December 2013 - January 2014 Number 12
A Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church of Madison
Advent & Christmas Season Hanging of the Greens
Sunday Worship 9 & 10:30 a.m. DECEMBER 1
Holy Communion
Saturday, November 30 @ 9 a.m. – Noon Join us as we decorate the church for the season of Advent. No need to RSVP, just come ready to help set out decorations, hang wreaths and garlands, and trim the trees. Coffee, light refreshments and spontaneous caroling will be available all morning.
Let Us Walk in the Light
Carols in the Octagon
Prepare the Way
Sundays, December 8 & 22 Members of the Blessed Brass will play seasonal music.
Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 15 @ 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary This is always a special time as children, youth and adults share the wonder and mystery of the traditional Christmas story. After the service, enjoy Christmas treats and fellowship in Fellowship Hall.
A Quiet Christmas
Sunday, December 22 @ 7 p.m., Chapel If you would appreciate a quiet time of music, candlelight, and reflection, plan to participate in this alternative celebration of Christmas in the intimate setting of our Chapel led by Rev. Tina Lang and musicians.
Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, December 24
4 p.m. – Family Worship, Fellowship Hall 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. – A Christmas Eve Celebration of Candles & Music, Sanctuary
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5 Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir Family-Style Worship, Fellowship Hall @ 9:15 a.m. DECEMBER 8
Text: Isaiah 11:1-10 Chancel Choir DECEMBER 15
Do Not Fear Text: Isaiah 35:1-10 Chamber Choir, Blessed Brass @ 9 a.m Traditional Christmas Pageant, Sanctuary @ 10:30 a.m. DECEMBER 22
Emmanuel: God-With-Us Text: Isaiah 7:10-16 & Matthew 1:18-25 Handbell Choir DECEMBER 29
Christmas Carols, Carols & More Carols!
(Nursery care available during the 7 p.m. service.)
A Christmas music focus
Alternative Gift Market & Forest of Giving Trees
including musical gifts from
Sundays, December 1-22, 9-10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Give family and friends unique gifts that honor the spirit of the One whose birth we celebrate while giving struggling individuals and families the support they need to lift themselves out of poverty. A variety of giving options will be available and all of them are sure to bring “joy to the world!”
Christmas Community Meal
All Welcome | Noon to 2 p.m. | Wednesday, December 25 For Homebound Delivery Call 608.256.9061 Cut-off date for delivery requests is December 16 by 3:30 p.m.
Carly Kuntz, Kitt Foss and others JANUARY 5
Season of Epiphany Holy Communion @ 9 a.m. “Old Befana” @ 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP
Coffee Fellowship 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Join FUMC Online
Christmas
A couple of days ago, I sat down with a few Christmas catalogs to look for gift ideas. As I thumbed through them, I started thinking about Christmases gone by, especially those of my youth, a time when Christmas is especially magical. I thought about our neighbor and good friend, Harold Wike, who played Santa for several years while we still believed. Harold would knock on our door on Christmas Eve, fully garbed as Santa, bearing gifts and booming out hearty “ho ho hos.” I remembered the annual Christmas pageant at church, unchanging from year-toyear, save for those playing Joseph or Mary, one of the Wise Men or a shepherd. Baby Jesus was always an oversized doll. I thought about the day I told Mom there was no Santa because Santa just didn’t make any sense. And what about the Christmas I received my longed-for Gilbert chemistry set. Most of all, however, I remembered family: Mom and Dad, my brother Denny and grandmas and grandpas and swarms of aunts and uncles and cousins. It was a somewhat insular world, but one of great security and sense of belonging. As I visit some of our church members, especially those getting up in years, I am aware that many are without immediate family or their family is scattered across the U.S. (or the globe). They all have their own Christmas memories but few people to share them with. During this special season, I would encourage all of us, in the midst of the often mad scramble that Christmas has become, to take a few moments to remember these folks. Think about someone you know who might appreciate a small gesture of recognition during the holidays. It might be something as simple as sending a Christmas card to an older friend or taking a plate of cookies to the widower next door or offering someone a ride to church. And most generously perhaps, a personal visit and a chance for each of you to share your Christmas memories together. A Merry Christmas to All,
Jim Ostrander
Coordinator of Homebound Ministries
2 The Chimes
“Many church members are without immediate family or their family is scattered across the U.S.”
