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The past few weeks have been a challenge for me and my family as well as our church family. By now, most of you are aware that the medical difficulties that I have been struggling with have been given a name, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The diagnosis has caused me to reflect on all that God has in store for me and to more clearly focus on Him.

During this process my husband, Scott, and I have truly appreciated the leaders of Peace and Trinity. We have also appreciated the many, many cards, prayers and thoughts from all of you. Your outpouring of love has truly uplifted and encouraged us. As we move forward, please know that this is a learning experience and we will have to make adjustments as necessary.

As for now, it is my intention to remain your Pastor as long as I am physically able to do so. I ask that you keep us in your prayers and please contact me as you have always done.

God’s promises are true and sure; so let us continue this journey we call life with hope and courage.

"But now, this is what the Lord says -

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who created you, O Israel:

‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name;

you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you; and when you

pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD, your God

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. . .’"

Isaiah 43:1-3a

With much love and appreciation.

Blessings,

Pastor Diane

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship Service

Please join us as we celebrate Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 24, at 7:00 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist is hosting this year’s service.

Please pass the word along to everyone you see and lets plan to worship Thanksgiving together.

World Community Day

Church Women United cordially invites everyone to attend this year’s World Community Day.

"Piecing Earth Together" is the theme and deals with our environment responsibilities. The program is being presented by Five Points Lutheran Church.

Please join us November 6, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Boaz United Methodist Church. That’s the little white church on the corner on Hwy 171 in Boaz.

Light refreshments will be available after the service.

Get Ready to Sing: It’s Christmas Cantata Time

The Senior choir has already begun practice on our Christmas Cantata. "Emmanuel: Celebrating Heaven’s Child" The Cantata and Children’s Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m.

Anyone in the congregation who has a good voice and would like to sing the Cantata, is invited to join us. We have extra books and CD’s. You won’t need to come to Wednesday practice until December. Those dates are the 1^st, 9^th, 16^th at 7:30 p.m. and 20^th at noon for one last rehearsal.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Your Peace Choir Director

Pam Kintz

Children’s Christmas Program

Word has reached the office that Brian and Jenalee Moore are writing the Christmas program for the children again this year.

According to Jenalee, there is nothing on paper yet, it’s all in our head. As soon as they have the program on paper, you’ll read about it here in the newsletter.

Hanging of the Greens

Hanging of the greens will take place the last Saturday of the month so that everything is in place for our worship services on November 29. The start of the Advent Season.

Please check the bulletins as we get closer to that time and then come on down. We can use all the help we can get.

This is a fun time for young and old alike. We do need younger men to climb the ladders to reach the top of the tree and hang lights.

Mission Emphasis for November

Spotlight on Missions

We were going to have the Adopt a Family project for November, but they are not going to do it this year. Here is the letter we received:

Dear Hosts:

It is with great sadness that I write this letter to you. First, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your dedication to our Host a Family Program over the past 11 years. You have been such a inspiration to me and your families.

I wish I could talk with all of you in person but since that is just not possible, I find myself writing this letter. Host a Family will be taking a sabbatical this year from the Program. (Praying that you will find us again continuing the program in the future). With the sabbatical we will be looking to see how we can continue to do this program and what that will look like. Some might ask why we are not doing the program when the economy is so tough. That has made the decision even harder but one that has to be made.

Why no Host a Family for 2009?

My employer (Richland County) has been very generous in allowing some of my work time to include Host a Family. With staff reductions, it is not fair to other employees or the county that I continue to do this.

My entire family has supported me in doing this program in taking vacation time, time without pay and even working around the week in regards to Holiday events, etc. I am finding a need at this time in my life to spend a little more time with family and this will allow that to happen.

The time involved in organizing this has become overwhelming. I begin the process in October and spend on an average four nights a week either on the phone or computer. I am hoping that in re-looking at the program that we can reduce the time involved in organizing HAF.

Salvation Army Board has been extremely supportive of us doing the program but with only a few board members their ability to assist has been limited. Finding volunteers who are willing and able to help with the "before week" has been a struggle.

Sincerely,

Christy Duhr

So we are looking for other ways we might help needy families this Christmas. As soon as we decide we will let the church know.

Lowell & Claudia Wertz

(We received the following letter in September)

Dear Friends at Peace UMC,

It’s newsletter time and we want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your gift of $800 to Joy in the Harvest. We appreciate what your gift means to the Africans God has called us to serve.

Although we came home for Luke & Kara’s wedding, the work and ministry in Africa continues to go forward. Feeding the "street people", computer school classes, helping the poor, and building the ministry center are examples of God’s love.

Please keep us in your prayers as we soon leave for our return to Tanzania.

