CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020 · CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020...
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CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020 Estero Bay United Methodist Church 3000 Hemlock Ave. Morro Bay, CA 93442 Angels Among Us People have a fascination with angels. Every card shop has tons of Michelangelo’s angels, pagan cherubs and cutesy little beings with wings on them. We’ll sing of angels we have heard on high, angels appearing to shepherds, and read of angels tending to Mary and her family. Lots of angels. Angels have a massive amount of lore about them. There is far more lore than there are references in scripture to angels. So, exactly what are angels? To be acutely precise, angels are messengers from God. They are a part of the ancient “heavenly host,” when God was seen as a king, and kings must have courtiers that do the practical work for God. It’s a nice story—a romantic story--yet it’s a bit too naïve for our time. I realize I am going to suffer some ire from some of you for saying this, but I say it to be clear: our God is omnipresent. Our God is always with us. This kind of ends the technology of angels because an omnipresent God doesn’t need messengers. Angels go the way of medical leeches, mimeograph machines and telegraphing money. Or do they? It may surprise you that I believe in angels because I see them every day. Last Sunday an angel appeared in a Sunday morning driving rain. It wasn’t Clarence (angel 2 nd class from It’s a Wonderful Life), it wasn’t Castiel (Supernatural), it wasn’t Gabriel (Constantine) or even Monica (Touched By An Angel). It was the umbrella angel that stood in the rain with two umbrellas to help people into the church. Now that’s a real angel. I have no use for romantic or make-believe angels. The umbrella angel shows God’s love in the immediacy and practicality of actual life. We have an angel with cancer. She shows up many times weekly to make sure we are reaching out to others in practical ways so people can know the grace of God. Now that’s a messenger worth the title of angel. We actually have many angels in our church and outside it. No need for metaphysical doctrines of semi-divine beings. Angels are real. God is with us. Angels will prepare us as we watch and wait to see the world for what it is. Angels will usher in a child that will lead us—and require us to be concrete in our understanding of God who knows that all children are as important as Baby Jesus. What is the message to your people that you carry with you today? It’s in you. You are a child of God. There are ways you will be recognized as an angel today that proclaims the wonder of God’s love for all creation. Someone will see you at it. It would be kinda nice if you caught yourself at it, don’t you think? Stephen
Transcript of CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020 · CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020...
CHANGING TIDES December 2019 and January 2020
Estero Bay United Methodist Church 3000 Hemlock Ave. Morro Bay, CA 93442
Angels Among Us People have a fascination with angels. Every card shop has tons of Michelangelo’s angels, pagan cherubs and cutesy little beings with wings on them. We’ll sing of angels we have heard on high, angels appearing to shepherds, and read of angels tending to Mary and her family. Lots of angels. Angels have a massive amount of lore about them. There is far more lore than there are references in scripture to angels. So, exactly what are angels? To be acutely precise, angels are messengers from God. They are a part of the ancient “heavenly host,” when God was seen as a king, and kings must have courtiers that do the practical work for God. It’s a nice story—a romantic story--yet it’s a bit too naïve for our time. I realize I am going to suffer some ire from some of you for saying this, but I say it to be clear: our God is omnipresent. Our God is always with us. This kind of ends the technology of angels because an omnipresent God doesn’t need messengers. Angels go the way of medical leeches, mimeograph machines and telegraphing money. Or do they? It may surprise you that I believe in angels because I see them every day. Last Sunday an angel appeared in a Sunday morning driving rain. It wasn’t Clarence (angel 2nd class from It’s a Wonderful Life), it wasn’t Castiel (Supernatural), it wasn’t Gabriel (Constantine) or even Monica (Touched By An Angel). It was the umbrella angel that stood in the rain with two umbrellas to help people into the church. Now that’s a real angel. I have no use for romantic or make-believe angels. The umbrella angel shows God’s love in the immediacy and practicality of actual life. We have an angel with cancer. She shows up many times weekly to make sure we are reaching out to others in practical ways so people can know the grace of God. Now that’s a messenger worth the title of angel. We actually have many angels in our church and outside it. No need for metaphysical doctrines of semi-divine beings. Angels are real. God is with us. Angels will prepare us as we watch and wait to see the world for what it is. Angels will usher in a child that will lead us—and require us to be concrete in our understanding of God who knows that all children are as important as Baby Jesus. What is the message to your people that you carry with you today? It’s in you. You are a child of God. There are ways you will be recognized as an angel today that proclaims the wonder of God’s love for all creation. Someone will see you at it. It would be kinda nice if you caught yourself at it, don’t you think? Stephen
The Emmanuel Choir Returns! Please join Jack and Friends for Sunday
Rehearsals on 12/8 and 12/15 at 11:15 am. The choir and our pianist, Robert will perform
during worship on 12/22.
