The Grinch of Christmas

The Grinch Who Nearly Stole Christmas

by Troy McDaniel

Once there was a king
Who lived long ago
His name was King Herod
And He nearly stole Christmas, you know.

The story began
One fateful night
When angels appeared
And gave shepherds a fright.

Peace unto you
Do not be in fear.
We bring you good news
The Savior is here.

And there in a stable
As angels had told
Was little baby Jesus
Just a few hours old.

High in the sky
God appointed a star
It shined very brightly
It shined very Far.

In the east
Some men were watching the sky.
They said, "This is it,
A sign from on high."

A new king has been born.
We must travel and see.
I’m not sure just how many,
But probably three.

So they left on their journey
Traveling by night
The star just before them
Their one guiding light.

To Jerusalem they went
They wanted to know
How to find this new king
They had a party to throw.

"Where’s the new king?" they asked
As they entered the city.
And this is where the story
Doesn’t get very pretty.

Their clothes were quite different
And their accent was funny,
But no one dared laugh
When they pulled out their money.

Well it didn’t take long
Before the Grinch heard the news.
He jumped from his throne
And came out of his shoes.

WHAT?! A NEW KING OF JUDEA?
HOW CAN THIS BE?
WHY, I AM THE KING
NO ONE BUT ME! ME! ME!

He slumped on his throne
And was ready to pout
‘til he got an idea
But there was more to find out.

Bring me the priests,
Bring me the scribes,
I think they can help me
Without any bribes.

“Your highness, the Messiah will be born
This much is true
In Bethlehem, as prophesied
In Micah 5:2.”

The Grinch kind of snickered
As he thought of his trick.
He said, “Bring those wise men,
And you’d better be quick!”

“Welcome my friends,
you’ve come from the East?
You must be quite weary
Won’t you join in my feast?”

Thank you for your kindness,
But our journey’s not through
We’re searching for a new king
Perhaps you saw his star too.

“A new king, did you say?
What a pleasant surprise.
And you saw this in a star?
You must be quite wise.”

“Exactly, when did you see
This star in the sky?”
The wise men just told him,
They never asked why.

“Perhaps I can help you
With a bit of information,
I think that Bethlehem
Might be your prime location.”

“Just do me this one favor
Before our time is through.
If you find the one you're looking for,
Come back and tell me too.”

The Grinch kind of chuckled
As they passed through the gate.
“There’s no need to follow now
we just have to wait.”

The wise men left for Bethlehem
There was no further delay,
And God sent the star before them
To guide them on their way.

Arriving at the house
Where Jesus was staying
They found Him with Mary
He was on the floor playing.

The wise men were humbled
As they got on their knees.
“Your son is quite special;
Will you please accept these?”

Then out of their sacks
That were lined with fur
Came gifts of gold,
Frankincense and Myrrh.

That night in a dream
God gave them a warning.
Don’t return to King Herod
When you leave in the morning.

When the old Grinch found out
That he had been had
He was red as a beet
He was madder than mad.

“They think they’re real funny
not stopping back by,
I’ll just go to plan B
Which means more kids will die.”

Then he stood from his throne
And let out his ploy,
“Go to Bethlehem now!
And kill every boy!”

“Your highness, you know
we’ll do as we’re told
Are you sure every boy?
Can you tell us how old?”

”Wait, that’s right.”
I don’t need to blunder
Just kill all the boys
That are two years and under."

But the Grinch didn’t know
That God knew his scheme.
He sent angels to Joseph
To warn him in a dream.

“Mary, get up
We must leave right away
The soldiers are coming
And our child they will slay.”

She grabbed up her baby
And held him real tight.
They packed a few things
And left in the night.

Hoof beats and hollering
They beat on each door.
Bloodshed and screaming
It sounded like war.

The soldiers returned
The deed was now done.
The Grinch was relieved
He thought he had won.

But Jesus escaped
‘Cause God had a plan.
The baby grew up
And soon was a man.

He gave up his life
To save us from sin
And nothing could stop him
Not Grinch or his men.

So when you trust Jesus
As Savior and Lord,
You become like the wise men
You give and don’t hoard.

Just one more thought
Before we are through,
You know Satan is trying
To steal Christmas too.

But when you have Jesus,
He’ll never depart
And you’ll always have Christmas
Alive in your heart.

The End

12 Days of Christmas

On the 12th Day of Christmas God in heaven gave to me:

12 things I believe in, (Apostle's Creed)

11 faithful disciples,

10 Holy Commandments,

9 fruits of the spirit,

8 Blessed Beatitudes,

7 spiritual gifts,

6 days of creation,

5 books of the Torah,

4 Gospel writers,

3 Gods in one,

2 Testaments and

Christ crucified on the tree.

Parents Meeting!

January 23

4 PM

Fellowship Hall

Eve of Christmas Eve!!

It's an uncelebrated holiday to most but this is one of my favorite days of the year. It is when you can almost smell and taste Christmas morning and the excitement of the day is building to a point that you almost can't stand it.

Time Out! for Family Sharing
The bustle of holiday preparation slows at least a few times during Advent as we prepare and share a simple Gingerbread recipe. The late James Beard, "dean of American cooks", hailed from Oregon, United States. His directions for gingerbread, slightly modified here, result in a lovely, moist cake. It takes little time or effort, but provides a festive cap to family Advent meditations or Christmas prayers.

Directions and Ingredients (Metric Conversion below)

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees, and have ready a 9 inch x 9 inch by 2 inch baking pan. Do not grease or flour the pan.

Measure 1 cup molasses, light or dark, with a glass (liquid) measuring cup. Pour the molasses into a reasonably large bowl, perhaps 2-3 quart size. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water into the now (mostly) empty glass measuring cup, and then into the bowl. This will help rinse the last of the molasses from the measuring cup. Coarsely chop up 5 tablespoons butter and add quickly to the bowl; stir to help the butter melt into the combined hot water and molasses.

To the bowl, stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1-2 teaspoons ground ginger (more ginger results in a spicier, "hotter" cake), 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 2 cups flour, preferably unbleached. Stir just until ingredients are mixed and moist; this is a job for a light hand with a wooden spoon, not an electric mixer.

Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 25-35 minutes. When the cake is done, it will pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake will come out clean. Allow to cool briefly and, if desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Best when warm, but entirely acceptable cool.

Metric Conversion:

Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees, and have ready a 23 x 23 CM baking pan. Do not grease or flour the pan.

Measure 250 ml molasses, light or dark, with a glass (liquid) measuring cup. Pour the molasses into a reasonably large bowl, perhaps 2-3 litre size. Pour 125 ml boiling water into the now (mostly) empty glass measuring cup, and then into the bowl. This will help rinse the last of the molasses from the measuring cup. Coarsely chop up 75 ml butter and add quickly to the bowl; stir to help the butter melt into the combined hot water and molasses.

To the bowl, stir in 2 ml salt, 5 - 10 ml ground ginger (more ginger results in a spicier, "hotter" cake), 5 ml baking soda, and 500 ml flour, preferably unbleached. Stir just until ingredients are mixed and moist; this is a job for a light hand with a wooden spoon, not an electric mixer.

Bake in the oven at 190 degrees for 25-35 minutes. When the cake is done, it will pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake will come out clean. Allow to cool briefly and, if desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Best when warm, but entirely acceptable cool.

Christmas Shoes (by: Newsong)

sorry!!

So I realized that my blog post haven't been posting... and then I have been sick for the last few days... so here is to make up for it :)


______________________________________________________________________

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

_____________________________________________________________________

Isaiah 7:10-16
A woman shall bear a son named Emmanuel
_________________________________________________________________________

Advent 4: The God of Those Ends, That Justice, and Such Reversals Is with Us

Advent 4 is a bridge Sunday. It sums up all that has come before. It also leads into the celebration of the incarnation we begin on Christmas Eve.

