December 2007 Newsletter

ADVENT SEASON

Begins December 2, 2007

This year, let’s remember that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday — not ours. 

We are the gift he wants.

Song writer Mark Lowry once imagined he was interviewing Mother Mary. Think about the words of this song as you journey along……

Mary, did you know, that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know, that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know, that your baby boy will give sight to the blind man?
Mary, did you know, that your baby boy would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod
And when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak Praises of the Lamb?


Mary, did you know, that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy was Heaven’s perfect Lamb
And this sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I Am. Oh, Mary!

The story goes that Mark was quite a handful as a child. He had too much energy and one observer claimed he was a “raccoon in human form.”

At North Lake Church, our children are energetic and we can only wonder what their future holds. Like Mary, we nurture them in the Christian faith, and leave the rest to God.

Meet me at the manger, Pastor Alice


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Holiday Schedule

Sunday School Christmas Program
Sunday, December 16 – first service
9:00 a.m.

For the last several weeks the children have been learning about the Christmas Messengers. They will present their message in song and bells on December 16, during the first Worship Service. Please support our youth with your presence.

Special Service of Music
Sunday, December 16 – second service
10:45 a.m.

Christmas is a time for music and song. Some of our musically talented people will not be with us for Christmas Eve. Yet, they love to share their music with the congregation. So, the sermon on December 16 will be presented in song. You will not want to miss it.


Sundays December 23 and December 30
One Service only
10:00 a.m.
No Sunday School


Christmas Eve Services December 24

6:00 p.m.  We will have a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and the familiar Christmas Story.  Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus together.  
                 This service is early so that families will be able to attend and the children can still get home and get to bed in a timely manner..

7:30 p.m.  The service will include Christmas carols, special music, brass bells, and the Christmas story. We will end the service with candle-light and celebrate our Savior’s birth.



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Of Cabbages and Kings          December 2007

Christ’s Mass Christmas: Oh how we have taken the birth of Jesus and the visit of the three wise men and parlayed it into one of the most expensive and hectic religious holidays (holy day) known to the modern secular world. For a moment let’s see if we can capture in our minds eye why we are celebrating Christmas. The following is an excerpt from The Upper Room Disciplines, and the title could be: "Why Christians Celebrate the Birth of Jesus the Christ".

The prologue to John’s Gospel (John 1: 1-18) {you might want to look it up} takes us from before creation ("in the beginning was the WORD") to the crucifixion ("his own people received him not") to the latest baptism at the local church down the street ("But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of GOD"). At Christmas we celebrate the fact that "the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us". But we must not stop there. We must let this WORD rule our hearts, which gives us "power to become children of GOD".

The Gospel writer points out the importance of human actions, the consequences of freedom abused. When we receive GOD’S WORD, we receive GOD (grace). When we reject GOD’S WORD, we reject GOD (sin). How we respond to the ways GOD speaks to us and comes to us in the world determines whether we will be among GOD’S faithful children or among those who reject divine authority and the lordship of Christ.

Christmas is an ideal time to consider how the WORD of GOD came into OUR world as a tiny, helpless baby. Mary and Joseph received him gladly, as did shepherds and wise men. Herod did not. As God’s children by faith and grace (God's unmerited love), are we willing to let GOD’S WORD bring us love, truth, hope, and shelter? Are we willing to receive GOD'S WORD eagerly and, by doing so, find life, strength, and joy?Have a very joy filled Christmas.

Shalom
Gordon Knight, co-lay leader

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Finance
Facing 2008

Any note about church finances must begin by thanking everyone who faithfully supports the ministries of our church. Worship attendance remains consistent, pledges and offerings have been generous. Over-and-above giving has allowed us to contribute to missions, purchase hand bells, and add to the building fund.

However some seasonal shortfalls made it necessary to “consume” the $7500 general operating funds surplus from 2006 and to dip into our discretionary fund - never an easy decision. In addition, the hoped for congregational growth this year did not occur, and was weakened by changing circumstances for some of our church families. If nothing changes, we will start 2008 with a nearly empty checking account.

