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December 7, 2018Volume 68 No. 12
Christmas Eve ServicesMonday, December 24, Sanctuary
Join us in the Sanctuary for one of our special Christmas Eve services. You can also watch online at www.laumc.org/live.
People—all people—stand, always, in a mix of hopes and fears. It was as true in the year Jesus was born as it is in this turbulent year. This is the world that God enters, just as it is. God pitches a tent right in the middle of that mix and lives alongside of us. What is it that the coming of Emmanuel—God with us—brings to help us find our way? You are invited to worship with us this Advent season as we examine our hopes and fears.
December 9: Hoping for Approval, Fearing Failure
December 16: Hoping for Safety, Fearing Vulnerability
December 23: Hoping for Justice, Fearing Its Costs
Our services are at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary and 5:00pm in Creekside. We also hold Conversational Church at 11:15am in the Live Oak Room.
A D V E N T S E R M O N S E R I E S
3:00pm – Traditional family serviceNursery care is available for children up to age 2, but all children are welcome in the service.
5:00pm – Traditional family serviceNursery care is available.
7:00pm – Contemporary family serviceThe youth choirs will sing. Nursery care is provided.
9:00pm – Traditional candlelight service
11:00pm – Traditional candlelight service
For more information about our services, please contact the church office at (650) 948-1083.
FROM THE LOS ALTOS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
by Senior Pastor Kathi McShane
It is Advent—a season of preparation for Christmas, a holiday whose story and traditions are familiar to us. We look forward to Christmas, but it’s hard to imagine it will surprise us. The words and images are so well-known—in fact, that’s part of what we love about this holiday. But that familiarity also means that it’s easy for us to take Christmas’s meaning for granted. It’s so deep inside of us that we don’t even have to think about it.
And so we’re not surprised by how it all unfolds. We’re comfortable with our understanding of God’s work here on earth.
But when I read more closely, I notice that the stories about Advent—preparation for Christ’s coming—are never about anything comfortable. The people in the Advent readings didn’t really know how things would turn out. The people in those stories were usually more scared than they were comforted.
Our ancestors in faith were walking a messy road—occasionally tripping, taking alternate routes, making the best of an unexpected situation—just like we are. My guess is that those angelic messages, dreams, and stars shining brightly—stories we tell now as if they were unmistakable signs of joy and assurance—may have seemed then like whispers, almost-sounds, amid the much louder voices of fear and uncertainty.
If you were eavesdropping on our Ministry Team conversations, as we talk about our own hopes and fears in this season, you’d hear us say to each other that our greatest fear is that in these four short weeks of Advent, we’ll be too busy to catch and hold its meaning for us this year. That what we long for, and what God longs for us to hear, might slip in beside us without us even lifting our heads to pay attention.
So I am asking myself: Where is God whispering in my life right now? What is waiting to be born—in my faith, in the life of our church in Los Altos, in our world? What part do I play in the unfolding of this present-day story? How do I want to “show up” for Christmas this year?
In this most holy season—in this still-remarkable story of God coming to live in your home, your life—may there be blessings, stillness, and oh-so-much love.
So glad to be in this life and this ministry alongside of you,
The Longest Night, a Service of SolaceMonday, December 17, 7:30pm, Sanctuary
For many of us, days leading to Christmas are not filled with joy and celebration as much as feelings of sadness or longing. If this sounds familiar, or if you simply want a peaceful space, we invite you to join us for a candlelight service of reflection, The Longest Night, a Service of Solace.
The Longest Night is a special service for those who need a place where they can be welcomed into the season exactly as they are, without having to put on a holiday face. It is also a service for anyone who would appreciate a little calm, reflective time of peace and worship in the midst of the hectic pace of the season. God comes to us wherever we are—even in our grief, even in our pain—and there is a place for you in this season, too. Refreshments will be offered following the service.
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Choosing Hope: Advent Generosity 2018In the sending of God’s only Son to earth in the form of a tiny baby, we see a sort of doubling-down on God’s original investment in creation. At a time when many were choosing fear, stuck in doubt, and locked in despair, God chose hope. In a radical new way, God chose to recommit to being with us. We are called to choose hope, to believe the promise, and to participate in the work—God’s work—of reinvesting in our world.
