OUR WEEK — JANUARY 4 - JANUARY 10

»»»REMINDERS«««
Tuesday, December 30th — Pastor Lynn and
Naomi will be out of the office until Friday,
January 2nd.
No business or social meetings scheduled.
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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 —
Happy Happy Happy Happy!GET SOME REST ! ! !
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Friday, January 2nd, 2009 —
NAOMI is in the office from 9 till noon.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 4th, 2009 —
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper today.
Epiphany Sunday — Epiphany is a
celebration that is extended over two
Sundays in The U. M. C. It incorporates
the story of the Magi and the story of
the baptism of the Lord.
The Magi were descendants of the
Babylonians, the very people who
carried the people of Judah into exile.
When word about God entering into
history gets out, no part of the world
is unaffected. Today's texts are about
the manifestation of God's saving
intervention in history — whether in
the days following the end of the exile
(Isaiah) or in Jesus Christ (Ephesians,
Matthew). We hear God's outrageous
revelation of salvation to the GENTILES
who were formerly bitter enemies and
crushing oppressors.
Our Scripture Readings for this Sunday:
ISAIAH 60:1-6 (New Living Translation)
Isaiah prophesies to a people just returning from exile that the day would come when all nations would flock to their light. Isaiah offers a word from the Lord to exiles returning to their homeland after a 39-year absence.
They expected ruins on their return, and that is what they found. They entered their ruined homeland and their destroyed capital, Jerusalem.
Persian government set the Judeans free to return to their homeland, and sent orders to have building materials sent for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.Isaiah 60:1-6 (New Living Translation)
Future Glory for Jerusalem
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.
2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.
3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home.
5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands.
6 Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord.

PSALM 72:1-7, 10-14 (UMH 795)
In praise of the righteous king who would
receive tribute from all nations.

1 Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son.
2 Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly.
3 May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful.
4 Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.
5 May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!
6 May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth.
7 May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.
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EPHESIANS 3:1-12;
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle Paul was a prisoner. It was evangelism that got Paul locked away. And being locked away, Paul never stopped evangelizing about God's kingdom and Jesus Christ.EPHESIANS 3:1-12 (Amplified Bible)

1 FOR THIS reason because I preached that you are thus built up together, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus the Christ for the sake and on behalf of you Gentiles--

2 Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was entrusted to me to dispense to you for your benefit,

3 And that the mystery was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you.

4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

5 This mystery was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy
apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

6 It is this: that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and joint partakers
sharing in the same divine promise in Christ through their acceptance of the glad tidings of the Gospel.

7 Of this Gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved favor) which was
bestowed on me by the exercise of His power.

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God's consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending, boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and inexhaustible riches of Christ,

9 Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in the mind of God Who
created all things by Christ Jesus.

10 The purpose is that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities principalities and powers in
the heavenly sphere.

11 This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in the person of Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness courage and confidence of free access an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear.
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MATTHEW 2:1-12 (Amplified Bible)
The wise men's search after Christ.
Those who are the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence to know Christ and his salvation. The word of God, is a light that shines in a dark place. Though Herod was very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not likely to live till a new-born infant grew to manhood, he began to be troubled with the dread of a rival. A man may hate truth because it interferes with his own ambition. Such a belief made Herod oppose the cause of God; and foolish enough to believe in his own success.

1 NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking,
2 Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him.
4 So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the people and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.
5 They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel.
7 Then Herod sent for the wise men [astrologers] secretly, and accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star [that is, how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east].
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search for the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.
9 When they had listened to the king, they went their way, and behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy.
11 And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts - - gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed and warned in a dream not to go back to Herod; so they departed to their own country by a different way.TODAY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 & NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 11th - We have scheduled an Evening Prayer, Scripture, and Music Service - These services will be hosted by Adair UMC from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Adair Fellowship Hall. They are a bit more informal, and we would like you to offer any suggestions about ideas you might have.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH - We will have Prayer, Scripture, and Music Services hosted by Casey UMC in their Fellowship Hall. Same time, 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
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Monday, January 5th —
This is Pastor Lynn's and Naomi's day off.
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Tuesday, January 6th —
Adair Disciple Fellowship will meet from 9 to 11 A.M. in Adair U.M.C.
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Wednesday, January 7th —
Confirmation Group will meet from 6 to 7:30 P.M. in Casey U.M.C.
Donna Sheeder has volunteered to bring rations for the troops.
Thank you, Donna
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Saturday, January 10th —
Join us today as we welcome Bishop Robert Schnase, author of the "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" -- celebrating through the "Practices" what God is doing among us!

