Keeping Christ in Christmas

Transcription

1 N E W S L E T T E R O F H I L L T O P U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H December/January 2018 Keeping Christ in Christmas The decorations on the Christmas trees at HUMC are reminders of the real reason for celebrating Christmas the birth of our Savior. These handmade ornaments represent various Christian symbols, with many of these symbols having been used since biblical times. The ornaments on the sanctuary tree are colored white and gold, with white symbolizing the purity and perfection of Jesus and gold symbolizing His majesty and glory. HUMC s ornaments include the following: Alpha and Omega The first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing that Jesus is the beginning and end, sovereign over all. Angel Bell Bells are rung at Christmas to announce the birth of Christ. Bible Butterfly An ancient symbol of the resurrection of Christ. Chalice with Alpha and Omega The chalice, or cup, reminds us of the Last Supper, where Jesus served His disciples wine representing His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Chi Rho An X (chi) on a P (rho), the first two letters of the Greek word Christos, or Christ. Christmas Rose/White Rose A white rose that blooms during winter. European legend states the Christmas rose was discovered by a poor shepherd girl who was crying because she had no gift for the Christ child. An angel appeared and brushed away the snow on the ground, revealing Christmas roses where the girl s tears had fallen. The shepherd girl gathered the Christmas roses as her gift to the Christ child. Circle Symbolizes eternity, God whole and eternal, God s eternal love, and eternal life with God. Cornerstone Represents the chief cornerstone of the church, Jesus; symbols of Christ are on the faces of the cornerstone ornaments. Crosses Crown - A symbol of the Kingship of Jesus. (Continued on page 10)

2 Pastor s Musings Pastor Dennis Shaw Senior Pastor pastor@ hilltopumchurch.org Waiting Patiently, Listening Carefully But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (English Standard Version) If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 (English Standard Version) We have one newsletter for both December and January. What is a visionary pastor to say that speaks to two different seasons in the life of the church? Advent is a season of anticipation, waiting for the Christ Child to get to Bethlehem. Many of us want to rush it; we resist going through the steps of hope, peace, joy and love. We want to get there, quickly. Let s quickly move through those steps. The department stores have had their lights out since October! We are trampling on Advent when we bring Christmas into that season. It is like celebrating Easter in the middle of Lent. The gifted writer and Wesleyan theologian Dean McIntyre writes: Advent is a season rich in tradition, symbolism, art, music, and liturgical practice. It has its own unique themes as well as those that point the way to Christmas. And yet, we annually confront the pressures and questions of "Why can't we sing Christmas carols in early December?" The answer, of course, is that to do so allows Christmas to intrude. It allows the themes, practices, spirituality, history, traditions, symbols, art, and music of one season to displace those of another. We lose the richness and the benefit of experiencing the promise, longing, hope, and expectation of Advent. The world, television, and shopping malls have done all they can to convince us that Advent does not matter; it has no place in our culture; and many of us have come to accept that for our church, as well. Our faith teaches us something very different. (Italics are not in the original.) Our theme for Advent will be: Waiting patiently in hope, peace, joy and love. Each week will focus on one of those four ideas. We want to honor Advent, and I think part of how we honor the season is cherishing and embracing waiting. The Isaiah above is a theme for all who want to move quickly. Renew your strength: wait. It is our Hilltop tradition to have a Blue Christmas service in December. We will continue that tradition on December 12 th at 7:30 pm. The next season is called Epiphany. Epiphany was originally about the recognition by the Wise Men of the Christ Child. But we can have secular epiphanies: a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you. Many churches use the Season of Epiphany to help those who came on Christmas Eve to move from a state of annual tradi- (Continued on page 3) 2 Hilltop Highlights

