Dear Faith Family, We have been members of Faith UMC since March of 1995. In September of 2001, I saw a job posting projected on the wall of the sanctuary one Sunday morning. It was for a 10 hour per week position titled the Coordinator of Lay Ministries. The church was looking for someone who knew the congregation pretty well who could assist and support Pastor Alan Kimber with the new member class and with inviting people into leadership positions. I looked at my husband and said, “I can do that” and I applied. I recently heard our District Superintendent Benita Rollins use the phrase “divinely positioned” to describe the woman at the well. I didn't realize it in September of 2001, but God divinely positioned me at that moment. I thought I was applying for a job. It never occurred to me that I might be answering a call from God, but it is clear to me now that is what happened. I was chosen by you. I have gone about my work welcoming visitors and new members and extending the invitation to serve at Faith. It hasn’t always been easy. There are times when I faced responsibilities that I didn’t think I could do. My missionary cousin, Hope, gave me her simple prayer that I have used countless times. It is, “Help me, Lord! I can’t do this by myself!” And of course, the Lord and His people came to my aid. The encouragement, support and prayer that my Faith family gives me takes my breath away. Thank you for the impact you have made on my life; for shaping me into who I am today; for sustaining and encouraging me. Now, God has “divinely positioned” me in a new place as a full-time grandmother!

With love and gratitude,

Coordinator of Congregational Development

FAITH NOTES Faith United Methodist Church

300 Ninth Street NW North Canton, Ohio 44720

Phone: 330.499.6040 Fax: 330.305.1600 E-mail: ncfaith@faithumchurch.org Website: www.faithumchurch.org

December 2013 Season of Thanks

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 118:1

The staff of Faith UMC have been practicing the art of thankfulness. We are finding more and more ways to give thanks to the Lord and to show our thanks for one another. Even for those who are quick to say, “I don’t need to be thanked” a simple word of thanks lifts the heart and blesses the day. December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent. It is Communion Sunday. Another word used for “Communion” is “Eucharist” which comes from the Greek word eucharisteo which is in the New Testament 39 times! Its definition is “to give thanks.” In our hymnal, the Communion liturgy is titled “The Great Thanksgiving”. In other words, our Ad-vent journey will begin at the table giving thanks. May it continue as a season of giving thanks. Lauralee Stiffler has served Faith UMC on staff for 12 years. On behalf of the staff and the entire congregation, Cara and I give thanks for Lauralee. We are thankful for her devotion, planning, Christ-like care, love, authenticity, creativity, amazing leadership training events, numerous new member classes, gifted way of inviting and empowering others and her wit! She is a model of servant leadership willing to hear and follow God’s call. With thanks, Pastor Steve

Lauralee Stiffler

Circle News

SECOND WIND will not meet in December. Have a HAPPY HOLIDAY!

The next meeting will be January 14th. Watch for details!!

Men meet each Thursday at 7:15 AM at Susanna’s on Main St. in North Canton. All men are welcome.

No reservations required. Social coordinator is Dale Walters.

Circle of Faith

Circle of Faith will meet on Monday, December 9th at 9am. Watch the

bulletins for further information. Please contact Esther Brunt if you would like to

join the circle. 330-499-7293

Lydia Circle

will meet on Wednesday, December 12th at 12:00 pm in Robinson Hall. Watch the

bulletins for further information. Please call Emmajo Shearer for information

at 330-966-8730

Circle of Love Circle of Love will meet on Thursday, December 19th at 7:00pm. Watch the

bulletins for further information. All are welcome! Please contact

Patti Deems with any questions. 330-494-7168

From UMW

Thank you to all who attended our Fall Brunch and bought pies and rice pudding.

Your support of UMW is greatly appreciated.

Over 50? Single? Looking for social interaction with

other singles your age? Our group may be just what you're looking

for! We are beginning our fourth year together enjoying a wide variety of

adventures. Friends are always welcome. If you have questions, call

Bev Temple 330-244-8518.

First Tuesday Please join us for First Tuesday on December 3, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. (new WINTER time) in the Chapel for Christmas worship, prayer, and sharing. Jack O’Harrow will be our presenter. Then on

Tuesday, January 7, 2014, Cheryl Froelich will be back in town to share a New Year’s message with us.

