Newsletter - First United Methodist Church

First Edition
A bi-weekly publication of the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City, IA
Vol. 39, Issue 24, December 17, 2014
Looking Ahead in Worship…
December 21, 2014
4th Sunday of Advent
Services at 8:00, 9:15, & 10:30 a.m.
Sermon & Scripture
Fill Us with the Gift of Love
Luke 1:26-38 & Luke 1:46b-55
Rev. Dr. Barrie Tritle
Music Ministry
In Dulci Jubilo by Marcel Dupré
Donneta Knarr
Advent Carol by Joel Wilcox
Katelyn Rew, vocal;
Joel Wilcox, guitar & vocal
What Child Is This?
English melody/arr. by Samuel Kwok
Samuel Kwok, piano
God So Loved the World
by John Stainer
The Chancel Choir (10:30)
at 9:15 a.m. Sanctuary Service
Your Love Is Amazing
Sanctuary Band
December 28, 2014
1st Sunday After Christmas
Service at 10:00 a.m.
A Medley of Christmas Carols &
Christmas Carol Sing at 9:30 a.m.
Jim Hall, jazz piano
CHRISTMAS EVE
WORSHIP SERVICES
5:00 p.m.
Children & Family Service
7:00 p.m.
Carols & Candles Service
11:00 p.m.
Candles & Communion Service
Sermon & Scripture
How Shall We Honor Him?
Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Dr. Barrie Tritle
Music Ministry
Laudate Dominum
by W. A. Mozart
Sarah Wilcox Hughes, soprano;
Michael Davidson, organ
THERE WILL BE ONE SERVICE ONLY ON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 AT 10:00AM WITH A CHRISTMAS
CAROLS SING ALONG TO BE HELD AT 9:45AM.
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First Edition - Page 2
FORWARD IN FAITH
175th Anniversary
What a special year this has been for our church. To celebrate 175 years for the congregation
was memorable. The History/Celebration committee has been busy. Now it is time to especially
thank every one of them. The visual worship group provided us with outstanding displays on
so many Sundays. Music worship enhanced Sunday services as well as other special events. ASP
rearranged their schedule to provide their lunch on the celebration Sunday in October. Many of you
took advantage of the small groups offered and participating in the recent Advent studies. Pastor
Heecheon hosted the joint Sunday School class to hear and see “175 years in 45 minutes” that was
so well attended.
Marriage renewals were enjoyed in February. Our four Sundays with special original music and
guest pastors inspired us. A beautiful September Sunday gathered us together for an all church
picnic 5th Sunday hymn sings highlighted those Sundays and will now be returning to those
Sundays when you select the hymns you like to sing. Pastor Barrie gave us special sermon series
throughout the year and was responsible for arranging our guest pastors. Many wrote articles
regarding our history for the First Edition issues.
Attention was called to Missions throughout the year and you all responded to the call with your
generous support. Claire Bartleson used her expertise to give us support in every way we asked.
You may not see our LOGO as much now, but the message will live in your hearts to move “Forward
In Faith”. Members of the History/Celebration Committee included: Marie Hackett, Darlene
Hoskinson, Wayne Steen, Linda Fink, Mary Cheney, Charles Thiede, Samuel Kwok, Julie Ostrem,
Sue Mullins, Donneta Knarr, Ken Royer, Jan and Doug Herman, Les Batterman, and Phil Leff, as well
as our Pastors, Barrie Tritle and Heecheon Jeon. I personally thank each and every one of them.
You are the church and we love you in the name of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His son and our
Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit.
Always go forward in your faith journey,
Lorna Cress
History Committee Chair
ALL 2014 FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS must be received by
December 31, or mailed in envelopes postmarked by that date.
Please contact Hillary Biancuzzo if you have questions.
First Edition - Page 3
January Sermon Series
WHO IS HE?
