From the Pastor’s Office . . .

Monthly Newsletter First Brethren Church,

South Bend, IN

As we embark upon a new Advent Season, I want to invite you to meditate on the Songs of Christmas found in the Book of Luke that I have been teaching. I love these songs because they invite me into the lives of those that experienced the first coming of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Yet, I want to share with you one of my more recent favorites that Bob Kauflin wrote in 1988 and was sung by the group GLAD entitled, “In the First Light”. I believe it envelopes the totality of advent both past and future.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, December 6,

9:30am, Congregational

Meeting

Sunday, December 6, 6:30pm, Michiana Male

Chorus

Saturday, December 12,

Men’s Prayer Breakfast,

8:00am

Sunday, December 13,

Christmas Caroling, 12:30pm

Monday, December 14,

BCE Meeting, 6:30pm

Sunday, December 20,

Candles & Carols, 6:00pm

Friday, December 25,

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 31,

New Year’s Eve service,

War Room movie, and

Bread & Cup, 6:00pm

Inside this issue:

Church Calendar 2

Monthly Volunteer

Schedule 3

Birthday Presents for

Jesus 4

Birthdays, Anniversaries,

Upcoming Opportunities, 5

2016 Budget Proposal 6-7

2016 Officer Ballot 8

Youth News 9

News from Benjamin 10

Newsletter Survey 11

Colony Communiqué Volume 1, Issue 12

December, 2015

In the first light of the new day No one knew He had arrived. Things continued as they had been While a newborn softly cried. But the heavens wrapped in wonder Knew the meaning of His birth, In the weakness of a baby They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held Him closely, It was hard to understand. That her baby not yet speaking Was the Word of God to man. He would tell them of His kingdom, But their hearts would not believe. They would hate Him and in anger They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken As the song of life arose. And the firstborn of creation Would ascend and take His throne. He had left it to redeem us, But before His life began. He knew He'd come back not as a baby, But as the Lord of ev'ry man. Hear the angels as they're singing On the morning of His birth. But how much greater will our song be When He comes again when He comes again. Hear the angels as they're singing On the morning of His birth, But how much greater will our song be When He comes again to earth; When He comes to rule the earth.

WOW! Just to think that God loves us so much to have His Son come to earth twice to claim His Children for Himself! I don’t know about you, but I will sing “magnificat, benedictus, Gloria, and nunc dimittis” for this Awesome God that has saved my soul for His honor & glory. I pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas season, and that you will meditate upon the real reason for the coming of Jesus Christ, and also anticipate His return. The Youngen family desires to bless you with a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Pastor Fred, Janna, Joshua, Maria

Page 3 Colony Communiqué

SUNDAYS

Greeters

12- 6 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Kathy Galbreath

12 - 13 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Karen Carson

12 - 20 John & Suzanne Bush

12 - 27 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Connie Wood

* * If anyone else is interested in being a Greeter on Sunday Mornings, please contact Bonnie as soon as possible. Thank you. * * *

Hosts

12 - 6 Bev Wolf

12 - 13 Ellen Gilbert

12 - 20 Bev Wolf

12 - 27 Jan Kary

This is a ministry that expands hospitality to our Sunday morning guests. Any questions please contact Bev Wolf, 251-1244.

Nursery

12 - 6 9:30am - ________________________

10:45am - Linda Kohman & Cindi Jewett

12 - 13 9:30am - Angela Scott & Corinne Freel

10:45am - Fawn Robertson & Connie Wood

12 - 20 9:30am - Peggy Baer & _____________

10:45am - Peggy Baer & Hanna Galbreath

12 - 27 9:30am - Kris & Claire Wright

10:45am - Kris & Claire Wright

If you are unable to serve on your assigned Sunday please contact Peggy Baer, 259-2912. We are in need of more volunteers to help in the nursery. Please see Peggy if you can help.

Blood Pressure Screening

This will be available on Sunday,

December 20 in the Conference Room next to the library starting at 10:30am.

SUNDAYS

Van Drivers

We are in need of additional drivers. If you can help, please contact the church office at 291-4909.

