Tower Topics HIGH STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OUR MISSION To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We live our mission through: Worshiping God, Connecting with God and others, and Serving God INSIDE TOWER TOPICS______ December 2019 WORSHIP Pastor’s Thoughts Page 2 Worship Schedule Page 3 Intergenerational Advent Prog. Page 3 CONNECT Thursday Luncheons Page 4 December Wisdom People Page 4 Masterworks Page 4 Family Ministries Page 4 Travelers Schedule Page 5 SERVE Samaritan Fund Page 6 Food Pantry 2019 Page 8 Sock Collection Page 6 Angel Tree Page 6 Caroling Page 6 Salvation Army Ringers Page 6 Food Pantry 2019 Page 8 GENERAL Poinsettia Donations Page 7 UMW Info. Page 8 Tower Topics Deadline Page 9 Library Corner Page 9 8:30 Traditional Service 9:45 Informal Service 11:00 Contemporary Service Broadcast of Traditional Service at 11:00 AM on WXFM1340AM /102.9FM 219 S. High Street, Muncie IN 47305 7 65-747-8500 Fax: 765-741-5282 Email: [email protected]Website: www.munciehighstreet.com Merry Christmas!
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Tower Topics HIGH STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OUR MISSION To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
December—a time to worship! Worship is central to the church’s practice and understanding of who it is. We worship for many reasons:
To praise and give thanks to God.
To join together as the body of Christ in song and the Word.
To remember God’s promises, and
To receive God’s promise of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The reasons we worship have a very clear fo-cus and purpose. Did you notice that the fo-cus of worship is not on the setting or style of worship; but, interestingly those things (style and setting) seem to be exactly what be-comes our focus. I think we may be missing the point and, therefore, missing God com-pletely.
As my Grandma Lucille used to say when someone would complain about being bored in church, “You don’t worship yourself! We worship the Lord!” My grandma had no pa-tience for ungrateful, whiney, self-absorbed Jesus followers. I loved her so much for her clarity on this point. She certainly turned me around a number of times.
December is an exciting and busy season in our culture. The church, though, is really on-ly busy with one thing - worship, worship and more worship!
The Advent season is a season to remember, prepare, and await the birth of the coming Messiah as well as for the return of the Son of Man. Worship during Advent creates space for reflection and mindfulness. This is im-portant when the world around us spins fast-er daily. We live in a world of instantaneous change. Change happens faster with the world at our fingertips on our smartphones and other devices. It’s harder than ever for us to take time to center, breathe, and be mindful of the world around us. Add in the self-induced stress we allow ourselves to be caught up in with all things related to shop-ping for Christmas presents, listening to com-mercials tell us “we don’t have enough,” and running from one event to another, and it’s easy to see why worship during Advent is im-
portant.
As a way to intentionally and purposefully accomplish the above reasons for worship, High Street UMC will offer two services in the Sanctuary every Sunday morning in December (9:00am and 11:00am), each with a particular theme and atmosphere that fosters preparation and connection with Emmanuel, God’s newborn Son, our Messiah. Additionally, there is a service for those who are not feeling celebratory or festive on Saturday, 21 December (7:00pm), the Longest Night of the year. The Advent season concludes on Tuesday, 24th December, Christmas Eve, when there will be three opportunities to wor-ship (noon, 7:00pm and 11:00pm).
“Prepare the way of the Lord, and all peo-ple will see the salvation of our God.” -Isaiah 40:3, 52:10
(Note: For those for whom the setting, particularly the seating, is important, arms chairs from the Chapel have been moved into the Sanctuary.)
Your Pastor,
Rev. Stacee
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Worship... December Worship Schedule
Worship is at 9am and 11am for the month of December in the Sanctuary
“The Give Away” A musical dramatization of the book by Ray Buckley.
Saturday, 21st December
Longest Night Service (7:00pm) A service of light amid the darkness
of grief in the Christmas season.
22nd December – Fourth Sunday in Advent Advent Wreath Candle Lighting
Handbell Choir Scripture: Luke 1:46b-55
Theme: “The Magnificat: Delight Can’t Wait” Preacher: Rev. Stacee
Christmas Eve – Tuesday, 24th December
Noon – Service of Holy Communion (Chapel) Preacher: Pastor Charlotte
7:00pm - Family Candlelight Service
Theme: “What Can’t Wait?” Scripture: Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7
Preacher: Rev. Stacee
11:00pm - Communion Candlelight Service Sanctuary Choir
Theme: “What Can’t Wait?” Scripture: Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7
Preacher: Pastor Kevin
29th December (One Service at 9am) 1st Sunday after Christmas Day
Preacher: Pastor Kevin
Congrats!!!
