Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers in Christ called to be servants, who worship God, love others, and reach out to the community and the world. From the Study By Bob Machovec, Pastor Advent 2014 Not long ago I was standing in line at the bank. The conversaon in line was a mixture of wondering if the Browns or Cavs were for real, to the Cleveland weather. There were even those expressing their impaence at having to wait (can you imagine?!)! Among those waing were a mother and her young child, who apparently had far more important things to do than wait in line at the bank with mom. The child was tugging at Mom’s coat sleeve saying, “Come on Mom, do we really have to wait?!!” Waing is difficult for many of us. We become impaent and wonder like that child, “Do we REALLY have to wait?” We are now in that awkward season in these weeks leading up to Christmas. In the church year, it is the season of Advent. It is awkward because it is a season of waing. So the queson becomes, ”How is it that we are to wait?” One way to wait is to look with a blank stare as if one does not know what to expect. Uncertain of what is to come, we wait with a hollow stare looking out, but not really focusing on anything. Others wait with eager ancipaon, keeping our aenon on what is to come. Knowing how to wait and where to look for Christ’s coming is the key to advent waing. People look in a variety of places for Christ’s coming. Some will discover His presence in the quiet visit of an old friend. Others may hear in a new way the promise of His coming in the scriptures. Perhaps like no other season, we focus our aenon on the sights and sounds of His coming. Join us in this glorious season as we look, with ancipaon, to the giſt that comes to all at Christmas! See you in church. GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2014 “Knowing how to wait and where to look for Christ’s coming is the key to advent waiting.”
Transcript
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers in Christ called to be servants, who worship God, love others, and reach out to the community and the world.
From the Study By Bob Machovec, Pastor
Advent 2014
Not long ago I was standing in line at the bank.
The conversation in line was a mixture of
wondering if the Browns or Cavs were for real, to
the Cleveland weather. There were even those
expressing their impatience at having to wait (can
you imagine?!)! Among those waiting were a
mother and her young
child, who apparently had
far more important things
to do than wait in line at
the bank with mom. The
child was tugging at
Mom’s coat sleeve saying,
“Come on Mom, do we
really have to wait?!!” Waiting is difficult for many
of us. We become impatient and wonder like that
child, “Do we REALLY have to wait?”
We are now in that awkward season in these
weeks leading up to Christmas. In the church year,
it is the season of Advent. It is awkward because it
is a season of waiting. So the question becomes,
”How is it that we are to wait?”
One way to wait is to look with a blank stare as if
one does not know what to expect. Uncertain of
what is to come, we wait with a hollow stare
looking out, but not really focusing on anything.
Others wait with eager anticipation, keeping our
attention on what is to come.
Knowing how to wait and
where to look for Christ’s
coming is the key to advent
waiting. People look in a
variety of places for Christ’s
coming. Some will discover
His presence in the quiet visit
of an old friend. Others may hear in a new way
the promise of His coming in the scriptures.
Perhaps like no other season, we focus our
attention on the sights and sounds of His coming.
Join us in this glorious season as we look, with
anticipation, to the gift that comes to all at
Christmas!
See you in church.
G O O D S H E P H E R D U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
“Knowing how to wait and
where to look for Christ’s coming
is the key to advent waiting.”
Take Time During This Advent Season Be reminded of what this season is all about by reading the biblical promise of the prophets Old Testament
Luke 2: 1-20 Luke 1: 26-38 Luke 1: 47-55 Matthew 1: 18– 2: 23
Post your favorite scripture reading to our Facebook page or send it to the church office to be displayed on our Welcome Display in the Forestwood Avenue entrance lobby. It doesn’t have to be one of the scriptures listed above; it just has to be one that reminds you of what the gift of Jesus means to you.
Worship Services EVERY SUNDAY
Traditional Service 9:15 AM
Praise Service 11:25 AM
Sunday School for all ages 10:30 AM
Special Worship Services
Christmas Cantata December 7, 2014 9:15 am *There will be only one worship service on December 7. Christmas Eve December 24, 2014
Candlelight Service with the SonRise Praise Team 7:30 PM
Traditional Candlelight Service 10:00 PM
Bible Studies
Attend one of our weekly Bible Studies! Mondays For Men Every Monday (Excluding Holidays) 6:30—8:00 pm Location: Stage Room Pastor’s Bible Study Every Thursday 10:00 AM Location: Library *Not meeting on December 25, 2014 or January 1, 2015.
Christmas Giving Sharing the Gift of Christ with Others
Throughout November, Good Shepherd has had various opportunities for people to share the gift of Christ with other. The Youth Group collected items for USO to be sent to our US troops, the United Methodist Women collected items for West Side Community House and Ohio Guidestone. For this month we have an opportunity below working with the Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland. Read below for more information about this opportunity.
