INSIDE:

From Our Pastors 2

DYM 3

Adult Education 4

Children’s Council 5

Fellowship 6,7,8

Dayspring Notes 9

Joys & Concerns 10

Calendars 11

January 2012

Vol. 18, Issue 1

A Thought for the New Year

My friends,

Love is better than anger.

Hope is better than fear.

Optimism is better than despair.

So let us be loving,

hopeful and optimistic.

And we’ll change the world.

Jack Layton

1950-2011

Former member of Canadian

parliament

FROM OUR PASTORS

EPIPHANY I just finished my third and final session in my Han-del’s Messiah Bible Study. Two concerts are done (the Children, and the Chorale), and with just the Bell Choir Concert this coming Sunday, I feel like I’m finally in the “home stretch” to Christmas. But I need to remember that as you read this, we will be at the point of Epiphany, that time when we cele-brate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. This would be the perfect opportunity to share my most recent epiphany . . . but sadly, I don’t think I’ve had one. Or maybe I have. In our Messiah class, we examined the text and music of the masterwork, paying particular atten-tion to the Biblical origin of the texts. In many cases it afforded me the opportunity to do some study in some of the lesser studied books (at least for me) like Ezra, Haggai and Malachi. Since it’s Advent, and we were focusing on the first of three parts that comprise the Messiah, prophesy played a huge part in our study. Interestingly, so much of the prophesy that we associate with Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, was most probably originally intended for someone else. It was the Gospel writ-ers that connected the early prophesy (Isaiah, for instance) with Christ, lifting him up as the fulfill-ment of that prophesy. For instance, the first words sung in the Messiah are, “Comfort ye.” A message of comfort that was originally intended for the Judeans, following their exile after being conquered first by the Assyrians, then the Babylonians. The passages referencing the “crooked made straight, and the rough places smooth” were to assuage any apprehension the exiled Judeans may have had about the difficulty of returning to their homeland. And that baby . . . the one who shall be called “Emmanuel”. . .very well

might have been intended to be the infant son of Judean King, Ahaz; the baby that grew up to be King Hezekiah. Yet, the birth of Jesus, and its fulfillment of these ancient prophesies cannot be denied. So as we follow the story of prophesy and birth that comprise the first part of Handel’s Messiah, I can’t help but be struck by the way the stories of the Old and New Testaments so seamlessly merge. But I still haven’t shared my epiphany. As I said, the first words in the Messiah are words of comfort, originally intended for the Judeans. The end of the first section is also about comfort. This time the comfort one finds in following Jesus the Christ. The message is the same; a message of comfort, first in prophesy, then in fulfilled prophe-sy. It’s totally cyclical, beginning and ending in the same place, but with very different perspectives. And that is my epiphany! How often have we found ourselves facing the same burdens and issues, time and time again? How many times have we felt like nothing we did could get us out of the rut we had somehow put ourselves in? And yet, through it all, God is with us. Our lives may be cyclical, and our demons may return time and time again, often in a different guise. But God is constant. My prayer for this Epiphany season is for open eyes, open ears, and an open heart, ready to recognize, acknowledge, and accept God’s constant presence and over-whelming love for us. Emmanuel, God with us, is not just at Christmas. Michael Kelley

Koinonikos Page 2

Dayspring Youth Minis-

try

Every Week:

Formation: Every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. Senior High Formation in Room 111 Junior High Formation in Room 110

Confirmation: Confirmation classes for youth in seventh grade and higher will begin on Sun-day, January 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. A parent/youth orientation meeting will be held on Sunday, January 8, at 11:45 a.m. Information packets with calendars and registration forms are availa-ble in the church office. Please contact Pastor George for more information.

Upcoming Events: January 13-14: Sr. High Movie Night Lock-In Help us kick off a fun new year with our first-

ever movie night lock-in! January 15: Jr. High Castles-n-Coasters. Junior High – Meet us at 3:00 (after Confirmation) to enjoy an afternoon of fun at Castles-n-Coasters!

January 28: Youth Sunday Rehearsal All youth involved in the Youth Sunday

service must be at this important late-morning rehearsal. January 29: Youth Sunday Please join us for a worship service planned, written and officiated

by Dayspring’s youth group!

Also Coming Up: February 3-4: Ski Trip February 12: Valentine Visits & Jump Street February 24-25: 30 Hour Famine

DAYSPRING YOUTH MINISTRY

Koinonikos Page 3

Adults: Would you be interested in learning more about volunteering with

our amazing youth? We always need drivers, chaperones, and substitute class leaders. Please contact Kris Kroeger at (480) 838-1446 or (602) 684-

7765 or by email at kris@dayspring-umc.org for more information.

ADULT EDUCATION

Koinonikos Page 4

Explorer’s Class

The Explorer's Class will begin a new se-ries on January 8. "Traditions and Beliefs of Christianity: Where, What, When, and How did they come into being?" This 3-week series led by Dr. Dale Bowen will explore a range of cultural beliefs, sacred literatures, festivals and traditions in search of the answers to these age-old questions.

Come and join us at 9 a.m. in the Adult Room. Coffee is served. All adults are wel-come. The class will not meet on Decem-ber 25 or January 1.

Disciple Bible Study

A new Sunday School class on the Bible

began in September, meeting from

9-10 a.m. Using the Disciple Bible Study

Series, we started with Series 1 that co-

vers both the Old and New Testaments. If

you are interested or have any questions,

please contact Cathy Smoot at 480-497-

2948 or join us in Room 112.

Contemporary Issues Class

Beginning January 8, and for six weeks, the 10:30 Adult Contemporary Issues class will study and discuss the topic “Jews and Christians, A Journey of Faith.” We will examine the beliefs and rituals common to Judaism and Christianity: Jewish and Christian perceptions concern-ing prejudice and stereotypes and ways both groups can promote understanding and respect. We will learn how Christiani-ty and Judaism have defined themselves and developed in close sibling relationship. We will explore the similarities and differ-ences in liturgical practice, piety and theol-ogy that have been so often misunder-stood in the long relationship between the-se two great religions. Join us in this most interesting journey.

Faith Journey

This new group for Generation Xers will

meet on January 8 & 22 from 3:30-4:40 in

Room 201, the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the

month for study and reflection on our faith

and culture. Examining current events in

the context of our Christian beliefs will be

our focus. Childcare is offered with pre-

registration. We are currently studying the

book, Following Jesus Without Embarrass-

ing God, by Tony Campolo. For more in-

formation, please contact Carol Coleman

at carolc@dayspring-umc.org or 480-838-

1446.

Dayspring’s Children’s Council mission is to

support the children from birth to sixth grade in their spir-

itual growth with God.

Choir The children will sing on the following dates in January: Cherub Choir – January 22nd at 9:00 Sunshine Singers – January 15th at 9:00

Genesis Choir – January 15th at 10:30

Sunday School There is no Sunday School on Sunday, January 1st

Sprouts Meetings are on Wednesdays from 5:45 – 6:45 in room 201. If any 4th – 6th grader would like to join, it is not too late. Sunday, February 5th is Souper Bowl Sunday. The Sprouts will again be collecting after each service for the hungry in our area. We ask for at least one dollar from

each to go toward this worthy cause.

Pillow Talk

Pillow Talk for children in 3rd-6th grade is scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd. We invite the children to bring their Bibles and spend Friday night with us at church. This Pillow Talk will focus on the

New Testament and will include lots of new activities, special time with the Pastor, and a movie before bed. Registration forms will be available in February. For more information please con-tact ruthboyle1@cox.net. We need lots of parental help, especially with learning centers on

Friday evening and Saturday morning and spending the night. Please think about how you’ll be able to help out.

Parable of the Talents for Sunday School Our 2nd - 6th grade Sunday School children will again be learning about and practicing the "Parable of the Talents" in February and March.

Parents will be able to sign their children up at a table in the courtyard in February. The chil-dren will each get $5. They will use this money to purchase supplies to make something

(cookies, crafts, etc). The children will get a chance to see how their $5 can work and grow! They will be selling their wares in the Courtyard between services. Please plan to purchase some of their hard work in the courtyard in March. Thank You!

All of the money raised will go to the UMOM New Day Center.

CHILDREN’S COUNCIL

Koinonikos Page 5

FELLOWSHIP

Koinonikos Page 6

Thanksgiving Food Drive Results During the November 20th food drive,

there were 109 turkeys collected, weighing a total of 1,635 pounds. A

total of 3,766 pounds of food was col-lected as well. A grand total of 5,290 pounds all together was collected and

will provide 4,069 meals to the com-munity. We are so grateful to everyone

who donated!

Fifty Plus

“Orbital Sciences” is the upcoming topic

when 50 PLUS meets on Friday, January 20th at 12:00 noon in the Shalimar Country Club restaurant, 2032 Golf Avenue, Tempe

AZ 85282. Dayspring member, Mr. Chris Long who is Vice President at National Se-

curity Systems Gilbert Operations of Or-bital Sciences Corp. will be the speaker. Start the new year by learning more about

satellites and orbital science! Make your $12 per person lunch reservations with

Erma Dean Yeager (480-839-4657) or with a 50 PLUS caller.

Singles, Etc.

