LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
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Welcome to
Urbana First United Methodist Church!
Feel free to forward this Monthly Joyful News to your friends, family, and neighbors and invite them to our
church as we continue in the mission to grow our congregation and family of faith here at Urbana First UMC.
See You Sundays…
8:00 am – Worship (Christmas Day,
10:30 am only)
9:00 am – Sunday School for All Ages
10:00 am – Fellowship/Coffee Time
10:30 am - Worship
Radical Hospitality
Some time back I read Get
their Name, Growing Your
Church by Building New
Relationships by Bob Farr, &
Kay Kotan. The following
items, in no particular order,
are some of the things I
learned. I wonder what
might be of interest to us.
What do you see here that
we need to talk about?
1) Unconnected people
decide to attend or not
based often times on
your website.
2) We used to live in a
church-centric
world. Today, we live in a
secular world where the
church no longer plays
the central role. We are
still making assumptions
about what the people
need and want as
though we are still living
in a church-centric
world. Churches today
live in a foreign land, with
with Pastor Steve
foreign language and
culture, but we have not
adapted to this land. We
think people should act
like us and like what we
like. We are far away
from understanding the
culture in our lives
today. The church is an
alien in our world. We
have to learn to reach
people we don’t know in
a culture that we do not
understand.
3) The mainline church was
dislodged from the
center of American
culture by the upheaval
of the 1960s, 70s, &
80’s. This led to the
American polarization of
religious liberals and
religious conservatives. In
the 1990’s and 2000’s
youth became
disaffected, which led to
an accelerated state of
decline.
In This Issue…
Just a friendly
reminder: please
have your
poinsettia order
in by Dec. 11th.
(order form attached)
Thanks!
Page 4 –
 Take an Angel Home
 Plentiful Meals
Page 5 –
 Help make Christmas
Special for Cunningham
Youth
 Learning About Refugees
Page 6 –
 Greetings from Your
Secretary
Page 7 –
 Events, Thoughts, & Prayers
Page 8 –
 December Calendar with
Birthdays & Anniversaries
LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
4) When the mainline church in America became the center of American culture, we became
an institution instead of a missional movement of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way, not an
institution.
5) Most young people have spent half or more of their life outside the church. They are out of
the routine of attending church, which makes it much more difficult to get back to church,
especially in this secular world that is pulling them further away from the church.
6) The primary focus for most evangelism effort is on recovering inactive members (inwardly)
focused, waiting for them to come, being polite when they arrive, helping them join our
organization, and then trying to get them to come back. This method is not working and
has not worked for 50 years.
7) There are two mission fields. The first is to deepen the connected people who already know
the love of God and their love for each other in the church. We need to care about this
mission field if it is going to reach the second mission field. But, if all that we do is care for this
mission field, we will become inwardly focused and die a slow, painful death as a
church. The second mission field is those who don’t know God’s love. Every time we take
care of ourselves, we need to do nine things to take care of someone else.
8) Pockets of churches, denominations and nondenominational, that are growing significantly
are affecting their communities because they have defined and practiced evangelism over
the last four or five generations, connecting people to God through Jesus Christ in a vital,
personal relationship of faith.
9) The pool of churched people to connect with is dramatically shrinking, while the pool of the
unchurched, never connected (to Jesus) population is growing exponentially, especially
among the millennial generation (born since 1980).
10)The attraction model alone is dead. Buildings and signs don’t attract people like they used
to. Preparing the church building for guests without extending a personal invitation will
rarely result in guests showing up on their own.
11)People in America are spiritually hungry. They are just scared to go to church. Get your
church out of the building as much as possible.
12)We are all called to share. We just have to learn to do it in a way that is comfortable both
for us and for those we encounter.
13)Think “guest”, not “visitor”. Visitors drop by without notice. You prepare for guests. Do we
make guests feel welcome and comfortable?
14)Isolation and loneliness are the biggest problems people face today.
15)Most often, something really big is happening in the life of the guest. 97% of all newcomers
of a church have had a major life transition in the last two months. They are going through
some significant change or challenge. The more we are in tune with finding what brings
new people to the church, the easier it will be to connect with them. We can build
relationships with unconnected people and we can provide ministry that is relevant to them
if we know what is going on in their lives.
16)Often people go out of their way to greet one another but are blind to the fact that they
had left a guest feeling isolated and uncomfortable.
17)So often the reason we don’t invest in developing relationships with people is that we
assume that others will do it.
18)Each UM member will invite someone to come to worship once every thirty-eight years.
19)Very few mainline churches share their faith with others outside the church. This is because
they don’t share their faith in their small group settings or in worship. If people are ever
going to share their faith outside the church, they have to start sharing it inside the church.