Angel Tree Working with the Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland, we have adopted two families to support this Christmas. You will be able to select and angel, on that angel will be a brief description of the person and desired gift (e.g., “boy, age 9, winter coat, size S, game). You will be asked to purchase the items identified, wrap the gift, with the angel you have selected used as a gift tag, and return the wrapped gift to the church by Sunday Dec. 21. We will then be sure to have the gifts delivered to each family in time for Christmas. Be an angel and help this Christmas!
GSUMC’s Latest News
Christmas Eve Luminaries Every year during the evening of Christmas Eve, Good Shepherd has luminaries that are placed around the building perimeter as a welcoming light of Christ to the neighborhood. Donations of used gallon-sized milk jugs are in need and can be dropped off in the hallway of the church office located on the main floor. Before bringing your milk jug(s) please follow these directions: Fill the jug with hot water then let it sit for one minute. Remove the labels while the jug is filled with the hot water., then empty the jug. One-hundred ten milk jugs need to be collected by Thursday, December 11, 2014. Thank you ahead of time for your help making these luminaries possible.
Changes to The Shepherd As you may have noticed, prayer concerns and address updates are not being printed in the monthly newsletter anymore. This is due to privacy concerns. Prayer concerns will be printed in the weekly bulletins which are available on Sundays. Address updates can be obtained from the church office. Thank you for understanding. Please let us know what you think of our newsletter. Submit your reviews to the church office by phone, mail, or email.
Poinsettia Plant Order Deadline The order deadline is Friday, December 5, 2014. Please submit your order enclosed with payment to the church office. Order forms are accepted by mail and by drop-off. Contact the church office with questions regarding your order. Drop-off times: M—TH 9:00 AM—2:00 PM
Church Office Closings During the Holiday Season Christmas Day, December 25, 2014 New Year’s Day, January 1, 2015 Regular office hours may vary on the following dates: December 24, 2014, December 26, 2014, and December 31, 2014,. Please call the church office on those dates for the hours the office will be available.
Youth News On November 7th, the 24 teens held their annual lock in at the church! The night was spent playing sardines & manhunt, planning and participating in a powerful midnight worship service, challenging each other to Minute-to-Win-It games, dodge ball, a movie, eating, and a couple hours of sleep! Thank you to the 12 volunteers who chaperoned, refereed, and brought us food; you helped make this a great night!
Lock In Volunteers: Barb Kindel, Alan Garrett, Lindsey Garrett, Julie Weigand, Victoria Whited, Ken & Cathy Neczypor, Diana Andrews, Elizabeth Whited, Kevin Self, Penny Fullerman, and Mario Asturi. Serving Others Throughout November and early December the teens collected items for USO to be sent in care packages to the US troops. It is important to remember those who cannot be home with family this holiday season.
The teens served the church on November 16th during the Consecration Sunday breakfast. They worked hard setting up, serving food, and cleaning up afterwards! Looking Ahead The Youth Retreat will be held January 23 through the 24. Watch the Youth Newsletter for details. To sign up for the Youth Newsletter, contact Jennifer, Youth Director.
Sunday School starts in the Youth Room at 10:30 am.
Save the Date! Youth Retreat January 23-24, 2015
Sunday School Room Assignments
Grades 7—8
Junior High Room
Grades 9—12 Youth Room
All grades initially meet
in the Youth Room.
Outreach
The Good Shepherd Endowment Fund
By Rea Cantwell, Endowment Committee Chairperson
The Good Shepherd Endowment Fund was established in 1997 and offers us the opportunity to share our faith with the future. The fund serves as the means by which those who hold Good Shepherd dear may give financial gifts to be invested to support our church in the future. Only the interest earned by the fund is spent each year to support the various ministries of Good Shepherd. Your actual gift, called the “principal,” is never spent. That’s why we can honestly say that a gift to our Endowment Fund is the “gift that keeps on giving.” The Endowment Fund is meant for the future. It will strengthen opportunities for ministry and mission that God will give to those who come after us. Over the last several years, Endowment Fund interest has been used for these purchases:
Modern technology for the Youth Room
A pager system for the Nursery Television displays that
advertise coming events Cribs that meet current safety
standards in the Nursery Updated membership software
for the church office New electric roasters for the
kitchen Pastor’s Discretionary Fund Written materials to support
Small Group programs Publicity and materials for the
Christmas outreach program As you can see from this partial list, endowment interest is spent for things that are above and beyond what our regular budget could provide. The funds can never be spent for salaries, utilities, or shared ministries apportionments. It remains part of an overall stewardship strategy that demonstrates both faithfulness to the everyday needs of the church, and confident hope in what God will do for future generations.
