Outside the Box: Waiting with Hope & Thanksgiving Blessings

IMPORTANT UPDATE: There are still some finishing touches that need to be completed on the Sanctuary before we can move in, so we will have One More Week of Worship in The Commons/Gym (The Commons at 8:15, Gym at 9:30, & 11:00 & 12:30 CCH). After each worship service this Sunday, we will have a chance to sign a Prayer Cloth that will help guide our worship when we start in the Sanctuary on December 7. We give God thanks for our Building Committee and the GREAT work they have done! The dates for helping us “Move Back Into The Sanctuary” have changed as well. Please register for either Thursday, December 4, 2:00-4:00 pm or Saturday, December 6, 9:30-11:00 am. Please Note: there will be No Kids or Youth Small Groups this Sunday, November 30 to provide respite and family time for volunteers. Nursery available for Kids 3 & under. Be sure to watch my video update and see photos.

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Happy Thanksgiving! If you didn’t have a chance to hear the special music at worship Sunday, it was ALL great and can be heard at the 9:30 am worship (Praise Team), or 11:00 am worship (Chancel Choir, Flute Ensemble, Children’s Chimes). Remember when you cannot attend in person, we have great Live Stream options that can also be viewed later from our website. All of it points to how blessed we are to be a part of Matthews United Methodist Church!

Our United Women In Faith had another successful Arts & Crafts Extravaganza (raising money for missions); our United Youth just returned from an incredible fall retreat; food has been donated to those who are hungry; our Tree of Blessings is providing gifts for 260 adults & children; our United Methodist Men will once again be partnering with the Matthews Police Department for Blue Santa; 315 shoeboxes were sent to Operation Christmas Child, and the list goes on & on of the many ways this church serves our community. Thank you for the way you prioritize being the hands and feet of Jesus!

Pam and I are so blessed to get to be a part of Matthews United Methodist Church! Thank you for the hospitality you have offered to us. This Thanksgiving, you all are a big reason for our thankfulness. We begin Advent this week and look forward to our theme, All Earth is Waiting. This Sunday we will have Isaiah 2:1-5 as our foundation of worship as we discuss Waiting With Hope. Please read through this scripture as God forms a sermon in us.

YOU are a blessing. Thank you! I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the Arts & Crafts Extravaganza was a huge success? 80 artisans and crafts people shared their unique creations for 1,400+ visitors to experience. The Cafe was buzzing and the Bake Sale sold out of homemade items. We appreciate the support of our vendors, volunteers and all members of the community; our partnership with Matthews Help Center and their volunteers; the Providence High School Key Club; and our United Women in Faith who sponsor this event. Thank you to all who helped to make this event possible!

Did you know that ten men came in on Saturday to build our Manger in the Courtyard for the season? Thank you to Mike Helms, Mike Williams, John Higdon, David Dubois, Nick Newcomb, Matt Burmeister, Rick Schlieper, Errett Roth, Erik Artus and Craig Estep.

Did you know that Bishop Carter is offering an Advent prayer for each Sunday of Advent on the Western NC Conference website?

Did you know that 260 tags were taken from our Tree of Blessings? All gifts are due back to the church THIS SUNDAY, 11/30 by 12:15pm. These gifts will go to Global Impact partners on December 1 so they can help families celebrate Christmas. Thank you for your generosity!

Did you know that MUMC sent 309 completed boxes for Operation Christmas Child? You also completed 6 online boxes for a TOTAL of 315 boxes! They were taken to the collection center to spread the love of Jesus around the world. THANK YOU for your support of this Global Impact partner which shines light during the Christmas season.

FEATURE photo (top): Senior Sunrise Reflection at Youth Retreat