This event is open to EVERYONE regardless of whether or not your church has participated in the Conference-wide "Five Practices" workshops.

Start Time: 10:00 am
End Time: 2:30 pm
Location: OAKWOOD UMC
Address: 400 NE 56TH ST
City: PLEASANT HILL
State: IA — Click on Map and Flyer below for expanded versionIf expanding these images does not work for you,
go to on line.
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It is time for the Annual Church Audit for 2008.
Please provide your checkbook and bank
statements ASAP to Ginger Spangler for Adair
UMC and JoAnn Morris for Casey UMC.
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Upcoming Event: Jan. 19th- Potluck - hosted
by CUMC
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One of the changes around Adair in 2008 is the
addition of the Wind Turbines out on the country
side. There are 76 I am told and they are just a
small group of the turbines being set up all over
the world. It is a serious effort to wean us off of
fossil fuels and over to renewable energy
sources. The world is constantly changing and
isn't it exciting?
Thank you for your concerted efforts to make the
wheels turn this year. We are all human beings
and yet we are all magically different, with our own
set of talents and aptitudes — and that is exciting
as well. I will see you very soon, in 2009.

God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn

OUR WEEK — DEC. 28TH - JANUARY 3RD

• • • REMINDERS • • •
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23RD —
NO DISCIPLE FELLOWSHIP TODAY
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH —CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
ADAIR UMC SERVICE AT 5 P.M. - Early
enough for the whole family.
CASEY UMC SERVICE AT 9 PM
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25TH—HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS
ABC Parish Office is closed todayRegardless of the birthplace of a child, he is indeed the greatest blessing the human race can know. Our first objectives are always to give a child love, nourishment, protection and an education - teaching him everything he will need to know as he grows. I'm sure Mary and Joseph took those obligations very seriously.Sometimes we treat Mary and Joseph as two people who just happened to be there when Jesus was born - but we both know that's not the way it is. The real work begins after that first cry.
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DECEMBER 28th —
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
It's still Christmas, so there are intentional themes across the three texts and Psalm. Basic is God breaking into human history, in the person of Jesus. God changes the playing field for everyone.
Our Scripture readings are:
ISAIAH 61:10-62:3
For the exiles returned from Babylon to face a ruined capital city, Isaiah's expectation of God's action is that Jerusalem will "shine out like the dawn" for all to see. God's intrusion happens in and for the ruined places, and God's vindication of such places blazes. This is far more than "Yes, we can." The word of the prophet is "Yes, God will!"

After a summer of tornadoes and floods,
we know a little about repairing ruins.ISAIAH 61:10-62:3 (Amplified Bible)

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as surely as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so surely the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations through the self-fulfilling power of His word.

ISAIAH 62:1-3
1 FOR ZION'S sake will I (Isaiah) not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until her imputed righteousness and vindication go forth as brightness, and her salvation radiates as does a burning torch.

2 And the nations shall see your righteousness and vindication, your rightness and justice--not your own, but His ascribed to you, and all kings shall behold your salvation and glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name.

3 You shall also be so beautiful and prosperous as to be thought of as a crown of glory and honor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem exceedingly beautiful in the hand of your God.——————————————————
Psalm 148 (Amplified Bible)

1 PRAISE THE Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights!

2 Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His hosts!

3 Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you stars of light!

4 Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created.

