Helping Others

Do you like projects that don't take up much time or effort on your part?

Is it OK if it doesn't cost anything?

And how do you feel if it makes a positive difference in the lives of people around the world?

"No such thing!" you say?  Here's the deal...

Hope Phones and the United Methodist Church are partners in collecting and sending used cell phones around the world to people in need (more about that later). Hope Phones does all the collecting work.  They pay for shipping, refurbishing, recycling, preparing the phones for new owners...  Collection boxes will be available for easy donation of cell phones.  Hope Phones and UMC work together to get phones to the people who need them.

This is a win-win-win project.  Look for a box in the church sanctuary to donate your cell phones.  If you need a differenct option, please leave a message as a comment and you will be contacted by email, phone, or the method of your choice.

Ok, go now and search your drawers and cabinets and find those old cell phones.

Thank you and God Bless You!

An Advent Prayer

God of comfort, wrap me securely in your nurturing arms. Let me be your voice, your heart, your loving touch to someone who needs a word of grace, a voice of hope, a loving hug during these sometimes difficult Advent days. Amen.

~ from Beth A Richardson, author of the Uncluttered Heart book, website and daily Advent emails.

Giving Tuesday

We've had one day to give thanks, two days to get good deals, and one day to be generous.  Today is the day to celebrate generosity: Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday isn't new, but it isn't really old either. It began in 2012. If you google "Giving Tuesday" you'll find more information than you have time to read.

I saw that UNICEF promises 90% of your donation will go to the children. That's a high percentage, but if you donate through the United Methodist Church, 100% of your donation goes to the project/cause of your choice.

Go now, be generous today and give to a cause that captures your passion.

It's Advent!

Advent, the first season of the church year, began yesterday with the first Sunday in Advent.  This week centers on HOPE.  Al Bennett read about Advent hope as Ann Bennett lit the Advent candle of hope in church yesterday.

Pastor Jim told us about this video, The Gift of Expectancy: Hiding Baby Jesus.  If you like to laugh, be inspired by new ways of celebration, and be filled with the true meaning of Christmas, check out this video on youtube:

THE GIFT OF EXPECTANCY: HIDING BABY JESUS

After I viewed The Gift of Expectancy: Hiding Baby Jesus, I saw another short video called HOPE, part of the Advent Worship Collection. It's a short 1:37 video and worth the viewing, especially since it's the week of Advent Hope.

Advent Worship Collection: HOPE

Jeremiah 33:14-16 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel  and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David;  and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

That was their hope then.  What is your hope now?