Giving Tree 2013Giving Tree 2013Giving Tree 2013Giving Tree 2013 THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Giving Tree Ministry. This year 46 families with a total of 121 children were helped. Besides the gifts purchased for the children, County Market gift certificates were distributed to parents.

Many also received hats, gloves and scarves. These families enjoyed a merrier Christmas because of your generosity.

The Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) Center (MMDC) Center (MMDC) Center (MMDC) trip is coming up on Friday,

March 21st. (GCMS spring break week). It is an opportunity for each person to have a “hands-on” mission experience. This experience is to fulfill Christ’s command to help the “least of these” whose needs are great because of some disaster or circumstance that is not of their making. Anyone age 11 and up is welcome to come.

March to the Manger UpdateMarch to the Manger UpdateMarch to the Manger UpdateMarch to the Manger Update A total of $4,322.77 was collected through our March to the Manger offering. Thank you for your generosity!

Talent Anyone? Talent Anyone? Talent Anyone? Talent Anyone?

Get Your Act Together Now!Get Your Act Together Now!Get Your Act Together Now!Get Your Act Together Now! Talent Show and Pie AuctionTalent Show and Pie AuctionTalent Show and Pie AuctionTalent Show and Pie Auction

Wednesday, February 26 @ 6:00pmWednesday, February 26 @ 6:00pmWednesday, February 26 @ 6:00pmWednesday, February 26 @ 6:00pm

Can you juggle, yodel, tap dance, sing a tune, or play the ukulele? Or, do you have some kind of entertaining talent that you would wish to share with the congregation? Are you tech-savy and can

create a great video? Your opportunity to shine will be on February 26, 2014, as we are going to have a church-wide talent show! People of all ages are encouraged to participate. Start planning now; you may wish to start practicing! As in previous years we will have the pie auction during the Talent Show. Watch

for announcements regarding the pie and talent sign-up sheets!

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Visit us at gcumc3.org or Find us on Facebook: “Gibson City UMC”

Pastors—John Tennyson Megan Thompson Church Phone 217-784-5452

Saturday • 5:30pm—Casual Worship Sunday • 8:45am—Traditional Wor-

ship Sunday • 11:00am—Contemporary

Worship

Exploring for TreasureExploring for TreasureExploring for TreasureExploring for Treasure

Famous lost treasures may be within your ability to possess. One possibility is the lost treasure of Lima. In 1820, Lima Peru was on the verge of revolt. To save the city’s fabulous wealth, it was to be transported to Mexico for safekeeping. The treasure included jewels, silver, and two life-size solid gold statues of Mary and the baby Jesus. In all, the treasure is valued at between $12 M and $60 M.

The captain and crew in charge were unable to resist the temptation of so much wealth. They became pirates and headed for the Cocos Islands, off the coast of present day Costa Rica, where they allegedly buried the treasure. The crew however was captured by the Spanish and put on trial, and the treasure purportedly was never recovered. Many have failed in finding its riches.

A highly more successful chance of finding treasure lies within your fingertips. Psalm 19 says that the Word of the Lord is “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than the honeycomb”. The Bible is able to transport us into the very presence of the Living God.

The Bible in many ways is like a treasure map. God reveals His eternal nature and power to those who seek Him. Isaiah 55:6,8,9 says, Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts”. A life of greater joy and deeper satisfaction than we can imagine for ourselves is revealed by the Spirit of God as we read and meditate in God’s Word.

There are many pathways to revealing the hidden treasure of scripture. Numerous Bible Plans are available to read the Word daily, or on Mon.- Fri. schedule with weekends as catch-up days; some plans read the Bible chronologically; others mix the Old and New Testament readings. Also, our church is offering the formation of classes such as Disciple, Spiritual Formation, Animate Faith and Animate Bible.

Let’s all be in the Word in 2014.

- Pastor John

12 Days AFTER Christmas12 Days AFTER Christmas12 Days AFTER Christmas12 Days AFTER Christmas One of my favorite secular Christmas tunes is “The Twelve Days after Christmas.” It’s quite a funny tune, going into great detail about what the recipient of the gifts from The Twelve Days of Christmas actually does with everything from the twelve drummers drumming all the way down to the partridge in the pear tree. (Look it up on YouTube—there are several very hilarious versions out there.) Christmas can be great—family, friends, singing Silent Night by candle, but it can also leave some interesting baggage that we have to carry past the holidays, from loved ones who aren’t present to disappointment in expectations to rehashing of old fights into the New Year. These things aren’t as easy to recover from as sending those six geese a-laying to the Humane Society. These things can linger, making a fresh start in 2014 difficult. The good news is we are blessed with a God who doesn’t watch from afar. Instead, we are blessed with a God who agrees to go with us. God is with us, and when we know it, we get the gift of God that we pass on to others, gifts that grow larger the more we share them. Gifts like love, hope and peace, but also gifts like patience, kindness and generosity. These are gifts that are hard to give up, but easy to pass on, because they are gifts of the Spirit. Join us in January to hear more about these and other gifts that help us slow down in a hurry-up world. See you in church!

- Pastor Megan

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Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Joy to the world! On Dec. 11, 2013, Reuters news service posted this:

Global efforts to curb malaria have saved the lives of 3.3 million people since 2000, cutting global death rates from the mosquito-borne disease by 45 percent and by half in children under 5, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. WHO said in its World Malaria Report 2013 that expanded prevention and control measures helped produce declines in malaria deaths and illness. Of the 3.3 million lives saved, most were in the 10 countries with the highest malaria burden and among children under age 5, the group most afflicted by the disease. “Investments in malaria control, mostly since 2007, have paid off tremendously,” said Ray Chambers, the United Nations secretary-general’s special envoy for malaria.

Praise God for success against this killer of the night! Praise God that we have been able to play a part, and prayers for guidance as efforts continue to protect the lives of the estimated 3.4 billion people at risk, children especially, for this disease.

New Year’s Resolution:New Year’s Resolution:New Year’s Resolution:New Year’s Resolution: to be more disciplined in digging into scripture.

Might this be you? If so, consider Disciple Bible study. A new class of this 32 week study is forming to meet on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8:30, beginning on January 21. What does Disciple do?

• Enables participants to gain a grasp of how the different books of the Bible relate together to tell an essential part of God’s Story.

• Transforms your life. What does Disciple include?

• video presentations by biblical scholars

• small discussion groups

• sharing of views & experiences

• commitment to group and to the journey

• daily reading assignments and prayer

• living as faithful disciples We will be studying “Under the Tree of Life” (Disciple IV). Under the Tree of Life is a study appealing to the senses and emotions with a focus on the Writings of the Old Testament (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets—Ruth, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations and Daniel), the Gospel of John, and 1, 2, and 3 John, James, Jude and Revelation. The study will be co-facilitated by Pastor John and Connection Coordinator Barb Horsch. Look for sign up forms outside the office.

CONNECT, GROW, GO! . . . take hold of the life that really is life (I Timothy 6:18-19)

Kristen Hood 2 Sue Shields 2 Brad Baird 3 Lori Clinton 3 Roger Reum 3 Kaitlynn Kietzman 5 Matt Brown 6 Danielle Brown 7 Keegan Frashier 7 Dolly Samet 7

Drew Endsley 9 Jessica Titus 10 Bill Dueringer 12 Marinell Jones 12 Alice Jones 14 Denise Kearfott 16 Kelly Borton 17 Jo Gramley 17 Evelyn Kelley 17 Staci Lindelof 17 Tammy Craig 18 Janece McCullough 18 Jackie Freehill 21 Terry Overman 24 Cassidy Brucker 24 Lauren Nagle 25

Kennedy Fanson 27 Mary Holsten 27 Kurt Kietzman 28 Carol Hari 29 Spencer Hazen 30 Jonah Moody 31

Day Years Virgil & Faye Rosendale 1 2 Merle & Alice Jones 11 15

Health Concerns Marian Boog Glenn & Mildred Davis Ruth Fisher Ruth Harris Ron Hood Mike Morano Michele Schmandt Don Williams Nursing Home Residents

Annex Zella During Don Williams

Manor Marian Boog Glenn Davis Ruth Fisher Ella Mae Miller Judy Peters Clevita Tongate Shirley Butler

Asta Care Bob Main (Blmgtn) Doris Bridgewater Servicemen and women AIC Zachary E Mohn Kem Estaban SSgt Malcom Salyards 2LT Adam Salyards Colton Young AB Cody McCoy Rudiger Strebeck

Jan-Nov Offering for Budget $268,960.31

Jan-Nov Operating Expenses $300,179.87

Weekend Sat 5:30

Sun 8:45

Sun 11:00

Sunday School

Nov 30th & Dec 1st 18 129 24 66

December 7th & 8th 60 139 29 74

December 14th & 15th 13 130 33 45

December 21st & 22nd 12 129 32 60

PPPPRAYERSRAYERSRAYERSRAYERS, B, B, B, BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS, A, A, A, ANNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIES

January Mission Socks will benefit the

Gibson City Food Pantry.

