DECEMBER 2010

Dear Friends,

We are approaching the middle of Advent. These days always seem so busy.  In the midst of this busyness, I hope that you will be joining us for the Child of Hope Christmas Extravaganza that the music and fine arts ministry area has been planning, preparing and rehearsing for these last few months.  It will be a wonderful opportunity to ground ourselves in the true meaning of Christmas and help us focus on the birth of the Christ Child.  Tickets are still available in the church office or at the door.  Child of Hope will be presented three times:  Sat., Dec. 11, at 3 pm, Sun., Dec. 12, at 3 and 7 pm in the church sanctuary.  It is an event for the whole family.  It is also our gift to the community.  I want to encourage you to invite others to join you for Child of Hope as it will be a blessing to all who attend.

Our Christmas offering will be going to United Methodist Children's Services (UMCS) this year.  More than ever, they are in need of our gift.  In this tough economy, people's giving is down and larger funding agencies have less to give.  In the midst of these times, UMCS seeks to serve more people than ever, trying to offer stability and hope.  Perry Hyuck, Executive Director of UMCS, will be with us in worship Dec. 11/12 to share a few words on this important and life-saving ministry.

As we prepare for Christmas my prayer is that you will have a Joyful Christmas:  a Christmas rooted in the inner serenity deep faith provides, strong enough to survive the disappointments and sorrows life delivers to our doorstep and exuberant enough to celebrate life's happiest times.  May the birthday of Christ touch you with deep joy...

I pray, too, that you will have a Peaceful Christmas:  the peace that the world so clearly is unable to give itself; the peace that broken hearts long for; the peace that is ours to share with one another in forgiveness, kindness and charity.  May the birthday of Christ sow seeds of peace in your heart....

I also pray that you will have a Hopeful Christmas.  So much in the world around us encroaches on our capacity to hope:  a spirit abroad that seems intent on draining the beauty and poetry from our lives while our growing knowledge seems to rob us of awe and reverence before the mystery of life, of love and of God.  May the birthday of Christ renew hope in your life.

I wish you a Joyful, Peaceful, and Hopeful Christmas.  I pray that the birth of Christ may renew the graciousness of God's spirit in each and every one of us this season.

Blessings,

Pastor Susan

Christmas Eve Worship Services

Sermon:  The Child

Luke 2. 1-20

Dr. Susan Patterson-Sumwalt, preaching at noon, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 pm

12 (Noon)   Service in the chape - Sacrament of Holy Communion offered.  Organ and special music.

 3:00 pm     Service for Families with Young Children - This 45 minute service is especially designed for young children and their families.  The story of Christmas is told in drama.  Christmas carols are sung.  The 4  and 5 year old choir (K4/K5 MACC) will share special music.   The lighting of the candles is done with glow sticks.  Sanctuary

5:00 pm         Service for Families with Elementary-aged Children - This 50 minute service is led by our first through 5th grade choirs(MAAC).  The story of Jesus' birth is presented in through a pageant.  A special Christmas story is shared.  Christmas carols are sung.  A candlelightingservice concludes this time of worship.  Pre-service music is offered by our children beginning at 4:45 pm.  Sanctuary

7:00 pm         Service led by our Middle and High School Youth - This hour service isupbeat and reflective as our youth (and some of our college students) leada service of music, scripture and prayer.  Candlelighting service concludes this worship service.  Pre-service music is offered by our Praise Team beginning at 6:30 pm.  Sanctuary

9:00 pm        Service led by our Chancel Choir - This hour service is filled with special music, the singing of Christmas carols, reading of scripture, sermon , prayer and candlelighting service.  Pre-service music begins at 8:30 pm.  Sanctuary

11:00 pm      Service led by String and Vocal Ensemble - This hour service is a reflective service with special music from a string and a vocal ensemble.  Thesinging of beloved Christmas carols, prayer, scripture and sermon culminate  with a candlelighting ceremony that ends with the ringing of the bells at midnight.  Pre-service music begins at 10:30 pm.  Sanctuary

Other Special Events on Christmas Eve

Birthday Party - A birthday party for Jesus will follow both the 3 and 5 pm worship services in the Jones Narthex.  Cupcakes and punch will be served.  The 2010 Christmas ornament will be given to all children in attendance at these two services.

Reception -  Following the noon, 7 and 9 pm services, cookies and punch will be served in the Jones Narthex.