Sunshine Herald

A Monthly Publication of Druid Hills United Methodist Church Serving Christ by Learning, Leading and Loving

Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Sunshine Herald DECEMBER 2012

From the Pastor: Greetings Brothers and Sisters!

Rev. Daryl W. Allen

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor

1, 3 2 2 5 3, 4, 6 7

Can you believe it? Can you believe that it is December already? For me, it just seems like last month that I was planning for summer. But now, I am putting together my Advent Bible Study and Preaching Series. You know, I should not really be surprised by this. After all, when you look at the life of Druid Hills United Methodist, and the things that have to happen for December to arrive, all of them have happened. The Pumpkin Patch. Check. The Block Party. Check. The Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner. Check. It is only natural for December to arrive. Check. Getting from January to December every year is a process. A process of certain events needing to transpire before certain other events can take place. When we start our calendar in January, the Pumpkin Patch and Block Party will never happen before the Easter Tableau. August will never come before March and so on. You get the idea. It is the same with our Christmas Story. Certain events needed to happen, certain hearts needed to be changed, certain people needed to be called, before Christ could have been born. I am thankful for that process. I am thankful for those events because they show the wonder and majesty of our Sovereign God. They witness to the power of God to exist in the midst of humanity, of Gods creation, and to work change in the hearts and minds of that creation. This Advent we will spend our worship time looking at those events as we, March to the Manger. But there is one thing about processes. They must involve grace. When we look at our fellow brothers and sisters in this creation, we are always in the midst of a process. Sometimes that process involves our employment. Sometimes that process involves a family transition. Sometimes that process involves a significant shift in how we view and live life. But there is always a process at work in our lives. And for us as outsiders to the processes of others, we never know all of their details. This is where grace comes in to play. Theologically, grace is that unmerited favor of God that is present in our lives. It is God giving us room to grow, to fail, to fly, and to sin, all while loving us just as much as ever. It is that grace that allows us to accept the forgiveness of
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Financial Report Caring and Sharing Calendar Activities Who Is My Neighbor?

12/01 12/03 12/04 12/10

Louise Cox Gloria Ufkes Nancy Battin Sam Burnette Gayle Huels 12/12 Jack Grieves Federico Lopez 12/14 Ellen Sisson 12/23 Chip Baskin

12/16 Pam & Edgar DuBois 12/22 Mary & Rudy Richardson 12/23 Eunice & Charles Reid

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Prayer serves as the backbone of the church. It is what supports all our efforts of ministry. In that spirit, you are invited to hold these persons in your prayers and thoughts. Just as the Spirit needs healing, so does the body. The two, it seems, go together in Gods plan.

The Sunshine Herald is the monthly publication of Druid Hills United Methodist Church. Editor: Carole Newlin Pastor: Rev. Daryl W. Allen Pastors Blog: www.pastordaryl.blogspot.com Email: druidhillsocala@gmail.com Phone: 352-629-5688 Mail: 1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd. Ocala, FL 34471

Please remember these people in prayer this week: Geneann Apodaco, Carolyn Bailey, Jason Bonell, Brittany & baby, Eunice Charles, Joyce & John Clayton, Fred Coder, Tiffany Critchfield, Cynthia & Jim Dekersky, Raymond & Violet Dyer, Lisa Faulk, Brad Fuller, Chris Garris, Kendra Gordon, Evalyn Gouge, Heath Graff, Marge & Jack Grieves, Ruth & Jim Griffith, Joey Hager, Tola & Emil Hass, Joanne Heil, Robert Hildenbrandt, Jean Hoesman, Ariana Hutchinson, Ellen Keller, Tom Klotz, Bonnie & Jim Knepp, Joanne Knepp, Alene Krouse, Flo LaVine, Michael MacPherson, John Martin, Berniece Mason, Sandi Moore, Peggy Sue Munday, Sue & Karen Murray, Lilly Nettles, Keith Norman, Landon Parish, Jenny Piner, Doris Pitts, Kathy Puskar, Jan & Don Ridley, P. R. Rion, Ilene Rittmayer, Wilhelmina Rogers, Joe Scott, Joe Scott, Jr, Floy Smith, Wayne Smith, Jane Stahurski, Adele Stipp, Norma Jean Uher, Diana Whiteman, Eileen Zimmerman

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to Noon Monday through Friday Website: www.druidhillsocala.org

Our Mission: We are a fellowship of believers Serving Christ by Learning, Leading and Loving

OUR STEWARDSHIP AND ATTENDANCE (10-28 through 11-18)

DHUMC COOKBOOKS Do you need a special Christmas gift? We have quite a few DHUMC cookbooks available. The price has been reduced to $5 each or 3 for $10 for the holidays. If you are interested in making a purchase, please see Ruth Griffith or Eunice Reid.

Offering: Childrens Home: Parking Income:

$11,143.00 $ $ 196.37 750.00

Average Attendance Worship ........113 Sunday School Adult Focus......9 Nursery ..0 Childrens Church.......6 Bible Study....29

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Do you like to knit or crochet? We are going to meet Dec. 19 at 10 am in the Library. If you are a novice or experienced, please consider joining us. Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please contact Betty Erickson at 237-2544.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The Newsletter deadline each month is the 3rd Sunday. If you have information you want published, you can write it up on the proper submission form and submit it to the church office prior to the deadline or email Carole at druidhillocala@gmail.com. Please remember when writing articles for publication to include all the basics of the information you want communicated: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Articles may be edited as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.

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FROM THE PASTOR:
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God so that we may be restored and reconciled before God. It is that grace that is the inward beginning of Gods outward and visible sign of love for all of us. This Advent, this Christmas, I encourage you to remember that all people are in process, that we do not know everything about their process, and to pray for the grace of God that will allow you to love all people in the midst of it. Folks, what this world needs is not more gifts and opulence, but more grace. Let us, the body of Christ, the people of Druid Hills United Methodist, be the beacons and guardians of that grace. Please, give that grace freely, give it often, and give it daily. Give it to those you love, give it to those you do not, and give it to those you have not yet had the privilege of making their acquaintance. Let this Advent be filled with the grace of God, living out in the words and deeds of Gods creation, so we can all come together to celebrate and remember the birth of the Christ Child and the grace that was born on that Silent Night all those years ago. Merry Christmas,

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Christmas Child Shoebox - Thanks to your generosity, DHUMC donated 38 shoeboxes to Samaritans Purse. Our boxes will be sent to the Ukraine, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Gabon, Belize, Ecuador, India, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. FROM THE HEART - UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The next meeting of the UMW is Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Please remember UMW is open to all ladies of our church.

CHILDRENS MINISTRY Coming soon, a new look to the Childrens/Youth Library in the Nursery/Preschool room! Our Sunday School Bible lessons are continuing on Treasures of the Nile, plus arts/crafts and Bible verses. Upcoming new crafts are: children will be making their own chair covers by decorating them from canvas bags, Were Just Kids which will include recipes, hints and ideas; Buggy for Books Library Club and a childrens/youth workshop which will include a drama workshop. We do different types of projects almost every Sunday. This Is Just the Beginning If you would like to help with the drama workshop, please see me or call me at 854-2629 during the evening. I would like to begin this workshop next year, watch for additional details in future newsletters. Ill need your help, the children and I are looking forward to this. Heading toward the future and the future is NOW! I hope to hear from you about helping with these projects. Joy Anderson GOODSEARCH/GOODSHOP Goodsearch Update: Thank you so much for all your support in searching and shopping through Goodsearch. This past year we raised $42 for our efforts. Thanks again!

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MODELs

MODELs (Mostly Older Debutantes Eating Lunch) will once again try to meet at the Ivy House, in the former 1890 House at 917 E. Silver Springs Blvd on Dec. 20 at 12:30 pm. If you plan to attend, please email your reservation to dhumcvol@yahoo.com or call the office by Dec. 18. Dont forget to bring a dollar to be donated to a charity at the end of the year.

GREAT LAKES SCRIP CENTER Christmas is coming! Please consider buying gift cards for family and/or friends who have everything. If they are going to do home repairs or buy new appliances, consider purchasing Lowes, Home Depot or Sears cards. Many people have e-readers; consider purchasing Amazon or Barnes & Noble cards. Consider buying Winn Dixie or Walmart cards for grocery shopping. There are cards available for all major gas companies. Remember, the cards do not have an expiration date. The following cards have bonus offers through the end of the year: Bass Pro Shops 2% bonus, Home Depot 1% bonus, Jiffy Lube 3% bonus. Express is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 14. The cards will have a 12% non-profit donation during that period. Logans Roadhouse is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 21. The cards will have a 10% non-profit donation during that period. Shutterfly is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 14. The cards will have an 11% non-profit donation during that period. Kmart & Sears are offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have a 6% non-profit donation during that period. Bass Pro is offering a 3% bonus through Dec. 28. The cards will have a 12% non-profit donation during that period. Coldwater Creek is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 14. The cards will have a 10% non-profit donation during that period. CVS/pharmacy is offering a 1% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have a 7% nonprofit donation during that period. Lands End is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have an 18% non-profit donation during that period. L.L.Bean is offering a 3% bonus through Nov. 30. The cards will have a 19% non-profit donation during that period. Panera Bread is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have an 11% non-profit donation during that period. PetSmart is offering a 2% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have a 6% non-profit donation during that period. Staples is offering a 5% bonus through Dec. 7. The cards will have a 10% non-profit donation during that period. Starbucks is offering a 3% bonus through Dec. 14. The cards will have a 10% non-profit donation during that period. Please remember cards with bonus offers must be purchased by the dates listed above, they do not need to be used by that time. The last date to place orders in time for Christmas is Dec. 10. Since I will be on vacation, Dec. 10 is the last date I will place an order until Jan. 7. If you have any questions or to place an order, please do not hesitate to call me. Carole Newlin

THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA They presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 The legend tells of one poor girl who wanted a gift to bring which she could lay in front of church, honor of our King. She picked a small bouquet of weeds. Twas all she had to give. She prayed that it was good enough. She prayed the flowers would live. And as she placed them in the church of everyone to see, the blossoms turned to brightest red, as lovely as could be. Dear Jesus, Ive a gift to bring to lay before your throne. It is my small and humble heart. Please use it for your own. I pray that you will bless my gift so that it grows to be a place wherein your love can bloom for all the world to see.
Creative Communications for the Parish

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Sun Mon

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APRIL 2007

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri
1

Sat
9:30 am - Advent breakfast

2 9 am - Adult Focus Group 10:30 am - Worship

4 8:15 am ROMEOs

6 10:30 am - Bible Study 6 pm - Girl Scouts

7 pm - Choir White Sunday 9 9 am - Adult Focus Group 10:30 am - Worship 6:30 pm - Cub Scouts 10 7 pm - Boy Scouts 11 8:15 am ROMEOs 10 am - Worship Cmte 7 pm - Choir Canned Food Sun. 16 9 am - Adult Focus Group 10:30 am - Worship 12:30 pm - S.O.S. 2 pm - Ocala Health & Rehab Sisterhood/ Brotherhood Sunday 6:30 pm - Cub Scouts 24
Office closed

7 - Church Council 12
10 am - UMW

7 pm - Bible Study 13 10:30 am - Bible Study 6 pm - Girl Scouts 14 15

6:30 pm - Cub Scouts 17

7 pm - Boy Scouts 18 8:15 am ROMEOs 8:30 am DCOM

3 pm - NCD

5:30 pm - UMM 6 pm - Brownies 19 10 am - Prayer Shawl ministry 20 10:30 am - Bible Study 12:30 pm MODELs 6 pm - Girl Scouts 6 pm - Brownies 7 pm - Bible Study 27

6 pm - Kids, Inc. Christmas party

21

22

7 pm - Choir 7 pm - Boy Scouts 25

23 9 am - Adult Focus Group 10:30 am - Worship Personal Care Sun. 30 9 am - Adult Focus Group 10:30 am - Worship 5th Sun. offering

26

28

29

6 pm - Christmas Eve Svc.

31
Office closed

Office closed

6 pm - Brownies

6 pm - Girl Scouts

December 2012

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THE SCOUTING SIDE Pack 112 We had our first Pack meeting, and the boys told jokes, sang songs, and received the various badges and beltloops they have earned. Our car wash was a great success - - thank you Druid Hills UMC for your support! We are looking forward to marching in the Light Up Ocala Parade on November 17 - - always a great way to kick off the holiday season! Kelsey Burnette, Cubmaster - 804-1193 Senior Girl Scout Troop 269 The girls have been really busy getting started on their gold award. We had a great trip to Coon Hollow Corn Maze. The girls really enjoyed helping Ms. Joy at the Community Block Party. We are currently working on holiday service projects, such as toiletries & cleaning supplies for the domestic abuse shelter. Also, we are working on filling stockings for homeless teenagers in Marion County. If you would like to help with either of these projects, please drop off any donations to the Church Office with Troop #269 on it. The girls would appreciate any help you can provide. We wish everyone an awesome gobble turkey day. Trina Shippee Girl Scout Leader

THANK YOU Thank you for the many kind words offered following my sermon on Laity Sunday. Several of you also asked about the author I mentioned, Madeleine LEngle. LEngle once said, You have to write the book that wanted to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. She certainly connected with me when I was a teenager, and her writing is delightful for people of all ages. She is most famous for her, A Wrinkle in Time series, but my favorite books of hers were the series that began with a book called, Meet the Austins. The title is not so exciting, but the story is a lovely one and launches you into a series that eventually overlaps with characters from the Wrinkle in Time series and other wonderful characters. Vicky Austin was someone I related to as a young person, and her grandfather remains one of my favorite book characters ever. LEngle wrote many other books as well, and you can find a complete list on her website: http://www.madeleinelengle.com/books/ Kelsey Burnette

MARK YOUR CALENDARS December 1 - Advent breakfast 10 - last day to place Scrip orders before Christmas 16 - January Newsletter articles due 21 through Jan. 6 - Caroles vacation 24 - Christmas Eve service at 6 pm - office closed 25 - Christmas - office closed 31 - New Years Eve - office closed January 1 - New Years Day - office closed 16 - Trustees, Finance Committee & Church Council

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During the holiday season, we can help our neighbors in Marion County by supporting these local agencies who are providing many services. FILL THE SLEIGH at the Ocala Christmas Parade on Sat. Dec. 8. Lets make sure all Marion County Children have the Jolliest Christmas they can! Bring your unwrapped gifts to the parade to support the Marion County Childrens Alliance Gift of Christmas Toy Float. Be ready to donate when the Santa Sleigh comes your way! Gift cards are great too!. Each year, the MCCA Gift of Christmas Toy Float gathers thousands of gifts to stuff under the trees of boys and girls throughout the community. Gifts will be collected through Dec. 17 at these locations: Ocala Police Dept. & Paddock Mall. For other locations, please call MCCA at 438-5990, or visit BreakTheSilenceOnViolence.org. WINTER IS ON THE WAY: KEEP OUR KIDS WARM: We need your help to meet our goal. Theres still time to donate to the University of Florida Child Abuse Prevention Projects 1021 Coat Drive. Were accepting donations of gently used coats, jackets, mittens and hats for our children through Saturday, Dec. 22. Donations can be dropped off at the following location: Publix Supermarket (Churchill Square) 303 SE 17th St. To donate new items or to make a private donation, please call Rene Lewis at 352-598-4419. BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR: Part of a national program now in its ninth year that has helped provide more than one million gifts to 700,000 seniors in North America, the Garden Club of Stone Creek is partnering with Home Instead Senior Care to bring some much-needed help to those in need in our community. The gift requests are typically simple presents like sweaters, lotions, or blankets, but they make a huge difference to "isolated" seniors, those not fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends. Some other gift suggestions are small fleece lap blankets, toothpaste and toothbrushes, stationary, stamps, and pens, socks, and puzzle books. If you'd like to help in some way, please drop-off donations in the church office or call 622-6447. MAKE PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS WISHES COME TRUE . . . Holiday Wish List - Girls Lip gloss/chapstick, full size shampoo & conditioner, body wash & lotion, Gift cards ($10 increments), Pajama sets, Journals, Socks, Nail Polish. Holiday Wish List - Center Student Lunch Sponsor: Dec. 18-20 (approximately 55 girls), VCR/DVD player, cardstock, construction and copy paper, two-pocket folders. Cell Phones for Success benefitting PACE Center for Girls of Marion County Donate your out-of-date, broken and unused cell phones today. Every cell phone donated turns into a cash donation toward the education and counseling services provided for at-risk girls at PACE. Drop Off Locations: PACE Center: Skylark Plaza, 1601 NE 25th Ave.; Family Times Office: 3620 NE 8th Place, Suite 3; Party Time Rentals: 2721 SW 10th St. For more information, contact Peggy D. Recanzone, Special Projects Manager, PACE Center for Girls of Marion County at 352-789-1624. YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR ARCtistic Expressions EVENT! Thursday, November 29, 5:30 PM at Gateway Bank. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets are available at Gateway Bank or ARC Marion. Food & Live Entertainment. Live & Silent Auction. Watch the artists paint & client art on display. For additional information, please contact MCARC at 352-387-2210. GUARDIAN AD LITEM TRAINING - The next training will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the University of Florida Extension Agricultural Center in Tavares. How do I get started? Call Lynn Sennett at 352-274-5231 or email Lynn.Sennett@gal.fl.gov. For more information and an application, visit our website at www.guardianadlitem.org. A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a volunteer appointed by the court to advocate for a child. The volunteers works as part of a team with a volunteer supervisor and program attorney. He/she becomes familiar with the child and the childs case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure a safe, caring, stable and permanent environment for the child.

Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Sunshine Herald
1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd. Ocala, FL 34471