Alternative Christmas Gift Giving Many of us wonder what to give to a person who
has everything, so here are some fun and
different ideas for alternative giving.
How about a gift of Honeybees or a flock of
Chicks or a share of a Heifer or a Sheep? These
donations benefit those in need through the
Heifer International Project
Contribution gifts may be made to UMCOR,
through the Cal-Pac Disaster Response Task
Force for those affected by the recent fires in
California.
Or give support to the Children’s Center
Guardian Angel Program which provides
financial assistance to children in need.
Please see the displays in the Narthex for more
information and instructions.
Or call the office 805-772-7644.
Cookie Sign Up We are contributing homemade cookies to the
Christmas Party for Achievement House. Please
see the signup sheet in the Narthex and many
thanks to those willing to contribute! The cookies
can be delivered to the church Thursday
December 12th or before 10:00 am Friday
December 13. Thank you for contributing!
Esther Sisters Baby Jesus Shower
Thursday, December 12, Noon
All women and friends are invited to the annual Baby Jesus Shower as we host our San
Luis Obispo County Health Nurses. Our donations of new baby items - clothing, toys, diapers, blankets and wipes are needed for the new mothers and babies countywide.
Please bring your favorite addition for the buffet salad lunch.
CHURCH NEWS Emmanuel Choir Practice
Will meet 2 Sunday’s @ 11:15 am
December 8 and 15 All are welcome!
Esther Sisters Baby Jesus Shower & Lunch
Thursday December 12, Noon
UMCC Santa’s Workshop Saturday December 14, 10:00 am
UMCC Christmas Program
Wednesday December 18 Noon & 6:00 pm
Emmanuel Choir Performs Sunday December 22
Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday December 24 @ 7:00 pm
Holiday Fellowship
After worship December 29, 11:15 am Bring something simple to share.
December 29 after Worship
After worship on December 29 we will have a Holiday Fellowship Coffee Time so
please bring something simple to share.
Preschool Christmas Program
Wednesday December 18h - Noon & 6:00 pm
We will have Two Performances to accommodate
our growing school and ask that you attend only one
Performance. Seating is limited and tickets are required
to enter. Tickets are available at the Preschool office.
All Preschoolers will participate. Come enjoy the
Sounds of the Season.
Angel Tree Program It is our mission to serve children and families of our
community by providing quality childcare service to
all. Our program provides financial assistance to
families with quality Preschool education and the
opportunity to attend an After School Program.
Please visit the display in the Church Narthex.
Your gift of $25, $50, $100, $500 or more can help.
Tax deductible donations can be made now through
January 1, PO Box 843 Morro Bay, CA 93443.
Santa’s Workshop Saturday, December 14, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Need to get some Holiday shopping done without the kids? UMCC will be sponsoring Santa’s
Workshop! Drop off your children for a few hours and go get some holiday shopping done!
Do we Love our church? Yes!
Do you want to do more for our church? Yes!
Perhaps you would like to be more
involved and volunteer - we are always
looking for folks to sign up for worship
assistance. Anyone with a background or
interest in finance please think about
joining our finance committee as we
always need input and ideas on keeping
our church afloat.
Coming Soon:
A signup sheet to provide our Sunday
Communion Worship with Bread and Juice
once a month.
We hold these members and friends in prayer
Minerva Contreras Theresa MacKinnon Diana Darby Alexandra McCLintock Gretchen Foran Frances McCay Joyce Fox Carolyn Neuman Brian Hillenburg Jane Rhine Mickie Hooks Arlene Stone
2020 Pledge Drive
We give thanks to all those who have pledged for 2020. We are still accepting pledge cards –
Please see the letter and cards in the Narthex.
2019 Year End Contribution Statements
will be out by January 31.
December Lectionary
December 1 Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
December 8 Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
December 15 Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55
James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
December 22 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
December 29 Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23
Our First Annual Hanging of the Greens and Pizza Party, Tuesday Evening November 26 was a wonderful time, good food, fellowship with music, kids and decorating the church!
December 2019
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am Stewardship Sunday
2 3
AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
4 Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am
Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
5
6
7
8 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 11:15 am
9
10
AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
11 Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am
Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
12 Esther Sisters Lunch and Baby Jesus Shower Noon
13 AM Delivery Cookies for Achievement House
14 UMCC Santa’s Workshop 10:00 - Noon
15 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
Choir Rehearsal 11:15 am
16
17
AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
18 Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 am Wednesday Worship 6:30 pm UMCC Christmas Program Noon/6:00 pm
19
20
21
22 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
Emmanuel Choir Performs
23
24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
25
Merry Christmas! 26
Church office will be closed through January 1.
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29 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
Holiday Fellowship 11:15 am
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Esther Sisters January Meeting
We will begin a Bible Study on “Hope” at our Thursday January 9th meeting at Noon.
Bring a sack lunch and your bible.
There has been some talk of moving the Esther Sisters monthly meeting from the Second Thursday to maybe a Tuesday. If you are more available on
one day or another lets check our calendars and talk about it! Gretchen & Melinda.
“Think Warm”
Our January mission outreach will be collecting warm socks, gloves, sweatshirts, etc. to give away to
those in need at the January Vet’s Hall dinner January 20th. Consider some warm items when you
are shopping during December and January.
January Lectionary
January 5 Jeremiah 31:7-14 or
Sirach 24:1-12 Psalm 147:12-20 or
Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9), 10-18 January 12
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
January 19
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
January 26 Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
Church Book Club
Our book club will meet on Thursday, January 16th at 2:00 pm at Marlene Owen’s home
775 Pacific St., Morro Bay. We have two selected books to discuss. The first is Spying on the South by Troy Horivitz and the second is The Calcata Relic (a mystery) by our own Peter Champion. He has offered us the
book, so please see him or Jan at church. We decided to meet on the third Thursdays of the month. Thank you, Marlene 805 772-5229
A BIG thank you to Hilary Saner for her wonderful gift of the children’s activity bags inside the front doors to the narthex. Hilary, your generosity is always amazing when it
comes to taking care of our kids. THANK YOU!
Church News - Looking Ahead Pastor Stephen will be out of the office
from January 1 to January 14.
Vet’s Hall Dinner Monday, January 20, 4:30-6:30 pm
Please check the signup sheet posted in the Narthex to prepare, provide and serve dinner for people in
our community. The menu will be Sloppy Joe’s, Pasta Salad and Vegetable Side dishes. The meat, sauce and pasta are provided by the Food Bank.
Annual EBUMC Spaghetti Dinner
February 25 - Fat Tuesday Mark Your Calendars!
Estero Bay United Methodist Church Mailing Address: P.O. Box 234 Morro Bay, CA 93443 3000 Hemlock Avenue, Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-772-7644, email: [email protected] Website: www.morrobayumc.org
Changing Tides Newsletter December 2019 & January 2020
January 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Pastor Stephen out from 1/1 to 1/14.
1
Happy New Year!
2 3 4
5 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
6 7 AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
8 Wednesday Bible Study & Worship will not meet this week.
9 Esther Sisters Lunch and meeting at Noon
10 11
12 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
13
14 AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
15 Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am
Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
16 Book Club meets 2:00 pm @ Fay Fletcher’s home
17 18
19 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am
20 Vets Hall Community Dinner 4:30-6:30pm
21 AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
22 Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am
Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
23 24 25
26 Joyful Noise 9:00 am Sun day Worship 9:45 am
27
28 AA Men’s Meeting 8:00 pm
29 Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am
Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
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