January 4 -
The Son of Man - Luke 5:17-26
January 11 -
The Sinner’s Friend - Luke 18:9-14
January 18 -
The Anointed One - Luke 4:16-30
January 25 -
The Coming King - Luke 4:28-38
I o w a C i t y F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h - w w w. i c f i r s t c h u r c h . o r g
FREE LUNCH
FUMC will serve Free Lunch on Tuesday, December 23, at 1105 Gilbert Court. We
need contributions of two veggie lasagnas, one meat lasagna, desserts, and green
beans. We will also need a crew of about 12 volunteers. Please call or email Jean Hill
at 354-1935 or [email protected]. Thanks to all who helped in November!
FELLOWSHIP TIME HOSTS NEEDED FOR 2015!
We have been blessed with a variety of groups and persons
hosting our coffee hour each Sunday. Thank you to all who
have helped this year! Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
The signup sheet for 2015 is now available. We invite any of our
Committees, Affinity Groups, Councils, Sunday School Classes, or
families within the church to sign up for a month, or just one
Sunday, if possible, to serve coffee and goodies. The signup sheet
is located in the Gathering Place. We would love to have another
great year of any and all groups help by signing up!
First Edition - Page 4
Love Came Down
at Christmas!
What a worshipful Sunday we had! Great thanks to the Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Sanctuary
Band, Noon Bells, Ron Conkin, Charles Klink, Ronda Marshall, Steve Norris, Kirk Perreau, Amelia
Prybil, and Suzanne Smith for presenting a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with a variety of styles
of worshipful music last Sunday! Special thanks to Michael Davidson for playing so many pieces of
wonderful music! Many thanks to Steve Marner for organizing so many gifted readers. I also want to
thank the following liturgists: Harold Adams, Michael Barron, Lorna Cress, Jan Down, David Dozark,
Marie Fellows, Charles Helms, Dick Johns, Michael & Megan Petkewec, Pam Ries, Gary & Lynnda
Sanborn, Dave Schuldt, Suzanne Stock, Sally Strah, and Pastor Heecheon. Tremendous thanks to
Pastor Barrie for his great support of this special worship service!
We will be singing many Christmas carols to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ during all
three Christmas Eve services! Our Children’s Choir and players will be sharing their musical gifts
during the 5:00PM, Children & Family Christmas Eve Service. The Wesley Chimes, Ethan Zierke, and
Erika Zierke will be playing several favorite Christmas Carols. Melanie Von Spreecken will be singing
Sandi Patti’s, The Gift Goes On in this service.
At 6:30PM, our Jubilation Ringers, Youth Bells, Sonia Jeon, Suzanne Smith, and Michael Davidson
will be presenting a Christmas Eve Musical Offering. I highly encourage you to come early to prepare
our hearts to worship! At the 7:00PM Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Candles, Jon Cryer will
be playing euphonium and the Chancel Choir will be singing. We also have Melanie Von Spreecken,
Katelyn Rew, and Amy Ostrem as our vocal soloists.
At 10:30PM, the Langguth Piano Trio will be presenting a Christmas Musical Offering leading up to
the 11:00PM Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Communion. Melanie Von Spreecken and Katelyn
Rew will also be singing during this worship service. We will
have unending joyful music during all of our Christmas Eve
Worship Services!
We will have only ONE worship service at 10:00AM on
December 28. It will be the LAST Sunday service in 2014!
We will be having a Christmas Carols Sing with Jim Hall Jazz
Piano Music at 9:30AM. During this time you can share your
favorite carols to sing with us! Our music will depict a joyous
atmosphere of this Christmastide!
Let us experience the abundant love and joy from our
precious Lord Jesus!
Love in Christ,
Samuel
First Edition - Page 5
Many Big Thank You’s to Christmas Card Helpers
All the Sunday School kids, even the toddler/two’s, and even the high school aged kids,
colored, decorated, and addressed nearly 100 Christmas cards during the Sunday School hour
on December 7! They worked hard together and did a really good job. And now the cards are
being received by members of our church family who are 85+ or not able to make it to church
any more. We had some grown-up volunteers, too, and they were also a great help. Many
thanks to everyone!
Christmas Poinsettia Delivery Help
We will be delivering the Christmas poinsettias the day after Christmas,
December 26 starting at 10:00AM at the church. We will have about
41 poinsettias to be delivered so if you’ve signed up for this mission,
please be sure to come and help with the deliveries. It’s a rewarding
project because the people receiving them are often so very pleased to
get a poinsettia. And please pray for it to be a nice day!
