Dec. Flashes 2013 - Faith United Church of Christ

FLASHES
December, 2013
Faith United Church of Christ
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Worship
Sermon's 2nd Helping
10:30 a.m.
11:40-12:15 p.m.
Important Contact Information:
Faith United Church of Christ Phone Number 784-4856
Church’s e-mail:
[email protected]
Church’s website:
www.myfaithucc.org
Visit us on Facebook: Faith UCC
Church office hours – Monday – Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
To contribute to the Flashes, place your article in
the secretary’s mail box in the Church office or
better yet- email it! Please indicate in how many
issues you want the article to appear.
4040 E. Thompson Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
TIME DATED MATERIAL
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DELIVERY
COMMISSIONED BY CHRIST, UNITED IN FAITH,
EMPOWERED TO LOVE, CALLED TO SERVE
Luke 1:26-38 – The Magnificat
I love the beginning of this ‘greatest story ever told.’ I suppose one of the many reasons is because
it is, at its heart, the story of an underdog, Mary; a young, peasant girl whose life is set out before
her in her pre-arranged engagement to Joseph in this little village of a few hundred olive growers
until that unsuspecting day when her world is set on fire by God’s spirit, who happens to be
accompanied by one of God’s more handsome and majestic angels; the ever-charming and debonair, Gabriel. This story
is, at its core, the story of an insignificant, illiterate girl, in a tiny back-woods village, in a little corner of the farthest
reaches of a great Empire, on a little, pale blue dot, in the middle of the infinite cosmos. It’s a story of the insignificant
being made magnificent and the magnificent being glorified. It’s the story of how God chose that location and that girl to
pour God’s self out into the world, and make a stand with us and for us, by becoming one of us. And Creation was
transformed forever.
We know that big things can come in small packages, and why not? That’s how God has always done it; surprising us by
showing up in the most unlikely of places to the most unlikely of heroes, to deliver the most unlikely of Good News. It
really shouldn’t shock us to know by faith that, well, this is just the way God works, and to further expect that God will
keep on acting like that forever and ever, and ever, despite our sometimes inability to comprehend just how much hope,
and joy, and peace, and love God continues to heap on us over and over and over again. Really, we ought to feel quite
guilty about it, shouldn’t we? Some might even ask themselves ‘How can God possibly keep surprising us in these
ways?’ ‘What have we done to deserve all this love and attention?’ ‘Why does God choose to keep pestering us by trying
to enter into our little, seemingly insignificant lives over and over and over again?’ ‘Why are we highly-favored?’ ‘Why?’
‘Why?’ ‘Why?’
George Bernard Shaw once said this about his approach to life: “Other people”, he said, "see things and... say: 'Why?' ...
But I dream things that never were-and I say: 'Why not?'" I suppose I am either fortunate enough or dumb enough, I
haven’t yet decided which one, to say that this is exactly the way I see life, and it’s the way I see Faith UCC. I always
have and I always will.
For me, it’s that quality of faith - that combination of hope, confidence, imagination, and the assurance of glorious things
yet seen -- that is needed more than ever today, at Faith and in the world. The problems of Faith, and of the world, can’t
possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics; those whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities that face us on a daily
basis. The world is never going to be changed by those who say ‘we can’t.’ Our salvation will always be with those who
say ‘we can.’ Heck, it’s easy for us to see the under-developed, negative images of life and think that we’re “dying” or in
a “financial crisis,” that the world as we know it is going to come to an end. That kind of thinking is cause enough for us
to stop dreaming, panic about our impending doom, and go back to the old ways of thinking and solving problems.
What’s so much harder to do is to wait for the fully developed image to appear; to dream, and hope, and envision a bright
future based on the reality of our faith. This is so much harder, yet this is exactly what Faith UCC needs right now. It
needs men and women who can dream of things that never were, and ask ‘why not.’
It doesn’t matter how large or how small the church is, what matters is that we believe through faith that anything is
possible with God, just like Mary did. I have no doubt that if the story of Mary hadn’t been recorded in our sacred texts,
nobody would believe it today, everyone would brush her aside and she’d be tossed into the dustbin of history. But we
know, thanks to the Scripture, that when an unsuspecting someone or something; perhaps labeled by some as small and
weak, or perceived as insignificant, or whose future course has been predetermined by a closed-minded society and
culture meets the almighty God face-to-face, anything is possible. Anything.
