November 2015

Saturday, December 8

7:30 PM Wednesday

November 21

5:00 PM

Weekly Worship

Opportunities

Saturdays Country & Gospel Service

5 PM

Sundays Traditional Services

9 & 10:30 AM

Join us for Our Annual

Wednesday November 25 5 PM – Agape Hall (church sanctuary)

This is a planned potluck event and we need your help to make this the best one yet! To make it a success, please

bring a food donation and/or volunteer your time and talent with set-up/serving/clean-up. Even if you can’t volunteer or donate, we would still love to have you as our guest. To help, please sign up in the Narthex or the office. You may also call the church office to sign up or for more information.

Some items needed: Turkeys, hams, your favorite appetizers and side dishes (hot or cold), assorted beverages, ice, breads and butter, desserts and most importantly volunteers to help before, during and after the dinner. If you won’t be in town and would still like to make something, it can be stored in the kitchen – please label it as being for the Thanksgiving Dinner and let us know that it is there.

2015 Advent Bible Study

"A Different Kind of Christmas"

Sign up now for one of the following

classes which will begin the

week of November 15.

Tuesdays, 12 PM, Deborah/410 Patti Blackwood/Peggy Rambikur

Tuesdays, 6 PM, Deborah/410 Marti Hirst/Debbie Opitz

Wednesdays, 3:30 PM, Deborah/410

Kris Holt/Myra Boyer-Turner

Thursdays, 2 PM, Fenners’ Home 1939 Lazy Meadow Lane, Prescott

Tony and Janet Fenner

Friday, 10 AM, Douglas/513 Pastor Dave Alberts

This is a five-week study. The course is

based on the book Christmas Is Not

Your Birthday, available from the church office; the cost is $9.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. ─Psalm 100:4

Office Closures

PUMC’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day

and on Thursday and Friday,

November 26 & 27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

No meetings will be scheduled for those days.

Donna Brammer, Zeke and LaDonna Breese, June Burr, Bonnie Carlson, Lucille Crawford, Bob Dyer, Lorie Gates, Delores Martell, Winnie McLain, Jim Messerschmitt, Dick and Anne Nelson, Maxine Page, Joyce Pratt, Rev. Susan Root, Jim Soileau, Rose Teeters, Virginia Williams

At a Care Facility Elaine Alberts, Helen Ashe, Kaie Brewer, Dave Burnett, Arlene Dunham, Virginia Eck, MaeAnn Farrell, Bonny Kempf, Peggy Kennedy, Bonnie Madsen, LaRue Opp, Ruth Peterson, Helen Simmons, *Jim Stewart, Norma Wigal

In the Hospital

* Hospice

Continued Prayers For the Mueller Family whose daughter Kayla was tortured and martyred in February 2015, while being held as a prisoner in Syria.

Our Mission

The mission of Prescott United

Methodist Church is to make

disciples for Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world.

Adopted by Church Council November 23, 2010

Who Are We As PUMC? We seek to be an active and diverse

body united through Christ, where we joyously contribute our gifts, deepen

our personal relationships, and live our mission.

Adopted by Charge Conference October 21, 2007

I recently had occasion to review notes I had left for myself in a copy of the Bible used during my seminary years. This experience was akin to reading an old spiritual journal. I had to stop

every once in a while and say, “I remember being struck by that thought.” Many of my interests and faith perspectives have changed with the passage of time, but some of these earlier reflections were worth recovering.

For example, in Luke 9:51-56 I read of an incident involving those who rejected Jesus. The text states, “As the time approached…he set his face resolutely towards Jerusalem and he sent messengers ahead.” These “messengers” were the two “sons of thunder,” the disciples James and John. Their task was to go to a Samaritan village along the way to get things ready for a Jesus-visit. The problem was that the Samaritans would not permit this Jewish prophet heading to Jerusalem to even sully their village gate.

This rejection of Jesus was fine with the advance men. After all, James and John did not want the villagers to have a chance to listen to him due to the hatred between Jews and Samaritans. If the Samaritans were allowed to encounter Jesus, they might be saved and the brothers did not want that (shades of Jonah)! What they did want was to call down fire from heaven and burn the village to a crisp. Certainly, they thought, Jesus would support this due to its rejection of him. They were eager to bring this episode to a fiery conclusion that was simultaneously quick, easy, and wrong.

Far from sanctioning their request, Jesus rebuked James and John. A footnote at the bottom of the page indicated that some early manuscripts of Luke’s gospel included these words from the master, “You do not know to what spirit you belong for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” The note I wrote to myself long ago pointed out that Jesus was compassionate even to those who rejected him and would not receive him. I knew that I often fell short of that in the rough and tumble of life.

Do we know to what spirit we belong? Do you ever catch yourself think-ing more like James and John here than Jesus? I was saddened recently by a bumper sticker I saw here in Prescott that parodied the frequently seen sticker that urges people of many faiths to find a way to “Coexist.” This new bumper sticker featured a crouching figure aiming a rifle at an unseen opponent with the word “Exist,” as if this was the only way to deal with those whose perspec-tives on faith and life differ from our own.

