CHRISTMAS AT GARFIELD

Happy Birthday Party -- On Dec. 15th at 2 pm the kids will practice their parts and songs  for the Christmas Service at the church at 3:30 there will be a "Happy Birthday Jesus "party for all the kids at the church. Following the party, approximately 6:00pm the movie, "Evan Almighty" will be shown downstairs for the entire congregation. The movie utilizes the story of Noah.

The Children's Christmas Service will be on Dec. 16th. It will include vocal solos, instrumental solos, group songs, several short skits (Wise Man, Innkeeper, Shepherds, and Mary’s Letter) and a play reflecting some modern day people's attitude of what Jesus should be doing. The latter is called,"Jesus Claus" and has about 8 characters. Several congregational hymns included.  Following the service parents and friends will join in fellowship over food prepared by the GUMC Ladies. All are very welcome

Caroling: -- Also in the evening of December 16^th at 6:00 both King’s Kids groups and any interested adults will go caroling to the nursing homes and also to Blue Mt. Estates in Smithsburg.

Blue Christmas Service --December 19th at 7:30 pm at Garfield – Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many members of our congregation and community. A Blue Christmas Worship Service recognizes the difficulty that we sometimes face in the midst of personal struggle and tragedy during the holiday season, and turns our eyes upon Jesus. This will be a joint service between the churches of our Charge and we will be inviting other congregations in our community. Please see Pastor Katie if you are interested in helping.

Adult Choir Christmas Cantata: -- On December 23^rd the Adult Choir will present the cantata entitled “The Colors of Christmas” under the direction of Sandy Lewis.  When we see the many Christmas decorations we also see the many colors of Christmas and this cantata celebrates many of them, from the silver and gold to the green of the Christmas tree to the red of the blood that will be shead for our salvation.  This cantata incorporates many of our Christmas favorites and a few lively tunes that will really get you ready for the
coming birthday of Jesus.  The cantata will be presented during the worship hour.

Christmas Eve Service: -- On Dec 24^th early in the afternoon a Christmas Eve service at Garfield, 2:00.this service is especially for those who want to worship on Christmas Eve but cannot get out later in the day.  This will be an informal service with Christmas song singing and sharing the Christmas story.  There will be another service at 11:00 p.m. with communion to welcome Christmas Day.

The Board of Child Care (BOCC) is an agency within the United Methodist Church that is dedicated to ministering to the needs of troubled children and their families.  The BOCC takes care of kids by providing some long term places to stay and schools they can attend while there, as well as sponsoring children for adoption and day care.  It is a unique ministry dedicated to helping kids and families in their greatest time of need.

Each year, we participate in a special offering to support the BOCC.  Children have special Christmas stockings they can save loose change in for the offering.  Envelopes are provided for adults to give. Please pray and help with this offering as best you can.  Every penny makes a difference to help a child.

 

---Submitted by Pastor Katie

Mission Trip – Interested in going on a mission trip this year? High School and College Students who are interested keep an eye out for a meeting in January to pick a place and a date.

 

FAMILY Mission Trip – Serving the Lord, side by side with your spouse, parents, and children. What could be better! Pastor Katie is looking for a few willing families to embark on a family mission trip this summer. We are looking at a trip of about four days, close to home, and have activities for children of all ages.  Worship and family Bible Study included. If you are willing to let the Lord transform your family though service, please see Pastor Katie for details.

 

Women’s Bible Study Continues  

Please see Pastor Katie for details on study group that meets twice a month. This month we will be meeting on December 1^st and December 15^th. If you have suggestions for a new study book for the New Year, please pass them along!

 

Let's Say Thanks -- Xerox is saying thank you to our soldiers serving currently in Iraq. Visit the website www.LetsSayThanks.com and pick out a card drawn by a child. Next, add the message you would like the card to say from a list of pre-written notes or write your own. Finally, sign your name and home town. Xerox will print out the card (once they have a good number to send) and give it to a member of the armed forces. It takes a few minutes, but just might change the day of a soldier who is fighting hard to protect our county. Let us say thanks, and remind these men and women that they are in our prayers.

Dec 31 New Years Eve Watchnight service at Garfield, 8:30. the service will include singing, fellowship with covered dish snacks and desserts, and a worship service at 11:30. bring a friend and a covered snack dish to share, and Happy New Year!

 

 

 

Hershey Park Trip: -- On Dec. 27th the older children will go to Hershey Park to enjoy the beautiful fairyland decorations and have fun on the park rides. Adults may go also.

Snow Tubing: -- The King’s Kids snow tubing trip is being planned.  It will be held at Ski Liberty in Fairfield PA.  The details are still be worked out so look for more information in the January newsletter and your bulletins.

