Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

12/24/2020

Christmas Eve Worship

Our trusty Trustees are setting up our hot cider booth and preparing gifts for tonight... put on your masks and warm gloves, and come out to help safely spread some Christmas cheer! Bethel Lutheran is hosting a live nativity, St. Alban's Episcopal is roasting chestnuts, and First Christian will have a video presentation. Our Chancel Choir is unveiling their first Virtual Choir video (live and online with the link above). Merry Christmas, y'all!

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Sunday after Christmas Worship 10:30AM
December 27, 2020
PJs & Pageantry,
Cookies & Carols
(Warm-up at 10:15AM)
This video won't be available until Sunday morning because it was pre- recorded.

Christmas Greeting from the Bishop

Vera Chipman

Vera Chipman wanted to thank everyone who has sent cards and letters and most of all the prayers, love, and support!

Prayers

Marilyn Shouse asks for prayers for her daughter Jennifer, Son-in-law Mike, and grandson Kylie who have all tested positive for Covid. Jennifer has been hospitalized for 12 days and Mike has been to the ER twice the last two weeks.
Vera's treatments have been hard, but she remains in good spirits, please continue to pray.
Julie Cogburn's father is now at hospice level and is awaiting his covid test results to see if he can be sent home. We're praying for strength, peace, love, and safety!

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday this week to Bill Hill (12/26), Bob Kenney (12/28), and Jan Caplinger (12/31)!
Happy Anniversary this week to Meg Persavich (38 years on 12/24), Kathy and Jerry Hinde (12/24), and Pam and Todd Everhart (31 years on 12/30)! Congratulations!
Please send your birthday or anniversary to the church email

Christmas Closure

A friendly reminder that our church office is closed from December 25 through December 31. Ali will be back in January 1st, and Pastor Emily will return from SC January 5th. Happy Holidays!

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Blessings of Love

12/17/2020

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A Trinity of Love

This has been the strangest year - and as it draws to a close, I am overwhelmed by the love and support I feel in this community. On the heels of such a difficult, painful year, I am preparing to spend my first Christmas with my extended family in South Carolina (Dec. 16-Jan. 5) in more than 20 years. Of course we are anxious about Covid and traveling, and will be taking all precautions and quarantining! But while recording the sermons and services ahead of time, singing the songs, seeing a few faces and making important phone calls, I have never felt so joyful! Thank you for this gift of sacrificial love. You are the angels standing alongside me and our church's leaders in our community. As Paula Allard's painting shows above, we are never alone - not Mary, or Elizabeth, and not you and me today. Reach out to someone today and say "I love you!"
- With traveling mercies and blessings of love for you, Pastor Emily

Fourth Advent Worship
Unexpected Angels: Love
Sunday 12/20/2020
10:30AM
Warm-Up (for the Kids)
begins at 10:15AM

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Feeling overwhelmed or sad this season?
Enjoy this
Blue Christmas Worship Service on long nights.

Virtual Events this week

Women's Bible Study: Thursdays 5:30 PM
Adult Sunday School: Sundays 9:00 AM
Weekly online Worship: Sundays 10:30 AM
Virtual Fellowship Time: Sundays 11:30 AM
Women's Bible Study: Tuesdays 12:30PM

Love kids, or stories?
Sharon Hinton is pre-recording short Worship Warm-Up videos for the kids each week, which go live at 10:15AM Sundays. Would you like to share a craft, story or brief message? How are your angels looking, kids?

Finance Committee Report:

On behalf of the FUMC Finance Committee, we want to thank you for your faithful financial support this past year that will take us to the end of 2020. It appears to be a year ending under the anticipated budgeted expenses and in the black with $188,000 in revenue and expenses! In addition to your personal gifts of giving, we received $2000 in technology grants that assisted in the sanctuary sound & recording renovations to make our online church services possible. We also received approximately $1000 in grocery rebate revenue from King Soopers and Safeway, so thanks for your giving while shopping! We also want to thank you for the continued gifts of both time &finances for the many special projects and missions of our church this past year.