The approaching year, 2016, will be a time when many people’s emo-tions are engaged, even enraged, over differences of opinion. In addition, the confusing conditions in our world are such that some might conclude that those who have declared themselves our enemies, as Christians or Ameri-cans, need to be consigned forthwith to the outer darkness or worse. Jesus and the New Testament have a lot to say about dealing with those who reject or even “despitefully use” us, but never advocates hatred or violence as a first recourse. Jesus never would sanction a “die or fry” mentality toward oppo-nents, either then or now.

Another highlighted passage in my old Bible, Romans 12:17-18, states, “Never pay back evil for evil. Let your aims be such as all people count hon-orable. If possible, so far as it lies with you, live at peace with all persons.”

The spirit to which Christians are to belong is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus (Acts16:7).

Please Pray For…

The Preview Page 2 November 2015

Alberts’ Angle

Happy November everyone! Last month I asked you some questions about pumpkins. Here are the answers!

Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable? Most experts agree that pump-kins are fruit! It is in the same family as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds. (http://www.thepumpkinfarm.com/faq.html)

What colors can pumpkins be? Most pumpkins are shades of orange or yellow. However, there are green pumpkins, white ones, even red ones and blue ones (but they are very rare!) (http://www.pumpkinnook.com/facts/colors.htm)

What does the word "pumpkin" mean? The word “pumpkin comes from the Greek word for “large melon.”

What is the largest pumpkin ever grown??? The largest pumpkin grown so far was 2032 pounds in October 2013 in Morgan Hill, California. (http://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/giantpumpkins.htm)

What do pumpkins have to do with being a Christian??? God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for the entire world to see.

Kids: November is a time for giving thanks! Let us give thanks to God for

God’s wonderful creation! Let’s give thanks to our parents for loving us and caring for us. How is November a special time for you and your family? Perhaps you and your family could sit down and think of ways to make another family’s November special too!

Adults: We are getting ready for a season full of treats and goodies. Let’s

remember to stay healthy and offer healthy treats to our family and neigh-bors. Enjoy taking walks outside in this cooler weather! Drink decaf teas at night instead of sweet sugary drinks like hot cocoa. Or just enjoy the time of year and celebrate in moderation! Whatever you do, recognize how special this time of year is and give thanks to God for all you have!

Special Dates! November 14 – 15: Uke Can Do It ukulele performance in the services! November 21: Guardian’s Night Out November 25: Thanksgiving Potluck December 5: Christmas Parade!!!

As always Sunday School is offered for all ages on Sundays at 9 AM. Childcare is available at both services on Sunday for children up to 3 years old. Youth Fellowship for youth 6th grade through 12th grade is every Sunday 5 - 7:30 PM (Except Nov. 1 and Nov. 29).

Legacy Giving and

Tithing A practical way of making a faith statement to your family and friends as they gather to celebrate your life is to tithe a portion of your estate as a Legacy Gift. Consider doing a Legacy Gift by tithing 10% or more to the Prescott United Methodist Church. --Jim Swenson, Chair Legacy Committee

2016 Upper Room

Disciplines Deep down, you know you shouldn’t postpone your spiritual growth. Seize upon God’s purpose for your life and allow God’s Word to speak to you through transformative daily meditations in this new edition of Disciplines. Here is a book that can help instill the practice of regular Bible reading, reflection, and prayer as part of your daily routine. Disciplines can be your spiritual battery charger. Recharge, reconnect, and recommit during every today and tomorrow of 2016. Purchase a copy in the church office for only $12, as long as they last!

Just a Reminder Chapel Communion

In Rasch Chapel Sundays (except the 1

st Sunday) 10:10 a.m.

Blood Pressure Screening Saturday, November 14

6 PM – Narthex

Sunday, November 15 10 – 10:30 AM - Mary’s Parlor/206

DEADLINES The deadline for the December 2015

Preview issue is November 18.

The deadline for the Reminder is Tuesday at noon.

The Preview Page 3 November 2015

November Committees November 3 - Tuesday

Hospitality Committee 1:30 PM – Mary’s Parlor/206

Evangelism Committee

2 PM – Upper Room/307

Church /Society Committee

5:30 PM – Douglas/513

November 17 – Tuesday Finance Committee

5:30 PM – Mary’s Parlor/206

November 18 - Wednesday Staff Meeting

1 PM – Mary’s Parlor/206

Board of Trustees

3 PM – Mary’s Parlor/206

November 19 - Thursday Missions Committee

2 PM – Upper Room/307

November 23 – Monday Stephen Ministry Leaders

4 PM - Mary’s Parlor

November 24 – Tuesday Program Chair Committee

4 PM – Douglas/513

Church Council 5 PM – Douglas/513

2016 Flower Chart The beautiful flowers on the

altar during the worship services

are provided by members of the

congregation in honor or memory

of a significant person or event in

their lives. You may sign up to

provide a bouquet of flowers on a

specific Sunday in 2016. The cost

is $35 per bouquet.

Sign the chart in the church

office and you will be sent a

reminder when your Sunday is

near.

Servant Images: Jeannie McCall and Toni Reynolds

Sisters, sisters, There were never such devoted sisters...

Through all kinds of weather, we stick together, the same in the rain or sun. Two different faces, but in tight places we think and we act as one. Uh-huh!

Yeah, Irving Berlin’s lyrics from that 1954 “White Christmas” flick starring Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen fit like a glove sisterhood-wise. And it’s an excellent fit too for PUMC’s Toni Reynolds and Jeannie McCall. But I must confess that there’s a fly in the ointment regarding their background. (Only kidding here, but let me explain…)

You see, both sisters were born in Amarillo, Texas, which is 120 miles north of my hometown of Lubbock. And every fall a highlight of the high school football season centered on a grudge battle pitting my LHS Westerners against the AHS Golden Sandstorm worthies. The only problem, though, is that the Sandies prevailed against my Westerners about 80 percent of the time over the years – they were the nemesis when it came to Lubbock High’s genesis! A couple of lines from our school song read like so: “Sportsmanship, then victory, is the motto of our high; come along, you brave old Westerners, we will do or die.” So we did a lot of dying back in my younger days, but there was always a resurrection leading up to another “go” at it the following year. Hope, you see, has a way of springing eternal. (For confirmation, consult any Chicago Cubs fan.)

Moving along, though, the sisters’ parents were awash in family ties, as their dad had 18 siblings and their mom one-third as many at a half-dozen. They owned a dry-cleaning business in Amarillo, but left that city when Toni was 14 and Jeannie was 9 and established their dry-cleaning firm in Phoenix after moving there with their family in 1956. Jeannie would go on to make Prescott her home “part-time in 1998 and full-time in 2001,” whereas Toni became a full-time Prescott resident in 2007. They have shared the same home for the last seven years.

The sisters’ families include Toni’s two sons and a daughter – all Californians living in the Sacramento area – along with 10 grandchildren (six girls and four boys), whereas Jeannie has a son and a daughter. Her son and his wife have three children and are Prescott residents where he is the owner of At Matts Pet Grooming, while the daughter, who is also married, lives in Phoenix and has no children.

Professionally, both Toni and Jeannie are long-time dental hygienists, with Toni – who is still active in the field – working for 38 years including two years on the job in Saudi Arabia – while Jeannie is a 39-year veteran of the trade. And Toni served for a year as president of the Arizona State Dental Hygienists’ Association back in the 1990s.

The two sisters are dynamos in the furtherance of mankind, womankind and “kidkind.” So fasten your seat belts for an itemization. They shared the presidency and vice-presidency posts for PUMC’s Lydia Circle for two years and also chaired the Circle’s salad luncheon for two years. They’re currently teaming to teach a Sunday school class of second to fifth-graders. They

(continued on page 6 , column 1 )

The Preview Page 4 November 2015

Sisters Jeannie and Toni

PLEASE NOTE: When a speaker is the program for WW,

the program will begin at 5:45. When it’s a musical program, the music will start at 5:15, during dinner.

November 4: Building Stoves in the Highlands of Guatemala Featuring Jim Swenson and Ann Hansen

At the November 4 Wonder Full Wednesday program, Jim Swenson and

Ann Hansen will share their July 2015 Guatemala work team experience with pictures and stories. They joined the other three persons from Salinas, CA and

then joined ten other persons from the Virginia Annual Conference in living "high" and working "high," building stoves for indigenous families.

The purpose of the week is not to provide free labor in an area with high

unemployment. Rather, it is a key element in fulfilling the mission of the church. The focus is on developing relationships, witnessing and being trans-

formed through service.

November 11: No Wednesday Dinner or Program Facilities are closed in observation of Veterans Day

November 18: Doug McMurrin Doug is a vocalist and guitarist who performs a variety of styles such as

the music of James Taylor, the Beatles and John Denver. He has played in multiple venues in the Prescott area including earning a place in the 2014

Country Music Showdown.

November 25: Join Us for Our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck

Dinner (see page 1)

United Methodist Student Day www.umcgiving.org

Through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), United Methodist college students receive scholarships and loans. The United Methodist Student Day offering may assist a seminary student called to be a pastor or a missionary. Maybe it will enable a student to complete nursing school or get an education degree. Each year 10% of the contributions also are returned to the annual conferences for merit scholarships. The scholarships aid United Methodist students at accredited colleges who have shown leadership in their church. Indeed, they become gifts of hope for a denomination in dire need of more young leaders to chart its course into the future.

This Special Offering will be received November 21 and 22.

