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UMW is having their annual Cookie & Candy Cafe on Saturday, Dec. 9. It will run from 9:00 am 'til noon. Cookies will be $6.50 per pound with candy priced $8.00 per pound. We will also offer quick breads, bagged snacks, and cookie mixes.
We will accept donations of baked goods from anyone -- you don't have to be a member of UMW. Dianna Massie is heading up this event and will need help setting up and during the sale. Talk to her if you can assist.
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Special Events from the Worship Team
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Advent is upon us and we are looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. There are several special events happening during Advent.
On December 17th, the Lowman Ensemble will sing a mini program at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. The Lowman children will lead us in the Everybody Christmas Pageant which will be presented during worship that morning. We hope that all in attendance will participate in the story of Jesus' birth.
On December 24th, we will have our normal 10:15 am worship service. We will have a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 10:00 pm.
The Chancel Choir will sing at both services. The Candlelight Christmas Eve service will also include special music and the Bell Choir. Please join us for one or both of these services.
Other News
The Saturday afternoon service is held at 4:00 pm each week. Sharon McGuire has served many years as the piano accompanist for this service. We would like to thank her for dedication and time. Sharon has asked that we begin looking for another person to take over for her so that she can spend more time with her family. If you have an interest in playing for the Saturday service or know of someone who might like to share his/her talents, please contact Tony Hazen or Wendy Smith.
The choir is still looking for singers.....especially, a bass! If you have an interest in joining our wonderful choir or know of someone who might like to sing, please give Jeannie Gish or Wendy Smith a call. We love to have new singers!
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The Lowman Women's Ensemble will present a short concert of Christmas music at
10:00 am on
Sunday, Dec. 17
prior to the worship service.
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Conversations with Crestview
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As part of moving forward with the uniting conversation with Crestview UMC, we had to choose members of the Lowman UMC congregation to represent the voice of the congregation. Each member of the Administrative Board selected six names to submit to Pastor Tony. There were 30 name submitted, and each of those names were then given to the Administrative Board members who each selected six names from the overall list. After several votes to break ties, the following members were selected to represent Lowman UMC in the upcoming conversations. We ask that you keep these folks in prayer in this new responsibility.
Representing Lowman:
Robert Maxwell
Jana Tenbrink
Patrick Schultes
Jackie Howard
Diane Schafer
Dick Shermoen
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Christmas provides a unique opportunity each year for us all to re-focus. Not only are we reminded of the awe-inspiring, world-changing, life-altering gift that is Jesus, but we are also reminded of our need for Jesus to heal the brokenness that keeps us from a full and complete relationship with God. And seeing that need is the reason God sent Jesus to us-to bring peace between us and God. For what other reason would the voices of angels be heard proclaiming
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
As a new year approaches, I am challenging myself and also sending a request to you, as the church, to continue the work of impacting the world for good through your care and concern for each other and also for the stranger. So many people are in need of compassion and love, and we, as the church, are God's avenue to reach out to those who hurt and those who seek to find purpose in life.
It has been inspiring for me to see the many ways Lowman UMC folks continue to reach out and to keep seeking new ways to reach others for Christ. We need to be people of prayer, faith, and compassion. We need to love each other and love God above all else. Each year we find ways to buy Christmas gifts for one another; let me toss out this little question - What gift will you give Jesus? I mean, after all, it is his birthday.
May the peace that came down that first Christmas continue to abide in you, and may looking forward to the new year be done with excitement and great expectation.
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We're Grateful for You, Pat
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Pat Clark is officially retiring as the Treasurer of Lowman United Methodist Church on December 31, 2017. After holding this important office for 11 years as Lowman's first female treasurer, it is time for a well-deserved rest. From shopping for the best interest rates on CD's to signing checks, Pat has cheerfully completed her work with the Lord in mind.
Thank you, Pat, for all you've done
for Lowman UMC!
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Doorstep Corner
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Doorstep adopts 250 households for Christmas; this includes over 700 individuals within those households. Doorstep provides Christmas for them all! Lowman is collecting gifts through Sunday, December 10. We will take items to Doorstep that afternoon. Families will shop on December 13 and 14 at the First Nazarene Church across the street from Doorstep.
Especially needed this year are winter clothing for youth and teens and pajamas sizes 6-16 for boys and girls. No stuffed animals, please. The full list of needed items is on the church bulletin board and on the hallway tables. ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW. Thank you for helping!
Susan Venis
Doorstep Coordinator
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In honor of Eula Mae Cowell's 90th birthday on December 23, her daughters are asking for a card shower. You can send your good wishes to:
Eula Mae Cowell
7220 SW Asbury W-118
Topeka, KS 66614
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On October 30 we served lunch at Let's Help. Twelve Lowman volunteers served 332 people. The volunteers put in 50.25 hours that day. In 2017 we served 1,030 people using 138.75 hours of volunteer time. Thanks to all who participated in some way, especially our new volunteers Rosie Cooper, Joanie Thode, and Cooper Canfield, Susan Vargas' grandson.
Sharon McGuire, Let's Help Coordinator
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All crafters are invited for a lunch meeting on Saturday, January 13 at noon. Bring a sack lunch and join us. Our agenda will include
- a review of our 2017 craft sale
- the impact of advertising
- plans for 2018
- project ideas
- meeting dates
- potential workshops
Contact Connie Lummis at 272-8137 for more information.
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It's easy to deduce that holidays are taxing-taxing on your energy and the last month for tax deductions! If you choose to save your energy by shopping Amazon, please use Amazon Smiles and choose Lowman UMC as your charity.
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Lowman United Methodist Church celebrated the 35th anniversary of our sanctuary. While it is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection. As our facility ages, we must look at the condition of this area as well as what is needed to bring it up-to-date. The sanctuary update will include replacing the carpet and pew fabric, improving the sound system and developing an area for the technology persons to operate more efficiently. Our heating and cooling systems will also need to be repaired or replaced. A major project means major expenses and the church needs a way to pay for them without incurring additional debt.
We have chosen to use a "Blessings Tree" as a fundraiser for our sanctuary project.
The area on the south wall next to the chapel has been chosen as the location for our tree. The trunk of the tree will be placed at the base of the wall with personalized leaves added to complete the tree. This is a "growing tree" since additional branches can be added and the program can continue indefinitely.
We invite you to participate in our Blessings Tree by donating a leaf or stone to be engraved with your special message of remembrance or congratulations All donations will be used for sanctuary projects.
The basic tree has been donated by the Lowman Memorials Committee in memory of loved ones.
You may choose to give a leaf for $250 or a foundation stone for $2,5000.
An example of the engraving:
In memory of my beloved son
Jason Samuel Richards
Charlotte Marcia Richards
December 31, 2001
Call or stop by the church to pick up a form with more information or to leave your inscription. May checks payable to Lowman United Methodist Church.
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Lowman Singles' Potluck Dinner
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Lowman Singles will meet at the club house of the Rose Hill complex (3600 SW Gage # 97) on Friday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 pm for a potluck dinner.
Angela Hartness is our host and will provide lasagna and bread sticks. Please bring a dessert, salad or vegetable dish.
All singles ages 18 and over are welcome. Call the church office at 272-8921 for more information.
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United Methodist Women's News
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UMW Calendar
Dec. 6 UMW Executive 10:30 am
Dec. 19 Circle at Arbor Ct. 2:00 pm
Dec. 19 Circle at Susan's home 7:00 pm
Who are United Methodist Women?
Last month we learned about the Purpose, Mission Initiatives and Focus of United Methodist Women. This month we'll learn how UMW supports those goals. In other words: where does the money come from and where does the money go?
The Five Channels of Mission Giving
Pledge to Mission
This is the biggest line item in the budget of every local unit of UMW. Every year in the fall, members of circles and members at large are asked to prayerfully consider and make a Pledge to Mission for the coming year. After pledges are made, the unit treasurer notifies the District UMW (Topeka District for Lowman) of our Pledge to Mission for the coming year. District UMW makes a Pledge to the Conference UMW (Great Plains Conference) and so on up the tree through Jurisdiction (South Central) and on to National. Pledge to Mission money goes to support International Projects, National Mission Institutions, and Call to Prayer Grants.
Some members don't make a pledge but put money in the pledge basket at circle meetings. That money goes to Mission. Sometimes members put a little extra in the pledge basket. That money goes to mission, too. Every penny pledged for mission goes to mission. Pennies for Mission, a coin offering, is also collected at circle meetings. This money, likewise, goes to Mission.
Special Mission Recognition
An individual, circle or unit can recognize a faithful worker in mission by giving her or him a special Mission Recognition pin.
Gift to Mission
Send a Gift of Mission card. Cards are available for Peace, Thank You, Congratulations, Thinking of You, A Special Day, A New Baby, In the Service of Christ, Birthday and Christmas. Ask your treasurer.
Gift in Memory
A Gift in Memory card represents a Gift to Mission through United Methodist Women and makes additional mission work possible throughout the United States and the world. Ask your treasurer.
World Thank Offering
The World Thank Offering has been collected by United Methodist Women for almost 150 years. Celebrate and mark God's blessings in your life and the lives of those around you by saving coins or bills all year and giving your World Thank Offering during the Annual World Thank Offering service. There are boxes available for your World Thank Offering savings - just ask your treasurer. This offering is collected at the November meetings.
Additional Mission Giving
Call to Prayer and Self Denial is collected every March. This supports our Mission Initiatives and Focus through Call to Prayer grants.
Next month: Administratve Expenses and Local Mission.
Interested in Joining or Learning More?
Ask any UMW member or:
Mary Haller, President
Barbara McClain, Vice President
Anne Abbo, Treasurer
Judy Hower, Spiritual Growth
Nancy Shermoen or Margaret Jantzen, afternoon Circle Co-Chairs
Anne Abbo or Susan Vargas, evening Circle Co-Chairs
The church office can help you connect
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Like us on Facebook.
