Somerset UMC Newsletter - The MessengerNovember 2016

Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev Karen K Walters

Somerset UMC137-141 East Columbus Street, Somerset, Ohio 43783POB 237740/743-1029 - churchSomersetUnitedMethodistChurch@gmail.comwww.SomersetUMC.orgTraditional Worship @ 8Sunday School @ 9amBlended Worship @ 10am

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Antidote for DiscontentThough discontent runs rampant in our modern age, followers of

Christ are called to be worshipers, notcomplainers. There are basically two typesof people in the world: complainers andworshipers. And there isn't muchcircumstantial difference between the two.Complainers will always find something tocomplain about. Worshipers will alwaysfind something to praise God about. Theysimply have different default settings.

Thanksgiving is the antidote fordiscontentment, keeping it from taking rootin our hearts. Many of the gatheringsdescribed in Scripture include giving

thanks... There was even a group of men who were “chosen andexpressly named to give thanks to the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:41).Offering thanks was their job description.

Look for opportunities to express gratitude to God. The prophetSamuel reminds us to “consider what great things he has done foryou” (1 Samuel 12:24). “Gratitude,” writes Thomas Merton “takesnothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakeningto new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the gratefulman knows God is good, not by hearsay but by experience.” Givingthanks is not something anyone else can do foryou. So ... as the Spirit prompts, be sure tothank God for all he's done and continues to dothroughout the world and in your life.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving, fullof gratitude and family.

ÈSurrender yourself to God. Wish for nothingbut one thing: that his will be done, that hiskingdom come, and that his nature be revealed.Then all will be well. - Eberhard Arnold

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Kroger Plus CardThe Kroger Plus Card you have probably had

for years will not only give you discounts onfood and gasoline purchases but can also give acash reward to Somerset UMC of up to 5% ofyour purchases and it costs you nothing.

All you have to do is register your KrogerPlus card with Somerset UMC. It's simple and takes just a fewminutes. Please note: this must be renewed each year. There are onlya few of folks currently registered.

To let Kroger know you want them to donate to Somerset UMC,connect to Kroger.com then click on Community then CommunityRewards. Our number is 72634

This is an easy way to donate to the church simply by purchasingyour regular groceries. Each time you swipe your card, SomersetUMC will receive a donation. Some churches have raised as much as$10,000/year through this program so thank you for supporting yourchurch in this way! È

“Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income.”Proverbs 3:9 È

We invest in God’s Treasury Fund by using some ofour money to express worship. There’s nothing we cangive God that he needs. But when we give an offering

to God where and when we worship, we’re saying, “God I love you.”That’s the first purpose of life: to know and love God.

The Bible says, “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part ofall your income” (Proverbs 3:9). We honor God when we tithe. It’san act of worship.

God wants you to give to His fund before you invest in any otherfunds. Why? He wants our hearts more than anything else. It’s not somuch he needs our money; he wants what it represents.

Wherever I put my money shows my priorities and values.

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This week, look through your checkbook and your credit cardstatements. What do they say about where your heart is today?

Where do you want your heart to be? Put your money there!È

The true, living faith, which the Holy Spirit instills into the heart,simply cannot be idle. - Martin Luther

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Evangelism GoalEveryone at SUMC is challenged to pray for

at least one unchurched person for at least oneminute every day at 1:00 pm. If you cannotpossibly pray for one minute at 1:00 pm, youmay want to choose another time. The importantthing is to pray!

Begin to pray now about who God would have you invite toChristmas worship.

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Kids’ Sunday SchoolSunday School is at 9:00 am for all ages. The children use a curriculum called Dig In. Eachweek the kids dig into God’s Word and learn howto apply it to their daily lives. Come learn how tobe a disciple in Sunday School!

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The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief. - Leslie Weatherhead

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Giving to God Strengthens Our Faith“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough

food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies,‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing

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so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me tothe test!’” Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

God uses finances to test your faith.Have you ever had to decide betweenpaying a bill and tithing? You only haveso much money — where is it going togo? It's a test. God is saying, “Do youreally believe I can take care of yourbills? Or do you think you have to takecare of them on your own?”

He says, “Bring all the tithes into thestorehouse so there will be enough foodin my Temple. If you do ... I will openthe windows of heaven for you. I willpour out a blessing so great you won’thave enough room to take it in! Try it!

