Meadowbrook Messenger - DECEMBER 2019 Meadowbrook Congregational Church
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Meadowbrook
Messenger
DECEMBER 2019 Meadowbrook Congregational Church
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
As I write this reflection, plans are beginning for the annual Sunday School Christmas program. This
year’s event will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 15. We are using a script that I
wrote many years ago entitled, “Telling the Story.” It is always fun to watch the children and youth
prepare for the program and tell the ancient and wonderful story of Jesus’ birth. It is also interesting
to watch them as they take on the characters of Joseph and Mary, shepherds and angels, wise men
and innkeeper- each one an important part of the birth narrative.
Which part in the pageant is part of your acting resume? When I was growing up in my home
church, I was always a wise man. Never a shepherd. Never Joseph. Always a wise man. Which part
within the cast is most meaningful for you? Are you an angel with a message? Are you a shepherd
caught up in daily duty? Are you an innkeeper ready to offer kindness to a stranger? Are you Mary
willing to allow God to work within your life? Are you Joseph ready to trust in a dream? Are you a
magi with the courage to follow a star?
I believe this time of year encourages us to take a part in the pageant, in the birth of Jesus, in the
coming of God in the midst of our own lives. In what kind of hopes and fears and burdens and re-
sponsibilities do we find ourselves living? Will we have the eyes and ears and capability to dream
where Christ might be born for us? Will we have the faith and courage to trust, to travel to manger,
or to follow a star? How we receive the gift of God’s love at Christmas really depends on how well
we play our part.
In her book Kneeling in Bethlehem, Ann Weems writes the following poem entitled, “To Listen, To
Look. It asks us to make the space in our lives to participate in the Christmas drama.
Is it all sewn up - my life?
Is it at this point so predictable,
So orderly, so neat, so arranged, so right,
That I don’t have the time or space
For listening for the rustle of an angels’ wings
Or running to stables to see a baby?
Could this be what he meant when he said
Listen, those who have ears to hear…
Look, those who have eyes to see?
O God, give me the humbleness of those shepherds
Who saw in the cold December darkness
The Coming of Light
The Advent of Love!
Merry Christmas!
ArtGod’s Blessings on Your
Special Day in December
Deacon on Call
Happy Birthday 22 Aurora Schmittou-Hutting Denise Parr
1 Noelle Michalski Jonathan Takeshita
Emma Rogers 23 Steve Broda Fellowship Hour
5 Sarah Grattan Clint Straub 1 Bob and Judy Burger and Jim and
Jim Lyon 24 David Fecht Joyce Paxton
8 Jonathan Bayer 26 Marianne Webster 8 Hosts are still needed!
Tyler Parks 29 Samantha Graham 15 Hosts are still needed!
10 Roberta Collins Faith Long 22 Hosts are still needed!
12 Gil Dormandy 29 Linda and Doug Browne
14 Denise Parr Happy Anniversary
15 Vito Abrego 14 David and Christine Spar- Greeters
Tim Dieffenbaugher ling 1 Jim and Melissa Lewis with Nan
Kim Swanson 22 Bob and Judy Burger cy Farkas
16 Paul Brown Tom and Joanne Dewey 8 Rich and Betsy Mazurkiewicz with
17 Nicholas Raeon 27 Kristen and Michael Mar- John Webster
19 Kelly Dieffenbaugher caccio 15 Jim and Barb Miller with Doreen
Colin Milligan 29 Art and Laura Ritter Lawton
21 JJ Wright 22 Mike and Marilyn Sullivan with
Karren Yurgalite
FLOWERS WERE GIVEN BY. . . 24 Bonnie Hyde and Peggy Wright
. . . Denise and Steve Pearson in celebration of their 34th wedding 24 Susan and Paul Brown with
anniversary. Denise Pearson
. . . David and Jody Scheller in celebration of their 40th wedding anni- 29 Mark Dukes and Carrie Skronek
versary. with Peggy Wright
. . . In celebration of Mary Crockett’s birthday today with love and
admiration from Jeff, Martha, Paul and Amy and all their families. Liturgists
. . . Tom and Joanne Dewey in memory of Grace Hulbert and Norma
1 Katie Raeon
Drag Dewey.
8 Jody Scheller
15 Bonnie Hyde
CHURCH ATTENDANCE. . . 22 Steve Kellar
November 3 = 104 29 Denise Parr
November 10 = 105
November 17 = 112 Tellers and Trustees
November 24 = 128 1 Jim Miller and Marilyn Worth with
Bill Jenkins
8 Steve Kellar and Carrie Skronek
IN OUR CIRLE OF LOVE IS . . .
with Paul Brown
. . . Dave Milligan, and family, whose father, Glen Milligan, suffered a
stroke and is in hospital rehab in Florida.
15 Don Gaines and Dave Wallen
with Dick Dunwell
22 John Goodpasture and Carol
Riddell with Dave McKillop
24 David Sparling
24 Thelma Kubitskey
29 Denise Parr and Barbara
Vanderhoff with Kristin Ulfig
The Meadowbrook Messenger is a monthly newsletter of Meadowbrook Congregational Church. The church is located at 21355 Meadow-
brook Road, between Eight and Nine Mile roads in Novi, Michigan. The Senior Minister is Rev. Art Ritter. Sunday Worship Service and Church
School begin at 10 am. Meadowbrook is a member of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. The church telephone
number is (248) 348-7757 and the mailing address is 21355 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI 48375-5245. Web site is www.mbccc.org. Email con-
tact is office@mbccc.orgPILGRIM FELLOWSHIP: PF, Meadowbrook’s youth group, is open to all 6 th through 12th graders. PF meets
regularly throughout the school year for discussions, service projects, field trips and retreats. Upcoming
meetings:
December 1- Christmas Shopping for our Angel Family. Join us for a quick lunch during Fellowship Hour
and then shopping at Kohls and Target for a local family in need. We should return to the church by
2:00 pm.
December 8 - Connections Dinner - Gail McKillop will share her story with the PFers. We’ll meet from 4:00
until 6:00 pm for dinner and a discussion.
December 22 - Christmas Party from 4:00 until 6:00 pm, Bring a white elephant gift to exchange.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: All children and youth are invited to participate in
Telling The Story on Sunday, December 15, at 11:30 am. Everyone is invited to this special per-
formance written by Reverend Ritter. The rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 14, begin-
ning at 1:00 pm.
TREE OF WARMTH: The Tree of Warmth will be ready on December 1 for donations of
warm outerwear. We accept new (or gently used) hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. All
donations will be given to the Clothes Closet at Holy Family Church for distribution to
those in need.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PILGRIM FELLOWSHIP (NAPF) will meet in Portland, Maine in June 2020. All 8th
grade youth through college age adults are invited to attend. Details will follow as they are availa-
ble. Please see Colleen Foster or Sharon Brown if your child is interested in attending.
MICHIGAN PF/HOPE RETREAT: All Middle School through College age students are invited to the Winter
Retreat on January 24-26. Stay tuned for details!
NO CONFIRMATION CLASS NEXT YEAR: Due to the small number of candidates, there will be no confir-
mation class in 2020. The next class will be offered in December of 2020 for 2021.
B3- BEER, BELIEF, AND BANTER: Our next B3 meeting is Sunday, December 1. B3 is for
folks who want to engage in informal conversation about culture and faith while shar-
ing a tasty brew. We meet the first Sunday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm at the
Rusty Bucket, 18785 Traditions Dr. in Northville, (Haggerty and Seven Mile roads). To
begin, there will be a topic sheet distributed with some statements to “prime the
pump.” We will then share our thoughts, our stories, and our questions with one anoth-
er. You are invited to attend, even if you simply want to listen! Each person is responsi-
ble for their own beverage tab. If you have questions, please contact Art Ritter. We hope to see you
NOMINATION POSITION OPENINGS: The Nominations Ministry Team is looking to fill the
following positions for the term ending in 2022: three at-large Advisory Council mem-
bers, five Deacons, three Trustees, and the Vice Moderator, Treasurer, Secretary, Histori-
an and Parliamentarian. If you are interested in serving in any of these very important
positions, or if you have any questions about what such service might involve, please
see or email Paul Brown (paul426@sbcglobal.net ), Pat Dunwell
(thedunwells@yahoo.com), Dave McKillop (baileemac@yahoo.com) or Dave Won-
nacott (dvwonnacott@hotmail.com). Thank you for your consideration.2020 PLEDGE ENVELOPES MAYFLOWER C.A.F.É.
New 2020 Pledge Envelopes are now available in Fel- The Mayflower C.A.F.E. (Casual Attire,
lowship Hall. Please help yourself. Faith Explored) is a gathering time for
discussion and learning about our faith.
