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ST. PAUL’S UCC NEWSLETTER

December 2016

103 South Second Street

Marthasville, MO 63357

(636) 433-2482

office@stpaulsuccmo.org

www.stpaulsuccmo.org

A Loving Church, Making a Difference in the World

Letter from the Pastor

Well, the Season of Advent is upon us. It almost seems fitting that I start my time with you here at the

same time the church starts its new year. I’m truly looking forward to working with all of you and becoming

part of your church family. I know there is work to be done, but I also know that we’ll all be working

together to accomplish those goals. I have thought a lot about this day, and how it is kind of a trial by fire for

a Pastor. Christmas, as we all know, is the busy season in church. All the decorations go up, the trees get

their ornaments, special benevolences are started, the baking starts in earnest (of which I’m happy to sample

anyone’s who’d like an opinion) and the rush of the season sets in.

It’s no different for a pastor. Sermons are prepped, Christmas services planned, volunteers organized,

and we hype ourselves up for the holiday rush that starts at Thanksgiving and then goes through the New

Year. And while we all pray that our messages reach people and that the true meaning of Christmas is

brought to the forefront, we realize to some extent the same message is being preached all over by many

different pastors. I know I always try to come up with some unique way to attack the scripture and normally

have some sort of big project going to try and make each Christmas a little different. If I’m not careful,

things can start to pile up.

However, one thing that we can find hard to come by in this season is the ability to step back and take

a breath—to allow ourselves some time to just be, to enjoy the spirit of the season and to find peace on Earth,

or even just a little peace for ourselves. So, this season I challenge us all to take a step back, to find that space

to be able to let ourselves just be, even if just for a moment. I know how overwhelming everything can

become, and how the hustle can set in until it’s Dec. 26th, and we’re wondering what happened to the season.

But this season, let’s try to find some time just to sit and reflect on not only the birth of our savior,

but also on how much God loves each one of us. We are so loved that God sent his only son to save us, to

offer us hope, and to welcome all of us in as children of the risen God. We’re told that we are worthy. I think

that if we take time to reflect on what that means for us, we can gain some powerful connections with God.

Not only this, but in being diligent in our selfcare, we can more fully enjoy the holiday season.

So, allow yourself sometime this month. Maybe it’s a few extra minutes to say a quick prayer. Maybe

it’s some time at the beginning or end of your day to meditate and think about all that God has done for you.

Maybe it’s helping the person who is in need this Christmas. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s trying to bring God’s

love into that place that we may not wish to go.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us. As we begin our journey, let us remember that even

though we may be on different paths, the destination is the same. And all of this is brought to us by a tiny

baby born in a manger.

See you in the pews,

-Pastor Jeff

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December Extra Step – Veterans of the Cross Christmas Fund—

“We Have Come to Bear the Light of Christ.” For 112 years, the

Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund—

one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ—

have been a way in which we, as members of the United Church of Christ

and the predecessor denominations from which our denomination was

born, share the light and love of Jesus Christ to those who have so

faithfully and selflessly served, and who now find themselves facing

unforeseen financial crises.

CONTENTS

Adult Choir .......................................................... 5 Nursery ............................................................... 7 Adult Social Connection....................................... 3 Offering Envelopes ............................................. 3 Altar Flowers ....................................................... 4 Poinsettias .......................................................... 4 Annual Reports .................................................... 3 Prayer List ........................................................ 10 Birthdays, Anniversaries ...................................... 9 Pregnancy Assistance Center ............................. 3 Calendar of Events ............................................ 11 Puzzle ..............................................................7,9 Christmas Ornaments .......................................... 8 Quilters ............................................................... 3 Christmas Program ........................................... 4,8 Services of Worship ............................................ 5 Church Membership ............................................ 4 Staff/Council Members ....................................... 2 Extra Step............................................................ 2 Sunday Morning Fellowship ................................ 3 Helping Hands Ministry ........................................ 3 Thank You ........................................................6,7

Homebound Church Members ........................... 10 Trivia ................................................................7,8 Inclement Weather .............................................. 6 Women’s Guild ................................................... 3 Letter from the Pastor .......................................... 1 Worship Leaders ................................................ 5 Lunch Ministry ..................................................... 7 Youth Fellowship .............................................. 10 Meals on Wheels ............................................... 10