3 Pastor s Musings (Continued from page 2) tion to one of faithful inquiry seeking a deep, rich moment. My take of that moment is one of raised consciousness rather than true understanding. I have personally been studying this stuff for a quarter plus of a century and parts I still don t truly understand. When I want to truly understand, I call John Davison, and he clears it up for me. Many have heard me say: too often we listen in order to reply rather than to truly understand. I hope I don t shock anyone with the idea that all of us do this to some degree. I hope I don t shock anyone with the idea this is not a new problem: look at the Proverb above. I agree that if we are formulating the reply in our head while the conversation is going on, we are taking part in folly. I want to spend our time of growing consciousness around the idea of listening. During that time, I hope to touch on the trials and tribulations of the United Methodist Church as it faces the possibility of becoming Untied instead of United. I think the solution to some extent is one of learning to better listen. Join us in both seasons, a season of waiting followed by a season of listening. I pray that you covenant to first wait patiently, to listen carefully, and to be with us in both of these two seasons unless you are not in our fair city. Welcome New Members Karl & Janice Schlager Karl & Janice come to us by letter of transfer from Campbell UMC in Campbell, CA. Karl is a retired engineer and Janice a retired preschool teacher and now enjoys mosaics. Karen Moser Karen and her family relocated to Utah from St. Louis where they were members of Webster UMC. Karen is a pathologist at the University of Utah and enjoys hiking, reading, and board games. They have two children Clark and Heidi who sings with the Children s Choir. Order Chancel Flowers Honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or show appreciation with a flower arrangement for the chancel. Arrangements are $15 and can be ordered by signing the book on the north table in Fellowship Hall. Make checks payable to Hilltop UMC and write flowers in the memo line. You may take your flowers following the 10:30 worship service. Happenings E-Note If you would like to receive weekly e- notes highlighting upcoming events, please send your request with your address to office@hilltopumchurch.org. Selah, Pastor Dennis December

4 Finance Update Please Remember Hilltop By Galen Ewer Many people give to non-profit organizations during December. If you are one of those people, please consider Hilltop for an extra gift. If you noted the financial report in the November 18 th bulletin we have a $9,400 loss through the end of October. Even more concerning is that money in the unrestricted funds only totals $14,500, which is about one week of expenses at the church. Although the finance committee is concerned about the money to operate the church, what is most important is the ability to continue the ministries to our congregation, the people of southern Salt Lake County/northern Utah County, and worldwide. We all know that HUMC has become a focal point for protestant ministry in this area. Walk into the building any day or evening and the activity is everywhere. I am not aware of any other church serving the wide range of people through; Scouts, AA, Alanon, pre-school, Christian Yoga, Bible classes, youth groups, UMW & UMM groups as well as their outreach ministries, Family Promise, Sunday school, worship and more. Simply look at the monthly calendar, and it is apparent Hilltop touches the lives of hundreds of people every day, and for many it is the only time they walk through the doors of a church and are exposed to the ministry of Jesus Christ. This past year we have fallen short in our ability to maintain the building. As the physical plant gets older the maintenance needs increase. This year the trustees are short money for the security and fire monitoring system as well as computer upgrades. We have fallen short in our commitment to the greater church. falling approximately $17,000 short in our mission shares. Some say we fall short in our support of staff with our lack of benefits. All in all HUMC provides a great ministry to the members and the community on a shoestring budget. The 2019 budget is coming together, but we are far short of what is needed for maintaining the building and supporting the wider church. If you make special contributions at the end of the year, please remember HUMC and give us a jumpstart into Hilltop Highlights

5 Mother s Morning Out Research shows learning how to communicate with others is a big step for your child. It ll take time for your child to learn how to talk to and listen to other people. Self-regulation is an important part of learning to talk and listen, and it s harder for some children than others (Healthy Families BC). Advent and Epiphany are seasons characterized by waiting and listening, two critical components of communication we work on daily with our MMO students. These are skills not only applicable to toddlers, but ones we use as a foundation for communication for the rest of our livesskills we continue to develop and grow over time. Both waiting and listening involve patience, giving up control, and directing our focus outward towards others. When we see kids (or even adults) struggle with waiting or listening it usually involves wanting control, instant gratification, or a lack of trust. Susie doesn t want to line up patiently to wait to go outsideshe wants to run out the door immediately because she wants to determine when it s time to go. John hesitates during clean up time because he s unsure we have his best interest in mind, he doesn t fully trust that snack time will follow as soon as the toys are picked up. Waiting patiently to play with an occupied toy is difficult because Frank wants his turn NOW (instant gratification). As we enter into the holiday season, consumerism tends to push society towards a self-indulgence mindset instead of this self-regulation form of communication. Thus, many people miss out on the essence of Advent and the beauty behind waiting patiently for the most incredible gift of all the birth of our Savior. Likewise, we can quickly gloss over Epiphany instead of embracing the chance to listen and grow from our faith and the understanding of who Christ is. Our desire for control, instant gratification, or lack of trust can cause us to miss this opportunity of growth, deep faith, and the beauty of the season. My hope is that we are able to return to a childlike innocence this holiday season and remember the fundamentals of waiting patiently and listening carefully to rediscover the joy and beauty of our faith. Upcoming Events: MMO will be closed for the holidays December 20th-January 1st. We are still actively looking to hire new teachers, if you or someone you know are interested please contact Melissa at mmo@hilltopumchurch.org. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Melissa Dolloff MMO Director mmo@ Hilltopumchurch.org December

