be, and appreciating the things that we still have, for the time that we have them. Bring to mind the many things that you appreciate now (medications, technology, modern speed of transportation and communication, etc.) that did not exist in the good old days. Treasure the people who surround you now, and remember with fondness those who have passed, being assured that you will see them again one day. Understand that all that has happened to you in the past has made you what you are today; use the lessons learned from the past to enhance the new experiences you have today.

In this Christmas Season, let us remember the incomprehensible gift of salvation that Jesus has already given to each one of us, if we just accept His gift. And let each one of us share the Great Good News of this wonderful gift with at least one other person in this season: bring them to church for a concert, a class, a Wednesday night dinner, a worship service. Give them a ride to church, give them a tour of the church, show them a bulletin, explain what a service is like, sit with them. Introduce them to us pastors! Provide someone the opportunity in the future to be able to look back at this year and say, “That was when my good old days with Jesus began, and they continue to this day!” Bring good tidings of great joy to at least one person this Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Pastor Chris

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The Board of Trustees wants to update you on the many projects they are working on at our church.

The contractor has made the improvements to our handicapped parking spaces to put us in compliance with the new standards. Thanks to our

UMW ladies for providing the money to pay for this project.

The Trustees have appointed a committee to review our campus and will have the Handicapped Advisory completed in 1 - 2 months. This process is required by our Conference to do annually.

Joan Most requested to have a POD placed on the east side of the Main Street entrance, close to the Rummage Building. It will be used to store the patio furniture for the Rummage Sales. This will eliminate the necessity of loading and moving the patio furniture twice during the sale days. Her request was approved.

The Conference Church Mutual Insurance Company has inspected our property and found four minor infractions. We will be addressing these in the near future and signing off.

Volunteers are needed to wash the exterior and clean and tidy up the inside of our church vans. The Trustees will provide the supplies to do this. Please contact the church office (480) 832-2111 if you are able to assist. We will appreciate the female touch.

During our December 8 Trustees meeting Jerry Gerrard will ask the Trustees to approve lowering the price of the property we have for sale to $225,000.

Volunteers are needed to take over the maintenance of our Columbarium. Our folks who have provided this service for many years are at the point where they are no longer physically able to perform that service. This includes all you folks that have a “green thumb” to assist with planting flowers, fertilizing existing plants, as well as the new plants. Remember, the

Columbarium houses many of our precious church members and many of their spouses remain active in our church. Please contact our church office (480) 832-2111 if you are willing and able to provide this service.

A big THANK YOU to Bob Middleton, Jim Oisten, Frank Yoder, Lynn Twitchell and all others who have supported the Columbar-ium. Thank you for the many years of ser-vice in keeping this area looking beautiful.

The next Board of Trustees Meeting is Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 pm in Room 305.

If you have any concerns about our Church and property, please contact a member of the trustees: Jerry Gerrard, Chairperson; Rev. Dr. Larry Norris, Staff Representative; Duane Clark, Vice Chairperson; Jill Prather, Representative to the Finance Committee; Howard Orr, Secretary; Don Frederick, Larry Jackson, Barry Jensen, Dan White, Al Schubring, Joan Most, Peg Snowdall.

Sunday, December 4, 2016 (2nd Sunday of Advent & Holy Communion) Scripture: *Matthew 3:1-12 Sermon Title: “What Kind of Change Does God Want?” Sunday, December 11, 2016 (3rd Sunday of Advent) Scripture: *Matthew 11:2-11 Sermon Title: “Lord, Are You the Real Deal?” Sunday, December 18, 2016 (4th Sunday of Advent) Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:10-16 Sermon Title: “Remember, God Is with Us, Always” (Rev. Christine M. Beaudoin)

Saturday, December 24, 2016 Scripture: *Isaiah 7:10-16 Sermon Title: “Why is it So Hard to Wait?” Sunday, December 25, 2016 Scripture: *Luke 2:1-7 Sermon Title: “Are We Called to Be Interrupted?”

