English - The Story of Ahikar, Grand Vizier of Assyria.pdf
Weekly news from WCUMC Jan. 5, 2014
1. Weekly News from WCUMC-1/05/2014
"O Come Let Us Adore Him…
and Worship Him forever”
Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the
rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We've seen his star in the east,
and we've come to honor him." When King Herod heard this, he was
troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He
gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them
where the Christ was to be born. They said, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for
this is what the prophet wrote: You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no
means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will
come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel."
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the
time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, "Go and search carefully for the child. When you've found him,
report to me so that I too may go and honor him." When they heard the
king, they went; and look; the star they had seen in the east went
ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When
2. they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house
and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they
honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented
him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own
country by another route.
This is Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany means “manifestation.” It
refers particularly to the manifestation (or the demonstration) of God
in Jesus Christ.
The story of the Magi shows the amazing, unconditional love that God
has for all people - Jews and Gentiles - believers and non-believers.
Matthew 2 shows us three responses to Christ coming into our world:
1) King Herod’s response was that of jealousy, self-centeredness,
fear, and hatred.
2) The chief priests and legal experts chose to ignore the coming of
Christ into their lives.
3)
The Magi’s response -- joy, praise, worship, and trust.
How have YOU responded to Jesus coming into our world?
__________________________________________________
Questions for Personal or Group Reflection:
(Reference - The Serendipity Bible)
1. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem?
2. The Magi were Gentile, pagan astrologers. Why would they
leave to follow the star?
3. How is the Magi’s response to Jesus similar to Christians’
response to Jesus today? Is it different? How?
4. In your own faith journey, how are you (or have you been) like
the Magi?
5. Have you had to “leave” anything to follow and live for Jesus?
6. What is the significance of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh
that the Magi brought to the infant Christ?
7. What is the “gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ in your own life?
8. How have you offered this to Jesus?
Next week’s Message: “Baptized into the family of God” - Matthew 3:13-17,
A Sunday for Baptisms and “Remembering Our Baptism” - Pastor Rick Vinther preaching
3. THIS WEEK AT WCUMC
Sunday - 1/05
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room
Young Families Group, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Memorial Room
Monday - 1/06
Talk Time, 7:00 PM, Rooms 10 & 11
Tuesday - 1/07
Women's Bible Fellowship, 9:20 - 11:30 AM, Gathering Place
Men's Bible Study, 9:20 - 11:45 AM, Room 10
Sewing Group, 6:00 PM, Memorial Room
Wednesday - 1/08
Wed. Women's Bible Study, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Memorial Room
Youth Group/Crossfire, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Crossfire Room
Choir, 7:15 - 8:30 PM, Sanctuary
Thursday - 1/09
Friday - 1/10
Prime Timers Dinner, 6:00 PM, Celebration Hall
Saturday - 1/11
Men's Group Study, 7:30 AM. Celebration Hall
Sunday - 1/12
Adult Sunday School Classes 9:00 AM
Nursery Care is available in the Children’s Wing during worship
10:30 AM Worship Service
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room
4. Prime Timers Dinner
Friday, January 10 6:00 PM
Join us for a fun evening of Bunco; this is a fast, fun dice game played in
groups but all together at the same time. It requires no talent, just
luck. The table groups keep changing and should be fun for all. Just
come with a willing spirit and you will do just fine
Entrees will be provided. Sign up for side dishes in the foyer.
Winter Retreat 2014
Great Wolf Lodge,
Jan. 10 - 12
Students grades 5-12 are invited to join us for an amazing weekend of
fun, adventure, and focus on Christ. We will have a jam packed
weekend with time for water slides, games, ans worship with a dynamic
speaker and an awesome band. We will leave the church at 4:00 PM on
Friday, January 10 and return on Sunday, January 12 by 6:00 PM.
Registration forms can be found in the main office.
Cost is $140 per student (this covers everything)
Scholarships are available. Contact Kim ASAP as space is
limited. crossfirelife@gmail.com or 425-483-5252.
5. Women's Bible Study
Begin This Week
TUESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP
Philippians study continues starting Tuesday, January 7. Study runs
through February. Contact Heather Kreeck for more information or
questions at 425-806-6945.
WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
New study of Galatians begins on January 8 at 10:00 AM. This study
illuminates both the historical meaning of the biblical text and its
contemporary significance for today's reader. Contact Evelyn Carlson for
more information at 425-483-5252.
6. WCUMC Trustees have begun a Capital Improvement project to reduce
our energy footprint and expenses by replacing all outdoor and indoor
overhead lights (except Sanctuary) with LED lights, and replacing all T12 florescent bulbs with T-8 florescent bulbs. T-8 bulbs will last 10
years, will not flicker and buzz, and will reduce energy cost by 25% 50%.
Additionally, PSE has announced a Rebate Program to encourage
retrofit. WCUMC estimated rebate will be $9,000, and retrofit should
generate savings of approximately $4,500 per year.
A Designated Fund to raise the $26,500 needed for the full project has
been established. If you want to make a donation to this fund prior to
the end of 2013, please write your checks to WCUMC with Lighting
Project on the memo line.
More details will be shared during the Sunday morning worship service,
and a special display will be set up in the Narthex.
NEEDS THIS WEEK
Rice-A-Roni
Dried Beans
Peanut Butter
Pasta
Rice
7. Financial Snapshot
General Fund
Income, week ended 12/29/13
weekly average, year-to-date
Expenses, weekly average, year-to-date
Weekly average, budgeted expenses
Faith Promise
Total Faith Promises pledged
Faith Promise beginning balance
Received as of 12/29/13
Disbursed as of12/29/13
$ 6,233 Income,
$ 9,746
$ 9,494
$ 10,413
$ 90,560
$ 12,439
$ 19.499
$ 15,793
Prayer Chain Requests
Prayer Chain requests call Barbara Clark 425-483-3885. After 6:00 PM
call Mary Harvey at 425-827-2883 or call the church at 425-483-5252
during office hours.
We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.
Have a great week!
This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our
members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love of
Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church home
with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend our Sunday
Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville,
WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.