FUMC Church Conference Monday, December 9 Soup Supper @ 6 p.m. Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Carly’s Column
Neighborhood Groups
A few Sundays ago, I asked people to step up to facilitate neighborhood groups. These would be groups close to your home for conversation, study, support and anything else you might want it to be. Two families stepped forward. That is a good beginning. Someone kindly reminded me, it would be helpful to have a conversation and ongoing support for those who are interested in facilitating a neighborhood group. If you want to know more about what a neighborhood group might be, please email me at
[email protected] or call me at 608.256.4646, ext. 13. We will set a time to talk. Contacting me does not mean you signed up to lead anything. It just means you are willing to talk about this idea. Thanks for your interest. - Carly
I have heard more than a few of our church members say, “It is hard to be a conservative in Madison.” While I’m not always sure what each person means by the word conservative, I know the feeling is connected with political affiliation. Some have even gone so far as to say, “It is difficult to be a conservative at First Church.” That statement has given me pause. I believe it is a statement to consider as we think about the future of First Church. The strategic priority for 2014 is “Finding Balance by connecting, growing and serving.” Perhaps in addition to finding balance with God, we can begin to look for ways to find balance in our appreciation for all points of view, including those who describe themselves as conservatives, liberals, democrats and republicans. I think that begins with respecting one another enough to engage in civil conversations. We don’t have to agree with one another, but, perhaps we can talk with one another. We might discover beliefs and ideals we hold in common. That was my experience growing up. The home I grew up in was a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Every Friday morning, my mother would make coffee in preparation for the weekly discussions. Neighbors and friends, Dr. Jennifer Knust to union lovers and union busters, democrat and republican, conservative and liberal Speak at Eleventh would gather for a couple hours of conversation about politics and religion. As a child I remember hearing laughter, loud voices, friends who jokingly and sometimes Annual Lyons Lecture Saturday, May 3, 2014 not so jokingly insulted the other. Yet, everyone parted as friends; friends who sat side by side at church; friends who played cards and went out for Fish Frys; friends Registration Now Open Online who happily discovered their real beliefs were not always that different; friends who Dr. Jennifer Knust, a noted modern understood conversation about our differences helps us stay balanced; friends who theologian, will present two lectures on the topic, “The Bible, Sex, & Christian came back Friday after Friday for that kind of conversation. Ethics.” Dr. Knust is an Assistant Here is my invitation: if you find it difficult to be a conservative at First Professor of New Testament and Church, please talk with me. I truly want to hear what you are thinking. For that Christian Origins at Boston University matter, I want to hear what each person is thinking about this issue regardless of political affiliation. I would rather know what you are thinking, so that together and the author of a wide range of we can learn to value our congregation’s rich diversity. articles and essays in her field, as well Here is my hope. I hope First Church can be a place of conversation as her recent book, Unprotected Texts: among all people. We might even discover we have some common beliefs and The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions understandings. When we feel safe to be who we are, we come closer to finding About Sex and Desire. To learn more balance. about this year’s speaker and to register Please feel free to respond to these thoughts. I look forward to the online visit www.fumc.org and click on conversation. I really do. the “Lyons Lecture” link on the right Blessings, side of the page.
