December 2014 - First United Methodist Church of Escondido

The Methodist Messenger
Monthly Newsletter of
First United Methodist Church of Escondido, California
December, 2014
Vol. 49 No. 12
FAITH/WORKS
This Sunday starts a new season of Advent. Our theme is “Come to the Stable”.
We’ll focus on what God’s Bethlehem gift means for us in the here and now of our lives.
Advent is one of my favorite times. It’s a specifically belong to the church. The
world rushes headlong to Christmas. We pause to make all the stops between. We reflect
and wonder; we pray and ponder. We set aside intentional time to renew and deepen our
relationship with God.
Our Church calendar is overflowing with things to do, places to go, opportunities to
be in fellowship and service. It’s a busy schedule to add to our personal ones. Looking t it all, I wonder
where we might “catch our breath”. Where might God get a new hold on us?
Let me offer this “pastoral suggestion”. Don’t lose the gift of Christmas in the midst of all its
wrappings. Let there be things you “don’t do” so you’ll have time and space to simply be; to let God bless
you. In the midst of all the Christmas sights and sounds; take time to be silent and listen.
Arthur Schnabel was a famous pianist. He was once asked by a reporter to describe the secret of his
genius. He replied, “I don’t think I handle the notes differently from other pianists, but the pauses between the
notes—ah--there is where the artistry lies!” The pauses between the notes; that was Schnabel's answer. He
explained also that’s why as great pianists grow older they play somewhat slower. It’s not that they can’t play
the notes with the same technical brilliance. It’s that the depth and spirit of their music lies in the pauses.
Let Advent be your “pause between the notes” this year. May you rediscover the depth and spirit that
is Christmas. One of my favorite poems for this season was written by Grace Noll Crowell. I offer it here as a
reminder and an invitation.
I shall attend to my little errands of love,
Early, this year.
So that the brief days before Christmas may be
Unhampered and clear
Of the fever of hurry. The breathless rushing
that I have known in the past
Shall not possess me. I shall be calm in my soul
And ready at last
For Christmas: “The Mass of the Christ.”
I shall kneel and call out His name;
I shall take time to watch the beautiful light
Of a candle's flame;
I shall have leisure—I shall go out alone
From my roof and my door;
I shall not miss the silver silence of stars
As I have before;
And, oh, perhaps—If I stand there very still,
And very 1ongI shall hear what the clamor of living has kept from me;
The Angels' song!
Blessings in this holy time. “Come to the stable.” Unwrap the gift that waits you there.
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Inside
“See You In Worship”
Page
Faith Works
Worship Services
Music Ministry
United Methodist Women
All Church Activities & News
Children’s Ministry
Youth Ministry
Golden Weds
Prayer List
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Rev. Faith J. Conklin
Chapel Service
8 a.m. Song, Scripture, Reflection and the
Lord’s Supper.
Sanctuary Services
Communion on the first Sunday of the
month
9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:45 a.m. Arbor Praise Service
Periodical: USPS 592-540
The Methodist Messenger is published monthly at
Escondido, California
Postmaster: Send address changes to
341 S. Kalmia St.
Escondido, CA 92025-4208
Church Office Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to noon
Church Office: (760) 745-5100
FAX: (760) 745-9338
Rev. Ruben Torres
Sunday Spanish Language Worship
In the Sanctuary—12:15 p.m.
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.fumcesc.com
Nursery Care Available
Between 8:30 a.m. and Noon
Pastors: Faith J. Conklin,
Ruben Torres (Spanish Language Pastor)
Christmas Boutique
Don't miss your chance to find a special hand made gift, ornament or item to decorate your home. The
Artisans will be having a Christmas Boutique in conjunction with the Christmas Breakfast sponsored by the
UMW on December 6th. The Boutique will also be open before and after the Friday Faith Flick, on December
5th. Come early to the movie and do some Christmas shopping. You will also have a chance to shop in
between services on Sunday, December 7th. Help support our UMW mission projects by purchasing a lovely
handcrafted item.
