Glad Tidings

St. Matthew UCC/ (504) 861-8196

The Newsletter of Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ

December 2011

Im Dreaming of a Blue Christmas

Sisters & Brothers, This year will be the first time in my life that I have not spent Christmas morning with my parents. Now, now - - Ill be fine - - but I know its going to be different and maybe a little sad. I will miss the usual routine. Like many of you, my family has its Christmas traditions. Even now that my sister and I have our own families, we have adapted our childhood traditions to these new life stages. We gather at my parents house early in the morning, eagerly awaiting the first bite of a special coffee cake that my mother makes only on Christmas morning. We each drink from our own Christmas coffee mugs, more kitschy than functional, and attack the stockings while the coffee cake is in the oven. After a brief interlude for that long-awaited pastry and a coffee refill, we tear open the gifts in a tornado of wrapping paper and ribbon. It might not sound so grand or unique, but it is ours, and I will miss it. And while I wont miss shoveling it, I have to admit that I will miss the beauty of fresh fallen snow accented with colorful Christmas lights. Perhaps this is why I wanted to offer a Blue Christmas service this year. I havent led one before, and only attended one once, but my present life circumstances have opened my eyes to the potential healing power of such a service. The idea that Christmas has been co-opted and has lost meaning is well-worn territory, yet it is important to acknowledge the ways in which our popular celebration of Christmas puts a high degree of expectation around our happiness and joyfulness, an assumption that everyone should participate gladly, that our gift giving will be perfect, and that our family life will be harmonious - - holding hands around the perfectly decorated tree, singing carols in four part harmony. Often, we can find ourselves conflicted around the holidays, especially holidays that have come to emphasize family togetherness. We might not feel the joy that we believe we should feel, and we might even experience some guilt around that. Perhaps we cant afford the gifts wed like to give or that our loved ones are expecting. Perhaps we are disillusioned with the spirit of consumerism and thinly veiled materialism and even greed that has come to dominate the American Christmas experience - - contrary to the saving and liberating, truly priceless gifts of hope and peace that our Gospels proclaim. But it is that Gospel gift of hope and peace that we must claim and reclaim at Christmas, isnt it? The Gospel makes an absurd promise that a little child - - born nearly out-of-wedlock, delivered amongst the filth and stench of a stable - - was indeed Emmanuel: God among us, God made flesh. This child would become the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the healer and savior of Gods children, the liberator from injustice. Perhaps even the Grinchiest among us can find some hope, peace, and joy in that.

Blessings & Peace,

Rev. Chris Mereschuk

Blue Christmas Wednesday, December 21, 2011 @ 6:30pm A healing service for those who find Christmas less-than-merry Lets face it, holidays can bring a mix of complex emotions for some of us - - the stress of gift shopping, challenged family relationships, living a long distance from families, the high expectation of joy when you just might not be feeling it. Whatever it might be for you, if Christmastime joy is hard to find, please consider coming to this brief service of reflection where you are free to acknowledge your feelings and experience the holiday in your own way. And, dont worry, we wont be singing the Elvis song!

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Imagine Whats Possible!

Imagine Whats Possible: Rebuilding & Renewing to Serve All of Gods People! Public Launch: Sunday, December 11, 2011 @10am Join us on Sunday, December 11, 2011 for the launch of our capital campaign! Over the next few years, we will undertake the effort to rebuild our Bienville Campus and renew our Carrollton Campus, transforming now-vacant buildings into centers for neighborhood ministries and insuring that our current facilities are well cared for and welcoming. Following the worship service, presentations on the Social Action, Property, and Finance aspects of the campaign will be on display along the hallway of the education building, with committee members available to answer questions and receive your feedback. This is an exciting time at CSM, and we want you to know how you can take part in transforming our present and shaping our future!

Periodic Update Finance: We have begun to receive responses from the quiet letters to potential foundational donors, with several positive replies. The public launch on December 11, 2011 will open the pledging/giving opportunity to the wider congregation and network of CSM friends and supporters. Social Justice: The committee continues to refine an application form for potential ministry/service partners. The committee is reviewing current neighborhood services and prior expressed ideas/opinions from the congregation concerning the types of organizations we would want to contact. Property: Finish work continues on the Davis-Landix House (329 North Tonti). A recent city inspection cited the need for a change in permitting from residential to commercial. This will necessitate a few additions (exit signs, door hardware, etc.). We will likely retain legal services with property expertise to help us navigate this change.

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For the flock

From Our Governing Council President: Annual reports are due to the office by December 31, 2011. The Annual Meeting will be held on January 29, 2012 and we need adequate time to put together the annual report for the congregation. Reports are needed from the following committee leaders and individuals: Pastor Deacons Board of Trustees Governing Council Treasurers Nominating Committee Steering Committee Christian Education Recovery Committee Women's Guild Worship Committee E - Team Social Action and Mission Music Committee

Pastor Chris and his family will be out-of-town from Wednesday, December 28, 2011 to Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Ms. Marsha McFadden Quick will be preaching on January 1, 2012. In case of a pastoral emergency, Pastor Chris can still be reached by cell phone (860966-8055), but will not be able to be physically present until Thursday, January 5, 2012. Thank you. Mission 1 = Mission Accomplished! Central St. Matthew participated in the United Church of Christ Mission 1 initiative last month with great results! Congregations and individuals throughout the denomination contributed to not only meet, but exceed the goals! Tallies as of the end of November: Food Items Collected: Goal = 1,000,000+, Collected = 1,438,124! Letters Written to Congress: Goal = 11,111+, Written = 37, 443! Donations to Neighbors in Need: Goal = $111,111+, Received = $119,584! Donations to East Africa Famine Relief: Goal = $111,111+, Received = $113,271! So far this year, Central St. Matthew UCC has collected 1,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest food bank, and over $500 for Neighbors in Need. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Lets keep it going!

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Vital Signs
Financial Update: The budget for the year 2011 is approximately $280,824 and therefore calls for us to collect an average of $23,402 per month to meet our expense and outreach obligations. As of the end of October, this would amount to about $234,020. Between our tithes, offerings and rental income, we have received approximately $207,917 for the ten months ending October 2011. Data for November will be available in the January newsletter, with an approximate year-end total available at the January annual meeting. Thank you for your generous gifts, tithes and offerings in support of our churchs ministry and outreach. By the way, please make all checks payable to Central St. Matthew UCC. Credit for cash donations will be given when money is in an envelope, identified, and designated. Envelopes are provided on the Welcome Table and/or from the ushers. If you have any questions, please see Carol or Dale.

Prayer List
Please continue to pray for: -Gary and Karen Arndt -Kyle Carter -Louis Carambat -Melvin Chaix -Ethel Creel -Nellie Crump -Ernest & Mathilde Smith -Lavera Kelly -Amie Miller -Catherine Reigert -Verna Sileci -Peter Saunders -Eddie Gebhardt -Dan Zidaru

Please pray for the families of Mike Bowers and all who have passed this year.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

The commodity for the month of December is Cereals: Cold or Hot, Healthy Please remember your donations on Sunday.

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More for the flock

Recovery Work Teams still want to travel to New Orleans and help us rebuild! While the United Church of Christ may be closing the local Disaster Recovery office, the work will continue to rebuild this great city, and many groups are looking for a place to stay! We are looking for a few folks who are willing to help be the visiting work group liaisons - - greet groups when they arrive, give keys to group leaders, be a contact if issues arise - - and possibly host a dinner for the groups, if requested. Lets show these folks our gratitude and share some of our signature hospitality! Contact Pastor Chris to get involved.

Affirmation of Membership & Member Registry Forms: Our service on October 16, 2011 included an Affirmation of Membership for all who have claimed membership in Central, St. Matthew, and/or CSM. We have a new bound membership book that all members are being asked to sign. This book will be available in the lobby through the end of the year. Please also send or bring in your Member Registry Forms. Thank you!

Carrolton Area Network 5th Annual Caroling in Palmer Park Sunday, December 11th 5:30 PM Intersection of South Carrollton & South Claiborne Led by Metairie School of Music Please bring cans of non-perishable foods to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank (Peanut Butter, Tuna Fish & Boxed Macaroni & Cheese are an expressed need).

Count Yourself Blessed! November 13 was Stewardship Sunday. By now, you should have received a mailing from the Stewardship Committee about our annual pledge initiative. If you have not, please contact the church office or download the information from our website. Please prayerfully consider your contribution toward our operating budget for 2012, and return your completed pledge card to the church office by December 15, 2011. Depending on interest within the congregation, we might be offering the opportunity to have your pledge automatically withdrawn from your bank account. More info on that coming soon. Every dollar you pledge maintains us, sustains us, and enables us to grow together in Christ to do Gods work in the world!

No matter who you are or where you are on lifes journey, you are welcome here!

Advent & Christmas 2011

Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ
1333 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118
www.centralstmatthewucc.com

Sunday Worship Services First Sunday of Advent November 27, 2011 @10am Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2011 @10am Communion Served Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2011 @10am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2011 @10am Christmas Music Celebration

Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24, 2011

@ 6:30pm Candlelight Service

Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25, 2011 @10am Service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 @ 6:30pm A healing service for those who find Christmas less-than-merry. Living Nativity Thursday, December 22, 2011 @ 7pm

Special Services Blue Christmas

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More for the flock

Our Memorial Pipe Organ 30th Anniversary Celebration was a wonderful success! Thank you to the organists who participated and all who attended. The full concert is available as a podcast through our website, and can be requested as a CD ($5 donation) by contacting the office.

Central St. Matthew Sermons-to-Go! CSM Sermon Podcasts

Listen to the Good News from Central St. Matthew UCC on your iPod, mp3 Player, or on your computer! Tune in to the CSM Sermon Podcast Series - - a new way to listen to and share words of inspiration and meditation from our Sunday services. What is a Podcast? Podcasts are free, downloadable audio recordings. New episodes will be published (posted) weekly. Presently, we are Podcasting our sermons, but future episodes could include special musical selections, bible studies, or other events. How Do I Listen? The Podcast episode can be downloaded to a portable mp3 player (such as an iPod), or you can listen to it on your computer from the websites below. Where can I find the CSM Podcast? To find our Podcasts, you can go to http://centralstmatthewuccnola.podbean.com/ or listen on our website: centralstmatthewucc.com, or in the iTunes store by searching for central st matthew ucc.

Publication Deadlines If you have something to submit for our newsletter or bulletin, please note these deadlines: Sunday Bulletin Thursdays @ 9am Monthly Newsletter 15th of the Month @ 9am Please send all submissions via email to Ms. Lisa McKnight: office@centralstmatthewucc.com

The Door is Open! Want to catch Pastor Chris one-to-one? Have a comment, concern, or question? In need of prayer or spiritual reflection? All you have to do is reach out! Please know that Pastor Chris is always happy to meet with members and friends, whether it is at the church, your home, for lunch, or for coffee. Just drop him an email, give him a call, or hand him a note. If you or a loved one is ill, hosptialized, or in need of visitation, you may also reach him by cell phone for urgent matters: (860) 966-8055. Thank you!

Central St. Matthew UCC

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Mailing Address: 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 Phone: (504) 861-8196 Fax: (504)861-8197 E-Mail: office@centralstmatthewucc.com Church Office Manager: Lisa McKnight Tuesday thru Friday 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Pastor: Rev. Chris Mereschuk pastor@centralstmatthewucc.com
Saturday, December 3rd Sunday, December 4th Monday, December 5th Wednesday, December 7th Saturday, December 10th

CALENDAR December 2011

AA Meeting 8:30 9:30am Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Worship 10:00am 11:00am SERRV 11:00am 12:30pm CAN Meeting 6:30 8:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sectionals) 7:00 8:30pm AA Meeting 8:30 9:30am Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Noon Tree and Sanctuary Decorating 1:00 3:00pm CSM Library Sanctuary CSM Lobby Lounge Sanctuary CSM Library Sanctuary Sanctuary

Sunday, December 11th

Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Sanctuary Worship 10:00 11:00am SERRV 11:00am 12:30pm CSM Lobby Capital Campaign Info Session 11:00am 12:00pm Hallway & Lounge Caroling @ Palmer Park 5:30pm Palmer Park CCA Meeting 6:30 8:30pm Board of Deacons Meeting 6:00 8:00pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 8:30pm Church Women United 10:00 10:30am Choir Rehearsal (MANDATORY) 9:00am Noon Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Worship (Advent Music Celebration) 10:00 11:00am Board of Trustees 6:00 8:00pm Christmas VBS 9:00am 3:00pm Blue Christmas Service 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 8:30pm Christmas VBS 9:00am 3:00pm Christmas VBS Living Nativity 7:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:30pm Worship Service (Lessons & Carols) 10:00am CSM Library CSM Library Sanctuary Lounge Sanctuary Sanctuary CSM Library Sanctuary Sanctuary Sanctuary Sanctuary

Monday, December 12th Tuesday, December 13th Wednesday, December 14th Friday, December 16th Saturday, December 17th Sunday, December 18th Tuesday, December 20th Wednesday, December 21st Thursday, December 22nd

Were on the Web!

See us at: www.centralstmatthewucc.org Like us on Facebook!

Saturday, December 24th Sunday, December 25th

CENTRAL ST. MATTHEW UCC 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118