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November 30, 2022

In-Person and Online Worship - 10:00 a.m. (Link Below)


Second Week of Advent:


The Week of Peace 


“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 


Each advent candle has some special meaning behind it and presents an opportunity to think about the Christmas season in a new way. The first advent candle represents hope, and the second peace.  


The second week of advent takes us from thinking about hope to a related idea - peace - something we all need to think more about. Let's look at the reminders we experience during the second week of Advent. 


Peace is a central theme of the advent season but the focus of the second week of Advent. One of the prophecies about Jesus calls him “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they ended their message by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). When Simeon saw baby Jesus in the temple, he thanked God that he could now die in peace for he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2:29-33).  


In Hebrew, the word for peace is shalom. Throughout the Bible, shalom is used in several ways. When people are feeling physically well, others say that they “are shalom” (Genesis 29:6). People who have shalom with God have his protection and blessing (Numbers 25:12). 


Then at the Last Supper as he told his disciples that he would leave them soon, Jesus comforted them by saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Clearly, the peace that Jesus offered was not typical.  


So, what is this “peace on earth” promised by the angels? What is our focus on this week of Advent? 


Biblical peace starts with trust in God. Jesus teaches this in Matthew 6:25-34. Do not be anxious. Trust the Father. 


Peace continues with deeper conversion of heart – turning away from sin and toward God. 


The word peace – as proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus – has a much more spiritual significance. It finds its perfection in being forgiven by Jesus and embracing His grace-filled call to love as He loves (John 13:34-35). 


The peace of Christ be with you. 

Worship Link - December 4

Christmas Boxes are due

THIS SUNDAY, December 4


We are going to bless the Christmas boxes during the service this Sunday so please bring your boxes in and place them at the front of the Sanctuary, just to the right of the altar by, the Christmas tree.

A Prayer Minister will be available at the back corner of Dunlap Hall, for at least 15 minutes after the benediction. Masks will be worn when requested.


Prayer Minister for this Sunday - Cheryl Harper

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

– Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)


Hello everyone. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving, and are excited about the weeks ahead, as we are now in the season of Advent. This year I’ve scheduled my Dr.’s appointment well ahead of all the cookies and candy canes that somehow find their way into my hands between now and Christmas. I’m pretty sure she won’t be fooled, but it’s worth a try because I sure do love those sweet Christmas goodies.


This week I am preparing for our financial review, and to be honest, I am just a wee-tiny-bit anxious. It has been an expensive year; 3 weddings, a new roof, the house got painted, my car decided it needed some very unexpected repairs, and my wife is retiring next Spring. But I know it will be fine because God has always been faithful to supply our needs.


Even though we’ve been through these annual reviews several times, I was amazed yesterday at the list of things I have to gather to be prepared; tax returns, income statements, insurance policies, property tax, assets, debts, etc., to name a few.


While I was pondering that, a thought struck me, “What if we had to gather all kinds of documents prior to going to heaven, records that would be required for entrance. Imagine that Saint Peter is our Spiritual Paraplanner/Relationship Manager, and these are the records we have to provide to him:


1. Church, Sunday School, and Bible Study attendance records.

2. Tithes, offerings, and sacrificial giving records.

3. Inventory of Bibles you own.

4. Record of how many times you’ve actually read your Bibles.

5. Service record of “reaching individuals, touching communities, and serving the world.”

6. Prayer record (must include dates, times, location, and for whom).

7. A detailed list of your times of gratitude and thanksgiving.


*Please note – Don’t send your Brag list or your complaint file, we already have those!


I don’t know about you, but based on this list, I acknowledge that I need some spiritual tuning-up. But thanks be to God for “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”-2 Timothy 1:12. While all of these things are important, and we should do our best in practicing spiritual disciplines as we live out our faith, it is our faith that saves us. Jesus tells us in Luke’s Gospel that we are to “rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”


God has given us a gift; salvation wrapped in the body of Christ, and paid for with his blood. When Jesus returned to heaven, he sent us another gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit. May his presence permeate your hearts and minds and surround you with the love of God. Remember to invest in others what God has given to us. When you do, you will be storing up treasures in heaven.


Have a great week!


Dave

Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Winter Concert


December 3rd, 7:00PM 


@ the Fairfield Freshman Building on 8790 N Gilmore Rd, Fairfield


(Our very own Lilly Duhaime, Bella Duhaime, and Helena Borden are in this orchestra).

Sharing Our Blessings in December


As of September, Found House is once again using churches for overnight stays for families dealing with homelessness. During the Pandemic, federal funds helped them house families in an extended-stay hotel. That was very expensive and those funds are no-longer available. At this time, only four churches are currently housing overnight stays. In spite of that, Found House is currently serving 500 people through a variety of programs.  


Just a few examples:

Rapid Rehousing – quickly links families to housing, provides management services and financial assistance for a limited time.

KEYS Program – specialized support for 18 – 24 year olds experiencing homelessness.

Permanent Supportive Housing – intervention services for homeless people with disabilities.

Child Enrichment Program – transportation to school and activities at the Day Center to alleviate trauma experienced as a result of homelessness.

These are just a few of their amazing programs.


Two ways to SHARE OUR BLESSINGS:

  1. On Communion Sunday (first Sunday of the month), put your offering in one of the baskets by the doors out of the sanctuary.
  2. Any time during December, bring a check with Sharing/Found House on the memo line or cash in an envelope marked the same way and put it in the offering plate.


Thank you for your continued support of this very important ministry!

The 2022 Chili Supper and Hanging of the Greens was a fantastic success! Several families came to eat some delicious chili and make festive paper chains to decorate the church. This year’s top chilis were selected based on the number of quarters (and bills) placed in their cups. The top three vote getters were: in third place—Sharon Davis, in second place—Don Butts, and in first place—David Medkeff’s cornbread!! Attendees were extremely generous, and a total of $120 was raised for Found House (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network). Many thanks to everyone who attended, brought chili (even the “chilly” kind), side dishes, helped set up and clean up, made chains, hung chains, decorated trees and generously voted to help us support our Sharing Our Blessings ministry. The C3 Team appreciates all of you!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….


… to help a local family with a significant need. As part of the S.O.U.L. Ministry, our Caring Center serves families whose needs go beyond food and clothing. These are families who are growing their Christian faith and working to become more self-sufficient. One of our faithful volunteers is in touch with them regularly to encourage them and check on their needs. Over the years, a number of these families have made much progress, no longer needing this help.


Currently, the Caring Center is serving 35 families. The families fill out an application for Angel Wishes with their “Wish List.” Typical requests in the past have included: car repair, computers for school, rent, or help with Duke or water bills – not your typical Christmas gifts! This year, we also had a request for a Kroger card to buy gas.


You may donate any amount you wish. Checks can be made payable to John Wesley with "Angel Wishes" in the memo line. Look for the wooden "angel" in the narthex and take a reminder note and special envelope home. Deadline for Angel Wishes donations is Sunday, December 11.


While we don't give Christmas gifts to all of our S.O.U.L. clients, we provide food, cleaning and personal care items, and clothing to all our clients all year long.


Thank you for your ongoing support for all the work at S.O.U.L. It makes a difference!

United Women in Faith


Christmas Goodies Sale


When: Sunday, December 18, after the service


Where: Dunlap Hall


How You Can Help: Donate homemade cookies, candies or small quick breads. Please package cookies and candies 6 to a baggie and bring them to church December 18th. You can also purchase the delicious goodies !!!!!


Where Will the Proceeds go: Wesley Education Center.


 If you have questions, please contact Hope Stetler by email

hopelenore@yahoo.com or phone 513-829-6519.

  

Christmas Luncheon - The United Women of Faith are having their annual Christmas luncheon at Clovernook Country Club on Galbraith Road on Wednesday, December 7th at 11:30 AM. All women of the church are invited. The cost is $22.00, and your reservation and money are due on Sunday, November 27th. You have a choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu or Beef Stroganoff which you can indicate when sign up on the bulletin board near Room 10. You can deposit your payment in the mailbox beside the bulletin board. Checks should be made out to John Wesley United Methodist Women. If you have any questions, please call Judy Grigsby at 513-324-6058. Hope to see you there!


Our Annual Mitten Tree (plus hats and socks!)



As the Christmas season approaches, the C3 committee has been discussing our Mitten Tree. Last year we had a hard time finding places to donate hats and mittens. It is a storage problem for most places, and they get donations from other organizations this time of year.


We decided to go a different route this year. The schools seem to be well supplied so we thought we could help with the adult population. We are going to collect adult hats, mittens, and socks. They will be donated to appropriate places after Christmas. If you have items that go together, please hang them together on the tree or put them together in the overflow baskets under the tree. The tree will be put up during Hanging of the Greens, so the items can be brought in any time after that.


Thank you for your generosity for those less fortunate.

Sunday, December 18 - 3:30-5:00 p.m.

JWUMC and Pleasant Run Farms Civic Association are partnering for Santa’s Pajama Party! Caroling, Christmas arts and crafts, face painting, cookies, popcorn, hot chocolate, lemonade, and Santa Claus will be sure to guarantee a great family affair. PJ’s? Absolutely (but not required).

Images of Christ are all around us. From vast landscapes to much smaller objects, we are blessed with God’s creation.


Photographing small objects and displaying them as much larger than life is called “macro photography”. Macro photography was the theme (and challenge) for the PIX Camera Club members. The four framed pictures in the narthex (flanking the Dunlop Hall entrance) are our attempt at macro photography. We hope you enjoy our addition to the church.



If interested in learning more about PIX, contact Andy Shreve, anshreve@gmail.com

Sign-Up Today - Email Christie - christie@jwumc.com

Become A Member


If you'd like to make John Wesley UMC your church home, we celebrate that decision and would like to help you take the next step.


We believe it’s important and helpful for new members to have a common understanding of our beliefs, history, culture, practices and expectations. For this reason, will be offering a new member class at the start of 2023. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Christie (christie@jwumc.com) by December 21.


Our two-part class will be held on: January 22 and 29 - 9:00-9:45 a.m.


New members will be welcomed during our worship service on January 29.


Give by texting "JWUMCdonate" to 73256 or click the button below:

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