The Schiering Family Memorial Endowment Fund By Rea Cantwell, ECC
In 2012 a new and separate endowment fund was established to honor the memory and legacy of the Schiering family.
As many of you know, Rev. Harry Schiering served the church as senior pastor for more than 30 years, retiring in 1957. His family remained active here for many years following his death.
When his daughter-in-law, Eunice, passed away, the remaining family established the endowment to support our missions program, a cause which was very dear to Eunice.
In 2013 and 2014 fund interest from the Schiering Endowment was used to defray the cost of the youth mission trips.
For more information about either the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund or the Schiering Family Endowment, please contact Rea Cantwell.
Help Your Community United Methodist Women There are multiple ways to make a difference in our community with the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.
Save and turn in:
Acme Fresh Market receipts
Certain items purchased from Acme receive a rebate which will support the UMW’s charitable work.
Campbell soup labels for Ohio Guidestone
*The entire label needs to be removed from the can in order to qualify. Ohio Guidestone serves children and families on the full range of community-based services in-cluding mental health services, foster and residential care.
Cancelled Postage Stamps for Church Women United
*Only Excluding Forever Stamps with American Flags. Church Women United is a group of west-side churches that support multiple agencies in the ar-ea such as the Parma Heights Hunger Center.
Used Glasses
Glasses will donated to various organizations that give new life to old glasses for those in need.
Boxes for these items will be located in the hallway of the Church office which is located on the main floor of the building. Please contact Betty Mead or Pat Bridle with any questions.
Betty Mead - (440) 888-7735 Pat Bridle - (440) 843-6047
Sunday, December 14, 2014 Second Sunday for Seniors 12:30 PM Topic: In-Home Service for the Aging The next session will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 12:30 pm in the Stage Room covering the topic of “In-Home Services for the Aging.” Each month through April there will be a new presenter who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in their area. The goal of this program is to help seniors gather information and form their own care team. Reservations are not required, but suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the church office at (440) 884-9090. Fliers are available at the Forestwood entrance or by request from the church office.
Sunday, December 14, 2014 Youth Christmas Party 10:30 AM More information to come in the Youth Newsletter
Save the Date
January 11, 2015
Second Sundays for Seniors
Topic: Assisted Living Options
12:30 PM
Sunday, December 7, 2014 Christmas Cantata 9:15 AM The Choir from the traditional service and SonRise Praise Team from the contemporary service will perform the Christmas Cantata at 9:15 am in the Sanctuary. There will only be one service on December 7, 2014 which will be the cantata. Join us for this beautiful service!
Friday, December 12, 2014 Friendship Class Christmas Party 7:00 PM The adult Friendship Class is pleased to announce that plans have been finalized for their annual Christmas dinner and party. The class will be going to dinner and then coming back to the church for our program and dessert. All members and friends of the church are cordially invited to join us for a fun-filled and inspiring evening. Admission is free!
Friday, December 12 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary of Good Shepherd Entertainment by Angela Kovacs, our church organist, and company
The group will perform a wide variety of musical selections that are sure to please listeners of all ages. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS PERFORMANCE!! Dessert will follow the performance in Fellowship Hall. So please join us on December 12. No reservation necessary.
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Thank You
Thank you to everyone who participated in the UNICEF change collection. The children collected $129.48.
I would like to thank the following office volunteers for their continued assistance with time-consuming tasks in the church office. Your hard work is very appreciated. Bob and Marcia Schroeder who do insert the Welcome Cards and various inserts into the Sunday bulletins. Norma Dew and Irene Simpson who put together large office mailings, monthly newsletters for mailing, the yearly offering envelope boxes. I would also like to thank Arlene Anderson who has recently taken on the task of proofreading the bulletins and newsletters. I am very grateful for all the time you all dedicate to make the office run smoothly. Blessings!
Thank you to the 12 volunteers who chaperoned, refereed, and brought us food; you helped make this a great night! Barb Kindel Alan Garrett Lindsey Garrett Julie Weigand Victoria Whited Ken & Cathy Neczypor Diana Andrews Elizabeth Whited Kevin Self Penny Fullerman Mario Asturi
Dear Good Shepherd, Thank you for your support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Through your gift, you are helping to provide assistance for survivors of human trafficking, funding for health and development projects that alleviate hunger and poverty, holistic community-based health programs, and access to clean water and sanitation. This is a just a sampling of the good works that gifts like yours make possible. Thank you for giving so generously. Grace and Peace.
Diana Andrews Christian Education Director GSUMC
Julie Weigand Administrative Assistant
GSUMC
Jennifer Sefl Youth Director
GSUMC
Roland Fernandes General Treasurer
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Thank you to Diane Smith, Jennifer Sefl, and the youth who helped this year’s brunch run seamlessly. You were a blessing!
