This document provides a summary of the weekly newsletter from the Woodinville Community United Methodist Church (WCUMC) for January 3, 2016. It discusses the Epiphany Sunday sermon focusing on the story of the Magi from the Bible and their response to Jesus. It also announces upcoming church events, such as children's ministry and Prime Timers meetings. Financial updates on the church's general and faith promise funds are included.

1. Weekly News from WCUMC-
1/03/2015
"Seeking Him... Today and Forever ”
Epiphany Sunday
January 3, 2016
Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during
the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2
They
asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We've seen his star in
the east, and we've come to honor him." 3
When King Herod heard
this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with
him. 4
He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and
asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5
They said, "In
Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: 6
You,
Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the
rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who
will shepherd my people Israel."
7
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them
the time when the star had first appeared. 8
He sent them to
Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the child. When
you've found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him."

2. 9
When they heard the king, they went; and look, the
star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over
the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were
filled with joy. 11
They entered the house and saw the child with Mary
his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they
opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. 12
Because they were warned in a dream not
to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another
route.
Epiphany means “manifestation.”
It refers particularly to the manifestation (or the demonstration) of
God in Jesus Christ.
The story of the Magi shows the amazing, unconditional love that God
has for all people --- Jews and Gentiles --- believers and non-
believers.
Matthew 2 shows us three responses to Christ coming into our world:
1. King Herod’s response -- jealousy, self-centeredness, fear, and
hatred.
2. The chief priests and legal experts -- chose to ignore the
coming of Christ into their lives.
3. The Magi’s response -- joy, praise, worship, and trust.
How have YOU responded to Jesus coming into our world?
Are you seeking Him daily?
___________________________________________________
Questions for Personal or Group Reflection:
1. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem?
2. The Magi were Gentile, pagan astrologers. Why would they leave
to follow the star?
3. How is the Magi’s response to Jesus similar to Christians’ response
to Jesus today? Is it different? How?
4. In your own faith journey, how are you (or have you been) like the
Magi?
5. Have you had to “leave” anything to follow and live for Jesus?
6. What is the significance of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that
the Magi brought to the infant Christ?
7. What is the “gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ in your own life?
8. How have you offered this to Jesus?
Next week’s Message: “The Baptized Life” – Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Pastor Rick Vinther preaching

3. THIS WEEK AT WCUMC
Sunday - 1/03
 Children's Church, 9:00 AM
 Adult Sunday School, 9:00 AM
 Worship Service, 10:30 AM
 Reception for DeAnna Ankrum, 12:00 PM
Monday - 1/04
Tuesday - 1/05
 Women's Bible Fellowship, 9:00 AM, Gathering Place
 Men's Bible Study, 9:45 AM, Room 10
 Sewing Group, 6:00 PM. Memorial Room
Wednesday - 1/06
 Women's Bible Study, 9:15 AM. Memorial Room
 Crossfire Youth Group, 6:00 PM, Crossfire Room
 Choir Practice, 7:15 PM, Sanctuary
Thursday - 1/07
 Outdoor Adventures Planning Meeting, 7:00 PM, Room 11
Friday - 1/08
 Prime Timers Dinner, 6:00 PM, Celebration Hall
Saturday - 1/09
Sunday - 1/10
 Children's Church, 9:00 AM
 Open Door Class - New Study, Multiply by Francis Chan
 "Following God" Book of Daniel, 9:00 AM. Memorial Room
 Book Club, 9:00 AM, Room 9
 10:30 AM - Worship Service

4. Urgent Children’s Ministry Meeting
January 10 after worship!
All willing to serve the Lord in this Ministry are welcome! Lunch & Childcare available.
Prime Timers Dinner
This Friday, January 8
6:00 PM
Celebrating Epiphany Through Singing & Testimony
Led by Lynette & Brad Maynard
Potluck Sign-up Sheet in Foyer,
You're Invited
Open Door Class
New Study Begins January 10
Study books are $10. Contact Don Morgan for details and to reserve a
book. dsmorg2@comcast.net

5. Great Wolf Lodge Retreat
January 29-31
Help with Scholarships for Kids! Some kids might need your support! If
you can donate a bit to the church for scholarships for youth kids to
go to this retreat, write your check to WCUMC and put “scholarship
Great Wolf Lodge” on the memo. Thank you!
For more details, talk to Karli or email her at
karli.kaelynn@gmail.com.
PRIORITY NEEDS FOR DECEMBER ARE CANNED FRUITS.
We are looking for a person or team to shop 1 time per month for
produce, and persons or teams to wrap donated bread 1 or 2 times
per month form 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM on Saturday mornings. Contact
Della Haug (206-999-1753) or dellahaug@hotmail.com. Thank you
Financial Update

6. November, 2015
GENERAL FUND
Monthly Cash Flow
Beginning Cash Balance 11/1/15 $ 34,727
November Cash Receipts $ 45,011
Less Tithe on Income ($ 4,349)
Less August Operating Expenses ($ 41,002)
GF Cash Balance 11/30/15 $ 34,387
FAITH PROMISE
Total Faith Promises Pledged, 2014-15 $ 91,845
Faith Promises Beginning Balance 11/1/14 $ 10,646
Received, 11/1/14 - 11/30/15 $ 94,283
Disbursed, 11/1/14 - 11/30/15 ($ 93,839)
Faith Promise Ending Balance 11/30/15 $ 10,993
Want to give online?
Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking
or savings account, or processed using your credit or debit card.
Simply follow these easy steps:
1. Go to www.wcumc.org
2. Click on the GIVE NOW button that appears on the top right of
the Home Page.
3. Click on the CREATE PROFILE button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an online profile
and to schedule your recurring contributions to the church.
Prayer Chain Requests
Prayer Chain requests may be called to Barbara Clark at 425-483-
3885 or the church at 425-483-5252 during office hours.
We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.
Have a great week!
This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our
members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love
of Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church
home with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend
our Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave
NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.