Third Sunday of Advent
Sermon
"I Must Be Dreaming"
by
Pastor Barbara Marks
Children's Sermon by John Blossom
Please join us for worship
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
at
The Elk’s Lodge
44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT
~
Scripture:
Isaiah 35:1-10
&
Matthew 1:18-25
~
Announcements:
Christmas Concert – TODAY – please bring a friend and celebrate the music of Marsha Judson, Jerry Jacques and Nancy Fightlin.
Be the Hands and Feet of Christ - Can you, your committee, church friends, or family members, chip in together and purchase a coat or boots for needy parents that put their children first? Please sign up today! Delivery appreciated to the parsonage no later than December 19th.
Stewardship Sunday -Thank you for prayerfully considering the many gifts God has given you, as you in turn, share your gifts with the Church. We are encouraged through scripture to “have faith the size of the mustard seed.” As we commit to God to grow the Kingdom won’t you consider increasing your pledge. Your pledge helps us to set our budget for 2017.
Gift Giving- St. Vincent De Paul is looking for the following hygiene items: deodorant, shampoo, razor, tooth paste, and toothbrushes. Please drop off in box on front table TODAY!
Charge Conference Reports-are due TODAY. Please email them to the office at churchoffice@fumcmiddletownct.org or if you don’t do computers, please bring your report to the church office during our office hours. We are open Mon, Wed, and Fri. from 9am to 12pm.
The Sew ‘n’ Sew’s - will meet Tuesday, December 13th at 12pm at the Green Room for lunch. Please see Barbara Hendershot for more information.
Finance Committee - will meet Wednesday, December 14th at 7pm, at the Parsonage. Please see Warren Western for more information.
Trustees’ - will meet Thursday, December 15th at 7pm, at the Parsonage. Please see Bill Collins for more information.
New Members/Transfers- will be accepted into Church Membership on Dec 18. Please see Pastor Barbara for information.
Christmas Eve Service – Will be held on December 24th at 5pm, at the Elks Ballroom 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Christmas Sunday Service – Will be held on December 25th at 9pm, at the Parsonage. 221 Ridge Road, Middletown, CT 06457
Advent Study- Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam- Christmas or confusion, Bethlehem or Bedlam . . . Which will you choose this year? The truth is, we don’t have to choose, because Christmas always happens right in the midst of our chaos. God breaks into our noisy disorder and is made known in Jesus Christ. Christmas and confusion—weren’t they intimately related at the first Christmas when Jesus was born? Sometimes we forget that. That’s what this study is about—how Christ breaks into our chaos and confusion and brings Christmas—Studies will be held on Sundays/Thursdays at the parsonage.
UMCOR Updates- Hurricane Matthew- When disaster strikes, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) mobilizes to respond to the most pressing human needs and then stays until recovery is complete. Through local United Methodist churches and trained disaster response workers, UMCOR provides immediate relief, assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, pastoral counseling and support for children and youth who have been through trauma. 100% of your donation goes directly to relief efforts. Donate online @UMCOR.org
The United Methodist Men - meet at the parsonage for a men’s breakfast Saturday, January 7th, and the first Saturday of each month. Bring a friend! See David Marks or Warren Western for more information.
Amazing Grace Donations – can now be brought to church any Sunday. In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup. Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions at (860) 346-0005.