Leesburg ReturnAddress Service Requested! Leesburg,OH 45135 P.O. Box 333

United Methodist Church

UMC Leesburg and East Monroe Charge Pastor Rich Allen ~ 780-9381

December, 2020 All are welcome to worship the Lord with us!

Decmber, 2020 Decmber,

Hillsboro,

Permit # Permit US Postage US

Non Profit Non

45133

Paid LEESBURG UMC EAST MONROE UMC Corner of Rt. 28 and Church St. Monroe Rd. off of Rt. 28

119 Church Street 12524 Monroe Road

19

OH Leesburg, OH 45135 Leesburg, OH 45135

Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship 9:00 AM

Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Pastor’s cell: 614-309-1800

Pastor’s email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] - Visit our webpage at: www.thelumc.com

“What Gift to Bring” e will celebrate Jesus in

W worship Sundays throughout Advent and on Eve at 4:30 pm as well. ll of us have those people in our lives who are I hope you will make it a priority A difficult to know what to get them for for you and your family to come Christmas. As we head through the Advent season and worship this King as the Wise leading to Christmas, have you given any thought of Men of old did. what gift to give Jesus? I think that is a fair thing to think about considering it is His birth that we are rateful for the gift of Jesus, celebrating. It would need to be a special gift worthy G of a King, the King of the universe, that is. Really smart people have pondered what they might give this King.

any years ago, some really intelligent Leesburg – Sunday, December 13

M gentleman travelled long distance to see There will be a Live Nativity from 5:00-7:00 Jesus. Matthew 2:11 in NIV says, “On coming into the PM in front of LUMC. Afterward, we will be house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and hosting the Luminaria Worship Service at they bowed down and worshipped Him.” We often LUMC, 7:00 PM. Once again, LUMC will be think that the gifts the Wise Men brought to this King providing cookies, snacks & beverages in our basement Fellowship Hall for those touring the in celebration of His birth were gold, frankincense, Luminaria celebration in Leesburg. Please let Val Stuckey know if and myrrh. The gift they really offered Him was you could donate cookies and/or snack items. worship and adoration. The gold, frankincense, and Thank you! myrrh were just outward aspects of their worship.

ight I suggest that through the Advent M season, the gift Jesus would desire from each of us is the gift of worship. Our worship is revealed in our daily lives through obedience to His Word but is also given in our gathering together to worship Services corporately with those in the family He came to Leesburg UMC Family Candlelight Service  4:30pm create. East Monroe Candlelight Service  8:00pm

Christmas Bells — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow —Kim Hiatt I heard the bells on Christmas Day Thankfulness Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet December brings us to a close of 2020 with much gratitude for our church The words repeat family. Throughout the year we have made a difference in the lives of children & Of peace on earth, good-will to men! adults from our home town of Leesburg to a shoebox that traveled thousands of miles to just the right child. Those living in poverty in the Appalachia area have And thought how, as the day had come, benefited from our Christian love. We pray that all of these people feel God’s love The belfries of all Christendom through our outreach. We will not be having a December Mission Offering, due to Had rolled along our church Christmas offering. The unbroken song To recap our Shoebox ministry with Operation Christmas Child, our church Of peace on earth, good-will to men! donated 218 shoeboxes! Additional shoeboxes had been turned in when we arrived in Hillsboro on Sunday after dedication. This year, due to the skill of several Till ringing, singing on its way, church servants, we were able to include dresses in each of the girl boxes. These The world revolved from night to day, colorful dresses will be a blessing to just the right girl. As our youth packed these A voice, a chime, shoeboxes, we prayed over the boxes and were reminded of all the love put forth in A chant sublime God’s name. We know many of you also selected just the right needed items for Of peace on earth, good-will to men! your own shoeboxes with love. For all of you, big and small, we thank you!

