thE-Steeple December 2016

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time that awakens the child in all of us, and I’m always drawn to children’s books during the Advent and Christmas sea- son. Some of you have asked me about good books for little ones, so here is a short list of books:

Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck comes as a board book, telling the story of Jesus’ birth in sim- ple words and illustrations that can be enjoyed by even young children.

Williston Federated Church United Methodist Church and United Church of Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell tells the Christ – Federated 1899 An Open and Affirming,Reconciling Congregation story from the point of view of the stable ani- Mission Statement ~ Our church is a community mals. This book also comes as a board book, and is which seeks, welcomes and gathers people to share great for young children. the Gospel of God’s love, enables people to find fullness of life through Jesus Christ, goes into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of The Nativity by Julie Vivas is a winsome telling of Christ, and responds actively to human need. the experiences of Mary and Joseph, describing the

human side of the Christmas story. The illustrations are unexpectedly charming, but not overly sentimen- tal; they show how real people may have responded Inside this issue: to this amazing birth.

Message from Pastor Barb 1 Message continued 2 The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado tells the story Your Committee’s 3 The Giving Tree Story 4 of Jesus’ birth with a lesson of inclusion: when Je- Giving Tree 4 sus is born in the stable, there is a special role for Nostalgia Alley 5 Joshua, a lamb with a bad leg who has felt excluded Nostalgia Alley 6 because he’s different from others. Christmas Bazaar Wrap Up 7 Book Club 7 Alternative Gift Ideas 8 Paper Quilt Reminder 8 Our Scrapbook 9 We Are Grateful 10 This Little Light of Mine 11 Silent Prayer 11 The First Christmas by Jan Pienkowski uses tradi- Caring Circle 12 tional language to tell the story (the text is all from A Helping Hand 12 the King James Bible). The illustrations are exqui- Recipes 13 Recipes 13 site silhouettes in a wide variety of settings. A Note From Finance 14 Amazon Smiles 15

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Interim Pastor Rev. Barb Lemmel 881-3267 Minister of Pastoral Care – The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Rev, Paul Hoffman 371-0770 Wojciechowski is one of my favorites for this time of Ereritus Pastor ~ year. It tells the Christmas story obliquely, through the Rev. Charlie Magill 879-6238 Lay Leader ~ Ashley Dubois experience of a grumpy woodcarver. This book is for Ministers ~ somewhat older children. I love it for the exceptional il- The People of the Church lustrations and the story of the healing power of Jesus’ Church Office Administrator birth and human love. It’s not easy to get to the end with- ~ Sally Nowotarski out a tear or two! Music Director ~ Martin Hain There are many others, of course. Some of my favorites are no longer in print, but these Organist ~ books should be readily available. If you have a favorite children’s Christmas book Carolyn Pillsbury Choir Accompanist ~ that’s not on this list, I’d be delighted to hear about it! Cindy Thurston Nursery Caregiver ~ May this Advent and Christmas season find its way into your heart with the message Michelle Davis contained in all these books and in the gospels: that God loves the world enough to come Sunday School Coordinator ~ and be born among us, and within us. Karen Allen Youth Ministry ~ Peace, Ashley Dubois Barb Lemmel

Address: 44 North Williston Road ______Williston, VT 05495 Church Office: (802) 878-5792 CHRISTMASTIME AT WILLISTON FEDERATED CHURCH e-mail address: [email protected],

Schedule of Events for Upcoming Holidays

December 11 Third Sunday in Advent—Joy December 18 Christmas Pageant Fourth Sunday in Advent—Love December 18 7:00pm Blue Christmas Service December 24 5:00- Candlelight Family Service December 24 7:30- Evening Candlelight Service December 24 11:00pm Christmas Eve Community Service December 25 Worship Around the Breakfast Table ~~~~~~~

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The mission statement of the Church is summarized on the banner at the top of the Church Website: Come, Meet Christ, Go Serve With Us. It is the function of the committees of the church to support and carry out that mission.

This month we are highlighting the Christian Education Committee.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 19:14.