Congratulations to Pastor Kevin Smigielski for receiving a Certificate of Com-pletion of the Academy of Com-munity Leadership course. The Academy for Community Lead-ership (ACL) is a unique, 10-week program each fall for people who want to be more in-volved in community efforts in Muncie/Delaware County. The program is offered by the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Ball State’s Office of Commu-nity Engagement.
Intergenerational Advent Presentation
“The Give Away”
Sunday, December 15, will feature a special intergenerational Advent presentation: "The Give-Away" at both worship services, 9:00 and 11:00. Dramatizing a book by Ray Buck-ley, "The Give-Away" brings a powerful mes-sage about the coming of Christ, written in the storytelling style of the Native American tradition. Buckley has served The United Methodist Church as Director of the Native People’s Communication Office. Our High Street Church actors and singers from age five to ninety-five will infuse the story with humor and music. This is a Sunday not to be missed.
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For unto us a child was born The Messiah who saves the world! May your Christmas be great as ever in the light of the
Savior’s love!
Merry Christmas from the Staff at High Street UMC
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Masterworks Chorale Concert
Masterworks Chorale presents “Holiday Classics” Saturday, December 14 - 7:00 pm High Street United Meth-odist Church Join Masterworks Chorale for a seasonal concert filled with beloved holiday music from the classical, popular, and carol reper-toires. Stephen Price will play the HSUMC sanctuary organ, with Stacey Edwards at the piano. A reception will follow in the Fellow-ship Hall. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by calling the Masterworks Cho-rale office at (765) 286-5347 ext. 22.
Hey High Street Family,
This month is all about the reason for the sea-son! It’s the month we celebrate Jesus and His birth! Family Ministries will be working to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life through our les-sons and our small group times. High Street Kids theme this month will be “Unboxed: Find The Joy” and how we can unbox the best gift of all when we remember how God sent Jesus to be our Savior. Catalyst Student Ministries theme will be “Christmas Cheer” where our focus will be on generosity that was shown to us through God when He sent Jesus. We will be hosting a Kid’s Night Out on December 6 th from 6pm to 9pm, this event is open to kids ages 0 to 5th grade, the cost is $20 per family. There will be pizza, games, and crafts for all kids who participate, to sign up follow the link on our Facebook page (under the graphic for Kids Night Out). December is a crazy month for all of us with families coming over, presents to be wrapped, going to and from, but don’t forget the true gift that we have all been given through the life of Jesus.
**Save the Dates***
Dec. 6 th – Kids Night Out
Dec. 13 th - Catalyst Student Ministries Christ-mas Party 6pm
Dec.14 th – Advent Rehearsal
Dec. 15 th – Intergenerational Advent Program
Connect... December Thursday Luncheon Programs
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $5 includes your drink. If possible, call to sign up by Tues noon!
Dec 5 Andrea Hughes accompanies a Christmas sing-along. BP checks from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Homemade noodles for sale, 1/2 lb for $3, during BP time. All proceeds go to Smile Train. Dec 12 Distaffs bring holiday cheer. Dec 19 The Eastern Gate Quartet serenades us. Dec 26 NO THURSDAY LUNCHEON the day after
December Wisdom People
Bob Chico on December 6
3804 N. Redding Rd.
Muncie, IN 47304
Anna Jurt on December 12
Westminster Village
5801 W. Bethel Ave. #169
Muncie, IN 47304
Robert Ulrich on December 25
Westminster Village
5801 W. Bethel Ave.
Muncie, IN 47304
2019 TRIPS REMAINING
WED DEC 11 EXPERIENCE: CHRISTMAS IN THE CAPITAL $100
2020 OVER-NIGHT TRIPS
MAY 12-14 Galena, IL “The Town That Time Forgot” $573 pp/dbl occ
JUNE 9-12 An Adventure to Door County Peninsula, WIS $849 pp/dbl occ
AUG 9-16 Oberammergau, Germany & Austria PASSION PLAY
Call for detailed brochure & pricing Led by Lead Pastor Stacee Fischer-Gehring
SEPT 22-25 “The Gardens & Homes of Auto Barons in Michigan” $799 pp/dbl occ
OCT 2ND 6 Days Albuquerque Balloon Festival RT air/ Old Town/ Santa Fe/ Tours $2,799
2020 DAY TRIPS
THUR FEB 6 LACOMEDIA DINNER THEATRE: NUNSENSE $110
THUR MAR 26 LACOMEDIA DINNER THEATRE: THE KING & I $110
WED JULY 22 BEEF & BOARD DINNER THEATRE: BEEHIVE $110
THUR AUG 27 MYSTERY TRIP $123
WED DEC 9 BEEF & BOARDS: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE $110
Reservation Policy:
1) Contact High Street UM Church at 765/747-8500 for Trip itinerary / Details
2) Payment or deposit MUST BE RECEIVED WITH 7 DAYS of making reservation. Prices are quoted per person/ double occupancy. Single supplement will add cost to the trip.
3) Cancellations per refund policy & travel insurance.
4) WAIT LIST means names & deposits are still being accepted. SOLD OUT means no more reservations accepted.
Tours are open to the Public, clubs & groups. All trips are deluxe motor coach unless noted. High Street Travelers is sponsored by and a mission of High Street United Methodist Church 219 So High St Muncie, IN 47305.
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END – Coordinator Deb Heeter & Assistant Connie Crabtree have announced their retirement at the end of this 2019 trip year.
Shirley Mize will be the NEW travelers coordinator!
Pantry Service in 2019:
659 People
Food Pantry Needs:
Soup
Tuna
Peanut Butter
Pork & Beans
...and we always welcome
monetary donations!
Samaritan Fund in 2019:
252 Clients
Utilities: $ 7,153.35
Rent: 1,655.00
Misc.: 888.60
Total: $ 9,696.95
Serve...
Would you like to help a child in need?
Pick up a name tag Sunday, November 24
in the main hallway. Please return gifts to
the church by December 15.
Here We Come A’Caroling
All ages are invited to
join us on Sunday, De-
cember 15. We will
meet at the church at 3
pm and carpool to the
homes of some of our
homebound members. Afterwards we will
gather in the Parlor for hot chocolate.
Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed We are looking for ringers for the Salvation Army December 18-21 inside Muncie Mall's main entrance (by MCL cafeteria). We are ringing from 10:00am-8:00pm in one-hour shifts. A sign-up board will be in the Parlor on December 1, 8, and 15 to sign up for the shifts you would like. A board with the shifts to sign up will be placed in the Parlor from December 1 through December 15. Please register at your earliest convenience and include your phone number on the board. Note people that will be ringing before and after your slot. If you have any questions, please contact Julian Railey at 765-748-3819.
Warm Socks for Cold Feet
Socks are the most re-
quested item at home-
less centers. Our Sea-
sonal Socks Campaign has begun.
This United Methodist Women’s Project has a
goal this year of collecting 1000 pairs of socks.
Please pick up a few pairs—any size—and place
them in the white crate outside the church
office. We will distribute them to First Choice
(infant socks), the YWCA, Christian Ministries
and Muncie Mission. Thank you! Just “Sock-it-
to-us!"
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Calling …..... fill in your name!
Have you been looking for an opportunity to enjoy fellowship (maybe some snacks!) and offer the gift of your time to High Street? The counting team has a very loyal group of dedicated volunteers that have been performing this very necessary service for many years. They are in need of 5-8 additional folks that will be willing to join them to assist with the counting process.
This is not a lifetime commitment but rather a flexible opportunity to pitch in as you are able. We realize that folks like to travel, have family responsibili-ties and appointments so we are trying to make this as easy for you as possible. We would be happy to have people work one Monday a month, two a month, be available as a backup, work every other month, help weekly or at another interval that fits your schedule. No experience is necessary and on- the- job training is provided. If you can count, put items in numerical and al-phabetical order you are well qualified for this job! The counting team starts at 8:00 am and generally finishes by 10:00am. If there is a major holiday on Monday, then they meet on Tuesday.
Please prayerfully consider this oppor-tunity to serve in this important minis-try of the church. Contact Mickey Metz-ler at 754-729-2809 to sign up or for more information.
Poinsettia Donations Advent is a special time of year at High Street Church. Please consider this an oppor-tunity to give a gift In Recognition, In Honor, or In Memory Of some-one special to you.
Your gifts help provide the funds neces-sary to purchase the poinsettias which help us prepare for this Holy Season. There will be envelopes in the bulletin again on Sunday, December 16 or you can pick them up in the church office. Please make checks payable to High Street Church and write poinsettias on the memo line.
