The Red Flame Messenger
DECEMBER 2008/
JANUARY 2009
Mission Statement
The Eden United Methodist Church defines its mission:
“To make disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, witness, study, service and fellowship.”
Value Statements
1. We are committed to worship that glorifies God.
2. We are committed to personal and corporate Bible study
and prayer.
3. We are committed to support God’s Kingdom on this
earth through local, national and global missions.
We are committed to be the family of God.
COMMUNION SCHEDULE
Communion will be offered during our worship service on Sunday, December 7 and January 4 at the 11:00 am service. Communion helpers are: December; Paula Kramer, Dawn Quesenberry and Jackie Wenglik and in January; Lori Motak, Dawn Quesenberry and Janet Vice. Shut-ins and others unable to be present should call the church office (992-4211) to arrange for Communion to be brought to you.
THOSE WHO SERVE IN DECEMBER
Nursery
December 7 Ruth Bucki and Melanie Raduluff
December 14 Linda Hock and Michelle Raduluff
December 21 Melanie Perry and Allison Campbell
December 28 Diana Graovac and Erynn Motak
Greeters
December 7 Judy and Sylvia Smith
December 14 George and Diana Graovac
December 21 Chris, Michelle and Melanie Raduluff
December 24, 7:30 pm Garry, Sue, Reni and Tyler Roseman
December 24, 11:00 pm Vern and Judy Heiler
December 28 John and Nancy Parsons
Lay Readers
December 7 Gloria Nedimyer
December 14 Paula Kramer
December 21 Chris Raduluff
December 28 Cathy Jeffers
Acolytes
December 7 Allison Laing
December 14 Drew Palmerton
December 21 Caitlin Glaser
December 28 Andrew Maggs
Parish Nurses
December 14 Judy Heiler and Brenda Schreiner
December 28 Dawn Quesenberry and Nancy Sheffer
Audio/Visual
December 6 Tyler Roseman
December 7 Cullen Motak and Michelle Raduluff
December 14 Mike Forster and Tyler Roseman
December 21 Erynn Motak and Tim Schnaufer
December 24 – 7:00 pm Jack Carias and Michelle Raduluff December 24 – 11:00 pm Cullen and Erynn Motak
December 28 Cullen Motak and Mike Forster
Coffee Hour:
Bruce and Josie Houtsma Peterson
THOSE WHO SERVE IN JANUARY
Nursery
January 4 Nancy Golba and Cullen Motak
January 11 Marlene Sullivan and Melanie Raduluff
January 18 Beth and Allison Campbell
January 25 George Graovac and Michelle Raduluff
Greeters
January 4 Bill, ABetty and John Hill
January 11 Bruce, Josie, Jamie and Bridgett Peterson
January 18 Cheryl Wilczak and Kristin Brownell
January 25 Michal, Beth and Allison Campbell
Lay Readers
January 4 Bea Barton
January 11 Ruth Bucki
January 18 Roz Warren
January 25 Michelle Munro
Acolytes
January 4 Daniel Mack
January 11 Thomas Hardman
January 18 Drew Palmerton
January 25 Allison Laing
Parish Nurses
January 11 Nancy Lance and Kathy Maggs
Due to a shortage of nurses, and low turnout of parishioners on parish nursing days, starting January 2009, we will be having parish nursing once a month on the 2nd Sunday.
Audio/Visual
January 4 tba
January 11 tba
January 18 tba
January 25 tba
Coffee Hour:
Ron and Ruth Bucki
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
ATTENDANCE
November 2 40 November 23 38
November 9 40 November 30 36
November 16 38
Average attendance for November 2008: 38
Average attendance September – November 2008: 37
Mission- 2nd Sunday – Our mission project is to continue to collect coins for donation to Primera Iglesia Church in Buffalo. They are raising money to buy property to expand their programs. This is a great way for us to help a church in need and we invite everyone to participate. The kids collect coins and put them into a bowl and its brought to the sanctuary for the congregation to participate.
Wanted kids and older??? For Sunday school. We have 2 classes for adults and plenty for kids. We even have the possibility of a coffee class - bring the kids, enjoy school time, stay for church - no extra drives.
Volunteers are always needed. If you’d like to help out or are available as a sub, please contact Beth Campbell or Jim Munro.
Come join us for a class anytime. It’s a great way to learn more and get to know people in Church. Jim Munro
SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS
Be a part of our Eden United Methodist Church Sunday morning activities by calling and volunteering with one of our coordinators.
SUNDAY SCHOOL James Munro
NURSERY CARE Laura LeBaron
Melanie Perry
GREETERS ABetty Hill
USHERS Jim Nedimyer
ACOLYTES Sue Roseman
COFFEE HOUR Diana Graovac
LAY READERS Carol Shattuck
TRUSTEE NEWS
The Trustees have selected a snow plow contractor. We only had a couple of business that were interested in bidding on the job. The lowest bid was selected.
The small slice of parsonage property has finally been transferred to our neighbor, Kathy Ferrie. The transaction has been a lengthy process.
The trustees had a new light pole installed to illuminate the parking lot. An electric line was buried leading to the garage. The lights and receptacles have been installed in the garage. An underground electric line leading to gazebo has also been started. We hope to have all lines completed before the ground freezes.
The church received a letter from our insurance carrier, Walch Duffield Co. that included recommendations to make the church safer. Four areas which they want upgraded are: install lighted exit sign with battery backup in the old sanctuary, illuminate all door exit signs, install lightning protection on the steeple, and have a current inspection on the kitchen fire suppression system. This system may have to be upgraded before it will pass inspection.
Two very large maple trees on church property need to be removed. We are currently requesting bids from tree removal contractors.
PRAYER CORNER
Come spend some quiet time with God in this season and new year we are looking into. Whether in the prayer room or sanctuary, or any other quiet area you find in the church. It will give you peace spending that time with God, and He is waiting for you and wants to bless you with that peace in all you say and do in your life. If you need extra prayers we have the prayer chain, and the prayer wedge or the prayer corner section on the web page at edennyumc.org. Those are only a few options, there is no wrong way to spend time with God, it is just making the time to spend with God. My prayers are with all my family at Eden UMC during this holiday season as things can become very stressful.
God be with you, Dawn M. Quesenberry
NOTE FROM THE LAY LEADER
We are now in the Advent season and the birth of Jesus Christ, a time to celebrate His birth and the hope it brings. We have a birthing of our own going on, and we need to turn to God for guidance. We have already done our church profile, and trusting it to bring us together as one family for God. We have so much to be grateful for and so much to offer within and outside the church. Let us take this special season and find out what and where God is sending each of us as individuals and as a whole. We also will be bringing in a new year and that only reinforces our room for growth. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God be with one and all as we step into an area we have not been before. In God's love, Lay Leader, Dawn M. Quesenberry
DECEMBER MEETINGS
Tues. Dec. 2 7:00 pm Trustees Team Meeting
Wed. Dec. 17 7:00 pm Church Charge Conference
Wed. Dec. 3, 10, 17 7:00 pm UM Youth
Sun. Dec. 7, 14, 21 6:30 pm Jammers for Jesus
Sun. Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 6:00 pm Disciple IV Bible Study
JANUARY MEETINGS
Mon. Jan. 5 7:00 pm UM Women’s Board Meeting
Tues. Jan. 6 7:00 pm Trustees Team Meeting
Tues. Jan. 13 6:30 pm UM Men’s Dinner Meeting
Sun. Jan. 25 12:15 pm Worship Team Meeting
Wed. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 7:00 pm UM Youth
Sun. Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 6:00 pm Disciple IV Bible Study
2008 ADVENT FOLDERS
Advent folders for 2008 are available in the narthex. Money collected will be given as a trinity support for the North Katanga Well Mission, Primera Iglesia and for Trustees for 2009 Kitchen improvements. If you would like one mailed to you please call the office at 992-4211 or email us at edenumc1@verizon.net .
KETTLE DRIVE
December is coming up soon; start thinking about helping out in the 2008 Salvation Army Kettle Drive – December 3, 4, 5 & 6. 21volunteers are needed. Call Diana Graovac if interested for times. Sign up sheet is posted in the narthex.
Advent Christmas Schedule
Sat. Dec. 6 7:00 pm Eden Community Christmas
Celebration at Eden United Methodist Church with
scripture, carols and special music.
Refreshments and fellowship will follow
Sat. Dec. 20 6:00 pm Church Family Pot Luck Supper
and Christmas Program “The Night the Animals
Talked”. Bring a generous dish to share and your
own place settings. Dessert and beverage provided.
Mon. Dec. 22 7:30 pm Living Nativity presented on the
Tues. Dec. 23 9:00 pm front steps facing East Church St.
Wed. Dec. 24 7:30 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
10:30 pm Special music in the sanctuary
11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
St. John’s United Church of Christ will be the host for the 35th Annual Community Christmas Celebration being held at Eden United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 pm. It will be a service of Scripture, carols and special music. Gifts of non-perishable food and cash donations for the Eden/North Collins Area Food Pantry will be received. At the close of the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments.
CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL MUSIC
Any music played for our Worship Services should be sacred in intent. If you wish to play special music during either of the two Christmas Eve services, please see anyone from the Music Team (Jeanette Benson, Pastor Glen Hardman, Roz Warren, and Michelle Munro) by Sunday, December 7. The accompanists need two weeks notice for any special music to be played.
All Women Of the
Eden United Methodist Church
are cordially invited to
A Christmas Tea
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Bring your favorite tea cup and an angel and enjoy an evening of friendship, music and Christmas inspiration
Tickets are available
(no admission fee)
Call Diana Graovac or Chris
in Church Office (992-4211)
Limited Seating
CENTRAL CITY CAFE SOUP KITCHEN:
A mission for serving
We at EUMC have made it a mission to assist serving the less fortunate once/month at Central City Cafe soup kitchen. We only need 2 or 3 people each month to fulfill this wonderful mission which is the 3rd Monday of the month. We could car pool to the destination at AME Zion church, 174 East Eagle St., Buffalo, NY. We arrive at 10:00 a.m. and work preparing and serving the meal for about 200 needy people. We then leave at 1:00 pm. You will be blessed and we know Jesus (no doubt) is pleased also.
MARK THESE DATES: Monday, December 15
Monday, January 26 (please not this date change due to Martin Luther King day)
A sign up sheet on the Narthex bulletin board will be available soon.
Thank you, Judy Heiler, Gloria Nedimyer
Everyone is invited to our Christmas play:
"THE NIGHT THE ANIMALS TALKED"
on Saturday, December 20
at 6:00 pm Potluck dinner and 7:00 pm Play
Bring your place setting and a dish to pass and enjoy the fellowship. Then watch as our young people tell the Christmas story from the animals' point of view. A special visit by Santa will conclude the evening. There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec 20 at 10:00 am. Additional shepherds and angels are welcome to join us at the rehearsal and performance.
55th ANNUAL LIVING NATIVITY
A very special part of our Christmas celebration is our Living Nativity presentation. This year’s 55th presentation will also be a very special one as we share the joy and love of the Christmas story with the Eden Community. As usual it will be done on the front steps facing East Church Street from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23. Live characters, live animals and special music are featured each evening. Volunteers are needed to portray the characters. Look for the sign up sheet in the narthex.
BELL CHOIR
Practices are every Sunday up to December 21 at 12:30 pm.
Starting in January we would like to have 3-4 more players to make a 3 octave choir. If you are interested please see me.
God Bless and Hugs, Diane Merta (Taylor)
CHURCH/CHARGE CONFERENCE
A Church/Charge Conference will be held Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm facilitated by our District Superintendent, Rev. Natalie Hanson. The purpose of the meeting is to approve the 2009 Ministry Action Plan (budget) and to elect church officers for 2009. All church members present are eligible to vote.
EDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD
The Grover L. Priess Fund has been a means of helping a person or family in time of need for many years. The fund is administered by our pastor on a confidential basis.
The primary source of income for the GLP Fund is the EUMC Christmas card. If you wish to extend “Christmas Greetings” to others in our church family, sign the Christmas card on display in the narthex – then place your donation in the basket provided. Envelopes are available for your convenience.
OFFERING ENVELOPES
The 2009 offering envelopes will soon be available in the narthex when you come to worship. Please stop at the table and pickup yours. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. Please do not use the 2009 envelopes until Sunday, January 4.
YEAR END AUDIT
YEAR END AUDIT – Books and records need to be into the church office by Friday, January 23, 2009. Submit checkbook and ledger, all accounting journals, and bank statements including December 2007 through and including December 2008, thirteen full months. Audit team includes all Treasurers providing books for audit, and will meet in the Memorial Room to commence work at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 24. Beverage and snack provided. Please reserve the 24 on your calendars. Completion due date is January 31. Thank you all for a great oh eight.
The Audit Committee
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY
Sunday, January 18 will be celebrated in United Methodist Churches as HUMAN RELATIONS DAY. It is a time to recognize and give support to the right of all God’s people to recognize their potential as human beings in relationship with each other. A special offering will be received on that day to support economic development in low-income areas and programs that reach out to troubled teens. Flyers with offering envelopes will be included in the January 18 bulletin to receive your special gifts.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE
Wednesday, January 21 – 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Be Thankful – Give the gift of life – Donate blood
CATCH THE SPIRIT DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING
The 2009 Catch the Spirit Discipleship Training will be held Saturday, January 31, 2009. Information as to times, location, workshops, cost, etc. will be shared as it is received. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. Please sign up in narthex by Jan. 11.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
There will be no classes in December. Classes in January will be January 11 and 25.
FAMILY MINISTRY
Keep your calendar open for January 11 we will be having a snow scripture sculpture contest. We will also be having a chili cook-off. I am in search of a few judges for this contest. Please contact me ASAP so that I can sign you up for duty. You will be responsible for all the tools you need to create your sculpture. The theme for the sculptures is scripture or bible story. The more people we have the more fun it will be. We will supply hot cocoa and snacks after our fun. We will have prizes for the most creative, If I can get a general idea of how many people will be there it would be great. I am always open for new ideas of things to do.
The men’s group and family ministries are also planning a bowling afternoon on January 18 at the Eden bowling center. We are having a “Camp-in” in February as well as a March Scavenger hunt. We have been having a wonderful time with this ministry bringing people together for fun and fellowship. So consider coming out and joining in some of the fun with us.
FROM THE FLOWER LADY
The new sign up book for 2009 is on the table in the Narthex along with the old one. I will no longer be using a flower chart, since this past year the sign up book worked so well. In order to maintain the quality of our flower arrangements, you will notice that prices will be higher this year. The florist is feeling the pinch of higher prices like the rest of us. One-sided arrangements will now be $18.00, two sided arrangements will be $23.00 and vases will be $18.00.
Dates for altar flowers are first come first serve. If you have special dates you would like to reserve, please do so as soon as possible. I will not sign up any flowers in advance unless I am asked to do so in person. For those of you who are out of town reading this that request flowers during the year, please contact me in advance. Email Chris at the church. There is room for at least two families to have flowers each Sunday. Should a date come up where the two spaces are filled, I can most likely accommodate a third arrangement. There are other options we can use to make sure you have flowers. The more flowers, the more beautiful we have the altar for God! Thank you so much, Michelle Munro
2009 CALENDARS
The 2009 Calendars are now available in the narthex and on the kiosk outside the church office. Please help yourself. A big thank you to Laing Funeral Home for supplying the beautiful calendars.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
We have a large supply of Christmas Cards with a photo of the Sanctuary lined with poinsettias. They come in boxes of 20 cards for $5.00.
See Chris Raduluff (992-4211) in the church office if you are interested.
2008 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2008 financial statements will be sent out in early January by Beth Campbell, financial secretary. If you have any questions about your statement, contact Beth.
2009 FINANCIAL PLEDGES
It is still possible to make a Financial Pledge for 2009. Forms are available at the church indicating a weekly or monthly amount. These pledges enable the Finance Committee to plan for the necessary expenses of our church. Regular giving makes it possible for the church treasurer to pay for these expenses as they are due.
PSALM WRITTEN BY DAWN QUESENBERRY
God called on my heart to and share this with my EUMC family:
My dear gracious God and Lord my Savior,
We are at a crossroad here at Eden UMC, we know You are with us and trust in You and Your ways. We are lost sheep at this point and time and look to You to bring us back into Your fold. We only want to do Your will and trust in what You direct us to do. Send us direction that will show us what is best for Your will to be done. Your love surrounds us and You embrace us with Your grace. We are all sinners looking for forgiveness that can only come from You. We do love You God and want to show that love in what we say and do. Our actions can speak louder then words, and we need to be reminded of that from time to time. Thank you for Your great love for us Lord it will shine through in what we do. I see the light and I follow where it leads me, there is a rainbow waiting to shine through the clouds that we see at the present. You are our foundation, on You all things are built. Please do not give up on Your people Lord, shed Your grace on us and help us to accomplish what is Your plan. Let Your love shine through and bless Your people as only You can. We are Your people Your sheep awaiting to be guided to the next journey, we listen for Your voice alone, we block out those who try to distract us in other directions. Bring us back into Your fold, we are lost and weak without You. We need You Lord, we want You Lord. Always! Love, Your people
WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS
Now that we are in the winter season, please regularly check the Church's web page at: www.edennyumc.org to see if an activity is canceled. We will update information as needed. In the event a Worship Service is canceled, please check the web page and/or any of the local TV channels WGRZ [2], WIVB [4] or WKBW [7].
NOVEMBER WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
November 2 119 November 23 135
November 9 123 November 30 125
November 16 132
Average attendance November 2008: 127
Average attendance January – November 2008: 106
MEN'S NEWS
The Retired Men’s Fellowship meetings will be on Tuesday, December 9 and January 13 at 9:30 am.
UM Men’s football gathering will be at our church on Sunday, December 14 right after church in Fellowship Hall. Men and boys of all ages are welcome. Sorry girls! Pizza, wings, soft drinks provided. Look for a signup sheet in the narthex soon.
The Living Nativity is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23. Mike and Laura Forster are the coordinators. Watch for a signup sheet in the narthex.
The next Men’s dinner is scheduled for January 13 at 6:30 pm.
We are having a bowling outing on January 18 at 2:00 pm. Bowlers pay for cost of games, $2.75 per game. Shoes, pizza, soft drinks are provided. Sign up sheet will be up soon in the narthex. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year’s Greeting from the UM Men. Mike Quesenberry
WOMEN'S NEWS
Merry Christmas
THANK YOU to Linda Hock and crew for their untold hours of planning and preparing, to the Mosaic Circle for the delicious homemade applesauce, and to all who worked and supported the Election Day Dinner. Approximately 606 wonderful meals were served. This is the biggest source of funds for our Eden United Methodist Women’s budget.
