I Heard the Bells...

Transcription

1 Gospel Gazette D E C E M B E R CHECK OUT ALL THE EVENTS GOING ON IN DECEMBER!! Christmas parade Help us pass out candy canes during the Christmas parade. Gather in the grass parking lot on Saturday, December 1, at 9:00 am. The parade rolls at 10:00 am. The wagon carries those who cannot walk the parade route. People of all ages are invited to join us! Our Messy Christmas Footprints Family Night is Sunday, December 2 from 5:00-7:00 pm in Friendship Hall. We will enjoy the messiness of Christmas time and then eat dinner together. RSVP to janet@mtdorafumc.org. Families of all ages are welcome! Sunday, December 9:00 am and 11:00am The Worship Ministries of Mount Dora FUMC present I Heard the Bells...

2 P a g e 2 G O S P E L G A Z E T T E CHRISTMAS for the children living near the King Center ANGEL TREE Gift requests from Lake Cares clients are available in the Fifth Avenue entrance. Please purchase $20-25 of gifts, wrap the gifts, attach the tag, and return the wrapped gifts to the tree or the church office by December 13. KIDS PARTY Friday, December 21 at 2:00 pm at the King Center for the children who benefit from our mobile food distribution. Volunteers and donations appreciated. Radical hospitality in the snow! We are offering two craft projects for children to make and take with them while they attend Children s snow night in Donnelly Park on Saturday, December 8. We need volunteers from 5 to 7 and from 7 to 9 pm. If you would like to help, please contact Tracy Berry or the church office. FOOTPRINTS FUN-OMENON Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm Children from birth through fifth grade are invited to Bible study and activities to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus on December 5, 12, and 19. Messy Church is a way of being church for families based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Our participants will meet Jesus in every component of Messy Church and experience the unconditional love and grace of God. Our Messy Church will meet monthly on a Sunday night beginning in January We are currently screening potential volunteers to help with intergenerational activity centers and dinner preparation. If you would like more information, please contact Janet Westlake, Minister of Discipleship, at or janet@mtdorafumc.org.

3 D E C E M B E R P a g e 3 Plan to join Pastor Gary Wednesday 6:30pm in the Chapel for an Advent Bible Study. ADVENT - THE GIFT OF HOPE By Christopher L. Webber The season of Advent offers opportunities to prepare for God s coming in human form in the infant Jesus and for the fulfillment of God s kingdom with the second coming of Christ. Hope is the focus of Advent worship, study, and prayer. Each week's Scriptures call us to praise God as we actively await the coming of Christ and prepare our hearts and lives for his arrival. Through the readings, we hear the invitation to claim and celebrate the new hope we have in Jesus Christ. We will discover the light that began in the manger, which continues as we look forward with hope to Christ's return. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - DECEMBER 24TH 5:30 PM - Contemporary Service which includes the Praise Team, Live Nativity drama where each child chooses a role and candle-lighting. 6:30 PM - Join us for Communion in the Chapel 7:30 PM - Traditional Service with our Celebration Choir and candle-lighting. Church Office will be closed Christmas Day beginning Tuesday, December 25, 2018 and will reopen Wednesday, January 2, START OFF THE NEW YEAR RIGHT AND PLAN TO JOIN US FOR CHURCH ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018 The First Wonderful Wednesday in 2019 is scheduled for January 9th. Hope to see you there!! STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE would like to extend an opportunity to the congregation to wish our employees a special Merry Christmas! If you would like to contribute towards a Christmas bonus for the staff, please mark your donation STAFF LOVE OFFERING.

4 P a g e 4 G O S P E L G A Z E T T E Hello Friends! Last month we had our annual Beach Retreat. This year we took our largest group ever- so large we needed a charter bus! It was a wonderful experience. During this retreat, the students engaged in worship, small groups, games, and prayer stations. The theme was Looked And Loved which focused on the eyes of Jesus and the way we should look at others. With Grace and Peace, Brian

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6 P a g e 6 NEWS FROM UNITED METHODIST WOMEN PIES! PIES! PIES! The ladies of the UMW are gearing up once again to prepare all the delicious pies, cheesecake and cakes. Since we had such a great response last year with our pre-orders we are doing it again. Pies, etc. will be available for pick up the week before the Art Show. This gives you the chance to order your choices plus avoiding the Art Show crowds at the Show. Remember, all items are made fresh from scratch. Delivery of pre-orders will be on January 19th. We have 3 locations for pickup: The Tuthill s, Howard s and church. Pre-order forms will be in the church bulletin beginning December 9th through January 6th. All orders must be received no later than January 13th. Wishing all the very Merriest and Blessed Christmas season. CHRISTIAN BOOK CLUB The FUMC monthly book club, is usually held the second Wednesday of each month in the Chapel at 3:00 PM. During the month of December we will not meet, but if you are interested in helping to compile the list of books to be read during 2019, please contact Harolynn at hslanza@aol.com. Exercise Research shows us: 1. Physical exercise causes us to breathe more often and deeply giving increased oxygen to our brains and heart. 2. Physical exercise causes the body to produce endorphins (chemicals) that reduce emotional tension and stress. 3. People who are physically fit in middle age are less likely to develop dementia in later years. 4. Exercise keeps our bodies strong and functioning. By taking care of the outside we show our respect for one of God s greatest gifts. Come join our exercise group on MWF at 8:00 AM in the Chapel. It is free and for all ages. Our goal is to improve balance, endurance, mobility, posture and our brain. We do this as a group because it is more fun, more of a challenge and commitment and because I wouldn t do it by myself alone.

7 D E C E M B E R A NOTE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE If you haven t had a chance to send in your pledge card, please prayerfully consider what you are able to give and turn your pledge card in as soon as possible. The following is a summary of the 2019 Budget: MINISTRY EXPENSES: $ 57, Children s Ministries Youth Ministries Evangelism Missions Worship Music Spiritual Formation & Nurture ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: $ 142, Financial Insurances Office Property Care PAYROLL EXPENSES: $ 459, Lay Employees Taxes/Employment costs Pastoral Support APPORTIONMENTS: $ 60, GRAND TOTAL: $ 720, Increase from 2018: $ 48, % New Ways to Give Text Set up a one time or recurring donation by texting the amount you wish to give to Giving App Download the GivePlus Church app to set up one-time or recurring donations. Online Visit to set up and manage your one-time and recurring gifts.

8 ER 2018 DECEMB ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora 440 EAST SIXTH AVENUE MOUNT DORA, FL Phone: Fax: WE RE ON THE WEB! Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid MID FLORIDA, FL. PERMIT #57062