Put me to the test!” (Malachi 3:10)In effect, God is saying, “I dare you! I dare you to see what I will

do if you become a giving, generous person. Tithe, and see whathappens to your life.”

Did you know there are more promises in the Bible regardinggiving than any other thing? Jesus talked more about giving than hedid about Heaven or Hell. I believe this is because giving is theessence of being like Jesus.

The Bible says God is a giver: “God so loved the world that hegave ...” When we give, it shows God that we trust him and believehis promises to provide for us. Giving strengthens, stretches, andtests our faith.

Do you really believe God will take care of your bills? If you’restruggling in this area, ask God to help you in your unbelief. Hewants to help you find the freedom in your finances that only comesfrom trusting in him.

As you pray about your financial needs, write them down andthen watch to see how God provides. By keeping a record of how

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God provides, you will find your faith deepening as you see God’sfaithfulness and his creativity in providing for your needs.

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Youth NewsThe youth had a great time at Laser Tag, Oct 30.

During November they will finish their OperationChristmas Child projects. The youth meet Sundays,5:00-6:30pm.

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The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way ofsuffering, and the most comfortable way of dying! - John Flavel

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Bible StudyNo other time of the year captures our

imagination as much as Christmas: God cominginto the world on a dark winter’s night; a baby’scry that would change the course of humanhistory; the heavens bursting into song; thecertain hope God will have the last word over our brokenness. Thisseason fills our hearts with the wonder that anything is possible.

This year, rediscover the true wonder of Christmas by sharing thelove of Christ with others. Each week centers on one element of theChristmas story, looking to the Christmas story and the stories of realpeople today to offer inspiration and ideas for reflecting the light ofJesus at Christmas and throughout the year.

We will follow a format similar to Lent. We willmeet at 5 for the study then enjoy fellowshiptogether over dinner following the study. There is ayouth and adult class. The Wonder of a Name The Wonder of a Star The Wonder of a Manger The Wonder of a Promise

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Faith is not only a commitment to the promises of Christ; faith is alsoa commitment to the demands of Christ. - William Barclay

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Set Clocks Back on Nov 5 November 5th, Daylight Savings Time ends— which means you get an extra hour of sleep!Don’t forget to change your clock before yougo to bed on Saturday. Don't forget your watch,the clocks on your microwave and DVD player,the clock in your car . . .

Missions NewsMissions is collecting new or gently used winter wear to pass out

in the food pantry throughout the cold weather months. If used,items should be cleaned prior to donating andmay include hats, gloves, scarves, coats, bootsand blankets. Items may be placed in theNarthex cabinet where noted.

In our area, there is a need to provide foodto children on the weekend. Families eligible forthe free lunch program at school are given the opportunity to receive food through this new ministry as well. We are collecting food items throughout the schoolyear that require minimal preparation as they will be sent home withelementary-aged children and means of cooking may be limited.Please do not include any items with nuts or nut butters. We plan toinclude items that cover each meal of the day. Examples include:Cereal Shelf stable milk Oatmeal packetsJuice pouches Chef Boyardee Whole fruitFruit cups Applesauce TunaMac and cheese cups Cheese crackers Fruit snacks, etc.

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A package will be prepared weekly and sent home on Fridays tohelp provide sustenance over the weekend. Money for the projectmay also be given to the Somerset Area Food Pantry and noted forthe backpack ministry. Items may be placed in the Narthex bin wherenoted.

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Serving in 10am Worship in NovemberGreeters: Chris Riffle FamilyUshers: Kathy Householder, Wayne Williams, BurnworthsLiturgist: Katherine ReichleyWorship Assistant: Stephanie Smith Media/Tech: Jeanette Snider, Jennifer WardJr Church: Janice Coleman

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He who shall introduce into pubic affairs the principles ofChristianity, will change the face of the world.- Benjamin Franklin

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Chronological Study of the BibleThere will be a year-long study of the Bible. We will read it in

the order it happened (not order in theBible). If you are interested in readingthrough the Bible, understanding theorder it happened, please indicate yourinterest to the church office so Biblesmay be ordered which have the readingslaid out for you. Cost will be $17. Thereis a $10 ebook version.