St. Paul’s UCC Staff Pastor Jeff Mueller ........................................................................................................................................... Pastor Susan Miesner (susan@stpaulsuccmo.org) ............................................................................................. Secretary Sally Rohe ..................................................................................................................................................... Organist Sally & Tony Rohe ................................................................................................................................... Custodians Alan Scholz ............................................................................................................. Volunteer Grounds Attendant Debbie Garbs ................................................................................................................... Volunteer Choir Director ...................................................................................................................... Volunteer Youth Fellowship Director Amy Lange, Cathie Schoppenhorst, John Ekstrom, Brenda Daniels, Isaiah DeVore ....................................................................... Volunteer Projection Technicians Robbin DeVore ......................................................................................................... Volunteer Newsletter Editor

Church Council Wade Swartz ............................................................................................................................................... President Kay Buhr ...................................................................................... Vice President/Membership Care Committee Robbin DeVore ........................................................................................................................ Recording Secretary Gene Ahmann ............................................................................................................................ Financial Secretary Rachel Richardson ......................................................................................................................................Treasurer Harvey Cramer ....................................................................................................................... Missions Committee Terri Ogle .............................................................................................................. Christian Education Committee Nick Rohe .......................................................................................................... Buildings & Grounds Committee Bob Barron ............................................................................................................... Pastoral Relations Committee

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Sign-up sheet is in the lobby.

Thank you in advance

for your participation.

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Women’s Guild Wed., Dec. 7th

11:30am Lunch at Hawthorn Inn

Labadie, MO To carpool, meet at church

by 10:45am.

Adult Social Connection

Will break in december, But Meet on Jan. 13, 2017 at

6:30pm for “Game Night.”

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******************

**********

MISSION MOMENT Gifts for Pregnancy Assistance Center

recipients are requested. A tree in the lobby

holds gifts tags with suggested items.

When purchasing a gift,

attach the tag to the gift and

return it no later than

Sunday, December 11th.

2017 Offering Envelopes

are in the lobby. Even if you do not use offering envelopes, you still have a number

in our financial system to have your offerings recorded. Please pick up your

envelopes today.

Annual Reports are needed from

all church committees/organizations.

Please email them to Robbin DeVore at Robbins2rom@yahoo.com

or see that she gets them ASAP to be

included in the annual report.

Quilters meet on

Mondays.

So, invite your quilting friends to stitch

at St. Paul’s! ALL ARE WELCOME! Contact Audrey Meyer at 433-2210 with

questions or inquiries.

HELPING HANDS MINISTRY The Missions Committee

is looking for someone to lead

this ministry. See Harvey Cramer

with questions or inquiries.

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Altar flowers:

November 6: by the congregation to the glory of God. November 13: by the congregation to the glory of God.

*Extra arrangement is in honor of the marriage yesterday of Janna Thornton & Michael Chambers and in memory of Delvin & Lulu Hasenjaeger’s marriage 56 years ago, also on Nov. 12th, by Lulu Hasenjaeger.*

November 20: in memory of Cornelius & Hertha Berg and Kenneth DeVore, whose wedding anniversaries were on Nov. 23rd, by their families.

*Extra arrangement is in honor of Tony & Sally Rohe’s 47th wedding anniversary on Nov. 22nd.* November 27: in memory of Harold Lange who passed away on Nov. 29, 1970, by his family.

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.**

Sunday School Christmas program practice

Saturday, December 17, 2016 10:00AM

Adult Choir will join participants at 10:30am.

Students should make every effort to attend.

Purchase a poinsettia to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas

in honor or in memory of someone. Sign-up sheets are

in the lobby, along with payment instructions.

You may take your poinsettia home after Christmas.

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Services of Worship

9:30am

Pastor Jeff Mueller, Resident Pastor

December 4th 11th 18th 25th

Ushers

Wade Swartz (lead) Patty Thornton Phyllis Sontag Jim Buescher Cindy Buescher

Harvey Cramer (lead) Ken Painter Maurice Mittler Karla Aholt Ann Jenkins

Gene Ahmann (lead) Russell Kersten Marigene Kersten John Presser Nancy Presser

Robbin DeVore (lead) Tony Rohe Curt Rohe Jacob DeVore Diane Freese

Acolytes Elise Thierbach Addie Engelage Tristan Zeh Isaiah DeVore

Readers Marge Jones Karla Aholt Curt Rohe Jacob DeVore

Greeters Brenda Roloff Marge Jones

Ken Painter Maurice Mittler

Russell Kersten John & Nancy Presser

Tony Rohe Curt Rohe

Nursery NEED VOLUNTEER Pat Shacklette Stacie Chapman NEED VOLUNTEER

Fellowship Brenda D./ Walean B. Kay Buhr & Walean B. Karen D. & Phyllis S. ___________________

