Christmas Letter to Grace
To the Congregation of Grace United Methodist Church,
The church is busy preparing for Christmas! We’ve had our Christmas fair, the Cookie Walk and will shortly host many children for a fun parents ‘day’ out event. There is also a Lessons and Carols event that I know will be excellent. All the decorations throughout the church were put up at the start of the Advent season and the poinsettia plans are on display as well. As I’ve visited in people’s homes, I know many of you have prepared your home with decorations, too. All is prepared for a wonderful Christmas in our community!
With all that’s happening in our world, though, I hope you are finding time and space for God to lead you. Its easy to rush from one thing to another, but I want to invite you to meet with God in this season. Is there something that seems important, but can be set aside so you can have that time you need with God? Or perhaps something you must do can be transformed with a new mindset. Simeon was changed when he met the baby Jesus as he declared, “for my eyes have seen your salvation…” (Luke 2:30). I hope you will be able to see what God has for you this Christmas!
We look forward to our Christmas Eve services at 4 and 8pm. The children’s service at 4pm will have our interactive nativity, with a special focus on the star. No one will need to sign up in advance; just come as you are as we invite children (and adults!) to take on roles as we tell the Christmas story. At 8pm we’ll have a more traditional service. Be sure to join us on Christmas Eve to celebrate Jesus’ birth! Don’t forget that we still have a church service the morning of December 24th (Sunday), where we will celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent. It will be wonderful as we meet with the Lord this Christmas!
We’ve included an envelope for a Christmas offering in the mail if you would like to give a special gift this year. Also, your giving record so far in 2023 is included for your convenience in that same mailing. If you didn’t get it by the week leading up to Christmas Eve feel free to give us a call at the church office. God bless!
In Christ,
Pastor Brian Neville
Christmas Eve Services
December 24th 10am, 4pm & 8pm
4th Sunday of Advent 10am
Family Service 4pm
Candlelight Service 8pm