Blessings,

Lowell & Claudia

Luke & Kara’s Wedding

Remember in the October issue, we wrote about the Wertz wedding? In the article we mentioned Mwenge, who is Luke’s life-long friend, came to America just to stand up for Luke’s wedding. While in the United States, Mwenge went to Disney World for the day. His reaction? "The haunted house needs a cleaning."

More from the Wertz Newsletter: How Bonnie Came to Christ

Scott, a visitor from Illinois, was deeply touched by what he saw on his visit to Africa.

The poverty and need were overwhelming. But he got really excited about the ministries and help that Joy in the Harvest was providing to the Africans. It was a life changing experience for him to sit in on the Friday People program.

When Scott got home, he returned to the bar he use to frequent and shared his experiences with others. Many at the bar weren’t too interested. They would change the subject and make jokes. But one person, Bonnie, wanted to hear more. She was interested because she knew whatever happened to Scott was something big. She could tell that she wasn’t going to get the interesting details at the bar; when Scott said he was going to be telling about his trip at a church on Saturday night, she wanted to hear more.

When she got to the church, she was stunned to find out it was going to be a church service and not just a travel log speech. She REALLY DIDN’T want to go to a church service - it had been more than forty years. But Scott told her they were going to have free food afterward, and she would hear all about his trip. She very reluctantly agreed to go in.

That church service marked a new beginning for Bonnie. She found Jesus. She told the members of the Gungu UM Church in Kigoma, "God used your love to touch Scott and bring me to Jesus. I wanted to be baptized here, among you, whose love reached out from Africa, all the way to the bar in the USA, and brought me to Christ."

Fishing Kits

Over 400 fishing kits were put together by members and Sunday school kids at the Wheatland Salem UMC in Naperville, Illinois. These kits were distributed to children living on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.

Bobbers, hooks, fishing line, and sinkers were put into small zip lock bags. Also a Swahili gospel tract, "Jesus loves Fisheman" was included.

We traveled in our boat to the remote, northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The fishing kits were received with the greatest enthusiasm. One village was over 85% Muslim. It was a fun way to be "fishers of men" for the Lord.

A Day of Gratitude and Friendship

Most Americans, learning about Thanksgiving’s origin, hear or read about the destitute Pilgrims who suffered greatly during their first bitter winter in America. Many Pilgrims got sick, and half of them died.

What we don’t focus on enough is the fact that Native Americans took pity on the Pilgrims. They befriended the newcomers and gave them food. They taught them how to survive the vicious cold months.

Then, when the earth grew warm again, the Indians taught the Pilgrims how to grow various crops and how to store any surplus. It was primarily because of the natives’ friendship and helpfulness that the Pilgrims began to eke their way from disaster to fruitfulness.

It’s no wonder that when the Pilgrims had their first successful harvest, they invited their Indian neighbors to celebrate with them. The natives didn’t come empty-handed. They furnished venison, wild turkeys and probably vegetables from storage. It was more or less, a potluck affair. The Pilgrim leaders prayed gratefully at the occasion.

We can be confident that an unseen but not unexpected Guest was very much present that day.

The Beginning of Advent

November is the month of Thanksgiving, but it often also includes the beginning of the new church year. This year, November 29 is the first Sunday of Advent. The season of Advent is about Jesus, the Word, "coming". It’s about anticipating and preparing for Christ’s arrival.

God comes to us in many and various ways. He speaks to us through the prophets and saints. He comes and speaks to us when we are listening. He comes in the beauty and mysteries of nature. Most of all, God comes in the person of Christ, speaking to his listeners face to face.

Pastor Edmund Steimle put it this way: "The Christian story is a story of God coming into the middle of life, of our lives, opening the dialogue with us."

That’s what Advent is really all about: God visiting the earth in person to speak with anyone and everyone who is ready to do so.

The Mitten Tree

The Mitten Tree has become a tradition of the church and it’s that time of year again! The days are shorter and the nights are longer and getting colder. A good time for ladies to get out their balls of yarn, thread, and knitting needles or crochet hooks to work on articles for our Mitten Tree. These items include caps, mittens, gloves, scarves or socks.

If you want to knit or crochet any of the items for the Mitten Tree, there are boxes of all colors of yarn in the Friends Kitchen. Please just help yourselves.

If you’re like the church mouse and don’t have time to knit or crochet, you may also purchase the items along with underwear, socks or ear warmers. If you are buying some of these items for your children or grandchildren, please buy an extra pair or two for the Mitten Tree.

All items on the Mitten Tree by the first week of January, will go to the area grade schools for the children to use during the winter months.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

One Sunday after Church, a Mom asked her young daughter what the lesson was about.

The daughter answered, "Don’t be scared, you’ll get your quilt". Needless-to-say, the Mom was perplexed.

Later in the day, the Pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning’s Sunday school lesson was about.

He said, "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming".

You Are Invited!