6 Music & Arts Ministry Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love Roberta Shimensky Music Director reprinted from December 2013 The word advent comes from the Latin adventus which means coming. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the new Christian year - Happy New Year! Advent is the period of time before Christmas of expectant waiting for the arrival of Messiah, the anointed one. Advent is a season in our Christian life that is part of the annual cycle of the liturgical year. We can liken the Christian seasons to a cycle because there is a rhythm to them, constantly recurring on schedule and to a fixed pattern. Cycles, like circles, go round and round which suggests to me the possibility of spinning my wheels, i.e. lots of motion but not going anywhere. Lord knows Advent is necessarily plenty full of motion in planning for Christmas. What if we imagined Advent instead as an upward spiral? Our waiting during Advent is one of a forward-looking motion. While we wait in Advent, something is happening. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. (Isa. 11:1) A stump looks dead to us because we cannot see the life of the tree that lies deep in its roots. But for a shoot to appear, there is new life that is hidden and waits to be revealed in its season. God is working as we wait. There is growth happening. There are blessings we cannot see that lie hidden in Advent. We cannot see what God is doing until it springs forth. Be aware stay alert! But about that day or hour no one knows (Mark 13:32, referring to the second coming). Advent, the new year, is a springtime with promise promise of new life and promise of salvation. The waiting can test our patience, but the discipline of practicing Advent can be the beginning of a dynamic upward spiral of growth and new life. Here We Come A-Caroling Join us to make merry Sunday, December 2, at 4:00 pm in Fellowship Hall for our annual Caroling to Shut-Ins party. After sharing a light supper and receiving instructions, we head out at 4:45 pm for all the fun. If you can bring a soup, bread, or treats for afterwards, that would be marvelous! We usually return by 7:00 pm. All are invited this is a great family activity! You Are Invited Community Christmas Celebration Sunday, December 9, at 6:00 pm. Hosted by the Crescent Ridge Stake on the corner of 1300 E S. This beloved tradition is now in its 15th year. Featuring the Hilltop Chancel Choir and Crescent Ridge Stake Choir. 6 Hilltop Highlights

7 Music & Arts Ministry A Radiant Light A Chancel Choir Christmas is not a concert and not a formal worship service, but rather an experience a dramatic presentation moving from the anticipation of Advent to the celebration of the birth of Jesus, portrayed through music and narration. Added to selections by the Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, and Children s Choir is the stirring and powerful sound of congregational singing, with brass, organ, and bells. A Chancel Choir Christmas is an opportunity for all to take the time to get deeply into the meaning of the season, and experience awe, joy, and peace! Amen, Amen Praise the Lord, Hallelujah! Heads up! Hilltop Gospel Choir 2019 first rehearsal is Tuesday, February 5, at 7:30 pm. Contact Roberta Shimensky at x3 for information. HGC is open to all in the community! Festival of Faith 2018 Cottonwood Presbyterian, St. John the Baptist Catholic, and Hilltop UMC December

8 Children & Youth YOUth Super Fundraiser SUPER BOWL SUB SANDWICHES Hosting a Super Bowl party? Don t let the party planning stress you out. Let the Youth Group help. The Youth are making sub sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday. Orders can be placed between worship services on January 20 th and January 27 th, by contacting any member of the Youth Group, or ing Jen Strickland at cyministries@hilltopumchurch.org. Plan to pick up your Subs between worship services on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3 rd. All proceeds will benefit UEUMY, Jr. High, and Sr. High Youth Group activities throughout the year. Youth December Schedule for All Groups Regular Schedule 4:30 6 pm Sunday Events at Hilltop Time Activity Dec 2 4:00 pm Caroling to Shut-Ins Dec 9 4:30 pm Serving Dinner for Family Promise Dec 16 6:00 pm A Chancel Choir Christmas Dec 23 No meeting Dec 24 6:00 pm Family Worship Service 8:30 pm Candlelight Worship 11:00 pm Candlelight & Communion Service Dec 30 4:30 pm Movie Night Youth January Schedule for All Groups Regular Schedule 4:30 6 pm Sunday Events at Hilltop Time Activity Jan 6 4:30 6:00 pm Mission Projects & White Elephant Gift Exchange Jan 11 6:15 9:00 pm Jr. High Serve at Rescue Mission Jan 13 4:30-6 pm Sledding & Hot Cocoa Jan 20 10:00 am 12:00 Super Bowl Sub Sales 4:30 6:00 pm No meeting due to MLK Holiday Jan 27 10:00 am 12:00 Super Bowl Sub Sales 4:30 6:00 pm Bowling 8 Hilltop Highlights

