Newsletter Jan 2012

First United Methodist Church

January 2012

The Bell Newsletter

Inside this issue:

January Worship 2

New Members 3

Preschool news 4

January Calendar 6

Poinsettias 7

First Church Staff 8

January Birthdays 9

Pastor’s Perspective

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve: Family Service with “Angels on Assignment” Christmas Pageant Candlelighting, Singing. 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve: “The Unexpected Guests” Luke 2:1 – 20, Candlelighting, Singing, Communion. 10:40 p.m. Christmas Eve: Christmas Brass - Enjoy the songs of Christmas 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve: Christmas Cantata with orchestra, “Shout the Good News,” Candlelighting. 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day: Christmas morning worship service, with donuts and coffee served at 8:30 a.m.

Childcare provided for all services.

As we celebrate the greatest gift given to the world, the life and love of Jesus, God in the flesh, may we seek to grow in health and wit-ness in 2012. I believe God desires us to embrace the child of Bethlehem with all that we are. God also desires us to embrace the people of our congregation and community with the arms of Jesus as His body. I am excited about our future and how we can reach more people and how we, as the church can be faithful and effective. A presen-tation is in the planning stages to share with each of us some ideas on how we can grow and reach others. I pray that the Lord bless you as you spend time with family and friends and look with joy and hope to the future. See you in worship. In Christ’s Love, Ted

JANUARY WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you, First Church!

Page 2

The Bell Newsletter

Jan 1: “The Unexpected Journey” Matthew 2:13 – 23. Communion will be served at both worship services. Jan 8: “Healing for Outcast People” Matthew 8:1 – 4.Dedication of Leaders, Anointing Prayer, Chapel open. Jan 15: “Healing for Troubled People” Matthew 8:28 – 34. Anointing Prayer, Chapel open. Jan. 22: “Healing for Broken People” Matthew 9:27 – 34. Anointing Prayer, Chapel open Jan 29: “Healing for Hopeless People” Matthew 9:18 – 26. Anointing

Prayer, Chapel open

I would like to thank all of my friends for their many prayers and cards that helped sustain me while I was in the hospital. I appreciated the visits by Pastor Ted, Bob and Betty Carbaugh, Joe and Sharon Kibe and Bill Jones. Your support was very uplifting to me. — Charlie Collins Dear members of the First United Methodist Church: Thank you so much for the cash dona-tion to the Community Center of Caring Food Pantry. We served 511 families (1,956 people) in the month of November. Thank you for your con-tinued support. — Shirley Johnson, RSVP Dear First Church Family: Thank you for your generous outpouring of cards and support as we have welcomed our newest addition to our family! We are anxious for each of you to meet Macken-na, and we feel so fortunate to have such a lov-ing church family. We know she will be well loved! In Christ, Josh, Allison, Calleigh and Mackenna Yankey Thanks to all who have been supporting youth mission projects through the purchases of M&Ms and pop. Through your generous contributions, we were most recently able to send a $500 check

to Kokomo Urban Outreach, the organization our youth helped at last summer. Thanks again, and keep enjoying those snacks! I wish to send my thanks to all of my church fami-ly that signed my 80th birthday card or sent a card. Also, thanks to Stan Greenlee for the deliv-ery of the beautiful card. It was much appreciat-ed. — Esther Bower A huge thank you to everyone who supported the 2011 UMW Holiday Bazaar. Whether you donat-ed items to sell, bought items, baked goodies, made casseroles, helped with the lunch or sup-per meals on Friday, including helping with clean-up afterwards, worked at the bazaar on Friday or Saturday, helped to set up on Thursday or at-tended Friday’s meals, it is all greatly appreciat-ed. A lot of hard work went into making this an-other successful bazaar. Nearly $6,000 was raised to support various mission projects and UMW activities throughout 2012. It could not have been possible without everyone’s help. May God bless you throughout 2012. Again, thank you for your support. — Susan Steinman, UMW president.

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Welcome, New Members!

We celebrate with the new members who joined First Church on Nov. 13: Sharon Bury, Barbara Spiece, Todd & Rachel Hart, Kelly Dunn, Travis & Amanda Aeschilman, Shirley Fore, John & Angie Gilbert, and Dorothy & Raul Gonzales. Take a moment to meet our newest members ...

Shirley Fore was born in Water-bury Connecticut and graduated from Hartford Hospital of Nurs-ing. She married John Grider in 1951, and they had two children, Paul and Nancy. John passed away in 1973, and she married Eldon Fore in 1978. He died in 1978. She moved to New Haven in 2008. She enjoys grandchil-drens’ sports, reading and Red Hat luncheons. Amanda Aeschliman is a home health aid. She loves spend time with her family, cook, bake and spend time with her dog, Alice, and cats, Tippey and Boo Boo Kittey. She is dependable, love-able and funny and loves to help others. Travis Aeschliman is a structural engineer at Nucor Building Systems. He is excited to be a dad in the near future. His hobbies include cycling, playing guitar, reading and spoil-ing their niece. Rachel and Todd Hart have one child, Andrew James. Ra-chel loves sewing and crafts, reading, spending time with fam-ily and friends and the outdoors. She is an office manager/accountant, and is a fan of NAS-CAR driver Tony Stewart. Todd works at C&A Tool in Auburn. He enjoys watching NASCAR

and football. He is a Garrett High School graduate and a journey-man toolmaker. He enjoys time with family and friends, grilling, home remodeling and riding his Harley. He is al-so a Master Mason. Barbara Spiece is a retired teacher who enjoys spending time with friends. She also en-joys going to plays and taking short trips. She also collects dolls and other figurines. Sharon Bury is an Auburn High School graduate. She married John Bury in 1956, and, due to John’s work, they have lived in Michigan, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. John passed away in the spring. They have two sons — Jeff, of Michigan, who works for the Department of De-fense; and Todd, of Auburn, who works for Guardian. They also have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Sha-ron enjoys counted cross-stich, watching NASCAR and follow-ing football, especially the Bears and the Lions.

Raul Gonzalez is retired from the printing ink business, and Dorothy Gonzalez is a retired deputy county auditor. They are originally from Pennsylvania and still visit several times a year. Since retirement, they have trav-eled to Spain (Raul’s home-land), Portugal, Australia and Tasmania. They enjoy playing cards and board games, doing jigsaw puzzles, working in the yard and garden, baking and going to flea markets, craft fairs and festivals. Kelly Dunn lives in Waterloo with her husband Joe, 16-month old son Adam (AJ) and two dogs. She is a second-grade teacher at Albion Elementary.; She loves sports and has coached volleyball, gymnastics & tennis. She likes to travel with her family.

From our recent catalog sales, our preschool families raised

enough money for the preschool to purchase a new fridge! We

are so excited! With over 180 students, our small fridge is

packed with snacks and drinks for students. Many days, there

isn’t enough space for staff lunches. Now there will be room!

Thanks for your recent donations of food and time for the 5th

annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza! Many thanks to volun-

teers Bob and Doneta Oswalt, Paula and Jerry Yoder, Nick

Frank, Lynn Hodges, Mary Mondor, and Preschool mom Ryan

Wilson. Your help was invaluable! We had over 50 booth spac-

es full of great Christmas items. Join us next year on Saturday,

Dec. 1!

Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is coming in January.

Look for more information about signing up a students ages 2-5

for preschool! If you have questions or would like to take a

tour, please contact Kelly Oswalt kos-

[email protected] or 925-2570.

Would you be interested in

helping to sponsor a child

for a scholarship? Just this

year, the School of Early

Learning has helped 20 fam-

ilies that are living through

tough economic times. Want to help? Make a $20 or $36/month

commitment. By making this worthy contribution to our youth,

the transition into Kindergarten will be much easier. Students

leave with many Christian experiences, as well as academic and

social skills necessary for their future years in the public

schools. Anyone with questions regarding the scholarship pro-

gram may call or email Director Kelly Oswalt.

Thanks so much to our Christmas ornament- making volunteers

this year. We appreciated spending time with Linda Scrim-

shaw, Karen Sibery, Bob and Doneta, John McLaughlin, and

Judy Haney!

News from the Preschool …

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Prayer Partners

Would you be willing to become a Prayer Partner for a member of the First Church Staff? This can

be a great spiritual support. You are invited to pray for the (a) staff member once a week for six months.

This would begin on January 1, 2012 and finish on June 30, 2012

You can sign this prayer partner slip for all the staff or sign the Prayer Partner slip for individual

staff.

__Yes, I want to be a Prayer Partner for all the First Church Staff. I agree to pray for them once a week for

the next six months (Jan 1 – June 30)

___Yes, I want to be a Prayer Partner for _________________________ (write in the staff members name.

I agree to pray for them once a week for the next six months (Jan 1 – June 30)

Name ______________________________________

A reminder: At First Church, we follow the DeKalb Central school district regarding cancellations. If DeKalb Central schools do not have school, First Church cancels its pro-gramming, events and meetings for the entire day. Up-dates are also submitted to WANE-TV (NewsChannel 15) and Indiana’s News Center (Channel 21 & 33).

