Please call the church office 507-867-3529 or visit us @www.chatfieldumc.org

SECRETARY ....................................................................Karen Hamm webmaster@chatfieldumc.org

CUSTODIAN .......................................................................... ABC,Inc.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ............. Jennifer Lange-Collett future@chatfieldumc.org

PARISH NURSE ............................................... Beverly Simpson, R.N.

YOUTH COORDINATOR ........................................... Ashley Ferguson chatfieldyouth@gmail.com

PASTOR ....................................................... Rev. Debra Jene Collum Parsonage: 507-867-3477 Cell Phone 507-461-6024 chatfieldpastor@gmail.com

Office Hours: Secretary ................. 8:30 AM-3:00 PM Tuesday & Thursday

If you know of anyone in the hospital or in need of prayers, visits or the sacraments, please contact the church office.

By the numbers Last’s week attendance …………………………………………………………..187 Yearly Average attendance……………………………………………………...109 Last week’s offering ………………………………………….…………..$2,139.00 Weekly average need…………………………………………………….$2,693.00

Light-a-Candle Offering…………………………...…………..……..$820.00

WELCOME TO CHATFIELD UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH

December 18, 2011

Pastor Debra Collum

Walk in the light, beautiful light;

come where his love and his mercy are bright.

Shine all around us by day and by night.

Jesus the light of the world.

Welcome to the household of God called Chatfield United Methodist Church. We are glad that you are joining us for worship and hope that you experience God’s love and grace here today. Please take a moment to sign the guest register.

*Please stand as you are able

December 18, 2011

4th Sunday of Advent

PREPARATION: There are times, Comforting One, when I feel puzzled by

what I sense your Spirit is leading me to do. In those times, I feel afraid and

very alone. Let me hear, in my heart, the message to ―not be afraid‖ and the

reminder that you are with me. Amen.

PRELUDE

THE GREETING/SHARING THE PEACE

*CALL TO WORSHIP from Luke 1:46-55

One: We praise God with all of who we are and rejoice in our God of

love, who sees and loves all creation.

Many: God is mighty; holy is God’s name.

One: God is kind and strong, fair and firm. God feeds those who are

hungry, gives water to the thirsty.

Many: God remembers the promises made to our ancestors, to Adam

and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Noah, Ruth,

Mary, Peter, Paul. We praise God with all of who we are, and

rejoice in our God of love.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for the hope, peace, joy, and

love of God to break into our lives anew through the story of the birth of Je-

sus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. Today we light the fourth

candle, the candle of joy.

Voice 1: We wait. We wait –not because we do not know the story of Jesus,

and not because God is not already and always here. We wait because to wait

is to expect something more. To wait is to expect that the story might enter

our hearts and our world in new ways, to bring the change for which we long.

(Light four advent candles)

Chatfield United Methodist Church We are a community of faith open to everyone. We seek to live as disciples of Christ and share God’s love in word and deed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 18—December 25, 2011

Today: 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am Children’s Holiday Party 10:30 am Potluck Luncheon followed by Caroling to the Homebound. JOIN US!

Mon., Dec. 19 3:15 pm Girl Scouts @CUMC

Tue., Dec. 20 9:30 am Midweek Bible Study 1:30 pm Sewing at CVCC

Wed., Dec. 21 8 am Quilts, Crafts & Conversation 3:15 pm Confirmation Christmas Party

Sat., Dec. 24 4:30 pm Birthday Party for Jesus 6:30 pm meditation with Holy Communion 8:30 pm Candle Light Service

Sun., Dec. 25 10:30 am Sunday Worship No Sunday School or Coffee Fellowship

Looking Ahead

Wed., Dec. 28 8 am Quilts, Crafts & Conversation

Sun., Jan. 1 Happy New Year! 9:30 am Worship-Communion 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship

Mon., Jan. 9 7 :30 pm Food Safety Training at St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church Tue., Jan. 10 2-7 pm Blood Mobile at CUMC Sat., Jan. 14 4:30-7 pm Community Cancer Telethon- Soup & Sandwich Supper & Silent Auction Mon., Jan. 16 2 pm Food Safety Training at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

Altar Guild Next Sunday: Team 4

December Ushers are Lyman & LuAnn Hare, Gary & Pat Stevens, Shane

& Tracey Ferguson and Sandy Ellingson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 18—December 25, 2011

Today: 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am Children’s Holiday Party 10:30 am Potluck Luncheon followed by Caroling to the Homebound. JOIN US!

Mon., Dec. 19 3:15 pm Girl Scouts @CUMC

Tue., Dec. 20 9:30 am Midweek Bible Study 1:30 pm Sewing at CVCC

Wed., Dec. 21 8 am Quilts, Crafts & Conversation 3:15 pm Confirmation Christmas Party

Sat., Dec. 24 4:30 pm Birthday Party for Jesus 6:30 pm meditation with Holy Communion 8:30 pm Candle Light Service

Sun., Dec. 25 10:30 am Sunday Worship No Sunday School or Coffee Fellowship

Looking Ahead

Wed., Dec. 28 8 am Quilts, Crafts & Conversation

Sun., Jan. 1 Happy New Year! 9:30 am Worship-Communion 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship

Mon., Jan. 9 7 :30 pm Food Safety Training at St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church Tue., Jan. 10 2-7 pm Blood Mobile at CUMC Sat., Jan. 14 4:30-7 pm Community Cancer Telethon- Soup & Sandwich Supper & Silent Auction Mon., Jan. 16 2 pm Food Safety Training at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and

commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have

been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secu-

lar in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the

birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of

their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas

trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course,

waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a

federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

CHRISTMAS FACTS Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States

alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees

usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated

13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three

Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found

Jesus in the manger.

In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot

like today's Mardi Gras parties.

From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and

law-breakers were fined five shillings.

Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26,

1870.

The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John

Smith's 1607 Jamestown settlement.

Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to

Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in

1828.

The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors

into the streets since the 1890s.

Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L.

May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to

help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition

in 1931.

Voice 1: As we light the candle of love we remember the stories of your

faithfulness and steadfast love which surrounds us and will not be contained.

We trust that you are with us always. As love that bursts forth from all your

people, love is born again and again in all creation.

*HYMN: ―It Came Upon A Midnight Clear‖ #218

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

We come before God, who loves extravagantly,

and stand before God in the stories of our lives,

a story of loving others born out of God’s love for us;

a story of not giving love;

a story of turning away from God’s love;

a story of offering love and receiving hurt in return.

We are invited, in the silence, to focus face to face with God, who loves

extravagantly, and acknowledge the love and the pain of our stories.

Allow some time in silence.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

We are invited, as we are in this moment, face to face with God,

to accept God’s extravagant and steadfast love for ourselves.

May it wash over us, and flow deep within.

God’s love is all around; it cannot be contained. Amen.

PRAISE TEAM

SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 1:26–38

*HYMN ―Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming ― #216

SERMON God IS With Us

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH/SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS

At this time, anyone who has a joy or concern for prayer is invited

to lift it up before the congregation and God.

After each petition the Leader will say: ―Lord, in your Love‖

The congregation will respond: “Hear our Prayers.” If you would like your prayers spoken by the leader, please give them to

Pastor Debra, in writing, before the service.

LORD’S PRAYER

Worship Leader: Mike Simpson

Organists: Sherry Hareldson Roberta (Bobbie) Kehret

9:30 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School

After Service: Coffee Fellowship

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

let every heart prepare him room

And heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing

and heaven and heaven and nature sing

*OFFERTORY PRAYER (unison)

God whose love has no limits, accept these gifts of our imaginations and

our love for you, and may they be part of the pouring out of your love for

the world. Amen.

HYMN: ―There’s A Song in the Air‖ #249

*BLESSING (Unison)

Go now, beloved of God, and love, entering into the love of the Creator

for all creation, the hospitality of Jesus welcoming all people, and the

friendship of the Spirit for us all. Amen.

*BENEDICTION

CHORAL RESPONSE

Walk in the light, beautiful light; come where his love and his mercy are

bright. Shine all around us by day and by night. Jesus the light of the world.