As members of the Christian Education Committee we have the honor of providing opportunities for the children of our church to understand and live out our mission. The children and their families continually contribute to the life and missions of the church. The children make cards for the sick and Veterans, collect food for the food shelf and help fill the Thanksgiving baskets. They help put on events for the church such as the Sukkot celebration and Fat Sunday. The children contribute to the service by participating in choir, ushering, communion, leading Youth Sunday and putting on the Christmas Pageant. The children in our church are the leaders of today, sharing their gifts and talents with the congregation.

The committee is also focused on the education of the children at heart in our church. We would like to reach out to those families with young children. Some possibilities could be a play time for the children or a Bible study for the adults. Last month we sponsored a viewing of the movie “I'll Be Me” which is a documentary of country singer Glen Campbell's struggle with Alzheimer's. Eight people attend the viewing of the film. We are always open to any suggestions church members may have for future presentations or activities.

The church is advertising for a new Sunday School Coordinator who will become the chairperson of the Christian Education Committee.

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A GIVING TREE STORY

The giving tree has been an important part of the WFC history for many years. Dozens of gifts of clothing, shoes, and toys have been sent and given to deserving children.

The most recent heartwarming story came about two years ago. Libby was shopping for a pair of boots for a girl, about 11years old. She was looking carefully for something that would be more than just a pair of boots, she wanted something special that would be In style, that a young girl would like.

Libby found a sales lady to help her with the search. When she told the sales lady why she was shopping and what she was looking for, Libby noticed something different in the sales lady's face. She commented on how touched she was that Libby was being so thoughtful in her choice; and after looking at several more boots to find just the right pair, the sale's lady told Libby a story. Last Christmas she and her family had re- ceived gifts through a program such as the one at WFC. She went on to tell her how grateful she and her fam- ily were to receive their gifts and how it made their holiday’s so much happier.

Though you don’t hear these stories to often, they are out there and it means a GREAT deal to hear them. So we continue to joyfully participate in ‘The Giving Tree”.

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WFC’s Giving Tree The giving tree is up and ready! Please take a tag and purchase a gift for a child in need in our community. We typically give gifts to 30 families in our community who are struggling with poverty and stretching their money to meet the needs of their family every month. Your gift of love and generosity are so appreciated! All gifts due back to the giving tree on Sunday December 18th. Please contact Ann Wadsworth at [email protected] or 578-8716 if you have any questions.

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NOSTALGIA ALLEY

This was written in a newsletter December 18, 1980 - from the Rev. Don Van Dreser (He was our pastor for 17-18 years)

"Christmas is coming; and it's time for giving and forgiving, but we get mad so fast about so little, and sometimes It's hard to remember how to be happy, and we hug our hurts instead of each other. But Lord, Christmas is coming and we want to smile and laugh and dance, so, please, tease away our frowns, and let the mistletoe appear above every head, and kiss away our tears, and make us huggers and lovers, forgivers and givers, children of all ages. Come on, Jesus, light our fires.” from Christmas is Coming by Robert Raines "MAY THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS SHINE IN YOUR HEART." ______

What is Christmas?

Christmas is ...... Not just for children - It's for you! If you open your eyes the star will shine; If you listen you'll hear the song divine; If you kneel in humility just a while And bring gifts , the King will smile. It's Christmas!

Christmas is not just at Bethlehem- It's where you are! Where ever a heart prepares Him room; Where ever His light shines thru the gloom; Where ever a life of God's begun, There's Christmas!

Christmas is not just a season- It's always! When men ? ( people) in worship seek God's face; When penitent sinners receive His grace; When good will brings the World release; When mankind wills to live in peace; Then's Christmas! by Allen Spahr Page 6

NOSTALGIA ALLEY

The following excerpts are from the book of stories that were told at the Friendship Supper February 3, 1997: Recollections of the Williston Federated Church In the 1940's and 1950's

…. Submitted by Ginger Isham

AT (Art Tuthill) " As long as we are on the Pillsbury track and Henry is not here. There were very few Sundays that Henry didn't have a nap during service.

Also to go back to the '40's , those of you who have traveled the Oak Hill Road and came off from the Oak Hill Road will notice there's a spruce tree on your left that makes it almost impossible to get out onto Route 2 and that was planted there by Henry's Sun- day School Class, of which I was a member, and was decorated as the annual Christmas tree for many years. The switch was on the telephone pole that is immediately to the west and the Aseltine's kept track of turning it on and turning it off. I think the tree was originally only six or eight feet tall and came from our farm. Was dug up and planted there. (The Aseltine Family owned the present Korner Kwik Stop and lived first house ______west of the store on the same side of the road.)

