CONNECTIONS
with the Manchester Church of the Brethren
December 2011
Joys and Concerns
There are many ways in which our lives are woven together. Honoring those connections is one of the ways we continue to form deeper relationships within community. In a spirit of prayer, please keep these spoken concerns in your hearts and minds in the coming days.
Within our faith community:
- We celebrate with Erma Petry – her birthday is Monday, November 28. Erma will be one hundred five.
- We pray for those who aren’t able to join us in worship this morning due to their current health limitations including: Margie Petry, Gene Snyder and Louise Miller.
- Those Deacons we lift in prayer this week include: Karl Merritt, Bev Petry, Sharon Pittman, Steve & Donna Priest and Celia Shankster.
- Doris Miller’s sister, Pearl Boyce in Timbercrest Healthcare.
- Paul Shrider who is home following a hospitalization. Paul is seriously ill with acute leukemia.
- Lori Waas hospitalized in Michigan.
- We pray for Dave & Lois Good who have traveled to Miami, Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday to visit family. They will be returning home on Tuesday.
In the wider community:
- We pray for our sister church in El Salvador, Emanuel Baptist. We pray for the pastoral ministry of Pastor Miguel as he carries great responsibility for the expanded ministries of the church in the larger community.
- We pray for peace.
Holden Evening Advent Service
You are invited into a time of Advent preparation through the Holden Evening Advent Service. This 30 minute service is one of singing, reflection, scripture and candlelight. Advent is a time of waiting, of hopefulness, of promise. This service provides you space to experience the peace and wonder of the season. Both services are at 6:30. The locations for the two services are: Wednesday, December 7 ~ Manchester Church of theBrethren and Wednesday, December 14 ~ Timbercrest Chapel. All ages are welcome.
Weekly Calendar
The Family Life Center is open from 8 to 10 am for walking and exercise.
Monday, November 28
7:00 pm Deacon Meeting
Tuesday, November 29
9:30 am Peace Patch Preschool/FLC
10:30 am Staff Meeting
12:00 pm Women’s Bible Study
5:00 pm Weight Watchers – Room 220
5:00 pm Yoga
7:00 pm Circle of Trust
7:00 pm Messenger Bible Study at Timbercrest
7:30 pm Volleyball
Wednesday, November 30
9:30 am Peace Patch Preschool/FLC
7:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 1
9:30 am Peace Patch Preschool/FLC
5:00 pm Yoga
7:30 pm Ecclesia Choir Rehearsal
Friday, December 2 – Office Closed
Walkers please use West FLC door
9:30 am Peace Patch Preschool/FLC
5:30 pm Parents’ Night Out
8 pm Indoor Soccer
Saturday, December 3
9:00 am Kitchen in use by Youth
4:30 pm College Men’s Soccer Banquet
Advent Prelude
Worship during Advent will begin at 9:15 am with our traditional Advent Prelude, continuing through Sunday, December 25. We can use this time to help prepare our hearts for Christmas!
December 4 – Second Sunday of Advent
9:15 am Advent Musical Prelude
9:30 am Worship. Salvation is at hand! Pastor Kurt. Text: Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13. Ecclesia Choir. Denominational Advent Offering
10:30 am Fellowship Time, Blood Pressure Check. Caramel Corn Fundraiser for Middle School Youth
10:45 am Christian Education. Peace Patch
12:00 pm Senior High Youth at Borgmanns’
5:00 pm College Student Meal
7:00 pm Room 213 in use
Pastor On-Call Schedule for December
December 4 – Pastor Kurt, 982-4233, cell 901-1851
December 11 –Pastor Karen, 982-8420, cell 578-1247
December 18 – Pastor Kurt
Fellowship Hosts:
We are grateful to the Fellowship Commission for providing Holy Hospitality between Worship and Sunday School for the month of December.
Fellowship Meals
Due to the holiday schedules, there will be NO Fellowship Meals in December. In January, Fellowship Commission will enjoy serving their traditional Chili Supper. Stay tuned for details!
FOOD – FUN – FRIENDS!
The next Food-Fun-Friends is coming up on Wednesday, December 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. We hope you’ll join us! Please contact Kim Reinoehl (982-1461 or kjreinoehl@manchester.edu) or fill out the December 11 bulletin RSVP to make your meal reservation. Pizza requests are welcome!
December Worship Themes
December 4 – Salvation is at hand! Pastor Kurt Text: Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13. Ecclesia Choir
December 11 – Hold Fast. Pastor Kurt. Text: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24. Ecclesia Choir. Youth Choir
December 18 - The Revelation of the Mystery. é Choir, Bell Choir, Melodia Choir
December 24 – 7 :00 pm Christmas Eve Worship Service and Children’s Program:
December 25 - His glory is above earth & heaven.Pastor Kurt. Psalm 148. Special Music
Calling Emergency
During CPR class we learned that calling 911 from a landline in Wabash County automatically lets the emergency service know the location of origin of the call. If the 911 call is coming from a cell phone the call goes to the nearest tower then to the nearest emergency service. That nearest emergency service may or may not transfer your call to the emergency service where you are located. It is wise to have the direct line of central dispatch for emergency service in our area programed into your cell phone. That number is: 260-563-9223.
