Church Newsletter - January 2012

We publish "The Messenger," a church newsletter that is sent to all members each month except August. It includes information about current happenings in the church, general articles of interest from around the Conference and elsewhere, a calendar of events, a volunteer schedule for the month, and a page dedicated to keeping everyone updated on our church family.

The following is the current issue. (Please maximize your screen for best reading.)

THE MESSENGER

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHATHAM Nancy G. Bischoff, Pastor

Volume 16, Issue 1 January 2012

FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

WHAT IS "AULD LANG SYNE?"

The title of this familiar song, written by Robert Burns, and traditionally sung at midnight on New Years Eve/Day, can be translated several ways from the old Scot's title. Literally, it can be translated into English as "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long, long ago" or, "days gone by" or simply, "old times." Consequently, "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, is loosely translated as "for the sake of old times."

The song begins by posing a rhetorical question as to whether it is right that old times be forgotten, and is generally interpreted as a call to remember long-standing friendships. When we sing this song, we usually include only the first verse and the chorus. Few people have ever gone beyond that, but here is the complete song as originally written by Burns.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and days of auld lang syne?

CHORUS

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!

and surely I'll buy mine!

And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine;

but we've wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine;

but seas between us broad have roared,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And here's a hand my trusty friend!

And give us a hand o' thine!

And we'll take a right good-will draught'

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Quite apart from the drinking imagery, there are some wonderful sentiments here that are worthy of our consideration as we look back on the year come to a close and look to the new year ahead, one that is filled with hope and promise but also uncertainty.

This often misunderstood song reminds us that in life, relationships are what really matter. Just as we celebrated at Christmas God's desire to enter into a deeply personal and intimate relationship with us through the Incarnation, so too, at the dawn of a new year, we need to make relationships our greatest priority in the year ahead, our relationship with God, our relationship with our family including our church family, and with our friends.

In response to Burns' rhetorical question in the first lines of this song, we can offer a hearty "Nay!" Old acquaintances should NOT be forgot! And days "long gone by" should not be forgot because we are who we are today because of those circumstances and those experiences from our past.

But the New Year ahead challenges us to move forward both in our relationships and in our experiences, being formed by the past but not tied to the past. And the New Year ahead also offers us the opportunity to tend to some of our relationships that may have suffered for the sake of "auld lang syne" and need attention.

I hope that you'll be with us in worship on Sunday, January 1, 2012 when we will gather as a community to renew our hope and commitment to being God's people in the year ahead and responding faithfully to God's past goodness, present grace, and future promise.

There is more information about this coming service later in the newsletter.

I look forward to greeting you with a hearty "Happy New Year" on Sunday morning.

Grace and Peace,

Nancy

RINGING IN THE "NEW YEAR" TOGETHER

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Please plan to join us for a wonderful, interactive worship service on New Year's day.

Here are some of the things you can expect:

Observance of both New Year's and Epiphany

Celebration of The Lord's Supper (we will gather as a community in the Chancel and

also at the railing for those who prefer)

Lightening the load - please bring with you a SMALL suitcase/duffle/overnight bag,

backpack, cloth shopping bag or book bag.

Chalking the Doors Liturgy - Asking God's blessing and presence on the church in

the New Year and on all those who enter; we'll prepare you to do the same in your own home.

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR 2012

Those of you who attended the annual Charge/Church Conference on December 3 will remember that we talked with the District Superintendent about simplifying the church's administrative organization in the year ahead to free people up to "do ministry" rather than just talk about doing ministry. In that spirit, our administrative groups (Church Council, Trustees, Finance, and Staff-Parish relations) will begin meeting quarterly rather than monthly for their business meetings. If there are emerging needs, any of these groups may choose to schedule additional meetings as required.

You will also remember that there were several positions left open on our Lay Leadership Team and I'd like to share those here with a sincere invitation to anyone interested in filling one of these positions, given with the "lightened" meeting load, to speak with me:

Chair of Saff-Parish Relations

Board of Trustees (would like one additional peron on the board).

Worship (The Pastor is chairing this group which already includes several people. We're looking for a person from the congregation. who attend worship regularly, and is not serving on another committee/group in the church).

And, we continue to pray for someone to cross-train with Art Clough as a backup to all the financial expertise he possesses. This is one of our most critical needs this year, and it does require a good foundation in computer use. Please, if you would consider joining our Finance Team in this role, speak with Art Clough.

Pastor Nancy