The United Church of Los Alamos
 
 
 

United Chimes:  Vol. 41, No. 2, February 2005

Table of Contents
Mexico Mission Trip 2005
Please Take Note
For Our Children & Youth
Children’s Worship
Vacation Bible School
KAC Skating Party
Help Wanted!
Down and Dirty Donut Olympics
Sonlight Christian Camp
Church News and Announcements
February Sunday Worship Themes
Church Attendance
Special Opportunity!
Moms and More
Coffee Hosts for February
Reminders!
Chimes Newsletter Deadline
Stovall Family-United Church Scholarship Fund
Highlights Refrigerator Calendar
Valentine’s Day Tea
Historic Church Excursion
Member of the Month
Prayers, Praises, Thanks and More
Prayer Concerns
Sympathy
Prayer Letter
Congratulations
Grants New Email Address
Thank You for the Sanctuary Flowers
Chimes Newsletter
Table Talk from Don
 
 

It’s that time of year again! Our Mexico Mission Trip Auction is set for March 20th and we are now collecting “auctionable” items. Got good stuff you no longer need that’s just taking up space?! We will happily take it off your hands. You know that rowing machine that hurts your back? Or that set of dishes in good condition you replaced last year? Or that great looking leather vest that shrunk in the closet? You may drop your items off at the church office, but please be sure to do so when someone is there to receive it - such as after the 9:30 service on Sundays or when the office is open during the week. Or, if necessary, call the church office at 662-2971 to request a pick-up. We are also accepting cash donations. Your donation may be used as a tax deduction. But best of all, the money raised will buy materials for houses our local teens will build for poor families in Mexico. Last April the kids built their 100th house! Then, be sure to attend the auction. Maybe you’ll find a green vase that matches perfectly with your sofa. Or a telescope your12-year old has been asking for. Or a new belt sander to file those sharp edges. Or a massage for that sore back you mentioned.  How about an older car for that new driver in the family?  Deadline for auction items is March 6th.

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Please Take Note
The next CHIMES  deadline is Sunday, February 20th at 12:00 noon for  the March/Easter 2005 issue. Articles may be sent via email to:  UCChimes@hotmail.com (note new email address) or put in the CHIMES Editor’s mail box in the Church Annex (room just outside the Church Office).

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February 13th The Great Pearl

February 20th Lenten Puzzle

February 27th Jesus and the Children

Children’s Worship meets during the second half of the 9:30 worship service.  Storytellers and greeters are needed. Sign up on the door to Jean’s office or call Leslie Wallstrom.

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Vacation Bible School
It’s never too early to plan for Vacation Bible School.  There will be a planning meeting for Vacation Bible School on Wednesday, February 9th at 12:30 noon in Graves Hall.  All adults interested in helping with VBS should attend.  VBS will be held this year June 20-24.  Get in on the ground floor and help choose times, format and curriculum.  Questions? Contact Jean Picard, 662-2971.

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KAC Skating Party
All 3rd through 6th graders are invited to a skating party at the Los Alamos Ice Rink from noon to 3 pm on SundayFebruary 6th.  We’ll eat pizza at the church and play games from noon until 1pm and then head over to the Ice Rink.  The cost is $6.  $1 for Pizza, $2.50 participation fee at the rink and $2.50 to rent skates.  If you have a rink pass or your own skates bring them and your fee will be less.  Please call the church 662-2971 by Friday, February 4th to reserve a spot.  Parents are needed to drive to the rink or to skate.  Contact Beth Dermer, if you can help.

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Help Wanted!
Have you got a heavy duty sewing machine?  The 5th/6th grade Sunday School class needs someone who can sew a few seams on large 12 oz canvas cloths.  If you can help us out, please contact Pat Slentz.

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Down and Dirty Donut Olympics
7th and 8th Graders come and try your skill at the Donut Olympics.

When:  Thursday, February 17, 2005
Time:  7:00 -  8:00 p.m.
Where:  Graves Hall, United Church
Wear:  Clothes that can’t be ruined from all the food fun
Prizes:  Of course Gold, Silver, Bronze, and for bringing a friend or better yet, friends!

Also, mark your calendar for the movie and pizza party coming on
March 10th, 2005. 

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

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Sonlight Christian Camp
Information on Sonlight Christian Camp is available online and in the church office.  Camps are offered for age groups 3rd-12th grades.  Camps fill up quickly so get your registration in NOW!

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Church Attendance
 

Date	8:00 Service	9:30 Service
November 28th	24	152
December5th	28	237
December12th	22	235
December 19th	22	228
December 26th	20	107
January 2nd	19	185
January 9th	9	162
January 16th	32	184

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Special Opportunity!

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Moms and More
Moms and More is a group of Moms who meet every Friday morning in the Church Lounge from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for fellowship, food, to learn from speakers, to do occasional service projects for the church, and to support one another. On February 4th, we will be preparing for the Valentine’s Day Tea to be served to all the Ladies of the Church.  The Valentine's Day Tea will be held Friday February 11th at 10:00 AM in Graves Hall, so mark your calendars. On February 11th, the Mom’s would like to cordially invite all the Ladies of the Church to a Valentine’s Day Tea. Tea and Crumpets (or something similar) will be served at 10:00 AM in Graves Hall. So please plan to attend and enjoy the morning with us. On February 18th, we will be indulging in a Moms Day Out, where child care will be provide while Moms may choose their own activity for the next couple of hours, be it grocery shopping alone, a workout, a hike, shopping, manicure, hair appointment or a spontaneous get-to-gather with some other Moms at Starbucks; the time is yours. On February 25th, we will be getting out and doing something. We will meet at the church to drop children off. All are welcome, even if your children don’t need the child care provided. Come join us.

Childcare is always provided during Moms & More, and a $2.00 per child contribution is greatly appreciated.

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Coffee Hosts for February

February 6th:  Bob Weeks and Janet Clayton

February 13th: 

February 20th: 

February 27th:  Gerry and Georgia Strickfaden

If anyone would like to be our coffee host in February, please call Nancy Johnson.

If you get to the church by 9:00, that should be time enough to have the coffee ready by 10:30.  Please let Mardel know if you run out of things.  Be sure to give the Elders room for preparing the trays for communion on those Sundays.  Many thanks!  Irene Powell

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Reminders!

Liturgists for February

January 6th  Mary Brooks
January 13th Nona Bowman
January 20th Lorna Cooper
January 27th Paul Mutschlechner

Greeters for February:  Ann Wadstrom, Phil & Barbara Seeger, Henry Stam, Kyle Mooday, Lily & Michael Wang.

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Chimes Newsletter Deadline

March/Easter 2005 deadline is Sunday, February 20th, 2005 12:00 Noon

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Stovall Family-United Church Scholarship Fund
The Stovall Family-United Church Scholarship Fund Plans to award a tuition scholarship of $1,000 to a member of the United Church in the fall of 2005.  Applicants must be of high moral character who are or will be pursuing a post secondary academic degree in any branch of science or mathematics at an accredited college or university. These scholarships are administered by the Stovall Family and The United Church of Los Alamos. Applications will be available in the church office. ALL papers pertaining to the scholarship must be returned to the Church Office by 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 17, 2005.

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Highlights Refrigerator Calendar
 

