The Messenger
(The publication of the Effort United Methodist Church for December 2012)
BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS!!
God made a promise…. Faith believes His promise….. Hope anticipates its fulfillment….. And Patience quietly
waits…..
This my friends, is Advent.
Advent
Our Vision:
“The purpose of Effort United Methodist Church is to know, love and serve God as a unified Christian
community, inviting others to become deeply committed followers of Jesus Christ!”
_____________________________________________________________________
The Pastors Page
Dear Friends,
There is a word used at Christmas time that expresses one of the greatest mysteries and promises of the Christian Faith, and is
expressed through a number of passages of Scripture, in the historic Creeds of the Christian Church (which can be found in the back of
our hymnal) and within many of the Christmas carols we sing. That word is the “Incarnation.” We believe that God was “incarnate”
or “made flesh” in the person of Jesus Christ to reconcile us to God. In Adam Hamilton’s book The Journey: Walking the Road to
Bethlehem, he has one of the clearest descriptions I have read of the mystery of the Incarnation:
“In the Nicene Creed of A.D. 325, the church said that Jesus was ‘begotten’ by the Father, and at the same time, by virtue of God’s
direct role in ‘begetting’ Jesus, he was ‘very God of very God.’ God’s essence, the ‘stuff’ of God was conjoined with human
flesh. For this reason Jesus could say, ‘When you have seen me, you have seen the Father.’ Paul could write, ‘He is the image of the
invisible God…in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” (Colossians 1:15, 19) … In Jesus, divinity entered humanity; the
Creator of the universe walked among us through the Son…’”
You can see this also in the beginning of John’s Gospel which begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:1, 14a NIV) Even if you
watch the family favorite TV special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” you will hear the first verse of the Christmas carol, “Hark the
Herald Angels Sing,” written by Charles Wesley (the brother of John Wesley who started the Methodist movement). In the second
stanza of this beloved carol, we sing about the Incarnation:
“Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord. Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s
womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity. Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel (God
with us).”
What does the incarnation have to do with us, with you and me? Paul tells us in his letter to the church in
Philippi: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to
death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV) And as Linus puts it, “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Merry Christmas everyone! Pastor Robin
ALSO PLEASE TAKE NOTE…..
CONFIRMATION CLASS : For youth ages 12 and up or who are in the 6th grade this year. The classes are underway and will
be held every other Sunday with Confirmation Sunday being May 19th 2013, The Day of Pentecost.
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The “JOYFUL NOISE” of December!
(Jingle jangle jingle… I can hear those buckets ring! We are giving from our joyful hearts, all can hear how our hearts sing!!)
Dec. 9 & 30 World Service Fund: This Mission Arm of the United Methodist Church includes: 1. Developing Christian Leaders
2. Creating new churches and renewing existing congregations. 3. Engaging in ministry to the poor. 4. Stamping out killer
diseases by improving health globally (Nothing but Nets)
Dec. 23 Our Pastor's Discretionary Fund: Pastor Robin uses these funds for family emergencies upon request and at her discretion.
Financially Speaking
*****Presently there are no reports to be viewed in the narthex. Eventually questions can be directed to Lisa Magill, Lisa
has been working very hard (putting in lots of time) at getting all the numbers and columns to line up and is doing a great job!
WE ARE COMMITTED TO A BALANCED BUDGET!!! We are making headway in this area and are praying for continued
divine guidance as God leads us in the stewardship of all that he has given us at EUMC.
MINISTRY, MISSIONS & OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE!
(Many hands make light work and bring Joy to others!)
Caring for the children: The response for servants to cover the nursery during the 11am service has been wonderful and we are so thankful to those
who have chosen to serve in this way. We are always willing to have new people help out so that the time can be divided up among many. A sign up
sheet is on the Welcome Center. Updated clearances will be needed and forms for the same are also on the Welcome Center. Please call the
Church office for more information at 570-629-1890.
It’s SNOW time! There’s no business like snow business, like no business I know… (yes…. you have to sing it) In case
you are living under a rock and missed it, we did have our first accumulative snow fall and although beautiful, alas, it had to be
removed from the door ways, walk ways, steps and parking lot. UGH! We are putting together a rotating schedule of volunteers
for snow removal (Can you dig it! Uh, oh…. Page 2 and I am starting with silliness already… sheesh!) Saturdays the food pantry is
open at 9am and we have service at 5pm. Sunday we have services from 0830-11am and will need snow removal especially on those
days. Please contact Wendy at the office if you would like to join the snow removal team. Thanks in advance for keeping the walks
cleared and stairs safe at EUMC! If you ask me the whole thing is just a little bit flakey… Tee! Hee! Hee!
Dec. 16 The Ministry Of Helping Hands:
is a local mission project sponsored by the Mission Team of the church. We help with chores that
are getting more difficult to do or ones that you could use a little help doing. The tasks could be washing windows, cleaning gutters,
changing storm windows for screens, helping clean closets even cleaning up the limbs from the ice storms. Volunteers are also
welcome to join and share their talents God has blessed them with. God calls us to use all our hands in mission and ministry. For more
information please call Joyce or Marv Aylsworth at 570-643-3334
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Cultivating Generous and Thankful Hearts Ministry
(It is all about the 5 loaves and two fishes in action…
action…..)