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LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
20)People are not willing to risk their weekday relationship on the possibility of their guest having
a bad experience in worship.
21)We begin having conversations with people that we do not know by seeing every human
interaction as an opportunity to have a genuine conversation. Too often, we are inwardly
focused on our own conversations, desires, and concerns and not on paying attention to
the world around us and therefore not starting the conversation and not changing any
lives. You can’t be afraid of following conversations started by others.
22)Invitation needs to be personal, specific, and relational. Help people understand WHY they
should come to your worship service. Why do YOU go? Share something like--- “I go to
worship to celebrate God’s love, which is an ongoing part of my faith. Recently I
experienced God in my life...”
23)Just “playing church” is no longer acceptable. Our faith must have deeper roots than head
knowledge and moral values.
24)What difference would it make to have a significant number of people sharing how God is
working in their lives?
25)We need to get past the fear of inviting or sharing faith with people (outwardly focused)—
connecting the unconnected folks to Jesus and then to the church.
26)Radical hospitality is going above and beyond. We are not just here for ourselves, but for
those who do not know Jesus Christ. The greatest gift the church has to give away is
relationship.
27)For every five minutes you spend with someone that you know, spent 10 minutes with
someone that you don’t. Greet anyone that is within five feet of you.
28)Every church needs a “connector” who invites guests to sit with them during the
service. They involve the guest in conversation and attempt to get a name, address, phone
number and reason the guest decided to attend worship in a gentle, caring way. We must
first build a relationship to reach this point with people. The role of the connector is to move
people from being an unconnected guest to a regular attender who feels that they
“belong”. This happens when they have a “small group” in which they can make real
friends.
29)Listen carefully to people. Ask good, open-ended questions that allow the opportunity for
the person to tell you more about his/her life. Show a sincere attitude of curiosity about the
other person. Resist the urge to make it about you and your story. It is about making a
connection with the other person. When they become curious about you, you can share
your faith in relevant ways.
30)Try to build an authentic relationship. You are not seeking a conversion. You are looking for
the conversation to mature over time. It should have four elements---connection, focus on
them, spark curiosity about you, and then sprinkle in your faith story. We aren’t just trying to
be friendly. We are trying to become a friend.
31)People need to “belong” before they believe. Make sure to concentrate the conversation
on the other person and their story. Be curious. Ask questions. Guard against telling your
story too much, too soon, too fast. Your goal is first to hear the person’s story and then to let
it lead them to being curious about your story. Who are you and what you do is a question
from the other person, as opposed to something you push on them. They will ask for your
story. Don’t just tell it.
32)Everyone needs a two minute “elevator speech” in which you can tell someone your faith
story in a clear, concise way. We need to answer WHY God? WHY the church? Why my
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LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
church? Through the church I had my life transformed by God. Through the church, I found
purpose, meaning, and a vital relationship for my life.
33)This needs to be followed up by moving people from guests to “connected” and then from
connected to disciples and then from disciples to ambassador/missionary.
34)Use your conversation to build bridges that might lead people to the faith community. The
more you practice in safe places with friends, the more comfortable you will be in
spontaneous conversation with unconnected people in your community.
35)The church needs to reconnect with the biblical purpose and mission of making disciples of
Jesus Christ. Sharing of faith must be done in relevant ways, without being obnoxious, so
that they might have the possibility to come to life-transforming and transforming faith.
36)A significant number of people will not come until we first personally go meet them where
they are.
Pastor Steve
Take an Angel Home with You
Angels are very active in the Bible and are used by God as messengers, warriors, and servants. The
word "angel" comes from the Greek word "angelos" which means "messenger". Angels are spiritual
beings without bodies of flesh and bones though they apparently have the ability to appear in human
form.
Angels had many functions: They praised God, served as messengers to the world, watched over God's
people, and were sometimes instruments of God's judgment. The Bible says that angels are wise,
mighty, and innumerable. While we experience and receive messages from God through scripture,
prayer, service to others, worship, and Holy Communion, just to name a few, I would like for us to use the
Advent season to especially be open to and aware of God speaking to us.
Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th and ends on Christmas Eve. During that time, you are invited
to take an angel from the “Angel Box” located on the table outside the Sanctuary and place it
somewhere in your home, car, or at work where you will see it each day.
While we do not worship angels, I would like for our angels to remind us to be open to the messages
that God has for us each day. Where is God working in your life? Is it through the reconciling of
relationships, or in some major life decision? Possibly it is in a change in how you speak or treat people.
Let me know how your “messenger” angel helps you remember to open yourself to God during this
Advent season.
