Dear Friends,
I am waiting with anticipation for Sunday and Christmas Eve. We’ve been following the Advent scriptures that spoke about Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love this coming Sunday. Luke 1:39-55 describes Mary’s encounter with the angel who said, “Greetings, you’re going to give birth to God’s Son and name him Jesus.” That must have been a shock because Mary pondered these words and held them close. Scholars tell us the Magnificat, Mary’s Song was added in time. It is a song of praise and adoration. Take a look and see for yourself.
We tip our hats to the Mary Martha volunteers who served Dec. 6-11. 400 volunteer hours and a record sales of $4,500 for the week. Good job to all those who gave of their time and effort. It will add to the ministry of Mary Martha which supports local charities and missions. WUMC receives a contribution for our benevolence ministry along with Operation BackPack and Adopt A Family. Thank you, Mary Martha!
If you are in town on Friday, December 24th we will have two worship services: 5 and 7 p.m. Both will offer Holy Communion and candle lit Silent Night. Bring your family and neighbors. It will be a special night.
Sunday, December 26th will offer breakfast from 8:30-9:30 a.m. with sweet rolls, breakfast casseroles, and fruit. Please let us know you’re coming so that we prepare enough. Worship will be at 10 a.m. so plan ahead and come early for a good seat. It’ll be great!
Our Christmas offering this year will benefit two ministries: Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Heifer International. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a local mission that builds and provides bunk beds with new mattresses, new bedding and new pillows for children who do not have a place to rest their heads. It’s hard to believe but there are families with no bedding for their little ones and we can help. Heifer International provides a pair of breeding stock: cows, chickens, goats, sheep, etc. for communities to begin their own herd, flock or gaggle to supply their nutritional needs. Heifer International works both stateside and overseas. I think it is a great way to remember the barn animals Jesus heard at his birth. Let us practice extravagant generosity this Christmas season.
See you on Sunday, Pastor Mark
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