2 Corinthians 9:11-- You will be made rich in every so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your
generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
(Exactly! God is so darn smart!)
PASTORAL CARE TEAM
(caring for His flock….because we and He love “ewe“)
*************THERE WILL NOT BE A MEETING SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER.***************
Stay tuned, however because we will set up a meeting for Jan. 2013!!!
Our next project will be putting together cheer baskets as needed , if you know of someone who could use a little cheer please let the
team know!!! We are continuing to do meals , visits and cards of support and encouragement. We continue to work with Ken Edwards
on Saturday mornings at the food pantry. So as you can see we are busy little bees buzzing with joy and look forward to continuing
our work of bringing a smile and a littlejoy to all !!!
For more information ,please call Dee Juris @ (610)681-8217. Thanks & Happy, Healthy , Holidays, God Bless!!!
IT’S TECHNICAL
(Tech Team Ministry)
The technical ministry has been a great blessing to the church and for those who serve. If you have questions or comments
please direct them to Rocky Johnson in the cave, or by phone (570-619-5482) or by email at ([email protected]) We still have a
need for the Saturday evening service, prayerfully consider serving…. We know there are more “techys” out there!
THE GARDEN OF GIVING
(Located off route 715, 4 miles from WAWA in McMichaels Hillside Terrace on the right Hillside drive)
Anyone with a desire to help their neighbors in need and has an hour or two to contribute can call 570.402.1282 or email for more
information.
‘TIS THE SEASON FROM THE GARDEN OF GIVING
“Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...”
Norman Wesley Brooks ," Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976
The Garden of Giving has concluded another successful growing season and would like to thank everyone who contributed time,
money and/or supplies. Without the help of the many volunteers and supporters, it wouldn’t have been possible to give nutritious,
fresh produce and eggs to help feed 700 families each week. The needs of the Garden and our less fortunate neighbors are still great,
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and we would like to ask anyone with time and/or money to spare if they can help us continue this mission. ‘Tis the season of holiday
cheer and giving, and any help that could be provided is a great way to spread the holiday spirit.
Below is just a partial list of the Garden of Giving’s needs:
• Volunteers for the office, website, and open board positions.
Office supplies, from paper clips, to pens, to copy paper and toner cartridges (Cannon 220 & 221, HP 27, 61 & 22, black &
tri-colored).
• Postage and envelopes.
• Office equipment, including a calculator, digital camera, and pencil sharpener.
• Gift cards from feed, hardware, office supply and general stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply Store, Staples,
Walmart, Kmart, etc.)
• Chicken supplies, from feed to straw to egg cartons.
• Supplies for Monroe Career and Technical Institute, who start the beautiful plants that provide the incredible produce, such as
seeds, starters, biomix, etc.
• Garden supplies and farm equipment.
• Specialized services, such as electricians, engineers, small engine and farm equipment maintenance mechanics & repair
people, landscape architects, plumbers, etc.
For a complete list please contact the Garden of Giving at 570.402.1282 or email [email protected]. Happy Holidays
and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all!
•
“May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.”
Author Unknown
Prayer Shawl Ministry:
Our prayerful team of shawl makers is working diligently to meet the needs of those who are in need of shawls. Please, if you
know someone who would benefit from one of these beautiful shawls, give the name to one of the members. It is a warm and
wonderful way to feel wrapped in the love of God. Information is in the Narthex. Check us out~ This busy, busy, busy
group has produced and given away close to 1000 shawls! (YUP! I did write 1000 and it made my fingers hurt just typing it! )
LOL!
The UMW met on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 in Wesley Hall. Speaker Cathy Wells (Out of my Gourd, and she really is….) gave us a
wonderful presentation on her decorative gourd making and had many of her designs there to share with us.
Plans were finalized for the Christmas Ladies Nite Out on Dec. 10, 2012 at 6:30 in Wesley Hall. All the ladies of the church are
invited along with their guest. Cost is $15.00 which should be paid by Dec. 1st to Dee Juris or Kay Charbonnier. Checks should be
payable to EUMW. Guests are asked to bring 2 dozen Christmas cookies to exchange and a $5.00 gift exchange (Mr. Right game). Of
course this is optional for all guests.
On January 8th or 9th we will be making soup to sell which benefits the General Fund of the church and on Feb. 9th we will be
holding a Spaghetti dinner which will also benefit the General fund. March 5th or 6th we will again make soup to sell.
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The UMW will be presenting a check at the Ad council meeting which represents the profit from the Pork Dinner and Soup sold that
nite. Many thanks to Carol and Dave Esdale and all the volunteers that made that dinner possible.
We began working with Church Women United as suggested by Pastor Robin. The ladies will vote at the January meeting to become
official members of the group. We are the first church from the West End to partner with them. Dec. 1st Tonya Robinson and Kay
Charbonnier will attend their Christmas Luncheon.
Kay Charbonnier,
President, EUMW
Upcoming events of the UMW: See Mark Your Calendar!!!
All funds the group raises through a variety of events are used to primarily support the ministries of the church. The 2012 program
booklets are available in the narthex.
Supplemental Food Resource Center
AKA- SFRC
“Feeding those in need in the West End region of the Poconos”
A Ministry sponsored by EUMC
This ministry is an outreach serving the communities of Effort, Gilbert, Kunkletown, Kresgeville, Brodheadsville, Saylorsburg, Sciota and
Albrightsville. The Lord inspired us to help feed families going through emergency or other short term situations who are not eligible for local,
county or state programs and is limited to an 8 week duration per family. We require a valid drivers license or state ID with address proving
residency in the West End. Our hours of distribution are EVERY SATURDAY 10am -12 noon and we are located at the Effort UMC
Merwinsburg RD, Effort PA 18330
***The SFRC is always in need of volunteers, monetary donations, food donations and drivers for food pick up***
See Mark your calendars for dates and times of up-coming activities
Christian Education
(Getting into God’s word and staying there is good for the mind, body and soul!)
Building the body of Christ is essential to the growth and well being of the church, its people and its ministries.
There is only one way to keep building something up… you have to keep at it with disciplined fortitude, consistent persistence, and
with an attitude of gratitude for the wonderful word of God! Now that’ s what I’ m talkin ‘ bout! WHOOP! ;-P
The Seekers Bible Study group meets the second Monday of the month at 10am in Friendship Hall. Contact person is
Don Bonett 610-681-8807
Hope to see you there.
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Mark your calendar for these special events!
December is a busy busy month for us all so get your calendar updated asap! You don’t want to miss a
thing!
St Nick Project: Certainly this has become a popular tradition, and on Saturday, December 1st, at
6:00pm we will be hosting our sixth annual Community Christmas Dinner and Carol Sing! Come out
and join in the fun! (Spoiler alert!! I believe there will be a very special guy there….)
Pleasant Valley Choral Society is having their annual Holiday Concert Saturday Dec 8th 7pm at PV HS
Auditorium and Sunday Dec 9th at 3pm. Tickets are $8.00 at the door. For more info call 570-620-1570.
The Children’s Choir: Will be having a Christmas Program on December 15th at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary.
Dec 15th – Christmas Caroling to Nursing Homes
December 21st Christmas cantata at St Matthews Kunkletown 7:30pm
December 22nd Christmas cantata at EUMC 7:30pm
Grief Support Group
Loss is a universal event, yet grief is an individual experience. This is the philosophy of the Grief Support Group offered in the West
End . The group explores the role that grief plays in the healing process. All discussions are held in a caring, supportive and
respectful environment. Through sharing of experiences, the group talks about issues related to adjusting to life after a loss, as
experienced either through the death of a loved one, divorce, job, or other loss. The goal of the group is to better understand how to
cope with a loss by communicating personal experiences with others. Each discussion is determined by the group
members. Topics such as coping strategies and resources, normal grief reactions, different kinds of loss, anniversaries of events,
culture and ceremonies, and how to ask for help are a few of the topics that come up. The group meets for a 13 week program at
the Effort United Methodist Church on Merwinsburg Road , Effort, on Wednesdays at 11am and 7pm. For more information and for
meeting dates and times please call 570-629-1890.
Upcoming UMW events:
December 10th 6:30 PM Ladies Night Out - Christmas Dinner (Chef Decker)
Devotions: Jan Decker All ladies are invited to attend this event at 6:30 in Wesley Hall. The cost is 15.00/person and the checks can
be made out to UMW. There will be a cookie exchange so please bring 2 dozen cookies if you wish to participate. There will also be
a gift exchange with the value of the give of no more that 5.00. Come out for a great time and tons of fun and laughter!
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GARDENERS FOR GLORY IS STARTING AGAIN AT EUMC !
The Gardeners For Glory ministry is reviving! Many of you have signed up to be part of the group. However the original plan to
meet on Wednesday night would eliminate potential interested people who are in other groups ( Choir, pastoral care team, grief share)
would not be able to become involved. Therefore the new plan is to meet once a month on Thursday night from 7-9 PM. We will
also meet as needed to tend, replant and enjoy the beautiful grounds at EUMC. The meetings will include a garden designing
session to plan the area along fellowship hall, educational programs through the Monroe and Carbon County Extensions and good old
fashioned Christian fellowship. If you were part of the group in the past or are a newcomer but can no longer do the physical portion
of the gardening, NO PROBLEM, the GFG can use your past experience, ideas and inspiration. Everyone can do something- even
making coffee would help Regular meetings will begin in March, 2013. ALL ARE WELCOME! If you have any questions
please contact Julie Foley (570) 722-1239
POCONO PANDAS ANNOUNCEMENTS
(P
Prayer Acceptance Nurturing Develops Awesome Spirit)
Dec 14 – Christmas Party
Dec 15 - Caroling
Dec 24- Christmas Eve Service
January 11 2013- Youth winter retreat to Pocono Plateau.
It is hard to believe but we are starting super early this year. With the votes that came in, we will be heading to Johns Island, SC from
July 21-27, 2013. We will be leaving a day early on July 20th and taking 2 days to get there and two days home. With that being said
fundraiser is going to be more important than ever as we have extra day expenses to pay for. To confirm a spot it is $50
non-refundable deposit. No spot will be held without the deposit. If registered before November 1st the fee is $375 after that date the
fee is $399.