Gifts and Memorials

Page 5

The Gifts & Memorials Committee offered a special

opportunity to remember loved ones through a gift.

John Bower gave a gift in memory of Anita Bower

John Bower gave a gift in memory of F. A. and

Blanche Bower

Sharon Bury gave a gift in memory of John Bury

Donna McDaniel gave a gift in memory of How-

ard McDaniel

Polly Blickenstaff gave a gift in memory of her

parents Ruth & Dewey Bryant

Neil Sutton, Beth Kelley, Tricia Cochran, & Mike

Sutton gave a

gift in memory

of Susan Sut-

ton

Galen and Eileen Eberhart gave a gift in memory

of their parents: Theron & Berniece Eberhart and

Erich & Jean Rode

Loann Bassett gave a gift in memory of Charles

Bassett

May God continue to bless our memories of these

loved ones.

End of the year contributions The last Sunday of this year is Christmas Day. The last day to drop off any end-of-the-year contributions is Friday, December 30 by noon. The office closes at noon and there will not be anybody in the building on Dec. 31. If you have questions about your giving, contact Pat in the church office.

Maternity Leave Pastor Allison is on maternity leave until mid-January. We wish her God’s best as she and Josh continue to enjoy time with Mackenna Evelyn. She joins big sister Calleigh at home.

Thank You! We thank Linda Scrimshaw for lead-ing the Grief Care class. Your minis-try to those who are hurting is appre-ciated.

Note to Men Be on the lookout for a new study/group/topic around the first of the year.

Five Goals for the New Year

As we move into the new year, let the Lord focus our heart and ministry on our five goals. Believe: 15 professions of faith in 2012. Impact: 350 people as an average worship attend-ance in 2012. 27 small groups in 2012. Grow: 40 people engaged in mission in 2012. $100,000 given to missions in 2012.

OWLs January Outing Everyone 55 and older is invited to join the OWLs in a Soup, Salad and Dessert Luncheon on Thurs-day, January 12 at noon. Soup will be furnished by the commit-tee. Please bring your favorite soup bowl and a salad or dessert to share. The program will be by Ken Wilcoxsin. Cards will be played after the program. Sign up in the gathering area. For more information or if you need a ride, call LaVonne Foulk at 927-0776 or George & Helen Wappes at 572-6347.

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Poinsettias decorating the sanctuary for our Christmas services are: In memory of our parents and brothers given

by Jedd & Linda Copenhaver In memory of Geneva Bundy given by Richard Bundy Sr. In memory of Robert and Betty Cunningham given by

Mark, Debbie, Zach, & Erin Ingold In honor of our blessings of grandchildren: Ayden,

Lucas, Noah, Alison, Bryttany, Chelsea, Alexis, Riley, and Corbin given by Robert & Kathy Hardy

In memory of Ornan & Gladys Willams and John & Joy Hutton given by Dale & Maureen Williams

In memory of Jane Williams given by Dale, Tony & Chris Williams In memory of John Bury given by Sharon Bury In memory of our loved ones given by Joe & Sharon Kibe In memory of Delorse Warstler and Bob Cory given by Dan & Dawn Cory In memory of Rex & Thelma Garrison and John & Effie Bol given by Jerry & Jan Garrison In honor of my amazing parents Jim & Suzanne Brown given by Melissa Brown-Liddell In memory of our parents given by Charlie & Rita Collins In memory of our parents given by Von & Nancy Baum In honor of our children given by Von & Nancy Baum In memory of Anita A. Bower given by John & Esther Bower In memory of Mr. & Mrs. F. A. Bower given by John & Esther Bower In memory of Carrie A. Bower given by John & Esther Bower In memory of John Martin & Bobbie Smith given by the Smith Kids - Conner, Kendyl, & Katie In memory and honor of our family given by Keith & Linda Schrimshaw In memory of Vera Haines given by Marty Hissong In memory of our grandparents and fathers given by Jerry & Arlene Samuelson In memory of Charles Bassett given by Loann & Lori Bassett In memory of Brad Parker given by Susan Parker In memory of our parents given by Stan & Lucille Greenlee In honor of our children and their families given by Stan & Lucille Greenlee In memory of her parents Dewey & Ruth Bryant given by Polly Blickenstaff In memory of Laurence & Naomi Harper and Ben & Jessie Short given by Bob & Sally Harper In memory of Susan K. Sutton given by the families of Neil Sutton, Beth Kelly, Tricia Cochran, & Mike Sutton In memory of Clyde & Jean James and in honor of Wayne & Thyra Durst given by Jerry & Joyce Durst In honor of our children & grandchildren given by Rod & Margaret Keec In memory of Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Zimmerman, Mr. & Mrs. F.H. Moats, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Steigmeyer, Mr. & Mrs. F.D. Zimmerman, Jeannette Balthazar, James L. Hall, Jack D. Moats given by the Moats family

Leave your checkbook at home.

