As part of our small group ministry, the Empty Nesters group has been a fun, vibrant fellowship over the past few years. However, the consensus is that it's time to progress to a more inclusive ministry for those of middle-age and beyond.
 
We think an appropriate name is "Life in the Second Half," so that we can tackle issues affecting non-parents and parents alike. It doesn't have to be "downhill," you know! What's important is to stay active, keep the brain engaged and to find ways to bring more meaning to our lives. Topics we've been kicking around to explore include; matching expectations to reality as we age, how to spend time and resources on fixed incomes, dealing with elder parent care, learning to live with your partner when you're together "24/7," planning for retirement is about more than money, and the concept of social entrepreneurship. The best part is that we can go in whatever direction the participants’ desire, which is why we want to invite new participants to try out the group.
 
We usually meet for a delicious potluck dinner and great fellowship at 6:30 p.m. on the first Friday of odd-number months, and we always meet at Eric and Cynthia Steiger's. However, because the first Friday of January this year is Epiphany, we will push our group back one day to meet on Saturday, January 7th, same time and place. Our topic that evening will be "transitioning into retirement."
 
If you'd like to give us a try, email Mark & Beth Hedlund so we can put your email on our contact list for info and meeting reminders. Hope to see you there!

Discover My Church
January 8, 15, and 22

The Discover My Church class will be offered on January 8, 15, and 22 by Dana & Theresa Badley, Michele Rowland-Bird.  We’ll explore United Methodist history as well as learn more about our church and its mission and core values.  All are welcome. This is one of the classes required for membership.  The class starts promptly at 9:45 AM in Rooms 5 & 6, please be on time or you’ll miss some good stuff!

Date Night/Night Out
January 13th

Date Night/Night Out will meet Friday January 13th from 6-10PM. Childcare
will be available in the nursery so that you can enjoy an evening out with your significant other.  We are requesting (but not requiring) a $10 donation per child with a max of $20/family to help cover the cost of childcare.  We really hope that everyone who is interested will take advantage of this.  Single Parents are also encouraged to benefit from this ministry and have a night out.  If the cost is an issue please come anyway and contribute as you are able.  Reservations for childcare is mandatory & needs to be made no later than the Tues before the event (Jan. 10) by calling or emailing Michelle Horner.

CALLING ALL SCHOLARS 
January 15 Deadline

The EGUMC Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for the Spring semester for the T.R. Smedberg Scholarship.  This is a great opportunity for getting some extra funding to pursue your educational goals.  If you are going to a college or program of higher education, please pick up an application packet from the church office.  You will need to fill out a questionnaire, submit letters of reference and a copy of your transcripts.  It’s not a difficult process, but it takes a little time.  Don’t delay!  Any student in a higher education program who is a member of the UMC or who is a member of the UMC Youth Group in good standing, may apply.                      

Yo, Men! Our 2012 Retreat is Coming!

The 11th Annual Men's Retreat is coming January 27-29. All men are encouraged to attend this weekend of faith, fellowship and growth. The retreat at Mercy Center in Auburn, Ca  begins Friday evening and ends after lunch on Sunday. 

The Topic: Joseph’s life and Ours-- Focusing on the life of Joseph (Genesis’ Joseph) and how his experiences speak to men in our day and age. It would be good for all attending to have read Genesis 37:2-47:26. 

Facilitator:  Dave Thompson recently retired UM pastor from 39 years of parish ministry; mentor to younger pastors; preaches monthly and enjoys time with his grandchildren and traveling.

The cost for the retreat, which includes private rooms for two nights and five meals, is only $230. Carpooling is encouraged; various departure times on Friday can be arranged.

To insure we have enough rooms reserved, early registration is strongly encouraged. Please fill out the form below, and return along with your deposit check of $50 to the church office ASAP. (The remainder of your fees is due January 8.)  Hope to see you there!

Loaves and Fishes
January 28

Among the many outreach programs that our church is involved in is Loaves-n-Fishes.  This is a program that helps the homeless in our community with various services.  Our main obligation is to the dining room every fourth Saturday of each month by cooking or serving the noon meal.  The food we use is bought by several churches or donated to Loaves-n-Fishes by large companies and individuals. 

The fourth Saturday of this month is a serving day at Loaves-n-Fishes.  That means we arrive there at 10:30am and spend about four hours serving the noon meal to the guests and cleaning up after the meal.  If this is a program you could donate your time and talent to, please call Norma Heim or see me after church and I will be more than happy to add your name to my list of helpers and discuss carpooling. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Going Events

Elk Grove United Methodist Church is taking a magnificent step to help our community and neighbors in need. We are offering a warm breakfast every Saturday morning from 8-10 am. We are looking for volunteers to sign up for one Saturday a month to cook, clean or just help out. If you are unable to donate your time, we are seeking food donations of pancake mix, syrup or juice. And if you find yourself with a free Saturday morning, please join us to enjoy a meal and a conversation with your church neighbors. Please contact MaryAnn Blohm-Craig with any question!

Our Saturday breakfast is going great and we need donations of the following:

• Krusteaz Pancake mix

• Canned fruit such as applesauce, peaches

• Frozen orange juice

• milk

• eggs

• syrup

• butter

• or money made payable to EGUMC and marked Saturday breakfast

Perishable donations may be left in the Kitchen refrigerator marked Saturday breakfast and the cabinet marked Saturday morning breakfast.