So everyone get cracking on this. Remember on top of the fees to go we also have travel and meal expenses a group which we need
to raise funds and cover. So when we have fundraiser everyone should participate. HINT HINT!!!!
FUND RAISERS! The Youth Group will be selling 2013 calendars. Displays are in the Narthex on the bulletin board. The cost of
the calendar is 6.00 each and the proceeds will go toward the Reach Mission Trip scheduled for July 2013. We will also be having
other fund raisers to be announced over the year… Avon, Thirty-one, Coffee house with entertainment, Square Dancing, Stomboli
Sale, Flea Market and a Demonstration Party… we have lots scheduled and will keep you in the loop!
SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP! Is 5:00 pm every Saturday at EUMC! Led by Ken Edwards. At this service we regularly have
original music by our own Will written and based on the scripture for the service. Good stuff my peeps!
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Music Notes
( Please come for these toe tapping, ear tickling, hands clapping, spirit lifting, voices raising, Jesus praising events!)
The Praise Band -
rd
is leading a Contemporary Service the 3rd Sunday of each month at 9:45 am.
th
The Service will be December 16th 2012 9:45am
Service Flow
Music 10-15 minutes (3 songs)
Prayer (1-2 minutes)
Message 15 minutes
Offering/Communion (No passed plates, offering baskets at front and at exit, Music during communion/offering)
Prayer (music in background)
Ending song/songs as time permits (Upbeat positive sending forward)
We will then play 2 or 3 opening songs at the 11:00 service from the selections we played at the contemporary service
The band is always looking for new PIPS!
Participating In Praise Singers) so if you feel like raising your merry hands and
PIPS (P
joyful voice in praise give us a try!
We will not have time for rehearsals on Sunday morning due to the service start time of 9:45 and ending 8:30 service at 9:30.
With interest, questions or checking on the rehearsal schedule contact Greg Magill ([email protected]) or 570-236-7419
Contemporary Worship Service Review and Visioning
After a year of contemporary worship services here at Effort UMC, we would like to pull together anyone who has input for the future
vision of our contemporary worship. We would like to discuss what has worked and not worked; and where do we go from here. If
you would like to provide input to the future of the contemporary worship service, help pick songs, lead prayer, read scripture, host the
fellowship time; please come join us. Our time of review and visioning will be Tuesday, January 8th at 7 PM in the
Sanctuary. Although it is not required, we ask that you please let Pastor Robin or Greg Magill know if you feel led to be a part of this
planning time for the future of worship here at Effort United Methodist Church ([email protected] or 570-236-7419).
THE EUMC CHOIR --Interested in becoming a Choir member starting , well, any time really??
Can you carry a tune
without a bucket!? Then give us a try! Just contact Dan or any choir member for more information. (our web site is given
below)
The Christmas Cantata Entitled “Unspeakable Joy!“ is coming on fast so stop what you are doing right now and go put
it on the calendar because you do not want to miss it! December 21st at St Matthews Kunkletown at 7:30pm and
December 22nd EUMC at 7:30pm. Did you get it on that calendar!? GOOD! We will see you there with bells on!
Come early to get a good seat! It is going to be packed and it will be no silent night!! Jingley, wingley do da!
WEBSITE: If you want to see what the choir is up to, or access our rehearsal calendar please visit our website at
http://churchchoir.info or contact Dan Smale -- [email protected] -- (570) 350-5668
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HERE IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO BRING GREAT MUSIC TO EUMC!!!
The choir is looking for people to help offset the expenses for purchasing new anthems for the upcoming choir season. If you would
like to sponsor one of the following Sunday morning anthems for $40 in memory or honor of someone, please contact Dan
Smale. The opportunity also exists to split the expense to sponsor the cost with another person.
The new anthems for this year include "Let Us Break Bread Together," "Alleluia," "For the Beauty of the Earth," "Holy Manna,"
"God's Peace," "You Are Mine," "We Thank You, Lord," "Come Light of Hope" and "Veni Emmanuel.
Children’s Choir: The singing begins at 10am Sunday mornings in the Choir room. This group is for children ages 3-12
years old. With any questions please see Sara Molen. PS… They will be having a Christmas Program on December 15th at 6:30 pm
in the sanctuary.
( Bring friends, family, neighbors, & any one else you can think of who might
enjoy our music ministries! )
The history of “Silent Night”
Night”
(The reason "Silent Night" was created: and how the world's most famous Christmas carol came to be written and set to music)
By Howard Culbertson
While we were serving as missionaries in Europe we visited a small little church in Austria. That church was the birthplace of "Silent
Night." Here's the story how this most famous of Christmas carols came to be written:
In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23 they arrived at
Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg where they were to re-enact the story of Christ's birth in the small Church of St. Nicholas.
Unfortunately, the St. Nicholas' church organ wasn't working and would not be repaired before Christmas. (Note: some versions of
the story point to mice as the problem; others say rust was the culprit) Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors
presented their Christmas drama in a private home. That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and
Luke put assistant pastor Josef Mohr in a meditative mood. Instead of walking straight to his house that night, Mohr took a longer way
home. The longer path took him up over a hill overlooking the village.
