December Newsletter

It is early morning as I sit here and write this month’s newsletter. I have just made the calls to cancel services this morning. Let me say, much thought and prayer goes into making this decision, and it is not a decision I make alone.

As I woke up to the howling winds, blowing snow, and forecast of falling temperatures and flash freezing I felt it was in the best interest of our congregation to cancel services today.

While I hate not worshipping with each of you this morning, I would much rather we all stay safely at home for 1 Sunday than to have someone injured or worse trying to make it to church.

So dear friends, stay safe, stay warm, and we will gather next week. Blessings, Pastor Peggy

Gift Exchange

Life hands us difficult experiences that weigh us down: despair, anxiety, sorrow, darkness, and feelings of meaninglessness. In the midst of all this, God holds out precious and life-giving gifts - hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose. This Advent season, as we prepare for gift exchanges with friends and family, we will reflect on the gifts given to us by the greatest giver of all and how we can receive and embrace those gifts even in the most difficult of times.

November 30- Despair for Hope | Psalm 121:1-8 In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.

December 7- Anxiety for Peace | John 14:27 In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find in other things in this world.

December 14- Sorrow for Joy | Psalm 30 When we experience sorrow, we can turn to God, trusting that joy will come again as a freely given gift. (Remember to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater)

December 21- Fear for Love | 1 John 4:7-19 Fear can lead us into hating the people that God created. But fear loses its power when we receive the gift of love. We are made complete in love.

December 24 @ 7pm- Darkness for Light | Isaiah 9:2-7 Christ gives us the gift of light in the darkest moments of our lives. His light will guide and lead us into abundant life. (Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)

December 28 - Meaninglessness for Purpose | Jeremiah 29:11 Through our lives, we sometimes feel lost, not knowing who we are and where we are heading. God finds us in these places and gives us the gift of purpose for our lives.

Thank you for your generosity!

Because of your generosity, many have already been blessed this holiday season!

• On November 8, 14 members of Robinson Chapel joined with 140 others from Covenant UMC and in jut a few hours packed 47,268 meals for Project 216.

• Students at Kekionga Middle School were given 2 large boxes and 2 large gift backs full of items for their Holiday Shop.

• A family who lost everything in a fire were provided with $500 in gift cards, clothing and food items.

• The Huntertown Food Pantry shelves continue to be restocked.

Because God’s generous gift of love and grace leads to your gratitude, your gratitude for all God has done leads to your acts of generosity. Your acts of generosity then leads others to gratitude and their own acts of generosity.   Thank you!

Looking ahead…

• December 6th - 9am-1pm- Cookie Walk & Crafts

• December 7th - 2pm- Prayer Partners

• December 14th- 10am -Wear your Ugly Christmas Sweater

• December 24th- 7pm- Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship