December 2, 2012 First Sunday of Advent

Worship:

8:15 & 10:45am (Sanctuary) ~ 9:30 & 10:45am (First Place) Sunday School ~ 9:30am

Lead Pastor: Rev. David Leckrone Resident Pastor: Rev. Michael Mohler

Welcome to Worship Pastoral Welcome Community Sharing (Announcements- Registration Pads- Birthdays- Anniversaries) Time of Greeting Choral Introit Organ Voluntary “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Tawnie Johnson *Opening Hymn “Surely the Presence”

*Hymn #213 “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” *Lighting the Advent Wreath: HOPE Isaiah 2:1-5 *Responsive Reading #881 *Gloria Patri

Sacrament of Holy Baptism Today we celebrate the baptism of Katie Elaine Quinn,

the daughter of Tyler and Kristi Quinn.

Prayer Requests, Joys & Concerns Silent, Pastoral & the Lord’s Prayer Prayer Hymn #2080 “All I Need Is You”

All I need is you, Jesus, All I need is you. You are the source of all I need. All I need is you.

Choral Anthem “Awaken and Prepare Us”

Hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children” Children’s Message

All children are welcome to come to the chancel steps. All children will remain in worship today

Order of Worship continues on the back cover.

The First United Methodist Church

First News facebook.com/TroyFUMC ● www.troyfumc.org ● twitter.com/TroyFirst UMC ● staff@troyfumc.org ● 335.2826

We Need Your Help! We need lots of help to set up the tables and chairs for tonight’s All Church Christmas party at First Place. We will do this immediately following the 10:45am services. Many hands make light work!

All Church Christmas Party Tonight!!!

Please join us for our annual Christmas party tonight at 5pm in First Place. Please bring a dish or two to share if you are able. Drinks and table service will be provided. The Troy High School Show Choir will be our entertainment and a “Special” visitor will make an appearance. Please plan to join us for this fun and festive event.

Heart to Heart Holiday Cheese Spread Sale

The Heart to Heart Retreat planning team is once again selling cheese spreads for the holidays. This year we are featuring a cheddar cheese ball and a cranberry cream cheese spread. Orders will be taken on Dec 2, 9, & 16 in the Gathering room and at First Place after all 4 church services. Pick-up will take place at the same locations on Dec 16 & 23. Each 8-ounce cheese spread costs $6. Thank you in advance for your support!

Attendance Last Sunday Worship: 433 Sunday School: 94

Giving Trees The Giving Trees are in the Gathering room. This year we will support 12 Kyle School families. Each tag has 3 parts. Write your name & phone # on the bottom tag and leave it on the tree. Take the top 2 tags with you. The middle tag will describe the child (gender & age) and list a gift card, a gift of clothing (type/size), or a needed personal item. The top tag goes on the wrapped gift/gifts. Gifts are due back by Sun, Dec 9. They may be dropped off under the Christmas trees in the Gathering room or delivered to the church office. The Outreach Committee will sort, bag and deliver the gifts to the families.

Mitten Tree Today in the Gathering room is an undecorated Christmas tree. We are asking the congregation to decorate this tree with mittens, hats and scarves for needy children and adults in our community. If you have any questions please contact Penny Hoekstra at 335-2826 or by email at phoekstra@troyfumc.org.

Christmas Eve Services Traditional: 5, 7, 9 & 11pm, Sanctuary

Contemporary: 6 & 8pm, First Place Childcare: 5, 6 & 7pm (3yrs and under)

“Kids’ Korner” Congratulations to:

Natasha & Zac Ganger Natasha was inducted to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi on Nov 1. Zac was inducted to The National Society of Collegiate Scholars on Nov 3.

Call the Church office (335-2826) or e-mail: staff@troyfumc.org with special things your children have

accomplished, so we can celebrate with you.

Kyle Elementary Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the Kyle Christmas Gala, Sat, Dec 8 from 8:30-11:30am. Volunteers are needed to help in the Coat Room, to serve breakfast, helping in the Secret Santa Shoppe and to work at the Scholastic Book Fair. Volunteers can work one hour or the whole time. Please sign up in the Gathering Room or contact Kristy Holm @ holm-k@troy.k12.oh.us to volunteer at Kyle. Monetary Donations would be greatly appreciated. Please mark “Kyle Breakfast” in the memo of your check and drop into the offering plate. Thanks for your support!

