A puzzling question
Question: How is a person who can vote, but never takes time to do it, any better off than the person who is prevented from voting at all?

Remember to vote Tuesday, November 4

Soaring Together
Each year our church plans a stewardship campaign for God’s ministry through this body of Jesus Christ. We think about God’s promises with blessings and joy. We see our own spiritual gifts that God has given to us for God’s vision in our community. During this stewardship month, we celebrate God’s guidance and strength.

The theme for our campaign for 2009 is “Soar — With God All Things are Possible,” based on Isaiah 40:31. Week 1 (Nov. 2) is Inspiration Sunday; Week 2 (Nov. 9) is Gratitude Sunday; Week 3 (Nov. 16) is Consecration Sunday; and Week 4 (Nov. 23) is Celebration Sunday. We'll focus on soaring with joy and hope. My sermon series will emphasize stewardship — Soar with Thanksgiving. In one of the brochures that will go out is the following paragraph —

“To soar, an eagle must maintain forward motion. The same is true for us. Without forward momentum and hope in the future, our spirit falls.”

With forward steps and steps of faith, we can soar every day. We will think of God’s strength for soaring and our renewal with hope.

On Consecration Sunday we will present our Estimate of Giving Cards for God’s ministry in this place in 2009. The presentation of our estimates of giving is an act of covenant in which we dedicate a portion of our financial resources to the service of God. We are investing in God’s vision and purpose and creating an opportunity for God to work through us to transform lives in our church, our community and our world. On a practical level, your estimate of giving enables our Finance Committee to set realistic ministry budgets for the coming year and God’s work through us.

I invite you to soar with joy and hope together during November.

Your spiritual friend,
Brian Suk-Boo Lee

Contemporary Worship Service
Saturday, October 25
4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Praise Songs and Worship
Inspiring message from Tony Solomon
Light meal following the service

Daylight saving time ends November 2
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 2, this year. If you don't want to be late to church that day, be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before you turn in Saturday, November 1.
It’s time to order Christmas greens!
For many years the ACUMC has sold Christmas greens. As we did last year, this year’s sale is on a “Direct Delivery” basis. This means you order the greens through our church, and the company from which we order sends the items directly to the addresses you specify. The greenery makes wonderful gifts to friends and family members who live out-of-state — the greens stay fresh and beautiful for several months, and you don't have to wrap and ship them yourself. Items available include 22” Mixed Evergreen Wreath, (2) 10-ft. Western Cedar Garlands, Centerpiece, 22 x 30-in. Door Swag , 28” Noble Fir Wreath, Evergreen Gift Set, and Warm Heart Basket of Cones. Brochures will be available Sun., Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9. The deadline to order the greens through our church is Monday, November 10.
All Saints’ Sunday to be observed Nov. 2
Church members and immediate family members of those who are a part of our congregation who have passed away during the past year will be remembered during the worship service on Nov. 2. If a loved one of yours has entered the life eternal during the past year and you would like that loved one to be remembered during the service that day, please contact the church office by Monday, October. 27.
Membership classes to be held Nov. 15 & 16
New members will be formally received during the worship service on Sunday, November 23. If you would like to join the Artesia-Cerritos United Methodist Church that day, please contact Pastor Lee or the church office and plan to attend the new member class that will be held Saturday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m. or the one scheduled at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16.
It’s Belief in God . . .
B. I. G. Idea — We believe that stories of faithful kings help us to be faithful leaders for God.
B. I. G. Theme — The Stories of the Kings
Bible Verse — The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice (Psalm 97:1)

October 26 the children will learn about Jesus, the King of kings, and the many names that Jesus is called.
In Loving Memory To the Church Eternal
Paul Christi
1950 — 2008
Paul Christi was born August 20, 1950, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, the third of five children. He went home to his Lord October 18, 2008, after having a massive heart attack in the church parking lot. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in India and then immigrated to the United States in 1972. He became a citizen of the United States in 1984. His brother, Samuel, says, “He was smart, he was humble, he was energetic, and he loved to sing.” Paul furthered his education by earning two master’s degrees. A man of deep faith, earlier this year he had a meditation published in The Upper Room. A member of Artesia-Cerritos United Methodist Church since 2000, Paul was currently president of the United Methodist Men, had served on the Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and as a lay reader.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Usha; two daughters, Monica and Sonia; three brothers, Manuel, Joseph and Samuel; sister, Esther, and her husband, Noel Solanki; and a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly. A service in celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, in the Church of Our Fathers at Forest Lawn Cypress. It will be followed by a graveside service and then a reception in the fellowship hall at Artesia-Cerritos ACUMC. Memorial gifts may be made in Paul’s memory to the Artesia-Cerritos UMC. Please mark your gift “Paul Christi Memorial Music Fund.” Donations will be used for the church’s ministry of music through its Chancel Choir and Praise Team.
Care Corner . . .
Josie de los Reyes is to have cataract surgery on October 23.
Dave McClenon will undergo hip replacement surgery October 27.
Hermy Serna, Norma Navarro’s sister, was hospitalized in the ICU at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia last week.

