Following the Cross
December 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I realize that this is the December letter and many of you might expect me to share something about Christmas. But instead, I choose to remind all of us the reasons of why our church needs God-honoring and biblically-qualified leaders to lead our church in 2018 and beyond. I like to share with you four basic reasons:
1. Our church needs God-honoring and biblically-qualified leaders because they will make
decisions on behalf of our church. They have to be those that we believe will lead us toward
our mission which is “love God, love one another and serve the world.” I too want the most
spiritually mature, wise, humble, Christ-center, Scripture-knowing, and household-managing
men and women serving as leaders in our church.
2. Our church needs God-honoring and biblically-qualified leaders because they are the role
models to the congregation. As you are looking at the lists of qualifications in a few Scriptures
such as 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 6:2-6, and Exodus 18:21-22, most of them have to
do with godly characters and a good family life. A healthy church will have leaders who are
setting godly and humble examples to the members of the church (1 Peter 5:3).
3. Our church needs God-honoring and biblical-qualified leaders because they provide greater
unity and peace in the church. Politically, doctrinally, and socially, we are a very diverse
congregation. Make no mistake: quarrels among the leaders can confuse the church members.
Of course, having qualified leaders doesn’t rule out the possibility of having differences in the
congregation, but it does generally provide greater unity and peace in the church and when our
church members see the unity among our leaders, it excites them and gives them confidence to
strive with us in our vision and mission as a church.
4. Our church needs God-honoring and biblical-qualified leaders because they can be trusted in
the sufficiency of Scripture. Rather than trusting the leaders’ status, education, wealth or
financial experience as the qualifying characteristic for making good leaders, we have the
opportunity to trust in the sufficiency of Scripture. Of course, having these worldly wisdoms
are certainly a good thing, but it is not God’s qualifying priority for that office. Let us trust
God’s Word in providing the offices of church leaders for the God-honoring governing of the
body of Christ.
May God bless all of you all of you who are willingly accepting such great responsibilities with His wisdom so that you will be able to lead His church into another great year.
Have a very Merry Christmas,
Pastor Nhia Wahn Her
EAST TROY MANOR
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
DECEMBER
December 7th Pastor Nhia Wahn Her
December 14th Brad Balgord
December 21st Joyce Reed
December 28th Brad Balgord
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SECOND HELPINGS
Once again we were blessed with a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving dinner by St. Peters Catholic Church. 128 people were served and enjoyed turkey and all the trimmings. Thank you everyone so much for being a part of our Second Helpings Mission.
Thank you and Blessings.
The Second Helpings Committee
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EAST TROY FOOD PANTRY
Don’t forget to bring your items for the food pantry each Sunday! These items are “always” needed no matter what month or season, they are: Laundry soap, dish soap, sugar, flour, and cookies. The theme for December is “Holiday Treats.” Items needed are Holiday Cookies, Holiday cakes and Holiday Candy.
PRAYING FOR OUR SOUTHEAST DISTRICT CHURCHES
The Southeast District has begun a new practice of praying for local churches and their pastors each week throughout the year on a rotating basis. During the month of December, we pray for the following churches and their pastors in the Southeast District of the Wisconsin Annual Conference:
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3, Kenosha: Immanuel, their pastor Bonnie Bell, and their 44 members, Kenosha: Immanuel is located at 5410 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha, WI 53140.
Dec. 4 – 10, Kenosha: Korean, their pastor Han Du Kwak, and their 30 members, Kenosha: Korean is located at 5410 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha, WI 53140.
Dec. 11 – 17, Kenosha: Principe de Paz, their pastor Marino Chacon, and their 81 members, Kenosha: Principe de Paz is located at 5410 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha, WI 53140.
Dec. 18 – 24, Kenosha: Wesley, their pastor Amelita Grace Gonzalez Cajiuat, and their 181 members, Kenosha: Wesley is located at 4600 60th St., Kenosha, WI 53144.
Dec. 25 – 31, Lake Geneva UMC, their pastor Heather Brewer, and their 166 members, Lake Geneva UMC, is located at 912 Geneva St. Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
COME JOIN US FOR A HYMN SING!!
Starting in January 2018, there will be a Hymn Sing after each Second Helpings meal at 6:15 p.m. Second Helpings is always the third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m., so after enjoying a good meal, join us in the Sanctuary for some good music.
The first Hymn Sing will be
January 15th, 2018 at 6:15 p.m.
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SPECIAL OFFERING OPPORTUNITY
The Finance Committee of St. James United Methodist Church is asking for our members and friends to make a special offering during the month of December towards our apportionments payment, which goes to our Wisconsin Conference. The total amount that the conference asks our church to give is $20,244 for the year of 2017. So far we have given $750. Please prayerfully consider giving, over and above your normal giving, towards our apportionment payment. If you would like your gift to go towards apportionments, please mark your check on the note line with the word, “apportionments.” Thank you everyone for all your gifts to St. James.
ST. JAMES UMC – OCTOBER
GIVING TOWARDS CHURCH BUDGET
TOTAL: $7,456.10
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COOKIE WALK
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Too busy to bake gifts of homemade goodies for co-workers, neighbors and friends? Don’t worry! We’ve done the work for you! Stop by and hand select your favorite fancy cookies to place in a decorated container ready for giving!
Gift Boutique, too! Cards, beaded
Goblets and spoon and fork sets,
crocheted scarves and necklaces and more! They make great gifts!
Sponsored by United Methodist
Women. Proceeds will go to missions focusing on women, children and youth.
Caldwell United Methodist Church,
8504 Caldwell Road, Mukwonago, WI 53149
(corner of Hwys O & L, 1 mile east of Hwy 83)
www.Caldwell-UMC-WI.org 262-514-2121
December 3rd / “Stewardship – We are the Manager of God’s Money”Pastor Nhia Wahn preaching
December 10th / “Waiting for Christmas”
Pastor Nhia Wahn preaching
December 17th / “Waiting for Joy”
Pastor Nhia Wahn preaching
December 24th / CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Pastor Nhia Wahn preaching
10:30 a.m. Worship at Caldwell UMC
NO MORNING WORSHIP AT ST. JAMES
7:00 p.m. Worship at St. James UMC
December 31st / “Still Waiting”
Pastor Nhia Wahn preaching
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES IN DECEMBER TO:
St. James UMC Caldwell UMC
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES IN DECEMBER TO:
St. James UMC Caldwell UMC
Take a Moment . . . To Grow Closer to God!
Shaped to Serve
In just a few weeks we look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve summarized, “The Other Wise Man,” a book written by Henry Van Dyke for this month’s article. It is a heart-warming story about the fourth Magi, seeking to find his King.
Artaban was one of the Magi, men who studied the heavens in search of truth about God. He and three of his friends had discovered that at the rising of a perfect star, a great King would be born. He would be the truth sent from the One God—the Son of the Most High.
Artaban believed the time was very near. He sold everything he owned and bought three jewels to carry as gifts to the newborn King. His three friends told him to meet them at the Temple of Babylon on a specific date. If he wasn’t there at that time, they would travel without him. The Other Wise Man was traveling as fast as he could to meet the deadline, when he approached a man lying in the road. He knew he would miss his friends, but he couldn’t leave the man; for surely he would die.
After nursing the man, Artaban left to join his friends. They had already gone, but left a note urging him to follow them across the desert. The Other Wise Man had no food and an exhausted horse, so he sold one of his jewels to buy a camel and supplies. Arriving in Bethlehem, he came upon a stone cottage. Sitting inside was a young woman rocking her baby to sleep. The woman told Artaban that three wise man had come and gave precious gifts to Joseph and Mary and their newborn son. But all had fled to Egypt to escape some unknown danger. Artaban’s heart sank. He had failed once more.
Suddenly, the soldiers of Herod rushed into the cottage. They asked if any babies were in the home. Artaban reached into his tunic, pulled out his second precious stone, and gave it to the soldier. The soldier snatched the jewel, turned and shouted “March on! There is no child here.”
The next morning Artaban decided to follow the Baby King and his family into Egypt. Although he never found Jesus, he found many to help. He fed the hungry and bought clothes for the naked. He cared for the sick and visited those in prison. After thirty-three years of searching, the Other Wise Man had grown old and tired. He decided to take one more journey. He entered Jerusalem on the day Jesus was to be crucified. Artaban rushed to find Jesus, hoping he could offer his last jewel to save Him.
On his way, he saw a young girl being dragged along the street. Her father had died, and she was being sold into slavery to pay her father’s debt. Artaban wanted so much to see Jesus, but looking into the eyes of the helpless girl, he knew that rescuing her would be a true deed of love. Artaban placed his last jewel into the hand of the weeping child. At the same time, the sky darkened, thunder erupted, and the earth rolled like the waves of the sea. A stone from a near-by building crashed down upon him.
As Artaban fell, he heard a quiet, yet insistent voice speak to him over the thunder. Artaban, you have been a good and faithful servant. I was hungry and you fed me. I was naked and you brought me clothes. I was in prison and you visited me. Come now to the rest I have prepared for you. Not so, Lord, “When did I do all of these things for you?” And the voice answered, “Whenever you helped one of my people in need, you helped Me.” The peace of understanding fell upon Artaban’s soul like a gentle rain, and he smiled. His journey on earth was ended. His treasures were accepted. The Other Wise Man had found his King.
And as we enter 2018, remember that simple acts of kindness to others will lead us to our King and to the rest He has promised. Praise be to God!
Judy McFarlane
CHRISTMAS SEASON WORSHIP SCHEDULE
This year we have some wonderful opportunities available for our two congregations to prepare your hearts and minds for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First of all, on each of the three Wednesdays prior to Christmas (December 6th, 13th and 20th) a prayer labyrinth will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to just come in and meditate and pray while walking through it. On the 6th and the 20th, this will be at Caldwell and on the 13th it will be at St. James. Volunteers will be at each church to welcome and help you, if needed.
Then, on each of these three evenings, we are offering a Taize service, which is another opportunity to just settle your mind and prepare for the coming birth. These will also be split between the two churches, located where that day’s labyrinth is.
Finally, Christmas Eve!! Our worship services are as follows: 10:30 a.m. at Caldwell celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent and then at 7:00 p.m. we will worship at St. James to celebrate Christmas Eve! So, these will be two totally different services and two totally different messages.
We hope you can join us for as many of these events as you can, but our most fervent wish is that this holiday season is one of peace and joy for you as we all get ready for Christ’s birth! Merry Christmas!
GOOD SAMARITAN SHARED MINISTRY WORSHIP COMMITTEE
CHRISTMAS SEASON WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Dec. 6th 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Prayer Labyrinth at Caldwell
7:00 p.m. Taize Service at Caldwell
Dec. 13th 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Prayer Labyrinth at St. James
7:00 p.m. Taize Service at St. James
Dec. 20th 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Prayer Labyrinth at Caldwell
7:00 p.m. Taize Service at Caldwell
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Worship
10:30 a.m. Worship at Caldwell
7:00 p.m. Worship at St. James
ADVENT
Ecumenical Taize Worship Services
7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, December 6th & 20th, Caldwell UMC
Wednesday, December 13th, St. James UMC
MEDITATION LABYRINTH
Open to the Public
Wednesdays, December 6th & 20th, Caldwell UMC
Wednesday, December 13th, St. James UMC
HOLIDAY SALE
Saturday, December 2nd
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Do your Christmas Shopping
In Fellowship Hall
AT
St. James
United Methodist Church
2945 Main Street