december 2016 the advent journey 2016 - razor planet€¦ · preparation for the celebration of the...
TRANSCRIPT
-
Volume 16 Issue 12
December 2016
ST
.
AN
DR
EW
U
NI
TE
D
ME
TH
OD
IS
T
CH
UR
CH
The people of St. Andrew have been called by God to embrace, equip and encourage persons
of all ages to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. e3
The Advent Journey 2016
The Advent Season is upon us. Sunday,
November 27th will be the First Sunday of
Advent, a season observed in the church
as a time of expectant waiting and
preparation for the celebration of the
Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is
a version of the Latin word meaning
"coming."
For Christians, the season of Advent
anticipates the coming of Christ from
two different perspectives. Advent offers
the opportunity to share in the ancient
longing for the coming of the Messiah,
and to be alert for his Second Coming.
There are many traditions associated
with Advent: keeping an Advent
calendar, lighting an Advent wreath,
praying an Advent daily devotional, as
well as other ways of preparing for
Christmas, such as setting up Christmas
decorations, a custom that is sometimes
done liturgically, through a hanging of the
greens ceremony.
There are familiar words, words that
warm our hearts and spirits, from
Luke 2:1-20
2 Now in those days a decree went
out from Caesar Augustus, that a
census be taken of all the inhabited
earth. 2 This was the first census
taken while Quirinius was governor
of Syria. 3 And everyone was on
his way to register for the census,
each to his own city. 4 Joseph also
went up from Galilee, from the city
of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city
of David which is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and
family of David, 5 in order to
register along with Mary, who was
engaged to him, and was with
child. 6 While they were there, the
days were completed for her to
give birth. 7 And she gave birth to
her firstborn son; and she wrapped
Him in cloths, and laid Him in a
manger, because there was no
room for them in the inn.
8 In the same region there were
some shepherds staying out in the
fields and keeping watch over their
flock by night. 9 And an angel of
the Lord suddenly stood before
them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them; and they were
terribly frightened. 10 But the angel
said to them, “Do not be afraid; for
behold, I bring you good news of
great joy which will be for all the
people; 11 for today in the city of
David there has been born for you
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12
This will be a sign for you: you will
find a baby wrapped in cloths and
lying in a manger.” 13 And
suddenly there appeared with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying, 14
“Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace among men with
whom He is pleased.”
(continued on page 3)
-
NOVEMBER
~Thanksgiving & Friday 24-25
Office closed
~ Sunday, 27
1st Sunday of Advent
~ Tuesday, 29
St. Andrew Church Conference
DECEMBER
~ Thursday, 1
Lunch, Prayer and a Movie
~ Thursday, 8
Timothy Noble, Pianist
UMW Christmas Program
~ Sunday, 11
Christmas Musical
Celebration
Christmas Caroling
~ Thursday, 15
No Promises Concert
~ Tuesday, 20
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
~ Friday, 23
Office Closed
~ Saturday, 24
2 Christmas Eve Services
~ Sunday, 25
1 Combined Christmas Day Service
~ Monday, 26
Office Closed
JANUARY
~ Sunday, 1
Combined Service
~ Monday, 2
Office Closed
~ Monday, 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Office Closed
V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 1 2 Page 2
Phone: 937-426-6491
Fax: 937-426-6746
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.standrewumchurch.org
Office Hours:
9:00—3:00pm Monday—Thursday
9:00—Noon Friday
Sunday Worship Times
8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am
9:30am Sunday School
Child Care at Sunday Services
St. Andrew UMC is a Safe Sanctuary Congregation
Staff of St. Andrew
Rev. John Schlicher - Senior Pastor
Debbie Caudill-Director, Spiritual Formation
Cameron Voorhees, Music Director
Ed Baker, Organist
Laura K. Smith, Administrative Assistant
Ryan Lageman, Youth Director
Kaitlin Fahey, Child Care
The Personal Touch - Custodians
Congregation - Ministers of St. Andrew
Sermon Topics
and Scriptures
NOVEMBER 27
Journey to Jerusalem
DECEMBER 4
Journey to Nazareth
DECEMBER 11
Journey to Bethlehem
Special Christmas
Music Celebration
DECEMBER 18
Journey to The Countryside
of Judea
DECEMBER 24
Journey to the Home of
The Messiah
DECEMBER 25
Journey to the Ends
of the Earth
Happy December
Birthday!
Please note: As Winter
approaches, if the church is closed
due to inclement weather, the
building will remain closed all day
and all evening.
Be sure to check
your local TV
stations or call
the church office
for information.