From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr
gazed down at the glowing Christmas-card like scene. His thoughts about the Christmas play he had just seen made him remember a
poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited
Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.
Mohr decided those words might make a good carol for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas eve service. The
one problem was that he didn't have any music to which that poem could be sung. So, the next day Mohr went to see the church
organist, Franz Xaver Gruber. Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung with a guitar. However, by
that evening, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem. It no longer mattered to Mohr and Gruber that their
church organ was inoperable. They now had a Christmas carol that could be sung without that organ.
On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of
Gruber's guitar.
Weeks later, well-known organ builder Karl Mauracher arrived in Oberndorf to fix the organ in St. Nicholas church. When
Mauracher finished, he stepped back to let Gruber test the instrument. When Gruber sat down, his fingers began playing the simple
melody he had written for Mohr's Christmas poem. Deeply impressed, Mauracher took copies of the music and words of "Silent
Night" back to his own Alpine village, Kapfing. There, two well-known families of singers — the Rainers and the Strassers — heard
it. Captivated by "Silent Night," both groups put the new song into their Christmas season repertoire.
The Strasser sisters spread the carol across northern Europe. In 1834, they performed "Silent Night" for King Frederick William
IV of Prussia, and he then ordered his cathedral choir to sing it every Christmas eve.
Twenty years after "Silent Night" was written, the Rainers brought the song to the United States, singing it (in German) at the
Alexander Hamilton Monument located outside New York City's Trinity Church.
In 1863, nearly fifty years after being first sung in German, "Silent Night" was translated into English (by either Jane Campbell or
John Young). Eight years later, that English version made its way into print in Charles Hutchins' Sunday School Hymnal. Today the
words of "Silent Night" are sung in more than 300 different languages around the world.
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Card Showers:
Nancy Hiestand-- Mahoning Valley Personal Care Ctr
Millie Michalouska-- RR 2 Box 2027, Saylorsburg PA 18353
Lillian Ortolan-- Getz Personal Assist Living. RR 1 Box 290, Route 534 @ Jonas, Kunkletown PA 18058
Ethel Weiss-- P,O. Box 25, Effort PA 18330
Jim Yetter-- Chandler Estates. 1569 Teels Rd, Pen Argle PA 18072
Robert and Adele Argot--have moved… their new address is 60 Frystown Road Meyerstown, PA 127067
Take a moment and send a note, to offer love, support and hope,
So they will know they’re in our prayers and that, of course, we care.
It will bring JOY onto their day to know, that we, for them do pray,
In peace and rest they’ll be embraced as we hold them in Gods grace.
Pl ease keep the following in your prayers as they are in care homes, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. You can send cards, letters or
even pay them a visit if the Lord leads you to do so.
Lillian Ortolan - Getz Personal Care Home; Jim Yetter - Chandler Estates, Wind Gap,
Nursing Home;
Nancy Hiestand - Mahoney Valley
Mildred Pall- Wesley Village Pittston
Please be daily prayer for:
Tayte Belstra
Sharon Daube
Gene Graeber
Earl Decker
Sue
Richie Frantz
Marie Borger
Sarah & Pat
Diana
Bob Davis
Scott Thompson
Margaret Katz
Joan Toico
Rev. Harry Setser
Joey
Julia
Ruth Flechsig
Gloria Hawk
Mark DePalma
John Romanco
Bob Dunzik
Elli Scott
Rev. Doug Hayes
Tammy Kroll
Robert Eby
William Altemose
The Capuro Family
Noah
Jeff Horton
Norma Lucas
Jerry Heck
Dean Borger
Susan Daube
Amanda
Gerry
Stevie
John Garr
Gary
Madeline
Madeline & Dale
Polly
Rachel Hoskin
Teresa Wegelio
Betty Schrantz
Emily
Allie
Cheri West
Michelle Wichman
Edward Agnew
Jorge Rivas
Sandy Gee
Nicholas B
Sheriff Todd Martin
Maureen Collins
Carolyn Yinger
Linda Sickler
Michael
Sandy
Michelle Kannavos
Larry
Nard Gibson
Joe Hartland
Dorothy Richards
Nancy Corbett
Arlene Burger
Dave Dowling
Chelsea
Dan Dibblee
Diana
Mark
Salvitore & Giovann
Kathleen Turner
Bob Davis
Ann Feist
Kara Lilly Busuego
Dr. William Jordan
Madeline Stanton
Johanna Madigan
Courtney Smith
Joey Frantozzi
Doyle Grogg
Allison Klemm
Skip Snyder
Diane
Tyler
Tina Viccaro McFeeley
Bob Bateman
Maria and family
What a wonderful gift prayer is and it costs us nothing to give. Consider spending just a few moments extra a day
praying for all those on our list. I am sure they will feel the power as they are being lifted up before the Lord!
