Just as a branch separated from its supporting vine cannot live, let alone produce any fruit, so we are

helpless when we are not connected to Jesus, the source of our hope and salvation. - John 15:5

Monthly Newsletter of Ithaca and Beebe United Methodist Churches October 2013 Edition

The Vine
Love God. Love others. Serve the world.

http://www.IthacaUMC.org Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ithacaunitedmethodistchurch

The Free Store is coming

See page 6

Dear Friends,

id you know that we, Christ-followers, keep time differently than the world around us? We do! We keep time in light of the life of Jesus and the church. Let me explain.

Each of these seasons has a different scriptural focus. From the very beginning the Church created special days and seasons to remind us that our lives are centered in the saving acts of God through Jesus Christ and to strengthen the bonds of community through enjoyable celebrations. I share this because so often people tell me how much they want to have a certain song (anthem,hymn or contemporary song) sung. They want us to do a certain drama or dvd clip. They want to hear on a certain subject or scripture. And often the worship design team says, Not yet. People often interpret that as a no it really isnt a no. It is a not yet it either doesnt fit the liturgical year (Christian year)or it doesnt fit the sub-series this year we are doing in a particular series. uthor, Kyle Idleman helps every believer recognize there are false gods at war within each of us, and they battle for the place of glory and control in our lives. What keeps us from truly following Jesus is that our hearts are pursuing something or someone else. While these pursuits may not be the graven images of old, they are in fact modern day idols. Behind the sin youre struggling with, the discouragement youre dealing with, the lack of purpose youre living with is a false god that is winning the war for your heart. Join us as we look at this six-part series, gods at war.

Advent: The four weeks before Christmas are a preparation time for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus (so we do not sing Christmas carols or songs about Jesuss cradle ). The color purple symbolizes penitence and a readiness to learn. The first Sunday of Advent is the Christian New Years Day. Christmas: (Nativity of the Lord) Remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the coming of Creator God into the midst of the human family. The colors of gold and white symbolize a festival time. December 25, 2012 to January 5 The Twelve Days of Christmas. - continued on page 2

- continued from page 1 Epiphany: January 6 to the beginning of Lent, is a time for celebrating the world wide nature of the Christian Way. Epiphany immediately follows Christmastide and its recollection of the birth of Jesus. The Biblical basis for Epiphany is in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-11. It is the story of the visit of scholars from a distant land to honor a new born child who would be important to the whole human race. Epiphany is a time for expanding the vision of Christian people. The aim is to be open to people of all cultures, races, and religions. Epiphany is a welcome to every human being on the earth. Often we look at missions.The colors used are white, gold and green. Season after Epiphany: time where we focus on the John the Baptist, baptism of Christ, calling of the disciples, teachings or miracles of Jesus. Lent: This 40 day event is a time of fasting in imitation of Jesus experience in the wilderness of temptation. This season we turn towards Jerusalem, like Jesus did and prepare for the cross to come. The story is in the Gospel of Matthew 4:1-11 It is a time of preparation for Easter and of repentance by people.. Self- examination, control of appetites, and spiritual devotion are obligations for many Christians in all world cultures during Lent. Conscious attention to the tragic evils in the human family is encouraged. Colors frequently used are purple, ash gray, and red. Lent ends on Holy Saturday. Holy Week: The days between Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday before Easter are known as Holy Week. These days observe the events in the life of Jesus from the entry into Jerusalem through the crucifixion and burial. Palm Sunday is sometimes called Palm/Passion Sunday because it takes us from Jesus entrance into Jerusalem to the tragic events of the week to come. The primary observances of Holy Week are: Maundy Thursday (instruction of the Eucharist of Lords Supper); Good Friday (the passion and death of Jesus); and Holy Saturday (the burial of Jesus). Easter Sunday: The principal and most ancient festival of the Christian church year is Easter. Following the death and burial of Jesus, there was a renewal of the very life of Jesus Christ in the fellowship of believers in the early Church. Several schools of thought in the Christian Church explain the nature of what has come to be known as the Resurrection of Christ. Some believe in a literal rising up of the body of Jesus that had died three days earlier. Others understand the memory and personal experience of Jesus to have been so vivid and strong that the followers physically and mentally experienced the renewed presence of Jesus. Yet others believe that the continuing life of the Christian Church is an adequate proof of the ongoing reality of Christ being alive. In any event, the resurrection is a central feature of the Christian religion. Eastertide is the season continuing through Pentecost. Each Sunday is a weekly celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Eastertide: 50 days following Easter (focus on Jesus post resurrection appearances and/or the power of the resurrection) Pentecost: This celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit to a gathering of believers shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus is a major observance for the Christian way . The festival is observed 50 days after Easter. The day takes place on the Jewish day of Pentecost, thanksgiving for the first fruits of the wheat harvest. For Christians, the experience of the energy of the Spirit was a first fruit of the new era that had dawned for the believers, kind of a birthday of the church. In some parts of the Church, Pentecost is a special time for baptism of new believers. Throughout the Church, Pentecost is when the surprising vital energy of the presence of Creator God influences worship and challenges people to new life in Christ. In all nations and in all times the discovery of life changing spiritual vision cannot be predicted or contained. Pentecost guarantees an open mind to the future. Pentecost begins on Sunday and continues through Saturday, Season After Pentecost: Beginning on Trinity Sunday, and continuing through the day before the first Sunday of Advent, this season celebrates the growing life of the fellowship of Christians in the world of persons, nations and the natural world. Often intentional discipleship is the focus. The color is green. Christ the King Sunday concludes the Christian year. The colors are white and gold. I hope this helps each of us to understand that we mark time differently than the world. And in our corporate worship time, the worship design team is guided by the above. The Word of God, the life of Christ and His church, dictates what we read, learn, study, sing, and do. Everything that happens in a worship service happens to support our unique Christian story. If you have questions, please share them with me. God bless you! Pastor Cindi

