Roughly 27 centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed what kind of leader would be needed to carry out God’s plans for people to live in peace. About 20 centuries ago, angels visited several otherwise ordinary people to proclaim a peasant boy born in scandalous circumstances was indeed the Messiah they were waiting for.  During this Advent season, we will celebrate the hope, peace, joy, love, and salvation that Jesus Christ keeps offering our world.  He has to keep offering these gifts because the world has not fully accepted them.  We have certainly made progress, but even though Jesus gave his life for us all those years ago, we are a long way from living in God’s kingdom on earth. Waiting on Promises Fulfilled will guide us through worship to remind us that God doesn’t give up on us so we don’t give up on God.

You are always welcome to join our regular ministries and worship, which continue in December. We invite you to join us for special ways as we celebrate what God has already done in Christ, care for those waiting for good news, and share tangible signs that God fulfills promises. When you share in our Christmas Eve offering, you will help local families remain in stable housing through our Family Needs Fund, provide housing for those like the newborn Jesus who need a place through our Habitat for Humanity Faith Build pledge, and care for those across the world forced to flee their homes like the holy family through the UMC’s Global Migration fund.

Celebrate:

  • Home devotions (paper copies available in the atrium or contact the office for a downloadable option),
  • “Generations of Joy” Christmas concert on December 7,

  • Senior Adult Ministry Christmas Celebration on December 19 (RSVP to the church office),
  • Christmas Eve worship,
 
3 pm –  Traditional service with special soloists and nursery care available for children under 3.
5 pm – Livestreamed contemporary service with nursery care available for children under 3. 
7 pm – Traditional service with communion.
9 pm – Livestreamed traditional service with the bell choir, brass ensemble, and sanctuary choir.
 

Care:

  • Participate in our Reverse Advent Calendar food donation (downloadable copy here).
  • Deliver Angel Tree gifts on December 20,
  • Longest Night service on December 21.
 

Share:

  • Return West Side Community gifts by December 7 and Angel Tree gifts by December 14,
  • Give to the Christmas Eve offering here.

 

Looking forward to celebrating Christ and waiting in Christ together,

Pastor Abby