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The Connection

December 19, 2019
Sunday Worship
8:15 and 10:35 am
Sunday School 9:15 am (all ages)
Nursery at 9:00 am
Co-Pastors Karla Sheffy and Ron Harris
 
We are followers of Jesus, working together to Connect with others, Love God through worship, Grow in our faith, and Serve others. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

We hope this newsletter will help you find your place to Connect-Love-Grow-Serve!

If you know someone who may enjoy our information please forward this to them and encourage them to contact us to subscribe and keep Connected with First United Methodist Church!

Merry Christmas from the staff of First United Methodist Church. Wishing your family an abundance of joy and peace! Please keep those not as fortunate in your prayers. Pray for those who may be alone or those struggling for any reason. Invite others to know the birth of our Savior and join in the praise of God!
Matthew 1:23

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;

They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
Pastoral Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25  
Lay Scripture: Isaiah 7:13-15 
“Joy to the World,” a beloved Christmas classic, turns 300 this year. The song of “Joy” invites us to sing a song with all of creation, heaven, and nature. During the month of December, we will encounter a “Joy” that is more than just another word for “Happiness.” Join us as we discover the depth of a joy that at times may seem elusive, but is always hopeful, loving, unabashed, and incarnate in the gift of Jesus Christ.

Join us at First United Methodist Church
       Christmas Eve Worship
           4:00 pm Family Friendly Worship
           7:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Worship
        Compassionate Joy
            December 29, 8:15 and 10:35 am
(There will be two services on December 29, 8:15 and 10:35 am. However, there will NOT be Sunday School for the children or youth that day. The Adult classes may decide on their own.)

Worship with us
      Sunday, 8:15 am and 10:35 am
      Sunday School 9:15 am
      Nursery available
Broadcasting LIVE Christmas Eve
We will be broadcasting our 7:00 pm Candlelight worship service Christmas Eve on KVOE. You may CLICK HERE to watch if you cannot be here in person.  

Our Holiday Hours
The church office will close at noon on December 24.
The church building and office will be closed:
December 25.
The building and office will close at noon on December 31.
The building and office will be closed on January 1, 2020.

Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year from the staff of FUMC!

January/February 2020 Worship Series "Who RU"

The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb God named me. Isaiah 49:1
 
The beginning of a new calendar year is a time when we often reassess direction and ask questions yet again about who we are and where we are going in life.  We make resolutions, we sign up at the gym (again), we vow to be better people.  This year we will take a deep journey into the question, “Who Are You?”  We will discover that “who we are” is indelibly linked to “Whose we are.”  What amazing things could happen if you lived into your best, most passionate, loving self?  Let’s find out what transformations can happen starting January 5, 2020.

Your donations are always appreciated at Camp Chippewa. You may go to www.campchippewa.org to learn more!
Halftime is Coming....

ADULT CLASSES

Take a Refreshing Plunge into the Bible--Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians --led by Pastor Karla

Journey inside the pages of Scripture and you'll meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Immersion Bible Studies is your guide for that journey. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ.

Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation, the Common English Bible, stands firmly on Scripture and helps you explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of your personal faith. More importantly, you'll be able to discover God's revelation to you through readings and reflections.

So, take the plunge and find the transforming love and knowledge of a personal God.

Men’s Group led by Tyler Curtis and JD Chanley

Women's Group is being formed
PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
DECEMBER 19th TUESDAY/THURSDAY GROUP


Friends Together Preschool
Friends Together Preschool has been excited to prepare for the birth of Jesus! We are celebrating Christmas with parties and a singing program. All are invited to hear our angels sing on Thursday, December 19 or Friday, December 20th at 11:15 in the church Chapel. We will take a break until January 2020 when we start the second semester.

We have had fun visits from Jodi Case with Mobilizing Literacy! We always enjoy having her come because she teaches us new music, reads books and does fun activities.   

The MWF class went on a field trip to the Lyon Çounty History Center for the Friday Family FUNday again this month. We did a Brown Bear Christmas story and enjoyed it very much.

We are thankful to Pastor Karla for coming to the classroom to share devotions with us each month. This month we were able to be actively engaged in the Christmas story!   

The Giving Tree will remain in the hallway by the classroom throughout the season. If you are interested in giving a gift to the preschool, please choose a tag or two and bring the items to place under the tree. We will be so surprised when we return in January to see how generous you all have been. To those who have already given, we thank you so very much for your support of the preschool program and each of the students enrolled.  ´

Both classes have openings available if you are aware of any child aged 3-5 who is interested in preschool. Please let them know to get in touch with the office for enrollment information.    


MealTrain Ministry - can you help by providing a meal?
 
1 John 3:18 - “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”
 
Our congregation occasionally has the opportunity to provide meals for members following hospitalizations, surgeries or extended illnesses. If you aren’t getting email notifications for the Meal Train ministry and would like to, please click here.
 