Go to www.veldarose.org/worship.html to see a summary of each sermon. * asterisk refers to primary preaching text.

Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 & 9:30 am—Traditional, Sanctuary

11:00 am—Non-Traditional, Chapel

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Thank you for your donations for Thanksgiving! The following items are still needed for the Christmas bags! Please keep bringing these items for Christmas through December 8 along with our nor-mal items of need for the Food Pantry. Thanks for your help!

Small Canned Hams (Walgreens)

Frozen Turkey Breast with gravy (Fry’s, Wal-Mart)

Mashed Potatoes Canned Sweet

Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Fruit Cocktail Turkey Gravy

Cranberry Sauce Corn Bread Muffin

Mix Stuffing (boxed) Evaporated Milk Pumpkin Canned Fruit Pie

Filling Graham Cracker Pie

Shells

Dear prayer team, Thank you so much for the lovely knitted prayer shawl. I know it was a lot of effort by all. Having it

delivered by my neighbor and friend Brenda Monks made it really special. Thanks again ladies. I hope to return to church soon. Love, Anita Miller

Our grandson, Connor Miller, has asked us to forward his heartfelt thanks to the folks at Velda Rose for all the prayers raised up on his behalf, and for the hospital visit by Rev. and Mrs. Norris, and for the beautiful prayer shawl they delivered. Connor now has had seven surgeries—with more coming, and continues to need your prayers. Sincerely, Donn & Deonna Larson

Roger & Sharon Erskine 2656 N. 56th St, #40 Mesa, AZ 85215

Service to the care of our Columbarium by Bob Middleton, Jim Oisten and Frank Yoder has come to the point where they no longer are physically able to provide this service. Lynn Twitchell hopefully will continue her input with the care of the roses and the other flowers. This will require additional volunteers with planting and maintaining the Columbarium. We cannot stress enough the significance of this activity. Any of you capable of assisting in the maintenance and preservation of our Columbarium, please call our church office (480) 832-2111 as soon as possible.

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The time is here to fill our Christmas Stockings. We still need items to fill the 500 hand-made Christmas stockings for 50 shut-ins and 450 children. Circle 2 is again chairing this project. We collect items all year long, but now we are making a last minute plea. We will be stuffing the stockings Tuesday, December 13 at 9:30 am. We appreciate your support to make less fortunate children have a merrier Christmas. Our total list of items needed are as follows:

Toothpaste and tooth brushes Individually wrapped candy (no chocolate) Cereal bars (500 x 3 per stocking = 1,500) Lotions (travel size) Shampoos and conditioners (travel size) Soaps (travel size) Combs Happy Meal toys

Coloring books (450 children, 50 Word Books

for adults) Crayons Small story books Stuffed animals Cash to purchase what they need

If you have questions, or want to help stuff stockings on the December 13, please contact Arlene Oisten at (480) 380-1760. Items can be left at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings. Thank you so very much for your support.

We are selling a special Christmas CD that the Legacy Quartet recorded this summer in Nashville. It was directed and produced by the renowned arranger,

Derric Johnson. The artistic background was developed by Jim Coates, celebrated orchestra arranger. The Legacy Quartet is giving us a discounted price of $10. Your favorite Christmas selections are on this CD to enjoy during the Christmas Season. They make a wonderful gift to give your family and friends. Just call the church office and leave your name and contact information and indicate how many CDs you want. They will be available to pick up Sunday mornings on the patio from November 20 - December 18. You will pay for them at that time. Cash or checks are acceptable. Checks should be made out to “The Legacy Quartet.” We look forward to the Legacy Quartet being with us in February. Their ministry always bring us a word of inspiration and hope.

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At our November luncheon, we celebrated the number of years of UMW membership here at Velda Rose. You would be amazed at how long

some of our women have been involved in this organization. Here’s what we learned:

Circle 1 = 364 years of UMW membership (Pauline Benway—64 years) Circle 2 = 257 years of UMW membership (Virginia Mosier—37 years) Circle 3 = 685 years of UMW membership (Jean Sakshaug—62 years ) Circle 4 = 583 years of UMW membership (ALTA NORMAN—74 YEARS) Circle 5 = 85 years of UMW membership (Brenda Monks—46 years)

That’s a total of 1,974 years of UMW membership! And we’re so proud of each and every one of our members.

