Reason to give thanks

The Department of Defense reported no combat deaths

during the past week.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving from ‪#‎UMCOR‬

God of Abundant Love, as we prepare to feast, we are aware of those who are forced to fast by disaster, sudden crisis, and chronic poverty. We wish everyone could enjoy the turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie we will savor this week. We wish everyone could have enough.

We give thanks, not because we have more than others; not because we believe you have somehow blessed us with prosperity over and against others; not because we believe you helped us dodge disaster at the expense of others. No, we give thanks because we know that nothing can separate us - all of us survivors of disaster or those of us half a world away from your love.

We give thanks because we know that whether or not we are preparing to sit down to a bulging table, your grace is enough. So whether we eat plates of turkey or rations of rice, we thank you for your ever-present love.

Strengthen us by whatever food we have before us and the fellowship of whoever is around us, that we might find the courage to share your abundant love for the transformation of the world through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Rev. Jack Amick
Assistant General Secretary, International Disaster
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief

Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation

"Thanksgiving offers each of us the chance to count our many blessings -- the freedoms we enjoy, the time we spend with loved ones, the brave men and women who defend our Nation at home and abroad.

"This tradition reminds us that no matter what our background or beliefs, no matter who we are or who we love, at our core we are first and foremost Americans.

"Our annual celebration has roots in cen...turies-old colonial customs. When we gather around the table, we follow the example of the Pilgrims and Wampanoags, who shared the fruits of a successful harvest nearly 400 years ago.

"When we offer our thanks, we mirror those who set aside a day of prayer. And when we join with friends and neighbors to alleviate suffering and make our communities whole, we honor the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln, who called on his fellow citizens to 'fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.'

"Our country has always been home to Americans who recognize the importance of giving back. Today, we honor all those serving our Nation far from home. We also thank the first responders and medical professionals who work through the holiday to keep us safe, and we acknowledge the volunteers who dedicate this day to those less fortunate.

"This Thanksgiving Day, let us forge deeper connections with our loved ones. Let us extend our gratitude and our compassion. And let us lift each other up and recognize, in the oldest spirit of this tradition, that we rise or fall as one Nation, under God.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 28, 2013, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

"I encourage the people of the United States to join together -- whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors -- and give thanks for all we have received in the past year, express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and share our bounty with others.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth."

Advent is just around the corner!

The build-up to Advent is readily visible at SUMC with lots of activity at the church today ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow.

This afternoon, Carol Gragg and Carol Goffe were at work in the fellowship hall, creating the backdrop for the sanctuary cross.  We're going with a deep blue this year to signify the season of Advent.  Many congregations are using blue instead of purple for Advent to help distinguish it from the purple used in Lent.

Carol Goffe (our administrative assistant) has had a busy (and short) week with getting the Glad Tider out on Monday, preparing the bulletins for Sunday, and helping Pastor Charles get the Advent Devotionals ready for distribution.  She really deserves a couple of days to recover!!!

Speaking of the Advent Devotional, there will be a limited number of print booklets available on Sunday.  See Pastor Charles if you'd like one.  The devotional entries will also be placed each day on the Blog and on the website (under the Nurture tab).

Wesley on Wednesday

The choir is ready!

 

The choir was sent through its paces tonight ahead of the excitement that is Advent at Stevi UMC!  Sunday of course is the beginning of Advent and Sunday night is the 56th annual Hanging of the Greens concert (7:00 pm)!!  

Giving Tuesday is coming!

Lectionary readings for the First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5: The ideal of a world at peace based on a common faith is one of the most important gifts of Israel's prophets.  Here Isaiah expressed that vision in one of its two very similar versions in the Old Testament.  It also appears in Micah 4:1-5.  Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah in the late 7th century BC.  Which prophet first conceived it remains unknown.
 
Psalm 122 (UMH 845): Many worship services used to begin with a call to worship from the first verse of this psalm.  The whole psalm is a prayer that Jerusalem be a city of peace for all nations - a prayer still fervently offered, but not yet realized.

  Romans 13:11-14: Paul earnestly believed in the imminent return of Christ to complete history by bringing in the reign of God.  The present moment, he urges Christians in Rome, is the time to prepare for that glorious event.  He tells them to prepare by adopting not just hopeful anticipation, but a Christ-like moral character.

