The Messenger
First United Methodist Church in Niles
...growing together in our knowledge, love, and service of God
608 North Crandon Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 + nilesfirstumc.org + 330.652.1439
From the Pastor…
Dear Church Family~
Can it be true? Is it over already? The hype, the sales, the rushing around. . . .
Or is it just beginning? Prophecies fulfilled, futures filled with hope, lives transformed!!! Yes! It is only the beginning. The beginning of a new year. A time of asking God to direct our paths. A time to ask what does the future hold for us as individuals and as the Church in Niles. I believe God is doing a new thing, but God desires us all to be active participants in his work. Kingdom-building is not just the work of a few, but the work of all God's children. Kingdom-building is risky business. It takes a willingness to speak the truth of reality in love. It takes a willingness to listen to the movement of the Spirit. Like Simeon, it takes patience and the ability to recognize God’s hand in our lives, “for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30) What are we preparing for the children of God? What more can we do to engage the individuals and families of Niles First? How are we responding to the needs of our neighbors in Niles? Can we reach beyond the doors to have an impact for God?
These are questions it will take all of us to answer moving forward. I am counting on you, as your Pastor, and God is counting on you as His people. May the God of Creation create in us a willingness to do all it takes for the Kingdom of God is at hand…..
Blessings to you and yours in this New Year ~
In Christ~~Pastor Paula
THANK YOU to Joan Reis, Linda Belcastro, Becky Hanks, Carol Rathburn, Evie Rice, Nick Belcastro, Jerry Rogers, Richard Hands and Merrily Rogers who helped set up, serve, and clean up after the Memorial dinner on December 3rd honoring the memory of Karen and William Capito and son,
Zac. Karen’s sister is Debra Kane.
THANK YOU from the Bowman Family……We would like to thank you for your generous gift given to Jason and his family. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
THANK YOU…December 11th, we celebrated the life of our long-time faithful member, Roberta “Bobbie” Williams who went to her Heavenly home December 5th. A Thank You to those helping with Bobbie’s funeral dinner. i.e. Terry and Sharon Hamilton, Linda and Nick Belcastro, Dan and Nancy Roberts, Evie Rice, JoAnn Baugh, Becky Hanks, Colleen Aliberti, Joyce Lukz, Carrie Faith, Shirley Hunter, Lolly Symcheck, Pastor Paula Marbury, Pat Pfeifer, and Jerry and Merrily Rogers.
THANK YOU to Phyllis, from Quilts From The Heart, who donated quilts to be given to shut-ins, people in hospital, etc.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all who donated cereal. We were able to deliver 107 boxes that will be put in the Christmas baskets that Niles Community Services will provide to the Niles Community and surrounding areas. The need for food is increasing every year and your participation in this project is appreciated.
THANK YOU to all who took a tag from the Giving Tree to purchase items for our Veterans and the Dorothy Day House. Both organizations are very appreciative for these items as they are helping those who are sometimes forgotten during the holiday season. The Missions Committee thanks you for your generous giving with all of our projects.
My husband, Dave, and I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You for all your prayers you have offered to God for us. And, I would like to say Thank You to each and everyone of
you for my Christmas gift, it was so unexpected. Dave and I both would like to wish all of you God’s Blessings in the coming New Year. (Dave and Leona Krepps)
Many beautiful Christmas poinsettias in shades of red, white and pink are adorning the altar. Thanks to all who shared these lovely poinsettias in memory and honor of loved ones.
Monday night Disciple Study group would like to THANK Pastor Paula for hosting our study/party at the parsonage.
We would like to send a BIG THANK you to all who ordered cookie trays this year. This was a great fundraiser for us! Also, Thank you to all who helped us bake. We hope you enjoyed the cookies!! Look out for more yummy fundraisers in the coming months! Happy New Year!!
On Wednesday, 07 December, New Hope Methodist Church and Niles First United Methodist Church held a successful Christmas dinner. The Girard Swing Time Band provided musical entertainment. A good time was had by all.
RACHEL CIRCLE will meet Wednesday, 11 January 2017, at 1:00 pm. Meeting will be held in the Church parlor. Linda Belcastro and Becky Hanks will be the hostesses for meeting. All ladies of the Church and guests are invited to attend. If there are any questions, please contact Linda (330-652-1628) or Becky (330-652-1597). See you at the meeting.
HAVE YOU MISPLACED A PAN?? There were three (3) 9x13 pans left in the kitchen several months ago. If you are missing a pan, please pick up your pan. The pans are under the microwave.
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS. You can save the coupons and bring them to Church. The Church in turn will send them to the Red Bird Mission. Campbell soup labels have bought them many things to help with their mission projects. In the schools, food labels are used only to purchase school supplies. All these labels and coupons can be brought to our Church. We will trim them, if needed, and send them on. If enough labels/coupons are received, Ann Wright will send them to the Red Bird Mission once-a-month. Such a little effort and so much good. Baskets will be placed in the Sanctuary Narthex and in the Chapel corridor. Hope this project will be something that you will do.
RECYCLE your old eye glasses and cases. There is a container placed on the table in Chapel corridor and on the table in Narthex at the Sanctuary area.
OUR SHUT-IN……
OUR MOTHER, THELMA THORNTON, IS NOW A RESIDENT OF SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY HERE IN NILES, OHIO.
GETTING MAIL FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS REALLY DOES BRIGHTEN UP HER DAYS. HER ADDRESS IS:
THELMA THORNTON ROOM 701
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY
1500 MC KINLEY AVE.
NILES, OHIO 44446
MOM’S HEARING AND EYE SIGHT ARE FAILING, BUT SHE STILL ENJOYS US TAKING HER BACK TO THOSE DAYS WHEN WE ENJOYED LIVING IN BRISTOLVILLE. SHE VERY MUCH ENJOYS PICTURES OF HER TWO GREAT GRAND SONS, WHO LIVE IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. NOT A VISIT GOES BY THAT SHE DOES NOT ASK ABOUT THEM.
MAKING SURE THE BIRD FEEDERS, OUTSIDE HER WINDOWS, ARE FILLED ADDS TO HER DAILY ENJOYMENT. HER ROOMMATE, NANCY, IS ALSO A BIRD LOVER, SO BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM WE ARE KEPT BUSY. OF COURSE, THE ENTERTAINMENT THE BIRDS PROVIDE FOR ALL OF US IS EQUALLY SHARED.
WHEN THE WEATHER IN THE SUMMER PERMITS, SHE ENJOYS SITTING OUTSIDE AND LOVES TO REMEMBER THE “GOOD OLE DAYS”.
YES, WE ARE SO BLESSED! Colleen, Nannette and Corb…
FINANCES FOR NOVEMBER 2016
Invoices $ 4,573
Payroll $ 5,394
Total $ 9,967
Income (Tithes and offerings) $ 8,438
Balance - $ 1,529
It’s almost that time of year again, TAX SEASON!! In order to keep cost and waste down, if you would like your “Giving” statement e-mailed to you, please fill out the form located on the tables outside of the Chapel and Sanctuary Narthex. If you would not like one, please note that all other statements will still be printed off if you don’t sign-up. if you have any questions, please contact Patrice Kish at 330-718-7134.
A sincere THANK YOU to our wonderful Church family. Your Christmas gift was such a blessing. May God warm your hearts and homes in the months to come…..Pastor Paula and Family
NILES FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN NILES
….growing together in our knowledge love and service of God
608 North Crandon Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446