A Reconciling Congregation having
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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The Christmas season is upon us once again. A season in which there is much thought and concern put into the concept of gifts. Many children (and quite a few adults) focus upon and delight in the anticipation of what gifts they may get during this season. Many of us run from store to store consumed with getting the "right" gifts for all of those on our lists.
So, in the midst of our hurrying, I would like to remind and urge us all to slow down so that we can focus on the most important gift we can receive in this Holy Season. Christmas is God’s gift to us – a gift of light and life, hope and grace, salvation and redemption found in Jesus Christ. This gift is a reflection of God’s concern for the world and God’s desire to heal it and drive away its darkness. The gift of Christmas, therefore, is the one and only gift that gives our lives focus and meaning. We are called to bear Christ’s light as we walk in the light and take the light into our world.
So, here are three thoughts to remember as we take time to reflect and appreciate this wondrous gift of Christmas:
Keep it simple. Jesus was born into some pretty sparse circumstances. Raised by two poor Galileans, he lived a life of humility and simplicity that became a key element of his ministry here on Earth. It’s the simple stuff of life that is important. So, let us keep our holidays simple, so we are free to serve those in need and celebrate with those we love.
Be there. One way we tell our families and friends that we love them is by giving them our focused attention. Attention says, “I value you enough to give you my most precious asset – my time.” When we give someone our time, we’re giving them a portion of our life that we’ll never get back. God showed his love by being there, “in the flesh.” Who needs us to show up in their life with specific attention this year?
Give with delight. Jesus said there’s more happiness in giving than in receiving. We don’t even have to give something away to share it delightfully with others. For instance, we may have a garage full of tools that, as a gift, we make available to our neighbor or an empty vacation spot that we allow other members of our family to use.
May this Christmas season be a holy time as we show up in the lives of others and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is the promise of love fulfilled in Bethlehem, the gift of peace, and the future of hope for us all.
In God’s Love
Pastor Tim
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WORSHIP TIME
We are holding two in-person worship services on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am.
If you are not able to watch the service live on Sunday morning, there are several ways you can watch it later:
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All of our worship services are saved and posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/StPaulsUMC.Point.
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Our worship services are also on YouTube. Just go to our church website – www.stevenspointumc.org and click on "Worship" from the drop-down menu of the "About" tab on the top of the home page. It will take you to our YouTube channel that has a collection of our worship services
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CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Christmas Eve worship services:
10:30 am - Family Worship with the Good News Singers
6:00 pm - Traditional Worship with the Chancel Choir
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If you wish for a donation to count for 2023, have your mail-in donation postmarked no later than December 31st.
If you have any questions regarding deadlines, please contact Ardis Burke at finance@stevenspointumc.org.
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2024 COMMITMENT CARDS
This is a reminder to please turn in your 2024 Commitment Cards. This will help our Accountable Leadership Board in our budgeting process. Extra Commitment Cards are on the welcome center table in the gathering area. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our mission and ministry.
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WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY INVITATION
We welcome every lady of any age to study the book of Hosea with us. Pastor Tim preached a sermon that made us want to dig deeper into the prophet’s life and story, prompting us to explore Hosea’s personal account of his prophetic messages to the children of God and to the world.
Hosea wrote this book to remind the Israelites—and us—that ours is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering. In spite of Israel’s continual turning to false gods, God’s steadfast love is portrayed in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also one of warning to those who would turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor in the themes of sin, judgment, and forgiving love.
Join us each week on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, in the Thomas Coke room. We meet in a hybrid fashion of in person, by phone, and zoom.
The next study will be on Dec. 19. We can’t wait to study with you!
Join us virtually by using the information below:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 927 321 8018
Passcode: 5986234
Dial in:
1-312-626-6799 US (Chicago)
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SENIOR TIME BY SENIORS
Please consider joining this group. They meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 11:00 am. Bag lunch at noon. Discussions are wide ranged. If you have a particular request, we’ll do our best to work it into a session. The next meeting will be on December 19.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals
May your twelve days of Christmas be filled with joy as you and your family celebrate the season together!