For that reason, the point of the readings today is not the story of the birth of Jesus, though Matthew's account of that is the gospel reading for today. Nor is the point even that God became flesh. There were many stories of gods taking on human form in past civilizations, so such a claim from the standpoint of human history was not remarkable. The point is that "God is with us," and more specifically, "this God," the one prophesied by Isaiah, the one proclaimed by Paul and John the Baptist and Mary, this God whose presence changes and often reverses everything, something evident even in the odd circumstances of Jesus' birth -- this God is with us.

This isn't a theologically trivial point. Say the word "God," and all kinds of images and ideas pop up that are quite incompatible with the One we encounter in the Law, the Prophets, the Writings, and in Jesus. Christians insist that it is indeed this God who does the very things we've recounted these past three weeks, and summarized today, who has come among us and abides with us still in the power, presence, and person of the Holy Spirit.

It is this God with us whose birth among us we celebrate during Christmastide and seek to follow all the days of our lives.
________________________________________________________________________________

love and other foolishness
love
in a young girl's song;
fearful,
determined,
hopeful,
bursting.
love
in a mother's song;
tender,
embracing,
challenging,
stern.
love
is god's song;
curious yet timid,
playful and wondering,
coming among us again.
we light a candle for love.

________________________________________________________________

Advent - Wednesday

Since it is Wednesday and food is something the kids kept talking about I looked up advent food...

Advent and Christmas Foods

Everyone has their favorite holiday foods. Good old-fashioned puddings are made in advance with sweet soft fruit such as raisins, currants, citrus peels, figs, pomegranites, and prunes, plus brandy, and then jarred and chilled to age several days to a week, so that the flavors meld. Mince pies are made of a dried fruit mix, and sometimes finely chopped lamb or venison. (The meatless, low-fat varieties are most common today.)

A Gaelic custom is to bake cakes during the last week of Advent, store them, then take them out just before Christmas to spread on almond paste and/or a sweet goo such as cake frosting or honey. On the days before Christmas, Europeans bake plaited breads in a long oval shape, to look like a well-wrapped Christ child. Just as Lent is a fast, Christmas is a feast.

In some traditions, such as in the Phillipines, families start the Christmas feast right after returning from the late-night or midnight Christ's Mass. The typical fare is some form of ham, cheese balls, and hot cocoa.

Advent - Thursday

http://akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/snowman.htm

A little fun on a snow day :)

Advent - Tuesday

I saw a friend today who is very pregnant. She is anxiously awaiting her baby to be born. She complained about her feet and back hurting. I listened as she explained the discomfort of being in the last month of pregnancy. Then I started thinking about Mary. How miserable she must have been riding on the donkey in her last month of pregnancy. And Joseph knowing this was the only way to get to Bethlehem and realizing that the baby would be born on this trip. New parent worries must have filled their minds as they traveled that weary road. I know they were excited and anxious like all parents are as they wait for their child to be born. But there must have been a little more anxiety knowing it was the son of God that was inside of Mary.

Amazing the things that God helps us through.

Advent - Monday

Finger Play: See the Baby Jesus
Have children say the phrases and do the corresponding actions with you in this fun finger play.

See the baby Jesus, born within a barn (bring fingertips of both hands to form a roof peak).

See the baby Jesus, held in Mary's arms (cradle arms).

See the baby Jesus, star high overhead (extend arms high).

See the baby Jesus, manger for a bed (palms of hands together; lay cheek on hands).

See the boy Jesus, little child like me (point to self).

See the boy Jesus, fishing in the sea (hands together, casting out fishing line).

See the boy Jesus; see him running there (one palm flat, other hand "running" on palm).

See the boy Jesus, on his knees in prayer (fold hands in prayer).

See the man Jesus, walking by the sea (two fingers walking).

See the man Jesus, children on his knee (two hands on knees).

See the man Jesus, loving everyone (closed fists, crossed
against chest).

See the man Jesus asking me to come (right hand motioning to come).

Carol McAdoo Rehme
Loveland, Colorado

3rd weekend of Advent

Joy!

Philippians 4:4-7
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

4:5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.



"The second most popular Advent question asked in the United Methodist Churches I’ve served is “Why is there one pink candle on the Advent wreath?” (THE most popular question has of course been “When can we start singing Christmas carols?”)

The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent because since the 10th century, that day has been recognized by the catholic church as Gaudete, or Joy, Sunday. (See one history here.) As early as the fifth century, Christians prepared for Christmas with a forty-day fast. The weeks prior to Christmas were a season of penitence, much in the way that Lent functions in relation to Easter. One can see how the lectionary texts in the first couple weeks of Advent issue calls to reflection and penitence: “The Kingdom is at hand! Know how to read the signs! Repent!” My Greek Orthodox friends observe two fasts prior to and during Advent, increasing in severity and restriction, as a way of preparing for the coming of Christ. They understand that preparation for the coming of Christ entails self-examination and sacrifice.

In faith traditions where the penitential nature of Advent is observed, the third Sunday of Advent is an occasion which ensures that the joy of Christ’s first and second comings is made clear. The texts for that day bring that joy and anticipation to the forefront of the church’s worship. The prophet Zephaniah assures us that God will “save the lame and gather the outcast” as well as “deal with their oppressors.” Joy! Paul exhorts the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Joy! And Luke reports that upon hearing John the Baptist’s message were “filled with expectation.” Joy, joy, joy all over the place!

The pink candle has been a witness to me in recent years. In my Protestant upbringing, December worship wasn’t much more than a prelude to the nativity. It wasn’t until my preaching years that the pink candle began to inform my interpretation of the texts on the first and second Sundays in Advent. I’ve been striking more penitential tones in recent Advents, knowing that Gaudete Sunday is ahead, waiting to help us understand what we are preparing for. This Sunday, our congregation will pull out all the stops during our worship services. A small ensemble of church members who are singers and instrumentalists have been practicing to lead our congregation through some intentionally upbeat music. Some of our small children will be playing “Ode to Joy” on the piano. We intend to have a longer time for the passing of the peace, which (gasp!) may even make worship run past its “usual” ending time.

Of course, each Sunday reminds us of the joy of the resurrection, and Gaudete Sunday is not meant to manufacture a cheap joy through emotional manipulation of worshippers. What I hope our celebration will do is focus our attention on the joy of the eschaton, the redemption of all creation, the glorious telos that the Church anticipates and waits for, but forgets to talk about in the waiting. I pray that our worship will form people for Advents to come, so that their joy is not contained in packages with pretty bows but in the uncontainable God, who is, was, and is to come. Joy!"

by Jenny Williams

Advent Day 13

Advent Day 12

A Birthday Cake for Jesus
(Contributed by Leslie Ratliff)
Many families and churches emphasize the meaning of Christmas by having
a birthday party for Jesus, often complete with a birthday cake. Why not make
this celebration even more meaningful with this object lesson that uses the cake
to teach the plan of salvation.
Supplies Needed:
• 1 or 2 layer chocolate cake
• white frosting
• angel figurine or sugar cookie
• 12 red candles
• star
• plastic evergreens
(Opt. You may also want to have each child create their own birthday cake by
providing small round cakes for the children to assemble and decorate
themselves.)
1. Begin by talking about birthdays, what they mean and why we celebrate them.
2. Tell the story of Jesus’ birth either in your own words or with a story book. For older children have them read it from the Bible (Luke 1-2).
3. Now share with your children why Jesus came as you assemble and decorate your
birthday cake.

Round Cake – The shape of the cake is round with no end, showing that God’s love is never ending. He loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16).

Dark Cake - Before knowing Jesus, our hearts are like this dark cake, and we couldn’t get into heaven with our hearts so full of sin (Romans 3:23).

White frosting – (While frosting the cake, talk about the meaning of the white frosting.) God did a wonderful thing when he sent his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Now all the darkness is covered up, and Jesus washes our sins white as snow. We are pure white in the sight of God. When we ask Jesus to forgive all the bad things we’ve done, we are white like this frosting (Romans 6:23).

