Vinland
UMC eNEWs for Christmastide / year end 2013
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End of Reports
Yeah! Even though new district reports for end of
year are simplified, it feels good to have them finished. Looking ahead to some new programs, restart
of Vital Congregation leadership program and, of course, Change. The message at the
opening insisted change happens, always, even if we chose not to change, we
do as even rocks can’t resist. The ten
who attended the church conference noted change in the opening as we began
without communion, then a fellowship time before breakout sessions for
Wellsville and Clearfield; Edgerton and Vinland UMC’s. Reports were approved
quickly and we were out to enjoy the rest of a lovely “warmer” day. Thanks to those who attended.
Worship Schedule
Saturday
Dec 21st 5:30 pm Pastor
Shirley welcomes any to the sanctuary who wish to observe a brief service of
“Longest Night” / Blue Christmas for remembrance and healing observing the
winter solstice.
December
22nd: Christmas Program
by Julie Craig 10:30am
Julie
plans for music and readings to tell the story that is the reason for the
season.
December
24th: Christmas Eve
service of Sacraments & Candle light: Pictures
& Poetry are the theme for the 7 pm service lead by Pastor Shirley.
December
29th: Rev. Orrin Potter
will lead worship and offer the message, “I
Need That” .
Children and Adult Sunday Schools
begin at 9:30 each week and a small group lectionary study meets on Saturday
at Robin Millers at 8:45.
“Wait For It”
Nearing the event of Christmas our
focus narrows to the last plans for celebration and remaining gifts to
purchase. Yet, Advent is still the time of examination and anticipation of
the future. Every Christmas is a time for redirection of our lives. We are
building hope that the dark parts of life will be brighter and our
spirituality, faith and relationship with God will be deepened. We are
waiting for “the beginning” of something new. Mary “pondered” the future. As
we wait this last few days for “the light to dawn”, may we join Mary in both reflection and visioning the future in new
light.
O come now, living water, pour your grace,
And bring new life to ev’ry withered place;
Speak comfort to each trembling heart:
“Be strong! Fear not, for I will ne’er
depart.”
Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear,
God’s chosen one, Immanuel, draws near.
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Events of Christmas
Jeannie
Furst and her Band, Furst Light, presented a musical
program December 7th as a fund raiser
for Youthville /EmberHope
which is held every year. The music venue was somewhat different than
the past with spiritual gospels, many written by Jeannie and some sing- a-long
carols. The soup supper preceded the concert and a nice offering was given to
Youthville Church Organizer, Matt Johnson Matt told of the history of
Youthville while using his yo yo to illustrate a message of mission and
outreach.
UMW
Christmas Dinner
Vinland families enjoyed a traditional Christmas ham dinner with all
the trimmings on December 9th at 6:30 pm.
A
delightful “reading” of the Christmas story was presented by Darlene Hart
mixing modern and ancient language to convey the blessing of Christmas. There
were smiles as Mary received the first “verbal sonogram” delivered by the
Angel Gabriel.
Two young 4:H members informed and
entertained with tales of raising and showing sheep. They dispelled many long held myths about
sheep and those who shepherd them.
Decorations and adornments for tables enhanced the evening.
Other traditions of Vinland UMC have been
observed this Advent with the tree trimming of Chrismon’s one Sunday and Red
Ribbons of Remembrance the next.
The choir has presented very special music with solos and readings
from the congregation. Even a skit
attracted attention to the “thespians” in the congregation.
Honor’s
in Haiti
 Orrin Potter lead
worship and covered pastoral care for me as I made a brief trip to Haiti in
November. I was blessed to attend the graduation of a Civil Engineering
Student who received the highest academic honor the university bestows. We
entered him in UNAMO University in 2008 and he had excelled. I stayed two days to meet with other
students graduating and starting the next semesters. Our Mission to Haiti
began in 2007 with the most successful project being advanced education
for highly motivated very poor young
adults from the small island of La Gonave, Haiti. I am grateful for the opportunity to share
this time with Benoit and his family.
Thanks to VUMC..and Orrin Potter for letting it happen. sje
Wishing All a Joyful
& Blessed Christmas
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