Special Invitation

The United Methodist Women are inviting all women of the church to join us on Wed, Dec 12 for a progressive dinner. It will start in the Church Gathering room at 6pm. Cost for the event is $10 (proceeds to local mission). We need reservations by Mon, Dec 3 to Doris Smallenbarger at 335-2166. Please join us for a fun, festive holiday evening.

First Friend of the Week: (take a moment to send a note/card to our First Friend)

Carol White 2 Fraternal Dr., Pathway 106m Lakeview,

Springfield, Oh 45504 Happy 80th Birthday-Dec 3!!!

All Church Christmas Caroling Next Sun, Dec 9 we will go Christmas Caroling for our “Special Folks”, something they always look forward to and thoroughly enjoy. Please join us! This is a wonderful family event as our Special Folks so enjoy seeing the children. We will meet in the Social room at 3pm where we will divide into groups to be sent out. When we return we will enjoy pizza together.

Let’s Go! 2013 Trip Preview: Mon, Dec 17 at 6pm, First Place, Reservations due: Dec 10

Costa Rica Mission Trip We are still building a team to go on our first mission trip to Costa Rica in March 2013. If you are interested or you would just like more information, you can add your name to the list in the Gathering Room. In order to allow enough time to get passports and to secure travel arrangements, there will be a commitment date sometime in December.

Stained Glass Windows: Recognition Plaque

A plaque recognizing those who donated toward the stained glass windows restoration is being planned. If you are a donor, please check the small white notebook in the Gathering room to ensure your name is listed and spelled correctly. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please cross out your name If you have any questions, please contact Susan Furlong at sfurlong90@gmail.com or 667-6607.

Run or Walk for Hope, Freedom & Respect

January 1st marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves free in the United States. Yet, 150 years later, slavery still exists, not only in developing countries, but in the advanced, industrialized counties, including this country. Each year, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders. The Ohio Human Trafficking Commission estimates over 1,000 children are trafficked in Ohio every year, and another 3,000 are at risk of being trafficked.

New Year's Day is also our sixth annual 5k race. Our goal this year is to break a record for participants, and show the Miami Valley that we are taking a stand against modern day slavery. Whether you are a serious or recreational runner, or you just want to participate as a walker, you can make a difference. One of the organizations that the race will support is Oasis House, which for the last 8 years has helped victims of

the sex industry in Dayton, and will soon be opening a safe house for women. We are also supporting The Refuge in Costa Rica, which provides a safe haven for at risk children.

You can register online, and join the Troy First UMC team, at http://raceforhope.kintera.org/troy2013/fumc. The registration fee for adults is $20, and for students and children it is $15. There will be a $5 increase after 12/14. There are also registration forms in the Gathering room. If you have any questions, you can contact race directors Brett Bogan or Cynde Sroufe.

Food Pantry 2012 November: Week 1: Families 135 Individuals* 449 1st Time Visitors 11 Week 2: Families 162 Individuals* 554 1st Time Visitors 5 Week 3: Families 137

Individuals* 452 1st Time Visitors 16 Year to Date: Families 5937 Individuals* 18527 1st Time Visitors 364 *individuals = # of persons living in household

Mark Your Calendars Mark your calendars for the 2013 Heart to Heart Retreat! The retreat will be held on Friday evening, Mar 1 and Saturday, Mar 2 at First Place. More details coming in the near future.

Alpha Course to Begin-Register Now! We are excited to begin our first ALPHA Course on Wed, Jan 9, 2013! ALPHA is an opportunity to deepen/broaden our understanding of and relationship with Jesus. It is a course designed for people to explore different aspects of the Christian Faith in a relaxed, welcoming and non-threatening environment. More information can be found on the ALPHA web site: http://www.alphausa.org ALPHA Course Details: The course will be every Wednesday

6:30-8:30pm for 12 weeks, Jan 9-Mar 27 at First Place.

o One-day retreat at First Place on Sat, Feb 23, 8:30am – 5pm. We will explore the Holy Spirit together. Breakfast & lunch will be provided.

Childcare, including meals for children, will be provided during all ALPHA meetings.

ALPHA Course format: Dinner together at 6pm, followed by a

DVD message from Nicky Gumbel, the developer of the ALPHA course. Each message will be about such things as Who is Jesus? How Does God Guide us? Where and how do we pray? After each message we will discuss it in small group.