Robert Spencer 12/03
Tammy Baxter 12/06
Ben Borszcz 12/06
Nic Burja 12/07
William Doebereiner 12/08
Bill Shoup 12/10
Marilyn Durrum 12/12
Jim Booth 12/14
Cody Ganger 12/14
Dorie Williams 12/15
Randy Boudinot 12/16
Susan Fisher 12/16
Ernie Muller 12/17
Katie Miller 12/18
Julie Christian 12/22
Shaun Nicholson 12/22
Greg Williams 12/23
Joyce McCready 12/28
Betty Hughes 12/29
-
Page 3 F OOT PRI NTS
The Advent Journey 2016 (continued)
The Sundays of Advent My hope and prayer for you is that during this Advent season you will engage in all of the
opportunities to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second
Coming. We’ve meticulously planned and shaped each of our services to reflect our very simple theme, “The Advent
Journey.” We’re going to begin with Jerusalem, moving then to Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Countryside of Judea, and
on Christmas Eve to the Home of the Messiah.
Breath of Heaven ~ Combined 10:30 Service Along our Advent Journey, of special note is our combined
Christmas Musical Celebration on December 11, with the service beginning at 10:30 am. It’s titled, “Breath of
Heaven,” and our choir has been practicing for weeks. We’ve got several special musical artists joining us for the day;
it’s going to prove to be an exceptional worship experience. Christmas Caroling will be held on the afternoon of the
11th from 3 to 5 pm. We need many people to join in, and we will divide into several groups with assigned locations.
At 5 pm we will all come back together for refreshment and fellowship here at the church.
Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve there will be two services, one beginning at 7 pm and the second at 9 pm. We’ve
dug deep to plan extraordinary worship experiences on Christmas Eve. At both 7:00 and 9:00 you will
experience candlelight services, and there will be a beautifully portrayed nativity.
In addition to Sunday Worship Advent Journey experiences, we’ve planned several other special opportunities...
Advent Life Group First is an Advent Life Group opportunity on Monday mornings beginning at 10 am. Our
Director of Spiritual Formation, Debbie Caudill is leading this group, and the first of the 4-week series begins on
November 28th,
with the final session on Monday December 19th. Call the church office if you’d like to participate in
the group.
Christmas Concerts & Movies We’ve also planned three special events, I’ll call 3D, three special days in
December. First on Thursday, December 1, beginning at 11 am is Lunch, Prayer and a Movie featuring The Bishop's
Wife. It’s hosted by Laura Smith and Debbie Caudill, and will be held in our Theater. Call the church to make your
reservations. Then on Thursday, December 8 we are co-hosting a special Christmas Concert with Timothy Noble at
Hillside Chapel. Timothy is an incredibly talented pianist. And finally on Thursday, December 15 right here at St.
Andrew, No Promises will be our special guests. This men’s acapella group, featuring our own Adam Wheeler and
John Slate, will perform. More information about both of these special concerts is provided in this newsletter.
My prayer for us this Advent Season is that we grow closer to one another, that we are filled with awe as we gaze
again at the nativity, and that we are strengthened in our faith. May God Bless you and your households abundantly
throughout these days Advent. Thanking God for each of you and for everything you do to further God’s Kingdom,
Pastor John & Michelle
-
V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 1 2 Page 4
The St. Andrew Theater Presents: Luncheon, Prayer & A Matinee
Hosted by Debbie Caudill & Laura Smith
The Bishop’s Wife Thursday, December 1, 2016
A Light Lunch at 11:00 Movie Begins at 11:30
Make your reservations by calling or e-mailing the church office.
See you at the movies!
7 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
The UMW of St. Andrew United Methodist Church
will present Timothy Noble, a 17 year-old nationally
recognized pianist and vocalist on Thursday,
December 8, 2016, at 7 p.m. Timothy and his family
present 80 concerts all over the country during the
year. He has been featured at the Grand Piano
Extravaganza, Faith and Freedom Rally, National
Quartet Convention in the Regional Artist Showcase
and honored to be selected to play on the main stage
program called “The Parade of Pianos” that features the
top gospel pianists in the nation.
His Beavercreek concert will consist of gospel and
Christmas music and is hosted at the Hillside Chapel,
3515 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek. A love offering
will be accepted.
STARS Christmas Lunch and Entertainment
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
at 11:30 AM
Chicken and drinks will be provided.
Please bring a dish to share!
The sign-up sheet is on the STARS
bulletin board.
Bonnie & Jim’s Clubhouse
located at 565 Park Hill Crossing
Fairborn, Ohio
STARS St. Andrew Retirees
-
Page 5 F OOT PRI NTS
Christmas Eve Services
7:00 and 9:00 PM
Combined
Christmas Day Service
10:30 AM
Christmas Poinsettias Order forms for elegant red poinsettias are in the Atrium,
Gathering Grounds, and church office. Deadline for ordering
is December 11!
