The Rock The newsletter from Beth Eden United Methodist Church

“A Christian Community, Open and Loving”

VOLUME 60 - OCTOBER 2016 - ISSUE 10

BETH EDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3201 Huffman Blvd. - Rockford, IL

815.877.9237 ~ bethedenumc@gmail.com www.bethedenumcrockford.org

“This is a good place to visit, to come frequently, and to remain”

This is one of my favorite celebrations in our annual calendar, the combina-tion of harvesting, the feeling of gratitude in joy for God’s provision through a job, a salary, a pension; and through the people that we work/share with; through the creation, especially now with the beautiful colors of autumn;. Everything is a clear invitation to worship God with profound gratitude for His creation and provision. I want to thank God for being able to stand, and go and serve, and love and care, and bless and be blessed! Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holi-day, which is a form of a harvest festival. The date and whereabouts of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention, though the earliest attested Thanksgiving celebration was on September 8, 1565, in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida. Despite scholarly research to the contrary, the traditional "first Thanksgiving" is venerated as having oc-curred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621. I want to thank God for our summer garden that gave our kids tomatoes, basil, green peppers, and fresh mint! When people think of Thanksgiving, most remember the story of the Pil-grims and the Indians at Plymouth Rock. The Pilgrims first arrived in Ameri-ca on December 11, 1620, not prepared for the winter they were to face. Out of the 102 who arrived on the Mayflower, forty-six of the people died during the first few months. Despite the devastation, they had a good harvest, part-ly in thanks to the Indians who lived nearby.

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I want to thank God for all my kids, the oldest and the youngest, for my wife, and family here and in Chile! They had a traditional British Harvest Feast in thanks to God for sur-viving and the blessings of provisions that would see them through the winter. In contrast to our modern Thanksgiving menu, they actually had more meat than vegetables, including venison, fish, and wild foul which may or may not have actually been turkey. They probably didn't have much in the way of desserts, as they didn't have a lot of flour or sugar on hand. They probably had some fruits and corn. Instead of pumpkin pie, they probably had boiled pumpkin. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days. Thanksgiving was not an annual event in the U.S. for many years. In 1623, there was a drought and instead of having a celebration, the Pilgrims held a prayer service. When their prayers were answered the next day, they in-vited their Indian friends to join them in another Thanksgiving observance. I want to thank God for Sherry our Administrative Assistant in the office, and Anthony in custodial care of our church, and the nursery providers! June 20, 1676 was celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving in Charlestown, Massachusetts. However, this was very different than the first Thanksgiv-ing. This was to celebrate a victory over the Indians. Another victory, this time over the British, was celebrated in October of 1677 by all of the thir-teen colonies. George Washington established the first national Thanksgiv-ing day in 1789, however not everyone thought it was a good idea, including Thomas Jefferson. The last Thursday in November was proclaimed the National Thanksgiving holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. He pro-claimed it "a day of thanksgiving and praise to the beneficent Father." I want to thank God for new bushes around the church, the plants and flow-ers, and for those who take care of the landscaping! Thanksgiving was celebrated on that date for 75 years until President Roo-sevelt set the day one week earlier in 1939. He wanted to lengthen the shop-ping period between Thanksgiving and Christmas to help businesses. Con-gress finally ruled in 1941 that the fourth Thursday in November would be the legal National Thanksgiving Day holiday.

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I want to thank God for all my parishioners, for their love for BEUMC, for worshipping, their presence, offering, and prayer! Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside in the United States and Canada for giv-ing thanks. People give thanks with feasting and prayer for the blessings that they have received during the year. The first Thanksgivings were har-vest festivals, or days for thanking God for plentiful crops. For this reason, the holiday is associated with fall - a time of harvesting the crops. I want to thank God for the leaders in our congregation, those who dedicate time and support for all their tasks!

In this time of thanksgiving I feel it is absolutely necessary for me to say; THANKS TO YOU ALL!