POSTLUDE

Next Week: Wed., Dec. 21: 3:15 pm Confirmation Christmas Party Sat., Dec. 24: 4:30 pm Birthday Party for Jesus 6:30 pm Meditation with Holy Communion 8:30 pm Candle Light Service Sun., Dec. 24: 10:30 am Service of Carols & Readings

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Don’t forget, the third Tuesday of each month

at 1:30 pm (December 20) we do sewing for the

Care Center.

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:

during December hosted by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.

Members are: Scott Ferguson, Marlene Hisey, Rod Nelson, Jeff Hare,

Betty Johnson and Dwaine Kamnetz.

Thanks to Betty Johnson, Marlene Hisey & Dwaine & Kathy

Kamnetz who have provided this ministry of hospitality in December.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2012

For those of you who like to shop for bargains after Christmas,

we have saved several shoe boxes from this year which you may

pick up and fill for next year. The boxes are in the office.

Please store at your home and bring in next year.

Community Cancer Telethon & Soup Supper

January 14 - 4:30—7:00 pm

Start thinking of ideas for donations of items and

theme baskets , and other ways you can support the

Cancer Telethon.

We need a variety of soups and bars, and donations

for buns & meat. Put this on your calendar, invite

your friends, and plan to join in the fun.

CHRISTMAS EVE &

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES

December 24: Christmas Eve

4:30 pm Children’s Birthday party for Jesus

6:30 pm Meditation with Holy Communion

8:30 pm Candle Light Service

December 25: Christmas Day

10:30 am Service of Carols and Readings

Health News

Prayer Concerns: Hank Anderson, Gaylon & Marge Amy,

Phyllis Amy, Alice Arndt, SSG Michael Budahn, Carol Hadoff, Hilda

Brekke, Rod Copeman, Doris Durfey, Evalyn Gardner, Patricia Hanson,

Janice Haug, Lorraine Herrick, Pat Hill, Ruth Holets, William Kremer,

Sandy Maker, Franny Meeker, Pauline Outcalt, Melissa Ploetz, Alta

Reese, David Rostad, Jacqueline Meyer-Rostad, Bob Siegel, Betty

Thomas, Gordon Tienter, Mary Beth Ulring, Lorajean Vrieze Spencer,

Richard Wright, Dolly Zincke, and Russ Zincke.

From Beverly Simpson, Parish Nurse

BE PRESENT!

"Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you." Numbers 18:29 NLT The holidays are times of joy but also times of change. Children grow into adults with lives of their own. Families lose loved ones to death through ill-ness, old age, or accidents. Young adults marry and move away from home, changing the comfortable family traditions of their youth. Your gift to your family is providing loving presence during the changes in your family's life, and helping them develop new traditions and relationships that incorporate the changes that have occurred. This season, remember the best gift you can give is yourself - be loving, be supportive, be present.

Equipment Needed

If you are storing clean, used medical equipment

(walkers, canes, bath benches, toilet surrounds, toilet

risers, grab bars, wheel chairs, etc.) and would like to

donate it for community loan please contact Bev Simp-

son, Parish Nurse, Chatfield United Methodist Church,

at 507-867-0064

The Light-A-Candle offering will go to the General Fund

and Missions. Envelopes were enclosed in your December

newsletter. A few extra envelopes are available in the narthex.