I want to thank the wonderful Christmas Carolers who came to the house. They made my day. By the way—the soup was delicious! Lois Kelley

January Sermon SeriesJanuary Sermon SeriesJanuary Sermon SeriesJanuary Sermon Series

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Gal. 5:22-23

Join us in January for “Got Fruit?” - Discovering Patience, Kindness, Generosity and Faithfulness In a Hurry Up World.

Valentine Boxes and EnvelopesValentine Boxes and EnvelopesValentine Boxes and EnvelopesValentine Boxes and Envelopes Valentine’s Day is next month and once again we are inviting you to share in giving to our special friends a gift of love. Please notify the office if you would like to have someone added to the Valentine’s List. Also, parents of youth in college, please update their addresses with the church office to ensure that they get their Valentines as well.

SoupSoupSoupSoup----er Bowler Bowler Bowler Bowl The Big Game will be on February 2nd, a time when many will gather with friends and family to eat and drink, and, at the very least, watch the commercials. But what about those who are without even a bowl of soup? You Middle School Group and Sprouts will be collecting donations of canned soup (or money) to supply our local food pantry. Please plan on bringing soup or monetary donations on February 3rd and look for more information from the youth on this event.

Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Wednesday Night FellowshipFellowshipFellowshipFellowship resumes

on January 8th for youth and adults. Plan on bringing your kids for one of the youth activities or bringing your family to dinner. Just think, it’s one night you won’t have to cook!

From the Web CornerFrom the Web CornerFrom the Web CornerFrom the Web Corner Exciting things happening electronically! On the global level, the first-ever UMC #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3rd) generated $6.5 million for missions, according to the General Board of Global Ministries. Online

giving by nearly 11,000 donors in 34 countries gave more than 16,300 gifts through The Advance, of which the first $500,000 was matched by Global Ministries. The Advance encompasses more than 850 Methodist-related projects and more than 300 missionaries, including Appalachia Service Project, one of our 2013 Mission Trip destinations! Watch for #GivingTuesday to be an annual initiative!

Locally, we've received and shared a beautiful picture of our church building and parsonage that was taken Sat., Dec. 14th by Eric Johnson, our 'across-the-street' neighbor. Eric says he took the photo on his cell phone because he "thought it would be a pretty and seasonal photo". And, it is. The picture, with the lit-up buildings, the snow, and the artificial and natural lighting, looks like a professional shot, suitable for use as a greeting card! After one of our members posted it on her Facebook Page, we made it our cover photo and have received many 'likes' and comments- more than any other post in our page's history. Please take a moment to visit the page to view the picture and read the heartwarming comments left by those for whom GC UMC holds fond memories.

Both of these events are wonderful examples of how we are connected far beyond our walls, sidewalks, community, and time.

~Susan Schultz and Craig Kummerow

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Learning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in Community Please consider your participation in two big upcoming events!

• Our Iroquois River District will host "Laity in Leadership Training" Sat., Jan. 25th, 1:00-5:30 pm. Workshops include Safe Sanctuaries, Disaster Response 101, SPRC Training, Spiritual Disciplines, and more, all led by knowledgable and experienced UM leaders. This event is free and held at nearby New Horizon UMC (on route 150 between Mahomet and Champaign.) Registration due by Jan. 17th- www.igrc.org/IRDLaityinLeadership. We are blessed to have this wonderful opportunity offered by our district, so close to home!

• Navigating Change, hosted by the fastest-growing church in our Illinois Great Rivers Conference, is a 2-day event in Belleville, IL. Last year, 11 GC UMC members attended this high-energy, idea-intensive, worship-filled event and returned inspired and equipped to lead our church into the future. Several nationally-known speakers will present during main sessions. Participants attend the workshops of their choosing, such as: Creative Ideas for Small & Medium Churches; & Bi-Vocational Ministry: Motivating Volunteers in the Church. Please speak with Pastor John if you are interested in attending. You may visit www.navigatethechange.com for more information.

It's a new year! Continue to seek ways to grow personally & corporately, both spiritually, and in service!

Spiritual Practices GroupSpiritual Practices GroupSpiritual Practices GroupSpiritual Practices Group Are you interested in expanding the ways you listen for God? A new Spiritual Practices group will meet for 7 weeks beginning January 7th, on Tuesdays, 7-9 pm. Each week we will gather to be introduced to ways of listening closer, listening deeper, for ways God speaks to us through a variety of experiences. Cost of the participant's book is $9. To sign up or to learn more, please contact Susan Schultz, 784-8833; susans@mchsi.com.

Upcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth Events

Wednesday Night Programming Wednesday Night Programming Wednesday Night Programming Wednesday Night Programming resumes on January 8th with classes and youth group for all kids from preschool through high school. Preschool, Seeds (K-2), Sprouts (3-5) and Middle School Youth Group all meet starting at 6pm. High School Youth Group meets at 7:30. Invite your friends for an hour of fun and learning.

Youth Service DayYouth Service DayYouth Service DayYouth Service Day The High School and Middle School Youth Groups will be hosting a Youth Service Day on January 18th. Please come and join them while they do service projects around Gibson City. For more information, please contact Pastor Megan.

Laser TagLaser TagLaser TagLaser Tag The ecumenical youth group will be taking a trip to Champaign to play laser tag on February 9th.

Sunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday SchoolSunday School Sunday School is every Sunday Morning at 10:00am for Preschool through High School. Our first rotation is Jesus Feeds the 5,000. All students are encouraged to bring their bibles with them. They will get to put a ball in the vase each time they bring it and when the vase fills up everyone will get a surprise! The memory verse for January is Matthew 4:20. “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Please encourage your children to memorize this verse.

January 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Office Closed No Wednesday Night Fellowship

2 5:30 PM Missions Committee

3 4 Communion 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

5 Communions 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

6 9:00 AM Prayer Group

7 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Trustees 7:00 PM Bible Study

8 Wednesday Night Fellowship Resumes 7:00 PM Pie Night / Manor

9 7:00 PM Finance

10 11 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

12 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

13 9:00 AM Prayer Group 5:30 PM SPRC 7:00 PM Covenant Council

14 Newsletter Articles Due 5:30 PM Praise Team 6:00 PM Wesleyana Circle 7:00 PM Bible Study

15 16 17 18 Mission Socks 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

19 Mission Socks 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

20 9:00 AM Prayer Group 6:45 PM Children’s Ministries Committee

21 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Bible Study

22 9:00 AM Newsletter Prep

23 24 25 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

26 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

27 9:00 AM Prayer Group

28 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Bible Study

29 30 31

Wednesday Night Fellowship 5:15pm—Fellowship Meal 6:00pm—Youth Activities (PreK—5th Grade) 6:00pm—MS Youth Group 7:00pm—HS Youth Group 7:30pm—Sanctuary Choir 8:30pm—Jake’s Boys

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 13 Gibson City, IL 60936

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Gibson City United Methodist Church 206 East 10th Street Gibson City, IL 60936

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Pastor—John Tennyson cell 217-249-5453 email: pastorgcumc@sbcglobal.net Associate Pastor—Megan Thompson cell 217-418-8354 email: gcumcassoc3@sbcglobal.net Connection Coordinator—Barb Horsch cell 217-781-8048 email: mgf@leapstream.net Administrative Assistant—April Rotramel office 217-784-5452 email: gcumc@sbcglobal.net

Church Custodian—Jeremy Rotramel Organist—Beverly Nagle Choir Director—Ruth Davis

Nursery Attendants—Melissa Jamison Susan Schultz, Volunteer Jessica Schultz, Volunteer

OUR STAFF

Liturgist Greeters

(West, South, North) Acolytes

Sound Room (8:45)

Projector (8:45)

Projector (11:00)

Jan 5 Marsha Riddle

Larry & Kathy Littlefield Mick & Mary Jo Kingsley

Jacob Rutledge & Karleigh Kietzman

Brandon Clark

Taylor Engel

Jeremy Steidinger

Jan 12 Tom Borton Lynn & Gail Anliker Ron & Wanda Baird

Doug & Sheila Bennett

Keegan Frashier & Zander Wier

Lonnie Engel

Erin Arsenault

Grace Christensen

Jan 19 Angie

Woodward

Lynn & Gail Anliker Ron & Wanda Baird

Doug & Sheila Bennett

Parker Chase & Olivia Hawthorne

Steve Hawthorne

Dani Eckerty

Haley Christensen

Jan 26 Kathy

Eagleson

Josh & Sarah Chase Janite Barnes & Dixie Thomas

Matt & Danielle Brown

Jacob Rutledge & Karleigh Kietzman

Jon Clark Blythe Borton

Jeremy Steidinger

Head Usher for January is .Doug Eckerty