Every First Tuesday we enjoy meaningful presentations and wonderful fellowship. Many of us go out for breakfast afterwards to continue the uplift! Get up and fuel your faith on the

First Tuesday of each month.

Koinonia Christmas Party The annual Christmas party and gag gift exchange

will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 7 pm at

the Baker’s, 4900 Logan Ave., NW, Canton.

Sandwiches, chips, and beverages will be

provided. We will take a collection to cover

expenses for the two six-member families we’ve

taken for Adopt-A-Family. All are invited! Call Jan

Baker for further details and to RSVP (499-7321).

Canton Calvary Mission requests for December Boxed Potatoes The Mission feeds over 500 families monthly and appreciates all donations of non-perishable foods, personal

hygiene and paper products. A marked box is located in the gallery for contributions to the Food Pantry. Thanks for your generous support!

Our mission is to comfort those with the prayer shawls that we lovingly create and pray over. We always welcome new and interested members. We have new yarn and extra needles/crochet hooks for anyone who would like to join us. Come and learn to knit or crochet from our talented and caring group. We meet the first Thursday of the month in the Parlor from 2-4pm.

This group meets on Tuesdays at the church in rooms 5 and 6. The hours are 9:00am to 11:30 am. We are currently working on crib quilts for the Aultman Hospital NICU. Anyone wishing to help make these quilts is welcome. Come join us!!!!!

Ever wondered about Faith Kitchen? Each month Faith United Methodist Church provides an opportunity for those in need to come and have a meal, some time of worship, and a chance to receive bags of groceries. Get involved in this ministry—a tangible way to share the love and grace of God. We are looking for volunteers to

help on Fridays with set up and Food Pick Up and on Saturdays in several areas! To help on Friday, contact Bob Yoder (330.494.0332) and Saturdays, Cheryl Froelich (330.493.4097 / momalajkd@neo.rr.com) or Glenn Vanvoorhis (330.495.8323 or g.vanvoo@gmail.com)

Next Faith Kitchen Opportunity: December 28th at Crystal Park UMC

CHRISTMAS OFFERING 2013

The Service in Mission Team has prepared the allocation list for the 2013 Christmas Offering. The church continues to support both national and international Outreach, by continuing to give support to our six missionaries. We have added a new person to this year. She is part of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and works with students at the University of Akron.

We continue our covenant with the Interfaith Campus Ministry at Kent Stark-Stark State Campus, We have also selected the following recipients for the 2013 Christmas Offering:

Faith Kitchen Community Christmas

Flat Rock Children’s Home Guidestone-(Berea Children’s Home)

Camphor Mission,Liberia Henderson Settlement-RedBird Missionary Conference

C.O.O.L (Community Outreach of Love) Vines and Branches-India

Why Should Children Honor Their Parents?

Over the past couple of weeks our student ministry has been journeying through the maze of how students relate to their parents. Through this series we have been blessed with wonderful conversations and great questions. One of the most thought provoking questions came this

past week from one of our middle school students. The question that was raised was, “Why do I as a “child” have to be the mature and responsible one to honor my parents and fight for the relationship when they should be doing this because they are older and the parents?” As we worked through this question, we explored several reasons that children should honor their parents.

Read the full story at http://refuge-faithumc.blogspot.com/

Today, I would like to leave you with a question to consider about your relationship with your parents and to discuss with your children. “What do you typically do when you don’t get your way?” As you wrestle with this ques-tion I challenge you to think about what the concepts of respect, freedom, and honor mean in your house. As you work through this issue remember that while you may have a shaky relationship with your parents or children current-ly, you can change that because “When you turn your heart toward your parents, it turns your relationship toward God.”

Our mission trip planning, events, and fundraising for our trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky next summer are in full swing. Here are some ways that you can help us raise the necessary funds to make this trip a possibility. We are currently distributing M & M tubes filled with candy for you to take and enjoy at your convenience. All we

ask in return is that you enjoy the candy and fill the tube back up with change, cash, or checks and return it to the church. Towards the end of December our donation board will make another appearance to help raise funds for our trip and encourage

year-end giving. Look for the display boards in the gathering area and outside the Family Life Center later this month!

