December 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 4

Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God, Others, and Creation Christmas Cantata: A Celebration of Carols Chris Klaus

On Sunday, December 16 tures. The work will in- ers; Let Christmas Be- the Christ Child on this at the 11:05 service, the clude moments for con- gin; and A Christmas wonderful Sunday Chancel Choir is pleased gregational singing and Trilogy. There will be morning of music and to present to the congrega- prayer. Titles include: A accompaniment by a song! Please mark your tion “A Celebration of Christmas Overture; O small chamber ensemble calendars and plan to Carols” by Joseph Martin. Come, All Ye Faithful; A consisting of Piano, attend! Prayer for Advent; Peo- Strings, Winds, Brass, Click here for the open- ple of Promise, Arise!; Percussion and Harp. In- ing song of this year’s Song of Hope and Joy; O cluded in the ensemble Cantata. Little Town of Bethle- will be Associate Concert hem; My Soul Doth Master of the Huntsville http:// Magnify the Lord; Lulla- Symphony, Jeff Dortch. www.youtube.com/ bies of Bethlehem; An- You will be filled with watch? gels We Have Heard on the Holy Spirit and ener- v=jVHm51JknXU High; Carols for Seek- gized for the coming of

Inside this issue:

Christmas 2 Based on the traditional Mission 2013 5 "Lessons and Carols" ser- Farmers Market 6 vice to overflowing with beloved carols and origi- CDC 12 nal seasonal songs, this Bible Studies 15 cantata tells the story of Christ's birth adorned with From your Lifetree Café 16 beautiful arrangements Calendar 19 and meaningful Scrip- Church Staff Pa ge 2 Christmas Is Not Your Birthday! Hughey Reynolds, Senior Pastor This is the theme for our Advent and Christmas observance at Latham. What is “Christmas Is Not Your Birthday?” It is a: Sermon series—weekly messages from the first Sunday of Advent to Epiphany Sunday address steps along our journey toward Jesus’ birthday. Christmas Miracle Offering—each week, we will issue the bold call for members of the congregation to reassess their spending this Christmas and bring a generous offering for a particular mission: Our Mission will include the Morris Ele- mentary Backpack program and summer feeding program at the Boys and Girls Club AND the Chacraseca, Nicaragua School Lunch Program. Small group study—Sunday school classes or small groups are invited to read and discuss Christmas is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus. Each chapter includes discussion questions and corresponds to the weekly sermon theme so groups can dig deeper and share their personal experiences.

Week 1--December 2, Christmas is Not Your Birthday Christmas has become a consumer-centered buying binge fueled by materialism and self-indulgence. We need to refocus on Jesus, his purpose in coming, and the birthday gifts he truly desires. Scripture: I Cor. 1:3-9. “Do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be re- vealed.”

Week 2-December 9, Expect a Miracle Who gets top billing in our Christmas celebrations? Santa Claus or Jesus? Too often, the two morph together into a magical Santa Claus deity that comes just to grant our wishes. We tend to confuse magic and miracle, craving a magical, holly-jolly holiday rather than an experience of the miracle that God came to earth in such a humble form. Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined.”

Week 3-December 16, CANTATA WEEK Giving Up On Perfect-SERIES SERMON IN MORNING WATCH AND SPIRITLINK This week’s sermon examines our unrealistic expectations for the “perfect” Christmas. How much money, time, and energy go into chasing this unattainable ideal set for us by Norman Rockwell? The first Christmas was pretty messy, and life today is pretty messy—but God shows up in the middle of the mess to bring us a message of hope. Scripture: Luke 1:26-38. “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus’. . . Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’”

Week 4 –December 23, Scandalous Love We often fail to understand just how scandalous God’s love for us is, and how radical it is that God would show that love by lowering himself to be born in human form. Using the story of Hosea, this week’s sermon Pa ge 3 Christmas & Sacred Musical Concert Ginny Bentley

The UMW invites the congrega- raising funds to support the tion to come and enjoy a pres- university music program and entation of Christmas and Sa- provide scholarships for music cred musical selections by the majors. The concert is Omicron Delta Colony of Phi Thursday, December 6th, at 7 Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of PM in the Sanctuary. We are America, Inc. This Colony is a excited to have this group come group of 15+ male students at to Latham, since we had to can- Alabama A&M who are avid cel their scheduled appearance musicians, participating in the back in May 2011 after the dev- Marching Band and the Univer- astating tornadoes across North sity Choir. Their academic pur- Alabama. At the conclusion of suits range from music educa- the Colony’s presentation, the tion to biology. One of the UMW will install its officers for main principles of Phi Mu Al- 2013. Refreshments will be pha is to protect the legacy of served at the end of our program. music for generations to come. In fulfilling this, the Chapter is Christmas Is Not Your Birthday! Continued from page 2 emphasizes how doggedly God pursues us, in spite of our unfaithfulness. Scripture: Hosea 3:1-5. Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adul- tery with another lover.”