The United Methodist Women extend a big THANK YOU to Vicki Wysocki for chairing the Bazaar and to ABetty Hill and all the booth chairpersons and helpers. The event was a success because of all the planning and organizing as well as the time and talents shared by our men, women, youth, and Santa.
THANK YOU also to Bev Hyatt and the Friendship Circle for heading up our participation the Bon Ton Community Day. It was a bit more challenging this year, being on the same day as the Bazaar, but with pre-sales, Friday night and Saturday evening, there were many options available.
We hope you are joining us for the Christmas Tea on December 8. What better way to get in the spirit of Christmas than joining with friends and sharing stories of your favorite angel over a cup of tea, while listening to the special music and stories of the season. If you do not have a ticket, please contact Diana Graovac to see if any are still available. There is no charge.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW! Baking may be getting old, we’ve certainly done our share this Fall, but what is new and exciting is that we have been asked, and of course accepted, with pleasure, the responsibility of providing dessert for Christmas Dinner at Central City Café. We are asking for 20 cakes. Since we cannot guarantee the return of your cake pan, please use a disposable pan. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex and more information in the Sunday bulletins as to when we need them at the church.
Coming up in early 2009 is the Installation of Officers on January 11 and the UMW General Meeting February 2 with a program on the Kathleen Mary House – a transitional house for victims of domestic violence and their children, located in the Southtowns.
Next Board Meeting – January 5 at 7:30 pm
We invite and encourage all women to participate in all of our activities. And don’t forget to stay warm and curl up with a good book from our Reading Program (located in the library) during the frosty winter months.
Peace be with all of you this Christmas and in the coming year. Dawn Zopp, EUMC President
United Methodist Women Calendar of Events
Mon. Dec. 8 7:30 pm Christmas Tea
Sun. Jan. 11 11:00 am Installation of Officers at Worship Tues. Jan. 13 6:30 pm UM Men Dinner Meeting
LOOKING FOR COOKIE BAKERS!!
New Life Circle will be making 80 Christmas cookie boxes to give to the Eden/North Collins food pantry to give out. We sure could use your home made cookies as there are only 7 members in our Circle. If you can help - we need them for Monday, December 15 please let ABetty Hill know. Thank you.
Circle Meetings for December/January
Mosaic Circle –
Dec. 8 7:30 pm Christmas Tea
Jan. 7 7:00 pm Program: Take down the Chrismon tree
and discussion of book #1
Devotions: Laura Forster
New Life Circle – 7:00 pm
Dec. 15 Program: Christmas Cookie Boxes for
the Ecumenical Pantry
Jan.12 Hostess: Dawn Zopp
Program: Blanket Service Project
Friendship Circle – 7:30 pm
Dec. 15 Hostess: Judy Heiler
Devotions: Carol Lewis
Refreshments: Christmas Cookies
Program: Christmas Cookie Boxes for Seniors
Jan. 19 Hostess: Janet Vice
Devotions: Dianne Caldwell
Refreshments: Diana Graovac
Program: What Every Women Should
Know About Her Home
Alice Hines Circle –
Dec. 16 2:00 pm with Louise Hickman Circle
Tea at Lillian Brenner’s home
Jan. 20 10:00 am Hostess: tba
Program: That The World Should Know
Louise Hickman Circle –
Dec. 16 2:00 pm Hostess: Home of Lillian Brenner
Program: Tea with Alice Hines Circle
Jan. 26, 12:00 pm Hostess: Gloria Nedimyer
Devotions: Ivadel Williams
Program: Book Review
CUTLERY ITEMS
Cutlery items (butcher knifes, knives, pizza cutters, food chopper, servers and peelers) are available for sale from Dorothy Mackey or other members of the Louise Hickman Circle.
JAMMERS FOR JESUS
Jammers has had a population explosion! We now have 13 puppeteers, 5 who are new, plus a new assistant, Jeff Glaser. You never know what God has in mind for your ministry. He has certainly sent a loud and clear message that this ministry should continue.
We have changed our practice nights to Sunday which seems to be working very well. The time remains the same 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Unfortunately we will not be taking any new members until spring. All parts have been assigned to the end of the year and the ministry will not be performing or practicing for the months of January, February and March. Kids are usually busy with plays and musicals in school and Carol goes south for the winter.
December 21st during Sunday School Jammers will be presenting "Our Favorite Christmas Carols". This is a musical review of familiar Christmas Carols done to a new beat. The program will be about 40 minutes and have an audience participation ending. We also will be serving a snack and beverage after the show. Come to Sunday School for this fun time.
Our last performance will be at the Christmas Eve Family Service at 7:30. It’s a great time for the kids and young at heart to hear our message. That the Savior has come!!!!!!
