Page 1 ST. PAUL’S UCC NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2019 103 South Second Street Marthasville, MO 63357 (636) 433-2482 [email protected]www.stpaulsuccmo.org A Loving Church, Making a Difference in the World Letter from the Pastor Advent is upon us once again, and I’m guessing that preparations have begun for most of us. It seems like there was no break from Thanksgiving to now (which, there really wasn’t). I know that our focus has rapidly shifted to the oncoming Christmas holiday. The hustle and bustle is upon us, (or will be soon), and I’m thinking that preparations are far under way. We do a lot during Christmas. There are preparations in our house, in the church, in our kitchens. It seems like most of the season is spent preparing for events and all the things that are coming up. I mean, there are parties to plan or attend, places to go, gatherings to schedule, presents to buy and pack, and more to be done. That leads us to the question, “What do we do to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ?” Do we do anything? Is there any time taken or preparation made for the coming of our King? We know that this is the time of Jesus’ birth, but we don’t take a lot of time, it seems, to really prepare ourselves for what is to come. I know personally, I don’t often do much within myself to prepare for Christmas. I get everything together and get the services ready and such, but I don’t really take a lot of time to prepare myself for the coming of Christ. Whether that’s taking the time to meditate or just thinking about what the season really means, I think we often miss the Christmas spirit…or the meaning of it. We often don’t think about what Christmas actually means. I really love the holidays, because I love getting to see my family and friends around. I love seeing people that I haven’t seen in a long time, and the feeling of togetherness is what really puts me in the holiday spirit. What I think I often miss is the gravity of Jesus coming to Earth for us. So, this season, let us prepare ourselves as well. Let’s stop to experience the gravity of what it means that God sent Jesus to Earth for us. It’s an incredible gift in this season of giving and receiving. Therefore, while we are preparing all the festivities, don’t forget to prepare yourself. See you in the pews, Pastor Jeff
December Extra Step –St. Paul’s Current Fund Money designated to the Current Fund will only be spent on the needs of St.
Paul’s UCC. No part of this fund is used for Missions or other Extra Steps.
CONTENTS Adult Choir................................................................. 7 Men’s Group .............................................................. 3
Adult Social Connection ............................................ 3 Mission Moments ................................................... 3,4 Advent ................................................................ 13,14 Nursery ...................................................................... 7 Altar Flowers ............................................................. 6 Odd Jobs at Church .................................................. 9 Annual Reports ......................................................... 3 Offering Envelopes .................................................... 4 Bible Study .............................................................. 13 One More Thing......................................................... 8 Birthdays, Anniversaries .......................................... 8 Outreach Committee ................................................. 9 Calendar of Events ................................................ 16 Parsonage Pledge Sheets ...................................... 17 Chili & Stew Lunch ................................................... 3 Parsonage Update .................................................... 5 Christian Education ................................................... 4 Poinsettias ............................................................... 13 Christmas Ornaments ............................................... 6 Prayer List ............................................................... 15 Church Finances ....................................................... 5 Puzzles ............................................................... 10,12 Church Membership .................................................. 6 Quilters ...................................................................... 3 Community Christmas ........................................ 13,14 Services of Worship ............................................... 7,8 Congregational Meeting ........................................... 9 Staff/Council Members .............................................. 2 Extra Step ................................................................ 2 Sunday Morning Fellowship ................................... 3,7 Homebound Church Members ............................... 15 Thank You ................................................................. 9 Inclement Weather .................................................... 4 Trivia ................................................................... 11,12 Letter from the Pastor .............................................. 1 Women’s Guild .......................................................... 3 Meals on Wheels .................................................... 15 Worship Leaders ....................................................... 7
St. Paul’s UCC Staff Pastor Jeff Mueller ................................................................................................................................................ Pastor Robbin DeVore ([email protected]) ................................................................................................. Secretary Sally Rohe .......................................................................................................................................................... Organist Sally & Tony Rohe ........................................................................................................................................ Custodians Debbie Garbs ........................................................................................................................................... Choir Director Amy Lange, Cathie Schoppenhorst, Gene Ahmann, Sandy Rohe, Cindy Buescher, John Ekstrom, Brenda Daniels, Isaiah DeVore........................................................... Projection Technicians Robbin DeVore ................................................................................................................................. Newsletter Editor
Church Council Wade Swartz .................................................................................................................................................... President Nick Lange ................................................................................. Vice President/Buildings & Grounds Committee Cindy Buescher ............................................................................................................................. Recording Secretary Karla Aholt ...................................................................................................................................... Financial Secretary Sandy Rohe ......................................................................................................................................................Treasurer Don Buescher ............................................................................................................................... Missions Committee Patty Thornton .......................................................................................................... Christian Education Committee Brenda Daniels .......................................................................................Membership Care Committee/Altar Guild John Ekstrom........................................................................ Pastoral Relations Committee/Historical Committee
Please return your donations with the Ornament attached by Sunday, Dec. 15th.
