FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA (707) 253-1411
www.napaumc.org December 15, 2014
Merry Christmas
We are grateful to the Napa Community Seventh-day Adventist Church for their gracious invitation to worship in their church at the Corner of Brown and G Streets each Sunday and during the Advent Season.
Fruit of the Vine: Tips for Lowering Stress
From Your Congregational Care Ministry Team
As the time grows shorter until Christmas and the year’s end, it is, perhaps, ironic that at the very time when we are invited to enter into a spiritual time of quiet waiting, the world demands we enter into a time of frenzied activity. And, so, it is in the spirit of self care that we invite you to consider these fifteen tips from the Ohio State University Leadership Center for lowering stress:
Invest 30 minutes in vigorous physical exercise, 3-5 times/week.
Do some deep breathing exercises (from your stomach, breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, exhale fully for 8 seconds, repeat 10 times).
Cut down on caffeine (coffee, cola and Mountain Dew, Iced Tea).
Eat nutritiously.
Meditate. Get still.
Develop better time management skills: make lists.
Play. Have fun. Recharge.
Get plenty of sleep (at least 7 hours per night).
Smile more. Laugh.
Count your blessings daily. Make thankfulness a habit.
Say nice things when you talk to yourself.
Simplify.
Set personal goals. Give yourself a sense of purpose.
Forgive. Grudges are too heavy to carry around.
Practice optimism. (The glass is half full instead of half empty). Hope is a muscle—develop it.
We present the above list only as a help—in other words—don’t stress thinking that you should undertake all fifteen tips! Adopt those practices that you might find most helpful and/or doable.
And during the course of this season, if you’d like help or guidance in quieting down, breathing or meditation, why not:
join Peter Scaturro and others in the Napa First UMC nursery on Monday afternoons at 5:30 for a half-hour of silent meditation (first timers are always welcome); and/or
join PSR field placement student Burke Owens on the Labyrinth between the Asbury Room and The Hope Center Fridays at noon for a guided Labyrinth Walk (also about a half-hour with first timers always welcome).
And please remember that your Congregational Care Ministry Team is available throughout this and every season to assist you with any cares or burdens you may carry including counseling time, doctor’s or in-home visits, or telephone consultation. We’re only a phone call away.
So have a blessed, peaceful—and stress-free—holiday season,
- from your Congregational Care Ministers!
The Fruit of the Vine: Stewardship Campaign
A few weeks ago, I read this entry from The Upper Room during my morning devotions: As stewardship chairperson, I set up a meeting with our pastor before the campaign began to discuss how we would determine the success of the campaign. I expected his response to be something along the lines of a 5% increase in total giving, or perhaps more people pledging this year than last. But when I asked the question, I was surprised at his answer. He said his view of success would be seeing people move closer to God. The more I reflected on his response, the more I realized he was right.
Keeping this thought in mind, I will take this opportunity to present an update regarding reception of estimate of giving cards for the coming year. As of Sunday, December 7th:
we’ve received a total of 70 cards (96 total cards received last year)
with an aggregate amount pledged of $191,894 ($232,456 total pledged last year)
including a total of 15 new pledges representing $23,380 across those pledges.
Because of the thirteen deaths we experienced this past year, we’re expecting that pledges totaling close to $7,000 will not be received this year.
Accounting for those who have passed away, we could yet receive over 40 pledges which (if they contained the same amount pledged this year as last year) could total close to $72,000.
If you might be one of those forty persons who has yet to submit an estimate of giving card, or if you’ve not pledged in the past but are in a position to do so this year, please use the card enclosed with this newsletter, complete the information requested, and return it to the church office to place it in an offering plate at worship next Sunday.
While 5 persons found it necessary to decrease their estimate of giving from last year, 27 have pledged the same amount while 23 have increased their pledge, netting close to $8,000 in additional pledged funds.
As we’ve filled our previously vacant staff position of Director of Student Ministries with Curtis Tinloy who joined us on December 1st, and was introduced to the congregation last Sunday, it’s more important than ever that you:
Return an estimate of giving card if you’ve not yet done so; and
Consider an increase in your giving if you’re in a position to do so.
Having said that, I’d like to close this report by reminding you of a remarkable piece of scripture: He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on” (- Jesus in Luke 21:1-4).
The widow gave generously, and Jesus commended her for it. I honestly believe that God doesn’t care how much we give, but how we give – from the heart, joyfully, with a desire to move closer to God as an act of trust. If we are moving closer to God – in our worship, prayer, service, and witness – then our joyful, generous giving will follow as a natural expression of our thanks to God for all God gives to us.
Fruit of the Vine: Are You Connected to a Bigger Purpose?
As has been indentified by discerning our congregation’s highest values, one of the top three is spiritual growth. Spirituality is comprised of having a vision of moral order, searching for meaning and purpose, and having hope for the future. Faith helps us to be optimistic and grateful, which in turn can help shield us from becoming depressed and feeling hopeless. Believing that there is sacredness in life and in one another provides a reason to keep moving forward, as well as having more patience with those around us.