On a final note I would like to offer a special thanks to all of you that have helped this year with this ministry. It takes a lot of supervision, transportation, creativity, making of props and sewing of clothes and many encouraging words with keep this ministry moving along. We could not have done it without you. God bless you all! Carol Brodie
YOUTH GROUP NEWS!
Meetings are on Wednesday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm for all youth who are interested. We’d love to see you! New faces are always welcome anytime!
Thank you to all who helped with our cookbook fundraiser! The money that we made helped to offset our costs to attend the youth Fall Gathering in Rochester.
What’s going on…
‘SOUP’ER BOWL SUNDAY! Are you ready for some football? Get ready for ‘Soup’er Bowl Sunday; it’ll be here before you know it! The youth will be holding their annual soup sale immediately following church on Sunday, February 1. We will be serving Chicken Noodle, Beef Vegetable, Potato, Chili, and Corn Chowder. Quarts will be sold at pre-order for $5 and at the door for $6. Get that corn chowder you may have missed at the Corn Festival! Eat in will be available at no cost, donations appreciated.
This is our biggest fundraiser and fellowship event of the year, and we can’t do it without your help! (Our church family has always been so generous!) Below is a list of the ingredients we’ll need if anyone is able to donate them, or money toward their purchase. Anything at all would be GREATLY appreciated! All ingredients are needed in the kitchen for cooking on January 31.
4 bags frozen green beans 10 lbs of beef
10 cans kidney beans 24 cans tomatoes diced (16oz)
2 cups chili powder 1 bottle Worcestershire Sauce
2-10oz Tabasco Sauce 1 can tomato juice
paper napkins 300 6 lbs grated cheddar cheese
60 lbs potatoes 12 cups butter
60 large onions 15 bunches celery
5 lbs flour 3 lbs bacon, white pepper
3-gallons ½+½ 2 gallons whole milk
12 cloves garlic 10 cups beef broth
20 lbs carrots 2-cup beef flavored base
12 bay leaves oyster crackers
12 cans tomato soup 4 loaves French bread
6 cooked turkey w/broth 3 bags noodles (homemade style)
32 quarts chicken broth Basil and Parsley
large instant hot chocolate 2 large instant lemonades
*We’re also in need of quart jars for those who wish to take soup home. Please save your jars! There’s a box next to the mailboxes to collect them.
††† And as always, please join us for good food and fellowship after church on February 1st! †††
THREE KINGS DAY – The Asbury Shalom Zone traditionally celebrates this holiday with the community by passing out gifts and serving food to about 300 people. It will be celebrated on a Saturday in the beginning of January and our youth are excited to be providing some extra hands. Keep watch in the bulletin for more information as it becomes available.
LIGHTING OF THE WAY – Do you love seeing the candles twinkle in the snow as you come up our church’s driveway on Christmas Eve? What better way to set the stage for our beautiful service! If you’d love to see this tradition continue, we need help in collecting plastic gallon jugs. Please start saving now, as Christmas will be here soon.
If you have any questions, see the new leaders:
Liza Pope
Nicoal and Liz Quesenberry
“But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:18
MISSION MOMENT
CIA CHRISTMAS CAROLING:
On Tuesday, December 9, we will have our annual Christmas caroling outreach. We will meet at Hamburg Presbyterian Church, 177 Main St. at 6:30 pm. Groups of 6-10 people will then go out to group homes in the community for the developmentally disabled. We will carol in these homes then share in fellowship and refreshments with the residents. Our hope is to reach approximately 10 local homes to share Christmas joy. All ages are welcome and singing talent is optional.
Please call Judy or Vern Heiler, if you are able to carol or if you can make cookies for this event.
THANKS: Thanks to everyone for your prayers for me and the other participants of 8 Days of Hope in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. We had over 1,400 volunteers doing clean up, demolition, electrical, plumbing, insulation and drywall work on over 155 homes. The value of the work surpassed 2 million dollars. Most important was the chance to share our Christian Faith with the many volunteers and the home owners. Many of the home owners had become discouraged, and hopeless of completing the required repairs to move back into their home. 8 Days of Hope gave them and the area volunteers the boost they needed to carry on and recover from the disastrous flooding they experienced in June of this year. The next mission of 8 Days of Hope will be in the spring in the Texas hurricane area. Vern Heiler
KATANGA CONFERENCE:
We have now taken on a new mission to help the people in the Katanga Conference in Africa. We want to assist in obtaining scholarships for a nursing education. It only takes $600 to provide a four-year education at United Methodist School’s. Currently there is only one nurse for every 30,000 people. Please see anyone on the mission team or leave a donation at the church office or offering plate.
Also we would like to help in well building. Water is the source of life. Without clean water, disease and death run rampant in communities. In Congo, many women and children walk several miles each day in search of even dirty water.
