Andover UMC December 2016 To create and nurture a passionate faith community through open doorways to Christ. November 27th BAH! Humbug! Galatians 6:7 Matthew 20:1-16 Luke 16:19-31 December 4th The Remembrance of Christmas Past Matthew 4:18-23 Corinthians 12:4, 31 Luke 4:18 Revelation 21:5 December 11th The Life of Christmas Present Luke 2:8-20; 15 Matthew 26:11 Deuteronomy 15:11 December 18th The Hope of Christmas Future Revelation 1:4 Matthew 11:29-30 Luke 4:18-19 Romans 8 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:30 pm LIVE NATIVITY from 9 pm until 11:30 Join us for a Midnight Christmas Celebration Christmas Sunday morning service at 10 am
Transcript
Andover UMC
December 2016 To create and nurture a passionate faith community through open doorways to Christ.
November 27th
BAH! Humbug!
Galatians 6:7 Matthew 20:1-16 Luke 16:19-31
December 4th
The Remembrance of Christmas Past
Matthew 4:18-23
Corinthians 12:4, 31 Luke 4:18
Revelation 21:5
December 11th
The Life of Christmas Present
Luke 2:8-20; 15 Matthew 26:11
Deuteronomy 15:11
December 18th
The Hope of Christmas Future
Revelation 1:4
Matthew 11:29-30 Luke 4:18-19
Romans 8
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:30 pm
LIVE NATIVITY from 9 pm until 11:30
Join us for a Midnight Christmas Celebration
Christmas Sunday morning service at 10 am
Let Us Worship Together
Andover UMC
Worship
8:30 am Word & Table
9:30 am with Children’s
Church
11 am Traditional
Cherry Valley UMC
Rev. John M. Germaine
Worship
11 am
Sunday School
10 am
Dorset UMC
Rev. David Miller
Worship
10:45 am
Leon UMC
Worship
10 am
Sunday School
10:30 am
Richmond UMC
Worship
11 am
Williamsfield UMC
Pastor Pat Seger
Worship
10 am
Sunday School
9 am
Christmas! Sights. Sounds. Smells. Activities. Memories. and
expectations! Christmas is a full season. I love the lights. I love the sounds of Christmas music, the joy of Handel’s Messiah and the warmth of bells jingling. I love the smell of live pine and cinnamon. I buy those cinnamon scented pinecones and have a bag of them in my car and next to my seat in the living room. I love the Children’s’ Christmas Musical, the candle light Christmas Eve service and all the family gathered together for great meals.
There are several classic movies I try to fit in my Christmas season: It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Carol are a few of my favorites. What I like about each of these is the transformation that takes place.
I was excited to find an Advent series called The Redemption of Scrooge. If God can transform Scrooge then He can transform anyone, including me. Imagine for a moment what the Christmas Carol would look like at Andover Methodist Church. Bunky might be Christmas Future, Carol could be Mrs. Cratchit making the plum pudding, Rich would make a great Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, of course, played by Jason. Then there is Scrooge, well, where could we find a grumpy old man? We would also need Marley, who is dead. It seems like we all have a Marley who haunts us and reminds us of who we are. By-the way, you will need keep imagining the Andover Christmas Carol because it’s not going to happen. Better to just watch the movie again.
The Christmas Carol is a commentary on the cultural of the time. Most of Dickens’s work highlights the evils and injustice of his society. He pits rich, miserly, spiritually impaired Scrooge against Tiny Tim who is poor, loving, physically impaired but spiritually whole. It’s “Bah! Humbug!” Vs. “God bless us, every one.”
Advent is a time of waiting for something to happen. What is going to happen? That is really up to you. If we don’t get trapped in the wrappings of a commercial Christmas, there are possibilities open for us to see the transformation happening around us. So here are my suggestions to experience The Redemption of Scrooge:
1) Gather some family or friends and watch the movie.
2) Piece together the Sunday morning message and the key parts of the movie.
3) Get one of the small group books and read along with each week’s selection. (The small group book is great.)
4) Use it for a daily devotional time.
5) Join a small group that has a leader for video clips and discussion.
6) Lead a small group with friends or family (They don’t have to be our peo-ple.)
The other option is that you go about Christmas as usual. But beware! You might have an unexpected guest from a ghostly apparition when Marley comes to visit.
May the transforming begin!
Or – God bless us every one!
