PDF THE PROVER

[Pages:12]THE PROVERB

"Called by God through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to worship, grow and serve."

DECEMBER 2017

? Pastor's Message ? Congregational Meeting 12/10 ? Church Closings ? Financial Report ? Session Notes ? Stewardship Pledges ? "Repair the Roof" Fund ? Committee Chairpersons ? Music CD Fundraiser ? Worship Committee ? Lectionary Readings ? Christian Education ? Women's Groups ? Deacons Corner ? Missions Committee ? Bulletin Board ? Birthday List ? Book Club ? December Calendar ? Lake Country Caring

KETTLE MORAINE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH N66 W32690 Highway K, Hartland, WI 53029 Telephone: 262-966-2410 Website: E-mail: kmupcnews@

STAFF Minister: Secretary: Handbell Director: Choir Director: Custodian:

Rev. Matthew Lee Stephanie Flessert Emily Guderyon Stephanie Flessert Sue Weber

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has

shined. (Isaiah 9:2)

With the elongating nights, darkness has been spreading across our land. It will continue to do so until the winter solstice on December 21. This struggle between light and darkness occurs every winter and just before Christmas the sun's light begins to gain more time in our lives.

Those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined. It is by no coincidence that the celebration of the birth of the Christ child--the one called the light of the world--coordinates with this natural phenomenon. With the mystery surrounding Jesus' actual birth date, the church decided to align light imagery of Jesus (John 1:4-5) with the natural occurrence of light breaking forth in our lives. And it is very appropriate the church did so. For the reality of darkness in our lives extends beyond that of the shortening exposure to the sun. These types of darkness can only be dispelled by the light that breaks forth in the birth of the only Son.

You don't have to suffer the winter blues to experience an internal darkness. There are many things we experience in our humanity that can cast dark shadows. The loss of a loved one. The struggle with substance addiction, whether it be yourself or a loved one. The loss of a job or position. Ongoing family quarrels or the loss of friendship. Household debt that seems so unmanageable. The aftereffects of divorce. The lurking memories of abuse, whether it be physical, psychological or sexual. The loss of mobility, or the loss of home as many seniors experience. The doubtful wonder if I will be able to manage life in the daunting world we live in. Whatever casts life's dark shadow over our souls, the effect is the same. Life has lost its splendor.

In the midst of life's let down, we can feel even more alienated as we see the world celebrating Christmas. Yards are lit and houses decorated. Cheerful music fills our ears nearly everywhere we

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December 2017

turn. The Christmas push to help those in need can make us wonder where there may be help for those who bear scars that are not seen. The stark contrast of the apparent Christmas message and the internal struggle can make us feel even more pushed off to the fringes of society.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The message of Christmas, though, is not for those who have never experienced the pangs of this world. The Good News of the human birth of God's Son is that the light shines in the darkness. God's eternal glory is now found residing in human flesh in the midst of our humanity. As the Apostle Paul so boldly wrote: Nothing can separate us from God's love as shown in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39).

The Christmas story is the story of the Son of God breaking into our midst with healing in his rays (Malachi 4:2). It's the story of God not leaving us alone, but even going out in search of the one lost sheep (Luke 15:3-6). It's the story of God creating a community of believers held together by God's Spirit and made so strong that the community openly welcomes the harsh stories of our lives, and this community does not turn away. It's the story of God making eternally changing differences in our lives--in the way we think, in the way we believe, in the way we live, in the way we give--knowing that our salvation has already been guaranteed in the birth of the Christ child who went on to die even on the cross, so that there is no place we can be found that God is not already present. It's the story of God's passion for you and for me.

Hebrews speaks beautifully of God's most intimate expression of his Son in the person of Jesus: Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word (Hebrews 1:1-3a). God has chosen us as a people who, yes, have walked in darkness, but we now have seen a great light of God's eternal presence... it is on us that the eternal light has shined.

Merry Christmas, Pastor Matt

Sunday, December 10 after worship

We will meet in the Sanctuary to approve the slate of Elders and Deacons for 2018.

This will be a brief meeting and all members are encouraged to attend.

CHURCH CLOSINGS:

Pastor Matt and the Clerk of Session will make the decision to close church around 8 a.m. on Sundays. They will notify me, and I will put the closing on the Ch. 4 closing listings, our website and Facebook page, and send an e-mail announcement. I will also use our Calling Post. However, this will only make phone calls between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you are participating in the service in any way (ushers, musicians, worship assistant, Communion servers, Fellowship Hour hosts), you will receive a phone call between 8 and 8:30 a.m. You may be asked to call another person or two to pass the word on.

Caller ID: Please note that when KMUPC sends out a calling post announcement, the caller ID number that appears on your phone will be 405-308-4474 (or 405-308-4484 or 866-994-7678). It might also say Oklahoma City or Calling Post.