About Advent GenerosityThis Advent, the Extravagant Generosity team at Los Altos UMC invites us to model God’s recommitment. We can reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas and participate in God’s redemptive reinvestment in our world. We are invited to give financial gifts to Advent Generosity (over and above our giving to LAUMC’s operating budget), either on our own behalf or as a Christmas gift for one or more people on our list.
About the BeneficiariesThis year’s selected Advent Generosity programs focus on empowering individuals to fulfill their hopes and dreams.
The Scholarship Fund at Escuela Popular, a school in San Jose that serves primarily undocumented immigrants, continues investing in the futures of its graduates as they pursue higher education. Their citizenship status prevents them from receiving federal financial aid, but our contributions help replace their fear with hope and equip them for future success.
The UMC Microfinance Connection provides a platform to make microloans to individual entrepreneurs in developing nations who are seeking to start or advance their business, fulfilling dreams in impoverished communities where hope is hard to come by. Our contributions will empower these entrepreneurs to achieve economic stability. We can give again and again to deserving individuals, since each loan will eventually be repaid.
Compassion Week 2019 will once again provide hundreds of volunteers in this community with opportunities for hands-on service work that will impact folks in need locally and globally. Compassion Week represents LAUMC’s tangible commitment to participating in God’s work of bringing hope to the world.
How to Participate• Cash or check to LAUMC: Place in the offering plate or give to the church
office, designated for Advent Generosity
• Credit card: Donate online at https://laumc.onlinegiving.org to the Advent Generosity gift fund
• Text message: Text AG and your gift amount to 650-229-5200 (follow the prompts to set up an account if you haven’t already)
Please make your donationto Advent Generosity on or before Christmas Eve.
If you make a gift donation on someone’s behalf, give them an Advent Generosity card (available at church) to let them know. Thank you for choosing hope this Advent!
BirthsRobert James WigingtonNovember 21Parents: Robert and Callie Wigington
Margaret Annelise HartmanNovember 3Parents: Josh and Heather Hartman
Haley Elease GwynnJuly 27Parents: Jessica and Thomas GwynnGrandparents: Tricia Gwynn and Russell Perry
DeathsDelores DikeNovember 25Survived by her husband, Larry Dike
Bob KuharNovember 13Survived by his wife, Lena Chow
Harriet StenbergNovember 11
Gretchen BueNovember 9
Interfaith Vigil for Victims of Gun ViolenceSunday, December 164:30pm, Lytton Plaza, Palo Alto
You are invited to attend an inclusive healing gathering remembering the more than 600,000 Americans who have been killed or injured by guns since the Sandy Hook tragedy. LAUMC and The Changemaker Initiative are two of the sponsors of this vigil. Vigils are being held at hundreds of locations nationwide to give a voice to all the victims and survivors of gun violence and together help end gun violence in America.
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ADVENT GENEROSITY
Confirmation Class for Eighth Graders Starts in JanuarySunday, January 6, 10:00–11:00am, Youth Room
Confirmation is a special experience in the life of our eighth graders and our congregation. It is a time for us to set these young people on their own spiritual journey, for them to build new and deeper relationships with friends and with God, and to celebrate the beautiful people that they have become and are striving to be. Students do not have to decide about church membership prior to joining the Confirmation Class but should come with an open mind, ready to explore the issues presented and learn more.
If you have an eighth grader or know one, invite them to attend. Parents and students are invited to the first Confirmation Class on January 6, and the culminating weekend is March 30–31. In between are Sunday morning classes, time spent one-on-one with mentors, weekend retreats, special service projects, and more. More information, the schedule, and the class registration form are available at www.laumc.org/youth/confirmation.
Parallel Parent and Mentor Class with Kathi McShaneA School of Christian Living Class, Wednesdays, January 16 – February 20, 6:00–8:00pm
New this year, Senior Pastor Kathi McShane will be offering a parallel course on Wednesday evenings called Faith You Can Give Away. This class is highly recommended for all parents and mentors of confirmation students. This is a great chance to look at your own faith journey at the same time as your eighth grader is exploring theirs.
Important Note From the Finance OfficeLAUMC is very grateful for your generous contributions this fiscal year. We know that many of you time your donations to be recorded before the end of the calendar year. To help make sure your donations get treated as you wish, all 2018 financial gifts to LAUMC must be received in the offering plate, church office, or be postmarked on or before December 31, 2018. Additionally, online credit card donations (https://laumc.onlinegiving.org) dated and time stamped on or before December 31 will be recorded in 2018. Contributions postmarked or received in the offering plate or church office after December 31 will be recorded as donations received in 2019.