Sunday Lunches: Each Sunday, after the second service, those who want to go out for lunch as a group meet at the restaurant listed

below. (If you attend the first service, please join us.) We gather under the name

"Dayspring" around noon at the following restaurants:

Jan. 01 – Iguana Mack’s - SE corner of Knox and Alma School Jan. 08 – Macayo's - NE corner of 48th Street and Warner Jan. 15 – Charleston's - NW corner of Ray Road and 54th Street Jan. 22 – Coco's - SW corner of Elliot and Priest Jan. 29 – Golden Gate - NE corner of Baseline and Price (101 Freeway)

Women’s Retreat 2012 Mark your calendars for Saturday, Febru-

ary 11, and plan to attend this one-day retreat led by Jane Tews, Dorothy Hines,

& Carol Coleman at the Franciscan Renew-al Center in Scottsdale. The cost is $45 which includes breakfast & lunch, and the

book, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See by Richard Rohr. Sign-up

on the patio on January 15 or 22 or con-tact Carol Coleman at carolc@dayspring-umc.org or 480-838-1446.

FELLOWSHIP

United Methodist Women Activities in January

United Methodist Women meet on Thursday, January 19, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Room. The program is the pledge service for 2012 given by Bonny Sloane. Member pledges are an im-

portant part of our support for missions. You are invited to join us for fellowship and service.

The Greeting Card Circle will meet on Thursday, January 5, at 9:30 a.m. in room 112.

The circle makes recycled, painted and wildflower cards, and sale proceeds are donated to

missions.

The Connie Reading Circle will meet at the home of Glendoris Cheek, 480-785-2197, on

Thursday, January 12, at 9:30 a.m. Kay Lewis will review Ostriches, Dung Beetles and Oth-er Spiritual Masters: A Book of Wisdom From the Wild by Janice McLaughlin, from the Spir-itual Growth category of the UMW Reading Program.

The Mary Martha Circle will meet on Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. at Bev Haubrock's

home, 480-966-5435. Marilyn Miller will give the program from More Bad Girls of the Bible.

Koinonikos Page 7

Dayspring United Methodist Women 8th Annual Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, January 21, 8:30 a.m. in the Adult Room

“Through Christ All Things Are Possible” Philippians 4:13

Dorothy Van Vleet, Prayer Leader Tickets will be sold on the church patio on Sundays, January 8 and 15.

$7 each All Dayspring women are invited to join us for this annual event. For further details, please call Nancy Jamison-Dawe at 480-897-6601.

FELLOWSHIP

Koinonikos Page 8

Monday Morning Moms & Dads enjoy a Christmas Party where they met for a brunch and white elephant gift exchange.

The new Play Group met in December where the mothers and children decorated Christmas cookies.

DAYSPRING NOTES

Koinonikos Page 9

The Dayspring Leadership Academy is

open for enrollment for 2012!

Whether you are interested in acquiring new leadership skills for your career, your

church life or your leisure activities, the Dayspring Leadership Academy can bring

you insights into the leadership process.

Session #1 – Sunday, January 22nd, 3pm – 5pm

Assessing Ourselves for Leadership

Session #2 – Sunday, February 26th, 3pm – 5pm

Leading Meetings

Session #3 – Sunday, March 25th, 3pm – 5pm

Leading Groups

Session #4 – Sunday, April 22nd, 3pm – 5pm

Shepherding and Mentoring

Session #5 – May TBD

Next Steps in Leadership

Classes will be led by members of our Dayspring clergy, staff and laypersons.

Registration is required (but free, of course) and attendance at all sessions is requested.

The class size is limited to 20 persons, so please contact Nan Lawson to register by Jan-

uary 6th at nklawson21@gmail.com or 480-390-6771.

Inez Baker, Jim Baker’s mother, age 99, fell and broke her hip on December 5 in Florida.

The Huning and Janus Families, following the death of Audrey Huning, on December 4. Memorial Service is scheduled on January 14 at 10 a.m.

Rosemary & Ernie Johnson & Family, at the death of Rosemary’s mother, Elma Ruth Yaus-si, on December 2.

The Hansen and Smitheran Families, following the death of Maxine Hansen on December 9 in Chandler.

Bob Carl, hospitalized at Banner Good Samaritan.

Bob Roe, struggling with health issues.

Bobby Dale, healing following hospitalization. Lawrence Roberson, brother of Freeman Roberson, battling pancreatic cancer.

Suzanne Frazier, mother of Suzanne Harbster, undergoing care for a serious heart

problem.

Robert Frazier, father of Suzanne Harbster, undergoing more chemotherapy for a returning cancer.

Merle Childers, hospitalized at Scottsdale Osborn Hospital. Marge Sydell, hospitalized at Chandler Regional Hospital.

Katie Conner, healing following hospitalization.