 Matthew 24:36-44: In Year A of the lectionary cycle, we shall be reading primarily from Matthew's account of the Gospel.  The  Season of Advent presents us with the challenge of preparing for the coming of Christ now and at the end of history.

This passage is part of Matthew's rendition of the "Little Apocalypse" first presented in Mark 13.  This vision follows closely the style of earlier Jewish apocalyptic writings.  It depicts the time when Christ will come to establish God's reign.  Note also that the emphasis is placed on the total unexpectedness of the moment when this will happen.

Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Being together today to observe and celebrate the last Sunday in the church calendar:  Christ, the King Sunday.

Wonderful family reunions.

Visitor to church:  Janice.

Members of our church family who are so very appreciative of all the prayers and support extended to them recently:  (1) Gini M., (2) Judy F., (3) Sharon W. and (4) Lynn M.

David P.’s son is home from a tour in Afghanistan.

For this time of harvest.

For smiles of dear ones in the church which brighten our days.

Church’s support of the Pantry Partners food bank in town, throughout the year, and especially at this time of year.

The Worship Team’s altar guild members who did such a wonderful service putting together the fruits and vegetables of the season around the communion table for today’s service.

Birthday blessings to Mary L. and the joy of knowing that it has been 6 years since her serious medical procedure.

Wedding anniversary blessings to (a) Linda and Floyd K. (25 years) and (b) Pastor Charles and Belinda A. (16 years).

Girl Scout cookie sales season.

The “Sharing Tree” program, which was begun in our church, continues again this year.  It is a program which helps to provide Christmas presents for our area’s children in need.  Some 408 children have been identified for this year’s program.  Thanks to those who have already taken 21 children’s tags/wish lists.  There are only 8 tags left.

For the angels who walk amongst us.

Gratitude to live in area communities who actively care for one another’s needs.

CONCERNS

Prayers for recovery and healing for the thousands of casualties and millions of people affected by last week’s typhoon in the Philippines.  (Thanks be to God that the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is already in position and beginning disaster relief.)

Prayers for peace in the Middle East – and in all the “four corners” of the world. 

Prayers for our military Veterans. 

Prayers for the family and friends of the military service members who were killed or injured in the line of duty this last week.  And prayers of appreciation for those military members who provide support during funerals/memorial services for people who served in the military, which gives comfort and closure to their family and friends.

Prayers for travelling mercies for those not with us today – and for those who will be travelling soon.

Prayers for healing mercies for (1) Mary L., (2) Claire K., (3) Ms. Hattie Ann, (4) Phyllis, (5) Andrea, (6) Bev L.’s brother, (7) Cousin Jennifer, (8) Mary C.’s friend Barbara M., (9) Gail’s friend Dolores, (10) John W.-B. (and his wife Sonja who is supporting him as he waits for medical-test results), (11) Aunt Lynn who has weeks to live (and her family who is rallying to support her and be with her), (12) Judy D.’s son who is in the final stages of dying and (13) Mary H.’s son Ed who needs surgery.

Prayers for family and friends who are mourning the death of (1) Neighbor Lois and (2) Tom B.

Prayers for those who are worried, frustrated and upset by the uncertainty surrounding their health-care coverage.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vickie H.’s students are asking for help – collecting box tops for schools and pull-tabs from soda cans.  Also, she invites folks to sign Christmas cards and give them to her, so her students can deliver them to veterans who live in our area.  (P.S.  Christmas cards will be located in fellowship hall next Sunday, so folks can sign them!)

"Christ, the King" Sunday

Young Folks Reenacting Biblical Scene:  Elijah and the Fiery Chariot



Sunday School Class Studying Philippians

Sunday School Class Studying "The Wired Word" (current events Bible study)

The church family was bustling with activity on this, the last Sunday in the church year.  The young folks were enjoying experiential learning in the sanctuary, while others were steeped in discussion in the Sunday School classes.  

In the worship service, folks enjoyed the opportunity to make their specially designated "Thank Offerings," in addition to the normal offering.  And the choir's musical offering was absolutely splendid:  "For the Beauty of the Earth" By John Rutter.  If you click on this sentence, you will see a lovely video of it (with lyrics) and beautiful nature pictures.