Then from each black, accursed mouth An Update from Travis & Erin Brubaker The cannon thundered in the South, Servants in Fellowship- Haiti And with the sound This info comes from their most recent newsletter. “2020 hasn’t turned out The carols drowned as any of us expected, and yet, God is good. I, along with many others, have Of peace on earth, good-will to men! struggled at times to see how God’s goodness is prevailing this year. The year began well for us. In January and February, we were able to host 3 construction It was as if an earthquake rent teams and 2 medical teams. During this time 20 homes were built, providing a safe, The hearth-stones of a continent, durable, dry home for a family brings hope to many who feel hopeless. Having a And made forlorn lock on the door means they can sleep soundly with no worry of being robbed or The households born worse. It also means they can lock up their home and leave to find work. As our Of peace on earth, good-will to men! plans for the year changed drastically, we took some time to pray and speak with community leaders in the areas we serve. We simply asked them how we could And in despair I bowed my head; best serve them as the economic fall-out from Covid-19 began to hit hard. Ways to "There is no peace on earth," I said; help were found, such as 60 Handwashing stations, made from 5 gallon buckets For hate is strong, with a spout at the bottom, were distributed to areas in Kago, Rue Frere, Croix des And mocks the song Bouquets, Montreal and Lafferonney. We purchase the buckets from a small local Of peace on earth, good-will to men!" “hardware” depot. Any chance we get to purchase locally from small business owners is an opportunity to invest in their lives as well as the Haitian economy. Masks became mandatory in all public areas in May, with fines and jail time Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: possible for those who didn’t comply. We were happy to partner with TeachHaiti’s "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; sewing program. By purchasing our masks from them we were not only meeting the The Wrong shall fail, pressing need of masks for community members, but also able to provide The Right prevail, employment for those doing the sewing. We purchased and distributed 1150 With peace on earth, good-will to men." masks! “ Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/christmas-bells-by-henry- To read more about Servants in Fellowship, visit https://www.sifministries.org wadsworth-longfellow

Leesburg/East Monroe December, 2020 Bible Reading Plan Date Chapter/Verses Tues, Dec 1 1 Corinthians 9-11 Wed, Dec 2 1 Corinthians 12-14 Serving at Leesburg Thurs, Dec 3 1 Corinthians 15-16 If you are unable to serve on the date you are scheduled below, please Fri, Dec 4 2 Corinthians 1-4 find a replacement and let Elaine know, [email protected] Sat, Dec 5 2 Corinthians 5-9

Dec 6 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 Sun, Dec 6 2 Corinthians 10-13 Mon, Dec 7 Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3 Lay Leader John Welling Tues, Dec 8 Romans 4-7 Prayer Partner Kay Gross Jim Stuckey Amanda Keviin Gebhart Zimmerman Wed, Dec 9 Romans 8-10 Ushers Cap & Elaine Cap & Elaine Ken Davis & Ken Davis & Paul Thurs, Dec 10 Romans 11-13 Balsley; Ike Balsley; Ike & Paul Henson; Dick & Fri, Dec 11 Romans 14-16 & Cindy Cindy Hodson Henson; Kim Hiatt Hodson Dick & Kim Sat, Dec 12 Acts 20:4-23:35 Hiatt Sun, Dec 13 Acts 24-26 Greeters Dick & Kim Sue Barrett & Marcie Kip & Megan Mon, Dec 14 Acts 27-28 Hiatt Stella Lytle Bishop & Shoemaker Jennie Tues, Dec 15 Colossians; Philemon Weaver Wed, Dec 16 Ephesians Welcome Larry & Twana Jeff & Lydia Greg & Sharon Center Alicia Britain Zimmerman Duncan Purvis Thurs, Dec 17 Philippians (No Welcome Fri, Dec 18 1 Timothy Center in Nov Sat, Dec 19 Titus unless otherwise Sun, Dec 20 1 Peter announced.) Mon, Dec 21 Hebrews 1-6 Nursery Twana Micki Davis & Micki Davis Laura Hannah & Tues, Dec 22 Hebrews 7-10 Zimmerman Sharon Purvis & Sharon Daizey Smith & Ashley Purvis Wed, Dec 23 Hebrews 11-13 Leach Thurs, Dec 24 2 Timothy JAM Kids' Val Stuckey Marta Allen & Marta Allen Marta Allen & Kay Christmas Eve Worship & Amber Daizey Smith & Daizey Henson Foster Smith Fri, Dec 25 2 Peter, Jude Christmas Day Cookie Baker Stella Lytle Elaine Balsley Sue Barrett Micki Davis Serving Holy May still be served in pre-packaged elements, complying with Sat, Dec 26 1 John Communion health safety measures.) Sun, Dec 27 2 & 3 John Kevin & Twana Zimmerman; Julie Stauffer & Jodie Van Winkle; Cap Dec 20 Mon, Dec 28 Revelation 1-5 & Elaine Balsley; Art & Deanne Link Tues, Dec 29 Revelation 6-11

Wed, Dec 30 Revelation 12-18 Thurs, Dec 31 Revelation 19-22 New Year’s Eve

LEESBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH EAST MONROE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Prayer Guide for December 2020 Daily: Pastor Rich and Marta Prayer Guide for December 2020

Our nation and its leaders & for God to powerfully use our church! Daily: Pastor Rich and Marta 1 Church Family – Richard & Kim Hiatt Our nation and its leaders & for God to powerfully use our church! 2 Church Family – Ike & Cindy Hodson 1 Young Adults – Alex Haines 3 Our Youth Leaders & Youth – Marcie Bishop; Eve Keir, John Keir, 2 Church Family – Kellis & Joyce Smith Penny Keir, Ariel Kibbey 3 Youth – Aylah Humphreys 4 Missions – Yusuf Herman Ministering to Indonesian Students 4 Missions – Friendly Village Community Center 5 One friend whom you would like to see in church 5 One friend whom you would like to see in church

6 Worship Service & Visitors 6 Worship Service & Visitors 7 Special Concerns – Ethel Mae Haines 7 Church Family – Mary Smith 8 Church Family – Jean Hodson 8 Young Adults – Carrie Jane Irvin 9 Church Family – Tina Hughes 9 Church Family – Melissa & Ethan Strobel 10 Our Youth Leaders & Youth – Jeff & Micki Davis; Andrew Newland, 10 Youth – Elijah Humphreys Kierstin Privett, Ford Storey, Garrett Tipton 11 Missions – Highland County Homeless Shelter 11 Missions – Philip & Hallie Allen 12 One friend whom you would like to see in church 12 One friend whom you would like to see in church

13 Worship Service & Visitors 13 Worship Service & Visitors 14 Church Family – Susan Voss 14 Special Concerns – Mike Heizer 15 Young Adults – Dakota Irvin 15 Church Family – Linda Johnson 16 Church Family – Mrs. Audrey Washburn 16 Church Family – Kevin & Annie King 17 Youth – Isaiah Irvin 17 Our Youth Leaders & Youth – Lydia Duncan; Willa Wood, Jaden 18 Missions – Kairos Prison Ministry Crawford, Jorgia Smith, Emery Cramer 19 One friend whom you would like to see in church 18 Missions – Burnham’s in New Guinea

19 One friend whom you would like to see in church 20 Worship Service & Visitors

21 Church Family – David Woleab 20 Worship Service & Visitors 22 Young Adults – Owen Irvin 21 Special Concerns – Jack & Virginia Howsman 23 Church Family – Kenneth & Janice Woleab 22 Church Family – Matthew & Ashley Leach 24 Youth – Macy Keeton 23 Church Family – Art & Deanne Link 25 Missions – New Directions 24 Our Youth Leaders & Youth – Jacob Gebhart; Whitlee Morrow, 26 One friend whom you would like to see in church Trevor Caldwell, Maura Donahue, Anna Davis

25 Missions – Friendly Village Community Center 27 Worship Service & Visitors 26 One friend whom you would like to see in church 28 Church Family – Susan Barber

29 Young Adults – Spencer Lamar 27 Worship Service & Visitors 30 Church Family – Meadow Barger 28 Special Concerns – David & Virginia Stratton 31 Youth – Emma Woleab 29 Church Family – Heath & Rachael Link 30 Church Family – Korena Long 31 Our Youth Leaders & Youth – Shannon Hampton; Ryan Donahue, Parker Eck, Lottie Evans, Katelin Heizer

Please remember to be praying our breakthrough prayer @ 7am or 7pm daily:

God pour out your Spirit on us, empowering us to breakthrough as you… • Remove everything holding us back. • Bring New Life within us. • Kindle in us a revived passion & purpose. • Boldly use us to reach your people & heal a broken world. Ephesians 3:20: December, 2020 East Monroe Joy Duty “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory Dec 6 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Roshell Tracy Cristal Kathy Music Leader Brandon Marta Jerry Kellis Prayer Marta Kathy Jennifer Sarajayne Special Music Joyce Tracy Brandon Kathy Greeters Joyce Jerry & Jennifer & Jr. Church Aylah Aylah Anderson & Ivy & Aylah Phil & Kay Anderson & Ushers Keegan Aylah Lord Jesus, as we walk through the future history-making year of Everyone Phil & Kay Rebecca Kay, Cindy & Breakfast choosing, we ask You in faith . . . & Bryan, Joyce Sarajayne  To make our greatest desire to be in line with Your will, not to have Serving Communion December 6  Brandon & Roshell You bless ours.  To reveal to us Your will for the future direction of our church. December Lay Leader  Jay  To refine our hearts and affections so we would love You more than No CIA Meeting December or January anything or anyone in this world.

Dec 8 Sarajayne Lawwell

Dec 9 Kay Irvin Dec 11 Janice Woleab Ephesians 3:20 Dec 14 Cindy Damron Dec 14 Joel Ballentine “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all Dec 19 Robin Knisley we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work Dec 21 Jerry Haines within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus Dec 26 Jerry & Rebecca Haines throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Dec 28 Tracy Evans Please pray @ 7:00 am or 7:00pm.

Hello Everyone!

Youth & Family Ministry LUMC FACEBOOK COMMUNITY PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/Leesburg-United-Methodist-Church-304767586891701

Youth News!! Hello Everyone! November has been a month of giving for the youth! From Please send your Prayer Concerns or any packing shoeboxes to filling Community Center baskets, we are thankful for Announcements to [email protected] or the opportunity to serve! This month, we have a variety of activities from Art [email protected] night to our “Live Nativity” and Luminaria!

B-Tween News!! We are so excited we were finally able to go to the Newport Aquarium! We November, 2020 Prayer Concerns had a safe trip and everything went well. Charlie Newland; Melinda Miller; Holden Ferguson; Eric’s friend; Bill & Dianne Fawley’s parents; The Gerber family; Ruth Crow; Mr. & Mrs. David Thomas; J.A.M. News!! Healing for our country; Healthcare workers; Andrew Flanigan; Leo Leach; Mike We are asking our kids to come stop by our “Live Nativity” on December 13 Heizer; Sharon Purvis’s sister, Linda; Pastor Rich & Marta; The elderly; Those homeless after disasters; Guide & protect our president & family; Prayer Shawl during Luminaria (5:00-7:00 PM). They can dress up and walk around being Ministry; Amanda Gebhart; Glenna Rowe; Cindy Eigel; Richard & Rita Carr; part of our nativity! Vicki Cumer; Scott Rinehart; Kellis Smith; Joanna Griffith; Lottie Evans; Civil

Nursery News!! unrest; Unspoken prayers; Ashley Deatley; Ron & Darlene Adams; Ty; Farmers’ safety during harvest; Those ill and fighting Covid; Flu season; Marty Jones; This month we will be focusing on the Birth of Jesus! Dave Coomer; Tina’s mother; Summer Howard; Shoebox Ministry; Our church;

Live Nativity! Annie King; Terri & Ron Foltz; Macie Gruber; Joanna Griffith; Becky Anderson; Stella Lytle; Pam Smith; Glenna’s mother & aunt; Those alone during the We are having a “Live Nativity” during Luminaria this year on December 13 holidays. from 5:00-7:00 PM! There will be sheep and goats along with a sweet treat as you leave. We invite you to come join the fun and be reminded that Our Condolences to the Following Families: The family of Bruce Morrison. The family of Nina Nash. The family of Val’s cousin, Danny “Christ is Christmas”! Van Dyke. The family of Charlie Paris who lost 2 sisters this week. The family of Garry Schedule Carter. The family of Robert ‘Bob’ Hottle. The family of Early Wilson. Wendy’s friend Carolyn Click and family – her sister passed away. The Ryder Boozer family.

December 6: Youth & B-Tween Art Night with Elaine @ Church Basement 5:00-7:00 PM! Call ‘Em All List & Other Ways of Communication December 13: Please let Elaine know if you would like to be added to LUMC and/or East Youth & B-Tween Luminaria and Live Nativity 5:00-7:00 PM. Meet @ Monroe’s Call ‘em All list and receive announcements/notifications via cell the Church. or home phone.

December 20: Also - if you would like to receive the weekly LUMC Prayer Concerns and/or Youth & B-Tween 5:00-7:00 PM @ Annex. LUMC Announcements via e-mail, please let Elaine know December 27: ([email protected]). Youth 5:00-7:00 PM @ Annex Reminder- Safety percussions are still in place for Nursery through Youth! Leaders will wear a mask Extra copies of the current newsletter, Upper Room, Prayer Guides, Bible and ask students (and themselves) to wash hands (hand sanitizer also available) frequently and Reading Plan, etc. may be found on the Information Table and on the keep their distance from one another and being outside as much as possible! Bulletin Board at the rear of the Leesburg UMC Sanctuary.

In Christ’s Love, Amber Foster December Donation for the Friendly Village Community Center is Anything 740-851-0343 [email protected] January 2021 Newsletter Articles/Schedules/Calendars are The Youth Facebook Page would like to keep current: due by December 27 https://www.facebook.com/LeesburgUMCYouth Please submit anything that might be of Please send to Elaine Balsley ([email protected]) or leave on the interest, i.e. upcoming concerts/events, to Amber Foster ([email protected]) secretary’s desk. Thank you!

DECEMBER, 2020 YOUTH CALENDAR

Youth Director, Amber Foster [email protected] 740-851-0343 Visit us on the web at www.theLUMC.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/leesburgunitedmethodist Youth Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LeesburgUMCYouth

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

& B-Tween ART NIGHT! 5:00-7:00 PM Church Basement 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Leesburg Luminaria & Live Nativity

Meet @ Church 5:00-7:00 PM Luminaria Worship Service at 7:00, LUMC 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

& B-Tween 5:00-7:00 PM Annex

27 28 29 30 31

5:00-7:00 PM Annex