Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
The First Sunday in Advent 
November 29, 2009
"Worship Fully:  In God we trust"
The Advent Conspiracy:  What on earth are you looking for?
Psalm 25:1-10
 
Worship Celebrations 8:30 and 10:45a.m.
Church School for all ages 9:30 a.m.
Advent Conspiracy II
Dear Pleasant Valley Friends and Family,
The "Advent Conspiracy" is upon us.  We have been planning for several months now to invite the people who connect with and call themselves part of the PVUMC family to join a movement during the significant season of Advent!
 
Worship fully, spend less, give more and love all is a vision through which we are inviting God to adjust our perspective as we prepare for Jesus' birth into our lives again.  Like any shift in perspective it is important to start with how we do these acts.  Here are a few suggestions and reminders for you that are offered in the coming weeks to live the vision of the "Advent Conspiracy."
 
~ Help with the Youthville Connection by picking up an ornament Sunday to finish off our gifts to give children and youth their childhood back.
 
~ Pick up an Advent Prayer calendar if you didn't get one last week for your daily focus on God.  Pray for your church, your family and the deep needs of our world through this tool.
 
~ Participate in the "Advent Conspiracy" book study in the Explorers Sunday school class starting this Sunday.  This study is in room 209 at 9:30 and will go throughout the Advent Season.
 
~ Help with the "Red Kettle" campaign at the  21st and Amidon Dillon's on December 8th and 12th.  Sign up for shifts at the Conspiracy Center table in the room outside the sanctuary.
 
~ Take time to write a note and "send a touch of home" to United States service members and veterans across the country and abroad.  This is part of the Red Cross initiative "Holiday Mail for Heroes."
 
~ Prepare a special gift to empower the "Nothing but Nets," campaign to protect children and adults from the deadly impact of Malaria in Africa.  Check it out here at www.nothingbutnets.net.  We will take a special offering up on Sunday, December 20.
 
As you can see, this is a start to acting on the conspiracy of world chaning love through the preparation of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Be prepared.  Be ready.  Be loved.  Show Christ's love.
 
Grace and Peace to you all,
Nathan D. Stanton
Senior Pastor,
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
 
 
 
DOORS TO LEARNING

GIFT OF HOPE SCHOLAR THANKS UNITED METHODISTS ON STUDENT DAY.
 
"I love bringing a smile to someone's day," says Todd Sega, a Gift of Hope scholar from Edinboro, Pa. That - plus a drive to ensure the best for the people he serves - will come in handy as this pharmacy student prepares for his career. He hopes to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University in 2011. Grateful for generous gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering, Todd thinks frequently about the importance of faith in his life. "When I left for school, thinking about my church family and the scholarship I received, I felt fully embraced and supported by The United Methodist Church. As a result, I am motivated to achieve my personal best."

UM Student Sunday

UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS TO PEOPLE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES - MAYBE EVEN SOMEONE YOU KNOW.

Like many things, college costs continue to rise. Thanks to United Methodist Student Day, people in your annual conference - perhaps even members of your family-have a chance to attain higher education. Students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities receive scholarships and loans. Participating annual conferences receive 10 percent of the offering for merit-scholarship awards to students of their choosing.

A RICH HISTORY OF EDUCATING UNITED METHODISTS.
This Special Sunday had its beginnings in 1866, when a special fund provided for advanced education of Sunday-school children and of candidates for the ministry and missionary service.
For more information please contact the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. 
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S COOKIE WALK
Saturday December 5, 10a.m. - 1p.m. is the PV United Methodist Women's Cookie Walk to raise donations for Missions.  See the available opportunities in the bulletin to sign-up and be part of this opportunity.  The Cookie Walk includes a silent auction for the quilt made by the UMW Quilters.  You can also share a cross with an important personal or family story with the church and our guests who come by on Saturday.  Contact Valerie Brown (729-7505) and Cindy Burr (773-1948) if you would like to share more information.
 
PLEASANT VALLEY CHURCH CONFERENCE AND WORSHIP
Pleasant Valley UMC's Church Conference will be held next Sunday December 6.  Here are other pertinent pieces of information to help you make plans to be present.
Where:  First UMC, Valley Center - 560 N. Park, Valley Center, KS
Time:  3 p.m. - Worship
          3:45 p.m. - Fellowship
          4 p.m. - Church Conference
 
This is our annual meeting for worship, voting in the 2010 Leadership of Pleasant Valley UMC and celebration of the ministry of Pleasant Valley.  Every member of the Pleasant Valley UMC has a vote and a voice during this process.  Please join us!
 
 
Reverend Nathan D. Stanton
838-1600