January 26	8:30 am	THRIFT SHOP OPEN (until 12:30 pm)
January 27	11:30 am  4:15 pm	BROWN BAG LUNCH, Lounge JUNIOR CHOIR, Chapel
January 30	8 & 9:30 am  9:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am  11:00 am 4:30 pm 7:00 pm	WORSHIP SERVICE CHURCH LIBRARY OPEN CHILDCARE PROVIDED COFFEE FELLOWSHIP, Graves Hall ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING/SOUPER BOWL PRAISE CHOIR, Sanctuary TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8
February 1	10:30 am 12:00 pm 6:00 pm	STAFF MEETING, Lounge TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD, Lounge
February 2	8:30 am	THRIFT SHOP OPEN (until 12:30 pm)
February 3	11:30 am 12:00 Noon  4:15 pm	BROWN BAG LUNCH, Lounge PRE-MEETING FOR TRUSTEES, Library JUNIOR CHOIR, Chapel
February 4	6:45 am	MEN’S FELLOWSHIP, Lounge
February 6	8 & 9:30 am  9:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 Noon  12:00 Noon 4:30 pm 7:00 pm	WORSHIP SERVICES, Chapel and Sanctuary CHURCH LIBRARY OPEN CHILDCARE PROVIDED COFFEE FELLOWSHIP JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP, Graves Hall SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES DISCIPLESHIP CLASS BEGINS, Room 315 KAC SKATING PARTY - 12 Noon to 3:00 pm PRAISE CHOIR, Sanctuary TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8
February 8	10:30 am 12:00 pm	STAFF MEETING, Lounge TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8
February 9	8:30 am 12:30 pm	ASH WEDNESDAY THRIFT SHOP OPEN (open until 12:30 pm VBS PLANNING MEETING
February 10	11:30 am 4:15 pm 7:00 pm	BROWN BAG LUNCH, Lounge JUNIOR CHOIR, Chapel TRUSTEES MEETING, Library
February 11	6:45 am 10:00 am	MEN’S FELLOWSHIP, Lounge VALENTINE DAY TEA, Graves Hall
February 13	8 & 9:30 am 9:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 Noon 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm	WORSHIP SERVICES, Chapel and Sanctuary CHURCH LIBRARY OPEN CHILDCARE PROVIDED COFFEE FELLOWSHIP JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP, Graves Hall SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES DISCIPLESHIP CLASS BEGINS, Graves Hall NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION, Lounge PRAISE CHOIR, Sanctuary MEXICO MISSION MEETING, Graves Hall TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8
February 14	7:00 pm 7:00 pm	MEMBERSHIP EVANGELISM BOARD, Lounge CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER, Chapel
February 15	10:30 am 12:00 pm 4:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm	STAFF MEETING, Lounge TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8 PERSONNEL BOARD, Library ELDERS BOARD, Lounge FINANCE BOARD, Library MISSION BOARD, Room 115
February 16	8:30 am	THRIFT SHOP OPEN (until 12:30 pm)
February 17	11:30 am 4:15 pm 7:00 - 8:00	BROWN BAG LUNCH, Lounge JUNIOR CHOIR, Chapel MID-HIGH YOUTH GROUP, Graves Hall
February 18	6:45 am	MEN’S FELLOWSHIP, Lounge
February 20	8 & 9:30 am  9:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 Noon  12:00 Noon  3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm	WORSHIP SERVICES, Chapel and Sanctuary CHURCH LIBRARY OPEN CHILDCARE PROVIDED COFFEE FELLOWSHIP JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP, Graves Hall SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES CHIMES NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE DISCIPLESHIP CLASS BEGINS, Graves Hall NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION, Lounge PRAISE CHOIR, Sanctuary MEXICO MISSION MEETING, Graves Hall TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8
February 21	9:00 am	CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED – PRESIDENT’S DAY VAN TRIP TO HOLY CROSS CHURCH AND PUEBLO OF SANTA CRUZ
February 22	10:30 am 12:00 pm 7:30 pm	STAFF MEETING, Lounge TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD, Lounge
February 23	8:30 am	THRIFT SHOP OPEN (until 12:30 pm)
February 24	11:30 am 4:15 pm	BROWN BAG LUNCH, Lounge JUNIOR CHOIR, Chapel
February 25	6:45 am	MEN’S FELLOWSHIP, Lounge
February 27	8 & 9:30 am  8:00 am 9:00 am 10:30 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 Noon  4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm	WORSHIP SERVICES, Chapel and Sanctuary NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST, Graves Hall CHURCH LIBRARY OPEN COFFEE FELLOWSHIP JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP, Graves Hall SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES DISCIPLESHIP CLASS, Graves Hall PRAISE CHOIR, Sanctuary MEXICO MISSION MEETING, Graves Hall TAPED WORSHIP ON PAC 8

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Valentine’s Day Tea
On Friday, February 11th, the Mom’s would like to cordially invite all the Ladies of the Church to a Valentine’s Day Tea.  Tea and Crumpets (or something similar) will be served at 10:00 AM in Graves Hall.  So please plan to attend and enjoy the morning with us.

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Historic Church Excursion
Church excursion for all ages, coming up on President’s Day, Feb. 21.  Last year we started a series of day excursions to some of the hidden treasures of religious cultural roots of New Mexico.  Individuals, families, and friends are invited to learn more about our neighbors and what’s in the neighborhood.
Come and be part of another excursion into spiritual roots and culture of our region….

