2014-12-01 Tree of Life Newsletter

December 1, 2014 | The Newsletter of Madison United Methodist Church
Mark Your
Calendar
12.06 — 11:00 am
Madison Tour of Homes
UMW Bake Sale
12.07 — 2:00 pm
Christmas Gathering at the
Parsonage
12.08 — 10:00 am
UMW Business Meeting
12.12 — 6:00 pm
Double Nickels’ Christmas
Celebration
12.13 — 5:00 pm
Youth at Christmas Parade
12.14 — 6:00 pm
Christmas Concert
Dear Madison Church,
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I would like to thank each family and person in
our Madison Church for your faithfulness is giving. In John 3:16, Jesus describes The
Lord God with these words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son …” Think about that: God gave. The Lord was generous. To follow The
Lord means to become like Him; as Paul says to be “like-minded, having the same
love, being one in spirit and of one mind [with Jesus] (Philippians 2:2). To follow
Jesus we are to continue in His generosity. And, quite frankly, you are doing just that.
I regularly hear stories of donations being given to youth, children, mission and other
projects … not “just in time” but just in God’s time.
My encouragement for you is this: keep it up. Pray daily that you would be made more
and more generous, just like Jesus. Pray daily to remember the commitments that we
made together to “know Jesus and make Him known” in 2015.
There is a scripture that I love (Malachi 3:10): “Bring the whole tithe into the
storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says
the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and
pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” I want that
blessing. If for no other reason, than because after it there will be even more to share.
So, this Christmas, let us continue to follow Jesus and continue in His generosity.
As you are planning your end-of-the-year giving, please remember a few things: (1)
Madison Church cannot accept postdated checks and (2) all checks must be turned in
to the church office by close of business on Tuesday, December 30.
Keep going, Madison Church! Keep going in faith! Keep going in love! Keeping
going in generosity!
Grace and Truth,
12.15 — 9:00 am
Christmas Cookie Delivery!
12.18 — 5:30 pm
Santa’s Village
Performance
12.24 — 5:00 & 7:00 pm
Christmas Eve
Worship Services
12.28 — 10:00 a.m.
United Worship Service
in the Sanctuary
Dr. Travis N. Wilson — Lead Pastor
Upcoming Sermons:
December 07 — Christmas 2014: Aragorn - The King Who Returns
December 14 — Christmas 2014:
Frodo - The One Who Bears of the Sins of the World
December 21 — Christmas 2014: Sam - The Servant of All
December 24 — Chirstmas 2014: The Smallest Person and the Future
December 28 — Guest Preacher: Rev. Sherill Clontz
Next Sermon Series — The 10 Blessings of God (Exodus 20:1-17)
Announcements — [email protected]
A Great Big THANK YOU to everyone who came out Sunday evening, November 23rd to help decorate
the church. Many hands made quick and easy work of the trees and wreaths (many of which needed
reworking). Our church is ready for the Christmas season thanks to your wonderful gift of time and creative
talent. Thanks, too, to our wonderful Youth who did a great deal of the tree decorating and garland hanging.
Liturgists Needed!
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Sundays — 8:30am & 10:45am — S
Liturgists are needed on non-Communion Sundays in November, December and January.
See Katherine Imsand or contact her at [email protected] or 256-479-4628.
Liturgists lead the Call to W orship and the Confession of Faith during early or late services.
Friendly Faces
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We are rebooting Friendly faces—our lay congregation care.
Members and staff will work together to uplift and care for our church members and friends.
We are enfolding existing ministries as well as the addition of others.
The Lord is calling you to serve! So please contact Nancy Walker (256-529-1222) or the church office
(256-772-9761) to volunteer.
Youth Choir Schedule
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UMW Bake Sale at the Madison Tour of Homes
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We are collecting new hats, gloves, mittens, socks and blankets.
All sizes (child through adult) for the poor and homeless.
Bring items December 7th through 21st.
Please drop off outside the Youth Room.
Very Beary Christmas
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December 7—2:00-4:00pm
Pastor Trav, Becca and the Girls invite you to drop in at 101 Sturdivant Street.
Come as you are.
Yes, bring the kids!
