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December 30, 2021
Sunday Schedule:
 
8:30 am      Premiere of Woodlawn Without Walls Online Service on Facebook and
                   YouTube
9:00 am      Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
10:00 am    Adult Sunday School classes 
                   Victory Class - Parlor
                   CATS - 12E
                   Spiritual Quest - on Zoom
10:00 am    Contemporary Worship in the Worship Center
10:15 am    Children's Church
 
The church office is closed Dec 27-31 and Jan 3

Woodlawn Office Hours: Beginning Jan 4, 2022
Note: new office hours for 2022
9AM - Noon & 1 - 4PM Mon – Thurs
9AM - Noon  Fridays
  Phone (316) 788-1507 or email main@woodlawnumc.net

Covid Precautions: Please protect yourselves and others with vaccinations and masking.
Continue to practice social distancing and hand sanitizing.
Masks are strongly encouraged regardless of vaccine status
Woodlawn's Weekly Worship is available online on our Facebook Page
(click HERE), our website (click HERE), and YouTube (click HERE).
Happy Epiphany! (Almost)
Epiphany is January 6th--- 12 days after Christmas. Many of us were introduced to Epiphany through the familiar silhouetted-image of Three Wise Men bearing gifts as they followed the Great Star by night. Did they sing “We Three Kings” while they traveled? Oh, probably not. Ok, most certainly they didn’t. But the imagery of the “Kings” coming to honor the child is one that has stuck. In some cultures, Epiphany is even known as the Day of the Kings (Dia de los Reyes).
But Epiphany really isn’t all about the “Wise Men” or “3 Kings” who traveled to honor Jesus. Epiphany means appearance or manifestation. Think of shouting-- eureka or aha! It’s like a light bulb moment, or being able to see something that was once hidden from view. That is Epiphany.
Epiphany is a day, but it is also the start of a season. A season that carries us all the way from now until Lent. This season is one where we remember and celebrate the many ways that people have come to understand who Jesus was and is. We celebrate the “Aha!” moments! When Christ has been revealed to us. And this Sunday, for us, that starts with the Magi, who followed a star to see about a Jewish boy born in a manger…. The Savior of the World.
 
Hope you will join us!
Pastor Lori

Lori Patton Aguilar
Associate Pastor
 
 
Reflections for a New Year
Reflecting on what you took from 2021 is the best way you can prepare to make next year even better.
Whether you are planning on one-upping what was a brilliant year or turning a not-so-great-year into something more manageable...
To help reflect on your year that was, I have used this resource since the beginning of seminary that has helped me peer into the mirror or the previous year.

“Tending the garden of life”
Take some time on your own to contemplate your life with these three prompts:
  1. Flowers (what did you love)
  2. Weeds (what would you leave out)
  3. Fertilizer (what could you add or improve)
I have grown to love the art of reflection. During this time of the year, it is always a great time to reflect on our lives over the last year. Many people will jump right ahead to New Year’s goals and resolutions and will miss this important opportunity to reflect upon their lives over the past twelve months.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul identifies what he calls the fruit of the spirit. These are nine virtues that are signs of spiritual depth and maturity: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It seems true that those who have a strong faith and a healthy spiritual life are constantly working to cultivate these virtues in the way that they live and interact with others. Maybe your end of the year reflection could look like this?

LOVE – Did I love others well this year, starting with my own family? Was it evident in my words and actions? Did I love and respect myself?
JOY – Did I experience moments of joy that went beyond simply being happy? Was I able to live in the present?
PEACE – Did I find inner peace in my own heart or did I live with ongoing tension and resentment from the past? Did I seek to make peace among family and friends? Was I able to let certain things go?
PATIENCE – Was I patient with difficult people and in difficult situations, or did anger, frustration, and restlessness take over?
KINDNESS – Was I kind in my words and actions, and did I speak kindly of other people? When others were unkind to me, how did I respond?
GENEROSITY – What percentage of my income did I give away to help others? Where did I volunteer?
FAITHFULNESS – Was I faithful in my spiritual life? Did I cultivate spiritual disciplines to nurture my soul?
GENTLENESS – Was I gentle in sensitive situations? Did I show compassion to those who are hurting?
SELF-CONTROL – Did I manage myself well? Did I eat and drink too much? Did I get enough sleep? Did I choose my words carefully? Was self-care a priority?

As we look ahead to 2022, perhaps our goals and priorities should go beyond the typical New Year’s Resolution. May we strive to do the challenging reflection and inner work that develops character and that leads us to a healthier state of heart and mind.

