Stevensville United Methodist Church

December 23 Weekly Update

1.        What is happening in the North Pole these days?

            In getting everything ready for next Sunday, January 1st, I have been emailing Julie Elmore. The latest update from Nome, Alaska, which I hear isn’t too far from the North Pole, is that they are enjoying 3 hours and 57 minutes of daylight and gaining more light each day! Also, they have received 41 inches of snow so far this winter.

          Our celebrations are almost here! Coming together on Christmas Eve always makes me think of all those past Christmas Eve services and people who gather together.

Every December 24th brings hope, expectation, awe and wonder. I love all the people, the carols, and sometimes can’t make it through singing “Silent Night” by candlelight.

          It doesn’t get any better!

          Whether you are here or traveling over these days, I pray you have a most blessed and holy Christmas and that you unwrap the present of the love of God that is there for you.

2.        Christmas Gift-giving possibilities

Your mission team offers some alternative ideas for you:

          a. Blankets of Church World Service - that are sent around the state, country and world for all kinds of disasters. ($5.00 each)

          b. Who wants to buy a Cow? The Heifer Project helps families around the world become self-reliant. See the Missions table for the list of animals.

          c. Caleb’s Kids at Ganta United Methodist School in Liberia -

Yearly tuition for a child to attend elementary school is $75 and high school is $100.

          d. Grocery Grams - $15 supplies a bag of groceries for a need family in southwest Michigan.

          e. GED Degree - An education is one of the most important gifts anyone can receive. The Benton Harbor Street Ministries provides this opportunity for area students.

It costs $200 for each student to take the four tests of this degree.

3.        December Highlights:

Dec. 24       6:00, 8:30 & 11pm        Christmas Eve Candlelight

Worship Services

Dec. 25         10:00am                 Christmas Day Worship Service

                                                w/ Rev. Julie Yoder Elmore preaching

4.        This year’s Christmas Offering will be divided between:

          a. 50% for our summer Christian camp scholarships

          b. 50% for Mission trip scholarships and special projects

5.        As always, take time to check out the opportunities desk to see how  you can be involved. We still need help with the hospitality and snow shoveling areas.

Have a good week, pause for some silent waiting and always remember how much you are loved,    Gordie