LAUMC welcomes stock donations. The directions for donating stock are on the website (www.laumc.org/give/ways-to-give). However, we also ask that you let our Finance Office know of your gift before initiating the transfer.
Giving statements through September were sent out in November, but if you aren’t sure where you stand on your commitment to the operating fund, please contact Cleo Kiros in the Finance Office at 650-948-1083 x126.
Looking ahead: All 2018 Statements of Giving will be mailed by January 31, 2019. Please contact the Finance Office if you have not received your statement by February 15.
Tuesdays at the MoviesFirst and third Tuesdays1:00pm, Live Oak Room
LAUMC’s senior adult group, Living Gospels, hosts movie-watching parties on Tuesday afternoons twice a month. Participants say they love watching movies because the popcorn is free, the coffee is hot, and the conversation and friendship is just right! You are invited to enjoy watching current and vintage movies with captions in comfortable seats. Bring a friend and a snack to share at intermission if you want! Due to the New Year holiday, the next movies will be on January 8 and January 22, then resume the first and third Tuesday schedule in February. Contact Tom Gazdayka ([email protected]) for more information.
Holiday Office ClosuresThe LAUMC office will be closed December 24–26 and 28 and January 1. If you want to drop off a year-end donation when the office is closed, put it in the mail slot by the door to the pastors' offices. Many staff members are taking additional days off around the holidays, so if you need to work with specific individuals, please check with them about their planned dates in the office. If you need urgent pastoral care when the office is closed, call the after-hours care line at 650-823-4562.
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Registration Open for Mexico House-Building TripApril 13–20, 2019, Tecate, Mexico
Come on LAUMC’s Mexico trip and put your faith into action! The next trip is scheduled for April 13–20, 2019. The team will build simple two-room houses for working people in Tecate. This trip will change your life as you get to know and fall in love with the people of Mexico who live and work in conditions very different from ours. No power tools are used and no prior experience is necessary, so this trip is a great opportunity for the whole family and non-LAUMC participants.
The cost of the trip includes all team expenses, including the cost of the building materials. Participants will need to carry additional cash for meals in California and any shopping in California or Mexico. A registration form and deposit of $425/adult and $100/child are due by January 13. The total cost of the trip is $725 for each participant age 10 and over and $400 for each participant under 10, with the balance due on March 3 (at which time your deposit becomes nonrefundable). However, do not let money stand in the way of your participation—ask Steve Tani ([email protected]) about available mission scholarships for LAUMC participants.
Find more details and registration forms on our website (www.laumc.org/mexico) or pick up a print copy in the church entry. Completed registration forms and deposits are due January 13, with later registrations accepted if space is available. For more information, contact Leslie Carmichael ([email protected]).
What’s Up in Mountain ViewThe Cooperative Parish Leadership Team is launched and blessed and ready to go. The team of Siteri Maravou, Mere, and Judy Atterholt from Trinity UMC, and Leslie Williams-Hurt, Raymond Lockley, and Ashish Farmer from LAUMC, is beginning an intense four-month conversation about the future of United Methodist ministry in Mountain View and Los Altos. You’ll be hearing more along the way, but we’re expecting a final report and recommendations in March 2019.
In the meantime, lots of ministry is happening at Hope and Mercy in Mountain View. Construction on the new kitchen—Hope’s Corner’s project—is moving along well. The cold weather shelter opens every day at 4:30pm, offers dinner and breakfast to up to 50 women and children, and then closes at 7:30am.
You are welcome to stop by the Mountain View church—748 Mercy St—any time to see it for yourself. Our siblings at Trinity worship at 10:30am on Sundays.
Reflecting on a Changemaker JourneyThis month’s Changemaker progress report is from Changemaker Fellow Lisa Conover. For more updates on all of our Fellows, visit www.thechangemakerinitiative.org.
In November, the Changemaker Fellows went on a weekend retreat with our Ashoka partners. There were faith sessions led by Pastor Kathi and Kim Jones, discussions around changemaking, skills, and insights led by Ashoka, an inspirational sharing of teamwork by Melissa Allison, and touching music by Bobby Jo Valentine. It was a remarkable weekend that gave us time to pause
and reflect on our individual and collective journeys.