The book can be checked out at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library if someone would like to read more of the stories that were told that night at the Friendship Supper.

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Reminisce Not what we have, but what we use, Not what we see, but what we choose; These are the things that mar or bless, The sums of human happiness. The things nearby, not things afar, Not what we seem, but what we are. These are the things that make or break, That give the heart its joy or ache. Not what we take , but what we give; Not as we pray , but as we live. These are the things that make for peace, Both now and after time shall cease.

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Book Club and Pot Luck Dinner ….

The choice for January is Bryan Stevensons’ Just Mercy. Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice sys- tem.

One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice for- ever.

Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has de- fended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true jus- tice.

Praise for Just Mercy “Every bit as moving as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so . . . a searing indictment of American criminal justice and a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable some- times yields.”—David Cole, The New York Review of Books

Date and place for the January meeting will be announced later in the Sunday Bulletin.

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Christmas Bazaar

Wrap Up ~

Many thanks to all who contributed to this year's Christmas Bazaar with their time, talent & treasures.

The final total for crafts, bake sale, lunch, plants, RAADA & attic treasures was over $3500 which will help fund the Women of the Church Missions! The Silent Auction, which benefits the youth group, raised around $1000 and Community Dinners raised over $1032.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Carol Bouchard, Bazaar chair.

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Alternative Gift Shop - Looking for a crea- tive gift for that special someone for Christmas?

The Alternative Gift Shop will be open in the Fellow- ship Hall right after church on December 4, 11, and 18th for your shopping convenience.

Many great programs, organizations, and projects are available to choose from so you can make a donation in someone’s name this holiday season.

Please bring your checkbook as checks are preferred over cash. Questions? Contact Ann Wadsworth at [email protected] or 578-8716.

Organizations available to receive your donations:

COTS WHBW – Women Helping Battered Good News Garage Women Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity Howard Center Heifer Project International Kids 4 Peace JUMP WFC Community Dinners NMI-VT (Nat’l Alliance for Mental Illness-Vt VT Refugee Resettlement Project Project Chacocente Spectrum Hunger Free Vermont King Street Youth Center VT Respite House Camp Agape Warmth Program Summer Recreation Food Program

Williston Food Shelf Charity of your choice

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THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR CHURCH HOME

A Reminder: our paper quilt hangs in the Fellowship hallway, with squares in which each person can write about this faith community. How important....how it inspires us to follow Christ, and leads us to be better because we worship and work together. Now is the per fect time to share with others just how vital our church home is to each of us……. There are plenty of open squares and even if you have completed one or two already, since we have so much to be thankful for, here at our church, every day we have new blessings we can share. Let’s fill up our quilt so that it is an inspiration to each of us as we view it weekly.

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OUR WFC FAMILY SCRAPBOOK We are happy to welcome our new interim pastor, Rev. Barbara Lemmel. She has joined Rev. Paul Hoffman, our Pastoral Care Minister, for the next few months.

As a way of helping both pastors get to know our church family better, we are updating the Williston Fed- erated Church Family Scrapbook. Our current scrap- book was created when Rev. Joan O'Gorman came to us about ten years ago. Like many photo albums, it has been sitting on a shelf for a few years. It's time for it to be updated. We invite you to add a page to the scrap- book with a picture of your family and a little personal information that you want to share. If you already have a page in the book and are happy with it, no need to make a new one.

The scrapbook is on the table as you enter Fellowship Hall. Check out the pages that are already inside for ideas. Take a packet that includes; simple instructions, a piece of card stock and a clear plastic protec- tive cover. Any 8 1/2x11 inch paper will work, so be creative & have fun. When you complete your page, just slip it into the book. Thanks for your help with this project. If you have any question, contact Carol Bouchard or Cathy Michaels.

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The emphasis on the "Giving Time of Year" easily enables us to forget that it is also the "Receiving Time of Year".

Almost thirty years ago this month, the congregants of Williston Federated Church dedicated the one hundred and eighty (180) hymnals which are currently resting in our pews.

