THE UNITED

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Rev. Keller will preach throughout the month

December 6 Second Sunday of Advent

9 & 11 AM Worship services. Communion in pews

Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6

“Prepare for God”

December 13 Third Sunday of Advent

9 & 11 AM Worship Services

Luke 3:7-18

“Repent”

December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent

9 & 11 AM Worship Services

Christmas Dinner after 11 AM worship

Luke 1:39-55 “Partners in God’s Miracle”

December 24 Christmas Eve

Preludes at 9:30 PM

Candlelight Worship at 10 PM

December 27 First Sunday after Christmas Day

9 & 11 AM Worship Services

Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52

“Trusting the Miracle of Hope”

January 3 Second Sunday After Christmas

9 & 11 AM Worship services

John Wesley Covenant Communion at the altar

Revelation 21:1-6a

“A New Heaven and A New Earth”

FROM THE PASTOR

Do you remember those great moments in which you felt yourself to be part- a significant part- of something great? Sometimes we see only as far as our noses, but at other times we are like the stonecutter who knew he was participating in the miracle of building a cathedral. I believe that Mary felt both humbled and exhilarated in the realization that she was called to be a partner with God in the birthing of Jesus. I believe that we, too, are invited to be amazed in the realization that God is also birthing Jesus in us and through us so that we can embody God’s love in this dirty, wonderful, hurting, amazing, horrific, beautiful world we share together.

Hear God say to you, “Hail (you) , I bring you good news of great joy, for in you will be born a Savior, God incarnate.” Yes, in you.

Amazed,

Pastor Dave

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS

Bridging the Generations

By the time you read this article we will have had our tea party and rocket launch. These activities were intended to bring our kids together with the rest of the congregation. In the January newsletter, we will give you an update.

New Children's Bible Study

Starting in December, we will be meeting at the home of Amy Mroz for a study of the life of Christ. The children have been working on the practice of our faith and will delve deeper into this and have some laughs, too. Thanks to Amy Mroz for her hospitality and leadership!

Sunday School

The Children of Israel are slaves in Egypt. Moses serves as God's deliverer. Joshua leads them into the Promised land. Next we are looking into Gideon and the Judges. What excitement! And the children seem able to recognize God's faithfulness and our grateful response to God's grace. What a blessing to work with these bright and contemplative children.

Advent

As we prepare for the birth of the Savior, the children will gain insight into the meaning of the Advent symbols. As we consider the hope, peace, love and joy of Advent, we want to experience these in our every day lives. The children will create a bulletin board sharing these experiences.

SPECIAL CRAFT ACTIVITY - December 13

All Children ages 5 - 13 are invited to come to SUNDAY CRAFT TIME after the Children’s Word during the GIFT Service (9:00 a.m.) in Room 201. Angels will be the theme for this Sunday. Crafts and activities will prepare us for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS WISHES TO ALL

The Staff of South Avenue United Methodist Church Wishes You and Yours a Joyous and Blessed Christmas Season.

VISIT THE ADULT FORUM

Throughout December we will continue to initiate our discussions by hearing amazing faith statements in the “Face on Faith” DVD series and also the “This I believe” statements from NPR audio tapes. Come share your self in this fellowship discussion.

SPIRITUAL HEALTH MEETS

Spiritual Health Group will meet Wednesday, December 16th, at 7 pm in the church library. Gail Harper will lead the discussion on chapter 9, Barbara Brown Taylor's book "An Altar in the World". This will be our only meeting in December.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

December 6th

10 am library

12:05 pm room 112

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER

FROM OUR NURSE

Dear Family and Friends,

On Thursday, December 10th, Life Line Screening will hold a health screening in our dining room from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. This screening makes available testing for detection of Carotid Artery Disease which can lead to stroke, Atrial Fibrillation, Abdominal Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease and Osteoporosis. For more information or to set up an appointment call 1-800-679-5192.

Daybreakers and the Women’s Ministry Tea will also be held that day, so schedule your appointment around these events.

Vicki Craig,

Congregational Nurse

ORDER ALTAR FLOWERS

FOR 2010

The Worship Ministry Team invites you to reserve a Sunday for altar flowers for 2010. You may call the Church Office to take your requests in honor and/or memory of a loved one or in recognition of a special event in the life of your family. The flowers are ordered from James Floral in Wilkinsburg. $16.00 per vase.