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -October 2013

6th - 12th Grade

Youth Activities . . . Come join us!

We meet Sunday nights at the church from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Ken Gibson. October 6: October 13: October 20: October 27: Sunday night Youth Group kick-off September 8th at Hubcshers Park. November 2: Activity at the OBoyles (bonfire and Seek and Destroy/scavenger hunt) Leaving the church at 4:15 and returning by 6:45) Salvation. The God who saves Salvation. Jesus=Salvation Salvation. New Life, New Purpose (Saturday)-tentative hayride. Details TBA

The Basement begins with new lessons from YM360. Our first three weeks we will be looking at Gods Love.

World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 6, a special offering will be taken as we celebrate World Communion Sunday. This offering started in 1940 to alleviate the suffering of the victims of World War II. Since 1971 The World Communion Sunday offering has provided scholarships for racial-ethnic students in the U.S. and internationally, on both undergraduate and graduate levels. Through the generosity of United Methodists around the world, persons seeking to serve Christ have been aided in their journey by scholarships like the Crusade Scholarship for international students and for U.S racial- and ethnicminority students. Scholarships are provided to racial- and ethnic-minority persons seeking second careers in churchrelated vocations, and to undergraduates in need of financial assistance. Our World Communion Sunday gifts enable persons to achieve their goal of serving God in life-changing ministries. Please give generously on World Communion Sunday. Thank you.

Fortress Begins Again

Its that time again! Fortress has begun once again as of this past Friday, September 20th. This ministry has been called a flagship ministry for Ithaca UMC. It is appropriately described this way because James tells us religion that God our Father accepts and pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27) We therefore believe that God calls us to love and serve those who are at times left out, forgotten or marginalized. Therefore, every Friday night at 9:30 P.M. after varsity football games, basketball games or any other Friday, we will be here! As long as school is in session, we will be there. Where can you help? We can NEVER have enough prayer warriors or front line helpers for this ministry. If you would like to help in any way, please let me know at your convenience. These young people in our community need desperately to be exposed to the risen Christ. You can help.

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine - October 2013

Grace and peace to you . . .