Many wonderful activities have been planned this month for each of our circles. Watch the bulletin and the announcement screens and please join us for an activity.

I leave you with this devotion:

I said I can’t go on . . . but Jesus said I WILL CARRY YOU. I said I am too tired . . . but Jesus said I WILL GIVE YOU REST. I said impossible . . . but Jesus said ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. I said I am starving . . . but Jesus said I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. I said I am dehydrated . . . but Jesus said I AM LIVING WATER. I said I am going to die . . . but Jesus said I WILL RAISE YOU UP.

In this happy holiday season, let us all take time to focus on what the season is truly about—the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May His birth touch you and your family once again in a profound way.

Barbara Emri

Circle 2 Christmas Party Circle 2 will be meeting on Wednesday, December 14 at 1:00 pm in Martin Hall. Please note this will be a week earlier due to the Christmas holiday. We will be having our Christmas party at that time. Please contact Arlene Oisten at (480) 380-1760 if you would like to join us. Circle 3 Christmas Luncheon The Circle 3 Christmas Luncheon will be Thursday, December 15 at noon with location TBD. Please bring a dish to share. Devotions: Dana Chaney—The Christmas Story according to the Scriptures. Circle 4 Meeting Circle 4 will meet Thursday, December 15 at noon in Martin Hall with inspirational stories and music of faith, hope and love.

2017 United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Great Job! Our 2016 United Methodist Women’s Reading Program has been a great success! If you happen to have a book list to turn in, please leave your list in the folder on the Fitch Library counter or contact Carla Burman at (480) 304-0227. The new 2017 United Methodist Women’s Reading Program books will be on the United Methodist Women’s Reading Program bookshelves in Fitch Library on Sunday, December 11. If you would like to participate next year, Carla Burman or anyone on the library staff will be glad to help you. Be sure to fill out a registration card if you do not have one on file in the library. We’re looking forward to another great year! Enjoy and happy reading!

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Our Save the Family Christmas project is going well. If you have not had a chance to pick up a tag yet, stop by the tables on the patio on Sunday mornings. There are different family members with wish lists that you can select from. No time to shop?? Give us money and we will shop and wrap for you! We also need money to purchase a $50 gift card for each family for their Christmas dinner. The deadline to return gifts is Sunday, December 11! Save the Family is an East valley nonprofit organization that equips families to address poverty, overcome homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency. 60% of their clients are children. We can give these families a special Christmas! The unique Christmas ornaments that are made in Africa by local orphans are going quickly! All the money paid goes directly back to the orphans that made

the ornaments. The cost of the ornaments is $10 – $15. Keep these items in mind for yourself or someone on your gift list. We will have them on display on the Missions table as long as they last. We will again have Alternative Giving opportunities, such as UMOM, UMCOR, Wesley Center and more. Cards will be available to send letting that special someone know you made a donation on their behalf to help some-one in need.

They are meeting each Monday from 10:00 am to noon in Room 609. They are working on quilts, crocheted sleeping mats, and assembly of UMCOR layette kits. The quilts go to Helen’s Hope Chest and Save the Family. The sleeping mats will be distributed through the Velda Rose Food Bank. The layette kits are in need of cloth diapers and will be sent to UMCOR. Join them any Monday morning!

You may pick up your envelopes on Sunday mornings, December 4 and 11, on the patio, or in the church office during the week. If you give weekly or monthly

and would like a numbered envelope, please call Melody Evans in the church office. You do not have to a church member to use them. You may also sign up to give your offering online. Forms available in the church office.