Some were gifts simply celebrating the need, but others used their gift to honor special people in their lives with alittle ac- knowledgement at the front of the hymnal. Yet all those gifts continue to give each of us the opportunity to celebrate "receiving" each time we nostagically share a Christmas Carol or burst into song to celebrate the poetry of music.

Let us use quiet reflection to enhance our own sense of "Receiving" and so share with others our growing spirituality.

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This Little Light of Mine, I'm Going to Let it Shine

The folks at WFC are actively involved in the community and beyond in so many ways. We recently supported 20 families with Thanksgiving baskets and food to supplement their cupboards while the children were on vacation from school.

Our Giving Tree is up and soon there will be an abundance of gifts for 30 children in our community, bringing a little light to their Christmas.

We do our small part in this world to fill the cracks with light. Serving on a church committee is one way to let your light shine in our community. We invite you to consider filling in for the remainder of the fiscal year, ending June 30th, on one of our church committees.

There are openings on all committees, but we do have a more urgent need for the following: Education, Membership and Music & Worship. Membership committee was highlighted in the October Steeple. Edu- cation is highlighted this month. For more information about each committee, visit the church web- site Steeple.org and click on resources to read more about each committee. If you feel called to serve, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee: Rebecca Dubois, Donna Goodheart, Sylvia Ma- loney or Carol Bouchard

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Listen, Silent Prayer and

Bible Reflection ~

A time of silent prayer and reflection may offer an opportunity to experience that warming and potential growth in a new way; therefore the following group extends a ‘special invitation’ to join the gathering. The group meets on Thurs- day mornings from 8-9am.

The group joins together in silent prayer, followed by the sharing of responses to a few Bible verses. Silent prayer is practiced during the first 20 minutes.

The method called Centering Prayer will be practiced by some in the group, others will practice whatever form of silent prayer or meditation they choose. Anyone is welcome to come once a month, once a year or once. If you would like to join the group and are not on the email list, or you are interested in joining the Listening/silent prayer group …. please contact Donna Fellinger so you can be informed of any changes in schedule: donnafellin- [email protected] or 802-355.1700. Page 11

THE CARING CIRCLE meets on behalf of the congregation to:

 share prayers of concern  plan visits  arrange transportation  arrange for meals  to make phone calls  send cards

For those in our congregation who may be grieving, hospitalized, ill or homebound.

Our card ministry celebrates joys, as well as, ac- knowledging concerns, paralleling what takes place during Sunday services.

Our current card ministry volunteer Dottie Woods would be pleased to receive information and addresses of those in need of this connection from the church. We ask that members of the congregation who become aware of a situation, help us become aware of any needs in the church community. You can contact the office or any of the members of the Circle: Carol Burbank, Ginger Isham, Donna Fellinger, Sue Leister, Carol Lewis, Ruth Magill, Vicki Trueman, Jane Stickney, Ursula White, Carmyn Stanko and Charlie Magill.

We are open to having more members in the group and welcome help with visiting, meals, and transportation.

We meet the first Thursday of the month in the Sitting Room of WFC.

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PROVIDE A SNACK If you are looking for a way to give of your time & talents please consider signing up to provide a snack for Sunday mornings. Coffee hour snacks do not have to be elaborate. The snack can be as simple as a loaf of sweet bread or some crackers & cheese. If you aren't comfortable making coffee, the Membership Commit- tee person in charge that week, can help. Greeters Greeters play an important role for anyone visiting our church for the first time. A greeter provides that first word of welcome and directions to the sanctuary. From Matthew 25: (NIV)35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." If you have questions, speak to a member of the committee: Carol Burbank, Ruth Magill, Vicki Truman, Jean Bing or Carol Bouchard. Page 12

TASTEE RECIPE IDEA’S Here’s something tasty to do with leftover turkey……. TURKEY TETRAZZINI 7 oz. of spaghetti, broken in 2 inch pieces ¼ cup butter1/4 cup flour 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. white pepper (I use regular black pepper.) ¼ tsp. nutmeg 2 cups chicken or turkey broth 1 cup milk 3 Tbs. sherry flavoring 2 ½ cups cooked turkey cut in small pieces 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced and sautéed in butter for 5 minutes ¼ cup chopped green peppers sautéed with mushrooms 1 egg yolk 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese or ½ cup slivered almonds