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Please keep the following service men & women in your daily prayers
Major Earl Evans,
SC ,
Maj. Howard Hiestand – US Army,
Cpt. Ed Caudell-US Army/Fort Braggs,
Spec. Sam Michlavsky-US Army/Afghanistan, Cpt. Mark Crimaldi-7th Army/Germany,
LCPL Brian Everett-USMC Beaufort,
Capt.
Thomspon-USAF/Mountain Air Force Base, Idaho Spec Dean Altemos II -US Army/Germany. CMR 415 Box 8136, APO AE 09114
Happy Birthday Blessings to you!
12/01 Pat Mackes, Kaitlyn Korenski
12/02 Nicki Jeker, Allison Heckman
12/03 Glenn Yetter
12/04 Douglas Tavella, Susan Johnston, Donna Skala, Kimberly Edwards, Kacie Ernst, Alexandria Snyder, Matthew Heisey, Kiera
Jochen
12/05 Michael Hoover, Remington Snyder, Logan Wasdyke, Riley Wasdyke, Dalton Brown
12/06 Bonny Rohrman
12/07 Anthony Walker, Sarah Lassen
12/08
12/09
12/10
12/11
12/12
12/13
12/14
12/15
12/17
12/18
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
12/31
Michael Hrbek
Cindy Parks, Jessica Dowches, Daylene Modrak
Thomas Tallada, Zachary Loffio
Sally Dorpfeld, Shawna Wedderman, Brian Mayer, Elise Dorpfeld
Dalton Foster
David Charbonnier, Lauren Francis
Amanda Hrbek, Jill Yetter, Michelle Rickert
Michelle Sedorchuk, Tonya Kemp
Dave Felker, Linda Borger, David Ryder, Jared Doll, Kristin Borger, Christopher Neff
Kristin Haydt
Robert Churchill, Sharon Boyd, Anna Greif
Wayne Bishop
Paul Ackerman, Bert Easley
Karen Balentine-Hubbard, Richard Allen, Barbara Holm, Chad Edwards
Michelle Boylan
Christine Moran, Randy Boyd (We have two Christmas Birthdays!!!! YAY!)
Rena Baumgartner
Al Murphy, Wanda Bonser, Daniel Hrbek
August Bush, Judy Bush, Amy Boligitz, Larry Smith
Nancy Hoover, John Modrak
John Zappola
Angela Orefice, Rebecca Kuc
Early January 2013:
01/01 Hannah Kramer, Rachel Siegfried
01/02 Phyllis Rogers, Angela Edwards
01/03 Jessica Giuliano
01/04 Scott Martin, John Dileo, Haley White
01/05 Barbara Haase
01/06 Charles Fredericks Jr., Shaelyn West
01/07 Kenneth Eastman, Sarah Baumann
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The REAL CHRISTmas story!
(The greatest story EVER told!)
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. ”
Luke 2:1-14
“ In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first
registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph
also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because
he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while
they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there
were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for
behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths
and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and
saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Scriptures for the Good News, Great Joy and the Precious Gift of Christ
(We can use these in the cards we send this year just as a reminder of what CHRISTmas is all about)
Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound in hope.
2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there
is no variation or shadow due to change.
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The Very Best Gift
On a cold and deep dark night,
Beneath a star lit sky,
A child was born onto this world,
To save us, you and I.
No trumpet blast, no fanfare wild,
Would usher in his birth,
Just cattle lowing and oxen sleeping,
Welcomed him to earth.
And at his entrance, lowly at best,
The angels still did sing,
Though swaddled in rags, in a manger laid,
He was, in fact, a king.
And the angels spoke to the shepherds,
Who were huddled to stay warm,
And they left their sheep in the fields asleep,
To see this baby born.
The wise men came from miles away,
By following a star,
To worship him and bring him gifts,
Of Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.
Christ chose to leave his realm on high,
To walk where we sinners trod,
To be the savior of our souls,
To live the will of God.
He came to give us peace and grace,
And to show us what true love is,
And to humbly serve those, who do not deserve,
To give up a life…… His.
What an amazing gift God gave to us!
He is beyond our wildest dreams!
Jesus, the Christ, is the very best gift,
That anyone will ever receive.
And we can choose to accept it,
To rejoice with open hearts,
And when we do, we will find,
That’s when Christmas really starts.
He is the gift that keeps on giving,
He’s the one Emmanuel,
The most wondrous gift, oh yes he is!
Wrapped in the Father’s love.
Cathy Wells
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Editors note: I cannot believe we are on the precipice of Christmas! What a wonderful time and season! My hope and prayer is
that you all have a season filled with all that your hearts desire and that the challenges and losses many of us have suffered in the past
year do not weigh to heavily. I have been missing my mom greatly lately and yet I know that she is well and whole and walking
along side of the God who loves her (and us) This is helpful to me. Mark and I want to wish you all a lovely peace filled Christmas
season and a happy and healthy New Year.
In the JOYFUL celebration of the new born King! Cathy
The deadline for the January newsletter will be on or before December 22nd 2012 Due to Christmas day being
on the 25th and you certainly do not want to be sending me info on Christmas. Please try to get it in before the deadline so we can all
relax and enjoy the holiday. Thanks. Feel free to contact me by phone at 610-381-4703 or email [email protected].