Our Twelve Days of Christmas Devotional Cards are a great way to celebrate the Season of Christmas with short readings and conversation starters - they are great for journaling and art prompts too.
The simply illustrated cards are on display and available in the church building's gathering area - pick up a pack for yourself and your family.
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"LET THERE BE LIGHT"
Mark Your Calendars and Join Us!
Intergenerational Advent Experience for All Ages
Worship - Activities - Fellowship
December 20 from 6-7 pm in Fletcher Hall
Simple Supper Served at 5:30 pm
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Our office will be closed the following dates for the holidays:
Monday, December 25
Tuesday, December 26
Monday, January 1st
Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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UPDATED WEBSITE COMING SOON!
Look for a new and refreshed church website coming in the new year! Below are examples of our new landing and ministry pages.
Please note: the website design will evolve as our ministries do, so keep checking back to the website after it's refreshed for new and updated design.
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Every page of our new website will feature a new header design with added animation, new and improved keywords and menu titles, and important info. This header belongs to our Missions Ministry landing page. |
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Our ministry landing pages will lead visitors to each individual ministry page, rather than rely on a large menu selection. This will allow for easier navigation with a more styled design. Four ministry landing pages exist like this: Missions, Worship, Nurture, and Outreach. The grouping of the pages follow the new structure approved by the Accountable Leadership Board. Please note: these are not the only boxes for Missions Ministry. |
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The above picture is an example of what the individual pages will look like, depending on the information and images available for each ministry or group. Individual pages will have their own header image and information, as well as any images available with copy below with more information. |
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WELCOME BACK TO
THE OPEN DOOR BISTRO!
Meals are served in fellowship hall from 5:30-6:00 pm on the first Wednesday of each month through May 1. Brochures listing dates and menus are available at the Information Center in the gathering area. Come to enjoy the fellowship and simple meals. Contacts for questions are Sandy Shave (715-592-4346) or Stephanie White (715-347-0367).
NEXT OPEN DOOR BISTRO – January 3 – Beef Stroganoff
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MONTHLY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Next date: Thursday, January 4 @ 7:00 a.m.
Everyone is invited to gather at 7:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month for a simple breakfast, time of prayer, and a short devotion. We will conclude our time together with open Communion. Our time together will last about 45 minutes to an hour at the most, so it is the perfect way to start your day and the month with prayer.
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GOOD NEWS SINGERS IS RETURNING |
The Good News Singers, our children’s choir for all those from ages 2 through 12 and older, has returned! We are going to sing, play bells, learn to play ukuleles and recorders, and other instruments. We are sure going to have a lot of fun praising God with music and song!
Rehearsals will occur on Sunday mornings from 9:50-10:20 am. For more information please call/text Audra at 262-388-0366 or email her at audraobrien931@gmail.com.
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FLY HIGH
In Twelve Women of the Bible, we will learn about the triumphs and failures of Mary Magdalene, Rebekah, Hannah and nine other women, learning how to: apply biblical lessons to our own modern-day struggles, live through our failures as well as our successes, draw near to God in a world filled with trials, find lasting contentment in every situation and much more. We will discover new insights and be challenged, encouraged, and empowered to face trials in our own lives by drawing nearer to God.
Fly High meets on Fridays at noon, but will not meet again until January. Feel free to bring a sack lunch. Come for a time of learning, laughter and fellowship. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Yvonne Chojnacki at 715/340-9333 or ymchojnacki@gmail.com.
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CHILDREN'S CHAPEL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking to expand our Children's Ministry Team. If you love serving among children, please call or text our Director of Family Ministry, Laura Courtright at 715-340-4523 or email at lauracourtright@gmail.com
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POTLUCK SUNDAYS
Next potluck is on January 21, 2023 after 10:30 am service. Please bring a dish to pass. Sign-up sheets to volunteer are in the Narthex. All are welcome!
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2023 HOLIDAY FEST SUMMARY
Our 27th annual event continues to invite the community into our church and gives back to families in need through our church family’s support of Holiday Baskets. We experienced a decline in attendance and at our luncheon, while the bake sale sold out completely! YOUR contributions and hours of volunteerism created this success! Thank you! Holiday Fest raised $1800 for Holiday Baskets and $5,700 for our Church Facilities Committee to continue achieving the priorities of our church improvement needs.