Heat oven to 350. Melt butter over low heat in heavy saucepan. Blend in flour and sea- sonings until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil; boil one minute, stirring constantly. Blend in sherry flavoring. Add sauce to cooked spaghetti. Add turkey, green pepper, mushrooms, and egg yolk to spaghetti. Pour into a 2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese or almonds. Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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2 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder pinch of salt

2 tablespoons butter 1 cup eggnog 1 cup chopped pecans or nuts of choice 1/2 cup EACH green and red candied cherries - quartered

Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter or put in food mill with some of the flour. Stir in eggnog until moist - mix in nuts and cher- ries. Knead on floured surface ten times. Pat into a circle and cut into pie shape pieces. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Make a glaze for the scones with a mixture of confectioner's sugar, cream and rum . You may use rum flavoring but I prefer using real rum. The recipe says to bake them at 425 degrees but I have better luck with 400 degrees. Page 13

TASTEE RECIPE IDEA’S

Ingredients 4 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten Salt and pepper, if desired 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz) Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired 1 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired

Directions Jump to Video 1Heat oven to 375°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper. In 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat about 4 minutes or until cooked but not crisp, turning once. (It will continue to cook in oven.) Set bacon aside; drain all except 2 teaspoons bacon drippings from skillet. 2In medium bowl, beat 1/3 cup of the milk, the eggs, salt and pepper with fork or whisk until well mixed. Stir in bell pepper. Pour egg mixture into skillet. As mixture heats, portions of eggs will begin to set. Gently push cooked portions with metal spatula to outside edge of skillet. Avoid stirring constantly. As more egg sets, push it to the edge and place it on top of the already set egg mixture. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until eggs are thickened throughout but still moist.

3 Unroll dough; separate into 8 triangles. On parchment-lined cookie sheet, arrange triangles with shortest sides toward center, overlapping in star shape and leaving 4-inch round circle open in center (see diagram). Crescent dough points may hang over edge of cookie sheet. Press overlapping dough to flatten.

4 Place bacon on each of the triangles. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the cheese onto widest part of dough. Spoon eggs over cheese. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the cheese. Pull points of triangles over eggs and cheese, and tuck under dough to form ring (filling will be visible). Carefully brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon milk; sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup cheese. 5Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 2 minutes. With broad spatula, carefully loosen ring from cookie sheet; slide onto serving platter. Garnish with cilantro and salsa. Page 14

Members and friends of WFC,

We are all asked to give “time, talent, and treasure” in support of the church. Your Finance Committee wants you to understand how your offerings, through pledges and Sunday plate, support the many func- tions at Williston Federated Church. Each month the e-Steeple will have a short article explaining…

Where do our financial commitments go?

This month: Reaching Out to Serve our Community:$33,655

Our Mission Committee does outreach with Thanksgiving baskets, the Holiday Giving Tree, the Christ- mas “Alternative Gift Fair,” support to COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter), JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project), Camp Agape, Williston Summer Recreation Camps, and the Williston Food Shelf. The committee supports mission teams to do disaster response work through out the United States, and helps support the youth work in Nicaragua.

Through our United Church of Christ and United Methodist denominational support we give help to mis- sions around the world. Our building is used to support our community in many ways; we make meeting rooms available to senior-citizens’ exercises, the Rotary Club, the Senior Craft Fair, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Kids for Peace, AL Anon, and Alcoholics Anonymous. The building is used for funerals and fu- neral receptions for community members and for community social events.

Community Dinners does outreach with the lunches and dinners in the Fellowship hall, and supports Dis- mas House meals and meals for the homeless at the Chittenden Food Shelf. The men’s group does meals for the Dismas House and for ANew Place.

Thanks, all. The goal of the Finance Committee is to provide further information to the congregation on the ways in which their financial contributions are used, as part of an ongoing stewardship program.

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If you shop at Amazon, access it at AmazonSmile.com and they will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of the sale to the Williston Federated Church. There is no extra cost to WFC or to you.

All you do is sign onto Amazon Smile to ac- cess the site. When opened, under Select a Charity type, in the space provided, Williston Federated Church, it’s that simple. Thank you for your support. The Finance Committee

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