December, 2014 The Evangel

First United Methodist
Church of Gilbert
331 S. Cooper Road
Gilbert, AZ 85233
480-892-9166
www.gilbertumc.org
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/
FUMCofgilbert
Rev. Robert Hoshibata,
Bishop
Rev. Robert Burns,
District Superintendent
Rev. Deborah Lerner,
Senior Pastor
Rev. David J. Harriss,
Associate Pastor
Rev. Tina Rees,
Deacon
Worship Schedule
8:00 Traditional Service
9:00-9:30 Coffee Hour
9:30 Traditional Service
Sunday School for All Ages
10:30-11:00 Coffee Hour
11:00 Contemporary
Service
12:00 Reception on Patio
Professional Nursery Care
7:45am-12:30pm
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:00pm
Preschool
480-892-9166
gilbertpreschool.com
December, 2014
The Evangel
Christmas at First UMC Gilbert
Please plan to join us throughout the month of December, the season
of Advent, as we prepare hearts, minds, and homes for the
arrival of the Christ child.
Tuesday, December 2nd - 7:00pm
Explorer’s Class (for newcomers and those considering membership)
Sunday, December 7 - 4:00pm
Chili & Caroling Party
Join us for chili & cornbread, crafts, and fellowship.
We will carol throughout the church neighborhood
Sunday, December 14
Service of Lessons & Carols
8:00 and 9:30am
Chancel Choir accompanied by an orchestra comprised of members
of our congregation, students from ASU
and musicians from the community.
Sunday, December 21 - 4:00pm
Service of Light
Especially for those who are struggling with grief or loss
through the holidays
Christmas Eve Candlelight Celebrations
4:00pm
Children’s Pageant
6:00pm
Traditional Lessons and Carols
Organ and Choir
8:00pm
Traditional Lessons and Carols
Organ and Choir
10:00pm
Traditional Lessons and Carols
Handbell Choir and Holy Communion
Live Nativity 5:00-8:00pm
Professionally Staffed Nursery
Available for children through age 3 from 3:30-7:30pm
Page 2
December 2014
A Message from Pastor Deborah
As we move into the season
of Christmas, which for
Christians should be
primarily a time of reflection
about the mystery and
wonder of a God who would
choose to come among us
as one of us, we face
formidable distractions.
The ads started earlier this
year than last, pointing to
Black Friday even before All
Saints Day had passed.
Christmas carols and
secular songs have been
playing for many weeks as I
write this during the third
week of November.
There is an intensity to this
season that doesn’t have
much to do with faith and
wonder but everything to do
with worldliness. Our
Pentecostal brothers and
sisters would call it
“carnality.” If we do not
guard our minds and hearts
we may find ourselves
focusing more on how we
please one another with just
the right gift in just the right
house with just the right
lights and just the right
foods and just the right
atmosphere than we do
focusing on the One at the
center of the universe to
whom we owe all things,
without whom nothing can
ever be right. The lure of
the mall is difficult to resist.
The temptation to add just
one more thing to the pile at
the foot of the tree is almost
irresistible. The pile of
credit cards in the wallet
makes it far too easy to
overspend, leaving us with
a January debt hangover
and a jaundiced view of yet
another year begun in the
hole.
There is another way, for
those of us who follow
Jesus. We can remind
ourselves that we are to
build up treasures for
ourselves in heaven, not on
earth. We can read the
Gospel stories and
remember that bigger barns
to hold our stuff are not
what is important when we
reach the inevitable end of
life on this planet. What is
important is our relationship
with the creator of the
planet. We can look around
at what we already have
and give thanks, realizing
that it all belongs to Him.
We can spend time going
through the closets looking
for things we no longer
need or use, and share
them with those on the
street who have no things at
all. We can give gifts to one
another in the form of
donations to Family
Promise, or United
Methodist Outreach
Ministries, or the Justa
Center, or Imagine No
Malaria, or Orchard Africa,
knowing that every dollar
given gives help and hope
and possibility to someone
who may otherwise have
none.
There is another way. The
earliest Christians were
people of The Way. Their
lives were challenging and
hard as they faced
persecution, but they
persisted in giving the best
gift anyone can give: the
witness to Jesus Christ,
Struggling with the Holidays?
Join us for our
Service of Light
Sunday December 21
4:00pm
We will share a message of comfort and hope for
those who have experienced
hardship or loss or just for those for whom Christmas is
a struggle. This will be a quiet time of prayer, song, a
message, and candle lighting to lift our spirits and
strengthen us for whatever life might bring.
who came to live among us
as one of us; who lived a
life a love and gave that life
up for our sake, that we
might be free of sin and
death; who rose to glory to
demonstrate the power of
God’s love to bring hope out
of despair.
Give that gift this Christmas,
to yourself, and to those
around you. It is enough.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Deborah
Page 3
December, 2014
The
A Message from Pastor David
God Seeking Us!
I don’t know about you, but
I am about to enter into the
season for which I have a
love/hate relationship. In
many ways, I love the
season of Advent. I love
the Advent texts. I love
worship on Christmas Eve.
I love visiting friends and
eating lots of food (which I
will also hate with my New
Year’s resolution of losing
weight again this year). I
love being with family and
friends on Christmas Day. I
love hearing and singing
Advent/ Christmas music.