Our students are always looking for opportunities to serve others throughout the year. If you have any questions

about our trip feel free to contact Susan Arnold (sarnold@faithumchurch.org) or Donny Bell (donnybell@gmail.com) or Matt Hart (mhart@faithumchurch.org). Thank you for your partnering with this life-changing ministry!

Confirmation Information:

In January our eighth grade students will have the opportunity to participate in our wonderful Confirmation program that will take place over the next few months. During November a mailing went out to all eighth grades students on our roles inviting them to participate in this experience, however if we missed your student or if they have a friend

that would like to participate in the program we would willingly welcome them to it as well.

In addition to our normal Confirmation program we are also adding a special piece this year for students who may have missed the program because they came to the church following their eighth grade year, or chosen not to

participate at the time they were eligible. This class will cover similar materials and allow these students to learn more about their faith journey and become further connected to the wonderful ministry of Faith UMC. If you know of a student who would be interested in pursuing this path to be confirmed please contact Matt Hart at 330-499-6040 or

mhart@faithumchurch.org with their information.

NEWS

Troop 12 News and Information December 14: We look forward to our annual Luminary Lighting Preparation on this date as we prepare the luminaries which will light the church walkways for Christmas Eve service. This is always a special activity for Troop 12 as we help our church prepare the way for the Christ Child. Mark your calendars! Our first fundraiser for Troop 12 will be a Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, January 17, 2014. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The cost is by donation, and any profits will help the boys offset the cost of future campouts. As always, thank you for your continued sup-port of Troop 12!

The Safe Sanctuary Ministry Group has been

working towards the safety of the children, youth and adults of Faith United Methodist Church and all others who attend our many programs and services. This group is made up of 5 members of the church, Richard Baughman (Chair), Jack Baker, Patti Deems, Missy Jones and Greg Jones. Staff members include Rev. Steve Stultz-Costello, Kathy Schmucker, Sharyl Syler, and Matt Hart.

Over the next few months we will be working on getting policies, training and applications for background checks standardized and will keep everyone informed.

If you have any suggestions, concerns or questions please contact any member of the group or contact Dick Baugh-man at rbaughman2317@prodigy.net or 330-966-3684.

Pennies for Paraguay We did it! We have raised enough money to

sponsor a NINTH student at the New Horizon United Methodist School in Paraguay for the 2014 school year. Huge thanks to all of our contributors for your gifts large and small. New photos and letters from our current students will be posted near room 5. One of the children says, “Thanks for helping me with my studies and for your love.” This truly is a

way to share God’s love! Strong contributions are needed year round to maintain our commitment, so please continue to re-member this ministry with your gifts!

Thank you notes were received from Janice Weber, Sue Kelley, Emma McKenzie, Rita and Bruce Backhurst.

Thank You from Glasses for Masses

Thanks to all who contributed to the Glasses for the Masses mission, which provides glasses for

missionaries around the world. We received a thank you note which said: Thank you to the UMW of

Faith UMC for collecting Glasses for the Masses. Our volunteers stay busy cleaning the glasses, grading them and mailing them to missionaries. They are much needed. –Mary Ann Yinkum,

Fairview UMW President

Church Garden News The garden has

been cleaned up for winter. We celebrate

another successful year! Over $800 was

raised thanks to the efforts of about two

dozen volunteers. We sent $400 to the

Akron Canton Regional Foodbank. They

can provide 4 meals for every dollar, so our

gift will provide 1600 meals for the hungry.

The balance of the money has been given

to Faith Kitchen to provide for the needs of

those in Canton. Our contribution will help

supply the kitchen’s needs for a month –

another 200 meals and groceries. Thank

you not only to our volunteers, but also to all

of you who bought our salsa, soup, and

stuffed peppers. We ask that you hold your

empty pint jars for us until after the first of

the year when a collection box will return to

the Gathering Area.

Doris Hershey will be 91 on Dec. 15th.

We extend out deepest sympathy to: -Kathy Fiala on the death of her father -Tom Strauch on the death of his father -Mindy Hart on the death of her grandmother

Ingrid Anne was born to Paul and Emily Luikart on November 3 in Illinois. Proud grandparents, Ron and Laura Luikart.

Son of David, Advent Focus for The Story Sermons, Small Groups & Sunday School Classes

Beginning December 1st – Walking Toward Bethlehem Advent Prayer Walk Throughout the season of Advent an indoor reflection walk will be available in the Gathering Area to guide us in walking the 70 mile journey Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem.

December 5, 12, & 19 at 2:00 pm – Advent Study

December 4 – 11:00 AM & 6:45 PM - “Walking Toward Comfort and Joy: a Service of Worship Employing the Labyrinth”

Dinner at 6pm with special service beginning at 6:45 pm. Come explore these faith traditions and invite friends & neighbors to join you.

Advent Labyrinth available in Family Life Center from 9:30 am – 8pm on December 4

December 11 - Chrismon Workshop Chrismons are ornaments made from Christian symbols. Come learn about this faith tradition and help make Chrismon ornaments for our church Christmas tree as well as some for your home! Dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by this special program for all ages!

December 13 – Friday Night Out (Date Night) from 6:00 – 8:45 PM Special Christmas activities for kids led by Pastors Steve and Cara!

December 18 – Caroling Night beginning at 6:00 pm with a grab & go dinner - Imagine the fun we will have

caroling through our church neighborhood as we experience the story of Christ's birth!

December 24 - Christmas Eve Services at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, & 11:00

There will be many opportunities to be the hands & feet of Christ for guests throughout the evening, including opportunities for hospitality, greeters, and coordinators to assist with the 7:00pm interactive family service.

Advent & Christmas Resources

Advent Devotion Book For reflections and suggested activities for the season of Advent, check out Faith

UMC’s 2013 Advent Devotion Book. Visit our website for daily readings. Printed copies available on request.

Advent & Christmas activities and prayer resources will be available in the literature racks in the

Gathering Area and outside the Family Life Center and on our website. Visit Faith’s Library/Media Center to explore additional resources to help you dig deeper into the sermon messages and small group studies!

January 6 at 7:00 PM – Finding the Inner Christ of Joy and Peace, an Epiphany Service

Friday Night Out: Developing the Heart Friday, December 13 6pm-8:45pm Special Christmas activities for kids led by

Pastors Steve & Cara! Faith UMC has a strong desire to focus on

nurturing family relationships through faith. This fall, we invite anyone: singles, adult couples (engaged, newly married or seasoned marriages) to come join us for a short program focusing on nurturing family relation-

ships, followed by an evening of childcare (ages birth-6th grade) while you enjoy some time to yourselves to

focus on the relationships in your life. For more information contact please contact: Tallie Paz at talliepaz@gmail.com or Kathy Schmucker at kschmucker@faithumchurch.org with questions or if you'd like to be involved in any way with this ministry!

Small Groups at Faith UMC!

Small Groups and Sunday School Classes for Advent and our Church-Wide Study, The Story Several small groups meet for Bible study, prayer, & discussion throughout the week. Check out our website for updated information and registration form. Look for the Christian Education & Spiritual Formation ministry display in the Gathering Area and outside the Family Life Center.

Want to learn more about nurturing your faith? For more information or questions about faith formation opportunities and resources or about starting or getting involved in a small group, prayer group, or Bible study experience at Faith UMC, visit our website or contact Kathy Schmucker, Faith’s Director of Christian Education & Spiritual Formation. 330-499-6040, kschmucker@faithumchurch.org

Sunday School at Faith UMC “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 3:18

Join us as we together grow and learn to KNOW, LOVE, & SERVE the Lord!

The Story for Kids: Faith Nursery, Room 18, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM

Babies and Woddlers (birth through age 3) are cared for in a nurturing environment where little ones experience God’s love.

Children’s Sunday School at 9:45 & 11 AM, Following Children’s Message

Preschool Ages 3-5, Room 20 Grades K-2, Room 6 Grades 3-5, Room 8

Out-of-the-Box Youth Grades 6-12 at 9:45 & 11 AM, in the Youth Room

Adults @ 9:45 AM: The Story: Faith Meets Life in the West Parlor

Faith Bible Study: Genesis to Revelation in the Conference Room

Adults @ 11:00 AM: The Story in Room 16

**Please stop by the Children’s Welcome Station near the Sanctuary and Family Life Center to sign in children, make their Sunday School nametags, and find information for families! Look for Family Devotions and Weekly Parent Pages on our Story website for suggestions and ideas to share The Story at home with your family!

