Gary United Methodist Church

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Gary United Methodist Church December 6, 2020

Congregational Care Our sympathy to Janet, Mark, Anna, and Jack Mathis on the death of Janet’s aunt, Susan Stangeland, on Nov. 30.

Stay Connected to the Church Family Worship Talk: Today, 11 a.m. on Zoom, facilitated by Rev. JoAnne Chase. Grab your cup of coffee, click on the Worship Talk link on the website, and join the discussion of the morning service. Advent Devotions with the Pastor Brian Podcast: These podcasts will concentrate on the stories of Jesus’ birth, with a time for you to light your Advent wreath and pray. Subscribe to the Pastor Brian Podcast wherever you get podcasts. It will also be posted on our website. Advent Study: Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes, Mondays through Dec. 21, 7 p.m. on Zoom. Join Carey Williams Bebar for a discussion on the meaning of Christmas. To participate, purchase the book on your own and register here. Livestream Worship: On Sun., Dec. 13, we will have livestream worship only at 9 a.m. The service can be found on our website. A recording will be available later that day. Anti-Racism Book Club: Wed., Dec. 16, 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month, the Anti-Racism Book Club is shifting gears to watch the film 13th which explores the history of racial inequality in the U.S. To join the conversation, view the movie on your own and register here. Gary Preschool Registration: Parents’ Morning Out program (18-months–3 yrs.) is accepting applications for Jan.–May. Classes will be held on Mon. and Wed. mornings, 9–11:30 a.m. You may sign up for one or both days by contacting the Preschool. Class size is limited. Lectionary Readings • •

This week’s readings: Isaiah 40:1–11, Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13, 2 Peter 3:8–15a, and Mark 1:1–8 Next week’s readings: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24, and John 1:6–8, 19–28

Stay Connected to the Mission Gratitude and Giving: We are grateful for those who have supported Gary Church through their service, prayers, pledges, and gifts. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, you may send it to the Church Office or fill it out electronically. Your Tithes and Offerings: To support the ongoing mission and ministry of Gary Church, please consider making a gift. Here are three ways to continue your tithes and offerings. • Online: Make a regular or one-time gift here. • Text-to-Give: Text 844-928-1220 on a cell phone. Enter a dollar amount followed by the word “GARY.” • Checks: Mail a check to Gary Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Missions: Gary Church supports many missions throughout the year. Below are several missions you can help this Advent season by making a monetary donation or volunteering. Donations can be made online or by sending a check to the church and notating the name of the mission in the memo. • United Student Day: Your offering on this United Methodist special day of giving provides scholarships for UM students. • Christmas Sharing: Gary Church has been supporting Christmas Sharing with other area churches for over 50 years. This year, over 600 families from Wheaton/Warrenville District 200 will receive food boxes during a drive-through distribution on Fri.–Sat., Dec. 11–12. You can help by volunteering here. Also, Kimmer’s Ice Cream will donate $5 for every pie sold through Wed., Dec. 30. Call their Wheaton store (630-765-7704) to place your order and mention Christmas Sharing. • Seniors supported by Outreach Community Center: You can help by contributing toward their Christmas meal and gift. Due to COVID-19, their annual Christmas luncheon was cancelled so meals and gifts will be delivered to each senior. • Alternative Gift Program: Heifer Project makes it possible to give a gift in honor of a friend or loved one and help families around the world become self-sufficient. COVID-19 Update: The Church Office has limited, appointment-only hours, Mon–Fri., 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The building will remain locked. Gatherings of 10 or fewer are allowed following strict safety guidelines. Visit our website for the latest information.