Merry Advent, soon-to-be Christmas! This often feels like the busiest time of the year. It is a time of preparation and home-coming. As families gather we are reminded of the importance of connections and a sense of “home,” where we are always welcome. Here in the church we pray that everyone feels that kind of welcome, regardless of how long you have been away or if it’s your first time here. We are glad to see everyone come to welcome the birth of the Christ-child. Our hope is that this stems from a desire to welcome Jesus into your life, even if you’re not sure exactly what that means or what effect that will have. Trust that God has nothing but good in mind for you. Peace, love, joy and hope are signs of the transformation. They are the advent of new life in Christ. As we gather this Christmas season we have many opportunities to give to support ministries of compassion and outreach: • Our Christmas offering, which you can place in your Christmas envelopes, will support our Missionary covenants to the Groves’ and the Smallwood’s. • Our Christmas Eve offering will go to the Pastor’s Discretionary “Helping Hands” Fund. This fund is used to help persons that come to the church with financial needs. Your help this past year paid for bus passes, emergency shelter, food, medicine, gasoline, utilities and other much-needed aid. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year! Thank you, and please join us on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. for worship (including December 24th) and on Christmas Eve—5:30 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. this year—to celebrate the birth of our Savior. The beauty of candlelight combined with carols and the story of Jesus’ birth is sure to bless us all. Families worshiping at 5:30 will have time to go home, have supper and get the kids to bed before Santa comes. The rest of us will revel in the beauty of the night as we ring in Christmas with stories, candlelight and music. Be sure to put December 17th on your calendar as a special day to come to church. Our children will display their artworks they have created as they learned about Christmas Around the World, and there will be a wonderful Christmas Pageant—a play/musical called Away From the Manger—featured during both worship services. Merry Christmas to all and may you experience the true joy of the season,

~Pastor Diane Gordon

400 S. Main Street • Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989) 773-6934 • Fax: (989) 773-1855 • Web: www.mtpfumc.org

December 2017 NEWSLETTERDecember 2017 NEWSLETTER

Our Mission

Making disciples

of Jesus Christ

for the

transformation

of the world.

Our Vision

First United

Methodist

Church is a

welcoming,

vital church,

filled with people

of all ages, from

all walks of life

and stages of

faith,

growing together

to become

deeply

committed

Christians

who follow and

serve Jesus

Christ.

December Loose Coin Offering

Goodrow Fund

The intent of the John H. Goodrow Fund is to provide

emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clothing,

medicine, gasoline, or other support to community members.

This Fund maintains particular interest in serving the special

needs of community members not met or fulfilled by other

community resources.

Staff Christmas Gifts

SPRC will be collecting money for the Staff Christmas gifts!

Starting now until December 3rd, we will have a table set up

before the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service and between services

where our SPRC Committee members will be collecting

donations. Let’s show our staff how much we appreciate them!

BELL RINGING TIME AGAIN!

This year First UMC will be "Ringing the Bells" on two

Saturdays.....December 9 and December 16 from 10:00 a.m. to

7:00 p.m. at Kroger's. Long-time church members will

remember Bob and Marjorie Olson in whose honor and memory

we have been ringing the bells for many years. Bob and

Marjorie were dedicated and tireless workers both at First

Church and in the wider community.

The Church and Society Ministry is again asking you to

volunteer just one hour of your time to help us fill all the time

slots. Last year $798.31 was raised by First Church in support

of the work of the Salvation Army in meeting the needs of our

community. Sign up through SignUpGenius

www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f44a5ae29a57-ring3 or call

Nancy Priestap (772-5541) if you have any questions or would

like to volunteer.

P.S. Even if you are not able to ring, why not stop by during

those hours, greet your fellow church members and make your

donation.

Christmas Poinsettias for the Altar

The Altar Flower Committee would like to invite you to

remember and/or honor a loved one by donating Christmas

Poinsettias, which will be displayed on the altar beginning

December 24th. If you are interested in donating a poinsettia,

please complete an order form and place it in the offering plate

or return it to the church office with your donation of $15.00 no

later than Monday, December 10th. Order forms will be

available at the Welcome Desk and inserted in the bulletin by

mid-November.

HOMELESS SHELTER AT

FIRST CHURCH, JANUARY 2-14

PLEASE HELP!

First Church will take its turn hosting the Isabella County

Rotating Homeless Shelter (ICRH) from Tuesday, January 2 to

Sunday, January 14. We need to pitch in to provide evening

meals, evening companionship, overnight stay-awake

monitoring, and morning wake-up and clean up, plus help on a

few days with moving and laundry pickup. You can volunteer by:

using SignUpGenius www.signupgenius.com/

go/70a0f44a5ae29a57-icrh (the best way-available soon

with explanations of each possibility). OR

you can ask questions, explore possibilities, and then sign

up at the Welcome Center starting Sunday, Nov. 26. OR

you can contact Carol at the church office, 989-773-6934.