Chuck Knows Church, a fun and informative weekly

video series about the objects, symbols and terms used in church made a special video for Faith UMC featuring Faith’s Wednesday Night Faith Connections Ministry! CKC videos are produced by the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship (GBOD). Visit our website and Facebook page to view this special message from Chuck Knows Church.

Can an hour or two of your time matter in the life of a child and the future of our church? Impact a Genera-tion with the Love of Christ! Find out how you can make a difference in Faith’s Nursery, Sunday School, Wednesday Night, Advent and Friday Night Out ministries by checking out the Christian Education & Spiritual Formation Ministry Team display outside the office and Family Life Center or contact Sandy Vaughn, Kathy Schmucker, Kristin Krach or Tallie Paz for more information.

Holiday Shopping? Virtual Bookstore Do your holiday shopping online and support the ministries of Faith UMC! Faith’s Education & Spiritual Formation Ministry Team is excited to invite you to check out our Virtual Bookstore! Visit our website and click on the special links to Cokesbury & Amazon! All purchases made through these online links will help support our min-istries! Check out our recommendations lists for resources to enhance your study of the Bible and aid in your per-sonal spiritual journey!

Weaving Faith Into Life

Wednesday Night Faith Connections is a mid-week opportunity for fellowship, fun and study. The evening begins with a meal and worship experience at 6:00 pm followed by programs and studies for kids and adults.

There are several opportunities to serve on Wednesday nights. For information on how you can volunteer, contact Kathy Schmucker, Sandy Vaughn or Mike Hubble.

All are welcome! Invite your friends, come join the fun and get connected at Faith!

Wednesday Night Schedule

5:00/5:15—6:00 pm: Children’s Choirs 6:00 pm: Dinner/Worship for kids and adults! All are welcome! 6:30—7:30 pm: Faith Kids, Grades K-5 7:30—8:00 pm: Faith Kids Extended 6:30—8:00 Adult Groups (Please check the calendar as starting times for adults will vary.)

December Special Wednesday Night Events: December 4: Walking Toward Comfort & Joy Labyrinth Service December 11: Chrismon Ornament Workshop December 18: Christmas Caroling

Contributions to support Faith’s Wednesday Night Ministry are much appreciated to help stretch the

generous contribution from Faith’s Endowment Ministry Team which is enabling us to provide this ministry without cost to families. Look for the donation tags at the display outside the church office and Family Life Center!

Did you know? Leftovers from each Wednesday Night meal are distributed to persons in need of a home-cooked

meal? Just one of the many ways that your support of this ministry extends into our community.

New Year Prayer Station

A prayer experience focusing on John Wesley’s Covenant service will be available the first week of January to guide us in praying for the New Year. Anyone interested

in helping to create this experience, please contact Kathy

Schmucker or Sandy Vaughn.

FINDING THE INNER CHRIST OF JOY AND PEACE

An Epiphany Service of Reflection and Silence Monday, January 6, 7 PM, Chapel

Christians recall “ Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. For we have observed his star at its rising and we have come to pay homage to him” (Matthew 2:1-2). The word epiphany means “an inner realization”. We are also called to our personal epiphany of an “inner realization” of who Jesus is and what that means in our life. Epiphanies are often found in silence and reflection. Sam Purses and John Buchanan will lead a service of silence and reflection “Finding The Inner Christ of Joy and Peace” in our Chapel, Monday, January 6, 7 PM. All are welcome.

What is Advent? The season of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year. Advent is the season of

waiting and watching as we prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate God’s greatest gift, the birth of our Lord and Savior. The word Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King. We prepare to receive Christ into our hearts and wait expectantly for Jesus to come again. Advent is far more than marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is cele-brating the revelation of God in Christ. Advent is a hopeful time as we anticipate and experience that wonderful gift of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.