Caitlin Ott
Interim Children's Director
Help Wanted: Administrative Assistant
As Lois DeWitt begins her transition to retirement in the early part of next year, Woodlawn is looking for a part-time administrative assistant to work approximately 20 hours per week. The position requires knowledge of word processing, mailings, and general office responsibilities. Preference will be given to those who are part of the Woodlawn congregation. Applications are available in the church office, or one may send their resume and letter indicating their interest in the position to Rev. Lance Carrithers by email to LanceC@WoodlawnUMC.net 
Communications Specialist Hired
A familiar face begins work as Woodlawn’s communications specialist. John Patton Aguilar, husband of Pastor Lori and father to little Danny, began training this week for duties as our communications specialist. He will oversee our website, our social media, newsletters and other communications.  John is about to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.  We are excited to welcome John to our staff and are excited about the talents he brings to the position.
DIRECTORY
Rev. Lance Carrithers   316-347-5506  LanceC@Woodlawnumc.net (on medical leave)
Rev. Lori Patton Aguilar   785-338-1944 Lorip@woodlawnumc.net 
Lois DeWitt   316-788-1507 ext. 0  Main@Woodlawnumc.net
Rachel Getchell   316-253-5678  RachelG@Woodlawnumc.net
Bryce Fuhrmann   317-850-4414 *note area code  BryceF@Woodlawnumc.net
Caitlin Ott   316-258-5536   CaitlinO@Woodlawnumc.net
Moment for Mission

The Lord’s Diner
 

The Lord’s Diner operation was established to combat hunger in the Wichita community. Every evening, The Lord’s Diner serves a warm nutritious meal with dignity and respect to anyone who is hungry. Their website, “thelordsdiner.org,” reports that there are about 6000 volunteers and approximately 6 million meals that have been served. 

Many churches and businesses have contributed money, food, and volunteers during the Diner’s 19-year history, and during December, there is a drive for warm clothing items such as hats, gloves, coats and socks.  Meals are served at two facilities in Wichita and also by three trucks in different neighborhoods in Wichita.  Your donation will help purchase food, pay for building maintenance and truck maintenance, upgrade commercial kitchen equipment and food storage facilities, as needed, and will be deeply appreciated.

There are also opportunities to volunteer with food preparation (midday), serving food (early evening), and with driving food trucks to locations to handout boxed meals (early evening).  Contact information is available on their website thelordsdiner.org.
 
Giving remains critical to our church’s mission and ministry. You may mail contributions to the church at 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd. Derby, KS  67037 or
go to www.woodlawnumc.net and click the “Giving” link to give online.

MISSION TOTALS
                                                        Youth for Christ   $280
                                                    Operation Holiday   $1,175
                                                  The Foster Initiative  $1,975
                                                       Funeral Dinners   $460
                                               Overseas Care Pkgs.   $230
                                                              Grace Med    $155
                                                      UM Student Day   $175
Weekly announcements can now also be found on our website at https://www.woodlawnumc.net/news/.


I pray this note finds you having a rich and blessed Christmas filled with the love of God expressed in the gift of His Son.
As we approach the end of 2021, I invite you each to prayerfully consider a special Christmas or end-of-the-year gift to Woodlawn UMC.  Your offering will help the church meet all of its obligations and perhaps carry funds into the new year.  Though expenses have returned to normal with the reopening of the church last February, our giving has largely been insufficient to cover our expenses. If you are traveling or cannot worship with us in person, you are welcome to mail your offering to the church at any time. 
 
I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year.
Year-End Giving
 
IMPORTANT: The church office will be closed the entire last week of December from the 27th - 31st so please plan accordingly for year-end gifts. 
  • Mailed contributions must be postmarked on or before Friday, Dec. 31.
  • We have been advised that electronic bank transfers must be made prior to 3:00pm on Dec. 29, 2021.
  • Credit card donations must be made before 11:59pm on Dec. 31, 2021.
Office & Holiday Information

The church mailing address is:
431 S. Woodlawn Blvd
Derby, KS 67037-1341

Website Giving link: Click HERE

Dates office closed for the holiday
December 27-31 (Christmas holiday and staff vacations)
January 3 - New Year's holiday
 
New Office Hours begin Jan 4, 2022
Beginning Jan 4, 2022, the office will be open 30 hours per week. The new hours will be:
                                                    9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm M-Th
                                                    9am - 12pm Fri
 
Help Required on Screens for Contemporary Worship
We need volunteers to be on rotation for screens for the contemporary worship service on Sundays. Volunteers serve once a month. The position sits in the tech booth behind the computer and follows an order of worship/script that is provided. Training will be provided. 
 