Warm Hands and Warm Hearts Collection
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December 6 — 11:00am-3:00pm
Our church is participating in the Madison Historic District Tour of Homes.
The Chancel Bell Choir, Chamber Orchestra and some vocalists will participate.
The UMW will be setting up a Tea Room and Tours of the Sanctuary will be provided by Pastor Trav.
UMW will be selling baked goodies that include homemade cakes, pies, cookies and candy.
All proceeds from the bake sale will go for local missions. Your support is needed and appreciated.
Christmas Gathering at the Parsonage
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December
Sunday, December 7th 5:00-6:00 pm - Rehearsal
Saturday, December 13th 9:00 am-12:00 pm - Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 14th CONCERT 5:30 pm (arrive 4:45 pm)
Bring a stuffed bear to put under the Christmon Tree.
The bears will be given to a local hospital for sick children.
December 7-21
December 7-21
Location Key — CLC (Christian Life Center) — S (Sanctuary) — YR (Youth Room)
N (Nursery) — CMR (Children’s Ministry Room) — P (Parlor) — CFR (Conference Room)
MPR (Multi-purpose Room) —CHR (Choir Room)
Announcements — [email protected]
United Methodist Women Business Meeting
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The United Methodist Women will meet on Monday, December 8th for an important business meeting for
allocation of monies to go to our mission projects.
Please make every effort to attend.
We will meet in the church parlor.
Double Nickels Christmas Party
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December 8 — 10:00am—P
Come join us in our Christmas celebration.
Special program with music.
December 12 — 6:00pm — CLC
Christmas Parade...Youth
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Youth are invited to evangelize our area by giving out jingle bell bracelets at the Christmas parade.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
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December 13 — 5:00pm
December 14 — 4:00-5:00pm—P
For information, contact Teri Stokes at (256) 837-8641 or (256) 479-3803.
Madison UMC Music Ministry’s “The Music of Christmas” December 14 — 6:00pm—S
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The MUMC Orchestra, Chancel Choir, Youth Choir and Chancel Bells will present music of the season
including excerpts of the Cantata “Darkness into Light” by Mary McDonald.
Everyone is invited to join together in The Christian Life Center for an evening of beautiful Christmas
music, carol singing and a reception following the concert. It will be an event dedicated to glorify our
greatest Christmas gift, Jesus Christ.
Please make plans to attend and bring your family and friends.
A reception will follow the concert.
Christmas Cookie Delivery!
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Santa’s Village Performance
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December 18 — 5:30pm
MUMC Chancel Bells and Chamber Orchestra performing through the evening.
Bring your family to enjoy a Christmas tradition in Downtown Huntsville.
Admission charged.
Christmas Eve Worship Services
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December 15 — 9:00am — MPR
We are delivering Christmas cookie tins again this year.
Volunteers are needed to bake a minimum of 2 dozen each.
Sugar-free cookies and Christmas treats are also needed.
Cookies must be delivered to the multipurpose room by 9:00 am on the 15th. Early deliveries may be left
on Dec. 14th labeled “Cookie Delivery”.
Need volunteers to assemble and deliver tins.
Contact Maralee Swanson at 256-852-7069 for further information.
December 24 — 5:00pm & 7:00 pm—S
Candlelight Communion Services in the sanctuary.
Celebrate the birth of our Savior with your family and friends at Madison Church.
Communion is open to all.
