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Jefferson United Methodist Church
125 East Jefferson Street
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-4561
[email protected]
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Jefferson, OH
44047
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SERVE THE WORLD
NOVEMBER 21, 2014
Issue 11
Volume 40
COME CELEBRATE CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
November 23 at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
We will worship the Lord with the Procession of
Christ the King and our Chancel Choir singing the
praises of Christ OUR King!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW –
 Our Light in the Darkness Service
 Change The World at Christmas ideas
 Jesus Birthday Parties & Celebrations
 Join our next Covenant Bible Study
 LOTS MORE!!! LOOK INSIDE!!!!!!
Dear Church family,
December, 2014
The season of Advent is here and this will be followed by Christmas. The season of Advent, a
season of waiting, is designed to cultivate our awareness of God’s actions—past, present, and
future. In Advent we hear the prophecies of the Messiah's coming as addressed to us—
people who wait for the second coming. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the
ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb,
death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away. Oh what a day it will be! I
hope you’re using an Advent Wreath and devotional to help you live into this season.
Christmas is mostly celebrated as a single, climactic event and the next day we’re off to
clearance sales. But consider these words of explanation taken from Seeking God’s Face,
Praying with the Bible through the Year and perhaps your Christmas will become a more
profound journey.
Something as momentous as the incarnation of Jesus needs so much more than a day to
adequately celebrate. That is why the Christian calendar sets aside twelve days to celebrate
and linger over the incarnation (which is where we get that familiar, but very strange,
“Partridge in a pear tree” song).
The twelve day Christmas season, beginning on Christmas Day, may be the healing remedy
needed to reclaim this holiday from merchants and marketers. After all the annoying ads and
repetitive jingles fade, when everyone else is burned out on Christmas or has moved on to
year-end reviews or gym memberships, now the follower of Jesus can focus on the meaning of
the Christmas miracle.
It’s a season of light in darkness, where we are taken deeper into the growing light of the
Word made flesh. Reflecting on the birth of Jesus, we have time to delight in the how of
incarnation as we’re also led into deeper wonder of its meaning for our world.
At the heart of the Christmas season is the mystery of the incarnation, of God becoming
human. The Christian faith is, at the same time, both wonderfully material and mystical,
having no dealings with escapist spirituality. The Christmas season grounds our faith in space
and time – this world that is broken, this body that bleeds. Materiality is not an
embarrassment to God; he created it and revels in it.
Christmas calls us to live incarnationally, to embody our faith in our local neighborhoods,
following the lead of Jesus, the Word who left heaven and “moved into our neighborhood”
(John 1:14, The Message).
May you and your family have a blessed Advent and twelve days of Christmas!
Peace & Joy,
Pastor Dan
Pastor Dan
Christmas CAN STILL Change the World!!!
Who or what do we worship during Advent? “Jesus” is the right answer, of course, but is it the
truthful answer? Does the way we spend our time, money and energy testify that we worship God
incarnate? Season after season, many churchgoers have learned to say the right things without allowing
their words to reach their hearts.
Each year Advent brings another opportunity to worship Jesus in the miracle of his Incarnation, when
God revealed himself to people in a new way. We, here in America have already been blessed by God far
beyond our basic needs. Instead of filling up the Advent season with stress about gift lists, purchasing gifts,
exchanging gifts, wrapping, etc. etc., why not choose a simpler alternative? Why not celebrate Jesus’
birthday in a way that will honor Him – after all, it IS His birthday party!!!
VISIT OUR CHANGE THE WORLD STORE!!
Beginning November 30 we’ll have a “store” where you can purchase meaningful, life-changing
presents for others!! Stop in the parlor lobby and make a donation to any of the four ministries we’ll be
blessing with our Change the World offering in honor of someone you’d usually have on your Christmas
list. You’ll receive a beautiful acknowledgement card so the persons on your list will know you that you
love and care about them AND you’ll honor Jesus by blessing others in His name, in celebration of HIS
BIRTHDAY!!!
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COUNTY-WIDE HALO MINISTRY.
1. On November 24 or December 1 come to church and take a tag and a star from the bulletin board
in the sanctuary.
