204 S. Ninth St. Columbia, MO 65201-4818 573-443-3111 www.moumc.org Dec.

14, 2017 Volume 30, Number 48

Worship Looking Ahead

Services
Four unique
worship
Sunday, Dec. 17: Help deliver
poinsettias to homebound community
following the service.
N DE
Sunday, Dec. 17: Youth Christmas

R
opportunities Party 5pm
are offered on Wednesday, Dec. 20: Travelers Sunday mornings Travelers
Sunday. Christmas Service at 7pm in the at 8am, 9:15am Christmas Service
and 10:30am Dec. 20 7pm
Sanctuary Christmas Eve Worship
8am Thursday, Dec. 21: Acolyte Training 10am 5pm 7pm
www.moumc.org
McMurry for Christmas Eve 5-6:30pm an advent sermon series
9pm 11pm

Chapel Sunday, Dec. 24: Blended Morning

Informal worship Worship at 10am
with a personal Evening Worship Grace Entered Costly Gifts
touch. Sharing Gravity By Fred Leist, Lead Pastor
prayer concerns 5pm Family-oriented One of the captivating stories of Christmas is that of
is welcomed. 7pm Carols & Candlelight the magi who came to pay homage to the infant Jesus.
9pm Carols & Candlelight Tradition tells us that they came bearing gifts of gold,
9:15am 11pm Communion frankincense and myrrh.
A special Christmas Eve offering will be
Sanctuary I am impressed by their gifts, but there is another
collected for Wilkes Blvd. UMC and their
Contemporary unspoken gift. These magi traveled a great distance, over
unique ministries serving the unsheltered
worship that difficult and sometimes dangerous terrain. It seems to
community.
includes a me that their greatest sacrifice and most costly gift was
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 25-26: Church
childrens time, the journey itself and their determination to see what lay
Office closed for Christmas
Praise Band. beneath that star in the sky. The greater gift was their
Jan. 28-Feb. 11: MUMC hosts Room at
desire to meet this holy child.
the Inn
10:30am Jan. 7: Donut Sunday in Cornerstone I want to invite you to consider some costly gifts you
Sanctuary Coffee Shop and MUMC Blood Drive in can give to those around you this Advent/Christmas
Traditional the Atrium 8:30am-12:30pm season. They are costly, not because of any monetary
worship with Feb. 16-17: Dr. Shelly Moorman- expenditure, but because they involve a sacrifice. These
music from the Stahlman Organ Workshop at 7pm gifts cant be found at any department store. They
choir. Lebanon Valley College organist and cant be purchased online. They involve the gifts of our
professor of music (Adult $10/Student $5) time, our understanding, our kindness. Here are some
7pm April 21: Columbia Community Band suggestions that I hope will fuel your own imagination for
Cornerstone at 7pm (Adult $10/Student $5) giving some truly valuable gifts this Christmas.
Coffee Shop
Contemporary
Winter Break for Youth Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, I
love you.
NO MUMY events due to holiday break
worship led Dec. 20 (Wednesday), Dec. 24 (Sunday), Give something awayanonymously.
by the Ignite Dec. 27 (Wednesday), Dec. 31 (Sunday):
College Age Forgive someone who has treated you wrong.
Sign Up to Receive MUMY Texts - We
Ministry Team. will begin using an app called Turn away wrath with a soft answer.
Remind. We will use it to send Visit someone in a nursing home or care facility.
you details 2-3 hours before
Apologize if you were wrong.
each time we meet. You can
use the app or receive texts. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work.
You can sign up by sending a Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation,
text @23f7ae to 810-10. or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy.
Christmas Eve Hospitality
On Christmas Eve we host a hospitality room between our
four services for those who participate in leading worship.
If youd like to share a dish or dessert, please use the
communication card to indicate what youll bring. Food
does not go to waste; at the end of the night it is given to
Room at the Inn.
Christmas Eve Nursery
Volunteers
The nursery is in need of volunteers on Christmas Eve
at the 5pm and 7pm services. Must be Safe Sanctuary
certified. Please email Gabriella Miller at gabriella@
moumc.org.
Christmas Eve Golf Cart Drivers
Help us show hospitality on Christmas Eve at any of the
four evening serivces. Contact Jo at 443-3111 or jo@
moumc.org.
MUMC Childrens Ministry
Childrens ministry is always in need of Sunday school
teachers. Sign up online at: https://goo.gl/mAkhjD
Hospital Calls/Pastoral Visits
Hospitals do not inform churches/pastors when a
parishioner is admitted. That practice was discontinued
as a consequence of HIPAA legislation. Therefore, we ask
that you alert the church office when you are admitted to
a hospital, when you will have a scheduled hospital stay or
when you would like to receive a pastoral visit. The same
would hold true when you learn of someone else in our
church family experiencing health and/or life challenges.
Your pastoral staff wants to walk with you and remind you
of Gods love and grace at such times. Someone is available
throughout the week to make hospital calls and pastoral
visits. After hours, you can email or leave a voice mail at
443-3111 that we can pick up the next work weekday.
MUMC Men Connect with Santa
Rosa Group Sign Up for 2018 Altar Flowers
Once again, for 2018, the entire church family is invited
Last week the MUMC Mens group visited with members of
the Mens group from Santa Rosa First United Methodist
Church in Santa Rosa, CA. As the first meeting in an
ongoing dialogue, the groups shared their common
ministry efforts, including helping homeless in our
communities and working within our churches. We also
learned about Santa Rosas experiences during the recent
wildfires that claimed many members homes. For several
days during the fires, their church was a hub for displaced