Bless you,
Sage River
Parish Care
The Church Offices will be closing at 1:00PM on December 24,
and will be closed all day on December 25 & 26 in celebration
of Christmas. Office hours will also be limited on
Monday, December 29. Normal office hours will resume on
Tuesday, December 30. We will also be closed on
Thursday, January 1 for the New Year holiday.
A Message from the Visual Arts Team
The Visual Arts Team would like to thank everyone who provided
flower arrangements for the Altar this year. The congregation
enjoys helping you celebrate and remember important events
in the life of your family. We hope you will continue to sign up on
the Flower Calendar which is on the door next to the elevator on
the ground level. You can also call Claire in the office
and she will put your name on the Flower Calendar.
Thank You for supporting this important ministry.
First Edition - Page 6
Take Time to Pray - Our Church Family
We Celebrate With:
● Monique Sheibley & John Vrablik who were married December 13. We pray God’s blessings upon them as they
begin their married lives together.
● Jordan Gerot & Andrew Wink who were united in marriage on December 6. We pray God’s blessings upon them as
they begin their married lives together.
We Pray For:
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The family of Bob Engel, especially his wife Beth. Bob died on November 30 at UIHC. A Memorial Service will be
held March 18 at 10:30 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. As we lift him to God in our prayers, we pray also for
all who knew and loved Bob.
The family of Conan Dalton, brother-in-law of Jennifer and Steve Ballard. Conan died on November 30 at the age of
40 after a 7-year battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife, Gretta, and their son, 4-year-old Henry. Their
second child, a daughter to be named Emily, is due in February.
The family of Johnnie Shaffer, especially his daughter Mary Ann (& Roger) Cozine. Johnnie died on December 6 in
West Liberty. Services to honor his life were held Tuesday, December 9 at Lensing with Reverend Barrie Tritle
officiating. As we lift Johnnie to God in our prayers, we pray also for all who knew and loved him, especially his family.
The family of Dave Powers, especially his wife Janie Woolridge Powers. Dave passed away on December 14 in
Nashville from complications of lung cancer. As we lift him to God in our prayers, we pray also for all who knew
and loved Dave, especially his family.
The family of Duane Nollsch. Duane passed away on December 17 at Mercy Hospice. Services are currently pending.
As we lift him to God in our prayers, we pray also for all who knew and loved Duane, especially his family.
Those recently discharged from area hospitals: Darlene Hoskinson
All those in need of continued healing including:
Dave Hill, son of Martin & Jean Hill. Dave has a recurrence of baso-squamous skin cancer and faces another round
of radiation and chemotherapy,
Tirzah Elliott-Moore, granddaughter of Norman and Marles Moore. Tirzah is undergoing testing for a spot on her brain,
Eldon Hans at Melrose Meadows,
Helen Lenz who is now at Legacy Gardens,
Clarence Carlson at Lantern Park recovering from back surgery,
Grace Barron recovering at Lantern Park,
Margaret Morgan now at Windmill Manor,
Marty Roesch as she continues recovery at Solon Skilled Care Center,
Gladys Ainger, grandmother of Barb Scheussler, as Gladys recovers from cancer surgery,
David “Doc” Lott, Scheussler family friend, as he undergoes chemo for Lymphoma,
Joan Hilligas, Scheussler family friend, as she receives treatment for a cancerous brain tumor,
Frank Omeara, friend of the Scheussler’s, as he receives treatment for a cancerous brain tumor,
Jerry Slezak as he continues recovery from injuries sustained in a fall from a ladder,
Wally Jones, friend of Jonathon Smith, as Wally has been diagnosed with lung cancer,
Josh Fredrickson, 18-year old friend of Jim & Jan Down, who suffered serious spinal injuries in a motorcycle accident,
Deanna Cornwell, daughter of Darlene Hoskinson, as Deanna continues treatment for lung cancer,
Nancy Carpenter, daughter-in-law of Milly Carpenter, as she continues treatment for cancer,
Betty Shaffer at home, and all in our congregation who are homebound or residing in nursing homes or other
extended care facilities.
