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Contact Us At:Phone:478-477-1161Fax:478-477-8489Address:1217 Forest Hill RoadMacon, Georgia 31210Website:www.foresthillsmacon.com
T h e Fo r e s t
H i l l s N e w s
The Church Office will be closed
December 25th & 26th so that the staff can celebrate Christmas with their families.
The office will also be closed
January 1st for New Year’s Day.
Helping Each Other Take Our Next Step Closer To ChristMonth of December 2013
Forest HillsUnited Methodist Church
Barren BusynessBeen in a store lately? Turned on the radio? The sights and sounds of Christmas are back. There are, of course, different ways of celebrating Christmas. One involves a lot of lights, trees, colors, presents, parties and food. The other calls for serious reflection, joyful celebration, and a sense of awe at God’s tremendous love for us.
On that first Christmas almost 2000 years ago, God gave the world the gift of joy by allowing his Son to come wrapped in human flesh, the best present humankind ever received. Heaven rejoiced as the angelic chorus resounded its glory to God. A star pierced the night sky illuminating the place where Jesus lay. Shepherds gathered to bear witness to this miraculous birth and eventually wise men came and paid homage to the King of Kings. It is only natural to celebrate the greatest Gift ever given with joyful festivities.
Between now and December 25th, my calendar is full of parties, events, dinners, shopping, and special activities, including a week of ministry in Haiti. I’ll be as busy as a dog with two tails. I love being busy. I enjoy the activities of this season. But here’s the problem especially pronounced in this holy season: I can be so busy that I let my soul become barren.
This is far too easy. I get so caught up in the activities that I forget the One who called me into his service. I celebrate the party without referencing the One whose birth makes the celebration possible. I focus on gift giving and receiving but fail to live into the blessings of the greatest Gift of all.
This season, make time for God. Meditate on the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke. Attend Sunday morning church services. Come and hear the children sing joyful songs to the Lord (reChoired on the 11th, AmaSing Grace on the 18th). Bring a friend to our cantata on the 15th. Or perhaps you’ll discover the joy of the season by working in the backpack house for a couple hours. Whatever you do, in the busyness of this season, make time for the grace and joy of Christ to be born afresh in your life.
Blessings,
Baxter Hurley
Weekly Events
WORSHIP
9:45 a.m. - SundayContemporary Worship in Ministry Ctr.
Kids Worship: 5k-5th Grades in the Orange RoomAdult Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - SundayTraditional Worship in Sanctuary
Kids Worship: 5k-5th Grades in the Orange Room
Youth/Adult Sunday School
MUSIC5:00 p.m. - Wednesday
Pre-K and Kids Choir in Kids Hall
7:00 p.m. - WednesdayChancel Choir in Music Suite
6:30 p.m. - ThursdayPraise Band Practice
MEETINGS6:00 p.m. - Monday
Cub Scout Pack 170 (Rm 115)
6:30 p.m. - MondayContinuing Care Support Mtg (Rm 97)
Cub Scout Meeting (Room 117)Tiger Cub Scout Meeting (Rm 125)
7:30 p.m. - MondayBoy Scout Troop 170
(Ministry Center & Rms 98, 99, 100, 103)
JR. HIGH5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday NightsIn the Ministry Center
SR. HIGH6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Sunday NightsIn the Ministry Center
GOODTIMERS1:30 p.m. - Tuesday
GoodTimers’ Game Day – Min. Ctr.
MEN’S7:00 a.m. - Tuesday
Prayer Breakfast in the Ministry Center
9:15 p.m. - ThursdayEvening Prayer Group
in the Sanctuary
Church News
“Funding Our Vision” Financial Report“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds...” Proverbs 27:23
Finances...............2013 Annual Operating Budget $967,567.60
........................Budget Status as of: October 31, 2013..........Monthly pledges & offerings expected $76,669.62
........Pledges & offerings rec’d during month $73,512.06...........Pledge & offering deficit for the month -$3,157.56
......................Monthly Other Money Received $2,475.70Total received for the month................................ $75,987.76
...................Total needed to meet the budget $80,630.63....Deficit offerings & revenues for the month. -$4,642.87
So far this year................................. October 31, 2013..........Offerings & other money rec’d this yr $780,790.92
............................Expenses so far this year $778,053.43Total operating surplus so far this yr................ $2,737.49
Five Years Forward (5YF) status as of:.............. Oct. 31, 2013..................Monthly 5YF building fund offering $6,065.00
......................Monthly building loan payments $5,972.34.................5YF Building Fund additional principle $92.66
............Building loan history as of: October 31, 2013 ..........Cost of original addition & remodel $3,622,071.55
................................Original loan amount $1,834,899.90
...................................Current loan balance $661,936.76............How much we have paid so far! $1,172.963.14
Membership..............................................................Membership 962
................................................New Members in 2012 45
MEMORIALSIn Memory of
Chester ChapmanAllene Lambert
Mary Grace MurpheyWyman Priester
Gus Rice
HONORARIUMSIn Honor of
Jill ColeKelly Johnson
Phillipines Typhoon Relief
Prayer ConcernsHelen Adams, June Butler, Barry Darnell, Ela Engineer, Evelyn Etheredge, Sarah Flanders, Ken Gerdes, Peggie Grantham, Haiti Mission Team, Bonnie Lambert, the Land Family, Billy Mann, Cammie McCook, Linda Morgan, Sue Norris, Jackie & Mike Poole, Alex Prather, Pearl Lawrence Smith, Carolyn Symons, Doris Thigpen, Dot Towson, Darrell Whittle, Clare Rylee and Shelley Marshall.Those serving in the military: Chris Allen, Chris Belvin, SPC Daniel Brennan, Jeffrey Dyson, Rob Hunt, Justin Layman, Matthew Nylund, 1st Lt. Jamie Peacock, Kelley Sanders, Chris Smith, Sgt. Don Ward (Army), Justin Tillery, (Marines), Sgt. Stephanie Wammock, Col. Jay Macklin (Army), Bryan Caldon (Navy) and Hunter Curl (Air Force).
Names will be removed after four weeks unless specifically requested otherwise.
The Finance and Executive Committees would like to extend thanks and congratulations to the staff and all committee members who worked so diligently for the last several months to prepare and present the 2014 budget, which was unanimously approved at Church Council.
2013 Contributions Deadline:With year-end fast approaching please make sure to submit all your 2013 contributions by December 31st. If mailing your contribution, it must be postmarked December 31st and received in the finance office by January 10th to be posted to your 2013 annual statement.
USHERSDecember 1, 201211:00 a.m. – Chuck
Collier(Capt.),Frank Green, Bill Roe,
Joe Parsons
December 8, 201211:00 a.m. –
Gene Kinard, Buster Hummel,Tommy Sherwood
December 15, 201211:00 a.m. –
Asbury Stembridge Sr. (Capt.), Bill Marshall, David Cozart,
Jon Griggs
December 22, 201211:00 a.m. – Wayne Peale
(Capt.), David Mitchell,
Charles Inman, Marcus Gandy
December 29, 201211:00 a.m. – Marcus Gandy,
Tommy Sherwood, Buster Hummel
BUILDING SECURITYDecemberLyle Brooks
GUEST SERVICESDecember 1, 2012
Patti Jones
December 8, 2012Patti Jones
December 15, 2012Patti Jones
December 22, 2012Patti Jones
December 29, 2012Patti Jones
GivingWeekly Events
Sunday School OfferingThis month’s Sunday School offering benefits Wesley Glen Ministries. Wesley Glen Ministries serves adults with mental disabilities by providing a home environment and continuum of programs to allow each individual to develop skills and greater confidence, living happy, full lives as contributing members of their Wesley Glen family and the surrounding community. Wesley Glen is a private, not for profit agency and ministry of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
December’s items to help the homeless through Macon Outreach are 2-LB BAGS of FLOUR and CORNMEAL.
The College Ministry Team is in need of snacks for study break boxes. Please leave your snack donations in the Canopy Foyer in the vintage luggage!
December’s items to help the Backpack Ministry are fruit cups and new or gently used backpacks & school uniforms.
The Gift of GenerosityThis holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported Forest Hills UMC this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to look into our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Visit www.foresthillsmacon.com or contact the church office for more information.
If you are able to contribute to any of the above missions, please drop your items off in the appropriate container in the Missions Cabinet.
New Location for Missions Drop OffThe Missions Cabinet is now located in the hallway off the Ministry Center gathering area (ramp behind the Ministry Center Stage). Please ask any staff member for assistance if you are unsure where to leave your items.
Advent Season Announcements
Advent Morning PrayerWednesdays, December 4, 11 & 18 • 10 a.m. • Room 97
Choose an Advent devotional guide of your preference, read it daily and join us for sharing, scripture and prayer in these holy days of waiting and expectation. The best way to embrace Christmas with joyful hearts is to faithfully journey through Advent. Let's do this together!
Advent Evening PrayerWednesdays, December 4, 11 & 18 • 7 p.m. • Room 97
Do you want to receive the true gifts of Christmas this year? If so, take time to acknowledge the beautiful season of Advent — a time of waiting, preparing and great expectation. Join us for a simple time of scripture and prayer as we slow down enough to make our way to the manger together.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ADVENT DEVOTIONAL?During the season of Advent, using a special devotional can help you experience a more meaningful journey to Christmas. Here are a few for your consideration:
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas
Beautiful prose and deep reflection by Ann Voskamp.
101 Simple and Thoughtful Ways to Give This Christmas AwayFind little ways to share Christmas with everyone, friend and stranger alike (by Matthew West).
Watch For the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas Longer readings which lead us deep into the Christmas story (by a variety of writers).
Sacred Space An online prayer resource at www.sacredspace.ie which is a very usable and inspiring guide to daily prayer.
Pray-As-You-Go: A daily prayer podcastThis online offering connects us with God's word and people around the world who pray with us.
Lighten the DarknessA brand new devotional offering by Dena Douglas Hobbs who is a local author.
God is in the Small Stuff at Christmas: Slow Down and Experience God in the Details of the Season This little book by Bruce and Stan explores how we can find God in the symbols of the season - stars, trees, and all our celebrations. This is nice for a family with older children.
Hope and Healing for the Holidays:
A Service for Those Having a Difficult Christmas
Monday, December 167pm • Sanctuary
Christmas is not always the most wonderful time of the year. Feelings of sadness and loneliness in the midst of a society which seems bent on being happy and celebrating can be quite difficult. While the world sings a Christmas carol, sometimes we just can't join in on the song. This service of scripture, prayer, music and meditation will be a healing balm to your soul - an invitation to encounter the joy of Christmas wherever you are this year.
Small Groups & Devotionals for the Season
GoodTimers mark your calendars for our Christmas Party! Bring a covered dish and a wrapped gift for a resident of Eastview Nursing Home and be sure to mark it for a m a n o r w o m a n . O u r entertainment will be the Heart of Georgia Chorus. Sign up today!
Christmas PartyDecember 11 • 6:00 p.m.
Ministry Center
Advent Season Announcements
Wednesday, December 11thSpecial Performance
by ReChoired (1st-5th grades)
MenuShepherd’s Pie orChicken Pot Pie
Reservations needed by noon Monday, December 9th
Wednesday, December 18th Special Performance
by AmaSing Grace (ages 3-5)
MenuLasagna or
Chicken Alfredo
Reservations needed by noon Monday, December 16th
Christmas Eve ServicesTuesday, December 24th
Modern Service • 4pm in the Ministry CenterTraditional Service • 6pm in the Sanctuary
Candlelight and Communion at both services
P l e a s e j o i n u s i n t h e S a n c t u a r y o n D e c e m b e r 1 5 t h a t 6 : 0 0 p . m . f o r S o n g o f t h e A n g e l s , a n e v e n i n g o f m u s i c p r e s e n t e d b y o u r c h i l d r e n a n d a d u l t c h o i r s .
Song of the
AngelsDecember 15th • 6:00pm
DROP AND SHOP: Parent’s Night OutDecember 6 • 5:00-9:00 p.m.
We need EVERYONE as we use this fun time to practice for our Christmas musical. The kids will have dinner, make a craft and watch a movie too!
reChoired SINGS IN CHURCHDecember 8th • 9:15 • Kids Worship Room
Meet in the Kids Worship Room at 9:15 am to warm up before we sing in
both services.
AMASING GRACE & RECHOIRED CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCESOur children’s choirs will perform their Christmas programs during the
December Community Cafés. ReChoired (1st-5th grades) will sing December 11th at 6:30 p.m. while AmaSing Grace (ages 3-5) will sing December 18th at 6:30 p.m. Both performances will be in the Ministry Center following the dinner. Check the church website for the rehearsal schedule at www.foresthillsmacon.com.
KIDS WINTER RETREATJanuary 17-20, 2014 • 3rd-5th Grade Students
Sign up your 3rd-5th graders today for our Winter Retreat to Cloudland
Canyon. Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to experience the beauty of God’s creation while learning and growing in their relationship with God. Go to www.foresthillsmacon.com to register.
