FUMC Tower December - Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)
November 28, 2016
The Tower First United Methodist Church
111 N. Adams St., Alice, TX, 78332
Worship at FUMC SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, Dec. 4 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 11 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 18 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 25 No Sunday School Worship 10:15 Sunday, Jan. 1 No Sunday School Worship 10:15
Church Staff: Pastor - Dale White Custodian - Ernesto Flores Play Day Director - Irma Valadez
December 24th 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary A Word from Our Pastor Beloved, I love theology, especially good theology. I’ve read theological texts ranging from St. Augustine to Dietrich Bonheoffer, Martin Luther to C. S. Lewis, and way too much John Wesley. But one of the things that never ceases to amaze me is the unlikely places where theology resides. Every Christmas season, I watch one of the greatest theological monologues ever given, in my humble opinion. And it comes from that great theologian…Linus. No, not St. Linus of Rome. I’m talking about Linus Van Pelt from the “Peanuts” comic strip. Every year I make it a point to watch Linus’ monologue from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. In it, Charlie Brown is struggling with the true meaning of Christmas. Isn’t that us? We worry about having the brightest lights, the biggest inflatable Santa Claus in our yard, wearing the nicest dress to the best party, picking out the perfect present, and okay, 1
November 28, 2016
Understanding Advent Advent comes from an old Latin word, adventus, meaning “coming.” Advent is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent, the beginning of the church year, begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Although we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, the church season of Christmastide lasts from Dec. 24th through Epiphany (Jan. 6th) Advent Wreath
Advent wreaths are often seen in churches. The wreath is four candles on an evergreen wreath with one “Christ candle” in the center. The circle of the wreath represents the eternity of God. Candles around the wreath are usually purple or blue representing royalty. One of the candles is pink, to represent joy. Typically the candles represent the virtues Jesus brings: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Sometimes you will see the candles representing expectation, hope, joy and purity. The Christ candle is lit
GETTING the perfect present. Starting the day after Thanksgiving we are in non-stop motion buying, picking up, wrapping, decorating, and baking. Is that what this season is really all about? Have we bought into the secular, consumerist version of one of the most holy days in the Christian year? We need to take a moment, and be like Charlie Brown. After struggling with the season, Charlie stops and screams, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Linus’ response is simply this; “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” We want to make Christmas about us, when Christmas is about Christ. It’s about God suddenly intruding into His creation, and becoming human. We want to make Christmas about gifts and shopping, when it’s about humility and God’s gift of a Savior to redeem all of creation. We want to make Christmas about bright lights and glittering decorations, when it’s about a child born in a cave who would be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So, the next time you wonder about the meaning of this season, stop and read Luke chapter 2. In the words of the great theologian Linus Van Pelt, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Have a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Shalom, y’all. Merry Christmas, Pastor Dale
on Christmas Eve to remind us that Christ is the light of the world.
2
November 28, 2016
Words of Wellness
Arnie’s Army of Kindness Thoughts come to me as I read stories of Arnold
Palmer. Almost all of the stories I read began with statements similar to, “I was a young, unknown reporter…,” or “I was just an everyday average fan…,” or “I was an amateur golfer, trying to catch a break…,” and ended with “and Mr. Palmer made time for me, gave me his full attention and talked with me like I was the most important person in the world.” In other words, what people were remembering most about Arnold Palmer were his everyday kindnesses, and not so much his accomplishments on the golf course. If you want to know more about “Arnie’s Army of Kindness” learn about the wonderful work of his foundation at www.ArniesArmy.org. It has been said that you can tell a great deal about a person’s character by the way they treat those who likely will not be in a position to offer them something in return. The Bible says something similar when it says that a person’s character is revealed in how they treat “the least of these” among us. Treating others with kindness because we hope to get something in return is a function of our ego. Treating others with kindness as a reflection of our character, and because it is simply the right thing to do, is an expression of our soul. Our character is best reflected not often in grand, public gestures and achievements, but in the everyday choices we make to simply do the right thing. It is reflected in being there for a friend who is battling depression, cancer, grief, or some other difficulty. It is reflected by a parent who is getting up for the fourth time in the middle of the night to comfort a crying child. It is reflected in the way a family ember cares for an aging spouse/parent/sibling/friend. It is reflected in the person who volunteers each week at the after school tutoring program or the weekly meal program. You and I may not be famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Arnold Palmer, and yet, famous or not, we all have countless opportunities to be kind to others. Whose day will you make today by taking time to notice and give them your undivided time and attention? Your Wesley Nurse, Amy Gunn RN Reference: LivingCompass.com Samaritan Family Wellness Foundation. 500 W. Silver Spring Dr. K270 Glendale, WI 53217
3
November 28, 2016
Second Annual Veterans Christmas Care Packet Program Items included in packet: Hygiene items, laundry detergent, Kleenex, shampoo, gloves, socks, envelopes, pens, hand sanitizer, writing notebook Amy will be purchasing all the items. We will meet to assemble bags on Dec. 15th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm and on Dec. 19th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Veterans will be given a voucher by veteran’s officer starting Dec. 1st. Veterans will be able to pick up their Christmas care package at the church on: Tues, Dec. 20th from 2 - 4 pm Wed., Dec. 21st from 2 - 4 pm Thurs., Dec. 22nd from 2 - 4 pm The Alice Newspaper would like to take pictures and publish a story on the FUMC helping the Veterans in the community. Please contact Amy if you would like to be in the picture and would like to take part in assembling the bags. Amy Gunn, RN 361-494-8485
December 4th - 1 pm …Charge Conference Dec. 11th - 3 pm ……….Cloud Conference * Freer UMC Dec. 18th - 2-6 pm……..Parsonage Open House Church Office will be closed Dec. 23 - Dec. 30th
Newsletter Changes Anna Holmgreen is now compiling the Tower for the next few months/ If you would like a copy emailed to you rather than coming via US Postal Service, please email her with that info: [email protected] If you have info for the newsletter, please submit for the January newsletter by December 28th.
