December, 2017Dec 12, 2017 · Beryl McHenry 12/20 Alex Breboort 12/26 Callie Keller 12/30 “But...
8
December, 2017 Happy Birthday! Lyna Mae French 12/5 Mary Ann Leader 12/20 Beryl McHenry 12/20 Alex Breboort 12/26 Callie Keller 12/30 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” —Luke 2:10 “Good news of great joy” … couldn’t we all use a little bit of that? Maybe you are like me and you would really like to get to that good news and great joy right here, right now. If we are being honest we all probably feel that way a little bit. We live in a world and a culture that tells us to have what we want when we want it. I am not so old that I don’t still remember the excitement I felt on those Christmas mornings. Seeing all those presents and the stockings waiting there by the tree. Of course, it was something I looked forward to, something I wanted to get to as quickly as possible each year. But these last few years I have found myself looking forward to the Advent season with new eyes. I am no longer in as much of a rush to get through the Advent season,. Rather, I want to take time and soak it all in, to savor what it has to offer. During the weeks leading up to Christmas we will be spending time looking at the Hope, Love, Joy and Peace this season has to offer. I assure you there is “good news of great joy” to come, but I invite you to join me in not just rushing through this season of anticipation but rather to take time to stop and enjoy it. The days ahead have been described as the most wonderful time of the year and for us as Christians they truly are. Not because of the presents or parties but because we know what is coming, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, our Savior. (Continued on next page)
Transcript of December, 2017Dec 12, 2017 · Beryl McHenry 12/20 Alex Breboort 12/26 Callie Keller 12/30 “But...
December, 2017
Happy Birthday!
Lyna Mae French 12/5
Mary Ann Leader 12/20
Beryl McHenry 12/20
Alex Breboort 12/26
Callie Keller 12/30
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am
bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”
—Luke 2:10
“Good news of great joy” … couldn’t we all use a little bit of that?
Maybe you are like me and you would really like to get to that good
news and great joy right here, right now. If we are being honest we
all probably feel that way a little bit. We live in a world and a
culture that tells us to have what we want when we want it. I am not
so old that I don’t still remember the excitement I felt on those
Christmas mornings. Seeing all those presents and the stockings
waiting there by the tree. Of course, it was something I looked
forward to, something I wanted to get to as quickly as possible each
year.
But these last few years I have found myself looking forward to the
Advent season with new eyes. I am no longer in as much of a rush
to get through the Advent season,. Rather, I want to take time and
soak it all in, to savor what it has to offer. During the weeks leading
up to Christmas we will be spending time looking at the Hope,
Love, Joy and Peace this season has to offer. I assure you there is
“good news of great joy” to come, but I invite you to join me in
not just rushing through this season of anticipation but rather to
take time to stop and enjoy it.
The days ahead have been described as the most wonderful time of
the year and for us as Christians they truly are. Not because of the
presents or parties but because we know what is coming, Jesus
Christ, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, our Savior.
(Continued on next page)
From the Pastor (Continued) We already know the gift we will receive this Christmas
season, but knowing does not make it any less exciting. My
hope and prayer for each of us is that we don’t let our
anticipation of what is to come get in the way of enjoying
the time we have now.
Merry Christmas and God Bless,
December Memory
Verse
“But the angel
said to them, “Do
not be afraid; for
see—I am
bringing you
good news of
great joy for all
the people.”
--Luke 2:10
For the month of December, the Blissfield Area Food Pantry is asking for donations of toilet paper, bar soap, tissues, and toothpaste.
Additionally, the pantry is running low on a lot of staple items: mashed potatoes, peanut butter, crackers, cereal, etc.
Donations may be left in the church entrance area. We will see to it that they get delivered to the food pantry.
Food Pantry Donations
Christmas Caroling
We will be spreading a little Christmas cheer on Dec. 16th at 3:30. Meet in the Church lounge to head out caroling. After
we are done we will have cookies, coffee and cocoa in the lounge. Catherine Staup has graciously been coordinating so if you can help provide any snacks please contact her at
517-270-2489 or the church office at 517-486-3020.
Meals on Wheels
Mark your calendar!
We will be delivering Meals on Wheels the
week of December 4-8. We will need two
drivers per day, so if you are able to help
out, it is greatly appreciated. The sign-up
sheet is in the church entrance area, or you
can contact the church office at
517-486-3020.