This is such a special time of year!  The harvest is in, and it is a good one -- for which we are truly thankful.  Praise be to God!!!

A prayer for Christ the King Sunday

Ivan Rachov, Lamb of God,
Ceiling of the Apostolic Nuntiature (Vatican Embassy)
in Sofia, Bulgaria

Christ the King Sunday celebrates the all-embracing authority of Christ as King and Lord of the cosmos. It is celebrated on the final Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Sunday before Advent. In 2013, the date falls on November 24th.
A Song to the Lamb

Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is,
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain,
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation,
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
for ever and for evermore.

Book of Common Prayer, 1979 (Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10, 13)

More About the Church Book Club's Gathering in December

Update:  The church book club's selection for discussion on December 8th, starting at 6:00 p.m. is "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey.  Click on this sentence to see a brief video about this book.

        

Just learned that there are currently 9 electronic copies of it that are available for downloading -- at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville.  Click on this sentence to be taken to the library's search engine.  (FYI:  One person commented that it took her just under two hours to read this book.)

Thank Offering on November 24th

Tomorrow's worship, Christ the King Sunday, is the last Sunday of the church year (Advent starts on December 1). 
 

Thank Offering

Our church started this outreach program thirteen years ago. Before then, we held fairly frequent special offerings for some of the organizations listed here, as well as others.  Don & Mary Nelson brought the idea of holding a Thank Offering from their former church. 

This is the fourteenth year we've celebrated the Sunday before Thanksgiving with an outpouring of thanks to God for all our blessings by giving to those who are in real need of help.

The Thank Offering Committee has selected the following twelve projects, which are listed below.  You may designate a gift for any or all, as you please.

National & World: Heifer Project International; Imagine No Malaria; Pastor's Support in Angola

Montana: Blackfeet United Methodist Parish; Intermountain  (Helena) 
Local: Carpenters for Christ (Stevensville); Clothes Closet (Stevensville); Habitat for Humanity (Ravalli County); Loaves & Fishes (SUMC); Pantry Partners (Stevensville); SAFE/supporters of abuse-free environment (Hamilton)

Church Blog Has Over 12,000 Hits/Visits

WOW!  Our church blog has had over 12,000 hits/visits.  In its first three months of existence, it had 6,000 hits/visits.  Within the last two months, it has had over 6,000 hits or visits!  Yea, God!!!


- 3 Jul:    Church Blog Began

- 7 Oct:    Milestone of 6,000 Hits

-17 Oct:   Milestone of 7,000 Hits

-24 Oct:   Milestone of 8,000 Hits

-10 Nov:  Milestone of 10,000 Hits

-14 Nov:  Milestone of 11,000 Hits

-23 Nov:  Milestone of 12,000 Hits

Lots of Activity on Saturday

The church building was abuzz with activity this morning as the Altar Guild set about the task of setting up for the Thank Offering (tomorrow). Kathy Clark, Carol Goffe, Linda Kauffman, and Sara Malo have done a great job and the finished product is delightful!  They also examined all the Advent and Christmas decorations and these creative ladies have some terrific ideas in store for the church.

Hazel Smith was also on hand this morning, putting in some extra practice for tomorrow's worship service.

The Habitat for Humanity home being built on Mission Street was the location for Belinda Alkula, Molly Hackett and Arlene Halfhide who provided a hot lunch for the workers. 

DoD Casualty Report for Nov.10 - 22

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - San Antonio

+Staff Sgt. Richard L. Vazquez, 28, of Seguin, Texas, died Nov. 13, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol in Panjwai, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

+Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola, 29, of Keller, Texas, died Nov. 17, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

UMC Giving Tuesday

On Tuesday December 3rd, all money donated through the online GBGM Advance website will be matched up to a certain amount.  The Blackfoot Parish needs a furnace and electrical work, they need to raise about $2,000.  COULD WE HELP THEM RAISE $1,000 on Dec. 3rd?  If we do it would be matched and the furnace and electrical would help support the facility which helps house mission teams throughout the year, their Clothing Bank, family movie night, church services and provides needed space for the parish.  

Donate early to make sure BUMP Mission gets our support.  Advance #910092

On this date in history

50 Years ago, today, on Friday, November 22, 1963, three lives ended within hours of each other. John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States; Aldous Huxley, noted English novelist and critic (he wrote Brave New World); and a man known by his friends simply as “Jack.”