New to Velda Rose, looking for fellowship, want to understand the Bible better? Then come visit the J.O.Y. class. They are a small discussion group studying the Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies Fall Series “The Sovereignty of God.” This month they are discussing the sovereignty of Jesus covered in Hebrews. They meet in Martin Hall after the 8:00 am service from 9:10 - 10:10 am.

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There are numerous classes available for you to attend either on a Sunday morning or during the week. Try one out—you just may like it!

SUNDAY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CHILDREN *Deep Blue Sunday School, 9:30 am, Rooms A & D

ADULTS *J.O.Y., 9:10 am, Martin Hall *New Horizons, 10:45 am, Martin Hall *Christian Forum, 11:00 am, Room 305

WEDNESDAY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES *Covenant Bible Study, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Martin Hall

THURSDAY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES *Christian Awareness, 3:00 pm in Room 610

Look for additional educational opportunities to begin in January 2017. As always, if you have an idea of a Bible or book study, please contact me and I’ll see how we can make your idea a reality.

Barbara Emri Religious Ed. Coordinator

1 - Put God first 2 - Praise and worship Him only 3 - Keep God’s name holy 4 - Keep the Lord’s day special 5 - Obey your parents

6 - Do not harm anyone 7 - Love the one you marry 8 - Don’t take anything that isn’t yours 9 - Tell the truth

10 - Don’t be jealous of what others have

Friday, December 9 Rhythm Cats Christmas Dinner Theater

Star Palace (Higley and Brown—formerly The Palms Theater) MEET AT THE STAR PALACE AT 5:00 pm $36.00 per person DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 Reservations made after December 5 are $39.00 Two people will receive their money back—maybe it will be YOU!

Saturday, December 17 Musical Instrument Museum Bus Trip

“Hear Them Ring” Depart Velda Rose UMC parking lot at 9:15 am sharp Two available performances to witness: 10:30 am and 1:45 pm Lunch on your own at the museum $20.00 per adult, $15.00 per teen (ages 13-19), $10.00 per child (ages 4-12), children under the age of 3 are free DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Sunday, December 18 Arizona vs. New Orleans Football Game Bus Trip

Seats are in the 400 level $65.00 per person regardless of age DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

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By Joe Tueche Ndzulo Oct. 28, 2016 | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (United Methodist News Service)

A gift of 25 bicycles to the clergy in Abidjan, means they can evangelize in areas with few or no passable roads, and while they are pedaling, they can “meet the faithful” along the way.

Lined up in front of United Methodist Emmanuel Port-Bouet 1 in Abidjan, the bicycles were the first of 75 to be distributed to pastors and lay leaders to boost evangelism nationwide, said Louis Aboua, lay leader of the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference.

The bikes were donated by the Côte d’Ivoire laity in part-nership with Bikes and Bibles, a nonprofit ministry of the U.S. North Georgia Conference. The organization donated $7,000.

“These 25 bicycles represent one third of our gift to support evangelism,” Aboua said on Laity Sunday, Oct. 16.

Of the 17 districts that make up the conference, 10 are missionary districts, covering the center, west, northern and eastern parts of the territory. In three missionary districts, there is less of a United Methodist presence com-pared to the southwestern, south and southeastern areas.

“Lay preachers and catechists will now be able to cover long distances in a short time and will possibly meet the faithful more frequently in the localities they cover,” he said. “Offering these bikes is one of many ways of achiev-ing the Great Commission together with clergy.”

United Methodist lay members from various districts gathered at Emmanuel Port-Bouet 1 UMC to worship and celebrate the vital ministry of the laity working together with clergy.

Sylvio Atchiori, a United Methodist lay preacher, delivered the sermon. A delegation of nearly 50 local church and district lay leaders, as well the Rev. Isaac Bodje, general

secretary of the Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference, representing Bishop Benjamin Boni, were in attendance.

In his sermon, drawn from Matthew 24:42-51, Atchiori urged the faithful to “give up futilities and focus on the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.” Further relying on Scripture pulled from Joshua 1:1-9, he added that, “the laity should not be afraid nor should it be discouraged to support initiatives which make the church stronger — financially, socially and effectively present.”