If you have a thriving spirituality, you most likely have your own faith and practice it regularly. You believe in a greater meaning and purpose in life.
For many, taking the first step to being connected to a bigger purpose begins with attending worship on Sunday mornings. And for most, that means being invited to worship by someone who already attends church—someone like you.
You’ve already received an attractive card describing worship opportunities at Napa First to share with someone who you probably know may be blessed by your invitation. To augment the information on the card, here is a brief description of what you may expect to find through the duration of the Advent and Christmas seasons as we close out 2014.
Advent & Christmas Message Series: The Nativity Story
Sunday, December 14:
Traditional Worship at 9:30: Detour featuring the hope found by those whose lives have taken an unexpected detour.
The Fusion Worship Experience at 11:00: Detour
The Children’s Christmas Musical: Too-oo-oo-oo Busy!!! A short Christmas play with Christmas Carols at 4th and Franklin. Rehearsal for ages 3-14 (drop off/sign in) at 3:00 pm; performance followed by Pizza Party at 5:00 pm.
Friday, December 19:
Christmas Cantata with Napa First Choir & Seventh-day Adventist Orchestra and Choir at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, December 20:
Christmas Cantata with Napa First Choir & Seventh-day Adventist Orchestra and Choir at 11:00 am.
Sunday, December 21:
Traditional Worship at 9:30: Christmas Cantata with Napa Choir & Seventh-day Adventist Orchestra and Choir
The Fusion Worship Experience at 11:00: Home for the Holidays featuring the hope found by the Holy Family upon their arrival in Bethlehem
The Longest Night Service at 7:00 pm for those who find this time of year especially challenging
Wednesday, December 24:
Candlelight Christmas Eve for Families with Children and Youth at 5:30 pm.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Contemporary Worship at 7:00 pm.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Traditional Worship at 11:00 pm: Home for the Holidays featuring the hope found by the Holy Family upon their arrival in Bethlehem
Sunday, December 28:
Traditional Worship at 9:30: Human Wisdom & God’s Foolishness as we recall the visit of the Three Kings
The Fusion Worship Experience at 11:00: Human Wisdom & God’s Foolishness
For many who are facing difficult situations during this holiday season, they may find themselves completely without hope for the future. They may not believe that there is any meaning or purpose to life. Life has little value for them.
This is your opportunity to add value to someone’s life who, otherwise, may be stuck in what seems to be the hopelessness of their current reality. Give someone hope. Invite someone to join you in worship during this season of celebrating the birth of hope!
Meet Our New Director of Student Ministry
Hello, My name is Curtis Tinloy. I am 22 years old residing here in Napa. I have been a member of First United Methodist Church of Napa since the summer of 2008. I attended 3 Sierra Service Projects with our church here; twice to Loleta, CA and once to South Los Angeles. I have also been involved with the 4-H summer camp program since 2002. I attended this camp as a young camper, and in 2006 I became a staff member. In 2010 I was given the position of Top Staff with the camp, (the leaders of camp and in charge of the camp as a whole). Since 2011, I am serving as a Counselor for the camp.
I am currently working as a Firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CalFire. I have been in this department for 2 summers now serving the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Counties Unit which also covers all other subordinate counties within our areas.
I am excited to start my time here at the church as the Director of Youth Ministries. I look forward to meeting all of you and for getting all of our youth involved with activities with the church and many fun projects in the near future. – Curtis Tinloy
Youth News!
Hello to all First United Methodist Church of Napa Families. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and excitement. I would like to announce that the youth groups will be having a meeting on Monday December 22nd at 10:00 AM here at the church in the Kagawa Room, for any youth in the church who is interested in attending the youth group. My hope for this meeting is a chance for me to meet all of you, and for you all to meet me and, as a group, to take a time to celebrate the holidays and to welcome in the New Year. Snacks and Drinks will be provided, and I hope to see everyone soon! - Curtis Tinloy
How you can Help Your Hope Center
Plans are underway for this year’s Hope Center Christmas Party, scheduled for December 18, 2014. As you make out this year’s Christmas gift list, don’t forget your homeless brothers and sisters. Suggested items are listed below and need to be collected by Sunday December 14, 2014, in order to be included in the backpacks that will be distributed to Hope Center clients at the Christmas party. Items can be deposited at the Church office during the week or the Hope Center box, found in the entryway of the SDA Sanctuary each Sunday.