"Whispering Pines - A Celebration of Service" will be held at the Whispering Pines Camp Dining Hall on Saturday, November 14, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The worship service will be sponsored by Circuit 2 and friends. The Rev. Steve Polster, Assistant to the Bishop, will share a sermon.

The camp will be open from noon to 3:00 p.m. for those who would like to take a stroll before or after the service. Gift Shop items will be available for a donation to the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund.

All are invited and we hope to see you at Camp!

Look What’s New In Our Church Library

Some very nice pre-owned books have been donated to our library. Please take the time to check them out on the new book shelves in the Harmony Room.

FICTION:

A Time to Dane and A Time to Embrace

by: Karen Kingsbury

The Story of the Other Wise Man

by: Henry Van Dyke

The Screwtape Letters / Mere Christianity /

Surprised by Joy

by: C. S. Lewis

SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul

by: Various authors

Heaven Is Real

by: Don Piper & Cecil Murphey

Stay Alive All Your Life

by: Norman Vincent Peale

The Secret Kingdom

by: Pat Robertson

True For You, But Not For Me

by: Paul Copan

CHRISTIAN FAMILY:

Daily Splashes of Joy

by: Barbara Johnson

Faith the Cow

by: Susan Bame Hoover

Beatrice’s Goat

by: Page McBrier

INSPIRATIONAL:

Live Like You Mean It

by: Kathy Troccoli

The Holy Spirit

by: Billy Graham

The Journey

by: Billy Graham

God’s Word for Today

by: O. Hallesby

DVD:

Facing the Giants

Parents, please make sure to check out the Children’s Library as well for books, VCR Videos, DVD’s and CD’s of your children’s favorite books or topics.

Scripture Readings for the Month of November

1^st: All Saints Day Scriptures

Isaiah 25:6-9

Revelations 21:1-6a

John 11:32-44

Ruth 1:1-18

Hebrews 9:11-14

Mark 12:28-34

8^th: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Hebrews 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

15^th: 1 Samuel 1:4-20

Hebrews 10:11-25

Mark 13:1-8

22^nd: 2 Samuel 23:1-7

Revelations 1:4b-8

John 18-33-37

29^th: First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

A Loss In Our Church Family

In Memory of Inez Welch

September 25, 1909 - October 17, 2009

Inez P. Welch, age 100, formerly of Richland Center, died at the Samaritan Center Society Nursing Home in Fennimore. She was born in Sylvan Township, the daughter of Volentine & Blance (Harsha) Koch.

Inez was united in marriage with Harold Welch on January 10, 1963 in Sylvan and he preceded her in death in November 1977.

Survivors include her stepchildren’s spouses: Max Miller of San Mateo, California; Evelyn Welch Johnsrud of Fennimore; Iola Welch of Rapid City, South Dakota; many step- grand and step great-grandchildren and many cousins.

Inez was best known for her steadfast faith, her love of the Bible and her church family. When Inez left Richland Center to live in Fennimore, she stopped by the office to make sure we wouldn’t cancel her membership here at Peace. This was her home church and this was where she wanted to remain.

Inez did return to Peace one last time and we were able to say goodbye to a wonderful lady.

Our sincere thanks to Evelyn Johnsrud and her husband for taking such good care of Inez during her last years and for keeping us informed on how Inez was doing.

Doubt VS Faith

Doubt sees the obstacles;

Faith sees the way!

Doubt sees the darkest night;

Faith sees the day!

Doubt dreads to take a step;

Faith soars on high!

Doubt questions, "Who believes?"

Faith answers, "I".

–Beltsville Presbyterian Church

Beltsville, MD

Thanksgiving Gratitude

G rateful In the beginning of gratitude we are appreciative for kindness and goodness received.

R esponsibility Gratitude when it has matured will always seek to become useful unto others.

A cceptance The ability to say "thanks" in all circumstances is an essential part of gratitude.

T rust Committing one’s entire future to God’s care is a bold expression of gratitude.

I nsight With insight we can look at every corner of life and recognize the gracious purposes of God.

T houghtfulness Thinking about the need and welfare of others may be the proof of authentic gratitude.

U nselfishness To be unselfish is both a root and a fruit of thoughtful gratitude.

D edication When gratitude reaches the peak of development, it is transformed into consecration.

E nthusiasm As Christians we let the world know that for us the offering of thanks is no drab chore.

–The Epworth UMC

Chickasha, OK

United Methodist Student Day

November 29

"Doors To Learning"

"Get wisdom - it’s worth more than money; choose insight over income every time." Proverbs 16:16, The Message

This Special Sunday had its beginnings in 1866, when a special fund provided for advanced education of Sunday-school children of candidates for the ministry and missionary service.

United Methodist Student Day awards Scholarships and Loans to People Across the United States - Maybe Even Someone You Know.