Bikes and Bibles

Joe Kilpatrick, executive director of Bikes and Bibles, was not able to be in Abidjan for the distribution of the bikes.

“The program was expanded to Côte d’Ivoire thanks to a contribution by the First United Methodist Church of Dothan, Alabama, which provided $21,000 for three Episcopal areas of West Africa,” Kilpatrick said in an email interview.

Bikes and Bibles has provided about 800 utilitarian bicycles to United Methodist pastors in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozam-bique and Kenya since 2013, he said.

“The bikes are given to provide local pastors with tools to help them improve their ministry, family and economic life,” Kilpatrick said. “Motor bikes are sometimes requested to assist the district superintendents who travel a wide territory and do not have motorized transporta-tion.”

Bodje called the congregation to rise and pray to dedicate the bikes to the service of the Lord and commended the beneficiaries to take good care of the tools.

After the prayer, he offered thanks to the Bikes and Bible ministry, highlighting that such an initiative demonstrates the laity’s commitment to support clergy in its task to “feed the sheep of the Lord Jesus Christ,” as noted in the Gospel of John 21:17.

The remaining 50 bicycles and Bibles are planned for distribution by the end of the year.

Ndzulo is special projects manager for the West Africa Cen-tral Conference. News media contact: Vicki Brown, news editor, newsdesk@umcom.org

Côte d’Ivoire Laity Present Clergy with Bikes and Bibles

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You will find the Prayer Request Book on the podium outside the doors to the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings.

The book is open to everyone who has a loved one or friend they would like to be remembered in prayer. Contact our Prayer Team with prayers

during the week.

Prayer Team: Call the church office (480) 832-2111, UMW Prayer Chain: Ruth Mogen, (480) 202-4550

Alan Burke Anita Miller Ann Greenberg Ardath Flocken Barbara Clayburn Barbara Krase Barbara Nissen Bea Weaver Betsy Zerrien Bette Dougherty Bette Goddard Bill Coble Bill & Dorothy Hunt Bill & Barb Worbington Bob Deits Bob Loots Bob Pierle Bonnie Stone Brad Piotrowski Brad Taylor Bruce Annear Carl & Doris Anderson Carl Richardson Carlene Peters Carol Ball Carol Shepherd Carole Anderson Charlotte Rosenberry Charles Hardman Charles Hubbard Cis Boysen Clark Densmore Cleo Carpenter Cleo Holsak Cody Heckman Connor Miller Dale Anderson Dale Shaklee Darrel Moses Dave Cohea Debbie Tomorsky Del Gorsline

Derek Protuck Dick Norgaard Don Carter Don Gatts Don Larson Don Naccarato Don Waterman Donald Huisman Donna Collins Dorothy Lane Edna Gastell Edward Carter Edward Sircy Eileen Harbaugh Eleanor Young Emmett Claycomb Erv Piotrowski Ethel Kent Evangeline Mittleider Frances Hatcher Frank & Diane Flemming Georgene McKenzie Georgia Dominick Geri Edson Gerry Primus Glenn Heckman, Jr Gloria Stewig Harold Dodge Harry Myers Harry Orris Helen Trojahn Herb Parker and Lucky Jacki Beard Jan Benson Jan Bennett Jan VerMaas Jane Bland Jane Gerrard Janet Batuk Jean Van Buren Jeff Peterson Jerry Flanagan

Jim Davis Jim Hess JoAnn True Joel Andrews John Burley John & Arlene Spykerman Judy Rhinehart Karen Taylor Keith Workman Kristi Anderson LaDeen Shepherd Laura Folsom Lee Norman Les & Tanya Capps Lloyd & Ruth Keilholtz Lou Dempsey Louise Green Lyle Wermager Maridel Spiegeler Marietta Moravetz Marilyn Schlieper Marilyn Weston Marion Parks Marcy Lawler Marjorie Bray Mary Jane Vestman Mildred Willson Myrt Michel Nell Marsh Nadine Rothrock Nita Logue Parker Holm Patsy Williams Patty Maxson Pearl Little Peg Daugherty Phil Hirst Phyliss McNeil Priscilla Jones Rae Farley Ray & Marian Bentz Rhea Jackson