2020 FLOWER CHART We meet in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm
The 2020 Flower Chart is available on the on Tuesday nights. Coffee and light re-
bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. The flow- freshments are served. Please join us!
er arrangements are $40 each and two December 3: How Not To Be a Victim: Novi Police
arrangements are available each Sun- Department will talk about electronic fraud and
day. Sign up for your special day. Flower other issues.
cards are available in the pews to en- December 10: DVD Presentation and Discussion:
close with your payment and denote how Adam Hamilton’s “Faithful: Christmas through the
you would like your dedication to read in Eyes of Joseph” Raising a Child Not Your Own and
the bulletin. The Journey to Bethlehem.
DIME WAR FAIR SHARE
Once again we had a very successful Dime War. U of The NACCC asks that each
M won the day with 29,492 points to MSU’s 1,806 points. member church make an
The total collected was $363.25 which will go to Ronald annual contribution to their
McDonald House in Ann Arbor. Thanks to everyone Shared Ministries Fund, di-
who participated! rectly supporting their pro-
grams and services for which
ICE MELT NEEDED we all benefit. Meadow-
We are in need of salt and Ice Melt to brook’s “Fair Share” contribu-
keep the walkways clear of ice this winter. tion is $14 per member which
If you can donate some, please leave it totals $3,318.00 yearly. This
inside the north doors. payment is made from our budget, whether each
member gives or not. Have you given your Fair
SAVE THE DATE! Share this year? If not, please make your contribu-
The Spring Rummage Sale will be April 24 and 25 with tion soon. You can put a check in the mail or in the
donation of items accepted from April 19-22. offertory plate at church, marking “Fair Share” in
the memo line. Thank you!
KROGER REBATES
This quarter, we received $76.87 in the form of a check BOOK CLUB
from Kroger. This is free money for the church that Our latest selection is Louise Penny’s nov-
comes from 24 members and friends who have con- el Still Life. This mystery novel introduces
nected their Kroger Plus Card to Meadowbrook Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, “a
Church. To do this, enroll in the Kroger Community Re- twenty-first-century version of Hercule
wards program, then go online at Poirot.” Copies of the book are available;
www.krogercommunityrewards.com and connect your see Colleen Foster for a copy. We will
enrollment number to Meadowbrook Congregational meet Monday, December 9, at 7:30 -pm
Church under the View Your Rewards Details tab. for discussion and treats.
That’s it! Free money for the church!
LUNCH BUNCH
WOMEN’S FAITH GROUP There will be no Lunch Bunch again until April 2020
The group is reading An Altar in the when the weather is better.
World, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Books
can be ordered from Amazon for MEN’S BREAKFAST
about $13. We meet on Thursday The next Men’s Breakfast will be
mornings from 10:00 until 11:15 am. on Saturday, December 7, at
Please join us! 8:30 am at George’s Senate on
Haggerty, south of Six Mile. If
FOOD BANKS you would like to attend, please
We are collecting breakfast cereals for Northville Civic sign up in Fellowship Hall.
Concern and the Novi Emergency Food Bank. They
appreciate your generosity!CHRISTMAS EVE
Worship services on Christmas Eve will again be at
6:00 and 8:00 pm. The early service will continue
to have more of a children and family focus. Both
services will feature candle lighting with the sing-
ing of “Silent Night.” Please invite your family and
friends to join us.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL COLLECTION
The special envelope collection for Christmas will be split between Northville Civic Concern and the Novi
Emergency Food Bank.
RED KETTLE BELL RINGING
We will be ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the Kroger in downtown Northville on De-
cember 19 and 20. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall
COOKIE WALK
We are just two weeks away from the 9th Annual
Cookie Walk and Holiday Boutique on Saturday, December 14. It is not
too late to sign up. We are still looking for cookie bakers as well as
bread, fudge, nut and other holiday treat makers as well as volunteers.
New this year is a holiday boutique featuring holiday-themed gift items,
tableware and more. Donations of items welcome!
We are so grateful to those who already have signed up to bake, make
and donate, as well as volunteer to help with cookie plating and other
tasks on Friday, December 13, and help the day of the cookie walk on
Saturday, December 14. It takes a congregation!
A shout out to all who answered the call for holiday bread pans. Looking at you Pat Dunwell and Diane
Wallen! We still have bread pans available. Check the sign-up table in Fellowship Hall.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to all who participated in the Northville Holiday Lighted Parade on No-
vember 22. The Mayflower float looked fabulous due to the efforts of a great decorating crew. Thanks to Russ
Gasser for steering the ship! We had great participation from members and friends who passed out candy
and nearly 1,000 postcards highlighting our cookie walk and Christmas Eve services. Lee Gross and Dave
McKillop as Meadowbrook’s Gingerbread Men stole the show!
For questions about the cookie walk, please see Lee Gross or Laura Ritter.TRIVIA FUND RAISER
Thank you to everyone who helped in the planning, set-up, ticket sell-
ing, dinner serving, clean-up, and to all that attended Trivia Night.
The event had over 90 players taking part. After the dinner of lasa-
gna, salad, rolls, and delicious desserts, players settled in for two
games of mind testing Trivia. Following the games, the 50/50 raffle
was held with the winner sharing half of the $596.00 jackpot, which
was promptly donated to Meadowbrook. After all the bills
are paid, Meadowbrook will make approximately $1800.00 for our
general fund. Thank you!
Your Event Ministry Team
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE
Operating pledges received during the Stewardship program in November are up a
bit compared to pledges received last year, which is definitely good news. But our
pledging level still isn’t where it needs to be to adequately fund the Church’s operat-
ing needs in 2020. If you plan to make a pledge for 2020 but still haven’t submitted it
to the Church office, please do so as soon as possible, so your contribution can be
included in this year's budget planning, which is now in progress.
WORKING TO REDUCE THE DEFICIT
The budget deficit experienced by the Church this year is due, in significant part, by increased contract ex-
penses incurred for the retention of custodial, accounting and bookkeeping services previously performed by
friends and members of the Church, affording a substantial cost savings. If anyone is interested handling or
assisting with any of these activity areas in the future, to help reduce the additional expenses incurred thru
outside contracting, please see Steve Pearson, Paul Brown or Dave McKillop, or leave a note with Abbie in
the Church office.
FRUGAL FREDDIE’S FISCAL FREAKONOMICS - PAYING WITH PAYPAL
Frugal Freddie was Fighting through the Famished Flock at the Pilgrim Potluck when he
Found himself Facing Perky Polly. “Hey Pol” he said, while Fishing the last Potato Puff off
the Platter. “Isn’t that your second Piece of Pumpkin Pie?” “Oh Freddie, don’t be a Pin-
head,” Polly Proclaimed. “But I’m Pleased you Passed by. I wanted to Pick your brain
about this new PayPal Phenomenon. I Presume you’re Fairly Familiar with it.” Polly, you
are Positively Prehistoric,” Pronounced Freddie. “PayPal isn’t new, it’s been Functional
Forever. But now Meadowbrook has Planted it Prominently on our webpage. That way,
you can Pay the church using a debit or credit card, which wasn’t Previously Possible.”
“Pray tell,” said Polly, “you mean I can Pay Pledges with a card? What about scrip or-
ders? Special donations for Pilgrim Fellowship activities, the music Program, Flood re-
lief?” “Precisely, Polly! Practically anything that you would have written a check for in the Past” Freddie re-
plied. “Just go to MBCCC.org, choose the ‘Support’ tab at the top right, and you’ll see the gold PayPal
‘Donate’ button just waiting to be Pushed. Enter the amount and click ‘Donate with Debit or Credit Card’,
then Put in your card Particulars. Don’t Forget to click the ‘Write a Note’ Pencil icon and use it to Post the Pur-
pose of your Payment. You do not need to have a PayPal account.” Polly’s response was Positively Passion-
ate. “Perfect! I’ll be able to Pay for that trip to Pago Pago with all the airline miles I Pile up. Or maybe I’ll use
my cash back card. Never hurts to Pinch Pennies where you can! Oh, and Freddie one Piece of advice.”
“Please,” said Freddie, “Promulgate away!” “You should stick with F’s. You Pop your P’s and I Feel I’ve been
Plodding through Puddles!” For information about using PayPal, see Steve Kellar or Colleen Foster.
TIME TO SHOP WITH SCRIP!
Christmas is quickly approaching and the shopping season has begun. Make your gift giving a bit easier by
ordering gift cards from Meadowbrook’s Scrip program. The last order taken with delivery before Christmas
will be Sunday, December 15. Orders are placed on Sunday and the cards are received at the church on
Tuesday. Just fill out the order form in Fellowship Hall or on the Meadowbrook website, write out your check
for the amount owed and give it to Patti Hokett or leave it in the church office. Your purchase will raise be-
tween 2% and 20% for the church operating budget. It is quick and easy to do. You may also pay your Kohl's
charge with Kohls cards.What’s Going On at Meadowbrook
12/1 Choir Rehearsal, 9:00 am 12/19 Women’s Faith Group, 10:00 am
Worship - First Sunday of Advent - Sermon, Red Kettle Bell Ringing at Kroger
“Unexpected Hour,” Rev. Art Ritter, 10:00 am Deacons, 7:00 pm
Fellowship Hour, 11:00 am
Prayer Chain Ministry, 11:15 am 12/20 Red Kettle Bell Ringing at Kroger
B3 at Rusty Bucket, 7:00 pm
12/21 Private Party in Fellowship Hall, 3:00 pm
12/2 Show of Hands Puppets, 6:30 pm
12/22 Choir Rehearsal, 9:00 am
12/3 Faith Discussion at Pomeroy Living,10:30 am Worship - Show of Hands Puppets - Fourth
Mayflower C.A.F.E., 7:00 pm Sunday in Advent - Sermon, “Dilemma to
Decision” Rev. Art Ritter, 10:00 am
12/4 Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pm Fellowship Hour, 11:00 am
12/5 Women’s Faith Group, 10:00 am 12/24 Christmas Eve Service, 6:00 pm
Christmas Eve Service, 8:00 pm
12/7 Men’s Breakfast, 8:30 am
12/25 Merry Christmas!
12/8 Choir Rehearsal, 9:00 am Office Closed
Worship - Second Sunday in Advent -
Sermon, “Turn Around,” Rev. 12/26 Office Closed
Art Ritter, 10:00 am
Fellowship Hour, 11:00 am 12/29 Choir Rehearsal, 9:00 am
Property Team, 11:30 am Worship - First Sunday in Christmas - Sermon,
“The Dark Side of the Story,” Rev. Art Ritter,
12/9 Show of Hands Puppets, 6:30 pm 10:00 am
Book Club, 7:30 pm Fellowship Hour, 11:00 am
12/10 Faith Discussion at Pomeroy Living,10:30 am 12/31 Faith Discussion at Pomeroy Living,10:30 am
Mayflower C.A.F.E., 7:00 pm
12/11 Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pm
12/12 Women’s Faith Group, 10:00 am
12/13 Cookie Walk Set-Up
12/14 Cookie Walk, 9:00 am
12/15 Choir Rehearsal, 9:00 am
Worship - Sacred Dancers - Third Sunday in
Advent- Sermon, “Are You The One?,” Rev.
Art Ritter, 10:00 am
Fellowship Hour, 11:00 am
Children’s Christmas Pageant, 11:30 am
Prayer Chain Ministry, 11:15 am
12/16 Show of Hands Puppets, 6:30 pm
Trustees, 7:00 pm
Messenger Deadline
12/17 Faith Discussion at Pomeroy Living,10:30 am
12/18 Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pmMeadowbrook Congregational Church DECEMBER 2019
As a Congregational church, Meadowbrook traces its roots to the Pilgrims. Those daring people
believed they should be free to interpret God’s Word for themselves and to do so responsibly.
Like the Mayflower, each Congregational church is its own ship, autonomous and self-governing.
We are not bound by any formal statement of faith or creed. We promote study and reflection
that strengthen minds and soften hearts. Our sacraments are open to everyone.
Just as the Pilgrims had a compact, our community of faith is brought together by a covenant - a
promise to serve God in Jesus Christ and support one another in our journey of faith.
Serving the area since 1982, Meadowbrook invites you to come ashore and experience God’s
love and grace.
Great Harvest The
Bread Company
Flower Alley
139 E. Main Street Winner of
Northville People’s Choice Award
Thank you for contributing 248-305-9190
the communion bread. 25914 Novi Road - Novi, MI
Abbie Holden: office@mbccc.org Danny Reeves: dannymusicreeves@gmail.com
Colleen Foster: cfoster@mbccc.org Rev. Ritter: aritter@mbccc.org
Address Correction Requested
248 348-7757 www.mbccc.org
21355 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, Michigan 48375-5245
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