A Newsletter to Inspire and Celebrate Oakland United Methodists Vol. 18, No. 12 December 2010

December Calendar of Events Wed, Dec. 1 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Dec 5 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship w/Communion 11:00 a.m. Koinonia & Finance Committee meeting 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School w/Merlin Jones & Confirmation class Wed, Dec 8 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Dec 12 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School w/Merlin Jones & Confirmation class Wed, Dec 15 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Thu, Dec 16 7:00 p.m. NO Administrative Board meeting Sun, Dec 19 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship w/ Children’s Christmas Program 11:00 a.m. Koinonia Wed, Dec 22 NO YOUTH GROUPS Thu & Fri Dec. 23 & 24 The church office will be closed Fri. Dec 24 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Sun, Dec 26 9:00 a.m. Choir practice /NO Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School w/Merlin Jones Wed. Dec 29 NO YOUTH GROUPS

"We invite all persons to be a part of our Community of Faith by participating in worship, education, fellowship and Christian service."

OAKLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 North Main PO Box 606 Oakland, IA 51560 Phone: 712-482-5530 Parsonage ph. 712-482-5539 E-mail: oaklandumc@frontiernet.net www.oaklandiaumc.org

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HARMONY CIRCLE Harmony Circle's Christmas Potluck Luncheon

December 2, 2010

Fellowship Hall

12:30 pm

Bring a potluck dish and your own dishes. The ladies of the church are invited.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE To celebrate this year’s theme “It’s a wonderful life at church – come be a part of it!” we are sponsoring a Family Movie Night featuring the film “The Santa Clause”. Plan to attend Saturday, December 11 at 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be served at intermission for a free will offering. This is open to all who would like to attend so invite neighbors, family and friends – let’s pack the sanctuary.

Sunday School News The holiday season is fast approaching. Her e are some dates to keep in mind.

Sunday, November 28 – Sunday School students will be singing during the worship service – 10 a.m.

Sunday, December 5, 12, 19 – Practice for Christmas program during Sunday School. (9 am)

Sunday, December 19 – Sunday School Christmas Program during worship service – 10 am

Adult discussion group - you are welcome to come as you are while your child(ren) are in Sunday School. F eel free to sit and listen or share as you like. Lead by Merlin Jones. Sunday mornings – 9 am. Meet in church basement.

Sunday School 2011 – we will plan to cont inue having classes before church unless we hear different from you. Please let us know wha t time works best for you and your children – before church (9-9:50 am), after church (11:10-12pm), or during church (10-11am). Please call the church office at 482-5530 or email Oaklandumc@frontiernet.net with your preference.

Thank you so much for sharing your children with us and helping them learn about God’s love for each of us!

PLEDGE CARDS If you haven’t completed your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible and remember to fill in the information on the back and return them.

On a Church's billboard: "7 days without God makes one weak."

YOUTH MATTERS The junior and senior high youth groups have begun their regular meetings on Wednesdays with a meal at 6:30 p.m. Each youth is asked to donate $1 for the meal. This money is used throughout the year for special projects or activities. Food coordinator for September through December is Carol Wilson. Because of the holidays the youth will not meet November 24 or December 22 and 29. When school is called off because of weather, the groups will not meet. Senior High Youth Thanks are due to these persons serving as senior high counselors this fall--Kristy Bane and Tammy Forrester (September), Penny Anderson and Suzanne Johnk (October), Sheila Applegate and Amy Gleaves (November), and Paul and Debbie Rollins (December). Merlin Jones is their assistant.

This group has participated in several service activities including work in the memory garden and decorating pumpkins and delivering them for display at Oakland Manor. Junior High Counselors for the junior high group, grades 7-8, are Sharon Jones and Rev. Textor. Following the meal the young people enjoy game time. This is followed by lesson and prayer time. This year the young people, with the assistance of Jim Johnson, have been learning about worship and enjoying hands on experiences with the sound and projection system. Confirmation Six youth, grades 7 and 8, are taking part in confirmation classes, after worship, November through February. Rev. Textor is the teacher. Students are Hannah Hummel, Kyra Martens, Grace Gleaves, Hayley Haines, and Andrew and Sarah Jones. These young people are expected to be actively involved in worship. So far they have lit candles, served as ushers/greeters, carried the joys and concerns microphone, operated the projection system, and read scripture. When they are not involved in any other way they are expected to take sermon notes. On November 21 the group assisted with the Hanging of the Greens.