Christmas Eve, December 24, Jesus’ Wish List We put so much time and energy into finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones—but what about the things the real Birthday Boy wants from us? Jesus made it clear that we give to him by giving to others—feeding the poor, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. Scripture: Matt. 25:31-46. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

Week 5-December 30, Those Who Receive Him We were recipients of numerous gifts this Christmas, gifts given by generous family and friends to express their care and love—but what about the gift God sent to you? Have you received him by trusting in His name and acting on the power he gives you to become His child, to be made over into the image of Christ? Scripture: John 1:1-12. “To all who received him, who believed upon his name, he gave power to become the chil- dren of God.”

Week 6-January 6, 2012, By a Different Road On Epiphany, we celebrate the magi’s visit to see Jesus, and note how they were transformed by their experience of the Christ child. As we start a new year, let’s resolve to make things different, to live a life transformed by Jesus. Scripture: Matt. 2:2-12. “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another road.” Pa ge 4

Community Thanksgiving Service is one to be thankful for! Chris Klaus On Sunday, November experience! Pastors 18, area churches from from All Saints Lu- the South Huntsville theran, Hope Presbyte- Community gathered to rian, Weatherly Heights give thanks and worship Baptist, St. Stephen’s together in word and in Episcopal, The Center song at Weatherly for Loss, Grief and Heights Baptist Church. Change all led scrip- Latham’s Chancel Choir, tural readings as well as Wesley Singers and Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar Children’s Choirs com- from Temple B’nai bined, opened the wor- Shalom. The Message ship service with was given by Dr. Rick “Thanks Be to God” by Owen of Trinity UMC Marty Haugen. Other and Dr. Renee Mobley, area choirs that partici- Chaplin of Crestwood pated were: Hope Pres- Hospital. All brought words of thanks, love, byterian Church Choir, shape us together in the other, for our congrega- peace, and kindness. and Weatherly Heights image of Him. During tions, and our community The Community Chancel Choir and Adult this season of Thanks- as we all seek to be out- Thanksgiving Service is Handbell Ensemble. It giving and Advent, let us ward and visible signs of a wonderful expression was truly an intergenera- truly come together and God’s love. of how God’s love can tional music and worship be in prayer for each Pa ge 5

Mission 2013: Our Faith in Action Scott Smyth, Associate Pastor

This week we wrapped sion and zeal for serving? can partner with the up the Operation Christ- Maybe so. children or youth to mas Child shoebox cam- Maybe we need to hear have an intergenera- paign. What a joy to more about our missions tional impact on the have been a part of that more often so we can fo- world around us, helping truly inspiring mission to cus on living out our faith others to connect to God bring joy, meet needs, through our actions. You while we connect to one know, the Bible tells us another. Morris elementary. But that “faith without works thanks to the efforts of our church (headed by is dead.” I don’t know And while we are talk- Doug Seay) and maybe about you, but that makes ing about next year, how even you in 2013, we me very upset to think that about a trip down south? are helping to increase someone sees my faith as Nicaragua is the destina- their confidence and dead. I am compelled to tion for our summer skill level through action. mission project this year Panda’s Progress. as we continue our part- Through these efforts, nership with the people So, beginning in January’s young people will gain there. Set some vaca- and share Christ with edition of the Branch, you the skill set necessary to tion time aside or if you “the least of these!” My will see an Operation escape their social envi- can’t go, begin to pray girls and I have been Christmas Child needs ronment and have a real and offer support finan- blessed to be a part of list. In January, for exam- chance at a strong fu- cially as the needs be- this ministry for several ple, the list will have sev- ture. What a gift to come known. years. I love that I am a eral suggested toys for the give?! part of a church that boxes we will fill in No- serves as a drop-off point vember. Toys are good for the region. buys for January because While this isn’t a full list of what we will do this Yet, all is not well in my many of the stores will put coming year as mission- soul today. I wonder them on clearance after aries for Christ, it is a why, in a church our size the Christmas rush is over. good place to start you and with so many who When you go out and toward thinking of how “suffer” from comfort- shop, you can pick up a you will be involved in able livings, we are such few that you find on sale putting your faith to underachievers in our and bring them to the col- work for God. Maybe benevolence to such a lection bins at the church. you can even stop by worthy cause. Other While you are at it, pick and enjoy something churches gave more and up a few items for the from our farmer’s mar- thereby shared more of food pantry that we collect ket this spring and allow the love of Christ than we every month on the sec- the wholesome goodness were able to accomplish. ond Sunday. And then in And as you read this ar- of locally grown food to Does that mean we have the fall, we will allow ticle, be thankful for the stimulate your intellect less love for others than small groups and Sunday ability to read. Many as you search for how they do? No, of course school classes to host students struggle to best to offer yourself to not. But, might it mean packing parties for the learn this most basic and God. We’ll see you on that we have lost our pas- OCC boxes where they yet foundational skill at the mission field! Pa ge 6