We have 18 openings for those who are interested in being a part of our first course. Registration forms are available in the Gathering room or at the Information Center at First Place. We look forward to spending time together building our relationships as we explore the meaning of life together. Come dig deeper with us to explore what it is to be on a spiritual journey! If you have any questions, feel free to contact anyone on the Alpha team:

Linda Brewer

Matthew & Mary Jane Johns Ed & Melanie Mergler

Bob & Gloria Parker Pastor Dave

Preaching Schedule December 9

8:15 & 10:45am Rev. Dave Leckrone 9:30 & 10:45am Rev. Mic Mohler

December 16

8:15 & 10:45am Rev. Dave Leckrone 9:30 & 10:45am Rev. Mic Mohler

Pastoral Care If you are going to be in the hospital and would like a pastor to visit, please call the office at 335-2826. The on-call schedule is as follows: Week of December 2 ~ Pastor Mic

Week of December 9 ~ Pastor Dave

Weekly Calendar Today: December 2 / 1st Sunday of Advent /

Communion / Quinn Baptism

8:15, 9:30, & 10:45am Worship

8:30am Community Breakfast @ First Place

5:00pm All Church Christmas Party (FP)

7:00pm Financial Peace

Monday: December 3

6:30am Men’s Life @ Bob Evans

9:00am First Kids Preschool

9:15am Intercessory Prayer Group

9:30am Staff Meeting

1:00 & 5:00pm Food Pantry (FP)

3:00pm Senior Chair Exercises (FP)

3:45pm Pilates Class (FP)

5:00pm Troy City Schools Support Staff

Christmas Dinner

6:00pm Daisy Scouts

6:30pm Grandmother’s Club

Tuesday: December 4

9:00am First Kids Preschool

12:00pm Staff Christmas Luncheon

6:30pm BIBLE Class

6:30pm Fibromyalgia Support Group

6:30pm Scout Commissioners (FP)

Wednesday: December 5

9:00am First Kids Preschool

1:00pm Food Pantry (FP)

3:00pm Senior Exercise (FP)

3:45pm Pilates Class (FP)

6:00pm Team G(race)- Up N Running

6:30pm Youth Group (FP)

7:00pm Children’s Choir

Thursday: December 6 Let’s Go! LaComedia

8:00am Fidelity Health (FP)

9:00am First Kids Preschool-Picture Day

5:00pm Boy Scouts

6:30pm Bell Choir

7:00pm Praise Team (FP)

7:30pm Chancel Choir

Friday: December 7

9:00am First Kids Preschool-Picture Day

1:00pm Food Pantry (FP)

Saturday: December 8

7:30am Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ Friendly’s

7:30am Men’s Life @ Bob Evans

9:00am UMW Cookie Shoppe (FP)

Next Sunday: December 9 / 2nd Sunday of

Advent

8:15, 9:30, & 10:45am Worship

8:30am Community Breakfast @ First Place

3:00pm All Church Christmas Caroling

4:00pm Community Holiday Celebration

7:00pm Financial Peace

Thank You!

I want to thank Maggie Sykes for her visit and much needed time of prayer just before my surgery. Also, special thanks also to Ann Runner for bringing the flowers and for the visit and to all those who kept me in prayer. It's truly a blessing to belong to a church fellowship that takes such care of their people. Kristy Holm

Stewardship Update

General Operating Pledged/Unpledged Giving

Week 48 of 52

11/25/12 11/27/11 Change % Change

$4,515.00 $8,104.00 ($3,589.00) -44.3%

1/1/12-11/25/12 1/1/11-11/27/11 Change % Change

$509,713.75 $466,883.92 $42,829.83 +9.2%

Notes 1) Our 2012 Total General Operating Budget is $643,217, which is 4.5% higher than the

budget need in 2011. (The amount needed per week in 2012 is $12,370.) The budgeted

amount for General Operating Pledged/Unpledged Giving is $601,500.

2) The total amount received for General Operating in 2011 was $540,577, which was less than

what was budgeted ($567,500).

3) Year to date, we have received 85% of the budgeted amount for General Operating

Pledged/Unpledged Giving. We should be at 92%.

4) Online giving is included in the year-to-date figures. Through 10/31/12, total online giving

(general fund and all other funds) equals $69,071.28.

