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Pastor’s Perspective
December 24th, Saturday - Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Worship
7:00p.m. Family Service with “Angels on Assignment” Christmas Pageant
Candlelighting, Singing (Childcare available)
9:00p.m. “The Unexpected Guests” Luke 2:1 – 20, Candlelighting, Singing, Communion
Childcare available)
10:40p.m. Christmas Brass - Enjoy the songs of Christmas
11:00p.m. Christmas Cantata with orchestra, “Shout the Good News,” Candlelighting,
(Childcare available)
Online Edition
December 2011
The Bell Newsletter
First Church
Following Christ
Inside this issue:
Worship Highlights
Christmas Workshop
2
Christmas Cantata
Advent Studies
3
UMW Christmas Tea
Youth News
4
Thank You’s
Welcome News
5
Holiday Extravaganza,
Bible Reading 2012
6
Prayer Partners
Poinsettias
7
Staff, Calendar,
Birthdays
8,9
10
The Monthly
Newsletter of
Auburn
First United
Methodist
Church
Advent. What does that word mean to you? It is a word that
we hear this time of the year in the life of the church. Advent
means coming, it means preparation. Advent is the journey
of the four Sundays before the celebration of the birth of
Christ. In some traditions it is marked by fasting and prayer.
Let us hold on to that word and think about it in a new way.
I invite you to see the word advent as a part of
adventure. What can you do to make the days before Christ-
mas an “adventure!”
Do something new to give you a spiritual perspec-
tive to the love of God that was given to us in Christ. What
can you do to share love with someone this season? What
will you choose for your Advent Adventure? Can you give away some money in an anonymous
way? Can you serve the needs of those with special needs? Can you give a child some extra time
in our schools? Can you spend less on gifts and more on God?
May the Lord bless you as you focus your heart on making this season of Advent an
Adventure!
See you in worship and invite a friend to join in worship as a part of your Advent
adventure!
In Christ’s Love, Ted
Worship Highlights
Page 2
The Bell Newsletter
We are going to look at the theme of ―The Unexpected‖ this season of Advent. It will
be a great time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 27 is the first Sunday of Advent, Ted will be preaching the message
―The Unexpected Return,‖ based on Matthew 24:36 – 44. We will have special music and fami-
lies begin our Advent journey by lighting our Advent Candle.
On Sunday, December, 4, we will celebrate Communion and hear a message titled ―The
Unexpected Prophet,‖ based on Matthew 3:1 – 12. On Sunday, December 11 we will focus our
hearts on a message titled, ―The Unexpected Name,‖ based on Matthew 1:18 – 25. Our last
Sunday of Advent will be on Sunday, December 18 with a great message on ―The Unexpected
Guests,‖ based on Luke 2:1 – 20.
Then we have a chance to come together on Christmas Eve to worship at 7, 9 and 11.
Each of the services are special and different.
We will gather together on Sunday, December 25 at 9:30a.m. for one service. The
message will be based on Matthew 11:2 – 11 and called, ―The Unexpected Savior.‖
** January 1st—Communion Celebrated. We will gather on Sunday, January 8th to continue to
focus our faith in the New Year and by dedicating our Leaders.
DON’T FORGET
Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, and everyone else!
Come join us on November 27th for our annual Christmas Workshop. This year we are making it a family affair! We are having a potluck, dec-orating trees, making crafts, and decorating the church. So mark your calendar for this event spon-sored by the Children’s Council and Worship committee. If you have any questions, just ask Dawn Shoemaker at 925-0885 or [email protected] or Nora Maupin at 927-1072.
We hope to see you there!!!
Fruitful Living and Giving” Update! The Stewardship Task Force would like to thank all for their participation in the recent Stewardship Campaign. As of November 15 we have 152 giving units who have pledged $$358,321 toward the General fund. We also have 58 giving units who pledged $36,647 towards our mission fund and 43 giving units who have pledged $33,879 towards our capital fund.
Page 3
December 2011
CHRISTMAS CANTATA - WE NEED YOU!!!
Vision - Mission Update
As we have listened to pastor Ted’s sermons it is indeed time for us to share the Good News.
