Reflections
December 2012
First United Methodist Church
of Waverly
“People of Faith, Reflecting God’s Love”
14410 FOLKESTONE STREET • WAVERLY NE 68462 • 402.786.2625
[email protected]
www.fumcwaverly.org
December Meetings
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Education Committee - will meet on Thu,
Dec 20 at 7:00 p.m.
First We Have Coffee will meet Sat, Dec 15
for brunch at Loveknots Coffee Shop in
Piedmont. Meet at the church a 9:30 a.m. to
carpool.
United Methodist Men will meet on Sun, Dec 9
at 8:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Lon Hoppel will
provide breakfast. We will share Christmas
memories. All men are welcome. Bring a guest.
United Methodist Women will meet on Sat,
Dec 1 at 12:00 p.m. for a Christmas Luncheon
Church Council will meet on Tue, Dec 18 at
7:00 p.m.
Circle Meetings in Dec
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Rachel Circle will meet on Tues, Dec 4 at
7:00 p.m.
Esther Circle will meet on Sat, Dec 8 at
5:00 p.m. at Shelly Johnson’s home
Ruth Circle will meet on Thu, Dec 20 at
11:30 a.m. at Wanda Mandigo’s home.
Naomi Circle will not have a regular meeting
in December
Eve Circle will meet Mon, Dec 10 at
6:30 p.m. at Lynn Wallasky’s for a potluck
supper and white elephant exchange
Sarah Circle will be attending the Christmas
Letters program at Capitol City Christian
Church on Sun, Dec 2 at 2:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS WISHES
“Every time one reached out to
another, that is Christmas”
(unknown)
Reviewing one’s life on a yearly basis is
a humbling experience. As we reflected over
this past year, visions of Lenten Services,
Special Music Sundays, Easter Sunday,
Confirmation Sunday, Vacation Bible School,
Festival of Tables, Worship on the Green,
BBQ, 4th of July events, Mission trips and
many more events dancing in our heads. We
have laughed and cried together, shared joys
and concerns. You have given us so much and
we are very thankful that God has placed us
in Waverly.
Our Christmas wish for you, our
church family, is that Christ might be born
into your everyday life. That the joy of this
season will live in your hearts always.
Merry Christmas
& Happy New Year
the Wallasky's
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LETTER FROM THE REV.
I shared this with you last year and believe it is worth repeating. It combines the Mystery and the Hope
of this season. It was gifted to me from a friend and college Rev. Fred Richart, during a weekly Lectionary
group years ago. It is a wonderful poem/psalm that deeply reflects the meaning and anticipation of this season.
As you read “An Advent Psalm”, I invite you to read it many times and in many ways. Read it fast and read it
slow. Read it all at once or one line at a time and drink in its rich flavor. I enjoy the psalm not only for the
ways it speaks to me but how it came to me, as a gift in the midst of my everyday routine. For me, that’s how
Christmas comes, when we least expect it, in the midst of the cold, gray, wintry days of our lives. Enjoy.
Shalom,
Rev. Jim Wallasky
An Advent Psalm
Awaken, my heart,
God’s reign is near;
the Peaceable Kingdom
is in my hands.
If the wolf can be the guest of the lamb,
and the bear and cow be friends,
then no injury or hate can be a guest
within the kingdom of my heart.
Eden’s peace and harmony will only return
when first, in my heart,
there hides no harm or ruin,
for the Peaceable Kingdom is in my hands.
Isaiah’s dream became Jesus’ vision:
“Come, follow me,” Emmanuel’s echo rings.
“Reform your life, recover Eden’s peace,”
for only then will salvation appear.
For Advent’s dream is the healing of earth,
when the eagle and bear become friends,
the child and the serpent playmates.
Arise, awaken, my heart,
the Peaceable Kingdom
is in your hands.