2. Keep the tag (it will have the listed item to buy on it) and hang the star on the
tree.
3. Write your name and tag code on the log sheet on the star bulletin board.
4. Purchase the indicated item and gift wrap it. Attach the tag to the outside of the
gift.
5. Bring the gift with you to church by December 15.
6. Come to the Dedication Service on Sunday, December 22.
(NOTE: It’s really important that all the gifts be brought in by December 15 so
they can be sorted and delivered before Christmas.)
 Adopt a family/household of your own for Christmas. Would you like to make a true heart-toheart connection this year at Christmas? We’re hoping God will open your heart to the idea of adopting
a family for Christmas. This is going beyond buying one or two gifts through our Halo Care Giving Tree
ministry – we surely need people to step up and help those families we’ve adopted as a church. But
perhaps you’re looking for a way to share your abundance and could adopt a household of one or
more people for Christmas. You could do this as a family, Sunday School class, at work or friendship
group. Instead of exchanging gifts with others who have already been blessed abundantly, consider
sharing that abundance with a single mom with kids or an elderly person or couple for whom presents
under the tree will be scant.
Last year, the Halo program in our area received applications from many families
who qualified for assistance at Christmas. You’d adopt a household – you’d choose
the size (some of these households are single elderly people as well as those with
children) and bless them with Christmas cheer.
Sign up on this week’s Church Servant Sheet OR call the Jefferson
Area Halo coordinator Mary Howe at 576-4812 if you’re
interested.
On The Financial Side
With six Sundays remaining till the end of the
year, I’m glad to report that all of our current bills,
with the exception of our denominational
apportionments, are paid in full. As of October 31, we
are behind $9,175 in those apportionments. I’m sure
we can fill the gap, though, with everyone’s help.
By now everyone should have received your
IMPACT 2015 materials in the mail. WE HOPE TO HAVE
EVERYONE’S PLEDGE CARDS RETURNED TO THE
CHURCH BY NOVEMBER 23, CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
me at the church office. Copies of the 2015 budget are
available in the church office.
Boxes of 2015 offering envelopes will soon be
available at the back of the sanctuary. If you don’t see
one with your name on it, just call me at the church
office, and I’ll be sure you get one.
Jerry March
Treasurer/Facilities Business Manager
R&R’s Enjoy Special Christmas Luncheon
Thursday, December 18 at noon
Be sure to mark your calendar for the
Retirement & Recreation Fellowship Group’s Christmas
Luncheon, right here in the Angel’s Wing. The room will
be gussied up for the occasion, there will be a beautiful
catered meal, and special entertainment will be on
hand, too. Look for more details in December worship
bulletins, and also, I’ll be sending out a postcard to
remind you about it.
Please remember, too, to bring in a personal
care item that we’ll pass along to Homesafe, our
county’s shelter for abused women and their children.
Barb Heath
Senior Ministries Coordinator
THANK YOU, BLESS YOU!
Our 26th annual Heifer Project Intl. Living
Gift Market, sponsored by our Sunday School,
was once again a tremendous success. Total
given so far is $2,643.40. This money will assist
families around the world by providing them with
income-producing animals, and the knowledge on
how to successfully raise them. Some of the
money was also given to Habitat for Humanity in
Ashtabula County, whose goal is to provide
simple, affordable housing to working-class
people and to Nothing but Nets, which provides
mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
Our third year of Change the World efforts
– the Craft Sale & Soup Luncheon and our Silent
Auction – were also well supported. We now
have $5,654 that we’ll be sharing with four
missions here and around the world.
Beginning November 30 through December 14
you can stop at our Change the World Store in
the Parlor Lobby to purchase gift cards in honor
of those on your Christmas shopping list.
Stop In Wesley Hall and Bid On
Beautiful Christmas Gift Baskets
For Our Change The World Fund
Mary Morgan is definitely sharing her
talent, and has made up a few theme baskets,
which we’ll be taking silent auction bids on
beginning November 30 through December 14.
