DECEMBER, 2017

CrossPointe
A PUBLICATION OF MONTICELLO UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Art of Keeping Christmas

How can we best keep Christmas?
By sinking the shafts of our spirits deep beneath the
sparkling tinsel of the surface of Christmas and
renewing within us the radiance of the inner
meaning of the season.
By following the Star on an inward journey to
Bethlehem to stand again in awe and wonder
before the babe in a manger.
By rediscovering the faith and simplicity of a little child, for of such
is the kingdom of heaven.
By being still and listening to the angels sing within our hearts.
By quietly evaluating our lives according to the Master’s standards
as set forth in the Sermon on the Mount.
By reaffirming the supremacy of the spirit in man’s conquest of
himself.
By rededicating ourselves to the Master’s ideals of peace,
brotherhood and good will....
By resolving to give ourselves away to others in love, joy and devotion.

~ Wilferd Peter in The New Book of the Art of Living

Inside this Pastor Greg’s Column … Page 2

issue: Women’s Fellowship ... Page 3
The Joy of Christmas at Monticello Church ... Page 4-6
Happening in December ... Page 7
And Much More!

VISIT US ONLINE monticelloucc.org

Page 2  DECEMBER 2017  MUCC News
It’s that time a year
again when we keep
staring at our bank
account and sale
brochures! This
month will be one
of: shopping, mailing out Christmas cards,
cooking, lots of eating, continually weighing
ourselves, work obligations, church obliga-
tions, in-laws, Christmas lists and hints, fruit
cakes, upset stomachs, and hopefully some
joy, peace, hope and love spread in there
along the way. The Advent Season can be
overwhelming at times with mall crowds,
traffic jams, and some “not so-nice people”
ready to trample you to save ten bucks on a
blender! And if we are not too careful, it’s
easy to become somewhat cynical and just
hope December flies by at the speed of
light. It can be exhausting!
The tragedy of the Christmas Season is that
it has become so commercialized with Black
Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and Trample the
Turkey Thursday (that’s my new name for
Thanksgiving since it has become an almost
forgotten holiday because its not a ‘money-
maker), that many have forgotten the true
meaning of Christmas. And what is even
more heartbreaking is that some haven’t
forgotten at all, they just don’t know
because they have never been told the story
of Jesus’ birth.
Well, this year let us tell the story of
Christmas. That God sent his only son to be
born in a manger and live among us and die
for us so that you, I, and all believers will not
have to die a spiritual death. Let’s tell that
story with our heart, words, and actions as
we spread love, hope, peace and joy to
those around us. I once asked someone a
question who was dealing with greed and
the love of money. I asked, “Do you possess
money or does it possess you? That is what
you need to discover.” Well, I’ll pose the
same question to us about Christmas. Has
Christmas become rote and we simply view
it as a series of obligations or do we hold it
in our hearts so that we can
give it away to others?
This year let us make a
concerted and heartfelt effort
to give Christmas away. To give Christmas
joy and love to those who are struggling in
their spirit. To those who are lost. Jesus
came for all of us, God did not wash his
hands of us and forget us. No, He loves us
too much for that, so He sent his son. The
angel of the Lord announced to the shep-
herds guarding their flocks centuries ago, “I
bring you good news of great joy for every-
one! The savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-
has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city
of David! And this is how you will recognize
him: you will find a baby lying in a manger,
wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” (Luke
2:10-12) Brothers and Sisters, let us share
that great news with the same enthusiasm
and vigor that the Shepherds did on that
blessed holy night so many years ago. Merry
Christmas from Nancy and I to you all.
Blessings and Christmas Cheer,
Pastor Greg
 MUCC News  DECEMBER 2017  Page 3

Women’s For our service in December, we will

Fellowship
We are looking forward our annual
“Christmas Gathering” that
will be on Wednesday, De-
cember 13, 6:00 PM at
Kimber’s Restaurant in Gib-
sonville, NC. If you have
not signed up to join us be
sure to contact Barbara
Dean Trammell. The fel-
lowship is wonderful along
with delicious food, door
prizes and desserts by Peggy
Hopkins! A big thank you to our
Christmas Gathering Committee –
Barbara Dean Trammell, Peggy
Hopkins and Becky Dixon!
be making arrangements for
poinsettias for our shut-ins. Dot
Lambeth leads this project and we
thank her for making this happen
each year.
Our first meeting in 2018 will be
Wednesday, January 10 at
Women’s the home of Becky Bishop.
Fellowship We will return to our Bible
Study, Cloud of Witnesses in
Community with God’s
Wednesday , Dec. 13 Messengers, led by Laura
Kimber’s in Smith.
Gibsonville May you experience Hope,
Peace, Joy and Love this
Christmas Season.
Laura Smith,
President

Monticello Church is a 5 for 5 church!