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December 2017

BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Robert Flatt (chair) 262-369-9891 / rsflatt@

The October Financials continue to track pretty much in line with expectations on a year to date basis with minor variances and no major expense items. Total income for this month includes $4100 for the Building/Roof Fund. Weekly average receipts are #1450/week. Expenses were under budget for the month primarily due to an insurance premium that was booked in a prior period, $1525.

From a financial management perspective we are doing a very effective job in controlling expenses as evidenced by our minimal budget variances. This, however, does not off-set the need to draw from donor restricted/memorial funds. We continue to be in a negative income condition to the amount of $20,073 for 2017 through October.

As we strive to move forward in 2018 may we see growth in all aspects of our church here at KMPUC and the church world-wide. We are all blessed in so many ways and give thanks to God for all the blessing he has entrusted to us.

Income and Expenses

Pledges Total Income Total Expenses

Excess income/expense Note:

2017 Annual Budget was established with a $25,826 negative net Income.

Current Period $7,250.00 $11,668.00 $9,502.00

$2,186.00

Current Budget $8,075.00 $9,034.00 $12,211.00

-$3,177.00

Variance Year to Year to Date

Date

Budget

-$825.00 $69,471.00 $71,023.00

$2,634.00 $88,858.00 $83,960.00

-$2,709.00 $108,931.0 $114,223.00 0

$5,343.00 -$20,073.00 -$30,264.00

Variance

-$1,552.00 $4,898.00 -$5,292.00

$10,190.00

END OF YEAR DONATIONS

All contributions for the 2017 calendar year must be received at the

church office by Sunday, December 31. Anything arriving after

that date, will be counted toward your

2018 donations.

ATTENDANCE & DEPOSIT STATISTICS for NOVEMBER

DATE

ADULT

CHILD

TOTAL

ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE

Nov. 5

43

3

46

Nov. 12

55

7

62

Nov. 19

53

8

61

Nov. 26

50

6

56

Total

201

24

225

AVERAGES

50

6

56

* Includes $5000 for Raise the Roof Fund

DEPOSIT

$ 2542.00 $ 6787.00* $ 1505.00 $ 1252.00 $12,086.00 $ 3021.50

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December 2017

SESSION NOTES:

Kathy Lembke (Clerk of Session) 262-367-8966 / klembke@ Session will next meet in Tuesday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Season Greetings, my friends! We had only one Motion of Business to report at our last meeting. We took action to authorize funds to replace the top light ballast on the entry sign. Gary Flom will proceed to purchase and replace it so that the top portion of our sign lights up again. This motion was approved. Thank you, Gary, for your expertise and time to fix the sign.

As we look forward to Christmas and all the commotion it brings, I pray that you will feel God's Peace and Joy in your hearts.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Lembke Clerk of Session

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE:

Robert Flatt (chair) 262-369-9891 / rsflatt@

Blue pledge brochures were passed out in November. Please prayerfully consider how you can share you time, talent and treasure to further the work of our church. You may place your pledge in the offering plate on Sundays, put it in the Stewardship mailbox, or mail it to church. If you did not receive a card, please notify the office.

BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE:

Hans Guderyon (chair) 262-352-3788 / guderyonh@

"REPAIR THE ROOF" FUND We are about halfway to our goal of $20,000 for roof repair! Thank you to everyone who donated, to the Presbyterian Women for their fundraisers to help the cause and to everyone who baked or brought in items for sale, and those who made purchases. A special thanks goes to Cy Peterson for his amazing donation box in the form of a country church. The detail and workmanship is incredible. Please continue to support our efforts to be able to finance this needed work!

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS / LEADERSHIP:

CLERK OF SESSION:

Kathy Lembke (Clerk of Session) 262-367-8966 / klembke@

BUDGET & FINANCE: BUILDING & GROUNDS: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Robert Flatt (chair) 262-369-9891 / rsflatt@ Hans Guderyon (chair) 262-352-3788 / guderyonh@

Scott Meyer (chair) 262-397-8365 / smeyer374@

MISSIONS/EVANGELISM: WORSHIP:

Phyllis Warden (chair) 262-646-3873 / flipwarden@ Stephanie Flessert (chair) 262-966-0863 / slflessert@

TREASURER: PERSONNEL & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEES:

Scott Meyer (chair) 262-397-8365 / smeyer374@ responsibility of Session

NOMINATING:

Kathy Lembke 262-367-8966 / klembke@

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December 2017

The Sounds of Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church

Now you have the opportunity to enjoy the music of KMUPC at home! Art Schneidewind has put together 6 beautiful CD's of music featuring our talented members, present and past.

The Guitar Group at Shorehaven ? A concert featuring Guitars, Harmonica and Tambourines

KMUPC Oldies ? Featuring songs the Choir, Ladies, Piano, Bells and Congregation

Heavenly Bells and Instrumentals ? Enjoy a variety of songs played by our members

KMUPC Music Mix Concert ? 2016 ? Member Coffee House Style concert

Patriotic Christmas ? Mix of Christmas and Patriotic favorites

Pastors from the Past and Memorable Solos ? Songs performed by Installed and visiting Pastors, and incredible Soloists

Art has added a new CD musical collection for sale--check it out!

$7.00 each or 5 or more for just $5.00 each Check out the sample display in the Narthex !

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December 2017

WORSHIP COMMITTEE:

Stephanie Flessert (chair) 262-966-0863 / slflessert@

Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 20 at 3 p.m.

Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve service. Our Generations guitar group will provide the music.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES /10 a.m. Dec. 3--1st Sunday of Advent. Communion

Sunday. Choir sings. Dec. 10--2nd Sunday of Advent. Handbell

choir plays. Dec. 17--3rd Sunday of Advent. Ordination

& Installation of Elders. Christmas music service. Dec. 24--4th Sunday of Advent. Children's Christmas skit. Dec. 31--1st Sunday after Christmas Day.

Practices are on Wednesdays

Handbells (4pm): Emily Guderyon (262) 719-2909 Choir (5pm): Stephanie Flessert (262) 966-0863 Guitar Group: (5 or 6pm) as needed

Talk to Emily or Stephanie about joining any of these groups. Or volunteer to provide special music some Sunday! We always welcome new

musicians of all ages! We are working on special music for the season of Advent and for our Christmas Music service. Are you interested in joining in for the Holiday

Season? Let us know!

DECEMBER LECTIONARY READINGS

December 3 ? 1st Sunday of Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

December 10 ? 2rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8

December 17? 3rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 24 ? 4th Sunday of Advent Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

December 25 ? Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) John 1:1-14

December 31 ? 1st Sunday after Christmas Day Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

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December 2017

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

Scott Meyer (chair) 262-397-8365 / smeyer374@

Next Meeting: Thursday, December 14 at 6p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

ADVENT-URE IN CRAFTING: Our children had fun making a variety of crafts and eating cookies, while the adults were working on decorating our church for Advent. Thank you to all who participated in making this all-church event a success!

CE Committee This article is part of a series that will offer church members the opportunity to share how a church family can have a profound impact on our children. If you would like to share your story, please contact Stephanie Flessert.

Greetings My Dear Church Family,

It is my pleasure to have this opportunity to thank those of you who taught, encouraged and nurtured my family, along with those who have passed.

When we moved to Stone Bank in 1970, our three sons attended Stone Bank School. That was important to our choice; however, KMUPC was equally important, if not more.

Several years later, the John Baumann family joined us; Pastor Baumann, along with devoted Sunday school teachers, became pivotal mentors to our three sons. During their crucial developmental stages, our sons received exactly the kind of Christian education they needed to guide them through every phase of their lives.

My sons were taught and encouraged by a host of devoted KMUPC members who mentored them and were models of faith whom they still admire today. I am eternally grateful to dedicated Christians like the Pfeiffers, Helen Cummins, Petersons, Washburns and many others who devoted so much of themselves. The example, set by these people, strongly encouraged my sons' walk of faith.

My oldest son, Bruce, now deceased, became a Presbyterian pastor. My son, Dee, is the pastor at West Granville Presbyterian Church. My youngest son, Tony, is a teacher and also a dedicated church leader in his brother's congregation.

It is my prayer that KMUPC will continue to develop Christian leadership and life skills in our young people as a result of this type of mentorship. Every generation has something to offer.

A Blessed Holiday Season to All........Donna Anderson

A Song Was Heard at Christmas

A song was heard at Christmas to wake the midnight sky:

a Saviour's birth, and peace on earth, and praise to God on high.

The angels sang at Christmas with all the hosts above,

and still we sing the new-born King, his glory and his love.

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December 2017

The PW (Presbyterian Women of KMUPC) will be meeting Monday, December 4 at 9:30 AM in the church meeting room.

Next Meeting: Thursday, December 21 at 12:30 p.m. Bring a sandwich. All ladies are welcome to attend meetings.

DEACONS' CORNER:

Sherry Edlhuber (chair) 262-367-4634 / jsedlhuber@ NEXT MEETING: Monday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room DEACONS: Sherry Edlhuber, Sandy Flatt, Laurie Flatt, Diane Kallas, Duane Koski, Jan Mahaney, Jean Mickler, & Judy Warner.

Be sure to purchase your holiday cookies at our COOKIE WALK on Saturday, December 2nd from 8 to 11 a.m. Spread the word!

MISSION & EVANGELISM COMMITTEE:

Phyllis Warden (chair) 262-646-3873 / flipwarden@

You may pick up a tag on December 3rd to purchase a gift for a child in our sister church, New Dawn. Please sign up with Phyllis Warden or Judy Warner, so we know who is covering a gift for which child. The gifts must be returned by Sunday, Dec. 10th so we can distribute them at the Children's Christmas party at New Dawn Church in Milwaukee on Friday, Dec. 15th. Helpers are needed to make crafts with the children ? see Phyllis.

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