Ongoing concerns . . .
Jeff Aquino, Archie Archibald, Doug Appel, Bert Berschauer, Joe and Norma Buckalew, Rick Chambers (a friend of Leslie Taylor), Nasreen Charles, Charlotte Crawford, Max de los Reyes, Primitiva de los Reyes (Max de los Reyes’ sister), Lori Durbin (Doris Fry’s niece), Betty Enderle, Felicia Ferrer (Annie Lagado’s mother), Mary Fildstein (Rita Bilevich’s mother), Doris Fry, Darlene Gaskins, Jack Gaskins, David Geatches (Marcheta Horsfall’s cousin), Joe Graper, Louise Gwinn (Myrt Franz’ sister), Ethel Herrick (Genia Jackson’s aunt), Helen Hinsdale, Jewel Holt, Patricia Howie-Jones, Constance Jones, Stephen Jones, Irena (Laura Miculs’ sister-in-law), Ethel Lee, Betty McDougall, Rick McDougall, Bernadette Menezes, Queta Miller (a friend of Betty Enderle), Ron Mincer (a friend of Pat Christensen), Carl Mull, Susan Rolontz (a cousin of Bruce Jackson), Lucas and Joyce Samuel, Randy Schlotthauer, Ninee Shaw, Allan and Dee Staal, Judy Thomas (a friend of Sandi Reynolds), Dr. William Tuddenham (a friend of Shirley Byers), Maralyn Terhune (a cousin of Bruce Jackson), Eleanor de los Reyes Vieu, John Viksna (Laura Miculs’ uncle), Mary Jean Wheatley, Rhonda Wheatley . . . our state, our nation and our world
O Lord, we pray for strength and healing for those whom we know and love
and for those whom we do not know.

Helping meet the needs in our community
Our Church in the World Committee is encouraging people to bring food items for the families in our community who need a helping hand. Each Saturday these folks are provided boxes from the Food Bank housed at New Life Community Church, which is located down the street and around the corner on Norwalk Boulevard. A box is available in the narthex and in the church office for your contributions.

Canned meat
Canned soup
Canned fruits and vegetables
Pasta (particularly macaroni & cheese)
Rice
Instant Potatoes
Boxed Cereals
Peanut Butter

Any and all of the items listed above are needed. However, the Food Bank is focusing particularly on gathering tuna and ramen during October.
Donations to Artesia-Cerritos Community Christmas Program helps make Christmas merrier for families in need
In 2007 the Artesia-Cerritos Community Christmas Program helped created a merrier Christmas for 235 families in our community. Gift certificates for food and toys for children 12 and under are needed. Your monetary donations may be placed in the offering any Sunday. A box will be provided for your gifts of toys.
Little ones need our help
New or lightly-used clothing, blankets and other baby items for the little ones of students in the ABC School District’s Teen Parent Program are needed for delivery in November. A box is available in the narthex and in the church office for your donations.

Jeanne and Art Culver, who have served on our Church in the World (Missions) Committee for many years, deliver these items each spring time and during the fall, Not only are the parents grateful for our donations, but the coordinators are also thankful for the gifts that help make life easier for their students who are young parents.
District Superintendent to preach Nov. 9
Our annual church conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 9. Because of this schedule, the Rev. Dr. Mark Ulrickson, Santa Ana District Superintendent, will bring
the message during the worship service that morning.

On the agenda of the Church Conference will be adoption of our pastor’s salary package. We will also elect officers for the coming year. Do be here! Our church growth and impact on the local community and beyond depends on each of us.

The Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations Committee will meet with Dr. Ulrickson immediately following the worship service.
UMW Bazaar is Sunday, Nov. 16, following the worship service
You can help make the United Methodist Women’s annual bazaar a success! All types of homemade crafts and homemade baked goods including cookies, breads, cakes and pies are needed. Shoppers particularly love home-cooked goodies. Use your knitting needles, crochet hooks, sewing kits and embroidery hoops, and other skills to create useful items as well as one-of-a-kind items.

A “re-gifting table” is planned in case you have a gift that someone has given you that just doesn't fit your style or taste. Donate your “treasure” to the bazaar. Remember that new items only are what’s needed except for books. In addition to new books, slightly used books will also be accepted.

If you have some baskets that could be used by shoppers to gather their items, or if you have an item that you would donate other than what is listed above, please call Barbara Applebury at 562-865-3107.

Soar with thanksgiving
Pastor Lee’s sermon series during November is listed below. Come! Have your spirit fed!
Nov. 2 — Renew Your Strength and Soar
Isaiah 40:27-31 and Romans 8:26-28
Nov. 9 — Anniversary Sunday with our district superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Mark Ulrickson, Preaching
Nov. 16 — Encourage One Another
I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Nov. 23 — Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving
Psalm 100:1-5
In Church on Sunday ...
8:45 a.m. Chancel choir rehearsal
9:15 a.m. Crib and nursery care begin
9:30 a.m. Worship celebration
The Rev. Dr. Brian Suk-Boo Lee, Preaching

Following the Time for the Children Sunday School for Children in Preschool through High School
Following the Worship Service Fellowship Time

October 25
Message: On Sharing Our Own Selves
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
November 2
All Saint’s Sunday
Inspiration Sunday
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Message: Renew Your Strength and Soar
Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31; Romans 8:26-28

General Fund Actuals
Balance 09/1/08 $ 72
September Income 16,505
$16,577
September Expenses 18,643
Balance 09/30/08 $(2,066)

Apportionments are paid in full through August 31, except for Administration, Ministerial Education and the Black College Fund apportionments. All of our Quotas and Special Askings are paid in full.
Worship Statistics - September
2005 2006 2007 2008
First Sunday 95 128 97 118
Second Sunday 104 163 114 125
Third Sunday 105 98 110 101
Fourth Sunday 120 97 114 98
Fifth Sunday — — 113 —

Total Year Averages -
2005 — 113 2006 — 116 2007 — 112 2008 thru 9/30 — 110

Where friendship and faith grow in a multicultural community