CHRISTMAS FUND
The success and sustainability of the United
In December, Monticello UCC will be collecting Church of Christ's national ministries is relying
for our 5th special offering of the year, the on our church's contribution to basic operating
Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and support and mission. Being 5 for 5 means that
the Emergency Fund. This fund, administered by the our church is a leader, providing support to Our
UCC Pension Board, provides direct financial assis- Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and the Spe-
tance to retired and active United Church of Christ cial Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Shar-
authorized ministers and lay employees and their ing, Strengthen The Church, Neighbors In Need
surviving spouses, including pension and health and The Christmas Fund.
premium supplementation, emergency assistance,
OCWM funds are a part of our church’s
and Christmas thank-you checks. budget and are remitted quarterly by our treas-
Monticello Church is proud to be a 5 for 5 church urer. MUCC is thankful that through this fund,
in support of Our Church’s Wider Mission of the our local support helps
UCC. Look for offering envelopes in your bulletins in effectively impact bigger
December. (See box at right for more about 5 for 5.) communities than our
own!
Page 4  DECEMBER 2017  MUCC News

THE JOY
OF
GIVING
with us at M O N T I C E L L O C H U R C H

SALVATION ARMY
ANGEL TREE This year Monticello Church members adopted a total of 6 angels!
Gifts for these special children are filling the front of the sanctuary
and will be delivered to the Salvation Army warehouse on Monday,
December 4. Please be sure to have all donations to the church by
Sunday, December 3. Thanks to everyone participating for your help
to “Put a Smile on a Child’s Face This Christmas”?!

The Salvation Army also ensures that

is a holiday assistance pro-
gram in which an individual these children will have a Christmas
or group sponsor
(organization/corporation) stocking. Monticello UCC members
purchases toys for a de-
serving child (or “Angel”)
generously filled 10 Christmas
in need. For many kids, the stockings too!
gifts they receive through
the Angel Tree Program
will be the only ones they
open on Christmas
morning!

DONATIONS FOR FIRST OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

BAPTIST CHURCH
IN SUTHERLAND,
TEXAS
MUCC members have
made generous donations
to the church in Texas that experienced the
horrific mass shooting last month. A call for
donations remains open and they will
continue to be collected in support of this
recovering church and its families. Make
checks to Monticello UCC with “Texas
Church” on memo line.
SHOEBOXES
Again this year MUCC, in partnership with
Samaritan’ s Purse, filled 36 shoeboxes with
toys, gifts and love for children through Oper-
ation Christmas Child. These gifts will surely
bring love, joy and hope to these special chil-
dren around the world. Not to mention the
joy that was experienced in the giving!
Thanks to Jamie and Hunter
Smothers for coordinating this
project this year and to all who
gave in such a special way!
 MUCC News  DECEMBER 2017  Page 5

You’re Invited

MUCC Children’s
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM THE JOY
“Happy Birthday, Jesus!” OF
CHILDREN
God with Us

Sunday, December 17
Immediately following the Christmas
6:00 p.m. Program . . .
Fellowship Hall

with
ram Practice
Children’s Prog with

Schedule:

Sunday, Dec. 3 . Pizza will be

4—6 p.m
served
Who could
it be?
Sunday, Dec. 10
4—6 p.m.
Page 6  DECEMBER 2017  MUCC News

THE JOY
Monticello Church Choir
OF Presents
MUSIC A Christmas Cantata

“The Glorious Story of Christmas”

Sunday, December 17
11:00 a.m.
Directed by Lavinia Combs,
Choir Director

Chrismon Tree
THE JOY Filled with beautiful handmade
OF symbols of Christ’s message for
TRADITIONS the world. Can’t wait to see
what’s new this year!

Luminary display
Poinsettias
If you would like to light a luminary grace the altar &
in memory or honor of someone, beautify the
forms will be available at church on sanctuary until
December 3. A minimum of $1 per Christmas, then are
luminary is suggested to support the sent home to
cost of the luminaries. Please members and
return all forms and money by Sun- church friends who
are shut-ins. Dot
day, December 10. All donations
Lambeth heads this
will be listed in program & bulletin ministry. Outdoor Nativity
inserts.

