Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

From the Pastor’s Desk
It’s just hard to believe that another year is almost gone with Advent already here and Christmas just around the corner! Be sure to join us for Worship throughout the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Eve. Our regular morning service will be at 10:15, following Sunday school at 9 AM. Then our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service will begin at 7 PM. Be sure to join us and bring a friend.

In this age of wealth and abundance, probably the last thing most of us need is another ‘thing’ given to us as a gift. I want to encourage all of you to consider alternative Christmas giving this year. In light of the many natural disasters and people in severe need around the world, rather than giving your loved one a gift, consider making a donation to a good cause or charity in his name: e.g. Brethren Disaster Relief Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, The Lehman Center, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Gift of the Heart Kits, Camp Eder, and the list goes on. In this season of love and giving, give a gift of love (money) to a worthwhile organization in the name of your loved one. Everyone involved will be blessed by doing so.
One of our primary foci in the coming year will be the formation of several new small group learning and sharing opportunities. Please read the article elsewhere in this newsletter and prayerfully consider your invitation for growth by joining one of those small group adventures.
Church Council Report
The annual Fall Council meeting convened on Sunday, October 29, 2006, at 1 PM following Worship and a Soup & Sandwich lunch. The results of the morning’s elections were noted; reports were  given from various Commissions, and action was taken on the proposed 2007 budget. The results of the elections can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.
The treasurer’s report, covering the first nine months of 2006, showed a pay-out of more than had been taken in since January. However, all bills are paid and we are ahead on some payments, including paid-in-full for the District and Brotherhood contributions. Copies of the full report are available on the information table in the Social Hall.
After a brief presentation of the proposed budget for 2007 and a few questions regarding some of the numbers, the budget of $140,705 was unanimously adopted. This is an increase of $675 over the 2006 budget.
The item requiring the most discussion was a proposal to install air conditioning in the Sanctuary. Discussion on types and styles and sizes was entertained and the outcome was that Council unanimously approved the Board’s pursuit of installation of a system by Boyce Heating and Air at a cost of $10,405. Funding will be sought prior to installation, with about 1/2 of the total cost already in hand. It is hoped that others will contribute to this special project now that it has officially been approved.
Approval was also given to the Young Adult class to pursue a modernization and upgrading of the nursery and its furnishings, equipment and decor.
Church Board Report from November’s Meeting
The annual reorganization meeting of Church Board was held on Tuesday, November 14^th at 7 PM. Those persons newly elected to the Church  Board for a three year term are as follows: Ruth Duncan, Dick Rishel, Becky Rishel, Bernice Ness, and Sue Grady. Also elected were as follows: Carol Kauffman/AC delegate in training and Lynda Loucks/ Nominating Comm.
            The Board reorganized in the following manner:
            Board Chair - Dave Wolfe; Vice Chair - Carol Kauffman
Christian Ed.                       Missions Commission               Stewards Commission
Becky Rishel - chair                Treva Gingerich - chair          Dick Rishel, chair
Gloria Miller                            Bernice Ness                           Carol Kauffman.
Ruth Duncan                           Richard King                          Russell Miller
                                                                                   Barb Strawbridge, Treasurer
                                                                                   Muriel Reynold, Con. Fin. Sec
 Ministry & Worship Comm                                                Fello & Recr Comm

                                               Dennis Strawbridge – chair                                                  Sandy Hinkle - chair                                     
Frances Dellinger                                                                   Linda Kern
Sue Grady                                                                               Elizabeth Kauffman
Bonita Wagner, music staff

At the time of this writing, the lay members of each Commission have not yet been assigned.
            The other major item of business at the November Board meeting concerned the installation of air conditioning in the Sanctuary. After hearing a presentation from a representative of Boyce Heating and Air, the Board voted unanimously to contract with the Boyce company to install a traditional system (5 ton capacity, Luxaire unit by York Corporation) at a cost of $l0,405. (It was noted that a large percentage of the money to cover the cost of the installation has already been pledged.)
Christian Education News
Join the new Sunday school classes forming now for the Winter quarter. The International Lessons class will be using the Biblical Guide series, this quarter titled “Jesus Christ: A Portrait of God” The lessons will focus on the many “I Am” statements of Jesus. The Discussion Class is working on the Together: Conversations on Being the Church curriculum that the denomination study committee has requested we all examine. It’s a very interesting and thought-provoking series.
The Young Adults continue to meet in the Library under the leadership of Ralph Miller, and there are classes for all ages of children and Youth, including a very active Jr Hi class.
Sunday school provides a great opportunity for fellowship and learning in a casual, sharing environment that is open and inviting. It’s a great way to grow new friendships and learn about growing in our faith at the same time. It’s one of the best small group studies of which vou can ever be a part . Please join us. There is a class for everyone.
  Bible Challenge Question
 1. Jesus tells us not to fear when all the calamitous things appear foretelling the end times. Instead, as Christians, we should rejoice, because….
2. Which Gospel writer introduces the nativity story with “in him was life, and that life was the light
    of men.”?
3. Who tells us to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience and to
    cover all these virtues with love?
 

Everyone is invited to gather together for our Annual Christmas Dinner to be held this year on Saturday night, December 2nd, beginning at 5:30 PM. Turkey, ham mashed potatoes and beverages will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. There will be musical entertainment following the meal. Don’t miss this evening of fun, food, and fellowship.
Mission and Service News
Our special offering emphasis for December is for Tools of Hope. In addition, we will receive our annual Christmas Achievement Offering on Sunday, December 11th. In this season of giving, we thank you for your generosity throughout the year, and encourage you to remain faithful by continuing to give for these special offerings.