Weekly EventsFamily News
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIESKelly Johnson
Holli [email protected]
KIDS’ MINISTRY
December 1, 20129:45 a.m.Team – 5k & 1st
Rennata Wilson9:45 a.m.Team – 2nd & 3rd
Lisa Marshall9:45 a.m.Team – 4th & 5th
Carolyn Hurley11:00 a.m. Team – 5k & 1stMegan Causey & Lisa Roberts11:00 a.m. Team – 2nd & 3rdBarbara Ricks & Michelle Thomas11:00 a.m. Team – 4th & 5th
Jill Thompson
December 8, 20129:45 a.m.Team – 5k & 1st
9:45 a.m.Team – 2nd & 3rdSherie Moses
9:45 a.m.Team – 4th & 5thLaura Heacox
11:00 a.m. Team – 5k & 1stBrenda Lambert
11:00 a.m. Team – 2nd & 3rdStephanie Martinek
11:00 a.m. Team – 4th & 5th
December 15, 20129:45 a.m.Team – 5k & 1st
Diana Hullings9:45 a.m.Team – 2nd & 3rd
Mickey Claxton9:45 a.m.Team – 4th & 5th
Julie Register11:00 a.m. Team – 5k & 1st
Melanie Bentley & Dana Adams11:00 a.m. Team – 2nd & 3rd
Andy Martin & Michelle Thomas11:00 a.m. Team – 4th & 5th
Amy Poland
December 22, 20129:45 a.m.Team – 5k & 1st
Sarah Poupard9:45 a.m.Team – 2nd & 3rd
Julie Anne Jones9:45 a.m.Team – 4th & 5th
11:00 a.m. Team – 5k & 1stBrandi Groebner & Ginny Dopson11:00 a.m. Team – 2nd & 3rd
Jill Cole & Cele Minshew11:00 a.m. Team – 4th & 5th
Haley Young
December 29, 2012VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
Please contact Kelly or Holli if you would like to help
YOUTHMike Adkins
THERE WILL BE NO JR HIGH OR SR HIGH DECEMBER 15th or DECEMBER 22nd
We encourage the youth and their families to attend our Christmas musical program on December 15th.
SMALL GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTIESDecember 11
The small group parties have been moved from December 4th to
December 11th. We will use our time on December 4th to wrap up the Old Testament Story Arc.
Weekly EventsAnnouncements and Events
GREETERSDecember 1, 2012
9:45 a.m. SS Hour – NarthexNed Newman
9:45 a.m. – CanopyJoe & Melanie Parsons
9:45 a.m. – Ministry CenterLuke & Kimberly Kennedy
9:45 a.m. – Min. Cntr. Back DoorKay Hefner
11:00 a.m. – CanopyCarole Newberry & Virginia Lupa
11:00 a.m. – NarthexBarbara Coon & Melinda Mansker
December 8, 20129:45 a.m. SS Hour – Narthex
Robin Sasser9:45 a.m. – Canopy
Joe & Melanie Parsons9:45 a.m. – Ministry Center
Amy & Andy Martin9:45 a.m. – Min. Cntr. Back Door
Brenda Lambert11:00 a.m. – Canopy
Polly Hood & Sue Hummel11:00 a.m. – NarthexCharles & Helen Inman
December 15, 20129:45 a.m. SS Hour – Narthex
Carolyn Scarborough9:45 a.m. – Canopy
Joe & Becky Middlebrooks9:45 a.m. – Ministry Center
Dot & Randy Rowland9:45 a.m. – Min. Cntr. Back Door
Tina Singleton11:00 a.m. – Canopy
Ann Oxley & Chris Rogers11:00 a.m. – Narthex
Bill & Lillian James
December 22, 20129:45 a.m. SS Hour – NarthexKemberlie & Tim Sanderson
9:45 a.m. – CanopyJoe & Melanie Parsons
9:45 a.m. – Ministry CenterStephanie Martinek
9:45 a.m. – Min. Cntr. Back DoorNate & Lyndsay Rushing11:00 a.m. – Canopy
Bill Marshall & Eloise McCullough11:00 a.m. – Narthex
Sara Johnson & Beth Holland
December 29, 20129:45 a.m. SS Hour – Narthex
Ronnie & Shelia Sanders9:45 a.m. – Canopy
Louise Pettis & Marianne Johnon9:45 a.m. – Ministry Center
Sunny & Lem Redmond9:45 a.m. – Min. Cntr. Back Door
Barbara Ricks11:00 a.m. – CanopyJerry Long & Eloise Lord11:00 a.m. – NarthexTommie & Milly Lewis
All members of the Older Adult Council are invited and encouraged to attend an important planning meeting for the 2014 event calendar. The new year will be here before we know it so detailed plans are in order. Looking forward to seeing you there!
MORE PARKING COMING SOON!The Trustees will be removing the evergreen/cedar trees and other shrubbery bordering Darlington Road to provide additional parking. The trees from the playground to the dumpster will be removed to provide an additional 30 parking spaces. Eventually the area will be paved, but for the short term, it will be graded and parking will be unpaved.
