Page 1 - December 2019

Parish
Season for Sharing - Advent Sharing Opportunity
n December we can be so filled with anticipation
Ifor Christmas that we rush through the Advent
season without second thought.
Advent means “coming” and is a time of preparation
leading to the day of Epiphany. On Epiphany, the early
church celebrated God’s incarnation represented by
the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus with the baptism of
new Christians. As with Lent, early Christians would
spend 40 days of Advent in penance, prayer and
fasting to prepare for the January feast of Epiphany.
Over the years it has been customary for many to
observe of Advent and Lent with an offering that is
used for missions.
Amidst the season of shopping, lights and decorations,
and joyful carols, we are offering an opportunity to
remember the season of Advent with a return to
sacrifice, fasting and preparation. Money that could
have been spent on a meal or a purchase of some
type can be set aside for the missions of the church.
There will be an opportunity to make a special
gift on Christmas Eve or anytime to support the
missions of the church. Offering envelopes are
available in the Narthex, you can place a check noted
“Advent offering” or “missions” in the plate or give
electronically.
Skidaway Island United Methodist Church budgets
missions to support many local missions, including
Wesley Community Centers, LOVE mentors, and
Backpack Buddies to name a few. In addition to the
$60,000.00 proposed mission budget for next year, I
would like to let you know how your apportionment
dollars are funneled toward missions as well.
Last year, with apportionments requested and paid
by this church, we additionally gave $48,943.00 to
December 2019
Voice
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
support conference benevolences, congregational
development and new church starts, Christian higher
education, UMCOR and other missions supported by
the World Service Fund, the Ministerial Education
Fund to educate pastors, Wesley Foundation college
ministries, and our district board of missions.
We are CHANGING LIVES WITH JESUS CHRIST, and
we can do even more with your support. Consider
a special gift toward missions during this Advent
season. - Hale
christmas eve
services
4:00 pm - Family Worship
This service is for the young and young
at heart. Biblical characters in costume
will participate in the service as we watch
the nativity scene “come alive” in the
Sanctuary. Children and youth who would
like to participate in the service should
contact michelle@siumc.org in advance.
5:30 pm - Traditional Worship
This formal service will be held in the
Sanctuary and will feature candlelight,
carols, and holy communion. The prelude
for this service will begin at 5:15 pm.