Those serving in the Peace Corps, Americorps, and other service organizations,
The healing of breaking and broken relationships,
For those struggling with mental illness that they may receive the medical care they need,
For all the neglected, abandoned, and mistreated children in our world,
All those who have been impacted by fires, violence, oil spills, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other
natural disasters throughout Iowa and the world,
The mission, ministries, and staff of First United Methodist Church,
Our 2014-2015 Confirmands: Ellie Ballard (mentor Deborah Even), Nick Biancuzzo (mentor Wayne Steen),
Ellie Brown (mentor Wendy Ostrem), Heather Craig (mentor Pam Ries), Aubree Klink (mentor Joyce Thomas),
Lilian Prybil (mentor Megan Petkewec), Andrew Tribbey (mentor Kim Gordon).
Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble, East Central District Superintendent David Crow, Field Outreach Minister Jill Sanders,
and Wesley Foundation Campus Minister, Anna Blaedel.
Peace with justice for the world
First Edition - Page 7
Attendance at FUMC
12/7/2014 PRESENCE
8:00
82
9:15
59
10:30 213
Total
354
12/14/2014 PRESENCE
8:00
144
10:30 263
Total
407
WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATIONS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
When bad weather threatens our area, please be
sure to check KCRG or our Facebook page to find
out whether or not the church office is open, your
specific event is cancelled, or if Sunday morning
worship services are cancelled.
December 17
Katie Beasley
Steve Olson
December 18
David Carrasco
December 19
Diedre Fleener
Dusti Cermak
Sophie McClatchey
December 20
Linda Baylor
December 21
Susan Miller
December 22
Kathy Rebal
Vicki Metz
Bryan Ruyle
December 23
Scott Osland
Gordon Corlette
December 25
Keith Rayner
Heidi Madsen
Elise Walz
December 26
Lynn Summers
Gary Lundquist
Kristy Walker
Himena Harris
Cohen Karnell
December 27
Lyle Miller
Duane Allison
Chauncey Jones
Emily Hammes
Andrew Cress
December 28
Diane Judge
Richard Paterson
Ryan Kriz
Dylan Portwood
December 29
Donna Wendler
Jim Ross
Hans Stolfus
December 30
Sarah Rebal
Jeremy Rew
Jami Ampey
Carter Soenen
December 31
Reta Lepic
Chris Best
Christy Zierke
Denise Prybil
January 1
Jane Davis
Claudette Heddens
Deb Harris
Christine Mullen
Chris Hagen
Lisa Galassi
Richard Chigorogo
Magdalene Kabolonzi
Sarah Smith
Lauren Fleener
January 2
Dorothy Rowland
Ellen Cram
Hillary Biancuzzo
January 3
Marcia Welch
Kelly Hayworth
Samuel Kwok
January 4
Edith Swails
Debbie Plath
Jared Hix
Francine Rath
Jaci Hall
January 5
Ida Belle Paterson
Jim Ridenour
Ashley Bentler
January 6
Wilma Erdmann
Lynn Colony
George Khal
Julie Ostrem
Sherry Semelka
Ruby Frank
First Edition - Page 8
Merry Christmas &
Happy New Year!
From the Staff at First United Methodist Church
Lead Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Dr. Barrie Tritle
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Dr. Heecheon Jeon
Director of Little Angels Learning Center
[email protected]
Cathy Stange
STAFF
Director of Worship & Music Ministries
[email protected]
Samuel Kwok
Director of Health Ministries
[email protected]
Sage River
Business Manager
[email protected]
Hillary Biancuzzo
Office Administrator
[email protected]
Claire Bartleson
Facilities Manager
[email protected]
Charles Thiede
Organist
[email protected]
Michael Davidson
Custodian
Teresa Schulte
Youth Intern
Benjamin King
Music Intern
Katelyn Rew
December 17, 2014
Vol. 39, Issue 24
Return Service Requested
214 East Jefferson Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Phone - 319.337.2857 Fax - 319.337.0485
Email - [email protected]
Web: www.icfirstchurch.org
First United
Methodist Church
Non-Profit
Organization
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