Worship

Attendance:

10-30-2016-----71

11-6-2016-----71

11-13-2016-----62

11-20-2016-----103

11-27-2016-----103

The Adult Choir Come join us in song! The choir will sing on

Sunday, December 18th (9:30am service of

worship) and Saturday, December 24th

(Christmas Eve at 7pm) this month. Dates of

practices are as follows:

Sun., Dec. 11th following service of worship,

Thurs., Dec. 15th at 7pm,

Sat., Dec. 17th at 10:30am (with children),

Sun., Dec. 18th following service of worship,

and Thurs., Dec. 22nd at 7pm.

ALL ARE WELCOME!! Contact Debbie Garbs or Sally Rohe with

questions or inquiries.

Christmas eve Communion Service: sat., december 24th

7pm

Christmas Morning Sun., December 25th:

9:30am

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With Deepest Gratitude

Dear Congregation,

Thank you for the wonderful send-off you gave me on Sunday, November 20th. I feel like I was literally showered with blessings. I thank you all for the many cards, kind words, and special gifts. They meant a lot to me. Thank you also for the many ways you supported me, cared for my family and me, and welcomed me into your homes and lives. I felt like you adopted me as a part of your faith family and as a part of the great community of Marthasville.

I know this may be hard to believe, but I am going to miss my drive out to Marthasville. I always felt like I was heading toward a little slice of heaven. I hope you know you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you again.

Much Love and Many Blessings,

Pastor Donna

***NOTICE*** Cancelling Worship / Church Activities

due to inclement weather:

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:

Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 5, Channel 11, Channel 30

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.**

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*********CHRISTMAS TRIVIA QUESTIONs: *********

(Answers on pg. 8)

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. What was the shepherds’ initial reaction to the angel who visited them? (Luke 2:9)

a. They were angry b. They were afraid c. They were excited d. They were upset

3. 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

4. The wise men traveled ____________________ to Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1)

a. Westward b. Northward c. Eastward d. Southward

5. How many wise men brought gifts to Jesus? (Matthew 2:1-2)

b. 3 b. None c. 2 d. The bible never really says

6. What was Jesus’ approximate age when the wise men presented Him with gifts? (Matthew 2:16)

b. 6 yrs. Old b. 10 yrs. Old c. 12 yrs. old d. less than 2 yrs. old

7. Who diligently asked the wise men about baby Jesus? (Matthew 2:7)

a. King David b. King Elias c. King Herod d. King Pilate

8. Why did 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

9. 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

Christian Education would

like to thank Marge Jones for

the curtains for the pre-school

classroom.

Nursery Attendant is needed for the

1st Sunday of

each month. Contact

Pat Shacklette or Terri Ogle to help.

start

finish

Immanuels UCC at Holstein is looking for volunteers to help with their

lunch ministry, which is held on the second Thursday of each month. If there are

not enough volunteers, it will be discontinued at the end of the year.

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Dated Christmas Ornament Series

The first in the series of picture frame ornaments (2014) is still available for $7.50 each and make excellent keepsakes for family and friends. Get yours while supplies last!

The second in the series of picture frame ornaments (2015) is also available for $8.00 each. Don’t miss your chance to collect the entire series!

The third in the series of picture frame ornaments (2016) is now available for $7.00 each. A new dated ornament will be available each year.

**To purchase any of these ornaments, see Robbin DeVore in the fellowship hall

following the service of worship.**

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The season of Advent begins on Nov. 27th. This

year’s Christmas program will be in 4 segments,

one on each of the Sundays in Advent during the

service of worship. Please join us in celebrating

this season of light as we travel together the

“Road to Bethlehem.”