Questions? David Macleod, macle1d@cmich.edu; 989-772-

0595, or Margie Williams, margaretm1104@gmail.com; 989-772

-6308.

UMW News

2018 Dates to get on your calendars now!

Feb. 11th - 2:00-4:00 p.m. Valentine Tea, for everyone!

Feb. 24th - 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Annual Women's Spiritual

Growth Retreat with Ruth Jones.

District Valentine Tea will be Sat., Feb. 10th,TBA

Worship Service

Volunteer Guidelines

First United Methodist Church, 400 s. Main St, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 Office phone: (989) 773-6934

Thank you for serving First Church as greeter, usher, liturgist and/or refreshment host. Please begin your service by praying over the area you are serving and asking God's guidance as you interact with members and guests throughout the morning.

As a worship service volunteer, there are tangible physical duties that need to be accomplished. There are also ways of interacting with people to make them glad they came to First Church. These hospitality duties don't have an exact script because each volunteer has a personality that affects how they interact with others. The essence of these hospitable interactions are an integral part of being a worship service volunteer so please always keep them in the front of your mind while you are serving.

Arrive about 30 minutes before the service time.

Wear your worship service volunteer name tag located in the acolyte closet.

Stay in your greeting area for about 10 minutes into the service time to greet, direct and assist late comers.

Look around the area to make sure it is neat and inviting and that there are no hazards (wet or snowy floors).

Warmly greet everyone with a smile and eye contact. Introduce yourself. If possible, kneel or bend down to greet children at their level.

Be familiar with where the bathrooms and child care are located. Escort the person to or in sight of the area they inquired about or connect them with another team member to escort them.

Watch for people with walkers, young children, or other situations that may indicate that they could use extra help. Then offer assistance. This assistance may be needed before, during, or after the service so be watching for the opportunity to help someone.

Be aware that you may need to delay lengthy conversations with good friends in order to make a guest feel welcome. You know your friend will understand that you are serving as a host that day.

During the last song, all volunteers should return to the Gathering Space to interact with congregants and guests as exit the service.

Direct congregants and guests to the refreshment area for fellowship.

Introduce guests to other members and the pastor as appropriate and let them know you hope to see them next week.

Thank you for blessing our congregation and

guests through your service.

Guidelines for All Volunteers

Surveys show that the majority of guests judge the friendliness of the congregation by the number of people who engage them in conversation.

The interactions in the 10 minutes before and after the service are crucial in whether or not a guest will choose to return.

Please offer a friendly greeting and introduce yourself to guests in the few minutes before and after the service. This is not a time to "sell" First Church but rather to come along beside guests who God is nudging forward in discipleship and begin forming relationships with them.

Ushers Warmly greet each congregant as you offer

bulletins and offer to seat them if appropriate.

Light the candles if an acolyte is not present. Lighters are in the usher cabinet and the closet by the water cooler.

If needed for noise control, the doors may be closed after the service begins. Ushers are responsible for gently reminding anyone in the gathering space whose voice is carrying into the sanctuary that they are distracting from a worship service in progress. A gentle, silent "shh" motion with a finger on your lips and a nod toward the sanctuary is normally a sufficient reminder.

The ushers should greet latecomers and open the sanctuary doors for them. If a prayer is being said, ask the late comer to wait until the end of the prayer to enter.

One or two ushers should collect the purple prayer cards and give them to the pastor. The time to do this is indicated in the bulletin.

Be sure the offering plates are ready for the offering. They are stored in the ushers’ cabinet. Proceed to the front of the church one person on each side aisle and two in the center aisle. Begin collecting the offering. After collecting the offering, two ushers will then proceed down the center aisle during

the doxology and place the offering plates on the altar. (If there is no space on the altar, place the offering plates on the top step.) Ushers should remain facing the altar until after the prayer of dedication and then return to the rear of the sanctuary.

Ushers may be asked to be Communion Servers. If you are needed for that, please familiarize yourself with the Communion Server guidelines.

At least two ushers along with the head usher or head usher designee should remain in the gathering space during the worship service to assist latecomers, those who leave the service, and to observe the congregation for any emergency.

After the service ushers should serve our guests as you would a guest in your home. Ushers simply need to initiate a conversation, perhaps show the person to the refreshment area or take them on a church tour, and introduce them to the Pastor. Ushers should tell members and guests that you are glad they worshipped with us today and that you hope to see them next week. After the usher has finished connecting with guests and members, the following tasks need to be completed:

Remove discarded bulletins, etc. from the pews.

Gather the attendance pad sheets and take them to the office.

Make sure the hymnals, Bibles, and supplies on the back of the pews are neat.

