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Call. Connect. Commit. Celebrate.

This Week at Avery


Tues.    7 pm, Dartball - A
Thurs.  11 am, Love in a Backpack
              12:45, Head Start Event
              6:30 pm,
              Service of the Longest Night
Sun.      Fourth Sunday of Advent
             10:30 am, Worship
             10:45 am, Sunday School
Mon.     7:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

The church office will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 1. Contact the pastor or staff directly if you need assistance during this time, and it cannot wait until January. Thank you.
Listen to Sunday's Sermon
Worship video for December 16, 2018
Advent Sermon Series: From Our Fears and Sins Release Us
"If Every Day Could Be Christmas"
Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

"People look East, the time is near: of the crowning of the year!"

Indeed, we are just one week away from Christmas Eve worship! And our Service of the Longest Night is just 3 days away, on Thursday evening! To that end, I ask you to do 3 things to help us celebrate:
1. Invite friends and family to join you for either of both of these services. Christmas is a time in which people are more open to exploring faith and attending religious services. Some people are just waiting to be invited to attend a service.

2. When you attend these services, keep an eye out for people you don't know. Welcome new visitors, whether it's in the parking lot, sanctuary, or hallways. I know you want to see your friends and pastor and wish them a merry Christmas, but you see them every week. Pay closer attention to being welcoming to new faces. 

3. Most importantly, prepare your heart and mind to receive the gift of Jesus and the good news he brings. Jesus comes whether or not the house is cleaned, the gifts are wrapped, or the cookies are baked. So welcome him as the most important gift of this season, and celebrate his presence among us!

Here are the special services we have planned for the season:



Service of the Longest Night

A service of hope for all who are hurting this holiday season.

Thursday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The holidays can be a source of pain when we’re mourning the loss of a loved one, facing serious illness, coping with life’s difficulties, or encountering broken or strained relationships. Yet the birth of Jesus is celebrated in winter, when life seems most dark. God’s arrival into our world is a single candle of hope, piercing the darkness. Join us on the longest night of the year to find the hope you need.
 

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Dec. 24 at 7:30 pm

Sing the songs, hear the story, and see the beauty of a candlelight service as we worship the birth of Jesus Christ!

Childcare is available in the nursery for children up to age 6. Children of any age are welcome to stay in worship, and will be given a safe battery operated candle.

Donate to Avery
Announcements

COMING IN 2019:

Learning the Bible, Together

Have you ever wanted to read the bible more, on your own or with your family? Avery UMC is here to help! We think it’s important that everyone know about God through the stories, and the big story, of scripture. That’s why we invite you to join us for a year-long journey through the most important themes and stories found in the bible.

For 31 weeks, we’ll look at those themes and stories together as a church. Worship, Sunday School, and adult small groups will follow the same schedule, which means families can journey through scripture from week to week and discuss what they’re learning, together!

It all starts on January 27, 2019!
Click here for more info


PRAYER & CARE CARDS 
Next meeting: Tue. Jan. 8 at 6:30 pm
You are invited on a journey that begins with prayer for 
our loved ones, church family, and the world. 
We meet each 2nd Tuesday of the month to make and take home three care cards. 
Supplies will be provided. The Spirit will lead and guide us along the way. 
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and the Lord will care for you." - Psalm 55:22


SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Wear your pajamas on Sunday December 23
as we prepare to celebrate Christmas!



THE NEW AVERY UMW COOKBOOK has arrived!
See Dana Stainbrook after worship in Heiskell Hall
to pick up your pre-order or to make a purchase.

FAITH IN ACTION
Can you help someone an hour or two a week, or a month?
 Faith in Action, one of TRPIL’s services, needs caring volunteers to assist senior citizens or individuals with disabilities to remain independent. 
Click here for some recent requests

Copyright © 2018 Avery United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.


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