I do not want to name one by one, for this would be a long list, also because maybe I will forget one name. I have to say what you do in church is not in vain, you are working a lot, of just a little bit, in front of God’s eyes, He knows who is serving in His Kingdom and who is not. I want to thank God for the USA, a Great Nation that welcomed us to be-come citizens with all the rights and responsibilities!

CHILE MISSION TRIP We have a TEAM of 21 people that will be going on the Chile Mission trip in January 2017. The team is formed by 8 peo-ple from Beth Eden, 7 from Centennial, 1 from Wisconsin, 1 from Streamwood, plus Pastors Mario, Fabiola, Pedro, &

Paulina. We are so excited to have this opportunity to go in mission to Loncoche, Chile.

The main areas of work will be: Construction of Sunday School rooms Painting Vacation Bible School Clinic Days Revival Worships

We need your prayers and support. If you want to sponsor someone or help to finance the project, please talk to Pastor Mario.

Bible Readings for the Month of November

November 6 ~ 25th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Luke 20:27-38 Sermon Title: “He is The God of The Living”

November 13 ~ 26st Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Isaiah 12; Luke 21:5-19 Sermon Title: “Teacher, When Will These Things Happen?”

November 20 ~ Last Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 Sermon Title: Church Conference

November 27 ~ 1st Sunday of Advent Scripture: Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon Title:

STEWARDSHIP GIVING

As of October 26, 2016:

2016 Total—General Budget $208,431.00

Weekly receipts needed for 2016 General Budget 4,008.29

Actual weekly average receipts 3,885.69

Total receipts needed YTD for General Budget 156,323.25

Actual receipts YTD for 2016 General Budget $151,541.85

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Listed below are the names of beloved sisters & brothers in Christ. Each of their lives and ministries was a great blessing and cherished memory for each of us.

These are the names of persons who have passed away since September 27, 2016:

Arnold Aisenbrey December 21, 1922 ~ September 29, 2016 (Father of Steve Aisenbrey)

Jean Block September 23, 1928 ~ October 19, 2016

Bryce Bridgeland Passed away November 22, 2016 (Son of Laura Gippert / Grandson of Marilyn Holder)

Bill Plambeck Passed away November 2016 (Brother of Marcia Church)

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors for their deeds follow them.” ~ ~ Revelation 14:13

As a reminder from the Memorial Committee, memorials re-main open for 6 months after an individuals passing. There is a memorial box with cards & envelopes in the Narthex.

Memorials are currently being accepted for: Gloria Jacobs (5/05/16) Donald Walker (6/18/16) Jim Petersen (7/15/16) Ken Damon (9/26/16) Jean Block (10/19/16)

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ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE

Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. (one worship service on this Sunday)

Our Service will follow the Conference Agenda!

Staff-Parish Relations Committee will meet that same day at 8:30 a.m.

All members of the church are encouraged to attend

and participate in the Church Conference.

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BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Mario is leading a Bible Study on Wednesday’s through December 14 at 6:00 p.m. Currently they are studying the movie “The War Room”, with video clips being shown. The last three weeks will be an Advent Study. There will be no Bible Study on

November 30. Everyone is invited to attend the Bible Study.

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Brenda Blair (Sister of Amy & Blake Smith)

David Boeselager

Judy Branson

Angela Collins (Friend of Anita Collingwood)

Doris Collman

John Fritz (Brother of Karen Andrus)

Malachi Hill (Grandson of Sieg & Betty Schwirblat)

Anna Lake

Joanne Larkin

Wayne Loury (God-Nephew of Tony Bradford)

Marge McCraney (Mother of Betty Schwirblat)

Mason Manning (Grandson of Teri Zimmerman)

Carolyn North

Mike Pastuska (Son-in-Law of Ginny Pearson)

Dottie Roberts

Frank Schou

Carl & Mae Schumacher

Arlene Standring

Brenda Swindle (Sister-in-law of Ann Ingram)

Natalie Todora

Jean Waeffler

Charles Yates (Father of Elaine McDuell)

To have a card sent to someone to let them know we are praying for them,

please give their name and address to Dorothy Van Matre at 815.637.1580.

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Liturgist for the month of October is: Barb Stenger

November 6 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 8:30 am Helen Roser Gary Rieken 10:50 am Robin Smith Tom Paine Blake Smith

Ushers: 8:30 am 10:50 am Anita Collingwood & Mike Peacock

Communion Servers: 8:30 am Rhonda Burright, Helen Emerick, & Barb Stenger 10:50 am Marcia Church, Ann Ingram, & Kelcey Kast

November 13 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 8:30 am Bonnie Powless Audrey Seebach Barb Stenger 10:50 am Sue Viel Tim Kast Gary Holmes

Ushers: 8:30 am 10:50 am Dennis & Carol Klinkhammer

November 20 ONE SERVICE (CHURCH CONFERENCE) Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:45 am Kathy Walker & Dianne Young & Helen Emerick & Ann Ingram Tony Bradford Jesse McDuell

Ushers: 9:45 am Blake Smith & Dan Todora

November 27 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 8:30 am Kathy Berschneider Dixie Hoffman Carol Bennehoff 10:50 am Mike Peacock Mike Rundberg Blake Smith

Ushers: 8:30 am 10:50 am Blake Smith & Dan Todora

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If your Birthday or Anniversary is listed wrong or missing, please notify the Church Office so we can correct it.

Thank you!

3 Lucy Hoffman

Ava Parr

4 Dennis Klinkhammer

5 Lavone Rizzo

6 Katie Barrett

8 Branden Bauer

9 Jessie Holmes

12 Susan Sutliff

13 Nancy Todora

Ray Covert

14 Renee Damon

Mary Scott

16 Ian Johnson

Katelyn Gilson

18 Shirley Ann Tudor

Chad Brummett

19 Barb Stenger

21 Micki Sterling

22 Phillip McDuell

24 Doris Musselman

26 Jean Waeffler

Aaliyah Holmes

27 Megan Church

Darlene Haselton

3 Tim & Kelcey Kast

Branden & Kelli Bauer

9 Steve & Debbie Moburg

10 Fred & Sherry Block

15 Pat & Sara Abrahamson

18 Todd & Iris Scott

28 Rick & Vicki Porter

30 Blake & Amy Smith

ELECTION DAY HOSPITALITY Can you help extend a friendly welcome to our neighbors as they come to vote at Beth Eden on Tuesday, November 8? Our church again is planning to offer the Election Day Cafe where our neighbors can have a cup of coffee, snacks, and friendly chatting after they vote. Many voters and elec-tion judges have expressed genuine appreciation for the Cafe and plan to come again.

With this being a presidential election, we anticipate many more people! HOW CAN YOU HELP? Manpower is needed to set up the Cafe after Modern Worship on Sunday, November 6. Food, such as donuts, rolls, cookies, fruit, etc. is needed. There will be one or two hour shifts where you can serve as a welcoming host and perhaps engage in some lively conversa-tions! Perhaps two people might wish to work together. Please find the sign-up list to let us know how you can help. Thank you for your outreach! Outreach Team

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EDENETTES CIRCLE

The next meeting of the Edenettes Circle of the United Methodist Women will be on Thursday, November 10 @ 12:30 p.m. in the youth room. Wilma Kuhlmeyer will be our hostess as well as Leader for our Annual Thank Offering emphasis.

Items for the pantries are welcome as well as a $1 donation for the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center each month.

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GRAY IS NOVEMBER’S COLOR! With so many people battling Diabetes it behooves us to learn as much about it as we can and try to find ways to prevent it. That is the emphasis chosen by the United Meth-odist Women for November. On Sunday, November 13th,

everyone is invited to wear something gray to bring attention to this dis-ease. Be watching for some helpful information that we hope to share. Purpose: To honor God’s gift of our bodies and to practice good steward-ship of them, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4: 17

NOVEMBER 13TH IS PIE SUNDAY!! Do you remember all of those scrumptious pies last Novem-ber? What better treat to go along with your cup of coffee! We will need lots of pies so we are inviting our bakers to

share their specialty. Please find a sign-up list in Eden Cafe so that we know how to plan.