 

 

One Simple Visit

Something that never ceases to amaze me is the idea of a simple visit. Just to go visit someone, whether they be in the hospital, at their home, or even in the grocery store, can make all the difference in a persons day. Think about the visits you’ve made lately. I can’t imagine going to anyone’s home and not being welcome to come in. Sometimes when I visit and I’m trying to be quick, I’ll try to keep myself by the door. But that hardly ever works because I’m always invited to come in, have a seat, and stay awhile. Lots of times while I’m there I’m offered a snack, a dessert, something to drink. Sometimes I’m even offered a whole meal! Sometimes we are laughing, some visits we might be crying together, almost always we’re praying, and in some sense we are lifting one another with our company and fellowship together. Some folks I visit we go out to lunch or breakfast. Some folks are confined to a bed or a room. Some folks I just run into and we stand wherever we are and catch up as we share. But whatever the place or time may be, one thing is sure. I’ve never had a visit with someone where it didn’t seem to help them in their day. And I never had a visit with someone where it didn’t bless me in my day as well. Just a simple visit! That’s all I’m talking about! But wow, what power there can be in that. No matter if it’s for ten minutes or two hours. No matter if the reason is for fun or fear, laughter or looking after someone, tears or tea, a simple visit always makes a difference! If you don’t think so, consider the greatest visit the world has ever known.

This visit took place about 2000 years ago. The visit was from God! Jesus came all the way from heaven just so he could visit the earth, and you and me. If you think it’s hard getting out of your nice Lazy boy chair and leave the TV for a little bit to visit, think of what Jesus had to leave, and not for just an evening. He left a perfectly wonderful home, left his Father, his throne, the angels adoring him, and he came here. A not so nice place sometimes, a place filled with hatred and evil, a place where most did not like him. He left a throne to come to a stinky little hay trough that he lay in as a baby. He left a place where everyone loved him and came to a place where only a few cared about him. Yet he came. Jesus came to visit us in the flesh because he knew a telephone call or an email just wouldn’t cut it. He knew that even a prophet’s proclamation or an angel’s cry wouldn’t do. He came because he knew only a face to face, personal, sit and spend some time visit would make the difference. He came because he knew to be with us would show us who he really is, and when we saw who Jesus really is, we would fall in love with him and want to be with him forever. In order to make that relationship a lasting thing, while he was here, he died on a cross for us, and rose from the dead so we can live with Him forever. What a visit! 

You see, that’s Christmas. God came to visit us. He came to spend time with us and be with us. We saw him, some touched him and talked with him. And for all who made a little time to be with him, when he visited us, it made our day, and in fact he changed our lives forever. And the best news is, Jesus is still visiting anyone who wants to have him come by.

Oh yes, you can have a visit from Jesus this Christmas. Here’s all it takes. Instead of worrying so much about the Christmas tree, think more about Jesus as he hung on a tree to pay for your sin. Instead of worrying so much about your gifts, think about Jesus as he offered himself so you could have God’s gift of salvation, and then give yourself, your life, as a gift to Him. And finally, instead of worrying so much about all the other Christmas cards, send a card to Jesus, from your heart, inviting him to come, visit, and stay with you forever. My dear friend, to know that Jesus has not just visited but has come to stay, that is Christmas! Prepare for Jesus visit, and may you have the merriest Christmas ever!

 

Christmas at My House

It is not Christmas at my house until I have hung all of my Christmas decorations. I know that it can seem foolish that a strand of garland or a few candles here and there could get my heart ready for Christmas, but it is true. There is nothing like opening up the ornaments box and placing each one delicately on the tree. There is something about hanging strands of Christmas lights that makes my heart begin to light up with Christmas joy.

But the Christmas decorations are not complete until I begin to put out my nativity. It is kept year round in the ugly green cabinet given to me by my great-grandmother. Pulling the nativity out from its place among my fragile things, makes the holiday season begin far more than a Macy’s parade or trip to see the mall Santa. No, it is that nativity that begins the real story of Christmas come alive in my heart.

My mother collects manger scenes, so growing up as a child; my home was full of them. Picked up on travels across the globe, or given to her by her students, made for her by her family, each one is beautiful – even the one made of Lego’s.  Every year as she set them out, the most important piece would be missing – the Baby Jesus. My sister Maggie and I would hunt for them. Looking beyond the presents hid at the back of Mom and Dad’s closet, through the kitchen cupboards, and under piles of dirty clothing in our brother’s room. We would search and search for the Jesus pieces. In all of our hunting, we never found them. And almost with out warning, there they would appear, Christmas morning. Each Christ Child with its set – the one from Honduras in perfect place, the glass Christ Child glimmering with Mary, and even the Lego child with the other Lego pieces. It was a special gift.

So as a new mother, I too continue the tradition. I prop Eden up on my lap and place the pieces, telling her about each one.

“Here are the Kings, the Wise Men,” I begin. (As I tell her of their travels, she begins to drool). They were willing to go far, to search wide. They were willing to be humbled, bowing down in the dirt to worship a Child. Are we willing? Are we willing to travel far and search wide for the Christ? Are we willing to be humbled?