Music Ministry
Welcome to Advent
Four Sundays of Advent prepare us for the arrival of the Christ child which we begin celebrating on
Christmas Eve. Christmas Sunday is the Sunday after Christmas and then we move into Epiphany in
January. This is a busy and musical time of the year for our congregation. In addition to our annual
Bethlehem Walk we have a Sunday evening pageant on December 7th, a Family Carol Sing and Potluck
featuring the Arbor Musicians on Sunday, December 21st and three Christmas Eve services, each one
musically different: 5 p.m. Children and Youth; 7 p.m. Disciple Singers and Holy Communion and 11 p.m.
Chancel Choir and Celebration Bells in a candlelight service. Additionally we will present Advent and
Christmas music each Sunday this month. The music will be different each week so you will want to attend
worship each Sunday during Advent. From the peacefulness of our 8 a.m. Communion service in the Chapel
with piano and soloist to our 9 a.m. traditional service with pipe organ and choirs to our 10:45 a.m. Arbor
service with praise music provided by the Arbor Musicians you will find something to help you celebrate this
special season. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!
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David Leigh Shearer, Director of Music Ministries
United Methodist Women
CIRCLE INFO
UMW News
Join a UMW Circle to connect with other
women, grow spiritually, serve and enjoy fellowship.
The UMW annual Christmas breakfast is
Saturday, December 6th at 9:00 a.m.. Come join
us for a “Cowgirl Christmas” celebration that will
include breakfast, officer installation and the Still
Cruisin’ line dancers performing their special
Cowgirl Christmas program. Tickets for $8 will be
available at the November Circle meetings or Unit
meeting, and Sundays beginning November 16th.
Elizabeth Circle will meet Wednesday,
December 10th at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Karen
Strakon, assisted by Mary Harmon, with devotions
from Sandra Gerard. Please bring finger food for all
to enjoy.
Hannah Circle will meet December 9th at
11:00 a.m. at Ruth Cameron’s home for a potluck.
Leah Circle's next meeting will be Monday,
December 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Glenna
Long. For more information about the Leah's Circle,
contact Penny Bernhard between 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.,
Mon - Sun.
Artisans will have a
boutique with gifts and
decorations for the holidays
and Fair Trade chocolate, tea,
coffee, etc. will also be for
sale. This is an event you
won’t want to miss, so put on
your boots and cowgirl hat and
join us for our annual “roundup” for the year.
Artisans Craft Group meets on Mondays
from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Room 16. Everyone is
welcome for this fun time of fellowship. Not
confident in your craft skills? No worries, we have
wonderful teachers for all types of crafts.
All Church Activities
Bethlehem Walk News
Our 27th annual Bethlehem Walk is right around the corner, Friday through
Sunday, December 12, 13, and 14th.
Bethlehem Walk sign-ups are in the Church patio 10-10:45 a.m. Please check the
lists. We need to fill support positions, including construction, greeting and tear-down and
a variety of roles (speaking and non-speaking). You can also sign-up to provide cookies
for the three nights of Bethlehem Walk and pick up fliers so you can invite your friends
and neighbors.
Those who chose to participate in a costumed role are highly encouraged to attend Bethlehem Talk,
on Saturday, December 6th, at 4 p.m. in the Social Hall. Some of our characters have changes in their scripts
from previous years and you will want to see those before Bethlehem Walk.
Reservations for Bethlehem Walk are not required, but highly recommended.
Those with reservations will be given priority in tour groups which will help avoid
long waits. Reservations will be available to our Church family on the patio
Sunday, November 30th. The general public can request reservations on Monday,
December 1st, by emailing [email protected] or by completing a form
on the Church website, www.fumcesc.com.
We encourage our guests to bring donations of non-perishable food items for
Interfaith Community Services.