12 - 6 Dennis Wood

12 - 13 Dennis Wood

12 - 20 Rich & Kathy Hollister

12 - 27 Dennis Wood

Financial Stewards

12 - 6 Charmaine, Kathi Ginter, John Bush

12 - 13 Bev Wolf & Linda Kohman

12 - 20 Jack Kary, Sr. & Kathy Plaia

12 - 27 Charmaine & Jack Kary, Jr.

If you have any questions, please contact Charmaine, 255-4938.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MONDAYS

Monday Morning Mailers

12 - 7 Sandy Sherrod

12 - 14 Judy Rose-Walley

12 - 21 Jan Smith

12 - 28 Sandy Sherrod

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Sherrod, 256-9481. We are looking for additional volun-teers to help one Monday per month.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Trustee of the Month - Rich Hollister

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Friday, December 25

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Church Office Closed: Thurs-day, December 24

Thursday, December 31

December Volunteer Schedule

Birthday Presents For Jesus Christmas celebrates Jesus' Birth. Usually, the person honored receives the presents; but most people celebrate Jesus' birthday by exchanging gifts with each other! Why not celebrate Jesus' birthday by giving Him a present? Once again you and/or your family will have opportunity to give "Birthday Presents" to Jesus on Sunday, December 20 at the Morning Worship Services or at the Candle & Carol Service on that same even-ing at 6:00 p.m. Since the church is the Body of Christ, the Birthday Wish List includes

several items or tasks needed by this local body. Some District and Denominational concerns are also listed for the larger Body of Christ. At the Candles & Carols Service or that morning, bring the gift, a card containing the money for the gift, or your promise.

Because we are all of differing financial means, here is a wide range of gift suggestions. Some we used regular-ly, and some are on our "wish list." Some require your time and talent rather than money. In these tight economic times, an extra donation to the General Fund or Building Fund in honor of Jesus’ Birthday would also be helpful. If you have any questions or other suggestions, please contact the church office.

Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Packages of washable markers or Dry Erase markers * Scotch tape

Donation to THE COLIP FUND for Family Ministry * Donation for Children’s Bibles - $15/ea.

Adult Ministries Bibles for new members (suggest a $ 25 donation for each Bible.)

Worship Ministry Donation for AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FUND to continue to upgrade equipment

Property Ministry Donation to BUILDING FUND * Antibacterial wipes, liquid hand soap * Toilet Paper & Kleenex

Donation to the TRUSTEE FUND for repairing and remodeling our facility

Donation toward a new church van to replace our 1992 GMC van

2 new white boards to replace the ones in the Friends’ classroom

Outreach Ministries * Stamps / postage * Food for weekend food packages or Funds for coats for Hay Primary Ministry

General Church Supplies & Kitchen Equipment Coffee (regular & decaf), hot chocolate mix, 8 oz. Styrofoam cups

Cases of Bottled Water Paper supplies - paper towels, napkins,

9 volt and AA alkaline batteries for wireless mics and amplifiers

Office Supplies * Case of #20 - 8.5 X 11 - white copy paper ($45) * Stamps / postage * Mailing labels (same as Avery 5160)

Church Library Family DVDs for the library.

Volunteer Time * Sing in the music team * Drive church van * Teach or Assist in a Sunday School Class

* Work in the nursery * Shovel or blow snow * Lead or host a small group

* Help with Children's Ministries * Help with Youth Activities * Make meals for sick

* Provide transportation for people * Visit elderly or shut-in * Help clean the garage or storage area

* Help maintain computers * Operate audio and/ or video equipment

* Provide snacks for Sunday a.m. fellowship * Clean floor in the Great Hall * Clean carpets

District / National / Local Benevolences: Brethren Retreat Center (Camp Shipshewana) * Faith Promise for Missions * Hope Ministries

Luvability Ministries, Inc. * Brethren Relief Fund

Page 4 Colony Communiqué

Page 5 Colony Communiqué

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

December Birthdays 12/1 - Brianna Freel 12/2 - Patsy Derickson 12/2 - Ellen Gilbert 12/5 - Owen Carlisle 12/12 - Kathy Spenner 12/13 - Alicia Sirovica 12/15 - Kathleen Mitchell 12/16 - Angel English 12/17 - Carolyn Lawson 12/22 - Brian McKee 12/24 - Christopher Martinez 12/26 - Arthur Barry 12/26 - Aislyn Phillips 12/27 - Janet Busfield 12/28 - Chad Freel 12/31 - Andy Holloway Anniversaries 12/4 - Keith & Cheryl Kisner 12/9 - Rod & Sandy Sherrod 12/14 - Craig & Grace Phillips 12/24 - Jeremy & Jennifer Carlisle

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ser- mon Series for Advent

First Sunday of Advent - November 29 Magnificat (Mary’s Song)

Second Sunday of Advent - December 6 Benedictus (Zechariah’s Song)

Third Sunday of Advent - December 13 Gloria (Song of the Angels)

Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 20 Nunc Dimittis (Simeon’s Song)

Opportunities at Shipshewana Lake

(see the foyer kiosk for more information)

~ Singles with Children Christmas Retreat

December 18-20, 2015 - $150.00

~ Snow Camp: Hibernation (Grades 3-6)

January 15-17, 2016 - $90.00

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Upcoming Opportunities

~ Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be Saturday, De-cember 12 at 8:00am. All men are invited for fellowship, good food and a dedicated time for prayer and Bible reading as a group of men. Plan to attend!

~ WMS Women’s Meetings

Due to weather concerns, we have decided not to have WMS meetings for the months of De-cember, January and February. We will resume meetings in the

Spring of 2016. We look forward to seeing you then.

LIBRARY NEWS The library has recently received

a series of DVDs from the Youngen

family that will be of interest to

youth ages 8-12 and their parents.

This series was produced by the

Voice of Martyrs and is their Torch-

lighters series. It is an animated program to show kids

what God can do through a “Torchlighter” who is de-

voted to carrying out His will and purposes, they too

will want to carry a torch of faith by serving Him.

I know the holiday season gets busy but we have

devotional books, decorating books, stories about oth-

er people’s Christmases and things to make your

Christmas more meaningful.

PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET - PAGE 1

Page 6 Colony Communiqué

Category 2015 Budget Requested

Amount Increase - (decrease)

Income

300 General Fund

11 General Budget 179,203 152,584 (26,619)

12 Loose Offering 1,000 1,000 -

13 Sunday School 1,000 1,000 -

15 Other Income 9,750 0 (9,750)

320 Building Fund 21,448 21,448 -

TOTAL INCOME 212,401 176,032 (36,369)

Expenses:

510 Payroll

2 Youth Pastor 31,500 - (31,500)

5 Secretary 12,012 14,040 2,028

6 Youth Pastor Education 350 - (350)

8 FICA 3,000 1,074 (1,926)

520 Congregational Care

1 Program expense 125 125 -

2 Travel expense 75 75 -

3 First Aid supplies 25 25 -

530 Pastoral Salary

1 Pastoral Base Salary 23,000 23,725 725

2 Housing Allowance 19,600 20,090 490

540 Pastoral Benefits

4 Medical Benefits 13,500 13,500 -

5 Pastor's Retirement 3,000 3,000 -

550 Office Expenses

1 Office supplies 1,375 1,550 175

2 New Equipment & repairs 2,600 2,300 (300)

3 Publicity 250 250 -

5 Postage 1,600 1,600 -

560 Music Expenses

1 New Music/CCLI Contract 200 400 200

2 Tuning & Repair 400 250 (150)

Page 7 Colony Communiqué

Category 2015 Budget

Requested Amount

Increase - (decrease)

