December 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Tell the Story Again

     One of the real gifts I received when I became a Methodist was the observance of the church calendar. I learned that, for centuries, Christians marked the passage of time in an alternative manner to that of the secular culture. Instead of counting by months, we count by seasons – Lent, Pentecost, Epiphany, etc. – some of which vary in length according to a complicated formula having to do with the phases of the moon. Our year begins with the season of Advent, a four-week period of preparation before Christmas.

     It took me a while to understand what the Christian calendar was trying to do. The changing colors of the church vestments, the particular themes and hymns, all serve the purpose of telling the story of Jesus. Instead of starting at the birth of Jesus, we begin by observing a season of anticipation in Advent, experiencing the longing for the promised Messiah. Then we remember events from the life of Jesus, such as his baptism and transfiguration, until we come to Lent and the remembrance of his suffering and death. Then the celebration of Easter ushers us into the season of Pentecost and the awareness of the continuing presence of God with us through the Holy Spirit.

     Living through this calendar repeatedly, year after year, we continue to be shaped into the image of Christ – just by the way we tell time! It’s a wonderful gift and a journey that we begin anew this month.

Sermon Titles & Texts

         January 4         The Life of the Party

                                     Epiphany Sunday                               

            January 11      The High Cost of Baptism

                             First Sunday after the Epiphany

            January 18      An Ambitious Agenda

                             Second Sunday after the Epiphany

        January 25      God on a Bus

                             Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 14

11:00 a.m.

 One of the highlights of our year, our combined choirs will bring us into the spirit of Christmas with a variety of selections from different composers. They will be accompanied by an inspiring orchestra including our own Mark Bicket (bass) and William Funk (percussion).

 This presentation is made possible thanks to proceeds from the Rippeto Christmas Music Endowment Fund founded in 2001 in memory and in honor of Dr. D.L. and Celeste Rippeto by their children.

Please note that our 8:30 worship service will also be held this day with our regular order of worship. 

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Communion Services

Wednesday, December 24

4:00 & 6:30 p.m.

On this holy night, we will hold two services with carols, scripture readings, prayers, and a sermon on the Christmas story. The services also include the building of a live manger scene with the characters entering the sanctuary to anthems from our choir. We will then share the Lord’s Supper and flood the sanctuary with candlelight as we sing Silent Night and Joy to the World. You will want to make this meaningful service a part of your holiday celebration.

United Methodist Women

The United Methodist Women of Crown Heights put our Faith In Action to reach our goals for 2003. Our UMW unit focused on becoming deeper involved in missions for children, youth, and women. We were able to raise over $2,500 in the pumpkin patch, and $600 at our spring brunch. With these proceeds we will be able to become even more involved in our missions in 2004. Thanks to all that helped us reach these goals.

If you would like to become involved in missions for children, youth, and women, join our UMW fellowship. Contact Susie Wallace at 524-1204 or Charlene Jones at 524-5075. We meet once a month. Tuesday groups meet in the morning or afternoon. Thursday groups meet in the evening.

Reminder: Executive Committee meeting, Wednesday, December 5, 5:30 p.m. in the Crown Heights Café.      

Children’s Ministry

by Mary Altizer

We are going to send out calendars to the parents during the very busy times of the year. In between, please look at the parent's bulletin board in the children's hallway to find out what's going on.

As we are growing, the staff and volunteers, along with the Children's Council, will be making a few changes. We are wanting to make things more uniform and structured so that everyone knows what is going on, for safety and educational reasons, and to accommodate a larger number of participants. We will try to keep everyone informed by mailings, postings, and articles in the trumpet.

December 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Pageant and cantata rehearsal. We need parent helpers for this so please call Mary or George if you can help.

December 14 – Children sing in the cantata. Children need to be in the sanctuary by 10:00 a.m.

December 21 –  Children's pageant. Please contact Alyssa and George if you have questions regarding your child's part or costumes.

 Transitions

 New Members

 Coy Remer joined by transfer on November 4.

 Ann DeGraffenreid joined by transfer November 9.

 Frances Zisman joined by transfer November 9.

 Ed and Julie Armstrong joined by transfer and profession of faith on November 16.

 Baptisms

 Zachary Armstrong and his sister Claire were baptized on November 16 with Reverend Newman officiating.

 Sophia Alex Davies was baptized on November 23 with Reverend Newman officiating.

 Deaths 

Helen Johnston passed away November 5. Her services were held at Hahn-Cook Chapel on November 7 with Reverend Newman officiating.

Memorial Gifts

 MEMORIAL FUND

 In memory of Bill Peavler

S. Sanbar

In memory of Marjory Saied

John and Marsha Funk

Youth News

by Coy Remer 

The month of November was an exciting one for the youth group (no matter what they say)!  We went to a Blazers hockey game and enjoyed an evening of bowling.  

 All this month in Sunday School we will be discussing the socio-economic and political motivations behind the two different gospel accounts of the Christmas narratives. That makes Christmas sound oh so fun doesn’t it? 

The youth will also be doing a progressive dinner to celebrate the season in fellowship and fun.

 Hope to see all the youth there!

 Peace

                                                         
This Month In Worship

Luke is the featured gospel in this liturgical year and what a story he has to tell around the birth of Jesus. The Scripture lessons for the season of Advent take us through a range of emotions. We’ll hear the stern message of John the Baptist, rejoice with Mary and Elizabeth on their approaching births, and then welcome the Christ child once again into our world.

Music Ministry

by George Massey                                        

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL CELEBRATIONS

 A very special thanks to the Chancel Choir, Orchestra, Handbells and combined Children's Choirs for your inspirational contributions to our Christmas Musical presentations last month. We do appreciate the many hours you all contribute to the Music Ministry of Crown Heights and look forward to 2004!!

REHEARSAL WEATHER ALERTS:

If any rehearsals are cancelled due to inclement whether, please call the church during business hours at 524-8428 or George at home 524-9318, there will be a message on his home answering system.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!! 

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