~Rev. Ric Harvel
December 2016 Prayer List
Prayer Concerns
Our Service Men & Women & their Families
Austin O’ Baker, Army
Continued prayer for John Johnson deployment in the
Middle East
Gail Nevison, in need of a new kidney
Patricia Proffitt, needs lung transplant
Beverly Holden
Bob Guseman
Lois Hanson – waiting for kidney
Vicki Gambatese
Norman Woodard
Phil Roberts
Peggy Mullen
Ruth Gealy
Ernesta Lowry
Doug Raymond
Medena Hollis
David Brown
Sis Ogram
Dan Ser
Dan Anderson
Jack Baxley
Missionaries
Joe & Theta Hill
Our Grief of Families & Friends
Family of Frank Mason
Family of Ed Hall
Family of Lois Hoover
Children & Youth
Cassidy Chapman - multi health issues
Trent Grady - Infantile Batten Disease
Kyle Mason - reoccurring health issues
Logan Howard
Nina Warsing
Our Members & Friends in Care Facilities
Lois Betts, Louise's Home, Andover
Beverly Webb, Copeland Oaks, Sebring, OH
Elise Vendely, Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing,
839 W. Main Geneva, OH 44041
When we join the United Methodist Church, we take a vow that we will be, loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by Our Prayers, Our Presence, Our Gifts and by Our Service. Scriptures call us to celebrate with those
who celebrate and to grieve with those who grieve. We grow in connection with one another as we know the praises and concerns of the individual churches and respond in a manner of praise and/or prayer. Please feel free to share
your news that we may share especially the prayer concerns to the Common Cup Community.
Broccoli Cheese, Sausage Tortellini, Potato, Chili and a
Surprise Soup Each Week!
Starting at 11 am until 1:00 or until sold out
Cost: $4.00 and includes crackers and dessert
Give us a call to place your order
440-293-6290 Ext. 6
We Deliver!
Soup’s On!
At the Andover UMC Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays!
Fusion Youth Worship
All are welcome! January 29th
Join us
for Fusion at
Andover Christian Church
5:00 Youth Activities
6:00 Worship
December 4th - no meeting
December 11th - Movie night
December 18th - no meeting
December 24th - Live Nativity
@ 7:30 - 11:30
December 25th -
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
January 1st–
Happy New Year
Tweens 4th -6th Grade
Contact a Leader for more information or
to get involved with these events!
Youth Group: Pastor Jason Hockran
Tweens: Mark & Alicen Limestoll
Winter Unit 1: Stories of Christmas
December 4
Mary’s Story
Bible Verse:
A Child is Born to us Isaiah 9:6
December 11
Joseph’s Story
Anchor Point:
We Celebrate the birth of Jesus
December 18
Jesus’ Story
December 25
Shepherd’s Story
Join us as we
continue on our
Deep Blue
Adventure!
December 4th - 5:00 Youth Gathering
6:00 Confirmation
December 11th - Youth Gathering
December 18th - 5:00 Youth Gathering
6:00 Confirmation
December 24th - Live Nativity
December 24th - Midnight service
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Youth Group 7th -10th Grade
Nursery & Children’s Church
You can download the free Deep Blue Adventure app for Scripture jumble, trivia,
mini games and quests!
Have you heard Miss. Carol and the Bells play? Well the Children’s Bell Choir will play for the congregation on December 4th! It is open to any child that wishes to join us.
Andover UMC Food Pantry
Cleveland Food Bank
December January 16th 27th
SIMPLE STEPS - Doors will open for walking at
9 am and exercise will be from 9:30-10 am every Tues. and Thurs.
Ask Fran Martin for more details
United Methodist Men & Friends Breakfast & Mission Work
December 10th at Andover UMC Meet at 8 am
All are welcome to attend
Jesus Girls Meet Thursdays at 10:15 am,
Study on Revelation by Beth Moore at Andover UMC Library
Faith Circle December 8th 1 pm,
At the Parsonage (6019 Pymatuning Lake Rd.)
United Methodist Women News
Princess Ministries
With the help of the community and the Andover United Methodist Church, we are
trying to create the perfect formal experience for those with limited funds. If you have any dresses or accessories to donate, please
contact Michele Hockran, Sonia or Cassandra
Orahood. Find us on Facebook!
Dear Church family,
My heart is full of thanks for the many acts of kindness that you continue to bless me with! Recently the men’s group worked very hard on a Saturday morning to replace the decayed floor in my utility room. I am so grateful! (I can now go dance on the new floor !)
The people preparing and serving the Community Thanksgiving Dinner made sure that I received a delicious dinner as I am unable to attend. It was so very good!
And I am always grateful for the regular visits by members of my church that bring me such joy! Thank you for sharing Communion with me, for your prayers….and for the treats you always bring.
Each of you are such a blessing!
A friend in Christ, Bonnie McGann
January 10th at 6:30 pm If you are considering membership at Andover UMC, the first step is to attend Coffee with the
Pastors where you'll learn more about the church, get to know our pastors and staff and review
expectations regarding membership.
December January
9th 13th
Fighting hunger. Delivering Hope.
Open to all of those in need in the PV School district.
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Congregational Care Ministry
We are looking for additional persons to help with visitations to some in our church family. Can you commit an hour a week to make a visit and spread your joy to others? If so, please contact Carol Loveland (293-6753) to become a part of this important ministry!