     Included in our itinerary:  9 AM - Load church vans at the United Church for the short trip to “The Valley”.  We’ll be met by parishioner Willie Atencio at Holy Cross Church (Santa Cruz).  Willie’s passion for preservation of adobe churches stems from a vibrant faith, and he’ll show us around, giving us plenty of time to soak up the beautiful, massive, and old adobe structure that has housed worship and been a symbol of community for 300 years.
     Next stop is San Juan Pueblo where we’ll be met by Fr. Terry Brennan, the new young and energetic priest whose love of the area, the people, and the architecture will leave us smiling and challenged.  He’ll regal us with the history of the San Juan church and show us the freshly refurbished church and Lourdes replica on the San Juan plaza.  Across the Rio Grande we’ll view the site of the original 1598 Spanish colonial capital of San Gabriel, and then visit its exact replica, the Mission Museum and visitor center in downtown Española.  Inside this impressive adobe structure, the new artwork depicting the history and settlement of northern New Mexico is a breathtaking recap of what we’ve learned throughout the morning.
     We’ll take time out for a Dutch-treat lunch at a yet to be determined Española restaurant.  The excursion should conclude back in Los Alamos by 3:00 pm.  Please sign up in the church office whether you’re driving or riding the van.  Our hosts would like an idea of number, and we need to know how many vans to have ready.
     This will be one of the most inspiring mini-courses you and your family can take in local social studies.  The order of the itinerary may change without notice, so if you’re driving your own vehicle, please try to caravan with the vans.
For more information, please talk to Georgia Strickfaden.

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Member of the Month

     Our member of the month for February is Ashley Schmiedicke, a senior at Los Alamos High School.
     Ashley has helped out with a number of programs for United Church.   She supervised the Acolytes for a couple of years, helped Michael Ross with the mid-high youth, and helped Karen Edwards in the first-second grade Sunday school class.  This year she is helping in the nursery.  She has helped her mom with projects both for the church and in the church office, and has served as a liturgist several times.
     For the third consecutive year, she is serving as the student board member on the Membership and Evangelism Board.  She does what she is asked, but enjoys creative projects the most.
     Do you like the bulletin boards near the Youth Ministry office and the main office?  They were both projects that Ashley designed and made.  Did you like the crab with sunglasses in the Youth Directory?  How about the quotes on the back?  Ashley designed and produced the Youth Directory, and did a fabulous job.  Another project she is proud of is the rainbow that she and her mother made for J.D. Conrad for his retirement.
     Part of Ashley’s High School Career includes the Co-op program, where students work at a business.  When she heard that Jean Picard needed help, it was the perfect match.  She has been able to help the Church and fulfill her credits at school.
     Ashley helps Jean for ten hours a week in the afternoon, and does whatever Jean has for her.  When Jean can’t keep her busy, Ashley helps her mother in the office.
     Her future plans include pursuing a career in art or design, starting with freshman classes next fall at UNM-LA.  She is currently taking computer art and has taken photography, fine arts, and craft classes.  Last summer, she did an Internship at Fuller Lodge Art Center and hopes to do the Internship again this summer.
     At school, she is involved with the Art Club and the literary magazine, Pegasus.  Not only has she submitted photographs to the magazine, she served as editor last year and this year.
     Says Ashley, “If you have a goal, stick to it.”  She wanted to raise money for her college education and the Co-op job with Jean was just the opportunity she needed to attain that goal. Why does she help at the church?  “Do what you like to do,” is her
answer, and she likes to do creative things.  Being able to use her creative talents while helping others has made the work fun.

     That’s awesome, Ashley. God Bless you.

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Sympathy
Prayers for the family of Doug Venable

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Prayer Letter
The United Church Prayer Letter will be sent out every two months.  To receive the letter or to add a
prayer concern, please contact Jane Phillips.

Congratulations
To Rebecca and Jeremy Barrett of Kansas City, MO on the birth of their son, Clayton Odus Barrett, born Friday, January 7th, and first grandchild of Valarie Prestwood.

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Grants New Email Address
New Email address for Howard and Joyce Grant:
Call the church office or see the printed chimes for Howard and Joyce's new email address.

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Thank You for the Sanctuary Flowers
The altar flower committee wishes to thank the following for flowers through Christmas and Epiphany:  Linda Golforth, Ina and Jim Coulter, Sherron and Al Elliott, and Ann Cooke.  A special thanks to committee member Sherron Elliott for coordinating the decorations for the Christmas Eve, Christmas and NewYear’s Sunday services. 

If you wish to provide flowers for the altar in 2005, you may sign up on the list by the sanctuary kitchen, at the annual meeting, and /or call Dorothy Crawford.

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Chimes Newsletter
Now available on our WEB site!  If you prefer not to have a hard copy sent to you, opting to read the CHIMES on the web monthly, please e-mail us your request at: UCoffice@losalamos.org 
or call the church office at 662-9721.

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