That’s what Advent is about. It’s about new beginnings and new possibilities. It’s about being surprised by God over and
over again, because, well, sometimes that’s exactly what we need; to be open to the possibility of surprising miraclereminders of God’s grace and love for us. It’s about discarding the old things and the old ways and moving forward in
hope, and optimism, and faith that God will provide new ways and new creations in our lives, always. It’s about
expecting the best even when everyone around you is crying ‘no way!’ It’s about the fullness of God in the smallest of
places and accepting God’s grace openly and joyously. Are we ready?
Yours in Christ, Pastor Kurt
December Birthdays
2nd ................Karrigian Saums
3rd ...................... Judy Schaefer
3rd ..................... Kevin McKeon
9th ........................ Irene Walker
12th ............... Helen Whittington
14th .................. Edward Walden
22nd ................... Megan Adams
25th ..................... Autumn Davis
28th ................... Austin Morales
29th ...................... David Adams
29th .....................Addison Mock
30th ...................... Brenda Snell
December Anniversaries
Wayne & Norma Fields
12/23/1950
December Liturgist
1st ......................... Craig Amlin
8th ......................... Amy Walden
15th ...........................................
22nd ..........................................
29th ...........................................
December Children’s Chat
1st ......................... Craig Amlin
8th .............................. Rev. Kurt
15th ................... Marge McKeon
22nd ..........................................
29th ...........................................
December Acolyte Schedule
1st ................... Mesa Saunders
8th ...................... Cassie Adams
15th ..................... Autumn Davis
22nd ................... Madelyn Sage
29th .................Salem Saunders
December Children’s
Worship & Wonder
1st
8th
15th
22nd
th
29
Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan
Greeter ..... Gretchen Flatto
Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan
Greeter ....Shannon Thayer
Story Teller .. Elaine Jordan
Greeter ..............................
Story Teller . Elaine Jordan
Greeter
No CWW
Sunday Revised Common Lectionary – Sunday
Lessons
December, 2013
December 1st – First Sunday in Advent - HOPE
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Sermon: Isaiah 2:1-5
December 8th – Second Sunday in Advent - PEACE
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon: Matthew 3:1-12
December 15th – Third Sunday in Advent - JOY
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Sermon: James 5:7-10
December 22nd – Fourth Sunday in Advent - LOVE
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon: Matthew 1:18-25
December 29th – First Sunday of Christmas
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
Sermon: Matthew 2:13-23
We are in great need of volunteers for Lay Liturgist, Children’s Chat
and Children’s Worship and Wonder. Please consider signing up for
one of these options today.
December Nursery
Volunteers
1st Adult . Loretta Campodonica
Helper........... Cassie Adams
8th Adult ............. Adriane Sage
Helper............ Shae Murphy
15th Adult ............. Adriane Sage
Helper....... Courtney Nixon
nd
22 Adult ..................................
Helper............. Andi Walden
24th Adult ..................................
Helper......... Maddie Walker
29th Adult ............... Amy Walden
Helper............ Rachel Flatto
Financial News
To meet budgeted current expenses
for 2013, Faith U.C.C. needs to
receive $2,874.71 each week. The
following table shows receipts (and
shortfall) for the four Sundays of
November:
Date
Receipts
Surplus / (Deficit)
11/03/13
$2,486.00
($388.71)
11/10/13
$2,701.00
($173.71)
11/17/13
$1,782.00 ($1,092.71)
11/24/13
$1,491.00 ($1,373.71)
======
======== =========
Total
$8,460.00 ($3,038.84)
Additionally, $420 was given over
those four Sundays to Building for
Faith, half of which will go towards
meeting Faith's 2013 budget.
Advent helps us to see the meaning of
the coming of Christ as a way for us to
work for the benefit of all from the
blessings God has provided for us.
When we give, generously and
sacrificially, God uses our gifts to save
lives, feed the hungry, clothe the
naked and heal the sick. Let's share
the blessings of doing good as we give
God's tithes and our offerings.
