November 21, 2019
Greetings Branchport United Methodist Church Family and Friends~
As we approach the end of the year and try to grasp where the past year has gone, I long to hold onto all the blessings of 2019. Our church has come through another year of ministry and mission as well as growing in our faith. We have welcomed in new faces, installed a new sign in our front yard, gathered for movie nights, served students through Grandma’s Kitchen, hosted our Red, White and Blue 5K once again, and opened our doors to those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Though Memory Care Cafe has had a slow beginning, I know that God will bring those that need it most to us at just the right time. We prepare our hearts and our souls in faith that God is working through each and every one of us.
The completion of Charge Conference paperwork last month reminded us of the work we do as disciples of Jesus. It is not always an easy task, but the relationships we find through and with Jesus Christ make it a rewarding journey. We continue to care for our aging building and find the best ways to maintain what we have been entrusted with. We offer gratitude for all those that faithfully contribute to Branchport United Methodist Church. In worshipping together we find a community that uplifts and prays for one another, offer a helping hand, and reminds one another we do not have to carry our burdens alone.
Please join us through advent (and every Sunday!) for worship as we prepare our hearts to experience Christmas in a new way. I acknowledge that this is not a joyful time for everyone. Some will be celebrating the holidays missing a loved one, or facing health issues that do not take a break. Please know that you have a church family that loves you and wants to help you along the way. God has brought us all together for a purpose. So, let’s join in worship and fellowship.
***Important Dates: Hanging of the Greens Service on Sunday, December 1st at 10:45am. (Due to the short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas our Christmas Program this year will be held during service. Please join us for this special morning as we invite youth and adults to partake in decorating our sanctuary. We will have cookies and fellowship afterwards)
*** Friday, December 6th at 6pm is Movie night~ Polar Express and hot cocoa!
*** Monday, December 9th at 6:30pm - Ladies Advent Worship Service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in PY. ( BUMC will be decorating a table for fellowship afterward- please let me know if you can join us!)
***Tuesday, December 24th at 7:15pm our Candlelight Light Service . Please join us and invite a friend or neighbor.
As we approach the Christmas season I pray that you are able to slow down the minutes ticking by and enjoy your family, and loved ones. These are the days of hope, a baby sent down from heaven for us. Praise God for the lights on our lawn from the Memorial Tree as we honor those that we love as well as the beautiful Nativity Scene shining for the community to see. May we continue to place Jesus first in all that we do.
Blessing to you,
Pastor Kim
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.~ Isaiah 6:9