The baskets are on display in Wesley Hall. All of
the proceeds will be added to our Change the
World Christmas Fund, which will bless people in
Ashtabula county, student-athletes at the
University of Pittsburgh, and orphans in Liberia.
“LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”
A Different Service of Worship for Christmas
Monday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Jefferson United Methodist Church Sanctuary
The holidays can be difficult for us all: the stresses and strains of trying to offer a
time of celebration take their toll. Many people find they have trouble feeling ”in the spirit”
of things, whether because of the recent (or anticipated) death of a family member or friend,
the end of a marriage, the loss of work, or other trying changes in their lives.
This year we will be gathering together for a service of “A Light in the Darkness” on December 15.
The name is fitting because – despite the trappings of gifts, special meals and Christmas carols – the season
can be darker than “normal” times of the year for those who struggle.
Come join us. Bring a friend
Music of the Season
Reflection by Pastor Dan
Scripture Lessons
Silence
Prayers
Candle Lighting
Covenant Bible Study Module 2 Begins! Living the Covenant
Who should consider participating?
 The novice who wants to expand his/her understanding of the Bible and its application to life
 Those ready to journey higher and deeper in their walk with God
 Veterans who want to refresh and go deeper
Can I participate if I have not taken Module 1?

Yes
When will CBS Module 2 be offered?


Thursday evenings, January 8th – February 26th, 6:30 – 8:30p.m.
Wednesday mornings, January 7th – February 25th, 9:45 to 11:45a.m.
Cost?


CBS Participant’s Guide - $19.00
Jefferson UMC will order all materials (except Kindle versions) when registration is closed.
Register for Module 2 or have Questions?




Email Pastor Dan @ [email protected]
Church Life Servant Sheet (registration only) beginning December 7th
Registration deadline is December 21st
For more information visit, www.CovenantBibleStudy.com
NEWS
Dates, Times & Places
COME TO OUR SECOND SUNDAY LUNCHEON
Sunday, December 14 at 12:15 p.m.
Right after the 11:00 service, we’ll gather for
our Second Sunday Luncheon. Martha Lamson will be
preparing ham, macaroni and cheese and green
beans. You’re invited to bring a side dish or dessert
to round out the meal. Come share a meal and
friendly conversation!
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
AND BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS
Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m.
This year our Sunday School will be presenting
their Christmas Pageant. It will begin at 10:00 in the
Sanctuary. They’ll be presenting the Christmas Story
through scripture and music, with each of the classes
in costume, portraying people/animals who
surrounded Baby Jesus! Then we'll move to Wesley
Hall (the gym) for a rousing Birthday Song for Jesus
and cake.
The teens will serve cake and punch at Jesus'
Birthday Party.
The whole church is very, very
welcome to come!
COME HEAR OUR CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 21
at both 8:30 & 11 a.m. services
Our Chancel Choir, (plus several additional
singers!) will be presenting “Love Came Down At
Christmas” at both our services. They all feel blessed
to be able to share the Christmas story through
music. They hope you’ll experience a blessing too!
M m
LOVE GOD
LOVE OTHERS
SERVE THE WORLD
.
WOMEN’S BOOK CIRCLES MEET
The Evening Book Circle will meet for brunch on
December 13.
They’ll be carpooling to Scribblers
Coffee House in Geneva at Norma Barton’s home (201
Woodside Dr.) at 10:20 a.m.. They’ll be discussing
Debbie Macomber’s Angel on the Table.
The Daytime Book Circle will meet on Thursday,
December 11 at noon at the home of Kathy Housel,
819 Lenox-New Lyme Rd. Bring an app. or dessert to
share. We’ll enjoy a feel-good Christmas video & each
other’s company! We’ll meet again January to discuss
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers by Rob Shindler. This is
about adult illiteracy.
. COULD YOU HELP RING THE BELL
FOR SALVATION ARMY?
Our own Jefferson Unit of Salvation Army does
wonderful work all year long. They assist people in
financial need, send kids to camp, buy school clothes
for kids, and lots more.
Christmas time is their only time of the year
when they ask the community to pitch in and help by
dropping money in those familiar red kettles.