Carly Carly Kuntz, Lead Pastor 608.256.4646 ext. 13 or
[email protected]
The Chimes 3
Alton/Van Dyke Scholarships Awarded
The Alton/Van Dyke Scholarships for college-level students were presented to 13 college students on Sunday, November 24. This is the second year for the new category which recognizes college students who have continued their involvement and participation in our youth program despite the demands of their college studies. Their presence enriches the youth program and provides a valuable link between the youth director and the youth themselves. These new scholarships are in addition to the traditional scholarships for high school seniors that are awarded each June. This year’s college scholarships range up to $1,000, depending on individual involvement in the youth program. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hannah Fry Jessica Rodgers Jacob Rodgers Emily Phillips Max Strommen Garrett Farin Kirke Elsass Josh Williams Steffenie Williams Amanda Fry Grace Newton Emily Burrows Emiliano Fraire
4 The Chimes
Isthmus Brass Concert & Fundraiser for Porchlight
Tuesday, December 17 7 p.m., Sanctuary The Isthmus Brass is Wisconsin’s premiere large brass ensemble. Under the direction of John Stevens, the ensemble will play arrangements from their repertoire of familiar Christmas music. Please join us in the Sanctuary for this fifth annual benefit Concert for Porchlight. The music will stir your soul; and in turn, you can pass on that hope and light to people in need. A free will offering will be received to support the services offered by Porchlight, Inc.
Welcome, Sharon
Sharon McNeely has accepted the position of Finance & Accounting Associate at First Church. She has over 12 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts and office management. She holds associate degrees in finance and accounting from Madison College. Sharon joined FUMC this past summer as an “experienced” intern in Connecting Ministries working with marketing, event planning and administrative support.
2013 CROP Summary
Fifteen people participated in the walk on Sunday, October 20 and gathered with several hundred others at First Congregational UCC to have a short devotion and then walk to end hunger in the world. This year our FUMC team raised $3,657, which is $444 more than last year, a 13.8% increase. The generous members and friends of FUMC came through again. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this a success and to all who donated so generously.
Outreach Ministry Joys
Anita, Outreach Food Specialist & Team Leader, completed training and certification in food safety management. We congratulate Anita for this significant accomplishment and her nearly 10 years of leadership in our outreach ministry programming. We are grateful for our community partnership with LaFollette High School and to Anita who teaches in Special Education there, leading and mentoring students on-site at FUMC to complete outreach ministry services. Welcome New Outreach Team Members Beverly Brazzel Community Outreach Breakfast Team Linda Finger Outreach Computer Support Specialist Jennifer Gotto, Food Pantry Team Kelly Immekus, Food Pantry Receiving and Stocking Specialist Sue Kozubek, Community Outreach Breakfast Team Connie Larkins, Community Outreach Breakfast Team Leader Nicole Martin, Food Pantry Team Patricia Pankhurst, Community Outreach Breakfast Team Jane Saddler, Food Pantry Team
Church Women United Friday, December 6 at 9 a.m. First Baptist Church (518 Franklin St., Madison) Program begins @ 10 a.m.: “Fifty Years After the Washington March” by Rev. Andrew Davison, Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Church Friday, January 10, 2014 Oakwood Village West (6205 Mineral Point Rd., Madison) Program @ 10 a.m.: Human Rights Day Celebration
Help Wanted: Youth Room Setup Team
It is an important outreach that our church is a host site for the men’s overflow shelter, helping keep people warm during the cold nights. The men sleep in our youth rooms, which means we move all of the furniture each week to clear a sleeping space for our guests. We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to come in weekly, either anytime on Fridays, or Sundays at 8:30 a.m. to help set up the rooms for Sunday mornings. Contact Seth at
[email protected] if you are interested.
Humanitarian Support
Sundays, December 1 - 22, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall Mission Ministries
Mission Ministries will offer Heifer International Gift Cards for animals, seedlings and training to fill a $5,000 “Gift Ark” which distributes the gifts to families in need across the world, bringing them dignity and self-reliance.
