THE

BEACON

December 9, 2013

Volume XIII, Issue 24

A Publication of Living Word United Methodist Church

17315 Manchester Road, Wildwood, MO 63038
www.livingwordumc.org

Sunday, December 15
Worship Times: 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Sermon: Rekindle Joy
Luke 1:26-38

In This
Issue:

Pastors Pen
Page 2
Message from
the Heart
Page 3
Important Information
Page 4
Missions
Page 5

If you'll just take the time to look, you'll see that star of wonder, and you'll once again
be awed at the brilliance of God's holy gift lying there in a manger. If you'll shake the
dust of drab off and once again discover the true joy and wonder and amazement
of God's gift, you'll once again be able to truly celebrate Christmas. The Lord God
Almighty has chosen to empty Himself into the frail, helpless body of a little Jewish
peasant boy, just so that He could be with us. God will drop you to your knees in
awe and wonder and glory and praise, God will make you giddy with joy if you'll just
give Him half a chance. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given."

Christmas Eve
Services

-------------------------------------------

Children Service

4:00 pm

energetic

} child led
family focused

Prayer Requests and

Church Family News
Page 6

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Youth
Page 7

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at

Candlelight Service
7:00 and 9:00 pm

Joy filled
hopeful + warm
candlelit

Christmas at Living Word

December 24 Christmas Eve Services

4:00 p.m. Children's Service,
7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Services.
Childcare available at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Follow us
eGive

Christmas Miracle Offering - See page 5

Pastors Pen
Please read Luke 1:26-38

Mary is a very poor peasant girl from a rural village in the middle of nowhere---she
is not theologically astute, she has the emotional maturity of a teenager. So why did
God choose Mary to give birth to the long awaited Messiah?
Because Mary had a proactive faith. A person with a proactive faith doesn't expect
life to be comfortable and easy, a person with a proactive faith does not live in the
paralysis of disillusionment when life gets messy. A person with proactive faith is
constantly pursuing God's redemptive purpose and God's redemptive presence in the midst of life at its most messy!
Lets look at Luke 1:35. When Mary asks how she can possibly be pregnant, "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit
will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'" (Luke 1:35) How can this be? How can a
virgin conceive? The Holy Spirit will accomplish it! The Holy Spirit is the presence and power of the Lord God! And
that power is available to you and to me. Because of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit is present with you right now to be
a strength beyond your strength---to be your helper through any situation, including when life doesn't make sense--when life gets very messy. Mary had a proactive faith---she trusted God, and God saw her through. And like Mary, if
YOU have a proactive faith, the power of God will see you through the messiest of situations.
I think it enormously important to remember that Mary had a choice---she had a choice whether to say yes or no,
whether to take hold of the unknown life God held out to her or whether to defend herself against it however she could.
And of course, we have a similar choice in our own lives. Like Mary, our choices often boil down to yes or no. Yes, I
will live this life that God is holding out to me or no, I will not. Yes, I will explore this unexpected turn of events, or no, I
will not. Yes, I will follow Your will for me Lord, or no I will not. You can say no to the life that God holds out to you---but
understand this---if you say no, you can rest assured that no angel will ever trouble you again. But if you say yes---if
you choose a life of proactive faith, if in the very face of life at its most messy, you say yes to this life God is holding
out before you, you can take part in a thrilling and beautiful, awesome and dangerous scheme with no script and no
guarantees. When you say yes to God---you can agree to smuggle God into the world inside your own body.
Trusting that all things are possible with God requires a leap of faith, a proactive faith---not only for Mary but for us
today. And, like Mary, even if we say yes, we will still have questions---life will still get messy! The fact that nothing is
impossible with God does not mean that God will do anything; it means that God will do THIS thing. THIS thing---which
makes everything else possible. Christmas was not neat and tidy---it was very messy---but thats the point. Christmas
means that God loves us SO MUCH that He chose to jump into the wretched messiness of our world SO THAT HE
COULD BE WITH US; so that He could lead us through the messiness! It really is amazing to think that God chose
this 12, 13 or 14-year-old kid who had no theological understanding to give birth to the greatest miracle in the history
of creation. Although like any other young girl Mary was immature emotionally, and even physically God chose her,
because He knew she wouldn't quit. Messiness---the threat of execution or divorce would not stop her, she would
serve God in the midst of a messy situation that from a human perspective just didn't make sense.
Look with me at Luke 1:38. After asking how this could be, and being told that God would accomplish this through the
power of the Holy Spirit, Mary simply accepted Gods will---mess and all: I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered.
May it be to me according to Your word. Then the angel left." (Luke 1:38) God was right---Mary didn't quit; she didnt
quit when her family was ashamed, she didnt quit when her fianc wanted a divorce, she didnt quit when the whole
town turned on her, she didnt quit when she had to travel all the way to Bethlehem just before giving birth, she didnt
quit when she had to give birth in the filth of a stable, she didnt quit even at the foot of the cross. And, lets not forget
that along the way she taught Jesus that true faith means serving God even when what He asks doesnt make sense,
even when life gets messy.
We need to remember that being a follower of Jesus Christ is not about being safe in this life; its not about comfort--its about faith, its about trust---it's about going where God leads, its about saying yes to the life God offers, its about
giving our life for the battle that is going on right now, for the very soul of the world. Being a true follower of Jesus
means that we can say with Mary: I am your servant, Lord, regardless of what comes my way. I want to be faithful to
You Lord; so let it be done to me according to Your will, even when it is messy.
Shalom,
Michael McIntyre, Lead Pastor
@_mmcintyre, mmcintyre@livingwordumc.org