Come to Dinner Join us for dinner on Wonder Full

Wednesdays, at 4:45 PM (new time), Agape/200 (church sanctuary). Adult/$3; Child $1 – maximum of $10

per family. Get a nourishing meal

including drinks and dessert and join in the program that follows or one of

the choirs. An addition: Each menu for WW

Dinners is printed in the preceding

issue of The Reminder distributed at each worship service.

A Reminder: On those “musical nights, please be mindful

of those who are performing and those who have come to listen.

Navigating the

Holidays After Loss Sometimes after a loss, the

expectations and anticipation of the holidays can seem over-whelming – parties, decorating, gift-giving, memor-ies of past holiday celebrations. If the idea of holiday joy and cheer leaves you feeling less than joyful and cheer-ful, you are not alone!! You are invited to a pre-holiday gathering on Satur-day, November 14, from 10 AM to Noon in Douglas/513. Pastor Patti Blackwood will provide a safe place for you to explore your thoughts and feelings about facing the holidays without your loved one(s). Join Pastor Patti to gain insight into coping with your loss and navigating the holidays. Call the church office (778-1950) with any questions.

Annual Christmas Parade

The Prescott Chamber of

Commerce 33rd Annual Christmas

Parade is scheduled for Saturday,

December 5. This year’s theme is

“The Magic of Christmas.” PUMC

has entered a float and, as in

past years, will be asking for vol-

unteers. Watch for more details

and be sure to sign up to be a

part!

The Preview Page 5 November 2015

United Methodist Men Meet

Saturday, November 21 8 AM – Agape/200 (Begins with a homemade breakfast—only $5)

Speaker: Pastor Misty Howick Misty will update us about PUMC’s

youth program, the beginning of a college-age group and

planning for the future.

All are invited—and you’ll be glad you attended.

Servant Images

Jeannie McCall and Toni Reynolds (continued from page 4, column 2)

constructed the centerpieces for all 22 tables set up for the October 23 Methodist Madness variety show. Both have worked this year and last year on the church’s women’s retreat com-mittee. Toni chaired the evangelism committee until her term expired a year ago and she is now serving as a member of the Church and Society Committee. And Jeannie is a former member of the Coalition for Com-passion and Justice’s board of directors.

That last paragraph sums up the sisters’ church-related endeavors. But in closing I’d like to pass along one other undertaking that Jeannie is pursuing in which she is working with a group of people who are establishing a program in Prescott called The Heart Song Center for Grieving Children. Working in the program that focuses on youngsters who have lost parents or siblings “is my passion,” she says, as it “gives them a chance to have a place where they’re comfortable with their grief.” Could there be a higher calling? I think not.

-- Jerry Jackson

The leaders of Stephen Ministry at Prescott United Methodist Church would like to introduce you to your Stephen Ministers. This month we are introducing Varon Thorne.

Varon has attended Prescott United Methodist Church since 2004. He became a Stephen Minister in 2005. He was recruited by another Stephen Minister who thought he would be perfect for the job. Varon has assisted eight care receivers since then. In 2007 Varon took additional training and became a Stephen Leader. He teaches several classes in our Stephen Minister train-ing program. Varon enjoys giving support and spiritual comfort to someone in need. He feels being a caregiver is full of surprises and learn-ing situations for both the caregiver and the care receiver. He has learned Stephen Ministry training is a valuable tool for him in his own life as well as guiding him as he helps others.

─Sally Valerius

As Stephen Ministers look forward to celebrating 25 years at PUMC, they are seeking names and contact information

of those who have in the past been Stephen Ministers. The party is set for 5 PM Monday, December 7 in Agape/200.

Delicious appetizers and seasonal punch will precede the traditional potluck. Special entertainment by Not2Shabby will highlight the evening. If you have served as a Stephen

Minister – either at PUMC or elsewhere, please contact Donna Gaddy in the church office or any of the Stephen

Leaders to receive a special invitation.

Operation Christmas Child® A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is

fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children's lives all over the world in Jesus' Name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

Take home a shoe box or fill one at home! Instructions are available in the office! Make a difference to a child this Christmas and pass on the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Collection Sunday is November 15.

.

Stephen Ministry Corner

The Preview Page 6 November 2015

Christmas Marketplace (formerly “Alternative Christmas Gift Market”)

Prescott United Methodist Church will hold a Christ- mas Marketplace again this year. It will be held on Sunday, November 15 between the services in Esther/510. For those who may be unfamiliar with this concept or who have forgotten, this is the opportunity to honor your friends or family members with a gift in the form of a donation to a charitable organization. Shopping lists will be distributed so you may select multiple recipients for your gifts. Receipts will be given for all donations and acknowledgement cards will be available for you to give to the friends who you honor with a donation. Payment is cash or check. Checks are made out to PUMC with the memo line indicating Christmas Market. This along with your com-pleted shopping list will allow us to distribute funds to the organizations of your choice.

It also is a great way to become aware of all the great outreach projects that Prescott United Methodist Church supports. Please join in!

