November 23, 2022

Welcome Grow Serve Celebrate

Another Advent is upon us. Christmas trees are already up, Christmas music is already playing, parties are planned and it may feel like Christmas is in full swing, but the season of Advent says something other. Advent is all about watching and waiting. Advent meets us in those broken places longing to be made whole. As one theologian says, “Advent begins in the dark.” Advent tells us to keep watch, in hope, for the light to break in. Keep watch, in hope, for the reconciliation and renewal begun in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus to be made fully complete, on earth as it is in heaven.

This Advent season, I invite you to join your church family as we walk through this season of hope. We have multiple ways to worship and celebrate. Worship each Sunday of Advent and into the Christmas season will be guided by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Each week, we will reflect on a piece of this beloved story, light a candle, and listen for how the story of Jesus invites our hearts to grow. The Advent and Christmas seasons proclaim a God of presence, a God who never gives up on God’s people, a God who hears our cries, meets us in all the painful places, and says, “I am here. I love you. I will not let you go.” As one theologian says, “One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God, we are with God all along.”

May we all journey through this season together in worship, in study and reflection, and in celebration. See you at Parkway Hills and invite a friend!

With you on the Journey,
Pastor Dawn

Everyone is invited to a Christmas Brunch, Tuesday, December 6 at 10 am in the Worship Center. Come eat, fellowship, participate in some Christmas trivia, and sing some carols. It will be a great time to invite a friend! We do ask that you RSVP so we know how much to prepare. RSVP by Sunday, December 4 by calling the church office or clicking here.

We are excited for our Children's Ministry to lead our Worship Service on Dec. 4. We will practice music, handbells and speaking parts during the month of November, so please have your children in Sunday School starting at 9:30 a.m.

A reminder for those who took caregiver info and the angels that went with them: Contact the caregiver using the script that was passed out at the meeting. Fill in the wish list for the angels you have. Purchase a gift. Bring your angel tag and wrapped gift back to church by the end of worship December 11. Then join us back at 4 pm, December 11, for Carols and Cocoa on the lawn and to welcome the caregivers and the kids and to hand out gifts. Sign up here to aid in providing drinks, snacks, and paper goods for this event. If you have any questions or issues, contact Amanda Hamilton.

The Children and Bridge are looking forward to the Christmas Season and a night of fun on Dec. 2 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Our Pre K - 3rd Graders will meet at the church on Friday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. to take part in the Reindeer Games. Children will divide into teams and compete for the winning title over a series of Christmas themed games and activities. A parent or guardian must stay for this event. Dinner will be provided.

Our 4th Grade - Bridge Class will meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 and carpool to the Magic of Lights Show in Brandon, MS. Students will also have a fellowship meal, so please bring money for food.

Please let Pastor Haven know if you plan to attend these events. If you have any questions email here.

East Flora Elementary School needs reading tutors to assist with their first grade students. As a volunteer, you will lead a small group of students to work on their reading skills from 12:25 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Volunteer days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until the end of the semester in December. Click this link to volunteer for a day.

If you have any questions or would like more information on volunteering with East Flora Elementary, email Pastor Haven.

This Sunday we'll have our last Engage and Confirmation meetings of the semester!

Adults, we have plenty of ways for you to be involved in what God is doing in our ministry! We need volunteers for our study night, NYE Lock-in, Winter Retreat, and more. Follow this link to get signed up or contact Geoff with any questions.

Registration is now open for the 2023 Winter Retreat! This trip to Camp Wesley Pines on Jan 14-16 costs $165, including a minimum $50 deposit due by Dec 21. All youth are eligible to join us, including those who will be officially moving up into our ministry in January! Click here to sign up via online giving.

PHUMC enjoyed a real feast at the annual Thanksgiving Meal.
Thanks to Jean Dunn for coordinating a fabulous event.

Meeting This Week:

Church office closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

Men's Morning Group meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 am.
Join them via Zoom.
**New Meeting ID: 823 5246 2635
New Password: 142295
No Men's Group meeting this week. Happy Thanksgiving

No Handbell practice this week due to holiday

Parkway Hills Women meet via Zoom every Saturday morning at 10 am.
Meeting ID: 848 7196 9988 (note new meeting ID number)
Password: PHUMCLADY
Women of ALL ages are always welcome!

Adult Choir Practice this Sunday at 5:30 pm

Prayer Quilt Ministry: meets Mondays from noon until 3:00 in the Garden Room.

RECORD OF OUR FAITHFULNESS

Year to Date, October 2022

Income: $488,783.39

Expenses: $571,913.75

Stewardship Goal: "Debt-Free in '23"

Mortgage Principal Balance as of Nov 5: $13,473.27
(Only 1 remaining payment!)

November Communion Offering to date: $897.00 for MadCAAP Thanksgiving Food Boxes

A gift in memory of Sandra Holman has been received for the Building Debt Fund.

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PO Box 1721
Madison, MS | 39130 US

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