Christmas greetings from the Foodbank and Pantry...please remember that kids will be home from school for a while at Christmas vacation. Please donate what ever you can spare to the pantry. Protein items, pasta, and veggies are always good donations. We thank you so much for your terrific support this year. Our area is blessed with very generous folks! Please remember our Pantry Partners. When you go to these places you can drop off food for the pantry: Andover Bank, Andover Library, Herbert's Pharmacy, and Hill's Country Store. Hill's has a new owner and they are very happy to help us out. May you have a blessed holiday. ~Sandy John for the Pantry Staff~
You are welcome to join us on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm for one of our classes:
Redemption of Scrooge (12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
American Sign Language (12/7, 12/14, 12/21 and 12/28)
UMW Christmas Gathering
Saturday, December 3rd at 10 am in the gathering space. Please bring a
non perishable food item or paper product for the food pantry and a small
Christmas ornament. All women of the church are invited to attend.
Contact the church office for more information 293-6290
Angel Tree Gift Tags are still available in the gathering area. Please share in being a blessing for someone this Christmas. Gifts are due back by Sunday, December 11th. If you have chosen to bring a gift for the Andover Retirement Center, those gifts are due back by December 7th.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Practices will he held during 9:30 service, participants and adult helpers are needed. Everyone is welcome to join
Performances:
Dec. 17th - 2 pm at the nursing home
Dec. 18th at the 9:30 service
Operation Christmas Child
Our Operation Christmas Child collection was very successful this year! We received 325 boxes, 79 of which were from the Andover U. Methodist Church. We also received boxes from Leon UMC, Cherry Valley UMC, Williamsfield UMC, and Richmond UMC. Many other churches and individuals gave to our collection site. Many children were involved in the making of the boxes. An Andover Amish church gave 95 boxes, what a blessing! Every boy or girl receiving a box will get to know about God's love for them. Many children and families have accepted Christ as their Savior as a result of receiving a shoe-box. Those who staffed the receiving room or helped otherwise were: Fran Martin, Alicen Limestoll, Cindy Harvel, Patty Dales, Nancy Sarascak, Joan and Harry Smock, Donna Adams, Janet Woodard, and Sandy John. More than 46 man hours went into the operation of our site. God bless all who created the boxes, manned the receiving site, and will receive the boxes. The boxes left Ohio on Monday morning, to begin their journey to some of the poorest children in the world. The goal of our Northeast Ohio Regional Center was 19,001 boxes. Almost 20,000 were collected. What a great way to start the Christmas holiday! Thank you to all!
Andover UMC - POST OFFICE
Save time & Postage this Christmas and use the Andover UMC
post office boxes to share a card with your church family. No
need to find address or lick stamps! Just put a name on the
envelope and place in the alphabetized boxes located in the
gathering space. Don’t’ Forget to check the boxes for your own
special deliveries
Salvation Army Bell Ringers! We still have times to fill for December 16th and 17th at Sparkle. The sign up sheet is in the gathering area. Please help to raise funds that will stay here, in Andover.
Parish Nurse Nook
December 2016 Christmas…..a time that we celebrate as many of our hearts are filled with warm memories and eager anticipation. For persons who have experienced the loss of a loved one, this can be a very difficult time. Often we may wonder what we can do or say that will bring comfort to a grieving friend but there are several things we can do for and with them. First, remember there isn’t a right thing to do or say that will make the pain go away. We need to be willing to simply be a continuing presence in his/her life. It can be a great comfort to the friend if we just sit quietly and are willing to listen. The pain of loss creates a deep and abiding loneliness; this is magnified when the grieving feel separated from others. Second, take your cues from the friend. If he/she needs to cry and experience sadness, we need to be with him/her without trying to “cheer him up.” If the friend needs reassurance of his worth, affirm his/her value. And when he or she needs to hear words of comfort, be ready to speak them. Third, remember the friend in our prayers and let him know that we are praying for him!
Reduce Stress at the Holidays During the Holiday Season it always seems the pace gets faster than usual and to place holiday preparation on top of an already busy schedule can cause a lot of stress. Add to this the fact that many of us are caretakers of children, aging parents, or spouses. What can you do to bring balance? Pray the familiar, but very wise Serenity Prayer several times throughout the day. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Stay physically healthy and fit by eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and exercising daily. Stay emotionally healthy by taking breaks, laughing, calling a friend and asking for help. Try saying “no” now and then to the many demands which cross your path. Reduce stress before it happens by going for a walk, listening to music, or taking some deep breaths. A smile is a wonderful thing to behold? So give somebody a gift---and an instant facelift. Don’t let “stress” steal the Joy of the Season from you!
NEWSLETTER UPDATE: All information for the newsletter should be emailed or provided to Pastor Jason