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to let people hear the word in music and song. In particular
the Christmas Cantata is often responsible for bringing new people to a congregation. It is
also the time when people who do not normally sing in a choir or praise team have the oppor-
tunity to use their gift of voice in the celebration of the Good News. If you are available to
sing join us . If you know singers who are not singing elsewhere on Christmas Eve invite
them to join us. The music is fun and eminently singable.
We will be rehearsing every Wed. at 7:30 with dress rehearsals on Wed. Dec. 7 from 7-
9:00 P.M.
The public dress rehearsal will be held on Saturday December 17th at 10:00 A.M.
As a singer or listener come and join the fun. Help spread the Good News.
Rev. Dr. Richard
First Church is making disciples for the transfor-mation of the world by inviting people to Believe, Grow and Impact. The five goals we set at Charge Conference are as follows. More will be shared on these goals and how we as a congregation will devel-op plans to meet these goals. May the Lord guide us as we make disciples. Believe:
15 Professions of Faith in 2012 *This is measured by youth or adults who join the church by a profession of faith.
Grow: 350 people as an Average Worship Attend-ance in 2012 *This is measured by the attend-ance count at our worship services. 27 Small Groups in 2012 *This is measured by the 22 current small groups and 5 new groups to be started.
Impact 40 people engaged in mission in 2012 *This is measured by the children, youth or adults who give of their time in a Christian ministry in a lo-cal, national or international mission/outreach setting. $100,000 given to mission in 2012 *This is measured by the Conference tithe, Ad-vance Special giving and all monies given be-yond our needs from all the groups of First
2 Studies are Available! Genesis Sunday School Class will be participating in the 5 week series “The Journey” by Pastor Adam Hamilton about Mary & Joseph and their journey to the manger starting on – Nov 20. There is a video segment with the actual sites from the Holy Land followed by discussion. All are welcome to join them in this journey. Genesis class meets in room 108 in the west lower level. No sign-up, just come!!
“CHRISTMAS INCARNATION”
A Study of Jesus’ Birth and of Mary, Joseph, the
Angels and the Wise Men
By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Sundays of 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18
In the Chapel – 9:45 AM
Your Teachers – Kathy Hardy, Cindy Parrott
This four week series is designed to help Christians reconnect
with the real meaning of Christmas by considering the main
characters of the Christmas Story – Mary, Joseph, the Shep-
herds, and the Wise Men.
SIGN THE ENROLLMENT SHEET IN THE GATHERING
AREA TODAY!
BOTH these studies will enhance the Season!!!
Page 4
December 2011
UMW CHRISTMAS TEA ON DECEMBER 6th
YOUTH NEWS
UWM Christmas Tea Tuesday, December 6th
6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall An evening with storyteller LouAnn Holman-Saylor
Tea sandwiches, finger foods, desserts and tea. Cost: $4.00
We will be collecting new hats and mittens for area Christmas bureaus.
All ladies in the community are welcome to attend
a wonderful night of stories, Christmas Carols, food and fellowship.
Reservations are due by December 2nd. Call Dixie Jones or Susan Steinman.
The Youth will be celebrating Christmas with a par-ty in December. More information will follow, so check your mailbox at church and home!!! We are excited for our youth to participate in a New Year’s Eve Progressive Dinner! They will be visiting the homes of several church members and enjoying several courses of a meal. We hope this event will be a blessing to everyone involved!
Mark Your Calendars!!! Summer Camp Options & Dates are Now Available! Elementary Camp: Pastor
Ted Jansen will be directing camp at Camp Lake-wood the week of June 17-22, 2012. Middle School Camp: We are recommending Mid-
dle School students to sign up for camp the week of July 15-20, 2012. High School Camp: We have reserved Duecker and Fenstermacher Lodges for the week of July 15-20, 2012. More information coming in January! Hope to see you at camp this summer!
First Church is pleased to announce that we now offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular offering. Elec-tronic giving is convenient for you and provides much-needed donation con-sistency for our congregation. To set up an electronic giving schedule you can complete a paper authorization form. You can give on a weekly or monthly basis. Authorizations are avail-able from Pat in the office. As you con-template future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Thank you!
Page 5
December 2011
Thank You To Our Church Family
Dear Church Family;
Bob and I would like to thank so many of you who offered prayers, cards, calls and many kind words spoken about Lucile. It was not only comforting, but it also
brought joy to her so many stories from people about their memories of Lucile. Although she will be missed, we truly had a celebration of her life and the many
contributions she had made to her church, the Red Cross, the Christmas Bureau
and to the community. We thank Ted for his comforting message and Phyllis for her musical contributions
to the beautiful funeral service. Last, but not least, thank you to all the men and women who prepared and served
a very delicious meal for us. Thanks also to those who were in attendance in per-son and in thought.
Lucile truly served her Lord by serving others. We are so happy she is now free
from her earthly body and is now in a much better place – in the arms of Jesus! With the love of Christ, Bob & Kathy Hardy
The Moats family thanks all those who sent card, visitation & also made a gift in memory of Jack. We are grateful for
your thoughtfulness and love. Ferne & John Moats
Dear First Church;
Thank you to the members of First Church for their generous donation to the RSVP Community Center of Caring food pantry. Your support will assist RSVP in serving those in need in Dekalb County. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
In the Love of our lord, Pattie Sheppard, Director.
Thank you, Thank you to youth: Devin Teders, Scott Armstrong, Brandon Doehrman, Will Schaab, Audrey Oswalt &
Caylin Reed. Adults: Cris & Angela Horton & Kim Schaab. We so much appreciated the awesome job you did with all our outside work. What a wonderful giving spirit you have. Thanks again! Sharon Brill & Dorothy Bisel
The Dekalb County Learning Link Committee wrote:
It’s great to know you can count on some people. Thanks for being one of those people. Thank you for the use of your
space for our Learning Link Community meeting. The space really fit the bill and such a delightful Men’s group!!!
Indian Village Food Bank are very appreciative of all our donations to them they feel so blessed!!!
We welcomed the following new members on 11/13/11: Kelly Dunn, John Gilbert, Angie Gilbert, Todd Hart, Rachel Hart, Dorothy Gonzalez, Raul Gonzalez, Barb Spiece, Shirley Fore, Sharon Bury, Travis Aeschliman, Amanda Aeschliman. We also Baptized Adult Travis Aeschliman and infant Lily Gilbert, and Rylee Sleeper children of John & Angie Gilbert.
We celebrate with Marc and Amie Crozier on the birth of Logan. He was born on Thursday, No-vember 10, 2011. He joins big sister Tiffany. Proud Grandma is Marlene Rice. Congratulations to Wil & Anna Horton on the arrival of Harvey Cristopher on Sept. 23rd. Proud grandparents are Cris & Angela Horton.
Page 6
December 2011
HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
Do You Have A 2012 Reading Plan?
The School of Early Learning Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9-2. Need to finish your Christmas shopping? Mark your calendar and visit us! Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the booths this year:
Avon Mary Kay Paper crafts Tastefully Simple “31” purses and bags
Knitted/crocheted hats and accessories Candy Salsa Scented wickless candles Yummy Amish goodies American Girl/Bitty Baby doll clothes ceramic dippers and mugs
COME AND GET A START ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
Bible Reading Plans - 2012 What is your Bible reading plan for 2012? If you have never read the entire Bible through consider this as your goal. If you have never read the entire New Testament through con-sider this as your goal. If you have never read the Bible each day for 30 days consider this as your goal. Set a goal and then share your goal with a friend. We have resources to help you and guide you in your reading plan for 2012. There are read-ing plans in the gathering area.
A reminder of the First Church poli-cy regarding cancellations and bad weather. We follow the Dekalb Cen-tral policy regarding cancellations. If Dekalb Schools do not have school First Church cancels it’s program-ming, events and meetings for the entire day. Updates are also submit-ted to WANE 15 TV and INDIANA NEWSCENTER 21.
Page 7
December 2011
Prayer Partners Would you be willing to become a Prayer Partner for a member of the First Church Staff? This can be a great spiritual support. You are invited to pray for the (a) staff member once a week for six months. This would begin on January 1, 2012 and finish on June 30, 2012 You can sign this prayer partner slip for all the staff or sign the Prayer Part-ner slip for individual staff. __Yes, I want to be a Prayer Partner for all the First Church Staff. I agree to pray for them once a week for the next six months (Jan 1 – June 30) ___Yes, I want to be a Prayer Partner for _________________________ (write in the staff members name. I agree to pray for them once a week for the next six months (Jan 1 – June 30)
We will decorate our sanctuary with Poinsettias this Christmas season. If you would like to sponsor a poinsettia in honor or memory of loved ones, please fill out the form below and return it to the church office with a check for $10 per poinsettia made payable to “First UMC” to cover the cost of the poinsettia. Please make out s separate check and attach it to your order form. The poinsettias will be in the sanctuary starting on Saturday December 24 and will remain in the sanctuary until after all the Christmas services are over. Poinsettia Order Form Poinsettias are $10 each Number of poinsettias ordered: ______________________ Given in memory/honor (circle one) of: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Given by: _______________________________________ Please drop off your check and order form to the church office or in the box in the gathering area or by placing your order in the mailbox on the front of the office. Deadline is December 16th . Questions? Contact Pat in the church office at 925-0885.
Page 8
December 2011
Inside Story Headline
Rev. Ted Jansen - Senior Pastor
Rev. Allison Yankey – Associate Pastor
Rev. Dr. Richard Patton – Worship Arts Director
Rev. Dale Williams – Adult Ministries
Dawn Shoemaker – Children’s Ministries
Pat Kobiela - Office Manager
Bill Kobiela – Supervisor of Building & Grounds
Cathy Vadney – Office Assistant
Phyllis Lahr – Musician
Stephen Johnson - Night-time Custodian
Kelly Oswalt – Preschool Director
Preschool Staff: Andrea Allen, Beatrice Blohm-Hart, Jody
Jones -Kessler, Greta Lude, Darla Marshall, Jill Middaugh,
Shalon Meyer, Mary Mondor, Ellie Slavin, Lynn Stone, Stepha-
nie Ternet, Stephanie Vose, Harmony Witmer, Katie
McClure
Nursery Staff: Donna Hinrichsen, Christine Azzue,
Jody Jones-Kessler
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Wilbur Yates
Retired Pastor: Rev. Maury Bonecutter
Church Office Hours
8am – 4pm Monday – Thursday
8am – 12pm Friday
Office may be closed from 12pm – 1pm for lunch
Email: [email protected]
Website: auburnfirstunited.com
Phone: 260.925.0885
The SPR announces that Pastor Alli-son will be on maternity leave mid - November until January. We wish her God’s best as she and Josh (and Calleigh) welcome: Mackenna Evelyn Yankey Born November 14, 2011 11:40 am 7# 8 oz. 20 inches Congratulations to all the Yankey’s May God continue to Bless them as a family!