COAT DRIVE This year we are again collecting coats for the needy. Please drop off your slightly used, clean coats in the box in the entry of the church.

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NURSERY

VOLUNTEERS December

USHERS,

GREETERS,

CANDLELIGHT ERS

Dec. 5 Bernie & Norma Bolton Hannah Hummel & Kyra Martens

Candle lighters: Grace Gleaves & Andrew Jones

Dec. 12 Mark & Mischa Martens Kyra Martens & Sarah Jones

Candle lighters: Hayley Haines & Andrew Jones

Dec. 19 Alan & Connie Gardner Andrew Jones & Hayley Haines

Candle lighters: Sarah Jones & Kyra Martens

Dec. 26 Jerry Pierce & Suzanne Johnk Sarah Jones & Grace Gleaves

Candle lighters: Hannah Hummel & Hayley Haines

KOINONIA (No more phone call reminders) Dec. 5 Rollins Girls

Dec. 12 Mark & Lynelle Jeppesen Dec. 19 need volunteer

Dec. 26 No Koinonia

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Practice for Christmas program each Sunday unt il Christmas

Dec. 26 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

SR. HIGH YOUTH COUNSELORS December Paul & Deb Rollins

January ReAnn Hildebrand & Barb Schorsch

February Veva Larson & Cathey Grosvenor

5 Kristy Rieken

12 Lisa Pierson

19 Gloria Gleaves

26 Cyndy Haines

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 3 Gloria Gleaves Don Applegate Lindsey Henderson 5 Paul Danker Sonya Kinnison 6 Chase Roller 7 Chris Hamilton 8 Quintin Forrester Tyler Krueger 10 Wayne Hopping Joretta Johnson 11 Lauren Anderson 12 Bernie Bolton Caitlin Wilson 13 Kelsey Hackett 16 Austin Wright Cale Henry 17 Jessica Santiago 18 Barbara Schorsch 19 Shirley Textor Virginia Pitt 20 Dona Kelly Abby Taylor 21 Ross Stott Kiley Bentley 24 Margaret White Sarah Messerschmidt 27 Megan Gleaves 28 Bonni Hering Tyler Putnam 29 Averi Jefferson 30 Peggy Bentley Tiffany Schutt Bergynn Kinnison 31 Bobbette Beedle

REMEMBER OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Dane Nelsen, step-grandson of Daryl & Rita Henningsen; Matt Hackett, great nephew of Jessie Shiffer; Kristie Copenhaver, John & Mary Lou Copenhaver’s daughter; Alan Walker; Kelly Holdaway; Josh Harker; Jeremy Harker; Brad Jefferson, son of Dan & Robin Jefferson; Jared Myers, son of Robert Myers and Sid & Tami Skank; Tyler Williamson, son of Michelle Swope; Jon Reed, son of Phil & Denise Reed; Sonja Husz; Lucas Smith, Addie Mae’s grandson; Brian Thornton from Avoca; Craig Bintz, grandson of Larry & Judie Danker serving in Japan; Tyler Clark, Marvin & Carolyn Clark’s grandson serving in Alaska, and other area service men and women. If you have a loved one in the service and wish to have them listed on our prayer list, please contact the church office.

NURSING HOMES - Remember those in the nursing homes with cards and visits. Oakland Manor: Mary Applegate, Margaret Alff, Dorothy Forristall Oakland Heights: Eileen Haines, Lucille Bentley Griswold Nursing Home: Merle Davis Primrose: Lois Allen Harlan: Dorothy Liddell

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM WILL BE DURING

CHURCH ON DECEMBER 19TH.

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DID JESUS DRIVE? A young man had just gotten his driver’s permit and inquired of his father, a minister, if they could discuss his use of the car.

His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we’ll talk about the car.:

Well, the boy thought about that for a moment, and decided that he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks they went in to the study, where his father said, “Son, I’ve been real proud. You brought your grades up, and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible and participating a lot more in the Bible study groups. But I’m real disappointed since you haven’t gotten your hair cut.”

The young man paused a moment and then said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.”

To this his father replied, “Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”

YOU TOOK MY PARKING SPACE AT CHURCH

This should wake us up.

One day, a man went to visit a church, He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, " I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place."

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Administrative Board Meeting October 21, 2010 Present: Merlin Jones, Richard Merkle, Jean Blackburn, Bernie Bolton, Norma Bolton, Gloria Gleaves, Mischa Martens, Barb Schorsch, Pastor Shirley Textor and Peggy Bentley Chairman Bernie Bolton opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Pastor Shirley led us in prayer. In Need of Prayer: Audrey Hartje, Kelly Bentley, Bill Bailey, Shirley Frizzell and area farmers during harvest.

Secretary’s Report: The September meeting minutes were distributed. Peggy thanked Norma for filling in as secretary in her absence. Peggy motioned to approve the minutes as read. Gloria seconded the motion and the minutes were approved. Treasurer’s Report: Richard Merkle explained the Treasurer’s report and answered any questions. Norma motioned to approve the report, Peggy seconded the motion and the report was approved. Finance: Barb Schorsch reported that the committee is working on Fill-A-Pew Sunday and getting the Pony Express drive ready to distribute. Sheryl Sindt will help with the envelopes and names that get returned to the office. Kickoff date is 10/31 at church. The service will include chose-your-favorite-hymn time, music and a short presentation on the projector. The committee hopes to complete the drive within a 2 week time frame. The committee has also completed a brochure for the church outlining what is available. Some upcoming projects include November 27th Nativity viewing and chili feed; December 11th movie night with “It’s a Wonderful Life” being the movie. The movie will be open to the public. Trustees: No report. The committee will meet in November to finish year’s work.

Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee: No report.

Pastor’s Report: Dates To Remember: 10/31 Worship Songfest to kick off financial campaign. 11/4 SPRC 7:00 p.m. 11/6 Deliver layettes to Ingathering 11/7 Begin use of Communion Sunday Lay Reader All Saints Memorial Observance First confirmation class for 7 & 8 grades after worship

Pastor Textor in Atlantic for Cluster Charge Conference End of Daylight Savings Time 11/11 Finance Committee 7:00 p.m. 11/18 Ad Council 7:00 p.m. 11/25-26 Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving 11/27 Chili Supper & display of nativity sets 5:00-7:30 p.m. 11/28 1st Sunday of Advent 12/11 Movie Night 12/19 Children’s Christmas Program during worship 12/24 Candlelight Service at 10:00 p.m. Youth: Pastor Shirley reported that the Jr. High youth are learning to use the sound board/projector system with Jim’s assistance. There have been 10-12 members in attendance weekly. On 10/20 the group (along with 4 drivers) went to Treynor for an assembly on Unconditional Love. Merlin reported that the High School youth have been working hard on the Memory Garden and it is now seeded and ready for winter. This past week, they decorated pumpkins and will deliver them to the nursing home residents next week. There have been approximately 10-15 students in attendance each week. Missions: Mischa reported the following monthly projects and offerings. August: 16 flood buckets were prepared with the money given. September: 127 blankets were purchased. October is Ingathering: $369.00 was collected and 70 layette kits were assembled. November will be shoebox angels.

Old Business: Form A was reviewed by Pastor Shirley New Business: Advent/Christmas: November 21st was chosen as the day for the Hanging of the Greens. We will stay after church to decorate and lunch will be provided. Plans will be finalized at the next Administrative Board meeting.

As there was no other business to come before the board, Merlin made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Norma seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

Bernie closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Peggy Bentley, Recording Secretary

The Sunday school students had fun dressing up for Halloween.

To the right are some of the Oakland Methodist Sunday School children that went to the Dollar General store on Sunday, November 14th to purchase items for the local food bank.

One Sunday the older kids talked about their strengths and weaknesses. They then dressed up as biblical people and discussed their strengths and weaknesses. Pictured is Shyenna and Cicily as Abraham and Sarah.

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