3
First United Methodist Church, Waverly
Financial Report
October 2012
Budget Income
Budget Expenses
Total
$193,554.23
($190,092.80)
$ 3,461.43
Building Income
Building Expenses
$43,945.00
($45,000.00)
($ 1,055.00)
Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are now in the season of Advent, preparing for the
Mystery of Christmas, the birth of Emmanuel in the world and our lives. As we enter our finial stretch
of 2012, the question I have been asked, “How much do we need to finish out the year”? And “Do you
really think we are going to get all our bills covered?”. The short answer, “In the past we have. If we all
pull together, we will!” The reality is this: as of November 26, 2012;
Building Fund:
General Budget:
Mission beyond the Local Church:
Total:
$10,055.00
$46,473.00
$32,103.00
$99,092.00 needed for Nov & Dec.
As of 11/26 Income, General Budget:($20,310.00)
As of 11/26 Income, Building Fund: ($ 4,525.00)
Total
$63,796.00 needed to complete 2012
This seems like a daunting task. However, as a general rule, December offerings are double a
normal fall months offerings, which is about $22,000 or $44,000 doubled. That leaves just over $19,796
that is in serious question. There are several important IF for this to happen. First IF, those who are
current or behind on their pledge will fulfill your pledge for 2012, and IF those families who have not
contributed yet this year could step up and give $100 to support your church and the mission of Christ
Jesus our Lord in our community and world. As a pastor, I am very proud of the mission and ministry
the Waverly United Methodist church provides. You are feeding the hungry through the Community
Food Bank, teaching our children about God’s love through Sunday School and the Wednesday after
School CCF, offering Family Assistance financial, spiritual and more.
Shalom,
Rev. Jim Wallasky
Would You Like Someone to Talk to?
Al Blankenship has been busy doing visitations. If you would like him to
come by to talk or pray with you, please feel free to contact Al at 402-786-2773
or call the church office at 402-786-2625 and we will call him for you.
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UMW Events:
UMW Responsibilities for December:
Special Events: Sarah Circle
Christmas Luncheon Responsibilities:
Devotions and Program: Rachel Circle
Dining Room: Sarah Circle
North Meadows Event: Ruth Circle
Sales: Eve Circle
Kitchen: Esther and Ruth Circles
UMW Officers for 2013
This is my last article as UMW President.
The new President is Deb Humphrey. Here is a list of other UMW officers:
Vice President: Pat McGill
Secretary: Sue Maguire
Treasurer: Michele Kelley
Secretary of Program Resources: Judy Hoy
Mission Coordinators:
Spiritual Growth: Eileen Lindahl
Social Action: Pat Yahnke
Education & Interpretation: Lisa Sedivy
Membership, Nurture & Outreach: JoAnn Dexter
Submitted by Sandy Blankenship, UMW President
December Christmas Luncheon Reminder!
Have you made your reservations for Saturday, December 1st Christmas Luncheon? Whether or not
you are a member of a circle, we’d love to have you attend our annual luncheon. It’s a great event with
wonderful food, fellowship and entertainment. Bring a friend or family member and start or renew a rich
holiday tradition.
The luncheon begins at noon with a delicious meal prepared by our members. We’ll have items for sale
(barbecue sauce, cookbooks and much more). The officers for UMW will also be installed.
The program will be provided by the choir from School District 145 Intermediate Building. The theme
will be “A Cup of Christmas Tea.”
If you are a circle member, let your circle leader know so she can turn in the count for your group.
Otherwise, just call the church office and reserve for you and any guests you might bring (402-786-2625). The
cost is only $6 per person. Hope to see you there!!
Submitted by Sandy Blankenship, UMW President
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Donations for Epworth Village
UMW is again organizing a Christmas donation box for Epworth Village. Below is a list of the items
Epworth has identified as needing the most at this time. They need to have 20% of their budget donated, so
anything we can provide helps. Epworth provides services to boys between the ages of 8 and 21 years and
grades 1-12.
They currently need: Paper towels, Toilet paper, Napkins, Boy’s
boxers (not briefs), Men’s boxers (not briefs), Shampoo, Deodorant
(men’s solid), Body wash, Belts for Men size 40 & bigger, Men’s
sweatpants (large & XL), Jeans (size 34 & 36’s), White poster board,
Small electronic/handheld games, Wireless composition books,
Antibacterial hand soap and Baseball mitts
They currently have enough: Facial tissue, Toothbrushes or Toothpaste,
Quilts, Markers/colored pencils/crayons, Bars of soap and Socks.