Ongoing Health Concerns: Marlene Meyer, Shannon Hood, Denise Gaudet, the Ellis Family, Polly Smith, Teresa Webb, Marge Sydell, Kristen Stegeman, Pam Narcy, and Joan Venturini.

All military personnel and their families, especially those who are actively serving our country during this time of war.

*Remember all those, known and unknown to us, who are in special need of prayer.

Dayspring celebrates the birth of George Cole Smith, born November 14, son of Matt and Meredith Smith.

Dayspring rejoices in the baptism of Pria Anne Johari (12-31-06), Brextin Jay Johari

(6-12-09), and Sapphire Hill Johari (9-26-11) on November 20; and Tegan Grace Searing (6-9-11) and Samantha Grace Spencer (5-4-11) and Logan Thomas Jelen (6-29-11) on

November 27.

Congratulations to Rick & Judy Drown in celebration of their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Safe and happy travels to Karen Van Allen as she leaves on January 14 for Papua, Indone-sia, on the island of New Guinea, to teach music to K—8 students for two years.

KOINONIKOS JOYS AND CONCERNS

Koinonikos Page 10

JANUARY CALENDAR

Koinonikos Page 11

MONTHLY CALENDAR

Sundays

…9:00am Worship, Sanctuary

…Sunday School

...Explorer’s Class, Adult Room

...Disciple Bible Study, 112

…10:15 Sr. High Formation, 111

…10:15 Jr. High Formation, 110

…10:30am Worship, Sanctuary

…Sunday School

...Contemporary Issues, Adult Room

...4pm Alcoholics Anonymous, Fellowship Hall,

116

...4pm AA Teen Meeting, 110

...5:10pm Al-Anon, Fellowship Hall, 116

...5:10pm AA Teen Meeting, 110

Mondays

...10am Monday AM Moms & Dads, 111

...7pm Venture Crew, 202

...7pm Boy Scout Troop, Fellowship Hall

Tuesdays

…8:45am Yoga Class, Media Center

...12pm Brown Bag Lunch, 112

...6pm Chimers, Choir Room

…6pm Yoga Class, Media Center

...7pm DayStar, Choir Room

Wednesdays

...11am Stephen Ministry, Library

...5:45pm Esperanza Choir, Choir Room

...5:45pm Sprouts, 201

...6pm Cherub Choir, Adult Room

...6pm Sunshine Singers, Media Center

...6:30pm Celebration Singers, Choir Room

...6:45pm Genesis Choir, Media Center

...7:30pm Dayspring Chorale, Choir Room

Thursdays

...9am Bible Study, Adult Room

...6pm Yoga Class, Media Center

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Jan 1 10am One service on

New Year’s Day ...11:30amCollege Age Group, Sanctuary

Jan 4 6:30pm Book Club, 111

Jan 5 9:30am UMW Greeting Card Circle, 112

Jan 7 8am United Methodist Men, Adult Room Jan 8 12pm Young Adult Group, 112

...2pm Connections, Adult Room

...3:30pm Faith Journey, 201

Jan 9 6:30pm Cub Scouts, 203 Jan 10 7pm Foundation, Adult Room

Jan 12 6pm Cub Scouts, Adult Room

...6:30pm Stephen Ministry Supervision, 112 Jan 13 7pm DYM SH Movie Night Lock-In

Jan 19 7pm United Methodist Women, Adult

Jan 21 8:30am UMW Prayer Breakfast, Adult

Jan 22 11:30am Communications, 112 ...3pm Leadership Academy, Adult Room

...3:30pm Faith Journey, 201

Jan 23 7pm Missions Team Meeting, Adult R

Jan 25 11am Prayer Shawl Ministry, 112

Visit the Dayspring UMC website at

www.dayspring-umc.org

Next Koinonikos Deadline:

January 15, 2012

For the Month of February 2012 Place in box in lower right corner in the

church office or e-mail berreman2@cox.net

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Koinonikos

January 2012 Volume 18, Issue 1

FREE * Published Monthly

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID TEMPE, AZ

PERMIT NO. 22

Dayspring United Methodist Church

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

1365 East Elliot Road

Tempe AZ 85284-1608

Dayspring United Methodist Church is a welcoming congregation.

We welcome all people regardless of age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, sexual

orientation, economic status or ability into the full life of this congregation.

Dayspring Mission

To create disciples of Jesus Christ who touch and inspire people

through an open and diverse community.

DAYSPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A Stephen Ministry Congregation 1365 East Elliot Road Tempe, AZ 85284-1608

Church Office Telephone: 480-838-1446 Email: churchoffice@dayspring-umc.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. • 8:00am-4:00pm Fri. • 8am—Noon Web Site: http://www.dayspring-umc.org Preschool Telephone: 480-838-9097