Stocking caps gloves
T-shirts hand wormers
Underwear (men’s/women’s) socks
Scarves rain ponchos
Hand sanitizer foot powder
Recently, we were alerted that the food service that normally provides the meal and servers is not able to help out this year. Thus, we will need volunteers to provide casserole dishes to supplement the main course as well as six servers. Sign-up sheets are available in the entryway or you may call the church office. I thank you in advance for your generosity. If you would like to assist with the Hope Center Christmas party or become more involved in the Hope Center, please contact me, ranaman@aol.com/ 707-226-9275. Peace, Mark Andersen
2015 Supper Clubs: Meet and Eat!
The 2015 edition of Napa FUMC Supper Clubs is now open for enrollment. Get to know other members of our congregation by signing up to join a Supper Club. Meetings can be potlucks, planned dinners in someone’s home, or even dining out; groups are self-governing and work out meeting times among themselves. New this year, if you would prefer a group that meets in the daytime, sign up for the “lunch bunch”. We also invite our twenty- and thirty-somethings to sign up for their own group. The process is simple. Contact Liz Marks by phone (337-9929) or by email (lizmarks_99@yahoo.com) to be added to the list, or see Pat Hitchcock on Sunday mornings to sign up on the clipboard. In January groups of 8 to 10 people will be organized, with one person being asked to organize the group for its initial gathering.
McCurdy School Scores Again
THANKS to all the Campbell Label and Box Top Savers! The United Methodist Women just mailed their 15th contribution of 300 Campbell Labels and 608 Box Tops – each one trimmed and with cardboard backings removed to our Mission School in Espanol, NM. These “small” but mighty little gifts have joined with others to reach the goal of collecting one million, seven hundred thousand Campbell Labels for the purchase of a 7-passenger 2015 van. What a wonderful Christmas gift to help celebrate the 102 years McCurdy has served the lives and helped educate the children in this northern New Mexico community.
So keep those labels and box tops coming! Look for the collection box in the church office or the envelope on the UMW Board in the Kagawa Room or any UMW Executive Team Member.
GREAT WORK & THANK YOU!
Aletha Silcox
Online Giving
We are pleased to offer online giving for our members and friends. While this can have advantages, we want each person who
chooses this option to make sure they are
giving in a spirit that pleases the Lord.
There
are different ways to give electronically including credit cards and FUMC teaches
that living "debt free" is a worthy goal for all Christians. We offer online giving as a convenience and not as a way to circumvent sound biblical money management principles
or in any way to incur debt.
We use Paypal for our online donations. Paypal is a well-known, time-tested industry standard for online purchasing. PayPal uses the latest in data encryption and anti-fraud technology to keep your information secure, reducing the risk of online fraud. Also, you do not have to have an account to use Paypal. You may make donations with money in your PayPal account, your bank account, or a credit card. You can then follow the steps to make your one-time gift or set up a recurring gift.
A brief tutorial is available: http://napaumc.org/onlinegivingtutorial.shtml
United Methodist Women News
As the holiday season approaches look for the cheerful Teacher Resource Center of the North Bay holiday house which will be placed near the coffee maker after church on Sundays. TRCNB provides a non-profit, volunteer operated classroom supply store where teachers can shop twice a year for school supplies free of charge. With your generous loose chain donations TRCNB can purchase much needed supplies to help teachers enhance their student’s learning experience throughout Napa County. The Napa United Methodist Women are pleased to thank you for your continued support.
Annual Children’s Christmas Program
What: a short Christmas Play with Christmas Carols
When: December 14th 3 pm rehearsal 5 pm performance
Who: performers age 3 – Middle School
Where: Asbury and Kagawa Rooms at Napa 1st UMC, corner of 4th and Franklin
Why: a chance for ALL to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the community of Napa 1st UMC
Food: (of course!) Pizza Party for all following the 5 pm performance (donations gladly accepted!)
On December 14th, all children from 3 years through middle school are welcome to participate in the annual Christmas Program. We will rehearse the short play at 3 pm and present the program at 5 pm for all. All children will be included, and it’s an easy read-through, sing-through play with simple props and media followed by a performance with Christmas Carols to be sung by all. Please join the children and celebrate the Christmas Story as told through their presence.
Our Purpose Statement is to be outwardly focused to bring people into relationship with Jesus to display God’s Kingdom on earth through acts of love, peace and justice.
Sunday Traditional Worship Service: 9:30 am
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Fusion Contemporary Worship Experience: 11:00 am
Seventh-day Adventist Chapel
Corner of Brown and G Streets, Napa
Monday Silent Meditation Group—5:30 pm—Nursery
Friday Labyrinth Meditation Walk—Noon
Adult Bible Study Group—10:45 am—Young Adult Room, S-d A Church
GRAPE Express—3 years through 5th grade—9:30-S-d A Church
Visit us on Facebook—Napa First United Methodist Church
www.napaumc.org—707-253-1411—email—secretary@napaumc.org
Pastor: Rev. Lee Neish
Lay Leaders: Barbara Thompson & Mark Andersen
Lay Speaker: Michael Herzog
Office Manager: Dianne Mahler
Director of Music: Jan Lanterman
Organist: Harold Julander
Director of Cathedral Choir: Jan Lanterman
Director of Bonner Bells: Diane Levorsen
First United Methodist Church ~625 Randolph St.~ Napa 94559
(707)253-1411
Since the earthquake we worship at the
Seventh-day Adventist Church on Brown and G Sts.
Please worship with us there each Sunday morning.
website: www.napaumc.org
You are welcome to visit us on Facebook:
Napa First United Methodist Church