This year’s available projects:

Angel Tree Prison Ministry Big Brothers/Big Sisters Coalition for Compassion and Justice

Granite Creek Hunger Ministry Free Wheelchair Mission Heifer Project Hope for the Hopeless

Stepping Stones (shelter for women and children)

Learn more about these projects, give a gift with meaning, and be a part of our Outreach Christmas Marketplace.

Advent/Christmas Devotional Time Is Here

Here is a writing assignment to warm your heart as the weather cools. Create an Advent/Christmas devotion to be included in this year’s edition of the popular series written by Prescott UMC members and friends. We cannot wait to see what you are thinking in response to this year’s title!

This year’s theme is “Leading Lights for Christmas Nights.” What does this suggest to you? Of course, we can start our thought process by considering wise folk of old who followed the mysterious guiding star from their distant home to the surprising destination (Matthew 2:1-6). That was their leading light and their life-making trek, but yours is different and no less personally significant. Please share with us.

Your devotional will appear in print and on line. You never know who will be reading it or whose life you may impact with just the right word this season. Do you find that prospect exciting? Get writing! Do not hide your light under a bushel but instead submit it by November 9.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook. A special thank you to C.E. Mahan, who

maintains our Page and takes many of the pictures.

Adopt-a-Family Our Adopt-a-Family program is in

the enviable position of being fully funded. We will not be asking for

donations this year. What we do need

are your suggestions of individuals or families who may need some assis-

tance this holiday season. Forms will be available for completion at the

Christmas Market and then in the

narthex through the first week of December. This year’s form does not

require the name of the person sub-mitting the request.

2016 Endowment

Allocation Applications

The Preview Page 7 November 2015

Earnings from the PUMC Endow-

ment have allowed us to fund over

$177,000 in projects during the last five

years. In November we will begin accept-

ing applications for the 2016 endow-

ment allocation projects. The application

will be available in the church office the

first week of November. The due date for

application submissions is no later than

Friday January 15, 2016. Turn complet-

ed applications in to the office in the

mailbox for Lay Leader.

Following committee review final

approval of applications for projects will

be made by the Church Council in the

January 2016 meeting and applicants

will be notified whether their project has

been approved or not. The application

has further information regarding the

requirements and process for project

selection. If you or your group has ques-

tions, please contact Peggy Rambikur,

Lay Leader.

BRIDGE

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS A support group for those parents who have lost a child—at any age and however long ago 1:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of the month Leader: Carol Mumford – Mary’s Parlor/206

FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC FATIGUE Meets 4th Monday of each month 3 PM - Douglas/513 Leaders: April Boothe and Kelley Poynter

WARMING UP PRESCOTT (Knitting/Crocheting)

THANK YOU! Five hundred+ hats and scarves were made and given, in conjunction with CCJ’s Open Door, to homeless and marginalized persons, a project sponsored by our “Warming Up Prescott” knitting and crocheting group in conjunction with CCJ. In addition, there are already 115 hats ready for 2016’s Warming Up project. Current leader, Peggy Pate, is retiring, so if you have an interest in this very fun group, please call Peggy or the church office.

PRAYER QUILTERS Because of the holidays, this group will meet Friday, November 20 and Friday, December 18. 1:30 PM - Upper Room/307 Leader: Phyllis Moss

SPANISH/ENGLISH CLASSES Held at various times throughout the week. Check the calendar for times and places and contact the leaders (Rena-Grace Nietmann or Jan Lynne) about levels of instruction.

UMCOR SUPPORT Sewing baby jackets for UMCOR—United Methodist Committee on Relief—the emergency response arm of our church. Contact Rena-Grace Nietmann or Arlene Comón.

Adult Study Group Opportunities

KOINONIA CLASS

Sundays - 10:30 – 11:30 AM - Douglas/513

Topic: Modern Archaeology and the Bible

Leader: Paul Wolfe

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays - 8 – 9 AM

NOW MEETING at New Horizons Care Center 7020 Long Look Drive, Prescott Valley

Topic: The Book of Isaiah

Leader: Dick Unkenholz

PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY GROUP

Thursdays - 10 – 11:30 AM

Mary’s Parlor/206

Following the short term topics (Fundamen-talism, Holy Spirit and Angels), this group will do an in-depth study of the Book of Judges.

SPIRIT BUILDERS FELLOWSHIP

Sundays - 10:30 – 11:30 AM - Library/511

Study and discussion of relevant topics

Leader: Steve Chadwick

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 AM - Mary’s Parlor/206

Topic: Usually the weekly lectionary

Leader: Patti Blackwood and others

A Service of

Solace & Hope

Prescott United Methodist Church will hold a “Longest Night Service for Solace and Hope” on Sunday, December 6, 2013, at 3 PM, Agape/200.

Sometimes called “Blue Christmas,” this special time of meditation and remembering is open to the community. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with a disease that puts a question mark over the future, or any number of other human situations can make holi-day parties and celebrations, and even worship, painful for many in our community.