It was this third and final life that has arguably shaped the most lives and who, in the words of the London Times, “in his own lifetime became a legend.”

Read James Emery White's wonderful post about C.S. Lewis here: https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/1427a5c2fa489d39

Cool and crisp in the Valley

Our communities are blessed to have places to gather and fellowship!  A number of SUMC members were on hand today at the Senior Center for the monthly birthday lunch.

Garden Produce Needed

Garden produce needed for the Harvest Altar this Sunday 11/24 – pumpkins, squashes, potatoes, apples, carrots, beets, corn, onions, plums, apples, tomatoes … ???

If you have anything you’d be willing to loan – or give – please let the church office know what/how much.  (If you don’t let us know that you want it back, it’ll go to the Pantry Partners on Sunday afternoon.)

Needs to be AT CHURCH FRIDAY AFTERNOON, as Sara & Co. will be assembling the altar Saturday morning.

Wesley on Wednesday

Readings for Christ the King Sunday

Christ Pantocrator in the Cappella Palatina - Palermo, Sicily

On this last Sunday in the Christian liturgical year, we celebrate the Reign of Christ. The lessons concentrate on the anticipated triumph of God in and through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 23:1-6: The shepherd is a standard Old Testament symbol for the king of Israel.  After condemning Israel's leaders for failing to provide care for God's flock, this prophecy promises a monarch who will return Israelites from foreign lands and rule them in prosperity, security and
peace.

Luke 1:68-79 (UMH 208): Known to Christian tradition as The Benedictus (from the Latin for its first word), this psalm may well have had Jewish origins long before the birth of Jesus.  It is composed of a series of familiar Old Testament phrases taken chiefly from the Psalms.  It became an early Christian hymn and was incorporated into Luke's account of the Gospel as part of the poetic narrative of the Messiah's birth.

Colossians 1:11-20: Few passages in the all New Testament letters reach the majestic heights of this one. It is at once a joyous affirmation of what Jesus Christ has done for us and a vivid statement of the fundamental belief on which our faith stands: Jesus is the divine Saviour who died and rose
again for us.  The passage also declares the firm conviction that Jesus is the final and full revelation of God's love and purpose for all of creation.

Luke 23:33-43: How appropriate to end the Christian year with the story of Jesus' promise of eternal life to the repentant thief dying beside him.  The sovereign Lord of all creation has compassion for every sinner. The reign of Christ, the King of Love, is for all who choose to be his subjects.

UMCMarket and you

The United Methodist Church*, in partnership with major online retailers, has created a shopping portal that gives your church a 1 to 9 percent commission for purchases made by members of your church. They can donate to our church also by booking travel, hotel room and car rental through UMCmarket.

Many consumers prefer shopping online because it saves time and gasoline, avoids crowds, provides more variety and it's easy to do. More than 80% of the online population has bought something on the Internet. In fact, it's so popular that e-commerce sales in the U.S. amounted to $289 billion last year.

All shoppers have to do is create an account and buy products and merchandise from partner retailers through UMCmarket.org. There’s no increased cost or hidden fees. They buy items for the same prices they would pay on those retailers’ sites.

*UMCmarket was developed in cooperation with the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church.

It’s simple and easy — it’s UMCmarket.

What is required of you to make this happen?

1.	Communicate the benefits of the UMCmarket and encourage church members to sign up and use it when buying online from the partner retailers.
2.	Church members visit UMCmarket.org and create an account. During the account setup, they will be asked to designate a beneficiary church to which the commission for their purchases will go.
3.	Your church members log into UMCmarket (or to make the process even more simple, they use the free downloadable add-on for their Web browser) and shop at the partner retailers.
4.	There is no step four! Unless you count, receiving a check from UMCmarket as a step. CLICK ON THIS SENTENCE -- TO SEE A 2-MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!

"Surviving the Holidays" -- Dealing with Grief

Our church is hosting a "Surviving the Holidays" seminar on Monday, November 25th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

It will be a warm, encouraging and helpful time, which will feature a video instruction and group discussion -- all designed to help deal with the emotional pain of grief during the holiday season.  Click on this sentence to see a 1-minute video which describes this event.

