Waterville UMC Ambassador

November 2020

Dear Church Family,

May God pour out His great love through Jesus upon you.

Here is a quick update on the New Building. The architect, builder and building contractor are working on updating the timeline for our build. This is an important step as they care for the changes made to reduce the budget. When the timelines are available the leadership team will let you know.

Please continue to pray for God’s ongoing provision with the new building and our general fund. As we live out our mission to Serve, Connect, Love and Give. Our vision to Share, Celebrate, and Teach God’s love.

In looking towards Thanksgiving some of us already know that our traditional gatherings are not going to be possible. So, how do we stay connected when we will not be setting down at our Thanksgiving feast? The importance of staying connected is one aspect of our giving thanks to God for our family, friends and church family.

Here is a thought: my mother in law looks forward every year for each person at the table to share one thing for which they are thankful. How about a conference call or any of the other ways we have learned to stay connected, to all those that would normally get together so that each one may share the love and thanksgiving we have for one another?

It is also imperative that we stay connected to God during this time. Paul writes in the 1st letter to the Church of Thessaloniki in Chapter 5 these words,

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Are we willing to trust God during this season and give thanks for all circumstances?

How would life be different if someone or a family are remaining isolated were to receive a call from you during Thanksgiving Day? Sharing your love with them and your thankfulness to God for them? You may even consider praying for God’s blessing for them.

Giving thanks to God in all circumstances is a way that shifts our focus from the circumstances we are in to a focus on God. God’s promise is to always be with us. No matter what is happening in our lives, our nation and our world giving thanks shifts when we keep our eyes on Jesus we will have peace.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Mike

Waterville UMC's

Vision and Mission

Please click on the button below for Waterville UMC's Vision, Mission and Core Values and the related scripture.

Waterville UMC's Vision and Mission

Remember to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed TONIGHT. You may get an extra hour of sleep...but even better you may come to church at 9:30 am and join the Prayer Group or take the time to pray on your own. We have many blessings to thank the Lord for and many concerns to pray to Him about.

Finance & Stewardship

Our 2021 General Fund Stewardship Campaign continues along with our journey towards “A New Beginning” trusting in God to show us the way. As we have pointed out, Stewardship is more than just your financial commitment. It includes your commitment of prayer, service, presence and witness.

The Church Council (Leadership Team) is responsible for all operations & functions of the various ministry teams. Its membership consists of Chair, Education, Missions, Trustees, Staff Parish Relations, Treasurer, Celebration, Outreach, Finance and at large members. There are many positions available for you to assist and participate in these ministry teams.

Listed below are several non-financial opportunities and areas of interest for your prayerful consideration. Even though the future is not clear due to continuing COVID issues, we need to cover these areas and be ready when it is safe to do so and as needed. Please contact Pastor Mike or the Church Office if you would like more information.

Our Vision – Share, Celebrate, and Teach God’s Love

Our Mission – Serve. Connect. Love. Give.

Worship

Operate PowerPoint

Be on the Live Streaming Team

Operate Sound

Lead Children’s Moment

Prepare altar for Sundays

Restock pew supplies

Communion preparation/cleanup

Communion servers

Special and seasonal decorations

Learning & Spiritual Growth

Attend Sunday School

Attend a Bible Study

Invite a friend to church

Learn to share my faith

Lead a small group study

Lead where needed, with training

Education & Children’s Ministry

(Youth – requires a Background Check)

Teach Children Sunday School Class

Adult Teacher’s Assistant

Assist with Vacation Bible School

Assist with craft projects & preparations

I have a special skill or interest I’d like to share with children/youth: _____________________________

Volunteer for youth program

Chaperone mission events

Youth Mission Trip volunteer

Work with youth on ongoing basis

Prepare meal for youth group

Provide snacks / drinks for youth group

Will share my testimony with youth group

Nursery Ministry

(Requires a Background Check)

Early service nursery helper (Sunday school)

Later service nursery helper (Worship)

Discipleship

Congregational Care

Visit homebound members

Visit hospital patients with Pastor

Card Ministry: Write/send cards

Provide meals for families in need

Prepare food for funerals meals at church

Work with senior adults

Drive for those needing transportation

Do light home maintenance

Music/Arts Ministries

Sing in Sanctuary choir

Handbell choir

Assist in children’s music

Serve as accompanist

Participate in Theatre productions

Play special musical instruments: __________________

Hospitality & Fellowship Ministries

Usher

Greeter

Follow up with visitors

Adopt a new member

Host Fellowship Time

Browning Bus Driver (Sunday)

Outreach

Volunteer for Mission projects

Local missions________________________

Welcome a Neighbor Bags

Disaster relief/ISOH-Impact

Bake Cookies for outreach events

Administrative/Operational

Volunteer for office help

Update WUMC's Facebook page

Update WUMC's Twitter page

Assist with Web site / Ambassador

Photography/video

Newspaper communications

Finance

Member of Offering Counting Team

Assist Finance Team

Church Building and Grounds Care

Adopt a flower bed

Rake leaves

Prune shrubs

Participate in seasonal clean up

Miscellaneous

Wherever the church needs me

Member of Church Council

Our worship services begin at 11:00 am and are limited to about 30 minutes. There are 5 options available at this time.

In the Sanctuary (wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing unless it is a family or have traveled together for worship).

In the courtyard. Please bring your own chair and maintain social distancing.

Park within a block of the church and listen to the service on FM 90.5. (This is our NEW frequency!!)

Live Stream via You Tube (link will be provided).

Watch the recording of the worship service when available on-line at www.watervilleumc.org

Woman’s Monday Night Bible Study is studying Galatians. They meet at 7 PM at a residence or via Zoom. Contact Delores Young 419-878-8238 if you are interested.

Tuesday Night Bible Study has begun again! We meet at 7 PM on TUESDAY NIGHTS in the Community Room, in a safe manner. We are getting ready to start a **NEW** Bible Study, so please join us!

M&M (Mary and Martha) Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. We are starting a **NEW** study by Max Lucado called GRACE. Join us! Please contact the Church Office at wumcoffice@watervilleumc.org to learn more.

B & B (Bible and Breakfast) Bible Study meets via Zoom on Thursdays at 8 AM: We are studying My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers This book provides thought-provoking meditations to cultivate a closer walk with God. Readers can gain a fresh perspective on how to grow in faith as they discover more about God and their relationship in Him. Please contact Pastor Mike at pastormike@watervilleumc.org to join.

Children's Sunday School for children ages 4 to sixth grade has returned! The children meet in the Community Room from 11:00-11:30. Covid guidelines are followed and we ask that you take your child's temperature before arriving. Children will need to wear a mask.

Currently there is no nursery available for younger children, however, the Fireside Room in the basement can be used if families need a place to go with their little ones.

IMPORTANT! Click Here for Children's Sunday School Flyer for details.

Click Here for the YOUTH ALIVE Schedule!!

LEAF RAKING HELP!!! The youth will be raking leaves on November 8 after church. If you are interested in having your leaves raked, please contact Stephanie Shelton at 567-202-5035 or shelton171@gmail.com

There is also a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Donations can be made to the Youth Mission Trip Fund.

The Youth carved pumpkins and helped at John Nicholson's Garden...God's Garden!

Thanks to all those who bought produce from my vegetable stand, JOHN'S VEGGIES, this summer. As the season comes to a close, I have receipts of $15,300 as of Oct. 26. In the 15 years I have been keeping records, it is $2000 over the highest income of any other year. Last year was the lowest at $9,500. The Lord blest us this year with a great year for planting and the heat of July made it the best watermelon year ever.

I want to personally thank the Sheltons and the WUMC youth group for helping me carry the 80 heavy pumpkins from the back of the field out to the trailer for transport to the stand. It saved me a lot of back breaking work.

If you know any needy families without their pumpkins, let me know and I will give pumpkins to them.

Ph: 419-944-6468

John Nicholson

We have included the November HomeTouch in this Ambassador. Click on HomeTouch picture to open.

NOVEMBER'S MISSION FOCUS

Operation Christmas Child

CLICK to Read The IMPORTANT ARTICLE Anne referred to Sunday on Tips to pack a shoebox!

Pray for shopping wisdom and your purchase your items. The Lord knows who will receive your gifts and He can guide your shopping.

WUMC Operation Christmas Child Dedication Sunday is November 15th.

4-5 Volunteers needed for each time slot this year as we will have CURBSIDE COLLECTION the week of November 16-23.

Here are the dates and times:

Nov. 16: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Nov. 17: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Nov. 18: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Nov. 19: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Nov. 20: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Nov. 21: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Nov. 22: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Nov. 23: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Susie's Coats will be our December Mission Focus. Susie will be speaking to WUMC on Sunday, December 6th. This is a reminder that they are now focusing on NEW or SLIGHTLY USED COATS for KIDS!

VOLUNTEER BELL RINGERS NEEDED!

Ring a bell……help change a life

It is time again for our annual participation in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Ringing! Our date is set for Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Waterville Kroger location. Times are one-hour slots (though you may take two) running from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Grab a buddy (always more fun that way!) and sign up for a time that works for you.

This year we are asked to wear masks and must stand a bit further away from the kettle to allow people to deposit their donations comfortably, but everything else is the same. Bells, kettle, and sign are provided. Dress warmly as you will be standing in the Kroger Lobby.

Sign-up sheet is posted on the hallway bulletin board, or you may call the office to see if a slot is open.

Thank you from the Missions Team!

The prayer team is asking for the support of the rest of the congregation to join them in praying specifically for the the Prayer focus of the month.

November’s Theme

Lord, Help Our Nation

Weekly Topics

November 01 – How much more can our nation take?

November 08 – It is time to confess our sins

November 15 – It is time to repent and beg for mercy

November 22 – It is time to Thank our Lord

November 29 – It is time to change our ways

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRAYER FOCUS

TIME TO ORDER YOUR POINSETTIAS

that will grace the altar on Christmas Eve!!!

DEADLINE TO ORDER IS SUNDAY DECEMBER 6

Starting Sunday November 1, we will have order envelopes by the Offering Boxes and on the bulletin board to order your poinsettias. You will have the choice of Red or White. The cost will be $7.00 each.

Please fill out the envelope and include either a check or cash. Please clearly write the information for who your poinsettia is in memory or honor of. Thank you!