Jeff & Sandy Ellingson in memory of Joe & Mary Sample

Roy & Sheila Erickson in memory of Harriet Erickson & Victor Severson

Jerry & Joanne Finley in memory of Family & Friends

Patricia Hanson & Kyle, Tammi McKenney, 5 grand children, & 3 great

grandchildren in memory of Thomas Hanson

Tracy & Brenda Hanson in memory of Family & Friends

Kevin & Renae Hisey in memory of Daniel & Abagail Hisey & Ada Smith

Bobbie Kehret in memory of Evelyn Reid

Frank Kinney in memory of June Kinney

Bill & Ginny Kremer in memory of Edwin Caw, killed in action WWII

Ruth Krull in memory of Kenneth Krull

Sandy & Judy Miller in memory of Jerry Shaw, Bob Hanson, Daysha

Hanson & Corey Olson

Lyle & Doris Narveson in honor of Michael Budahn; in memory of

Baldwin & Mildred Narveson, James & Emma Prouty, Howard,

Jim, Roger Prouty and Beverly Baker

Marjorie Scott in memory of Russell Scott

Gary & Patricia Stevens in memory of Gordon & Billie Zincke, Bud &

Velma Stevens & Mike Yates

Mike & Bev Simpson in memory of Rex & Helen Simpson, Alvin &

Maxine Clements, Shirley Clements and Jerry Oliver

Gayle & Lois Strickler in honor of Pastor Debra and Steve

Mr. & Mrs. W. B. Thomas in memory of Ira Sylvia & Philip Amundson

and Lois & Paul Amundson

Mary Beth Ulring in memory of Scottie Ulring

Cliff & Phyllis Waadevig in memory of all our Loved Ones

John & Ruth Wendt in memory of Parents, Brothers and Sisters

Susan Wood in memory of Dorothy Campbell

Russ & Bee Zincke in memory of Bill & Edna Shaw and William &

Frances Zincke

Thank you to all of the high schools in the Channel One

service area who participated in the 2011 Student Food

Drive. Those students collected 41,363 pounds of food

that will help feed people in need in their communities!

Thank you to Faribault Foods who donated an additional

20,000 pounds of food, bringing the grand total for the

2011 Student Food Drive to 61,363 pounds! Thank you

to all the students, advisors and community members

who worked hard to make the Student Food Drive a success!

Chatfield United Methodist contributed their food shelf donations to

the high school collection. Chatfield High was number 3 in the contest

for most food and the winner of the best logo contest.

A new law was passed in Minnesota recently which requires those who prepare and serve food from church, fraternal, sportsmen or patriotic organization kitchens must be trained in food safety.

The "Church Lady Bill" allows churches, clubs and organizations to continue offering meals prepared in their kitchens, while ensuring food safety.

The bill exempts church suppers and fraternal, sportsmen or patriotic organization events held on their grounds from State food licensure re-quirements; however, a training in food safety for a crowd is required for key volunteers.

Chatfield churches through the Chatfield Ministerium have joined to-gether to provide two trainings. Anyone from any church or organization that needs training is invited to attend either session.

Training will be done through a handout and a DVD from the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Health which will cover the causes of food-borne illness, personal hygiene and hand-washing, and storing and preparing foods safely, among other related topics. Each session should be about 90 minutes in length.

Sessions will be held in the community hall of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 100 Fillmore Street Chatfield MN. January 9 at 7:30 PM January 16 at 2:00 PM If you have any questions please contact Rev. Debra Jene Collum @ 507-867-3529 or Rev. Alice Mae Quist (507) 867-3707 or your own clergy person‎.

POINSETTIAS GIVEN BY:

Darrell & Lois Bacon in Memory of Baldwin & Mildred Narveson &

Clayton & Doris Bacon

Rev. Debra Jene Collum

Rod & Roberta Copeman in memory of Lee & Louise Copeman, Robert &

Ruth Jefferies, Robert & Minnie Jefferis & Miller & Myrtle Bolton

Sandy Ellingson in memory of Joe & Mary Sample

Joanne Greenlee in memory of Manning Family & Greenlee Family

Glenn & Marlene Hisey in memory of Grandchildren, Daniel & Abigail

Hisey

Harold & Betty Johnson in memory of Borghild Rott, Pauline Billman &

Rick Billman

Bobbie Kehret in memory of Ordell & Alice Sebber & Elly & Evelyn Reid

Holly & John Martinka in memory of Bradley Martinka

Dave & Teresa Narveson in memory of Grandparents

Lyle & Doris Narveson in honor of Michael Budahn in Kuwait

Bill & Sandy Wright in memory of Wilson & Janice Wright, Don & Helen

Wright & other loved ones that we have lost

THANK YOU!

2012 Chatfield Chill Fest

Reserve Saturday, January 28th for a day filled with winter festivities!

The Chatfield lions Club will once again host the Chatfield Chill Fest

Celebration. Chill Fest will take place in Chatfield on Saturday, January

28th and will once again feature the Polar plunge along with a variety of

festivities in the chill village.

The Chatfield Lions Club is encouraging all community businesses,

organizations and individuals to take the plunge.