Angel Decoration – (Place the angel decoration on the cake or have a child do it.) The angel reminds us of the good tidings that were brought to the shepherds that night. It also reminds us of the good tidings, or good news, that we can bring to others (Luke 2:10).

Star – (Place the star decoration on the cake or have a child do it.) The star reminds us of the star in Bethlehem and how the Wisemen followed it and worshiped the Lord Jesus. It reminds us that we should worship and follow Him everyday. We can do this by praying, reading our Bibles, and going to church.

12 Red Candles – (Place the candles on the cake.) The red color reminds us of Jesus’ blood that was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Because He died and rose again, we can have eternal life and go to heaven if we believe (Romans 5:8).
Light the Candles – ( As you light the candles, say…) Jesus can shine in our hearts if we just ask Him to be our Savior. The 12 candles remind us to let His light shine every month of the year, not just at Christmas time (Matthew 5:16).

Evergreens – (Place evergreens around the cake.) Evergreens around the cake remind us
of something living and growing. If we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we are going to grow and get to know Him more. How can we grow to know Him better? By praying, going to church, reading our Bibles, and sharing Him with others—(John 15:5 or 2 Peter 3:18).

Advent Day 11

The Story of the Jesse Tree


The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expected messiah (for example, Jer 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God.

The Israelites through the descendants of Abraham were chosen by God to be a light to the nations. When they were imprisoned by the Egyptians, they cried out to God for deliverance from their oppression. And God responded: "I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry . . . I have come to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them to a good land" (Exod 3:7-8). And so He entered history in a marvelous way to deliver them and bring them into a place where they could worship God and serve Him in peace and joy instead of serving Pharaoh in hard service. God promised to be with them and to be their God, and they would be His people.

But as they settled into the land that God had given them, "they forgot God, their Deliverer, who had done great things in Egypt" (Psa 106:21). As they grew secure in the land, they began to believe that "my power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me these things" (Deut 8:17). Even though God had raised up godly leaders like David, later kings and religious leaders served their own interests, and the people began to worship the false gods of the land. They even gave offerings to the idol ba’al, supposedly the god of rain and fertility of the land, thanking him for the prosperity they enjoyed.

But God grieved because "she did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished upon her silver and gold that they used for ba’al" (Hos 2:8). God had "planted [them] as a choice vine from the purest stock" (Jer 2:21) and had expected them to grow and flourish and carry out His purposes in the world. But they had degenerated into a wild bush with worthless fruit.

Because they had forgotten God, they also forgot the call of God to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Mic 6:8). God sent prophets to warn them of the consequences of failing to be His people. Amos warned them to "seek me and live" (5:4). Through Jeremiah, God promised them that if they would turn from their wicked ways He would bless them and be with them in the land (7:5-7). But he also said: "Take heed, O Jerusalem, or I shall turn from you in disgust, and make you a desolation" (6:8).

Some of the people longed for new leaders, a new "anointed" (Heb: meshiach; Eng: messiah) shepherd king like David who would help them to become what God had called them to be. But most of the people would not listen. They continued to worship the idols of ba'al. They continued to cheat the poor, steal from each other, neglect the needy, and do all manner of evil.

So God let them go their own way and suffer the consequences of their choices. The Babylonian armies came and destroyed the temple, the city of Jerusalem, the land, and took the people into slavery. The choice planting of God that had such promise, that God had tended so carefully and encouraged to grow, was cut down and became a mere stump (Isa 5:1-10).

But God did not give up on this people! Even though they had disobeyed, even though they had forsaken God for other gods, even though they had miserably failed to be His people and to let Him be their God, the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob still loved them. He had made a commitment to these people that He would not allow to be undone even by their rejection of Him.

He had already told them this through the prophets, but they had not understood then. Jeremiah had promised a day when God would again plant and build (31:28). And Isaiah had spoken of a time when God would cause a new shoot, a new king, to spring from the cut-off stump of the lineage of Jesse, David’s father (11:1). During the Exile, suffering under the consequences of sin, they had little reason to suppose that God would do anything new. Still, the old promises echoed across the years, even if they could not believe them or even understand them.

In spite of their failures, in spite of their inability to envision a future beyond exile, there came a time when the prophets again announced a new thing, proclaiming "good tidings" to the people: "Here is your God!" (Isa 40:1-11). The Exile was ended! God would bring back to life a nation that was already dead (Eze 37). Long ago they had been slaves in Egypt, with nothing they could do to change their condition, and yet God had chosen to deliver.

So now, in the midst of their failure and hopelessness, God had again entered history as Deliverer. They would have another chance to be His people, not because they had earned it, no more than they had deserved it the first time; but simply because God in His grace had chosen to forgive.

They returned to the land. But across the years, they again struggled to obey and live up to their calling. They would never again slide into the worship of false gods. They had learned that lesson. But the great kingdom that they dreamed of restoring remained only a dream. They had hoped for a new king like David to lead them into a glorious future in which they would rule the world. They hoped to throw off the control of the Greeks and later the Romans and become a great nation. But it didn’t happen. And they became disillusioned and discouraged.

So, they again hoped for God to raise up a new king, a new messiah, to deliver them from the oppression of the world. They longed for peace and deliverance from the tyranny of a sinful world. The prophets again brought the word of God to them, and promised a newness. Even though they struggled to understand and believe, they held onto the hope that the same God who brought slaves out of Egypt, and who brought exiles out of Babylon, could bring Messiah into the world!

We know the rest of that story. God was faithful to that promise, and a new King was born in Bethlehem. So we can exclaim with the old man Simeon: "My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before all people, a light of revelation to the nations, and for glory to your people Israel!" (Luke 2:30-32).

But we also know that the world is still with us. Even though we can have Peace and Joy through the presence of Jesus Christ, we still long for deliverance from the oppression of sin in the world. We long for the full reign of the King, and the Kingdom of Peace that He will bring. So, while we celebrate the birth of the Branch, the new shoot from the stump of Jesse, we still anticipate with hope the Second Advent, and await the completion of the promise.

The Jesse Tree helps us retell this story, and express this hope.

Advent Day 10

During the Christmas seasons many families have traditions. My family had the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. What are some traditions your family has? Parents what were some traditions your family had when you were a child? What about starting a new tradition this year? Like reading the Christmas story or making something for the tree?

Advent means preparing

During the season of Advent we are preparing ourselves for Jesus' birth. One way that we prepare ourselves is to ask God for forgiveness for the sins we have committed.

Here is a confession for advent

Emmanuel, we want to believe you are with us dwelling in this and every moment, but we cry for the past and rush toward the future. We want to be found wide awake, alert with love, as you appear in this and every moment. But we slumber through and laze away the miracle of ordinary days. We want to wait for you alone, with desire and hope, but our trust fails, our longing grows cold, and our hope dims. We want to make room in our hearts, a safe and warm place, for you to be born, but we close our hearts, and harden them to you and your people. We confess our failures in love. We are sorry, we ask for your forgiveness.

Day 7 and 8 - Weekend

Take a moment and thank God for all that He has given us. Thank Him for the snow and the sun. Thank Him for our church and pastors. Thank Him for our parents. Thank Him for our grandparents and aunts and uncles. Thank Him for all the small things that we have like flowers and puppy dogs. There is so much for us to be thankful for. All we have to do is look around. Make a list of the things your family is thankful for and send it to me. I would love to hear your blessings.

Advent Day 6

Candy Cane Cookies

A basic sugar cookie dough is transformed by adding peppermint extract and red food coloring for this candy cane cookies recipe.
Ingredients:

1 17.5 oz. package powdered sugar cookie mix
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1-3 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. peppermint extract
4-5 drops red food coloring
Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Dump cookie mix into a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter, egg and one tablespoon of flour.

