The deadline for all-church email will be Wed. noon each week. If you have something that must go out, please get it to me by phone,
email, etc. by Wed. noon. Carol
Come for Breakfast!
Everyone is invited to a hearty breakfast here this Saturday, December 3 from 8-11AM. The breakfast is hosted by UM Men and is open to the public as well, in conjunction with the Stanwood Christmas Celebration that day with holiday events all over town, culminating in the Santa Parade at 5PM in historic Stanwood. Free-will donation for the breakfast. Proceeds will benefit El Porvenir. This is an organization started by Nicaraguans to provide clean water for people living in the countryside. Paul and Fay Richardson helped this organization when they participated in a Primetimers' trip to Nicaragua in October (see our November Messenger). They saw first-hand the need for clean water, vented cooking stoves, wash stations and latrines. Your donations will certainly facilitate their achieving this most basic need. Thank you!
Annual Neighborhood Christmas Party on Friday, December 9; 6PM
All are invited to the annual NeighborhoodChristmas Party just a week from this Friday. We invite people from the neighborhood to join us as well. This will be a potluck so you're asked to bring a dish to share. There will be drawings for special prizes. This is your best chance to have a word with Santa too. We are asking for donations for the drawings, such as baked goods (cookies, popcorn balls, granola?), decorative items, Christmas ornaments, plants, pictures, jewelry, etc. Please bring donations with you to church by December 4th or leave at the office during the week as we need to receive these donations ahead of time. Please bring an item for the food bank also!
Blue Christmas Service
The Blue Christmas worship service will be here Tuesday, December 20 at 7PM. This service is for those who may have lost a loved one or faced a recent difficult event or circumstance in their lives and find it hard to take joy in this season. This service gives people a time to reflect and remember and acknowledge their loss and feelings.
Christmas Day Service
Since Christmas falls on a Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:45AM. The service times on New Year's Day are still to be decided.
Poinsettia orders due in the office by December 11 please.
December 4, 2011 (Communion Sunday)
Communion Server, 1st Service: Brenda Monks
Communion Servers, 2nd Service: Chris and Pam Fredericksen, Lucy Armstrong, Fay Richardson
Liturgist: Chris Fredericksen
1st Hour Coffee Hosts: Brenda Monks
2nd Hour Coffee Hosts: Aly Riddle will bring some goodies
Flowers: No one
December 11, 2011 (Musicale today)
Liturgist: Not needed today
1st Hour Coffee Hosts: No one
2nd Hour Coffee Hosts: Shirley Anderson, Dot Hare
Flowers:
December 18, 2011
Liturgist: Norma Lee Smith
1st Hour Coffee Hosts: Helga Moran, Lois Anderson
2nd Hour Coffee Hosts: Rhonda Hundertmark and Joan Hegg
Flowers: Poinsettias
December 25, 2011 One combined service at 10:45AM.
Liturgist: Fay Richardson
1st Hour Coffee Hosts: Not needed
2nd Hour Coffee Hosts: John and Barbara Shaffer
Flowers: Poinsettias
Sunday, December 4, 2011
8:30AM Worship Service
9:30AM Sunday School
10:45AM Worship Service
11:45AM Fellowship Hour
Monday, December 5, 2011– Pastor's Day Off; Office Open
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
7:00PM Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
6:00PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:15PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 8, 2011
9:00AM 5th Thursday Group to Molbak's Nursery
Friday, December 9, 2011—Church Office Closed/Pastor In
10:00AM Lectionary Group Meets
11:15AM Worship Committee Meets
6:00PM Neighborhood Christmas Party Here with Potluck
Halls Are Painted!
Many thanks to the volunteers who painted our two long hallways Monday and Tuesday. They were Pastor Dan, Cliff Moran, Ernie Bergstrom, Fred Douglass, Ken Taylor, Stan Hanson, Rhonda Hundertmark, Joan Hegg, Lucy Armstrong, Bill and Pat McGlashan, and Helga Moran. Carpet will be installed tomorrow and Friday. Mailboxes have been temporarily taken down from the walls and stored in the Conference Room across from the office and the yellow room.
Handmade All-Occasion Cards Available
The United Methodist Women have been busy crafting a delightful variety of handmade cards for all occasions and they will be for sale. Look for their table in Wesley Hall; they will be selling before first service and will continue selling during Fellowship Hour after second service. Proceeds benefit Mission projects.
5th Thursday Group to Molbaks Dec. 8th
We will visit Molbak's Nursery in Woodinville on Thursday, December 8th. After enjoying the decorations and poinsettias we'll have lunch.
We will leave the church at 9AM. Return between 3 and 4.
Lunch at Panera Bread around 11:30 [No host] Soup, sandwich, and/or salad. Cost: $8 - $10, plus beverage.
Transportation: Mini bus and private vehicles. A fee will be collected to cover this cost.
(Molbak's will give a 10% discount on live plants)
Sign up with Carol at the office or with Emma Lou Meicho, 387-0138.