Take the kids bags to the church office so they can be refilled for the next week.

Be sure the candles are extinguished.

The head usher or designee is responsible for bagging the offering and securing it. Bagging is always done with two individuals. If no one has picked up the offering, give it to the Pastor.

Thank you for blessing our congregation and guests through your service.

Greeters are stationed outside and inside the main church entrances and at the Welcome Center.

Ensure the safety of our guests by making sure areas are clear of hazards like snow and ice.

Ensure a welcoming look to the area by removing any trash or other debris.

If it is raining, outside greeters carry an umbrella to offer to guests.

Be on the lookout for guests and members who need a helping hand. These include our little ones, our seniors, and anyone carrying a load. Be their helping hand. You can even offer valet parking!

Offer a warm welcome and tell them you are glad to see them.

If the weather allows, introduce yourself. "I don't believe we've met. I'm ____." If appropriate add. "Is there anything I can help you with this morning? Or anyplace I can help you find?"

If possible, escort and connect guests with an usher, the pastor and/or others in the congregation.

Outside greeters will spend most of their time on the sidewalks near the parking lot or street. Be alert for those in the parking lot or are crossing the street who need assistance. Be aware that people arrive via 3 sidewalks to enter the church at either of the 2 entrances.

Return to your service area after the service ends to assist those who need it and to wish all a great week. Tell them you were glad they attended worship today, and that you look forward to seeing them next week.

Thank you for blessing our congregation and guests through your

Greeters

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

5:30 Parent’s Night

Out

2

8:30 Men’s Group Bible Study 5:30 Mt. Pleasant Christmas Parade Warming Station

3

9:00 Traditional Worship 10:05 Adult Bible Study 10:05 Adult SS 11:00 4th Day 11:00 Contemporary Worship 11:15 Children’s SS 4:00 Youth Ministry 5:00 Youth Group

4

3:15 Prayer Group/ Communion Dist. 6:00 SPRC 6:30 Gamblers Anonymous 6:30 Gam-Anon 7:00 Toastmasters 7:00 Boy Scouts

5

9:00 Women’s No Agenda Coffee 5:30 Worship Ministry

6

8:00 Shower Ministry

10:30 UMW Exec. Bd.

4:00 Kids Music Club

4:30 Genesis Bells 5:30 Yoga 6:30 Missions 6:30 Chancel Choir 7:30 Praise Band

7

7:30 Men’s No Agenda Breakfast 5:30 Preschool Card Making 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous 7:00 Wesley Circle

8

9

10:00 Family Fun

Group/Ornament Making

8:00 Boy Scout Lock In

10

9:00 Traditional Worship 10:05 Adult Bible Study 10:05 Adult SS 11:00 4th Day 11:00 Contemporary Worship 11:15 Children’s SS 1:30 Vintage Strings 5:00 Youth Group 8:00 Exam Study Night

11

11:30 Office Closed until 1:00 pm 1:30 Staff Meeting 3:15 Prayer Group 6:30 Gamblers Anonymous 6:30 Gam-Anon 7:00 Stephen Ministry 7:00 Boy Scouts 8:00 Exam Study Night

12

9:00 Women’s No Agenda Coffee 5:30 Church & Society 7:00 Property 8:00 Exam Study Night

13

4:00 Kids Music Club 4:30 Genesis Bells 5:30 Yoga 6:30 Chancel Choir 7:30 Praise Band 8:00 Exam Study Night

14

7:30 Men’s No Agenda Breakfast 6:00 Preschool Christmas Program 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous

15

Newsletter Deadline

16

8:30 Men’s Group Bible Study

17

9:00 Traditional Worship -Christmas Pageant 10:05 Adult Bible Study 10:05 Adult SS 11:00 4th Day 11:00 Contemporary Worship -Christmas Pageant 11:15 Children’s SS 5:00 Youth Group

18

3:15 Prayer Group/ 6:30 Gamblers Anonymous 6:30 Gam-Anon 7:00 Toastmasters 7:00 Boy Scouts

19

9:00 Women’s No Agenda Coffee 12:30 Mackenzie Circle 6:00 Finance 7:00 Board of Trustees

20

8:00 Shower Ministry

4:00 Kids Music Club 4:30 Genesis Bells 5:30 Yoga 5:45 Wednesday Fellowship Meal 6:30 Chancel Choir 7:00 Education 7:30 Praise Band

21

7:30 Men’s No Agenda Breakfast 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous

22

Church Office Closed

at Noon

23

24

9:00 Traditional Worship 10:05 Adult Bible Study 10:05 Adult SS 11:00 4th Day 11:00 Contemporary Worship 5:30 Family Candlelight Service 11:00 Candlelight Service

25

Merry Christmas

Church Office Closed

26

9:00 Women’s No Agenda Coffee 1:00 Stewardship 6:00 Church Council

27

8:00 Shower Ministry

4:00 De-greening the

Church

4:30 Genesis Bells 5:30 Yoga 6:30 Chancel Choir 7:30 Praise Band

28

7:30 Men’s No Agenda Breakfast 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous

29

Church Office Closed

at Noon

30

31

9:00 Traditional Worship 10:05 Adult Bible Study 10:05 Adult SS 11:00 4th Day 11:00 Contemporary Worship

1 January

Office Closed

Happy New Year!