You may return the items wrapped or unwrapped.
2020 Offering Envelopes are in the lobby. Even if you don’t use offering
envelopes, you still have a number in our finan-cial system to have your offerings recorded.
Please pick up your envelopes today.
**************
In the event that worship, or other events must be cancelled, postponed, or the start time be delayed due to inclement weather, communication of such will be
relayed through postings on the following TV Stations:
A decision as to whether church services will be cancelled will be made by 8am on any given Sunday.
**Also, be advised that you should always use good judgment before taking unnecessary risks under any inclement weather conditions.**
NO Sunday School classes
December 29th.
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Church Finances
NOTE: The following information is from the General Fund only, and
in NO way is associated with the parsonage renovations.
On January 1, 2019, our beginning balance was $62,067.08. This year, overall, the church’s expenses have exceeded our income. In short, as of October 31st, our income has been $ 1 1 1,347.80; our expenses have totaled
NOTE: While we did receive a gain in October, we still have a deficit—income for October was $12,511.41; expenses were $11,445.86 (a gain of $1,065.55.)
Further, a deposit of $7,212.00 will be transferred (repaying the amount borrowed in March to start the parsonage fund). This will bring the ending
balance to $47,052.56, decreasing our deficit to $15,014.52 overall. The monthly financial reports are posted on the bulletin board outside the
church office for your review.
*Please DO NOT remove these reports from the bulletin board.*
Copies are available upon request.
Church Council
Parsonage Update A big THANK YOU to all who have made pledges/donations towards the
parsonage renovation fund!
From March thru November 17th, pledges/donations totaling
$27,070 have been made—
Of this amount, $22,350 has been received.
Please continue to consider this fund in your financial giving.
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Altar flowers:
Nov. 3: in loving memory of Jeff Bockover’s birthday (Nov. 1st), by Lynette Woolley. Nov. 10: in honor of November birthdays: Jim, Carrie, & Cindy, by Jim & Cindy Buescher. *Extra arrangement in memory of Lulu & Delvin Hasenjaeger’s wedding anniversary (Nov. 12th), 59 years ago, by Lulu Hasenjaeger.
Nov. 17: in loving memory of Cornelius & Hertha Berg, and Ken DeVore, whose wedding anniver- saries were Nov. 23rd, by Robbin DeVore. *Extra arrangement in honor of Tony & Sally Rohe’s 50th wedding anniversary (Nov. 22nd), by Sandy & Orville Rohe. Nov. 24: in memory of Arnold Rekate, by Karen Rekate. His family loves & misses him.
NOTE: Consider sponsoring the altar flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, a special date,
or just because…Sign-up sheets for altar flowers are in the lobby. The flowers are yours to take with you after the service of worship.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
**Anyone who is interested in joining St. Paul’s UCC should contact Pastor Jeff
or the church office.**
First in the series (2014)
Second in the series (2015)
Third in the series (2016)
Fourth in the series (2017)
Fifth in the series (2018)
St. Paul’s UCC Dated Christmas Ornaments $7.50 each
Nursery Mona Anderson Pat Shacklette Stacie Chapman Amber Mueller Mona Anderson
Fellowship Kay Buhr NEED VOLUNTEER NEED VOLUNTEER Karen D. & Phyllis S. Terri O. & Ann J.