Stewardship Update Pledge cards are still being collected. To date we have pledges which will support 60% of our expenses. If you have not turned in your pledge, please prayerfully consider how you will support the church and its ministries.
4
November 28, 2016
Lenten Devotions Although we haven’t celebrated Christmas, we are preparing for the Lenten Devotions. Several church members have agreed to write short devotions for the Lenten season, which begins March 1 and will end on April 16th. Just a reminder that your devotion is Due to Anna Holmgreen by Dec. 21st so she can begin compiling these and getting them ready to print. If you have not taken a day, but would like to, just give Anna a call at 701-2175 or email at [email protected]. This will be a great way
PRAYERS & CONCERNS We are in the process of updating our prayer concerns. Please be sure to note your prayer concerns on the cards during church services or email them to [email protected] for addition to the newsletter. Always keep the following in your prayers: Our nation and its leaders, our city and schools, those who are ill or suffering in some way, those who are grieving, the lonely and the lost.
Walking Class for December Time 9-10 am Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs
Friday 1
5
6
7
8
2
9 cancelled
12
13
14
15
16
cancelled
19
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
cancelled
26 cancelled
Youth Event at St. Luke’s UMC 3151 Reid Dr. Corpus Christi, TX
January 8th from 5-7 pm Featuring The Jesus Revolution Band Light Dinner will be provided. For more info contact : Pastor Dale or Theresa Cass, St. Luke’s Youth Coordinator RSVP needed
5
November 28, 2016
6
The Tower First United Methodist Church
111 N. Adams St., Alice, TX, 78332
Worship at FUMC SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, Dec. 4 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 11 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 18 Breakfast at 8:30 Sunday School 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday, Dec. 25 No Sunday School Worship 10:15 Sunday, Jan. 1 No Sunday School Worship 10:15
Church Staff: Pastor - Dale White Custodian - Ernesto Flores Play Day Director - Irma Valadez
December 24th 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary A Word from Our Pastor Beloved, I love theology, especially good theology. I’ve read theological texts ranging from St. Augustine to Dietrich Bonheoffer, Martin Luther to C. S. Lewis, and way too much John Wesley. But one of the things that never ceases to amaze me is the unlikely places where theology resides. Every Christmas season, I watch one of the greatest theological monologues ever given, in my humble opinion. And it comes from that great theologian…Linus. No, not St. Linus of Rome. I’m talking about Linus Van Pelt from the “Peanuts” comic strip. Every year I make it a point to watch Linus’ monologue from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. In it, Charlie Brown is struggling with the true meaning of Christmas. Isn’t that us? We worry about having the brightest lights, the biggest inflatable Santa Claus in our yard, wearing the nicest dress to the best party, picking out the perfect present, and okay, 1
November 28, 2016
Understanding Advent Advent comes from an old Latin word, adventus, meaning “coming.” Advent is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent, the beginning of the church year, begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Although we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, the church season of Christmastide lasts from Dec. 24th through Epiphany (Jan. 6th) Advent Wreath
Advent wreaths are often seen in churches. The wreath is four candles on an evergreen wreath with one “Christ candle” in the center. The circle of the wreath represents the eternity of God. Candles around the wreath are usually purple or blue representing royalty. One of the candles is pink, to represent joy. Typically the candles represent the virtues Jesus brings: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Sometimes you will see the candles representing expectation, hope, joy and purity. The Christ candle is lit
GETTING the perfect present. Starting the day after Thanksgiving we are in non-stop motion buying, picking up, wrapping, decorating, and baking. Is that what this season is really all about? Have we bought into the secular, consumerist version of one of the most holy days in the Christian year? We need to take a moment, and be like Charlie Brown. After struggling with the season, Charlie stops and screams, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Linus’ response is simply this; “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” We want to make Christmas about us, when Christmas is about Christ. It’s about God suddenly intruding into His creation, and becoming human. We want to make Christmas about gifts and shopping, when it’s about humility and God’s gift of a Savior to redeem all of creation. We want to make Christmas about bright lights and glittering decorations, when it’s about a child born in a cave who would be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So, the next time you wonder about the meaning of this season, stop and read Luke chapter 2. In the words of the great theologian Linus Van Pelt, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Have a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Shalom, y’all. Merry Christmas, Pastor Dale
on Christmas Eve to remind us that Christ is the light of the world.
2
November 28, 2016
Words of Wellness
Arnie’s Army of Kindness Thoughts come to me as I read stories of Arnold
Palmer. Almost all of the stories I read began with statements similar to, “I was a young, unknown reporter…,” or “I was just an everyday average fan…,” or “I was an amateur golfer, trying to catch a break…,” and ended with “and Mr. Palmer made time for me, gave me his full attention and talked with me like I was the most important person in the world.” In other words, what people were remembering most about Arnold Palmer were his everyday kindnesses, and not so much his accomplishments on the golf course. If you want to know more about “Arnie’s Army of Kindness” learn about the wonderful work of his foundation at www.ArniesArmy.org. It has been said that you can tell a great deal about a person’s character by the way they treat those who likely will not be in a position to offer them something in return. The Bible says something similar when it says that a person’s character is revealed in how they treat “the least of these” among us. Treating others with kindness because we hope to get something in return is a function of our ego. Treating others with kindness as a reflection of our character, and because it is simply the right thing to do, is an expression of our soul. Our character is best reflected not often in grand, public gestures and achievements, but in the everyday choices we make to simply do the right thing. It is reflected in being there for a friend who is battling depression, cancer, grief, or some other difficulty. It is reflected by a parent who is getting up for the fourth time in the middle of the night to comfort a crying child. It is reflected in the way a family ember cares for an aging spouse/parent/sibling/friend. It is reflected in the person who volunteers each week at the after school tutoring program or the weekly meal program. You and I may not be famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Arnold Palmer, and yet, famous or not, we all have countless opportunities to be kind to others. Whose day will you make today by taking time to notice and give them your undivided time and attention? Your Wesley Nurse, Amy Gunn RN Reference: LivingCompass.com Samaritan Family Wellness Foundation. 500 W. Silver Spring Dr. K270 Glendale, WI 53217
3
November 28, 2016
Second Annual Veterans Christmas Care Packet Program Items included in packet: Hygiene items, laundry detergent, Kleenex, shampoo, gloves, socks, envelopes, pens, hand sanitizer, writing notebook Amy will be purchasing all the items. We will meet to assemble bags on Dec. 15th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm and on Dec. 19th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Veterans will be given a voucher by veteran’s officer starting Dec. 1st. Veterans will be able to pick up their Christmas care package at the church on: Tues, Dec. 20th from 2 - 4 pm Wed., Dec. 21st from 2 - 4 pm Thurs., Dec. 22nd from 2 - 4 pm The Alice Newspaper would like to take pictures and publish a story on the FUMC helping the Veterans in the community. Please contact Amy if you would like to be in the picture and would like to take part in assembling the bags. Amy Gunn, RN 361-494-8485
December 4th - 1 pm …Charge Conference Dec. 11th - 3 pm ……….Cloud Conference * Freer UMC Dec. 18th - 2-6 pm……..Parsonage Open House Church Office will be closed Dec. 23 - Dec. 30th
Newsletter Changes Anna Holmgreen is now compiling the Tower for the next few months/ If you would like a copy emailed to you rather than coming via US Postal Service, please email her with that info: [email protected] If you have info for the newsletter, please submit for the January newsletter by December 28th.
Stewardship Update Pledge cards are still being collected. To date we have pledges which will support 60% of our expenses. If you have not turned in your pledge, please prayerfully consider how you will support the church and its ministries.
4
November 28, 2016
Lenten Devotions Although we haven’t celebrated Christmas, we are preparing for the Lenten Devotions. Several church members have agreed to write short devotions for the Lenten season, which begins March 1 and will end on April 16th. Just a reminder that your devotion is Due to Anna Holmgreen by Dec. 21st so she can begin compiling these and getting them ready to print. If you have not taken a day, but would like to, just give Anna a call at 701-2175 or email at [email protected]. This will be a great way
PRAYERS & CONCERNS We are in the process of updating our prayer concerns. Please be sure to note your prayer concerns on the cards during church services or email them to [email protected] for addition to the newsletter. Always keep the following in your prayers: Our nation and its leaders, our city and schools, those who are ill or suffering in some way, those who are grieving, the lonely and the lost.
Walking Class for December Time 9-10 am Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs
Friday 1
5
6
7
8
2
9 cancelled
12
13
14
15
16
cancelled
19
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
cancelled
26 cancelled
Youth Event at St. Luke’s UMC 3151 Reid Dr. Corpus Christi, TX
January 8th from 5-7 pm Featuring The Jesus Revolution Band Light Dinner will be provided. For more info contact : Pastor Dale or Theresa Cass, St. Luke’s Youth Coordinator RSVP needed
5
November 28, 2016
6
