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"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared ...." ~ Exodus 23:20
Preparation ...........
Trust.
These words don't seem to go together, and yet if we are people of faith, they must.
Let's think for a moment about what and how we trust in times of preparation. An athlete prepares for days, weeks and months for a few hours of competition. Trusting in their regiment of training keeps them healthy and at their very best. People moving from one career to another often prepare by study, and when it's time to move on, their confidence comes from all their efforts.
God's angels are constantly among us in much the same way. Whatever we do in our faith walk that encourages others and brings us closer to our Heavenly Father is enhanced by following a path set before us. It won't always be without obstacles, but it will always be the best way forward when we trust in Him to guide us in our preparations.
Today I invite you to search for a way to be the guide for someone else's journey. If we help guide their path, we become the messenger God calls us to be, and our trust in Him strengthens us.
God bless you this Advent season!
~ Pastor Denise
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December 12
Third Sunday of Advent
"God with Mary, the Faithful"
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
--- God calls us into unknown places that we wouldn’t foresee for ourselves. And even in the midst of uncertainty, God is with us.
December 19
Fourth Sunday of Advent
"God with the Shepherds, the Dismissed"
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
--- Christmas shows us that God takes ordinary lives and does extraordinary things with them. The shepherds who were often dismissed play a prominent role in proclaiming the message of Emmanuel, God is with us.
Friday, December 24 - 6:00 PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
"God with Us"
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
--- There is a big difference between God for us and God with us. The birth story is a perfect example of that. A bunch of shepherds and a couple poor kids gather at a barn in some backwater Roman province. Yes, God was with us there and any other “last place on earth” you might find yourself. God is with us here, too.
December 26
First Sunday After Christmas
Service of Lessons and Carols
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There is construction being done at the church. The front steps and handicap ramp are in the process of being replaced. Both the front steps and handicap ramp will be inaccessible for about 2 weeks.
During this time, you may enter the church via the front or back hallway doors. Once inside, you can use the door leading to the front of the sanctuary. Bulletins will be available on the stand as you enter.
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We are thankful for your faithful support during these challenging times. Your generous giving has been vital in maintaining our ability to cover expenses and continue our church ministries. You may continue giving in-person at the indoor worship service, by sending your offering check directly to the church, or by using the church online giving feature found in the footer of the church website. It is easy, secure, and appreciated. The Online Giving option is also available while you are watching the weekly online worship service. --- Thank You
If so inspired, you may give online now, by clicking HERE.
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2022 Stewardship Campaign
DeBows designated Sunday, November 21 as Stewardship Sunday. On this Sunday, we concluded our sermon series concerning "Gratitude", and now look ahead to the holiday season, and begin to prepare to vision & plan for 2022. Having an accurate estimate of congregational giving for the upcoming year is an important step in the planning process.
Pledge cards are available on the table in the narthex. You may place completed cards in the collection box, also located in the narthex, any time through Sunday, December 12.
Click HERE to view a special Stewardship letter from Pastor Denise, containing additional details.
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Wednesday, December 8
Band Practice - 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 11
Events of the Season
Charlie Zahm Christmas Concert
1:30-3:30 PM
First Baptist Church of Allentown
72 Walker Ave, Allentown, NJ
Living Nativity
at Jackson UMC
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 12
Third Sunday of Advent
Last day for pledge cards
Indoor Worship - 9:00 AM
Online Worship - Click HERE for details
Monday, December 13
Food Pantry Open
--- By Appointment Only ---
Call 848-373-8844
by 5 PM, Saturday, December 11
Chime Rehearsal - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, December 15
Band Practice - 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 18
You're Invited!
Featuring our own Jim Kramer
Libby Prison Minstrels
Season of the Nativity
1:30-3:00 PM at DeBows
Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 19
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Indoor Worship - 9:00 AM
Online Worship - Click HERE for details
Monday, December 20
Chime Rehearsal - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, December 22
Band Practice - 7:00 PM
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
6:00 PM
Saturday, December 25
Merry Christmas
Sunday, December 26
First Sunday After Christmas
Service of Lessons & Carols
Indoor Worship - 9:00 AM
Online Worship - Click HERE for details
Monday, December 27
Food Pantry Open
--- By Appointment Only ---
Call 848-373-8844
by 5 PM, Saturday, December 25
NOTE: Please check the church website and calendar frequently for the most up-to-date scheduling and activity information.
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Please keep the following people in your prayers ...
- Bill Wentzien - he is back in Virtua hospital and now has been diagnosed with blood clots in both legs and both lungs. He is also experiencing bleeding in his gastrointestinal system, probably as a result of a blood thinner medication.
- Susan Esposito (mother of Joy's friend) - She is home on hospice. Prayers for her and the family at this time.
- Terrance Oliver (Regina's father) - had strep throat, and now is recovering from Covid. Prayers for his quick healing and recovery.
- Chris (Donna Ridge's nephew) - He has stage 4 liver cancer and, in his spine, and gall bladder.
- Continued prayer for home-bound church members: Rudy Iannacone; Ann Giarratano; Paul Bartek; Dottie Weeks
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~ NOTE ~
Please let Pastor Denise know of any updates to this prayer list. Additions, removals, or status updates. Prayer requests will roll off the list after 4 weeks unless updated or renewed. All prayer requests go directly to the pastor.
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2nd & 4th Monday Each Month
The next Food Pantry distribution is
Monday, December 13
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The DeBows Food Pantry is open on the 2nd & 4th Monday each month, 6-8pm. DeBows is using an "Appointment Only" system to distribute the food. People can make an appointment by calling 848-373-8844.
Please note: participants need to call for an appointment by 5:00 PM on the Saturday prior to the scheduled food pantry day. This gives the Food Pantry volunteers time to prepare the food for distribution. "Thank You" for your cooperation.
Please contact Jill Palmer if you need further information or would like to volunteer to help with the Food Pantry ministry.
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Our music program is led by our Minister of Music, Grayce Armstrong, a Sacred Music graduate of Westminster Choir College.
DeBows UMC is blessed with talented people who love to praise God. We pray for each other and give back to the Lord the blessings we’ve received. We welcome newcomers to join our music ministry and share and grow their talent for God’s glory. Please contact Grayce by email at music@debowsumc.org for any questions or to discuss opportunities to participate in our music ministry.
More information about the DeBows music ministry can be viewed HERE.
*Chime Rehearsal
--- Monday nights at 6 PM
*Band Practice
--- Wednesday nights at 7 PM
*Rehearsal confirmations and/or cancellations are made by email. Please check email for any cancellations before coming out.
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DeBows supported the Children's Home Society of Trenton this year by donating gifts to their annual Holiday Gift Drive. Above is Anita Chichester & Theresa Slover delivering the gifts to the CHS. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this outreach activity.
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For the most up-to-date information concerning church activities, event schedules, general church information, or to view recent newsletters, you may visit the church website anytime at debowsumc.org.
If weather adversely impacts any church related event, alerts will be posted on the church website and the calendar will be updated. A special email will also be sent out to notify people of any event cancellations etc.
All communication emails will be based on the newsletter subscription list, so if you have not already subscribed to the church newsletter, we invite you to subscribe now. Just visit the church website and use the subscription form in the bottom right-hand corner of the homepage.
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Feedback Welcome
As always, your feed back to our bi-weekly newsletter is welcome and appreciated. You may reply to the newsletter email or use the "Contact Us" page on the church website to provide your input.
The next newsletter will be published on
Wednesday, December 22
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Rev. Denise Tiedemann, Pastor
pastor@debowsumc.org or
732-928-4475
Office Hours
Thursday's 10am - 1pm
If you need to speak to Pastor Denise,
please contact her directly using the above information.
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