East Cross news December 16, 2020
learning to follow Jesus, inviting others to join the journey
Christmas Time is Here
With the changes and challenges of this year I believe many of us may need the Blue Christmas Service. It’s for our whole community and is a service of reflection for the longest night of the year, a service in which we provide sacred space as we come together to worship God and support one another. If this Christmas is something other than the
most awesome time of your life, I invite you to join us as we come together to worship and remember.
The Blue Christmas Service is on Monday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary here at East Cross.
Jeff
BLUE CHRISTMAS — Monday, December 21 East Cross Sanctuary, 6:30 pm
While it seems everyone is filled with Christmas joy, there are many who struggle during this time of year. This service is designed to minister to those who are struggling with loss or find themselves in dark times during this Christmas Season.
Christmas Eve Services — Thursday, December 24 What Child is This: Savior 4pm, 6pm, 11pm Communion and Candlelight Services
Candles and Communion kits available for pickup for those streaming services online. Nursery available for preschool and younger for those attending 4pm and 6pm in Sanctuary.
This last Sunday night in youth we started a two-part series entitled, “No Room”. In this mini-series we are looking at the birth of Jesus by focusing on one verse, Luke 2:7, which says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” There was no room. Think about this, the Savior of the World was about to be born and there was no room for him. In all the hustle and bustle of the census, the guest rooms of Bethlehem filled up quickly leaving a stable as the birthplace of the Messiah, the Promised One of God. If those in the inn had known who was about to be born, would it have made a difference? Would they have made room for him? What about you? Do you really know this child that we celebrate at Christmas? Have you made room for him in your life? Have a Merry Christmas!
Chad Perceful, Associate Pastor / Youth Pastor
STAFF APPRECIATION GIFTS
We are so thankful for our pastors and staff members and would like to provide an opportunity for all of us to show our gratitude. If you would like to participate, simply make a donation by Sunday, December 20 and note “Staff Appreciation” on the memo line of the check or giving envelope. Staff Parish Relations Committee will distribute your gifts to our staff before Christmas. Your generosity is appreciated.
Tammy Shepherd, SPRC Chair
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, especially when you get to celebrate with children. The wonder on their faces is just magical. But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows or the turkey dinner? Christmas is a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing his love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Yes, you see Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Take time this season, among all your busy activities, to rest a little in the Lord and to think about what He has done for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”(John3:16).
The 3 year old-prek class will be learning about the Advent season and birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. They will be doing some fun crafts to take home to enjoy with family and they will have a birthday party for Jesus. Merry Christmas! Liz VanDeVenter, Nursery Director
CALENDAR—December 2020 Giving: By IRS rules, charitable
NO CONNECTIONS TONIGHT contributions are deductible in 2020 when (1) if 18 9:30am-Noon ECC Preschool mailed, the post-mark is prior to January 1, 2021 20 8:30am & 11am Worship Services or (2) if personally delivered in the collection 20 9:45am Small Groups plate or to the church office by Thursday, 20 5:30pm Youth December 31, 2020. Please be advised that the 21 6:30pm BLUE CHRISTMAS, Sanctuary office will be closed on Monday, December 28, 24 4pm, 6pm, 11pm Christmas Eve Services and will be open for limited hours the rest of that week through Thursday, December 31. Please
Prayer Requests call ahead to make sure the office is open to
receive a contribution. Condolences to… the family of Jack Randall on his death December 11. Keith Kliewer, Finance Chair
Condolences to… the family of Emily Kuntz on her death December 13.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your recent donation. Being at Lighthouse has changed my life. Helping others and seeing lives changed. God has Blessed me here and many others. May God Bless you always. www.eastcross.org East Cross UMC
Tonia, Lighthouse Outreach Center Menu tab top of page 820 S Madison Blvd.
WORSHIP CONNECT SERVE WELCOME