ÈOperation Christmas Child

The youth appreciates all the help from the congregation forsupplying items for the Shoebox Ministry for this year. Shoeboxpacking will be Sunday, November 20. There will be a light lunch

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after church pack boxes there soon after. Weare packing 240 boxes this year. Anyquestions call Susan 740-605-1690

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NurseryWe are in need of nursery workers. We often have children who

need nursery care. Please prayerfully consider this ministry. It reallyis a ministry to young parents. If we have a nice list of people, onewould only need to serve every 4-6 weeks.

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Truth does not become more true by virtue ofthe fact the entire world agrees with it, nor lessso even if the whole world disagrees with it.

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Thanksgiving ServiceThe Community Thanksgiving Service is on Tuesday, November 22

at 7:00 pm. There will be a fellowship timeafter the service for those able to stay and visitwith neighbors and friends. Please be sure toinvite neighbors and friends. We have it onTuesday for those who need to cook onWednesday.

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Hanging of the Greens Because it’s so difficult to find a time to bring the entire church

family together to decorate, we’re going to try a new thing this year.The Worship Committee has divided up all the pieces to decoratingfor Advent. Your small group, class or family is asked to choose atask and then do it when it fits your schedule. You can combine with

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other families/classes if you can find acompatible time. Please sign up for oneor more tasks so our sanctuary isbeautiful for the Advent season.

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The true measure of an individual ishow he treats a person who can do himabsolutely no good. - Ann Landers

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Christ the King SundayChrist the King Sunday is November 20.

This is the last Sunday of the church year. It’swhen we celebrate all Jesus is, all he’s donefor us and it’s an opportunity to make him (or

rededicate our lives sothat he’s) Lord andKing of our lives – influencing every singledecision we make. We will celebrate HolyCommunion during this service to end theChristian year.

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Man can live for about forty days without food, and about three dayswithout water, about eight minutes without air ... but only for onesecond without hope. - Hal Lindsey

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Veterans’ DayVeterans’ Day is Friday, November 11. There

is no school that day. We will honor our veteransthat Sunday (Nov 13). Thank a veteran.

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Reasons Many Churches Are in TroubleThis article may help SUMC avoid some troubles and traps

others have fallen into...There are thousands of churches not adjusting to the changing

realities of the community. They still act like it’s 1975. Here’s why:

They don’t recognize the decline in cultural Christianity. Theyrefuse to admit the world has changed around them. And they areoften angered when someone suggests they make methodological andstylistic changes.

They have many “church rules.” The church rules could berelated to attire worn on Sunday, or times of worship, orinconsequential issues. The point is they do things like they did 40years ago, and wonder why those on the outside are not interested intheir churches.

They have leaders who have never led anyone to Christ. Theforget how to relate to the unchurched and how to bring them toJesus.

They confuse traditions with truth. That is a dangerous reality.When our church members equate biblical teachings with some ofthe bylaws and processes of the church, the congregation is in bigtrouble.

They do outreach the way they’ve always done it. So if Tuesdaynight visitation was effective in 1975, it should be effective in 2016.

They have significant conflict due to frustration. A number of theleaders and members of these churches can’t understand why andhow things have changed so much. They want their old church back,but it’s not coming back. Their frustration can lead to conflict thatexacerbates their other problems.

They are very slow to respond. Their internal culture moves at amuch slower pace than the community around them. If they dorespond to an opportunity, they might be five years late. Or ten. Ortwenty.

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Christmas Eve ServiceSomerset United Methodist Church will

hold a candlelight communion service onChristmas Eve at 8:00 pm. Come and bringyour family! Begin planning now so you canattend this service.

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Christmas DayWe’re going to have a Family Christmas

at Somerset! We’ll start with breakfast at9:00 am. After you check to see what Santa’sbrought you, come to the church to havesome breakfast with your church family.

We will have a combined service @ 10:05. It will be a warm-hearted service which includes our choir singing and lots of carols.

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Worship Services Worship Services are offered each Sunday. A traditional service

is offered at 8:00am. At 10:05 there’s a blended service for families– a mix of traditional and more contemporary elements. Child carefor those 3 and under is available as well as Jr Church at 10:05.

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Square Dance In an effort to reach out to our community, we will

hold a Square Dance following the HometownChristmas celebration on Saturday, Dec 3, from 7-10pm. The cost is a donation. Concessions will beavailable.

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