Alora & David Gross, Mission Coordinators
THE RECYCLE DUMPSTER
Please: NO phonebooks, cardboard, refuse, food containers, pizza boxes, etc. – ONLY newspaper, catalogs, magazines, mail and paper.
REPEAT the SOUNDING JOY!
Advent means beginning, and the season of Advent, the four Sundays prior to Christmas, anticipates the joy of the coming of the Christ child. It serves as the beginning of the church year, so, as Christians, we spiritually celebrate the new year prior to Christmas, not just during our Gregorian calendar’s “twelve days of Christmas” from December 25 to Epiphany on January 6. This year, more so than any year in recent memory, our Eden United Methodist congregation has cause to look to the Lord with the greatest joy and thanksgiving in our hearts. Join us in this season, from November 30, the first Sunday of Advent, through Epiphany on Tuesday January 6. “Come and see.” With those words Jesus invited two of John’s disciples to follow him (John 1:39), and Philip, in turn, invited Nathanael (John 1:46). They came and they stayed and they followed. Who could have guessed that year 2008 would wreak such devastation on our economy, our nation, the world, and upon ourselves? Hurricanes blew and markets crashed. Banks failed and dreams were dashed. Governments struggle and cultures clash. “Where is peace?” one might ask. It is here in church with our Lord and Savior. “Come and see.” No matter your circumstance, rest, reassurance, forgiveness, healing, all are here; all with the Lord, and with no other; all in his power. All free. “All ye, all ye in come free.” Jesus says to you today, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Together we are strong, and at Eden United Methodist Church we feel a growing strength. The bills are paid. We seek to serve. We will divide funds from our Advent coin folders this year among three purposes: 1) Toward a clean water mission in Katanga. 2) Toward our Sunday School mission helping Primera Iglesia serve the needy in Buffalo. 3) Toward our Trustees for a fire safety upgrade of our own church kitchen.
Separately, our Administrative Board has authorized opening of a Capital Improvements savings account at the United Methodist Development Foundation to accumulate funds for future payment of major improvements and repairs to our church buildings and grounds. Hallelujah and thank the Lord for these blessings! Your support helps. The more support we receive, the lighter the burden on all, and the more we can accomplish together. If you did not complete a Support form for 2009, one is included in this newsletter. Please join the unending throng. And may these holidays and all of your days be spent in the JOY and PEACE that comes only through faithful belief and following of Jesus Christ.
Yours in Faith, Eden UMC Stewardship and Finance Teams
HAVE YOU REMEMBERED YOUR
CHURCH IN YOUR WILL?
As a Christian you are a trustee of God-given gifts including the blessed gift of your own life. God planned it. We should plan our giving by leaving a gratuity when our life ends. Many Christians provide through planned giving. A bequest to Eden UMC in your Will can benefit both the church and your family. If you would like information about wills, estates and planned giving, please call the church office at 992-4211.
LOST
When we moved from Eden in l983, we donated to the church a three dimensional plaster portrayal of the Last Supper within a gilded gold frame. At that time it was hung in the Conference Room and is now missing. It measures a good 24 + inches by a little over 12 inches by 5-6 inches wide. It was given to us by Rev. Lynn Bugbee in 1959 before he left EUMC. This is a very unique framed 3-D picture and has great sentimental, monetary and sacred value! Your assistance is needed to find out what happened to it. If you have any knowledge as to its whereabouts, please, please call the Church office. Thank You.
Joseph S. Hering
PARISH NURSES
We are looking for more nurses to help with parish nursing. Any nurse is welcome to join. Call Debbie Longbine.
CHURCH DOORS
Please call the church office (992-4211) in advance if you need to get into the church before 9:00 am, Monday – Friday. The doors are not always unlocked before that time.
PRAYER CHAIN
The Prayer Chain for our church includes both telephone and e-mail groups. You may become a part of this important prayer ministry by contacting the church office (992-4211), or ABetty Hill.
Prayer requests can be made for any joys and concerns. If privacy is desired, names can be withheld and prayers will be requested for “a someone special.” Call Pastor, church office or ABetty Hill with your prayer chain message. No one knows what the day will bring, but if we are fortified spiritually, we are prepared for whatever may arise.
WORSHIP TAPES
Cassette tapes of the Worship services are made each Sunday. Contact the church office if you would like to borrow any of them. After two months the tapes are recycled. Thank you to Garrett Gross, Tim Schnaufer and Jake Carias who care for the sound system and make the tapes.
DISTRICT AND CONFERENCE NEWS
The Western New York Conference website is an important resource for all United Methodists. It has conference and district news, calendar, event information, resources and more. Bookmark the site at www.wnyumc.org.