Dec. 24th 7PM 11PM Ushers
Brenda D. (lead) Russell Kersten Marigene Kersten Maurice Mittler Diane Freese
Cindy B. (lead) Tony Rohe Curt Rohe Jacob DeVore Isaiah DeVore
Acolytes Candace Warner Jacob DeVore
Advent Candle
Russell Kersten Marigene Kersten
Curt Rohe Jacob DeVore
Reader Wade Swartz Curt Rohe
Greeters Russell Kersten Marigene Kersten
Tony Rohe Curt Rohe
Nursery
NOT AVAILABLE
NOT AVAILABLE
Worship
Attendance:
11-3-2019----84
11-10-2019----79
11-17-2019----64
11-24-2019----85
The Adult Choir Come join us in song! The choir will sing on
Sundays, December 1st and December 15th this
month. Regularly scheduled practice is Wednesday,
December 11th. Additional practices are TBD.
ALL ARE WELCOME!! Contact Debbie Garbs or Sally Rohe with
questions or inquiries.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Worship Leaders
Page 8
DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES OF BAPTISM
3rd: Kendall Lange 6th: Harvey & Tammy Siem (None this month) 5th: Katie Thornton 26th: Norbert & Patricia Shacklette 7th: Rachel Richardson 27th: Mike & Kelly Meyer 8th: Mike Schaller 9th: Sue Berg 12th: Janet Buescher 13th: Abbie Thornton 14th: Karen Sida 16th: Nell Glosemeyer 17th: Tyler Chapman 20th: Walean Bunge 24th: Harvey Cramer 28th: Edna Lee Kunze 3oth: Nicole Harrison
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES:
TUES., DECEMBER 24TH
7pm & 11pm
May the Spirit of the season be with you now
and in the coming year.
“One More Thing…A New Christmas Tradition”
Beginning December 1st, read one chapter of The Book of Luke in the Bible each evening.
There are 24 chapters. (And they are very short—only one or two pages.)
On Christmas Eve you will have read an entire account of Jesus’s Life and wake up
Christmas Morning knowing WHO and WHY we celebrate!
Page 9
Outreach Committee
St. Paul’s UCC is looking at forming an outreach committee to see if we can help meet the needs of those on our pray-
er list. We recognize the work of the Membership Care Committee, but
we are looking to see if there are other needs we can help meet. We are looking to form a committee but would like to have a meeting to discuss the idea with those who are interested, to shape a clearer vision and goal. If interested in attending the meeting, please sign up on the sheet in the lobby, and you will be contacted soon to determine a meeting date and time. Contact Pastor Jeff with questions or inquiries.
ANNUAL Congregational meeting:
Tentatively scheduled for
Sunday, JANUARY 19, 2020 —immediately following the service of worship—
Please plan to attend.
**In the event of inclement weather, the alternative meeting date
will be the following Sunday, January 26th.**
MANY THANKS to all for the numerous tasks that are
often “behind the scenes” and may seem to go unnoticed—
whether it is preparing meals for the sick, decorating,
filling the soda machine, teaching, serving on committees,
serving as worship leaders, taking care of our babies,
tending to needed work/jobs at church, quilting, donating items, etc.…These are all jobs
that many of you so faithfully tend to. Please know your dedication is appreciated.
We’d especially like to thank Wade Swartz, Nick Lange, and Brenda Daniels for their time served on the Church Council as their terms come to an end.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Page 10
Songs of Christmas
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 7.
8.
10. 11. 9.
13. 12.
14.
15. 16.
17.
18.
ACROSS:
1. “Sleep in ________ peace,
sleep in…”
3. “I heard the bells on
_________ day, their old
familiar carols play.”
4. “We wish you a merry
Christmas and a happy ___
____!” (two words)
5. “We three kings of ______
are bearing gifts we traverse
afar.”
6. “Oh, there’s no place like
____ for the holidays.”
8. “O come, all ye ________...”
11. “God rest ye merry _______,
let nothing you dismay.”
12. “While _________ watched
their flocks by night…”
15. “The cattle are lowing the
baby ______, but little Lord
Jesus no crying he makes.”
