The United Church of Los Alamos
 
 
 

United Chimes:  Vol. 40, No. 1, January 2004

Table of Contents
Front Page News
  Christmas Eve Services
  Please Take Note
Marcus Borg Information & Registration
  Transformative Christianity
  Registration
For Our Children & Youth
  Children’s Worship
  God and Family Program
  Help decorate for Christmas Eve 
  Baking a Birthday Cake For Jesus
  KAC
  Just a Reminder Discipleship Dates
  Mid High Ski Retreat at Sonlight & Wolf Creek!
  Children's Sunday School 
  Volleyball anyone? 
Church News and Announcements
  Moms and More
  The SOUPER BOWL is coming!
  Sunday Worship Themes
  Church Attendance
  Holiday Highlights Refrigerator Calendar
  C.S. Lewis Book Club
  Chimes Newsletter on the Web
  Your Mission Dollars at Work!!
  Reminders!
  Chimes Newsletter Deadline
  Welcome Newest Members
  Youth Ministry Search Committee Survey
  Sunday Morning Classes
  Coffee Hosts For  December
  The Art of Keeping Christmas
  Senior Pastor Search Committee
  Crop Walk Results
  7 Days of Creation Celebration
  WCSS Circle Meetings
Prayers, Praises, Thanks and More
  Prayer Concerns
  Thank you!
  Prayer Letter Telephone Prayer Chain
  Lunch Bunch Callers
  Christmas Greetings
From Our Interim Pastor
  Christmas Perspective
  New Year's: Curse and Blessing

7:00 p.m. - A children oriented service celebrating the birthday of Jesus, with songs, stories, birthday cake and balloons.

11:00 p.m. - A traditional Christmas Eve candlelight communion.  The service will begin in the hush of darkness and conclude in the joyous light of Christmas morning.

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Please Take Note
The next CHIMES  deadline is Sunday, January 18th at 12:00 noon for  the February 2004 issue.  Articles may be sent via email to:  UCChimes@hotmail.com (note new email address) or put in the CHIMES Editor’s mail box in the Church Annex (room just outside the Church Office).

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Transformative Christianity: A Weekend with Marcus Borg

Have you thought recently about what you really believe about Jesus?   Do you have a relationship with God that is transforming you?  Could you benefit from spiritual renewal?  If so, you are invited to sign up for the weekend of January 23 –25 for what promises to be a rare opportunity to hear the president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars, Dr. Marcus Borg.  Dr. Borg will present some of his challenging ideas and Biblical research.   Not only is Dr. Borg a Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, but he has appeared on numerous network television news shows and has authored eleven books including the best-seller, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.  He promises to be a stimulating Christian speaker who will lead you into new paths of faith exploration. Even if you don’t agree with all of Borg’s ideas, you will be challenged and inspired to deepen your own faith and beliefs in new ways.

If an entire weekend seems like too much of a commitment you may register for just Saturday (lunch and children’s program provided) or just Friday night.  Since this weekend seminar has been publicized all over northern New Mexico and within our denominations regionally, we urge you to register as soon as possible to ensure a space.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity due to procrastination!  You can find the registration form and information included in this edition of the Chimes (page 3 & 4). 

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Registration
Registration forms may also be found here.

December 28th    No Children’s Worship

January 4th         The Boy Jesus in the Temple (feast day)

January 11th        Jesus is Baptized

January 18th        Baptism 

January 25th        Jesus in the Wilderness

Storytellers and Greeters are needed.  Please contact Cathy Renfro.

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God and Family Program
Once again we will be offering the God and Family program for interested 3rd-6th graders.  This program is appropriate for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H members.  If you are interested please contact Jean Picard ( 662-2971) so we can set up a schedule of meetings.

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Help decorate for Christmas Eve
Once again we need help in decorating the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for the Birthday party for Jesus. Please come Wednesday, December 24th at 11 am to help blow up balloons and set out farolitos.  Pizza will be served for lunch, so please RSVP to the church office, 662-2971.  Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult.  We especially need mid-high and senior high help.  Question??  Contact Jean Picard at 662-2971.

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Baking a Birthday Cake For Jesus
On Sunday December 21st we will bake and decorate a cake and cupcakes for the 7 pm Christmas Eve Service.  Please come to Graves Hall at 11:00 am to participate in this family oriented event.  Adults and children are needed.  Questions?  Contact: Jean Picard, 662-2971 if you can help.

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KAC
The next KAC event for kids in grades 3-6 will be January 30th at 6:00 pm in Graves Hall. Dinner will be served. Come for a fun night of food, friends and games. The cost is $3. Details will be in the KAC newsletter in January.

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Just a Reminder Discipleship Dates
To all of you involved with the Discipleship Class, this is just a reminder of the dates we’ll gather in January:

Sunday, January 11, 12-2 pm (with the Membership & Evangelism Board) 
Sunday, January 25, 11am - 1 pm (ish!), to help with the Souper Bowl Luncheon!

See you then!

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Mid High Ski Retreat at Sonlight & Wolf Creek!
All 7th and 8th graders are invited to spend the weekend of Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2004, with old and new friends from Los Alamos and Sonlight Christian Camp "retreating" at Sonlight and skiing/snowboarding at Wolf Creek!  It'll be a great weekend, I guarantee!  The cost varies depending on your rental, lift ticket, etc., needs, so call the church office or check out Deb's bulletin board for more information. 

The deadline for signing up is Monday, January 12, so don't delay!

P.S.  We'll also be looking for a few adults to go along as sponsors, so if you, or someone you know, might be interested in doing that, please contact Deb ASAP!  Thanks!

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Children's Sunday School 
Children's Sunday School will take a break for the holidays and resume Sunday, January 11.  We will be needing some help in the 5th & 6th grade class this spring so contact Jean Picard if you can help.  We are also starting a toddler class during the 9:30 service.  If you would like to help in this class as a teacher or helper please sign up in the nursery area or call Jean Picard.  Thanks!  It's great to see the nursery/toddler and preschool areas so full.

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Volleyball anyone?
For the past 2 years The United Church has had a team in the YMCA Adult Co-Ed Volleyball league, in the recreational division.  And before I go on, let me just stress that—we play in the recreational (i.e., non-competitive!) division.  Last year Team “Sunday Service” (i.e., our team!) even made it to the Championship Game!...although with a less than ideal outcome :).  We're planning to have a team again this year, however, and stage our comeback.  If you are 16 or older and interested in finding out more and/or signing up, please contact Deb Worley at 662-2971 (w), 672-0699 (h), or youth@losalamos.org, no later than December 31st.  See you on the court! 

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Moms and More is a group of Moms who meet every Friday morning in the Church Lounge from 9:00 am to 11:00 am for fellowship, food, to learn from speakers, and to do occasional service projects for the church.  In the new year of 2004, our first meeting is on January 9th, where we will be having a white elephant exchange.  Bring any leftover or distasteful gift nobody in your household wanted, appropriately wrapped in a grocery bag, to be exchanged among the group.  If we cannot find a home for it among one of us, I’m sure the Thrift Shop will appreciate the contribution.   On January 16th, Peggy Ickes, a nurse with the New Mexico Department of Public Health, will speak on childhood illnesses and safety issues and the care of children suffering various illnesses.  As moms, we anticipate that this talk will be extremely timely, because we expect a rash of illness to plague our children upon the return of everyone from the Christmas break festivities with their various and sundry contagious diseases. On January 23rd, we will be indulging in a Moms Day Out, where child care will be provide while Moms may choose their own activity for the next couple of hours, be it grocery shopping alone, a workout, a hike, shopping, returning wrong sized Christmas gifts, manicure, hair appointment or a spontaneous get-to-gather with some other Moms at Starbucks; the time is yours.  January 30th is still open and in the planning stages.  We encourage anyone interested in participating to attend any of the January meetings to help steer the group’s activity toward your interest and concerns.  All are welcome, even if your children don’t need the child care provided, as noted below. 

Come join us. 

Childcare is always provided during Moms & More, and a $2.00 per child contribution is greatly appreciated.