JOLLY BETH EDEN SENIORS

The next meeting of the Jolly Beth Eden Seniors will be Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm for a potluck meal. As always, all are welcome to attend.

GLORY B’S The Glory B’s will meet Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Darlene Scott’s home.

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FISHES AND LOAVES COMMUNITY DINNER

The next Community Dinner will be on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All are invited to join us!

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD (LOL) EVENT (Please note the time change) Sunday, November 27, 2016, 12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m., in the Youth Room. We will be watching Dennis Swanberg’s

DVD: “Christmas with The Swan”. He is a pastor-turned-comedian with a down-home type of charm.

KOEZE NUT SALES On Sale Now!! The first order is due by November 15 and will be in before Thanksgiving. The second order is due by Decem-ber 13 and will be in before Christmas. See Mike Scott to or-

der or to get a booklet.

“YOUNG-ADULTS ENCOUNTER” (AGES 18-30)

The Young Adults Encounter group will not meet in No-vember. The next meeting will be on Monday. Decem-

ber 12, 2016

We will meet for one hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We will be playing games, having snacks, and other activities. Anyone between the ages of 18-30 are invited to join us. There will be free child care for anyone who needs it.

If you have any questions see Kim Emery or Nicole Block.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 All Saints Day 9:30 am-Congregation Care Ministry Team 6:30 pm-Finance Committee 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

2 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Bible Study 7:00 pm-Church Council

3 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers 7:00 pm-Chancel Choir

4 5

6 25th Sunday after Pentecost Communion Sunday All Saints Sunday Daylight Saving Time Ends 7:00 am-UMMen Breakfast @ Beth Eden 5:00 pm–Youth Group

7 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

8 Election Day 5:30 pm-Sunday School Meeting

9 ROCK DEADLINE 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Bible Study 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg 7:00 pm-Trustees

10 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 12:30 pm-Edenettes Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers

11 1:00 pm-UMWomen Leadership Team Meeting

12 UMMen Fall Breakfast @ Lanark UMC

13 26st Sunday after Pentecost Organ & Tissue Donor Sunday International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Wear Gray for Diabetes Pie Sunday 5:00 pm-Youth Group Mystery Dinner

14 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

15 1st Koeze Nut Order Due 7:00 pm-Boy Scouts #6 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

16 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Jolly Beth Eden Seniors 6:00 pm-Bible Study

17 9:00 am-Stuffers & Stickers 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers 7:00 pm-Chancel Choir

18

19 3:30-5:30 pm– Rockford District Fall Leadership Event @ Hilltop Ministry

20 Last Sunday after Pentecost Bible Sunday 8:30 am-SPRC 9:45 am-Combined Service (We will follow the Conference Agenda) (One Service Only)

21 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

22 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Darlene Scott’s 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

23 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Bible Study

24 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed

25 Office Closed

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27 1st Sunday of Advent United Methodist Student Day National Bible Week 12:05-LOL Club

28 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

29 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

30 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner

Bethlehem Market Place Construction begins

Bethlehem Market Place Construction

Bethlehem Market Place Construction

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 All Saints Day 9:30 am-Congregation Care Ministry Team 6:30 pm-Finance Committee 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

2 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Bible Study 7:00 pm-Church Council

3 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers 7:00 pm-Chancel Choir

4 5

6 25th Sunday after Pentecost Communion Sunday All Saints Sunday Daylight Saving Time Ends 7:00 am-UMMen Breakfast @ Beth Eden 5:00 pm–Youth Group

7 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

8 Election Day 5:30 pm-Sunday School Meeting

9 ROCK DEADLINE 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Bible Study 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg 7:00 pm-Trustees

10 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 12:30 pm-Edenettes Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers

11 1:00 pm-UMWomen Leadership Team Meeting

12 UMMen Fall Breakfast @ Lanark UMC

13 26st Sunday after Pentecost Organ & Tissue Donor Sunday International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Wear Gray for Diabetes Pie Sunday 5:00 pm-Youth Group Mystery Dinner

14 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

15 1st Koeze Nut Order Due 7:00 pm-Boy Scouts #6 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

16 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Jolly Beth Eden Seniors 6:00 pm-Bible Study

17 9:00 am-Stuffers & Stickers 9:00 am–Upper Room Prayer Circle 6:30 pm-Weight Watchers 7:00 pm-Chancel Choir

18

19 3:30-5:30 pm– Rockford District Fall Leadership Event @ Hilltop Ministry

20 Last Sunday after Pentecost Bible Sunday 8:30 am-SPRC 9:45 am-Combined Service (We will follow the Conference Agenda) (One Service Only)

21 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

22 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Darlene Scott’s 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

23 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Bible Study

24 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed

25 Office Closed

26

27 1st Sunday of Advent United Methodist Student Day National Bible Week 12:05-LOL Club

28 6:30 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

29 7:30 pm-Men’s Bible Study

30 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner

Worship Schedule 8:30 a.m.— Traditional Worship Service 9:40 a.m.— Sunday School for all ages 10:50 a.m.—Modern Worship Service

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November Events Our library’s October sale was less busy than we had hoped for. Please check your Sunday Bulletins for more VHS and book of-fers.

Want to Test Your Spanish Reading Ability? “In Defense of Truth: Portfolio in a Confusing World” is a paperback availa-ble in the Non-Fiction Section of the library. The chapters include: Skepti-cism; The Mystique of Skepticism; God Exists, God Cares; Do a Bible; Contra-dictions, Contradictions; I Need the Original; And the Winner Is; and A Pos-sible Story.

Does Your Child Need a Laugh? “The Complete Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids”: a 4-in-1 Collection is availa-ble in the Fiction Section of the library. Rob Elliott has combined four of his previous books to make this one. It is a great resource for children to use on their relatives over the holidays. Q. Why did the invisible man turn down a job offer? A. He just couldn’t see himself doing it. Knock knock. Who’s there? Lego. Lego who? Lego of the doorknob so I can come in!

The Library Committee wishes to give a special thanks to Dianne Young for donating a dozen books, including one by Adam Hamilton! Please keep the donations coming. There is a donation box located on the floor by the Wel-come Center!

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Yes, the cold weather is fast approaching. If you retreat away for the winter, please be sure to let the office know when you are leaving and when you will be back. Also, please be sure we have your winter address so we know where to send the monthly Rock and any oth-

er mailings we may have. You can call the office at 815.877.9237 or email at bethedenumc@gmail.com. Thank you!

“GOD’S” CREATION CLENDARS ARE HERE Calendars are now available at very reasonable prices:

Wall Calendars ~ $7.00 Greeting Cards ~ $6.00

Notepads ~ $2.00 They make great Christmas gifts!

Each month of the Wall Calendar provides a richly colored scene from na-ture, a Scripture verse to guide you each week, plus plenty of room to fill in all of your daily appointments. The Greeting Cards have scriptures in KJV and beautiful photographs. There are 12 different cards (5” x 7”) with envelopes. Printed on heavyweight card stock, full-color accent inside each card and blank inside for a personal mes-sage. Get your Calendars/Cards at the Welcome Center or call the Beth Eden of-fice (Wed.-Fri. ~ 9am-2 pm) at 815.877.9237.

Hello Church!

December 4th is approaching quickly! We are “inn” need of some help. Construc-

tion for BMP-AIE will begin on Monday, November 14th. We need all hands on

deck to make this year the best one yet!

We will need help in all areas of production including construction, decorating, ac-

tors/actresses, publicizing and general areas. Everyone has talents they can give to

this event. We are asking everyone to dig deep and think of anything they can do to

help us this year. Our team will be asking many of you for your time and effort, how-

ever, you don’t have to wait for us to ask you. Jump out of the boat and ask us what

you can do to contribute!