9 Children & Youth Yack Packs Are Back! The UEUMYs will be putting together Y.A.C.K. Paks for college students on January 6, We are excited to show our college students that they are in our prayers as they return to school. If you have a child away at school please send your student s name, address, and date they return to school to Jen Strickland at cyministries@hilltopumchurch.org no later than December 31, Children s Christmas Eve Service The Children s Christmas Eve Service, will be at 6:00 pm. Children in costume respond to the Bible story of Jesus birth and build the manger scene in the chancel - no songs or lines to memorize! When children arrive for the service, a greeter will ask them if they d like to participate in this little play as the kings, the shepherds, the angels, or the animals. If the answer is yes, they will go to Fellowship Hall to be helped into their costume and then into the sanctuary to await their entrance. As the Bible verse is read about their role in welcoming and honoring the Son of God, they will come forward to take their place in the holy tableau as the congregation sings an Advent hymn. There is a place for all who want to participate. Although this is designed for children ages 2-12, all of God s children are invited to participate. If you can help set up the set (about 1 hour), snag the kids, Youth Service Project The UEUMYs, Jr. High & Sr. High Youth Groups will be putting together care packages on January 6 th for the Rescue Mission, the Youth Resource Center, and Y.A.C.K. Paks for our college students. In order to put as many care packages together we need your help. Below is a complete list of the items we are collecting. Cash Donations Hand & Toe Warmers Deodorant $5 Gift Cards Pocket Hand Sanitizer Toothbrush Ind. Wrapped Snacks Pocket Tissues Dental Floss Hot Cocoa Packets Chap Stick Makeup Wipes Gum / Mints Combs Wet Wipes help them into costume, fold up the costumes, take down the set (right after the service), contact Marilyn, whitemar@frii.com, or Jen Strickland, cyministries@hilltopumchurch.org, Jen Strickland Children & Youth Ministries Director cyministries@ hilltopumchurch.org December

10 Advent (Continued from page 1) Daisy A popular symbol towards the end of the 15th century for the innocence of the Holy Child. Dove A symbol of the Holy Spirit and a symbol of peace. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan River. And after the flood (Genesis 8), a dove with an olive branch in its beak returned to Noah, showing that the water had receded from the ground. Fish One of the oldest Christian symbols. The letters in the Greek word for FISH (IXOYC) stand for Jesus, Christ, God, Son, Savior. It is said to have been used by early persecuted Christians as a secret symbol of identification it could be quickly sketched in the dirt with the toes of their sandals and quickly erased from the dirt. IC XC NI KA These letters stand for Jesus Christ Conquers ihc Iota, Eta, Sigma, the first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus, used since the 3 rd century; the bar over the lower-case h forms a cross. An s is often used in place of the c. Lamp - Symbolizes the knowledge and wisdom in the Bible. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Light represents the presence of God, the direction and guidance from God. Manger Sand Dollar Markings on the shell recall events in the life of Jesus possible markings include a star representing the Star of Bethlehem and Jesus birth, an outline of an Easter lily representing Jesus resurrection, five slits representing Jesus wounds on the cross, an outline of a poinsettia representing the Christmas season of Christ s birth. Legend has it that when the sand dollar is broken, there are five doves inside to bring peace and goodwill to the world. Son of Righteousness The sunburst pattern symbolizes that like the sun, Jesus is the source of light and life. Stars Three Fishes United to Form a Circle Reminds us of the Trinity. Triquetra and Circle The triquetra (the figure composed of three separate and equal arcs) symbolizes the Trinity, one God shown to man in three separate and distinct persons; the endless circle symbolizes eternity. IX IOTA CHI; the letter I is the first letter of Jesus in Greek, the letter X is the first letter of Christ in Greek. 10 Hilltop Highlights