Message

Greetings Living Word Friends,

from the

Heart

Many times I am asked if we are really making a difference in Ghana. Yes,

boreholes are drilled and buildings built, but are we bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. Two recent experiences indicate that we are making a difference.
In early October, I took some fellow missionaries and my boss to visit Sakote.
After the usual greetings with the chief and the landlord, the landlord wouldnt
let me leave until he had given me the gift of a pregnant goat and a guinea fowl.
My colleagues remarked that such a gift would never be given in Namibia where they serve they are always approached with hand out looking for a gift of some sort. Then a couple of weeks ago, Bishop Kofi Asare-Bediako,
a man I have worked closely with since I moved to Ghana and a dear friend, told me, and the American mission
team visiting that week, You know, it really isnt about the stuff you bring.
You could come empty-handed, bringing only yourselves, and still your visit would make an impact. What
touches peoples hearts is your sacrifice of time and comfort to come here and your obvious love for us. In the
end, this is what The Ghana Project is all about Americans and Ghanaians demonstrating that the Kingdom of
God is at hand! Merry Christmas, Living Word, and Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Mary Kay Jackson
Ghana Missionary Partner
Marykay.jackson@yahoo.com

NEW

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www.helpghananow.com
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Important Information
Year End Giving

Worship Attendance
November 24 - 604
December 1 - 635

Mary Martha Circle December Meeting

The Mary Martha Circle Christmas meeting will be Wednesday, December 11 in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. Please
bring a hot or cold appetizer to share and a $5 wrapped gift for
a gift exchange. Dessert will be provided and a short business
meeting follows. All women are welcome! Contact Judy Evans
at 636-447-1175 for more information.

Before You Throw Them Away

Please recycle your Christmas cards, in fact all of your occasion

cards! Mary Martha Circle has used nearly 5000 of them during 2013, turning them into Love Gifts to be shared with local
and international missions, including Ghana and the Dominican
Republic. 2000 of them are sharing the joyful news of Christ
this Christmas alone. There is a collection box at the bottom of
the stairs thank you for sharing the cards that came in love to
you well pass them on in a new form!

Thank you to all who have made and completed their

2013 pledge. As the end of 2013 quickly approaches we
would like to encourage those who still need to complete
their 2013 pledge to do so by December 31, 2013. In
order to obtain income tax benefit for 2013, we must receive your gifts physically in the church office or they
must be postmarked by Tuesday December 31, 2013.
Thank you for your faithful generosity. God will honor
your faithfulness in growing His Kingdom!

Online Giving

If you would like to set up and give your contributions

online, please visit www.livingwordumc.org and click on
the Giving tab. Through eGive you can setup a secure one time or recurring contribution with your bank
account number, debit or credit card. If you already have
your contribution set up please remember to make any
changes needed to reflect your 2014 giving.

The church building will be closed December

25 - December 28 and January 1 - 2 in
observance of Christmas and New Years Day.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONNECTION

Beginning January 8!
5:30 - 6:30 PM
CONNECTION DINNER
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Arrive anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 for a meal the
whole family will enjoy. No RSVP or tickets required - just
show up!

6:30 - 7:30 PM
LEARN GROUPS
CHILDREN, YOUTH & ADULT
Small groups for all ages. Childcare provided.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.LIVINGWORDUMC.ORG

4

Missions
Ghana Miracle Offering

Each year, the people of Living Word and friends of Living Word
show their support of what God is doing in Ghana by taking what
they would normally spend on their families for Christmas, and
set aside half of that amount to give to Ghana. At our Christmas
Eve services (4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) we take up a
special collection so that people can collectively come forward
and give their gift to Jesus. In the three years that we've done
this, Living Word and its friends have given almost $655,076
and 100% of that amount goes to projects and resources for the
people of Ghana.

Give the Gift of Ghana This Christmas

Give the gift of Ghana this Christmas! Ghana gift cards are available in the lobby on the Ghana Project table.

iServe Opportunity January 11 (9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

You are invited to attend the iServe Mission Group on Saturday, January 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We will meet at the
Barnes & Noble Parking lot (near Bread Co. at Baxter and Clarkson) at 9:30 a.m. and serve at the St. Louis Area Foodbank in
Bridgeton. This is a great project for the whole family! To sign-up
for January 11 contact Kelly Vincent at kellyvin@charter.net or
314-541-2275.

December Mission Item

In December, Missions is collecting cake mixes and canned

frosting for Circle of Concern to honor the birthday of Jesus.
Please place your donations in the bins at the bottom of the
stairs. For more information on Circle of Concern, please visit
www.circleofconcern.org.

New Interactive HelpGhanaNow.com Website!

Check out www.HelpGhanaNow.com to see the latest

updates, photos and videos from Ghana by using the
new interactive map. It's a great way to keep up with
The Ghana Project! You can also find out about 2014
mission trips and make a tax deductible donation to The
Ghana Project!

The Ghana Project Newsletter 2013 is Now

Available!

Check out The Ghana Project Newsletter 2013 now

available by visiting www.livingwordumc.org, click on
Ministries, then Missions and then Ghana. Find out
what your support of Ghana has accomplished in 2013.

Ghana Update

For updates on The Ghana Project or to make a

donation, go to www.helpghananow.com.

Stephen Ministry Training Begins January 7!

Bear one anothers burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry for individuals who are in crisis. Stephen
Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregiverscalled Stephen Ministersto provide
high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. The Best 50 Hours of
Training You'll Ever Experience! Heres what Stephen Ministers frequently say that about their
training:
Stephen Minister training teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality,
Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.
You gain insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.
You develop relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.
You deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.
You feel a special bond with those in your classexperiencing real Christian community.
Stephen Minister training is a lot of fun!
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care
to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that
person once a week for about an hour. Once a quarter, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education. Living Words next training for Stephen Ministry begins January 7, 2014. Applications are
available at the Welcome Desk or from Wendy Sain, Pastoral Care Director. Training runs from January 7 through May
20, 2014; Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Wendy Sain at 636-821-2800 or
wsain@livingwordumc.org.
5

Prayer Requests

Please hold the following individuals in your personal prayers. Names are kept on the prayer list for two weeks.
If you wish to remain on the prayer list, simply fill out the Prayer Request on the Get Connected Card.
Vera Davis
Luke Church
Roger Phillips
Joey Blois

Camala
Michael Schroeder
Jane Westerbeck
John Baich

Vincent Trevino
Jack McQuire
Dan Spener
Phil Folsom
Drew Wenger

For more prayer information visit: www.livingwordumc.org/ministries/current-prayer-list

To have cards sent visit: www.livingwordumc.org/ministries/card-ministry

Pastoral Care Team

For pre-surgery prayer, please call the Pastoral Care Office at 636-821-2823 with surgery date and time, check-in time
and hospital name. To add a prayer to the above list, please fill out the Get Connected Card Prayer Request section
or you may email prayerchain@livingwordumc.org. Emergency Pastoral 24/7 On-Call Phone: 636-821-2888.

Church Family News

Hayden Rose and Harper Lee Ryan

Benjamin Allen Barnhart

On Sunday, November 17 Living Word was

blessed to celebrate the baptisms of Hayden
Rose and Harper Lee Ryan. Hayden and Harper are the daughters of Jeremy and Amy Ryan.

On Sunday, November 17 Living Word

was blessed to celebrate the baptism
of Benjamin Allen Barnhart. Benjamin is
the son of Justin and Allison Barnhart.

William Thomas Dowell

On Sunday, December 1 Living Word was blessed to celebrate

the baptism of William Thomas Dowell. William is the son of
Billy and Emily Dowell and grandson of Tom and Lisa Baker.
We also wish to welcome Billy and Emily into church membership. Billy is employed by KForce and Emily is a teacher with
the Rockwood School District. Welcome to the Dowell's!

Youth
Hello Friends,

As I think back on 2013, one of the things that sticks out in my mind are all the
awesome volunteers that serve our students every week. We have such dedicated
and capable adults that work with our students. Many of our students also volunteer
in children's ministry and helped make events like Vacation Bible School happen.
To our Sunday morning folks, our Wednesday night folks, those who give of their
time and money on mission trips and other serving events, thank you. You are truly
storing up "treasures in heaven."
As 2013 winds to a close and a new year begins, check out some big time events
we have coming up!
Upcoming Events
Youth Christmas Party: December 15; 3:00 6:00 p.m. We'll meet here at Church at 3:00 p.m. to travel over to
Gambrill Gardens to spread some Christmas cheer with games and Christmas carols. Even if you're not big on
singing you can still get in on the fun. We'll return back to Church for some festivities and be done by 6:00 p.m.
Gambrill Gardens is a United Methodist retirement home just minutes from our Church. Students can be a part of
bringing the joy and love of Christ to folks who may not always have a lot of visitors.
Winter Outreach Weekend (WOW): 7:00 a.m. January 25 to 3:00 p.m. January 26. This is a statewide event for
students in Methodist Churches all over Missouri. Over 2,500 people are expected for an awesome weekend to
have fun and grow spiritually. Events include Wayne Kerr leading worship, a concert by Rend Collective Experiment,
illusionist Danny Ray, and improv by Team WordPlay. We'll be traveling by bus Saturday morning to Springfield, MO
and returning Sunday afternoon. The weekend is $75 and includes the event, meals, and transportation. For more
details and to sign up visit livingwordumc.org/youth.
Shoe-Per-Bowl: February 2; 5:00 p.m. the end of the game. We partner with George "The Shoeman" Hutchings
who collects used shoes, sells them to another agency by the pound, and uses the proceeds for clean water projects
around the globe. On Sunday, February 2 the entire congregation is invited to bring shoes to donate. Then later that
night, 6-12 graders are invited to bring all their friends (and their friend's shoes!) for a massive Super Bowl party. We'll
have a 27 foot screen and an amount of bagel bites bordering on inappropriate. The Shoeman will be our special
half-time guest, where we load up his trailer full of shoes.
Peace,
Adam Mustoe
Associate Pastor
Twitter: @mustoe
Web: www.livingwordumc.org/youth

Living Word United Methodist Church

17315 Manchester Road
Wildwood, MO 63038

Phone: 636.821.2800
Fax: 636.821.2801
Pastor On Call: 636-821-2888
Website: www.livingwordumc.org
Return Service Requested

Worship Celebration Times

9:00 a.m. Traditional Service
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service
Sunday School for all ages
at 9:00 a.m. & for preschool, elementary
and adults at 10:30 a.m.

Mission Statement of Living Word:

To bring Jesus Christ to all people, strengthen their faith, and prepare them for ministry.

In This Issue...
Pastors Pen

The Ghana Project

Christmas at Living Word
Missions
Youth
And more!