Holly Holiday Catered Luncheon
This annual catered luncheon will be held Thursday, December 15, starting at 10:45. Pastor Dan will begin with a Christmas story. This is a reservations-only event. Elaine Hilde will be selling tickets during Fellowship Hour for the next few Sundays. Cost is $7. Checks may be made out to SUMC. Elaine may be reached at 387-5624. We hope everyone will be able to come to this special luncheon.
Calendar of Events
Dec. 9, 6PM Annual Neighborhood Christmas Party and Potluck. Please bring food for the local Food Bank also!
Dec. 8, 9AM 5th Thursday outing to Molbak's Nursery
Dec. 11 Musicale. Anyone wishing to participate musically, contact Pastor Dan.
Dec. 11 2-4PM Pastor Dan's Christmas Open House
Dec. 21 11:30AM UM Women's Christmas Party. Bring small gifts and or toiletries for Mary's Place.
Dec. 15 10:45 Silver Sages catered Christmas luncheon. Reservations-only event; advance ticket required.
Dec. 20 7PM Blue Christmas Service Here.
Dec. 24 5:30PM Contemporary Family Candlelighting Service in Wesley
Dec. 24 10:00PM Traditional Candlelighting Service in Sanctuary
Dec. 25 One combined service at 10:45AM
SPIRIT OF THE PUGET SOUND DISTRICT OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. L. Daniel Foster, District Superintendent
December, 2011
Mark your calendar for Roots and Wings Saturday, February 25, 2012.
Bishop Grant Hagiya will be our keynote speaker!
Bishop Hagiya's Fall Address 2011
I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ.
I'm reminded of that conversation between a man and God. The man asked God, "Is it true that a minute to you is like a thousand years?" God answers, "Yes, that's correct." The man then asked God, "Is it also true that a quarter to you is like a million dollars?" God replies, "Yes, that's also true." So the man asked God, "Can I have a quarter?" To which God replies, "Give me a minute to think about that."
Statistics can sometimes be just like that and I realize that there is more to a church than sheer numbers, but they are one indicator of vitality and I hold myself accountable to them as an annual conference as much as I do you.
The good news is that for the last few years our average worship attendance as an annual conference has gone up slightly. My concern is that our baptisms and professions of faith are down this year when they were up slightly the year before. And, we have to do better to bring more people to Jesus Christ.
So, I want to remind you that we are looking for some key metrics from each church. And, please report to your district superintendent (ds) where you are in these numbers.
« 10% net increase in worship attendance.
« 5% net increase in professions of faith.
« Two new outreach or evangelism programs to your neighborhood
and community.
« 100% payment of apportionments.
I'm also counting on each local church to make sure it has two key systems:
« A discipling system that brings people into a deeper relationship
with Jesus Christ.
« An outreach system that reaches out into your mission field.
Your district superintendent is ready and able to assist you in discussing and developing these systems in your church, and I pray for a fruitful discussion during your charge conference.
In closing, I want you to know that I'm praying for your church, your lay and your clergy leadership for growth and vitality.
Please let your ds know what we can do to assist you in fulfilling this growth and vitality.
I believe in you and the future of your church. With joy and thanksgiving for your ministry, I thank you.
Silent Samaritan Women's Fundraiser – November 19
The Women's Fund was created as an opportunity for women with "means" to give a hand to women in need. The evening will include a fun and relaxing atmosphere, some great entertainment, appetizers and a special time of providing you the opportunity to give a hand as your heart leads you. The Samaritan Counseling Center of North Puget Sound invites you to come, enjoy, and be a part of this important ministry offering wholeness through hope and healing to mind, body, spirit and community. Under the Red Umbrella in Everett, Washington. 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets are $15 (cash only at the door). Contact Marilyn Minch at 425.259.3630 or Diane Sandvick at 425.259.5228 if you have questions or need further information.
Small Group Ministry - December 2
Learn the vision and practical steps for implementing a life-changing small group system in your local church. You will leave with the inspiration and hands-on practices to start, build, expand, and deepen the life of your church as people get connected to God and to each other. Attendees will be motivated to care for each other, reach out to non-church friends, get involved in mission, and grow deeper in their spiritual lives. Join us December 2, 2011 from 10am to 3pm at Marysville UMC (5600 64th St. NE, Marysville, WA 98270).
Dr. Brad Kalajainen is the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone UMC in Grand Rapids, Mich. Brad is the founding pastor of Cornerstone, which launched in 1990. Now with a staff of 25, and worship attendance of 2000, Brad attributes much of the growth in spirituality of the members and worship attendance to continual renewal through small group ministry. Brad is a regular presenter at the UM School of Congregational Development teaching small group development. Churches of all sizes benefit from his knowledge and understanding acquired through the many size transitions in his ministry
Cost: $10 per person, $50 per church. GROUP REGISTRATION: Please have one person register your group. The person registering will need names and email addresses for each participants. For your convenience, register online! Visit www.pnwumc.org/trainingevents These trainings qualify for Continuing Education Units.
