Let the Journey Begin...

Change often comes slow for me. I like stability and continuity. Growing up, my sister was always rearranging the furniture in her room and giving herself a makeover. ElaineWilder

The furniture in my room, however, never moved, and the only thing that changed about my hair was whether the length was just above or just below my shoulders. I mean, why change a good thing?!?

A friend recently shared a quote that has broadened my perspective. In his book, "The Exquisite Risk," Mark Nepo invites us to think about change. He says, "To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To
journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim."

Nepo focuses on two words: change and journey. He reminds us that the most productive changes are purposeful and take place over time. We don't change simply for change's sake. We change because we want to become better. We change because we want to move
forward. And when we change in a substantial way, we find ourselves transformed. We become something new.

Advent is all about transformation. The Christ child is coming and we need to get ready to welcome him yet again. Christ has promised to transform our world, but he starts by transforming individual lives. Your life is good, but it can be better. What parts of you are yearning for change and transformation?

Let's not be nomads who wander aimlessly. Let's not be chameleons who change with the wind. Let us be pilgrims who follow Christ and allow ourselves to become better and more faithful with each passing day.

Come, let us journey together towards the manger in Bethlehem. Let us be transformed by the Christ child this Advent season.

News

Advent's First Wednesday, December 2, 5:15-6:30 p.m. (during Church Family Supper.) Cherub and Joy Song children's choirs will lead us in song, and families are also invited to create a keepsake Advent Calendar Muffin Tin. Cost for this craft is $10. Please pre-register by clicking here. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Save the date! Amahl and the Night Visitors

by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented by the Jubilation Drama Ministry on December 18 and 19. This fully staged musical with orchestra follows the Three Kings on their journey to the Christ child and their encounter with Amahl and his mother. Tickets (Seniors $18/Adults $22) will be available on the Bridge on Sundays and through the Church Office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

2016 Women's Retreat registration is open. Join us Feb. 5-6, 2016 at Serenbe. Pick up a brochure or click here to dowload a form. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event setup and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 782

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, 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

Open Door Sunday School Class is hosting the annual church-wide poinsettia sale. Purchase yours on Sunday, November 29 and Sunday, December 6 for $15 on the Bridge or in the Family Life Hall lobby. Proceeds will benefit the Murphy-Harpst Children's Home.

The church office will be closed November 26-27 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Advent Sunday School. If you are not currently in a Sunday school class, we invite you to join us for a

5-week Advent Study beginning today at 10:10 a.m. The class will be led by Forrest Cate, Director of Program, and will meet in the Hospitality Room. Pre-registration not required, but if you would like to register, please click here. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The Men of the Church are holding a pre-sale Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Weekday Preschool, Boy Scout Troop 277 and the MFUMC Youth. Order forms and more information is available through the church office or by clicking here.
Pick out your tree at the Men of the Church Christmas Tree Sale! The lot will be open from November 30 through December 4! You'll find the lot on MFUMC's upper activity field in the Park on Polk (behind the Log Chapel at the Polk Street parking area). Hours for the lot are:

Friday 11/27 4-7 p.m.

Saturday 11/28 4-7 p.m.

Sunday 11/29 1-7 p.m.

Monday 11/30 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday 12/1 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday 12/2 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursday 12/3 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday 12/4 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 12/5 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Be a Christmas Angel! This Christmas, help bring
joy to local family. Information is on the Bridge,
in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. Click here to sign up to be a Christmas Angel. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Join the Senior Adults on Monday, November 30

for a trip to Fernbank to view the exhibit, Searching for the Queen of Sheba, and the IMAX film Jerusalem.

Depart from the Polk Street lot at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $20 plus lunch at Ponce City Market. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835).

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Join us for Church Family Supper!

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.

Church Family Supper will take a break this week.

Save the Date

November 26-27

Church Offices Closed in Observance
of Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 29
First Sunday in Advent

-Poinsettia Sale