Using an electric mixer or your hands, mix until it forms a soft dough.

Divide dough in half. Add peppermint extract to one half. Knead it into the dough until well-incorporated. Add a tablespoon of flour if dough is too sticky.

Add red food coloring to the other half. Start with a few drops of food coloring, and add more until you get a deep pink color (or a red color, if you prefer). Add a tablespoon or two of additional flour if the dough is too sticky.

Pinch off one teaspoon of pink dough. Roll between your palms to form a rope, about 3 to 4 inches long. Repeat with one teaspoon of the white dough.

Place the ropes side-by-side and twist into a candy cane shape, pinching at the ends to seal. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Repeat with remaining dough. Bake 7 to 10 minutes until cookies are lightly browned around the edges.

The Cottage

Clothing for children
190 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington
859.273.1552 thecottage@qx.net

30% off all Christmas
outfits, pajamas, bows, socks
excludes ribbon headbands
December Shopping Hours:
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, 12noon - 4pm
Santa's elves have delivered a huge shipment of CALICO CRITTERS!
The Cottage elves will wrap for you!

Advent Day 5

Advent is the night of the Christian year. As a Jew begins the day at sunset, so Christians begin the church year in the darkening quiet of ever-deeper winter, hushing our frenzy, readying for Christ.

When my friend Justin was very young, and I was tucking him into bed, he asked me, “Susan, how long does night take?”

What an amazing question, and one I had forgotten to ask for a very long time! At the start of the night of our year, we might well ask it now: How long does night take?

If you’re sick and in pain, one night takes about a hundred years.
If you’re alone, and waiting for love, one night takes forever.
If you’re a child, and night seems a waste of perfectly good playtime, the night stretches on to eternity.
If you’re a reluctant Messiah, a sweating blood in a garden while the whole city parties, the night is terrifying long.

Night is all about waiting, and waiting is about helplessness. Waiting for dawn or light or hop or love or relief, we are helpless to turn back the darkness or hurry the new day. All we can do is nothing. All we can do is wait. But that very helplessness makes every time of waiting, if we will let it be so, a time of waiting for God. Every wait can become holy, artful, and lovely, a waiting for God.
We have no choice: Advent makes us wait. But Advent asks us how we are waiting. With anger, resentment, sleepliness, boredom, and despair? Or with desire, become waiting is all about that too? Desire. If we let ourselves feel our desire and bravely name it, then waiting can become the birthplace of hope, and faith, and, especially, love.

Advent is the church’s night watch, our season of waiting. The helplessness and desire in waiting make every wait, in the end, a wait for God. The good news of Advent is that if we wait, while we wait, in the waiting, God comes. The waiting itself is the thing, the very place we can meet God anew.

I’m terrible at waiting! I hate to be put on hold on the phone, or held by a slow driver, or made to wait in the grocery line. And our instant, hurry-up world doesn’t teach me patience.

But waiting is “mysteriously necessary to all that is becoming” and especially to the becoming souls. So every time of waiting is soul-work, and a wait for God.
I once heard of a ninety-five-year-old woman who fell in the snow on her way to church and couldn’t get up. She could have become angry, frightened, and cold. She could have given up, fallen asleep. She could have died! Instead, she made snow angels. She filled up her waiting with energy and action, beauty and warmth, and it kept her alive.

Near his end, approaching Jerusalem, Jesus gives us a clue to such brave and holy, artful waiting. The people are full of Passover joy in the hope a messiah will come, but he, sensing danger, is waiting with dread. Trudging along he sees a fig tree, heaving with buds, and his eyes are drawn upward where he notices, suddenly, spring. Remember the promise of spring, unstoppable after winter’s death, he says: “When everything around you is dark with violence and fear, stand up, raise your heads; your redemption is near.”

Stand up. Raise your heads. Look to heaven. Hold to spring when winter draws down your gaze and your heart. In this very darkness, especially here, God is near.
Every time of waiting is a wait for God: a wait for peace in the Middle East, the results of a test, the conception of a child, or that child’s maturing; a wait for love, or an end to grief, or pain, or life itself, or the rapture of the Lord. If we will keep company with our waiting, keeping it warm and alive with desire and hope, keeping it awake, like a mother attentive to her baby’s breath, feeding it with faith, if we will look up and not lose heart, then while we wait, in the waiting because of the waiting, god will come.

How long does night take? When waiting is holy and artful, filled up with God, just long enough.

Written by Susan Bock

Advent Day 4

Snow!
I love snow. I was driving into the office today and the snow was falling the sun was coming up and I was singing praise songs. It was a great way to start the day. As I looked that snow hitting my window I was reminded of a story about snow. I thought I would share it with you on this fourth day of Advent :)

In the early part of the American War a young woman of 22 years died at the Commercial Hospital, Cincinnati, one morning in the dead of winter. She had once possessed an enviable share of beauty and had been greatly sought after for the charms of her face, but had become a prostitute. Highly educated and accomplished in manners, she had spent her young life in shame and died friendless as a broken-hearted outcast of society.
Among her personal effects was found, in manuscript, the poem `Beautiful Snow', which was taken to the editor of National Union and appeared in print the morning after the girl's death. When the poem appeared in the paper, the girl's body had not been buried, and the American poet, Thomas Buchanan Reed, was so impressed by the stirring pathos of the poem that he followed the corpse to its final resting-place.

Some of the stanzas of the poem entitled `Beautiful Snow' are as follows:

Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow!
Filling the sky and the earth below:
Over the housetops, over the street,
Over the heads of the people you meet,
Dancing, flirting, skimming along—
Beautiful snow!—it can do nothing wrong;
Flying to kiss a fair lady's cheek,
Clinging to lips in frolicsome freak;
Beautiful snow, from the heavens above,
Pure as an angel, gentle as love!
Once I was pure as the snow, but I fell,
Fell like the snowflakes, from heaven to hell,
Fell, to be trampled as filth in the street,
Fell, to be scoffed, to be spat on and beat,
Pleading, cursing, dreading to die;
Selling my soul to whoever would buy;
Dealing in shame for a morsel of bread,
Hating the living and fearing the dead.
Merciful God! have I fallen so low,
And yet—I was once like the beautiful snow!
Once I was fair as the beautiful snow,
With an eye like its crystal and heart like its glow;
Once I was loved for my innocent grace—
Flattered and sought for the charms of my face;
Father, mother, sister and all,
God and myself I have lost by my fall;
The veriest wretch that goes shivering by
Will make a wide swoop lest I wander too nigh:
For all that is on or above me, I know
There is nothing so pure as the beautiful snow.



How strange it should be that this beautiful snow
Should fall on a sinner, with nowhere to go!
How strange it should be, when night comes again
If the snow and the ice struck my desperate brain;
Fainting, freezing, dying alone,
Too wicked for prayer, too weak for a moan
To be heard in the streets of the crazy town,
Gone mad in the joy of the snow coming down—
To lie, and to die, in my terrible woe,
With a bed and a shroud of the beautiful snow.
The following verse has been added by another pen:
Helpless and foul as the trampled snow,
Sinner! despair not; Christ stoopeth low
To rescue the soul that is lost in its sin,
And raise it to life and enjoyment again:
Groaning, bleeding, dying for thee,
The Crucified hung, made a curse on the tree;
His accents of mercy fall soft on thine ear—
'Is there mercy for me? Will He heed my prayer?
O God! in the stream that for sinners doth flow,
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!'
(Isa. 59. 2; James 1. 15; Ps. 51. 7)

Advent Day 3

Thanks to everyone who came to Shadman’s birthday party yesterday! We will mail all of the messages you wrote to him and let him know we celebrated with him, just from a long ways away. Thanks, also, for bringing your offering so we can continue to support him. Your $35 a month makes a huge difference in his life!