families and emergency workers. Both mens groups
enjoyed the interaction and intend to meet regularly
in 2018. Come join us! There are morning groups and
a Wednesday night group that meet weekly. For more
information, contact Wade Sanders at sws1951col@gmail.
com or 573-256-9885.
2 MISSOURI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Christmas Eve Adult Bible
Study
Adult Bible Study Sunday School will meet at 9am on Dec.
24 in room CLC 107/109. That is a 15 minutes earlier start
time so people may attend morning worship at 10. We will
be studying Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the Magi. All are
welcome.
Want to Tutor Middle Schoolers?
Linked to Learn tutoring for Jeff Middle students has
begun every Wednesday at MUMC (To volunteer, email Kim
Parker, Pastor of New Generations at parker@moumc.org.)
Next Donut Sunday: Jan. 7
Want to Serve at Loaves & Fishes?
Missouri UMC forms teams to serve at Loaves and Fishes
the second Saturday of every month. These volunteers
help prepare and serve a warm meal, and are encouraged
to spend time getting to know the guests. Loaves and
Fishes, located at Wilkes Boulevard UMC, is a ministry
that provides a nutritious meal for the people of our
community. The impact of this ministry is far reaching, as
100-120 meal servings are provided every night. To lend a
hand drop us an email at contact.us@moumc.org.
to join us in ministry by providing altar flowers for our
morning worship services. What a blessing it is to have
fresh flowers on the altar, and then to know that those
flowers will be shared with our shut-
ins, to brighten their days! Beginning
this weekend, you will see a signup
chart in the Connector where you
can indicate the Sunday you want
to provide one of two sets of altar
flowers used each Sunday. Each set of
two vases/arrangements costs $40.
If you cannot attend church to sign
up in person, please contact Adriene
Floyd or Laura Bentley at 443-3111.
Dec. 14, 2017 - Vol. 30, No. 48
 growing
DEEPLY
a daily scripture guide
Week of December 1823
MONDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Who is Important? Who is Worthy?
The first to hear the news of the birth of Christ were shepherds. Shepherds were on
the low end of the social structure, yet they were first to hear the good news.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the reality that God sees no social structure. All are
important in the eyes of God.
TUESDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Unexpected Blessing
Every part of the story of the birth of Christ is unexpected. Realizing this, it should
be no surprise that such wonderful news should come in such an unexpected way.
REFLECTION: Consider the arrival of this wonderful news. Reflect on a time when
you received a blessing that was unexpected or from an unexpected source.
WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Choices
The shepherds had several choices. They could have ignored the news assuming
that such a thing could never have really happened. They could accept what
had happened as reality. They could ignore the invitation or they could see for
themselves.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the choices of the shepherds and what inspired them to see
for themselves.
THURSDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Good News is Meant to be Shared
According to Scripture, the shepherds did go and see, then they immediately shared
the news.
CONSIDER: Consider the news that you share with others. What makes news worthy
of sharing?
FRIDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Responses
Scripture says that the response of the shepherds was immediate. The good news of
Gods love is meant to be shared with everyone.
CONSIDER: Consider the thought that we have a choice regarding our responses to
Gods love. How do you respond to the gift of Christ?
SATURDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Heart and Mind
Mary was amazed at all that was happening to her and around her. Verse 19 reminds
us that she kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. We
too are to keep these things in our hearts and minds.
PRAYER: We thank you God for reminders of the wonders of Christmas. We thank
you for your message that all are welcome into your family and that all receive your
love. Help us to keep the wonders of Christmas in our hearts and minds throughout
the year.
SUNDAY
SERMON
Wonder: Christmas Through the Eyes of the
Shepherds - December 17th
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 (NLT)
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks
of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance
of the Lords glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured
them. Dont be afraid! he said. I bring you good news that will bring great
joy to all people. The Savioryes, the Messiah, the Lordhas been born today in
Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find
a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of othersthe armies of heaven
praising God and saying,
Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Lets
go to Bethlehem! Lets see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told
us about.
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby,
lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had
happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard
the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart
and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying
and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told
them.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My Notes:
Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.
Missouri United Methodist Church Periodical
204 S. Ninth St. Postage
Columbia, MO 65201-4899 PAID
Columbia, MO
573-443-3111 USPS No. 355460

