The Grapevine

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA

(707) 253-1411

January 1, 2008

REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

At the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, December 10th. the Board voted to use money from Miracle Sunday to install new carpeting in the Fellowship Room, offices, hall and stairs.  This would be done by Navajo Rug Company at a cost under $20,000.00.  Installation would take place shortly after the New Year.
We also discussed the need for more hearing devices in the sanctuary and decided we would appeal to the congregation to see if people would like to make a gift to the church to cover the cost.  Each device costs $115 plus tax ($124.90) and they come ready to use.  We are also looking into estimates for the repair of the cracked front steps and ideas to "brighten" up the nursery and adjoining bathroom.
Discussion was held about fixing the timer that would turn the lights on the stained glass windows so that at night they could be seen illuminated from inside.  Ward Thompson will check on  what we have and report back on what is needed so that this can be done.
The stained glass window restoration is complete and we are all pleased with the results.  Many thanks to Kip Edenborough for heading up this project.
There was discussion on adding wording to our rental agreement to clarify what constitutes the space rented that  can be used.  We've had a problem with renters using more space than designated in the agreement. We also discussed if we wanted a "church liaison person" at each rented function.   It was decided to further investigate the problem and to revisit it at our next meeting.
We will also be checking the speaker in the nursery room to make sure that Sunday services can be heard in the nursery.
Date for an upcoming Work Day will be decided in the spring.  This will be publicized in the Grapevine as we are seeking lots of volunteers.

Kathy Martin, Chairperson

THANK YOU!   THANK YOU!   THANK YOU! to Ruth Jenkins who, at the church event last December 9, sponsored little 11 year old Fedeshe Gudisa, a very poor little girl living in Ethiopia.   Thanks to Ruth, young Fedeshe now has new hope in life.   She will be assured an opportunity to stay in school, to have lessons about Christianity, to have a safe place to play when she is not in school or at home, and she will be assured one nutritious meal each day.   There are also counseling services available for her family.
Members of our congregation are now sponsoring 17 children in various Third World countries.    Being sponsored is changing the lives of these 17 children.
Charlie & Shirley Ray

Thank You, Thank You

We are so appreciative of the gift of money
for an additional hearing device
that we received from Carlena Milligan.

It is our hope that all who have a
difficult time in church due to a
hearing loss will be able to enjoy
church as much as we who can hear.

Thank you again, Carlena, for your
generous gift and loving gift.

Lent 2008
Re-Imagine the World
An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus

How does your understanding of Jesus' parables help you re-imagine the world – personally, locally, and globally? Bernard Brandon Scott helps us rediscover the parables in this year's Lenten Book Study. Please join one of the six week small group discussions and share your insights and hopes for the “Re-Imagined World” as we read the parables of Jesus in a new way. More information in the next Grapevine.

You’re invited to the Installation Celebration for
Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez

Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Fairfield Community UMC
1875 Fairfield Ave.
Fairfield, CA 94533

Please RSVP to
510-548-4694

Put your Grapevine article here.
The next deadline is January 3
rd
and it will be mailed out on
January 9th.

Special Church Council Meeting
Sunday, January 6th at 11 am
in the Library
This is an important meeting to enable us to approve the 2008 church budget.
Please plan to attend.

HELP ME TO HEAR
My eyesight is good, my mind is astute
It’s just that my hearing’s no longer acute.
Now in order for me to hear
You need to be standing somewhere near
And if we’re not standing face to face
Your words are lost in outer space
For every time you turn around
Something happens to that sound.
It’s important that you realize
I do some hearing with my eyes,
So, if you wear a mustache, Dear,
Trim it so your lips are clear.
And remember, please, when talking to me
A little more patience may be the key.

by Margaret Hoffman

Susanna Wesley Circle
January 8, 2008 at 7:30 pm
at the home of Mary Herzog

Please RSVP to Mary by phone or email
Martha Monroe will co-host

Please come to see the beautiful new crèches that Mary has acquired since last year. Also plan to tell us, if you so wish, all about your own favorite crèche.

January Birthdays
19th - Evelyn Lutz
19th - Lucy Stebleton
24th - Fran Young

February Birthdays
4th - Sue Brooks
21st - Georgine Fly

March Birthdays
14th - Trudie Atchison
14th - Mary Herzog
16th - Bobbi Bird
26th - Barb Thompson

In November 13 Health Kits and 7 Sewing Kits were shipped from our circle.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 11th at the home of Aletha Silcox with Joan Feury as co-host. So far no one has signed up for a program.

Visit our website at www.napaumc.org.
It’s changing and it’s exciting!
If you are the chair of a committee or group and are interested in showcasing your group on the site and on the calendar for the year 2008,
please submit an article to Dianne in the church office as soon as possible. A huge thank you to Peter Lutz for all his hard work as our Webmaster.

G.R.A.P.E. Express

Come and “Follow the Star” with the GRAPE Express in January.
Hear the story of the wise men who followed a star - a sign in the sky - to find and worship the young Jesus.
Discover the wonder expressed by the wise men when they found Jesus and experience moments of wonder as they learn about and remember the story.
How does God continue to offer signs that lead us to Jesus?

Mission Statement

The First United Methodist Church unconditionally welcomes all people in greater Napa wherever they are on their faith journey. As a congregation rooted in scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, we promise opportunities to grow in the Spirit and to become active followers of Jesus Christ.

December 30 Scripture: Psalm 148; Isaiah 63:7-9; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23

Pastor Douglas J. Monroe Special Music

January 6 Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Pastor Jennifer Edenborough Special Music

January 13 Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17

Pastor Douglas J. Monroe Bonner Bells

January 20 Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

Pastor Jennifer Edenborough God’s House Band

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 am -- All Sunday School Classes at 10:45 am

Adult Bible Study: Parlor

GRAPE Express for ages 3 years thru 5th grade: Kagawa Room

Junior High School Group: Beall Library

High School Youth Group: Sunday at 4:00pm - Youth Room