FINANCE REPORT AS OF

OCTOBER 31, 2009

GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET

Envelope Giving $127,684

Operating Revenue (includes

rent from PLEA and withdrawals

from interest on invested assets) 177,067

Total Income $304,751

Operating Expenses $319,461

All income vs. expenses ($14,710)

CHRISTMAS OFFERING OPPORTUNITY

We are again asking each of you to make a donation to the Christmas offering. This additional money is shared equally between Wilkinsburg Community Ministry and the Church’s General Fund. Your generosity will help defray expenses at South Avenue Church and also at WCM as they continue to provide help for the “poorest of the poor” in our local area. An offering envelope is enclosed with this newsletter.

2010 OFFERING

ENVELOPES

Offering envelopes for the coming year will be available for pickup at the Action Table beginning Sunday, December 6, or in the church office during the week. For those unable to stop by, we will be glad to put your envelopes in the mail.

END-OF-YEAR REMINDER

This is a reminder for those of you who plan to make a contribution to the church and want it recorded as a donation for 2009 (for tax purposes). Please have it mailed to us or in the collection plate by Sunday, December 20. If your contribution is for 2010, please do not submit it until January (unless it is for 2009 tax purposes).

SEND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES

Dec 4 Mr. John Steele

12014 Harvard Dr

Pittsburgh PA 15235-3421

Dec 8 Mrs. Virginia Bankson

43 Daffodil Lane

Verona PA 15147

Dec 12 Miss Sara Jane Van Ryn

Seneca Manor

5340 Saltsburg Rd

Verona PA 15147

Dec 13 Mr. John Wright

1320 Franklin Ave

Pittsburgh PA 15221-2642

CROP WALK WRAP UP

Thanks to everyone who supported the Pittsburgh East CROP walk for this year. Seven people from South Avenue Church walked the distance from South Avenue UMC to the Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill and back. SAUMC collected $1213 in direct contributions plus $225 in contributions over the web site.

The walkers were; Greg McDonald, Jan Hoener, Dave Keller, Bill Bruckman, Pat Deleonibus, Betsy Monheim, and Glenn Matteson. In addition, Skip Bowyer, Naomi Bowyer, Donna Monahan, Helen McAfoos, and Mabel Matteson helped with registration at the beginning and cookies and drink at the end of the walk.

Three of the walkers also solicited contributions over the web using the CWS/CROP web site.

Glenn Matteson

THANK YOU JANET STIVANSON!

The PPR committee would like to express our gratitude for all that Janet Stivanson does by thanking her on December 18, the date of Charles Wesley’s birthday in 1707. This date reflects Janet’s passion for both her music and her church.

If you looked up South Avenue United Methodist Church in the dictionary, you would very likely find a picture of Janet Stivanson. When asked for a job description Janet said, “The job description is really simple: play the organ, direct the choir, attend staff meetings, work with the worship team. Other things I do because I'm there with time to do them, or they support worship.” The job description may be simple, but what Janet does for South Avenue certainly is not.

First and foremost, she is our Organist/Choir Director extraordinaire to which anyone who has had the privilege of participating in the choir, listening to the choir, or watching Janet lead the music during the GIFT service can attest. Even the very talented members of our choir are in awe of her cornucopia of musical gifts. Janet brings more than her musical gifts to the choir, however, as Helen McAfoos so aptly pointed out. “Besides Janet's musical gifts, she has and uses a depth of spirituality that inspires our worship preparation. She also has the patience of a saint and a large sense of humor that keeps her willing to deal with us in the choir!”

Janet’s musical leadership extends well beyond the worship service. She has coached singers, both choir members and young church members, preparing for auditions. She produced a CD of Christmas music to raise money for the Campership Fund. She taught hand bells to the Bible School children. If a special program is needed, Janet is most likely involved. This month, she is providing the program for the Women’s Ministries Christmas Tea.

Janet’s service to South Avenue extends far beyond that which is musical. It is doubtful there is a member who has not had the good fortune of savoring some of Janet’s vegetable soup. When the GIFT service was created, Janet and Cathy Newport began searching for special cloths and candlesticks for the table that serves as our altar on Sunday mornings. Janet has lovingly continued this mission and fondly refers to it as the “liturgical department of TJ Maxx.” The Wesley Room art shows that showcase both members of South Avenue as well as members of the community exist because of Janet’s vision and willingness to see that vision through. When something needs to be proofread, or if the bulletin needs to be run when Shirley is on vacation, Janet does that as well.