Page 9
December 2011
DECEMBER CALENDAR
Thursday Dec 1
5:30pm Christmas Play Practice
Friday Dec 2
11am AA
Preschool Craft show setup
Saturday Dec 3
9am-2pm Preschool Craft Show
Sunday Dec 4 - Communion
8:30am & 10:45 am Worship
9:40am Sunday School
12:15pm Piano Recital
6:30pm Women’s Bible Study
Monday Dec 5
8am Monday Prayer Group
6pm Girl Scouts
6pm Heaven Bound
Tuesday Dec 6
9am UMW Executive Board
6pm UMW Christmas Tea
Wednesday Dec 7
See BIG Wednesday Schedule
8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards
9am Women’s Bible Study
12pm Retired Teachers Lunch
2pm Senior Adult Council
6:15pm Grief Discussion Group
7-9pm Cantata Dress Rehearsal
Thursday Dec 8
12pm OWLS Christmas Dinner
At Bridgewater
5:30pm Christmas Play Practice
Friday Dec 9
11am AA
Saturday Dec 10
No activities scheduled
Sunday Dec 11
8:30am & 10:45 am Worship
9:40am Sunday School
2 & 4pm Preschool Christmas Pro-
gram
6:30pm Women’s Bible Study
Monday Dec 12 Newsletter Deadline
8am Monday Prayer Group
6pm Heaven Bound
6pm Girl Scouts
Tuesday Dec 13
9am Nellie Weaver Circle
Wednesday Dec 14
See BIG Wednesday Schedule
8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards
8am Quilt Guild
9am Women’s Bible Study
7-9pm Cantata Dress Rehearsal
Thursday Dec 15
8am Children’s First Center Mtg
5:30pm Children’s Play Practice
Friday Dec 16
11am AA
Saturday Dec 17
8am Cantata practice
10:15am Cantata Dress Rehearsal
Sunday Dec 18
8:30am & 10:45 am Worship
9:40am Sunday School
6:30pm Women’s Bible Study
Monday Dec 19
8am Monday Prayer Group
6pm Girl Scouts
6pm Heaven Bound
Tuesday Dec 20
No activities schedule
Wednesday Dec 21
See BIG Wednesday Schedule
8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards
Thursday Dec 22
5:30pm Children’s Play Practice
Friday Dec 23
11am AA
Saturday Dec 24 Christmas Eve
7pm Family Service
9pm Communion Service
11pm Cantata
Sunday Dec25 Christmas Day
9:30am Worship Service
Monday Dec 26
Building Closed for
Christmas Holiday
Tuesday Dec27
No activities scheduled
Wednesday Dec 28
NO BIG Wednesday
8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards
Thursday Dec 29
No activities scheduled
Friday Dec 30
11am AA
Saturday Dec 31
Family Party
Youth Progressive Dinner
BIG Wednesday
5:30 - 6pm Children’s Choirs
5:30 – 6pm Beginning Bells
6 – 6:30pm Meal
12/7: Chili Cheese Dogs/Chips
12/14: Lasagna & Gallic Toast
12/21: Soup/Sandwich
12/28: No BIG Wednesday
6 – 7:15pm Middle School Youth
6:15 – 7:15pm Wed Eve Bible
Studies
6:15 – 7:15pm Rhythm Ringers
7:30 - 9pm Sr Hi Youth
7:30 - 9pm Adult Choir
Online Edition
Auburn First United Methodist Church
1203 E. Seventh Street
Auburn, Indiana
Phone: 260-925-0885
Email: [email protected]
Stay connected with First Church news!Stay connected with First Church news!
Bookmark our website:
auburnfirstunited.com
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 12/01 Pat Rodecap, Gregory
Hewitt
12/02 Bill Jones, Doug Lude,
Laura Barnes, Caroline Harlow
12/04 Pat Kobiela
12/05 Dale Hummer
12/06 Darle Hagan, Bob Col-
lins, Jana VerHage, Evan Smith
12/07 Jama Smith,
12/08 Esther Bower, Pat King, Louie Alday, Emily Samuelson
12/09 Richard Allen
12/10 Wilma Pfierman, John Schwartz
12/11 Meg Rodecap
12/13 Beverly Quance, Jeannie Wehr
12/14 Jackie Brines
12/15 Linda Copenhaver, Joe Kobiela
12/16 Betty Till, Julie Lochner
12/17 Emma Immel, Matthew Vetter, Adam Kesse
12/18 Darl Steinman
12/19 Rick Anningson, Kathy Beckman, Jocelyn Schwartz
12/20 Michael Vadney, Michelle Wagner
12/21 Marie Sanger, Logan Sparkman
12/22 David Walters, Allen Hinrichsen, Olivia Marsh
12/23 Dan Cunningham
12/25 Bob Harper, Ken Eis
12/26 Eloise Davidson, Emily Kock
12/27 Cora Tuttle, Lucy Olhausen, Rita Collins, Karen Morton,
Susan Turner, Susie Shippy, Jordan Schwartz
12/28 Michele Smith, Travis Sibery
12/30 Polly Blickenstaff, Jack Thompson
12/31 Travis Bunch, Stephanie Vose, Emma Coffman
Place a cartoon here!
from JoyfulNoiseletter.com
Reprinted with permission