Rhiannon Protuck Richard Pelsoe, Sr Richard Powers Richard Densmore Richard & Carol Nichols Rod McGhee Roger Young Roger Warren Ron Freemole Ron Walker Ronnie Gatts Roy Lack Ruba Horner Ruth Odom Ruth Polanec Shannon Boysen Sheri Richardson Sherman Roose Shirley Lindner Silvia Kirby Silvia Townsend Steve & Tanya Hartle Steve Wanner Sumner Weston Sylvia Townsend Ted Vail Terry & Mary Lou Strain Thomas Pierle Tom Daggy Tom Dunn Tom Jellema Tom Partington Tommy Forsberg Trudy Inglebright Vi Weddle Our Troops

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12/21/68 Ralph & Betty Ketron 48 yrs 12/28/72 James & Sherrie Bludorn 44 yrs 12/31/74 Bob & Connie Zimmerman 42 yrs 12/28/91 Del & Marlys Carvell 25 yrs 12/28/02 J Edmund & Carole Hughes 14 yrs 12/26/04 Charles & Ruth White 12 yrs 12/9/06 Ted & Marceda Vail 10 yrs

12/21/47 Darrel & Odelia Boyer 69 yrs 12/30/50 J D & Joyce Peterson 66 yrs 12/17/49 Tony & Audrey Colombo 67 yrs 12/22/51 Harold & Gladys Dodge 65 yrs 12/18/52 Floyd & Pauline Benway 64 yrs 12/23/52 Bill & Carole Anderson 64 yrs 12/28/52 Darrel & Joy Moses 64 yrs 12/31/54 John & Arlene Spykerman 62 yrs 12/27/57 Mike & Rae Farley 59 yrs

December 1 Andie Chung

December 2 Karen Taylor

December 3 Louise Middleton Sue Smith

December 4 Kathi Metzger Judy Monk Sonja Smith

December 5 Keith Goudy J R Pettus

December 7 Marietta Moravetz

December 8 Barbara Murray December 9 Janet Batuk Maridel Spiegeler

December 10 Bill Tomkinson

December 12 Marlene Fuks Gail Unruh Madison Leigh Vance

December 13 Lloyd Brenden Helen Pecha

December 14 Cathy Helfer Gordon Pecha

December 15 Clinton Bartlett Judy Lowum Sylvia Morgan Jeanne Salt

December 16 Al Schubring

December 17 Bill Sitka Sherrill Weary

December 19 Geri Edson

December 20 Marilyn Heckman Bonnie Sager Don Sakshaug December 21 Chuck Dougherty Selma Strong Bill Winslow

December 23 Austin Beaudoin Ardath Flocken Imogene Hulett Anne Marie Knudson Cheryl Stalnecker

December 24 Phil Garrison Lucille Hegwood Roy Lack John Spykerman

December 25 Eleen Carr

December 26 Dave Helfer Betty Mallory Nancy Moyer

December 29 Aspin Huntley Larry Jackson

December 31 Jane Bland Peg Snowdall

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Helping the Love of God Bloom in You!

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NEXT ISSUE

Staff Leadership

Ministers, Every Member of the Congregation Rev. Robert T. Hoshibata, Resident Bishop Rev. N. Susan Brims, Central East District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Larry R. Norris, Senior Pastor Rev. Christine M. Beaudoin, Associate Pastor

Our Annual Church Conference and our East District Superintendent, Rev. N. Susan Brims will be conducting the meeting. She will meet with our Pastors, Lay Leader and Staff Parish team at 9:00 am and the conference will start at 10:00 am. All are welcome, but only Velda Rose church members can vote at this conference. Please come and join us as we look toward our future and how we can be the church God intends for us to be.