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December 2006 |
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End of Story, Beginning of Story November 26 marked the end of the “Church Year” with Christ the King Sunday. Of course it wasn’t the end of the year but the end of the story – the story of men and women of faith – told and retold every year. Sunday, Dec. 3 is the First Sunday in Advent, which begins telling the story of faith again. End of story, beginning of story. As I have been thinking about it, “end of story, beginning of story” really is the story of our faith journey. We reach ending points in life and then we begin again and travel in new directions. With your Call of the Rev. Dr. Robert Summers my story comes to an end Christmas Eve at St. Andrew’s as Dr. Summers will begin his ministry on January 2, 2007. I’m looking forward to the beginning of my new story, wherever it takes me. Similarly January 1, 2007 will mark the end of part of your story – as members of St. Andrew’s. You have navigated the rough waters of transition and change which began with Rev. Kwiatek’s departure nearly two years ago. End of story, transition is almost over – for the interim period. Beginning of story: the new year brings St. Andrew’s a new transition from temporariness to permanency. It brings a new personality in to your lives, a new style of ministry and it also brings you into a new future which I pray you will find joyful and successful. None know what this new story will be like but I guarantee you it will bring you a new life, one that is filled with success after success. What better Christmas gift could St. Andrew’s have than this: the opportunity to write a new story in its life? Merry Christmas! Reginald Lancaster |
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Welcome to St. Andrew's, Dr. Bob! St. Andrew’s UCC. would like to welcome our new pastor, Dr. Robert Summers, who answered our call with a resounding “Yes!” and will be starting his ministry at our church on January 2, 2007. His first worship service takes place on Sunday, January 7, 2007, and all members of the congregation are urged to attend and give him a warm St. Andrew’s welcome. Dr. Bob (as he likes to be called) preached his call sermon on Sunday, November 19. During the congregation meeting that followed, a large majority of the congregation voted to call him to be our new pastor. He and his wife Julie currently plan to stay at the parsonage until they find a house to purchase somewhere in the Dexter community. Currently serving his tenth year as pastor at the United Church of Byron, Illinois, Rev. Summers has 24 years of experience in the pulpit. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1976, received his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1982, and completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at McCormick Theological Seminary in 1992. Dr. Bob and Julie have two adult children. His son is married and lives in Chicago, and his daughter is studying speech pathology at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Bob likes to work with his hands (and mind), enjoying carpentry, repairing and programming computers, and working with still and video digital photography. In Rev. Summers’ own words: “I do not believe in blindly accepting creeds or doctrine... I believe it is up to each of us to wrestle with who Jesus is... We must work out our own understanding of who Jesus is and realize that our perspective is that of a limited, finite being trying to grasp that which is unlimited and infinite.” |
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On Sunday, December 3, the St. Andrew’s Choirs present a heart-warming choral program, Born a King, to put you in the Christmas spirit and help you focus on the meaning of Christmas. This cantata by John W. Peterson is a masterpiece of compelling drama and sweeping excitement featuring numerous soloists and our wonderful senior choir. The choral presentation will take place at both the 9:00 and the 10:15 a.m. worship services. Please circle this date on your calendar and plan to kick off your Christmas season . Make it a special day and invite a friend, relative, or neighbor to join you for this drama musical! |
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Thank you to the coffee hour hosts and hostesses for December. As of this writing, they will be:
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Every year, the “mitten tree” has been placed in the Narthex to collect donations of mittens, scarves, hats, etc. This year, Dexter Family Services, has requested that children’s books also be donated in addition. Unwrapped books for children up to the 6th grade level can be donated and placed under the tree. Donations will be collected on December 10 and distributed by Dexter Family Services. |
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Notice of Church Financial Meeting The Consistory has called for a meeting of the membership of St. Andrew’s to receive and act upon a proposed financial budget for 2007. This meeting will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2006 following the 10:15 a.m. service of worship. |
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St. Andrew's Sponsors Families for Christmas All 12 of our Christmas families members were picked up in less than half and hour!! St. Andrew’s generosity is really amazing. Those folks will bring their packages on Sunday, December 10 - wrapped and ready to be taken to the Dexter Family Service for distribution before Christmas. The Outreach Committee thanks each and every one of them on behalf of the family members whose Christmas will be brighter this year. If there are any questions, please see Elaine Owsley at church, or call her at 426-4980. |
