Welcome! December 2, 2018

Order Of Worship Today’s Focus

Prelude Pat Deighton

Announcement/Greeting David Basler

WELCOME Rev. Jeffrey Ice

NATIVITY Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “Away in a Manger” Kids Connect with Jesus (Congregation joins in on v. 2 and 3)

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE David and Kay Basler

Song: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” UMH #211 (v. 1,2)

SANCTUARY GREENS Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “What Child is This” UMH #219 (v. 1,2)

WREATHS Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238 (v. 1,2)

POINSETTIA Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” UMH #240 (v. 1,2)

CHRISTMAS TREE Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “O Christmas Tree” Kids Connect with Jesus

OFFERING Pat Deighton

Prayer for Pastor Joseph (Josh Moore)

MESSAGE: “Joseph: A model of mercy” Rev. Jeffrey Ice

Song: “Joy to the World” UMH #246

Postlude Pat Deighton

Pianist: Marlene Cracraft

Sign up to purchase a poinsettia (pg. 4)

Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our Vision: A world of justice and mercy walking humbly with God.

Nursery (off of lobby)

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Practice The Pause When in doubt , pause. When angry, pause. When stressed, pause. And, when you pause…

Pray!

Please lift your neighbors in prayer…

Concerns: Miriam & Ali Tabrizi; Carol Huley; Tammy Cooper; Christina; Ronny Boyce; Duane; Milton Harris; Stephen Pickering & family; Flynn; Judy & Chuck Smith; Arlene; Gary Robinson; Gary Annan; Mary Vicari; Vicki Howell; Harold & Holly; Joshua; Jeff; Mary Ann Demeter; Kimberly Demeter; Kori; Mary Mor-gan; Cherry & Holly; Robert Wagner; Glenn Haase; Ken Payton; Braelynn Rae; Frank; Judy & Junior Sand-ers; Jan Daley; Mason, Dawn, Chris & Derek; Jerry & Vera Armstrong; Bonnie; Tami; Kit Carson; Helen Bates; Matthew Webb; Mike Deighton; Nick Graz; Nancy & Jim Colacicco; Brenda Plummer; Jeff & Kristie Smith; Tina & Dick Durfee; Joe Delandro; Carol, Jerry & Lisa; Jeffrey & Lorelei; Steve & Nancy Ruegg; Norm & Nancy Hoger; Barbara Brose; Barbara Galbraith; Janice; Rita Nelson; Ruth Walters; Becky Bard; Norma Windeback Julio Santos; Tim Ayer; family of Russell Alexander; family of Jeff Langlo

(Please note: Prayer list as of 11/15/18.)

Joys or Concerns? Email: office@HudsonFirstUMC.org

CHURCH STAFF EMAILs

General Office ........................................... office@HudsonFirstUMC.org Barbara Mathias, financial secretary .... barbara@HudsonFirstUMC.org Kristie Freeze, administrative asst ........... kristie@HudsonFirstUMC.org Martha Beneduci, facilities director ...... martha@HudsonFirstUMC.org Nancy Hitt, church administrator ............ nancy@HudsonFirstUMC.org Pam Jacobson, parish nurse ...................... pam@HudsonFirstUMC.org Pat Deighton, organist ................................. pat@HudsonFirstUMC.org Pastor Jeffrey Ice ..................................... jeffrey@HudsonFirstUMC.org

Welcome to worship! Whether this is your first time or you have been part of this faith family for 40 years, we are excited that you are here. We wel-come those who know the Bible and those who think the book of Job is a help wanted column. We worship in Spirit and Truth, seeking a sense of joy. Allow God to heal, encourage, and equip you to live, not just survive, your life. Once again, welcome!

I said to the man at the gate of the year, "Give me light that I may go forth into the unknown." And the man re-plied, "Put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light, safer than a known way." (A New Year's message from Britain's King George to his embattled people at the beginning of WWII).

WAS IT REALLY LAST YEAR?

You stayed up to watch the New Year come in together. You talked about the past year, all the memories, good and bad and how you laughed over some of them. But this year you're alone. And memories bring you nothing but pain.

During this time of pain, a Stephen Minister would like to be there for you. He or she will listen and care as you sort through your feelings. To find out more about how you or someone you know could be matched with a Stephen Min-ister, talk with one of our Stephen Leaders: Yvonne Noel, Paulette Wetmore, Tom Meier or Dave Viall.

Please remember to notify the Church office whenever you or a loved one is hospitalized locally so visitation can be made by Pastor Jeffrey or by a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry by Tom Meier

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Ladies, come join me in a Christ-centered celebra-tion of the 2018 Christmas season. There will be crafts, cookies, cocoa, and lots of fellowship! Hope to see all the Hudson First UMC ladies there! Please sign up in the Church lobby or call the Church office.

As a gift to the congregation, Pastor Jeffrey, Lorelei and family invite you into their home for an annual Parson-age Christmas Celebration. Take a few moments out of your busy December schedule to enjoy a time of fellow-ship with your church family.

Scholarship Application Deadline - December 16, 2018 Returning to college or just starting out? Your church family would love to help you pay those bills. The appli-cation deadline for first time applicants or renewal re-quests is December 16th. A current transcript should accompany your application. Forms are available on the church website: hudsonfirstumc.org. Questions? Call Shirley Schafer 727 809 0454.