TAKE NOTE! WE ARE ONLY MAILING TO THOSE WHO ARE SHUT IN OR ARE NOT IN THE AREA ANY MORE. WHEN YOU ATTEND
CHURCH AND WANT A HARD COPY THEY WILL BE IN THE NARTHEX ON THE WELCOME CENTER. IF THE BOX IS EMPTY CONTACE
WENDY IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO DECREASE OPERATING AND MAILING COSTS. THANK YOU SO
MUCH FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION. ☺
The St Nick Project!! (Ho! Ho! Ho my goodness it’s almost Christmas!) ;-)
Once again, our faith community is about to embark upon another year of continuing our St Nick Project. The goal of the St
Nick Project is to provide Christmas gifts to local families whose current circumstances would otherwise keep them from enjoying
this traditional part of the Christmas holidays, that so many of us take for granted.
This ministry is carried out by our church’s Mission Team and is lead by Linda Ernst, assisted by her husband, Don . The
number of families benefiting from the project continues to grow each year, and averages 27-32 families each Christmas. This year, it
is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the number of families who will need assistance, due to the ailing economy
and rate of unemployment. If you would care to support this special ministry, you can do so in one of several ways listed below.
ADOPT A FAMILY: To adopt and provide gifts for a specific family, simply contact Linda. You will be allowed to select the size
of family you wish to adopt, and you will be matched, in total confidentiality, and only by code number, with a family in need. Linda
will provide you with information about the family, to help you with your shopping, including family member ages, clothing sizes,
most liked colors and even gift preferences, so that you can buy gifts for them, much like you do for your own family. You then
deliver your gifts to the church in a bag, marked only with the code number that you were provided. The recipients are then notified
to come and pick up their gifts in time for Christmas giving!
CASH DONATIONS: Cash donations are very much needed, and all donations will be used to purchase gifts for those families that
have not been adopted by our members.
RECOMMEND A FAMILY TO BE HELPED: If you know of a family who might benefit from the St Nick Project, you are
encouraged to supply Linda Ernst or the church staff with the family’s contact information. (Note: All potential recipient families
are first contacted to ask if they wish to participate in the St Nick Project.)
And don’t forget what has become a popular tradition, our sixth annual Community Christmas Dinner
and Carol Sing, being held on Saturday, December 1st, at 6:00P.M. (I believe there will be a very special
guy there….)
For further information on the St Nick Project, please contact Linda Ernst at (570) 460-4415, or Wendy at the church office, (570)
629-1890. God’s Blessings Be With You!
You do not want to miss out on this fin and enjoyable evening. We will have dinner and a sing-a-long caroling. There is no cost but a
donation either monetary or of a gift will be accepted and appreciated. You can even bring a dessert if you like and I hear Santa will
be there with his great loving heart and a lap for sitting and making wishes…..
And if you haven’t noticed there is a Christmas tree filled with little angel tags in the Narthex. Non wrapped gifts with the angels
attached are due back by Dec 9th 2012. You can place your gifts under the tree. What a wonderful way to give to those who will not
be able to give this Christmas season. And, really…. Don’t we all have enough? Can’t we give to someone who has nothing???
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION>>>>>
FYI!
Unless otherwise announced….
All first Sunday's of the Month are Communion Sundays (at 8:30 and 11:00) 11am offers infant and toddler care.
All second Sundays are Trustee Breakfasts (served between the 8:30 and 11 am services)
All third Sundays are 8:30 early service, 9:45 Contemporary Service and 11 am Blended Service
EUMC BUSINES DIRECTORY
(Just minding our own businesses…Tee Hee Hee!)
903 Landscape Supply
For all your landscape needs!
1939 State Route 903
Jim Thorpe PA 18229
# 570-325-2903
Fx 570-325-8113
Nita Nydam and Greg Magill
903 Plumbing and Pump Technology
Full Service Plumbing Repairs
1939 State Route 903
Jim Thorpe PA 18229
# 570-325-8109
Fx 570-325-8113
Nita Nydam and Greg Magill
Mary Kay Cosmetics
45 Tumbleweed Drive
Effort PA 18330
# 570-574-0596
[email protected]
Amy Boligitz - Independent beauty consultant
“Try before you buy!”
“Out -Of-My-Gourd!”
Hand crafted, original gourd art creations
411 Turkeyhill Road
Saylorsburg PA 18353
Cathy Wells 610-381-4703
[email protected]
Face Book at “out-Of-My-Gourd!”
Melalueca Wellness Products
Susan Yetter
#570-992-0247
[email protected]
Creative Memories
Po Box 729 Saylorsburg PA 18353
Susan Yetter Creative Memories Consultant
# 570-992-0247
yet [email protected]
Phote safe albums & supplies, group presentations
Saylorsburg Lumber
Quality Building Products
Full service lumber yard
Lumber, window screen replacement,
Hardware, masonry supplies
Glenn W Yetter
# 570-992-3700
Fx 570-992-3275
Effort Woodcraft Inc (cabinets, millwork and more)
Thomas J. Conklin VP
PO Box 590 Evergreen Hollow Road
Effort, PA 18330
570-629-1160 Fx 570-629-6613
[email protected]
Cell 570-872-6421
WWW.EWCAB.NET
Melalueca The wellness company
Tom Conklin 570-872-6421
WWW.melaleuca.com
[email protected]
Please note that this little listing of who does what is for informational purposes so
that we are aware of what is available to us within our own church family.