We're at
"Lowman United
Methodist Church."
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An Easy Way to Give
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Dillon's divides up $500,000 quarterly to the charity organizations selected by reward card members. Go to Dillons.com, select account update, scroll down to Community Rewards, and select Lowman United Methodist Church as your charity. Every time you use your shopper reward card with your purchase, Lowman will receive a bigger share of the $500,000. Isn't that easy'?
* * * * *
If you want to make your actual dollar giving easier, sign up for ACH. Ask the Square team at the visitors' desk how easy it is!
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Thank You Notes
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This is a long belated thank you for your donation of several cases of bottled water to our program. We very much appreciate your thoughtfulness and Christian sharing. Since 1978 Breakthrough House has worked to meet the needs of the severe and persistently mentally ill. Our survival over the years has in large part depended upon the ongoing support of the Topeka community. Thank you for your donation.
Jim Mosbacher, Clubhouse Director
The crafters of Lowman appreciate your support and purchases of our products. We had a very successful sale, making $1,682 for Mission Shares.
Dianna Massie & others
Nine dozen eggs, 35 pounds of flour, 10 chickens, 10 gallons of green beans, 4 onions, 2 pounds of bacon, 12 hours of noodle-rolling and 2.5 hours of "chicken pickin'": that's the recipe for a very successful chicken noodle dinner that was served on November 5. Lowman will receive a credit of a little over $1,000 for JUMP. A round of applause to those who donated items and supported the event.
Liz Gragg
Thank you for the Longhorn gift card. It is our favorite restaurant in Topeka. It is a privilege to work for a congregation that keeps its staff well fed.
Laura Ericson, Financial Secretary
Thank you for the gift card to Longhorn Steakhouse. My husband and I will enjoy a delicious dinner there soon. You are the best people to work for and with!
Debbie Culley, Office Administrator
Thank you to the Lowman Singles who prepared and served the turkey, dressing, potatoes, and gravy for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Liz Gragg, Fellowship Chair
(If helping in the kitchen is something you think you want to do occasionally, give the church office a call. A lot of friendships are cooked up in the kitchen!)
I would like to thank everyone who helped to decorate our church for Advent. It looks beautiful! We couldn't have done it without all of you.
Wendy Smith, Worship Team Chair
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Money Matters
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Received Budget Actual Expenses
Oct.
$ 25,764 $ 25,329 $ 22,325
YTD
$ 219,298 $304,000
$ 232,006
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Prayer Concerns
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- Kay Farley--health concern
- Jan Walker--health concern
- Julie Schalansky's leukemia has returned.
- Ruu & Ginger Chang--health concerns
- Margaret Jantzen's sister Sandy
- Wright family on the death of Lauri's mother
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Prayer List Policy
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Our policy is to list names on the prayer list for 3 weeks. If you let the office know, your name can be listed for an additional 3 weeks.
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Lowman's December calendar is posted on our website under
events at www.lowmanumc.org
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Opening the church: Robert Maxwell
Greeters:
Carla Hazen
April Hazen-Shafer
Liturgists
Dec. 3 Patty Bottorff
Dec. 10 Dick Shermoen
Dec. 17 Jan Maxwell
Dec. 24 Carla Hazen
Dec. 31 Susan Vargas
Children's Message by
Dec. 3 Jackie Howard
Dec. 10 Tony Hazen
Dec. 17 Susan Vargas
Dec. 24 Carla Hazen
Dec. 31 Jackie Howard
Stephen Ministry Visitation
Nov. 27 - Dec. 3 Carol Babcock
Dec. 4 - Dec. 10 Carol Babcock
Dec. 11 - Dec. 17 Mary Haller
Dec. 18 - Dec. 24 Susan Conrade
Dec. 25 - Dec. 31 Margaret Jantzen
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Lowman Ministry Teams Meeting Schedule
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Second Sunday of each month
11:45 am Trustees-odd #'d months
Worship Team-even #'d months
12:45 pm SPRC
Children & Family Ministry Team
1:45 pm Finance Team
Evangelism
-Mission Team
odd #'d
2:45 pm Stewardship Team
3:45 pm Church Council
Third Sunday of odd #'d months
11:45 a
m Technology
/Communication
Team
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| Become Part of Our Family |
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Would you like to become a member of Lowman United Methodist Church? We'd love to have you join our family! Call the church office at 272-8921 to visit with Pastor Tony.
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| Stop Mailbox Overload |
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Your Lowman newsletter is now available by email as you can see. Save our church time and money and keep the earth greener with fewer trees cut down as you go paperless. Email us at
[email protected]
if you'd like us to stop sending you duplicate issues by snail mail.
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| Please let us know if your email address changes so you will continue to receive the New Horizon. |
| Visit us in person at 4101 SW 15th (15th & Gage) Topeka, KS 66604
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Senior Pastor
Debbie Culley
Office Administrator
Financial Secretary
Jeanne Wright
Nursery Staff
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