Pastor Steve
Plentiful Meals
The Missions Committee thanks you for your bounteous support of the
Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive. On Monday, Nov. 21st 12 plentifully filled baskets
were delivered to Dr. Preston L. Williams Elementary School. The following note
was received from the School Social Worker:
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LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
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I just wanted to thank your wonderful congregation for the Thanksgiving baskets. We were able
to help several families have enough food to celebrate Thanksgiving.
I truly appreciate your kindness and generosity!
Sincerely,
Suzy Behrensmeyer
Stay tuned for the next mission at Urbana First!
Make Christmas Special for Cunningham Youth
Thanks to your generosity, kids at Cunningham will have a
merry Christmas! Please give your cards from the business
below or money to any UMW member or turn into JoAnne
at the church office by December 10th.
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Goodrich-Savoy 16
Family Dollar
Gordmans
iTunes
Jimmy John’s
Market Place Mall
(Champaign)
Meijer
Old Navy
Shoe Carnival
*Amazon.com – this is
the most requested
(Gift cards ship free!)
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Bath and Body Works
Best Buy
Burger King
Carmike-Beverly Cinemas
Casey’s
Dollar Tree
Taco Bell
TJ Maxx
Toys R Us
Wal-Mart
Wendy’s
Arby’s
Barnes & Noble
Two Ways to Give:
Donate gift cards or Money to buy gift cards to enable us to perfectly match each child’s wishes to the
gift that has been selected for him/her. They are easy to buy, easy to mail, and allow youth to choose
exactly what they want. Plus, since Cunningham is a tax-exempt organization, your charitable dollar
goes farther. Thank you!
Learning About Refugees
with Pastor Kelly Nieman Anderson
A big thank you to Pastor Kelly Nieman Anderson for being guest on November 27th! We appreciate the
enlightenment she gave us about the processes involved with being a refugee.
Kelly is a graduate of Luther Seminary and is their 2016 Graduate Preaching Fellow. She's spending this
academic year traveling around the world, and around the nation, to learn more about how Churches
and Christian organizations are serving refugees and displaced persons, especially in our current Global
Immigration Crisis.
To follow her travels and experiences, please visit her blog at https://hope-beyondborders.net/blog and click on the green "Follow" button on the right sidebar. If you'd like to volunteer,
advocate, or donate for refugee care, please visit:
 www.lirs.org (United States)
 http://worldreliefchicago.org/refugee-resettlement-services (Illinois)
 samaritas.org/child-and-family/new-american-services (Samaritas - Michigan)
 www.facebook.com/WashtenawRefugeeWelcome/ (Washtenaw County)
LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
Breaking the Mold
Greetings from Your Secretary
Dear Pastor Steve & Jill, Urbana First UMC, and All Friends Connected to Urbana First,
Wow! What a load of changes we ALL have experienced in our time together. Of course, change is an
inevitable part of life ---sometimes easy, sometimes hard ---and no matter what, we always hope for a
silver lining. There are times I’d give an arm to go back to having my kids little again ---they change and
grow so quickly that I sometimes am not ready to move on to their next set of changes. But if they
stayed little, always, obviously, I’d miss the challenging, joy-filled, blessedness of getting to watch them
grow into beautiful adults. ---Urbana First has been breaking the mold of its usual traditions...traditions
that some of you have been part of for many years. Through all the kinks, bumps, and uncomfortable
moments of change, at least we have the silver linings (like grandchildren) that can bring much
pleasure.
Having been raised a Methodist minister’s daughter, I would consider myself a somewhat rebellious
natured person, as many PKs (preacher’s kids) have often been labeled. Even as a Church Secretary, I
most likely don’t fit the role quite right: I have a peace sign tattoo on my left shoulder, I like to listen to
live music at bars, I enjoy craft beers and cheap wine, I get a swear word in every now and then, and,
with occasionally embarrassing consequences, I “wear my life out on my sleeve”, as you can tell by this
letter. I’m not sure if these things disqualify from being considered a traditional church secretary, but
either way, you have all given me much love & kindness, which I happily return.
So something weird happened 3 years ago: I was looking for a new job and happened to see Urbana
First’s ad for secretary. Loved playing two things as a kid: teacher & secretary. For some reason, I was
drawn to apply even though it would mean an hour commute each way. Geni Roark phoned me with
the news that I got the job and I was astounded! Me? A church secretary? And what a blessing this
job has been ---for three years now I’ve grown to love being part of you, an easy task.
Once again “breaking the mold”/rebellion is a repeating theme for me. After years of nearly DESPISING
the pressure (financial & time) placed on us all to buy a “Christmas gift” for our family and friends, 2016
has become the victorious year that I finally say “no more!” Other than a few Golden Books for the little
ones in my family, my “Christmas shopping” is done. Giving “coupons” here and there to loved ones to
redeem for spending time together...my pocket book is closed. For some reason, I don’t think Jesus
would want anyone to dread the celebration of His glorious arrival due to what we’ve been “molded”
to believe a proper way to celebrate.