TAKE NOTE & PASS IT ON!
We pass on all kinds of things every day! (smiles, information, germs…) Why not PASS ON your newsletter to someone who
does NOT go to EUMC when you are done with it and have marked your calendar with the special dates! You could send it on to
your local email buddies so they can see what we are up to or you could even take your hard copy and give it to a neighbor who
doesn’t go to church. With each PASS IT ON you can attach a little invitation to an event that you would attend with them or even
just suggest they come to a service with you. What a great way to bring new people into the family here. We can’t keep all this great
stuff to ourselves. We’ll burst at the seams!!!!!!!!!!
Bulletin & Altar Flower Sponsors: The sheets for 2012 are currently up on the board next to the Library if you wish to sponsor a
week.
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DID YOU KNOW??? The Churches actual address is: PO Box 545, Effort PA 18330-0545 Phone 570-629-1890. In case of an
emergency, outside of the normal church office hours (Mon-Fri., 9:30am - 2:30pm) you can reach Pastor Robin at 570-243-1247 by
phone. (NEW NUMBER!) or by email at [email protected]
Pastor Robins new address is:
1439 Main Street – Chapman
Bath, PA 18014
NEW ADDRESSES!!! Oh I thought I was done with this whole thing but there it was in the bulletin this passed week, so I
guess I have to put it out there AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please take the time and fill out the insert in the bulletin so that the church can
update their records. We would like to put together a non -picture directory with all the new addresses in it. Won’t that be nice?
Please let the church office know your new address quickly so that we will know where you are via snail mail! HA! (get it…. Do it
quickly…. Snail mail….. Oh brother! What ninny left me in charge of this!? )
Some fun facts for adding flavor to your favorite Christmas festivities: (well that was a mouth-ful!
And…… FYI… the comments in parenthesis are mine… of course they are! Did you expect anything less? )
DID YOU KNOW….
-Away In a Manger was written anonymously. (nope, how ‘bout you?)
-The first president to decorate the white house Christmas tree in the United States was Franklin Pierce. (alrighty then)
-Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and dyed green. (yuk-a-doodle!)
-Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895. (that’s cuz candles burn homes down when they catch the tree on fire!)
-The first Christmas cards were vintage and invented in 1843 (isn’t everything from 1843 vintage???)
-"It's a Wonderful Life" appears on TV more often than any other holiday movie. (it should, because life is wonderful!)
-Rudolph" was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930's for a holiday promotion. (The rest is history…)
-The Nutcracker" is the most famous Christmas ballet. (isn’t it the only Christmas ballet??? Maybe I should look that up)
-Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs. (really..)
-If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," you would receive 364 gifts. (you’ll need a
new house to store it all in so that would make 365 gifts, just sayen….)
-The poinsettia plant was brought into the United States from Mexico by Joel Poinsett in the early 1800's. (luv it when
people name stuff after themselves)
-Contrary to common belief, poinsettia plants are non-toxic (I’m not going to find out! Lets get Mikey!)
-Holly berries are poisonous. (I’ll take their word for it)
-Mistletoe was chosen as Oklahoma's state flower in 1893 and later changed to the state floral emblem.
(Do you think this guy wearing the mistletoe hat is the Oklahoma State Representative??? You know
one of these guys will be at every Christmas gathering! So watch out! )
-In 1843, "A Christmas Carol" was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks. (well, isn’t he a speedy pants)
-The first state to recognize the Christmas holiday officially was Alabama. (Sweet home Alabama!)
-Christmas became a national holiday in America in 1870. (we started sending cards in 1843, what took so long?)
-Clearing up a common misconception, in Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word "X-Mas" comes from. Not
because someone took the "Christ" out of Christmas. (good to know, cuz takin Christ out of Christmas is a big no no)
-More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year. (duh)
-In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year. (what this has to
do with Christmas I have no idea, but it was listed with the “Fun Christmas Facts”, I guess it is fun if you like red…)
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Take a few moments to visit
visit our web site there is all kinds of cool stuff there!
www.effortumc.org(you’re gonna love it!)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Time to order your Christmas Poinsettia’s
Fill out form below (please print clearly) and include check (payable to EUMC) or cash, put in offering envelope marked
Christmas Flowers and place it in the collection plate. All prepaid orders are due by December 3rd. All flowers may be
taken home after church service on December 25th. Please note: Flowers left after Thursday, December 27th will be
given to local nursing homes or shut-ins. Additional order forms are located at the Welcome Center.
Number of plants Amount
_____61/2” pot (5-7 flowers)@ $10.00 each
$________
_____71/2” pot (10-12 flowers) @ $18.00 each
$________
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $____________
**Please print clearly – Thank You!**
GIVEN BY _____________________________________________
IN HONOR OF _________________________________________
IN MEMORY OF ________________________________________
***ADDITIONAL ORDERS MAY BE WRITTEN ON BACK***
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all!!!
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