NO PROMISES VOCAL BAND
Thursday, December 15 7:00 PM
Sing in the Christmas season with the
breathtaking harmonization of the
NO PROMISES VOCAL BAND. With
an all-new repertoire, the men of
NO PROMISES introduce their debut
album and offer an unforgettable evening
of sacred and secular holiday favorites,
along with jazz and pop tunes from
Manhattan Transfer, Andy Williams
and even Taylor Swift.
Featuring St. Andrew worship drummer Adam Wheeler
and former music director John Slate.
Free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be
accepted. Arrive early; capacity crowds expected.
Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 11 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Refreshments afterwards in the
Conference Room
Sign up in Atrium, Gathering Grounds
or the office
-
V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 1 2 Page 6
December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
11:00 Lunch, Prayer &
Movie
7:00 UMW Executive
Meeting
7:00 Ascent Practice
2 2:00 Girl Scouts FH
8:00 NA FH
3
4
2nd Sunday of
Advent
8:15, 9:30, 11:00
Worship
9:30 Sunday School-
All Ages
1:00 Dress Rehearsal
for 12/11 Musical
6:30 Women’s Study
5
6
11:30 Office Angels
Christmas Party
6:00 Oak Tree
Corner FH, EDU
7
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Life Groups
7:00 Choir Practice
8
7:00 Ascent Practice
UMW Christmas
Program
Timothy Noble Concert
at Hillside Church
9 2:00 Girl Scouts FH
8:00 NA FH
10
11
3rd Sunday of
Advent
9:30 Adult Sunday
School
10:30 Combined Worship Christmas Musical
Celebration
3:30 Caroling
6:30 Women’s Study
Poinsettia Order
deadline
FP Deadline
12
6:00 Lions Club CR 13 14
1:30 Staff Meeting
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Life Groups
7:00 Choir Practice
15
7:00 No Promises
Concert (A Cappella
Men’s Group)
Poinsettia delivery
FP Folders
16 2:00 Girl Scouts FH
8:00 NA FH
17
18
4th Sunday of
Advent
8:15, 9:30, 11:00
Worship
9:30 Sunday School-
All Ages
19
20
6:30 Men’s Prayer
Breakfast
6:00 Oak Tree
Corner FH, EDU
21
(No Life Groups)
22
23
Office Closed
8:00 NA FH
24
Christmas Eve
Services
7:00 PM and
9:00 PM
25
Christmas Day
9:30 Adult Sunday
School
10:30 Combined
Worship
26
Office Closed
27
28
(No Life Groups)
7:00 Choir Practice
29
7:00 Ascent Practice
30
8:00 NA FH 31
-
Page 7 F OOT PRI NTS
The Memorial Team will accept orders for memorial bricks through early
January of 2017. Large bricks are $50.00 and the smaller bricks are $25.00.
This price includes the engraving. Order forms are available in the church
office and can be given to Laura Smith or Karen Spencer or they can be placed
with a designated check in the offering plate. Thank you!
Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ
By Timothy Keller
Reviewed by Pat Reynolds
In this book Timothy Keller takes the reader through passages from the Bible
that are well known because they are “dusted off every Christmas.” As Keller
puts it, this is the one time of year when our secular society and the Christian
church are, to a degree, thinking about the same thing. But how does the
non-Christian parent answer their child’s question about what the words mean
found in, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”—“born to give them second birth”?
The first few chapters reveal, through the gospel of Matthew, the gifts God
gave us at Christmas. In later chapters, Keller focuses on the gospel of Luke and
discusses how we can welcome and receive those gifts. He concludes that our salvation is by
grace—this is the meaning of Christmas. Because Christmas really happened, fellowship with God
is possible. Joy for us has come through ordinary means. Really listen to the words of our familiar
Christmas carols and be prepared to answer questions from the secular world.
Christmas Adopt-A-Family
Jerry Sedlacek
Our Christmas tree with gift ornaments for children and adults in our
Adopt-A-Family program was set up in the Atrium the Sunday before Thanksgiving,
November 20. This year we will gather Christmas gifts and food for families from the
Wesley Center and Fairbrook Elementary School. Cash donations designated for our
Adopt-A-Family program will be needed to complete the gift and food packages we
assemble for each family this year. Gift, food, and cash donations
should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 11 so our gift
packages can be completed and sent to the Wesley Center and
Fairbrook Elementary School in time for Christmas. The need this
year continues to be great so please be generous in your support of
this program.
-
non profit organization
us postage paid
Xenia Ohio 45385
permit #13
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED1
350 N. Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45430
937.426.6491 [email protected] standrewumchurch.org
Continue in the Journey
Our Annu al Chris tmas
Musical Celebrat ion Sunday
at St . Andrew December 11th
On e Combin ed S ervice a t 10:30 AM
St. Andrew United Methodist Church
350 North Fairfield Road
Beavercreek, OH 45430