In case you were wondering, all of the children from the choir that performed Sunday are sponsored through the Watoto program like we sponsor Shadman through World Vision. How great that we were able to have time with them! My family had the privilege of hosting Silver, Jessie, Davis, and their Uncle Nicholas—we built with Legos, laughed (a lot), ate, prayed together, and learned that we eat bananas upside down! Everyone at our house was blessed by their friendliness and love for the Lord.

Thanks again for coming, visiting, eating cupcakes and Jello, and, most of all, for sharing God’s love!
Ms. Barry

Advent Day 2

I was thinking today as I left the house this morning what it must have been like for Joseph. To hear that the women he was to marry was already pregnant. Not with his child but a long expected Messiah... back then the first born son got all the inheritance of his father. it was a huge deal to be the first born. we see this in the old testament story Ishmael found in the book of Genesis. His brother Isaac who was born second got the full birth rights of the first born. Something to ponder as you think that God gave us his one and only Son... we get that inheritance that Christ received as the first born son.

I was also thinking of what Joseph was like as a dad... we know that Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus. But if you read the Scriptures closely. None of their other children accepted Jesus for who He was till after His resurrection. This isn't to say that Joseph was a horrible father but it gives us as parents hope. That even the father of Jesus wasn't perfect. But yet, God chose him to be the one to teach Jesus the things that a father teaches their children, including his trade as a carpenter. We all have a hope of how our children are going to turn out. We hope that all of them will accept Jesus as their personal savior. We hope...

Matthew 1:24-25 says, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

Advent Day 1

Hope... expectation... waiting for something to be fulfilled... today is the day we remember the hope they had long ago that the Messiah, the one who would rescue them, would be there soon.

If you haven't done so already, talk as a family about how you are going to spend the days of Advent. I am spending them surprising my husband with little gifts each day. As we prepare to spend our first Christmas together. It doesn't have to be that big or exciting but even an Advent calendar helps to remind us each day of the hope we have in Christ our Savior.

Preparing for Advent

Advent is the first season in the church calendar. It marks the beginning of our church year. Advent has become a time of buying gifts, baking cookies and running ourselves ragged. While preparing to celebrate is certainly an appropriate response to the anticipated coming of God incarnate (become human), the true meaning of Advent is inward reflection, repentance of sins, and preparing our souls to meet Christ, the Redeemer. The season of Advent gives us a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of our families. To provide traditions and memories that bond families together while giving each member a chance to enrich their own spiritual lives.

One way we can do this is through the making of an Advent Calendar. It is a way to count down till Christ’s birthday. An idea for an Advent Calendar:
http://new.catholicmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/2010_advent_chain.pdf

Another way is to make a family Advent wreath. This is a way that families can gather each night and have a devotion about the coming of Christ. An Advent wreath is made from greens to symbolize continuous life and contains four candles— three purple and one rose. Often a fifth candle (white) is added to the center of the wreath for lighting on Christmas Eve, in celebration of the birth of Jesus. (http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmas_advent.htm)

First Sunday of advent : Hope
light one purple candle to symbolize Hope
Prayer
Read Isaiah 60:2-3
Extinguish the flame

Second Sunday : Peace
Light two purple candles - Hope and Peace
Prayer
Read Mark 1:4
Extinguish the flames

Third Sunday : Joy
Light two purple candles (Hope and Peace)
and one rose to symbolize Joy
Prayer
Read Isaiah 35:10
Extinguish the flames

Fourth Sunday: Love
light all four candles - Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
Prayer
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
Extinguish the flames

Christmas Eve
After Sunset...
Light all four candles and add the fifth white candle
(the light of Christ)
Prayer
Read Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 2:1-20
Keep the candles lit a bit longer, or safely
throughout the evening.

Kidz News

Some children's ministry events coming soon:

Shadman's Birthday is November 30th! On November 28th we will be celebrating his birthday by having a birthday party. The first and second grade class is opening up a cupcake bar after first service for anyone who would like to come to their room and decorate their own cupcake.

Girls Night Out! Friday, December 3rd. 6p.m. - 8:30p.m. Fun Girly Movies, Crafts,Pizza, Snacks and great friends. Cost $5.00/person. Childcare available for 2 and under. Please RSVP to Lisa Michelle Wilson. 797-2651

Christmas Pageant December 12th both services. We will have a Christmas party for children of all ages during the kids worship time.

Family Christmas Movie Night! Wednesday, December 22 4:00 p.m. Room 208/209 Pizza, Soft Drinks, popcorn and other goodies will be provided. We’ll also be doing fun Christmas Crafts and activities! Can’t wait to see you there!

Preschool Kids Worship
Starting this Sunday Kids Worship will be a little different for kids ages 3 - 5. They will be having their own worship time in the nursery area. They will have a lesson, craft and song time that is specific for their age group.

Children's Missions - Room in the Inn
This year each guest at Room in the Inn will find a handwritten card containing an encouraging verse of Scripture on his pillow each week. Ask your children--they may have made a card or two already in Sunday School. We thought families might like to participate in this project together, so we have put together take-home bags that contain a suggested verse and 5 cards. If you are interested, please pick up a bag from the 1st/2nd grade Sunday School classroom, write the verse on the cards, decorate them, pray for the recipients, and return them to Barry Prince. Our guests always enjoy seeing the kids' artwork (because it's awesome!). They will be blessed by your sharing God's word and His love in this way. Thanks!

Kids Worship

Starting this Sunday we will be dividing the children into age groups during the Kids Worship time. The preschoolers (children ages 3, 4 and 5's that are not in K) will meet downstairs in the nursery area and the elementary children will meet in room 208-209. Andrew Kimbrough started this a few weeks back during the second service. Starting this week we will divide into two groups for both services. This is to give both age groups age appropriate stories, crafts, and music. This week Susan Holt will be leading the preschoolers during first service and Andrew Kimbrough will be leading second service.

Opportunity to serve Room in the Inn

This year each guest at Room in the Inn will find a handwritten card containing an encouraging verse of Scripture on his pillow each week. Ask your children--they may have made a card or two already in Sunday School. We thought families might like to participate in this project together, so we have put together take-home bags that contain a suggested verse and 5 cards. If you are interested, please pick up a bag from the 1st/2nd grade Sunday School classroom, write the verse on the cards, decorate them, pray for the recipients, and return them to Barry Prince. Our guests always enjoy seeing the kids' artwork (because it's awesome!). They will be blessed by your sharing God's word and His love in this way. Thanks!

Halloween Safety Tips

TIPS FOR KEEPING HALLOWEEN SAFE

When walking in neighborhoods:

Go to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of a mask; as masks can obstruct a child's vision.
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards.

For parents:

Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it.
Drive Slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not the traffic side.

Halloween Safety

A fun Halloween Treat to Make

Children's Sabbath - Downtown Sanctuary

Children's Sabbath is this Sunday Oct. 24!

Both services

Kids and families will be helping out with different parts of the service.

Our children's choirs and chimes will be presenting some of the pieces that they have been working on.

See you Sunday!

Tomorrow Night!

Tomorrow Night at Life Works Ms. Barry will be here to talk about the Red Bird Mission! Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Parent's Meeting This Sunday!

We would like to invite all parents to attend a short parents meeting on Sunday at 4pm. We will meet in West Chapel. This will be a short but very important meeting. We will be discussing the future of the children's ministry. Please bring your ideas and questions.

Wednesday Nights Begin This Week!!

We are getting ready for another great Fall of Wednesday nights. Over the summer Wednesday nights got a bit of a makeover. There will be no FaithWeaver Friends or Choir on Wednesday nights. But do not fear we have a great night in store. There will be singing, praying, and a lesson. Along with a lot of fun. We are calling it Life Works! We will begin our night at 5pm with dinner in the fellowship hall. At 6pm come join us in room 208-209 for an intergenerational worship experience! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Bekah at the church office or via email. Look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday night!!