Not only does Janet generously share her gifts, she does it with a faith and joy that inspires those around her. We are truly blessed to have her as integral member of the South Avenue church family.

DAYBREAKERS

Daybreakers will meet on Thursday, December 10, 2009. All men are invited to share this fellowship.

COME TO THE

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

CHRISTMAS TEA

This lovely event will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 1p.m. There will be a short business meeting and at this time the board will present its plan for giving donations to various missions. The program will be “Christmas Stories” by Dixie Tymitz and Janet Stivanson. All women of the church and their friends are invited. Please sign up at the action table or in the office.

CIRCLES

Abigail/Priscilla Circle

There will be no meeting of the Abigail-Priscilla Circle in December. Members and friends are encouraged to attend the Women’s Christmas Tea on Thurs., December 10. Our next Circle meeting will be February 11, 2010. We extend a wish for Christmas blessings to all.

Carole Mapel and Ginny Wright,

Chairpersons

Sarah Circle

Sarah Circle will not meet in December. Our next meeting will be on January 25th at 7:30 pm at the church, in room 112. Sharon Beattie will provide a program on "The Smile Train". Janet Stivanson will be our hostess.

Vicki Craig, Chairperson

UNITED DEADLINE IS EARLY

The deadline for the January issue of the United is Monday, December 14. Please leave articles in the Church Office or email them to Helen McAfoos at hm76@cornell.edu.

GETTING TO KNOW AMY A MROZ

Place of birth: Pittsburgh PA

First Job: Babysitting

Accomplishment you're proudest of: Vinnie, Sara and Nick

Dream Vacation: Travel through Europe

What you'd like to get around to doing one of these days: Learn to play guitar, also go back to my scrap booking.

Who in the world you would most like to have dinner with: Abraham Lincoln or Leonardo Da Vinci

Movie you could see any time: The Quiet Man (John Wayne)

Favorite food: Pizza or Gyros - even Pot Roast. Have a lot of favorites

Favorite type of music: depends on my mood - I like it all.

Favorite hymn: Be Not Afraid

Favorite scripture: Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men

Hobbies and/or interests: scrap booking - anything creative or active (soccer, walking, exploring, etc.)

People may be surprised to know that: I play soccer

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Because of YOU, the Women's Ministries Hot Dog Booth had the best year ever.

Marge Angus, Betsy Monheim, Betty Moeller and son Robert, Carole Mapel, Jo Anne Hardick, Mary Lou Whitezell, Mabel and Glenn Matteson, Nancy and Dean Patterson, Shirley and Frank Oratto, Kathy and Dave Keller, Nancy Hamilton, June Strunk, Helen McAfoos, Gloria Foulks, Bill Bruckman, Gail Harper and Bud Wicks.

Lots of hard work, love and laughter...ha ha. Let's do it again next year.

Gay Becket

CHRISTMAS IS COMING,

THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT!

I know we've just put the patio furniture away and taken down the screens, but it's time to decorate for Christmas. Won't you please reserve only two hours on Friday, December 4 at 9:30 to decorate the sanctuary and the Wesley Room for the upcoming season. With many hands the work is completed easily and quickly and we have a good time doing it.

JOIN US FOR

CHRISTMAS SUNDAY DINNER

At 12:15, after the 11:00 a.m. worship on Sunday, December 20, we will enjoy a Christmas Dinner together. Pat Deleonibus will cook the dinner but we need many helping hands to help in the kitchen and clean up. Please call the Church Office if you are able to help. Tickets will be available at the Action Table on December 6 and 13 or in the Church Office during the week. Deadline is Dec. 14. The cost is $7.00 for adults and $4 for children under 12.

ORDER

POINSETTIAS

Please help to beautify our altar for Sunday, December 20 and Christmas Eve by ordering a poinsettia. You may take your plant home following the Christmas Eve service to cheer a homebound friend, give as a gift or brighten your home. If you would like to place a poinsettia on the altar, please call the church office (412-371-7421) or fill out a form at the Action Table. Orders must be received by December 13.

CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS

Monday, December 21 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 24 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, December 25 Closed

Monday, December 28 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 30 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 31 Closed

Friday, January 1 Closed

Please note that when the office is closed, Pastor Dave will check his voice mail (412-371-7421 -*300) regularly for messages.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

December 24, 2009

Embrace the light of Christmas while listening to music beginning at 9:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. Our candlelight service of Lessons and Carols will begin at 10:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS

GREETINGS

You may distribute your Christmas Cards to your church family using the “Mailbox” located near the Action Table. You are encouraged to contribute a monetary gift representing the amount of postage money you saved in the collection box of the “mailbox.” The proceeds are for the CAMPERSHIP FUND.

CHRISTMAS POPS CONCERT FEATURES HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Sunday, December 6th

Favorite holiday music (both sacred and popular) will be presented by South Avenue’s Chancel Choir’s very personable and talented musicians. This joyous and light-hearted evening has become a welcome annual tradition. It is a perfect way to experience the many blessings of Christmas, and a wonderful opportunity to invite someone you know to share an uplifting evening at South Avenue.

All concert-goers are invited to a 5:30 p.m. “Do It Yourself” covered dish dinner prior to the concert. This means that you bring a meat, vegetable or salad dish and your own table service. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Dessert will be served after the concert. This ALL CHURCH ACTIVITY is being hosted by South Avenue’s Young Elders Fellowship. Come and bring a friend!

THE CHURCH

CLOSET

The Church Closet was opened for the second month on Nov. 14 with enthusiasm and many more happy shoppers than on our opening month in Oct. Word is getting out and our electronic sign and sidewalk board as well as some posters around town have helped.

Please keep your great donations coming! Shoppers are impressed with the condition, (clean, good repair and stylish) selection and price. (free) Please contact Betsy Monheim if you have donations at 412-731-4574 or bmonheim@aol.com The next time the Church Closet will be opened is Dec. 12 from 9:30 until 11:30 in the church dining room. Feel free to come on down and do some shopping yourself.

COMMUNITY MEALS NEED

FINANCIALSUPPORT

It is good to see so many members of our congregation sharing the end of month meals with people from the community. We want our neighbors to feel welcome and under no pressure to pay for the meal when their resources are short at the end of the month.

We have suggested that members who would like to help support this ministry may put money in the worship offering plate and designate it for that purpose. As we face declining donations and increased costs, we are asking members who stay for lunch to consider donating $5 for each meal they receive. We who can afford these meals can help support those who can not.

FREE WEATHERIZING

FOR YOUR HOME OR APARTMENT

On Martin Luther King Day (January 18, 2010) Americorps personnel will be here in Wilkinsburg to offer their services to weatherize the homes of senior citizens or families. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for this free weatherizing, please contact Pastor Dave.

HAVE LUNCH WITH

OUR NEIGHBORS

On December 27, we will again be hosting a free breakfast at 8 AM (before the 9 AM worship) and a free lunch at noon (after the 11 AM worship). We are hopeful that these offerings will enable us to engage more of our community in ministry and hospitality. We thank Jan and Jeff Hoener for cooking breakfast.

NEXT MOVIE IS

THE SECRET GARDEN

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

1:00 p.m.

The Secret Garden (1993): This film tells the story of a young girl, Mary, who is sent to live with her English uncle in a dark and gloomy castle, after being orphaned by an earthquake in India. Her uncle is a cold and distant man, still mourning the death of his wife 10 years ago. Left mostly alone, Mary soon makes two exciting discoveries: First, she finds a secret overgrown garden. Next she finds a sickly young cousin, who has been told he must stay in bed at all times. Aided by a local village boy, Mary and her new friend work hard to bring the garden back to life. Then a decision is made which dramatically changes several lives. This movie stars Kate Maberly, Heydon Prowse and Andrew Knott.

Refreshments will be served and a short discussion will be held after the film for those interested. Donations of $1 will be accepted. Two lunch opportunities are now available on “movie day.” Some folks will be getting together to eat at Panera’s (Penn Center) at 11:15 a.m. Others will be bringing their own lunch and eating in the Wesley Room at 11:30 a.m. You are invited to join either of these two groups for a time of fellowship. This movie ministry is a community outreach program. Come and bring a friend!

Coming Attraction:

Shadow of a Doubt (Alfred Hitchcock) - January 5, 2010

UMCOR ALERT!

Our next project will need MANY "hotel-sized" bars of soap. Anyone who will be traveling can help by bringing back some of the small soaps that they may not need on their trip. Please leave them in the office marked for UMCOR and we'll be on our way to another opportunity to be of service to others around the world--this time helping mothers and newborns!