Adult Christian Education
Questers meets in the Chapel. David Waas will continue with the book study, Founding Faith, by Steven Waldman, which examines how our founding fathers forged a radical new approach to religious liberty. Class will not meet Christmas Day.
Koinonia Class meets in the Conference Room. Marie Willoughby will be leading the class.
- December 4 – “Thankful Worship” Revelation 7: 9-17
- December 11 – “All Things New” Revelation 21
- December 18 – “Tree of Life” Revelation 22
Friends Class meets in Room 211
All Things Considered Class meets in Room 220
Jubilee Class meets in Room 301
Address Change
Wayne Ross: 400 W. 7th Street, same phone
Whitney Woods: wwoods2010@gmail.com
CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAM (CPT) UPDATE
Peace & Justice Coffee House on Sunday, December 4 at 6:30 pm in the Chapel.
Depleted Uranium: Liz Schallert, Heather Mitchell, and Randall Gabriel will be reporting on their recent experience in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Palestine: David Pritchett is currently in Palestine with a CPT delegation, but will be back in time to report on his experience.
Visit www.cpt.org to get a head start on the subjects of this coffee house
Mark your calendars - "Silent Auction"
The senior high youth are sponsoring a Silent Auction to be held January 15, 22, and 29. Organizing this year's auction are Jan Fahs and Bonnie Shenefield. Keep alert to details next month for bringing items, services, etc., to be bid on to raise funds for a trip to El Salvador the summer of 2012.
Yoga Continues
Yoga is on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Narthex from 5pm to 6pm. The Holiday Schedule will be adjusted. For more information please contact Heather Mitchell at (214) 502-8035 or
Children’s Christmas Giving Project
The Children’s Christmas Giving project is again in support of the Fellowship of Churches “Angel Tree” project. Angel Gift Tags can be found on the Narthex Christmas tree on Dec. 4 indicating gift information, including the age of recipient and a gift suggestion. Children, with parental assistance, are encouraged to choose gifts for other children. Please limit your gift to one per tag, to ensure recipient equality. Wrapped gifts, with the Angel Gift Tag attached, may be placed under the Narthex “Angel Tree.” All Gifts must be received by Sunday, December 11.
Questions?? Please contact Laura Gable at the church (982-7523) or at home (982-2864) or (578-0378)
Congregational Christmas Card
Please consider the Christmas Card Fund with your holiday giving this year. The Stewardship Commission will divide the fund between Local Area Assistance and International Projects, to be determined at their December 8 meeting. If you want your name added to the publicized “tree,” you need to call the church office on or before December 15. Otherwise, simply designate your check to The Christmas Card Fund.
Middle School Youth
· Saturday, Dec.3 - 9am-3pm: Toffee Corn Making in the church kitchen. 2-hour shifts starting at 9am. Contact Jim Chinworth if you currently aren't signed up to help.
· Sunday, Dec.4 - toffee corn sales following worship.
· Friday, Dec.9 - Game night at the Leckrone's. Supper included. 6-8pm.
Looking ahead to the new year:
· Denominational workcamp registration opens on January 9.
· First sub/wrap sale to go toward workcamp.
· Friday night out.
· Souper Bowl of Caring (2/5/12)
Senior High Youth
· Thursday, December 1 - CCS registration opens at 7pm. Those who have indicated an interest in going be at Jim's house at 8pm to register.
· Friday, December 2 - Parent's Night Out. Be at the church by 5:15pm to prepare for childcare. Done by 8pm.
· Sunday, December 4 - Lunch at Borgmann's.
There is more painting to be done on the pool mural. Watch your phone's and email for updates!
CONNECTIONS with our Community:
Lost-n-Found
One Enneagram Workbook and black Dansko shoes were found at the KennapocoMocha Coffeeshop. If these items are yours, please call 982-4705
Fellowship of Churches:
REACH assisted 15 families last month, mostly with utilities. The township trustee has informed REACH that there is no money for energy assistance forthcoming this year! We hope 2012 will be better though it is unclear about how we can best help those families that fall through the cracks in The System.
The Thrift Shop has had a very busy season and has a good inventory. Preschool-size clothing would be very helpful, as well as winter coats for children.
The Food Pantry is ready to assist with the Holiday Food Drive. There is a concern that donations will be down this year. Contact Jodi Barrett to volunteer or donate non-perishable food (982-2306)
Low Income Housing has had some frustration with the property manager being promoted and spread too thin among all the sites where he is now responsible. The United Methodist Church has done landscape improvements, made playground improvements and initiated recreational programs for both children and adults (Bingo nights, Kid’s Night, basketball teams, etc.).
Thursday’s Child served 34 infants and toddlers. They are in need of winter coats for preschoolers and toddlers. While they have a good inventory of infant clothing, they are short on clothing for preschoolers, especially for little boys.
Christian Nurture appreciated community support of the Thanksgiving Service held at Peabody Chapel this year.
Christian Mission is working on the Angel Tree Project for Christmas.