A concert event worth looking into

This is a music festival put on by the Methodist Denomination... I have gone for the last couple of years. It is a great time. Kids and youth both love it. If you want the full experience camp but it is a festival that you can go down for the day and have just as much fun.

http://www.newsongmusicfestival.org/

School is getting closer!

As our kids go back to school separation anxiety might be something you have to deal with. Parent's Magazine had an article on the different styles of separation anxiety.

The first style is the crier:
What he's feeling: I'm sad to leave my mom and dad and be alone in a strange place.
Your response: Try not to look worried -- kids pick up on that. Remind your child how much fun school will be and that you'll be back to get him a little later. You can also reassure him that his teacher is there to help him and make him feel better.
P.S. He'll stop crying soon after you leave. If you want some reassurance of your own, ask someone at the school to call you later to tell you how he's doing.

Second: The Brave (But Scared) Child
What she's feeling: Not gonna cry, not gonna cry, not gonna cry. Not even gonna say goodbye because that'll make me cry. Just gonna knead this Play-Doh like crazy.
Your response: Don't panic if she doesn't say goodbye. She's just trying to hold it together. Say goodbye, but don't pressure her to respond. And don't talk about how you'll miss her or how sad you'll be without her -- it'll make her feel bad.
P.S. There's a chance she'll completely lose it when she sees you at the end of the day because she's been holding her feelings in. Make sure you spend some relaxing, calm bonding time together after school.

Third: The Delayed Reactor
What he's feeling: I'm cool with school. I'm cool with school. Then, a few days or a few weeks later.... Wait -- where's my mommy?!
Your response: Talk to him about the things that he enjoyed so much at the beginning. Speak with his teacher so she can give him a little extra attention. Also, try to develop a quick goodbye ritual, like a handshake or a wink, that you can do as you leave.
P.S. It's not that your child suddenly decided he doesn't like school. He was just so caught up in all the new experiences that he didn't even realize he'd been away from Mom and Dad. He'll bounce back.

Fourth: The Silent Observer
What she's feeling: Let me check out what's going on around here before I jump in and start playing with these kids.
Your response: Give your child time to adjust to her new environment. Then help her get used to the idea of becoming involved by reading books about school together, playing school at home, and talking about the teachers and children.
P.S. Remember that your kid is learning as she's observing. You might want to talk to her teacher about helping her find her comfort zone so she can get more involved.

http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/separation-anxiety/separation-anxiety

Children's Choir!

The fall Children's Choir schedule is out!

First UMC
Children’s Music Ministry
Fall 2010

It’s hard to believe that the first day of school is just around the corner. As you plan activities for your children and youth for the coming school year, be sure to take a look at what we have to offer through our Music Ministry for children here at First UMC. At First UMC we are committed to providing the highest quality sacred
music education that we possibly can. Our programs include choirs for students in grades 1-6 as well as instruction in handbells and the use of Orff instruments. Registration will take place in the Gathering Hall between services on August 1 and August 8 or you can register online at 1stumc.org. While there are certainly plenty of activities for parents to choose from, there is nowhere else that you can find the combination of high quality music instruction and spiritual development that we offer at church. While our schools certainly do a great job with music education, there is nowhere other than church where our children and youth can be taught and trained to use their musical gifts to glorify God through service to the church.

Participation in our Music Ministry also provides:
 a vehicle for learning stewardship of time and talents. Learning to be a worship leader as a part of a handbell ensemble or choir gives our children an opportunity to give back to the church that has nurtured and developed them.
 an opportunity to develop leadership skills, poise and confidence as they learn to lead in worship.
 a musical outlet for students who don’t otherwise have time for it due to the demands of school and extracurricular activities. Upcoming events for our children include:
 Regular worship participation by all ensembles
 Participation by our upper elementary students in our Christmas Concert along with our Chancel Choir and professional orchestra on December 11
 A Christmas Musical for children on December 12
 A spring Children’s Choir festival (combined with children’s choirs from all over central and northern Kentucky area)

First UMC
Children’s Music Ministry
Fall, 2010

First Chimers and Celebration Ringers (grades 3-6)
Sundays, 4:00 – 4:45 in Rooms 6 and 11
Directors – Lisa Hall and Cindy Higgins
All of our children’s handbell and chime groups meet at the same time on Sunday afternoons allowing students to be placed in the group that best suits their developmental level. No previous musical experience is required.

Wesley Choir (grades 1-3)
Sundays, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. in Room 201/203
Director – Lauren Collins
At this age, children are ready to begin a regular pattern of participating as a choir in worship, which they will do every six to eight weeks. The musical focus is on finding the true singing voice, increasing the singing and learning to match pitch. Music literacy readiness activities based on manipulative games create an enthusiasm for future musical growth. As the year progresses, musical skills are expanded upon, with beginning emphasis on transferring rudimentary notation to the written page. Time is also given to improvisation with the Orff instruments, movement exploration and the use of hand signals as a means of learning to sight sing.

Celebration Singers (grades 4-6)
Sundays, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. in Room 208/209
Directors – Lisa Hall and Kevin Holland
More intensive vocal challenges and worship responsibilities are introduced at this age level. They sing in worship every four to six weeks. Increased emphasis is placed on the learning of musical terminology and literacy development with the goal being usable sight singing skills. The voice is ready for more challenging repertoire and the ear is ready for some part singing. Work with the Orff instruments and the use of hand signals is continued.

Registration for all children’s musical ensembles will take place in the Gathering Hall between services on Sunday August 1 and August 8 or you may download a printable registration form at www.1stumc.org.

All children’s musical activities begin on Sunday, August 15.

Charge Conference Date Changed

Due to conflicting dates and times posted for the Charge Conference in last week's Gazette, the Charge Conference previously scheduled for this Thursday, July 22, at 7:00pm will be rescheduled for a later date. Our announcement in the Centennial Gazette properly listed the date and time in its heading, but the body of the message listed the meeting date as Wednesday, July 21. To avoid having anyone miss the meeting because of this error, we will need to reschedule. Our District Superintendent Mark Girard agrees that it would be best to reschedule the meeting for a date in the near future.

We apologize for this late change and the error in the original announcement that caused it. This was an oversight on our part, and we will do our best to keep it from happening again.

If you know of others we should notify who do not check e-mail frequently, would you please contact them or let the church office know to contact them? We want to ensure that everyone knows about this change before tomorrow evening.

Teddy Ray
Executive Pastor

Summer Fun!

Hey Families... was at the movies today and learned that they have 1 dollar movies for kids! Not only that but they are going to be showing the veggie tales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything on July 28th. Interested? Check out: http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/SMC2010_122.jpg

The Cottage clothing for children

190 Lexington Green Circle
Lexington, Kentucky 40503

thecottage@qx.net

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

40% off ALL Summer Clothing
30% off summer shoes & sandals and Vineyard Vines

Beginning Monday, July 12
Enter to win a $200 shopping certificate!

Music Camp

I hope everyone is having an great summer. Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I promise to get back on it in the fall!

I wanted to let everyone know that our Music Camp that was to be held in August is going to be canceled. If you have any questions you can email or call Kevin Holland.

Need a Summer Fun Idea?

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=KY

Fun Idea

Here is a helpful idea I got in my mailbox this morning: http://family-life.familieswithpurpose.com/2008/04/23/creating-a-house-cleaning-schedule/

Kidz Nook

The Kidz Nook
Beijo Bags Trunk Show and Kidz Nook Savings

Contact Jill Faulconer for more information.

190 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington
8590273-1552
thekidznook@yahoo.com
Monday - Saturday 10am -6pm open at 9am on Wednesdays and Fridays

Sunday May 9th!

The children’s choirs will be singing for both services this Sunday. They will be getting prepared to sing at 8:15am and 10:45am in the Fellowship Hall. They will then go up to the sanctuary and will be sitting all together on the side closest to the nursery.
Children that attend Sunday School will be picked up by a volunteer and brought down to the Fellowship Hall. Please let the Sunday School teacher know if you do not want them picked up.