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All Church Information
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION REPORT 2014
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Our 30 Anniversary Halloween Carnival/Celebration was extra fun for the children this year because
we had an inflatable obstacle course and music in the park, plus 30 games and face-painting in the Social Hall!
Fish and the Bell Tower were the most played. People ate dinner while watching old silent monster movies in
black and white on the patio. Robert Hinrichs, Bill Schwartz and Walt Bonneau BBQ’d hamburgers while
Jan Baer-Hurd, Joan Turnell, Nancy Petersen-Olson, and Bill Cravias served the dinners. The salad was
really good because it was donated from Esco Gelato . The Methodist Men work crew (Dick Althouse, Ben
Long, Paul Lorson, Ed Eastwood, Tom Ralls, Bill Westlake, and others brought over the games from the
garage Wednesday morning. Eight Boy Scouts from Troop 668 plus three
friends and two parents came
Thursday night to help set-up games and decorate. Roger Daines,
Dave Peterson, James Pontious and Ray Cable were my surprise helpers this
year. Joe and Cathie Swoboda, Tom, Marian, and Felicia Field, Marc and
Mary Walker, Ann Damsbo, Jim Fraker, Lynn Bonneau, Cathy Jordan,
Shellie Baillie, and others plus the FUMC youth did game booths and
tear-down. Judy Moore and Kim Hinrichs helped with everything! A BIG
thank you to all those who brought cakes and candy plus those that did the
“trunk ‘or’ treat”. Glenna Long and Dan Cowden sold tickets while Marty
Brown did the prize booth. Attendance was low because it was on a Friday
night but we brought in $777.40 because ticket prices were doubled to $0.20.
They have been $0.10 since 1985!
130 cans of food were turned in for tickets and donated to Interfaith
Community Services. Thank you to everyone that came and helped out. “It was an interesting night.”
Dennis Tomlinson
Centering Prayer on Mondays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Lounge
Many of us yearn for a more meaningful Advent, wishing for more quiet time to
draw closer to Christ. Our Centering Prayer group may provide that experience for you.
The first half of the meeting we sit in silence, acknowledging God’s presence with us.
We rest in God. This December during the second half of the meeting, we will be
hearing from members about something that makes their Christmas meaningful to them.
If you are coming for the first time, please arrive a few minutes early for brief
instructions. All are welcome. Call Linda Dollins for more information.
CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS AND FLOWERS
Please remember that this year we will be giving handmade Christmas
stockings to our homebound folks in lieu of a holiday poinsettia. During
Advent, which begins November 30th, the stockings will be displayed on a
Christmas tree in the Social Hall with cards nearby for you to write a note to let
our homebound members and constituents know they are remembered and
wished a Merry Christmas.
Christmas poinsettias honoring and in memory of loved ones will still be available for purchase and
distribution. Please plan to take these home or to personally deliver them.
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Children’s Ministries
During Advent our focus is for the children to understand that the true reason for Christmas is to
celebrate Jesus’ birth. The Church and Children’s Ministries has some wonderful ways to help you share
Advent with your children.
We have on the Children’s Ministry Table free Advent booklets and crafts for Families. Please stop by
and take whatever you need or want.
This year we will also be encouraging the children to wear bracelets during Advent. The bracelets are a
visual reminder that Jesus is the “Reason for the Season.” Please let the children know to begin wearing their
bracelet on November 30th the First Sunday of Advent.
On November 30th, during our Fellowship time (10:00-10:45) we will be asking the children to
decorate Christmas cards for our Congregational Care Ministry. We have been asked to make 60 cards so
please encourage your children to help out with this special project. We will set up in the Social Hall and
everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Our Special Advent Project for this year is Heifer International. Each
child will receive an Ark bank for the children to collect coins. Faith’s Advent
theme for this year is Come to the Stable. Please encourage your child to help
raise money to fill the stable with animals. We will set up a special display in
the Sanctuary of a stable with every animal that we purchase with the money
raised.
