The Northside Spirit
December, 2013
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 1st
10:00am
“Hope” Sunday
Let us share in Holy Communion as we begin our Advent season.
Saturday, December 7th
4-7pm
Advent Workshop
All church event to decorate our sanctuary, make crafts for gifts & decoration, fellowship together and
have a short worship service. There will be crafts for all ages and dinner will be prepared by the Higgins
family. Plan to begin the Advent season with this important, meaningful time together. Please sign up in
the Narthex so we can plan for food and craft material.
Sunday, December 8th
10:00am
“Peace” Sunday
Let the Prince of Peace enter your heart more fully in the midst of the season.
Tuesday, December 10th
7:00pm
Taize Service
This meditative candle lit service includes simple chants sung repeatedly; rich silence; and
prayers of praise and intercession.
Thursday, December 12th
1:00pm
Worship Service
This is a 30-minute service dedicated to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or who are unable
to make it to our 10 am service or Christmas Eve services. There will be cookies and a time of fellowship
after. Transportation will be provided to and from the service.
Sunday, December 15th
10:00am
“Joy” Sunday
Enjoy the Christmas Cantata as our choir, soloists and musicians lead us in song and scripture.
Sunday, December 15th
After Church
Christmas Caroling
The Northside Christmas Carolers, that includes you, will be singing to our members who are unable to
attend church services. Bring a bag lunch, and we will go after church. All ages are encouraged to come!
Sign up in the narthex.
Sunday, December 22nd
10:00am
“Love” Sunday
Come prepare for Christ’s birth on this final Sunday of Advent. Also, practice for the Live
will be right after church.
Tuesday, December 24th
7:00pm
“Promise Pulfilled”
A service of Scripture, song and a live nativity with our Sunday School children.
Tuesday, December 24th
10:00pm
A service of Scripture, song and Holy Communion.
“Promise Fulfilled”
Merry Christmas!
Nativity
From Your Pastor
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him,
shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
You know, often times throughout Advent – the four weeks leading up Christmas, we are
reminded to “remember the reason for the season.” Which, in simple terms, is the birth of Jesus
Christ. But how often during the season do we really think about what Jesus’ birth means for us?
As Christians we need to remember that Christmas is not a singular event that affects our lives
for a day or for a season. It is an event that affects our lives for eternity. For with the birth of
Christ, the divine came into our world – a perfect world God created, but which we have defiled
with our anger, intolerance, selfishness and indifference. Yet, out of His great love for us, God
came as one of us, bringing with him gifts that transcends that of any earthly power. He gives
hope, built not on our wishes or desires for our future, but on the providence of a mighty and
loving God who has plans for us based on his will for us. He gives us peace, based not on lack of
trials or difficulties, but based on the confidence that God is present with us, guiding and helping
us through those times. He gives forgiveness, not after punishment or retribution, but given
freely and undeservedly through grace and mercy. He gives healing, not just of bodily illness, but
of spirit, of relationships, of the brokenness in our lives. And he gives life – not only abundant
life even in our day to day activities, but he gives eternal life, destroying the power of death and
assuring us a place in heaven with him. These are incredible gifts that God gives us through
Jesus Christ, and that’s what we really ought to celebrate at Christmas.
So as we prepare ourselves for the “season” of Christ, I’d like to share with you a prayer from
the book, “God With Us,” that you may want to keep and pray throughout Advent.
O God, who spoke all creation into being: you created us as humans in your image, but we
betrayed you by our disobedience, we doubted and defied you. Yet you chose to come among us
through your Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered crucifixion on our behalf, putting an end to the
power of sin and death. For this great gift of your steadfast love, we give you thanks. Help us,
O Lord, to keep vigil this season. Help us to believe that the darkness of cruelty and sin will
never overcome the light and the mercy of Christ. Help us to endure, knowing that the evil and
injustice of this world cannot prevail against your Word. We ask this in the name of your Word
made flesh, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
~ Pastor Rebecca
From Your Assistant to the Pastor
“For unto you is born this day, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:11
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Of all holidays, Christmas is my favorite and for many reasons. First, the season is an
incredible blessing because of family, friends, open hearts and the birth of our Savior.