Please think back to when we first began this ministry with Pastor Rod. Why was

this so important to so many of us? Outreach Ministry! There are so many people

in our immediate community who don’t know the salvation and grace that we know.

This is our chance to share the Gospel message with everyone around us. This is

our time to show others they are loved. This is our time to proclaim the true meaning

of Christmas. (You do know what it is, right?)

This is our chance to give our very personal Christmas Card back to the communi-

ty. Make sure your signature is on it!

In Christ’s Love,

Bethlehem Marketplace Team

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SANTA SHOPPE It’s time again to think about our Annual Santa Shoppe. However, we need someone to volunteer to coordi-nate the Santa Shoppe, or maybe two people. Santa Shoppe is held the second Saturday of December from

10:00 am—2:00 pm. Listed below are the job descriptions for Santa Shoppe volunteers. If you would be interested in volunteering, please contact the church office.

JOB DUTIES OF SANTA SHOPPE HELPERS

Coordinator: Place advertising in November & December Rocks. Place flyers in bulletins at least 2 weeks before event.

(Work with the Church Secretary for printing flyers, putting infor-mation into the Rock and the Bulletins, and printing any paperwork you need).

Place sign up board in Eden Hall at least 2 weeks before to recruit door greeter, gift wrappers and shopper helpers. Also asking for do-nations of items to sell.

When items come in, check to be sure items are not broken, are clean, and appropriate to sell.

Coordinate with custodian to be sure Fellowship Hall is set up and ready by Friday before Santa Shoppe.

Come in with a group on Friday to set up Santa Shoppe. Determine how much each item is to be sold for. When Santa Shoppe is over, pack everything not sold back into the

boxes and put back in the closet in the Fellowship Hall. Collect the funds from the Cashier. (Recount just to double check

amount) Turn funds into Church Finance Treasurer.

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NI CONFERENCE!

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NI CONFERENCE!

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WALK TO EMMAUS

Have you thought about taking this Spiritual Journey? Plan ahead!

Men’s Spring Walk #148 is April 20-23, 2017 Women’s Spring Walk #149 is April 27-30, 2017

Spring Walks are at Bishop Lane in Rockford, IL

If you are interested in learning more about the Walk to Emmaus you can go to their website at www.nil-emmaus.org or see anyone who has

been on the walk. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NI CONFERENCE!

UPCOMING EVENTS Rockford District Fall Leadership Event November 19, 2016 At Hill Top Ministry Site 3:30-5:30 p.m. Workshops: Hospitality/Company is Coming by Pam Rossmiller Communicating with Our community by Lisa Kruse-Safford Mission Work Camps by Stan Campbell & Danice Loveridge Rockford District Leadership Training Saturday, January 28, 2017 At Freeport Faith UMC 8:00 am-12:30 pm Workshops: SPRC, Trustees, The Way of Christ, Best Financial Practices, Church Presence in the Neighborhood, and Alternate Leadership Structure.

For more information on Conference Events go to www.umcnic.org.

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Labor Day in the Bible by Pastor Willis R. Schwichtenberg

Labor day was originally established as a tribute to workers who have advanced the well-being of our nation. This little quiz goes to the pages of the Bible to explore many different types of labor and occupations found in Scriptures. See if you can determine the person or type of work described in the clues. If you need more help, check the Bi-ble reference. (If the reference would give the answer away; it is not given.)