For more information, contact Kristina Gonzalez at 1.800.755.7710, ext. 309 kgonzalez@pnwumc.org or Lyda Barr at 1.800.755.7710, ext. 302.
"The White Elephant" by Taproot Theatre Touring Company – December 3
Samaritan Counseling Center of North Puget Sound presents "The White Elephant" by Taproot Theatre Touring Company on December 3rd, 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Snohomish UMC. Cost: $20 per person. Limited seating. RSVP 360.568.8737 or e-mail pcsnorth@frontier.com. Everyone loves a White Elephant gift exchange, especially if they don't get stuck with a piece of junk! Taproot's improv actors take a Christmas curmudgeon on a journey of hilarious proportions as they try to improve his holiday spirit.
Advent of Health - Listen to Your Heart
Give the gift of healing this Christmas by giving a Christmas gift to provide basic medical care to our children at the Jamaa Letu orphanages in the Congo. The cost for each child for a year is $100. More information will be available on our website soon. www.HopeForTheChildrenOfAfrica.com
Alternative Christmas Options
If your church suggests "Alternative Christmas" options, please consider adding PET (Personal Energy Transportation Hand Bikes) to your list. It is an approved National Advance Special and one bike can be provided for $250. For information on line, visit www.giftofmobility.org. For a while, I have access to a sample hand bike (you may have seen one at Annual Conference) and I would be willing to bring one to your local church for a demonstration. Barbara Dadd Shaffer would be willing to join me to share options for giving to the orphanages in the Congo. The Advent appeal is "Advent of Health" to fund health care for the orphans which costs about $100 per year per child. We would be willing to provide a brief "mission moment" in worship or provide an entire message (15-20 minutes) at a time that is mutually convenient. This offer extends beyond Christmas, but I am hoping to be included if you promote "Alternative Christmas" giving. Contact Rev. John Shaffer at 425.314.5916.
Christmas House
Christmas House (serving Snohomish County since 1981) provides holiday gifts for qualifying low-income, Snohomish County families with children aged 18 or younger. They are a privately funded charity, not a government funded program. Gifts may be selected for each child in the household age
18 or younger.. Volunteers are needed! Many people contribute to the success of Christmas House and are responsible for putting bright smiles on the faces of over 10,000 children in Snohomish County on Christmas morning last year. Some contribute their time, some donate money or gifts, some hold fundraisers, some volunteer their skills ... the list goes on and on. Call 425.338.2273, if you can help. Christmas House is held at the Boys and Girls Club (2316 12th St., Everett, WA) December 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 (weekdays from 9am to 1:30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 7pm). For more information, visit their website at www.christmas-house.org
Keepers of the Song ~ January 21
A one-day sacred choral workshop with Hal Hopson. For everyone who loves the song that we sing. January 21, 2012, from 9:00am to 4:15pm at Plymouth Church, U.C.C. (1217 Sixth Avenue Seattle 98101). To explore and rediscover the wonder of the sacred song entrusted to our care. $25 for the day, including lunch, if registration fee is received by January 6, 2012. To print a brochure and registration card, visit www.snopres.org and select "RESOURCES" and then Keeper of the Song. Hal Hopson is a full-time composer/church musician residing in Dallas, Texas. He has over 1,300 published works, which comprise almost every musical form in church music.
Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation – February 26-March 2
We extend a heartfelt invitation for you and all lay and clergy persons of your District to attend the 2012 Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation. It will be held at the beautiful Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way, Washington, February 26-March 2, 2012. Our two faculty presenters this year will be addressing Personal Healing and Healing Between Religious Traditions. They are both uniquely qualified to share with us concerning these relevant subjects, as you can discover in our brochure. For clergy of our Annual Conference, scholarships are available through the Board of Ordained Ministry. The Academy for Spiritual Formation is a ministry of Upper Room Ministries.
The purposes of the Academy for Spiritual Formation are:
· To provide a setting in which lay and clergy persons can enhance their sense of call to follow Christ and serve the church and the world.
· To provide for participants an in-depth and comprehensive experience in spiritual formation.
· To educate participants in the history and development of the Christian spiritual life.
· To encourage participants to live out their call through the recovery of the disciplines of daily prayer and ongoing participation in personal and group spiritual guidance.
For more information and to download the form to register, click here:
~ Sue Magrath, Laity UMC (Seven Rivers District), Co-Director
Randy Henderson, Clergy (Vancouver District), Co-Director
Domestic Violence Awareness – April 14, 2012
The Church and Society Team for the PNW Conference is taking on the challenge of addressing Domestic Violence. To do so we are planning a one-day conference with multiple workshops and we are inviting everyone (lay and clergy) to attend. It will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Bothell United Methodist Church. The online registration will be available after the first of the year
A DIFFERENT ETHICS WORKSHOP – May 5, 2012