CHRIST CHURCH SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES 8:00am—Traditional 9:15am—Traditional 10:35am– Contemporary and Sunday School SILVIS CHURCH SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30—Fellowship 11:00am—Traditional Join us at Christ and Silvis UMC for these upcoming Christmas events! Christmas Concert featuring Common Threads, Josie DeWitt, The Dark Hollow Boys and The Called Saturday, December 12th, 7:00pm at Christ Church Children’s Christmas Program at Christ Church Sunday, December 13, 10:35am Bell Choir Christmas Concert at Silvis Church Sunday, December 13, 11:00am Christmas Cantata at Christ Church Sunday, December 20, 9:15am Children’s Christmas Program at Silvis Church Sunday, December 20th, 11:00am “Eve Before You Leave” Christmas Service* featuring “Tangent” Sunday, December 20th, 7pm at Christ Church Live Nativity at Christ Church Tuesday, December 22, 6-8pm Wednesday, December 23, 6-8pm Thursday, December 24, 4:30-9pm Christmas Eve Services—Thursday, December 24 5:00pm — Christ Church 7:30pm — Christ Church 11:00pm — Silvis Church *Something new this Christmas. For those who will be out of town for Christmas Eve AND for those who just want a little more of Christmas, there will be a special “Eve Before You Leave” service on Sunday night, December 20 th at 7:00 p.m. It will be a Christmas Eve service with music by George Smith and the group, Tangent.
Transcript
CHRIST CHURCH
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
8:00am—Traditional
9:15am—Traditional
10:35am– Contemporary
and Sunday School
SILVIS CHURCH SUNDAY
WORSHIP
10:30—Fellowship
11:00am—Traditional
Join us at Christ and Silvis UMC for these upcoming Christmas events!
Christmas Concert featuring Common Threads,
Josie DeWitt, The Dark Hollow Boys and The Called Saturday, December 12th, 7:00pm at Christ Church
Children’s Christmas Program at Christ Church
Sunday, December 13, 10:35am
Bell Choir Christmas Concert at Silvis Church Sunday, December 13, 11:00am
Christmas Cantata at Christ Church
Sunday, December 20, 9:15am
Children’s Christmas Program at Silvis Church Sunday, December 20th, 11:00am
“Eve Before You Leave” Christmas Service*
featuring “Tangent” Sunday, December 20th, 7pm at Christ Church
Live Nativity at Christ Church Tuesday, December 22, 6-8pm
Wednesday, December 23, 6-8pm Thursday, December 24, 4:30-9pm
Christmas Eve Services—Thursday, December 24
5:00pm — Christ Church 7:30pm — Christ Church 11:00pm — Silvis Church
*Something new this Christmas. For those who will be out of town for Christmas Eve
AND for those who just want a little more of Christmas, there will be a special “Eve Before You Leave” service on Sunday night, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. It will be a Christmas Eve
service with music by George Smith and the group, Tangent.
P A G E 2
Wednesday Night Activities Holiday Schedule
Wednesday night church activities, including Open Hearts Café will be not occur on the following dates:
Wednesday, December 2nd
Wednesday, December 23rd
Wednesday, December 30th
All Wednesday night activities, including Open Hearts Café will resume on Wednesday, January 6th, 2016.