Thrift Shop Cookies
Church Women United invites you to bring Christmas Cheer by baking cookies for the shoppers at the Thrift Shop. Please package six cookies per sealed plastic bag and place them in the designated box at the church or take them to the Thrift Shop. CWU thanks you. Dorothy Weldy
Manchester Early Learning Center
Fund Raiser: Beef n’ Noodle Dinner on Sunday, December 4, from11:00 AM-1:30 PMat theMain View Inn. Adult $7 Child: $4 Slice of Pie $2
Proceeds will benefit the Manchester Early Learning Center, A United Fund Agency
CONNECTIONS with our District …and our Denomination:
Prepare the Way for Peace
The work and ministry of our denomination is not possible without the participation of all of us. Sunday morning, December 4, the special Advent Offering will be collected to help prepare the way for our denomination’s focus:
- Peace in a World at War
- Peace with God’s Creation
- Personal Peace
- Peace Formation
- Peace through the Christian Community
Denominational Newsletter
Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. To subscribe, simply contact the editor at: cobnews@brethren.org
South/Central Indiana District
Phone: 260-982-8805; Fax: 260-982-7181
District Minister: bsollenberger@brethren.org
Office Email: scicob@kcaccess.com
District Website:www.scindcob.org
Bethany Prayer Calendar
Please join us in prayer this month for the mission and ministry of Bethany. Specifically, Bethany’s contribution to the Church of the Brethren peace witness through courses, seminars and our peace studies degree emphasis.
ALERT:
Detailed information about disaster relief projects is available in the church office, as well as the District Office. Call Cliff Kindy, District Disaster Coordinator, for up-dates: phone:260-982-2971
Denominational Prayer Calendar
Week of December 4 – The coming of Christ makes plain that God’s reach towards humanity is a self-giving act of reconciliation. Take time to confess the times when you have been less than open toward this reconciling love of God. How might your gifts, talents and resources be a part of God’s ever unfolding work of reconciliation?
Week of December 11 – Anticipation builds this time of year, not just for kids awaiting presents, but for adults anxious about all the details. How do we pray in the midst of that? What do we most need to let go of in these days when the last thing on our minds is the Prince of Peace?
Week of December 18 – Mary’s Song in Luke 1: 46-55 presents us with the vision of the “Not Yet Kingdom of God.” Pray this week that our faults might not get in the way of this vision.
Week of December 25 – On Christmas Day we light the Christ Candle as a sign of the Light coming into the darkness. Christmas is celebrated as the daylight becomes longer by nearly a minute more each day. This week look for your times of sunset and give thanks for the increasing light of Christ.
Pray…Give …Speak Up!
How will you respond to Africa’s worst drought in a generation where famine has killed thousands? Church World Service and Brethren Disaster Ministries have partnered to establish a special fund for the 13 million people impacted by drought, famine and conflict in the Horn of Africa. Your prayers will comfort. Your gifts will add to the $130,000 now standing. Your letters to congress will petition for global food security and continued humanitarian aid in the federal budget. Through our partnership, these gifts provide emergency food, shelter, hygiene supplies, seeds, wells, and sand dams, extending both immediate and long-term assistance to the region. To support the Church of the Brethren response to this grim crisis, send your gift to: Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave,, Elgin, IL 60120. Or give on-line at www.brethren.org/africafamine
Brethren Community
A documentary, "The Dark Side of Chocolate" (a 28 minute video from Brethren Community TV) is available in the library for use in classes or discussion groups. In 2008 Annual Conference passed a resolution against slavery in the 21st century. That action was the 10th time that the Church of the Brethren had passed anti-slavery resolutions. Nine others were passed from 1782 to 1857 calling on the United States to end domestic slavery. The 2008 resolution made a commitment to educating ourselves and others about modern day slavery.
The documentary now available for use was directed by Miki Mistrati and show how young children are still being illegally sold to cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast, Africa to harvest much of the cocoa crop used by Nestle, Hershey and other major chocolate producers. In 2001 these large chocolate producers signed the Cocoa Protocol which promised to work for the eradication of child labor, but much remains to be done.
After watching the documentary those wonderful Hershey Miniatures may leave you with a bitter taste, so we urge that you contact Hershey CEO, David J. West, Hershey PA urging him to check the sources of Hershey's chocolate to eliminate child and forced labor and to shift to Fair Trade Certified cocoa.
You can check the DVD out from the church library.
David Waas, Witness Commission
On Friday, December 2 at 4pm, bring your bike and meet up with Manchester College students, staff, and area residents, for a critical mass bike ride. Meet in the parking lot right beside the union on the Manchester College campus at 4pm. The ride will go through town, and last about one hour, with a picnic afterwords. For more information, look up "Critical Mass Bike Ride on Facebook" or contact Turner Ritchie at tgritchie@spartans.manchester.edu, Jess Rinehart at jrrinehart@spartans.manchester.edu, or Lucas Kauffman, at lmkauffman@spartans.manchester.edu.
Thank you, Kurt.
Lucas Kauffman
Four Square Planning Committee
Campus Interfaith Board
Simply Brethren Steering Committee secretary
Campus Interfaith Board
Simply Brethren Steering Committee secretary