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The SOUPER BOWL is coming!
Save the date!  Our annual “Souper Bowl” luncheon is coming!  On Sunday, January 25th, at noon in Graves Hall, the youth of The United Church will be serving our annual lunch of soup, bread, and dessert, prior to our annual congregational meeting, free of charge!  That’s right, FREE OF CHARGE!!  And some people say you can’t get something for nothing!

Yes, you and your entire family will be able to come and dine on any (or all!) of a variety of delicious soups, breads, and desserts, for absolutely nothing.  You will be invited to make a donation to the “Souper Bowl” fund* as you approach the food tables, and we of course hope that you will.  But since that money will not go to pay for your lunch but rather to help provide food for others in our community who are in need, your lunch will indeed be free! 

And by the way, if you’d like to participate in this event by providing some of the above-mentioned soup, bread, and/or desserts in addition to eating them, please contact Deb as soon as possible at 662-2971 or youth@losalamos.org.

*For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the “Souper Bowl,” it is a nation-wide effort, begun by a single youth group in South Carolina in 1990, to remember those who don’t have a bowl of soup to eat while many of us feast on all kinds of snacks and goodies as we watch the Super Bowl (or at least the commercials!).  Last year participating churches and other faith communities numbered 11,104 and raised a total of $3,536,641!!  If you’d like more information about the “Souper Bowl of Caring,” you can find it at www.souperbowl.org.

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Sunday Worship Themes
 

December 21st	Fourth Sunday in Advent: Howard will be preaching and his text is “Let us walk in the light of the Lord,” based on Isaiah 2:5 and 1 John 1:7. The theme for this fourth Sunday in Advent is LOVE.  We shall celebrate the season using the traditional Moravian Love Feast.
December 24th	Christmas Eve:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come” is based on Isaiah 60:1. The theme for Christmas is Jesus Christ as the LIGHT of the World. 4:00 P. M.   – Traditional Christmas worship service.  Special music by individuals. 7:00 P. M.   – Jesus’ Birthday Party. Centers on families and children. All are welcome. 11:00 P. M. – Traditional Christmas worship service. Our unique Christmas Choir will sing.
December 28th	First Sunday of Christmas: College Sunday and our college aged young people will prepare and lead this service of worship under the leadership of Deb Worley.
January 4th	Howard will be preaching, no topic at this time.
January 11th	Howard will be preaching, no topic at this time.
January18th	Kathleen will be preaching, her text will be Genesis 1:1-24.  The sermon title is “Created to create”.  The 7 days of Creation Wall Hangings will be dedicated in Graves Hall during coffee fellowship.
January 25th	Marcus Borg will be preaching.

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Church Attendance
 

Date	8:00 Service	9:30 Service
November 18th	31	238
November 23rd	24	193
November 30th	24	183
December 7th	35	209

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Holiday Highlights Refrigerator Calendar
December 21         Moravian Love Feast  at 8 & 9:30 am worship services

                            Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus in Graves Hall at 11 am.
                            Children and Adults are welcome.

December 24          Traditional Christmas Worship at 4 & 11 pm
                             Family Worship “Birthday Party for Jesus” at 7 pm

December 28          College Worship  (8 & 9:30 am)

January 4, 2004      Epiphany
                             ALL ANNUAL REPORTS DUE at the church office

January 6, 2004      CE BOARD MEETING - 6 pm in Lounge
                             FINANCE BOARD MEETING - 6:30 in Library

January 8, 2004      TRUSTEES MEETING - 7pm in the Library

January 11, 2004     Presentation on Mission Mercy Ship
                             Sandy Charles has a slide show about her time on the Mercy Ship

January 12, 2004     MEMBERSHIP EVANGALISM MEETING – 7 pm in Lounge

January 13, 2004     EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING at 7:30 pm in Lounge

January 23 – 25       MARCUS BORG SEMINARS – see our website at
                              www.unchla.org/unchla or come by the church office to register

January 25, 2004      ANNUAL MEETING (Souper Bowl) at 11 am in Graves Hall

January 31 –             MID HIGH SKI TRIP to Sonlight Christian Camp & Wolf Creek
February 1, 2004 

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C.S. Lewis Book Club
On January 22nd, we will be starting a new book by C.S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy".   Come and read along with us and listen or discuss.  We will be meeting in Room 115 every other Thursday.  We would love to have you. For more information call Irene Powell.

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Chimes Newsletter on the Web
Now available on our WEB site!  If you prefer not to have a hard copy sent to you, opting to read the CHIMES on the web monthly, please e-mail us your request at ucoffice@losalamos.org or call the church office at 662-2971.

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Your Mission Dollars at Work!!
On January 11th at 11:00 you can see a slide show of what your mission dollars actually do.  Last August, Sandy Charles went with Mercy Ships to the country of Belize where she served as a scrub nurse on a nine person orthopedic surgery team.  They performed many bone surgeries while there, and other teams did eye surgery and conducted clinics in the jungle.  Sandy was sponsored exclusively by The United Church on this outreach, so it's your mission!  Come learn about Mercy Ships, Belize and  see some real operating room drama.

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Reminders!
Greeters for January:  Wayne & Linda Hardie, Ted & Dorothy Crawford, Youth and Rick & Judy Posada.

Liturgists for January:  Betty Smith, Dick Anderson, 7 Days of Creation Participants, and Youth.

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Chimes Newsletter Deadline
February 2004 issue is Sunday, January 18th, 2004

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Welcome Newest Members

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Youth Ministry Search Committee Survey
We received 125 surveys, and we wish to thank everyone who responded.  There was also an excellent response from our youth, to which we are paying special attention. We have read each one and are considering each of the many thoughtful comments and suggestions you submitted.  A detailed compilation of the results and comments will be made available in the Church Office as soon as the final report is ready.  This is a lengthy document which only a masochist might want to read (or produce!)  A short summary of highlights is presented here.

For the first section, "I believe that youth ministry at the United Church should:", the highest ranked answers were 1) "Provide an environment for growth in personal spirituality," and 2) "Have a strong activity program."  The lowest ranked option was: "Provide intergenerational service opportunities."

Comments on this section were highly varied, with the most common thought expressed that all five choices are important, and ranking them was hard for several people.

In the second section, asking people to rank 16 youth leader characteristics on a scale of 1 (most) to 5 (least) important, the top three characteristics were: 1) lead youth activities in Los Alamos, 2) high moral character, and 3) personal theology consistent with the UC Covenant.  The lowest ranked choices were: 1) be ordained, 2) preaching experience, and 3) formal Theological training.

For the third section, you were asked to choose which of three visions of the place of youth ministry in our church you preferred: 
1) Keep things much as they are now,
2) Develop a separate worship service for youth and younger adults, and
3) Evolve to invite broader participation by all age groups.
33 chose the first option, 17 the second, and 61--a majority--chose the third one. (Not every respondent chose one of the three options.)

Our request for visions of the place for youth in our worship and fellowship drew many excellent, thought-provoking comments. The strongest theme to arise out of these comments was the idea that we need to make worship much more welcoming to young people. It can be summarized by one comment, "Complete integration as participants and leaders." There clearly are a wide variety of visions, but this one was shared by many more people than any other. 

Past successes of our youth program included Mexico Mission trips (27), Sonlight camp (6), youth groups (7), and choir (3).

Past failures that were mentioned were highly varied, with the most common theme that of issues of turnover and transition whenever we (inevitably) go from one youth leader to the next one. 

We are most appreciative of the concern, thoughtfulness, and passion expressed by so many of you in your comments.  If you want to discuss the survey results in more depth, please contact me, Arnie Sierk (for the YMSC)

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Sunday Morning Classes
Why should I go to a Sunday Morning Class?

In the tradition of the church, the life of faith calls us to a growing relationship with the divine.  As Christians, we are called to “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph 4:15)   This means that our goal is to become more and more Christ-like.  The church offers us tools and support for this process.  Through worship, service, and education, we learn more about our faith and about the Christ we are called to emulate.  If our development is to be complete, it is necessary that we participate in all three aspects, as all are important to our growth.  The United Church offers regular opportunities for worship as a congregation and in small groups.  Opportunities for service exist within the structure of the church boards, and within volunteer opportunities both in the church and in the community.  Christian Education classes are available for people of all ages - from nursery age children through those who are retired.  We invite you to explore the many ways you are invited to grow here at the United Church.

Winter Adult Classes will begin on January 18th during the 11:00 Sunday School hour.  There will be three offerings.

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Growing Together will be taught by Barbara and Clark de Nevers.
How can you share your Christian faith effectively with your children?
Anne Neufeld Rupp's thirteen chapters encompass the spiritual and developmental issues in the life stages of children from infancy through preadolescence. Each lesson includes activities for family exploration and experimentation as well as group discussion questions.  A great class for parents of children aged newborn-12.

New Name: Becoming What God Has Promised will be taught by Georgia Strickfaden.
What names do others apply to you?  What names do you call yourself?  How do the names others apply to us and we apply to ourselves affect us?  God desires to give us new names—new identities—that free us from the bondage of old ideas about ourselves.  This study by Gerrit Scott Dawson will lead us to new understandings and perhaps even to new ways of living.  The thirteen chapters of this Bible study will focus on Isaiah 56-66.

Books of the Apocrypha will be taught by Kathleen Logan.
Have you ever wondered about those “extra” books in the Bible?  Who wrote them?  Why are they there?  Why do some Bibles have them and some not?  This class will explore these questions and take a look at the context and content of the Apocryphal books and their meaning for us today.

If there is a class you would like to have offered or would like to teach please contact Kathleen Logan or Paul Mutschlecner. 

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Coffee Hosts For  December
December 21st:  Linda Goforth  December 28th:  Steve & Sandy Paglieri

We want to thank all those who have made coffee fellowship possible this year.  And special thanks to Mac Ennis for getting our coffee supplies.  It would not have been possible without all of you.  On behalf of the Membership and Evangelism Committee, Irene L. Powell

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The Art of Keeping Christmas

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Senior Pastor Search Committee
From The Senior Pastor Search Committee

Thanks to all of you for your response to our questionnaire!  We received 161 responses and appreciate your views and your kind words of support.  We are currently using information from the questionnaire, as well as our Vision and Goals and other sources, to create a Church Profile, a description of our church and of the kind of person we are seeking to become our new senior pastor.  This profile will be sent to our denominational offices where it can be matched with potential candidates.  We all know that the United Church is a special place; we want the profile to reflect our unique character honestly.  Please continue to pray for us as we work through this phase of the process.  The members of our committee are Sandie Berner, Greg Boebinger, Altana Gray, Jerry Grindstaff, Paul Mutschlecner,  Jennifer Schmierer, and Mary Freese, Chair.  Please feel free to contact any of us if you have comments, questions, or concerns.

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Crop Walk Results
Ericka Westman, Vista Volunteer, this year’s CROP Turkey Walk coordinator reports that CROP raised $7,500 for their essential programs of providing food, clean water, and crop seed, and blankets to the needy of our world. This compares to $4,000 raised last year. Thank you, one and all, for your fine support of this Church World Service program.

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7 Days of Creation Celebration
Sunday, January 18, 2004, will be a day of celebration and dedication of the 7 Days of Creation quilt project that has been ongoing since last March.  Worship that morning will include Kathleen preaching a sermon based on the Genesis 1:1-2:4a scripture that has inspired these pieces.  Then, during coffee hour we will have an official unveiling and dedication in Graves Hall. 
Refreshments will be served. 
EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

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WCSS Circle Meetings
 

Circle I	Tuesday, January 13 9:30 am for Bible Study followed by a pot-luck salad lunch	Ann Wadstrom, hostess
Circle IV	Tuesday, January 13 1:00 pm Bible Study	Church Lounge, Ginny Phillips, hostess
Moms & More	Every Friday 9 – 11 am with nursery provided	Lounge

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Thank you!
Lori, Frank & Eli would like to thank all those who assisted us with prepared meals while Eli was in his cast.  This includes Altana Gray, Jeannie Butler, Anne & Dave Thompson, and Adda Moldt.  Thanks also for all the prayers and well wishes during the past few months!

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Prayer Letter Telephone Prayer Chain
If you want prayer for yourself or someone close to you, don’t hesitate to call the coordinator, Shelly Wageman.

To receive the Prayer Letter, contact the Church Office at 662-2971 or email at UCoffice@losalamos.org

It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
Acts 3:16b

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Lunch Bunch Callers
Lunch Bunch Calls for January are:  Sally Dessauer, Jean Picard, Ann Thomson, Virginia Emelity, Haley Richie, Lisa Reader, Jan Sinclair and Evelyn Ullrich.  A new Lunch Bunch schedule will be ready in February 2004.  I will be contacting this year’s members and prospective new members before making the new list. Please let me know if you or someone you know would like to join the Lunch Bunch.

Janet Tallman, Lunch Bunch Coordinator

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Christmas Greetings
From the Church Staff and thier Families

Joanne and Don Brown

Howard and Joyce Grant, Jr.

Wilma and Bob Cowan

Annie Garcia

Suzanne and J. D. Johnson

Jan Lippiatt

Kathleen and Litton Logan

Jean and Rick Picard

Mardel and Allen Schmiedicke

Deborah and Chris Worley

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 In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.  – John 1:4-5 (NRSV).

     Do you remember that inspiring picture of our world made from space in 1968? One of our astronauts grabbed a camera and snapped the incredible sight: There it is: the world, blue and beautiful seen through a single porthole of the space-craft.
     Perhaps God long held such a celestial view of this world and its people. This  outlook moves the One who sees to seek justice, peace, and unity among all people.
     God has seen the people's needs and problems as a whole and has appropriately responded with that justice, that mercy, and that love which represents who God is.
     The Gospel of John tells us that in a special way God once abandoned his celestial port-hole. He came to earth as a human infant to dwell among people.
     From inside of a human looking out, God saw the feelings, the temptations, and the needs of particular, individual persons. History has never been the same since.
     THAT is the Christmas message. Through Jesus Christ, God today still is becoming flesh, to dwell among his people. Today he still is at work redeeming, loving, and bringing life -- even resurrection to his people.
     The Wise Men came to Jerusalem at the beckon of the light of that star which they had seen when they were back in the East at Persia. They came to behold the Christ child -- to worship him as King.
     Amid the perplexities of loneliness, alienation, and fear of both life and death we need light to guide us.
     In this season we remember our relationships with family and friends: loved ones here, and distant, and those who have through a mystery we don't understand gone to be in God's loving hands. These eternal relationships remind us of the light of God's love and our need for it.
     Today you and I have a light far brighter than the star which led the Wise Men to Jerusalem. That star, that Person is known as "the light of the world."
     Indeed, Jesus came into the world teaching, "I am the light of the world." To those who received this light he again taught, "You are the light of the world."

Prayer.
Great and Loving God,
 In this Christmas season may our eyes focus upon the light, the meaning, and the direction Christ offers for our living. May its brilliance be renewed in our own lives so that others may behold something of Christ's light through us.
 In the spirit of the child of Bethlehem we pray.  Amen. 

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New Year's: Curse and Blessing
by Howard Grant, Jr.

      Every spiritually thinking person understands all too well that she or he faces daily problems of weakness and sin. It means that sometimes we don't like ourselves very well.
     New Year's may contribute to that, since it's a time when lots of people pause and take a look at their past. Sometimes people aren't all that happy at what they see. Maybe a pot-belly afflicts them, maybe smoldering resentment, maybe loneliness or misunderstanding. Whatever it is, they see their own warts all too well. In this way New Year's may feel like a curse.
     Against that background Ephesians brings us good news!
     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. . . . He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ. --  Ephesians 1:3,5 (NRSV).
     New spiritual health comes to each of us believers when we turn away from an old life and are resurrected to a new life through our relationship with Christ and Christ's church. So New Year's again becomes a blessing.
     With the power of his Holy Spirit, we become able to cope with life's bad things. We see again that Christian caring and Christian love are God's gifts to us so we can give them away.
     We learn even more that God loves us no matter what! Can you imagine?  He wants to adopt you and me as his children!
     He'll do it too if we say, "Yes!" 

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