Weekly News from WCUMC-1/05/2014

"O Come Let Us Adore Him… and Worship Him forever”

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We've seen his star in the east, and we've come to honor him." When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel."

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the child. When you've found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him." When they heard the king, they went; and look; the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When

they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

This is Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany means “manifestation.” It refers particularly to the manifestation (or the demonstration) of God in Jesus Christ. The story of the Magi shows the amazing, unconditional love that God has for all people - Jews and Gentiles - believers and non-believers.

Matthew 2 shows us three responses to Christ coming into our world: 1) King Herod’s response was that of jealousy, self-centeredness, fear, and hatred. 2) The chief priests and legal experts chose to ignore the coming of Christ into their lives. 3) The Magi’s response -- joy, praise, worship, and trust. How have YOU responded to Jesus coming into our world? __________________________________________________ Questions for Personal or Group Reflection: (Reference - The Serendipity Bible) 1. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem? 2. The Magi were Gentile, pagan astrologers. Why would they leave to follow the star? 3. How is the Magi’s response to Jesus similar to Christians’ response to Jesus today? Is it different? How? 4. In your own faith journey, how are you (or have you been) like the Magi? 5. Have you had to “leave” anything to follow and live for Jesus? 6. What is the significance of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Magi brought to the infant Christ? 7. What is the “gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ in your own life? 8. How have you offered this to Jesus?

Next week’s Message: “Baptized into the family of God” - Matthew 3:13-17, A Sunday for Baptisms and “Remembering Our Baptism” - Pastor Rick Vinther preaching

THIS WEEK AT WCUMC

Sunday - 1/05

Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room

Young Families Group, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Memorial Room

Monday - 1/06

Talk Time, 7:00 PM, Rooms 10 & 11

Tuesday - 1/07

Women's Bible Fellowship, 9:20 - 11:30 AM, Gathering Place

Men's Bible Study, 9:20 - 11:45 AM, Room 10

Sewing Group, 6:00 PM, Memorial Room

Wednesday - 1/08

Wed. Women's Bible Study, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Memorial Room

Youth Group/Crossfire, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Crossfire Room

Choir, 7:15 - 8:30 PM, Sanctuary

Thursday - 1/09

Friday - 1/10

Prime Timers Dinner, 6:00 PM, Celebration Hall

Saturday - 1/11

Men's Group Study, 7:30 AM. Celebration Hall

Sunday - 1/12

Adult Sunday School Classes 9:00 AM

Nursery Care is available in the Children’s Wing during worship

10:30 AM Worship Service

Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room

Prime Timers Dinner

Friday, January 10 6:00 PM

Join us for a fun evening of Bunco; this is a fast, fun dice game played in groups but all together at the same time. It requires no talent, just luck. The table groups keep changing and should be fun for all. Just come with a willing spirit and you will do just fine

Entrees will be provided. Sign up for side dishes in the foyer.

Winter Retreat 2014

Great Wolf Lodge,

Jan. 10 - 12

Students grades 5-12 are invited to join us for an amazing weekend of fun, adventure, and focus on Christ. We will have a jam packed weekend with time for water slides, games, ans worship with a dynamic speaker and an awesome band. We will leave the church at 4:00 PM on Friday, January 10 and return on Sunday, January 12 by 6:00 PM.

Registration forms can be found in the main office.

Cost is $140 per student (this covers everything)

Scholarships are available. Contact Kim ASAP as space is limited. crossfirelife@gmail.com or 425-483-5252.

Women's Bible Study

Begin This Week

TUESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP

Philippians study continues starting Tuesday, January 7. Study runs through February. Contact Heather Kreeck for more information or questions at 425-806-6945.

WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

New study of Galatians begins on January 8 at 10:00 AM. This study illuminates both the historical meaning of the biblical text and its contemporary significance for today's reader. Contact Evelyn Carlson for more information at 425-483-5252.

WCUMC Trustees have begun a Capital Improvement project to reduce our energy footprint and expenses by replacing all outdoor and indoor overhead lights (except Sanctuary) with LED lights, and replacing all T-12 florescent bulbs with T-8 florescent bulbs. T-8 bulbs will last 10 years, will not flicker and buzz, and will reduce energy cost by 25% - 50%.

Additionally, PSE has announced a Rebate Program to encourage retrofit. WCUMC estimated rebate will be $9,000, and retrofit should generate savings of approximately $4,500 per year.

A Designated Fund to raise the $26,500 needed for the full project has been established. If you want to make a donation to this fund prior to the end of 2013, please write your checks to WCUMC with Lighting Project on the memo line.

More details will be shared during the Sunday morning worship service, and a special display will be set up in the Narthex.

NEEDS THIS WEEK

Rice-A-Roni Dried Beans Peanut Butter

Pasta

Rice

Financial Snapshot

General Fund

Income, week ended 12/29/13 $ 6,233 Income, weekly average, year-to-date $ 9,746

Expenses, weekly average, year-to-date $ 9,494

Weekly average, budgeted expenses $ 10,413

Faith Promise Total Faith Promises pledged $ 90,560

Faith Promise beginning balance $ 12,439

Received as of 12/29/13 $ 19.499

Disbursed as of12/29/13 $ 15,793

Prayer Chain Requests

Prayer Chain requests call Barbara Clark 425-483-3885. After 6:00 PM call Mary Harvey at 425-827-2883 or call the church at 425-483-5252 during office hours.

We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.

Have a great week!

This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love of Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church home with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend our Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.