Inclement Weather Policy
Seeing as it is that time of year I wanted to make everyone aware of what our policy is for inclement
weather:
For Sunday morning services the church will be open for worship. Seeing as I am blessed to have a
short walk to the church I will be here regardless of what the weather does. I do recognize that not
everyone has such an easy trip so I encourage everyone to make the best and safest decision for
themselves on those days.
For all other events during the week (e.g. Wednesday Nights) we will follow the Blissfield Schools
lead, if school has been canceled then we will not have our events either. We will make every effort
to send out an email and post a message to the Facebook page in the event of a cancellation but
again I urge you to use your best judgement for what is safe for you and your family.
--Pastor Devin
Christmas Program Practice
The Jr. and Sr. High youth will practice for the Christmas program on Wednesday, November 29,
December 6, and December 13 during our regular meeting time. There will also be practice on
Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10 at 11:30 am (lunch will be provided).
The younger children will practice during their regular Wednesday evening classes on November
29, and December 6, 13, and 20.
Church Nursery Worker The SPRC is again looking to provide nursery care on Sun-
day morning's. We are hoping to get someone who would
be available to cover from Sunday School until after Service
is over, approx. 9am-11:45am. If you or someone you
know may be interested in this position please let Pastor
Devin or Beryl know. We are also hoping to possibly build
a list of people who would be willing to volunteer to fill in
on an as needed basis in the nursery when the nursery work-
er is not available, if this is of interest please let us
Knights of Columbus Christmas
Bags
If you are filling a
grocery bag for
the K of C food
drive, please have
it to the church no
later than Dec 8
so we can get it
to them before
they pack their
boxes.
Church Lingo Dictionary: “Advent”
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians.
Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the Church calendar, the
Christmas season lasts sundown on December 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (January 6). This is sometimes
popularly referred to as "the twelve days of Christmas."
Deadline for
returning KofC
donation bags
Adult Sunday
School 9:15
Worship at 10:30
Adult Sunday
School 9:15
Youth Christmas Program
and Worship at 10:30
Dec 24th: Adult
Sunday School
9:15
Worship with
special music
from the children at 10:30
Christ-
mas Eve Worship 7:30 pm
Adult Sunday
School 9:15
Worship at 10:30
Youth Skit
No Wednesday
night activities
Dinner Together 6:00 pm
Classes for
all ages 6:30-7:30 pm
Dinner Together 6:00 pm
Classes for
children and hanging of the greens 6:30-7:30 pm
Dinner Together 6:00 pm
Classes for
all ages 6:30-7:30 pm
Dinner Together 6:00 pm
Classes for
all ages 6:30-7:30 pm
Adult Worship at 10:30 Sunday School 9:15
Meals on Wheels Delivery
Christmas Caroling 3:30pm
Saturday, December 16, 3:30 pm
Christmas Caroling & Treats
Sunday, December 17, 10:30 am
The Jr. and Sr. High Youth will be sharing a creative take on the Christmas story during our morning worship.
Sunday, December 24, 10:30 am
Our littlest members will be singing for us during morning worship.
Sunday, December 24, 7:30 pm
All are welcome to join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service.
Christmas Worship and Celebrations
Wednesday Nights in December
Throughout the month of December (with one exception) we will still have dinner together each week at 6:00 pm.
At 6:30 the adults will go to Bible Study.
The Youth will be practicing with Miss Nicole for their Christmas Program.
The little children will be having a short class with their regular teachers, followed by Christmas music practice.
We will still wrap up in the sanctuary at 7:30 as usual..
Please note that there will be no Wednesday activities on December 27.
Music Notes
Approaching Advent and Christmas do you have a song in your heart to
share? As a soloist, instrumentalist, or small ensemble you are invited to
enrich services with special music for such special times. I am
happy to hear from you.
Kendra Goetz ([email protected]) Music Coordinator
Emmanuel UMC 215 E. Jefferson St. Blissfield, MI 49228 Phone: 517-486-3020 Web: www.BlissfieldEmmanuel.com E-mail: [email protected]
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” -1 Timothy 2:1
Those needing continued healing and strength:
Wendell & Alice Goetz
Cathy Jenkins
Jim & Millie Tipton
Kate Noelanders
Lyna Mae French
David Dexter
Mary Roback
Gwen Cruz
Lynnette Gafner
Zayne Warren
Our covenant missionaries, Mary
Gladstone-Highland and Kristen
Brown
Our nation, state and local
community and those in
leadership positions
