Ministries. Miscellaneous: p. 5 Alcoholics Anonymous. Trail Guide p. 6. The Bible: p. 7. Message Map p. 9. Administration: p. 4

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1 Page 2 Ministries: pg. 2, 3 Missions: p. 5 New Small Group Forming Christmas Helpers Still Needed Christmas Worship Services What s New for Christmas Services? Big Ideas in Sunday School Today Bible Bucks Store Christmas Memories E-100 Coming in 2015! Pilgrims Progress Ministry Volunteer Opportunities LUMC Babysitter List Welcome Our Newest Members: Baptized Member Harper Duane Russell, son of Stephen and Jonni Russell, brother Ryan Administration: p. 4 Christmas Love Gift LUMC Timeline LUMC on Facebook Year End Giving Help a Single Mom for Christmas Ring the Bell for Salvation Army Miscellaneous: p. 5 Alcoholics Anonymous Our Mission... The mission of LUMC is to make disciples who live transformed lives, influencing their generation and and Vision... Trail Guide p. 6 The Bible: p. 7 Message Map p. 9 Christmas Flowers: p Calendar: back the next with God s love! LUMC4Life- We re downtown and all around! Ministries New Small Group Forming We are developing a small group for parents/ caregivers of children with social and behavioral challenges such as, but not limited to, ADHD, autism and Asburger s. This will be a time for parents to share resources and experiences with one another, spend time in fellowship with each other, and support one another. In order to give parents the time together, childcare will be provided. If you are interested in joining this small group, or spending time with the children as a childcare volunteer, please contact Pam Bentley at pam@leesburgumc.org. Your prayers for the start of this ministry are greatly appreciated! Christmas Helpers Still Needed We need persons to read scripture during our Christmas Eve worship services at Noon, 8 pm and 11 pm. Please contact Pastor Jim or the office if you are interested in serving. Christmas Worship Services Check out all the upcoming service times on the back cover of this booklet. Special Note: f you will attend the 11pm Christmas Eve service, be sure to arrive by 10:40 pm to enjoy the Festive Prelude before the service. What s New for Christmas Services? Our new battery operated votive and tea candles! Last year LUMC spent a lot of money on Glow Sticks as an alternative to lighted candles during the afternoon family services (3pm & 5pm), where we have the majority of children in attendance. This year we decided to check into the battery operated version of candles and found that they were much cheaper. They will last for a very long time if we take good care of them and make sure we all return them after each service. Even so, it was an investment of around $200, which our PACE Ministry sponsored for us. We hope you enjoy this new addition! Big Ideas in Sunday School Today December Theme: The birth of Jesus shows God s hope for the world. December Bible Verse: And they will call him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. Matthew 1:23 Today's Conversation Starter: Why were Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem? What did they discover when they went there? What happened that night? Luke 2:1-20 PARENTS: There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on December 28. Regular classes with Kid s Worship will resume on January 4. Bible Bucks Store On Sunday, December 14, our elementary children were able to visit the Bible Bucks Store during the Sunday School hour. The children receive Bible Bucks as incentives for bringing their bible to class, making good choices, helping one another, etc. In addition to choosing a treat for themselves, the children were given the opportunity to donate their Bucks to Imagine No Malaria, a mission supported by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) which is the focus of our special Christmas offering at LUMC this season. The children donated an astounding $400 to this cause! We are so proud of the children for their enthusiasm to help others and are pleased to announce that this substantial amount has been matched as a real dollar donation for this mission outreach. Many thanks to parents and teachers for encouraging the children to donate and to Kari Murphy and Lynda Breland for their help running the store! Merry Christmas! Christmas Memories Stop by Wesley Hall and see the exhibit of Christmas vintage decorations in the Archives display case. Thanks to the members who generously shared their family heirlooms and thanks to the Archives Committee for organizing the display. The exhibit is on display through January 4.