It happened last Sunday afternoon. It was one of those times that, as it was happening, you knew you were in the midst of a holy moment. “The Twelve”, as the confirmation class of middle school and early high school students have named themselves, had been meeting regularly for several weeks now. It has been a time of learning what it means to be a Christian, and what it means to be a member of Christ United Methodist Church. This past Sunday, “The Twelve” students gathered with the three of us—Roger, Joye and Matt. We prayed, did some Bible reference games (competing for candy prizes) and then it was time to present the lesson for the evening. But, all of a sudden…it wasn’t just another night at confirmation class. The Holy Spirit showed up and we found ourselves in the midst of a deep and meaningful conversation about who God is, what faith is, and what we believe as Christians. It was a holy time that we will not forget—an earnest openness of searching for what to believe. What do we believe? “The Twelve” are seeking to know
what to believe in a world that can be so confusing and filled with lies that look like the truth. And let’s be honest, it’s not just the confirmation students. It’s all of us that live with questions about what to believe. This Advent and Christmas season will be a time to focus our Sunday morning worship service on the theme “BELIEVE”. We can believe in God’s hope, love, joy and peace. Advent is a great time to stop, go back to Bethlehem and listen to what the angels declared the night that Jesus was born into this world, “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:1). It is also a time to celebrate and proclaim the Word of faith “…That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
“The Twelve”—will celebrate their confirmation into membership of Christ Church on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the 10:35 a.m. service. Pray for them, for their families, and for our church as we welcome them as the newest members of our church that day. Also, pray that they will always BELIEVE that God loves each one of them, died on the cross for them and rose up from the grave for them and has a special plan and purpose for each one of them. Pray that “The Twelve” and the church will not only BELIEVE in our hearts, but we will CONFESS with our mouths that Jesus is Lord at Christmas and all through 2016. May this Christmas and New Year place within you a deeper belief in Christ, Roger Perry Joye Perry Matt Young
BELIEVE!!
P A G E 3
Prayer Focus
December 1-7: Matthew 25:35-40 Please open your hearts to the families served by the Angel Tree Ministry. Pray for the children that will struggle through the holidays with one or both parents absent. Ask God to surround them with people who fill the gap for those missing parents and help them feel loved and valued. May the gifts that are selected for them bring them joy. Pray too for the parents in prison, that the Holy Spirit will be at work in them, touching their hearts and changing their lives in ways that are only possible for a loving and gracious Lord. December 8-15: Luke 2: 1-20 Join in prayer for the ministry of the Live Nativity. Pray that many will be moved to participate in this witness to our community that has become a greatly anticipated event at Christmas time on 7th Street East Moline. Ask for God’s joy and peace to fill the hearts of those who drive past and observe the nativity story portrayed on our front lawn. Let the Christ Child be a blessing to all those who come, both inside the stable and out. December 16-24: 3 John 5-8 ; Romans 12:13 Pray for the services and events taking place at our church this final week of Advent. May we be filled with a spirit of radical hospitality as we welcome people into our church who do not frequently attend, but are there at this time because they’ve received special invitations from loved ones, or because they are feeling God’s gentle urging to be a part of something bigger than themselves. December 25-31: Philippians 3:13-14 ; 1 Corinthians 15:58 Prepare your hearts and minds for the challenges and opportunities of a New Year in our church, our homes, our workplaces – everywhere in our lives. Ask God to bless our pastors and leaders as they cast a vision for 2016 that brings us together doing the work of the Lord, while each of us find a deepening faith, growing ever closer to the Lord of the work. January Sunday: Proverbs 16:3; 1 Corinthians 3:9 Please lift our pastors and church leaders in prayer as we begin this new year with common goals for sharing the love of Jesus. Let God’s wisdom and guidance to permeate the vision they cast for all ministry areas, and may every person in our congregation come together in support as brothers and sisters in Christ. Monday: Matthew 6:5-8 Prayers! May God help each of us to grow spiritually by developing passionate, intentional prayer routines. Lord, teach us to pray, to wait, to listen, and to respond to Your call on our lives. Tuesday: Psalm 150; Revelation 5:13-14 Presence! Please pray for our worship leaders as they develop plans for a Saturday night worship service. Help our church to provide a new opportunity for others to receive the blessings of coming before God in worship and praise with a community of fellow believers. Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 9:7-9; Hebrews 13:16 Gifts! Pray for the students and faculty of Africa University in Zimbabwe, and their special connection with the United Methodist Church. May their lives and their children’s be enriched through the Scholarship Endowment “Making Dreams Possible” and may we respond generously to this appeal. Thursday: Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:10 Service! Please lift the Life Tree Café Ministry in your prayers. Ask for discernment in developing this new ministry to reach out to people in the community, so that we all might grow in relationship with Jesus. Pray for supportive participation from leaders, hosts and guests. Friday: Romans 10:14-15; Colossians 4:2-6 Witness! Pray that as we grow in our relationship with God through an ever stronger prayer life, we will also grow in our relationship with others by receiving the wisdom to see the open doors and the courage to share our faith stories. May we become His willing instruments in touching hearts and changing lives – Here I am Lord, Send Me! Saturday: Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 5:1 Please lift our DS Rev. Sylvester Weatherall in your prayers – he has been nominated as a candidate for Bishop. Pray that the final selection will be a result of prayerful consideration and discernment, finding the best possible Bishops to lead us into God’s perfect plan for our UM Denomination, our Conferences and our local Churches.
P A G E 4
Christ Church UMW News for December– January DECEMBER 2015 02 Circles meet 08 Executive Committee -- 10. AM -- Parlor 08 United Methodist Men -- 6 PM -- Fellowship Hall 15 Unit Brunch Meeting -- 9 AM -- Fellowship Hall NOTE DATE AND TIME Program: "The Legend of the Candy Cane" Craft led by Cheryl Henry + Christmas Music Installation of Officers by Shepherdess WORK TEAM: Joyce Danley and Karen Wiedenmann NARTHEX TABLE RESPONSIBILITY: Executive Committee Circle Christmas Parties Wednesday, December 02 Faith -- 6 PM, Montana Jack's -- $10.00 gift exchange Guest: Pat Reuter Glory-- 10 AM TPC Deere Run 9:30AM, Bus leaves church North Parking Lot Bring a monetary gift for the church Food Pantry Guest: Pastor Roger Perry Patience -- 12:30 PM Windmill Restaurant Order from the menu Bring a monetary donation for the Children's Advocacy Center in Rock Island Guest: Pastor Joye Perry JANUARY 2016 06 Circles meet (Patience—bring finger foods) 12 United Methodist Men -- 6 PM -- Fellowship Hall 19 Prepare food for Morning Connection. 9 AM 20 Stonecroft Morning Connection, 8:45 AM Fellowship Hall- Reservation $7.00 Call Pat Reuter by Friday January 15th.
22 Church Women United Annual Meeting -- 9:30 AM -- Butterworth Center Library- Installation of Officers 26 Executive Committee -- 10 AM -- Parlor Unit Luncheon Meeting -- Noon -- Fellowship Hall Program: "Singalong" Based on hymns by Fanny Crosby by Zilpha Grooms Report on 150th Anniversary of UMW MISSION PROJECTS $65.50 was collected t the Unit Meeting for the Mission Mile. The profit from the Fall Salad/Casserole Luncheon was $1298.72. A big thank you to all helping in any way. Our unit donated $100.00 to the Rotary Children's Coat Fund.
Cheryl Henry presenting the "World Thank Offering" program at the October meeting. Marvel Lewis giving her offering.
Diana Lovett and Diana Plaza talked about their mission experiences in Haiti and Mexico, respectively, at the Church Women United World Community Day at Christ United on November 6.
The Season of Advent leading up to Christmas offers an opportunity to remember and celebrate the coming of Christ into the world. The Old Testament prophets remind us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is Ruler of all Creation for all time. One of the ways we celebrate Christ’s birth here at Christ Church is to receive an Advent offering for different missions and ministries. To this end, the Mission/Outreach Ministry Team of Christ United Methodist Church has identified fourteen mission goals for giving this season. We have set a goal of $7,500. Included in the Advent Offering this year are the following ministries: Another Child Foundation $500 Christian Care $500 Churches United $1000 CUMC Food Pantry $500 CUMC Relief —Emergency $750 CUMC Relief -Transient $750
Habitat for Humanity $500 Haiti – Fonkoze Microfinance $500 Winnie’s Place $500 Military Ministry RDK Program $250 Midwest Mission Distribution Center $500 Liberia Pastor Salary Support $500 Mexico Mission Trip $500 Chemo Care Project $250 Each of the Sundays in Advent will be an opportunity to make a special offering as a part of your holiday giving this year. More information about these fourteen areas of mission is available at the welcome center counter in the welcome area of the church.
This is an opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of people both in our community and around the world. Thank you for your faithful support of the ministries here at Christ UMC.
Advent Offering
P A G E 5
Angel Tree Celebration The Angel Tree, a Prison Fellowship Ministry is
currently underway. An special evening has been planned for the
children and their families on Monday, December 7th.
Cookie donations are needed and may be dropped off to the church by Dec. 7th at 4:00 pm.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact Theresa Sack at
309-236-9572.
Thoughts from the Parish Nurse…. Make Christmas healthier, without anyone being the wiser!
We all go through this dilemma: how do we enjoy the festive season without overindulging? You CAN have a healthier Christmas and still enjoy yourself just by making a few small, simple changes.
Sit down for a healthy, prepared ahead breakfast on Christmas morning. That way everyone will feel full, avoiding lots of snacking before the big Christmas meal.
Research healthy recipes before the big day to serve for the Christmas gathering.
Use Christmas lunch or dinner as a great opportunity to serve several different vegetables. Steaming, roasting or microwaving them makes them even more healthy. Roast your vegetables in olive or canola oil, instead of butter.
Choose a lean meat, such as turkey. If other meats are chosen, choose a lean cut and trim off all visible fat before cooking.
Take your time once you sit down to eat your Christmas meal. Eating slowly will prevent you feeling uncomfortably full. Take the time to enjoy your loved ones at the table and the meal that has been prepared!
Keep everyone well hydrated: make sure there is plenty of chilled water available so people can help themselves. Use cute and creative containers to make the water more appealing.
If the weather allows, bundle up and go for a walk. It’s a great way to spend time together while burning off a few calories.
Enjoy your family and friends during this wonderful time of the year!
As the year closes, I want to thank each of you at CUMC for this first year of being your Parish Nurse. I am so truly blessed to work with wonderful Pastors, staff and each of you, knowing God is with us all. Your support, hugs and prayers mean the world to me! I look forward to a healthy year with each of you in 2016.
In Faith, Hope and Love,
Steph
Health reminders:
Blood pressures will be taken on the upcoming Sundays in December and January.
December 6th December 20th January 3rd January 17th
Many of you reading this may wonder “What or who is Christ’s Peacemakers?” Well, we are a team of your friends at CUMC who have been trained in conflict resolution – the Biblical way. We are available to you in several ways: first, we are able to educate you on living a more “peaceable” life. Second, we can meet with you to do “conflict coaching” which is helping you through a tough time you may be
having at work, home, school, or even at church. Third, we are able to do mediations between 2 or more parties who are having conflict to lead them to a resolution of their conflict – one that honors God. Fourth, Dean Sutton, our team leader, has been trained in reconciling church conflict and he assists our Illinois Great Rivers Conference on the Conflict Transformation Team.
Recently, he served on a team assigned to a church in Alton, Illinois, who was experiencing conflict and the church is on its way toward a peace-filled future! If you feel you could use the help of one our peacemakers, please contact the church office at 755-2508 and we will connect you with one of our peacemakers. All connections are confidential.
News from Christ’s Peacemakers
Paid Staff Positions Available at Christ Church
The Staff Parish Relations Committee is looking to fill three available positions at Christ Church:
Worship Leader Youth Director
Sound/Audio Technician
If you are interested in any of these positions,
please call the church office for an application.
P A G E 6
Sunday School: Sundays
Jr. High (6-9 Grade) 10:35am:
Meet in the Worship Center.
Youth Band Practice:
Wednesdays, 4:00pm
Open Hearts Café:
Wednesdays, 5:30pm
Have a free meal with friends,
then stay for Youth Group!
Youth Group:
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
Come on Wednesdays for
games, hang-out time, and a
Scripture lesson!
Hang Out:
Fridays, 3:30pm
Come to church and hang out
with friends.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE
Wed. Dec. 2nd – NO YOUTH GROUP (building maintenance)
Wed. Dec. 9th – Bless the Cities (bell ringing for the Salvation Army)
Wed. Dec. 16th – Christmas Party
Wed. Dec. 23rd and 30th – NO YOUTH GROUP (Christmas break)
Wed. Jan. 6th – Wednesday Night Youth
Wed. Jan. 13th – Bless the Cities
Wed. Jan. 20th – Wednesday Night Youth
Wed. Jan. 27th – Wednesday Night Youth (cook and serve at Open Hearts)
Renovate Renovate is all about the heart - allowing Christ to change us from the inside out. Open to students in 6th -12th grade, it is an exciting weekend of worship, praise,
teaching, and fun. When: Feb. 12th and 13th
Where: Christ Church Cost: $35
For more info and to register, visit http://harvestministryteams.com/
renovate/
#BlessTheCities On the second Wednesday each
month, the high school and middle school ministries will join together to Bless the (Quad) Cities through a service project. In September we’ve collected food for the food pantry,
raked leaves, and helped with Operation Christmas Child. Join us
on December 9th for our next project!
Fall Youth Retreat We just had our first ever fall
youth retreat, and 23 kids (grades 6-12) attended. It was a blast! We
had worship, teaching, small groups, activities, and great food. We even took a trip to QC Family
Entertainment! It was a great experience for everyone involved. Participants built new friendships
and strengthened old ones, experienced God in creative
worship and reflection times, and engaged in meaningful small
group discussion.
Our youth continue to grow closer in relationship to God by serving others. In addition to the new 2nd Wednesday “Bless the Cities“ activities, we are in our second year of service at Open Hearts’ Café. The 4th Wednesday of
every month, the community meal provided at our church is planned, prepared and served by our youth group. It's a privilege to see our teens learning their way around the kitchen, offering menu suggestions, and
working together to serve over 150 guests each month. Our next week to serve dinner will be Wednesday January 27th and we look forward to
Samaritans Purse: Operation Christmas Child was very
successful as the kids packed and collected 88 boxes to be given
internationally and locally for the Food Pantry families.
Thank you to all parents and kids who donated items, filled your own family boxes, and helped pack nearly 100 boxes!! These shoe box gifts will benefit and
brighten many at this Christmas time, locally and internationally.
Thank you to my Samaritans Purse children representatives
who helped pass out information to the church. Katherine, Emma,
Kylie, K.D., Evie, Hunter, Dominic.
A special thank you
to Alice Bechtel for all
your help making
CD spinners, packing boxes
with the kids , and
preparing numerous bags of candy.
A special thank you to Jean Anderson for crocheting and
donating all those beautiful dolls!! What treasures to open! Way to go
kids!! Children blessing children is what it's all about!!
KIDZONE!
Kid's Christmas Program will be held Sunday, Dec. 13
during the 10:35 service. The Christmas Play "Christmas Is
Cancelled" will be
followed with the March to the Manger
Nativity scene.
I encourage all children to participate in the Nativity as we have many costumes. We
will be practicing songs during Sunday school time. The children of the Nursery
will also be a part of our Christmas celebration this
year! Bring your family and friends! Contact Karyn for
more info.
Wacky Wednesday News 3-5th graders visited the residents of
Ridgewood Towers to play Bingo and have
fun! Thank you kids for
your servant heart as
many residents came to enjoy the evening with
us! Last Wacky Wednesday of the year
will be Dec.16 with Christmas fun! We
will resume Jan. 13th.
Join us from 6:00-7:30 in God's Playground.
Did you know we have a Special Needs Ministry?
Each Sunday, those with special needs
come to the Good
Sheep class to learn more about
Jesus. We are in need of co-teachers and helpers. If you are able to help out, please let
Michele or Karyn know.
P A G E 8
Merry Sunshine Preschool News November was quite an exciting month in preschool. This month we read several books about why we celebrate Thanksgiving and being thankful. We learned some fun songs like “The Turkey Hop” and “The Turkey Pokey”. The preschoolers had an opportunity to make several different Thanksgiving themed recipes. We read There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie and made our very own “pumpkin pies” using vanilla pudding, pumpkin pie filling and whip cream. They were delicious! The 3 year old class read Thanksgiving for Emily Ann and got to try a bite of butternut squash and cranberry sauce. The class voted and most of the children liked both new foods! After reading 10 Fat Turkeys and Over The River the 4 year old class got to make turkey cookies complete with edible feathers. We gobbled them right up!
Some skills we worked on this month include, writing and recognizing our name; making two-color patterns; counting to 10;
investigating leaves, acorns, pumpkins and squash; building fine motor skills by pounding golf tees into a gourd; exploring magnetic and non-magnetic
objects; and adding corn to our sensory table. Pastor Joye has been visiting
the classrooms each month and this continued in November. She brings stories and songs about the bible, our faith and Jesus….we love it when she visits! Our annual field trip for
both classes to the Festival of Trees is coming up November 23. We are so excited to kick off the Christmas season with our families by spending this time together.
Looking ahead to next month, we are hosting Grandparents’ Day on Thursday, December 3rd for the 3 year olds, and Friday, December 4th for the 4 year olds. We have some special activities planned for our beloved grandparents. Our Christmas program will be Friday, December 18th. The preschoolers are going to tell the story of the night of Jesus’ birth.
The last day of school will be December 18th for Christmas vacation. The students return on January 4th. January will find us enjoying
learning about winter, snow and ice….as well as an opportunity to incorporate an author study into our classrooms. Merry Sunshine Preschool would like to wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the year ahead be filled with God’s blessings.
Lifetree Café One of the goals for 2016 for Christ
Church is the development of Lifetree Café.
Lifetree Café is a time and place where people gather to hear
inspiring stories and engage in conversation on a different topic
every week. It’s the proven ministry that reaches the
unreached with the love of Christ in a fresh, new way. It is a an
hour-long, interactive experience that features real people’s real
stories on film, guided conversation, biblical insights, and time to build relationships. Lifetree
Café tackles the topics people struggle with in everyday life.
Watch for more information about how we are developing Lifetree
Café at Christ Church and how you can get involved!
Holiday Grief Christmas is usually a joyful
celebration, but it can be surprisingly sad when someone
you love has died. CARE Ministry is providing an opportunity for you to pay tribute to your loved one. On Sundays December 6th and13th, a Christmas tree and a supply of Christmas ornaments
will be available outside the Worship Center. You are invited
to choose an ornament, personalize it with the name of
someone you wish to remember, and hang it on the Memorial
Christmas Tree. As the ornaments remind us that our
loved ones have a special place in our hearts forever, the Christmas message reassures us that “God is
with us” as we grieve.
Christmas Scarf Project a Big Success
CARE Ministry wishes to thank everyone who helped make the Christmas Scarf Project a big success. This
year we received 388 scarves, 60 pairs of gloves/mittens, and 56 hats/ear-warmers.
The items are being distributed to children served
through the Angel Tree, children who attend CUMC’s tutoring program, clients who come to the food pantry, and
clients served by Winnie’s Place. It is our prayer that the
Christmas Scarf Project not only provides warm gifts, but also serves as a reminder of
God’s love for all His children. Merry Christmas,
Janet Griffin and Steph Rabe, Co-leaders for CARE Ministry
P A G E 9
December 11 ~ 12:30 pm
December’s gathering will be held at the McGehee Center, 12th St & 4th Ave, Silvis
The meal, catered by Mulkey’s Restaurant, starts at 12:30 pm.
Tickets for this event are $9.00 (payable at the door). Everyone is welcome to attend. Please
call Jean or Norm Neely at (309) 792-1545 with any questions.
There will NOT be a January meeting.
UMW: December 3-12:00 noon, Fellowship Hall (meal will be catered) January 7-12:00 noon, Fellowship Hall (hostesses will be announced soon)
Rebecca Circle: December 10—8:30 am—Eating out (location will be published closer to the date of this meeting) Rebecca Circle: January 14—8:30 am—Hostess is Joyce Nevins
Please call Janet Oltman at (309) 755-3937 with any questions.
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SILVIS
SILVIS UMW’S ANNUAL COOKIE WALK—1301 2ND AVENUE, SILVIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 — 9:00 am until sold out
(please-no purchases before this time)
As in the past, these homemade treats (both cookies and chocolates) sell out fast! Be sure to arrive early! The price is only $7 per pound. Crafts, made by members of Silvis church, will also be available for
purchase. Free coffee will be served throughout the day.
This year’s youth Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 20th, during the 11:00 am worship service. You won’t want to miss it!!!
Those in nursing homes: Jack Hobbs—IRC; Maria Schacht—Lutheran Home, Muscatine; Anne Tickoff—St. Anthony’s Those in assisted living facilities: Hazel Benjamin—Crosstown Square; Bob Mueller—The Lighthouse, Silvis Bill Peterson—The Lighthouse, Silvis; Dean Stone—Park Vista, East Moline Those who are home bound: Linda (Hayes) Jeffries—Heartland Apartments, Silvis; Ann Knight, Ruby Rohr, Dick and Bonnie Thomas, and Dorothy Schadt
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers
STEAK SUPPER
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th 5-7 pm
Featuring Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, coleslaw,
rolls, desserts and beverage
All this for only $9 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under!
Please call Mary at the Silvis Church office (309-792-0977) for additional
information
P A G E 1 0
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH AT SILVIS
The Kids 4 Christ group (who regularly meet on Mondays at Silvis Church at 5:30 pm) have been busy. On Monday, December 14th, in addition to their regular
activities, they will be able to spend their “good behavior bucks” at the “Country Store” where they can purchase fun items either for themselves or for gifts. They earn these “bucks” by attending regularly, treating others with respect, and learning about how
God is there for them at ALL times. Dec 14th will mark the end of the gatherings for them for this year. They will start up again after the holidays on Jan 11th for more fun
and festivities!
George O. Barr Christmas Outreach Project for 2015! After contacting and having email conversation with the George O. Barr
Elementary School social worker and school nurse, we have discovered that the greatest need for this approaching winter season for the school children is snow boots and pants. The school staff would like to have funds available to make the
purchase of snow pants and boots for school children in need of these winter clothing items. If you would like to contribute a monetary donation to this George O. Barr Christmas Outreach Project, you may place your gift on the
designated Advent tree in the Narthex or place your donation in the offering plate on Sunday morning. Let’s help make this a fun and WARM winter for the school children in our neighborhood. Donations will be accepted during the Sundays in
Advent.
In 1990, Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.” Since then, ordinary young people around this great nation have generated an extraordinary $100 million for soup kitchens, food pantries, and other charities in communities such as ours. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving. In 2015, 6,676 groups raised $8,040,884 in cash (nationwide) and nonperishable food items. On Sunday, February 7, more than 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join in by demonstrating God’s love through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It’s a simple yet significant act of caring for others. Starting Sunday, Jan 3, 2016 (and continuing until Sunday, Feb 7) please consider donating either cash or a nonperishable food item. Every dollar donated will be split between the Christ UMC food pantry and the Watertown food pantry. These are our 2016 Souper Bowl of Caring charities of choice. Every donation is VERY much appreciated. However, if you are donating items from your home, please be mindful of the expiration dates on the items. We cannot accept any items that are already expired or are nearing their expiration date. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY—SILVIS FELLOWSHIP HALL
Beginning Tuesday, December 1st—10 am
The Star of Bethlehem—miracle or myth? This Bible study will examine scripture, ancient writings, and astronomical facts to reveal nine features of the star, how it dated Jesus’ birth
and death—and its significance for today!