Once you register,  you will be notified by email each time a need (extended illness, surgery, birth, etc) for meals arises for one of our church family. 
 
There is no pressure. After you receive an email notification, if you want to provide a meal or gift card you can sign up for a day that is convenient for you at MealTrain.com
 
Want to know more about Meal Train?  The New Seekers Sunday School class sponsors and organizes the Meal Trains for First United Methodist Church.  If you have questions, need more information, OR if you know of someone in our congregation who could benefit from receiving meals, please email us or contact Jeline Harclerode 785-230-3453. 

 
Winter and holidays are often difficult for those going through a stressful time or grieving the loss of a loved one. The following thoughts from Winter Grief, Summer Grace by James Miller, might be helpful to you or someone you know.

“The winter of your grief is a time to do what is best for you:  a time to be, just to be. A part of you may wish to push ahead.  Winter says, ‘Take your time.’ A part of you may wish to get this over with as quickly as possible. Winter says, ’Be patient.’ Something within you may want to escape. Winter says, ‘This is what you need right now.’ This time offers an opportunity to do what you may not often do:  sit and be quiet, walk and be aware, write or talk and be reflective.

You can spend time with yourself and make a close, close friend. You can immerse yourself in the stillness and let it inform you. You can open your eyes to the starkness that is around you and find unusual beauty. You can use this time of barrenness to begin your healing.”
 
PEACE, COMFORT, AND JOY TO ALL OF YOU
FROM OUR STEPHEN MINISTRY.
Thought for the Day
We have no idea what tomorrow will bring,
but today is overflowing with potential.
ALLAN LOKOS

Ways to Serve.....


OUR FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOU

Our focus for December is SOUP AND CRACKERS!! 
Everything is appreciated!

Could you please consider adding these to your weekly grocery shopping??? There is such a huge need in our community and every bit helps. 

We also need help on Thursday and Friday mornings to distribute food to those in need. Our pantry is open from 9:00 - noon each Thursday and Friday morning. You may sign up in the Narthex anytime.

Please check the dates on food that you bring. We greatly appreciate your donation, but we can not give away expired food to anyone.

Thank you to all, you are appreciated!!!

YOUTH NEWS!

CROSSROADS YOUTH will not be meeting on December 22, 29 or January 5. Enjoy the Christmas break!

NO YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL DECEMBER 29!!!

eMERGE will not meet on December 25 or January 1. Hope you have a fantastic Christmas break! Half time begins on January 8, so when we start meeting again, dinner will be served at 5:30 for anyone interested. 
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOUTH AND FAMILIES!!
FAMILY IN USD 253 DISTRICT NEEDS HELP
Heather Wagner, Student and Family Resource Specialist at Emporia Public Schools has a family moving out of the shelter and they need everything, including 6 beds. This mother is in need of everything for her kids. The family needs furniture, household items, bedding, blankets, pillows, etc. If anyone has used items they are willing to donate it would be great!!!! Contact Dana Roemer or the office if you can help.
Happy holidays to you and yours!!!!!!!
You are cordially invited to celebrate with Cleat and Mary Buckbee on December 28th, 2019 at the American Legion, 2921 West 12th Ave, Emporia KS. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on December 12. Cleat will celebrate his 90th birthday on January 16, 2020. Join them from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. They request no gifts just your presence. 
First United Methodist Church

Print your own Worship Guide from our website on Fridays. Click the picture for the website.

Be sure to click on the link to open the entire Connection. You don't want to miss anything!!!
We hope you enjoy our live streaming on KVOE each Sunday.
Did you know that our service is then archived on KVOE? 
If you would like to join in, please CLICK HERE to watch it live or from the KVOE Archives.

Events for the weeks of 
December 19 - January 2

December 19: Jubilee Ringers 5:30 pm
December 20: Korean Worship 6:45 pm
December 21: Korean Worship 12:30 pm
December 22: Korean Worship 2:00 pm
December 23: Staff Meeting 1:30 pm
December 24: Building closed at 12:00 pm
December 24: Family-Friendly Worship 4:00 pm
December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight 7:00 pm
December 25: Building closed
December 26: Lectionary Bible Study 12:00 pm
December 27: Korean Worship 6:45 pm
December 28: Korean Worship 12:30 pm
December 29: Korean Worship 2:00 pm
December 30: Staff Meeting 1:30 pm
December 30: Rolling Ringers 5:30 pm
December 31: Building closed as 12:00 pm
January 1: Building closed
January 2: Lectionary Bible Study 12:00 pm
January 2: Jubilee Ringers 5:30 pm

Thank you for reading to the end!
Community News!
Copyright © 2014  First United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
The Connection Newsletter

Our mailing address is:
823 Merchant, Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 342-6186

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First United Methodist Church · 823 Merchant St · Emporia, Kansas 66801 · USA

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