If this has been a year of challenge or loss, or if this holiday season feels more like a season of despair and grief than one of joy and peace, come and gather with us for a Spirit-led quiet time of music, Scripture and hope.

Support, Service & Fellowship Groups

The Preview Page 8 November 2015

The Bridge Marathon group plays September through May. The maximum of ten tables are full. Contact: Marilyn Millspaugh. The Bridge group meets on the first Monday of the month at 12:45 PM in Esther/510.

Leader: Peggy Pate On hiatus until January. Please continue to “soldier” on at home. Yarn for your Warming Up Prescott projects is available at the church during office hours.

Leader: Beth Peters

September 2015 Finance Committee Update

Our September 2015 Financial Statement of Mission shows pledged giving is slightly above estimated and above August 2014. Year-to date income is close to budgeted and our expenses are below budget thanks to the due diligence of our committees.

2015 Actual Budget 2015 Actual 2014 Income $ 56,172 $54,616 $51,645 Expense 58,792 66,299 62,400

Net ( 2,620) (11,683) (10,756)

Year-to -date Income $541,577 $559,341 $526,521 Expense 535,089 582,069 535,167 Net 6,488 ( 22,728) ( 8,646)

Our mortgage principal is now $358,769.

The financial report is always available in the church office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of us.

Carol Clayton Julie Huck Finance Chair Vice Chair

Christmas Thanks!

–―Your SPRC Committee

Hanging of the Greens Sometimes a tradition needs an update! This year we will gather for the “Hanging of the Greens” on Wednesday, December 2. Beginning at 2 PM we will decorate the church’s Christmas trees, hoist the wreathes and enjoy craft projects. Light holiday snacks will be served, and folks arriving by 3:30 PM will receive a ticket for the Wonder Full Wednesday dinner at 4:45 PM. Plan to join us as we launch another festive Advent!!

Purchase a Poinsettia

As is traditional, we will decorate our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettia plants this Christmas season. Beginning with Cantata Weekend (December 12 and 13), the plants will grace the communion table area. For the modest price of $10, you may dedicate a plant to honor, celebrate or remember a loved one. If you choose you may take a plant home after the 9 PM Christmas Eve service. The price of the poinsettia helps to offset costs of holiday remem-brances for our homebound members. Poinsettia order forms will soon be in The Reminder or you may pick one up in the office. Deadline for ordering is December 7.

It’s All about Angels Thank you so much for your gener-

ous October Special Offering and to those who volunteered to help with this year's Angel Tree Prison Ministry!

The number of children assigned to us is growing and we are now up to 30 Angel Children we will serve this year with gifts on behalf of their incarcerated parent.

Lincoln School Project

Our November Lincoln School pro-

ject is dry erase/white board markers. Schools now mostly use white boards

instead of black/green boards. The dry erase markers they use are used up very

quickly and dry out easily. Schools are always in need of them. These markers

can be bought at most stores including

Walmart, Target, Jo-Ann's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. They can be found in

the school section and often in other places. Most frequently needed colors

are red and black, but any colors would be appreciated. Thank you so much for

your continued support of our neighbor-

hood school.

Christmas Cantata

Presented by PUMC’s Music Department

December 12 7:30 PM

December 13 10:30 AM

The Preview Page 9 November 2015

To thank our staff for their dedication and hard work,

Love offerings will be accepted beginning the weekend of

November 14 and 15. Look for the green envelopes that

will be included in that weekend’s Reminder. Information:

please contact Regina Younger.

You will be able to choose an Angel Child from the Christmas Tree at the up-coming Christmas Market on November 15, in between services, or you may call or email Mari Hirst at any time and she will assign you a child or family.

Don’t Miss

It! The current “Uke Can

Do It” class will celebration

their “graduation” with a

short performance at all

three worship services,

November 14 and 15. You

won’t want to miss it!!

Sympathy to: Callie’s family, friends and class-mates upon her recent unexpected death.

the Hope for the Hopeless orphanage in Ethiopia (where our mission team is currently serving) who lost 2 orphans to a car accident and there were several injured.

Bill and Beth Talbott, their family and friends; Bill’s sister Beverly passed away October 17.

the family and friends of Donna Garrett who passed away in late October.

the family and friends of Tom Smith, who passed away October 11.

Amy and Sarah Rea, their family and friends, whose father Phil Rea, passed away October 10.

Hugo Malanga upon the recent death of his aunt.

the family and friends of Frank Oxborrow who passed away in October.

For the Ladies

An evening Circle, Lydia meets the second Tuesday of the month,

November 10, 7 PM, Douglas/513. There’ll be good

fellowship and snacks; program TBA.

The Rebekah circle will meet on Tuesday, November 17, 10 AM in Douglas/513. We will be making plans for the remainder of 2015

and for 2016. All women are invited to join this morning circle.

November Healthy Hikers Hikes start at 8 AM at the trailhead

If you have any questions on locating the trailhead, please contact the leader of the hike. Hikes on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays are usually of greater difficulty being steeper and longer than the 1st and 3rd Wednesday hikes, which are to be no more than 2 hours nor exceed 5 miles. Hikes will take place weather and forest conditions permitting. Hikes are automatically cancelled whenever the Prescott city schools announce closures or two-hour start delays.

The Preview Page 10 November 2015

November 4 Leaders: Sue Unverricht – AND John Reed – Balancing Rock #349 to West Lake 351 – Granite Basin Hike This is a 4.2 mile loop trail with a 220’ elevation change. It contours around a hillside just south of Granite Basin with views of the entire basin as well as a panorama of Bill Williams, Kendrick Peaks and San Francisco Peaks. Directions: Drive west on Iron Springs Road to Granite Basin; turn right and go approxi- mately 2 miles to Cayuse Day Use Area to park.

November 11 (Veterans Day) Leaders: Dusty Levangie – Contreras Road Lollipop This is an eight-mile/1270’ cumulative elevation trek commencing on FR 9261U and continuing on Pasture TR 38 and Little Granite Mountain TR 37 to Blaire Pass where we will rest. Next leg is White Rock Springs TR 39 past the big juniper where we will stop to pay our respects at the memorial site of the Brave 19. Continuing on TR 39 takes us back to TR 38, FR 9261U and back to the cars. Last half mile is an uphill slog where you will earn your cold drinks and snacks at the tailgate of the old Dodge truck. Directions Drive out Iron Springs Road up and over the big hill. Turn right on Contreras Road and go about 0.8 miles. Park in the large area on the right under the power lines.

November 18 Leaders: Rich and Sue Cottine – Big Juniper Tree This hike is just five miles in length over rolling terrain with minimal elevation change; beautiful views of the west side of Granite Mountain, ending at one of the largest and oldest juniper trees in the area. This is the same tree that the Grainite Mountain Hotshot crew saved during the Doce Pit Fire. Directions Drive west on Iron Springs Road about three miles past Iron Springs Village to Contreras Road. Turn right on Contreras Road and go about 0.8 miles. Park in the large area on the right under the power lines.

October 28 Leader: Di Nichols – Turley Trail Pre-Thanksgiving turkey trot hike This will be a five-plus miles out and back hike. Directions From Gurley Street turn south onto Robinson Drive (between Enterprise and Allstate). Turn left on Hillcrest which becomes Butterfield. Go across Overland on Butterfield to Wells Fargo. At the top of the road stay straight ahead going onto the dirt road and watch for a sign on the right (next to a white house) for the Turley trail turnoff. Plenty of parking up past the gate but the road is rough.

Come Celebrate with Coalition for Compassion and Justice

Last year the Coalition for Compassion and Justice Thrift Store gave $47,000 worth of clothing and essential items to deserving children, adults, homeless and veterans of our greater Prescott area. Now the Thrift Store is moving to a new, larger location at 1034 Fair Street to better serve clients and shoppers. CCJ invites you to attend the Grand Opening of the Thrift Store on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come for super sales, raffles, music, door prizes, discounts, $2 hot dogs with chips and a drink and face painting. Bring your children on November 14 at 10 AM to hear Meg Borhman introduce our first meeting of the Saturday Morning Kids’ Book Club with entertaining songs and story time.

From Our Mailbox From the grandchildren of Al and Betty Bowers

Dear Pastor Dave: Thank you so much for baptizing me on Sunday. It was a very special moment for me that I will remember the rest of my life.

–Griffin Orders [age 13]

Dear Pastor Dave: Thank you so much for baptizing me. I am so happy to be part of this church. My Bible is one of my most prized positions because I got it when I was baptized. Thank you so much. –Scott Orders [age 1]

Dear Pastor Dave, Thank you for baptizing me on Sunday. After I got baptized, I felt like a better person and know I am having a great time with my Bible. I read it when I say my prayers at night. –Meredith Orders [age 9]

What a wonderful surprise to have Leigh Downing deliver such a beautiful prayer quilt. The quilting group does beautiful planning with colors and designs. Such talent! Thank you for thinking of me. I have been blessed to have a church with so many caring people. During this stressful time in my life, it is appreciated to have prayers, encouraging words, hugs and many smiles. God bless all of you. –Shirley Johnson

Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer quilt and for all the prayers said in my behalf. Little by little I am getting better and stronger. Hopefully I can get back to church before too much longer and back to volunteering in the church office. I really miss that. –Lucille Crawford

Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer quilt that was given to my mom, LaRue Opp. All the beautiful work and time that went into making it is appreciated. It has been prayed over many times in the past few weeks since she received it. Thank you to this wonderful, caring, loving church family. –Sharon Sherburn and LaRue Opp

Thank you so much for the prayer quilt for Tony. He really was able to appreciate it, especially the colors, and I appreciate your work in making it. I’m thinking I may save it for our grandson, in the Army Reserve, stationed now at Guantanamo. Maybe in my “new” rest of my life I can again help make prayer quilts for others (after I get all the “stuff” taken care of that is required after a death.) –Arlene Comón