Perhaps you or someone you know would benefit from this special time of reflection, comfort and encouragement.  All are welcome to participate!

What to expect:

Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical tips on how to survive the holidays

Hear from others in your group who are dealing with grief this holiday season

Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you (if you’d like)

Receive a personal Holiday Survival Guide

Thank Offering Information Fair

Mary Nelson offers information about the Angola Pastor Support project

Some of the local mission projects

Heifer Project International is one of the World/National projects

Janet Lonski shares information about the Kiva project

Intermountain was represented this morning

The Thank Offering Committee offered an information fair this morning about the twelve projects designated for this year's offering.

Our church started this outreach program thirteen years ago.  Before then, we held fairly frequent special offerings for some of the organizations listed here, as well as others.  Don & Mary Nelson brought the idea of holding a Thank Offering from their former church. 

This is the fourteenth year we've celebrated the Sunday before Thanksgiving with an outpouring of thanks to God for all our blessings by giving to those who are in real need of help.

The Thank Offering Committee has selected the following twelve projects, which are listed below.  You may designate a gift for any or all, as you please.

National & World: Heifer Project International; Imagine No Malaria; Pastor's Support in Angola

Montana: Intermountain (Helena)  and Blackfeet United Methodist Parish 
Local: Carpenters for Christ (Stevensville); Clothes Closet (Stevensville); Habitat for Humanity (Ravalli County); Loaves & Fishes (SUMC); Pantry Partners (Stevensville); SAFE/supporters of abuse-free environment (Hamilton)

Blessings abound @ SUMC

Philippians Class

Wired Word class



The light dusting of snow at dawn this morning gave Stevi UMC a wintery-look which made the warmth of the fellowship inside all the more special.

The Caring Tree made its annual appearance in the library area and by the end of the morning nineteen children had been selected to receive gifts.  More tags are available on the tree.  The due date for the gifts to be returned is December 6th.

During the worship service we were blessed by the Chime Choir with a beautiful rendition of "Pie Jesu."  It was also nice to have guests each week in worship, 7-10 children each week and a time for joys & concerns where are welcome to share.

A letter from our Bishop

People of the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church,

 

The Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church, representing the church in North America, Europe, Africa and the Philippines, adopted a statement yesterday regarding Bishop Talbert's recent action.  The Council engaged in deep, frank and respectful conversation and prayer in coming to this statement, but the statement does not represent a consensus of all bishops. 

 

I know that the faithful discernment of many in the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Annual Conferences leads to a very different position from that of the Council, and that many will experience this statement as a failure of the bishops to recognize the variety and breadth of the way God's love expresses itself in human relationships.

 

Please pray with me for Bishops Wallace Padgett and Bishop Talbert, for Bobby Prince and Joe Openshaw, two United Methodists whose marriage Bishop Talbert celebrated and for all people and the whole church as we continue to grow in our love and knowledge of God in Jesus Christ.

 

With faith in Christ,

 

Elaine JW Stanovsky    

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Ave. NE
Washington, D.C. 20002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2013

Council of Bishops Takes Action Following Same-Gender Ceremony

Lake Junaluska, N.C.: Following the action of a retired bishop to conduct a same-gender ceremony in violation of church law, the United Methodist Council of Bishops took a series of actions to address the issue during their annual meeting this week in Lake Junaluska, N.C.
 

The Council requested that Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, president of the Council, and Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett of the North Alabama Conference file a complaint regarding Bishop Melvin Talbert’s action, for “undermining the ministry of a colleague and conducting a ceremony to celebrate the marriage of a same gender couple.”

“When there are violations of the Book of Discipline, a response is required,” the bishops said in a statement.

The Council also voted to initiate a task force to lead conversations about human sexuality, race and gender in a global perspective. The goal of this effort is to come to a shared theological understanding amid diverse opinions in the church about these issues.

These actions followed days of prayerful discernment and conversation about the action it would take after retired Bishop Melvin Talbert conducted a ceremony on Oct. 26 celebrating the marriage of a same-gender couple in Center Point, Ala. – a chargeable offense for United Methodist clergy.
Church law says that, “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”

Both the presiding bishop of the North Alabama area where the ceremony took place, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, and the Executive Committee of the Council had requested that Bishop Talbert not perform the ceremony.

Under church law, the College of Bishops – which is constituted of the bishops in a jurisdictional or central conference – has authority and accountability for processing complaints against a bishop who serves (or served) in that area, which would be the Western Jurisdiction in this instance.

Earlier this week in the President’s Address, Bishop Wenner acknowledged there is diversity of opinion about many issues in the church. “We have to lead together although we are not one minded. We do not need to hide that we are diverse,” she said. In the address, she also noted, “Serious conflicts have to be brought to the tables where leaders are present,” an acknowledgment that supports the plan for further discussion of the issue through a task force.

In a statement, the Council said that when followers of Christ and people of conscience hold conflicting views, honest and respectful conversation and prayer are needed throughout the church.

 

The Council expressed pastoral care and concern for all people.

Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Prayers of thanksgiving for –

Wonderful family reunions.

Family members who come for a visit and do work to help.

Safe travels for family members and friends.

Visitors to church:  (1) Judy and her delightful family, (2) Son-in-law Andy, (3) Mike and Sandy Hudson.

Stevensville’s “Habitat 4 Humanity” house-building update:  Now working on interior work.  This Saturday, November 23^rd, some church folks will be providing lunch for the workers there.

Actively supporting favorite football teams.

Tickets to Mannheim Steamroller concerts.

Christmas trees for sale.

The joy of communities working together for the common good.

Folks who are working together to build a new community center.

Special music of this season.

Our church’s music program.

The “Sharing Tree” program, which was begun in our church, continues again this year.  It is a program which helps to provide Christmas presents for our area’s children in need.  Some 408 children have been identified for this year’s program. 

The mission displays/tables in the fellowship hall this morning – giving people opportunities for extended giving/support.

People who look for ways to make a positive difference in the world.

CONCERNS

Prayers for recovery and healing for the thousands of casualties and millions of people affected by last week’s typhoon in the Philippines.  (Thanks be to God that the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is already in position and beginning disaster relief.)

Prayers for peace in the Middle East – and in all the “four corners” of the world. 

Prayers for our military Veterans. 

Prayers for the family and friends of the military service members who were killed or injured in the line of duty this last week.

Prayers for traveling mercies for those not with us today – and for those who will be traveling soon.

Prayers for healing mercies for (1) Mary L., (2) Claire K., (3) Gini M., (4) Judy F., (5) Ms. Hattie Ann, (6) Bev L.’s brother, (7) Cousin Jennifer, (8) Mary C.’s friend Barbara M., (9) Gail’s friend Dolores, (10) John W.-B. (and his wife Sonja who is supporting him as he waits for medical-test results), (11) Aunt Lynn who has weeks to live (and her family who is rallying to support her and be with her), (12) Judy D.’s son who is in the final stages of dying (13) Sharon W. after surgery, (14) Daughter suffering from an abscessed tooth, (15) Doris K. who fell and broke her back, (16) Dolaras F., (17) for all those suffering with gout and arthritis, (18) Friend Austin who is dealing with appendicitis symptoms, (19) Mary D. (20) All those dealing with cancer, (21) Cousin Jenny who is back on the liver-transplant list, (22) All those waiting on transplant-needed lists, (23) Les S. who is dealing with pain after recent surgeries, (24) All those dealing with mental health issues, their medical teams and their caregivers.

Prayers for lady in our community who is struggling with addictions of various kinds.

Prayers for family and friends of John B.’s son, who died last week.

Prayers for those dealing with the difficulties in life – for wisdom and direction from God:  (1) Ruth C.’s grandson and (2) Son Jarred.

Church Book Club's Selection for December Review

This 4 1/2-minute video provides a glimpse into the book our church book club will be discussing when we next meet on Sunday night, December 8th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Folks are invited to gather in the church parking lot at 5:45 p.m. and carpool to joey diers' home nearby.  It should prove to be a very interesting discussion group gathering.  All are welcome!  (Clicking on the picture above will begin the video.)

Guiding Team Meeting Tonight

The Guiding Team met tonight for its monthly get-together, with nine on hand to share ideas and feedback about the direction the Stevensville UMC is headed.

One aspect of the Guiding Team that is generating a lot of positive response is the format we've adopted for recording an idea, who is taking the lead on the idea and a timeline for results and report.

Praise be to God for folks who willingly and lovingly serve on this Guiding Team!