The Conference website is also the site for the Niagara Frontier E-News. It is posted weekly and can be accessed by subscription at www.wnyumc.org/stay_connected.asp
IMPORTANT NOTICE
A federal law greatly restricts the disclosure of patient information by hospitals. As a result, the pastor and church office may not know that a member of the church has been admitted to the hospital. If you are hospitalized and want to notify the pastors, it is important that you (or a family member) inform the church office as soon as possible. Call 992-4211 (church office) or 992-3586 (parsonage).
PARKING REMINDERS
We are asking everyone to be extra cautious and considerate in our parking lot. Spaces for handicapped parking should be left for those needing them. The area under the portico should be open for dropping off and picking up passengers. The driveway next to the kitchen and Fellowship Hall and under the portico should be open in the event they are needed for emergency vehicles. THANK YOU! The Trustees
SILENT PRAYER
The church sanctuary is open for silent prayer and mediation. Enter the building through the education wing. Check the church calendar in the bulletin or newsletter for the scheduled activities.
OFFICE MAX
OfficeMax has a new way for us to get money back for returning ink and toner cartridges as well as cell phones (much more varieties are excepted this way also). We have a recycling kiosk located in the hallway outside Fellowship Hall for collecting, and then we send them to OfficeMax in postage paid boxes and wait for our check. Any questions please see Chris Raduluff in the office (992-4211).
ADDRESSES NEEDED
Please notify the church office of any address changes at the earliest possible time. Any newsletters returned by the post office with an address correction cost 50 cents. Families with college students or persons in the military are asked to contact the church office with a current address for mailing newsletters. This is an important outreach ministry of our church. Thank You!
CHURCH COLUMBARIUM
Our church’s Columbarium offers an opportunity for persons who wish to have their ashes inurned as a final resting place. Niches cost $750 each and can be purchased at any time. One-half of the cost is tax deductible as a donation to the church. Application forms and/or other information are available from Jackie Wenglik, Columbarium chairperson or the church office (992-4211).
REMINDER TO SAVERS
The following items are being collected for respective projects:
Coins and loose change are being collected by the Sunday School to benefit the Sunday School Mission. Use designated coin cans or your own container and bring to Sunday School or church on the second Sunday of each month.
Box tops for Education (General Mills products) and Campbell Soup Labels and labels from Campbell products are given to the Education Program sponsored by Eden Central Schools. Place them in the specially marked container near the mailboxes in the hallway by the office.
CHURCH REGISTER
BIRTHS:
… Jonathan Denis Rice, born October 24, proud parents are David and Shannon Rice.
… Isobel Cadence Bucki, born November 3, proud parents are Jeff and Jenn Bucki, proud grandparents are Ron and Ruth Bucki.
BAPTISMS:
… Isobel Cadence Bucki, November 30.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY CHANGES
FIEDLER, JAMES and *PAM change phone number to: 1-011-86-0512-6255-2703.
CONGRATULATIONS
… to Dylan Schultz for making the honor roll for the 1st quarter at North Collins High School.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank My Church Family for all the beautiful cards they sent me and especially all the precious prayers they prayed for me to get well. With all your prayers God is seeing me through this and will make me well again.
Thank You, Marge Edwards
A big thank you goes out to all the wonderful workers who helped in all the many ways with the Election Day Dinner this past week. Without you we could never do it. Linda Hock
Thank you to everyone who gave their input on the writing of the church profile. SPPRC
to Joyce Maggs and Carol and Frank Shattuck for their help with the November newsletter. Chris Raduluff
COMING EVENTS
Thurs. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
Thurs, Jan. 1 – Fri, Jan. 2 OFFICE CLOSED
Mon. Jan. 5 7:00 pm UM Women Board Meeting
Sun. Jan. 11 11:00 am Installation of UM Women Officers
2:00 pm Family Ministry – “Snow Sculpture/ Chili Cook-off”
Tues. Jan. 13 6:30 pm UM Men’s Dinner
Sun. Jan. 18 Human Relations Day
2:00 pm Church Bowling Outing
Mon. Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Day
OFFICE CLOSED
Wed. Jan. 21 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Red Cross Bloodmobile
Sat. Jan. 31 Catch the Spirit
Sun. Feb. 1 12:15 pm Souper Bowl Sunday
Sun. Feb. 8 11:00 am Boy Scout Sunday
Sun. Feb. 15 11:00 am United Methodist Women Sunday
Mon., Feb. 16 – Fri., Feb. 20 OFFICE CLOSED
Fri. Feb. 20 7:00 pm Family Ministry – “Camp in”
Sun. Feb. 22 11:00 am United Methodist Youth Sunday
Tues., Feb. 24 – Wed., Feb. 25 7:00 pm – 7:00 pm Prayer Vigil
Wed. Feb. 25 ASH WEDNESDAY – Lent begins
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