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MEET & GREET
Hosts & Hostesses needed for after 10:30 service! Treats are welcomed!
Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex.
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES
You can give by one of the following:
1. You can mail your check to the church office at 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, WI 54481
2. You can use ACH. If you don’t have that set up & would like to, please contact the church office (715/344-3557) and we will help you with that or email us at finance@stevenspointumc.org.
3. You can use Bill Pay through your bank. This is a free service through your bank. They draw the money from your bank account and send the church a check as you direct them to, whether that be weekly or monthly. This way would save you on postage.
4. You can go to our website www.stevenspointumc.org and there is a button that says “Donate”. That will take you through the steps to use your credit or debit card. If you continue down on that page, you can also text on your phone to give.
Our Director of Finance is Ardis Burke. If you have any questions or problems, please let us know at finance@stevenspointumc.org or 715/344-3557.
PLEASE NOTE: Ardis’ office hours will be Monday and Wednesday 11:00am – 2:00 pm.
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LOOSE COINS
The Loose Coin Offering for December goes toward mission support. The money collected will help our missions reach as many people as possible. Be sure to label your envelope so your coins/currency will be deposited into the correct account. If you are submitting a check, please write "Mission Support" in the memo portion of the check. Thank you for supporting this important ministry.
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NEEDED: Would you like to recycle your empty prescription bottles to a good cause? Just rinse and remove labels and deposit them in the box in front of the office. Ghana Clinic LOVES them!
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VISITATION
One of the responsibilities, among many, that I take very seriously as a pastor is visitation. I consider it a sacred time to visit someone in the hospital, nursing home, or in their own home. It is time where I can get to know someone better and really talk about spiritual issues one on one.
Please let me know if you have gone into the hospital, are in need of a home visit, or what your specific needs are that I can help you with. I’m also willing to bring communion to any of my visits.
I want you all to know that I am here for you. If you are struggling, need to talk, or have any need whatsoever for a pastoral visit please call me on my cell phone (262-388-4635), at the office (715-344-3557), e-mail me (tobrien@stevenspointumc.org) write me a note (600 Wilshire Blvd), or mark that you would like a visit on one of the attendance cards in the pew on Sunday morning.
I will continue to make visitation my top priority and continue to respond to every request as quickly as possible. It is an honor to be here as your pastor and I’m committed to being here for you as a pastoral presence representing the Good News of Jesus Christ that gives us hope and heals us all.
Pastor Tim
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REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
TEAM UPDATE
Our Refugee Resettlement Team, which is a combined team of our congregation with Good Shepherd Lutheran church and members of our community, is continuing to work with the Bipendu family who are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It continues to be a busy time as they are active in school, getting jobs, and learning about our community. We continue to support them on their journey of being independent.
It has also been a joy to welcome them into our church family as they worship with us and get involved in the life of our church community. If you haven’t introduced yourself to them yet, please take time of Sunday to let them know who you are. We made sure they all have nametags so you can call them by name.
We will continue to work with the family in our six areas:
• Housing and welcome
• Transportation
• Health
• Education
• Cultural adjustment
• Jobs and finance
Our resource room which is open to all the refugee families in our community is running really low on cleaning supplies and personal care items that are needed by our many families who are now in our area. The list of items is included in this issue of the newsletter. Please drop off any items in room D/E in the Discovery Zone.
This has been an amazing ministry of extending the hospitality, grace, and light of God’s love and hope to those most in need. However, we could always use more help with our family and other families who are moving into our area, so if you are interested please talk with Pastor Tim or Mary Schultz who are the team coordinators. If you would like to make a financial contribution to support our refugee family that would be appreciated. Please put Refugee Help on the memo line of your check. Please continue to pray for all the refugee families in our area who are working hard to adjust and make a new life in our community.
