Christmas Eve at First Church - First United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve at First Church
Thursday, December 24
3:00 p.m.—Christmas Eve Worship
6:30 p.m. Pre-Service Prelude
7:00 p.m.—Christmas Eve Worship with Choir & Bells
8:30 p.m.—Church Potluck—Open to Everyone! (to 10 p.m.)
11:00 p.m.—Christmas Eve Worship—Lessons & Carols
HAPPENINGS
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH—Lincoln
10,000 Acts of Peace:
Peacemaking Workshop
focus for 2016
In celebration of our 30th
Anniversary, the Interfaith
Peacemaking Coalition is
sponsoring an initiative to
highlight at least 10,000 Acts of
Peace, to join with a global
initiative of 1 Billion Acts of
Peace.
An Act of Peace can be as simple
as a group writing letters to
Representatives of Congress,
feeding the hungry at Matt
Talbot, or eating a meal with
people who are different from
you.
To register your Act of Peace,
go to:
www.LincolnPeacemakers.com
and click on “Make it Count.” If
you need examples of Peace
Acts, click on “Peace in Action.”
If you click on “About,” you will
find more information about the
Interfaith Peacemaking
Coalition, which was founded by
First Church and is the group
that brought Leonard Pitts to
Lincoln for the Peacemaking
event last year.
Continued on page 3
December 2015
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace!
What a great joy it is to see all of
our church family gather on
Christmas Eve. At this time of
trouble in the world, the birth of
the Prince of Peace is the message
our hearts long to hear again.
It is always a great spiritual
experience to see faces light up
when we sing Christmas Carols
and hear the beautiful words of
Luke, Chapter 2, which start, “And
it came to pass in those days that
there went out a decree…”
So much is packed into the 55
minutes of worship we share on
Christmas Eve: hopes, fears, grace
and joy. All of the saving acts of
God from the beginning of time
are compressed into the story of
the events surrounding that Holy
Night of the birth of Jesus. It is a
glorious night full of God’s
splendor, mystery, and presence,
going well beyond any words we
might use to try to describe it.
Thank you for being a part of this
Holy Night.
Our Christmas celebrations are an
open door. If you know someone
who hasn’t been in a worship
service for a while, please pass the
word… there is always room for
people of all backgrounds, all age
ranges, and all understanding of
the faith at First Church.
And if your travels won’t let you be
with us Christmas Eve, know that
the Sunday after Christmas and the
Sunday of Epiphany, January 3,
will be full of the same glory we’ll
share on Christmas Eve.
Please pray for Peace in the world
and join us in celebrating the
Prince of Peace.
In Christ’s Grace and Peace,
In This Issue...
Celebrating Coleen Seng
p. 2
10,000 Acts of Peace continued
p. 2
Parents’ Morning Out!
p. 3
Youth Ministries
p. 4
UMW, Prayer Requests, With Our
Church Family
p. 5
UPCO, Hunger Committee, Fabulous
Finds, Community Events
p.6
Human Needs
p. 6
Guidance to Success Tutoring
p. 6
Birthdays/Lectionary
p. 7
Worship Themes for December
p. 8
Page 1
Celebrating
Coleen Seng’s 28 Years on First Church Staff
We thank Coleen Seng for her 28 years on First
Church Staff as Director of Community Ministries.
Often she used the image of “Building Blocks of
Community” when making presentations to students and
community groups. Here are just a few:
Homes—Everybody needs a home. A place to live
that’s safe and warm.
Businesses—We need businesses, too. People need
good jobs. Businesses are more than jobs. They provide
the things we need to live: food, clothes, construction,
entertainment...
Police and Fire Departments—You know a
community has to be safe. Police and Fire Fighters do
more than protect us. They know the community well,
and are ready to help.
Utilities—Don’t take electricity, water, natural gas, or sewer lines for granted! They are important. Coleen helps
us understand that Cities don’t grow along streets as much as along sewer lines!
Schools & Universities—It’s essential that we all are life-long learners. Elementary Schools, Middle Schools,
High Schools, Universities, and all our educational groups are essential not just to their students’ growth, but to
everyone in the whole Community…
Libraries—Libraries are very special places where you explore and learn almost anything.
Arts—What would our Community by without the arts? If you know Coleen, two of her absolute favorite arts
organizations are the Lux Art Center, and Nebraska Brass.
And you have to have Parks, Playgrounds, Pools & Trees. Coleen would want us to mention especially UPCO
Park and University Place Park.
Community Organizations & Non-profits—Coleen has put her
time where her heart is – helping find ways to make the lives of all
people in the community better.
