The Messenger
COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS
A Newsletter of Portage United Methodist Church DECEMBER 2019 Rev. Tom Countryman, Pastor CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday Christmas Programs SERVICES A CARDBOARD CHRISTMAS And intergenerational, multi-media program, sharing the Christmas message with all.
During the 9:15 Service, Sunday, December 8
A CHRIST-FILLED 3:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS CONCERT (held at Riley’s Bar featuring musicians from our 1314 West Wisconsin St., Portage) Congregation and our Community
A Simple December 15, 10:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Service (This will be a One-Service-Only Sunday) 5:00 p.m. (held in our Sanctuary) Portage A Family Candlelight Pop-Up Christmas Eve Service Pantry Fresh Produce & 7:00 p.m. Perishables (held in our Sanctuary) December Pantry at a Special Date & Time: A Candlelight Wednesday, Christmas Eve Service December 18, 4:00-5:00 p.m. with Holy Communion 1804 New Pinery Rd., Portage Portage United Methodist Church t is easy for us to lament the Christmas gift-giving. Over time, but especially in current state of the Christmas the last 150 years, Saint Niclaus, the Christian season. We see the bishop, was transformed into the Jolly Old Elf Icommercialism, the empty secular Santa Claus who lives at the north pole and runs a traditions, the overwhelming set of toy manufacturing and delivery service. (It is stressors and expectations. It all interesting to note that Santa Claus is still dressed can make us wonder if there is any Christianity in red, the color of bishop’s clothing. left in Christmas. As modern culture co-opted Christmas and The early Christians did not actually celebrate secularized it (a nonreligious parallel to the Christmas. Their interest in the birth of Jesus manner in which Christianity co-opted the Pagan centered around a simple set of concerns: 1. That practices around solstice and christianized them) Jesus had been born in Bethlehem in accordance religious communities have reacted. Some have with prophecy; 2. That, while Jesus was not the pulled away from Christmas, de-emphasizing it or biological son of Joseph, Jesus was not to be even rejecting the celebration altogether (due to counted a bastard (being legally the son of its pagan origins). Other Christian communities Joseph, and being in fact the Son of God); 3. That have pushed to “Keep Christ in Christmas” and the birth of Jesus was an event of cosmic even gone so far as to claim that wishing someone significance. a “Happy holidays” is somehow an insult to Christianity. Those issues were about all the thought given by early Christians to Jesus’ birth. Mainly, they were But, maybe there is no need for despair or thinking on the events surrounding Jesus’ death histrionics. As it is, the modern customs of and resurrection. But, in the 4 th century CE , at a Christmas are, in many ways, a gift (pun intended) time when Christianity was becoming to those of us who hold to Jesus. mainstreamed into Roman society (that is, the Modern Christmas celebrations are really about beginning of the era of Christendom ) Christians family. The holidays become the time when began to celebrate Christmas as such. people are encouraged to gather together, to It had long been the missionary practice of receive back home even the difficult family Christians to “borrow” pagan customs and members. In this way, these celebrations invite reinterpret them in Christian terms, as a means of families to live out the parable of the prodigal relating Christian faith to foreign understandings. son’s return in their own households. So, Christians co-opted the Roman holidays of “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw Solstice, Saturnalia, Sol Invictus , Mithragan, etc., him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran as Christ’s mass. December 25 was chosen to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed because it was the calendar date of solstice (due to him.” Luke 15:17 a calculation error from the time of Julias When families of origin are beyond hope, Caesar – blame Sosigenes of Alexandria for Christmastime invites people to seek new forms of that) , and solstice is the time when death (the family. And so, people gather with neighbors, or shortening of days) gives way to life (the friends, find family at community Christmas Day lengthening of days). dinners. In this way, their experiences bring to Over the following centuries, Christmas life the very words of Jesus, accumulated a great many additional ideas and “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. stories and characters, including Saint Nicholas, Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Father Christmas, Krampus, Old Befana, to name Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and a few. For our society, it is the story of Saint mother.” Mark 3:33-35 Nicholas that has had the largest impact. The great emphasis on children and on gifts given Nicholas, or Niclaus, was the Bishop in Myra to children has the important result that adults (modern day Demre in Turkey) who lived 270- are pulled away from their varied preoccupations 342 CE . Nicholas was declared a saint and was and concerns. Children