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ITEMS NEEDED FOR REFUGEE FAMILIES
Please bring items to Rooms D/E in the Discovery Zone and place on tables in front of the table signs.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Ethnic shampoo/Ethnic conditioner- for our African families
Body Wash for shower
Hand Soap
Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Dryer Sheets (Not bleach dryer sheets)
Dish Soap
Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towel
Toilet Paper
Diapers- size 4
Baby Wipes
Pillows
Twin Sheets
Plastic Bags (garbage/food size)
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KWIK TRIP CARDS
Our fundraising program will be changed. Kwik Trip is selling a new Grocery Only, used in the store card that will give us 15% back for Holiday Baskets.
Regular and Fuel Only cards will still be offered at 5% profit for us. You can continue to use your gas card in the store also.
If you normally buy grocery or snack items at Kwik Trip, we suggest you buy the Grocery Only as we will raise money faster for Holiday Baskets. Thank you for helping us with this mission. As always, you receive 100% of your purchased card to spend.
We are grateful for church members who have purchased Gas Only cards for people in need in our community who come to our church for help. You can buy a $10 card to help others by giving that money to Yvonne in the office or Cathy. Then the cards are ordered.
You may purchase your Gas or Grocery cards in the office or contact Cathy Martin, 715-340-8426 or jcmartin@charter.net for assistance.
Thank you for your giving.
Helping others on a mission,
Mary Martha Circle
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FUEL ONLY GAS CARDS
We give $10 gas cards to people who need help getting to a doctor’s appointment, job interview, etc. If you would like to donate toward gas cards that are given to those in need, please write “Gas Cards” in the memo section of your check payable to “UMC.”
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ONE BIG TENT
“Connecting the church to the community through the love of God”
One Big Tent, our joint ministry of area congregations reaching out to our neighbors in need, continues to grow as we are helping more people out of our offices (1039b B Ellis St.) in downtown Stevens Point.
A few weeks ago we released a statement which you can read our public Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StPaulsUMC.Point which outlines the next stage of our growth. We are looking for a site on which to found our Community Hub Welcome Center.
The Community Hub Welcome Center program goals are:
- To be a “one-stop” welcoming hub for those in crisis; triage immediate trauma by meeting the basic human needs.
- To be a people-centered welcoming hub for ongoing case management and services, in collaboration with local partners, programs, and organizations.
- To enhance existing systems where and when gaps become apparent or are already missing.
- To create additional emergency housing slots, develop a slate of transitional living locations and create options on long-term housing; ultimate outcome - individual, family and community stability.
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This is a bold vision but it is one we need to take if we are going to deal with the crisis that so many of our neighbors are experiencing.
I would like to ask for your continued support of this important ministry in our community in the following ways.
- Please pray for those in need as we work with them and for the companions and clergy who give their time to help find solutions.
- Consider if you would like to be a companion talking with and working with people to help them. We offer training and only ask people to volunteer for a 3-4 hour shift once a week. Also, we pair you with a clergy person who is there to support you. For example, I (Pastor Tim) volunteer every Wednesday with a member from Beloved Community from 8:00 am to noon. If you are interested, please talk with Pastor Tim.
- Consider being a member of our One Big Tent Board as a representative of our congregation helping to guide our organization. This board meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:15 pm here at our church.
- When it is appropriate, we do provide financial support to help with rent assistance, car repair, buying medicines, etc. We work with people to identify what they can contribute and we make up the difference with what they owe. We could use your financial support to help us meet these needs. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please make the check out to our church and put, “One Big Tent” in the memo line.
Thank you for your prayerful and generous support of this important ministry to make God’s love real to all our neighbors.
Pastor Tim
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BROWN PAPER BAGS
Operation Bootstrap is in need of brown paper bags. If you have any you would like to donate, please bring them to the church and place in the south coatroom. If you have any questions, please call the church office (715/344-3557).
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WAYS TO HELP
We are all looking for ways to share God's love. Here are some samples of things you can do:
Interfaith Food Pantry – We have the grocery cart in between the entrance doors on the south side (school side), Monday through Thursday, 9am-3pm. Here is a list of their urgent needs: Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Call church people or neighbors – Just a friendly phone call can make someone’s day.
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St. Paul’s-The Springs UMC
600 Wilshire Blvd
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715/344-3557)
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Campus Ministry - UWSP
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715/340-4523)
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