Could you help man the kettles? Sign up for a
one-hour or more shift by calling the church office or on
the Church Life Servant Sheet Sunday. We need to fill
the time slots between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at both
Golden Dawn and Bi-Lo on Wednesday, December 24.
MANNA FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Our community’s free food source, the Manna
Pantry, would like people to bring in shampoo, things for our
baking shelf such as cake, cookie and muffin mixes, soup,
and tuna. Donations of these items would help us to save
our money for other needs. JUST LEAVE YOUR DONATION
IN THE BARREL IN THE HALLWAY BETWEEN THE PARLOR
ENTRY AND THE SANCTUARY. Thanks for all you do.
Blessings,
Lorna Westlake, Co-Director
DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA WORKING IRONING BOARD?
The Mary-Martha Sewing Circle is need of one! Drop
your donation off at the church office.
Teens To Help You Get Started on Your Baking!!!
Four kinds of homemade cookie dough
for sale!!!
That’s right, the teens here at JUMC want
to make sure that you can get a good start on
your holiday baking. So they’ll be making up
batches of cookie dough – chocolate chip,
oatmeal raisin sugar and peanut butter that
they’ll be selling on Sunday, December 9. The
cookie dough will be in a container and will sell
for $10. Place your order on the Church Life
Servant Sheet this Sunday. Then just stop back
in Wesley Hall (the gym) and pick them up!!!
Join the Harmony Ringers
This is a group of people who enjoy playing
handbells. They’ll be playing December 14 at
8:30 a.m. and December 24 at the 9:00 service.
They’re always looking for new members –
it’s not absolutely necessary for you to know how
to read music. Rehearsals will be Sunday evenings
at 6:00 p.m. Nov. 23 & 30 and December 7 & 14
Contact Paula Stevenson for more info. (440-8973587)
Office Holiday Schedule
The church office will be closed Friday,
November 28 (the day after Thanksgiving);
Wednesday & Thursday December 25 & 26; and
Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January
1. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE FEEL
FREE TO CALL PASTOR DAN (576-0350), OR PAT
CRAMER (858-2256)
Benefit Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, November 22
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jefferson Community Center
Adults $10 Children $5 Under 4 Free
All proceeds will benefit Ron & Sue Franklin as they are
each dealing with very serious illnesses. The Franklins
have owned and operated Franklin Tall Timbers maple
syrup business for many years. There will also be a
silent auction, raffle and maple syrup for sale
First Congregational United Church of Christ in
Jefferson is seeking a local person to fill the position of
church sexton, 7 flexible hours every week. Duties
include general church cleaning. If interested please
call the church office. (576-4531)
Come To The International Gift Fair
Saturday, November 22 from 9-5 and
Sunday, November 23 from 12-5
Beautiful crafts made by artisans in developing
countries around the world will be sold at the
Austinburg Town Hall. Ashtabula Zonta Club sponsors
this fair trade event that ultimately encourages peace
around the world.
THANK YOU!
Dear Church Family,
David and I want to thank you for the prayers, good
wishes, phone calls and cards during David's illness the
past couple of weeks. It meant a lot to know you all
were there, and with us in prayer. He is doing well
now, according to his doctor. We are hoping it is the
last time he has to go through having a DVT, or blood
clot! Now, to get his weight back up and his energy
normal!
God bless you,
Deanna and David Blough
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS
Once again, on December 21, lovely poinsettias will grace our altar and
sanctuary. You may buy them in memory of the beautiful people who have been a
part of your life, in honor of those still with you or in praise of the Baby Jesus.
Below is an order form which you may complete and return to the
church. The price of each 6" pot is $5.00. The deadline for ordering is
Wednesday, December 17. Please make checks payable to the church;
payment should accompany your order. Poinsettias may be taken home
following the9 p.m. candlelight service.
I would like to order _______ poinsettia(s). Please list in bulletin:
In memory of ____________________________________________________________
In honor of ______________________________________________________________
_____ in praise of the Baby Jesus
Given by _______________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE:
In dialogue with Church leaders the following schedule has been set for Christmas Eve worship.
6:30 pm, Family Christmas Eve Worship including a Children’s Time, Scripture, Carols, Kinderchoir, Children’s Choir
and Bells, and Advent Wreath lighting.
9 pm, Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Worship: Carols, Adult Choir, Scripture, Meditation, Bells, Advent Wreath
Lighting, Communion, and Silent Night Candle Lighting.
Because the Choir will be presenting the Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 21, we decided to move the 11 pm
service to 9 p.m.
A Christmas Eve Offering will be received at both services. 100% of gifts will support the global missional arm of our
United Methodist apportionments, the World Service Fund.
Please join us for one or both of these beautiful services!!
Christmas Eve Offering for the World Service Fund:
The World Service Fund serves as the financial lifeline to a long list of Christ's mission and ministry throughout the
denomination.
If the United Methodist Church were to reflect the ministry of Jesus in our life together, we’d be doing the things he
did:
•Jesus discipled those who would lead his church
•Jesus welcomed those who didn’t know his Father, and those who did
•Jesus met the physical and spiritual needs of the poor
•Jesus healed the sick
Have you ever wondered if our church is doing those things?
The People of the United Methodist Church are engaging the world by imitating the ministry of Jesus—and the
World Service Fund makes our Christian outreach possible.
Across the country and around the world, the World Service Fund empowers the United Methodist Church to be
Christ’s body in the world.
Your Giving Changes Lives.
Your faithful giving makes the heart-changing and world-transforming ministry of Jesus possible today. Because of
your generosity the United Methodist Church continues to share good news with the world God loves.
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson explained why the World Service Fund is so very vital to the ministry of the UMC, “It is a
way in which neighbor helps neighbor, and it helps Christians reach out all around the world.” Make a Difference
Today. The needs around us often feel overwhelming. None of us can meet every one. But together, with the help
of the World Service Fund, we’re sharing God’s love with the world.
Please share a generous gift to bless others in the name of Jesus through the United Methodist World Fund.
Events, Groups & Classes in December
Sundays
8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
Sundays
9:50 a.m.
Sunday School
Various locations here
Sundays
9:50 a.m.
Adult Classes
Various locations here
Sundays
11:00 a.m.
Encounter Worship
Sanctuary
Sundays
11:20 a.m.
SPARK! for children
Angel’s Wing
Sundays
6:00 p.m.
Harmony Ringers practice
Sanctuary
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:00 p.m.
Strong Women
Angel’s Wing
Wednesdays
9:15 a.m.
Prayer Group
Prayer Room
Wednesdays
1-3 p.m.
Mary/Martha Sewing Circle Disciples’ Room
Wednesdays
3:35 p.m.
Adventure Club
Various locations here
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m.
INFUSE Youth Group
Youth Room
Saturdays
7:15 a.m.
Promise Keepers Breakfast Mugs Restaurant
Monday, Dec. 1
noon – 6 p.m. Red Cross Bloodmobile
Wesley Hall
Sun., Dec. 7
12:15 p.m.
Second Sunday Lunch
Wesley Hall
Thurs., Dec. 11
noon
Women’s Daytime Book Circle
Kathy Housel’s home
Sat., Dec. 13
10:20 a.m.
Women’s Evening Book Circle carpools to Scribblers for brunch
Meet at Norma Barton’s home 201 Woodside Dr.
Monday, Dec. 15
7:00 p.m.
Light in the Darkness Service
Sanctuary
Thurs., Dec. 18
noon
R&R Christmas Luncheon
Angels’ Wing
Thurs., Dec. 18
7:00 p.m.
Memory Loss Support Group
Parlor
Sunday, Dec. 21
8:30 & 11 a.m. Christmas Cantata presented
Sanctuary
Sunday, Dec. 21
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School Pageant
Sanctuary
Monday, Dec. 24
6:30, 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship
Sanctuary
Tuesday, Dec. 25
CHRIST IS BORN!!!!