This is not a crisis, but it does make it more difficult for us to fund and plan our ongoing programs and growth. This past year we chose to spend below the budget when the money wasn’t there, and prioritized paying our apportionments in full. The whole picture is not grim, but it is important to recognize the financial realities that are facing us.

We cannot continue indefinitely borrowing money from our discretionary fund to pay for our current expenses, so we must consider one of two options: either increase the level of giving, or decrease our expenses. Your prayers about these two possibilities are greatly appreciated.

 If you can catch up on your intended giving or make an extra gift for this year, that will help us to finish the year in a much stronger position, and help us restore our discretionary funds. Please carefully and Intentionally consider this request.

Denise Schuh
Treasurer@NorthLakeUMC.org

Have you made your 2008 Commitment to North Lake Church? If you have misplaced your commitment letter, they may be obtained at the church office (475-7569).

Please, prayerfully consider your part in God’s Kingdom ministry.
Contact Denise if you wish to participate in electronic banking.

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HANGING OF THE GREENS


Saturday, December 1, 2007
9:00 a.m. English Breakfast – the United Methodist Men will provide a full breakfast for all who attend and help to decorate the church buildings for the Christmas season.

Following breakfast some people will work on the sanctuary, while others work in the hall and class rooms. It’s a great time of fun and fellowship.


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2007 Charge Conference

7:30 pm. December 10,

I  believe North Lake’s congregation should be commended on the faithful attendance to the yearly Church Conference. All members are encouraged to attend. Our district superintendent, the Reverend Tom Macaulay comes to meet with us. This annual activity is a time to give thanks to God for all the mission and ministry we have accomplished this year. It is a time of decision making, receiving reports and electing our 2008 leadership. It is a time to consider how we will continue to make disciples for Jesus Christ and to transform the world.

All member of the church have voice and vote at this meeting. However, proxy votes and absentee ballots are not allowed by the rules of The United Methodist Discipline.

The Pastor Parish Relations Committee will meet with Rev. Macaulay at 6:45 p.m.



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Care and Outreach

In November we collected 230 pounds of food and paper products. And, once again for 2007, we have attained the SPOTLIGHT CHURCH award. This means we paid our apportionments 100%, and we have contributed to six areas of mission from community, to national, to global. Great year!

GROCERY BAG COLLECTIONS
We continue to collect items for the Stockbridge Outreach Center, and the Gregory Food Pantry. Canned goods, paper products, personal items, are all needed. 


MITTEN TREE
The Mitten Tree will be in Fellowship Hall again this year. We hope you will help us decorate it with mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks. Use your imagination, all gift items welcome. Also, food items will be greatly appreciated. We will be taking these unwrapped gifts to Stockbridge Outreach Center. As you know, this year has been difficult for many people. The demand for assistance this Christmas is overwhelming. We did not adopt any families. We hope you will give generously to the mitten tree project, and your contribution will help others.

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Worship Committee News

 There’s so much happening in December!

 December 1 – Hanging of the Greens
           Join us at 9:00 am for an English breakfast provided by the United Methodist Men. Followed by Hanging of the Greens as we decorate the church buildings for Christmas.

 December 2 – First Sunday of Advent
        HOPE - It was hope that gave people the courage to go on, and it was hope that directed their prayers toward a Messiah.

December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent
        PEACE - It was of peace the angels sang as their great light filled the heavens and the shepherds learned of the Christmas gift of God in Jesus Christ.
 
December 16 – Third Sunday of Advent
       JOY - We are told that the magi, when they saw the star over the place where Jesus was, "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy".
 
December 23 – Fourth Sunday of Advent One service – 10:00 am only  
       LOVE - It was because of God the Father’s love that he sent his only begotten Son.
December 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE Two services – 6:00 & 7:30pm
       Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus at our Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. The bells will be ringing, vocalists will be singing, and instruments will be playing on this special night.

December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas One service – 10:00 am only
     And we call him everlasting life and Prince of Peace; the one who brings love to all humankind.

January 6, 2008 – Unhanging of the Greens
     The Christmas decorations will be taken down following the second church service.

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United Methodist Women
 
We will be visiting the Methodist Children's Home Society on December 15, 2007.  We will carpool from the church and will meet at 9:00 AM and will return after stopping for lunch on the way home. Many of the children have asked for various gift cards on their Christmas wish list, so we are suggesting that if the congregation would like to send gifts with the women's group that you donate gift cards. Also, they do need gently used toddler clothes, but infant and older children's clothing are not needed at this time.  Please let Sandy Eisele know if you plan to go for the tour.

Brunch report - We had our second successful brunch for mission on Nov. 18 and raised $250 for mission projects. At our November meeting we designated mission donations. 

Mission donations include:
Dates to Remember:

UMW meeting - January 19 10:00 AM at Sandy Eisele's (weather permitting)
Valentine Day dinner - February 14, 2008
Meeting on April 19, 2008 at 10:00 AM program on genealogy
Women's Tea - May 3, 2008
 
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Education

C.O.O.L. J Sunday school
Dec. 2 - Rainbow Bells play at the Chelsea Retirement Community chapel 6:30 service.

Dec. 16 - wrap-up of “Christmas Messengers” at the 9:00 service.

Dec. 23rd & 30 - No C.O.O.L. J Sunday School. There is one worship service at 10:00.


  **~**~**~**~   
Puppet Team
headed by Diane Tandy  & Ann Beyer meets from 6-7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 & 12 . Any questions call Diane Tandy

   **~**~**~**~ 

Yes! Adults do go to Sunday School!
At 9:00 a.m., every Sunday morning, parents and other adults are welcome to join an interesting discussion group. This fall, beginning September 9, we will gather in Fellowship Hall around the television for a series of short film clips by contemporary pastor Rob Bell. This group of NOOMA short film DVD’s were purchased by Jeff and Heather Campbell for your spiritual enrichment. The titles are interesting, like: Rain, Flame, Trees, Noise, Dust, Rhythm, Rich, and Breath (to name a few). Try us out! We are currently about halfway through the set, but each session is independent of the others.

Remember! If it’s important for you, it will be important for the children. Be a leader in your child’s spiritual development. Go to Sunday school and Worship every week.

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Youth Sunday School
class is lead by Sandy Eisele & John Tandy II. They are competing with other groups in The Amazing Bible Race. Each day they have opportunities to earn points for their team by reading Bible chapters and taking short quizzes on the internet.  Each Sunday the class talks about what they have read.  The race willcontinue in 13 week increments through 2009.  By the time they are done, the students will have read most of the Bible. It is a fun way to expand their spiritual lives. Please help cheer them on.

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Youth Group Schedule

December 2 –Kid’s Christmas Crafts and Shopping   Youth will participate in a craft project, and “white elephant” gift sale. If you have any great little items to contribute toward the selection, please bring them to Hanging of the Greens, so they can be made ready for the kids on Sunday.
 
December 19 – Christmas Caroling Gather at the church at 6:15p.m. and leave for Chelsea Retirement Community. Return about 8:15 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Leaders: Monica Higman,  Mary Boyce,  John & Diane Tandy

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 Birth Congratulations to. . .
Kristen and Chris Brekke on the birth of Lucas David Brekke, born on Oct. 10th, Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was 7lbs. 4oz. 20 and ¾ inches with brown hair and dimples.  Proud grandparents are Dave and Nancy McKinnon.
                  **~**~**~**~   
Laurie and Kevin Appier on the birth Nov. 5th of Evelyn Mae Appier, 6 lbs. and 19 inches long.  Merritt and Arlene Honbaum are the proud grandparents.
                  **~**~**~**~   
Scott & Tatem Hawley on the birth of Eliza Quinn Hawley, on Nov. 17th at North Austin Hospital. She was 7 lbs. 14oz. and 19 inches long.  Former pastor Wayne and Pam Hawley are the proud grandparents.

Deaths

Our sympathy goes to Pam and Cody Dalton on the loss of their husband and father Alan Dalton. He was a trustee and had recently completed work on the handicap ramp to the fellowship hall.
          **~**~**~**~   
Our sympathy to Mark and Barbara Obenchain, Nathan and Jonathan on the death of Mark’s mother, Evelyn Obenchain of Monroe, MI.
           **~**~**~**~   
Rose DeGrow passed away November 29th. She was an active member of this congregation, serving on many committees and helping wherever she could. She was a woman of faith and was a witness of God’s love in this world. We will miss her.

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Covenant Opportunity, Covenant Responsibility

North Lake is doing something so important and exciting we just have to talk about it!

Our little church thinks big. We are a partner church with the Phillip D. Innis church in Liberia. That means a United Methodist Church in a struggling remote west African coastal country depends on us for prayers and resources.

Liberia has historical connections to the United States, and the capital of Liberia, Monrovia, is named for the American president, James Monroe. Unfortunately, the Liberian people and their country have been left in ruins by a ruthless dictator no facing trial in a world court. The infrastructure is non existent, and the people are trying to recover from the devastation.

Fortunately, this struggling nation has elected an ambitious and ethical president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. President Johnson-Sirleaf is leading a bankrupt nation with her hope and energy. She is a United Methodist, and the Methodists are an important organization in this recovery effort. The United Methodist Church currently has at least twelve missionaries serving in Liberia.
 
We are a connectional denomination, and our Ann Arbor District sponsors a Task Force to support our sister churches in Liberia. Our Liberian connection is an opportunity for our church and a responsibility.
 
Some of the churches in Liberia function without buildings. The pastors are paid very little because most Liberian people have very little. Some churches are isolated with no roads.

Operation Classroom, with warehouses in Greenwood Indiana, packs and ships shipping containers twice yearly to Liberia. These containers are filled with needed school, church and medical supplies. A container was sent the end of October. Money needs to be sent with supplies because they are heavily taxed in Liberia. It costs about the equivalent of three thousand dollars in Liberia to receive the contents of a shipping container.

The Detroit West District Peace Center is planning a ten day mission trip to tour Monrovia, Liberia from Feb. 21-March 1, 2008. The Ann Arbor District Liberia Task Force is hoping to send a representative on this trip so this person can lead a trip to Liberia from our own Ann Arbor District Task Force.
 
The opportunities are in from of us for our church to make a difference. Please keep our sister church in your prayers, and give generously as the needs are many.

 Marilyn Jachalke, Ann Arbor District Liberia Task Force member
 
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Together we can make a Difference

Raise money for North Lake UMC!
Together we can work to make a difference in our church. It's easy, just save UPC barcodes for cash. When we receive the checks, the church is free to spend the money any way we want.

Save Our Family UPC barcodes.... It's that easy!

Just save the barcodes from Our Family products (at both Country Market and Polly's Stores). Your church earns $25.00 in cash for each bundle of 500 UPC barcodes sent to us. There is a container in the grange hall. Thanks!

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E-mail Addresses
wanted for:
Send your email address to church email address.

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The Official Church Calendar is on the office wall.

Each committee is responsible for recording all dates of meetings and events.
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Wanted: Church Keys

If you have a church key that you no longer use, please return it so it can be given to current church officers and teachers

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PRAYER CHAIN
Many of our church families participate in the North Lake Prayer Chain. The Chain goes into action when there is a need for prayer. Bob Burrows is the Chair of the Prayer Chain. Calls go to him, and from that six calls are made to activate the chain in six directions.

The prayer chain is a good way to be involved in prayer ministry. If you are not a part of the Prayer Chain, we invite you to sign up today. If for any reason you no longer wish to be a part of the chain, you may ask to be removed from your obligation to it. For more information, contact Bob Burrows.
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E-Mail Prayer Chain!
What a wonderful way to extend our prayer ministry. If you are interested in receiving prayer requests and joys by e-mail so you can be a part of a vital ministry, please let Pastor Alice know. You can e-mail her at: pastor's email

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The church's email address: contact@northlakeumc.org.
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The Sunday School hour is the most wasted hour of the week -- for the people who aren't there.
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