"Sermon's Second Helping" each Sunday from 11:40 - 12:15.
This biblically-based conversation is an opportunity for anyone to
ask questions of the pastor regarding the sermon they just heard
in service. Maybe you have a question that's burning inside of you
about something I said. Maybe you'll take this opportunity to say
'hey, I didn't particularly agree with you on that particular
statement, and here's why...." or "Hey, what was it you said about
such and such, I really liked that..."
Whatever it is that is on
your mind, pertaining to the sermon, come and join us to talk
about what it is that God may have placed on your heart.
"Longest Night"
Service of Reflection and
Meditation: Sunday,
December 22nd - 7:00 p.m.
The holidays can be a
particularly difficult
time of year for folks suffering from broken or lost
relationships. It can also be a time of grief due to
distance from loved ones or death. Perhaps it is a time
of pain and sorrow associated with a worrisome diagnosis
or health concern.
This service of reflection and meditation is open to
anyone who feels the spiritual yearning to break free
from the noisy clamor of the advertising and
commercialism of Christmas and focus on the relationship
between us and God. For, no matter who you are or
where you are on life's journey, sometimes all one needs
for restoration of spirit is a quieter, more meditative
service of music, Scripture, candles, prayer, and gentle
silence.
Christmas Open House
at the parsonage. Please join the
Walker Family in celebrating
the Christmas Season!
Saturday, December 14th,
4:00- 7:00pm
How to contact Rev. Kurt Walker:
Office - 317-784-4856 M-Th 9 to 1
or leave a message. The messages
are checked every morning, except
Fridays and Saturdays. If you have a
pastoral emergency or urgent churchrelated issue and you need to be in
contact with me…Cell -317-677-4347
Email address:
[email protected]
Nurture Ministry
Tis the Season!
We are getting ready for the children’s
Christmas program. The program will
be on December 22nd @ 10:00
followed by fellowship and cake
downstairs. We are planning a more
traditional Christmas pageant, and we
need more help with costume
design this year. If you would like to
help in any way please see Marge
McKeon or Mindy Murphy.
In conjunction with the Christmas
program any child who would like to
learn the songs for the program is
invited to come to church at 10:00
starting November 24th for a brief sing
along prior to church.
Attention Parents
We have started preparations for the
children's Christmas pageant.
The pageant will be Sunday, Dec. 22,
during the worship service. It
will start at 10:00. Jesus' birthday
celebration in Fellowship Hall
will follow. All children are invited to
be in the program.
Please note the following schedule.
Sunday mornings at 10:00—
song practice
Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9:00-11:00-play practice
Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9:00-11:00-dress rehearsal
It is important all participants be at
both rehearsals.
Costume fittings during the Hanging of
the Greens for the children who
are there.
Annual Congregation Meeting
The annual meeting will be held on January 26th, 2014
This is a hectic time of year so please start getting your reports
ready. They are due in the office by January 10th.
Outreach Ministry
If you have extra hangers cluttering up your
closets now is the
time to reclaim that space. There will be a tote in the Narthex to deposit
your hangers. Outreach is also continuing to collect clothing for our
clothing ministry. Clean clothing can be brought and put in the choir
room downstairs at any time. Please see Jennifer Saums with any
questions.
Our food pantry is always in need. We are serving more and more
families each month. Below is a list of items that can always use.
Watch for those sales at the grocery. We gladly accept any donations food or money. Thank you all for your very generous giving this past
year in support of our ministry.
Applesauce
Peaches
Baked Beans
Black Beans
Pears
Corn
Soup Beans
Hamburger Helper
Carrots
Green Beans
Chicken
Tuna
Pasta/Noodles
Ramen
Noodles
Chicken Helper
Tuna Helper
Jello
Beef Ravioli
Peanut Butter
Spagetti Sauce
Mac & Cheese
Soup
Tomato
Chicken
Noodle
Vegetable
Cream of
Chicken
Cereal
Corn Flakes
Rice Krispies
Cheerios
Jelly
New Addresses
Norma Babington
Univ. Heights Living Comm.
1380 E. County Line Rd. S, Room 511
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Temporary – (2 wks) Betty Kelly
Manor Care
8549 Madison Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Women’s Guild
The Guild will meet on Thursday,
December 5th at 9:30 am to decorate
gift bags, 10:00 to see the movie The
Fourth Wise Man, and 11:00 for a
pitch-in luncheon (no desserts, please)
and cookie exchange.
All women of Faith are invited to
spend the entire day with us or come
for those portions of the meeting you
can attend. To participate in the pitchin and cookie exchange, please bring
a covered dish and 3 dozen cookies to
share.
Volunteers
The Volunteers will meet Friday evening, December 13th at 6 pm
for an appetizer, finger food and hors d’oeuvres party at Don and
Marilyn Sandberg’s home.
Please let Marilyn know that you
PRAYER REQUESTS: If you would
like to have your name added to those
who receive Prayer Chain messages
or if you have a message to convey,
please notify Jo McDermott788-0960.
Keep in your prayers:
Edwin & Leah Knapp, Tom Knapp,
Kathy(Knapp) Hadger and the entire
Knapp family, Jim Patterson, Vickie
Partin, Carl Partin (Vickie’s Uncle),
Betty Kelly, John Cook, Jean Schoch,
Francis Reuter and Joyce Conrad
(Frank Reuter’s dad and friend)
Prayers of gratitude and safety for our
servicemen Jeff Richardson, David
Melsheimer, Aaron Patterson, Marty
Mills and Ben Dustman
Along with the families of 6,779 men &
women who have died in this current
conflict.
Was it not just yesterday??
1973
1977
1981
1995
2011
1967
1973
1986
Check back next month for more memories……………..
Faith United Church of Christ
Consistory Meeting
November 11, 2013
Present: Clara Kirsch, Judy Schaefer, Mindy Murphy, Gary Snell, Steve Sandberg, Marge McKeon, Kathryn
Theobald, Lisa Walker, Debbie Springer, Sherry Burns, and Rev. Kurt Walker. Guest: Michael Costa
The meeting was called to order by Steve Sandberg at 7:00 P.M. Devotions were read by Mindy Murphy.
Guest: Michael Costa made a written and oral presentation requesting an increase in salary. He is currently
working more hours than contracted. He wants to increase his time even more to add a children's choir and a
bell choir.
Pastor's Report: Accepted as printed. Pastor asked for input concerning the amount of participation of the
children in the Christmas Eve service. Mindy Murphy shared that the children's Christmas program will include
children reading the Christmas scriptures.
Secretary's Minutes: Kathryn Theobald moved and Sherry Burns seconded the minutes be approved.
Treasurer's Report: Gary Snell moved and Lisa Walker seconded the report be accepted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Debbie Sandberg has resigned from the Consistory. She has removed her membership from Faith Church.
Frank Reuter has sent a letter removing his name from all responsibilities.
Minister of Music Salary: After much discussion, Sherry Burns moved: The Consistory will recommend at the
Congregational Meeting in November, the Minister of Music salary be increased by $100 per week with
adjustments made to the contract/job description to include a children's choir and a bell choir, and increase the
hours from ten hours per week to twenty hours per week. Judy Schaefer seconded. Motion carried.
Wedding Policies: The policies will remain as they are. We need to identify a person or persons to serve as a
liaison between the church and the wedding party.
2014 Budget: Guidelines for using the Discretionary Fund were approved as printed.
Nomination Committee: There will be two positions to fill. Tom Bromstrup and Gretchen Flatto have agreed to
be candidates.
Agenda for the Annual Meeting: Items on the agenda are the election, the budget, and a report from the
merger committee.
Hanging of the Greens: Scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2013, from 2:00-6:00, with a meal at 5:00.
Each ministry will be responsible for decorating an area of the church.
Nurture – make ornaments and decorate cookies with the children.
Outreach – the Narthex
Evangelism – food
Stewardship – Fellowship Hall
Worship – the Sanctuary, with the help of the Volunteers
Communion: After extensive discussion, it was decided to return to serving communion in the pews for
December 1st. and Christmas Eve. The subject will be re-evaluated after the first of the year.
Pastor Kurt Walker closed with devotions. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
The next meeting will be December 9, 2013. Marge McKeon will have devotions.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret McKeon, Secretary