Questions? Ask the Treasurer: bdbogan@troyfumc.org

Last Week’s Offering Money Received for the General Operating Fund

General Pledged/Unpledged Tithes & Offerings 4515.00 Loose Plate 183 Sunday School 31.85 Breakfast 107 Coffee 30.41

Youth 25 Facility Use 250 Upper Room 1 Fair Trade 478 Money Received & Designated to Special Projects & Other Funds Not Included in General Operating. These are designated gifts, contributions and other income received by the church from church members and constituents. These amounts do not represent any financial support from the general operating fund to these special projects and funds.

Food Pantry 2085 UMCOR 50 FPU 178 FISH 80 Missions 5 UM Student 130 Dome Leak 500 SG Windows 140 Missions 50 Team G(race) 477.14 WR4H Sponsor 700 Poinsettias 389

Special Campaigns

Third Floor Ceiling Project

Total Spent: $48,248

Total Contributions Received: $150

Deficit: $48,098

Red Bird Mission Make a difference for the Red Bird Mission School in Beverly, KY! Save box tops and UPC codes from a variety of products that will be redeemed to provide needed items for the Mission School. Please drop you labels/UPC codes in the red box outside the church office. Complete product lists are available under the red box. Thank you for helping the UMW to support the Red Bird Mission School.

In Sympathy A white rose has been placed on the Sanctuary altar in memory of: † Ellen Kneisley, the mother of Janet Lybarger and Jennifer Amheiser, Nov 26

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Stained Glass Windows - Dome Goal: $115,000 Still Needed: $93,520

Offertory “O Jesu Sweet, O Jesu Mild” *Doxology #95 *Offertory Prayer *Hymn #211 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Scripture Lesson: Mark 1:1-8 Amy Rehfus Sermon “The Real Story” Rev. Dave Leckrone Holy Communion #15 *Hymn #196 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

*Benediction *Parting Hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Postlude “Sing the Glad Song”

*congregation stands if able

Today’s Anthem: “Awaken and Prepare Us” Text: Herg Fromback Music: Mark Hayes This piece quotes #196 “Come Thous Long Expected Jesus”

Awaken and prepare us, O God, For the light of Your saving Son. We look for the light of the world, The light of the Promised One.

Awaken and prepare us, O God, For the love of Your living Son, We wait for Your love to appear, The love of the Chosen One.

Prepare us for the Promised One, the Chosen One, Emmanuel. Prepare us for the presence of God. Ready our hearts for Him to dwell.

*Come Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release

us, Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Awaken and prepare us, O God, For the gift of Your giving Son. We watch for Your gift with hope, The gift meant for everyone.

The Altar Flowers are presented to the Glory of God by Arthur and Gail Haddad, in honor of their family on the occasion of their 56th Wedding Anniversary.

Nursery Care: Rooms 200-202 An usher can direct you. Childcare Staff Person(s): Sandra Makemson and Barbara Warner

We Welcome Children in Worship. The following items are available to assist you in

the sanctuary: quiet bags, children’s bulletins, a child-sized table and rocking chairs are available. If you need assistance simply ask an usher. Greeters: 8:15am Franklin Street John and Chris Terwilliger Cherry Street Jim and Pearl James 10:45am Franklin Street Jim and Barbara Graham Cherry Street Ivan and Pat Kunkleman Usher Captains: 8:15am Steve Johnson 10:45am Bud Runner Acolytes: 10:45am Hallie Westmeyer and Kathryn Wolke Church Information: The First United Methodist Church

Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 110 West Franklin Street Website: www.troyfumc.org

Troy, Ohio 45373 Email: staff@troyfumc.org

937-335-2826 Twitter: twitter.com/TroyFirstUMC Fax: 937-332-0070 Facebook: facebook.com/TroyFUMC

Large print Bibles, Hymnals and Bulletins are available from an Usher.

We extend a warm welcome to all our visitors today!

Choir Members: Sopranos: Kathi Dow, Janice Harshman, Lillian Holmes, Joyce Mosher, Jan Murphy and Nan Conard

Altos: Myrle Briggs, Pam Gibellino, Bobbi Kelly, Carla Lohrer, Carol Marheine, Maggie Sykes, Jill Peters,

Jan Wise and Janet Wright Tenors: Jim Braby, Doug Burch, Peter Dow, Mark Rogers, and Steve Sykes

Basses: Bob Blythe, Brandon Evans, Dale Fisher, Jack Hoekstra, Allen Marheine, Joe Mosher, Bruce

Scranton and Stan Shaw