First Church now accepts

Electronic Giving

A Simple, Generous choice. Electronic Giving is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to our church. Please contact Pat in the church office (925-0885) to sign up.

Rev. Ted Jansen - Senior Pastor [email protected] Rev. Allison Yankey – Associate Pastor [email protected] Rev. Dr. Richard Patton – Worship Arts Director [email protected] Rev. Dale Williams – Adult Ministries [email protected] Dawn Shoemaker – Children’s Ministries [email protected] Pat Kobiela - Office Manager [email protected] Bill Kobiela – Supervisor of Building & Grounds [email protected] Cathy Vadney – Office Assistant [email protected]

Phyllis Lahr – Musician Stephen Johnson - Night-time Custodian Kelly Oswalt – Preschool Director [email protected] Preschool Staff: Andrea Allen, Beatrice Blohm-Hart, Jody Jones -Kessler, Greta Lude, Darla Marshall, Jill Middaugh, Shalon Meyer, Mary Mondor, Ellie Slavin, Lynn Stone, Stephanie Ternet, Stephanie Vose, Harmony Witmer, Katie McClure Nursery Staff: Donna Hinrichsen, Christine Azzue, Jody Jones-Kessler Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Wilbur Yates Retired Pastor: Rev. Maury Bonecutter Church Office Hours 8am – 4pm Monday – Thursday 8am – 12pm Friday Office may be closed from 12pm – 1pm for lunch Email: [email protected] Website: auburnfirstunited.com Phone: 260.925.0885

First United Methodist Church

Communications at First Church

In order to use our church resources wisely, we are always trying to find the best way to com-municate while keeping the cost as low as possi-ble. We try to use our church mailboxes and email as much as possible to save the cost of postage while assuring you have the information you need in a timely manner. We’re asking your help with this.

If you have an email address, please be sure that the church office has that address. If you change your email address, please let the church office know. If you are unsure if we have your address, email us at [email protected]. Please use your church mailbox. We will put your newsletter as well as other information in your mailbox. If you don’t have a mailbox, please let us know and we’ll be happy to get

you one! Are you getting the weekly email emailed to you twice a week? Monday’s blog has our prayer requests and Thursday’s blog has an-nouncements for the week. To sign up, visit our website www.auburnfirstunited.com and go to the Blog tab – news – subscribe here. You will receive an email confirming your subscription which you must reply to finish your subscription.

We’re looking into other ways to keep you in-

formed. Feel free to contact us anytime with your concerns!

In Christ, Pat & Cathy,Your First Office Staff

01/01 Don Grogg 01/01 Terry Dean, Wes Oswalt, Elizabeth Liddell 01/02 Doug Eames 01/03 Bob McClain, Bella Karch 01/06 Jack Bortner, Ann Seiss, Amy Harper 01/07 Larry Waterson, Josh Sexton 01/08 Rian David 01/09 Micki Broggio, Joyce Durst 01/13 Marsha Bassett 01/15 Toni Knox 01/16 Jeanne Howard, Richard Kummer, Marilyn Morr 01/17 Bob Olhausen, Todd Hart 01/18 Kelly Kobiela 01/19 Gloria Deetz 01/20 Mary Welch, Bill Jones, Kathy Hardy 01/20 Karen Sibery 01/21 Roger Wertenberger, Craig Wehr, Addison Snyder 01/22 David Tracey

01/23 Deborah Blevins 01/24 Kay Knapp, Garry Thrush 01/26 Lee Atkinson, Monte Brown 01/27 Audrey Oswalt 01/28 Larry Rittenhouse, Alex Smith 01/29 Treva DeWitt, Todd Webb 01/30 Madison MacDonald 01/31 Jamie Curtis

Stay connected with First Church news!Stay connected with First Church news!

Bookmark our website:

auburnfirstunited.com

The First Church staff wishes you a

Blessed Christmas

and a

Joyous New Year