Yet, I hate the
commercialism of
Christmas. I hate the
crowds and traffic I
encounter everywhere I
go. I hate the busyness of
the season. I hate the
feeling of desperation
which the impoverished
experience in a season
where consumerism is
accepted and expected.
This is a constant reminder
of economic disparity and
injustice that recurs in our
world today.
we move to the Gospel of
Mark during our first week
of Advent, November 30th,
2014.
During the 2nd week of
Advent, the Revised
Common Lectionary
Gospel lesson comes from
Mark 1:1-8. This is the text
where John the Baptist is
proclaiming to prepare a
way for the Lord. There is
no mention of the name
Jesus within this text, only
a man that is eagerly
anticipating the Lord, a
nearness of God which is
anticipated to transpire
here on earth in immanent
fashion. John the Baptist is
describing a new
Messianic era which will
begin as soon as the
Emmanuel/ God with us
Christ-child will be brought
into this world.
So, how are we supposed
to get excited about a text
that anticipates the
nearness of God but does
not express a central figure
or method for doing so?
There are two very good
During the season of
reasons to get excited
Advent, we begin a new
about this text during my
Gospel series which will be love/hate season: First,
carried out until the next
God expects his servants
season of Advent, 2015.
to carry out his ministry to
That is, for an entire year, people everywhere. John
we focused on Luke as our the Baptist appeared to the
Gospel reading and now
crowds wearing camels
hair, having a belt
around his waist, and he
ate locusts and wild
honey (Mark 1:5,
NRSV). He is given the
description of another
famous prophet, Elijah (II
Kings 1:8), whom people
greatly revered in Jewish
culture. Yet, John himself
is not the Messiah, his
proclamation is that the
Messiah is near. The
nearness of God is about
to transpire. God has an
intention to visit his people
and this proclamation is
made by this bohemian
messenger. This says to
me, that the work of God
can occur through any of
us at any time. As
Christians, we need to be
reminded that we are
called and commissioned
to do the work of Christ in
this world. Only Godcentered missions are
necessary during the
Advent/ Christmas Season
and our job is to serve in a
way in which we are
messengers of Christ’s
love to people of all ages,
nations and races.
The second reason to be
excited during Advent is
this: God is desperate to
find us during this season.
God intends to find
humanity at Christmas
time and the way that he
manifests himself is
through a small child made
in his very image. How
desperate is God to find
you and me in this world
during this season of
anxiety and stress? God
will knock down trees in
order to get to us. God will
move mountains in order
to find us. God will move
through valleys in order to
meet us in the very
location where we are. It is
almost as if, God is saying,
Prepare the way. I will do
whatever I need to do in
order to find you! This is
the very reason that Jesus
was born on Christmas, so
that God could find and
embrace us in a hostile
world.
I need to be reminded that
Advent is a celebration of
God seeking us. I need to
be reminded of a God that
loves you and me so much
that he will do whatever is
necessary in order to find
us. The time of promise is
near. Let us prepare our
hearts for his arrival.
An Advent Study for Adults
Pastor David Harriss is leading When God Comes Down: An Advent Study for Adults on
Wednesday evenings. Each lesson includes a key scripture, reflections, and questions.
Quite often, our Christmas journey is focused on us - families, experiences, and feelings.
This study puts the focus on God's action in Jesus Christ. It encourages participants to
think more biblically about the meaning of incarnation (God with us in human form) and
to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. The class meets in room 142 at 6:30pm through
December 17th. All are welcome.
December 2014
Page 4
Exploring Class
Church Conference
Are you new to First UMC?
Want to learn more about the church?
Want to know more about Methodism
or what it means to be a member of the
church?
A very brief all church charge
conference will be held Saturday
December 6 at 4:30pm in the
sanctuary for the purpose of
electing officers for 2015,
recertifying our lay servants, and
approving the pastor’s
salaries. All church members
are welcomed to attend.
Childcare will be provided.
Join us for a time of Exploring on Tuesday,
December 2nd from 7:00-9:00pm in the activity
center. Meet our staff and some key lay leaders.
Get your questions answered. Get involved in
our mission and ministry. Dessert served.
Living Out Our Vision:
Serving – Giving – Welcoming
Growing in the Likeness of Christ
If you were here on October 31st, you know that we welcomed a WHOLE BUNCH OF FOLKS onto our church
campus for our Trunk or Treat/Fall Festival event – almost 600 registered, and we believe many more were
actually here – all enjoying free hot dogs and cotton candy and popcorn, and the wonderful hospitality this
church knows how to give. More than 40 families let us know they would welcome further information about the
church, and we are already providing it, so they know how to find their way into our church family. Thank you to
all who participated. A special thanks to Kristy Bottesch and the Family Ministries team for making this
possibility.
Many of you also lived out our vision of serving and giving
as we welcomed 14 individuals from homeless families with
children onto our campus every night for a week beginning
November 9th. Family Promise is the organization that
helps these families move back into jobs, keeps the
children in school, and provides child care as parents do
what they have to do to get back on their feet. We grew a
little more into the likeness of Christ as we served them
dinner, played with the kids and came to know them by
name. Thank you to all who participated, especially Lisa
Kimbrough and Robin Lee, our Family Promise co-chairs.