2 Page 4 Administration Page 3 E-100 Coming in 2015! E-100 has been moved from January to the Easter Season and will launch Easter Sunday. Pilgrims Progress Feel like the only person with struggles in the Christian life? Wonder if anyone else has traveled the same road? Millions of Christians have cherished John Bunyan s allegorical tale of the journey Christian made to the celestial city. The adult class that meets in the front room of the AG will start a study on this book, written by John Bunyan in the 1600s. We invite all adults to join us for this journey through Pilgrim s Progress. Christian leaves his home in the city of destruction and begins a long journey to the celestial city. His adventure is full of encounters with interesting people such as faithful, hopeful, and ignorance. Traveling through places such as the Vanity Fair and the valley of the shadow of death, he reaches his heavenly home but learns rich lessons during the journey. The story has immediate application to everyday life. We welcome you to attend this class which starts on Sunday, January 4, at 9:45, and will be led by Kim Kadesch. Ministry Volunteer Opportunities The ministries at Leesburg UMC happen in a large part because of one thing... volunteers. When you use your gifts and passions to serve others, it honors God and allows our church to thrive. From welcoming guests to mentoring children and teens, to working with your hands and much more, there s a place for your unique contribution. And when you step up to serve, God can use you in ways you never expected. We have three opportunities coming in 2015 that might be just right for you! To learn more, please contact Angela Becek, angela@leesburgumc.org or stop by one of the information sessions to learn more. Join the Fellowship Team You will have a great time hanging out and serving with fellow church members as you support an environment that allows our church family to come together for conversation and fellowship while they enjoy a meal together. Join us as we serve to create fellowship experiences to help each person feel a sense of community and belonging in the church. Learn more about serving on a once a month team at a brief, one-time information session tonight at 6:30 in Asbury Hall. Join the Information Station Team Are you passionate about LUMC? Do you have a desire to see people get connected with the body of Christ within Leesburg UMC? Would you like to use your gifts and talents to assist people in feeling a sense of belonging and community in our church? Sometimes this might be new people searching for the restroom or nursery, but often it will be helping people sign-up online for small groups and service opportunities, receiving payments for events and directing folks to the right person who can answer detailed questions. Learn more about serving once a month at a one-time information session on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm in Wesley Hall. Join the Youth SPY Team Do you have a desire to share God s love and make a real difference in the lives of others? During SPY, you have the opportunity to grow with adults and teens as you serve together. You will spend time investing in the lives of youth from Leesburg as you serve side by side to improve the living conditions of a family in the New River Valley of Virginia. On a SPY Team, you will worship, play and work. Your faith will grow as you are challenged by the realities of poverty close to home. Interested adults and youth: join us for the SPY Informational Meeting on Sunday, January 25 at 7 pm in the AG. LUMC Babysitter List Are you looking for a babysitter who is RESPONSI- BLE, RELIABLE, CARING, and FUN? Several of our LUMC youth are experienced babysitters with training in CPR and First Aid, and would welcome the call to babysit for you. If you would like to view the LUMC Youth Babysitter List, please contact Pam Bentley at pam@leesburgumc.org. Christmas Love Gift Brothers and Sisters in Christ: the time has come again to show our appreciation for the Staff of LUMC. Please make your contribution and mark on your check "Christmas Love offering" and place in offering plate. Thank you, SPRC LUMC Timeline The Visioning Task Force needs help to prepare a timeline of LUMC s history to display in Asbury Hall. The plan is to show through text and pictures the story of our congregation from the beginning of a Methodist Society here in Leesburg in the 1760 s until today. We continue to gather stories of the living past (1940s to present) and earlier, adding narrative to the various decades of history. In particular, we want to add personal stories of what our church and community were like in your lifetime! What did the LUMC do to make a difference in the community? What happened that made a difference in your life/ your family? What highlights; what challenges; what events; what persons do you remember and give thanks to God for? Thus, two types of assistance are needed: 1) those who are willing to write/record our stories; and 2) those who have the creative/organizational skill to create a time-line display that will become a living display, added to each year with new stories, new events, new people who become a part of our living history. Please contact the church office or Pastor Jim. LUMC on Facebook Make sure to Like' Leesburg UMC on Facebook to receive current news, notices, and celebrations! Year End Giving If you have financial contributions to make to LUMC that you want to be included in your 2014 giving statement for tax purposes, please make sure to do one of the following: Put your offering in the plate on or before Sunday December 28th. Mail your offering so that it is postmarked on or before December 31st. Drop your offering off in the office, or in the Administrative Assistant mailbox in the office hallway on or before December 31. (Note that the office may have limited hours on Dec. 30 and 31.) All offerings put in the offering plates on Sunday, January 4, will be counted for 2015, regardless of any notes or preprinted dates that may be marked on your offering envelope. All offerings received or postmarked after Dec. 31 will be part of your 2015 giving according to the IRS rules. Thank you!

3 Page 6 Page 5 Missions Help a Single Mom for Christmas LUMC is helping a disabled single mom with four kids to provide toys for Christmas. If you would like to help fund this project, please make a contribution noted for Pastor s Discretionary Children s Christmas. Ring the Bell for Salvation Army! Sign-up in Wesley Hall or through the church website. The dates are: Fridays & Saturdays from Nov. 14 Dec. 24, plus the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas and Christmas Eve. Who: Anyone! A great family missions activity! (One parent can ring with one child for an hour, then switch!) What: Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army to raise money for them to help those in need in Loudoun County. Where: the Giant on Market Street in Leesburg When: Two hour shift (you can pre-arrange to split a shift with friends) How: Wear layered clothing as temperatures may fluctuate. Bring a cardboard box or rug to stand on, which will help keep the cold from the pavement from your feet. Remember to say: "Merry Christmas!" and "Thank you!" Make eye contact with people and SMILE! Never leave kettle unattended, if you need a break, please take the kettle to the customer service desk in the store. Miscellaneous Alcoholics Anonymous If you have a problem with alcohol, there is help or Trail Guide for the week of December 22 We re about to enter the Christmas Season. Advent, our time of preparation, draws to a close. During this time, we have been invited to share in the story of Christ s birth by reflecting on the question: What miracle does God want to birth in your life this Christmas? Keep in mind that Christ was not born full-grown and mature; likewise, whatever miracle God is birthing through you may not be revealed in completeness, but as a beginning of something new, life-transforming, life-giving. Are you ready? Are you ready-ing yourself? When I reflect on Christmas and what it means, one word appears time and again: Joy. Because of Godcome-in-the-flesh-in-Christ, human beings can experience joy. The joy of Christmas does not come to us in the material gifts wrapped and lying under our brightly decorated trees; but in the gift of life, Jesus, wrapped in birthing cloths and lying in a feeding trough for animals. It is a joy that does not leave us when the pleasures of life are put away or even lost. Joy, unspeakable joy, remains. Even when all else fails. Joy is the music we hear in this singing of the angels now, in our sanctuaries, and one day in eternity. Do you hear it? Open your ears and your heart again this Christmas to joy, to Jesus, and to the miracle God is birthing in you! Glad tidings of comfort and joy for you and for all people everywhere! (These reflections are adapted from Under Wraps-Devotional, by LaGrone, Robb, Renfroe, Nixon) Monday 12/22 Genesis 15:12, 17-18a Why is there a Christmas to celebrate? One word: covenant. The covenant God made, that God kept, and that God continues to keep. This covenant is not like our formal agreements or commitments that both parties must agree to in full before either can act on it. God initiated the covenant and God acted on the terms God declared. God invites you to enter this covenant a covenant of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation based on love, God s love. For you. For all of us. Tuesday 12/23 Isaiah 49:15-16a I love watching my daughter with our grandson. He is, and always will be, part of her. What a powerful example of the love God has for you and for me and for every human being, even those we don t like, and those who don t like us. God loves. God remembers. God seeks. God saves. Yes, even that difficult person in your life try to see them as God sees them. Wednesday 12/24 Luke 2:10-11 Why did God send a Savior? Thursday 12/25 Psalm 103:22; John 14:18; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:15b In Jesus, we find the promise and promises of God fulfilled and beginning to be fulfilled. As you celebrate this wonderful Christmas Day, reflect on the promises of God you hold dear and share them with those you hold dear. Friday 12/26 Isaiah 42:6-7 Isaiah reminds the people of God s faithfulness. Time and again, God delivered them even from entanglements that they had gotten themselves into! Yes, there s hope and help for us, despite our undeserving, because of God s love and faithfulness. Saturday 12/27 Galatians 4:4-7 This Christmas Season, as you celebrate the birth of God s Son, know that because of him, you, too, are a child of God through faith in him. Come to think of it, that means we re family! Make sure to gather with others in your family, God s family, tomorrow and celebrate together!

4 Page 8 The Bible! It s the best-selling book of all time, but do we read it? Can we trust it? Is it still relevant? How can we make sense of/understand it? In 2015, we will be challenged to read it daily, and we ll look at common (and uncommon) questions that arise when we set out to read. Speaking of questions, please take a few moments to respond to these: 1) Which translation/version of the Bible do you read: NIV, NRSV, King James, ESV, Other? 2) Have you participated in a Bible study group in 2014? Page 7 Tear it out and turn it in, or pick up a copy of this form at the Information Station in Wesley Hall. 3) When it comes to reading the Bible, what three questions do you have or have you been asked? Name: (Turn in at the information station, in the offering plate, or the office.)

5 Page 10 Page 9 Message Map December 21, 2014 Under Wraps: God is Faithful Isaiah 49:15-16a; Matthew 1:21 Notes: As Advent draws to a close and Christmas is near, what miracle does God want to birth in and through you? In Loving Memory of: The Adams family: given anonymously Jimmy Alkire: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse My two brothers, Wynnewood and Phares Bachman: given by Arlene Thompson My parents, Wellington & Bertha Bachman: given by Arlene Thompson My beloved daughter, Judi Broyhill-Harris: given by Joyce Zucker Tamera Collins: given by Sheree & Kevin O Neil John, Neva, and Boyd Crouse: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse My friend, John Davis: given by Alvin Moore Deceased family & friends: given by Nancy & Steve Wolford My granddaughter, Gracie: given by Patty Russell Grace and Stanley Gumble. We all miss you! Given by Marilyn J. Solomon & family Lottie & Woodrow Hott: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse Harvey Janechek: given by Jim and Jan Moran Chris Larkins: given by Wayne Larkins My friend, Marilyn Landefeld: given by Alvin Moore Mark Lee: given by Alvin Moore Parents Carl & Evelyn Masters: given by Steve & Martha Robin My wife, Virginia Ginny Moore: given by Alvin Moore Jim & Marie Moran: given by Jim and Jan Moran Clagett Moxley, my husband: given by Evelyn Moxley Louise and Joseph O Neil: given by Sheree & Kevin O Neil Norman Oster: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse The Phillip family: given anonymously My friend and buddy, Matthew Posey: given by Alan Pugh Steve Reavis and Ted Reavis: given by Chuck Reavis Betty and Weldon Reeves: given by their children and grandchildren My Dad, William B. Robbins. Soar with the angels I love you. Given by Tracy Robbins Parents Philip & Anne Robin: given by Steve & Martha Robin William & Elsie Rosskamp: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse Virginia Secrest; given by Leslee Rochford William and Mary Sheets (Natalie s dad & mom): given by Natalie, Kelsey, and Steve Huelsman Glendon & Vivian Shriver: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Richard Simmons: given by Sheree & Kevin O Neil Ralph W. Smith, Jr.: given by Cathy Smith, Jennifer & Don Lee, Sarah & Dave Cooper, and Cap & Crouse Teresa Smith. Arthur Stier & Marjorie Stier: given by Elsie Letendre Arline Stoneman: given by Chuck Reavis

6 Page 12 Page 11 My husband, Tommy Thompson: given by Arlene Thompson My friend, Jim Tiffany: given by Alvin Moore Ginny & Jim Tiffany given by Nancy & Steve Wolford George W. Titus, our beloved husband and father: given by Dorothy Titus and Kristi Titus George W. Titus: given by Kelli, Ryan and Andrew Titus George Weaver: given by Vicky and Brandon Weaver My father, Steuart Weller: given by Patty Russell My beloved husband, Gene Zucker: given by Joyce Zucker My parents Richard & Frieda Zmuda: given by The Keener family Sandy Steve & Bailey In Honor of: Jean Alkire: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse Dianna Bengtson: given by Teresa and Cap Stanley Caulkins: given by Chuck Reavis Jim & Judy Craun: given anonymously My grandchildren Jake, Addison, Ryan and Harper: given by Patty Russell Our first great grandson, Carson James: given by Nancy & Steve Wolford My Leesburg family, Bill & Nikki Haase: given by Elsie Letendre Jack & Amber King: given anonymously Chris Larkins: given by Wayne Larkins Wayne Larkins: given anonymously Laurie, Greg, Amy & their families: given by Chuck Reavis John & Letty Mallery: given anonymously Morgan, Katie and Henry Metz: given by Mike & Bonita Metz Alvin Moore: given by Chuck Reavis Patricia Oster: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse My father & mother, Wayne & Hazel Pugh: given by Alan Pugh Wayne & Carolyn Reynolds: given anonymously Judy Roberson: given by Luther & Sally Guise Gene & Linda Robey: given anonymously Emory Shriver: given by Greg, Penny and Austin Crouse Wife and mother, Teresa Smith: given by Cap, Margie, and James Sunday 12/21 Choir Cantata 4th of Advent 8:30 AM Worship: Christmas Tapestry 9:45 AM Praise Worship 9:45 AM Adult Sun. School (AG1) 9:45 AM Sunday School (Ed Bldg) 11:00 AM Worship: Christmas Tapestry 1:00 PM Bella Nova chorus (Asb) 5:00 PM Information Station training (Wes) Monday 12/22 LCPS winter break. begins 2:00 PM Prayer shawl group (Parl) 7:30 PM Bread of Life (Parl) Tuesday 12/23 7:00 PM AA Literature meeting (Parl) 7:00 PM Heavenly Ringers (Sanc) Wednesday 12/24 Christmas Eve 12:00 PM Traditional Christmas Eve 3:00 PM Children's Christmas Eve 5:00 PM Children's Christmas Eve 7:00 PM Women's AA (Parl) 8:00 PM Praise Christmas Eve 11:00 PM Traditional Christmas Eve Christmas Day Office Closed Thursday 12/25 Friday 12/26 Office Closed 10:00 AM Overeaters Anon (Parl) Saturday 12/27 9:00 AM OA (Parl) 10:00 AM OA Inter Group (Parl) Sunday 12/28 10:00 AM Worship Healing: Prayers for LUMC Members Emma Grinnell, Garrett Shadwick, Laura Horvath, Stella Bragg Christmas Worship Schedule Here is our worship schedule for Christmas Eve and Sunday, December 28th. Christmas Eve, December 24th: 12 noon Traditional Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion 3:00 pm Children s Christmas Eve worship, with lights 5:00 pm Children s Christmas Eve worship, with lights 8:00 pm Contemporary Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion and candle lighting 10:40 pm Festive Prelude 11:00 pm Traditional Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion and candle lighting (Note: there is NO nursery care on Christmas Eve) Sunday, December 28: 10:00 am Worship (no Sunday School) The Christmas Decorations & Flowers throughout our Church have been given to the Glory of God, and In Memory or In Honor of those listed.