Mark Monore, Lay Leader Ithaca UMC I love my friend Jesus because he keeps the devil on a leash like a dog but will throw him into the lake of fire like hes a cat. #dogperson I love my friend Jesus because he doesnt nitpick. I love my friend Jesus because he never leaves me behind. I love my friend Jesus because he waits unhurried with me. I love my friend Jesus because when I enter the room, he doesnt shake his head & mutter This guy but smiles and shouts This guy! I love my friend Jesus because, though he has every right to be, he is nevertheless not ashamed to call me his brother. I love my friend Jesus because he doesnt get upset with me. I love my friend Jesus because he is forgiver, healer, conqueror, king, God. I love my friend Jesus because he uses the dirt of my sermons to open blind eyes. What a powerful, gracious friend. I love my friend Jesus because he doesnt just erase the records against me, he burns the record book and scatters the ashes to nothing. I love my friend Jesus because when he sees me shuffling in, tail between my legs, he runs to meet me in welcome. I love my friend Jesus because he doesnt pass on false reports about me but is glad to be my eternal advocate. I love my friend Jesus because he upholds the universe by the word of his power. I am in good with the boss of existence. I love my friend Jesus because he just straight-up no hesitations, no qualifications, no ifs ands or buts loves me. I love my friend Jesus because while many give me trouble, he gives me rest. I love my friend Jesus because when all around my soul gives way, he is all my hope and stay. I love my friend Jesus because he always lives to intercede for me. I love my friend Jesus because I can just be myself with him. I love my friend Jesus because he is infinitely rich with grace and a big spender. I love my friend Jesus because he makes me feel like a conqueror but he does it without feeding my ego.

I recently read the following blog post by Jared Wilson. As I read each entry I was struck by how personal and inviting Jared was in referring to Jesus. This seems so often foreign to me. I can tend to keep Jesus very impersonal, formal, and highly theological. Maybe thats why Jareds blog post struck a needed chord in me - kind of reminding me that while Jesus is high and exalted, Hes also as near as my next breath. Perhaps God might use it to stir up my courage to speak more freely and personally about MY Jesus. Maybe Hell do the same for you. Read slowly and enjoy!

Can I Tell You About My Friend Jesus?

September 16, 2013 by Jared C. Wilson A while back I began a series of tweets over several days reflecting on my friendship with Jesus. The response was heartwarming, as many seemed to indicate they found the updates helpful and encouraging. Somebody suggested I write a book on the subject, but I hope you will settle for a blog post. Here are the tweets about my friend Jesus. I hope he is your friend too. I love my friend Jesus because he knows everything Ive ever thought and still doesnt cross the street to avoid me when he sees me coming. I love my friend Jesus because the blood of his sacrifice speaks a better word than the sweat of my effort, and he shouts it triumphantly. I love my friend Jesus because he chased after me when I ran away and he didnt stop til I was found. My friend Jesus? Hes a storm-hushing, tomb-busting, dragon-crushing brother. I love my friend Jesus because he took my death, even though he had plenty of time to think it over and every reason to say no. I love my friend Jesus because hes never left me and wont ever leave me, even when Im most leave-able. I love my friend Jesus because even when hes laughing at me, hes laughing with me. There is no guile in him, no mockery. I love my friend Jesus because even when he calls me on my bull he doesnt nag or shame me. I love my friend Jesus because he never checks his watch while Im talking to him. I love my friend Jesus because he never brings up my old stuff. I love my friend Jesus because, while the crowd gathers with their stones on that side, he stands on this side of the line with me.
Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -October 2013 4

Growing in Grace
The Bible tells us in the book of James about Gods glorious wisdom. The Lord calls us to humbly receive and grow in His perfect wisdom. Yet mankind, throughout the ages, has believed in many false teachings that focus on elevating the individual person and calling this kind of thinking wisdom instead. I used to think that if I gained knowledge then I had also gained wisdom. But wisdom is far greater than knowledge. Knowledge usually comes by learning the rules of a situation as well as learning the facts. There are many people on this earth that the world considers to be great; yet, the Bible in Job 32:9 says, Great men are not always wise. Isaiah 5:21 and Proverbs 3:7 tell us we are not to be wise in our own eyes. And Proverbs 26:12 says, there is more hope for a fool than for a man wise in his own eyes. God calls us all to seek true wisdom because wisdom is better than gold. ( Proverbs 16:16 ). And we are to seek it from the Lord who gives it to men liberally.( James 1:5 ). True wisdom comes from the Lord. James 3:13 asks the question, Who is wise and understanding among you? and then answered it with, Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. So, where do we find wisdom from God? According to I Corinthians 1:24, CHRIST is the power of God and the wisdom of God. CHRIST is not the quick, easy answer to the question; rather, CHRIST is the rich, powerful, sovereign answer from God !! Praise the Lord!