A Farmers’ Market at Latham Hughey Reynolds, Senior Pastor Latham United Method- Hayes’ farm to the west Huntsville. fellowship hall where the ist Church has an unde- is the 5,030-acre Red- On the surface, there is congregation ate and niably strong agricul- stone Arsenal. Soldiers, little evidence of an ag- worshipped together. tural heritage. When the civilian employees, and ricultural heritage at That original identity and church moved to Weath- contractors supporting Latham today. A hidden commitment of the erly Road in 1961, large the Army and NASA ac- clue to this heritage is church has remained fields and pastures out- count for much of the the shape of Latham’s strong at Latham. Today numbered houses and growth that changed sanctuary. One of the members use the sanctu- commercial buildings. Huntsville from a town of members who joined the ary monthly as the plat- A new residential devel- 13,000 in 1940 to a city church in the 1970s form for packing food to opment was underway of 182,956 and a metro alerted me to the archi- place in children’s back- immediately north and area of 425,480 in 2011. tecture of the main sanc- packs at Morris Elemen- east of the church, but to Today, residential and tuary’s interior. It is tary on Fridays for week- the south was open commercial develop- shaped like the picnic end nutrition. farmland and forest for ments fill most of the five basket he said his The church’s architecture five miles to the Tennes- miles between Latham mother used to pack and commitment to feed- see River. To the west Church and the Tennes- meals when the family ing did not go unnoticed traveled in the by advertising consultant 1950s. In addi- Allen Tomlinson who tion, the chancel visited Latham in 2012 as window and the part of a communications side windows makeover of the church. contain shapes of His company designed the loaves and our logo, developed a fishes that a little new website, and guided boy brought and us in recreating our news- Jesus blessed to letter. He concluded feed a multitude. from conversations with The church built staff and laity that our this sanctuary in identity and message are 1970. It is more all about feeding people than a coinci- physically and spiritually. dence that the It took me seven years as architect accu- a pastor at Latham to dis- rately reflected cover them, but there are the church’s more backyard gardeners was the Hayes’ family see River and extend east commitment to sharing farm, still partially in over a mountain range here than I ever imag- food with the hungry ined. Growing food has operation today, al- and valley fifteen miles and building community though much of it has to Gurley, Alabama. been a hobby and diver- through fellowship sion from their day jobs been lost to residential Latham is located in the around food. After all, and commercial devel- middle of the southern and community activities. the church had formed opment. Beyond the portion of the city of Except among a few in its original building, a friends with whom they Pa ge 7

Farmer’s Market, continued from page six

and knowing when to harvest. Participants in- cluded Cal Blevins, Tom Yates, Jim and Mary Jane Williams, Al and June Kidd, Carolyn Peters, Faye Cook, Liz Hall Ze- man, Susan Terry, Wil- liam McRea, Candy Trowbridge, Betty Kilpatrick, Ben and Ginny Bentley, Cheryl and Cathy Cray, Charlie Warren, Diana Under- wood, Carolyn Sorrell, and Michael Sorrell. Lee McBride, a former occasionally shared vege- pairing experienced gar- meeting. Twenty-one landscape business tables, their love of the deners with anyone who attended during the next owner, founded Food- land was a well-kept se- wanted to learn to garden ten weeks to ask ques- scapes, Inc. through cret. As I have talked and share gardening tions, share information, which he teaches and as- more about my interest in ideas. He agreed to par- and give advice to first sists area residents with and love for the land, gar- ticipate and started nam- year gardeners about site gardening. He also deners and small farmers ing others in the church selection, soil prepara- works for the Food Bank have surfaced. Many of who garden. I invited tion, plant varieties, com- of North Alabama as the them have participated in them and made an- posting, mulching, caring Local Food Coordinator. a “Grow Your Own Food nouncements in the for plants, combating in- I knew Lee from CASA Network” that I organ- church that we were sects and plant disease, Gardens and attended a ized in the spring of 2012 workshop he led at the to connect experienced Botanical Gardens in the gardeners with novice late spring. He asked me gardeners. Some of them then about the possibility are the core group work- of organizing a farmers’ ing to establish a South market in south Hunts- Huntsville Farmers’ Mar- ville. Soon after that, I ket at Latham that we talked with Marilyn Ev- plan to launch in early ans who led in establish- spring 2013. The Grow ing the very successful Your Own Food Network Greene Street Farmers’ began when I called a Market at the Episcopal long time Latham mem- Church of the Nativity in ber Cal Blevins in May downtown Huntsville in of 2012 with the idea of Proposed site on Latham’s parking lot: 75 x 300 feet max. 2010. Marilyn shared Pa ge 8

Farmer’s Market, continued from page seven

will make the lies within 500 feet of lect the best afternoon/ F a r m e r s ’ ours will be notified of evening for the market Market a re- our intention and invited and we will advertise it in a l i t y a t to the Zoning hearing. the church, community, L a t h a m . Marilyn Evans of the and region. We have re- When I pre- Greene Street Market has quested $5000 from our sented the provided us with the by- church budget to promote idea to the laws that her church es- the Farmer’s Market. L a t h a m tablished for their market. After that, it is up to you Board of We will use these as a and me to support our T r u s t e e s , model for developing our farmers’ market by pur- t r u s t e e s own guidelines. One of chasing, preparing, and wanted to Latham’s members will eating the food grown know what meet with Marilyn in and sold by our famers. liability the early December to learn If you are would like to church as- more about what is re- serve on the Farmers’ sumed. Our quired to champion and Market support team to b u s i n e s s manage the Farmers’ help make this dream a m a n a g e r Market. We will then reality, call me at 256- Anita Banks enlist and assemble a 417-5930 or send me an checked with group of church members e m a i l a t our insurance to form a Farmers’ Mar- [email protected]. provider and underwriter ket support team. In the details about the steps she You can keep up with who certified that our meantime, Lee McBride and church leaders took developments to establish present insurance covers is working with area to establish the farmers’ a farmers’ market our liability as long as the farmers and growers to market and to build rela- through my blog at farmer/vendors carry enlist farmers who will tionships and trust with www.downtoearthcrier.c vendor’s insurance. sell at the farmers’ mar- area farmers. Within om. Since our church is lo- ket. The farmers will se- days of talking with cated in a area zoned Marilyn, I learned that residential, Anita and I Lee and Shannon have worked with the McBride had bought a Huntsville City Zoning house around the corner Board to request a vari- from Latham Church. I ance that would allow us saw his move to the to host a Farmers’ Market church neighborhood as here. The application further impetus God had process is underway and created to help us to form Latham is number one on the South Huntsville the December 18 docket Farmers’ Market at of the Zoning Board Latham. (6:30 p.m. Council Here are the steps that Chambers). All land- owners whose property Pa ge 9

Word Search Christmas Services Schedule

Christmas

S S T N A E G A P C I S U M Y

T M S E A S O N R E Y A R P L

O A U R Y L O H C N M N O E L Dec. 1st: Children to participate in the WAAY All C R S D E Y D E R S W O N S O Volunteer Christmas Parade at Noon

K Y E L L D W E E U B I R T H

I T J I A N I H C S T A R H P Dec. 2nd: Hanging of the Greens 5pm in sanctuary Followed by Soup & Sandwich Supper, N U M H D A L Y H E L U Y G E

G A D C V L L A E L M O D I S Dec. 7th: Youth Angel Tree Babysitting 6-9:30pm

F E O R E R G D V C J B R L O Dec. 8th: Youth Angel Tree & Dirty Santa Shopping L B R U N A T I V I T Y E A J 9:30-11:30am T M E H T G B L V C T G H R C Dec. 8th: Cookie Bake 10am to 12:30 pm R A H C H E V O L I N S P E A

E G T S A E F H M A N G E R R Dec. 9th: Youth Dirty Santa Christmas Party & Bonfire @ E I Y R R E M S L E I G H F D Ditto Landing 5-7:00pm

S A T N A S P T C H R I S T S Dec. 14th: Girls Night In: lock-in for elementary-age girls from 6pm to 8am Advent, Angels, Beauty, Birth, Cards,

Carols, Census, Children, Christ, Church, Dec. 16th: Cantata “A Celebration of Carols” Creche, December, Family, Feast, Festival, by Joseph Martin. Chancel Choir & members of Huntsville Symphony 11:05am

Garland, Giving, Goodwill, Herod, Holiday, Holly, Holy, Icicles, Jesus, Joseph, Joy, Dec. 16th: Children’s Cantata 5pm in sanctuary followed by a “Happy Birthday Jesus” Party with L.A.M.B.S. to Lights, Love, Magi, Manger, Mary, Merry, perform. Bring a canned good for the food bank & Music, Nativity, Noel, Pageants, Peace, a snack to share. Cake and drinks provided Prayer, Santa, Season, Shepherd, Sleigh, Dec. 23rd: Christmas Caroling 5pm Snow, Star, Stocking, Trees, Yule Dec. 24th: Christmas Eve Communion Candle light service 5pm and 9pm in sanctuary Pa ge 10

Youth Ministry Update Richie Hall Hello, and welcome to A LOT, and even put in the divided wall is now The thought process be- Latham’s youth ministry a chalkboard wall. One dedicated as the hind the design and exe- update! Our first month side of the divided wall “Worship Room.” We cution was really quite here has been incredibly is now dedicated as the built a stage/platform, simple: we wanted to busy, but exciting… We “Fellowship Room.” We put in curtains behind it give our youth the oppor- started in the middle of have arranged the same with unique stage light- tunity to take that space the “Pumpkin Patch,” great couches in a way ing in front, painted it a and really make it theirs. followed in the same that better facilitates in- very pleasant neutral Their input was solicited week by the “Craft Ba- teraction, moved the “tan,” built a sound for every change. We zaar”- both of which pool table over and cov- booth in one corner and also wanted that space to turned out to be tremen- ered it with a nice re- with cabinets under the reflect our church’s vi- dous successes. Thank movable cover to make screen, took out the drop sion to connect genera- you to everyone who it “multi-purpose,” ceiling (but left the grid tions to grow relation- contributed to make those pulled the TV down off and fluorescent lights) ships with God, others, endeavors possible. The the wall and replaced it and added “Christmas and creation. Moving for- money raised from the over in the corner where Style” lighting in addi- ward, we plan on utiliz- “Pumpkin Patch” will go the sound board used to tion to unique custom ing the kitchen to better a very long way toward be, built an “island” on built “lamps.” We’re connect with other gen- the youth’s missions pro- casters to use for meals, adding an indoor water- erations. The dedicated jects and trips in the next and textured the wall full andalter area as fellowship room was de- year. (which looks really well. signed to better connect good.) The other side of with each other, and the And in case you haven’t dedicated worship room been up to the second was designed to better floor – we’ve been connect with God. “redoing” the youth wing. We had a lot of fun This is an exciting time Friday night, November in Latham’s youth minis- 16th building, painting, try. Even though you cleaning, etc. and had a can’t necessarily measure wonderful turnout of everything “by the num- more than 30 people total bers,” we’ve consistently – including 23 youth! It had 20-25 youth attend is a work in progress; but on Sunday nights and it’s a vast improvement, we’re growing with nu- as now the utilization of merous new faces. Mon- the dedicated youth space day morning Prayer is very deliberate. Breakfast is seeing sig- The kitchen is, well, just nificant turnout at 7AM – that – a kitchen; but and there is an air of ex- we’ve painted the cabi- citement in this place. nets and trim, built addi- Come and join us. We’re tional shelving to better having a lot of fun in the utilize space, cleaned up Lord! Pa ge 11 United Methodist Men’s Breakfast, November 4, 2012

Girls Night Out, December 12th Sarah Smyth

Hi ladies! We decided bring a $5.00 gift for a tions, please contact at the last Girls Night fun game of Dirty S ar a h S my th at Out that the one for Santa plus a blanket, 731- 446- 4 1 9 4 o r December should be warm hat, gloves, or [email protected] at Tortora’s in Hamp- jacket that we can do- This is a time for fun, ton Cove. We will nate to ‘Blankets From food, fellowship, and meet at Tortora’s lo- Warm Hearts’ which is fuel for your soul! Take cated in Hampton the annual collection one night this month Cove at 182 Old High- drive sponsored by the just for you, your girl- way 431, Wednesday, North Alabama Coali- friends, and God. December 12 th at tion for the Homeless See you there! 6:30PM. And with the If you have any ques- holiday spirit in mind, Pa ge 12 Pumpkin Patch Update Susan Terry

WOW!! Where did and why she wrote it, and November go?? Last I then reached in her car, remember, I was sitting in took one out and auto- a pumpkin patch watching graphed it for me. It’s a the last of the pumpkins really good book too! We ride off in the back of a had two neighborhood pick-up truck headed to friends that came and the Botanical Garden to helped us regularly and become compost. Thank- brightened my day with fully, there weren’t many their enthusiasm to sell left to send. We sold over pumpkins. They felt like $15,000 worth of pump- they had a “job,” and it kins this year, making The made them very happy. Patch a HUGE success! This gave the youth and The youth and children’s children’s departments departments sincerely want over $3,000.00 each. to thank those who volun- teered to sit at The Patch. We saw several of our There weren’t many wet “regular” customers come days this year, but there back again and made were some pretty cold many new friends in our ones. We know it was time community this year. I taken out of your schedule even met an author who that you could have been stayed and talked with me doing something else, but at length about her book your help was really appreciated!! Hope for the Holidays Rev. Carl Malm

“Going through Grief: A Guide to Understanding, Surviving and Supporting the Grief Process” will be presented by Rev. Carl Malm of the Center for Loss, Grief and Change Mondays, December 3rd & 10th 6:00-7:30 PM. The program will be in the Welcome Center. A light supper will be served. Preregistration is requested but not required (256-883-6539 or 256-881-4069). There is no charge for this program but dona- tions are welcome. December 3rd—-The Bridge: Surviving Grief December 10th—-Winter without Spring: The Problem of Complicated Grief Pa ge 13

Child Development Center Traci Harris There is never a dull mo- ans, and Turkeys around! With December upon us, day! All of the children ment with 59 beautiful chil- North Alabama Food the children will be busy ages 2-4 years participate dren in the Child Develop- Bank received 122 little elves as they cele- in various roles and sing ment Center! Each is grow- holiday songs. It takes ing and developing. Each is place on Wednesday, De- learning something new cember 19th at 11:30AM each day about the world in in the Sanctuary. Our which they live. What a joy program is open to all it is to see life through a who wish to feel the joy child's eye! of the season.

We had a fabulous Fall. The In the theme of giving pumpkin patch was enjoyed this holiday, LUMCDC by all the children, even the will be sponsoring a Chil- babies as they took a daily dren's Pajama Drive stroll in the buggy. The again this year to benefit older children explored, the Manna House of compared, and counted the Huntsville. December 3- many cool pumpkins and pounds of non-perishable brate Christmas. We al- 14 new pajamas ranging gourds. Halloween festivi- food items from our col- ways look forward to a in size from 6 month-6 ties included a costume pa- lection. Did you know 50 visit from Santa and our years can be hung on the rade followed by the Fall pounds of food feeds a classroom holiday parties garland in the Children's Festival of games. The fun family of 4 for 4 days? but the best celebration wing. Your generosity is continued at our Annual So much to be grateful we have is during our another’s blessing! Thanksgiving Feast. The for! Happiness is spread Christmas Chapel when food was yummy and we when we share our love we act out the nativity Happy Holidays!! had the cutest Pilgrims, Indi- with others. and celebrate Jesus' birth- Elderberries December Activities Welcome Elderberries planned activities for December are a trip to the Botanical New Gardens to tour the Galaxy of Lights December 11 and the regular monthly meeting December 20 when we will be entertained by the Wesley Singers Members with a program of Christmas music directed by the talented Chris Klaus. Visitors are welcomed, whether or not they are members of Latham and/or the Elderberries. For further information or to make reservations, contact Shirley Hayes at 256-881-1873 for the Galaxy of Lights tour and Dot Marie Coombe at 256-881-1608 to McCutchen attend the regular meeting De- cember 20. You will find a Richie & Molly warm welcome at Elderberries activities, enjoy good food, fel- Hall lowship and entertainment and maybe learn something new from our programs. Pa ge 14 A Dozen Called, Millions Created, You’re Next! Scott Smyth, Associate Pastor

When Jesus’ ministry we can’t change the choosing or one already to make us intergenera- began, He was careful to world with words, now underway, and 2) once a tional in all of our growth call a group of men to- can we? No. Jesus quarter or so, host an in Christ. We don’t have gether that He could train taught the disciples that event of some sort for the to look much further than to carry on His ministry. we must reach out to the church, such as a fellow- Jane Smith and the Kata- Their training helped world around us. And so, ship supper or other activ- luma class for a great ex- them to be some of the as we develop disciples ity. More info on this ample of this in action, CHRISTMAS very first folks who truly here, we will use the will be presented to your just this month. understood what it meant same model. group soon. This en- Get together with your to follow Christ and serve deavor will help us ensure class and think about others. Since then, mil- plenty of volunteers for Beginning in January, all which projects you want lions have followed their all our functions as well small groups, Bible stud- to make your own. If you example and embarked as give you a place to de- ies, and Sunday school wait too late, the “good” on their own journeys velop your discipleship. classes from youth and up one will be taken. Talk to with Christ. will have two tasks de- other groups about being manded of them: 1) once These events will also partners and get moving. Here at Latham, we be- a month or every six give us a chance to invite January will be here be- lieve that a significant weeks, to participate in an other classes or groups to fore you know it! part of our task is to help outreach program of the help us and even open the create disciples that will church, which could be a partnership with youth change the world. But project of their own and children that we need Children’s Sunday Night Program Pa ge 15

Bible Study

Young Adult Bible Study The Wednesday Evening Bible Financial Update as of Every Tuesday night, there is a Study will begin a new study on November 25th young adult Bible study held at January 9th in Room 10 at 7:00pm. Bro. Scott and Sarah Smyth’s The study will be Nehemiah, A Heart house. It starts at 6:30 and is That Can Break, by Kelly Minter Operating Fund BYOD (Bring Your Own Din- Received to date: ner.) Then at 7:00 the discussion begins. We are currently going $ 685,688 through the Experiencing God Needed to date: study. This is open to all young $ 699,950 adults in the church, married or single. The Smyths live behind Latham at 100 Strong Circle SE. Capital Fund Hope to see you there! Received to date: $ 219,916

Beautification Committee Update Liz Hall Zeman

The first expenditure of the were Janet Watson, Windy efforts of Sharon Windom, appealing and inviting cor- funds donated to the beauti- G e i s i n g e r , H o w a r d Jenny Lowery and Shirley ner or area; consolidation fication committee was Trowbridge, Doug Seay, Fugit. Hope you will enjoy and standardization of bul- made to paint the cross at Jane Smith and Sam Ze- the pictures and plants as letin boards to create a the Weatherly Road end of man. they continue to appear! more attractive, uniform the business wing. It is 2) The big pines on the 4) The ugly and non- way to present communica- beautiful due to the efforts Weatherly Road side were functional water fountain in tion items and pressure- of a member of the church, trimmed to make our signs the business wing has been washing the courtyard. Jeremy Och, and his work more visible, and the dog- removed as has unnecessary We hope you will walk crew. wood were trimmed a bit furniture. (Future water around the church to see Other improvements in- for a more pleasing appear- fountain solution is still these results, thank the vol- clude: ance. Our tree trimmers pending due to the cost.) unteers and offer your sug- 1) The exterior doors to the were Jim Geisinger, Keith Coming Next: Placement of gestions for additional sanctuary and the business Welch, Don Lambert and more attractive pictures in beautification projects. wing were painted the green Hughey Reynolds. some areas; placement of Committee members are of our logo on The Branch. 3) Bathrooms are being donated furnishings in pub- Windy Geisinger, Keith Our enthusiastic painters “spruced up” thanks to the lic areas to present a more Welch, Jane Smith, Shirley Fugit and Liz Hall Zeman. Pa ge 16 Lifetree Café

Join the conversation each Thursday

Night at 6:30 PM. An hour long experience is packed with interesting stories, fascinating people, and lively conversation that will feed your soul.

When rights, morals, and love collide What folks are saying: December 6th December

“I am always challenged when I hear the message at Lifetree”

“Really enjoyed this topic. Host was great!”

“Very powerful message tonight, it’s one I needed to hear.”

“That was a very good, encouraging and im-

December 13th December portant topic. Wish more folks could hear it.”

“Very good, difficult subject.”

“Timely topic. Generated a lot of thoughts.”

“Enjoyed the company of my tablemates. We shared some very meaningful stuff.”

Come and be a part of Lifetree Café!

December 20th December

December 27th December Pa ge 17

Painting Day, November 10th

Some of the participants in the Painting Party were Jim & Windy Geisinger, Janet Watson, Sam & Liz Hall Zeman, Howard Trowbridge, Keith Welch, Jane Smith and Don Lambert Pa ge 18

1st 10th Betty Booth CJ Chua December Doris Owen Genette Stephens 11th John Rose Clara Conley Fran Nicholson 2nd Elsie Mae Smyth Elfriede Schlumph Peggy Holmes 12th Charles Hester Zella Page Hope Mike Wilkinson Christopher Sims Kyle McCarter Derek Wells

3rd 13th Margaret Pearson Sara Carson Etta Wills Phil Patterson Shannon Briggs James Brahm 14th 19th 26th Debbie Rose Kathy Smith Barbara Herrington 4th Dawson Allen Angle Rocky Frew Linda Moore 21st Rachel Peveler Danny Braswell 15th Nat Hurford David Parson Jim Kirsch Cookie White 27th Patricia Morris Kendra Lee Don Beaver 5th Dana Craig Dorothy Wendt Roy Lewis Scott Rose 22nd Pat Sinopole Lena Gaines Catherine Chua Bruce Rogers Rose LaMerle Battle 28th Tom Parker 16th 23rd Dorothy Rowe Kathy Brown Gippa Kendall Clarence Collins Gerri Cogburn Althea Nicholson 29th 6th Marvella Prevatte Jan Weaver Sue Reid 24th Gabriel Wood 17th Cindy Wells 8th Nan Favor 30th Tamami Seay Helen Hagler 25th Jeremy Och Ian Lee Rebecca Schultz Austin Duncan 9th Amy Angle Caitlyn Cope Lynette Gough 18th Christy Worsham June Young Doreen Foster 31st Tyler Jackson Clark Carol Patty Carol Wells

Pa ge 19

Cookie Cookie Girls Cantata

Kairos Kairos

Sat

1 8 15 22 29 6:00 6:00 PM Class School Sunday Party 9:30 AM Tree Angel Youth Shopping AM 10:00 Visit and Bake Homebound AM 12:00 In Night AM 10:00 Rehearsal Dress

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Latham Latham

U.M.M. U.M.M. Single's

Girls Girls

Fri

LUMCDC LUMCDC

7 14 21 28 8:30 8:30 AM Music Class ORFF Youth 6:30 PM Parent’s Sponsored Out Night 6:00 PM Party Christmas 5:30 PM School Sunday Party Class 6:00 PM In Night AM 10:30 Luncheon Ladies

Thu

Elderberry Lunch Lunch Elderberry

Circle 5 Meeting 5 Circle

Bend & & Stretch Bend & Stretch Bend & Stretch Bend

Lifetree Cafe Lifetree Tutoring General UMW Cafe Lifetree Tutoring Cafe Lifetree Cafe Lifetree

6 13 20 27 8:30 8:30 AM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Meeting 8:30 AM AM 10:00 6:30 PM 7:00 PM AM 11:30 & Program 6:30 PM 8:30 AM 6:30 PM

Wesley Singers Singers Wesley

Wed

Homeless Medical Medical Homeless

Wesley Singers Singers Wesley Choir Chancel Eve- Wednesday Singers Wesley Choir Chancel Eve- Wednesday Eve- Wednesday

Jubilation Hand- Jubilation Hand- Jubilation

5 12 19 26 1:30 1:30 PM 6:00 PM bells 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Study Bible ning 7:30 AM Mission 1:30 PM 6:00 PM bells 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Study Bible ning AM 11:30 Luncheon Christmas 7:00 PM Study Bible ning

December2012

Tue

Staff Meeting Staff Meeting Staff Meeting Staff Meeting Staff

Circle 4 Meeting 4 Circle

Morris Elementary Elementary Morris Stewards of Board Conference Charge Elem/Tutoring Morris Party Elderberry Elementary Morris

4 11 18 25 10:00 AM 10:00 2:30 PM Tutoring 6:00 PM 6:30 PM AM 10:00 2:30 PM to Trip Elderberry 6:30 PM Gardens Botanical 8:00 PM 9:30 AM AM 10:00 2:30 PM Tutoring AM 10:00

Mon

Circle 2 Party Circle

Bend & & Stretch Bend Study Bible & Stretch Bend Study Bible & Stretch Bend Study/McCutcheon Bible & Stretch Bend

Morris Elem/Tutor Morris Holidays the for Hope Rehearsal Band Praise Mtg Com Finance Prayer God On Rely Fully Elem/Tutor Morris Holidays the for Hope Rehearsal Band Praise Prayer God On Rely Fully Meeting 6 Circle Elem/Tutor Morris Reh Band Praise Prayer God On Rely Fully Eve Christmas Eve Christmas

Jo Walton Literary Group Literary Jo Walton

3 10 17 24 31 8:30 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM AM 10:30 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 1:00 PM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 5:00 PM Light Communion/Candle 9:00 PM Light Communion/Candle

Sun

Covenant SS Class Trip SS Class Covenant

Life South Blood Drive Blood South Life Sunday Pantry Food

L.A.M.B.S. Reha. Reha. L.A.M.B.S. Cherub & Choir Celebration Ser- Greens the of Hanging Rehearsal L.A.M.B.S. Cherub & Choir Celebration Happy and Cantata Children's

Just Just Faith Just Faith Just Faith

2 9 16 23 30 8:00 8:00 AM AM 11:00 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM Choir 5:00 PM to follow Dinner vice/Potluck 8:30 AM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM Choir @ Ditto Party Christmas Youth 5:00PM Landing 2:30 PM 5:00 PM Jesus Party Birthday Caroling Christmas 5:00 PM Latham United Methodist Church

109 Weatherly Road Huntsville, AL 35803 Phone: 256-881-4069 Fax: 256-880-0305

On the web: lathumumc.org

Connect with the Staff @lathamumc

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Hughey Reynolds [email protected] Associate Pastor: Rev. Scott Smyth [email protected] Associate Pastor: Rev. Traci Loveman [email protected] Director of Adult/Children: Susan Terry [email protected] Director of Youth: Richard Hall [email protected] Director of Music: Chris Klaus [email protected] Business Mgr: Anita Banks [email protected] Admin Asst: Marvene Grooms office @lathamumc.org Director of Child Dev. Ctr.: Traci Harris lumcdc @lathamumc.org DEAR RECIPIENT: . We will mail paper copies only to home-bound members and to anyone who calls the church office to request a paper copy by mail. Organist: Cherry Keeton Pianist: Joey Evans Check Out the New Website! Christmas Fairies? Liz Hall

You have probably noticed that the Christmas fairies have descended, sprinkling Christmas decorations and spirit throughout the church. Actually, these Christmas “fairies” are the Worship Committee. The fairies are Judy and Jim Gillespie, Adelaide Cape, Sharon Wind- ham, Jennie Lowery, Rosemarie Bishop, Becky and Bill Vosahlik, Joyce Smith, Mike and Michelle Gray, Jan Sturbois, June Young, Jack and Sandra Matheny, Ken Stephens, Catherine Gris, Don Lambert and Molly Hall.

As you enjoy the Christmas Spirit at LUMC this Season, please thank the folks that help make it possible.