Prayer Walk
On Saturday, December 13th, we will meet at the church at 8:00am to walk into our
neighborhood community to pray for those who surround our church. We will leave
"We prayed for you today" cards under welcome mats and on front doors. We will
meet back at the church by 10:00am.
A Prayer Walk is one way to remind us that worship is not what we do on Sunday
mornings in church but how we live our lives for Our Father all seven days of the
week. We are looking for volunteers to walk with us! Contact Adriana Hernandez at
[email protected] or the church office to participate. All are welcome.
Page 5
December, 2014
The
Preschool News
www.gilbertpreschool.com
What’s been going on?
Gilbert Days Parade - Our preschool and church participated in the
annual parade through downtown Gilbert. It was so much fun to be
together spreading lots of smiles.
Free Parent Workshop - In November, our church Health Ministry Committee hosted a parent
workshop, “Keeping Christmas Sacred,” for our preschool parents. It was a wonderful event. Look for the
next workshop in February! These are open to all families, not only preschool families.
What’s coming up?
Advent activities - Each family received a packet full of Advent activities for the family to do during
the month of December. What a fun way to keep Jesus the focus of the season! If you would like a copy
of the activities, we are very happy to share! Contact Lara Fink at [email protected].
Preschool Christmas Show and Christmas Sing along - On Friday, December 12th the preschoolers will
perform their Christmas Show from 6:30-7:00pm. Before the show, everyone is invited to join us for a
casual Christmas Song sing along in the sanctuary from 6:00-6:30pm. Bring a friend!
Our Christmas break is from December 18th - January 2nd.
Registration for the 2015-2016 school year will begin in late January.
If you have any questions about the preschool, please contact our preschool directors, Lora Norris or
Lara Fink at 480-892-9166 or visit our website www.gilbertpreschool.com.
“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY” Psalm 126:3
December, 2014
Page 6
Children’s Ministry
Children’s
Sunday School
Room Locations
9:30am-10:30am
Nursery through 4 year olds may be
picked up in their classrooms.
Kindergarteners through 6th may be
picked up in the activity center.
Nursery
Room 131/132
3 year olds
Room 146
4 year olds
Room 147
Kinder
Room 145
1st Grade
Room 144
2nd Grade
Room 202
3rd Grade
Room 203
4th Grade
Room 204
5th Grade
Room 205
6th Grade
Room 128
Join us from 11am-12:30pm on Sundays for
Children’s Worship Time!
Come join us for a morning of singing, crafts, snacks
and games. Children ages 4-12 are welcome to join us!
We meet in room 205 upstairs.
Faith 'n Fun
Wednesday Nights from 630pm-8pm in Room 205.
Come join us for a night of crafts, fun, laughs, movies,
snacks and learning about Jesus!
Children ages 4-12 are welcome!
Sunday School Teaching Opportunity!
Please email [email protected] if you are
interested in teaching Sunday School.
Professional Nursery Care
Rooms 131& 132
Sunday Mornings 7:45am-12:30pm
Ages: Birth- 3 years old
Church Meetings:
Birth to 12 years old. Please make special arrangements by
contacting the church office one week in advance at
480.892.9166.
Christmas Pageant
Interested in being a part of the children's Christmas
pageant? The pageant, “Why We Sing Christmas
Carols,” will be during the 4:00pm Christmas Eve
service. Rehearsals will be at
11:00am in room 205 during Kids
Worship beginning December 7th.
There will be activities during
rehearsals for kids who prefer not to
participate in the pageant.
Nursery Aide Needed
The church is in need of an adult nursery
aide to help provide childcare on Sunday
mornings and throughout the week. This
is a part time, paid position. For more
information, please call Diane Chaon at
480-828-5294
or stop by the
nursery on
Sunday
mornings.
Page 7
December, 2014
The
1st UMC Gilbert Youth
Upcoming Events
November 14th Neon Run
Sunday, December 7, 4:00pm - Youth will join
with the Chili and Caroling party. Please wear
your ugliest sweater to this event! ("Ugly" is
however you want to define it!) Caroling
throughout the neighborhood following dinner.
Saturday, December 13, 8:00-10:00am - Prayer
Walk. Join members of our congregation as we
walk and pray for our church neighbors.
Sunday, December 14, 4:00-6:00pm Scavenger Hunt at Chandler Mall. Details will be
posted in the bulletin and in the weekly email.
Bring a friend!
Sunday, December 21, 5:00-7:00pm - Youth
Christmas Party at the Palmer's House. Details to
follow.
Wednesday, December 24, 5:00-8:00pm - Live
nativity. Would you like to participate in the nativity?
Email youth [email protected] for more
information.
Our Runner’s Prayer…
Dear God,
Thank you for our feet.
Thank you for our friends.
Thank you for this run,
We hope it never ends.
Amen
Sunday, December 28th - No Youth Group
December 31, 12:00-1:00pm - New Year's Eve
Party, with our Chat n Chew senior group. Youth
will join the seniors for lunch (bring $3), BINGO,
and a sing along in the activity center. This will be
a fun outreach with some amazing, wise fellow
church members! What a great way to begin the
New Year's Eve celebration!
Wednesday Night Programs
Join us for dinner with our church family at
5:45pm in the activity center (Bring $3)
Youth Devotional Class
6:30-7:30pm senior high youth room (140)
Get to know God, Jesus, the Bible, and discuss
some of the most important questions of faith.