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ANSWERs TO

TRIVIA QUESTIONS: (From pg. 7)

1. a. God with us

2. b. They were afraid

3. a. Shepherds

4. a. Westward

5. d. The bible never really says

6. d. Less than 2 yrs. old

7. c. King Herod

8. d. He wanted to kill Jesus

9. b. They followed a star

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DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES OF BAPTISM

3rd: Kendall Lange 6th: Harvey & Tammy Siem 6th: Cheyenne Murrell 5th: Katie Thornton 26th: Norbert & Patricia Shacklette Cierra Murrell 7th: Rachel Richardson 27th: Mike & Kelly Meyer 12th: Caylynn Murrell 8th: Mike Schaller 9th: Sue Berg Jonathan E. Zeh 12th: Janet Buescher 13th: Abbie Thornton Amanda Longsdon 14th: Karen Sida 15th: Laurie Witte Christina Shacklette 16th: Nell Glosemeyer 20th: Walean Bunge 22nd: Deanna Ahmann 24th: Harvey Cramer 26th: Michael Niemeyer 28th: Edna Lee Kunze 30th: Nicole Meyer Braxton Blackwell

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

DECEMBER WORD SEARCH

May the Spirit of the season be with you

now and in the

coming year.

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PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER Family of Michael Thornton, who passed away; Robbin DeVore—health issues; Mark Jones—cancer is in remission, but fighting other health issues; Tim Harster (Audrey Meyer’s son-in-law)—leg surgery on 11/29; Joyce Osterwald—home, still recovering from severe car accident injuries; Laurie Osthoff Jackson—brain surgery; Eric Moritz (cousin to the Rohes)—very ill with cancer; Michelle Mueller (friend of Cindy Buescher)—severe heart issues, her newborn baby in ICU; one-year-old grandson of Joyce Marek (friend of Debbie Garbs)—massive brain tumor; Cal & Betty Tameler (Brenda Roloff’s parents)—health issues; Leonard Lutz—health issues; Vance Ross (Karen Sida’s brother)—health issues; Eldon & Sue Green—health issues; Angela Gray—health issues; Gail DeVore Morris—health issues; Eleanor Lutz—health issues, heart.

Those Battling Cancer: Eric Moritz, Scott Auby, Melanie Jenkins, Darryl Bockting, Donnie Kopmann, Kathy Frick, Layton Rehmeier, Dera Rehmeier, Rick Rehmeier, Jim Grafrath, Ron Palitzsch, Leonard Lutz, Dale Krampe, Tim Palitzsch, Gene Bollinger.

Those serving in the Military: Devon Martin, Caleb & Sarah Murphy, & others seeking to faithfully serve God & Country!

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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 a phone call:

Sue Green Rev. Dale & Helene Krampe Vera Mittler The Arbors at Victorian Manor Homestead at Hickory View NHC Healthcare Please send all correspondence to: 1481 Marbach Dr., Apt. 225 35 Sugar Maple Ln.

105 Rottman Drive Washington, MO 63090 St. Charles, MO 63303 Marthasville, MO 63357 314-974-3784

Vada Hinnah Eleanor Lutz Norma Sutter The Arbors at South Pointe 20555 Cedar Ct. (address unknown) 5129 Old Hwy. 100, Room 10 Warrenton, MO 63383 Washington, MO 63090 636-456-8105

________________________________________________________________________________

—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. ________________________________________________________________________________

St. Paul’s UCC is looking for a

Youth Fellowship Director, or a number of individuals who would fill this position in a tag-team manner. If you are interested, please

contact a council member.

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St. Paul’s UCC Church Calendar—December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4

Bring A Meal Sunday 9:30am Worship w/ Holy Communion 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

2nd Sunday of Advent

5 10-4:30pm Quilters

6 7pm Church Council

7

Women’s Guild Luncheon

(Meet at 10:45am)

8 9

NO Adult Social Connection THIS MONTH

10

11

9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

3rd Sunday of Advent 10:30am Adult Choir Practice

12 10-4:30pm Quilters

13 7-8pm Food Pantry @ CBC

14 15 7pm Adult Choir Practice

16 17

10am Program Practice

10:30am Adult Choir Practice w/ children

11am-Noon Food Pantry @ CBC

18

9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

4th Sunday of Advent 10:30am Adult Choir Practice

19 10-4:30pm Quilters

20 21 22 7pm Adult Choir Practice

23 24

7pm

Christmas Eve

Candlelight

Service

w/ Communion

25

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

9:30am Worship

26 NO QUILTING

TODAY

27 28 29 30 31

“…where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2 NKJV)

Hang your stockings

and say your prayers…

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