LESSONS AND CAROLS

Every year as the sanctuary empties after the annual presentation of The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, someone who is visiting or new to the church or perhaps Sam's Picture

not as observant as he or she might be, says to me, "Sam, we should do this every year." Of course, we indeed do this very year. This is the thirteenth year at MFUMC and, while our streak pales in comparison to the one at King's College in Cambridge (which will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2018), it is still impressive.

The lessons are the same from year to year, but the readers and the music change annually. We begin the service, which attempts to "...tell the whole story of our Redemption", with a reading from one of our youngest family members. We progress through the various ages and one of our more seasoned members is the last family member to read.

It is an impressive story and an impressive presentation. Our various choirs and other musicians have labored to make it just right. I hope you will join us this week at 9:00 and 11:15 for the thirteenth time to hear The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

Children's Nativity on Christmas Eve. At 3 p.m. and
6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, we'll sing traditional carols and hear the story of Jesus' birth. Children are invited to dress in costumes and participate in the story. Come to the
Reception Hall before each service if you need a
costume. We have angel costumes for nursery and preschool ages, shepherd costumes for younger elementary and magi costumes for older elementary. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Worship with us on Christmas Eve, Thursday,
December 24 at our Candlelight Communion Worship Services at 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Our annual Christmas offering is an opportunity to
support First United Methodist Church of Marietta's local and global mission work. You may make your donation when the offering is received during worship services
the next two Sundays, December 13 and 20 and Christmas Eve.

Working Moms Bible Study meets next Monday! Join us at 7:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall. No registration required. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The senior adults are invited to the home of Lyle and Ginny Maude Schaefer on Tuesday, December 22 from
1-3 p.m. for a Christmas Open House. Please RSVP to
Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835 for church transportation or to Ginny Maude Schaefer at 770-427-4051.

Registration is now open for Fuse Basketball for ages 3K through 5th grade. Click here for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

We invite you to serve with our Parking Ministry on Sunday mornings in half-hour and one-hour shifts from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help members who have difficulty walking getting to and from worship and Sunday School. Training is provided. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

College and High School upperclassmen are

encouraged to attend an informational meeting about our mission trip to Chimbote, Peru May 31-June 8, 2016. The meeting is Sunday, December 20 at 12:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall. Lunch will be provided. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Longest Night Worship will be Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Through word and song, we will remember that Christ shines light into the darkness of our lives. This beautiful service offers a quiet respite amidst the holiday rush. A dessert reception will follow.

Save the date! Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented by the Jubilation Drama Ministry on Friday and Saturday, 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. 7829)

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

Mrs. Betty is retiring after more than 25 years of loving service in our Nursery. Join us at a reception in her honor this Sunday, December 13 from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor.

Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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

short-term Advent Study this Sunday 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)

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.

December 9

Roast beef or grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids-Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad bar, rolls and dessert

Save the Date

Wednesday, December 9

Last Church Family Supper of the Year
& Christmas Carols

(1st-5th Graders will sing)

Sunday, December 13
Third Sunday in Advent

-Service of Nine Lessons and Carols