570 Miscellaneous Expenses

1 Conference Delegate Fee 1030 990 (40)

2 Contingent Fund/Misc. 1,500 1,500 -

3 Library 400 400 -

5 Leadership Development 300 300 -

6 Bus Expense 1,700 1,700 -

8 Pulpit supplies 600 600 -

9 Food services 1,200 1,200 -

10 Pastoral business expenses 6,000 6,100 100

13 Altar Committee 200 200 -

14 Flowers 200 200 -

15 Youth Pastor Business expenses 1,050 0 (1,050)

16 Youth Workers convention 600 600 -

17 Professional Services 1,250 1,250 -

580 Christian Education

4 SS Supplies 850 500 (350)

5 BYIC 1,200 1,200 -

6 Camp 800 800 -

7 Children's ministries 500 500 -

8 Discipleship 1,000 1,000 -

585 Family Ministry

1 Programming Materials 200 - (200)

2 Special Events 1,200 1,200 -

590 Evangelism

1 Printed materials 150 150 -

3 Special programs 200 200 -

4 Outreach 400 400 -

5 Care 200 200 -

6 Website 240 240 - 610 Trustees

1 Maintenance & Supplies 7,500 7,500 -

2 Insurance 6,500 6,500 -

3 Utilities 13,000 14,300 1,300

4 Cleaning service 4,500 4,500 -

5 Lawn Maint. & snow removal 5,500 5,500 -

700 Benevolences

1 Indiana Dist. - 2.5% 5,066 3,750 (1,316)

2 Denominational - 6% 12,192 9,000 (3,192)

5 Memorials 100 100 -

8 District Pastor - 0.5% 1,013 0 (1,013)

820 Building

2 Mortgage Payment 21,448 21,448 -

Total Expenses: 99,789 94,028 (5,761)

Page 8 Colony Communiqué

Ballot for 2016 Church & S.S. Officers

The election will be held on Sunday, December 6th. Nominations will be accepted from the floor for any office. You must have the person's consent to place their name in nomination.

Moderator Vice Moderator (Elect 1) Jennifer Kary Yes_____ No_____ Kris Wright Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Recording Secretary Assistant Recording Secretary Jan Kary Yes_____ No_____ Mary Wisniewski Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Financial Secretary Assistant Financial Secretary Charmaine Lange Yes_____ No_____ Jack Kary Sr. Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Treasurer Assistant Treasurer

Kathy Plaia Yes_____ No_____ Jeaniece Bumgardner Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Head Usher Assistant Head Usher

Dave Lange Yes_____ No_____ Kevin Kohman Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ Todd Wisniewski Yes_____ No_____

Librarian Assistant Librarian

Suzanne Bush Yes_____ No_____ Bonnie Coffman Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ Hanna Galbreath Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ Ann Wisniewski Yes_____ No_____

Sunday School Superintendent Assistant Sunday School Superintendent Linda Kohman Yes_____ No_____ Kathy Barber Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Board of Christian Education (Elect 3) Trustee Board (Elect 2) Corinne Freel Yes_____ No_____ Chad Freed Yes_____ No_____ Hanna Galbreath Yes_____ No_____ Rich Hollister Yes_____ No_____ Jan Kary Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ Tony Passannante Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____ _______________ Yes_____ No_____

Stewards Nominating Committee (Elect 3) Kathi Ginter Yes_____ No_____ Peggy Baer Yes_____ No_____ Jack Kary, Sr. Yes_____ No_____ Bonnie Coffman Yes_____ No_____ Jack Kary, Jr. Yes_____ No_____ Ellen Gilbert Yes_____ No_____ Linda Kohman Yes_____ No_____ Jan Kary Yes_____ No_____ Kathy Plaia Yes_____ No_____ Connie Wood Yes_____ No_____ Becky Reynolds Yes_____ No_____

Bev Wolf Yes_____ No_____ Deacon/Deconesses for Reaffirmation _______________ Yes_____ No_____ (Needs 2/3 vote for reaffirmation)

_______________ Yes_____ No_____ Jack Kary, Jr. Yes_____ No_____ Jennifer Kary Yes_____ No_____ Joyce Schafer Yes_____ No_____

A NOTE FROM ADAM

Dear First Brethren Church,

To all the brothers and sisters of this church, you have given me the space to discover and create. You have been a part of my life for 18 years. You were the very first youth group that I was a part of, in which initiation was kissing a pig. You were where I was baptized, where I be-gan to hear the calling of professional ministry, and where I preached my first sermon. You were the place that I in-vited my friends to as a youth. And one of those friends became more than a friend. In fact, it was in the youth room where all the hand-me-down couches used to be that I asked her to marry me. A wedding that many of you attended and one of you officiated. You have been there for the loss of my Grandfather and the loss of my Sister. You shared in the joy of the arrival of my son. You were the place where I first heard the call as a Youth member, and the place where I got to begin to fulfill that call. You were once again my first youth group, but this time as staff. Thank you.

