Advent Conspiracy: Give More
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1-5
The third lesson of the Advent Conspiracy is "Give More." Following a suggestion that we should "spend less," this tenet might seem contradictory. However, this Advent, we are encouraged to give more presence, not presents.
At Christmas, God-in-the-flesh comes to earth to be present, in relationship with us. We are called to love God and love neighbor by being in relationship with both. How can we, by our presence, "give more" this Advent season?
We look forward to exploring these questions with you on Sunday.
God Bless,
Rev. Mary
p.s. Deadline for Virtual Poinsettia contributions to the Tarrant Area Food Bank in honor or memory of your loved one(s) is this Thursday, December 17.
|
|
This December, our congregation is experiencing the Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All.
- Weekly Bible study exploring these themes continues on Wednesdays at 6:30. (Click here for Zoom link; invite a friend!)
- Worship kits for children and families are available. If you did not receive one, we would love to bring one to you! Please contact Linda Nevitt (lnevitt@ahumc.com).
- A Service of Healing and Hope is available online. This 25-minute service includes music, scripture and prayers to offer comfort, especially for those who are experiencing grief or wish to experience a deeper connection with God during this season.
- Christmas Eve services will be both online and in-person (outside) this year. Information about all services is available here.
- An Ugly Christmas Sweater Christmas Pageant for Children and Families (and Everyone!) will be held over Zoom on Christmas Eve. You can find more information here.
|
|
The concerns caused by rising COVID cases in our community have led the Trustees to plan instead for online-only worship through the end of the year:
Traditional Service is hosted by our staff at 9:30 on Facebook. It is also available throughout the morning (and beyond) on our website or Vimeo page.
Third Space Blended Service is hosted by our staff at 11:03 on Facebook. It is also available throughout the morning (and beyond) on our Vimeo page.
It is disappointing to not be able to gather in-person, especially during this season. Our Trustees had hoped and planned to be in the building for Advent and Christmas Eve. However, a number of factors led to this decision, including: COVID-19 cases are rising in Tarrant County; hospitalizations in our county are increasing; and Bishop Lowry, Judge Whitley and numerous health officials have urged churches to meet online only.
While we long for a time when we can meet safely together, we know that this restriction will not last forever. As disciples of Jesus who wish to follow John Wesley's urging to "do good," "do no harm," and "stay in love with God," we can make a sacrificial effort to comply with the urging of health officials and do our part to help minimize COVID illnesses and deaths.
Thank you for your understanding at this time. I encourage you to engage in some of the many ways our congregation continues to meet in virtual small groups and reach out in love and service to our neighbor. If you would like to engage, and need more information, please send me an email, and I will be happy to help you find ways to live and grow in your faith during this time. And please know that your financial contributions continue to make a difference - in some areas, more than ever - as we share the love of Jesus Christ with a world in need.
|
|
Christmas Eve at AHUMC
Details for all services can be found here.
Service of Candles & Carols Online:
Hosted on Facebook at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Available throughout the day on our Website and Vimeo pages.
In-Person Service of Carols, Candles & Communion:
On the front lawn at 5:30 p.m.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Christmas Pageant for Children & Families (and Everyone!):
Over Zoom at 4:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Please click the picture above to make a contribution.
|
|
"What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
This year's stewardship emphasis is, "Doing What Love Requires." As disciples, we are called to put our faith into action, and the people of Arlington Heights UMC have been doing this for a very long time. Each week during Our Time of Extravagant Generosity, we highlight a ministry that shows members of AHUMC doing what love requires. Click here to see this week's video from our Chancel Choir's 2019 performance of Handel's Messiah.
Pledge cards have been mailed out and are also available online (click the button, below). Please return your pledge card (or make a pledge online) so our finance committee can finalize our budget for 2021. Thank you!
|
|
Our church database, Elexio, has recently been converted to a new version. All church members are asked to please visit our website to learn about how to access the new database and install the new app on your phone. Our church directory will be available online.
If you would like to make some of your personal information unavailable in the online directory (Family names, phone numbers, email addresses, home address), please contact Laurie Meek to let her know what information you would like to exclude from the published (online) version.
|
|
|
|
|