During the first night’s session, we were given the task of drawing our changemaker journey thus far as a river. Although the artwork piece for me was challenging, it was interesting to reflect on where I started versus where I am now. My river includes a steep waterfall, rocks that have slowed the river, and branches that have fallen in, making it less clear at times. The river has been both smooth and turbulent. My favorite part of the river has been where new waterways connect with it, making it stronger, fuller, and more interesting. These additions signify new people I am working with on parts of my project, people I have met that have contributed input and ideas, and family and friends who have helped and supported me along the way. All of the Fellows have their own journeys and rivers, with their ups and downs and twists and turns. Changemaking has been an exciting adventure and is one that continues to weave its way as we drive positive impact and grow our faith.
We’re looking forward to celebrating a significant milestone in the Changemaker journey with the rest of the congregation on January 26. More details will be shared next month about this event. We hope you will join us in our celebration!
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The Power of Spirituality in AdolescenceSunday, December 9, 7:00–8:30pm, Resource Center
The Village is a group of parents of teens coming together monthly for inspired and inspiring conversations about how to empower our kids to thrive. The discussion topic for December is spirituality and adolescent development. This will tie in nicely with the Advent season! According to Dr. Lisa Miller, professor of psychology at Columbia University and author of The Spiritual Child, “Spirituality is the bedrock of a young person’s sense of stability and meaning in the world. ... [It is] THE most robust protective factor against the big three dangers of adolescence: depression, substance abuse, and risk taking.” Come listen to a summary of her book and engage in a practical discussion of how parents can foster greater spiritual development, which leads to greater thriving for youth. Hosted by Kim Jones, MD and Changemaker Fellow. Contact Kim ([email protected]) for more information.
New School of Christian Living SessionWednesdays, January 9 – February 20, 6:00–8:00pm, Creekside
Our third session of the School of Christian Living will start up on January 9. As with the other sessions, each Wednesday will start with dinners at 6:00pm, followed by classes at 7:00pm. This is an opportunity to deepen your faith through sharing a meal the way Jesus did: Breaking bread, passing food, and sharing your life with those at the table. Following the shared meal, participants choose a class to participate in. There is quite a line-up of classes available:
The survey course (drop in any week!) will be I Saw God at the Movies: Movie Class. CJ Arnesen and Trevor Caudle will collaborate with Rev. Sam Blewis to look at potential Oscar-winning movies and explore what they might have to teach us about our faith. (Note: This class goes through February 27.)
The application course will be Good Grief, led by Leslie Williams-Hurt. Grief is an emotional experience—and no matter how hard society tries to act as if sad feelings don’t exist, they do! Find support and healing as you cope in a safe place to share your experience of grief and loss.
This session’s theology course will be led by Pastor Kathi and called Faith You Can Give Away. Confirmation mentors and parents, plus everyone else who could use a confirmation “booster” of their own, will review the basic tenets of Christianity, just as our eighth graders are doing in their Confirmation class. (Note: This class starts January 16.)
For Bible literacy, Dr. Michael Penn, professor of religious studies, will offer A Historical Introduction to the New Testament. Want to take a Stanford class—for free? This course will be a guide to your interactive exploration of the New Testament and its history. No previous knowledge of the Bible or history are required.
Visit our website (www.laumc.org/school-of-christian-living) to register for the session so that the organizers can plan appropriate dinner quantities and classroom sizes.
Puerto Rico UMVIM Trip RegistrationDue by December 15
You are invited to join the next mission trip to Puerto Rico, February 15–23, 2019. The team’s specific assignment will be made closer to the time of the trip, but you can assume it will include a variety of construction tasks to assist with rebuilding damaged homes.
The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has arranged for teams to stay at a retreat camp or a local church. While conditions are improving, for now, you should assume little or no electricity, air conditioning, or hot water. Drinking water and meals will be provided. The team will receive its assigned location closer to the departure date.
The team will be led by Leslie Carmichael of Los Altos UMC and Steve Elliott from San Ramon Valley UMC, both very experienced team leaders and co-leaders of the California-Nevada Conference Team to Puerto Rico in March 2018.
The MCPR requires that participants must be 18 years and older. The cost is $500 for participant expenses (meals, insurance, ground transportation, and housing), plus $425 to $800 for air travel. Contact Leslie Carmichael ([email protected]) for additional information about how to register by the deadline of December 15.
Thanksgiving dinner guests pray before the meal.
