A CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

This Sunday's "Service of Nine Lessons and Carols" has become a favorite service for many of us in the congregation. Each year, I think, someone hears it for the very first time and others "rehear" it for the very first time. The service owes much to early liturgies of the church, some hundreds of years old. Remember this week that our brothers and sisters centuries ago said these same words and heard some of this same music. Each year the lessons are the same, but the carols are new and different.

At King's College in Cambridge, England, listeners stand in line overnight to hear the service live in the chapel there, but if you and I come just a few minutes early, there will be a seat for us!

Also keep in mind our meal and service for our homebound members at 5:00 p.m. in the Reception Hall. This service is intended for those who are unable to attend regular Sunday worship. Please call the church if there are any questions.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Deck the Halls. Bring your children to the Fuse Box on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and get some shopping done! The children will make Christmas keepsakes and watch a Christmas movie, and the cost is only $10 per child! Nursery is also available. Please send a lunch with no nut products for the children to enjoy during the movie. RSVP by Tuesday, December 9 to kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org.

Christmas Traditions is next Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This family friendly concert is offered by our church's Drama and Music Ministries. Nursery provided. Come and sing our favorite Christmas carols together. No tickets are required. A reception will follow. (Arie Motschman, ext. 7818)

Longest Night Worship will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. This is a service of hope for those who struggle with grief or other sadness during the Christmas season. A reception will follow the service. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Fuse Basketball. Sign up now for this popular sport. It does fill up! We have a new floor and revamped guidelines to help children learn the necessary skills to become good basketball players. Ages 3K (3 by September 1, 2014) thru 5th grade are eligible to play; teams are separated by age and grade. Practice and games take place on Sunday afternoons from January 11 to February 22, skipping February 15. Visit www.mariettafumc.org for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The annual Youth Progressive Dinner is Sunday, December 14. From 5:30-8 p.m., the youth will be broken up by Sunday School class and progress through the night eating their way through merry enjoyment! Please bring a gift for the Gift Exchange Game. We need people to donate desserts. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

The annual "Service of Nine Lessons and Carols" is this Sunday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Through scripture and music we will hear again "... the tale of the loving purposes of God" and prepare our hearts for Christ's coming.

Advent's First Wednesday. Join us for Family Advent wreath making - $10, songs from the Cherub Choir, and carols led by the older children's choirs. There will also be a special meal - $6 adult, $4 ages 3 to 10, $20 family cap. The fun begins at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3 in the Family Life Hall!

The Open Door Sunday School Class Poinsettia Sale ends this Sunday. Poinsettias are $15 and are on sale on the Bridge and the Family Life Hall Lobby.

Faith In Action. This Sunday, the youth will be heading to Cobb Street Ministries to serve the community. We will take dinner, carols and games to the residents of CSM. 5:30-8 p.m. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Worship for our Homebound Members: This Sunday, December 7 at 5 p.m. we will have a dinner and short worship service in the Reception Hall. This gathering is intended for those who are unable to attend regular Sunday morning worship. We will sing familiar Christmas hymns and receive communion. Our gathering should last approximately one hour. Transportation and mobility assistance can be provided or a family member is welcome to attend. Minimum walking required. No cost; please RSVP to Erin Kimbrel by December 1 at ext. 7813.

Young Adult Sunday School class meets Sundays in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building at 10:10 a.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

December 3: Chef salad with dessert or Breakfast (Brinner) Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, grits, french toast casserole with syrup on the side

Kids- same as adults except French toast sticks instead of French toast casserole

Save the Date

Senior Adult Ministry

Shop and Lunch

Wednesday, December 3

Advent's First Wednesday

with Family Advent Wreath Workshop

Wednesday, December 3

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 7

Open Door Sunday School Class

Poinsettia Sale