16. “O little town of __________
how still we see thee lie.”
17. “Angels from the ______ of
glory, wing your flight o’er
all the earth.”
18. “Come thou long-________
Jesus, born to set all people
free.”
DOWN:
1. “City sidewalks, busy
sidewalks, dressed in
_______ style.”
2. “Hark the herald angels sing,
glory to the _______ king.”
3. “Here we go a-________
among the leaves so green.”
4. “The first ____ the angels
did say...”
7. “It came upon a ________
clear, that glorious song of
old...”
9. “Oh, the _______ outside is
frightful, but the fire is so
delightful…”
10. “I’ll be home for Christmas,
if only in my ______.”
13. “Said the little ____ to the
shepherd boy: Do you hear
what I hear?”
14. “Let there be _____ on earth,
and let it begin with me.”
(Answers on page 15)
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*********kris kringle TRIVIA: ********* (Test your knowledge of how much you know about these Christmas classics.)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:
1. How many reindeer does Santa have? (Hint: Don’t forget the one with the shiny red nose.)
a. 8 b. 9 c. 10 d. 12
2. What was the name of the elf that felt like he didn’t belong?
a. Henry b. Hermie c. Harley d. Charlie
3. What did this misfit elf want to be?
a. a doctor b. lawyer c. a dentist d. a pharmacist
4. Which of Santa’s reindeer is Rudolph’s father?
a. Comet b, Prancer c. Blitzen d. Donner
5. Which of Santa’s reindeer was the “flying” coach?
a. Comet b, Prancer c. Blitzen d. Donner
6. What was the name of Rudolph’s buck buddy at the reindeer games?
a. Fireball b. Firecracker c. Crackerjack d. Sparky
7. What is the name of Rudolph’s doe friend that wanted him to walk her home?
a. Candice b. Sharice c. Clarice d. Francine
8. Where did Charlie-in-a-box, the bird that couldn’t fly, the train with square wheels, the gun that shoots
jelly, the elephant with polka dots, and the cowboy who rides an ostrich live?
a. The Land of Broken Toys b. The land of Misplaced Toys c. The Island of Misfit Toys
d. The Island of Unloved Toys
9. What is the snowman’s name that narrates the story of Rudolph?
a. Sonny b. Stan c. Frosty d. Sam
*********CHRISTMAS TRIVIA: ********* (Answers on pg. 15)
1. What does “Emmanuel” mean? (Matthew 1:23)
a. God with us b. He who is God c. Anointed One d. Son of God
2. Who visited Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus on the night He was born? (Luke 2:15-16)
a. Shepherds b. Shepherds, wise men, and those dwelling in Bethlehem c. Wise men d. Shepherds & wise men
3. The wise men traveled ____________________ to Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1)
a. Westward b. Northward c. Eastward d. Southward
4. How many wise men brought gifts to Jesus? (Matthew 2:1-2)
a. 3 b. None c. 2 d. The bible never really says
5. What was Jesus’ approximate age when the wise men presented Him with gifts? (Matthew 2:16)
a. 6 yrs. old b. 10 yrs. old c. 12 yrs. old d. Less than 2 yrs. old
6. Why did King Herod want to learn more about Jesus’ whereabouts? (Matthew 2:16)
a. He wanted Jesus to heal him b. He wanted to worship Jesus
c. He wanted to ask Jesus to be the heir to his throne d. He wanted to kill Jesus
7. How did the wise men find Jesus? (Matthew 2:9)
a. Directions from an angel b. They followed a star
c. They asked the shepherds where He was d. They asked the King
10. Who was the prospector that fell over the cliff trying to save Rudolph and his friends from the
Abominable Snow-Monster?
a. Yukon Cornelius b. Franciscan Felix c. Tuscan Sebastian d. Mountain George
Santa Claus is Coming to Town:
11. What is the name of the baby found on Burger Meister Meister Burger’s doorstep?
a. Christopher b. Claus c. Nicholas d. Christmas
12. How did the Burger Meister Meister Burger break his leg?
a. He stepped on a toy and fell down the steps. b. He slipped on some new-fallen snow
b. Someone tripped him d. He fell out of bed during a storm
13. What is Mrs. Claus’s first name?
a. Janice b. Tonta c. Jessica d. Teresa
14. What was the name of Kris Kringle’s friend, the penguin?
a. Tapper b. Tipper c. Chipper d. Topper
15. What gift did Kris Kringle give Winter Warlock that brought him to tears and made him start to melt?
a. a snowglobe b. a toy train c. a sled d. a yo-yo
16. How did Santa’s reindeer learn to fly?
a. a magic wand b. wishing on a star c. magic jingle bells d. magic feed corn
17. Name the town where it is illegal for children to have toys? (Hint: home of Burger Meister Meister Burger)
a. Christmastown b. Sternville c. Whoville d. Sombertown (Answers on pg. 15)
R S A R E R N L D E C E M B E R E C L T D O N K E Y F P I O N E U S A A O N V G A R T I S Q Y S W T T M O R S H E R T S W I N T E R Y H E H X O G S N A O L M S I D Q X G L Z R I L N O T R E E N V L L E I S E N R U S I E F A F O I M S O L E T H S Y A L K L A R R T M A N G E R R E H M P E C J R E A I I D N O N O A M T E N I O C A N C N H I L T C K R S N X Y G T R E P E E K N N I Z G I T B S Z H S C D T J N K I C V H R M E A N B B N E K K I R A I N O H C H N U M P E O T V L Z G C M R C R J T P D E T L W S B L V L A R C A E A Y S E Q S L F U M G E O N S T S C N P H I D I S A S K D F Q D L R L N O S W R R E B L L A N G E L S A V U T A E U I H W L W M A T M E U X T G P H D W O I C N E L B A T S J O S E P H X L O U K E B S A B W I S E M E N Y L I R H X C S E R B E R S J H I W Y R A M O C D J A C K F R O S T F I G L M S U I
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER Family of Toni Backs (Pastor Jeff’s aunt) who passed away 11/20; family of Alec Ingram, 14 yrs. old (Washington) who passed away; Amy Lange—foot surgery on 12/5; Don Sherman—fluid on the heart and lungs; Jodi Lange—recovering from surgery on 10/16; Ruth Rinne—recovering from a fall; Nova Lyn Hamilton (great granddaughter of Marge Jones)— recovering from pneumonia; Scott Hughes (Lisa Homeyer’s brother)—recovering from a second surgery on 10/4; Leroy Stegner, 95 (brother of Henry Stegner)—stroke, in a nursing home; Lynn Queathem (friend of the Shacklette’s)—Alzheimer’s and other issues; Brandon Julius (friend of Jacob DeVore)—20 yr.-old with pacemaker and defibrillator, needing heart transplant; Taylor Dallacosta (friend of Ann Jenkins)—infant born with cystic fibrosis; 4 month-old son of Maura Winkelman (friend of Gigi Mueller)—brain tumor; 4 yr.-old grandson of Joyce Marek (friend of Diana Garbs Charboneau)—brain tumor; Mark Jones—health issues; Betty Tameler (Brenda Roloff’s mother)—health issues; Leonard Lutz—health issues.
Those Battling Cancer: Ted Lepper, Emma Todd, Holly Schneider, Isaac Mercer, Bobby Walker, Kenny Engemann, Tom Smith, Caden Leesmann, Kristi Warneke, Ralph Roloff, Michelle Mueller, James Weatherly, Eric Moritz, Donnie Kopmann, Jim Grafrath, Ron Palitzsch, Leonard Lutz.
Those serving in the Military: Luke Bronstrup, Kolton Harrison, Caleb & Sarah Murphy, & others seeking to faithfully serve God & Country!
Please remember those who are not always able to worship with us at
St. Paul’s UCC. Remember them in prayer, with a visit, card, or phone call.
Helene Krampe
Grandview Health Care Center
201 Grand Avenue, Room 301
Washington, MO 63090
—Meals on Wheels— If anyone needs or knows of anyone who needs home-delivered meals from the Warren County Senior Center, please contact the center at 636-456-3379. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals. _________________________________________________________________________________________
Have a very Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS ANSWERS: 1. a. God with us (from pg. 11)