During this special time of year our attention is drawn to thoughts of angels, shepherds, stables, and bright shining stars because they remind us that the birth of Jesus forever changed the world. It is our hope that as we stop and reflect on this special time of year, this season of waiting, that we will remember to make God the center of all we do. During this season of waiting, we invite you to prayerfully examine your spiritual heart, your faith journey. As the stores and our homes are decorated and transformed for the holidays, we want to be open to the most im-portant transformation, the transformation of our hearts as we prepare to draw closer to Jesus this Advent. We invite you to explore the following resources: Visit the literature rack in the Gathering Area for Advent devotions for families, adults, youth, & children. Learn

about the Jesse Tree, Chrismons, Advent wreaths, and Advent prayer calendars. Visit our library, our website, www.faithumchurch.org, staff blogs and our Facebook page for additional re-

sources and activities. Make Faith UMC’s Advent devotion book part of your daily practices. A digital copy will be available on our

website. Participate in one of our Sunday School classes or Small Group experiences to experience our church-wide

sermon and teaching series, The Story. Get involved in our Wednesday Night Advent Experiences. Invite your friends & neighbors! Reach out to others in Christian love through the service opportunities listed in the bulletin or Faith Notes. Invite others to worship and church activities during the Advent season. Copies of all versions of The Story resources are also available for purchase. Look for the display outside the

church office and Family Life Center. Visit Faith’s Library/Media Center to explore additional resources to help you dig deeper into the sermon mes-

sages and small group studies! May you experience the gift of Jesus in fresh, new, life-changing ways as you prepare your heart and home for Christ this Advent!

Suggestions for Alternative Gift-Giving Consider giving a donation in someone's honor or the Glory of God by supporting a ministry through our local con-gregation and the UMC. In light of our 2014 congregational focus, Seeing Christ Being Christ, an alternative gift al-lows gift givers & recipients to SEE CHRIST and BE CHRIST in our community and around the world all year long. Certificates will be available for you to share with those you gift. For example: A gift has been given in your honor enabling 3 children to attend Faith UMC’s Camp Read-A-Lot literacy program.

Faith Kitchen UMCOR Disaster Relief Gift of $100 will pay for one week of meals for

Faith’s Wednesday Night Faith Connection Dinner. Gift of $5 will pay for one individual Wednesday

Night meal. Gift of $30 will help to pay for one child to attend

Wednesday Night Faith Connections program for an entire season!

Gift of $25 will purchase one 3rd Grade Bible Gift of $25 will pay for one child to attend VBS Gift of $7 will pay for one VBS music DVD Gift of $20 will pay for one child to attend Camp

Read-A-Lot Gift of $12.50 will pay for one child’s Sunday

School materials for one quarter. Gift of $50 will help to cover a child’s Sunday

School materials for an entire year! Gift of $25 will pay for one middle school student to

participate in our summer middle school mission trip Gift of $25, $50, $75, or $100 will go towards help-

ing our senior high students serve those in need at Henderson Settlement for our high school mission trip.

Gift of $25, $50, $75, or $100 will help a child or youth attend Summer Camp

Gift of $15 will cover the cost of an adult small group or Bible study resource.

Operation Christmas Child - $7.00 will pay for the shipping & distribution costs of 1 shoe box. $20 will cover the costs of the contents of 1 shoe box

Books, DVD’s, music CD’s for Faith’s Prayer Room or Library & Media Center

Children’s books for Camp Read-A-Lot Pennies for Paraguay

Please support the United Methodist Women with our annual Cookie Walk on December 8th.

Homemade cookies will be on sale in the gathering area following all three services and will be sold by the dozen. Proceeds will benefit local and global UMW missions.

Calling all bakers! We need bakers to donate 6 dozen of your favorite homemade cookies.

Cookies can be dropped off in the Robinson Hall kitchen on Friday, December 6th from 9 am to 4 pm or Saturday, December 7th from 10 am to noon. Please indicate if your cookies contain nuts. Thank

you for your support. Questions? Contact Kathy Myers at 330-361-4624.

Chances are many of us will soon enjoy watching a production of the well-loved "A Christmas Carol", either at a theater or in the comfort of our own homes. But, as I write this, I am reminded of another famous Dickens novel, "A Tale of Two Cities" which begins with the words "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times...it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Although this novel depicts the plight and suffering of people of another time and another place, the words ring true today. If you or someone you know and care about is facing a difficult time, our Stephen Ministers are available to provide one-on-one Christian care to those individuals. They are there to listen, care, encourage and provide emotional sup-

port. The care received is both confidential and free. For more information, you may contact Pastor Steve, Pas-tor Cara, Pam Honnold (330.494.8650), or Ron Luikart (330.494-7570).