Coffee Fellowship Time Sunday Mornings
8:45am - 10:00am (foyer kitchen window)
Join us for coffee and cookies
Cookies Donations Welcome
The Hospitality Team welcomes donations of cookies for our Sunday morning coffee window. Cookie donations should be labeled for Coffee Window and can be dropped off in the church kitchen anytime during the week. Thanks so much!
There will be no WOW activities Dec. 29.
WOW will resume Jan. 5, 2022
Jack & Jill Preschool Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year
 
Jack & Jill Preschool will begin enrolling for the September 2022 - May 2023 school year on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.  The 2022-2023 school year starts on September 6, 2022. January 4 – 31, 2022 is open enrollment for Woodlawn UMC members and current students/and or siblings of current students. We will open enrollment to the public on February 1. Enrollment paperwork can be found at www.jackandjillderby.com. A completed enrollment form with payment of the enrollment fee ($75 cash or check) will hold your child’s spot for the 2022-2023 school year.  You may drop off your completed enrollment form and fee (cash or check to Jack & Jill Preschool) at the preschool or WUMC office. The Jack & Jill office is open 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. For questions or more information, please call 788-3797 or email Karen Riggins at krigginspreschool@gmail.com
ITEMS THE FOOD PANTRY CAN USE: 
syrup, applesauce, Manwich, canned chili, canned fruit, boxed potatoes,
laundry soap, dish soap
 
For more information about the Derby Food Pantry, visit their new website at www.derbyfoodpantry.com.
Woodlawn Thrift Shop
Open Thursday - Saturday
9am - 2pm
103 N. Baltimore
For the safety of you and others, we highly recommend wearing masks at this time. We continue to sanitize work areas and the front desk as well as door knobs after each shift.
Woodlawn’s Reopening Metric

Update From Woodlawn’s Reopening Team
 
The reopening team wants Woodlawn to know that Covid numbers are up.  Hospitals in Sedgwick County are back to Critical, after staying in the Caution range for the last six weeks.  The positivity rate was at 5% four weeks ago, and it is currently above 9%.

As a result, it is time to exercise additional precautions.  As we enter the Christmas season, please consider masking and keeping your vaccine status up to date.
 

 

Current Stage: Yellow

For more information on Woodlawn's reopening plan, visit our website by clicking this link:  https://www.woodlawnumc.net/resources-faqs/reopening-criteria-plan/
This Week at Woodlawn
Monday - Friday Dec. 27-31
    Office Closed
Saturday - New Year's Day
Sunday - Jan 2
Woodlawn Worship Services
   9:00a  Sanctuary
  10:00a  Gathering
Monday - Jan 3, 2022
Church office closed for New Year holiday
Tuesday - Jan 4, 2022
    9:00a   New office hours begin
Wednesday 
  1:00p    Al-Anon
  6:00p    MS Youth Group
  6:00p    WOW
  7:00p   Chancel Choir
  8:00p   Praise Team
Like us on Facebook
Visit our Website
Shoot us an Email
YouTube
 Giving for December 24 & 26 will be posted in the Jan. 6 newsletter 
General: 
Capital:  

Last Month (November)
General Giving:       $44, 063
Other Misc Income: $1,235
General Expenses:  $52,919
              Shortage:  - $7,622
Capital Giving:          $5,730

YTD through November
General Donations:   $507,041
Cares Loan Funds:    $97,215
Other Misc Income:   $15,170
General Expenses:    $590,723
                 Surplus:     $28,703
Capital Giving:           $72,866
 
Note: Other Misc Income includes funds from 2019 Carryover, Bank Interest, Building use and Endowment Dividends.
Without the funds from the
CARES Loan our
YTD General Fund Balance
  would be -$68,512
 
Move A Mountain
Income YTD through Nov.: $209,617
November Mortgage Payment: $11,095
Loan Balance as of Nov. 30, 2021: $674,580

Attendance for Christmas Eve and December 26 will be posted in the Jan 6 newsletter
A  New Year's Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for being with each of us that we can begin a New Year together. Help us to be disciples of Jesus and let our hearts care, our hands reach out to those in need, let our feet carry your message to those that need to hear it. Be with us in thought and deed, that always, Jesus' light shines through us bringing hope, peace, joy and love to those we engage with. Help us to strengthen our relationships. Open our hearts and minds to your guidance, your love and your wisdom that by listening we can be more like Jesus in our actions. In your name we pray, Amen.

If you, or someone you know, has a joy, a concern, or just needs prayers, send to main@woodlawnumc.net or call the church office at 788-1507.
Copyright © 2016 Woodlawn United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
431 S Woodlawn Blvd, Derby, KS 67037
(316) 788-1507

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Woodlawn United Methodist Church · 431 S Woodlawn · Derby, KS 67037 · USA

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