The Grapevine
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA
(707) 253-1411
December 15, 2011
Open
Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors:
the People of The United Methodist
Church
fruit of the vine…
Perhaps you were in worship this past Sunday when we considered the difference just one person can make as we heard the message: The Voice of One. Actually, alone, we can make no difference at all. But, with God, each of us can make all the difference in the world. For we, along with Jesus’ mother Mary, are reminded by the angel Gabriel: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Could God be calling you to use your “voice of one” to be God’s messenger during this season as we anticipate the coming of Jesus through recalling, rehearsing, and responding to the birth of the Christ-child? For many, this can be a season of warm remembrance of childhood years with all the wonders of the Christmas Season. It can also be one of the most lonely, depressing times of the year if we find ourselves isolated and apart from a community where the season is truly celebrated. Why not use your one voice to invite a friend, neighbor or acquaintance to one or several of the following opportunities to be reconnected with God, all happening at Napa First UMC:
A Tribute to the Season of Hope! by the NAPA VALLEY CHORALE in performance on Sunday, December 11 at 3:30 p.m. and, again, at 7:00 p.m.;
The Christmas Pageant performed by Grape Express children’s ministry on Sunday, December 18th at the 9:30 worship service followed by a Soup Brunch & Holiday Sing-a-long in the Fellowship Room;
Candy Cane Sing-A-Long led by members of the NAPA VALLEY CHORALE on Monday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with the visit of a special guest followed by refreshments;
Christmas Eve Worship for families with children on Saturday, December 24th at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary;
Contemporary Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship on Saturday, December 24th at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary;
Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship on Saturday, December 24th at 11:00 p.m. in the sanctuary;
Christmas Day Worship on Sunday, December 25th at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary; and
A New Year’s Day Service of Prayer, Healing and Holy Communion on Sunday, January 1st at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.
So be in prayer about whose life just might be enriched through an invitation issued by just one voice – your voice, during this Christmas Season. Your one voice will also serve as a witness through which you’ll receive the fruit of the vine (Spirit). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 & 23).
Lee
Winter Book
Study
Speaking
Christian
Why Christian Words Have Lost Their
Meaning and Power...
AND HOW THEY CAN BE RESTORED
by
Marcus Borg
Please join us on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM, starting on January 8th , 2012 for a discussion of Marcus Borg's book about changes in the language of faith. Christian words and phrases have not only diminished in meaning, but they've become distorted and virtually stripped of their biblical and historic meanings. In this much needed Christian primer, Borg teaches us how to read, hear, and digest our Christian language without preconceived notions getting in the way. This session will run for six weeks, until February 12th. We will meet at the Lutz home at the regular time, Sunday evenings at 7:00PM, and of course there will be cookies. Please contact Peter Lutz at 255-8593 or plutz@sonic.net for more information and to get a book.
Grapevine Schedule: The next deadline is December 22nd
and it will be mailed on December 28th
Our Special Christmas Offering for 2011 will go to the HOPE Resource Center to help serve the homeless and the poor.
The HOPE Center offers toilets, showers and laundry facilities, as well as help with alcohol and drug rehabilitation. They also assist with finding jobs, housing and medical and dental care.
Thank you for your generosity.
First United Methodist Church
625 Randolph St. Napa 94559
Office: (707) 253-1411 Fax#: (707) 253-1976
www.napaumc.org
Facebook: Napa First United Methodist Church
Pastor: Rev. Lee Neish
Sunday Worship - 9:30 a.m.
Child and Infant Nursery Care is available
Church Office Hours:
Monday—Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
The Grapevine is published bi-monthly.
Editor: Dianne Mahler
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON
Thursday, December 15, 10:00 am in the Kagawa Room
Come join us for the Installation of 2012 UMW Officers,
singing of Christmas carols, and delicious luncheon!
All women of the church invited, if you need a ride
call Barb Thompson (255-0457) or Joan Feury (255-0494).