6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away, He fixed their bounds which cannot be passed over.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps!

8 You lightning, hail, fog, and frost, you stormy wind fulfilling His orders!

9 Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers and judges of the earth!

12 Both young men and maidens, old men and children!

13 Let them praise and exalt the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted and supreme! His glory and majesty are above earth and heaven!

14 He has lifted up a horn for His people [giving them power, prosperity, dignity, and preeminence], a song of praise for all His godly ones, for the people of Israel, who are near to Him. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
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Galatians 4:4-7
From these verses we see the wonders of Divine love and mercy; particularly of God the Father, in sending his Son into the world to redeem and save us. Here, incarnation means we are adopted as God's children (verse 5), and in that adoption also re-inspirited, given new breath, the very breath of God. God's adoption of all baptized into Christ makes us God's children and heirs to the promises of God's covenant.

Galatians 4:4-7 (New Living Translation)
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.
5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”
7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
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Luke 2:22-40
Luke brings the person of Simeon in today's reading of the presentation of Jesus in the temple (celebrated on February 2, thirty-three days after Christmas, The Feast of the Presentation, or "Candlemas"). Here is a man with an intense personal relationship with God that encompassed both personal and public acts of revelation, devotion, worship and prayer. Luke describes Simeon's song and Anna's prophecy that accompany the presentation of Jesus at the temple at the time of his family's offering of the sacrifice for the firstborn.

Luke 2:22-40 (New International Version)

22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23 as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord",
24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight
of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
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There are no business or social meetings
scheduled until after January 1st — and
speaking of January 1st —
Do your best to rest and rejuvenate and ask for as much strength as you need. You take good care of yourself and God will take care of the rest. We will resume our schedule next week.

If you would like to contact our military
families, here are some addresses:
Victoria & Justin Elledge
PSC 76 Box 5845
APO. AP96319-0060
Or
1232 Delta Ave.
Adair, IA 50002

First Lt. Todd & Neda Fairfield
1503 Ledgestone Dr.
Brandon, FL 33511
OR
PSC 80 Box 20719
APO. AP96367

Darryl L & Ally Peterson
151 Mayer Court
Raeford, NC 28376
He was deployed November 2008 and will be gone 12 months

James & Jyl Wightman & Family
4717 Orchard Lane
Virgina Beach, VA 23464

Tara & Tim Fitodi
7725 Elcaojon #2
La Mesa, CA 91941

Chad Stephenson - for his current address:
Contact his wife Traci @ 742-5581 or
his mother Lonnie Harris @ 742-3417

My prayers are with each and every
one of you and I will see allot more
of you in 2009.
God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn

OUR WEEK — DEC. 21ST - DEC. 27TH

>>>>>REMINDERS <<<<<
WEDNESDAY, December 17th — ESTHER CIRCLE
will meet at Adair UMC. Time, 7 P.M.
YOUTH GROUP will meet at Casey UMC - 6:00
till 7:30 P.M.
Susan Schafer is bringing food for the troops.
Thank you Susan ———————————————————————
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH — REMEMBER!
Angel Food Pick-up Day-Casey UMC
from 1 PM to 3 PM.
This is a LARGE project and helpers are
needed to pack all of those boxes and
get them ready to be passed to the families.
Someone could bring a few snacks to tide
us over until the last boxes are out the door
- or if anyone has a better idea, we definitely
love idea people.
If you have any questions about this Angel
Food project,
call Sharon Aupperle at 515-249-1640.
SEE SANTA at CASEY'S VISITOR CENTER
AT 2 PM SATURDAY.***********************************************************
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21,
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT-COLOR PURPLE
THIS WILL BE the longest night of the year, the
Winter Solstice. The weather for us in the mid-
west is COLD, but Christmas anticipation and
preparations seem to eclipse any bleak, severe
weather we may be anticipating.
Our Scripture Readings for today are:
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16:
David resting at last in his palace, considered how he might employ his time in the service of God. The Philistines had been defeated, and the Ark of the Covenant had been returned to Jerusalem. David wanted to do something special for God. He created a design to build a temple for the Ark. Nathan recognized that God did not agree with David's plans. As good as the idea sounded, God had never asked David to build a temple. Instead, God described the kingdom that he would build for David. God has been with his people, in their midst as they traveled and has no need for David to build a temple.
2 Samuel 7:1-11 New International Version (NIV)

God's Promise to David
1 After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,

2 he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."3 Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you."

4 That night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying:

5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?

6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.

7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" '

8 "Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel.9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.

10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning

11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
" 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:

16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' "
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Luke 1:47-55 (New International Version)
The Song of Mary. Mary's hymn expresses praise to God. Understanding what God is doing, Mary possesses a mood of joy. Her praise is personal - her soul and spirit offer praise.47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me
blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things
for me—holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their
inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their
thrones.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
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Romans 16:25-27
Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. The Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world. Christ is salvation to all nations. The obedience of faith is obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of faith.
Romans 16:25-27 (New Living Translation)

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you; a plan kept secret from the beginning of time.
26 But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.
27 All glory to the only God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.
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Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will become pregnant by God and bear the Son of the Most High whose throne will be eternal. She consents.
Luke 1:26-38 (New International Version)
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary
28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.——————————————————————
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22ND — This is Pastor Lynn's and Naomi's day off.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23RD —
Adair UMC Disciple Fellowship will meet from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH—
NO CONFIRMATION THIS EVENING
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
ADAIR UMC AT 5 P.M. - Early enough for the
whole family.
CASEY UMC AT 9 PM
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25TH—
JESUS BIRTHDAY
The office will be closed today.
Merry Christmas.
Quite often the birth of Jesus is portrayed in a
very elaborate, extravagant manner. While this
is quite beautiful, I doubt it was this flamboyant.
This Caravaggio painting is probably a bit
nearer to the reality of giving birth in a stable
during that time.We have certainly had an exciting year. I want to thank you all for some very major contributions. We have needed your help each week — and it has not always been easy. Thank you for pulling us through. We have had some good times along with some rough spots. I pray you have some happy memories of this year.

Pray for our people in the military. They put their lives on the line every time they walk out the door. Their bravery is incredible.

It is politically correct to say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" but I want to say "Have a Blessed Christmas."

God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn

OUR WEEK — DEC. 14TH - DEC. 20TH

REMINDERS —
Wednesday, December 10th —
Confirmation at Casey UMC: 6 to 7:30.Advent Service will be held at Casey Lutheran Church at 7 PM.
ABC Finance Council will be at 6:30 PM in Casey UMC.
Ad Council Meeting will be at 7:30 PM in Casey.
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Saturday, December 13th —
There will be a Christmas Mall in Casey Community Building. CHILDREN up to 6th grade are welcome from 9 AM to 4 PM. Children of ALL AGES are welcome from 3 PM to 4 PM.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, December 14th —
AC School Choir will sing at Casey
9 AM Service — and
at Adair's 10:45 Service.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH — The Third Sunday of Advent - Our Color is PURPLE
Our Scripture Readings today are:
ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11 - AMPLIFIED BIBLE (AMP)
The Spirit of the Lord anoints a prophet to bring good news to the oppressed, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners, and the mourning - good news that includes "the day of vengeance of our God" that will destroy the social order that keeps them in their oppressed state. When that order is destroyed, rebuilding of God's "ancient ruins" can begin (verse 4). In the meantime, the prophet rejoices, clothed in the hope this good news brings (verses 8-11).
ISAIAH 61:1-4
GOOD NEWS OF FREEDOM
1 THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the physical and spiritual captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord the year of His favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant consolation and joy to those who mourn in Zion - to give them an ornament, a garland or diadem of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit - that they may be called oaks of righteousness, lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
4 And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

ISAIAH 61:8-11

8 For I the Lord loves justice; I hate robbery and wrong with violence or a burnt offering. And I will faithfully give them their recompense in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with them.

9 And their offspring shall be known among the nations and their descendants among the peoples. All who see them in their prosperity will recognize and acknowledge that they are the people whom the Lord has blessed.

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as surely as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so surely the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations through the self-fulfilling power of His word.
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PSALM 126 (UMH 847)
A Psalm of Ascent, one of the Psalms sung by pilgrims as they made their way to the temple after it was rebuilt after the return from exile, as prophesied by Isaiah.
Psalm 126 (New International Version)

A song of ascents (a climb to the summit).
1 When the LORD brought back the captives
to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
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1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
Final greetings include, as one would expect in this letter which has focused on eschatology as one of its two major subjects, a prayer that the people may now be and remain "sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (verse 23).
IF WE DIDN'T LEARN IT AS CHILDREN,
WE SHOULD HAVE.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (New International Version)

16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.
21 Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22 Avoid every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
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John 1:6-8, 19-28 NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
His Divine and human nature.

John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus. Nothing more fully shows the darkness of men's minds, than that when the Light had appeared, there needed a witness to call attention to it. Christ was the true Light; that great Light which deserves to be called so. By his Spirit and grace he enlightens all that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened by him, perish in darkness. JOHN THE BAPTIST - ELSHEIMER - 1600
JOHN 1:6-8
6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.
8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

John the Baptist Denies Being the Christ

19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.

20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ."

21 They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
22 Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "

24 Now some Pharisees who had been sent
25 questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26 "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.
27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
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Monday, December 15th —
This is Pastor Lynn's and Naomi's day off.
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Tuesday, December 16th —
Adair Disciple Fellowship — 9-11 A.M.
at Adair UMC.
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Wednesday, December 17th —
Esther Circle at Adair UMC - 7 PM
Youth Group meets at Casey UMC - 6-7:30PM—————————————————————
Remember:
Angel Food Pick-up Day is Saturday,
December 20th at Casey UMC
- from 1 PM to 3 PM
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Santa will be in Casey's Visitor Center at 2 PM————————————————————————
Thank you for all of your service through this Advent Season and don't forget why we do this each year.
God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn

OUR WEEK — DEC. 7TH - DEC. 13TH

REMINDERS —
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD—
Adair UMW Christmas Party - Adair UMC at noon.Festival of the Trees in Adair, with soup supper.Call Sandy Farnsworth for more information.

CONFIRMATION AT CASEY UMC - 6 TO 7:30
Sheryl Richter is bringing in food. Thank you
much, Sheryl.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH and
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH —
CASEY DINNER THEATER - 5:30 PM Doors Open
Dinner served at 6:00 PM.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH —
Second Sunday of Advent
Traditional color for Advent: Purple
Holy Communion today.
Installation in Adair of UMW officers
during Worship today.
UMW Christmas Party in Casey UMC
at 2PM. Everyone is Welcome!
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Our Scripture Reading today:
ISAIAH 40:1-11
Three prophecies declare the hope of God's coming to rescue the exiles from captivity. 1. The prophet in Babylon (Iraq) at a time when there appears to be no end in sight for their exile, is told to tell these people they are about to be set free. 2. A voice cries out over the uninhabited lands between Babylon and Jerusalem, "Prepare a highway for our God through this desert." 3. A messenger back in Jerusalem is to go up to the top of mount Zion, home of the ruins of the temple, and start shouting, "Look! Our God is coming!
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Isaiah 40:1-11 (Amplified Bible)

1 COMFORT, COMFORT My people, says your God.

2 Speak tenderly to the heart of Jerusalem, and cry to her that her time of service and her warfare are ended, that her punishment is accepted and her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received punishment from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

3 A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord clear away the obstacles; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God!

4 Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain.

5 And the glory, majesty and splendor of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

6 A voice says, Cry prophesy! And I said, What shall I cry? The voice answered, Proclaim: All flesh is as frail as grass, and all that makes it attractive, its kindness, its goodwill, its mercy from God, its glory and comeliness, however good is transitory, like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely all the people are like grass.

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

9 O you who bring good tidings to Zion, get up to the high mountain. O you who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

10 Behold, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.

11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.
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PSALM 85:1-2, 8-13 (UMH 806) New International Version (NIV)
A response of thanks and trust in God's deliverance. The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favor of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons.Psalm 85:1-2
1 You showed favor to our land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins. Selah

8 I will listen to what God the LORD will
say; he promises peace to his people,
his saints, but let them not return to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who
fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.

13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
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2 PETER 3:8-15a
The coming fiery destruction or purification of the world as we know it means that we now, in the face of that, must strive for lives of holiness. There is an accurate description of what happens in a supernova.
It is predicted that this will happen to our planet in about 5 billion years. The best scientific consensus on the future of the planet right now says that unless we RADICALLY reduce carbon emissions to a sustainable level, by 2050, upwards of 30 percent of the species on this planet will be endangered, and the billions of humans living near coasts will be displaced by catastrophe.
The human race has a responsibility to sustain our beautiful orbital sanctuary, if we have the slightest concern for future generations on earth.
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2 Peter 3:8-15 (Amplified Bible)
8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering, extraordinarily patient toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish pass away with a thunderous crash, and the material elements of the universe will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.

11 Since all these things are thus in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought each of you to be in the meanwhile in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities,

12 While you wait and earnestly long for, expect the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the material elements of the universe will flare and melt with fire?

13 But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God is to abide.

14 So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him at His coming without spot or blemish and at peace in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts.

15 And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord, His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world is salvation that which is conducive to the soul's safety, even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him.
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MARK 1:1-8
The gospel begins with the ministry of John the Baptist, calling all to repentance and baptism for forgiveness to get ready for the kingdom of the one to come, the one who baptizes not simply with water, but with the Holy Spirit. Isaiah and Malachi each spake concerning the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the ministry of John. From these prophets we may observe, that Christ, in his gospel, comes among us, bringing with him a treasure of grace.—————————————————————
Mark 1:1-8 (Amplified Bible)

1 THE BEGINNING of the facts of the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will make ready Your way - -

3 A voice of one crying in the wilderness shouting in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten tracks straight, level and passable!

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness desert, preaching a baptism obligating repentance a change of one's mind for the better, heartily amending one's ways, with abhorrence of his past sins in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins.

5 And there kept going out to him, continuously all the country of Judea and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, as they were confessing their sins.

6 And John wore clothing woven of camel's hair and had a leather girdle around his loins and ate locusts and wild honey.

7 And he preached, saying, After me comes He Who is stronger more powerful and more valiant than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to stoop down and unloose.

8 I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
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On the U.S. Calendar, today, December 7, is
the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor
in 1941, which marked the entrance of the
United States into World War II. 2390 people
died during that invasion.———————————————————
Monday, December 8th —
This is Pastor Lynn's and Naomi's day off.
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Tuesday, December 9th —
Adair Disciple Fellowship — 9-11 A.M.
at Adair UMC.
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Wednesday, December 10th —
Confirmation at Casey UMC, - 6 to 7:30.
Advent Service will be held at Casey Lutheran Church at 7 PM.
ABC Finance Council will be at 6:30 PM in Casey UMC.
Ad Council Meeting will be at 7:30 PM in Casey.
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Saturday, December 13th —
There will be a Christmas Mall in Casey Community Building. Children up to 6th grade are welcome from 9 AM to 4 PM. Children of all ages are welcome from 3 PM until 4 PM.
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Sunday, December 14th —
AC School Choir will sing at Casey's 9 AM Service — and
at Adair's 10:45 Service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Remember: Last day to order is
December 7th
Pick-up Day is December 20th
———————————————————If anyone would like to get together to play
Scrabble, let us know. There has been some
interest in this project.
Thank you once again for all of your
dedication of time and energy.
God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn