FROM THE PASTOR

In recent reading I ran across this thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s: “Who will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger.” I thought, that’s a bummer, because who can do that? Then Philippians 2:5-13 came to mind (you probably should look the passage up & read it).

            You see? Jesus has already laid all that aside before he came to the manger, and he is, by the Holy Spirit, working that same attitude into us. Wow!!! In Christ we can celebrate Christmas correctly, not just at one time of year, but daily all year round. Ergo, let’s celebrate the coming of Jesus at Bethlehem this season long and then keep living out the spirit of Christmas the rest of the year!

In Christ Jesus, Grace & Peace,

Pastor Jeff

UPCOMING EVENTS                    

Dec. 20  Christmas Program at 9:00 a.m.  Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 p.m.                                                  Every Thursday Bible Study at 10:30 a.m. at Senior Center

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Get Back In Your Box!" will be the play featured during this year's Christmas program Dec. 20, in church sanctuary at 9:00am during the Sunday School hour. Come and join us as this lively production unfolds. We’11 hear classic Christmas carols from the primary dept. and have a chance to raise our voices in songs of praise as we await the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

           ROUND UP REPORT                       

This year the our church sent $813.00 worth food purchased with the Brown Bag offering, 2 layettes, 23 health kits, 50 school kits, and some bedding all totaling$1,305.00 to Hunger Round Up.  We also could count the food given to the Food Pantry, which totaled $1,550.00, $170.00 donation to Doves, and $250.00 of clothes purchased for a local family.  So our Bishop Round Up total was $4,088.00. David and Joanne took everything down to Round Up and stayed to help.  Pastor Jeff also went. Due to Covell’s hard work and expertise in packing they were able to get everything into David’s truck

Thanks, Covell. Thanks David and Joanne for your faithfulness over the years to Round Up.

NOVEMBER BOARD NOTES

The Board of Directors of the Effingham Union Church met on Nov.8, in the Ed Building for regular session. Directors present were: Joanne Bodenhausen, Steve Caplinger, Harvey Fasse, Derek Gigstad, Diane Kiehl, Ray Ladd, Linda Montgomery, Elaine Oakleaf, Deb Parnell, Susan Sprang and Treasurer Pat Strine. Absent: Pastor Jeff Cochran, Ruth Dillon, and Kathleen Meeks. Deb gave a prayerful devotion about Carrots, Eggs and Coffee.

An invitation to attend the pastor installation at Overland Park Presbyterian Church on November 14 was shared. Pastor Jeff was unable to attend as he was involved in the installation of the new pastor to St. Joseph Presbyterian.

Pat shared the monthly expenses and the proposed 2010 Budget of $92,296. It was decided to designate a Carpet Replacement Fund. Also, we decided there is a great need to establish a Capital Improvement Fund with $30,000 being designated to it from the Donna Cooper money.

To replenish funds to the Capital Improvement Fund, we felt an annual budget line item with $2400 be designated for 2010 from the general fund.

The Property Management committee will look over the earlier prepared list of building improvements needs for refinement and prioritizing.

The Annual meeting will be the first Sunday in December. The church will provide the main food and ask for salads and desserts.

       Submitted by Ray Ladd

January/February Newsletter will be published January 17.

ANNUAL MEETING

Our Annual Meeting, the first Sunday in December, is always a busy day for our church.  This was no exception following the worship service goodies boxes were packed for 22 college students and the church was decorated before everyone could enjoy the bountiful pot luck dinner.

At 1:00 Pastor Jeff called the meeting to order and opened it with prayer.

Sue Alberts, Alan Dunster and Rhonda Thorpe were elected to serve on the Board of Directors. Joanne Bodenhausen, Debbie Parnell and Elaine Oalkleaf went off the Board. Courtney Caplinger, Elaine Oakleaf and Cecil Jeffrey were elected to serve on the Nominating Committee.

The 2010 budget was discussed briefly. The budget was slightly smaller than last year’s. Major changes in the budget are: The Board has started a long;-term capital improvement fund of $2,400 as a budget line item.  This will help with unexpected emergencies that come up.   No one received a pay raise this year.  The Youth Ministry Scholarship is no longer needed since Seth Montgomery has graduated from Manhattan Christian College and has a church in Soldier. Board Chairman Harvey Fasse reported that our youth ministry continues for free with Nathan Smith and Chris Caplinger as JR-SR Youth Leaders.  They have 20 teens who meet every Wednesday evening. 

David Cliburn, Interim Associate Executive Presbyter from Heartland Presbytery and Evelyn Fisher Topeka District Supt. (contd. on next page)

 were present.  David spoke briefly.  He was quite complimentary pointing how much he admired our church architecture, enjoyed the choir, the bountiful meal, and all the friendly people, who visited with him. He, also, commented on the wide range of age groups present.  He reminded those present that the young people are the future of our church.  He said that he hoped and prayed for our continued successful ministry.

Evelyn thanked us for our faithful ministry particularly with Hunger Round Up.  She reminded us that mission and ministry is central to our faith.  She thanked us for the gift of Roger Frederick’s ministry. Roger is the Lay Pastor for the Whiting and Netawaka UM Churches.  Roger interrupted her briefly to say that he learned how to have church from the people in the Union Church. Then Evelyn thanked Pastor Jeff is a great support to the Topeka District. 

Evelyn went on to say that in 2010 we need to look forward. She mentioned two leadership team goals. Every church will be receiving a mystery visitor, who will evaluate the church’s hospitality and friendliness among other things. Then the churches will receive the evaluation.  It will help churches to improve their ministries and outreach.  She, also, asked people to volunteer to be a mystery visitor. The second goal is to build a sand volley ball court across from Washburn Campus as a part of the ministry to college students.  The court will cost approximately $3,500.  They have already collected $2,400, and the Union Church added to it by taking up an offering.

Harvey asked the congregation to dream about the improvements they would like to see.  He also advised not to limit God’s vision.  Several things were discussed but the top priorities are getting the leak fixed in the tower, getting a new energy efficient furnace for the church and new carpeting for sanctuary. 

The Union Church will host the Heartland Presbytery Meeting in November 2010.

Harvey thanked everyone for meeting the plate offering, ministry to kids which include church camp, Jam and JR-SR High youth ministry.

Pastor Jeff closed the meeting with prayer.

CONGRATULATIONS

Rick and Susan Sprang are the proud grandparents of Josie Lavonne born to Noah and Jodie Clouse, Nov. 16. and Emily Elizabeth,  the first child of Jonathan and Lacey Bozarth, born November 7^th. Josie was welcomed home by big brother Roman. 

Great Grandparents are Duane and Mildred Hawk. 

NITE CIRCLE CHANGES     MEETING DAY

Nite Circle will meet on the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 for 2010.  The next meeting will be January 19.
 

HALLELUJAH A KING IS BORN—OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST

JAM PROGRAM GOING STRONG

    Thirty-five students was our average for November.  Karina Guzman, Jonathan Joice and Kyler Postma have perfect attendance.  Victoria Caplinger, Katherine Postma, Jayden McNerny, Xhander Suhajda and Brett Spilman have learned all their Bible verses, books of the New Testament and the Lord’s Prayer.  They have received a new book of memory verses. 

   We welcome Laura Gigstad aboard as a leader for grades one and two and a helper to Cindy Ladd for the opening session.

   The lessons this past month were “Awesome Power”.  The students learned that Jesus doesn’t do miracles just to show off his superhuman powers, but he does them to reveal to us who he truly is.  Jesus is a human being just like us and also the Son of God.  Jesus spoke a single command and the wind and waves instantly obeyed him.  Can we still rely on Jesus today when our families fall apart, when the doctor sadly shakes their head and tells us we’d better sit down, or when we lose our job?  When life really starts to rock our boat, can we still have peace?  It all depends on whom we trust.  Jesus not only turns our suffering into joy and protects us from life’s perilous storms, but he can also feed our bodies and nourish our souls with food from heaven.    Jesus stretched five loaves of bread and two fish into enough food to feed 5000 men plus women and children, with 12 baskets of food left over.  Jesus lovingly includes us in his plan of salvation.  The bread of eternal life can only feed us when it’s been hung out to dry on a cross; that’s because the bread of life is Jesus himself. Ever since Jesus fed the 5,000, he has been feeding millions with the flesh of a single body-his own.  When Jairus’ daughter became desperately ill, he hurried to Jesus and pleaded with him to heal her.  Jesus encouraged Jairus to keep trusting him; the situation wasn’t as hopeless as he supposed.  His daughter was not dead, only sleeping. God has power even over death.  Jesus has the final word. He is kind. He is gentle and loving and calls to life with him that will never, never end.

   Thanks to Mary Kay Barnett, Joanne Bodenhausen, Sue Dahl, Connie Dunster, Charlene Gigstad, Alana and Lisa Heiman, and Ian Postma for treats this month.

   The sponsors and JAM Kids wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

NITE CIRCLE

Nite Circle met Nov.11 at the Christian Education Building

Ruth Dillon, hostess, served delicious cake, which we enjoyed while discussing the book, My Sister’s Keeper.   Seven women joined in the discussion that related the book to our Christian faith and ethics.

Cindy called the meeting to order and led in prayer.  Charlene read “Little Blessings” and Psalms 103 for devotions.

The Least coin offering had been turned in.  A CD player had been purchased for JAM.

Cindy thanked members for serving Mac Hoffman funeral dinner.  She reminded us that Nite Circle was in charge of the April Ladies Society meeting.

The Circle voted to meet on the 3^rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in 2010.         (contd. on next page)

The Circle re-elected the current officers, they are:  Chairpersons—Courtney Caplinger and Cindy Ladd, Secretary-treasurer—Nancy Fasse, and Program Chairman Mary Kay Barnett.

Mary Kay passed around a schedule for meeting sign-ups for 2010.

The Nite Circle voted to pay for JAM Christmas gifts, and to donate to  the Thanksgiving Offering for Home Mission Fund.

Members were urged to let Cindy know if we knew of any family in need in our community.

The next circle meeting is January 19. 

RUTH CIRCLE

The Ruth Circle met with Beth Barnett, Everest.  Beth opened the meeting with devotions, “John 3:16”.  Alice Johnson chairman presided over the meeting and thanked everyone for helping to serve the Mac Hoffman funeral dinner.

The Circle voted to make donations to the Salvation Army, Lenita Vetter, and Presbyterian Children’s for the sewing assignment. The Circle voted to retain the officers, Chairman Alice Johnson and secretary-treasurer Mildred Hawk.  Venita Schurman volunteered to replace Beth as program chairman.  The members signed a card for Katherine Lee, Gabbs, Nevada. Beth shared the following items for program:  “What’s a Veteran”, “When God Talked Back”, “And God Said No”, and “Getting Old’.  The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. 

Everyone enjoyed seeing Beth’s new apartment and the refreshments she served.  The next meeting is Dec 8 with Mildred Hawk giving the lesson.

MARY MARTHA CIRCLE

Six members of the Mary Martha Circle  met at the home of Sue Martin. Ida Taliaferro, chairman, presided over the meeting. She read “Say a Kind Word, it’s Remembered”. She thanked the members helping with the Frances Tuley funeral dinner.  The Circle voted to send a donation to the Salvation Army.  The members signed cards for the shut-ins.  Plans were made for the soup dinner, February 21.  Linda Montgomery gave the lesson on prayer. Election of officers was held with Chairman, Ida Taliaferro, Secretary Eileen Ellerman, Treasurer Sue Martin, and Program Chairman Elaine Oakleaf being re-elected.  

SARA CIRCLE

The Sara Circle met at the home of Martha Frederick, Dec 3.  The meeting was called to order by chairperson, Shirley Hawk.  Roll call was “Other than Jesus in the Nativity scene, who or what would you have wanted to be?”

The circle voted to give a contribution to the Home Mission Fund and a year-end gift to the Topeka Rescue Mission. 

Election was held and the same officers were re-elected. They are Chairperson Shirley Hawk, Co-chairperson Debbie Parnell, Secretary/Treasurer Florence Hinz and Martha Frederick.

Hostesses and program leaders were chosen for next year.  Marcia Rygaard was guest program leader.  She opened the program with a prayer.  She said that at this Christmas season, we need to not think of the baby only, but we are valuable to someone and to God.  He is the source of our strength throughout our entire life.  She shared several Bible references taken from Psalm 159.1, I Cor. 2:19, and Proverbs.  She closed the meeting with prayer.  The Circle will meet in Jan. but will not meet in Feb. with Sue Alberts as hostesses.

ADDRESSES                       

Ruth Burgoon

Atchison Senior Village

1419 N 6th

Atchison, KS  66002

 Wilma Hawk

%Cobblestone

913 Dakota

Sabetha, KS  66534 

Martha Morast

31037 Icon Rd.

Maryville, MO  64468

Mary A. Sharp

8514 Woodson Drive

Overland Park, KS  66207-1557

Bonnie Hargrove

1708 Santa Fe Terrace

Atchison, KS  66002

Jeanette Berry

Gran Villas

1635 Riley

Room #116

Atchison, KS  66002

Beth Barnett

Northfield Apartment #7

326 Locust,

Everest, KS 66424

Adeline Wood

Tri-County Manor

1890 Eauclid Ave

Horton, KS 66439

JESUS CHILD

Joy Bells ringing,

Angels singing,                 

   Heralding the newborn King.

 Shepherds searching 

                      Three kings traveling         

          With their gifts to bring.   

  Come adore Him,

       God’s own chosen,

Infant meek and mild.

The World’s rejoicing

At the birth

Of our precious Jesus Child.    

Dona M. Maroney

You are to name, Him Jesus, because He will save His People from their sins. Matt. 1:21        

LOVE CAME DOWN

AT CHRISTMAS

Miracles of miracles, 

O holy virgin birth,

The night our Savior,

Blessed Lord

Came to live on earth.

Shepherds on the hillside

Saw the star above,

When God sent down his        only Son,

To teach the world to love.

Born to die, that holy night,

So many years ago,

To give us everlasting life,

His constant love to show.

Ruth Moyer Gilmour