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Poinsettias to Decorate the Sanctuary The church will be selling poinsettia plants this year at a cost of $12 each. The flowers can be given in loving memory or in honor of an individual. Orders can be placed using the form included in this issue of the Chronicle no later than December 13. The names of the donors and the recipient will be printed in the Order of Worship on Christmas Eve. Please contact the church office if you have any questions about placing an order. |
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Our youth group will continue their sale of 2007 calendars in the fellowship hall after worship services. The proceeds are going to fund the canopy over the Fourth Street entrance. The youth are also having a Christmas party on Sunday evening, December 10, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the church. On Sunday, December 10, the Sunday School will participate in the annual Sunday School Advent Workshop to highlight the Advent season. Children will participate in special activities, including decorating gingerbread houses to take home. Lunch will be provided. There will be a special guest here and the children are invited to have their pictures taken with out special guest that day. The 2006 Christmas Program will be presented by our Sunday school and youth group at the 10:15 a.m. service on December 17. The program will include Scripture readings, hymns, and special music offerings by our youth. Thank you for continuing to donate your returnable cans and bottles to our Sunday School. The refunds are being used to help support our friend Gudeta in Ethiopia. |
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With many thanks to our new webmaster, Scott Marshall, our church is now on the internet, as you can see here. This resource is sure to both keep the congregation well informed and let potential new members know what St. Andrew’s is all about. Well done, Scott! |
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Rev. Lancaster will conduct a new, very special sort of Christmas worship service at St. Andrew’s on Sunday evening, December 17 at 5 p.m. For so many folks Christmas is not “The most wonderful time of the year.” For so many Christmas pierces their hearts like a sword reminding them of the pain of Christmases past. Some folks find Christmas so very hard when they remember the death of one they loved, when they are suddenly single again and this will the one of their first Christmases alone. Some mourn the departure of their grown children to distant homes and once again these loving parents will be alone at Christmas. Some others are pondering significant life changes and find them overwhelming, such as retirement, moving from their home, the placing in a convalescent home one whom they love. Yes, it may not be “the most wonderful time of the year” and somehow all of the joyous and happy songs of Christmas don’t quite speak to the discomfort of your soul. In fact they tend to disguise for you the real joy that Christmas also has for you. Blue Christmas—The Service of the Longest Night may be for you. It’s not a sad or morbid worship experience. It is a service where need is acknowledged, hope is proclaimed, love is sung, and hearts are blessed. Hoping to meet the needs of people in St. Andrew’s and the community, the Elders have approved this very special service of worship. Why is it called Blue Christmas—The Service of the Longest Night? “Blue” of course comes from the feelings many have at Christmas. Its called the Service of the Longest Night because it is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to the winter equinox, the day when the sunlight is shortest and the night is the longest of the year. It is held in late afternoon because late afternoons on Sundays are for so many people the loneliest times of the week. |
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With Christmas Eve, December 24 on a Sunday this year, we will have three worship services that day. The morning services will be combined into one service, at 10:00 a.m. The 7:30 p.m. service will be our traditional Christmas Eve celebration. And at 11:00 p.m. we will have a candlelight service. Communion will be served at both evening services. |
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The church office will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26 in order for the church staff to spend time with their families. The church office will also be closed on Monday, January 1 to celebrate the arrival of 2007! |
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Contribution Offerings for 2006 Please note that all contributions to the church for 2006 must be received in the office by noon on December 31, 2006. Any monies received after that date will be credited to your 2007 giving statement. Also, the offering envelopes for 2007 will be placed in the fellowship hall. For your convenience, the envelopes will be in alphabetical order. In an effort to keep postage costs within reason, please stop by the church on Sunday mornings or between normal business hours to pick up your envelopes. |
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(Note: I saw this advertisement/message in The New York Times on Sunday, November 26, 2006. The entire page had just this message on it. It was an “ad” paid and written by Yoko Ono the widow of the famous Beatle John Lennon who was murdered outside his apartment on Dec. 8, 1972. Its message moved me to print here in its entirety. Reginald Lancaster) FORGIVE US December 8th is near again. Every year, on this day, I hear from many people from all over the world who remember my husband, John Lennon, and his message of peace. They write to tell me they are thinking of John on this day and how he was shot and killed at the prime of his life, at age 40, when he had so much life ahead of him. Thank you for your undying love for John and also for your concern for me on this tragic anniversary. This year, though, on December 8th, while we remember John, I would also like to focus on sending the following messages to the millions of people suffering around the world. To the people who have also lost loved ones without cause: forgive us for having been unable to stop the tragedy. We pray for the wounds to heal. To the soldiers of all countries and of all centuries, who were maimed for life, or who lost their lives: forgive us for our misjudgments and what happened as a result of them. To the civilians who were maimed or killed, or who lost family members: forgive us for having been unable to prevent it. To the people who have been abused and tortured: forgive us for having allowed it to happen. Know that your loss is our loss. Know that the physical and mental abuse you have endured will have a lingering effect on our society and the world. Know that the burden is ours. As the widow of one who was killed by an act of violence, I don’t know if I am ready yet to forgive the one who pulled the trigger. I am sure all victims of violent crimes feel as I do. But healing is what is urgently needed now in the world. Every year, let’s make December 8th the day to ask for forgiveness from those who suffered the insufferable. Let’s wish strongly that one day we will be able to say the we healed ourselves, and by healing ourselves, we healed the world. With deepest love,
Yoko Ono Lennon |
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What About My New Addition Pledge? A number of members have asked if they should continue making payments on their New Addition Pledge now that the congregation has voted to use those funds for the remodeling project. Members are being encouraged to fulfill their pledge and those payments received will be directed to the Building and Maintenance Fund. The Building and Maintenance Fund has been significantly reduced over the last few years due to building maintenance projects. This is an opportunity to help give that fund a boost. If you aren’t sure where you stand on your pledge, feel free to contact Pati Wheeler in the church office. |
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Don't Forget St. Andrew's When You Make Your Christmas List With the Christmas shopping season upon us, this is a great time to remember your church! Whether you give gift cards as gifts, or use them for your shopping, purchasing gift cards through St. Andrews SCRIP service allows you to give a financial gift to the church while you do your Christmas shopping. Gift cards from dozens of national retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, even gas stations are available. You purchase the cards at face value and the church is allowed to purchase them at a discount. The difference goes to the church! We have earned thousands of dollars for St. Andrews in the past few years with the SCRIP program and the holidays are a great opportunity to make the SCRIP program help the church in 2006. So.... make your list and check it twice, (we really don’t care if you’re naughty or nice) then stop by the SCRIP table in the fellowship hall following church services any Sunday and order your cards! Marsha Gray |
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Attention, Snowbirds (and Others on the Move) We need your help to keep our records current. Please notify the office of any address changes, seasonal or permanent, so that we can get correspondence to you in a timely manner. Thank you for your help. |
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It’s that time again for us to look back over the past year. Officers and committee chairpersons are asked to submit a written report (typed and print-ready would be most appreciated, but not required) of their respective committee events and activities for 2006. The deadline for committee reports is Sunday, December 31, 2006. Please do your best to be on time or contact the church office if this will not be possible. Thanks! |
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On November 5, also known as Memorial or All-Saints Sunday, we remembered those who have left the Church Militant and have entered the Church Triumphant. The following departed loved ones were remembered at this special service:
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The Sunday school students want to thank our congregation for your support. Between the bottle drive and the cookie sale, we have raised $109.77. Also, a big thank you to the Piecemakers, who gave us a $100.00 donation for a total of $209.77. We have given our sponsored child in Ethiopia, Gudeta Roba, a gift of $50.00 for Christmas. The balance supports his sponsorship for six months ($25.00 per month). Please continue to bring in your bottles and cans. Thank you and Bless you for helping us learn the value of serving others. Lynette Lynch Dear St. Andrew’s, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your cards and calls have cheered me; your meals and visits have helped me, and your thoughts and prayers have comforted me! God’s Blessings! With Love, Joyce Vail We are blessed to have an awesome group of individuals who decorate the church sanctuary to welcome the Advent season. Quietly and mysteriously, the sanctuary was transformed this year by a crew led by Rhea Berry. Thank you to all who took time from their busy schedules to decorate the sanctuary for this blessed season. |
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