November 22, 2018
December 7, 2018 GOOD NEWS! Page 6
Children’s Ministries NewsIn the midst of all the Christmas bustle, Los Altos United Methodist Church is the place for kids and families to focus on the true meaning of the Advent season. Every week in Sunday school, there is a special craft, activity, and Bible story for children to participate in as we wait hopefully for the birth of Jesus.
Sunday school on December 23 at 10:00am: The 1st–3rd grade and 4th–5th grade Sunday school classes are invited to a special Sunday school hour with hot cocoa, snacks, and a Christmas movie. Kids are invited to bring a stuffed animal for this cozy Christmas party!
Christmas Eve Services at 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00pm: Children will be invited to participate in a “Pick-Up Pageant” during the Children’s Moment!
Calling all kids! Faithmaker Summer Camp is June 17–21, 2019. Registration will be available starting in January. Register your children aged 3½ years through 6th grade for a week of fun crafts, science, play, and learning about Jesus! Teens and adults are invited to sign up to lead a class or volunteer in another capacity. Contact Michelle Caudle ([email protected] or 650-948-1083 x153) with any questions.
Children’s Center News The tree is decorated, the preschoolers are working hard on their special surprise presents for their parents, and pictures of “Christmas” adorn the bulletin boards—yes, it’s the holidays once more! Preparations are in place for the annual Christmas Concerts. On Friday, December 14, there will be three concerts for preschoolers’ friends and families. There is nothing better for getting into the holiday spirit than hearing preschoolers sing Christmas favorites!
Although the smoky air prevented outdoor play in mid-November, the teachers and children made the most of their time indoors. Firefighters visited from the Loyola Fire Station and the children enjoyed learning about fire prevention and safety and practiced calling 911 in case of an emergency. The firefighters dressed up in their full-fire attire (including their breathing apparatus/helmet) to show the children that it is important never to hide from firefighters during a rescue. The preschoolers learned that although firefighters may look and sound a bit scary, underneath their helmets they are just friendly firefighter friends.
Another fun November activity was classroom Thanksgiving feasts. Parents also had an opportunity to talk about encouraging gratitude and compassion in their children at the Coffee Talk on “Teaching Our Children to Care.” Suzy Heltzel shared that a great way to promote empathy is by encouraging children’s involvement in community service activities.
The Children’s Center is committed to providing opportunities for families to participate in community outreach. The current community service project is the annual pajama drive to benefit Head Start Preschool in Mountain View, striving to give a new set of PJs for each student. The goal this year is to collect 200 new PJs by Monday, December 10. You are invited to help! Stop by the Children’s Center Multi and pick out a PJ tag from the clothesline, then purchase a new set of pajamas in the size indicated on the tag. Please return the PJs with the tag attached to the collection bin in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Help Serve Dinner for Project WeHOPEThursday, December 203:00pm and 5:30pm
The Bold Service and Social Justice team has arranged a holiday service opportunity. You are invited to help prepare and serve an early Christmas dinner to the guests at Project WeHOPE and the East Palo Alto Police and Fire chief. There are about 20 volunteer spaces at two start times to help with shopping, meal prep, serving and clean-up. Contact Jan McDaniel ([email protected]) to sign up or if you have questions.
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GOOD NEWS!Los Altos United Methodist Church655 Magdalena AvenueLos Altos, CA 94024-5297(650) 948-1083 www.laumc.org
DATE MAILED: December 7, 2018NEXT GOOD NEWS! DEADLINE: January 7, 2019WORSHIP SERVICES: Sundays 8:30am, 10:00am & 5:00pm
Hopes and Fears: A Festival of Carols and LightsSaturday, December 8, 5:00 & 7:30pm, Sanctuary
Christmas comes to life with words and music. Come enjoy our adult and youth choirs, worship band, and orchestra as they fill the Sanctuary with familiar carols and new Christmas anthems. Childcare is available in the nursery during both services.
2018 CSA Food Drive ResultsFood donations from LAUMC to Community Services Agency have totaled 3,052 pounds in 2018—more than 1½ tons! At a time when many go hungry in the Santa Clara Valley, our gifts of food help CSA give assistance to our neighbors. Thank you to all who generously and consistently support this ministry by bringing nonperishable foods or garden produce on the first Sunday of every month and at Thanksgiving. Together we help CSA to be “the community’s safety net.”