Grace & Peace, Adam Richard

Youth Activities for

December

December 2 - 5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven December 6 - 10:45am - Visit Vic & Connie Keigley December 9 - 5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven December 13 - 10:45am - Friends Class Party December 16 - 5:30pm supper, 6:00pm Haven “Ugly Christmas Sweater Night” December 20 - 10:45am - Recap, Reflection, Prep December 27 - 10:45am - Cooking Meals for FBC December 31 - 6:00pm - New Year’s Eve service: Movie “War Room” and Bread & Cup

For a church mouse, I am old. And the older I get the more I forget. So, before I forget, I need to remind you of the Congregational Business Meeting Sunday, Decem-ber 6 at 9:30am. Please come and vote for 2016 Officers and to pass the Budget.

One of my favorite Christmas decorations are the poinsettias. I just love those bright red flowers. Being a mouse, money confuses me, but if you come each week, you will find out the details of the cost for purchasing a plant. I know they have to be watered also, and if that is something you could help with, please contact the office.

The Michiana Male Chorus will be here Sunday night, December 6th at 6:30pm. This will be a special night of song and fellowship. Please come and bring some food to share with our special guests if you like. It will be a good program to invite your friends to.

The Candles and Carols service will be Sunday, December 20 at 6:00pm. It’s my favorite program of the year. What a great way to start off Christmas week. You will receive blessings as you remember Whose birthday we are celebrating. Please invite your family and friends.

Remember, Advent is a great time to invite your friends to the weekly services. And be sure to stay for a 2nd hour class.

Please use the Deacon Christmas Card mailbox to send your greetings to your church friends, and give the money you save on postage to the Deacon Fund. Re-member, the Deacon Fund helps people year-round, so be generous (you can give to the Deacon Fund all year long).

You can give a birthday present to Jesus by buying something the church needs. See the list of items in the newsletter or the bulletin. It can also be a gift of your time.

I always enjoy watching the Everything Winter tree get covered with mittens and gloves. You know better than I do what you humans need for winter, so buy extra win-ter clothes and put them on the tree or under it. They will be given to kids who need them to stay warm.

During the New Year’s Eve service, we will be watching the movie “War Room” and sharing the Bread and Cup together. What better way to end the old year and start the new year.

Thank you for all you do to show the love of Jesus at Advent and most important, all year through. And thank you for letting me be your church mouse for so many years.

Take time to spend with your family and friends. Show the love of Jesus when out and about. Always remember, when Jesus came as a baby on Christmas, the cross was the reason. A blessed Christmas to all,

Benjamin

Wishing everyone a

Blessed Advent!

December 6 - 9:30am - Congregational Meeting for 2016 Officers and Budget approval

December 6 - 6:30pm - Michiana Male Chorus & Fellowship Time

December 13 - 12:30pm - Christmas Caroling (We will gather for a light lunch right after 2nd hour and then proceed to Christmas Caroling)

December 20 - 6:00pm - Candles and Carols

December 31 - 6:00pm - New Year’s Eve service: “War Room” movie & Bread and Cup celebration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We are contem-plating changing the Newsletter format for the new year and wanted to get a re-sponse from our readers. Please answer the following questions and return to the church office. (drop it off, mail it or email your responses) THANK YOU. 1. How much of the newsletter do you typically read? ____ all ____ most _____ only a few pages (please list pages)

_________________________________________________________ 2. Are you interested in continuing to receive the Newsletter? Yes / No 3. If yes, how would you like to receive your Newsletter? ____ mail ____ e-mail to: _______________________________

____ I’ll look at it on the FBC webpage / Other _________________

4. What other feedback would you like to offer? _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Page 11 Colony Communiqué

This Month’s Special Events

Newsletter Opinion Survey

4909 S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 291-4909

Return Service Requested

We’re on the web!

firstbrethren.org

Non – Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID South Bend, IN Permit Number

242

"Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emman-

uel," which means "GOD WITH US."

~ Matthew 1:23

Candles & Carols December 20, 2015: 6pm