Nonetheless, I’m also aware that this season can also be a trying and depressing time for some.
But I sincerely hope that together, as we approach the season of Christmas, we can do it as if it
were an onion, and we are peeling back the onion layers until we get to the center, the sweetest
and best part of the onion. The first layer of Christmas or our “onion” that we peel away is the
glitzy layer. Yes, the outside layer which is filled with Christmas
decorations, Christmas lights, Santa Claus, Christmas parades, Christmas music, and trees all
help set the mood for the season. But could we as Christians, as Northsiders, celebrate Christmas
without the glitzy, outside layer? Most of us enjoy the season extras, but truth-be-told Christmas
would still be Christmas even if none of the glitzy items were part of the
season’s feeling.
The second layer we peel away is the layer of gifts. Yes, we hear justification for extravagant
expenses and unbelievable generous giving, and shouldn’t we around this time of year? After all
we’ve been hearing it for years and even beyond then if we really think about it because God
started it all by giving us a priceless gift, the gift of His Son. However, isn’t it amazing how
much “stuff” we give and get as “gifts.” A local politician recently said upon hearing that stores
would be open on Thanksgiving that “America is drowning in stuff,” and all merchants are
counting on consumers to spend, spend, and spend. But don’t we miss the point if Jesus isn’t our
focus during this blessed season, and tangible items are instead taking top priority? The third
layer that we take apart is all of the family and friends get-togethers, the work parties and the
neighborhood gatherings that occur at Christmas. Of course this seems natural as it should since
we are programmed to be social and depend on one another. Yet, as delightful as it is to attend
those gatherings and sing and live out the song, “There is no place like home for the holidays,”
we still have not reached the sweetest part of our “onion” or Christmas.
So after removing the layers of glitz, the gifts, and social gatherings and commitments, we have
arrived at the Christmas onion’s sweet spot. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life.” John 3:16 Yes, the sweetest part of the Christmas onion is that God loved each
of us—loved me and you enough to give the gift that lasts for time and for eternity, not just one
special morning. So as we finish up our holiday rituals let us remember what should be at the
sweet center of it all.
Blessings to you and yours during this holiday season,
~ Kate
From Your Director of
Children and Youth Ministries
Merry Christmas Church Family!
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better
throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”
~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
December Festivities
Sunday School Offering for the month of December: for the month of December our
entire Sunday School will be giving a gift to those in need in starving countries. Our goal is to
purchase a $500.00 Heifer through the Heifer International Program. If you are interested in
making a personal donation, please see Evy.
Nauset Bus Stop: Did you know Northside is a bus stop for the Nauset school district where
Middle and High School students get dropped off at around 3:45 Monday through Friday? They
are fabulous young people and Northside has started inviting them in to our narthex to stay
warm, enjoy a snack, to charge their phone, do some homework and relax. If you happen to be at
church around that time during the day, make sure to say “Hey”!
Advent Calendars: Make sure to get your Advent Calendar and Family Devotional Booklet this
year! They are FREE and are available for each of our families’ outside Evy’s Office.
December Youth Group:
Sunday December 1st: right after service, all of our 7th-12th graders are invited to come and
make an Advent Wreath for free. Make sure to sign up in the Narthex so we can get your
supplies and Evy will provide pizzas for lunch.
Youth Group Hang Out Night: Friday December 6th, come for an evening of food, fun and
fellowship from 5pm-7pm. Our youth will make spaghetti for dinner! Make sure to sign
up on the Sunday School Bulletin Board and let us know which food item you would like
to bring to share. Invite a friend!
Advent Workshop: Saturday December 7th at 4 pm! Come and get crafty by making
wonderful treasures in our Sunday School wing, spice up the halls by decorating our
Congregation, savor a scrumptious meal prepared by the famous Higgins Family and celebrate in
a time of worship with our church family! Invite a friend! Sign up in the Narthex by Dec. 4th.
Christmas Caroling: All of our Sunday School Children and Families are invited to sing
blessed carols to our shut-ins and nursing homes on December 15th after church. Bring a bag
lunch and sign up in the Narthex!
Happy Birthday Jesus Sunday: This year on Sunday December 22nd we invite all of our Sunday
School Children to bring in a gift for baby Jesus. Please bring in baby wipes or baby diapers to
be donated to A Baby Center in Hyannis. During the Children’s Sermon, Pastor Rebecca will
have all the children come up and place their gift in the manger. Then after worship, everyone is
invited to enjoy birthday cupcakes in the fellowship hall. All of our students will have regular
Sunday School classes.
Live Nativity: Rehearsal will be held on December 22nd after church starting at 11:30am and
should last about 45 minutes. Our Live Nativity will take place at the 7:00 Christmas Eve
Worship Service on Tuesday December 24th. If your child is in the pageant, make sure that they
are here at 6:15pm on Christmas Eve.
7th-12th Grade Lock In: Thursday December 26th to Friday December 27th we will be having a
Lock In ~ it’s a fabulous evening of fun, fellowship, games, food, service, a sleep over and more!
Make sure to sign up on the Sunday School Bulletin Board and to fill out the permission form.
It’s FREE this year! We just ask that everyone who signs up also bring an item for the Miracle
Kitchen. The night of our Lock In all of the youth will help make cookies, sandwiches and soup
for the Miracle Kitchen. The event will start at 4pm on Thursday and pick up is at 10 am on
Friday morning.
7th-12th Grade Miracle Kitchen: Friday December 27th we will need 4-5 youth, (that will stay a
bit later after the Lock In) to help deliver and serve all the cookies, sandwiches and soup that we
made the night before. Make sure to sign up on the SS Bulletin Board if you would like to join
us. Evy will provide lunch that day! We will also be going to A Baby Center to drop off Jesus’
birthday gifts of diapers and wipes that were given the Sunday before. We will call up parents
once we are done and meet at Northside in the early afternoon.
Parents and Guardians: Please pick up your precious cherubs from Sunday School right after
worship; before you get your goodies and coffee in the Fellowship Hall. We ask that all students,
Nursery-4th grade, get picked up by a parent for their safety. Our volunteer Sunday School
Teachers are graciously giving of their time and talents to plan & teach lessons this year. Please
do not have them wait for you to come and get your children. Thank you.
With peace and love to fill your hearts this Christmas Season,
~ EVY
Committees Reporting
Worship
Baptism of the Lord Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, January 12th. If you or your child
has not been baptized and you would like more information, or would like to be baptized on that
day, please see Pastor Rebecca.
Do you enjoy singing Christmas Carols? Out shut-ins love to hear the music and you have an
opportunity to share your voice in song with them when we go caroling on Sunday, December
15th. For many Northsiders, this is a highlight of the Advent season. All ages come, and we
carpool together. Please bring a bag lunch and we will leave shortly after noon. Different
groups go to different places, so it is important for you to sign up, so we know how many we
have for each group. Sign up sheet is in the narthex. For more information, please contact Karen
Schrader at 508-896-2311.
Bring the Baby Jesus from your home crèche to the Christmas Eve services. There will be a
time during both the 7:00 and 10:00 service where you can bring him forward, and
blessings
will be given. Suggestion: Put your name on the back/bottom of the manger, just in case there
are look-alikes.
There will be an afternoon worship service on Thursday, December 12 at 1pm. This is a 30
minute service dedicated to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or who are unable to
make it to our 10 am service or Christmas Eve services. There will be cookies and a time of
fellowship after. Transportation will be provided to and from the service.
Thrift Shop News
Our Thrift Shop has moved! The new address is 18 Hall Street in Dennis Port. The
telephone number remains 508-760-5300. There will be an Open House at the Thrift Shop
during the Dennis Christmas Stroll on Saturday, December 7th. Don’t forget to stop by!