are placed front and considered the patron (patronage was a Roman center in the celebration, and the words of Jesus custom) saint of sailors, merchants, children, take on knew import. brewers, prostitutes, pawnbrokers and students. Jesus stood a child beside himself. Then he said to It was said that Niclaus had a custom of secret them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my gift-giving and this gave rise to the customs of name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me 3 welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:47-48 And as children write up their Christmas lists, and campaign for their wishes to be granted, they S become the living examples of what Jesus taught about the generosity of God. ound the trumpets “Which of you, if your child asks for bread, will give a P stone? Or if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how roclaim the glad tidings to give good gifts to your children, how much more L will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask!” Matthew 7:9-10 OVE has come! Maybe there is nothing to despair about. Maybe the questionable pagan origins of Christmas, or its modern commercialization and secularization, are not at all important. Maybe it is all a joy and opportunity, because, every year, at this time of year, peoples’ lives and experiences map out the working grace of God. And, come Christmas Eve A Blessed Christmas – the only time each year that many attend church – they have the chance to hear how the message to you all of the Gospel is an invitation to live in the holiday spirit of family, generosity, care for children, grace from the staff at PUMC mercy and forgiveness all year long. And that is truly Good News worth sharing. Pastor Tom
CUB SCOUTS ☹ ☹ Rake a Difference Postponed Mother nature chose to throw us a curveball with the snow cover this year for our annual ‘rake a difference’ service project. For those that are expecting our help, fear not, we teach our kids the value of perseverance! So, the scouts will be out this spring (Date TBD) to help our neighbors in need in removing those pesky leaves.
Upcoming Cub Scout Events: December 7th – Annual Space Derby December 14th – Living Windows January 18th – Annual Pinewood Derby January 3-5th – Webelo Moon Lake January 24-26th – Eagle Cave February 1st – Arrow of Light Crossover Ceremony Trustee Breakfast! Sunday, December 1, 8 - 10 am February 9th – Scout Sunday Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Hashbrowns and February 22nd – Blue and Gold Banquet MORE! -Shane Kraucyk, Cub Scout Committee Chair Please make a donation to the We welcome all youth ages Trustees Fund for the upkeep of Kindergarten - 5th Grade the buildings and grounds at PUMC Call Shane Kraucyk: (608) 742-4843 Email: [email protected]
4 United Methodist Women December Odanah Circle meeting will be held at the church on Thursday, December 19, Articles for the at 9:00 am. Holly Powers, along with Clarice PORTAGE January newsletter Rosing, will be hosting. UNITED METHODIST are due December 9th Thank You: United Methodist women thanks all of you CHURCH who participated in our fall bazaar. We worked hard NEWS and had fun. Thanks for supporting us. The money we raised will go totally to missions, locally and abroad. Now You Can Donate Directly from Your Smartphone! Christmas Lunch Invitation: On another note, It’s simple and easy! we invite the women of the church and their Just text the amount you want to donate, friends to enjoy a Christmas lunch party with us at including the dollar sign (ex. $20) mber 8th, at Dino's. It's a to 844-556-1238 and click on the link they send you. noon on Sunday, Dece Follow the prompts to complete your donation. special time to relax and let someone else wait on us while we enjoy each other's company.
The church office will be closed Wednesday & Thursday, A Note about Your December 25 & 26 Church Offerings/Donations for the Christmas holiday, and again on Jan 1. If it is your intention to fulfill your MERRY CHRISTMAS AND 2019 pledge, or to make any HAPPY NEW YEAR! other donation this calendar year, please try to have your 2019 financial giving completed by Sunday, December 29th, so it can be properly recorded in the 2019 records. (Or mail/bring to the church so it is received by Tuesday, Dec 24.) Thank you for your consideration and support. Upcoming December Events & Christmas Eve Services
Dec 8: A Cardboard Christmas - 9:15 am An intergenerational Christmas program
Dec 15: All Church Christmas Concert (10:30 am) Ordering Poinsettias for the Christmas Eve altar Dec 15: Christmas Caroling/Chili Noon - ? Order by calling the church office (742-2107) or fill out the insert in the Sunday bulletins Dec 24: Christmas Eve Services Orders due by Sunday, December 15 3:00 pm at Riley’s Bar, 1314 W Wis St Payment of $10 must accompany your order 5:00 pm A family candlelight service in You may designate them “in honor of” or “in memory of” our sanctuary family members, special occasions or someone important to you. Poinsetties can be picked up from the altar after the 7:00 pm A candlelight service in our 7:00 service on Christmas Eve or anytime the following sanctuary with Holy Communion week when the building is open (Dec 30 & 31). Office is closed Dec 25 & 26.
5 MUSIC MOMENTS DECEMBER 2019
The Holiday musical season continues with worship and praise! Invite and bring your neighbors, family, and friends to these wonderful music and drama services. The upcoming schedule: December 8th - Cardboard Christmas service at the 9:15am service. All generations of the church will be sharing this multi-media program in the sanctuary. This is a service you don’t want to miss! December 15th – Christmas Concert- One Service at 10:00am- The musicians of the church will be sharing a Christmas Concert for everyone. Choir, Praise Band, Men and Women’s groups, small ensembles, and soloists will be bringing in the season with fantastic Christmas music. Right After the Concert - Christmas Caroling- 12pm- Stay for chili after the concert and join us to Christmas Carol to those who need a little Christmas cheer. We will be caroling from 12:30-we are finished. If you know of someone who could use some Christmas cheer, please let me know. December 24th - Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00pm. There will be a variety of musical performances at each service. Merry Christmas!
No rehearsals from Christmas until January 8th.
Thanks to the members of Praise Band for sharing special music in November.
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Katie Zirbes [email protected]
1 Emmett Brockley 8 Howard Hill 23 Liz Gregory 3 Mike Hurd 10 Liam Curtis 24 Thairn TeLindert Cooper Petersen 11 Anthony Korish 25 Rita Maass 4 Jean Atkinson 12 Vicky Kohler 26 Pam Beckett Bill Mateske Meredith Shanks Jon Jones Jan Nehls Roy Thompson 27 Michael McMorrow 5 Alexis La Sure 15 David Angell Jack Narel Jeff Paske 16 Cheryl Ashworth 29 Keahna Amundson Abby Patchin 17 Laura Johnson Kevin Maier Marlene Trecek 18 Chris Hurd 30 Mark Johnson 6 Joel Engelland Ron Olson 31 Jean Rogers 7 David Gregory 19 Jaden Briggs Miranda Shanks 21 Holly Powers Bob Wanat 22 Emily Waring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
7 FINANCIAL SUMMARY SHEET Oct 31, 2019 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GENERAL FUND DEDICATED FUNDS Income: 21,049.10 Income: $ 2,832.49 Expense: -27,418.04 Expense: 1,898.70 -6,369.94
Associated Bank Loan $1,054.58
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FUND BALANCES
General Fund (52,250.07)
Dedicated Fund $57,475.40 *Checking Account Balance $5,225.33 (total of Gen. and Ded. Fund) Memorial Checking $12,329.49 Jenkins Fund $42,719.83 Anderson Fund $22,029.71 Wiedenhaupt Fund $5,178.38 Endowment Fund $16,130.11 Hamele Fund $11,183.36 TOTAL . *(checking balance not in total) $114,796.21
Our annual stewardship campaign should be completed by the time you read these figures. I hope everyone has prayerfully considered whether they could increase their giving to help us return to the black. We can’t keep on going with deficit figures almost every month.
I am working on our budget for 2020. I’m trying to be as realistic as possible given the uncertainties generated by having a new pastor come to our church. Hopefully this budget will accurately reflect our expenses; hopefully we can all pitch in to make the end of 2019 and the year 2020 financially sound for our congregation.
As always, if you have any questions please talk with me. I’m usually at the 8:00 service and will be available to talk then or other times as you need. Rich Jacobson, Treasurer
8 Thank You Notes TO “OUR CHURCH FAMILY” Thank you to our newsletter team. ..Rosemary McTier, We thank you for your candy, breads, cookies and bars Pat Banks, Dorie Gray, Iona Gray, Barb Jensen and For your relishes, jellies, blankets, knitted items Darlene Craig for preparing and mailing the November and plants newsletters. WE LOVE OUR NEWSLETTER TEAM! For special items in baskets or the treasures overflowing on the tables. Many Thanks to those who served as October We thank you for your soups, sandwiches or pies greeters: For your presence working in the booths, in the Dorothy Russell, Karan Barreau, Phil & Barb Berg, Bob & dining room, in the kitchen, or greeting people at Kathy Cuff, Joel & Jane Engelland, Iona Gray and the door. Margaret Cryer. Thank you for all donations, your presence at the Bazaar and your support shown in so many ways. Thank you to our October Liturgists: The United Methodist Women’s mission is to support Rich Jacobson, Jessica Malsack, Mike Lindner, Niki Briggs, missions locally, statewide, nationally and abroad. All Barb Berg, David Briggs, Phil Berg and Mike Hurd. profits from our bazaar go to these missions.
We are so appreciative to everyone for helping make our bazaar the success that it was. Many Thanks to Our Newsletter Sponsors We thank all the businesses who support our monthly UNITED METHODIST WOMEN newsletter by advertising on the last page. Please check out the ads, and whenever possible, patronize **We do have locally made maple syrup left (only 2) and their businesses. some fruitcake. Call either the church office or Clarice Rosing (742-6974) to purchase.
If You’re in the Hospital
Being hospitalized is usually a traumatic and stressful experience. You have a church family willing to help! If you would WITH SYMPATHY like a visit from the pastor and/or to be We extend our love to placed on the prayer chain, or anything the family of else that would ease your stay, please call the church office (742-2107). Let us know Dick Jenkins which hospital, a room number if available, and a contact’s name and number. Thank at the recent loss you! of their loved one Note: Hospitals do not call churches or pastors anymore. You, or a family member, needs to contact us.
9 DECEMBER 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8/9:15/10:30a 10a Al Anon 10a Bible Study & Logos 6p Bears Space Derby Set-up 10a-3p Space Derby Worship 10a Tivoli Service 11a Worship @ HH 4p Youth activites 6p Webelos 7p AA Mtg 9:15a Sunday School 5:30p Pizza Church 6p Serenity @ 6 4:30p Women’s 8-10a Trustee Brkfast 6p Cub Scout Comm 7p AA Mtg Book Study 5p Wolf Den 6:30p AA Mtg 5:30p Meal 5p Arrow of Light Den 6:45p Staff Mtg 6p Confirmation, 6p Troop 70 6p Sr Hi Youth 7p AA Mtg Group 7:30p Venture Crew 6:30p Choir
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8/9:15/10:30a 10a Al Anon 10a Bible Study & Logos 6p Bears 7p AA Mtg Worship 5:30p Pizza Church 11a Worship @ HH 4p Youth activites 6p Webelos 9:15 Christmas Prgm 6:30p AA Mtg 6p Serenity @ 6 4:30p Women’s Book 9:15a Sunday 6:30p Trustees 7p AA Mtg Study 5:30p Meal School 6:45p Finance 6p Confirmation, 5p Wolf Den 6p Sr Hi Youth Group 6p Troop 70 & 7070 Newsletter articles 6:30p Choir 7p AA Mtg due 7:30p Praise Band 7:30p Staff party
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10:00a One Service 10a Al Anon 10a Bible Study & 4p PopUp Pantry 9a Odanah Circle 7p AA Mtg Christmas Concert 5:30p Pizza Church 11a Worship @ HH Logos 6p Pack Mtg 9:15a Sunday School 6:30p AA Mtg 6p Serenity @ 6 4p Youth activites Noon Chili & Caroling 6:30p SPRC 7p AA Mtg 4:30p Women’s 4:30p Trp 70 Comm 6:45p Ad Council Book Study & Planning Comm 7p Cancer Support 5:30p Meal 5p Wolf Den 6p Confirmation, 5p Arrow of Light Den 6p Sr Hi Youth Grp 6p Troop 70 & 7070 6:30p Choir 7p AA Mtg 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8/9:15/10:30a 10a Al Anon 10a Bible Study & Merry Christmas! Office Closed for the 7p AA Mtg Worship 5:30p Pizza Church 11a Worship @ HH holiday 9:15a Sunday 6:30p AA Mtg Office is closed. School Christmas Eve 7p AA Mtg 3p Riley’s Bar 5p Family Service 7p Communion
6p Serenity @ 6 7p AA Mtg 29 30 31 8/9:15/10:30a 10a Al Anon 10a Bible Study & OFFICE CLOSED Worship 10a Tivoli 11a Worship @ HH 7p AA Mtg 5:30p Pizza Church 6p Serenity @ 6 HAPPY 6:30p AA Mtg 7p AA Mtg NEW YEAR!
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Contact Chuck Hujet to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x5861
For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Portage United Methodist Church, Portage, WI A 4C 01-1273 PORTAGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORG 1804 New Pinery Road US POST PAID Portage, WI 53901 PORTAGE, WI PERMIT NO. 91
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