The Weekly Vision

Attendance

Hospitalizations Marcus Humphrey, Gettysburg Hospital Mike Orleski, Gettysburg Hospital David Clapsaddle, Recently Discharged from Gettysburg Hospital Lloyd Hawbecker, Recently Discharged from Gettysburg Hospital Chuck Phillips, Recent Outpatient Surgery Donna Kluck, Recent Out-patient Surgery Prayer Concerns for this Week Our prayers this week include: Doris Deaner, Bob Dillman, Robert and Ida Smith, Margaret LeGay, Jeff Persell, Sara Rose Wickham, Michael Robinson, and Kelly Bladwin, John McKenna, Marie Claybaugh, Joyce Richmond, Thomas Heflin, Carol Hemming Pugh (York Hospital), Bill Ryder, Delphine Seifrit, and 5 unspoken requests. Pastoral prayers this week for those whose last name begins with these letters: December   Please remember that if you don't wish to publicly express your prayer concerns, you may use the PRAYER PILLAR in the back of the church for your requests.

Muscular Dystrophy Thank You's On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy in Adams County and the Central Pennsylvania area, as also myself, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to the many persons who contributed to the recent “Bail Money” that I sought upon my MDA “Lock-Up” on Thursday, December 2nd. As of this writing, on November 30th, over $400 was raised in this regard. Indeed, thank you for your generosity—such gifts, including any that may be forthcoming, will provide the opportunity for the children especially to attend the MDA summer camp in 2005. May God Bless You as you have sought to bless others! Thanks again! Jay Zimmerman Adult Education News… “Book of Acts Series”—Thursdays at 10:00 AM will begin again on Thursday, December 2nd. All are welcome! ”Jesus I never Knew Series” (A Multi-media study) by Phillip Yancey will begin Monday, December 6th at 6:30 PM. ”How to be a Contagious Christian Series”—A Multi-media approach to discipleship will begin Tuesday, January0 4th at 6:30PM. Disciples II-An In-depth look at scripture will begin Thursday, January 6, at 7:00 PM.—Watch for further details. Postal Box is Here! A reminder: two more weeks to deposit your Christmas cards for church friends in the hallway Postal Box! The Jesus I Never Knew…Monday Series… A recent study indicates that our “knowledge of Jesus” was established when we were children. While this is “good,” there is also a sense that “our Jesus” may not be growing beyond those younger-year images and bits of knowledge. Writer and theologian, Philip Yancey invites us to “grow anew in Christ” through this book, The Jesus I Never Knew. Starting Monday, December 6th at 6:30 PM, we will consider this book and the invitations for growth that it offers. In addition to the book, a video “clip” with Dr. Yancey accompanies each lesson. Please see related materials in our church hallway, beginning November 28th. This series will be lead by Pastor Jay. All are welcome!  Candle Fundraiser…Supports Karsen’s Trip Our own, Karsen Donati-Leach, has been selected to be an Ambassador for the People to People organization for 2005. He will be traveling to England and France this summer. In an effort to raise the funds for this educational trip, he will be having a fundraising project before and after church on November 28th. He will be selling wonderfully scented candles from The Candle Man, a local company in Camp Hill. He will be set up in the hall outside the sanctuary if anyone’s interested. The candles will be delivered approximately the week of December 5th, and make a wonderful gift for the Advent-Christmas season. The candles are reasonably priced and are comparable to Yankee Candles. Thank you in advance for helping us in this endeavor. Terri Donati, Brian Leach, and Karsen Donati-Leach. Christmas “Wish List” 2004…UM Home for Children… Young people are “pretty much” the same everywhere!—To prove it, just look at this year’s Christmas “Wish List” for our UM Home for Children in Mechanicsburg. Items include: Sport socks, cameras (disposables), beach towels, DVD players, magazine subscriptions, scotch tape, fishing rods, batteries, and so forth.—YOU OR YOUR GROUP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! CONSIDER A GIFT!—Additional details about the “Wish list” can be found on the church bulletin board, just outside the office area. Thanks for your possible gift! Advent Worship Celebrations *Today, December 5th, we will celebrate the “Hanging of the Greens” in union with Holy Communion. As December 12th approaches, plan to enjoy our “Service of Lessons and Carols” as arranged and led by Chuck Thompson and our Chancel Choir. Our December 19th Celebration will lead us more so into Bethlehem and our “new birth” in Christ. Join us, and invite a friend at the same time! *Sundays at 7:00-An Informal, yet creative, time to worship will be celebrated each of the four Sunday evenings during Advent. Each celebration will begin with a covered dish supper (bring a favorite casserole, dessert, etc) at 5:45 PM.—As an additional feature on December 19th, our youth are hosting “Christmas Caroling” in the community at 4:45 PM.—Our theme “The Journey to New Birth.” Lauren Nace and our youth, respectively will be our leaders on December 5th and 12th. Join us! Live Outdoor Nativity…Our Community Gift St. Francis of Assisi, so moved by the birth narratives of the gospel, took a simple dramatic approach to the telling of Jesus’ birth. He portrayed Mary and Joseph, as the others, coming to the Bethlehem stable, using real persons and real animals. The impact was so significant that people sought it each year.—Wonderfully, the rhythm remains, as people continue to seek out the “Live Nativity” in any community. In this spirit, we are please to announce that our Gettysburg Congregation will gift the community on December 17th and 18th with a Live Outdoor Nativity. (Please see enclosure for further details.) — To make this possible, we need persons (younger, older, male, female) to portray the nativity characters (Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Wiseman). No script is spoken by the characters, because it is more like a “still-life” than a drama. Persons will be needed on Friday, December 17th and Saturday, December 18th, from 6:00-8:15 PM. Costumes will be provided. No experience is necessary. Sign up can take place, starting November 28th, in the church office (334-3032). Thank you! “O Holy Night” Christmas Eve Worship Gettysburg U.M. Church *6:30 PM-Informal Family Candlelight Service *10:00 PM-Traditional Candlelight Service with Holy Communion Christmas Caroling…December 19…Join us… Get your coat and gloves, and a hat, if you like! We are going Christmas Caroling on Sunday afternoon, December 19th at 4:45 PM.—This great music ministry is open to the entire congregation. In fact, invite a friend!—We will leave the church around 4:45 PM. Our “caroling journey” will take us nearby—throughout the town. At 6:15 PM we will return for dinner and the evening of Advent service to follow in the sanctuary at 7:00 PM. Our ministry sponsor is the Youth Fellowship! Let’s get out and support these young people, and also our neighbors and friends! Hoffman Home “Gift Tree” Ministry… What is a simple “thing” to us may indeed be a “big thing” to the children/young people who live at the Hoffman Home. With Christmas on the way, our Youth Fellowship wants to provide that “big thing” to as many at the Hoffman Home as possible. As a result, the 2004 Giving Tree will be in place, beginning on Sunday, November 28th. On it, you will find “gift ideas/requests” for our Hoffman Home friends. Please take a gift request with you, planning to bring the gift back by Sunday, December 5th. Thank you for your generous response!g Mission Outreach in Our Area Adams Rescue Mission Is In Need During this Christmas season, we encourage you to enjoy the “spirit of giving” by donating canned foods and non-perishable food items to those less fortunate in your own community. All collected items will go to the Adams Rescue Mission to assist in feeding the needy and homeless. If you would like to contribute, please bring your donations back to our church by December 12, 2004. For more information on how you can help, please call 334-7502. Thank you for supporting Adams Rescue Mission! Christmas Covered-Dish Supper…U.M. Women United Methodist Women invite all women to the annual Christmas Covered-Dish Supper on Tuesday, December 7th at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. The time together will focus on “Christmas Memories.” Each person is to bring a “special Christmas something” that is significant to them. You may bring a decoration, cherished gift, or whatever.—As you come, please bring a food item to share, and if possible, your own place setting. See you on December 7th! Church Leaders…Mark January 22nd on Your Calendar The “Lay Leadership Gathering” of the Chambersburg District is well grounded. It’s a January ministry that brings people together from far and wide.—Why?—Because it’s one of those events that stirs people to new avenues of discipleship, and provides a bag full of tools in the process. In short, it’s a training day filled with lots of inspiration!—Here are the details: Location—St. Paul’s UMC in Chambersburg, at 8AM until 12:30 PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. The registration deadline is January 14, 2005.   You Are Cordially Invited to… Gettysburg United Methodist Church’s Congregational Christmas Dinner Thursday, December 16th 6:00 PM—Appetizers 6:30 PM—Dinner “This time of Christian fellowship is open to any member/friend of Gettysburg U.M.C. at no cost. The meal is being sponsored by the Staff Parish Relations Committee and Rev. and Mrs. Zimmerman. Please complete and submit (Place in the offering plate or mail/bring to the church office) your reservation by Noon on Tuesday, December 14th. See you on December 16th! (Cut and Submit) Congregational Christmas Dinner Reservation… Please reserve ______# for theChristmas Dinner on December 16th. Name______________________________ Phone Number____________________ “Mission Can” Benefits… November is quickly coming to a close, and with it, please be reminded that our Mission Can emphasis for November has been the “Holiday Family Outreach.” It is a program that provides holiday support for Adams County Residents. To date, we have received $110.24! Thank you for your support! In December, our mission can gifts will go to Karsen Donati-Leach, a youth in our congregation, who has been selected to be an ambassador for the People to People organization in 2005. Karsen will be traveling to France and England during this coming summer. Your monetary support will help to make this trip possible. Thank you! Donated Food…A Continuing Need When you do your holiday grocery shopping, why not buy two of a particular item, (ie. Pasta, can of soups, cereal, etc). Bring these items to church and donate them to the Food Pantry Box in the church library. Carty and Bob Bates deliver our donation to the local Food Pantry which helps people in our community who have special needs. Your support this time of the year is particularly appreciated! Thank you for your gifts…past, present, and future! United Methodist Women Breakfast Bunch Continues… Come one! Come all! Our “Breakfast Bunch” gathering for children will be continuing.—As many know, over the recent weeks of the “40 Days,” the children have been gathering for breakfast each Sunday morning. What a good time this has been! Thus, we are going to keep it in place! Please note, however, that the breakfast will begin 15 minutes later at 8:45 AM. See you on Sunday! Monastic Visit The monastery at Mt. Savior is a community of monks striving to live according to the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict. They are committed to honor and glorify God through the harmonious balance of prayer, work, study, and hospitality. Taste the beauty and serenity of the monastic life, if only for a little while. Spaces are limited, and the cost is $100.00. For more details, call 717-240-0678. Christmas Day Is On It’s Way! Every year, the Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church provides Christmas gifts to at-risk children and low-income families in the Harrisburg area. Last year, the Center provided gifts to more than 300 children. The Center is accepting donations of unwrapped toys, gift certificates, videos, bay items and/or clothing to distribute this holiday season. Donated items can either be sent or dropped off at the Center, 1801 North Third Street, Harrisburg, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Arrangements can be made for Saturday deliveries. For more information, please call the Center at 717-233-6541. January Newsletter Articles The Holidays are approaching rapidly, and accordingly, our office is thinking about the newsletter schedule that relates to January. Please be reminded that the January Newsletter will feature a simple listing of January information verses detailed articles. This information is due December 28th at 9:00 AM. Thank you for your participation. Advent and Christmas Horizon Looking into December? Now is the time to mark your calendar with the many wonderful ministries of Advent and Christmas.  While our December “Vision” Newsletter will highlight them all, here is a brief listing of what is on the horizon: Service of Carols and Lessons (December 12th) Journey into Bethlehem (December 19th) Advent Sunday Evening Services at 7:00 PM will begin this season with a light meal at 5:45 PM in the fellowship hall. Christmas Music and first person portrayals of the Nativity characters will highlight our time together A live outdoor Nativity is currently in “preparation” for December 17th and 18th. Plan now to come to our “Congregational Christmas Dinner” (No cost) hosted by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and Jay and Linda Zimmerman on Thursday, December 16th. Christmas Eve Service will be celebrated at 6:30 PM (family service) and 10:00 PM (Traditional Candle light). GETTYSBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SHUT-INS Members in Nursing Homes “Send a Christmas Greeting to These Special Folks” Lutheran Retirement Village 1075 Old Harrisburg Road  Thelma Coulson Marie Dymott May Pennell Catherine Funt Kermit Carlson Green Acres 595 Biglerville Road Kathleen Green Marie Clabaugh David Clapsaddle Charles Polley Sally (Irene) Keefer Members at Home Evelyn Price - 1770 Barley Road #605, York, PA 17401 Sherman Roe - 341 E. York Street, Biglerville, PA 17307 Louise Smyth - 2050 Barley Road, York, PA 17404 Vernon Henry - 11644 Hanover Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Bessie and Allen Slonaker - 1365 York Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Jesse Clapsaddle - 55 Herr’s Ridge Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Mrs. Maurice Shindledecker – 28 Jacobs Road, Hanover, PA 17331 Missy Legay - 2050 Barley Road, York, PA 17401 *If you know of other such persons, please contact our church office (334-3032), so that we may add them to our list. Thank you! Save Your Labels and Help a Preschool GUMC is now participating in Campbell’s Labels for Education Program, so all Campbell’s products labels should be saved. By doing so, for each label we send in, a donation ins made towards helping one of the Methodists Church’s preschool. For more information on how you can make a difference, see Faye Krantz and stop by the table in front of the office. Expanding Our Children’s Ministry We haven’t been, but we should be…providing childcare during the 9:15 AM Sunday School hour. Why? Quit simple! By doing so, our younger parents can come and share together in a small group setting that can be significant in their Christian ministry.—We need your help! We are looking for persons who would be willing to offer their love and care for Nursery age children at the 9:15 AM hour particularly, but also the 10:30 AM hour, as Tammy Lytle (the nursery coordinator for the 10:30 AM hour) is always looking for assistance. Please inquire in our office and/or sign-up on the bulletin board just outside the church office! Thank you!

ATTENTION KENNIE'S SHOPPERS!  If you are a frequent shopper at any Kennie's Market location and you'd be willing to designate Big Brothers Big Sisters of Adams County for the Community Treasures program, please contact Laura Geesaman at 334-1138 or landt@pa.net

Regular and large print Bibles are available at the back of the church for your use. We invite you to use one to follow along in the reading of today's scripture.

PEW ENVELOPES! You may have noticed the pew envelopes and on top of the mission can. These envelopes are to be used for donations to the church that are not covered by your regular envelopes. Some examples are mission can donations, special collections, special service offerings, etc. If the envelopes are used, we will be able to add that record to your giving statement. Please be sure to put your envelope number and/or name on the envelope so we know to which account it should be recorded. If you have any questions, please see Fred Myers or Connie Thompson.

Tape Ministry - Do you know a shut-in who would like to hear the word of God through our service on Sunday mornings? Or perhaps you didn’t get to church on Sunday and wanted to hear the message. The Tape Ministry in our church was established for these very reasons—to bring the word of God to everyone. It brings our church closer to those who are not able to attend. There is no charge for the ministry. You may keep the tape or if you would like, you can return them so we may use them again. God’s word and God’s gift are here for you! To request a tape, contact Edgar and Charlotte Moore at 334-1716, Dave Schmidt at 334-4325, or call the church office at 334-3032.

REMINDER: Please remember to call or e-mail the office by Tuesday prior to the Sunday you are sponsoring bulletins or altar flowers. Phone or mail reminders are no longer being issued - that information is now part of the newsletter. All announcements to be placed in the Weekly Vision must also be in the office by Tuesday. Thank you.

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