Sunday, December 7th at 5:30 p.m., join us for a Christmas program called
“Bethlehem Bound.” It’s an intergenerational, interactive, instant drama about the
birth of Jesus. At 6:00 p.m. we begin preparing the entire production in one evening.
This includes costumes, props, music, acting….everything needed for an exciting and
delightful performance. At 7:00 p.m. the SHOW begins!
All we need is YOU! Don’t miss out!
Kim Hinrichs, Director of Children’s Ministry
Youth Ministries
I have to say that we have had a wonderful year thus far and I am so proud of the youth program. In
December we will not be having youth group but that does not mean we won’t be active. Every Sunday in
December is packed with different activities and the youth will be at all of them.
Going forward into next year, youth council has three more goals to continue to build a successful
youth program. The first goal is to plan and provide more events where the youth can invite their friends
These events will be at least 1 every two months. Examples are broomball, Church dances, and other fun
events. Our second goal is to train and equip the youth staff to provide a welcoming environment for our
visitors and new youth. One of the ways we will met this goal is to give visitors an information card sometime
during their first visit in order to have a way to follow up with them and get them to continue to be involved in
our program. The last goal we have is to become more active in the conference youth events. We can meet
this goal by participating in and hosting camps, beach trips, and holiday gatherings. We have already signed
up to attend the district overnight bowling event in December.
Your support will help us to continue to grow our program spiritually and physically. Thank you for
your prayers and encouragement as we begin to meet the goals we have set forth for this upcoming year.
Adriana and Skylar Sorensen, Directors of Youth Ministry
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All Church Information
Did you miss the Hospice Care Workshop? Here’s a brief wrap up:
The main goal or purpose of hospice care is: Pain or symptom control; emotional and spiritual support for
the patient and family; refraining from extraordinary measures to prolong life.
 Who refers a patient to hospice? Physician; Discharge Planner/Social Worker/Director of Nursing; family
member or friend.
 Solid facts and interesting notes to consider: Hospice care prolongs the life of some patients; the mean
survival rate was 29 days longer for hospice than non-hospice patients; hospice care reduced Medicare
costs by an average of $2,309 per patient; Medicare, Medical and private insurance companies offer
hospice benefit; guidelines help assess prognosis for each illness.
 When is the time to consider hospice care? When there is a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of less
than 6 months.
 How can a hospice chaplain support you and your family? Provide
information to pastor/Church about patient’s condition (with your
permission; be an additional supportive resource for patient/family;
provide expert care regarding end-of-life and bereavement issues.
Thank You, Rev. Andy Sweet for presenting this workshop and
sharing this information!

Praying with and for others was theme of Congregational Care Ministry recent gathering
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”. (Matthew 18:20)
The verse from Matthew’s Gospel is our promise and premise, Pastor Faith explained to members of the
CCM team. All prayers are “addressed to God.” We’re not instructing God or the other person in our prayer.
We can pray boldly and specifically. We can also pray generally: for hope courage, patience, trust, comfort.
Sometimes we simply “lift the person into the light of God” and hold them there.
We pray trusting in God’s good will. God wants what is best for us. We can ask for it. The length of the
prayer is circumstantial.
Pray expectantly. Pray hopefully. Don’t assume instant results. Know that God is working through your
shared prayers (and your individual ones).
When praying with or for others, invite them to pray with you both silently and aloud.
Prayer isn’t a matter of expertise. It’s a matter of practice. God hears all our prayers as a loving parent
listens to a loved child.
Amen!
In December
we are praying for:
Rock Springs Elementary and principal Audrey Frank and
Pioneer Elementary School and principal Marcia Karadashian.
DIAMOND CLUB LUNCHEON
Tuesday, December 2nd at noon in the Social Hall
Join us for our Christmas Program
$6.00 each for lunch
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Golden Weds for December
Jim & Elaine Sherrill
Howard & Hilda Holston
Don & Betty Bryan
John & Carol Stubbs
12-14-1956
12-16-1945
12-21-1947
12-23-1950
Best Wishes for a wonderful day!
We offer our love and sympathy to the
family and friends of Aletta Jenkins who died
October 31st and Rob Moris who died November
14th.
They are with God and we rejoice in their
victory over death.
Jan Berge
Barbara Bonnin
Richard Bright
Ray & Dottie Brown
Libbie Coleman
Donna Cook
Gene Cook
Pat Cook
Carrie & Nicole Crawford
Emma Damrauer
Ann Damsbo
Frances DeWilde
Polly Felix
Lynn Fisher
Sylvia Freeman
Evelyn Fury
Josefina Galang
Fern Gruber
Kathleen Gushwa
Ralph Hampshire
Earl &Laura Harvey
Randy Haskell
Marie Haworth
Georgie Hill
Jeffrey Ray Hunt
Debra Johnson
Irene Johnson
Horace Jones
Frank Juresich
Alice Mandich
Becky Marco
Ron Matheson
Angeline Mitchell
Art Moore
Rosie Motzer
Joan Perron
Ratanavadee Perron
Barbara Perry
Joy Roberts
Austin Sherman
Tad Siegenthaler
Betty Sikes
Lolis Siqueiros
Ann St.Onge
Mel Takahara
Rafael Tolentino
Maaike van Mourik
Jolene Williams
Butch Windham
All home-bound
December 2014
These are the members and friends of our Church family with birthdays.
Please remember them with a call, card or prayer.
Dec. 1: Kelly Brown, Liane Parkes
Dec. 2: Dan Kleban, Athena Streicher, Karli Tomlinson
Dec. 3: Kyle Bowen, Janne Geibel, Earl Guy,
Pat Preston, Donna Wiens
Dec. 4: Kathleen Bauer
Dec. 5: Jordan Dijak, Ray Paul
Dec. 6: Alden Avery, Lynne Bonneau, Lee Marin Marks
Dec. 7: Don Belding, Georgie Hill
Dec. 8: Katie Chester, Tory Harper-Flood,
Pete Petersen, Thelma Shutzbaugh
Dec. 9: Dennis Clark, Sarah Colling, Mary Drewry
Dec. 10: Hal Johnson, Kevin Jordan, Lorraine Schulz
Dec. 12: Carol Parker, Dick Tremaine
Dec. 13: Tym Dancz, Laurie Schwartz
Dec. 15: Esther Galyean, Jean O'Ben, Jason Paul,
Audie Sorensen
Dec. 16:
Dec. 17:
Dec. 19:
Dec. 20:
Dec. 21:
Dec. 22:
Dec. 23:
Dec. 24:
Dec. 25:
Dec. 26:
Dec. 27:
Dec. 28:
Dec. 29:
Dec. 31:
Howard Fletcher, DeDe Tillotson
Don Loadman, Ken Miller
Marilyn Alberts
Betty Roberts, Sharon Wade
Irene Johnson, Mona Piva,
Debbie Siegenthaler
Frances Haines, Gabe Rasmussen
Tina Bishop, Pat Cook
Kristin Fox, Ron Hinrichs
Betty Boyle
Paul Turner
Marjorie Gilbert
David Crowe
Barbara Jehl
Loretta Armstrong, Kayla Everett,
Myrtle Johnson
Copy for Volume 49, Issue #12 of the “Messenger”
Covering the period of December, 2014
Deadline is the 15th of the Month!
Please submit items: Deliver to Church Office mailbox #61
FAX: (760) 745-9338; Email: [email protected]
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PAID
Escondido, CA
92025
The Methodist
MESSENGER
First United Methodist Church
341 S. Kalmia Street
Escondido, CA 92025-4208
www.fumcesc.com
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
341 S Kalmia Street
Escondido, CA 92025-4208
With prayers and blessings
this is sent to:
LOVE CHRIST
LIVE LIKE CHRIST
SERVE CHRIST
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