We have to pay special attention to those younger than us and those
older than us: Children, Youth & the Aging—those on both ends
of the age spectrum!
Mentoring & Encouraging others who take leadership roles is
crucial. Coleen shows us how important that is; in conversations by
sending cards, by phone calls and by talking about all the good
things that are happening.
Peacemaking—When it was time to re-start First Church’s
Peacemaking Workshops, guess what? Coleen had all the files on
Peacemaking—20 years of events ready to go.
In all, through all, above all—an essential building block is FAITH.
Quoting Coleen herself: “Community action needs a faith base! If you are trying to make a better community, you
are going to hit walls.
Page 2
Happenings ~ December 2015
You will be criticized and knocked down. You have to have a faith base to move
forward. How did Jesus handle it when he was knocked down all the time? We
walk by faith. The Church has to be in the center of it all by helping people make
faith the center of daily life.
One of the ways we live out our faith is to always focus on the FUTURE. It takes
a lot of hard work for years before we see results. Coleen points to others who have
worked a long time for progress. We learn how to do that by watching her!
There are many more building blocks.
Here’s one we can’t leave out: SERVANT LEADERSHIP. In her work here, in
her work with community groups, and in her work in elected office, Coleen speaks
clearly that the way to lead is to serve the needs of others. In Matthew 22:11 Jesus
said: Whoever is greatest among you must be the Servant of All.
We thank Coleen for helping us all grow in being Servant Leaders!
Let’s join together in expressing our thanks!
Continued from Page 1
Peggy Hall has registered (on
behalf of First Church) our goal of
raising money for an Ark ($5,000)
with Heifer Project International,
noting that this fundraising effort is
open to the public.
If you have a project you’d like
others to help you with, you can
register that kind project also.
A Peacemaking event is set for
Sunday afternoon, April 10,
featuring Dawn Engle, who is a
Nobel Peace Prize nominee. She is
the sponsor of the 1 Billion Acts of
Peace initiative. Dawn is working
in collaboration with 13 Nobel
Peace Prize winners including
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and
the Dalai Lama. More details on
the April 10th event will be
announced later.
If you have questions, please call
Martha Gadberry, 402 489-2667.
Last minute holiday shopping? Need a morning to get ready for the holidays?
Parents’ Morning Out!
Youth Ministries Fundraiser
Saturday December 19, 9:00-1:00pm
$25.00 per child and $30.00 for 2 or more children
Fun games and activities
with a morning snack and lunch provided.
R.S.V.P. by calling the Church office; 402-466-1906.
Help support our youth ministries and give yourself and your child(ren) a special treat!
Happenings ~ December 2015
Page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Youth Worship and Life Groups--> Wednesday’s
6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
By Jay Stewart
We will only meet on December 2nd for “Youth
Worship and Life Groups” to give our youth adult
leaders time to study for the week leading up to finals
and finals. “Youth Worship and Life Groups” will
begin in the New Year on January 13.
SUNDAY GATHERINGS
December 6th--> People’s City Mission--Soup
Kitchen, 4:00 p.m. to estimated time 8:00 p.m.
December 13th--> Christmas Food Baskets, starting at
3:00 p.m.
December 20th-->Christmas Movie Watching Party,
starting at 4:30 p.m.
December 27th and January 3rd--> No Youth
Gathering
GOD MOMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2015
Rachel Petik, Sophomore
Nebraska Wesleyan University
“God is overwhelmingly present in the
youth here on Wednesday nights. The
girls in my small group started off going
through the motions and in this short
couple of months have started diving
into the Word and really applying it to
their lives. It is evident in the questions they ask they
are thinking of the messages discussed throughout the
week and are really taking ownership of their faith.”
2136 North 48th Street
Youth Fundraiser continues!
Michaela Wells, Freshman
Nebraska Wesleyan University
“Just seeing the youth transform from
rowdy kids, to leading worship, lighting
prayer candles, staying quiet while others
are praying, and singing along with
worship; you can tell that the youth are
starting to realize how the Holy Spirit
impacts their lives!”
Page 4
2:00-5:00 p.m.
2nd Sunday of Every Month
Come and enjoy anything on the DQ menu from
2-5 p.m. the 2nd Sunday of every month,
and a portion of the profits will be donated to
First Church Youth Ministry.
THE SECOND CHECK OUR YOUTH MINISTRY RECEIVED
WAS ANOTHER $90+ FOR NOVEMBER
AS A RESULT OF YOUR PARTICIPATION. Thank you!
Happenings ~ December 2015
UMW News
By Ad Morrissey, UMW President
Who else feels that 2015 went by way too fast?
Can 2016 really be around the corner? I hope each
and every one of you had a good journey through
2015.
I always look forward to a new year. New Years'
Eve is probably the only night of the year I stay up
until midnight. I want to see the New Year in.
We go through the year thinking not much
happened, but when I do a recap on New Years' Eve, I
realize how eventful the year was.
I have a confession to make, when I hear Auld
Lang Syne I always cry. I cry because of all the
blessings I receive and because of the uncertainty of
what is to come. I know I shouldn't be concerned of
the uncertainty. God will be with me every step in
2016. Why should I worry? Why should any of us
worry? (To regress, I also cry when the little ones sing
Away in a Manger. Silent Night brings me to tears, too.
It was my mom’s favorite Christmas carol.)
I wish you all a Very Merry and Blessed Holiday
Season. You can be sure I’ll think of First Church as I
welcome 2016.
P.S. Carol King is the UMW President for 2016.
We all know what a capable, wise and caring woman
Carol is.
Happy Blessings, Ad
2015 United Methodist Woman
Annual Nut Sales for Missions
Tables are located
in the Narthex and outside the Gym
before and after both services.
Also available on Sat., Dec. 5th at
Mission: Christmas!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Statement of Inclusion (Adopted 1985):
First United Methodist Church membership is inclusive of all persons
regardless of education, ability, economic status, gender, race, ethnic
group, age, or sexual orientation [or immigration status].
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Statement of Purpose (Rev. 1985)-With God’s grace, First
United Methodist Church strives to be a growing, inclusive community of faith, working together, sharing Jesus’ love, and using
our gifts to build and nurture a spiritual community.
Happenings ~ December 2015
Prayer Requests
The following people have given us
permission to share their prayer requests
with the family of First Church
Laura Sheldon and family in the passing of her sister,
Penny
Jack Geist, home
Audrey Bartolome, home
Ruth Hauder, Tabitha, Rm. #407
Joel Mikkelsen, home
Sharon Johnson, home
Dixie Gannon
Sondra Atkins
Barb Turner, Independence House
Andy Wuster, Eastmont, Springfield Rm. #516
Marge Thibault, Gateway Vista #416
Emma Jane Crossley, Lancaster Rehabilitation
Center
Dorothy Duey, home
Althea Dietrich, Gateway Vista
Sylvia Hanner, Hospice at Tabitha’s Elizabeth
House
Celia Faith
Dr. David Mickey, Masonic Home #270,
Plattsmouth
With Our Church Family
Birth: Rosie Sue, daughter, Katy & Jeremy Pesek,
11/10
Weddings:
Daniel & Kristi (Peterson) Cadenbach, 11/7
Dilan & Bridget (Kessler) Michel, 11/21
New Members: Received Sunday, 11/15/15
Alvin Mappalo
Vicki Anderson
Iesha Finney-Clanton
Mike Schiwart
Sharla Griess
Alice Lindbom
Mackenzie Ashton
Funerals:
Jan Tische, 11/13
Lydia Matthews, 11/18
Marguerite Lowe, 12/7
Steve Speicher, 12/12
A Nebraska Brass Christmas
Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 7 p.m.,
First Church Sanctuary
Tickets at the door:
$15—Adults, $12—Seniors, FREE—Students
Page 5
UPCO Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 5:30 p.m.
First Church, Room E103
Human Needs Fund
Distribution of food cards to families with children
in the University Place neighborhood who are food
insecure has been suspended.
Please help us by donating to this fund. You may
designate your gift to the Human Needs Fund on your
check or on a giving envelope. Your gifts are
gratefully accepted and lovingly given to those in need
with dignity.
Guidance to Success
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at South Street Temple
on Sunday, November 22, 2015. Those in attendance
included Martha Gadberry and Pastor Larry Moffet
from First Church.
Freedom Fund Breakfast
Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
23rd Annual MLK
“Freedom Fund Breakfast”
Friday, January 15, 2016
Embassy Suites Hotel (1040 P Street)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Marilyn Moore President
Bryan College of Health Sciences (Lincoln)
7:30-8:30 a.m. (Doors open at 7:00 a.m.
Call the Church office for information on tickets.
Guidance to Success is again in
session on Tuesday evenings in the First
Church Gym. Their final session in 2015
was Tuesday, December 8. They will
resume on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
Once again, we are looking for volunteers to make
and serve a lite meal for the students and tutors. The
meals consist of: sandwiches, veggies, fruit, cookies,
chips and a beverage. Please contact Cindy Newsham
for more information on how you can help by calling
the Church office at 402-466-1906.
Fabulous Finds
2702 N 49th Street, Lincoln
402-466-4006
Hours: Wed.—Fri. 12-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
http://firstchurchfabfind1.blogspot.com/
Fabulous Finds is First Church’s boutique with quality used clothing and
other items. Proceeds go toward Missions. Thank you for your support.
HUNGER COMMITTEE UPDATE
HEIFER Project International
Empower People: Impact Lives
Excerpts from a letter dated November 3, 2015: from
David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World
“We are in the midst of the worst refugee crisis since
World War II. Faced with huge demand, the World
Food Program has been forced to cut emergency food
rations. In South Sudan and other parts of Africa,
children and the elderly are literally collapsing from
starvation... In the United States, the latest
government reports make it clear that the economic
recovery has left our nation’s children behind. One in
five U.S. children still lives in a family that struggles to
get enough to eat.”
Page 6
This Advent season may we feel compelled to face the
issue of global hunger with clarity. Each of us has the
power of one. The power to walk to a HEIFER
market table and make a purchase. The power to make
a difference. With HEIFER Project International, we
Empower People and Impact Lives with purchases of
livestock and seedings. Maybe this will be your
twentieth purchase to help an impoverished family
receive education and a sustainable source of food and
income, or maybe it will be your first. Seize this
opportunity that the Hunger Committee has laid
before us to live our faith in action through HEIFER
Project International. Through HEIFER, we, too, may
demonstrate our care for all members of God's family.
The Hunger Committee
Happenings ~ December 2015
December Weekly Lectionary
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
23
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
Birthdays
Melysa Johnson
Connie Geist
Hunter Payne
Lauree Turner
Aderha Leypoldt
Angela Pfeiffer
Margaret Eisenbarth
Rhonda Schoenmaker
Lois Wilson
Dietrick Frye
Iesha Clanton
Will Jones
Scott Linke
Stacey Stewart
Carol Ann Clark
Ricky White
Kale Bryan-Martin
Joyce White
Sharon Doll
Christopher Rasmussen
Scott Seitz
Shelly Lanxon
Pam Hoefs
Jameson Bangert
Audrey Betka-Mager
Don Dougherty
Alex Goss
Scott Lawson
Heather Hall
Ashley Harris
Jean Penton
Don Wendt
Eleanor Seng
Lynn Ayers
Cora Jones
Lillian Edwards
Stella Stewart
Esther Farritor
Ashley Unterseher
Haley Drewel
Mike Hanson
Kaitlyn Halvorsen
Amy Holland
Remy Sass
Ryan Caldwell
Tom James
Carol Houborg
Kerrigan Healey
DATE
PSALM
Dec 1
am: 5, 6
pm: 10, 11
Amos 3:1-11
am: 119:1-24
pm: 12, 13, 14
Amos 3:12-4:5
am: 18:1-20
pm: 18:21-50
Amos 4:6-13
am: 16, 17
pm: 22
Amos 5:1-17
am: 20, 21
pm:110, 116, 117 Amos 5:18-27
am: 148-150
pm: 114, 115
Amos 6:1-14
am: 25
pm: 9, 15
Amos 7:1-9
am: 26, 28
pm: 36, 39
Amos 7:10-17
am: 38
pm: 119:25-48
Amos 8:1-14
am: 37:1-18
pm: 37:19-42
Amos 9:1-10
am: 31
pm: 35
Haggai 1:1-15
am: 30, 32
pm: 42, 43
Haggai 2:1-19
am: 63, 98
pm: 103
Amos 9:11-15
am: 41, 52
pm: 44
Zech 1:7-17
am: 45
pm: 47, 48
Zech 2:1-13
am: 119:49-72
pm: 49, 53
Zech 3:1-10
am: 50, 59
pm: 60, 33
Zech 4:1-14
am: 40, 54
pm: 51
Zech 7:8-8:8
am: 55
pm:138, 139
Zech 8:9-17
am: 24, 29
pm: 8, 84
Gen 3:8-15
am: 61, 62
pm: 112, 115
Zeph 3:14-20
am: 66, 67
pm: 116, 117
1 Sam 2:1b-10
am: 72
pm: 111, 113
2 Sam 7:1-17
am: 45, 46
am: Isa 59:1-15aam:
pm: 89:1-29
pm: Isa 59:15b-21
am: 2, 85
pm: 132, 110
Micah 4:1-5, 5:2-4
1am: 93, 96
pm: 34
Isa 62:1-5
am: 93, 96
pm: 34
1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28
2am: 97, 98
pm: 118
Isa 12:1-6
am: 18:1-20
pm: 18:21-50
2 Sam 23:13-17b
am: 20, 21
pm: 23, 27
1 Kg 17:17-24
am: 46, 48
am: 1 Kg 3:5-14
pm: 90
pm: Isa 65:15b-25
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 6
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Happenings ~ December 2015
OLD TESTAMENT
EPISTLE
GOSPEL
2 Peter 1:12-21
Matt 21:12-22
2 Peter 3:1-10
Matt 21:23-32
2 Peter 3:11-18
Matt 21:33-46
Jude 1-16
Matt 22:1-14
Jude 17-25
Matt 22:15-22
2 Thess 1:5-12
Luke 1:57-68
Rev 1:1-8
Matt 22:23-33
Rev 1:9-16
Matt 22:34-46
Rev 1:17-2:7
Matt 23:1-12
Rev 2:8-17
Matt 23:13-26
Rev 2:18-29
Matt 23:27-39
Rev 3:1-6
Matt 24:1-14
2 Thess 2:1-3, 13-17
John 5:30-47
Rev 3:7-13
Matt 24:15-31
Rev 3:14-22
Matt 24:32-44
Rev 4:1-8
Matt 24:45-51
Rev 4:9-5:5
Matt 25:1-13
Rev 5:6-14
Matt 25:14-30
Rev 6:1-17
Matt 25:31-46
Rev 12:1-10
John 3:16-21
Titus 1:1-16
Luke 1:1-25
Titus 2:1-10
Luke 1:26-38
Titus 2:11-3:8a
Gal 3:23-4:7
pm: Phil 2:5-11
Luke 1:39-56
am: Lk 1:26-80
pm: Matt 1:18-25
1 John 4:7-16
John 3:26-31
Heb 2:10-18
Matt 2:1-12
Col. 1:9-20
Luke 2:22-40
Rev 1:1-8
John 7:37-52
2 John 1-13
Luke 1:57-66
3 John 1-15
am: 4:13-17; 5:7-11
pm: Rev 21:1-6
John 5:1-15
John 4:46-54
Page 7
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
An Open-Spirited Community of Faith & Action
PAID
Located just West of Nebraska Wesleyan University
2723 North 50th Street—Lincoln, Nebraska 68504-2765
Lincoln, NE
Permit No.
335
www.firstumclincoln.org
www.Facebook.com/FirstChurchLincoln
You’re Always Welcome!
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Sunday Worship ~ 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School ~ 9:30—10:30 a.m.
Office Hours ~ Monday—Friday, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Office phone—402-466-1906
Larry Moffet, Pastor
Cell/Text: 402-770-7355, [email protected]
Coleen Seng—Director Community Ministries
[email protected]
Brent Shaw—Minister of Music
[email protected]
Jay Stewart—Minister with Youth, Children, and Families
[email protected]
Carol Ann Clark—Office Manager
[email protected]
Laura Sheldon—Office Assistant
[email protected]
Tim Van Meveren—Sunday Custodian
Christina Smith, Interim Evening Building Closer & Custodian
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
EARLY Deadline for the January 2016 Issue of the HAPPENINGS is Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
Worship in December
Sunday, December 13—8:30 & 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary
3:00 p.m.
Advent Prayer Class with Pastor Larry, Munden Parlor—Prayer of Mary (Magnificat)
7:00 p.m.
Nebraska Brass Concert, Sanctuary
Sunday, December 20—8:30 a.m. in West Vestry & 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary
9:30 a.m.
Final Rehearsal for Children’s Christmas Pageant
10:45 a.m.
Children’s Christmas Sunday & Pageant
3:00 p.m.
Advent Prayer Class with Pastor Larry, Munden Parlor
Thursday, December 24—
3:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship, Communion Following
6:30 p.m.
Christmas Music in the Sanctuary
7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship with Choir & Bells, Communion
8:30 p.m.
Church Potluck, Open to Everyone! (to 10:00 p.m.) Bring a dish to share if you wish.
11:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship—Lessons and Carols, Communion
Sunday, December 27—8:30 a.m. in West Vestry & 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Holy Family Sunday—In our worship, we will sing some favorite Christmas Carols.
Sunday, January 3—8:30 a.m. in West Vestry & 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Epiphany Sunday and New Year’s Communion with Christmas Carols and of course, We Three Kings.
Page 8
Happenings ~ December 2015