Anniversaries
December 08: Tim & Laurie McFalls
December 13: Robert & Deborah Friend
December 15: Perry & Sherry Newton
December 25: Jim & Nancy Sturdivant
December 27: Mike & Kelli Finamore
December 27: Roy & Betty Roberts
Birthdays
December 02:
December 03:
December 04:
December 05:
December 18:
December 19:
December 20:
December 21:
December 22:
December 23:
December 24:
December 29:
December 31:
Katherine Imsand
Loree Spencer
Jay Willis, Isabel Stewart
Jennifer Williams
Maralee Swanson
Katie Davis
Tommie Overcast, Bryson Prichard, Miriam Stewart
Bill Williams, Frank Flemish, Chris Irrgang, Delaney Mayer
Tommy Clark
Karen Compton, Allison Edgecomb
Chip Timme
Elaine Powers
Patricia Glover
Ushers for December
Early Service: George Jones, Donnie Spencer, and Kevin Glover
Late Service: Charlie Irrgang and William Irrgang
Prayer Focus for December
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Madison United Methodist Church
More of the Holy Spirit
More Spiritual Gifts
The United States of America
Our elderly and our young
Our military personnel
All unspoken concerns
Roy & Betty Roberts
The Peace of Ferguson, Missouri
Margaret Ramsay (Ramsay Harris)
Sherrie Ford (sister of Debbie Whitaker)
Millie Forrest (rehab)
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Johnny Lamb
Tommi Overcast
Kenneth Way (Jan Mason)
Family of Beverly Goodrich (Beth Johnson)
Judy Davis & Family in loss of son-in-law Tim
Michael Ballard (cancer—Nancy & Larry Walter)
Kathleen Bryant (Lindsey Barrett)
Denise Rhyan
Richard Kramer
Becky Ellingwood
Judy Strange
Youth Ministry — [email protected]
Sunday Night Youth Group!
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All students 7th-12th grade are welcome!
Come for a time of fun and of learning to follow Jesus.
Wednesday Night Youth Group
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WEDNESDAYS — 6:00-8:00 pm — YR
All students 7th-12th grade are welcome!
7th-9th Grade will continue their study of Jesus’ first disciples — “The Dirty Dozen.”
10th-12th Grades will look for evidence of Jesus and the Resurrection.
BEHOLD! Youth Conference
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SUNDAYS — 6:00-8:00 pm — YR
January 17-19 — Camp Sumatanga
All 7th-12th graders are invited to the BEHOLD Conference at Camp Sumatanga January 17-19, 2015.
Peter Eide will be our Worship Leader. Chris Jones will be our speaker with comedian Joby Saad.
The cost will be $160, however do not let mere money keep you from attending this retreat.
Please be looking for more information in the mail. This will be a GREAT retreat!
Children’s Ministry — [email protected]
Two Nurseries: Infant & Toddler
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Our nurseries are located outside the Youth Room.
Infant Nursery cares for children aged birth to walking
Toddler Nursery cares for children aged walking until age 4.
Children’s Church
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SUNDAYS — 9:30-10:30 am — CMR
We begin in a large group in our Children’s Ministry Room with worship, offering and prayer.
You’ll pick up your child from their small group where they learn to follow Jesus. Details below:
Preschool — Kindergarten: Pick Up in the Children’s Ministry Room
1st — 3rd grade: pick up in Bear Room No. 5
4th — 6th grade: pick up in Education Building, Room No. 77
Children’s Worship Arts
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SUNDAYS — Both Services — CMR
Your children aged preschool through sixth grade are invited to join us after the Children's Moment.
Age appropriate lessons this quarter from the book of Hebrews.
Children’s Sunday School
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SUNDAYS — 8:15 to Noon — N
SUNDAYS — 4:00-5:00 pm — CMR
Bring your kids to enjoy worship through new media: music, art, and crafts.
Fellowship and Snacks are included.
Ages preschool through 6th grade are invited.
Madison Church Staff
Lead Pastor — Dr. Travis Wilson
Office Manager—Betty McLaughlin
Director of Worship — Katherine Imsand
Chancel Pianist — Kirk Durbin
Pianist/Accompanist — Alice Eaton
Youth Director — Shannon Lott
Assistant Youth Director — Cynthia Stewart
Children’s Ministry Director — Cynthia Stewart
Nursery Staff Supervisor — Cynthia Stewart
Preschool Director — Denise Gribbin
Assistant Preschool Director — Jane Allen
Maintenance — [email protected]
Newsletter Article Due Dates — [email protected]
To have an article placed in the newsletter, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
Upcoming Newsletter Mail-out Dates
Articles Due
December 15, 2014
December 9, 2014
December 30, 2014
December 23, 2014
January 15, 2015
January 12, 2015
January 30, 2015
January 26, 2015
Office Hours: Monday—Friday 8:00 AM—4:00 PM
The Tree of Life
The Newsletter of Madison United Methodist Church
127 Church Street
Madison, AL 35758
Voice — (256) 772-9761
Fax — (256) 772-9846
www.madisonum.org — [email protected]
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