Like many things, college costs continue to rise. Thanks to United Methodist Student Day, people in our annual conference - perhaps even members of your family - have a chance to attain higher education. Students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities receive scholarships and loans. Participating annual conferences receive 50 percent of the offering for merit-scholarship awards of their choosing.

Gift of Hope Scholar Thanks United Methodists on Student Day.

"I love bringing a smile to someone’s day," says Todd Sega, a Gift of Hope scholar from Edinboro, Pa. That, plus a drive to ensure the best for the people he serves, will come in handy as this pharmacy student prepares for his career. He hopes to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University in 2011. Grateful for generous gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering, Todd thinks frequently about the importance of faith in this life. "When I left for school, thinking about my church family and the scholarship I received, I felt fully embraced and supported by The United Methodist Church. As a result, I am motivated to achieve my personal best."

There will be a special offering envelope in your bulletins on November 29 so you can give to this worthwhile scholarship program.

UMW Calendar at a Glance – November

06^th - 9:00 a.m. - Church Women United World Community Day at Boaz UMC

09^th - 9:15 a.m. - Thrift Shop Ruth Circle

10^th - 1:30 p.m. - Ruth Circle

19^th - 1:30 p.m. - Rebecca Circle World Thank Offering

Please remember to bring articles for those in the Armed Forces from our church.

25^th - 11:30 a.m. - PWEO - Place TBA

27^th - 9:15 a.m. - Thrift Shop Rebecca Circle

6^th - World Community Day at Boaz United Methodist Church. Five Points Lutheran Church has the program.

At the December General Meeting we are fixing Birthday Kits for Passages. Remember to bring things for the kits. We will also be voting on next year’s officers

Special Dates in November

1^st: All Saints’ Day

1^st: Daylight Saving Time ends

11^th: Veterans Day

22^nd: Christ The King Sunday

26^th: Thanksgiving Day

22^nd - 29^th: National Bible Week

29^th: First Sunday in Advent

Dear Peace Family,

Thank you to everyone for the cards I received.

I’ve had both eyes done but one isn’t responding like it should. I do appreciate the kind wishes you have sent to me. You are all very thoughtful.

Evelyn Gald

Dear Peace United Methodist Church,

Thank you for your generous donation of school supplies for our students. The gesture was greatly appreciated and the supplies will be put to good use.

Sincerely,

Ithaca School Staff

Dear Peace United Methodist Church,

Thank you so much for the book you gave me for graduation.

I’m sure it will an inspiration to me in my walk of faith, which is a tough time. Especially now in my life.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

God Bless!

Love,

Jordan Pierson

Dear Peace United Methodist Church,

I would like to thank all of you for the sympathy cards I received at the death of my father. Receiving the cards was wonderful and completely unexpected.

Your thoughtfulness really touched my heart in more ways than you will ever know.

God’s Blessings to each and everyone of you,

Pastor Chuck Hayes

Dear Friends at Peace UMC,

Thank you so much for your gift of $59.83 to Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers.

We thank God, as well, for your empathy and open-heartedness for seafarers, their families and for the homesickness while apart.

Blessings on your fall ministry at Peace. Cordially

Rev. Tom Anderson

Dear Peace UMC,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Richland Community Free Clinic, I would like to thank you for your generous donations of $100. You help has made it possible for us to provide needed primary care to those in our community that are in need.

Thanks again,

Karl F. Hirsbrunner, Treasurer

Dear Peace Family,

Our many, many, thanks to each and everyone of you for your prayers, concerns, hugs, words of encouragement and cards during the time of Melanie’s diagnosis of breast cancer. We thank our God every day that her prognosis is good. God certainly does answer our prayers.

We are so fortunate to have our Peace family to lean on in difficult and uncertain times. We love you all very much.

God Bless you,

Leonard & Connie Frye

Church Mouse

Come here little one. Come to papa. Well I’m not really your papa but I do want to see you. Come on. Climb on my finger. OUCH! Oh my little nose! Oh great! It’s becoming a big nose. Why did you have to sting me? I just wanted to play. I wasn’t going to hit you, spray you or step on you like everyone else does. I just wanted to play. There isn’t much else to do unless I want to go find the bats again. Geez, don’t go there! Luckily there hasn’t been any more in the office, but you can’t be too sure when one might come to visit.

You know who is busy getting things ready for the Church Conference in December. She also has the UMW ladies working on their book and has Beverly Harper and Carl Bethke getting the offering envelopes ready.

Oh, I was told to let everyone know the deadline for the next Peace To You is Monday, November 16, at noon. She mentioned something about taking an extra day off at Thanksgiving. Maybe invite me home so that Little Grey and Mildred have someone to play with. I don’t think so. I don’t want to be their Thanksgiving dinner. Nope, no way. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving!