Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Help us tonight, dear Lord, to sense how you came into history bearing the incomparable gift of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. We are grateful beyond expression. May all glory be yours.

DECEMBER COMMITTEE OF THE MONTH: WORSHIP

The Worship Committee is responsible for guiding the work of the congregation with respect to worship. Our committee is responsible for: greeting people in the parking lot and at the church door, handing out bulletins and helping people find seating in the sanctuary, working with 3^rd and 4^th grade acolytes, developing lay leadership skills, providing worship experiences for children, leading worship in liturgy and music and preparing communion sacraments in remembrance of Jesus Christ.

Worship is for everyone; it is a time for adults and children to offer their praise and thanksgiving to God. We offer many opportunities at FUMC for you to find the worship service that best fits your needs. If you are an early bird, there is a service for you on Sunday mornings at 8:30. We have a wonderful praise team who diligently works to provide a meaningful contemporary service with lots of music and singing at 9:45. The 11:00 service offers a more traditional time for worship.

Our prayer is that during your worship time, you feel welcomed and changed by God’s story and presence and that it carries over into your everyday life. It takes many volunteers to provide these services to our congregation. If you feel led to be a part of the Worship Committee, please contact Kathy Perry, 972-668-6711.

END OF YEAR CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions for the year 2007 may only be credited to giving's records if received in the office by Friday, December 28th, or postmarked by December 30, 2007. This is an IRS regulation and we will not close the year until all 2007 contributions have been received.

FOOD PANTRY - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We greatly appreciate the current volunteers for their loving dedication and service. Starting Thursday, January 3rd, the Food Pantry will be needing volunteers. The Food Pantry is open every Thursday, from 9:00am-3:00pm. Volunteers work a three hour shift (9:00am-noon and noon-3:00pm). If this is a ministry you feel called to do, please contact Kathy Witcher at 214-618-1865 or kwitcher@grandecom.net.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Confirmation will begin January 6, and is open to any student from 6th through 12th grade. Contact Rebecca Grogan at 972-625-1281 to register. We have a new format and new curriculum. Remember faith seeks knowledge…

CHRISTMAS CDS

If you enjoyed listening to the lovely music of the harpist Rispah Lowe, you may want to hear her new Christmas CD. This might be the perfect present for someone on your list. For more information on Rizpah Lowe’s beautiful harp music CD, please contact Sonja Roebuck at sprmusic@verizon.net or at 972-625-1281.

STEPHEN MINISTRY NEWS

During the Holidays, we want to let you know we are available to walk with you through this season. Sometimes the holidays are not easy to face alone. Please call the church at 972-625-1281 if you would like to talk and would like someone to listen in a non-judgmental, confidential relationship.

NEW ALTAR FLOWER CALENDAR

It’s not too early to sign up for altar flowers for 2008. The cost is only $25 and you can take them home after the 11:00am service. The calendar is located on the bulletin board in the narthex across from the new visitor center. Check it out.

NO CHOIR REHEARSALS

Wednesday, December 26

Sunday, December 30

Monday, December 24 -

Christmas Eve

5:00pm Christmas Service

7:00pm Christmas Service

9:00pm Christmas Service

11:00pm Christmas Service

Tuesday, December 25 -

Christmas Day

Church Office Closed