We exist to connect all people with Jesus Christ.

We do this by welcoming enthusiastically, growing deeply and serving courageously. /MissouriUMC

Guest Wi-Fi: MUMC - Guest (Password: password)

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-noon, 1-4:30pm

Confirmation Date is TBA This Sunday at MUMC

Confirmation will begin in mid-late January, led by Rev.
Kim Parker along with MUMC clergy, for our seventh Spread Holiday Cheer
graders and older. Watch this newsletter for more details. Help deliver poinsettias to homebound community
following the service.

20s & 30s Christmas Celebration Jeff Middle Wish Tree

The Jefferson Middle School wish list Christmas tree will
All those in their 20s and 30s are welcome! Snacks and
dessert will be provided in the Atrium on Thursday, Dec. be up in the Connector for the next three weeks. Please
14 at 6:30pm. stop by and take an ornament or two. Please return your
items (unwrapped) to the church office (or to the greeter
in the Connector on Sunday mornings) by Jan. 14.
Christmas Eve Ushers &
2018 Altar Flower Signup
Greeters Beginning this weekend, you will see a signup chart in the
Share your hospitality with our guests during the Connector where you can indicate the Sunday you want to
Christmas Eve services. Contact Pastor Charity at charity@ provide one of two sets of altar flowers used each Sunday.
moumc.org and let her know which service you would like
to serve our guests. Poinsettia Dedications
The dedication insert will be in this Sundays bulletin and

Advent Calendars also available at usher stations on Christmas Eve.

Youth Christmas Party 5pm

Available We will celebrate the holiday season in the MPR with ugly
Pick up a calendar for yourself or take one holiday sweaters, cookie decorating, games and more, so
to give to a friend to invite them to any of bring some friends, and well see you from 5-7pm. Bring a
our upcoming events or worship services! wrapped gift that costs $5-$10 if youd like to participate
in a Secret Santa exchange.

Photo Disclaimer: Services and events hosted by the church are considered public. The church has permission to use images of church members for promotion, publicity and
outreach materials unless advised through a non-consent form. The church will not attach names to the photographs of individuals or groups unless prior permission is given. To obtain a
non-consent form, please contact the church office.

Want to get the Church Newsletter via email? Have you changed email addresses? Go to: www.moumc.org/subscribe to subscribe or update.
The church provides bus transportation to the 10:30am Sunday worship service.
Call 443-3111 before noon on Fridays. Bus service is available to all.
The Messenger (USPS No. 355460) is published weekly except the last week of the year by Missouri United Methodist Church at 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia, MO. Periodical postage paid at Columbia, MO.
POSTMASTER: for change of address, send to Missouri United Methodist Church Messenger, 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia, MO 65201-4818, Dec. 14, 2017
Staff: Lead Pastor Fred Leist. Laura Bentley, Administrative Assistant; Adam Bordoni, Facilities; Tim Coday, Director of Music Ministries; Debbie
Craighead, Finance Assistant; Joan DeBoe, Pastor of Worship & Administration; Adriene Floyd, Office Manager; Courtney Gaunt, Director, Discovery
Days; Teressa Gilbreth, Director of Communications; Charity Goodwin, Pastor of Discipleship; Jacqui Jamieson, Assistant Director, Discovery Days;
Katja Jones, Director of Childrens & Youth Ministries; Gabriella Miller, Nursery Coordinator; Jo Lee, Events Coordinator;Kim Parker, Pastor of New
Generations; Preston Williams, Tech & Facility Steward;Music Staff: Craig Datz, Organist; Kaye Miller, Director of Wesleyan Ringers; Rochelle Parker,
Associate Organist; Marilyn Rowe, Serendipity Choir; Rachel Blomquist, Grace Notes Choir