Dear Church Family,One of the most valuable tools we have had over our years in ministry has been the church directory. It allows members to get to know one another’s names, connect with one another by providing phone numbers and addresses, and it is a wonderful visual guide for prayer. We will be producing a new church directory in January. We would like to encourage EVERY member and friend of the church to come and have your picture taken. For this small investment of your time, you will receive a free directory and a free 8 x 10 portrait. If you or your family would like to purchase additional photos, the price list for Lifetouch is available at our sign-up tables in the halls. Please do not feel pressured to buy additional photos unless you would like to do so. The directory is a tool for church connection and the more people who sit for photos, the more connected our church can be. You may sign up for photos on paper copies in the entrances at both services for the next three weeks, at which point we will move to on-line sign-up. Thank you for your participation! Carolyn Hurley - Directory Coordinator
Volunteers Needed!Do you have a little free time you could donate to the church? We will
need folks to greet and sign in our church members during our directory photo sessions. This is a great way to get to know your church family.
Our photo sessions will run on January 21-24 from 2:00-9:00, on January 25 from 10:00-5:00, on January 28-31 from 2:00-9:00, and on
February 1 from 10:00-5:00. Go to www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD22A7FE3-directory to sign up online or if you do not
have access to the internet, please contact Carolyn Hurley at 254-4444 to volunteer. Thank you for your participation!
Carolyn Hurley - Directory Coordinator
OlderAdult
Council
MissionariesFritz Charles (Haiti)
God of Compassion MinistriesKelly S. Bryant
Campus Crusade for ChristMarion & Mary Woods (Costa Rica)
Methodist Rural CenterDavid Hemingway
Café 1040
January Newsletter DeadlineIf you would like to include information in our next newsletter, your information must be submitted by the third Wednesday of the month. You may call Cele Minshew with your announcement at 477-1161, fax her a t 477-8489 or emai l her a t [email protected].
Sunday ServicesSanctuary Worship
Informal Service - 8:30 a.m.Traditional Service - 10:55 a.m.Ministry Center Worship
Contemporary Service - 9:45 a.m.Sunday School
9:45 a.m. & 10:55 a.m.
Forest Hills United Methodist Church1217 Forest Hill Road
Macon, Georgia 31210-3223
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December BirthdaysStaff
Baxter Hurley, [email protected]
Teresa Edwards, Adult [email protected]
Jeremy Wilson, Youth [email protected]
Mike Adkins, Youth [email protected]
Kelly Johnson, Children’s [email protected]
Holli Clark, Dir. Chld’s Worship & [email protected]
Donna Kurtz, Music [email protected]
Brant Snow, Organist
Annette Barnette, Church [email protected]
Cele Minshew, Office [email protected]
Judy Whitley, [email protected]
19 Mary Parks20 Tommy Berg Marcus Gandy Jean Fountain Stephen Hutto Brianne Sherwood Emily Griggs Lindsay Hall21 Ela Engineer Jen Frankum Mike Johnson Holly Deese Anthony Allmond22 Chris Hewett, Sr. Tim Hemingway Ron Richardson Rachel Heacox
24 Carol Ellerbee Erin Atkinson Angie Hilliard
25 Ben Easterlin
26 Mabel Harris Kate Arnold Grady Carter Pat Weiss
1 Allean Kenney Harriet Crawford Jean M. Lewis Bobby Batchelor Molly Poland2 Martha Roberts Kay Easterlin Hannah Fleckenstein Alex Prather3 Cornelia Lawson Denise Andrews Genni Huckaby4 Barbara Stefano Laura Green Laura Cox5 Corrie Mochrie Asbury Stembridge, III
6 Grace Holloway
7 Carol Preston Cora Jones Mark Culberson
8 Wyolene Merrell
9 Karl Bechtel Bill Watson Holly Hall
10 Selina McKay Robert Dopson11 Chuck Collier Wayne Peale Reg Smith Gary Yu12 Mae Thompson Joyce Pinholster Jerry Cook Derrick Allen13 Tina Richard Ben Oxley, Jr. Mary Grace David14 Lyndsey Cook15 John Edwards Jean Davis Charlene McAleer Kirk Nylund Courtney Bell
16 Kahlen Johnson Enman Sheppard Ruth Welesko
18 Maureen Kelleher Tim Sasser Linda Fesmire Emilie Clarke
27 Andy Wheeler Amanda Varnum Andrew Willis
28 Ben Haynie Emily Allmond
29 Melanie Grier
30 Holli Clark
31 Debbie Chambers Mike Martinek Sheila Andrews Jimmy Greene