A Very Giving Christmas
Many thanks to you all for your generous giving to our UMCOR Advance groups and other nonprofits that participated in A Very Giving Christmas. We thought that you would like to see a summary of what you gave to these groups. This day also provided an important educational function. For example, the workers at the Heifer International table said that a number of people had not heard of Heifer before, and decided to make a donation after hearing about Heifer's mission. The group from Habitat for Humanity has asked us to return and make a presentation during our after-church Forum time, after our new projection system is in place. We are excited about hosting these fine people for this event. Here are the numbers that have been reported so far:
NV CanDo $535.00 (this money will go to the Food Bank)
Food Bank collected separately $35.00
Clinic Ole $20.00
World Bicycle Relief $16.00
Compassion $6.00
CHAD (Our Missionary, Katherine Parker's group) $45.00
Heifer International $1,030.00
The Table $140.00
Fair Exchange coffee, teas, chocolates $202.00
Thank you, one and all, for your generosity!
Co-chairs June Moroney and Janeen Breyman, Church and Society/Missions
It’s not too late to Order Your Christmas Poinsettias
$16 per plant
Getting to know you, getting to know all about you,
Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me…
Presenting… Marjorie Pope!
I came to Napa in 1942 from Douglas, Arizona, were I was born the 5th of 6 children. My dad worked for 42 years in the copper smelter there. As a baby I was baptized in the Methodist Church in Douglas. I married young and in 1942, just as WWII had begun, we came to Napa. My name was McMahon at that time. I had 1 son and 3 daughters. I joined FUMC here on Feb. 26, 1950 and had my children baptized the same day. In May of 1951 I went to work at the Veterans Home in Yountville as a Nurse’s Aid. I worked more than 32 years and retired in 1983. I did more in the church after retirement. I drove the church bus, got involved in UMW (of which I’m still an active member), helped start the Builders as well as the Mini Thrift Shop. I can’t do as much anymore but I still attend the Adult Bible Study and I am a member of the Membership Welfare Committee. I love my church and continue to do all I can.
SOUP’S ON!
Sunday the 18th of December
SOUP BRUNCH
in the FELLOWSHIP ROOM
right after church
Hot Soup & Crackers
Beverages
Provided by Fun & Fellowship
PLUS: A holiday sing-along
Pease remember to bring your ornaments to
Decorate our Christmas Tree!
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH
Be good to yourself as we start the New Year…Come and take time for yourself on Saturday, January 7, 2012 to deepen your relationship with God. Share with other women and our workshop leader, Sam Kauffman, who will lead us, as she uses poetry, music and storytelling, on a journey from Bethlehem. Come and discover through meditation and prayer, a closer relationship to the Creator, wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome. Questions? Call Joan Feury 287-2087 or Dianne 253-1411.
January 7, 2012 all day 9:00 am to 8:30 pm at 1st UMC Fellowship Hall. Cost $15.00 which covers three meals and supplies. Retreat sponsored by the church and United Methodist Women. Make check payable to FUMC, memo line Women’s Retreat.
Cut, fill out and reserve your spot by sending your check and form to the office.
Name:
Telephone:
Email:
Special dietary needs:
Childcare needed?
Names of children _________________________, Ages,______________
Special needs:
______________________________________________________________________
Mission Statement
The First United Methodist Church of Napa unconditionally welcomes all people 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 to become active followers of Jesus Christ. We are affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity and a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 am
Coffee, cookies, lemonade and friendship are served at 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study: 10:45 am Parlor
GRAPE Express—3 years through 5th grade—9:50-Kagawa Room
Visit us on Facebook—Napa First United Methodist Church
www.napaumc.org
707-253-1411
Worship Schedule
Dec. 11— Third Sunday of Advent—Rev. Lee Neish—God’s House Band
Dec. 18—Fourth Sunday of Advent—The Children’s Christmas Pageant—Cathedral Choir
Dec. 24—Christmas Eve—”The Nativity Story: Receiving the Gift” - Rev. Lee Neish
4:30—pm Family Worship
7:30 pm—Contemporary Worship with God’s House Band
11:00 pm—Traditional Candlelight Service with the Cathedral Choir
Dec. 25—Christmas Morning—9:30 am—Rejoicing in The Truth—Rev. Lee Neish—Special Music
Jan. 1—New Year’s Day—”The Prayer of the Righteous is Powerful & Effective”—Special Music
Sacrament of Holy Communion