CSUMC e-News                               January 2016  
From Pastor Steve
We have just experienced several Holy times during Advent and Christmas.  There were amazing times in service to the community, like the dinner for seniors in the community that we did along with the Rotary, and the gifts shared with smiling children and grateful adults; like the quiet healing during the Blue Christmas service, the wonderful cast telling ‘the story’ in the Pageant – “ The Three Wise Dudes”, and always the beauty and joy of Christmas Eve services.

You are a sharing and caring congregation.  Thanks for all who worked diligently to make it a meaningful Advent and Christmas time for all those who attended these spirit filled events.

Now, we have a New Year and new opportunities to serve Christ who has come to be among the people.  Howard Thurman puts it before us in dramatic words.      

The Work of Christmas
 When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.

(by Dr. Howard Thurman, a civil rights leader, theologian and dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University.)

I am delighted to be your pastor in this time.  As we follow Christ into the New Year, I look forward to conversations and prayers together, as well as our ministry within the congregation and out in the communities. 
January 2016 Schedule
9:00 a.m.-Worship in a more contemporary style, concluding so that all may attend Sunday’sCool which follows.

9:45 a.m.-Sunday’sCool for all children, youth and adults. 

Sunday morning Bible study and discussion with Rev. Steve in the Lounge at 9:50 a.m.  We will look at a passage of scripture and talk about its place in the Bible account and its meaning for our lives today.  You are welcome to read and/or study the verses, but this is not necessary.  All will benefit from our prayer and conversation about God through each part of Holy Scripture.
 
11:00 a.m.-Worship in a more traditional style
There are snacks, coffee, and fellowship in GRACE Center following each worship time.

A schedule for January can be found here.  


CSUMC Food Pantry

December was a great month for both the Kids Pantry and Backpack Programs!

We provided 68 backpacks in Dec. along with providing food to over 30 people out of the Kids Pantry. Thank you to Girl Scout Troop # 40936 for their help this month!  Two members helped pack food.  

Also thank you to members of the congregation that helped provide food and gifts for 5 area families! Those gifts of love really helped to bring Christmas cheer to families in need. 

Food shortages for the upcoming month include tuna fish, peanut butter and also cereal. Donations any food items will be greatly appreciated!

Sandy- 315-521-2201

Dan -315-521-3373   

This National Geographic article illustrates the growing need for Community Food Cupboards. 
The Balance of Sabbath Group Study

Bring your Bible and something to write on.  There is no book required for each person.  You are invited to bring resources you have found helpful.  Each session will be about one hour.  We will meet Jan 5, 12 and 19th at 1:00 p.m. in the Church Library.  All are welcome! E-mail Pastor Steve with questions. 
CSUMC Library

The books on the shelves in the Grace Center have been changed!  Many of the books in the new collection feature “Prayer”.  Some of the titles are “How to Hear From God” by Joyce Meyer; “Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore; “The Incredible Power of Prayer” by Roger Morneau; “The Power of Praying Together” by Stormie Omartian; “The Power of Simple Prayer” by Joyce Meyer, and others. 

In fiction there are books by Beverly Lewis, the author of many Amish stories including “The Revelation”, “The Sacrifice” and “The Confession”. 

If you are a reader of “Cup of Soup” books there is “A Cup of Soup for the Christian Soul”.

. 
2nd Milers Meetings

We will be meeting on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the sanctuary to do light housekeeping tasks.  All are welcome to join us.  . 
Youth Lock In
Coming Soon

Mark your calendars, on January 22 at 8 pm until January 23 at 8 am we will be having a cross-denominational youth lock in at the Grace Center.  All church youth from grades 5 to 12 will be welcome to attend.  We are thrilled to offer this to seven area churches to participate! We are looking forward to a great time for all! Only requirement is to bring a snack to pass.  Pizza, soda and popcorn will be provided. We will watch movies, play games, and sing a little karaoke for those who dare. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow and come in comfy clothes.  We hope to make this an annual tradition!

Sew Sisters 2016

All women are invited to join the Sew Sisters – updated time & date to be announced at church.  We will be preparing an early Christmas project - a Flying Geese Advent Calendar.  This project can be done in non-Holiday fabrics for a wall hanging to be enjoyed year round.  Each of the 12 Flying Geese blocks is created by sewing just one seam; come see how easy this is!  Bring your usual quilting supplies and if you want to use your own fabrics, bring approximately ½ yard each of background fabric and two coordinating fabrics for the geese and borders.   Also, there is a lot of fabric that has been donated to the Sew Sisters for our projects, so feel free to use our supplies.  Please RSVP by Thursday, January 14 to to Heidi.
CSUMC Update

We are updating our household registry and ask everyone to complete this form. Thank you for your time!
Clifton Springs United Methodist Church 
csumc.com
                                                    Clifton Springs, NY 14432                                                
Welcome Home.