Advent Decorations 2019
Please make sure to print names clearly
Name: __________________________
Phone: _________________________
Address: ________________________
This gift is given: In Appreciation/Honor
_________________________________
_
_________________________________
_
This gift is given: In Memory of
_________________________________
_
_________________________________
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MEMORIALS RECEIVED
Pat Botts • Beth Siler
Ann Miller • Mark Metis
Jack Isenbarger
Seminary Update from Kasey and Jacob Hapner
Dear High Street, My first semester studying Music Ministry at Garrett Evangelical Theological Semi-nary has flown by. I am entering my last three weeks of classes with many papers to write and projects to present! This semester has been a wonderful, but challenging experience for my faith growth. There have been many new in-terpretations of scripture presented that have challenged my understanding and view of God. I am reminded even more this semester to constantly seek God, not just others' interpretations of God. I am continually seeking Truth from Scripture and prayer. Jacob and I are acclimating to our new community. We have joined the Garrett Gospel Choir and have been participat-ing in game nights with new friends. I have been participating through musical leadership through the Chapel service each Wednesday through voice, piano, and harp. Outside of Garrett, we are finding our way in Evanston and the sur-rounding communities. We recently found a church to call 'home' for this season. We have joined the various mu-sical groups including handbells and adult choir. Jacob has joined the men's bible study and I have joined the ladies. We are so glad to have found an amaz-ing community that not only reminds us of our home churches back in Indiana but renews our souls in worship each week. I cannot express how amazing God is at connecting people in my life. While I am the only first year Music Ministry stu-dent, I am not alone in the program. My colleague in Music Ministry, Darrin, is a second year Master's student. He is also from Indiana and hails from Indianapolis with a rich background in choral music. Our amazing connection is through his church in Indy at University Heights UMC where Pastor David Neuen and family currently pastor! Another crazy connec-tion is that my voice teacher once ap-plied for a job at BSU and recently was in concert with the Fort Wayne Sym-phonic Choir where he met Dr. Crow!
What a small world, indeed! There is no doubt that God is still calling me to serve, even in this time of study and vocational idea-tion. 2 Timothy 3 and 4 have been encouraging my heart the last month as I've been challenged by radical teaching and interpretation. 2 Tim 3:14 says "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it" I remember you, High Street UMC!! Because of your ministry throughout my life, my faith has been nurtured. You gave me every op-portunity to grow as a leader from my childhood to my adult years. Without your prayers, friendships, financial sup-port, and encouragement we would not be here today. We are so grateful to God for High Street UMC as the 'place' God ignited my call into ministry. I miss you and look forward to seeing you when we visit Muncie during the Advent/ Christ-mas season. My love and peace in Christ Jesus, Kasey Needham Hapner (and Jacob, too!)
UMW General December Meeting The Preschoolers will entertain the UMW at the General meeting on December 10 at 10:00am with Christmas songs. Each Circle is asked to bring 2 snack items such as cookies, breads, fruit, cheese/crackers, etc. The Ruth Circle will be hosting. Attention Plastic Recyclers!! We have found a place to take plastic lids and medicine bottles. We can add all the plastics we collect to those col-lected in Delphi to make benches for their Memorial Softball Field. We will begin col-lecting after Christmas when we quit collecting socks in the wire bin out-side the church office. So keep saving those lids and pill bottles !
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TOWER TOPICS DEADLINE Submission Deadline: 8am
3rd Monday of month
January Deadline: Dec. 16 Send Date: Nov Dec.30
Contact Information Charlotte Overmyer Visitation Pastor Tuesday mornings, 8:30-10:00
Notes from the Library Shelves ! Summer's gone and Fall is definitely HERE ! This is the time to grab a cup of coffee, tea or hot choc-olate and curl up with a good book. Our church Library is well-stocked for your every choice ! Here are a few of my latest favorites : Miss Brenda and the Loveladies This is the true story of Brenda Spahn who went from rags to rich-es and back to rags then finds her 'true' calling ! She establishes a "Whole Way House". This is the story of how she invites six women, violent criminals, into her home and life. Here is a quote, "These women stomping up my driveway didn't look like they wanted tea. They looked like they wanted blood! Had I lost my mind ?" Read this book and see what happens ! You won't regret it ! The White Umbrella This is a small book everyone should read, but, it's not a 'fun' read ! Mary Frances Bowley is the founder and president of "Wellspring Living", an organization fighting childhood sexual abuse in Georgia since 2001. The statistics are haunting and almost un-believable! The book shares stories of these girls who have faced so much trauma. And, they could be ours! We all need to know what is shared in this book. I dare you to get informed ! The Lavender Tides Series Hoosier author, Col-leen Coble's, books are always good, keeping you guessing right up to the end ! This series takes place in the beautiful northwest, the 'Lavender Tides' resting in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. Try reading them in order: The View from Rainshadow Bay, The House at Saltwater Point, Leaving Lavender Tides, and Secrets at Cedar Cabin. These are stories of ordinary peo-ple living ordinary lives, when life interjects new questions. Some of the characters are in each book, but there are new persons and happenings in each one too. This author is a master of twists and turns ! Get started reading and you'll see !! Make sure you have a big cup, or you'll need many refills !