So, part of me feels a wee bit guilty...no wrapped presents under a lit Christmas tree for my children and
grandchildren to joyously open on Christmas Day ---kind of makes me out to be a lousy person. To clear
my conscious somewhat, I did promise them each a night that I’d make their favorite meal from top to
bottom ---as they say, a way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, right? With optimistic hopes,
even without a touchable, unwrappable present, I’d like to think they will feel that they are getting gifts:
a mother who loves them whole-heartedly, a warm home, a full belly daily, and the most splendid
gift...the celebration of one of the best birthdays on record which in return brought us Jesus and his love,
guidance, wisdom, internal (and eternal) peace (so PRICELESS), and his gracious acceptance, even
when we rebel.
I love how you all are so very committed to your Church & Church Family and purposes far beyond...I
send you all my gratefulness and admiration...breaking the mold is never easy. Whatever brought me
to become your secretary I find mystical, but somehow, this time of year, as we think of “gifts”, it all is
clear as I see that you all are a gift to me.
Merry Christmas and God Bless! Jo Anne
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LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
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Events, Thoughts, & Prayers

Hanging of the Greens: Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00 am
o Bring your family, come decorate the Church as we prepare to
celebrate the Season of Advent!

UMW Christmas Party:
o All are invited to the United Methodist Women Christmas Party:
 Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 pm in the Chapel
 It will be a potluck meal, so please bring a dish to share.
 Following the meal will be a program.
Hope to see you there!
Bring your friends & family…JOIN US FOR WORSHIP as we celebrate the Season of Advent…the
expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas! ♥
 Mid-Week Worship:
o Wednesdays starting at 6:00 pm:
 November 30
 December 7
 December 14, &
 December 21
 Musical Worship:
o 10:30 am, Sunday, December 11 – Chancel Choir
o 10:30 am, Sunday, December 18 – Hand Bell & Children’s Choirs
 Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24:
o 6:30 pm Worship
 Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25:
o 10:30 am Worship
Continued prayer for:
Alyssa & Brycen Conley (Steve & Jill’s daughter and grandson)
Richard Geese (friend of Steve & Jill)
Kim Van Engelenburg (health issues)
Ulla Brems (recovering from an illness)
John Segalla (Joyce Smith’s son-in-law)
Pastor Steve Anderson’s Cell:
CW (Judy Krumwiede’s friend)
(217) 737 – 4948
Rick Frederick (cancer)
Pastor’s E-Mail:
Pat Paul
[email protected]
Greg Swenson (Leila Swenson’s son)
LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER | DECEMBER 2016
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December 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Urbana First United Methodist Church –
Events, Birthdays, & Anniversaries
304 S. Race St., Urbana, IL 61801
217 – 367 – 8384; [email protected]
4 Communion
4 pm – All are
welcome: UMW
Potluck
Wanda
Jenkins
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
10 am – Conv. Eng. & Play
Group
7 pm – UMW Gathering: 1213
W. Park Ave., Champaign
Stephanie Hamilton
3
9 am – Hanging of
the Greens
8 Esther Circle
10 am – Conv. Eng. & Play
Group
2:30 pm - Missions
6:30 pm – Ad Council
7 pm – Dulcimers
Charlotte Burnett
9
10
15
10 am – Conv. Eng. & Play
Group
6:30 pm – Trustees
16
17
Mary & Bill
Frederick
5
6
8 am – Men’s
Breakfast
6:30 pm – Conv. Eng. David Fritzen
Bill Williams
Hannah Ingram
Shirley Judy
Tae Wook Lim
Gwain Zarbuck
7
6 pm – Advent
Worship
6:30 pm – All
Choirs Practice
12
13
6:30 pm – Conv. Eng.
Lucille Jones
Harold Lopeman
Jill Stahl
14
6 pm – Advent
Worship
6:30 pm – All
Choirs Practice
18 Noisy Offering
10:30 am Musical Worship:
Bell & Children’s
Choirs
19
20
6:30 pm – Conv. Eng. 10 am – UMW
Board
Austin Zarbuck
21 Winter Solstice 22
6 pm – Advent
7 pm - Dulcimers
Worship
6:30 pm – Choir
Practice
23
24
6:30 pm –
Christmas Eve
Worship
25 Christmas
10:30 am Worship
(no 8 am)
26
27
Office Closed
Phyllis Smith
12:00 pm – Wesleyan
Circle
28
6:30 pm – Choir
Practice
Sue Ambler
Edith Wade
30
31
New Year’s Eve
11
10:30 am Musical Worship:
Chancel Choir
Ted Fritchey
Betty Smelcer
29