One evening before Christmas I was gazing at Mars—so red and clear these winter nights.  On occasion we can catch a meteor shower of and see “falling” stars!  Stars inspire wonder and mystery even today, and their image is still used to label the famous: actors, sports figures, and even ratings on movies and CD’s.

• Our thoughts and prayers are with  Dale Nichols and family, in the recent loss his wife Betty Nichols.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with  Phyllis Mason and family, in the recent loss her brother Nelson Trumbo.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with  Charlie Lohr and family, in the recent loss his mother Mildred Brown.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with The Cox family, in the recent loss their grandmother.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy Post, Kenny King, and family, in the recent death of her niece Penny King.

• Thank you to Eloise Piccolo, John Perry, and Edwin and Sue Turner for the door wreaths that were given in memory of our dear friend  Geraldine "Gerry" Orebaugh by Eloise Piccolo, John Perry, and her sister Sue Turner and Sue's husband Edwin.
• Thank you to the UMM, they have donated $600 to the Habitat for Humanity fund.
• Thank you for your prayers, cards, calls and other acts of kindness during the recent loss of my brother.  From Phyllis Mason and Family
• Thank you  to all who participated in using Micki People's and Judy Post's beautiful quilt to donate money to Habitat for Humanity. The final amount it brought was $1300!

• Congratulations to  Coach Brad Lutz and  the 2011 BHS Football team the Valley District Champions (10-0) and Division 4 Region III Champions (11-0).   They represented Broadway with respect and sportsmanship. We are proud of you!!
• Congratulations to Coach Brad Lutz for being named Division 4 Coach Of The Year. Thank you for what you have taught those young men.
• Congratulations to Coach William Herndon and the BHS Freshman 2011 Football team for finishing the year undefeated in the Valley District. We are proud of you!!
• Congratulations to the BHS 2011Competition Cheer Squad for being named Valley District Cheerleading Champions.  Great Job!!

• Ladies  “Out to Lunch Bunch“  will be going out to eat on Wednesday, January 11th,  leaving the church at 11:00. Watch the future bulletins for the location.  Please let Anna Branner know at 896-7858, if you plan to attend this luncheon.
• Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Saturday, January 28th from 2pm-4pm.
• February Newsletter Deadline: Thursday  January 19th.
• Administrative Council will meet on Monday January 30th, at 7pm.
• Sunset Ladies Lunch will meet on Tuesday, January 31st, at 11:30 a.m. please bring a cover dish to share in some wonderful fellowship.
• U.M.M will meet on Tuesday, January 3rd at 6pm.

According to the USDA, over 16 million children lived in food insecure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2010.  Across the nation, churches and communities have become involved in a Weekend Backpack Ministry for children.  The Backpack Food program was developed to help ensure that every child has access to nutritious food over the weekend.  Studies have shown that children who eat nutritious meals over the weekend return to school ready to learn on Monday morning.

Sunset Drive United Methodist Church is partnering with John C. Myers Elementary School to bring this program to children in our community.  John C. Myers is a Title I School, and 42% of the 450 students receive free or reduced lunches based on family income.  About fourteen individual students who appear hungry on Monday mornings have been identified by the school staff.  Our church would like to provide food for these students over the weekends. The names of the children will remain confidential.  Parents will give permission for their children to participate.  Nonperishable food items will be placed in a gallon size baggie and placed in the students’ lockers each Friday afternoon.  Students will place the baggies in their back packs so that other children will not see the baggies of food.  We plan to run this program from February 3 through June 1 of this school year.

We have set up a Weekend Backpack Ministry Committee.  Chairpersons are Shannon Rellins, Janet Wager and Sandy Cupp.  It will cost approximately $5.00 per week to provide food for each child.  Members of our church family can contribute to this ministry by putting a check or envelope in the collection plate marked for the “Weekend Backpack Ministry” or putting money in the box marked “Weekend Backpack Ministry” in the narthex.  Our plan is to purchase the items for the backpacks and store them in the pantry off of the kitchen downstairs.  Our plan for January is listed below:

January 11 at 5:30 p.m. – Committee will meet and divide up items to be purchased.

January 18 – Have all items purchased for the month of February.

January 25 at 6:45 p.m. – All interested church members are invited to help pack the baggies.

February 3 – Baggies will be distributed to the children before they leave school for the weekend.

We ask for your prayer support and your financial support of this ministry to help children in our community.

• Please let Lisa, at the church office (896-3970) know if you have not received your picture yet.
• If you did not have your picture taken, but would like to purchase a directory for $6.00 each. Please let Lisa at the church office know. (896-3970)

“Carnations for Caring,” a Gift That Gives Twice, to Benefit       submitted by Paula Bowman

Finance Committee Update                                           submitted by Leon Miller