I was thrilled to receive the beautiful quilt. I consider August 12 my re-birthday. Every time I look at the quilt, I will be reminded of that miraculous day and all of the prayers that made it possible. (It also matched my bed.) ─Peggy Pate

Thank you all so very much for the darling quilted square. And so much of it is in my favorite color…yellow! You all are so thoughtful, caring and kind. I am so proud and thankful to be a member of PUMC. … I’m feeling great and eating healthier! ─Marsh Leathers

"Chocolate Is Back"

Equal Exchange Sales Help small farmers fund schools and

medical clinics, contribute to UMCOR

(The United Methodist Committee on

Relief), and add to the health of tropical

rainforests by purchasing Equal Exchange

(They're sold at cost.), fair trade, shade

grown, organic products in Esther Hall on

Sundays or in the narthex of our sanctuary

at Saturday’s service.

These products are sustainably har-

vested under the rainforest canopy and the

farmer cooperatives allow them to pursue

their traditional farming methods.

All eight chocolate bar flavors will

again be available.

Thanks to the Church and Society

Committee for helping to make these

products available.

Congratulations to those cele-

brating “significant” anniversaries (50+ years) in November:

* November 8 John and Darlene Baudek 57 years

* November 14 Warren and Pat Root 61 years

* November 25 Chuck and Pat Naretto 53 years

These names and dates are supplied through PUMC’s data base. If you are anticipating an anniversary of 50+ years and you would like to be listed, please contact the church office to supply your anniversary day and year

Wedding Anniversaries

The Preview Page 11 November 2015

Shop now and all year long for great merchandise and clothes and unique treasures. All profits go towards helping to sustain and continue the mission of CCJ which is to alleviate the effects of poverty in the Prescott area by providing food through Open Door and Weekend Family Food programs, home repairs, advocacy, clothing through the Thrift Store vouchers and Warm for Winter, school supplies through Fair Start, health and safety home repair projects through Home Repair, education and books through Books before Bed and Circles of Support, and helping with Christmas through Family Christmas. All donations are welcome and appre-ciated. Visit the CCJ website at www.yavapaiCCJ.org or contact the manager, Chuck Taylor. if you like to make donations to the Store.

Prescott UMC Staff David Alberts Senior Pastor

Misty Howick Associate Pastor

Carole Nickerson Music Director

Patti Blackwood Minister of Congregational Care

Leigh Downing Pastoral Assistant: Home and Hospital Visitation

Patty Newton Organist

Gena Soileau Office Manager

Donna Gaddy Office Assistant

Kay Price Publisher/Graphics

C.E. Mahan A/V Technician

Grace Cook Childcare Coordinator

Amanda Woolsey Childcare Assistant

Larry Keeter Facilities Manager

Randy Lesar Custodial Assistant

Prison Reform – Why I Care Diane Wilson, Chairperson Prison Reform Sub-Committee of the DS Conference Board of Church & Society

“I’ve had 20 good years – years in which I have given back to people, to my commun-

ity, years when I have reconciled with my daughter, years of being clean and sober. Years

when I felt like I am important – not just a waste of space.”

This is what I heard from a woman to whom I grew close to in the last 6 years. Her

name is Margaret, a woman dying of the effects of Hepatitis C. I met her when I was pre-

senting life and job skills workshops to women in prison. She had been in and out of prisons

in California and Arizona for over 25 years, and now became a role model for women in my

workshops who were going to be released in the next 3-6 months. When I met her she was

clear about the mistakes she had made, the plans she had for the future and the

contributions she intended to make.

She, like all the women I met who had been in prison, taught me. She taught me what

failure and success were, what courage was and when hope sang. I also learned that there

was very little within the prison system itself that offered any preparation for release. The

most consistent trainings inside were ones that assured return.

Most of the programs, including my own, were not funded by the prison system.

Instead they were ones that were soft-funded by grants and volunteers. The programs were

inconsistent and small. Nothing like what was needed to foster success on the outside.

When I left the women’s prison I said a prayer for those I left behind.

I never forgot them, and recently met a woman who had gone through one of those

workshops about 10 years ago and said it changed her life. A humbling statement for me to

hear, since she, not I, did most of the work. I often ask myself, if I had experienced what the

majority of those women did (thrown out of their homes at age 14, lived on the streets and

learned that “turning tricks” brought the fastest money, including connection with drugs),

would I have had the courage to turn my life around like many of them did?

I still don’t know the answer to that question. I do know that I now feel impelled to

change a system that supports mandatory minimum sentencing, promises opportunities for

recidivism and increases private-for-profit prisons. And I do know that I felt the call for this

mission.

This was the last conversation Margaret and I had because she died that week. Before

that she had completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work, been employed as a case

manager in a rehabilitation program, worked to get her rights restored and voted in a presi-

dential election. Was this a miracle? Maybe. Margaret and others like her are the ones I

won’t ever forget – and that’s why I care and continue to care.