REACHING OUT BEYOND SUNDAY MORNINGlaconnerumc.org/data/documents/12022018-Insert.pdf · If they are broken, mend their spirits. If they are sick or dealing with infirmities, cure

La Conner United Methodist Church

REACHING OUT BEYOND SUNDAY MORNING A simple prayer…Loving and healing God, restore everyone we pray for; if they are worried, bring them peace. If they are broken, mend their spirits. If they are sick or dealing with infirmities, cure

their bodies and renew their strength. If relationships with family and friends are broken between them or us, reunite them with the community that cares about them. May we be

present for them with us, so that we all may experience your grace and healing. In your precious name we pray. Amen

WORSHIP GOD

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR: Dec 2nd to Dec 8th 2018

Healing Prayers and Caring Support: John Leaver (recovering from pneumonia), Joe & Judy Menish (Joe now at home, hospice), Naiomi Holboy (recovering from cranial surgery), Scott Doyle (53 year old friend of

Naiomi, on ventricular pump waiting for heart transplant). Ray Maly (friend of Mark and Christina Stephens,

recovering from cancer), Mike Benjamin (brother-in-law of Patti Benjamin, reoccurrence of cancer), Vidal Hernandez (Salvio Hernadez’s father) & Juana Morales (Victoria Morales Hernandez’s mother), both with

serious illnesses, Emerald Mulanax (33 yr old granddaughter of Jo Ann Mulanax, diagnosed with rare lung

disease L.A.M.), Karen Gerarden (recovering from stroke), Duane Holmes (recovering from oral cancer,

difficulty swallowing), John Vender (nephew of Jo Ann Mulanax-brain aneurism), Baby Luke Edwards (John

Near’s grandson, challenges of post-operative cleft palate), Scott Sutherland (the Pierson’ friend, cancer), Dr. Sally Rockwell (Bob Skeele’s dear friend, battling cancer), Beth Fox (Virginia Sanford’s sister-in-law), Amanda Harder (family friend, Christie Jackson, severe Lupus complications), Tom and Linda Harader (Travel

Mercies while in Israel)

Prayers for Homebound Members and Friends: Bob Bibeau, Morrey Cort, Dick Houser, Andrew & Abaigail Lester, and Joan Veatch, Joe Menish: may the presence of Christ fill their homes on Sunday

mornings and remind them we miss seeing them. Prayers for our President, world leaders, and each of us: O God, our country and our world

wasn’t meant to be like this—so we pray for our nation’s leaders. Give Your love of justice and compassion to those who rule our land. Empower our President, to rule with moral wisdom and compassion for all the people. Amen.

Grow In Faith

“Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph”

Wednesday Night Study in December —Just bring a bible Wednesdays at 6:30PM, learn more about the earthly father of Jesus Christ--Joseph. We will use

the Bible as the primary resource and the book by Adam Hamilton, “Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph” as we explore Joseph's place in the nativity story which is sometimes overlooked but contains valuable lessons for all of us. Please join us as we examine Christmas through the eyes of Joseph. Free Bibles are available, a wonderful DVD video will be shown during each class, and a study book is available if you wish. For more info-- call the office 360-466-3277.

Today! “Café & O J” Sunday Morning Bible Study Group

A journey of faith began today and will continue each Sunday as our church revives the tradition of doing Bible Study on Sunday mornings before church as a group. We are on a year-long exploration of the bible and our faith; using the Bible and Brian McLaren’s book, We Make the Road by Walking as a weekly tool for discussion of scriptures. Pastor Marcella and others will serve as

group leaders on Sunday mornings. You can bring a Bible, even pick up the book “We Make the Road by Walking”—but be sure and join the conversation next Sunday!

A BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

On Friday Dec. 21nd at 7PM, the longest night of 2018, a Blue Christmas Service will be held here at La Conner UMC. This quiet service of meditative sacred music, prayers, and the lighting of candles will offer a place to share hurts and grief with God in a community of faith. Those attending may also hang an ornament they bring on the church’s Christmas tree to remember a loved one no longer with them at Christmas. Please invite a friend you know who needs loving support during this holiday season and bring them to this beautiful service of peace and healing.

REJOICE!!! A “Family-Friendly” Christmas Eve Service at 5PM

A Candlelight Christmas Eve Communion Service at 7PM

And A Service of Word & Carols Christmas Day 11AM

A Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Celebration will be celebrated at 5PM Dec 24th where children, families, and the young at heart are invited to take part in Christmas Eve retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ. Special Christmas music will be sung by our Church Choir and children who are guests may choose to play angels, shepherds, or kings as Pastor Marcella retells the Christmas Story. Arrive early to get a comfortable seat. Then, at a 7PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Communion Service, there will be a very different worship experience, in which beautiful Christmas music will be sung and performed by gifted vocalists and musicians, the Good News of Christmas announced, and communion offered by candlelight. On Christmas Day 11AM a brief service of Word and Carols will be celebrated at 11AM, with a Christmas Brunch enjoyed afterward. Questions call 360-466-3277.

SERVE THE WORLD

“Whatever we do for others…Matthew 25:40”--Help needed—The church has been

asked to announce a need in our LCUMC community for anyone who is able to partner with elderly primary caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia or hospice care. The request is for someone to stay for a few hours or overnight at their home once a week and to assist the caregiver with lifting, and dressing their loved one when the professional on duty isn’t available.

Attention Everyone: Your help is needed to assist during worship services in

December—especially on Dec 24th Christmas Eve at 5 pm & 7 pm, and Sunday Dec 25th,

Christmas Day. Please let Pastor Marcella know if you can serve the church: greeting people at the door, acting as an usher handing out bulletins, and/or helping with table fellowship on Christmas Day.

RECEPTION HOSTS and/or HELPERS NEEDED Help is needed setting-up, and cleaning up after our wonderful “Friendship Time” reception. Two people at a time is helpful. PLEASE

SIGN UP ON THE DEC/JAN CALENDARS near the kitchen or CALL 360-466-3277.

Flowers for the Altar—Would you like to place flowers on the church altar in honor of

someone or give glory to God by enhancing our altar for worship? PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE DEC/JANCALENDARS-- near the kitchen or call the church 360-466-3277

Food Bank Volunteers Needed—Suggestion for Dec/Jan: “Flour” Food donations

may be placed in the basket by the front door of the church, cash/check donations given in an envelope marked “Sunrise Food Bank”. Call Susan Widdop, Director at 360-488-3878 to volunteer on Mondays between 11am and 3pm or 5-6pm

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat 10

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

11 AM Worship

Service

Sermon

“Sleep in Heavenly

Peace”

Rev. Marcella Baker

Office Closed

Pastor’s Day Off

La Conner Food Bank

602 So 3rd Setup – 11 am Open –2-3 pm Re-Opens 5pm

7PM AA Meeting

Office Hours

3-5PM by apt

6:30PM Church Council

Office Closed

6:30-8PM Bible

Study

“Faithful: Christmas

Through the Eyes of Joseph”

11 AM – Bible Study La Conner Ret. Inn

Office Closed

5PM Girl

Scouts

Office Closed

Office Closed

2nd Sunday of Advent

9AM “Café & OJ” Bible Study

Group

Sermon

Scriptures

Psalm 86: 9-11 Luke 2: 8-20