November 30

9:15am-12:15pm

FUMC Allen Gym
 

Friends and neighbors are waiting for your invitation and want to experience the real gift of Christmas.

Stop by the gym on November 30 and create a special keepsake ornament for your family tree and another for you to gift as an invitation to join you in worship during the Advent or Christmas season.

Contact Mary Freeman. 

CHARGE CONFERENCE WRAP-UP 

More than 100 people attended the annual Charge Conference on November 19, 2014. Under the leadership of Dr. Ronald D. Henderson, Suncreek UMC, Creekwood UMC, and First UMC celebrated our common calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We prayed for a shared mission field and the unique ministries of our congregation.

What is a Charge Conference? Learn more about the process here. Our Connectional Charge Conference 2014 was an event to be remembered as Dr. Henderson shared a brief message regarding the power the church and its members experience as we breathe in the very life-giving breath and Spirit of God. When this happens, we see others differently; we receive God's creative and imaginative influence, and we are changed.

A highlight of the conference was unanimously approving David Magallanes as a candidate for ministry in the United Methodist Church. David is a senior at Indiana Wesleyan University. We also affirmed Rev. Mary Martin's continuing candidacy in the UMC. Mary is currently on staff at Grace Ave. UMC in Frisco. You can learn more about the candidacy process at this link.

During Charge Conference we elected leaders for 2015, approved a preliminary ministry funding plan/operating budget of $1.78M, and approved our New Vision Statement and Strategic Plan. Representing our congregation in the vote were many adult members and leaders in our congregation and a robust representation from our students.

Finally, our FUMC Allen's Endowment Fund was expanded to not only include scholarships but also future funding pools for facilities, missions, and programs.

Sun Nov 30

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Let the light of Christ be your guide during Advent. Pick up your copy TODAY of LIGHT OF LIGHTS, our recommended devotional resource published by Upper Room that will guide you as you read, pray, and reflect on the coming of the Christ Child. These devotional books, which parallel Rev. Harris' Advent series, The Light of Christmas, are $7 each.

Wed Dec 3

SOUL FOOD CAFÉ is open for dinner Wednesday from 5:30pm-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. This week's menu: pork filet or sausage, biscuits, tater tots, salad, fruit, and cake; hot dog meal for kids. $5/adults; $2/children; $18 family max. Take-out boxes available. RSVP on the back of your registration form TODAY or e-mail Rev. Maxie Moore by Tuesday noon. 
 

Fri Dec 5

Bring the whole family to the City of Allen's TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY, 6:30pm, at Allen Civic Plaza. FUMC Allen will be there sharing cookies and brownies with the kids.

Sat Dec 6

ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 7

2:00pm

Downtown Allen

Make plans now to walk with your FUMC Allen family as we invite our neighbors to Come Home for Christmas at FUMC. Contact Rev. Monty Moore.
 

REBUILDING LIFE Widow Support Group meets offsite  for dinner at the Heritage Ranch Country Club, 6:00pm. This year's gift alternative will be donations for Brother's Keeper. Contact Peggy Weygandt, 214.335.3406.

Last evening of Wednesday night programming for 2014.

Fri Dec 12

Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus present SONGS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 8:00pm FUMC Allen Sanctuary

Sat Dec 13

Join Jackie Campbell for her new Christmas COOKIE DECORATING CLASS
from 9:00am-12:00pm. Registration fee is $40 with an optional starter kit available for $35. Register online at www.fumcallen.org.

APT G, A PLACE TO GO for Special Needs Youth. It's A Three-Ring Circus, 7:00pm-9:30pm. Youth Wing/Fellowship Hall. We are always in need of volunteers to serve with this awesome ministry. Contact Rev. Maxie Moore. 

Sun Dec 14

DARING Youth Choir and Catalyst youth ministry participate in an AFTERNOON OF CAROLS. We will gather at 4:00pm, load school busses and visit local nursing home and assisted living facilities to sing carols and visit. We will return at 6:00pm for cookies, cocoa and a white elephant gift exchange. ($5 max value optional)

Thu Dec 18

XYZ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 12:00pm Fellowship Hall

Last day to register for UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING, a sports program for grades K-8 that encourages personal and athletic development in a positive Christ-like environment. The $100 league registration fee includes player uniform. Details available at www.fumcallen.org.

Sun Dec 21

Handel's MESSIAH 8:15am & 9:30am

UNSPEAKABLE JOY : A Service of Lessons & Carols 11:00am

DARING Youth Choir CHRISTMAS CAROLING 4:00pm-5:00pm

Youth Ministry TACKY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY 5:00pm-7:30pm Whirlyball in Plano. 

Help us adorn our altar with poinsettias and food donations on Christmas Eve. Order POINSETTIAS OR A GIFT OF FOOD in honor or memory of a loved one. Complete order details on the envelope available in the narthex, place payment in envelope, and drop into the offering plate before December 21. Contact Teresa Gray.

Contact Information

Alison Thomas 

Director of Communications

First United Methodist Church of Allen

972.727.8261

As Christians, we are called to go OUT into the world to do the work of Christ. At FUMC Allen, we track the hours our members IMPACT the community working as volunteers for various service organizations, such as Allen Community Outreach, schools, sport teams, scouts, and more.

Our 2014 year-to-date total is 6,228 hours.

Report your service hours on the registration form found in this bulletin, and keep up the great work.