Christmas Eve

Pastor

5100 N. Cemetery Rd., Box 125, Cass City, MI  48726-0125

December 2009

A few years ago my wife bought a little statue depicting St. Nicholas bowing down before the Baby Jesus in the manger. I like it because it reminds us of where Jesus really needs to be in our lives at Christmas. The little statue can actually be a bit surprising because our world doesn’t usually make the connection anymore between "Santa Claus" and Jesus.

What we may forget is that the story of St. Nicholas goes back seventeen hundred years to a man who was the bishop of a region in what is now modern-day Turkey. Legends of how he helped the poor by giving them gifts in Jesus’ name quickly spread with the growth of Christianity.

As we enter the 2009 Christmas season let’s remember who it is that must be at the center our lives and what that means as we relate to the rest of the world, especially to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the sojourners, and others who are otherwise out on the margins.

Included in this newsletter is an offering envelope. Our Christmas offering this year will go to our church’s general fund. Right now, there are several bills that have been unpaid, including the repair of the steeple roof. We also need extra money for some of our regular expenses. So this particular offering will be very important.

As you read our December newsletter, please take note of the important events taking place in the church over the coming weeks, including our Christmas Eve worship service at 8 p.m.

God bless you and may you have a blessed Advent and Christmas season!

Sincerely,
Rev. Paul G. Donelson                             
      Church letter

Dear Church Family,

       Lately we have had much tension in our church. As the senior member of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee, I want you to know how seriously the committee has taken each and every concern you have brought to us. You may not see anything happening, but that does not mean, nor has it ever meant, that nothing is being done.
This concern is not new. Since my first term on SPRC I have been impressed with the loving concern shown by members of the committee. Issues have been handled prayerfully, completely and consistently. SPRC is the only church committee which requires absolute confidentiality, so no one was at liberty to tell anyone what measures were taken when concerns were shared with us.
       About one year ago, our committee was told, by then DS Peggy Paige, that while we could not share what happened in our meetings we should be responding to anyone who shared a concern with us. She instructed us to respond personally by explaining that the concern had been heard and the matter dealt with. Until the last month we did attempt to make contact with anyone who put their concerns in writing. Still, we were not to talk about any specifics, so none of you could have known what was happening.
       My heart aches when individuals who have been my church family for decades are responding coldly to me, if they respond at all. Individuals who would normally respond with loving kindness and compassion to another person’s pain are uncharacteristically critical and angry. As a congregation, it seems we are hurting.
       Our new District Superintendent, Rev. Joanne Bartelt, has heard the problems we are having. She is listening to us. She has read letters, led discussion and guided sharing sessions. She is in contact with other superintendents and our bishop. It is clear we need healing. This healing will take time and hard work. She is requesting--actually requiring--an all-church meeting which will be facilitated by Rev. Bartelt and another District Superintendent who is skilled in helping congregations to heal. Due to Rev. Bartelt’s busy schedule the meeting will take place after the holiday season.
        Please be patient and remain prayerful: pray earnestly for all in our church, especially those who have upset you or with whom you disagree; pray for our church leaders; pray for Pastors Paul and Linda; and pray for all who are hurting or angry.

Sincerely,
Betsy Dillon  
   Dorcas   Group

Group Highlights

Dorcas
Meal Statistics for November 11:
    Menu: Meatloaf and Escalloped Potatoes
    Total Meals Served: 206
    (Guests: 107; Take Outs: 61; Workers: 38)
    Deposit: $1,255.00
Menu for December 9: Roast Beef

     The January Dinner will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Plan to have a chicken dinner!    
       Ladies' xmas      UMW1

United Methodist Women

     The Ladies’ Christmas Dinner will be held on the regular meeting date of Monday, December 6. It will be a dinner served at 6:00pm, with punch served starting at 5:30pm. Cost for the evening meal and entertainment is $6.00. You may purchase your tickets from Marge Dickinson.


    The evening’s program promises to be great! Jerry Garcia will be returning to do another concert that evening at 7:00pm which will be open to the public. There will be a free will offering (except for those who paid for a dinner ticket.) Let’s fill the house for this one!!