Please let Mary Land (309-792-0977) or Linda Jones (309-792-1617) know if you can attend this exciting adventure!
There will be a minimal cost to participants to cover the cost of materials.
P A G E 1 1
Instead of collecting for UNICEF campaign this year, the picture to the right shows the teens at the Blackhawk Bank
(Silvis branch) on Sunday, October 25th, to distribute candy and information on the church. These terrific kids
got 3rd Place that day!
In the 2015 Student Hunger Drive, their goal was 680 food items (they collected 676 last year).
Their total this year, you ask? 808 plus $40!!! Many thanks to all who donated items.
On Sunday, November 8th, the teens hosted, cooked and served their very first all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Silvis Church. It was a
rousing success! An astounding $337 was raised (after the cost of food). All proceeds were donated
to the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities located in Moline. This center assists children 0-8 years old (mainly focusing on those 0-3 years old) with a weekly average attendance of over 40. Even though up to 58 percent of those attending cannot afford these services, the center is able to provide
assistance only through generous donations such as this. ALL monies donated to this center stay in this local area.
Upcoming activities include baking and decorating Christmas cookies on Sunday, Dec 6th and then
delivering these extra special goodies to our area shut-ins on Sunday, Dec 13th. Both will take place during their usual meeting time of 6:00 pm. Pictured are
some of our teens delivering the goodies and sharing the Christmas spirit with
some of the Silvis Church shut-ins.
Dec 13th will be the last meeting in 2015 for the teens. After the holidays,
they will gather together again on Sunday, Jan 10th.
Margaret Crandall would like to thank everyone for the many birthday cards and well wishes as she celebrated her 90th birthday on November 4. A special thanks to Dennis Houston for coming and sharing communion with her and her family. Her church family has always meant a lot to her.
October 2015 Food Pantry Statistics
In October, Christ United Methodist Church Food Pantry served:
470 households and 1,749 individuals 5,424 pounds of food were donated
524 lbs. of non-food items were donated $2,797.25 in monetary donations
Birdies for Charity – Thank You We scored a hole in one! Thank you to all who pledged and gave to Birdies for Charity this year! We received a check for 100% of the pledge total of $1,428.10 AND a bonus check of $142.81! Thank you John Deere Classic and John Deere Foundation for making the 10% bonus possible. This money will be used to support mission trips. Outreach Committee
Trunk or Treat Thank you to all who prayed, donated candy, passed out candy to our trick or treaters, helped with games, served as greeters or helped in the kitchen! This event was a huge success thanks to your efforts! This event draws more people from our community into our church than any other event. Your radical hospitality is amazing! Outreach Committee
The Church office will be closed on Thursday, December 24th and
Friday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas Holiday and on Friday, Jan. 1st. The Food Pantry will be open on Christmas
Eve and New Year’s Eve until 12noon.
The next issue of the Courier will be the February edition. The deadline to submit information for the February,
2016 is 12noon, Wed., Jan. 20th, 2016.
Finance News
ACH FORMS If you did ACH (sometimes called EFT) for the year 2015 for your church donations and you are going to
do them again next year, you must sign the 2016 form. Last year’s form becomes null & void on December 31, 2015. The new form will be valid through 2016. ACH is
a secure way of donating to the church. Similar to direct deposit of your paycheck, ACH allows Christ Church to withdraw funds from your bank account once a month. This is a handy way to make your donations to the church without having to deal with envelopes. It is
automatically done for you!
YEAR END GIVING December 31 is fast approaching. This is a reminder to those who will be making year end gifts to the church for tax purposes. Those gifts should be in the office by
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