1. My name might describe my labor with music. What is my name? (Genesis 4:21) a. Jubal b. Cleff c. Singer d. Solo

2. I labored in a place called Salem and had encounters with Abraham who respond-ed to my ministry by tithing. Who am I? (Genesis 14) a. Amminidab b. Enoch c. Noah d. Melchizedek e. Lot

3. I was very strong. I married outside the faith. I labored as a judge. A woman tricked me. I had my eyes destroyed by my enemies. I died in the midst of many, many Philistines. Ultimately, it was a labor of love – love of my Lord. Who am I? (Judges 13-16) a. Gideon b. Samson c. Saul d. David e. Solomon

4. I labored as a prophet in the king’s court with a parable to challenge the king who was living in sin. Who am I? (II Samuel 12) a. Zadok b. Abiathar c. Nathan d. Solomon e. Enoch 5. I helped write two books – Ezra and Nehemiah. some people thought I was a prophet but I was called a priest. What other word describes my labor? (Ezra 8:2-14)

a. Fisherman b. King c. Lawyer d. Scribe 3. Shepherd 6. I took care of sycamore fig trees and was called to labor as a prophet to the North-ern Kingdom. What was my name? (7:15)

a. Hosea b. Amos c. Joel d. Obadiah 7. I was a follower of Jesus and labored as a fisherman. Who am I? (Matthew 4:18-22)

a. Simon Peter b. Andrew c. James d. John e. All of the above

8. I labored for the government as a tax collector but later worked as a disciple of Jesus. Who am I? (Matthew 9:9-13)

a. Matthew b. Mark c. Luke d. John 9. My name is Jesus and I assisted my father, Joseph in his labor. What was the tra-ditional understanding of his (and my) occupation? (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:2-3)

a. Farmer b. Shepherd c. Carpenter d. Priest 10. I came to Jesus with a questions. My labor indicated my status in the communi-ty. What was my occupation? (Luke 10:25)

a. Lawyer b. King c. Doctor d. Fisherman 11. I labored as a king. What’s my name? (Luke 23:2-12)

a. Pontius Pilate b. Herod c. Caesar Augustus d. Annas 12. My labor was with fabric and I came to faith in Jesus and had a famous encoun-ter with Paul. Who am I? (Acts 9:35-42)

a. Dorcas b. Mary c. Priscilla d. Beatrice 13. While I wasn’t being a missionary and apostle I labored as a tent maker. Who am I? (Acts 18:1-4)

a. James b. Peter c. John d. Jesus e. Paul 14. My labor was as a professional – a medical doctor. I was also a companion of Paul. Who am I? (Colossians 4:10-14)

a. Matthew b. Luke c. Zacchaeus d. Joseph of Arimathea 15. I labored as a slave but ended up as a Christian with the potential of being re-leased by my owner. who am I? (Philemon 1:10-16, Colossians 4:9)

a. Philemon b. Philip c. Onesimus d. Barabas

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Answers to Labor Day in the Bible: 1. Jubal 2. Melchizedek 3. Samson 4. Nathan 5. Scribe 6. Amos 7. All of the above 8. Matthew 9. Carpenter 10. Lawyer 11. Herod 12. Dorcas 13. Paul 14. Luke 15. Onesimus

The Rev. Willis R. Schwichtenberg (Pastor Switz) is Associate Pastor/Emeritus at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL. His e-mail is pas-torswitz@ourgodwithus.com.

Scoring: 15 correct-Your labor is not in vain 13-14 correct-Take the day off; you did well! 11-12 correct-Keep “laboring” on those occupations 10 or fewer correct-Don’t make a ca-reer of wrong guesses!

Page 26

BETH EDEN UMC—STAFF Rev. Mario Mayer, Pastor

Email: mariosmayer@gmail.com Cell 618.553.7191

Secretary Sherry Severing

Email: bethedenumc@gmail.com Office: 815.877.9237

Office Hours: Wed-Fri 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Worship Musician & Choir Director Barbara Fisher-Livingston

Nursery Care Givers Ashley Collins, Megan Emery,

& Maggie Orlando

Custodian Anthony Bradford

November 9 So we can get the Rock out before Thanksgiving!

Contributors Pastor Mario Sherry Severing Norma Shipton Kim Emery Anita Collingwood Mike Scott

Production & Mailing “Royal Order of The Stuffers & Stickers” Published monthly at

Beth Eden UMC 3201 Huffman Blvd.,

Rockford, IL 61103-2941

Postage/fees are paid in Rockford, IL

Non

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