Thank you!
See you all on Sunday!
Bekah Thompson, Barry Prince, Lisa Hall and Allyson Cooper

This Wed!

This Wednesday the kids will have a full hour of choir practice in the sanctuary from 6pm to 7pm. Preschoolers will start upstairs and be brought down during the second half of the night to practice. Sunday morning the kids will be singing both services.

Parents of children ages 2 and under!

Your Family is invited
To the First Footsteps Luncheon on
May 2nd, 2010 After 2nd service
in the Fellowship Hall at
First United Methodist Church

Please join us to get to know other
Newborn families, The Newborn
Ministry Team, Ministry Staff,
And Nursery Staff.

R.S.V.P. to Cathy Saunooke at 806-8703
Or via e-mail to catcrank@hotmail.com

We hope you can join us as we
Celebrate the arrival of our newest
family members!

Finding the Way

If you are going on a trip, you need to know where you are going and how to go to get there. I have a two things with me this morning that you might use to help you to find your way when you are traveling. I have a map and a compass.

I'm sure all of you have seen a map, but perhaps some of you have never seen a compass. The map will show you where you want to go, and the compass will point you in the right direction. The compass shows you whether you are going north, south, east, or west.

I heard about a lady who was taking a group of children to a soccer game in another city. She knew the right road to take, but she became confused and turned east instead of west. They had traveled for almost an hour before one of the children told her that they were going the wrong direction.

When we are trying to find your way through the journey of life, we need some help in finding the right way to go too, don't we? Each day we face many difficult decisions and it is sometimes hard to know which way to turn.

Some people use their feelings to make decisions. They say, "Im going to do this, because it just feels like the right thing to do." That's no good. Our feelings may change from day to day, and just because we feel good about something doesn't mean that it is the right thing to do.

Some people make choices by what's popular. That is no good either. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean that it is the right thing to do, does it? Besides, tomorrow everyone might be doing something else.

There is only one way to know if we are going the right direction in life and that is to follow Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Well, we know where we want to go. We want to go to heaven. And now, we know the way. Jesus is the way. If we follow him, we know we are on the right path and headed in the right direction.

Dear Father, help us each day as we journey through life to follow Jesus, because we know he is the way, the only way. Amen.

Kidz Nook

Kidz Nook
190 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington Kentucky 40503
859.273.1552 thekidznook@yahoo.com

April Showers bring May flowers
and just in:
summer fun from Peaches n' Cream
lined raincoats for boys & girls
Bailey Boys bathing suits
white sandals
and scheduled to arrive this week:
Vineyard Vines trunks and flip flops
Come see us
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm
Open at 9am on Wednesday and Friday

Summer Music and Arts Camp

Summer Music and Arts Camp

Our Children’s Music Ministry is offering a Summer Music and Arts camp for students who have completed grades k-5 during the week of August 2-6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each day. Students who have completed grades K – 2 will participate in choir, crafts, creative movement and musical games.

Students who have completed grades 3 – 5 will participate in choir and may also select classes such as Drama, Liturgical Dance, Orff instruments, Handbells/Handchimes, and African Drumming. There will be a closing concert on Friday evening preceded by a family potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. The concert will include presentations by the choirs and classes. Campers will also participate in worship on Sunday, August 8. Registration for the camp begins on April 5 and the total cost is $40 if paid by July 1. The cost of registration after July 1 is $50. There is also an option for full-day activities if needed at a cost of $70 for the week. You may download registration forms or complete the entire registration process online at www.1stumc.org beginning Monday, April 5. For additional information contact Rev. Kevin Holland at 859-233-0545, ext. 240 or kevin.holland@!stumc.org.

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2sys4zp0622178a

Sermon on the Mount

A good Monday thought...

Matthew 5:1-12 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: 2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.


Jesus wants us to be happy!

Easter Sunday

Stare at the four dots in the center of this picture for about thirty seconds. Then, close your eyes and wait for an image to appear. What did you see? Did you see an image of Jesus? Some people see the image of Jesus and some don't. That is the way it really is. Some people don’t see Jesus because they are looking for Him in the wrong places.
That is what happened in our Bible story today. Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. She found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and another disciple, whose name was John. She told them, "They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have put him!"
Peter and John started out for the tomb. They were both running, but John outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home.
Mary stayed behind and stood outside the tomb weeping. As she knelt down and looked inside, she saw two angels dressed in white. They asked her why she was crying. She told them that someone had taken her master and she didn't know where they had taken him. Then, Mary turned and saw a man standing behind her. It was Jesus, but Mary did not recognize Him. She thought he was the gardener. Then Jesus called her by name and, when she heard his voice, she recognized Him. After she saw that it was Jesus, she went to the disciples and said to them, "I’ve just seen Jesus! He is alive!"
Some people, like Mary, Peter, and John can’t see Jesus because they are looking for Him in a grave or on a cross. He isn’t there! He is risen and is seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven. If you want to see Jesus, look in His Word, He will reveal Himself to you, just as He did to Mary!
(sermons4kids.com)

Holy Week

Day 35: March 29th
This is the first day of what we call Holy Week. For many of our children they are calling this week Spring Break. During Holy Week we will follow Jesus through the last few days and hours of His life. Then on Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection.
As we go through this final week there are going to be times when it is hard to understand all that is happening and why it happened, especially for children. Listen to their questions and hear their stories as they recount what they saw or heard. It is important for them to know that although this is a sad week it is a happy one too. Keep them looking towards Easter but help them to understand there is a lot that had to happen before that day could.
Palm Sunday = the entrance into Jerusalem
Holy Thursday = institution of Communion and betrayal by Judas
Good Friday -= the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus
Holy Saturday = the Sabbath on which Jesus rested in the grave










Day 36: March 30th
Remembering Jesus
Today look up the different symbols that we have for the Easter season.
1. Torn curtain Luke 23:44-46
2. Dice Mark 15:24
3. Sponge/ Vinager John 19:28-29
4. Bowl & Towel John 13:3-17
5. Wooden cross Mark 15:21
6. Alabaster vase Mark 14:3-9
7. Nails Luke 23:32-34
8. 30 Silver coins Matthew 26:14-15
9. Palm Branches Matthew 21:8-9
10. Chalice Luke 22:17-18
11. Jug of wine Luke 22:14-20
12. Grapes Mark 14:23-25
13. Loaf of Bread Luke 22:14-20
14. Unleavened bread Luke 22: 14-20
15. Donkey Matthew 21:1-3
16. Rock Matthew 27:57-28:2
17. Praying Hands Mark 14:32-36
18. Rooster Mark 14:27-31
As you look up each item talk about why each one of these items are important to the journey to the Cross.








Day 37: March 31st
Foot Washing

Read: John 13:1-20


Why did Peter not want Jesus to wash his feet?


Why did he change his mind?



What can we do to serve others?











