“WHAT SIZE ARE GOD’S SHOES?”: A BIBLE STUDY FOR THOSE WITH CHILDREN

         Kit Pike is offering a class in Christian Parenting on Monday nights (this could change if another time meets members' needs better) for about 1 and 1/2 hours.                   In order to help parents of young children attend, we could use volunteers who could do child care during these meetings, either regularly or as a sub.

To those who might be interested in this class:

·      It will be a rather casual affair. This is to make it easier for families with crazy schedules to participate as you can. 

·      We will be reading the book "What Size are God's Shoes?"   by Tim Schenk, a man who displays both sense and a sense of humor. 

·      This book consists of a series of stories about situations in a family, with a theme to each. For example, in the first chapter of the samples online, Tim gets into a conversation with his young son about life, death, and heaven, because of a goldfish. In another, he talks about the importance of a little time of silence on "a regular basis". He shows he knows how hard that is to find. Another deals with the dangers of Happy Meals - not necessarily what first comes to mind.

·      You can read the first few chapters here:

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=688655&rank=11&txtSearchQuery=what size are God's shoes

We can read the stories, get together and discuss the ideas in them, and variations, and....see where it goes. 

·      We will meet once per week, to the best of our ability. Our market research so far has indicated that Monday night, somewhere in the 6-8 pm window, would be the best time. I have some flexibility with this if another time ends up working better for the group. If enough people want a daytime, we might be able to offer a second session. 

·      I would like to begin in one week, that is, on MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY,so we can get one session in before school vacation (I might be away with my school teacher daughter that Monday, as may others).  I would be willing to start Mon 2 Feb, without books, for a get-to-know-you meeting, but that might be pushing it! especially with a storm forecast.  

·      THEREFORE:  please respond ASAP so we can pin down the time and order books.  Cost is around $8, financial help is (confidentially) available. We are working on lining up childcare for this, so we don't have to take turns doing that.  

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to be part of this group, so we can order the books, and if you would like childcare, including how many and their ages, so we can plan.

Kit Pike

799-0648

Pikes5@myfairpoint.net

From A Seed: Roots Grew

The Story of a Local Church:  1839-2014

Peoples United Methodist Church

175 Years of History, Connection and Spiritual Guidance.

Peoples United Methodist Church is celebrating its 175^th year since an original home meeting took place in 1839. A 380 page book is about to be published locally and has been researched and information gathered through members of the church. The book, with pictures, will cost about $20 a copy.  To help determine the number of books to be published, let us know how many you would like. The book is a great gift idea for family members, friends, and neighbors. Pastor Tom Frey or Archivist Art Tordoff would be glad to receive your request. The earlier requests are made the earlier we can publish.

Christmas Eve 2014

2014 Christmas Eve Service

To complete the anticipation of the Advent season, the annual Peoples United Methodist Church Christmas Eve service was held at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Tradition reigns on Christmas Eve for many families to come and witness the true meaning of the season, the birth of Jesus Christ who was and is the gift of God to all people on this earth.

The Crèche which resides on the top of the piano is completed first with a child bringing forth the Christ child and manger and placing it in the Crèche. This was followed by the singing of hymns, “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” and “What Child is this”. The Call to Worship calls us to Bethlehem and then the Christ Candle as well as the other four Advent Theme Candles are lit.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bell Choir plays its anthem beautifully in the surroundings of Poinsettias and greens.

 

 

Pastor Tom calls forward the children where a puppet presentation by Harry and Humphrey tells the story of the meaning of Christmas. Children are engrossed as are the adult listeners and watchers in the congregation.

Luke 2: 1-20 is the scripture upon which the message will be given. Pastor Tom used a clip of the movie, “Elf” to set the stage for what he would say, in linking that with the Christian meaning of Christmas.

A candle lighting ceremony led by the pastor and carried to all who were present shed an ever widening light in the light-dimmed sanctuary.

“Away in a Manger”, “Silent Night” and “Joy To the World” were carols that added to the meaning of the evening.

When the service was nearly over all who had brought a bell with them rang the bells as the church bell pealed for all those folks that might pass the church on the sidewalk or street.

We hope that the meaning of the service, the gathering of the people, and the memories of the message help us in our quest to do what the Lord would have us do in helping him be the continuing light of the world.