Thurs, Fri, December 25, 26, Wed., Thu., December 31 & January 1
OFFICE CLOSED
Addresses for your Christmas Correspondence:
Rev. Tom & Cathy Poremba
1015 Crestview Circle
Kent, OH 44240
Rev. Ron & Sue Mowry
102 Applewood Dr.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Rev. Nolan & Mary Younkman
7339 N. Tulip Tree
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Rev. Dan Loomis
27100 County Road 1
Coshocton, OH 43812-9050
Mr. Roger & Rev. Pat Christ
172 N. Firestone
Akron, OH 44301
Bruce & Stacy Becker
14637 Caves Rd.
Novelty, OH 44072
Mrs. James Parr
4931 Nettleton Rd., #4107
Medina, OH 44256-8192
Stacey & Ben Crawford
29725 Chieftain Dr.
Logan, OH 43138
Rev. & Mrs. D. Josh Arrington
249 S. David St.
Smithville, OH 44677
Rev. Nathan and Megan Howe
422 N. Crandon Ave.
Niles, OH 44446
Jon & Brittney Roden
6191 Kraft St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
The Prayer Closet
“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up,
Just as in fact you are doing.” From Paul I Thessalonians 5:11
Those in our church family
Lee Daubenspeck
Ardith DeBow
Bill Greenlee
Delores Moore
Mary Howe
Julie Smith
Piper Waller
Maggie Smith
Fred Hinkle
Carole Wright
Don & Pat Laird
David Blough
Kevin Burke
McKenzie Fasuk
Family and friends:
Linda Johnson, Mike Johnson’s mom
John Miller, Joe Miller’s brother
Pastor Fred Grimm (lifted by Sandy Corbett)
Dr. Richard Waters and Joyce McClintock (lifted by
Deanna Blough)
Sister Maureen Burke (lifted by Kathy Housel)
Betsy Zwaduk (lifted by Heather Whetsell)
Audrey Roberts, Becky Eckel’s grandmother
McCartney Busch, Sheri Busch’s grandson
Alyssa Perry (lifted by Pat Cramer)
THANK YOU!
A Wheelchair Ramp Thank You
I am grateful to Jefferson United Methodist Church for
arranging to have a wheelchair ramp built. I am also very
thankful for the gentlemen who came to build it. Your
generosity is overwhelming. Sincerely,
Ardith DeBow
Dear JUMC Family,
Thank you for your generous support of this ministry with
athletes at Pitt. Your partnership is a huge blessing. We are
having a great semester! I meet weekly with 25 students for
discipleship and 40-50 student athletes come to our
fellowship weekly and bring friends/ teammates. Students
are eager to grow! Thanks for joining us in this work!
Love,
The Cooke Family
Dear Church Family,
Many thanks for all the cards, calls and good wishes
given for my 90th birthday. My church, friends and family are
truly one of life’s most wonderful blessings. I am most
grateful for the love shown to me – to make a joyful birthday
and a great memory.
With love,
Madge Lehnert
To My Church Family,
I was grateful for all the birthday cards I received for
my 89th birthday, not only from my church family, but even
from folks on the West coast. They all made me feel very
special.
With thanks,
Gladys Bannister
Those who are celebrating special times:
Matthew and Alvina Cramer, on the birth of their
daughter, True Mia, on November 12. She weighed 9
lbs., 4 oz and was 21 ½ inches long
Those who are in mourning:
The family of Jimmy Van Pelt following his death
(lifted by Betty and Charles Jacques)
The family of Linda Patterson following her death
(Donna Patterson’s daughter-in-law and John &
Nancy Patterson’s sister-in-law)
The family of Arlene Fenner following her death (Barb
Whipple’s mom)
The family of Gregory Gates following his death
(Becky Furman’s dad)
REMEMBER OUR SHUTINS
Please remember our nursing home residents and
shutins by visiting, phoning or sending a card. If you
know of anyone who is not on this list, please contact
Barb Heath, our Senior Coordinator.
Vera Brenneman and Ruby Hruska-Williams,
reside at Jefferson Healthcare Center, 222 E. Beech
St., Jefferson, OH 44047 Ph: 576-0060.