Sundays in December
10:00 a.m. Life Groups
Life Group in Fellowship Hall continues
a study “How to Be a Purpose-Driven
Church” by well-known Pastor Rick
Warren.. Please join us to share ideas
for growing a vibrant church in the 21st
century! Coffee, snacks and childcare
provided. All we need is YOU!
FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, December 3
First Sunday in Advent, Communion
11:00 A.M.
Children’s Christmas Program Practice
4—6 p.m. Pizza served
Wednesday, December 6
Church Council
7:00 P.M.
Sunday, December 10
Children’s Christmas Program Practice
4—6 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13
Women’s Fellowship Christmas
Gathering
6:00 p.m.
Kimber’s Restaurant, Gibsonville
Tuesday nights
Cantata Practice 7:00 p.m. til Dec. 17
Followed by Sunday Choir Practice
Saturday, December 30
Men’s Breakfast @ Golden Corral
8:00 a.m.
Miles Rudd will be guest speaker
MUCC News  DECEMBER 2017  Page 7
WORSHIP
Sundays in December
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
This month Pastor Greg Bouck’s sermon series is entitled
“Wading Through the Weeds of Christmas”. He will lead
us in the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, De-
cember 3. All are invited to hear God’s word, join in singing
His praises and enjoy the fellowship of this welcoming com-
munity of believers!
Programs for children and childcare are provided.
December 21 First Day of
C O MM U N I T Y
Winter
December 25
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT MUCC
Sundays, December 3, 10, 17, 24 11 a.m.
Sundays in Advent,
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Sunday, December 17
11:00 a.m. Christmas Cantata
5:30 p.m. Luminary display
6:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Program
followed by Christmas Party
Sunday, December 24 11:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with
Communion
Page 8  DECEMBER 2017  MUCC News

FOOD DRIVE: The MUCC Christmas

DECEMBER Cantata, “The Glorious
Story of Christmas”, will
be presented during 11:00
Food collection for a.m.
GREENSBORO worship service on
URBAN MINISTRY: Sunday, December 17.
CANNED Our Christmas Choir this
SOUPS year includes regular
choir members (Cari Wil-
son, Gayle Hughes, Crys-
Food Collection for tal Brown, Susan Smith, Tammy Turner, Clyda
OUT THE GARDEN School Johnson, Carol Rudd, Becky Dixon)—plus
BACKBACK Food
Backpack Gary Smith, Jerry Alderman, Gary Turner, Bill
PROGRAM: Hughes, Pastor Greg, Caroline Rudd
SOUPS McKaughan, Kathy Brande and Steve
(CANNED OR Durham and maybe a couple more.
BOXES) Everyone looks forward to this special
Baskets in table in narthex for your donations. Christmas blessing directed by Lavinia
. Combs, our Choir Director.
Thank you!

VOLUNTEERS IN SERVIC
SERVICEE & MINISTRY: D E C E M B E R
USHERS LAY OFFERING FLOWERS
READERS COUNTERS
December 3
December 3 December 3 ADVENT—Poinsettias
Ethan Wilson COMMUNION
Stacey Wilson Gary Smith Lewis Smith
December 10
December 10 December 10 ADVENT—
CLEANING Lewis Smith Dick Faucette Poinsettias

Gayle Hughes December 17 December 17 December 17

Jamie Smothers Jerry Smith ADVENT—
Poinsettias
December 24 December 24
Dot Lambeth Whitfield Faucette December 24
Christmas Eve
December 31 December 31 December 31
Barbara Trammell Lisa Brooks Dot Lambeth
 MUCC News  DECEMBER 2017  Page 9

Jimmy Sloan Kathy Brande

. . . will complete his last round of
chemotherapy treatments just in time
for Christmas.
Thank you to
Rev. Winfred Falls
. . . for serving as guest
minister on Sunday,
November 26, while Pastor
Greg was out of town. His
message was inspiring;
and it was a pleasure to
have both him and his wife Margie
worshipping with us
. . .was chosen as one of 15,000
individuals out of over 50,000
applicants to be a volunteer at
the Gold Coast 2018 Common-
wealth Games. This internation-
al multi-sport event will be held April 4-15,
2018. Kathy will be working at the Athletes
Village on the Protocol Team. Awesome!
We welcome to our community
. . . the interim pastor for Friendship UMC
and Brown Summit UMC Pastor Nicholas A.
Scandale, Jr. He will serve until a permanent
pastor is appointed in July, 2018. Nick and
his wife Libby reside in Greensboro.

o
an ks t e
Th ryon ted!
eve ticipa
ar
h op
w

It was a fun night

of treats for
goblins &
unicorns and kids
of all ages!
Page 10  DECEMBER 2017  MUCC News

1 - Hunter Smothers 17 - Otis Green

5 - Chuck Smith 20 - Jace Trammell
6 - Gayle Faucette 28 - Mark Johnson
7 - Jean Rowland 30 - Adam Johnson
8 - Roger Brooks 31 - Claire Byrd
8 - Carol Rudd

Please keep us informed

about birthdays, anniver-
3 - Sheryl & Lonnie Hubbard saries, etc. There are
4 - Dick & Gayle Faucette notebooks on the front
9 - Jerry & Shelby Alderman pew for you to enter new
21 - Jay & Carol Rudd or updated information.
Thank you!

PRAYER LIST
Unspoken Requests Pam Efird Wilard Peeples
Eli Dilty Jeff Duffy Fred Carpenter
Jay Rudd Faye Stephenson
Jimmy Sloan Janet Faucette Remember also those overseas and/
Ann Hopkins Paquette Shelby Moore or serving our country:
Kay Gunn Jeremy Byrd
Martha Dixon Our homebound/care center mem- Zack Chrismon
Bobby Chappell bers and friends: Gabriel Chrismon
Richard Dickerson Shirley Linville Dwayne Winder
Stacey Wilson JoAnn & Otis Green Cindy Dieterly
Judy Chaney Sarah Dixon And others
Betty Turner Jake Trammell
Jordon Rhodes Vivian Spencer
Sheryl Hubbard Gail Smith
Rachel Troxler

Please submit news, photos and other

information for the CrossPointe
Newsletter to Gayle Faucette at
hfaucette2@triad.rr.com or place in
church mailbox.
MUCC News  DECEMBER 2017  Page 11

After Mary learned she was

pregnant with God’s Son, what
relative — also miraculously
pregnant — did she go visit?

A. Esther
B. Elizabeth
C. Anne
D. Anna
Answer: B (See Luke 1:39-40.)
 In our Monticello Church family, we seek to serve God as we
serve the needs of others in our community and our world.
We seek to share God’s Word and purpose in the world
pointing to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Visit us and
discover boundless opportunities for personal
and spiritual growth.

PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS: PRAYER CONCERNS AND

Monticello United Church of
Christ
ANNOUNCEMENT E-MAIL CHAIN:
P. O. Box 496
Pastor Greg Bouck is available 24/7 for
5001 East NC 150 appointments, visits, emergencies, etc. More and more Monticello
Brown Summit, NC 27214 and can be reached at 336-209-3024. UCC families are signing up
Phone: 336-656-3400 Office Hours: to receive updated Prayer
Email: Tuesday & Thursday:
uccmonticello@gmail.com Concerns and Announcement by
Website: monticelloucc.org 9:30 a.m. until Noon e-mails. If you are interested,
Facebook: Monticello United And Wednesday please e-mail
Church of Christ
4:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. monticelloprayer@gmail.com
STAFF / OFFICERS
___________________
Please contact Laura Smith to place
Greg Bouck announcements in the bulletin.
Pastor CENTENNIAL AFGHAN FOR
Lavinia Combs MONTICELLO UNITED CHURCH
Pianist, Organist, OF CHRIST 1909—2009
Choir Director
WORSHIP are available for $50.00
Church Council Officers
Dick Faucette HOURS: Please see Laura Smith
President
Hunter Smothers,
Sunday School

Vice President
COOKBOOKS
Diaconate Chairpersons 10:00 a.m. are $15 and are available
Jerry Alderman, Deacon
Patsy Smith, Deaconess from Patsy Smith or Gayle Hughes
Worship Checks should be written to
Gayle Faucette
CrossPointe News 11:00 a.m. Monticello Women’s Fellowship.
Team Leader

Monticello United Church

Of Christ
PO Box 496
5001 East NC 150
Browns Summit,
NC 27214