International Ministries
The International Ministries Team will offer: • An assortment of jewelry from the Getsemani Community in El Salvador: bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. • Equal Exchange fair trade coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and chocolates. • Café Social coffee from Columbia - a Madison/Colombian enterprise that partners with the family of our Madison team member, Omar Lopez. Omar’s sister owns the farm in Armenia, Colombia, in the heart of the best coffee-growing and producing land in the world. Café Social personally knows the farm workers who plant, tend, cultivate, harvest, roast and ship this high-grade coffee. Pilgrims of Ibillin will offer olive oil soap and olive wood carvings, both made in the Palestinian village of Zababdeh, in the upper West Bank. Gift cards will also be available. Your offering will support scholarships for Palestinian students attending Christian schools where “Peace is Built on Desktops.”
Outreach Ministries
• Porchlight Products made with local, fresh and seasonal ingredients, supporting people who live in transitional housing and local, sustainable agriculture.
Youth Ministries
Youth Ministries will offer Gift Jars of ready-made mixes in five delicious varieties: Italian Pasta Soup, Brownies, Gingerbread Cookies, Hot Cocoa, Cranberry Scones.
Forest of Giving Trees
Hat & Mitten Tree – Add hats and mittens to this tree and provide the gift of warmth for the children at Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee, who don’t have these winter essentials. The YWCA Tree – Purchase personal care items requested by residents at the YWCA and place them under the tree. Take a gift card from any of the following: The International Ministries Tree – Gifts will provide a variety of books for the Getesemani Community in El Salvador, including children’s, teen, and adult paperback and hardcover books. Items we collected in October to go to the Arizona/Mexico border for distribution through the humanitarian efforts.
The Thoughtful Remembrances Tree – Offer the gift of a Christmas message to one of our homebound members.
The Chimes 5
Joys & Concerns
Next Chimes Deadline
Recurring Calendar Items
Please remember these FUMC members and friends in your prayers: Dave Ellis, Bill Hauser, Jean Morgan, Pat Wahlton, Bonnie Landgraf, Les Zank, Bob Eagle.
Articles Due: 8 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2014 for the February issue of Chimes, to be published on Thursday, February 27.
Yoga for Good Mondays @ 11:45 a.m., Chapel Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m., Chapel
We offer our prayers and support to members and friends of our congregation who have recently lost a loved one: • Family and friends of Mary Loui, who died on October 21 • Family and friends of Molly Hall, who died on October 22. • Steve Schooler and Marsha Mansfield upon the death of Marsha’s sister, Susan Mansfield, on October 22. • Bill Johnson, Dave and Katie Johnson, and other family and friends of Jane Johnson, who died on October 23. • Gary and Kathy Sandefur upon the death of Kathy’s nephew, Tony Green, on October 28. • Greg Moser and his family upon the death of Greg’s father, Anton Moser, on November 1.
FUMC Building Hours
Sunday: 8 a.m. - Noon Monday –Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday: Closed
Meditation Group Mondays @ 7 p.m., Chapel Faith and Reason Second Tuesday of the month, @ 9 a.m., Capitol Lakes UMW Ruth Circle (New Time) Second Tuesday of the month, @ 1:30 p.m., Capitol Lakes UMW Deborah Circle Tuesday, December 10 @ 7 p.m., Lynn Jeffris’ Home Spouses Newly Alone Will not meet in December. Game Days First & third Wednesday of the month @ 1 p.m., Room 208 UMW “New” Circle Thursdays, December 19 & January 16 @ 1:30 p.m., Room 214 Handbell Choir Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Chancel Choir Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m., Music Room Toddler Playgroup First & third Friday of the month @ 9:30 a.m., Room LL12
Celebrations at First Church: • Bryan and Emily (Austin) Burris, were married in our Sanctuary on Saturday, November 2.
