PASTOR'S PIECE...
Dear Friends…
Reading like a promotion for a Hallmark movie, the headline reads, “The Race is on to Save Christmas: Retailers Fight the Supply Chain Crunch” (NPR online). While I take seriously the current disruption in the global supply chain, I also take seriously the words from the enlightened Grinch who discovered, “Perhaps Christmas doesn’t come from a store, perhaps Christmas means a little bit more”. While there is nothing we can do to put toys, or anything else, on the shelves, there is much we can do to put Christmas in ourselves. (I think Dr Seuss would love that last line!)
We can “save Christmas” by taking time to worship together. Whether it be in person, through Armstrong Cable or online, worship offers the time to thank God for the gift of Jesus. It gives us time to consider how we can share this gift with others.
We can “save Christmas” by responding to the needs of others, whether they be family, friends, neighbors or someone you heard about in the news. I’m always touched by the generosity of folks this time of year.
We can “save Christmas” by looking to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi, who all had their lives renewed and rerouted by this one known to us as Emmanuel, God With Us.
The joy of this season remains unchanged; “A child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rest upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
In the name of the Christ Child…Pastor Sarah
LOBBY SOCK TREE...
Hearing that the most requested item at homeless shelters is socks and seeing children just wearing shoes in the winter made me aware of the need for these everyday items. When asked why he didn't have socks on he replied, " you have to have them to wear them." We will decorate the lobby tree this advent with family socks. Please purchase new ones as at Christmas time the gifts should be special.
St. James Haven and Women's Services will be the recipients of our loving gifts.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff and lay leadership of Stone Church for the creative, competent, loving ministry they provided through this challenging year: Jen and Jason Ashbaugh, Barb Baker, Cyndi Bland, Marian Beckman, Leda Boal, Patty Brown, Lisa Clayton, Armendia Dixon, Jan Emblidge, Anne Finney, Lisa and Chuck Foust, Kyle Janes, Caryl and Harry Jewell, Tyson and Sarah Johnston, Cindy and John Karns, Debbie Knapp, Pat Lafferty, Andy Lawlor, Derek Li, Pat and Jeff Loutzenhiser, Marti Mailliard, Erin Means, Joyce Minnis, Sam Morehead, Jane Ellen Nickell, Kathy Palmer, Millie Ray, Darlene and Jim Ross, Jim and Marie Schlosser, Gloria Shields, Larry and Margaret Sippy, Ron Snow, Don Snyder, Garald and Phyllis Stockton, Carolyn and Jim Turnbull, Leanne Venesky, Sue Wardian, Janet and Bob Waid…To all who give to, pray for, and work with Stone UMC…
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
DECEMBER WORSHIP CALENDAR
9:00 am in person at Stone
(And live on Armstrong Cable Channels 23/100 and on Facebook, stoneumc.org)
10:30 am at Bethany UMC
(140 Wadsworth Ave)
November 28th First Sunday in Advent
December 5th Second Sunday in Advent (Communion)
December 12th Third Sunday in Advent/ Children-Youth Christmas Program
December 19th Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 24th 7:00 pm In-person Christmas Eve Service
ADVENT BOOK STUDY
It's not too late to take Heart!
Our Advent study The Heart that Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch” by Matt Rawl continues through the month of December. The evening discussion, held on zoom, meets Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 through December 21st. The Wednesday morning study, also held on zoom, meets Wednesdays from 10-11am through Wed Dec 20th. Books available in the church office.
DECEMBER COUNTERS
3 Anne Finney & Joyce Minnis
10 Barb Baker & Garald Stockton
17 Patty Brown & Sue DeArment
24 Anne Finney & John Karns
WINGS AND THINGS
Hey ladies, lets gather once more in 2021!!!
Before all the holiday rush, spend some stress-free time out with the girls!!!
Please join us for Wings and Things at:
Pizza Villa on Thursday Dec 9th at 6:00
No special requirements to participate, no committees to join, just food, fun and fellowship with other stressed out, but supportive women!!!
Please RSVP at the church office 724-6736 by Sunday Dec 5th so we know how many to plan for. (Extra seats will be available if all the stars align and you can make it, and you haven’t RSVP…Just Come!)
NEW NUMBERS ARE IN!
The new numbers are in for our Congregational Pledge and Capital Campaign graphs! Currently pledged income stands at $85,497 through the end of October. Currently Capital Campaign giving stands at $ 213,863.96 through the end of October. Thanks to all who continue to support Christ’s work through your financial support!
NEWS FROM FAIRVIEW/FAIRMONT OUTREACH
Although the Outreach Program at Fairview/Fairmont has been closed for a year due to the pandemic and staffing concerns, the Outreach Board cooperated with the Meadville YMCA this past summer to send 15 children from Fairview/Fairmont to the Y’s Summer Day Camp. The Outreach Program provided transportation to and from camp through the CATA bus service. From that successful, cooperative effort came the idea that additional cooperative efforts with the Y might be beneficial for the residents living at Fairview/Fairmont. The Outreach Board is currently in the process of establishing a partnership with the Y to provide after-school programming at the Outreach Center. The Y would staff and operate a Kids Club at the Outreach with the churches continuing to provide support. While details continue to be worked out, the Y will likely begin operating the program in December. The Outreach Board is excited about this new venture! Stay tuned for more details about this transition. We believe our mission will be maintained and residents will be served.
Sincerely, Chris Lafferty on behalf of the Outreach Board.
SEASONAL PLANNING MEETING
After the holidays, let’s start thinking…SPRING! Our next all-church seasonal planning meeting (Lent, Easter and spring) will be held, Thursday January 13th, 5:30-7:30pm in Miller Parlor. Watch for more details in the January Messenger!
ADVENT RESOURCES PACKETS
Pick up your Family Advent Resource in the church office starting on Friday, November19th. There are two different resources this year, one for families with children still at home and one for our older folk. Both resources will also be available to pick up on Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. Both resources are filled with devotions, activities, and ways to grow closer to Jesus during this holiday season.