Gift Cards Make Great Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for the

holidays!! Cards can be ordered for restau-

rants, gasoline, department stores and more! There are order forms in the Gathering Area and church of-fice. Cards will be ordered each week until December 15th for

Christmas delivery. Contact Susan Arnold with any questions!

Community Christmas needs helpers to sort toys and

to be personal shoppers on distribution days which are De-cember 11, 12 and 13. Even if your time is limited to just several hours, it will be a big help. We hope to help 800+ families. For more information, call Jake Lebold at 330.499.6098. Also, we are still in need of clean, used toys and Christmas trees and decorations. Thank You!

The Giving Tree will be in the Gathering Area beginning

December 1. It will have 125 names of children or nursing home residents that are disadvantaged or have very limited resources. The tags have the ages and sizes. If you take a tag please limit the gift to $25 or less. Wrap the gift and tape the tag on the outside. All gifts can be placed under the Giving Tree and we will see it gets to Community Christmas. Thank you so much! Stu & Emma McKenzie and Jake & Lynda Lebold

Coats for Christmas an outreach of ‘A Community

Christmas’, is now accepting donations for gently used or new coats. All dona-tions can be placed in the boxes in the Gallery off of the Gathering Area. Donations can be made until December 12.

UMC Advance #GivingTuesday is on December 3rd! For one day only, all gifts made online to any Advance project will be

matched dollar for dollar! This is a great opportunity to build awareness and maximize support for a project or missionary that your annual conference is involved with. Visit umcmisison.org/give to learn more and to give on Dec. 3!

Faith UMC Food Pantry Needs It has been a busy couple of months for the food pantry here at Faith UMC and we are in need of resupplying our shelves. We can especially use the

following items: spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and vegetables, boxed potatoes, and cereal. Please put items in the bin

marked Faith Food Pantry. Thanks for your support of this mission.

A Taste of What is to Come Each Sunday of Advent (beginning Dec. 1), 10 minutes prior to each of the three worship services, we will sing 3 favorite Christmas carols.

Come early…sing to celebrate “What is to Come!”

Worship with Us: Sunday Services: 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 Sunday School: 9:45 & 11:00

Get to Know Us: Reverends Steve & Cara Stultz Costello, Co-Pastors Sharyl Syler—Dir. of Administration & Finance Carmie Johnson—Communications Coordinator Kathy Schumucker—Dir. of Christian Ed. & Spiritual Formation Matt Hart—Dir. of Youth Ministry Lauralee Stiffler—Coordinator,Congregational Development Jan Bilek—Treasurer Susan Arnold—Youth Anministrator Alina Dorto—Dir. of Faith Friends Preschool

Contact Us: Phone: 330.499.6040 Fax: 330.305.1600 Email: ncfaith@faithumchurch.org Website: www.faithumchurch.org

Faith United Methodist Church 300 Ninth Street NW North Canton, OH 44720

FAITH NOTES Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Canton, OH Permit No. 1809

Mailed November 26, 2013

Dec 22 ADVENT IV Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Joy Unlimited 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel Choir 9:45& 11:00 Sunday School Dec 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Pastor Steve preaching 7:00 Cherub & Carol choirs 9:00 Joy Unlimited 11:00 Chancel Choir Dec 29 SUNDAY OCTAVE Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Celebration Bells 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Joy Unlimited Alums 9:45& 11:00 Sunday School

WORSHIP IN DECEMBER

Dec 1 COMMUNION ADVENT I Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Celebration Bells 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel Choir 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Dec 8 ADVENT II Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Joanne Fox, Dulcimer 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Carole & Cherub Choirs 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Dec 15 ADVENT III Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Chancel Choir 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Joy Unlimited 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School

WAIT!!! AM I HEADED FOR “FILE 13”?? If you no longer wish to receive the Faith Notes newsletter, please call the church at 330-499-6040 to be removed from the mailing list. Did you know that you can receive a digital copy? Email cjohnson@faithumchurch.org if you’d like to be added to the email list! Help us to be good stewards!