Robert Janson and Ardith DeBow reside at the
Ashtabula County Nursing Home. Kingsville, OH
44048. Ph: 1-224-2161.
Eleanor Ferguson resides at Country Club Estates,
925 E. 26th Street, Ashtabula, OH 44004
Thelma Hoffman and Mary Russell (536-3018)
reside at Saybrook Landing, 2300 Center Rd.,
Ashtabula, OH 44004
PRAYER CHAIN RECEIVES WEEKLY PRAYER REQUESTS
Each Monday those on our e-mail prayer chain will
receive a list of those we’ve specifically prayed for on
Sunday, along with a brief notation about the
person’s particular situation, if appropriate. If you’d
like to join in this ministry of prayer, please sign up on
today’s Church Life Servant Sheet.
Dec.
SHARING THE MINISTRY IN DECEMBER 2014
8:30 Service
11:00 Service
Acolyte
7
Bodey Beckwith
Christian Graham
14
Cameron Hall
Colin Rodgers
21
Kiden Housel
Madison Loveland
28
Ben Allen
Brandon Furman
Greeters (8:30)
Joyce Zigmont, The Gage Family,
Barb Gildersleeve, Fran Wilson
Dec.
7
14
21
28
Dec.
7
14
21
28
Dec.
7
14
21
28
Dec.
Encounter Hospitality (11:00)
Cathy Cunningham
Techs
Cody & Will Ulrich
Cody Ulrich, Dan Claypool
Will Ulrich, Tom Avsec
Cody Ulrich, Dan Claypool
Café Hospitality
Dennis Hoffman
Barry Humes & Annette Paul
Mary Howe
Pam Zack
Liturgist (8:30)
Marty Cephas
Miki Gage
John King
Greg Housel
Friday afternoon Helpers
5
Pauline Pishner
12
Fran Wilson
19
Lori Jerome
24
Regina Burk
Neil Coleman, Rob Ebersole
Kevin Burke
Noah Manweiler, Neil Coleman
Noah Manweiler, Buzz Sly
Ushers
(8:30) Chuck Phelps
(11:00) Jim Watson
Nursery (11:00)
Jeff Corbett
Joyce Zigmont
June Cooper
Lisa Brail
SPARK! Helpers (11:00)
Vicki Wright
Leeanne Fasuk
Kathy Housel
Greg Housel
SPIDERWEB NEEDS COATS & BOOTS – ESPECIALLY FOR
CHILDREN!!! Clean out your closets and drop off your
donations at Spiderweb, which is the little coral colored
house right next to our church. They’ll get them out to
the people in our community who need them. You can
leave them there any time around the back – there is a
porch overhang that will protect your donation from the
weather.
Here's a list of folks who have
birthdays in December:
(If you'd like your birthday listed,
just call the church office.)
Dec. 1 David Czayka
Jon Stevenson
2 Robin (Ward) Kleven
Stephen Graham II
Jerry Krieg
3 John King
4 Courtney Painter
5 Kiden Housel
Rick Stevenson
Tristan Osborne
6 Elizabeth Gage
7 Jerry March
Breonna Wiley
8 Duane Woodruff
Steve Graham
9 Jennifer Diehl
10 Karen Hakala
12 Ralph Rice
Madison Loveland
14 Russ Bryer
17 Mike Fenton
18 Jon Roden
20 Patrick Locy
21 Mindy Kerzic
Judy Ebersole
Sarah Loveland
22 John Parker
Megan Robinson
Joey Misinec
Hunter Harju
23 John Buzzard
24 Pauline Pishner
Martha Demshar
25 Nola Vlock
Courtney Leininger
26 Melynda Litwiler
Bart Sly
Christian Rodgers
28 Jack Howe, Dale Christ
Judy Buknis
29 Danielle Jackson
Michael Brail
Shannon Burns
Collin Rodgers
31 Bill Whipple
Heidi Robinson
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Using Music to Teach Theology
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me... A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on
December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother
partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of
Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you
under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the
creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.
On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)
On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's
reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus,
3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and
God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.
On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6)
leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who
hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those
who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not
take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not
murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet.
(Exodus 20:1-17)
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7)
Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16).
The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders
and the Romans.
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of
heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of
the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and
was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the
dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the
forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.