It’s that time of year again…we are all madly shopping for gifts to give people we barely know or care about…the stores are packed, people are unfriendly, they cut you off in an attempt to go where THEY need to go…forget about you…it’s every woman (or man) for her (or him) self! In the midst of all this busy-ness, do we ever take the time to just stop? Stop and wonder and marvel about the miracle we are about to experience…yet again? I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the busy-ness. I’m tired of the fake-ness. I’m tired of the meaningless “junk” that surrounds this time of year. And yes, truth be told, I’m also tired of the icky stocking stuffers that I want to trash but feel guilty about…and so they accumulate…year after year…until I can find a way to regift them for a white elephant gift exchange or something.
There are 4 things that I think are certain in life…2 you have probably heard of. Death and taxes. The other two are pretty guaranteed too–stocking stuffer junk, and the return of Christ. At this time of year, it is way to easy to get caught up in the “stuff” of Christmas and to miss the point of Christmas. It’s not about Christianity. It’s not about us. It’s about Christ and a relationship with Christ. So come out to Deer Creek or Mt. Tabor Churches this Sunday and explore with us what the true meaning of Christmas is…and how we can be a part of it. Death and taxes aren’t the ONLY things that are here to stay. (If you want a preview of the service, check out Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and John 1:6-8, 19-28).
As you journey through this busy time of year, it is our prayer that you will be able to find the peace and light that only Jesus Christ can bring. We’ll be talking about this all the way through Christmas…and beyond. Please consider joining us for worship on any Sunday…but also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You are MORE than invited. And we would be honored to worship God together with you. Bring a friend if you want…or anyone you meet on the street. We don’t care what you look like or what your past is. We are all in this messy life together. Join us as we journey closer to Christ…together. There’s a place for you here.
Announcements:
LAST SUNDAY: Deborah Circle will be collecting money in a designated jar to buy new “emergency” clothes for the nurses/students at Hickory & Forest Hill Elementary Schools. Location: Mt. Tabor.
Christmas Caroling! NEXT SUNDAY join us at 2:45 (start walking at 3) for some caroling. Start at Deer Creek, go as far as we can. We’ll finish up back at church for some hot drinks to celebrate! ALL are invited (please invite friends/family!). Baked goods (due in church Dec. 18), a driver, volunteer to set up drinks at church, and wagons needed. Please sign up! Questions/want to help? See Tammy.
Please bring in new winter clothing itemsfor the Hat and Mitten Tree, sponsored by Deborah Circle. Items such as winter hats, mittens, gloves, scarfs, winter socks and long underwear are needed. These items will go to needy adults and children in the area. Collection runs through NEXT SUNDAY. Location: Mt. Tabor.
NEXT SUNDAY is 3rd Sunday Fellowship! Join us after worship for a time of food, fun and fellowship! It will be a potluck lunch—bring your favorite dish! Also, bring some cookies with you for the cookie exchange—bring your best and trade for others! Location: Mt. Tabor.
Ushers, Greeters, and Liturgists needed for Christmas Eve (both DC/MT), Christmas Day (DC), and New Year’s Day (MT). If you will be in town and can help out, please see Bonnie ASAP. Thanks!
We need your help! The New Hope Christian Fellowship Outreach Center (sponsored by a local UnitedMethodistChurch) provides services and meals to homeless individuals. The Deborah Circlewill be making food and taking it to serve on December 29th. Serving begins at 12noon. If you are interested in helping, please contact Nancy Duffy.
Join us for our worship services this holiday season!
-Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship: Saturday, Dec. 24, 3pm. (MT) -Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship/Family Service: Saturday, Dec. 24, 7pm. (DC) -Christmas Day COMBINED Worship: Sunday, Dec. 25, 10am, (DC). Communion. WEAR YOUR PJS AND BRING YOUR FAVORITE GIFT (from this or another year). -New Year’s Day COMBINED Worship: Sunday, Jan. 1, 10am, (MT). (NO Communion) **“Regular” worship at 9am (DC) and 11am (MT) will resume on Sunday, Jan. 8.**Don’t forget the on-going food drives at both Deer Creek and Mt.Tabor!
Worship Fun Fact! During the church season called “Advent,” the color for paraments is either purple or blue. Purple is a color of penitence and royalty; blue is a color of hope.
Deer Creek Charge United Methodist Church 
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