“Here are the lowly shepherds, who were watching their flock,” I continue. (She grabs a sheep and tries to put it in her mouth). As I tell of the angels who came to them, who beckoned them, I wonder if she is really listening. Are we listening for the chorus of angels in our mist? Can we hear their calls in the midst of the holiday noise?

“And here is Joseph, a willing man,” I explain as the story continues. ( Eden has now dropped the sheep and looked away after something shiny). As I tell her about his faithfulness, of his obedience, I place him with the others. Would I be willing to endure the shame in Christ’s name? Are we ready to trust the faithful people God has placed in my midst?

But it is with Mary that the story gets harder for me, at least this year. As I look into her wooden face, I know that she knew. She knew that this child, her child, was the Christ Child. She knew what scripture had promised, she knew what was to come. As I hold Eden even tighter, the words of Mary have become even harder for me to say. “And she told the angel of the Lord, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, may it be with me as you have said.’” What faith. What a witness. Knowing that the child in her womb, the boy in her arms, the man she followed, would have to die so that she might live. As I place Mary next to Joseph, I give thanks. And so should we all.

I give thanks that Mary was willing. I give thanks that Joseph trusted. I give thanks that the shepherd’s heard. I give thanks that the wise men traveled to worship. And I give thanks that our God loved us so much, that He sent His ONE AND ONLY Son.

This Christmas may we search out the Christ Child, even it means we have to look under piles of dirty clothing, through the kitchen cupboards, and beyond the Christmas presents.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas season!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Katie

(P.S. No, I am not telling where our Baby Jesus is hidden! But I am SURE that Eden won’t be searching the house this year!)

 

Income	2006	2007
Month	7568	7369
YTD	83602	82151
Expenses	2006	2007
Month	9374	7800
YTD	80329	92063
Sunday School/Missions	2006	2007
Sunday school	237	219
YTD	2218	1890
Missions	0	218
YTD	5626	6276
Attendance	2006	2007
Worship	395	309
YTD	4085	3500
Sunday School	118	91
YTD	1110	838

 

In order to accommodate more physically impaired people of our church and community, the trustees have added a few more handicapped parking spaces to our parking lot.

The trustees ask that everyone be take note of the location of these new spaces and only park in them if you have a handicapped parking designation on your vehicle.

 

 

MAKING FAITH REAL: TRY THIS AT HOME –

With your children, talk about the importance of faith. Share that knowing that Jesus Is our Savior is the key ingredient to helping us have a meaningful life. Take a simple recipe for bread (one you have or try ours!). Double the recipe, planning to make one with yeast and one without. Have your children help to mix the ingredients into two separate bowls, and help them note the difference. Does the bread mix without the yeast look different than the one with it? Maybe not now, but wait until the bread bakes. Bake the bread in the oven (at the same time if possible). Read Matthew 13:31-33 and ask: “What happened to the dough without the yeast? What do you think Jesus means when He says that the Kingdom of God is like bread that has yeast?” Talk about how the love we have for Jesus can grow in our hearts if we remember that He is the key ingredient in our lives. Remember, when we have the love of Jesus, love abounds! 

SIMPLE BREAD RECIPE (plan about 1.5 hours to make)

Ingredients for one :

5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat flour for 1 or 2 cups).
2 tablespoons of dry yeast                                2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt                                               2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees IF.)

A cake pan of hot water                                   A mixer (if you choose)

Instructions: Mix 3 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar and salt.  Pour in the hot water and beat 100 strokes (or 3 minutes with a mixer). Stir in the remaining flour until the dough loses its stickiness.  Turn onto a floured surface. Knead for 8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a warm damp cloth.  Let rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot (away from drafts).  Punch down and divide the dough into two pieces.  Shape into round loaves and place on a greased baking sheet.  Cut an "AX" one-half inch deep in each of the loaves with a wet sharp knife.

Place baking sheet with loaves in the middle of a COLD oven.   Place a pan of hot water on the lowest shelf.  Heat the oven to 400 degrees and bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown.

 

The heartfelt Christmas tree

                There is a special Christmas tree

            That lives within the heart.

            It isn’t pine, and can’t be bought

            At any store or mart.

             Each branch holds some fond memory

            Of joyful Christmas cheer,

            Reminding us of those we love

            And always will hold dear.

            The gifts beneath this Christmas tree

            Are stacked up very high

            With kindly deeds of thoughtfulness

            That one could never buy.

             The Heartfelt Christmas tree expands

            Through every passing year

            With lovely gifts and blessings

            Having come from far and near.

            Atop this tree a star shines bright,

            While angels sing God’s praise;

            Rejoice! The Christ-child’s Love is shared,

            And blesses ALL our days.

—Peggy Ferrell