Missions
Changing the World has had an incredible impact this year thanks to each of you! Therefore we
invite you to continue bringing your loose change and putting it in the collection plates on
Sunday mornings so that we may continue to make a difference! December’s “Changing the
World” project will be Independence House, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization which was
established in 1979 to serve the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their children. In
1981, rape crisis services were added to Independence House programs. Today Independence
House serves as Cape Cod’s counseling, advocacy and resource center for survivors of domestic
violence and sexual violence and their children. Full and part-time staff support Independence
House along with the assistance of many dedicated volunteers. Their mission is to help all
domestic violence and sexual assault victims, survivors and their children by creating
opportunities to find safety and become empowered through crisis intervention, advocacy,
counseling, referral, outreach, education and inspiring change in our community. Independence
House is accessible to people of all ages, sexual orientations, abilities, gender, cultures and
languages. All services are free and confidential.
Dress A Live Doll was again very successful this year and Northside definitely made a
difference in the lives of four children. For all those who contributed items or made a financial
donation, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Imagine No Malaria continues through December with Christmas tree ornaments. These
ornaments represent one net that will be donated to a person or family in need in Africa in the
coming months. Each ornament costs $10 and they will be available for purchase in the
fellowship hall throughout the holidays. When you donate $10 you receive a card and an
ornament that you may keep for your tree, or that you may give to someone else. Each bulb has a
piece of net in the middle as a reminder to the difference we are making.
Additionally, this is
a great way to give in memory of someone, or in lieu of a gift for that person who has
everything. Help continue to save lives by donating to Imagine No Malaria and purchasing an
ornament today!
Also the Missions Committee would like to thank everyone over the course of the year for your
incredible support with all of our projects! We would not be able to accomplish all that we did
for our community and our world without each of you. So as we look forward to 2014 with
energy and action we hope you will join us and continue to support our outreach projects with
love, prayer, and joy! Thank you again.
Taize Service for Advent
What is Taizé prayer?
Taizé prayer is a quiet simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. These
meditative candle lit services include simple chants sung repeatedly; rich silence; and prayers of
praise and intercession.
History of Taizé:
These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France.
Brother Roger, Taize's founder, arrived in the village of Taizé, France in 1940. In the midst of
World War II, he dreamed of creating a community where reconciliation was a daily reality.
He began by giving shelter to refugees of the war, especially the Jewish community. Brother
Roger recognized that the search for reconciliation was within each individual as well as within
the community. Initially, the Taizé founder lived alone, until brothers from various Protestant
and Roman Catholic backgrounds followed. Today, as an ecumenical monastic community,
Taizé is a sign of reconciliation. People from around the world,
especially young people,
come to Taizé looking for meaning in their lives as they prepare for responsibilities in their own
communities. The brothers seek to awaken spirituality, particularly in young adults, and
promote Christian unity and peace. The community's style of worship, including the mixing of
meditative prayer and song, periods of silence, and the use of light have influenced services in
many Christian churches.
Invitation to Join us:
Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 at 7pm at Northside United Methodist Church in the
sanctuary for a time together of prayer, worship, singing, and silence. This service is
incredibly moving and powerful and we invite all people of all ages to join us.
Questions, please contact Gayle Kerr or Kate LaCroix.
Stewardship/Finance
Through the end of October our direct giving has continued to be below our projected budget.
Results through October 2013:
YTD Actual
$204,732.89
YTD Budget
$217,500.00
Behind
$12,767.11
Hopefully, we will see a catch-up as we near the end of the year. Thank you to everyone who
turned in pledge cards and made a commitment to the mission and ministry of
Northside in
2014.
Results of the Pledge Drive will be available in December with follow-ups to insure full
coverage of our membership as well as setting our 2014 budget.
“The point is, the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows
bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you
with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share
abundantly in every good work. And you will be enriched in every way for your great
generosity.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
COLLEGE CORNER
Hi Everyone!
In September I began my college career and I love college! I attend the University of
Massachusetts Amherst and for now I do not have a major and am considered undeclared. I'm
interested in possibly going pre-med with either a biology, psychology or public health major. I
also live on campus, specifically in Kennedy Tower and I love everything about UMASS. I love
how big the school is, the food and all the options and variety such a large campus has to offer. I
really miss Cape Cod, from friends and family to the luxury of beaches and amazing clam
chowder. A super cool fact about UMASS is it's Bill Cosby's alma mater and I love Bill Cosby!
Hope to see you around the holidays!
~ Ariana Starling
Crossroads
Hi All, Our November gathering was awesome and we’re hoping more of you will come out and
join us in December! To share a little bit about Crossroads, it is a group of individuals who are
intent on exploring their spirituality through every day experiences. The last few months we have
discussed time and stress management and we are passionate about
assisting individuals in
all circumstances, find belonging, meaning, and purpose in their lives through God. No matter
who you are, or where you are from, you are welcome to join us! This is an invitation where
anyone looking to form a deeper relationship with God is welcome. We hope you will come out
and enjoy some dinner and fellowship, and share God’s impact in your life! For more
information contact Kate LaCroix. Please register with Kate if you would like to attend so we
can make sure to include you! Date and location will be announced at a later time based on the
amount of those who would like to attend. Hope you will join us!
Parish Wellness
Facts About Stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. A
stroke occurs when something happens to interrupt the steady flow of blood to the brain, like a clot or a
burst in a blood vessel. Risk factors for stroke include –mini-strokes, high blood pressure, obesity,
diabetes and smoking. Learn these signs:
FACE: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
ARM: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
SPEECH: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, for example, “
The sky is blue.”
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, CALL 911
Holly Fair Update
Thank you, thank you, to everyone who gave of their time and talents toward our Holly Fair
this year. It was a wonderful day of fellowship, working, laughing, and making money for the
mission and ministry of Northside. The day was beautiful – thank you, Lord, and the Northside
spirit was alive and well. As of last count, we made $15,578!! Thank you also to Sue Myland for
coordinating this important event so smoothly and efficiently.
In and Around
Men’s Breakfast: Joy is an amazingly simple, yet powerful, word. We see it all the time in
the Advent season yet rarely explore it as it relates to our lives and journey with Christ. On
December 12, the men of the church will meet at the Hearth & Kettle restaurant in
S. Yarmouth to share some prayers, scriptures and look at how this word comes to life both
during this season and beyond. Won’t you please give the group a chance to share some joy with
you? Come as a guest of the group and see if you will be surprised by “JOY”!
Meeting time is 7:30am and please let Tom Kerr (508-744-7173) know if you are planning to
attend by calling or signing up in the Narthex.
Thank you to everyone who turned in their pledge cards. A reminder that if you have signed up
for online giving through Vanco Services, and you have generously chosen to increase your
pledge, please contact them prior to the end of the month to set up your new amount. Just go to
our website: www.northside-umc.org and either go to the left hand side and click on the "Giving
On-Line" button, or scroll down a little way to the "Click Here to Make a Donation" button and
click on it. If you have any questions, please see John
Mincieli or Kate LaCroix.
As they have done in previous years, the Northside staff would like to have an Alternative
Christmas. Rather than give gifts to the staff, they are asking that you instead give to the relief
efforts in the Phillippines. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has a field office in the
Phillippines, which was not affected. However, the staff there is seeking to respond as quickly
as possible with food and water, as well as determining a plan for long-term rebuilding. When
you donate to UMCOR, 100% of your donation will go to the relief efforts in the Phillippines. If
you would like to donate in honor of the staff, please make your check out to Northside, and put
“Phillippines” in the memo line. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Northside Christmas Party—Friday, December 20th at 6pm at the Cummaquid Golf Club, 35
Marstons Lane, Yarmouth Port. The cost is $15 per person and includes cheese and crackers,
dinner, dessert, coffee and lots of fellowship, games and prizes. Sign up in the narthex by
December 11th. Please make checks payable to John Mincieli.
Jerry Archibald has once again shared his poetry talents with us, and you will find a copy of his
most recent poem, “Revelation” posted on the bulletin board.
All-church yard clean up! Saturday, December 7th from 9am – 12pm, we will be cleaning up
the church yard, getting it winterized! Please plan to come for coffee and donuts and then some
work, keeping our grounds looking beautiful, especially as we welcome visitors
Christmas season. If you could bring your rake, that would be helpful.
during the
The 2014 Flower Chart is now available on the bulletin board for anyone wishing to
purchase flowers in honor of or in memory of a loved one.