First United Methodist Church
Bristol, Tennessee
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Your Weekly e-Newsletter and Events Schedule
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Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2018
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Song of the Angels by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Lessons and Carols
Led by Phil Haga and the Chancel Choir
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Advent tends to have a pattern for us who are involved in social exercises. The pattern consists of one consistent characteristic, regardless of the social circles in which we locate ourselves.
The pattern is busyness.
Have y’all found that to be true yet?
That busyness was certainly what marked the first full week of Advent for me. Extraordinary events supplanted ordinary responsibilities. Deadlines came and went and got met as best they could, and when the weekend came, everything froze.
I haven’t taken the opportunity to learn whether this storm from which we are reeling compares to other winter storms, but I don’t think I’ve seen snowfall this fast and thick recently. The storm paralyzed Bristol. It stopped everything. Deadlines were put off and deadlines were ignored. Events were rescheduled and events were cancelled.
The busyness of Advent paused.
That’s curious, because Advent ought to be a time when we intentionally pause. It is a season of preparation, but not of our homes, and not for parties and big events. It is a season of preparation of our souls for the coming of Messiah.
So I encourage you to carve out some time, to make an effort to still yourself before the miracle of Immanuel and prepare a way for Jesus in your heart. Step out of the busyness that is about to restart at full speed. Step into the peace of preparing for Christ.
Pause. Christ has come. Immanuel is with us. Christ is coming still.
Peace,
Brandon
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Our Feed the Hungry offering this week is for Local Missions.
This mission helps members of our church family as well as
other immediate local mission needs.
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Charlotte Grayce Hobbs was born on Dec 11, 2018 at 11:22 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Parents are Jason and Julia Hobbs. Grandparents are Jim and Brenda Hobbs. Great Aunt and Uncle are Vangline and Dean Chafin.
Mother and Daughter both are doing well.
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First UMC will have a Children’s Program at Sunday’s
Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner.
We will use the Sunday School hour for rehearsal.
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Several Members of First UMC Joined Joe and Gary
for a Lovely Evening and the House Blessing of Their New Home.
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Looking for a Christmas gift and a way to honor or remember a friend or family member? How about giving to the General Fund or to
Help for Haiti?
Cards are in the church office for you to fill out and include in a card or gift to that person or their family.
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The Giving Tree
The tree in the Fellowship Hall is blossoming. We are hoping you will bring it into full bloom with socks, gloves, hats and scarves.
All the donated items will be taken to a homeless shelter. Just come in and add your offering to the tree.
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Save the Date
Save the Date for the Marriage of
Nathalie Preptit and Adam Schorsten
February Twenty-third, Two Thousand Nineteen
Nashville, Tennessee
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Martha Circle will meet
at the home
of Peggy Wilson on
Tuesday, December 18 at 6 p.m.
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Join Us on Sunday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m.
for Lessons and Carols, Followed by Dinner
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An Old Fashioned Family Christmas Dinner will follow the 11:00 a.m. unified worship service and presentation of Lessons and Carols, led by our choir.
Turkey, dressing, gravy, rolls and drinks will be provided. Please bring your favorite side dish or dessert.
Everyone welcome!
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Final Weekend
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Steve Baskett
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You won’t want to miss this Christmas Production!
It features First’s very own Lara and Andy McGrady!
Theatre Bristol
Friday, December 14, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 15, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 16, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets $12.00 Seniors $10.00 Students $10.00
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(Let’s get rid of the MINUS)
The General Budget account needs help! This is the account which pays our staff; keeps our lights, heat and water working; supplies teaching materials for classes; keeps our kitchen supplied with necessities; and supports other worship and administrative needs.
This weekly report enables you to know the facts. We are in this time together.
Account Balance as of November 25
-$12, 234.54
Account Balance as of December 2
-$9,449.08
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Operation Envelope
Campaign returns…
First UMC finds itself in a negative financial position. We are asking each of you to take an envelope from the $1 to $200 envelopes. Return the envelope with check (marked Envelope in the memo) or cash and your name. You will be given credit for this over-and-above gift. The envelopes will be placed outside the sanctuary and by the entry table in The River service.
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Dinner for Eight Became Lunch for Eleven
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Lunch at McAlisters for this eleven was a treat of good food and great fellowship.
Next month it is a lunch at Alona’s and a movie on the 19th.
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We Will Cover the Final 2 Chapters of
Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism
by Wil Cantrell
Open to Any and All to Join for Now or Any Time.
Wednesday, December 19 at 5:30 p.m. starting in Tankersley Hall
Bring a snack to share!
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5th and 6th Grade Bible Study
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00
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M. A. F. I. A.
(my Almighty Father is Awesome!)
Join us Wednesday, December 19
for Caroling to the Homebound.
6:30 p.m. meet at the church
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Youth Sunday School – Weekly at 9:30 a.m.
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THOUGHTS THAT COULD STILL
CHANGE THE WORLD
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Join the conspiracy. Wednesday sessions begin at 10 a.m.
Sunday sessions begin at 7 p.m.
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Wednesday Community Advent Service
December 19 John Wesley UMC
Service begins at noon
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A Message from DeVonne Phipps, Director of BFIA:
Many times we receive phone calls asking what is needed here at BFIA. Currently we need cleaning supplies, personal care items, and food items. We have plenty of Peanut Butter and Diapers, but we are low on everything else.
Food item ideas:
Macaroni and cheese (very popular for kids)
Pasta with Sauce either tomato or Alfredo, or cheese
Vegetables
Fruits
Oatmeal or Cereal
Breakfast Bars or Pop Tarts
Canned Chicken with Chicken Helper
Tuna Helper
Homeless Food items:
Can openers
Pop top food items such as Chef Boy Ardee meals, Stew, Ravioli, etc.
Foil pouch foods such as tuna
Vienna Sausages
Beenie Weinies
Crackers with cheese or peanut butter
Breakfast Bars or Granola Bars/protein Bars
Already prepared food items such as cooked flavored rice (ex. Uncle Bens)
Fruit cups/applesauce cups
Peanut butter
Plastic spoons
$5.00 or $10.00 Fast Food gift card (grocery gift cards are not regulated and tobacco or alcohol can be used instead of getting food)
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Send Your Pictures and Announcements
to Publish in the Newsletter
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Send your photos and announcements for the Newsletter
call Carol at 423.652.2811 M-Th, 9-2.
For each publication, information is
needed by noon on Wednesday.
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Your Church Event and Planning Calendar
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December 13-19, 2018
Thursday, December 13
6:00pm-Yoga with Jean-Yoga Studio
6:30pm-Mankind Project-Youth Room
8:00pm-AA
Friday, December 14
5:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
6:30pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
7:00pm-NA
Saturday, December 15
9:00am-Holston Quilters Guild (until noon)-TH
12:00pm-Sunhouse Party (until 1:30)
Sunday, December 16
9:30am-Sunday School Hour
10:00am-Common Ground Service-Chapel
11:00am-Unified Worship Service “Lessons and Carols”-Sanctuary
12:00pm-Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner-TH
7:00pm-Advent Conspiracy-Church Library
8:00pm-AA
Monday, December 17
6:00pm-Belly Dancing Class-Yoga Studio
8:00pm-AA
Tuesday, December 18
8:00am-Men’s Prayer Group-TH
6:00pm-Martha Circle-Home of Peggy Wilson
8:00pm-AA
Wednesday, December 19
10:00am-Advent Conspiracy-Church Library
5:30pm-Fellowship Study Group-begin in TH (Bring a snack to share)
6:30pm-BeTween Bible Study (5th and 6th Graders)
6:30pm-Youth (MAFIA)
To make changes or additions to the calendar contact Alan Gorrell 423-652-7377
or Sandy Gorrell 423-652-1987.
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First United Methodist Church
Rev. Brandon Berg, Pastor (276.237.6498)
322 Vance Dr., Bristol, TN 37620
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Our Vision–
Building A Community Where Anyone
Can Become A Deeply Committed Christian
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First United Methodist Church of Bristol 