All youth are welcome!
"Follow the Leader" Youth Praise Band,
7:30-8:30pm in the choir room (130)
Our youth praise band welcomes all church
youth grades 7 and up who sing or play an
instrument.
Our group ministers in all services and plays for
special church events. Join anytime!
November 16th Annual walk to Oregano’s
35 youth and parents
Sunday Morning
9:30am
Sunday School Every Week
Junior High Rm 200
Senior High Rm 140
If you have any questions about Youth
Events at our church, please send an
email to [email protected].
December, 2014
Page 8
Wednesday Evening Studies Beginning in January
Our Wednesday Night programs will resume on January 14th. Dinner is served at 5:45pm in the activity center
for a cost of $3/person or $12/family. Classes for all ages begin at 6:30pm. The Wesleyan Bell Choir practices
from 5:30-6:30pm in room 136 and the Chancel Choir rehearses in the sanctuary at 7:00pm. The youth meet in
room 140 for a devotional, followed by Follow the Leader band rehearsal in the choir room (room 130) from 7:308:30. Children ages 4 years and up meet in room 205 from 6:30-8:00pm for Faith & Fun.
Financial Peace University is coming back! We will begin our next session of
Financial Peace University on January 14th, at 6:30pm in room 142. This course allows
you to gain true results for your financial conundrums. Dave Ramsey's course will guide
you from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. If you are dealing
with tough financial situations, if you are emotionally exhausted from financial burden, or if
you need a plan to eliminate debt, come to one of the sessions. David Hughes will lead
the 9 week class. The cost is $100 per individual/couple. For more information or to
register, please contact Pastor David Harriss at [email protected] or 480-8929166.
The Five Languages of Love - How do you express your love to your mate or
companion? How does he/she receive your love? Have you ever attempted to show love
to your companion and it was not received in the way you intended it to be received? If
you have ever experienced any of the above illustrations, you may enjoy taking the course The Five Languages
of Love beginning Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30pm in room 201. Rev. David Harriss will be teaching this 7
week series through February 25th, 2015. Couples and singles are invited to attend these class sessions.
Robin Lee will lead The Jesus Lifestyle by Nicky Gumbel, author of the Alpha series. This 6 week course
includes weekly topics based on Jesus’ radical teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, and suggests ways in
which we can apply this teaching to our own lives. Topics will include how to stop worrying and start living, how
to deal with criticism, how to respond to the most challenging words ever spoken – “the golden rule”, how to
make the big decision, how to spot false prophets, and how to build a secure future. Classes will begin at 6:30
each Wednesday evening in room 133. The cost of the workbook is $6. For more information contact Robin Lee
([email protected]) or contact Dina in the church office at secretary@ gilbertumc.org.
Chili & Caroling
th
Sunday, December 7
4:00pm in the activity center
Activities and crafts
Caroling throughout the neighborhood
If your last name starts with:
A-J Bring chili to share
L-Z Bring cornbread
Please bring your favorite dessert to share.
Invite your friends and neighbors!
Employment Opportunities
The church is looking for a very part time (8 hours per
week) audio/visual/lighting director. Resumes to
[email protected].
The nursery is in need of an adult nursery aide to work on
Sunday mornings and during the week as needed. This
is a part time, paid position. For more information, please
contact Diane Chaon, Nursery Coordinator, at 480-8285294 or stop by the nursery on Sunday mornings.
Coffee Hour
Want to get to know your church family? Consider
hosting coffee hour on Sunday mornings! We are in need
of volunteers to set up coffee hour,
host coffee hour between church
services, or to take down coffee hour.
You may sign up to serve once a
month or on an occasional basis.
Contact Kim Fairley at
[email protected] to sign
up or for more information.
Page 9
December, 2014
The Evangel
Missions Committee
The Missions Committee is pleased to thank everyone who participated in fulfilling the committee’s slogan
“Caring for Christ’s Community One Life at a Time”. Our congregation has touched many lives over the
year through various projects including Easter baskets for Sidewalk Sunday School, the purse drive for
abused women, back-to-school backpacks, UMOM walk-a-thon, Rock ‘n Roll paint-a-thon, turkey drive,
Operation Christmas Child, Home Instead’s Senior Santa, Christmas gifts for local children, Imagine No
Malaria, and Orchard Africa. We provided food and clothing for Gilbert Open Arms, cooked and served 12
meals at Watkins Overflow Shelter, and began sponsoring a new program, Family Promise.
We look forward to partnering with the congregation in the coming year on these and other projects that
will help spread God’s love throughout the community.
Children’s Gift Tree and
Senior Santa Gifts
We have two opportunities for Christmas gift giving to less fortunate Valley residents. Stop by the
Christmas tree on the patio and choose a name tag of a senior citizen or a child and have fun shopping!
By purchasing a gift for a senior, you will help fulfill wishes for lonely and less fortunate seniors from
dozens of Care Centers and Nursing Homes in the East Valley. The gifts will go to needy seniors who
were nominated by assistance programs. Many of the recipients would not
otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. Please return the wrapped gifts by
December 7th.
The recipients of the children's gifts are enrolled with the Gilbert
Department of Child Safety. Please return these wrapped gifts by
December 14th.
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of
the least of these, you did not do for me.’
The Penny Jar
During our outflow series we talked about acts of kindness
and mercy done in the name of Jesus, and invited you to
take a handful of pennies to remind you of the story of the
woman searching for a lost coin. It is a story of God’s love
for the lost. The invitation was and is to bring back a
penny each time you reach out to another with an act or
word of kindness and love, as you say “This is a sign of
God’s love for you!” Give a cold water bottle on a hot day,
saying “This is a sign of God’s love for you,” and bring
back a penny. Do
the dishes for your
spouse or child or
parent, leaving a
note that says “This
is a sign of God’s
love for you!” and
bring back a
penny. Let’s fill the
jar as we bless this
town and the world!
Power and Love Continues
Mondays 6:30 – 8:00pm
Room 133
If you have an interest in healing, prophecy, and
reaching out with Jesus’ love to teach the world, join
us on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm for a
time of instruction and reflection. We watch videos
from Power and Love conferences featuring
speakers like Robby Dawkins and Todd White, then
spend time “debriefing,” asking how this might be
meaningful in our context and our own personal
ministry. These men are amazing men of faith.
Come any Monday you are free. Our group varies
in size. Pastor Deborah joins the group when she is
able. For more information, please contact Pastor
Deborah at [email protected].
Page 10
December 2014
Persons in Leadership Positions: Save the Date
If you have been asked to serve on a ministry team or administrative committee for 2015, please save
the date of Saturday, January 10, 8:30am to 2:30pm, for a time of leadership training.
Watch for further details!
Faithful People Serve Others
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT)
You have to decide in life for whom or what you’re going to live. You’re either going to live a self-centered,
miserly life or you’re going to live for something greater than yourself — the kingdom of God. Faithful people
don’t live for themselves. They realize that the talents God gave them are not for their own benefit; they are to
make the world a better place.
When God made you, He gave you all kinds of gifts, talents, and abilities. There’s nobody like you in the whole
world, and he wants you to be you for his glory. God shaped you to serve him, and there’s only one way to do
that: by serving other people.
Some of you have an ability to fix things. Some of you are good at math. Some of you are good at closing deals.
Some of you are good at music. Some of you are good at organizing. And some of you are good at trimming and
gardening.
God made us all different so that everything in the world gets done. If we all liked to do the same thing, there
would be a whole lot left undone. You are the steward of your talents, and God is watching to see if you use
what He gave you effectively on earth. If you use them effectively, He’s going to give you more responsibility in
heaven.
Have you ever thought about why God didn’t just create us and take us to heaven? Why does He put us here on
a broken planet for 80 or 90 years? He put you here because life is a test and a trust and a temporary
assignment. He’s watching to see if you are faithful to use what He gave you here on Earth to bless other people.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10, “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use
them well to serve one another” (NLT). God gave you talents, and He’s watching to see if you’re faithful with
them.
Not sure what your talent might be?? Is your talent changing??
Here are a few on-line quizzes you can take to help you along
this path.
www.umc.org/what-we-believe/spiritual-gifts
http://www.enewhope.org/spiritualgifts/evaluation.php \
Interested in serving God at First United Methodist Church of
Gilbert with the gift He gave you?? Contact Lori Wiemers,
Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].
Central East District Leadership Training
Saturday, February 7 - 8:30-2:45
Cross in the Desert UMC, Phoenix
Workshops will include Church Communications, Lifetime Education, A Spiritual Foundation to
Effective Leadership, SPRC, Transformational Worship, Children & Youth Ministries, Electronic
Communications, Trustees, and Volunteers in Mission. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Lovette
Weems. For more information or to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/CEDTraining2015.
Page 11
December, 2014
Please Mark Your Calendars for the following
Centennial Celebration Activities
Saturday February 21 at 5:30pm
Candlelight Walk of Faith
We will start and end at the Gilbert Historical Museum and will walk a route
that will cover the different sites that our church has been located over the years.
Gilbert Historical Museum, formerly the school house and the first church
meeting site from 1915-1918.
First church building site from 1918-1946, located at the corner of Ash & Vaughn Streets,
now a parking lot very near the Gilbert water tower.
Joe’s Real BBQ, formerly a theater, where the church met in 1946 while constructing
the second church building.
The site of our second church building from 1946-1990, located on Gilbert Road, still standing
and the current home of another church family.
Southern Gospel Concert
Sunday, March 1st at 4:00pm
With the Gospelaires
First United Methodist Church of Gilbert
Barn Dance, August 15, 2015
Special Centennial Worship Services
August 16, 2015
8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am
The
December 2014
Page 12
Christian History Adult Sunday School
Our class is studying the book, The Jesus Dynasty, by James Tabor. The author couples history with
archaeological finds to increase ones understanding of the beginnings of Christianity.
During December we will cover three topics. First we will look at The Religion of Jesus The Jew. This opens the
door to understanding Jesus in his own time and place. We will see Jesus in a Jewish village where the center
of civic and religious life was the synagogue, a place for speaking, listening and debating. The range of topics
was endless. We will see that large numbers of Pharisees and
Sadducees became part of the movement that John the Baptizer and
Jesus had inaugurated, under the leadership of James.
Next we will examine the idea of Hearing the Voice. First we have John,
the baptizer as a messenger responding to the “voice”. John proclaimed
to the crowds that soon God’s apocalyptic judgment would come to all
levels of unrighteousness. John and Jesus were in agreement on
apocalyptic understanding. By the time our NT gospels were written
(A.D. 70-100) there was an overt attempt by the Christians to downplay
and marginalize John. James, brother of Jesus, was largely written out
of the history. We will search the scriptures to see how Jesus and John
worked together to spread the message.
In the fall of A.D. 26, John baptized Jesus. In the first three gospels, the following year is entirely missing. We
know that Jesus withdrew into the desert, where he was tempted by Satan. During this time John is arrested and
Jesus begins his public work. The gospel of John gives us more information. We will use these details, in the
context of the times and culture, to understand A Crucial Missing Year.
We will not meet as a class on the Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 28th. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. We also invite you to join us in room 201 at 9:30am on Sunday mornings.
Inquirers Class
The Inquirers class is doing a study of the book of Revelations. This book clearly stands out from the rest of the
New Testament and is one of the best known yet most controversial books of the Bible. Join us as we explore
and discuss some of the many interpretations of this wonderful book of the Bible and its many vivid images and
prophesies. The class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30 in room 133.
Living the Questions
In January the Living the Questions adult Sunday school class will continue its small group discussions. Videobased, the topics will include Relationships, Jesus as Prophet, Evil and Suffering, a new look at redemption,
alternative views of the resurrection. Written by local Methodist ministers, the material encourages open
discussion and reflection. We meet at 11 AM each Sunday in room 142. Everyone is invited to join us. For
more information, contact Odus or Diana Elliott at 480-786-0055 or [email protected].
Homebuilders Sunday School Class
The Homebuilders class will begin Andy Stanley’s study, Guardrails,
on December 7th at 9:30 in room 142. Ever wonder what it would be
like to have guardrails in other areas of your life-areas where culture
baits you to the edge of disaster and then chastises you when you step
across the line? Your friendships. Your finances. Your marriage.
Maybe your greatest regret could have been avoided if you had
established guardrails. In this six-session small group bible study,
Andy Stanley challenges us to stop flirting with disaster and establish
some personal guardrails.
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December, 2014
The
Christmas Eve Hospitality
This year we will again provide hospitality for our
Christmas Eve guests in the form of hot apple cider and
home made cookies and goodies. If you are willing to help
in any way, by cooking and sharing, by setting up or
cleaning up, or by serving as host /hostess, sharing a smile
and greeting our guests, please let Barb Perry know at
[email protected] or by contacting Dina Reid
([email protected]) in the church office.
Invitation & Welcoming Committee
Looking for a few good hearts…. Our team is in need of additional members. Our charter is to educate and
provide resources to our current church family members to prepare them to be representatives of Christ in our
community. The team plans activities, outreach opportunities and prepares this church to show God’s love to
people they encounter.
Outreach and Evangelism are two words that have positive and sometimes scary connotations. This team is
here to help all of us to gain a level of comfort in sharing God’s love with others. In today’s world there are so
many struggles, challenges and fears you would think every spot in every pew would be filled every Sunday, but
they aren’t. Those of us that are sitting in the pews are responsible to help fill them. We should be the ones
encouraging, representing and sharing the benefits of knowing God’s love. Join the team! There are so many
needs that we are confident we can find something for you to contribute to our efforts. Contact Richard Rico
([email protected]) or Adriana Hernandez ([email protected]) about more information. We invite and
welcome you to ask us about our team!!
Save the Date!
Saturday January 24th at 7:00pm we will have a
Celebration of Ministry, in which we celebrate what
God has done in, through, and with us in the past
year, and look forward to all God has for us to do in
2015. Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr.
Robert Burns, will join us to hear how we are living
into the fullness of our mission, to “Lead persons of
all ages on the journey to become deeply devoted
followers of Jesus,” and how we are moving forward
toward the vision of Serving, Giving, Welcoming,
and Growing in the Likeness of Christ.
Poinsettias
On Christmas Eve, the altar is decorated with poinsettias
donated by the congregation, in memory of, or in honor
of a loved one. A listing of the donations is included in
the Christmas Eve worship bulletins. The poinsettias
may be purchased for $11 - order forms may be found in
the Sunday morning
worship bulletins. All order
forms must be received by
Sunday, December 14th.
The poinsettias may be
taken home after the
10:00pm service on
Persons elected to any ministry team or
Christmas Eve. All
administrative
committee
or board
are especially
remaining
poinsettias
will133 at 7:30am. Rev. Bob
The
men's breakfast
Bible study
will resume
on Wednesday,
November
5 in room
urged will
to be
present.
delivered
care
Skinner
lead
the study again this year. We will continuebeour
study oftothe
book of Romans. All men are invited
facilities.
For more
to participate in this discussion/fellowship group. For additional
information
contact Odus Elliott at 480-786Watch
for further information!
information, please contact
0055
or [email protected].
Dina in the church office at
[email protected].
Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study
Page 14
December 2014
Health Ministry
Healthy Christmas Hugs
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,
will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38
In this season of giving and
time to envelope the hugs of
longer for a very good measure.
feeling of your arms around
are healthy and good.
receiving be sure to take the
this blessed season. Hold them
Take the time to remember the
your friend or loved one. Hugs
Research indicates that hugging
release of the hormone
hormone can increase feelings
attachment. We feel bonded to
loneliness are decreased.
and handshakes cause the
oxytocin. When released, this
of connection, trust, and
one another and feelings of
Hugging and handshakes can actually lower our cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels caused by prolonged
stress can put us at a higher risk for diabetes, ulcers and lowering our body’s ability to fight off infection. So take
the time to actually feel that hug you are receiving as well as the one you are giving. It’s a great way to pass the
peace of Christ.
th
Our 99 Favorite Scriptures
As we move toward our 100 anniversary (in August, 2015) we are identifying the “favorite” scriptures of this congregation and inviting you to take them as memory verses each week. Each week, the church bulletin will contain
two or three of our favorites. We hope you will take this opportunity to memorize a small amount of scripture,
adding to the storehouse of treasure in your heart.
For December our scriptures will be:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you will be a fool yourself. Proverbs 26:4
The legs of a disabled person hang limp; so does a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Proverbs 26:7
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and
there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of
the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
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December, 2014
The
Music Ministry
December, as always, brings a number of special events for Music Ministry, and this year is no
exception.
Christmas Eve is our busiest night of the year. There are changes in the times of services, so take note.
The Traditional Services at 6:00pm and 8:00pm will feature anthems by the Chancel Choir, with Wesleyan Bells
(and “special guests”) at 10:00pm. In addition to providing music
through the service, the bells will play pre-service music beginning at
approximately 9:30pm.
On Sunday, December 14, the Chancel Choir will present A
Ceremony of Lessons and Carols by Anna Laura Page and Jean
Anne Shafferman at the 8:00 and 9:30 services. In addition to
Jonathan Cochran on organ and piano, accompaniment will be
provided by an orchestra comprising members of our church family,
students from Arizona State University and Hamilton High School,
and other musicians from throughout the East Valley. There will also
be opportunities for the congregation to
join the choir in singing several favorite
Christmas carols. Narrators will be Joe Strazz and Elice Province. Please plan to
join us (and invite your friends and neighbors as well) for this annual Christmas
musical presentation.
For those of you who cannot make it through the season without selections from
Handel’s Messiah, we have just the event for you. On December 21st, there
will be a sing along of some of the most favorite sections of this masterpiece. As in
the past, the sing along will be accompanied by an orchestra of local musicians
including several from our congregation. Jointly sponsored by our church and the
Gilbert-Houston Stake of the LDS Church at Cooper and Houston, the concert will
be at 7:00 at the Gilbert stake and is open to all. For more information contact
Marty Province, Music Director, at [email protected].
Finally, everyone is invited to a special Christmas 3rd Friday Jam Session. On
December 19th at 7:00, we will get together in the church library (room 142) for the
last jam of 2014, and if it is anything like last year, we’ll be doing a lot of Christmas music. Even if you don’t play
an instrument, plan to come and help us sing (or just listen).
Faith & Family Nights
If you intend to participate in either Faith and Family Night events the
deadline for payment to either of these spectator sports is
approaching. The Faith and Family Night Phoenix Suns game will
be on Friday, February 6th, at
7:00pm at U.S. Airways Center.
The Arizona Coyotes game will be
on Saturday, January 10th, at
5:00pm at the Gila River Arena
(formerly Jobing.com Arena).
Coyotes tickets are $28.00 and
Suns tickets are $16.00. The
deadline to submit your payment(s) for either of these events is Friday,
December 5th, 2014. You will need to make out a check for FUMC and
earmark in the bottom left hand corner either Coyotes tickets or Suns tickets.
Please make out a separate check for each event. If you have any
questions, please contact David Harriss at 480-892-9166 or
[email protected].
November, 2014
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Page 17
December, 2014
The
As the end of 2014 approaches please remember YOUR church for end of year giving as you are completing your
end of year tax planning. Please note that your 2014 gifts may be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday
through December 28, mailed to the church office with a postmark by December 31, given electronically by
December 31, or dropped off at the church office by noon on Wednesday, December 31. Year-end giving
statements will be mailed (or emailed at your request) as soon as possible after December 31, 2014.
General Fund Financial Summary at
October 31, 2014
YTD Actual
General Giving
Other Income
Total Income
Total Expenses
Income Over/(Under) Expenses
$577,120
$127,989
$705,109
$719,393
($14,284)
YTD Budget
Variance to Budget
Favorable or (Unfavorable)
$543,388
$114,722
$658,110
$729,906
($71,796)
Operating Cash on Hand
Desired Minimum Operating Cash on Hand (2 months worth of expenses)
Average weekly giving income YTD at 10/31/14
Average weekly giving income YTD last year (at 10/31/13)
Average weekly giving needed to meet our approved 2014 expense budget
$33,732
$13,267
$46,999
$10,513
$57,512
$87,537
$140,000
$13,421
$12,666
$15,294
October general giving was $5,000 over budget, increasing our year-to-date general giving variance to $33,732
over budget. Year-to-date giving at October 31 was $32,499 ahead of the same period last year. Year-to-date
expenses were $10,513 under budget, primarily due to timing. We had a net deficit of $14,284 as of October
31, which was $57,000 better than the budgeted deficit as of October 31.