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High Street United Methodist Church 219 S High Street Muncie, IN 47305
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S T E W A R D S H I P
TREASURES—TIME—TALENTS—TESTIMONY
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank all of you in the congregation, who took part
in the period of devotion in September, when we explored our Stewardship, with a particular
emphasis on TIME. Our hope is that this was a meaningful period and that many of you
stopped for a moment to consider your daily routine, to think about performing random acts
of kindness or maybe considered rearranging your priorities on the Sabbath.
Moving from Time to another aspect of Stewardship, Treasures, we can report that we have
now received pledges of $490,000, for the 2020 Budget. We hope more pledges will come in
so that we can give as complete picture of the congregation’s financial commitment for the
coming year to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will now take the pledge in-
formation and use that to develop a Budget for 2020. At this time pledges for 2020 are run-
ning $90,000 behind 2019 pledges-- but right in line with 2018. We have had many giving
units increase their pledges and have had over 30 new pledges from individuals. Several giving
units that pledged in 2019 have been reluctant to make pledges for 2020. We hope that these
giving units will continue to support the church’s ministry with their Treasures—and also their
Time, Talents and Testimony.
We would like to thank each giving unit that supported the church this year with gifts to the
Budget and Missions which have significantly exceeded 2018 levels. We would also like to
thank all those that helped with our September emphasis—ministers, office help and volun-
teers, facilities staff and others. Consecration Sunday was another great day of fellowship-- in
worship-- at our dinner and the carnival for the youth that followed. We would like to thank
the Foundation for again funding the dinner and our guest speaker, Bishop Coyner.
Finally, we would like to thank all of our Stewardship Moment speakers who shared their own
personal testimony of how they have been blessed by exercising Stewardship in their lives. We
know that public speaking on its own is an intimidating process but to share deep personal be-
liefs takes a significant dedication. We believe it has been inspiring to hear how people of
different generations, genders and backgrounds have found great blessings by being faithful
Stewards.
“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over will be placed in your lap. For the measure you GIVE will be the
measure you will get back.” Luke 6:38
December 2019
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1st Sunday in Advent/Communion/Angel Tree
10am Westminster Fellowship - Pastors 11am Family Student Scholars - 307 12pm Mah Jongg 1pm Letting Go Group - Room 302 1:30 - 2:30pm High Street Pantry Open 6:15pm Missions Committee - Parlor
8:30am - 11am Fellowship & Coffee 9am Worship Service 11am Worship Services 3pm All Church Caroling - meeting here at the church 6pm Catalyst Student Ministries - PH
8am Tower Topics Submission Deadline 12pm Mah Jongg 1:30 - 2:30pm High Street Pantry Open 7:00pm Connect Team Meeting - Lib.
6:45 - 8am Renovare - Parlor 8:30 - 10am Church Staff - Library 10:30am - 12pm Pastoral Staff - Office 1:00pm - SKA Meeting - Kevin's Office 6:15pm Family Ministry Team Mtg. - 301
7am Men's Breakfast - Parish Hall 9:15am Women's Bible Study - 301 2:30pm KIDS HOPE (East Washington Academy) 5:45pm Handbell Choir - Room 303 6pm Children & Youth Choir party - Room 205 7pm Sanctuary Choir - Sanctuary 7pm Foundation Meeting - Room 302 7pm AA's Meeting - Room 301
22 Handbells are playing 23 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 27 28 8:30am - 11am Fellowship & Coffee 9am Worship Service 11am Worship Services
12pm Mah Jongg 1:30 - 2:30pm High Street Pantry Open
6:45 - 8am Renovare - Parlor 12pm Communion Candlelight Service 7pm Family Candlelight Serv. - Sanctuary 8pm Christmas Eve Open House 11pm Traditional Candlelight Serv. - San.