Celebration of Candles & Music
Worship @ 7 & 9 p.m., Sanctuary Inspirational music by our Chancel Choir (soloists Kitt Reuter-Foss & Adam Shelton). Also, clarinetist, Vlad Gorbich, and a string quartet including Derek Powell of the New World Symphony in Miami (violin), Vicki Powell, with the New York Philharmonic (viola), Laura Jean Deming (Joan Deming’s sister), who plays with the Chicago Lyric Opera orchestra (cello), and Vicki Gorbich, also of the Kat Trio (violin).
6 The Chimes
(Chimes will not be published in January.) Note: Sessions will not be held on December 25 & January 1.
Holiday Schedule Church Building & Offices Closed December 26 & 27 All Day December 31 @ Noon January 1, 2 & 3 All Day
Outreach Ministries Break
Our Outreach programs (ComeAs-You-Are Worship, Food Pantry, Meals-To-Go) will take a brief hiatus from Tuesday, December 24, 2013 – Thursday, January 1, 2014. All programs will resume on Monday, January 6.
Perfect Harmony Concerts
Friday, December 13 @ 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 15 @ 3 p.m. Admission: $20 (At the Door)
First United Methodist Church
Phone: 608.256.9061 Fax: 608.256.6633 Website: www.fumc.org
Staff Members
Carly Kuntz, Lead Pastor...............................................................................ckuntz@fumc.org Tina Lang, Associate Pastor..........................................................................tlang@fumc.org Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries.........................................kandro@fumc.org Mary Hasheider, Director of Connecting
[email protected] Scott Foss, Director of Music........................................................................sfoss@fumc.org Bobbi Foutch-Reynolds, Food Ministry
[email protected] Jim Ostrander, Coordinator of Homebound
[email protected] Ann Beaty, Coordinator of Children’s and Young Family
[email protected] Seth Schroerlucke, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.......
[email protected] Dennis Anderson, Facilities Supervisor.......................................................danderson@fumc.org Dana Craft, Digital Media & Graphic
[email protected] Tricia Hillner, Publications Specialist...........................................................chimes@fumc.org Sharon McNeely, Finance and Accounting
[email protected] Music Staff: Ross Cowing, Organist Dan Woolpert, Director Blessed Brass Digital Arts Specialists: Max & Laura Wendt Audio/Visual: Derrik Sonnenberg CHIMES is published monthly by: First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703-2105.
Sunday School
Children attend worship with their parents at the 9 a.m. service and come to Sunday School when they are dismissed following Children’s Time.
Join the Cast of “Old Befana”
Auditions to be held December 2 and 3, 6-8 p.m. This year there are opportunities to join the cast of the performance, which will take place during 10:30 worship on Sunday, January 5. We’re holding auditions for children (5 years and up) and adults who’ll join in as vendors, members of the caravan, and angels. Auditions will be held in Fellowship Hall on December 2 and 3 from 6-8 p.m. Bring a prepared song (something from “Old Befana” preferred) and be ready to move around the stage.
Sunday School Children Led Worship on Sunday, November 10.
Fun at Fall Youth Convo
Ten Jr. and Sr. High Youth enjoyed spending time together with over 600 youth from around the state in Wisconsin Dells. We heard an awesome rock band, had fun at an indoor waterpark and ate alligator for dinner! Special thanks to chaperones Rob Campbell, Laura Nagel, and Hannah Fry.
Middle School Fall Getaway
Check this out! A team challenge course, Capture the Flag in the woods, a reflective labyrinth, devotions and sharing about the Culture of Invitation and hospitality, Hunger Games, campfire and s’mores, nature walks, gazing at stars, and wild Minute-to-Win-It challenges. Yeah, the sixteen of us had a pretty good weekend. Special thanks to our adult leaders, Rob Campbell, Clay Mehnert and Monica Bear, Nichole Schroerlucke, and Rand Moore; and to our high school leaders, Laura Wydeven and Julius Coleman.
• • • •
Ages 2 and 3 – Room LL19 Ages 4 & 5 – Room LL17 K-2nd Grade – Room LL10 3rd – 5th Grade – Room LL15
Kids’ Korner 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room LL07 Supervised enrichment time with faithbased movie/discussion or projects. Family Style Worship Sunday, December 1 @ 9:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall For more info contact Ann Beaty at
[email protected]. Childcare on Sundays Available 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Infants: First Floor Nursery - Room 104 Toddlers: Lower Level - Room LL12 Youth Middle School: Room LL02 @ 9 a.m. High School O.W.L.: Room LL06 @ 9 a.m. High School Bible Study: Room LL04 @10:30 a.m. Senior Salon: December 15 & January 5 @ 10:30 a.m., Room LL04 Confirmation: First Sunday of month @ 10:15 a.m., Room LL02 For more info contact Seth Schroerlucke at
[email protected].
The Chimes 7
Paint Some Pottery Saturday, December 7 @ 1 p.m. You-Paint-It Pottery Studio (6670 Odana Rd, Madison) Show off your creative skills at the YouPaint-It Pottery Studio. Create a special holiday gift, ornament, decoration, or just a unique one-of-a-kind piece of art. Clay pieces cost anywhere from $6-100, but average $15-$20 per piece – prices include paint, glaze, finishing, and all studio fees (no additional costs). You can make one or multiple special pieces. You know you want to avoid the mall on Saturdays in December… so come join us and paint instead!
Glo-Running
Young Adult Discussion Group
YWCA Christmas Dinner Friday, December 13 Join our annual Christmas dinner party for residents at the YWCA, where there will be food, music, card making, visiting, and games. Prep help needed. Come for all or part of what is always a meaningful event for everyone involved. 3:30 p.m. – Food prep at FUMC 6 p.m. – Serving Dinner at YWCA 8 p.m. – Cleanup at FUMC All done by 9 p.m. Contact Seth at
[email protected] to sign up.
In spite of the cold night, six of our young adults warmed up by running a 5K surrounded by black lights, pumping music, hundreds of people, and lots of glow in the dark paraphernalia. Super awesome times.
Wednesdays @ 7 p.m., beginning in January The young adult group had such great conversations about faith together for the fall Sunday morning class, “The Big Ones: Theology Revisited,” that they decided to continue meeting weekly after the holidays. Come for lively and open discussions on faith topics with different facilitators and snacks every week. Stay tuned for exact dates and location.
Day at the Zoo
Twelve young adult volunteers helped clean up after Halloween at the Zoo, and we even had a visiting guest join us who found our Facebook page and asked if she could join us while in Madison looking at UW for grad school! Our group’s help was greatly appreciated by the zoo staff. Special thanks to Patrick Rowley, who took down the “super-tall sign.”
Roller Derby!
Saturday, January 11 @ 5:30–9 p.m. Mad Rollin’ Dolls are back! If you’ve never seen a live roller derby bout, it’s REALLY fun. Meet to find seats at 5:30 p.m. Show starts at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Colliseum (at the Alliant Energy Center). Advance tix $12.
First United Methodist Church • 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 • www.fumc.org • 608.256.9061 • Electronic Chimes Request:
[email protected]
Welcome, First Church New Members! December 2013 New members join a fellowship seeking to build upon the faithful journeys of the past as we make a difference in the name of Christ today. Please take time to seek out our new members and welcome them to the fellowship of our church and the journey we will share together. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Caroline & Nate Altfeather, Lowell & Karmen Caroline is transferring her membership from Concordia UMC in Prairie du Sac. She is a UW-Madison graduate and works as an interior designer. Her family includes Karmen, who is active in First Church Sunday School, soon-to-be-two son Lowell and her husband, Nate, who is in the engineering department at the UW.
Bryan & Emily Burris Bryan works in construction-project management technology where his travels take him cross-country and abroad. He comes from a Methodist background and is a Pennsylvania native. Emily works with the State Housing Authority and is originally from Green Bay. They both have been impressed with the music and inclusiveness at First Church and are interested in the church’s service opportunities.
Katy & Erik Pritzl, Maddy & Claire Erik is in charge of a training program at the UW for child welfare workers and foster parents and Katy works for a salon in Sun Prairie. Their family includes Maddy and Claire, who are involved in Sunday School. Earlier this year, Maddy was involved in auditions being held at FUMC for a theatre group. During that time, her family started looking around and decided “Let’s come back for Easter.” Erik says, “We came back then, and again, and again. There is something about First Church that pulled us in. This is such a warm, inviting place.”
Doug & Elsa Condon Doug and Elsa met as members of the Blessed Brass. In fact, Doug has been playing with the Brass at FUMC for 20 years, starting as a teenager. He is transferring his membership from Brodhead UMC. Elsa is a native of Spring Grove, Minnesota and grew up in the Lutheran church. Doug owns a computing consulting business and Elsa works in agricultural banking.
Cherry Potthoff An Illinois native, Cherry moved to Madison about a year ago from North Carolina. She is a captionist for the hearing impaired and hopes to return to school to study broadcast journalism. She’s a musician (handbell, trumpet, singer) and runner. She is also the proud guardian of a mutt called Slick.
Abby Rebhorn Abby says the choir, the Blessed Brass and the handbells are some of her favorite parts of worshipping at First Church. She just started volunteering at the Food Pantry and helps to coordinate events for the Young Adult group. By day she's a trainer at an accounting firm, teaching professional skills like communication and listening. Last month, she ran her very first full marathon. Besides running, she enjoys baking, making cards and playing Frisbee.
Lauren Zurovitch Lauren says it was on the ASP mission trip this summer that she realized what faith truly was and that she wanted to be a part of such an open and loving church as FUMC as a member. She credits her confirmation class mentor, Judy Lyons, for really opening her thinking about her faith. Lauren is a sophomore at Edgewood High School and loves participating in the school’s drama department and improvisation club, and playing soccer.
December 2013
SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES Members and friends of FUMC have identified “Finding Balance” as a priority in the new year. The Christian year begins with Advent, so we begin our focus on “finding balance” during this Advent season. Fewer adult education options will be available during Advent this year in keeping with the idea that “less is more.” Though less will be available, we hope more will choose to participate in what is available: an option directed at helping us find balance during the busy season of Advent. Read more about the possibilities below and please consider renewed focus on your own spiritual journey toward healthy balance beginning this Advent season.
SIMPLY WAIT: CULTIVATING STILLNESS IN THE SEASON OF ADVENT
How many of us, year after year, try to reduce the stress and hurry of Christmas? We try to make Advent a more spiritual time only to find that our efforts intensify our stress by becoming one more thing on already long lists of things to do. What if this year you found a devotional practice that offered more rest, more quiet, more room in your heart for the Christ experience to be born anew?
Simply Wait is a resource that individuals and small groups can use to help them focus, rest, and renew spiritually. For the four weeks of Advent, participants will focus on a single word and a single, simple prayer practice that does not require extensive preparation or previous experience. Readings for each week offer creative reflections rooted in scripture, and engaging questions that stimulate our anticipation for a meaningful Christmas season.
Simply Wait reflection groups will be offered at church each Sunday morning and some small groups will be offered during the week, but group participation isn’t required. Individuals will find the prayer practices and other ideas included in the resource very helpful too. Instead of doing more and moving faster, find a way to reflect more, worry less, and connect authentically to the season with the grace-filled wisdom of Simply Wait. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the first floor reception office.
GROUP REFLECTIONS ON SIMPLY WAIT
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, at 9 and 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel The devotional practices outlined in the Advent resource Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent will be shared in a worshipful format
each Sunday morning in the Chapel. There will be time for group reflection and some time of stillness each week. Gift yourself with this quiet time on one or all four Sundays of the Advent season.