Please bring any donated items to the church by December 16th so donated items can be delivered prior to
Christmas. Thanks for any assistance you can provide. Questions can be directed to Sandy Blankenship
([email protected] or 786-2773).
Submitted by Sandy Blankenship, UMW President
Adopt - A - Family
The holiday season is quickly approaching and so is your opportunity to help
out a family that needs your giving heart. The church is planning to “Adopt-A-Family”
through the Waverly Dare to Share Foundation. Please consider this as your way of
being a People of Faith, Reflecting God’s Love.
Please watch for more information coming about the families we are adopting and
how you can help!
Submitted by Shelly Johnson
Softly, Christmas
Walk softly
As you go through Christmas,
That each step may bring you
Down the starlit path
To the manger bed.
Kneel reverently
As you pause for Christmas,
That you may feel again
The spirit of the Nativity
Rekindled in your soul
Talk quietly
As you speak of Christmas,
That you shall not drown out
The glorious song of angels
With idle talk and merriment.
Rise eagerly
After you have trod
The Christmas path,
That you may serve more fully
The one whose birth we hail.
Margaret Bundy Moss
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Join us For the Christmas Program
Sunday, Dec 16 @ 11:00 am
“A Family Christmas” by Dennis & Nan Allen
is a worship celebration for all ages in scripture
and song. It will include Sunday School classes from
Preschool - 5th Grade, Jubilee Ringers (middle school),
youth narrators and soloists, the Praise Team, and the
Sanctuary Choir.
Rehearsals for all children and you will be Saturday, Dec 15th
from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
HO! HO! HO!
We will be accepting donations for Christmas presents for
Pastor Jim and Lynn as well as the church staff (Nancy, Wanda,
Kathryn, Dawn and Tom (custodian)).
I will be available at the early services or you can give your
donation to any Staff-Parish Relation Committee person. They are:
Audrey Johnson, Doyle Brunssen, Bill Bevans, Linda Hix, Denny
Bellinger and Carl Humphrey.
Thanks for support of the First United Methodist Church of
Waverly, the pastoral family and all of the staff.
In God’s Name We Pray,
Al Blankenship, Chairperson
December Choir Schedule
2
9 AM
Chalice
11 AM Sanctuary
9
9 AM
Celebration Ringers
11 AM Sanctuary
16
9 AM
Special Music
11 AM SS Program - Carol/Merry Ringers
23
9 AM
Praise Service/Sanctuary
11 AM Praise Service
Christmas
Eve, 24
5 PM
Sanctuary
30
10 AM
Sanctuary Ensemble
8 PM
Solo / Ensemble
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Christmas will soon be here!
The last order for SCRIP gift cards will be placed on Sunday, December 9th for delivery by Sunday,
December 16th. Please make sure you place your order and submit with payment before Sunday, December
9th.
Need a last minute gift? SCRIP gift cards will be on sale each Sunday
between services through Sunday, December 23rd with a limited number of gift
cards on hand for immediate purchase. Stop by and see us at the SCRIP table in
the narthex on Sundays or you can stop by the Church office during regular
weekday hours to purchase cards.
Submitted by Gale Schiermann
SCRIP Note:
Thanks to all the buyers of SCRIP cards. In October, we made $114.14
toward Camp Scholarships.
submitted by Loa Folts
Happy Holidays
December Ushers:
2:
9 AM
9:
9 AM
16:
9 AM
23:
9 AM
30:
Randy Colton, Bob Folts,
Lon Hoppel
Wendell Hutsell, Randy Schiermann,
Wayne Trout
Dixi Wellman, Rusty Wellman,
Dan Landon
Don Bley, Jim Dyson, Brian Johnson
11 AM Duane Heiden, Linda Steiner
11 AM Kevin Miesbach, Andy Miesbach
11 AM Sarah Wilson, Linda Steiner
11 AM Brian Thompson, Doyle Brunssen, Russ Kraft
10 AM Rick Van Gerpen, Marv Lambie, Linda Steiner
Liturgists, Greeters and Coffee-Bar Duties are needed . If you can help, please sign the log in the Narthex or notify
Pat McGill at 786-3876. Thank you.
