This Week

@FUMC Allen

December 14 2014

For some years, FUMC has needed updated lighting in the sanctuary.

As a result of the generous gifts of multiple families who caught a vision for enhanced spotlights and the generous gift of volunteer time, we have finally fulfilled that need.

Over the course of five days, FUMC Allen volunteers dismantled the well-used, two-decade old spotlights, ran new wiring, and prepared for professional installers to finish the task. The final installation and the programming of a new main lighting board all happened between Sunday worship services.

FUMC is so very fortunate to talented engineers, capable volunteers, and generous givers.

Updating our facility wasn't limited to new spotlights. In recent weeks, our sound and media control booth got a face-lift . . . or at least a floor lift. All updates were built, rewired, and funded by giving hands who are committed to the mission and ministry of the church.

Not only did the sanctuary see needed improvements, but our church nursery sparkles with new hardwood (vinyl) flooring, fresh paint, and new décor to add warmth for the visits of many little ones and toddlers. This improvement, too, came about because of a generous family and many hands that made for light work. All the new flooring was installed by volunteers.

Thank you trustees, volunteers, donors, and staff who have made these great updates to our facility. Stay tuned as there is more to come.

Christmas Eve Hospitality

Volunteer this Sunday to fill HOSPITALITY ROLES on Christmas Eve:

Serve as a host in the Fellowship Hall
Greet members and guests
Keep our refreshment table stocked.
Bake cookies for our refreshment table.

Contact Margo Naramore, 469.656.1999.

This Week

Sun Dec 14/2014-Sat Dec 20/2014

Sun Dec 14

DARING Youth Choir and Catalyst Youth Ministry spread some Christmas cheer today at 4:00pm. We'll meet in Fellowship Hall, load the school bus, and visit local nursing home and assisted living facilities to sing carols. We will return to the church at 6:00pm for cookies, cocoa, and a white elephant gift exchange. Contact Eric Pugh.

Tue Dec 16

Do you help an older parent, spouse, or relative and need information, help, and support? Join CAREGIVERS UNITED on Tuesday at 7:00pm in the parlor for an open meeting of support and discussion. Contact Bev Allen.

Thu Dec 18

The XYZ luncheon for our SENIOR ADULTS features seasonal entertainment by the D'Jazzters and the annual XYZ cookie exchange. The menu features loaded baked potatoes, side salad, and drinks. $5. Join us in Fellowship Hall. Contact Karen Griffith, 972.727.4375.

Handel's Messiah

December 21

8:15am & 9:30am

Next Sunday, the Chancel Choir, DARING youth choir, and orchestra present HANDEL'S MESSIAH at the 8:15am and 9:30am worship hours.

Join on the fourth Sunday of Advent for this special gift from our music ministry. Contact Rev. Rusty King.

At 11:00am, our RESONATE Praise Team gifts us in worship with UNSPEAKABLE JOY: A Service of Lessons & Carols.

Next Week & Beyond

Sun Dec 21/2014-Wed Dec 31/2014

Sun Dec 21

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

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

Wed Dec 24

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm and 11:00pm

Sun Dec 28

TWO WORSHIP SERVICES at 9:30am and 11:00am. The 8:15am service and The Way will not meet. Sunday school classes will not meet, but nursery will be open during services for children ages 4 and under.

Wed Dec 31

The New Year's Eve WATCH NIGHT SERVICE at 7:00pm in the Upper Room Chapel is an opportunity to bid farewell to 2014 and begin the New Year on solid footing. Join us for Holy Communion and share John Wesley's Covenant Prayer. Contact Rev. June Franck.

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 found in your bulletin this Sunday, place payment in envelope, and drop into the offering plate before December 21. Or you can contact Teresa Gray.

Christmas Eve Worship

Wednesday, December 24

4pm 6pm 8pm 11pm

On December 24, FUMC Allen offers four worship opportunities to celebrate the birth of Christ.

At 4:00pm, our children present a family friendly musical, We Three Spies, featuring Project Praise and a 20-piece live band.

At 6:00pm, we offer a traditional worship service featuring the music of the Chancel choir and orchestra. Our praise team, Resonate, leads the contemporary service at 8:00pm.

Carillon Handbells present a Sounds of the Season concert at 10:30pm followed by our Christmas Vigil at 11:00pm.

Each of the services includes candlelight, and the 6:00pm, 8:00pm, and 11:00pm services include the sharing of Holy Communion.

Hands, Hearts, Hammers, Hope
Senior High Mission Trip 2015

Now is the time to register for FUMC Allen's senior high mission trip when we travel to Whaley UMC in Gainesville, TX, July 19-24, to serve their community.

Right now we have 18 youth spots open! Prices increase on January 1 so register NOW. Contact Eric Pugh.

Sacred Artistry

COMING IN JANUARY 2015

Interested in art but never got the chance to learn? Maybe you're an old pro looking to combine your art and faith?

Master painter Michael Maskow is offering a six-week course in Sacred Artistry oil painting beginning January 27 at FUMC Allen.

For more information, check our registration link!

Contact Information

Alison Thomas

Director of Communications

First United Methodist Church of Allen

972.727.8261

In This Issue

Christmas Eve Hospitality

This Week

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Next Week & Beyond

Christmas Eve Poinsettias

Christmas Eve Worship

Senior High Mission Trip

Sacred Artistry

Contact Us!

Click here to read our latest issue.

Featuring stories about our summer

at FUMC Allen.

Or pick up your copy at the church.

This Sunday's Sermon

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Third Sunday of Advent

The Light of Christmas

Finding Joy When It Is So Dark

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11

Rev. Todd Harris, preaching

Sanctuary

8:15am 9:30am 11:00am

This month's COMMUNION OFFERING benefits the General Missions Fund of FUMC Allen, supporting the work of Change the World Weekend, Habitat For Humanity, Project Transformation, and new missions opportunities that arise during the year.

This Week at The Way

Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Christmas Journey

The Journey

Rev. Rusty King, preaching

11:00am Fellowship Hall

UPWARD SPORTS
Thursday, December 18, is the last day to register for our UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING LEAGUE, 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 fumcallen.org.

RUN FOR GOD

Join the 5K Challenge, a practical guide to running, and a 12-week training plan aimed at completing a 5K while maintaining a Christian focus.

Words from The Word

You shall make your prayer unto Him, and He shall hear you and you shall pay your vows. You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto you. Job 22: 27-28

Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty left. For the LORD has blessed His people and that which is left is this great store.2 Chronicles 31:10

Giving Report

Last week, we received $49,809 in the offering. Thank you for your generosity. By year-end 2014, we need to receive $167,771 to complete our 2014 ministry funding and operating budget of $1,822,399.

If you have questions about your pledge balance, want to set up online contributions, or need information about stock transfers,
contact Jackie Campbell.

Together, by God's grace, we can do all things through Christ!

Stewardship Report

As of December 10, we have received 262 Estimate of Giving cards totaling $1,233,519 in pledges. This total represents $203,009.00 in new and increased pledges. The average household commitment is $4,708.

Because every pledge is important and appreciated, please find a Stepping N2 the Future Estimate of Giving card in the pew backs and return yours in the offering plate or the baskets in the back of the sanctuary. You can also complete your pledge online.

Questions? Contact Jackie Campbell.

Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness.

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 6,513 hours.

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

Do you have a prayer request?

Communications
The deadline for the Dec 28 Sunday worship bulletin is 5:00pm,
Friday, December 19.

Email items to spark@fumcallen.org.

Click HERE to read the Dec 14 worship bulletin.

Click HERE to read the Dec 7 worship bulletin.