| Drive-Thru Nativity December 20 & 21! |
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Watch the weekly bulletin for updates and sign up information. We need help with set construction, costuming, food, and cast!
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Prayer Concerns |
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Michelle Cuccia's mother,
Penny McMahon's sister, Patrice Dyer
Debbie Scott's father, Laverne Nelson
Jessy Ando's friends, Mac Harrdison, the family of Lucas Dinehart, Katie Whitman, Lydia Byrd
Stacey Ashby's step- father, Art Kinchen
Mark Chambers' nephew, Rhett Chambers
Michael Crocker's mother, Frances
Jerry Davidson
Mary Etta Duffey
Jim Hamilton
Mike Hassell's friend, Stan Lyell
Michaela Clark's friend, Katy Hollis
Don Messmer
Michelle Rocha's friend, Kelley Stotler
Darnell Rhymes
Lori Schiller's uncle's family, the Glenn Millers
Wynn Schleimer
Joan Walters' friend, Barbara Seivers
Continue to pray for:
All Homebound Members,
including Lucille Brewington
Jack & Ernestine Conn
Loraine Davis
Lee Drayton
Morgan & Ruth King
Jimmy Nalls
Jean Nichols
Bun & Quentin Sowder
All deployed military and their families
Tyler Bradford & family
Terry Gilbert & family
All children with "Special Needs"
Andrea Adams stepsister, Jodie Carlsen
Jody Allison
Tony, Jessy, & Anthony Ando
Vern Benke, Jr.
Jean Caldwell's sister, Kay Arnold
Stacey Ashby's grandmother,
Maude Gamblin
Jean Caldwell
Buddy Cates
Mark Chambers'
parents, Everett & Dorothy Chambers
Marsha Chambers/ Sharon Tolbert's
mother, Faye Sapp
Carl Chamness' friend, Lee Apple
Lou Clark's mother & aunt, Mona Ross& Clara Matthews
Corinna Davidson's mother,
Ailene McGhee
Jerry Davidson's brother & wife,
Garnett & Greta Davidson
Doris Estes' father, Bill Roberts
Vince/Doris Estes' friends, Janice Spencer, Loretta Lang, Dan Wolfe, Luther Thronberry,
Linda Gnegy's father, Sam Zautner
Keith & Alice Guigneax's mother
Tracey Hawk's friend, Ambriella
The Herbert's friend, Donovan Walden
Doug/Missy Hunter's friends, Derrell and Carol Richardson
Bill & Betty James' son, Bill
Carolyn Knight's mother, Eugenia Warrick
Hayley Knop's grandmother,
Edna Jones
Diana McCarty's sister, Ellen Hatcher
Pat McMahon's father, Ray McMahon
Don/Bettye Messmer's friend, Kathleen Lee
Scott Montgomery
Scott Montgomery's father, Bob
Elise Nollenberger
Susan O'Brien's friend, Nancy Young
Gregg Peterson's friend, Amy Blanton
Lynn Peterson's father, Bob Graham
Lynn Peterson's brother,
Bobby Graham
Scott/Kim Raymond family
Kristen Rector's mother, Linda Moore
Leslie Ryan's aunt, Margaret Campbell
Bob Schamberg's mother, LaVerne
Lori Schiller's parents,
Mr./Mrs. Miller
Kitty/Gary Schleimer's mother, Lucille
Melissa Scott's friend, Jessica Happle
Patty Svarda
Eric Vance's father, Edward
Debbie Stewart's friend, Kim Malone
Rob Watson's parents,
Martha & Bob
Lynn & Judy Westerman
Reverend Phillip Wright
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The First Sunday of Advent is the first Sunday of the new Christian year. Many of us get wrapped up in getting the perfect gift, going to the right parties, and experiencing all the special programs that come with the season. It's easy to forget what the season really means. And it's easy to forget that we already have the perfect gift--Jesus!
In the midst of the busyness we must be more intentional with our families to celebrate what the season is all about. We must look to the scriptures and listen to the stories as if for the first time.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming." We know we spend these four Sundays before Christmas lighting candles and listening to Scripture and having a prayer lifted up, but do we really listen and hear the story of the birth of Christ? The weeks of Advent are there to prepare us for the mystery of the birth of Christ!
But Advent goes further. When Christians began celebrating Advent as the beginning of the Christian year, people also took that as a time of repentance fasting. Some say "We do that during Lent." Yes, it was Advent-the beginning of the Christian year-that people originally dedicated to ordering their spiritual lives. It was Advent that was a time of reflection, to ponder the mystery and magnificence of the manger and the Christ within.
This is why it is crucial and essential that you take time to reflect with the Word of God, and to remember the Good News that is as relevant today as 2000 years ago. Because of the gift of God's Son, we have the Holy Spirit with us each day.
As we light the candles each Sunday in Advent, remember a world that continues to seek light, hope, love, and peace and know Jesus is "Coming."
Blessings,
Jim
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Volunteers needed for Room in the Inn!
Have you signed up yet for Room in the Inn? If you would like to volunteer or need to know your team, please contact Gregg Peterson at gregg1976@comcast.net. We will need extra volunteers this month--we have to have Room in the Inn on Christmas Eve!
Team Leaders: Please email assignments to communications@hamilton-umc.org for your weekend by the first Wednesday of the month so that I can put those into the new special RITI Reader newsletter.
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 Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem? on Dec. 13th!
This seems to be the question all of the animals near the manger are asking one another. So, hoo will it be? You'll have to wait and see. It is just around the corner, it is scheduled for Sunday, December 13th at 5:00 p.m. with a Spaghetti dinner afterwards. Please come and support our children!
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 Thanks for the boxes!
Operation Christmas Child at Hamilton will make the difference in the lives of 94 children this Christmas. How does it feel to be an agent of God?
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From David Johnson, Pastoral Associate
Every year about this time, things seem to change. The station on my radio that normally plays a mix of rock and pop, has now changed solely to Christmas Carols. Soon after Thanksgiving (while it's too early for me) I will begin to see Christmas decorations hanging. I noticed last week that my neighbor's were putting up their Christmas tree.
And every year about this time, my heart begins to sing. A small little tune, but it sings it over and over again..."Pre - e - e pare ye the way of the Loooord...Pre - e - e pare ye the way of the Loooord." It comes so naturally, and so unending, that it actually gets somewhat annoying during my day. The tune is from the broadway musical Godspell. I've never seen the musical, but for whatever reason I've heard that song...and I seem to carry those words of John the Baptist with me daily.
Prepare the way of the Lord. As we approach Christmas at the end of this month, let's take a new attitude toward this season of Advent. The lights, the decorations, the music...Let us remember that all of those things are ways that we can prepare the way of the Lord. Advent isn't about just WAITING for God to arrive as the baby Jesus. Advent is about PREPARING this world and our hearts to receive God's son
Peace to you all,
David
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The UMW Friendship day circle will have their Christmas meeting at the home of Kathy LaGrow. We will repeat the gift exchange that we did last year. Bring your baby gift for our Christmas layette in a pretty Christmas bag. We will exchange bags and reveal all the cute baby items that we will place in our bassinette. You will keep the pretty Christmas bag to take home. A mother from PCAT hs been chosen, but at this time we don't know if she is having a boy or a girl. She is due soon. So think yellow & green and neutral items. Have fun shopping and we will see you Tuesday, December 8 at 10:30! Bring a holiday dish for a potluck lunch. If you have any questions please call Kathy at 366-4378 or-4944.
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 The "Mustard Seeds" Are Growing!
We have a new name for children's church.....It is The Mustard Seeds. So when you see a reference to The Mustard Seeds, it is referring to children's church. We have just finished our lesson on God Gives Us Families. Now, we are beginning the unit on Jesus Is God's Son. We will be learning about Jesus' birth and what led up to His birth. On December 20th, we will have a Happy Birthday Jesus party. I would like each child to bring a gift for Second Harvest. Contact Stacey Ashby (stacey@myrickmarketing.com) for more information.
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Warmth in Winter Due by Dec. 13
Warmth in Winter this year is January 29th - 31st at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. We'll meet here Friday afternoon, and return on Sunday in the early afternoon. I will need between at least four adults to attend with us, so if you are interested, please let David know.
Cost and Scholarships
Cost will be $150, and that will include meals. Extra money may be desired for souvenirs, extra snacks, etc. Scholarships are available, come and contact David if you need assistance.
Reservations
In order to get the best rate, I need registration forms turned in to me by Sunday, December 13th. I know it's a busy time of year, but prices start to increase soon after that date. The conference has a specific registration form that they need from each participant. You can get a form from David. If you have any further questions, contact David!
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Second Harvest Seeks Volunteers
Second Harvest can use your help on Saturdays from 9-12 and Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6. If you can help out please call Kathy LaGrow 366-4378. We can use volunteers on Mondays & Saturdays when we are open also. Thanks for the help with grocery bags! AND all the support you give this needed ministry for our community. We also need help with restocking on Mondays between 10 and 2 and on Tuesdays between 9:30 and noon. December Volunteers and Needs: Wednesday, December 2: Massey Hemenway, Shirley Pollack, Jessica Hogue, need one more
Saturday, December 5: Ginny McKinney,Valeen Mertens, Carolyn Roark, need one more
Monday, December 7: Carl & Ali, Pat & Paul Warrenfeltz
Wednesday, December 9: Janet T. McDonald, Dale, Judy
Saturday, December 12: Liz Gilliam, Jennifer Williams, Gwen Howard, Allison Simpson, need one more
Monday, December 14: Rosalee Price, Kim & Landon
Wednesday, December 16: Brian Abston, Elaine Crotinger, Tiffany Wondrow
Saturday, December 19: Stacey Ashby, Ellen, Jackson and Claire Myrick, need one more
Monday, December 21: CLOSED. JOIN US FOR DRIVE-THRU NATIVITYWednesday, December 23: Mindy, and Jacob Hamilton, Carol Papuchis
Saturday, December 26: CLOSED
Monday, December 28: Kim & Landon, Jean Gordon
Wednesday, December 30: Rich and Millie DeVore, Karolyn C
Can you help? Call Kathy LaGrow 366-4378
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It's time to refurbish the manger!
And the stable, and the angel Fall Festival is behind us and it's time to think about our other wonderful community outreach event! Be on the lookout for announcements on the workday where sets and more are refurbished and let Carl Chamness chamnesst@juno.com know that you are willing to help. And take Carl Chamness out to lunch or give him a pat on the back for giving so much time to both this and Fall Festival. Same goes for Diana! Thank you Chamnesses! |
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A Great Big Thank You!
As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have approached, I have been thinking about all the things for which I am thankful this particular year. The list has become extremely long. Although this has been a tough year for me, it has also been a grate-full year. My battle with the insurance company over my disability benefits continues, and will probably end in a settlement which I hope will be resolved by mid-2010. In the meantime, God has supplied me with everything I need, as He has promised in His Word. I have a house over my head and utilities to keep me warm (or cool) and clean. My church family has given me much encouragement through the many prayers, hugs, love, patience, smiles, and tears. This year I have received money, groceries, gift cards, clothes, suggestions, time, phone calls, greeting cards, and much, much more from you, my church family. A mere thank you for all you have done, and are doing, seems hardly sufficient, but at this time that's all I have to offer.
A GREAT BIG thank you to every one of you who has supported me in this time of hardship. To the church family, thank you for all your many kindnesses. To the church staff--Jim, David, Susan and Kathy, who have given much of your time and effort to tote me to and from church, and doctors, and so many other places I have needed to go. To the pastor's family, thank you for making sure I have made it to church and back on Sundays. To my Sunday School class for your donations and prayers, and to the other adult Sunday school classes who have been faithful to help me. All of you, my family, give me assurance that my needs are being supplied, and that gives me hope for the future. What a wonderful and special family God has given me here at Hamilton.
Kay Hampton
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Questions? Comments? Feedback? Let us know! Meanwhile, keep sending those newsletter items by the 20th of the month to communications@hamilton-umc.org Sincerely,
Ellen Myrick (e-newsletter)
Tracey Hawk (print newsletter)
Hamilton United Methodist Church |
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