If you have any questions about the church’s finances, please contact Garin Campbell, Finance Chair
(623-363-0662, [email protected]) or Deanna Helland, Church Treasurer/Accountant
(480-892-9166, [email protected]).
Thank you for your faithful financial support of our church.
It only takes 5 minutes to sign-up for Electronic / Online Giving. Access the Church’s giving site through the QR
code using your smart phone or visit the church website and look for the Online Giving Logo.
December 2014
Page 18
Book Club
The Book Club meets the 4th Thursday of every month at 11:30am at the home of June Morrison. Bring a lunch to enjoy
while discussing the current book. Please RSVP to June at 480-892-4777. Please contact Molly Hahn at [email protected]
with any questions or for more information. The following books have been selected for this season:
December 18
The River of the Brokenhearted by David Adams Richards
January 22
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
February 26
Eventide by Kent Haruf
March 26
Grandmere by David Roosevelt
April 23
The End of the Spear by Steve Saint
May 28
Out of Range by C. J. Box
June 25
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Columbarium & Healing Garden
Our healing garden is a place of healing of mind, body and spirit. It was designed using the Beatitudes, Matthew
5: 3-10, as a tranquil retreat for those facing difficult times, as well as a place of peace in which to honor and
remember loved ones.
Single niches, including an urn and engraving of face stone are
available for $1,500 for church members and $1,700 for nonmembers. Double niches, including two urns and engraving of face
stone are available for $1,750 for church members and $2,250 for
non-members. For those who are buried elsewhere, we offer
memorial wall plaques for $300. Other garden fixtures including
benches are available.
Contact John Bowers at [email protected] for more information
or stop by the church office for an information packet.
Imagine No Malaria
In 2012 our church made the decision to commit $45,000 to the
efforts of the United Methodist Church to completely eradicate
malaria on this planet. In this year of “ 99 years and
Counting,” we would like to complete this covenant we made with
our conference and with the world. WE CAN DO THIS! We can
do it especially if we find 99 families or combinations of family
units that will pledge and give just $30 per month for one year.
This gift can be given monthly, quarterly, or as a lump sum
($360). If you are willing to help, let Pastor David know.
Christian Women’s Fellowship Group
On Thursday, December 4th, the Christmas meeting will be hosted by Therese Pineda and held at her
home. Car pooling will be from the church back parking lot, meeting at 10.30 am. Those attending need to bring
an appetizer or side dish to share, plus an unwrapped toy to be distributed to the needy. Come join us for
fellowship and refreshments.
On Wednesday, December 22nd, we will meet at the church in room 142 to fill and deliver Christmas baskets.
Please contact Laura McLeod at [email protected] for more information.
Page 19
December, 2014
The
December Birthdays
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
12
13
14
15
Andrew James
Bobbie Johnson
Ruby Rosemond-Taylor
Sarah Bowser
Michael Strazz
Diana Ramsey
Caleb Redman
Isaiah Shamsiddeen
Jo Asplin
Mike West
Ray Crawley
Mark Blackledge
Virginia Franklin
Connor Williamson
Miriam Gill
Linda Allen
Christy Robertson Yoder
Robin Lee
Barbara Signor
Ernie Broughton
Allie Scharff
17
20
21
23
26
27
28
29
30
Anniversaries
Justin Bagshaw
Jaron Mason
Judy Pierce
Steve Kopp
Adam Sukis
Sharon Salazar
Ed Riedel
Bonnie Paisley
Nina Waechter
Darcy Garruba
Sylvia Harris
Jon Lin
Sarah Shanks
Emily Tognacci
Alyssa Fink
Lindsay Gonzalez
Phyllis Petrone
11
21
27
28
Matt & Lydia Ramirez - 3 yrs
Ed & Pam Stressman - 46 yrs
Tim & April Ryan - 11 yrs
Mike & Wendy Griffith - 31 yrs
If we have inadvertently missed your
birthday or anniversary, contact Dina at
480-892-9166 or [email protected].
Join Us Tuesdays
Prayers for Our Church
1:30 – 2:30 pm
In the sanctuary
No training necessary.
Just come and pray with us as God leads us.
Our Condolences to …….

Al Reynolds and family on the death of his
mother, Donna Reynolds
 Joyce Harvey on the death of her sister-inlaw, Rosalee
Pray for our Churches
You are encouraged to pray for the churches and
pastors of the Central East District of the Desert
Southwest Conference. Please pray for the
following churches in December:




Gold Canyon UMC
Grace UMC, Mesa
Journey UMF, Maricopa
Living Water UMF, Gilbert
First United
Methodist Church of
Gilbert
331 S. Cooper Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
480-892-9166
Fax: 480-892-3545
[email protected]
We’re on the web at
www.gilbertumc.org
www.gilbertumc.org
News, sermons, events are being posted all the time.
Forms for youth and children are available on the site.
www.facebook.com/FUMCofgilbert
We are posting updates to events, news, spiritual quotes
and encouragement. Don’t miss a thing.
www.facebook.com/fumcgilbert.youthgroup
Postings are going up regarding volleyball, upcoming events,
pictures and other crazy things.
Don’t miss out because you didn’t check here!!
http://pinterest.com/fumcgilbert/
Help us create boards, become a follower, or just help!
Email [email protected]