At the December Finance meeting we approved a balanced budget for 2021 with anticipated revenue of $195,000 equal to the planned expenses for 2021. Included in this revenue are the funds received from the Payroll Protection Program grant of $28K received in 2020 which will carry over into 2021. Thank you to the 32 families that provided a giving pledge for 2021 totaling $106K. We hope to see you on the Walnut Street Christmas Eve walk - and back in our sanctuary sometime in January!

May your Season of Christmas be blessed!
Ruth Ann Roberts, FUMC Finance Chair

Christmas Offerings

It has been our tradition to use our Christmas Eve offering for Missions. We hope to continue, even in the absence of our normal services. If you can give a special Christmas offering for Missions this year, please give here: www.firstumcwindsor.com/donate or mail or drop-off a check to the church, noting Missions/Christmas. All monies will be used to support our monthly projects which will not have normal fundraising events due to Covid-19. Thank You!

Warren Wilson is organizing our hot cider booth and giving away sleigh bells on Christmas Eve if you'd like to join him and help spread some Christmas cheer!

Cookie Walk turned Auction
We love the mission of Habitat for Humanity and have supported their Cookie Walk fundraiser in past years. Of course this year, the Cookie Walk will not take place. Instead, Habitat is doing an online Arts and Crafts Auction. There are some great gift items. Check it out!

Drop-Off winds down
Today until 3PM is the last day to drop-off donations for Toys for Tots. This Friday 10AM-3PM is the final day to bring well-rinsed, label-free plastic jugs for our Christmas Eve luminaries. Donations for the Guadalupe Center (new clothing and individually wrapped snacks) continue all winter. And our wagon for Food Pantry donations continues all year. Please call or knock for financial donations (inside).

Mission Updates
Thank you for your generosity this Christmas! We will continue ALL WINTER LONG collecting new adult clothing (gloves, underwear, men's jeans), hygiene items (deodorant, foot powder), backpacks, snacks for the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter. Or volunteer to serve a meal. We also invite you to make a special Christmas Eve offering for Missions. Thanks!

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Emily Flemming (12/19), Lori Warmbrod (12/20), Nanci Cunningham Baca (12/22), and Casey Hill (12/23).
Anniversaries: Francy and Paul Henderson (21 years on 12/19).

Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For those receiving and awaiting the vaccine; grief (Harris/Reeds); those ill or recovering (Chris DeBey, Vera Chipman, Betty & Larry Schleiger, Mary Mumby, Tony Park, Joyce Johnson, Julie's father, Cindy's parents); young people (Patty's grandson, Cam, Debbie's niece); for Marc & Kat's pregnancy; Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Eileen F., Don T., and Nancy S. Click the image to add your request!

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Joy to the World

12/10/2020

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I've got the joy, joy, J.O.Y.

Down in my heart.... The Third Sunday of Advent (as we wait for God's Divine Power to appear the vulnerable little body of a helpless baby), is all about J.O.Y. - the love that we have for Jesus, Others and You (ourselves). That's how Jesus Christ commanded us to live and to love: wildly open, freely flowing, never ceasing. More important than following laws, rules, and judgements, we are called to look around, see people in pain, and offer healing and wholeness through the sharing of the GOOD News, of great JOY. The Hebrew root for the word “joy,” is ranan (pronounced raw-nan), which means “to shout, to cry out, to overcome.” Why not share a shout, cry or song of overcoming triumph as we draw near to the end of 2020 and welcome Jesus into our lives?

Third Advent Worship
Unexpected Angels: Joy
Sunday 12/13/2020
10:30AM
Warm-Up (for the Kids)
begins at 10:15AM

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Warren Wilson is organizing our hot cider booth and giving away sleigh bells on Christmas Eve if you'd like to join him and help spread some Christmas cheer!

Lobby Drop-Off
Come by Tuesday-Friday 10AM-3PM to drop-off donations for the Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, Guadalupe Center (New items and individually wrapped treats), and plastic jugs for Christmas Eve luminaries (please rinse well & remove labels). Please call or knock for financial donations (inside), or if you have any questions.

Mission Updates
Thanks to your generosity, we sent 47 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child, and 12 to the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish. Our Toys for Tots collection ends December 17. Santa's Toy Shop sponsored by the Windsor Optimist Club is underway, with several new ways to donate. We'll continue collecting for the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter all winter - please bring new items for adults: clothing (gloves, underwear, men's jeans), hygiene (deodorant, foot powder), backpacks, snacks. Or volunteer to serve a meal. Thank you!

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Marilyn Bradley (12/8) and Rob Bradley (12/18).
Anniversaries: Bo and Sandy Chapin (43 years on Dec. 7th).

Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For our newest Associate Member: Bob Lauber, welcome & safe travels.
Prayers for Eric Harris, Heather & Mike Reed, Dylan and Ryan in the passing of Margaret Harris; Chris DeBey; Vera Chipman; Betty & Larry Schleiger; Mary Mumby; Steve McLaughlin; all who are Covid+; Julie's father; Tony Park; safe pregnancy (Kat Sheffield, Alexia Baca); Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Eileen F., Don T., Nancy S. Click the image to add your request!

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Peace on Earth

12/4/2020

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Let there be Peace

Many homes (and the church) are decorated, shopping is underway, gifts to wrap are piling up, and technology continues to challenge and frustrate us! Sometimes it feels as if it's all raining down or pressing down on us... If you could use a little more Peace this week, join us Sunday morning for a candlelit Communion service. Or try connecting with the Adult Bible Study (Zoom) at 9AM, Worship Warm-up (Kids) at 10:15 on our You Tube link below, or at Virtual Fellowship (Zoom) at 11:30AM. We miss you all!

Second Advent Worship
Unexpected Angels: Peace
Sunday 12/06/2020
10:30AM
Warm-Up (for the Kids)
begins at 10:15AM

Communion Sunday
Reminder this coming Sunday to Bring Your Own Candles & Communion bread and juice... we will celebrate together during worship!

Calling the Young
(and Young at Heart!) We are experimenting with going Live at 10:15AM each Sunday for a special All-Age time of story, craft, and sharing. This awesome idea comes from Sharon Hinton, and she'll be looking for volunteers to help; maybe show off your home for Christmas in a short video? Please contact her.

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Staff Appreciation

Please consider making a financial donation to our Staff Appreciation Fund, now through December 6th. Our team of 5 is is the best around, and we want to thank them this Christmas for going above and beyond in this challenging year! You can give online or in-person, just note "Staff Appreciation."

Warren Wilson is organizing our hot cider booth and giving away sleigh bells on Christmas Eve if you'd like to join him and help spread some Christmas cheer!

Lobby Drop-Off
Although the church remains closed for worship and gatherings, our lobby is open to drop-off donations for the Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, Guadalupe Center, and plastic jugs for Christmas Eve luminaries (please rinse well & remove labels). Please call or knock for financial donations, or if you have any questions.

Meet houselessness with compassion

Collections are rolling in for the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter in Greeley.
Volunteer here to serve, or bring items to the church lobby: gloves, new adult underwear, men’s jeans (size 28-34), deodorant, foot powder, adult backpacks, and snacks (granola bars, cookies, brownies, candy). You can also call Cheryl Gerstner (740) 683-4459 for porch pick-up.

Mission Updates
Thanks to your generosity, we sent 44 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child, and 12 to the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish. Only 2 weeks left to help put a smile on a child's face: our Toys for Tots collection continues until December 17. Drop off new toys at church or Sandy and Bill Hill's home, 271 Saratoga Drive. Finally, Santa's Toy Shop sponsored by the Windsor Optimist Club is underway and seeking donations. There are no giving trees this year, but there are several ways to donate here.

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Fred Lohry and Griff Kull (12/6), Heather Reed (12/7), and Marilyn Bradley (12/8).

Anniversaries: Sandy and Bo Chapin (43 yrs on 12/07).
Congratulations! Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For the newest Associate Member of our church: Bob Lauber (welcome!)
For Vera Chipman; Larry Schleiger; Mary Mumby; all who are Covid+ (Farmers, Jaime’s friend Patty - doing much better!); Julie's father; Bates' granddaughter; Tony Park; Alexia's pregnancy; Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Margaret H., Eileen F., Don T. Click the image to add your request!

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Thanksgiving Week

12/4/2020

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Thanks & Hope

May God bless you tomorrow, whether you are gathering with family and friends, in-person or virtually, or eating alone; may you feel grateful for all your blessings (even to have survived such a difficult year!) It's hard to believe, but First Advent is this Sunday. Please join us online at 10:30AM to explore Hope in Unexpected Angels as we look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Also, we're starting something NEW for the kids (see below). Connect with Adult Bible Study (Zoom) at 9AM and Virtual Fellowship (Zoom) at 11:30AM.

First Advent Worship,
Unexpected Angels: Hope
Sunday 11/29/2020
10:30AM

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Calling all Kids!
This Sunday we are going to GO LIVE at 10:15AM, and have a special children's time 15 minutes before worship begins. This awesome idea comes from Sharon Hinton, and she'll be looking for volunteers to help and feedback soon. Join us!

Staff Appreciation

Walnut Street Christmas Eve Walk
Please bring your plastic jugs to the box in the lobby, as we'll illuminate Walnut Street from Bethel to First Christian, across to St. Alban's and back up to us on Christmas Eve from 5-7PM. This ecumenical outdoor event will be very special! Warren Wilson is organizing our hot cider booth (giving away sleigh bells) if you'd like to join him.

Meet houselessness with compassion

While some of our neighbors wait out in the cold, the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter in Greeley prepares mats, meals and donations. Volunteer to cook or serve, or bring items to the church lobby: winter gloves, new adult underwear, men’s jeans (size 28-34), deodorant, foot powder, adult backpacks, and snacks (granola bars, cookies, brownies, candy). You can call Cheryl Gerstner (740) 683-4459 for pick-up.

Missions Deadlines

B.U.M.P. December 1st
Alexia's Baby Shower Dec. 1st
Toys for Tots December 17th

Please see website for more details!

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Judy Hergert and Verna Berens (today!), Gene Caplinger (11/28), and Deb Campbell (12/02).

Anniversaries: Sharon & Dave Hinton (45 years on 11/22 – sorry we missed it!), Jan & Gene Caplinger (49 years on 11/26), and Ruth Ann & Keith Roberts (22 years on 11/27). Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For Vera Chipman (leukemia); Larry Schleiger; Mary Mumby; all who are Covid+ (incl. Jaime’s friend Patty); Perry’s family (uncle Bill Frank’s death); Julie's father; Bates' granddaughter; Tony Park; Alexia's pregnancy, Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Margaret H., Eileen F., Don T. Click image to add your request!

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Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Christmas Closure

Blessings of Love

A Trinity of Love

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Joy to the World

I've got the joy, joy, J.O.Y.

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Peace on Earth

Let there be Peace

Meet houselessness with compassion

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Thanksgiving Week

Thanks & Hope

Meet houselessness with compassion

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Monthly
Newsletters

Archives

Categories

Hours

Telephone

Address Email

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Christmas Closure

Blessings of Love

A Trinity of Love

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Joy to the World

I've got the joy, joy, J.O.Y.

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Peace on Earth

Let there be Peace

Meet houselessness with compassion

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Thanksgiving Week

Thanks & Hope

Meet houselessness with compassion

Celebrations this week

Prayer Requests

Monthly ​Newsletters

Archives

Categories

Hours

Telephone

Address Email

Monthly
Newsletters