Sue Silverthorn, Evangelism Facilitator

James continues on and tells us that if any of us have envy or selfish ambition in our hearts (the opposite of humility), we should not boast about it or deny it. Because this kind of thinking does not come down from heaven; rather, it is earthly, and of the devil, for where there is envy or selfish ambition there will be disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16). But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17). Wow! Wisdom from above is amazing!! First of all, it is pure; there is no hint or a shadow of anything less than pure! It is focused on peace and thoughtful of others. It is also willing to submit and yield to a request in compassion and forgiveness. And it does not favor one person above another and is honest and genuine. Wisdom from above is glorious, beautiful and powerful! The peace it sows brings righteousness to others through CHRIST! By Gods grace, as we grow in understanding and wisdom from above, the Lords wisdom produces a humble understanding in our hearts that we owe everythinglife, breath, love and peace in grace to CHRIST! I encourage you to Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8). Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, your soul and your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39).

Beebe Corner
October Greetings from Beebe UMC
Beebe services begin at 9:00 a.m. and we welcome guests at any time. Our church is located at the corner of North Baldwin and East Tyler Roads. It has been a beautiful week. Perfect weather to accomplish our yard work before the leaves come tumbling down. We now have a Sunday school program for the young children under the direction of Martha Anderson. Its good to see so many young ones attending. We said goodby to our faithful member, Marian Schleder. She was just a few days short of her 95th birthday. She was a member over 70 years and served the church in many ways. Seh was an example of Proverbs 31 and will especially remembered for her famous angel food cakes, sugar cookies, coffee cakes, and homemade dinner rolls. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. October Birthdays: 10 - Holly Barcia 25 - Martha Anderson

The date has been set for our Christmas program and potluck. It will be December 7 at 5:00 p.m. Bring a dish to pass. Table service will be provided.
5 Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine - October 2013

BINS UMW will be hosting a

Harvest Potluck Supper

Wednesday, October 16 5:00 p.m. at Ithaca UMC

Mark your calendars . . .

The Free Store is coming to our church, November 15 & 16, 2013
An outreach ministry, coordinated by a Sunday night Bible study group, The Radicals, is coming in November. After studying Radical for 10 weeks, this group wanted to make I will commit my life to a multiplying community a reality, which is part of the Radical Experiment. God began uncovering blind spots in our eyes as we looked at the enormous amount of things we have and could do without and decided it was time to give things away. We will offer gently used-good quality clothing for all family members, and miscellaneous household items at no cost (everything is FREE) to people in our community. Because winter is just around the corner, we would also like to focus on new or gently-used winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves for kids. Perhaps, even some Christmas toys could be available to our families, so if you would like to donate new or used toys that would be greatly appreciated. We need your help. We are seeking donations from our church family and immediate families for new or gently-used clothing and household items. If you are like our small study group, you most likely have things that are cluttering your life. We will be glad to take them off your hands. The downstairs area of Ithaca UMC is reserved for the collection of items. Beginning Monday, November 4 through Wednesday, November 13, you can drop your items off at the church. Tables will be set up in the church basement for these items. Our team realizes the importance of how distribution of free items should be determined and we are working on that process. We are hopeful that this project will be just the first in many new efforts to reach out to our community and to take care of our neighbors. You never know when Jesus might walk through the doors and need a new coat or a pair of shoes . . . For more information, please contact: Sherri Moon, Donnalea Chaffin or Karen Weller.

All are welcome

Please join us and see who we are honoring this year. Steveie Watson is our guest speaker.

Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room K-5 Sunday School - 10:30 am. Education Wing Second Saturday of each month - Servants in Action Vital Beginning Bible Study every Sunday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Sunday Night Youth Group - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Fortress - Every Friday 9:30 p.m. after the game (No school, no Fortress) October 6 - Town Hall Meeting following worship service October 6 - CROP Hunger Walk at the Alma Public Library October 6 - World Communion Sunday October 16 - BINS UMW Harvest Potluck, 6:00 p.m. at Ithaca UMC October 20 - Leadership Team 1:30 p.m. Ad Board follows at 3:00 p.m. All members are highly encouraged to attend. October 25 - deadline for newsletter and webpage articles to Karen Weller
Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -October 2013 6