MID-WEEK OPPORTUNITIES
YOGA FOR GOOD Mondays @ 11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel [Note: There will not be sessions on December 25 and January 1.]
Come to one session – or both! The cost of the class is $30 for six sessions or $6 per class if you drop in. Whether you've never practiced yoga or you are an experienced practitioner, you are encouraged to attend. All levels of experience and fitness are accommodated and no previous yoga experience is necessary. Just as the practice of yoga facilitates healthy minds, bodies and spirits (it makes you feel good), the sharing of its monetary “fruits” to make the world a better place takes that personal “goodness” and passes it on. Instructor Meg Wambach donates a portion of the modest fee for classes to FUMC’s Food Pantry.
COME AS YOU ARE WORSHIP Mondays & Wednesdays @ 9:30 - 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall [Note there will not be a worship service on December 25 & 29 or January 1.]
This half hour of worship is for anyone who wants to grow closer to God through prayer, music and Scripture. Fellowship time, with coffee and a light breakfast, begins at 9 a.m.
MEDITATION GROUP Mondays @ 7 p.m. in the Chapel
Join others to explore the practice of meditation. The group begins and ends each session with short meditative readings. A time of silent meditation is also an important component of each class. If you need some peaceful, quiet time and some sharing of thoughts, this is a good place to be.
SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES (Continued)
SMALL GROUP REFLECTIONS ON SIMPLY WAIT
In addition to the Sunday morning experiences in the Chapel, small groups for Simply Wait are available: o Sunday evenings: December 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Evan and Lynn Fry, 3638 Alpine Road, Madison. This group is limited to 12 so please call or email Tina Lang to register ahead of time. 608.256.4646, ext 15 or
[email protected] o Monday evenings: December 2, 9, 16, 23 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel Hosted by the Meditation Group.
THEOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Sundays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 9 a.m. in Room LL05 This class is discussing the book, From the Big Bang to God, written by the New Zealand theologian Lloyd Gearing, who in 1967, was accused of heresy for his “radical” views by conservatives in the Presbyterian Church. In the pages of the book he simply and concisely tells the story of evolution, and traces the rise and fall of God as a human response to discoveries about the universe.
A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS AT AGRACE IN DECEMBER Located at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg In December, Agrace will offer two grief support opportunities that are open to the public at no charge:
o Bridges Weekly Support Group – Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Pre-registration is not required. o Bridges Evening Grief Support Group – Tuesdays, December 3 and 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
MID-WEEK OPPORTUNITIES (Continued)
FAITH AND REASON Tuesday, December 10 @ 9 a.m. at Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main
Science and theology meet up at this monthly gathering. Group members facilitate the discussions on a variety of current topics. January meeting: Tuesday, January 14 @
9 a.m. at Capitol Lakes
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN “NEW” CIRCLE Thursday, December 19 @ 1:30 p.m., Room 214
This month Linda Vance will review Invisible Threads. All women in the church are warmly invited to attend. January meeting: Thursday, January 16 @ 1:30 p.m., Room 214
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN RUTH CIRCLE (NEW TIME) Tuesday, December 10 @ 1:30 p.m. at Capitol Lakes
The first meeting at this new time will be a Christmas celebration with music, carols, cookies and coffee. Invite a friend and join in the festivities. January meeting: Tuesday, January 14 @
1:30 p.m. at Capitol Lakes
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN DEBORAH CIRCLE Tuesday, December 10 @ 7 p.m. at Lynn Jeffris' Home (call 608.834.3294 for info)
The group will continue a study of The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly. Please bring size 5 diapers for a missions offering and a wrapped "white elephant" gift to exchange. January meeting: Tuesday, January 14 @ 7 p.m. in Room 208
SPOUSES RECENTLY ALONE
Tuesday, January 25 @ Noon The Concourse, 1 W. Dayton Street
The group will not meet in December.