12/2

Steve Pung

Zoey Moyer

12/3

Kelly Zielinski

James Sunderland

12/4

Steve Swart

Jason Bennett

12/7

Reneé Sternaman

12/9

Earl Bronson

John Skinner

12/10

Karen Marvin

Diane Gordon

Kate Marsh

12/13

Daniel Martin

Tommy Plachta

12/17

Christine Sunderland

12/19

Janet Rice

Lilly Sponseller

12/21

David Lopez

12/22

Herb Rice

12/23

Mary Ann Simpson

Daniel Vetter

12/24

Laura Tofteland

12/27

Carolyn Hill

11/28

Karen Clark

Kevin Love

December Birthdays

12/29

Jonah Montney

Gavin Zelinski

12/30

Craig Buys

Mercia Foster

12/31

Candy Conant

Please wish these folks a very happy birthday...

The theme this month is Christmas Celebration for two weeks. The colors are Red and Green, the shape is the star and the letters are D

and H. On Thursday December 7, the preschool families will be making Christmas cards for the elderly and the shut-ins. We will do this in

Fellowship Hall and have refreshments afterwards.

December 14th our “Giving Tree” items are due. We are helping a family of 4 in need at Christmas time.

The children will be working on making gifts and wrapping them to give to their parents. On Tuesday December 12th and Wednesday

December 13th we will be making cookies for their Holiday Program. On December 14th at 6:30 pm we will be having our Holiday Program

for all 3 classes in Fellowship Hall with refreshments afterwards. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to come. The students will be

singing songs and listening to a Christmas story.

The last day of Preschool for this year is December 15h. Classes will resume January 8, 2018. Christmas is the time of “giving”. Please take

this time to enjoy the little things and spending time with the ones you love.

God Bless! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Tina Rudoni

Christmas Celebration

10/29 171 74

11/05 187 100

11/12 184 70

11/19 169 99

11/26 151 65

Worship Attendance & Periscope Viewers

2017 WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS

Traditional Service at 9:00 AM

December 3 December 10 December 17 December 24 December 31

Outside Greeters (2)

Greg & Jacqui Pridgeon 773-1885

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Inside Greeters (2)

Eleanor Dawson 817-217-4556

Phyllis Heinze 772-1731

Eleanor Dawson 817-217-4556

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Ushers (4) Linda Traum 561-670-9875 Linda Doerr 772-7568 Bill & Arlene Dunham

989-506-0406

Linda Traum 561-670-9875 Margie Williams 772-6308

Linda Doerr 772-7568 Volunteer Needed

Margie Williams 772-6308 Betty Assmann 772-1437

Ann & John Jensen 772-4256

Debbie Lawrence 773-5888 Jenni Snider 810-705-3550

Volunteers Needed

Margie Williams 772-6308

Liturgist Bruce Kilmer 772-9896 Betty Assmann 772-1437 Volunteers Needed Margie Williams 772-6308 Volunteers Needed

Refreshment Host(ess)

David & Loretta Lopez 775-8900

Arlene Dunham 989-506-0406

Al & Nancy Lewis 989-317-0713

Volunteers Needed Al & Nancy Lewis 989-317-0713

December 3 December 10 December 17 December 24 December 31

Outside Greeters (3) Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Inside Greeters (2) Rebecca Haywood 989-544-1818

Volunteer Needed

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Ushers (2) Deb Skinner 773-4340 Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Refreshment Host(ess)

Deb Skinner 773-4340 Deb Skinner Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Contemporary Service at 11:00 AM

5:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m.

Light Luminaries Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Light Candles on (2) South Wall

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Outside Greeters(2) Kendall Farnum 989-854-0343

Volunteers Needed

Inside Greeters (2) Volunteers Needed Jeff Tierney Joyce Pridgeon 773-3098

Ushers (4) Margie Williams 772-6308

Volunteers Needed

Pass Out Candles (4) Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Christmas Eve Services

400 South Main Street • Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

December 2017

SAVE THE DATES

December 17

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service - Away from the Manger the Musical Christmas

Pageant

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Christmas Around the World Children’s Art Show

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship service - Away from the Manger the Musical Christmas

Pageant

December 24

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

5:30 p.m. Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

11:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service