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50 Years Ago--1962
Seattle held a World's Fair, the US was in the early stages of involvement in the Vietnam War,
John F. Kennedy was President and dealt with the Cuban crisis, a computer the size of a suitcase was
predicted to emerge within a decade, the Rolling Stones were just getting started and Waverly United
Methodist was building a new church.
The featured picture this month is from the
ground breaking ceremony for First United Methodist
of Waverly, held August 5, 1962. We'll be celebrating
the 50th Anniversary of moving into the current church
on April 28, 2013. Mark your calendars!
Submitted by Sandy Blankenship
2011 - 2012 Sunday School Teachers
Please turn in your Script gift certificates (you received them this
last May) to be redeemed by 12/30/12. Thank you!
Phyllis McGill’s 90th Birthday
Card Shower
She will be turning 90 years old on Dec 11, 2012.
Please help her celebrate by sending a card to:
1111 S 70th Street, #312
Lincoln, NE 68510
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Dear Snow Removers:
Thank you for helping remove snow around the church, keeping our many
activities in full swing. Below is the 2012-2013 revised schedule. Each date listed
will go from Sunday at 00:01AM through the following Saturday at 12:00 PM
If you have questions, please call Duane Heiden at 786-5135.
Submitted by Duane Heiden
DECEMBER
Week of 12/02/12
Don Bley
786-2489
Week of 12/09/12
Harlan Hoy
786-5165
Week of 12/16/12
Lonnie Johnson
789-7865
Week of 12/23/12
Wayne Trout
786-3773
Week of 12/30/12
Russ Harms
786-3913
JANUARY
Week of 01/06/13
Don Bley
786-2489
Week of 01/13/13
Harlan Hoy
786-5165
Week of 01/20/13
Lonnie Johnson
789-7865
Week of 01/27/13
Wayne Trout
786-3773
FEBRUARY
Week of 02/06/13
Russ Harms
786-3913
Week of 02/13/13
Don Bley
786-2489
Week of 02/20/13
Harlan Hoy
786-5165
Week of 02/27/13
Lonnie Johnson
789-7865
MARCH
Week of 03/03/13
Wayne Trout
786-3773
Week of 03/10/13
Russ Harms
786-3913
Week of 03/17/13
Don Bley
786-2489
Week of 03/24/13
Harlan Hoy
786-5165
NOTE: Do NOT put any salt on the new Drive Up.
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November Prayer Requests
Prayer Concerns:
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Terese Johnson recovering from appendectomy
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Dyson Miller prayers for healing - Pat McGill's brother
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Jeannie recovering from heart attach & triple by-pass surgery - Nancy Solsaa's aunt
Kathy Wilkinson had a massive heart attack on Wed, Nov 7 and quadruple by pass on Fri, Nov 9
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Shelley Wilson healing after serious car accident - Kathryn Haverkamp's friend
Steve Lewis lives in Plattsmouth, NE, still battling colon cancer - John Lewis' father
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Terese Johnson recovering from appendectomy
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Uncle Greg had a stroke - Cindy Miesbach's uncle
Prayer Joys:
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Veranda Johnson - National Debater
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Congratulations to Alyssa Pracht and Lindsey Van Arsdall for being chosen for All State Band!
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Way to Go Girls Volleyball Team! Made it to State! Took 3rd Pace in Class B!
In Sympathy or Remembrance:
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Please take a moment to send your prayers to the family of Edna Bell, who passed away on
Saturday, Oct 27th. Her funeral was held on Wednesday, Oct 31st. Our hearts go out to you all.
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Our condolences go out to Charles Sundermeier as he deals with the passing of his mother, Doris,
on Wed, Nov 15th. Please keep him in your hearts and prayers.
The Worship Committee would like to send out a small reminder to
those who cannot make it into church for Communion but wish to have
Communion, to please call the church office and let us know. We would
love to set up a time to come see you.