11 Advent Hanging of the Green Please join the Worship and Missions Committees for "Hanging of the Greens" on Dec 1, 2018 at 9 AM. Hanging of the Greens prepares the church building for Advent and Christmas, as we begin preparing our hearts and minds for celebrating the birth of our Savior. We will set up and decorate a Christmas tree in the choir loft, place candles and greenery on the sanctuary ledges, and change the sanctuary banners to the Advent/Christmas displays (we have people who can climb ladders and change the banners so you won't be asked to do that). The Nativity scene will be set out in the narthex, along with greenery and other decorations. And there will be plenty of fellowship and coffee/light snacks. Come join us; many hands make light - and joyous - work. Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 12 at 7:30 pm Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. As in "I am feeling blue." Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other dis-ease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregation and community. Hilltop will have a contemplative worship service on Wednesday, December 12 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Even if you are not feeling discouraged this season, we pray that you will attend the service in support of those who are suffering. Other Advent Activities Caroling to Shut-Ins Dec 2 4:00 pm Blood Drive Dec 7 1:00 pm Community Christmas Celebration Dec 9 6:00 pm UMW Christmas Dinner Dec 10 6:00 pm Blue Christmas Worship Dec 12 7:30 pm A Chancel Choir Christmas Dec 16 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship Dec 24 6:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 11:00 pm Sunday Morning Worship* Dec 30 10:00 am December

12 Staff Bonuses Staff Appreciation Bonus By Lana Crichton As the season of Advent draws near, we expectantly await another opportunity to meet the Christ child in wonder. In meditating upon the most precious Relationship we will ever know, our thoughts and hearts are inevitably directed toward others for whom we care, and who care for us. The staff of Hilltop UMC are dedicated and cheerful servants who, through every liturgical season, devote their talents, time, and energy to members of the Hilltop family. For many on our staff, their work is not merely a vocation, but a calling. They serve with a passion that propels and enables them, on an ongoing basis, to conduct ministry in our community and to be truly present with us during the hundreds of life events of our congregation- work that is emotionally and spiritually demanding. For the past several years, our congregation has expressed its appreciation for our staff s excellence and dedication with a Christmas bonus. Your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) members ask you to open your hearts and checkbooks again in 2018 to thank the Hilltop staff for all they do to serve us and to serve God. Over a period of four Sundays, beginning November 18, you are invited to make a gift in appreciation of the Hilltop staff by writing Staff on the Memo line of a check and placing it in the offering plate. Gifts will be collected and distributed to staff members prior to Christmas. In addition, the SPRC will host a Staff Appreciation Potluck in January If you have questions regarding the Staff Appreciation Bonus or the Staff Appreciation Potluck, please contact SPRC Chair, Eric Weber, at eric.weber@slcc.edu or Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this request. Thanks to the Acolytes Please join the Worship Committee and the Children's and Youth Ministry in saying "Thank you" to the acolyte volunteers. Today is the first day of the acolytes again regularly assisting with the 10:30 worship services. A "Thank You, Acolytes" cake will be served during coffee fellowship after the 10:30 service. Please join us in expressing our gratitude to these young volunteers who are giving of their time and talents in service to God and Hilltop UMC. And if your child in grades 3-8 might be interested in volunteering as an acolyte, please contact Mary Jean Davison, Shirley Primeau, Jen Strickland or the church office. 12 Hilltop Highlights

13 UnitedMethodistWomen The United Methodist Women proudly support our church and several missions throughout the year. We are also able to completely fulfill our pledge to the District. We appreciate the support and help everyone gives the UMW for our consignment sales. This money allows us to be generous to local missions. Here is a breakdown of what was contributed inside and outside of the church by the UMW: Pastor s Relief Fund: $1,200 Trustees: $500 Crossroads: $1,200 Hilltop Christian School: $500 UEUMY group: $200 Youth Missions: $500 Pinecliff Retreat & Conf Cntr: $500 Rescue Mission: $200 Rescue Haven: $150 JUMP: $150 UMCOR: $200 CONAM: $100 Inn Between: $200 VOA Teen Programming: $200 For a grand total in donated giving of $5, We are so blessed to be able to give back to our community in this way. Our hope is that the consignment sales of 2019 will increase in profit so our giving is even broader. Thanks again and have a wonderful Advent Season!" Acolytes Young Hearts in Ministry Children and youth of Hilltop UMC are serving God and the church in an ancient tradition but newly reactivated HUMC acolyte ministry bringing the light of Jesus into the worship service and taking it out into the world at the end of the service. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2, the acolytes will be assisting with the 10:30 AM worship services. The acolyte volunteers will be commissioned at the Dec. 2 10:30 AM worship service. We adults have heard from members of the congregation how pleased they are that the acolytes are again part of the worship service. Please let the acolytes know how much you appreciate them and their dedication to God and HUMC. And please let the Acolyte Coordination Team (Mary Jean Davison and Shirley Primeau), Jen Strickland (Children s and Youth Ministry Director) or the church office know if your child would like to be a part of this treasured ministry. December

14 Missions The Mission Committee thanks you for all past and future donations. The Christmas Eve offering is the main avenue for the funds that the committee uses to support activities and organizations outside Hilltop s building. You have been generous. Look on the bulletin board for a graph on income and disbursements this year so far. In Pastor Dennis article, he talks about us wanting to get right to December 25th without going through the steps of hope, peace, joy and love. Maybe we get so wrapped up, no pun intended, in the activities of the season that we lose sight of those four gifts that we should pursue and give. We often let the busyness of the season drive hope, peace, joy, and love away. We forget that the presents that we just bought, we did so with love and with the hope that they will bring joy. Stop a moment to let that sink in and refocus your attitude. We forget that the songs we hear everywhere and we sing reflect the hope we feel when we think about the great gift God gave us in his Son. Stop a moment to thank him. Need to get some of those four ingredients back in your life? Pick at least one mission activity to be involved with this month. Each activity will get you focused outwardly, focused on the other, focused on those who need to feel God s presence through your actions. Through these activities we can impart the hope, peace, joy, and love to those who too often don t think that any of them exist for them. You Offer Hope Hilltop is hosting Family Promise this month. We are so fortunate to be part of this ecumenical faith network that provided 4573 bed-nights in warm, safe places for families last year. Of those who entered the program, 64 percent completed the initial program and graduated into their own housing. Those who graduated signed on and worked with case managers to build the skills they need to maintain long-term stability. Ninety percent of these families remained housed after three years! You can sign up to help with this activity in Fellowship Hall. You Offer Joy Tags will be placed on the tree in the Narthex for different gift items as well as for upcoming service projects. Joy comes in the giving as well as in the receiving. You Offer Hope and Joy The Big Give-Away at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake is happening on December 22nd. This year will be Hilltop s 4th year bringing gifts of warmth to the Mission to give away at their annual Christmas Party. Our intent has been to shower God s less privileged with love, kindness and necessities like clean underwear, scarves, socks, and gloves. Hilltop has also provided gifts for the men and women in the recovery programs. Little things can remind them that they are worthy, that someone cares, that there is hope for a brighter future. (Continued on page 15) 14 Hilltop Highlights

15 Missions On the second Friday evening (December 14th,) Hilltop is also serving up music, the Gospel and food at the Mission. Bring a friendly, loving smile into someone s life while you dish up food. The Rescue Mission helps those in need throughout the state of Utah, regardless of their station in life, race, religion, age or disability. They seek to help all those who ask, just as the Lord Jesus would. I hope that you take time to read their monthly newsletter that is tacked on a bulletin board to see the impact the Mission is making in bringing peace to them through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Sign up to dispense hope and joy on the bulletin board. Report of November Missions Puerto Rico. Claudine and Marilyn will give a report on their mission trip in January at various events. It s a tale of two houses, two roofs, two families. Other Upcoming Mission Activities: UMCOR Workday - December 1st at the UMCOR West Depot Blood Drive - Friday, December 7th in Fellowship Hall Ringing the Bell at the Salvation Army red kettle - various dates and times. Sign up with Judy Stevens Serving at the Rescue Mission - December 14th Big Give-Away - December 22nd Dominican Republic Mission Trip - March 2019 Other items: Have you signed up with Smith s Inspiring Donations program to have a donation made to Hilltop when you make a purchase? Register online for the program. Human Race. This was the first annual official Hilltop participation in this race to benefit the Utah Food Bank. What a success! Twenty-one people signed up to run/walk on a cold, blustery Thanksgiving morning. We raised over $1100 for the Food Bank. Thank you, Susan Dunlap, for organizing it. Consider making Hilltop Missions the recipient of your United Way donation. The paper recycling bin benefits our Troop 411. Gift wrap and fancy cards are not recyclable so please don t discard any into the bin. Please break down your boxes so more can fit in. Keep the lid down so the contents stay dry. December

16 Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 East South Sandy, Utah Published monthly by: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 East South Sandy, Utah Sunday Schedule Sunday School for All Worship Fellowship Time Worship Fellowship Time 9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:30 am Pastor C. Dennis Shaw