RED ENVELOPE "GIVING TREE' ADVENT OFFERINGS
Each year, we individually pray over our Estimate of Giving sheet for the church.  And each year, we are blessed to be a blessing to give toward our church ministries.  But sometimes an unexpected crisis occurs in our family that causes us to get behind in our giving.   This has happened to several families over the past months and some have expressed concern for being unable to give as they estimated.  So, this Advent season we’re doing a “love offering” to honor brothers and sisters that have had challenges this year, and to help the church catch up on our budget.  If you are able to contribute, place your extra offering in a red envelop from the “giving tree” and place it in the collection plates or baskets.  Thank you for your additional love this year.
 

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CORE REP MEETING is THIS Sunday, Dec. 17 at 12:15pm in the Events Center.
 

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UMW MEETING RESCHEDULED to this Sunday, Dec. 17 at 12:15pm in 2R-2 (second floor).  Please bring your own lunch and join us!
 

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CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will be 7pm in our Sanctuary.  This is perhaps the MOST EFFECTIVE evangelism opportunity of the year as most people who are unchurched are interested in attending some type of worship service on this one day of the year.  PLEASE make a point to share the news with neighbors and friends about our service, even if you plan to be away for Christmas with family.
 

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“SEASON OF APPEARANCES” HOLIDAY MESSAGE SERIES
ADVENT has many meanings:  arrival, appearance, emergence, dawn, rise or development.  In this first season of the Christian church year leading up to Christmas, our emphasis is on “appearances.”  We are grateful for the weekly appearances of characters from books and movies each Sunday to help point the way to the appearance of Jesus.
   Speaking or your appearance, we are having fun with an invitation for you to “Dress to Un-Stress” each Sunday through Christmas!  This week we are wearing white for "an angel will receive its wings" in "It's a Wonderful Life".  For next Sunday morning, Dec. 24, wear a favorite magical or shiny hat or other accessory that “sorts” or “chooses” you in preparation for Harry Potter!
Here we are wearing our "Crazy Christmas Outfits" a few weeks ago.  Enjoy!

   
     

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STAY INFORMED!  We have lots of activities planned for the Advent and Christmas season. To help you keep up-to-date on activities and events happening here at B'More,  attached is a list for your reference.  We’ll continue to share more information in our weekly eNews, social media, and our website. 
 

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We have loved telling the greatest story — the birth of the Christ Child — through the music of the Beatles!  We have not loved the mounds of snow blocking our way last weekend. We were able to dig out just enough to add a matinee last Sunday, and then we were asked to consider adding one more Let It Be, Christmas…..

So here we go again.  Once more, last time, this is it, next stop is storage, until next year! 
Join us Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30pm at Biltmore United Methodist Church.

Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles’ hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us that – “All You Needs Is Love”.

Dec. 21-23: Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm, and matinee on Saturday at 2:30pm

For tickets, call the box office (828.689.1239) or go online to SARTplays.com
 

WIC WARMTH TREE   The WIC Office located in the doctors’ office buildings below the church, is asking for children's’ mittens, gloves, and scarves and hats, to help at-risk young mothers keep their families warm.  IF you would enjoy helping, you can bring a pair of mittens, or other items, to hang on one of the trees in the lobby over the next few weeks.

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR PEEPS?  B'MORE’S SMALL GROUPS CAN HELP

“All my homies are from the street.”  Sometimes, when you find yourself in a different grouping of people, you discover more about yourself and life than you thought possible.  This happened recently on Thursday night, when groups consolidated for an evening.  Instead of the usual homogeneous groups, they combined together and were greatly enriched by each others’ journeys.  If you haven’t found a group yet, please visit some of the ones we have going.  We can also form new groups if you have an idea for one.  Contact Anita Sayles at ageasayles@gmail.com  828-216-6591 for information.

Please note:  Cynthia Wilcox's new Emmaus Women's Small Group meets this Monday, Dec. 18 at 6pm in our Prayer Room upstairs.  This new group meets each 1st & 3rd Monday and gathers women from B'More and the community who have traveled the "Emmaus Road" and want a place to stay connected and encouraged.  Please contact Cynthia for more details or show up and try it out!  (Cynthia Wilcox:  (828)423-1538 or cynsspot.cw@gmail.com).