  UMW
January 2010
     Monday, January 4, 2010, the United Methodist Women will meet for a noon luncheon. Watch the bulletins for more details.
                 Bazaar

15th Annual Bazaar and Lunch

       It was another busy week putting things out and wondering what would be coming in, but by the time Saturday arrived, everything was festive and ready for the early start!
A big “Thank you!” to everyone who helped in any way with this event. It takes a whole church family working together to pull it off!
      This is the major fund raiser for the United Methodist Women. As of this printing the total stands at $6,596! Fabulous!! That is pretty amazing in light of these economic times. Each year different missions receive a portion of the proceeds. During the year the UMW provides funeral dinners, mailing goodie boxes, monthly luncheons, special programming and the Upper Room Devotionals among other projects.
Give praise to God for the success, the willingness of the various leaders, and the creativity of the crafters and those willing to buy for this great event!
      Brunch

Secret Sisters’ Brunch

       Saturday, December 5, the Secret Sisters will hold their annual Brunch at 10:00am. This will be the time to bring your “Sister” a gift to reveal who you are!!
        If you would like to join the Secret Sisters, you are invited to attend the brunch. If you will be unable to attend the brunch, contact Laura Hill so your name can be put in the box to be included in the drawing for new names.
            Progressive Class

Progressive Class

On Thursday, December 10, the Progressive Class will
meet at 6:00pm at Gilligan’s for supper. The cost will be $9.95 plus tax and tip. Please contact Ron Geiger to make your reservation as soon as possible.

Thought for the day:
"It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast." ~W.J. Cameron
                                                                                                        from District Administrative Assistant, Joan Rogalski
COFFEE

Christmas Coffee

      Men and women from our congregation are invited to a Christmas Coffee by the First Presbyterian Women’s Association. The holiday event will be held on Tuesday, December 8, from 2:00 to 4:30pm at the corner of Church and N. Seeger.

      They will be serving tea, coffee, punch, cookies and friendly conversation! Take time from your busy day to enjoy some treats and your friends from the area!    
   HymnSing

Community Christmas Hymn Sing

      The Cass City Ministerial Association will be holding its annual Christmas Hymn Sing on Sunday, December 6, at 6:30pm at the Evangelical Free Church on Chestnut Blvd.
       Anyone wishing to share a special number is invited to take part in the program. Please call the church office - as soon as possible - so your number can be included on the program.
      There will be a free will offering for the “In His Name” ministries sponsored by the Ministerial Association. This fund is to help Cass City area folks in need get food or get fuel or help pay a bill. It has been hit hard this year and funds are very low. Your generosity will be appreciated.   
   Red Bird

Gift Ideas at Red Bird Mission

Would you like something different for a gift idea? Try shopping at www.rbmission.org  for unique, hand-made items. This is a great way to help out the mission. As of this printing, the website is being updated. Hope it is up soon!

A Christmas Thought

God is our only hope. God alone will not fail us, for God came to abide in our midst as one of us, if we will but open our hearts to receive him. He came to glory in our glory, to suffer in our sufferings, and in this hour of fears and tears, God is no stranger to what we experience.                                                        Frances Cardinal Spellman
                                                                                                                      Newsletter Newsletter, Canton, OH Dec.2000
Village

Cass City’s “Christmas in the Village”

     Saturday, December 5 has a lot of activities planned in Cass City! There will be a craft show at Baker College, Chili Cook-off, Carriage rides, free movie matinee, a lighted Christmas parade and a community gathering at the VFW Hall with free bean soup and hot chocolate, gifts and crafts for children!
     Judy Wallace tells me there will be a float for CCUMC!! It will be a very lovely nativity scene. Be watching for it!  
               open house

First - Ever Open House!

District Superintendent invites you!

       The District Superintendent, Rev. Joanne Bartelt, is inviting the people of the Port Huron District to an open house at the district parsonage located at 3086 Aberdeen Ct., Port Huron MI 48060 (Take Lindsay north off West Water St., turn right at Black Heath Lane, right at N. Burwick Dr., and then right onto Aberdeen Court. Rev. Bartelt's house is on the left). 
       Bring your favorite cookies to share.  We will be snacking on cookies, cheese, munchies, coffee and hot cider.  Date is Saturday, December 5th. Time is from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM.
     BE AWARE: parking is very limited. Car pooling would be a very good thing.
gift idea

Gift Ideas Here at Church

      Check out the bookcases in the north hallway or see a Dorcas or UMW lady for help. There are several items that could make good gift ideas:

★ Christmas Cards and Napkins
★ Cutlery Pieces (paring knives, forks...)
★ Reusable Shopping Bags (makes great gift wrapping, too!)
★ Life Application Bibles
★ Church T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
★ Braided Rugs
★ Dish Cloths
★ Greeting Cards

       Prices are on the back of the boxes, or check out the brown envelopes there for other prices.
Caro

Caro Prayer Room

      The Prayer Room is a unique ministry for believers in the Thumb. It is prayer 24/7. Many denominations participate. For more information you may email them at caroprayerroom@yahoo.com, mail them at P.O. Box 6, Caro, MI 48723 or visit their web site www.tcpray.com.
stats

Christmas Gifts

     And when we give each other Christmas presents in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans – and all that lives and moves upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused. And to save us from our own foolishness, for all our own sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.                     Sigrid Undset
                                                                                                         Newsletter Newsletter, Canton, OH Dec.2002

Christmas is love tugging us back to God with the powerful clasp of a tiny hand reaching out from a bed of straw.                                  Unknown
Budget

Budget Crunch

     As you know, we are in a budget crunch and must work together to conserve our funds. Some things we must all be working on include the following:
★ If you turn the thermostat up, remember to return it to the original setting when extra heat is no longer needed or you leave the area.
★ In the Fellowship Hall, turn on only the overhead lights needed for your activity. Sometimes using the center lights will cover what is needed. Be sure and turn the lights off when leaving the area or when they are no longer required.
★ Also, the large, overhead heater is often turned off because of the noise level. Remember it does serve a purpose - it keeps the hall from freezing and the cost is ZERO! It is in the boiler line and since the water has a minimum temperature - that heat can be used even when no thermostat is calling for heat! Unfortunately, the heater is noisy. Please remember to turn the fan back on when noise control is no longer required or you leave the area.
★ Before purchasing anything for the church, check with Sherryl Seeley, our church treasurer. She will be monitoring the check book to make sure there are sufficient funds to cover the purchase.
      There may be other ways we can conserve our budget. Please feel free to share your ideas. We are a church family and by working together as a family, we will get through this.

Jane Mitchell
Administrative Council Chairperson             
Interpreter

Interpreter Magazine on the Web!

This is a very useful tool for ideas and suggestions from other United Methodist Churches. Visit: www.interpretermagazine.org
Children

Children’s Christmas Program

The Sunday School Children will present the program on Sunday evening, December 13, at 6:30pm. (Note the time!!) This later time will allow the children to get their things together following the afternoon concert crowd!
recipe

A Recipe You’ve Been Asking For!!

      Every once in a while, some food item shows up and just seems to be extra special. Several requests to find out who made this deliciously moist carrot cake lead us to Pam Powell who was willing to share her recipe!

Carrot Bundt Cake

2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 ½ cups oil
3 cups grated carrots
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
2 cups flour
2 tsp soda
1 can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins

Mix eggs and flour. Add oil, carrots and pineapple and stir. Add dry ingredients, stir. Mix in walnuts and raisins. pan. Bake in a greased and lightly floured bundt pan for at least 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Let the cake cool overnight before turning out on to a plate. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

1/4 cup butter or margarine softened
4 oz cream cheese softened
(Mix the two together)
Add up to 2 cups confectioners sugar. When ready, drizzle the frosting over the cake. Frosting is not stiff.
anniverary

225th Anniversary of The United Methodist Church

The Conference Commission on Archives and History encourages every church to place in their newsletters and/or bulletins this notice about the 225th Anniversary of the United Methodist Church:

The 1784 Christmas Conference

A forerunner of the United Methodist Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church in America was formally organized at a conference which began on December 24, 1784, and lasted until January 2 or 3, 1785, at the Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore, Maryland. Because of meeting through the Christmas period, the conference has traditionally been called the Christmas Conference. It was at this conference that John Wesley's instructions for the new church were received and approved. Thomas Coke was received as general superintendent. Francis Asbury, designated as a general superintendent by Wesley, was formally elected to that office by the ministers present and consecrated. Ministers were ordained, and ministerial appointments to churches and circuits were made. The initial policies for the new church were chosen. The founding date of 1784 for The United Methodist Church comes from this meeting of the Christmas Conference.

Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by permission. In addition to material in many historical books, more can be found online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Conference_(Methodism)  
pastor gift

Christmas Gift for Pastor Paul

       Here we are! Our time is about to come at a premium and the days are ticking away quickly during the Advent Season. Each year at this time we try to be sneaky and get a collection going for our pastor and family without them knowing it. Sneaky doesn’t work anymore as the newsletter is now on the world-wide web! So we will just come right out and say, “It is time to donate toward the pastor’s Christmas gift!”

      This year has been very hard on Rev. Paul and Rev. Linda. Much of the first part of the year Rev. Linda had many doctors’ appointments and was
not feeling well with the shoulder pain on her good arm. Rev. Linda’s surgery was especially taxing on them as she had to spend several weeks in a Care Center in Bay City to recuperate and get physical therapy. While Rev. Paul would go daily to visit and help out with Linda, he also took time to run to the various hospitals for visiting those there from our congregation. What you didn’t know was the problems Rev. Paul was having, day after day, with the insurance company to get the proper care for Rev. Linda (with one hand - the arm the surgery was on, left her incapable of caring for herself) but the insurance companies didn’t want to see it that way. It lead to a lot of stress and frustration.

       If you would like to contribute to their Christmas gift, please give the money to
Doris Jones, 6809 Herron Ave. Cass City,  Julie Veneziano at the Rawson Library or Linda Parrish in the office or mail to Box 125 - (mark it “gift”.) The gift will be presented on December 20th so please have your donation in by December 18th.

       Merry Christmas!!     Linda Parrish
newsletter

Port Huron District Newsletter On Line

Visit the following link for the December Issue of the Spinnaker: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/port-huron/newsletter.html

The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal. Stuart Briscoe

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
                                                                                                     Hamilton Wright Mabie
                                                                                                                               Newsletter Newsletter, Canton, OH Dec. 2003
caring

Caring and Sharing

Deaths...

–We send our sympathies to Jim and Stephanie, Austin, Lucas, Brent, Brad Baker and Ruth Ramsey, their family and friends on the passing of their mother and grandmother, Bea Baker, on November 10.


In Your Prayers... Rev. Paul & Rev. Linda; Bill Kritzman, Larry Wheeler, Jay Wisenbach, Donna Auten; Elaine Proctor; Dorothy Knight; Denise Jones (Leukemia); Maurice Joos; Mary Hutchinson; Rev. Bob & Charlene Garrett; Marilyn Morgan; Laura Bryant; Lucille Copeland; Dale & Mary Damm; Esther Guinther; Maxine Profit, Harland Lounsbury.
Tendercare, 4782 Hospital Dr., C.C.: Florence Eimers, Don Buehrly, Ruth Hoffman.
Northwood Meadows, 6086 Beechwood, C.C.: John Marshall, Fritz Pomeroy, Marv Hobart, Tom Proctor.
Kings’ Daughters, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640: Dorothea Quick.
Tuscola Medical Care Facility, 1285 Cleaver Rd., Caro 48723: Ruth Freeman, Carolyn Chapman, Clara Seeley.
Caretell Inn, Rm 607, 6700 Westside Saginaw Rd., Bay City, MI 48706: Elizabeth Stine.
TimberLine Lodge, 3771 Colwood, Caro: Betty Scofield.
Woodland Acres AFC: 3855 Downington Rd., Snover, 48472: Thelma Graham (810)-672-9685
Service People: Matt Inbody (Afghanistan); Marc Inbody (SC); Josh Sherman (CA), Kendra Parsons (TX);Tim Karr (WA); Mike Furness, Steve McCormick, Greg Klais, (Iraq); Matt Essenmacher; and their units.

Dear Church Family....Notes:

From Barbara Tuckey: Thank you for the lovely red carnations and your get well wishes. Your prayers and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated. See you soon. Fondly, Barb
From Jill Dillon: Thank you for the yummy goodie box! I was told a package had arrived for me in the morning and couldn’t wait to pick it up. I love receiving all the goodies and shared them with my friends. Thanks again!
From Rev. Linda Donelson: During this difficult time for me I thank those of you who sent cards, visited me in the care center, and brought food. Thanks to the congregation for the carnations. It was very kind of you and I appreciate it. Blessings P.S. Special thanks goes to Gil for teaching class on Sunday mornings!
From Meredith Kirn: Thank you for the awesome goodie box I received today! It was a great surprise seeing it on my counter when I got home from school! This box was the PERFECT way to start what looks to be a LONG week of school. I appreciate it A LOT! Thanks again.

Thank you for helping:
~For raising $750 through the Bread Bowl Soup Supper for Camping: Janelle Dickinson, Lisa Winter, Beth Anthes, Jim & Stephanie Baker, Megan Barrigar, Pam Powell, campers and those who donated to the supper and those who provided desserts!! Yummy- desserts!
~Newsletter Helpers: Linda Derfiny (proofreading), Judy Profit, Janis Seeley, Pam Burns, Lee Stranahan.
~For the Free Lunches: Cathy and Ron Czekai for heading it up and all the rest of the kitchen crew:  Margaret, Adam, Renee, Brian, Shannon, Mandy Terra Czekai!
~For the Harvest Dinner: Thank you so much to Cathy Czekai for volunteering. Also thank you to all those who helped her!       
Christmas families

        Our Christmas Families Project

We are a few short weeks away from Christmas. Two families have been given to us to care for this season. There are five children ranging in age from 9 years old to 2 months. One family is spending their first holiday without their father who passed away last spring. The other family is also facing their first holiday without the father as these troubled times have brought a split in their relationship.

✸✸The most important need right now is a good, safe crib for the 2 month old. If you know of a crib, please contact Pam Powell or Linda Parrish.

We have two moms: we need medium and XL size tops and 20-22 slacks.
Our Children:
      Girl: 9 years: 12-14 size tops and pants
      Girl: 7 years: 12-14 size tops and size 10 pants.
      Boy: 6 years: 10 size shirts/tops and size 8-10 pants
      Boy: 2 years: 3Toddler
      Boy: 2 months: 12 month size clothes - (uses WalMart size 3 disposable diapers.)

A tree will be up with gift tags on it with an array of items ranging from $2.00 to $20.00 to cover the gifts for the children. You may wrap your gift, but please tape the tag on the outside of the gift so we will know which family it goes to.

There will be boxes in the north hall coat closet for your donations of food and pantry items like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap and for good, used clothing. If you have a turkey to donate, please contact Pam or Linda.
                                                                          


worship

Greeters
December  6     Justin & Stacy Anthes
                  13      Pat Greenwood
                  20      Norma Dawson & Marge Dickinson
                  24      Charie & Joyce McPhail
                  27      Keith & Jane Mitchell

____________________________________________________________________

Readers // Children’s Messages
December  6     Jane Mitchell / Rev. Paul
                  13     Rev. Paul
                  20     Linda Derfiny / Rev. Paul
                  24     Need a Volunteer!
                  27     Betsy Dillon

____________________________________________________________________

Sound/Projection
December  6     Jacob Kittle
                  13     Morgan Erla
                  20     Morgan Erla
                  24     Need a Volunteer!
                  27     Curtis Dickinson

____________________________________________________________________

Ushers: Captain: Dennis Hill
December  6     Mick Kirn, Linda Derfiny, Roy & Kathy Tuckey,
                  13     Bill & Shirley Zinnecker, Shirley Wisenbach, Roy Tuckey
                  20     Mick Kirn, Ted Furness, Dan & Curtis Dickinson
                  24    The Powell Family
                  27     Dan & Curtis Dickinson, Mary Jane & Megan VanVliet

____________________________________________________________________

Communion Steward: December 6: Ardis Monroe
December 24: Need a Volunteer!

____________________________________________________________________

Acolyte
December  6     Brad Baker
                  13     Rylie Weiler
                  20     Hank Janik
                  24     Need a Volunteer!
                  27     Bobby Sue Steely

____________________________________________________________________

Altar Guild
December  6     Gil & Connie Schwaderer
                  13      Roy & Shirley Wagg
                  20      Jay & Shirley Wisenbach
                  24      Need a Volunteer!
                  27      Bob & Barbara Stickle

____________________________________________________________________

Flowers
December  6     Sherryl Seeley
                  13      Baker Family
                  20     Carol Schaufele
                  27     Mick & Barbara Kirn

____________________________________________________________________

Lock Up
December  6     Craig Retherford
                  13     Ted Furness
                  20     Gary Wichert
                  27     Ron Kittle

January 2010

Greeters
January   3
              10
              17
              24
              31

___________________________________________________________________

Readers // Children’s Messages
January   3      Gil Schwaderer // Rev. Paul
               10      Lori Inbody
               17      Doris Jones // Rev. Pau
               24      Barb Kirn
               31      Rev. Paul

___________________________________________________________________

Sound/Projection
January   3      Curtis Dickinson
              10      Jim Veneziano
              17      Jim Veneziano
              24      Austin Baker
              31      Austin Baker

___________________________________________________________________

Ushers: Captain:  John Merchant

___________________________________________________________________

Communion Steward:  Mary Jane VanVliet

___________________________________________________________________

Acolyte
January   3     Nataliah Frankowski
              10      Mandy Czekai
              17      Lauren Dickinson
              24      Lucas Baker
              31      Ashtyn Weiler

___________________________________________________________________

Altar Guild
January   3     John & Melody Frankowski
              10     Caren Clara
              17     Gil & Connie Schwaderer
              24     Roy & Shirley Wagg
              31     Jay & Shirley Wisenbach

___________________________________________________________________

Flowers
January  3
             10     Jim & Julie Veneziano
             17
             24     Gary & Doris Jones
             31      UMW x 2

___________________________________________________________________

Lock Up
January  3     Mick Kirn
             10     Rod Sherman
             17     Craig Retherford
             24     Ted Furness
             31     Gary Wichert
appeal

Thanks be to God!