Day 38: April 1st
Maundy Thursday
Communion
Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, is a service to commemorate Jesus' Last Supper and the beginning of our sacrament, the Lord's Supper. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). Prior to breaking the bread with the disciples, Jesus washed their feet. Maundy Thursday worship services include Holy Communion and sometimes foot washing as well. (http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=2873)
Jesus surrounded himself with people who, like us, had failings and shortcomings. The events of Holy Week reveal the disciples' human nature and weaknesses: Judas betrays Jesus for a pocketful of coins; the disciples sleep while Jesus agonizes in the garden; Peter's anger causes him to take up a sword and strike the high priest's slave; the chief priests act out of fear or jealousy of Jesus; Pilate's willingness to hand over a man he believes to be innocent; and perhaps most poignant of all, Jesus' own very human desire to escape the Crucifixion. And is it possible that even today, our own human nature, weaknesses, and failings cause us also to betray, deny, convict, and crucify again? (http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=1850&loc_id=1,32,49)








Day 39: April 2nd
Good Friday
"Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him" (Mark 14:10-11, NRSV).
Today make Hot Cross Buns with your family (http://www.faith-at-home.com/recipes/hotcrossbuns.html)
Ingredients:

3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 packages active dry yeast (2 1/2 tsp.)
1/2 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
3 eggs
4 cups sifted flour, divided
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup currants
1 egg white
1 tsp. cold water
Frosting (see recipe below)

Scald milk in a small saucepan, add salt, sugar and shortening; cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle yeast on top of the warm water; stir to dissolve. Add yeast mixture, eggs, 1 cup flour and cinnamon to milk mixture; beat with electric mixer at medium speed about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Stir in currants and enough remaining flour, a little at a time, to make a soft dough that is easy to handle. Beat well.
Place in lightly greased bowl and turn dough over to grease top as well. Cover and let rise until just about doubled. This will take about 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down the dough. Turn onto lightly floured board. Roll or pat to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut in rounds with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter or bottom of a glass. Pat the shapes to a bun like shape. Place about 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Allow to rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
With a very sharp knife (serrated works well) cut a cross into the surface of each bun. Brush tops with unbeaten egg white mixed with cold water. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on racks for about 5 minutes. With a tip of a butter knife or a small spoon, fill in crosses with white frosting. Makes about 18 buns.
Frosting:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
1-2 tablespoon milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients and mix well until smooth.
Read: Psalm 22

Day 40: April 3rd
Easter Vigil
Read: Matthew 27:57-66
Today is a the Sabbath day that Jesus laid in the grave. Take some time today to go through the stations of the Cross. Remember what Jesus went through, the journey that He took to get to the Cross.
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/stations/index.html
1. Jesus before Pilate
2. Cross given to Jesus
3. Jesus fall the first time
4. Jesus meets his mother
5. Simon helps carry the cross
6. Veronica wipes Jesus’ face
7. Jesus falls a second time
8. Crying women
9. Jesus falls a third time
10. Jesus’ clothes are taken away
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is buried
15. Jesus raises from the death

Holy Week 1

Day 35: March 29th
This is the first day of what we call Holy Week. For many of our children they are calling this week Spring Break. During Holy Week we will follow Jesus through the last few days and hours of His life. Then on Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection.
As we go through this final week there are going to be times when it is hard to understand all that is happening and why it happened, especially for children. Listen to their questions and hear their stories as they recount what they saw or heard. It is important for them to know that although this is a sad week it is a happy one too. Keep them looking towards Easter but help them to understand there is a lot that had to happen before that day could.
Palm Sunday = the entrance into Jerusalem
Holy Thursday = institution of Communion and betrayal by Judas
Good Friday -= the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus
Holy Saturday = the Sabbath on which Jesus rested in the grave

Palm Sunday

Day 34: March 27th
Easter Eggs
Come join us today for the Easter Egg Hunt out at the Andover campus.
The history of the Easter Egg is one that many debate. But Easter just doesn’t seem complete without the Easter Egg. It was originally a secular idea. The first colored egg was in China during 1000 B.C. The tradition of hiding the eggs came in Europe later. The tradition says that a lady would hide the eggs in tall grass telling children that a bunny left them for them to find. The Easter bunny is still visiting children today.
Today the colorful eggs remind us of the new life that comes with spring. It reminds us also that we have new life in Christ.
As you see eggs or even decorate some eggs yourself think about the new life that is growing outside and the new life that is growing inside of you as you grow in your knowledge of God.

For some extra fun, if you are dying your eggs wrap a variety of rubber bands around them and dip into the die. If you’re very adventurous you can even unwrap them after they dry and wrap them again to die them another color in other spots.









Sunday
Many superheroes like Superman and Superwoman have something in common. Do you know what it is? Many of them wear a cape. Their cape has many uses. It can protect them from bullets. It can keep them warm when it is cold or it can keep them dry when it rains. It can help them fly through the air or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Have you ever pretended that you were Superman or Superwoman? When I was a child, I used to tie a cape around my neck and pretend that I was Superman flying through the air. You probably have done that too.
In the day when Jesus lived, many people wore a garment called a cloak. It was a loose outer garment similar to a cape and, like the Superheroes' cape, it served many purposes. It provided them protection against the harsh winds and blowing sand in the desert. It also provided protection from the hot desert sun. In our Bible lesson today, we will see a very unusual way the people used their cloaks.
Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem and had stopped near a small village called Bethphage. Jesus sent two of his disciples to go on ahead into the village. He told them that when they got there, they would find a donkey and her colt which they were to bring back to him. Of course the disciples were a bit concerned because they imagined that these animals might belong to someone who might not appreciate having their animals taken. Jesus simply told them, "Tell them that the Lord needs them and they will let you have them." So the disciples went into town and sure enough, there was a donkey and her colt. They grabbed them and as they were leaving, someone asked why they were taking the animals. They answered, "It is for the Lord." And the people let them take them just as Jesus had said they would. When they arrived back at the camp, the disciples took their cloaks and put them on the donkey to make a nice soft seat for Jesus. Jesus got on the donkey and headed toward Jerusalem.
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!
The Bible tells us that the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King -- and he will be if you will allow him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.
(sermons4kids.com)

Palms Sunday Easter Egg Hunt and more....

Its a busy weekend... here are some important times to remember... tonight at 7pm at Andover we will be stuffing eggs... tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9am the pancake breakfast starts (reservations required)... at 9:45 Pastor Todd will lead us in a story and then we will dismiss by ages to go and hunt eggs. Palm Sunday morning we will be waving the palms both services meet in the ladies parlor behind the sanctuary at 8:10!

Lent (sorry this one is late)

Day 31: March 24th
The legend of the dogwood
“In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong and firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."
There is no biblical basis for this story but it is a nice poem to remind us of something we don’t usually think about which is the Cross itself. Have you ever gotten a splitter? They call it the old rugged cross for a reason. When they hung someone on a cross it was two pieces of wood that were not smooth. They were full of splitters and would have been painful to lean up against.
As we get one day closer to Easter think about the cross that Jesus bore for us and how He said for us to take up our cross and follow him. Knowing that the cross isn’t pretty, was heavy, and full of rough spots how does that make you feel?




Day 32: March 25th
The Disciples
While we have been taking this journey towards Easter we are following in the footsteps of many men and women. One group of those men and women are important to note and that are those are the first 12 disciples that followed Jesus closely.
Think about their journey. It started out with Jesus coming and asking them to follow Him. Some of them had expectations that they followed Him with. Some just wanted to learn more about God. As Jesus taught the disciples were the ones who continually asked Jesus to explain what He was saying. They wanted more information. They wanted to dig deeper into the words of Jesus was speaking.
As we go through our journey to Easter. There are a lot of things we can learn from those who have gone before us. Their perseverance and determination, they spent almost every moment with Jesus, they had their moments of failures, and they learned from Jesus and their failures.
What else can we learn from the disciples of Jesus?


Read: Matthew 9: 35 - 10: 8; Mark 3: 13 – 19; Luke 6: 12 – 18; John 1: 35 - 42







Day 33: March 26th
Hallelujah!
George Fredrick Handel is one of the greatest composers that ever lived. The king of England asked Handel to write something for the Easter Season from a set of verses in the Bible. That is exactly what Handel did when he wrote the Messiah. It means “he who is an unexpected savior.” One of the best known works from this score is “The Hallelujah Chorus.” When Handel performed his chorus to the king of England the king was very moved. In fact when it got to “The Hallelujah Chorus” he stood up. No one remains seated when the king stands so everyone in the audience stood up. From that day on whenever “The Hallelujah Chorus” is sung people stand to sing it.
A small piece of “The Hallelujah Chorus”
The kingdom of this world;
is become
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ
and of His Christ

And He shall reign for ever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever

King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords
King of kings and lord of lords

And he shall reign
And he shall reign
And he shall reign
He shall reign
And he shall reign forever and ever