Scholarship News by Shirley Schafer

NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT LAY SERVANT TRAINING

Saturday, December 8th, 8am Southwest UMC 2400 S.W. Williston Road Gainesville, FL 32608 If interested, please contact Kristie in the Church office for registration information.

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Help our fellow veterans at Haley VA Hospital! For several years or more, we have collected personal items for patients at Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. Every little bit helps a veteran at the hospital , and most items are inexpensive, so everyone can pitch in.

The following is a wish list representing some of the veteran’s needs. There are many other items you might want to consider.

Books (maybe audio) Book lights CD’s Combs Cotton balls Deodorant Emory boards Flashlights Hats/caps Lotions

You can bring your gifts to the church lobby on Sun-days or the church office during regular office hours through December 9th.

JAMES A. HALEY VA HOSPITAL

CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST

Magnifiers Note pads Pens Puzzles Q-tips Razors (disposable) Shampoo Shaving cream Socks Toothbrushes T-shirts

Ken Schafer will be leading a 3-week new member class—Dec. 2, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16 at 8:45-9:45am in room CE4— joining on Dec. 23 at the 10am Worship Service.

Please sign up in the Church lobby or call the Church office.

Thank you, thank you! To all my church family, I just wanted you to know that my surgery went

great and I am getting better each day. I want to thank you for the prayers, cards, and rides. I

certainly appreciated it all. I am looking forward to being completely back to normal very soon.

Love you all, Yvonne Noel

Thank you for all your prayers, cards and condolences in the passing of my daughter, Jamey. It

has warmed my heart. Laura Arnold

Christmas is just around the corner and it is time for us to think about giving a poinsettia plant or plants in memory of or in honor of a loved one or friend. The cost per plant is $13.50. Envelopes may be found at the doors in the Worship Center or at the Church office.

This is a beautiful way to remember or honor those we love. Please place your order now so that you don’t miss the dead-line.

Thank you for helping add to the beauty of Christmas.

POINSETTIAS

Orders due by Sun., Dec. 16th

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Did you know….

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sun-days before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians.

Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the Church

calendar, the Christmas season lasts sundown on December 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (January 6). This is sometimes popularly referred to as "the twelve days of Christmas."

Many churches hold a service of preparation, at the beginning of Advent, for Christ's coming, which includes hanging greenery traditionally associated with everlasting life. Greens such as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for ever-lasting life, holly symbolizing Jesus' death and ivy representing the resurrection are used.

Small packages, great things

The motto for Hershey’s Kisses used to be “Big things come in small packag-es!” That also could be a motto for Bethlehem, for Baby Jesus and, indeed, for us. It’s an important message to remember when we fear we’re too weak to fix the world’s problems, too small to fight the gigantic terror that threatens a loved one or too lacking in abilities we see in others.

“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,” God declares through the prophet Micah (5:2, NRSV), “from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Is-rael.” Bethlehem was a mere village. God’s ruler for Israel started as an infant. His birthplace was a small stable, not a palace or temple. But size isn’t everything. Big — that is, great — things can come in small packages. And thanks to the tiny baby who grew up to share immeasurably huge love with the world, God can do great things through you, too!

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Connecting with a small group is vital to your spiritual growth. It has been said being in a group also impacts people’s daily lives. Don’t wait, get connected today!

Discipleship on Sundays, 8:45am... Galileans, Room CE9—Dave Smith Leadership of Women and Men in the Church The Women of Romans 16

Living Love (8:30am), Room CE10—Doug Doan December, January, February Our love for God: Trusting God; Glorifying God and Re-specting God

Searching Christians, Howard Hall—Chris Kreiler Study of John

COMING SOON—Young adult Sunday School class!

Today: Sunday, December 2 8:15-11:15am Nursery (0-5yrs) 8:30am Living Love-CE10 8:45am Children’s Ministry-CWC 8:45am Limitless Youth class-CE1 8:45am Galileans-CE9 8:45am Searching Christians -HH 8:45am New Member Class-CE4 10:00am Children’s Worship-CWC 10:00am Worship-WC 6:00pm Limitless-FH 7:00pm Christmas Concert-WC

Monday, December 3 9:00am Quilters-CWC 9:30am Flex & Balance-CWC 10:00am Morning Flutes 11:00am Food Pantry Board-CE9 12:00pm Al Anon-CE10 5:00pm Worship Arts for Kids-CWC 6:00pm Zumba-HH

Tuesday, December 4 9:15am Prayer Warriors-CE10 10:00am Stitches-CWC 10:00am Thursday Musicale Rehearsal-HH 10:00am Missions-CE10 2:00pm Serenaders-HH 5:00pm Journey through the Bible-CE1 6:30pm SPRC-CE10 7:00pm Boy & Cub Scouts-HH

Wednesday, December 5 6:30am Men of Promise-BWR 9:00am Food Pantry Distribution-HH 12:00pm Al Anon-CE10 5:00pm Beginning hand bells-WC 5:30pm Bellaires-WC 5:30pm Kids Connect with Jesus-FH 5:30pm Limitless-CE1 6:00pm Bible Study with Pastor Jeffrey-HH 7:00pm Choir rehearsal-WC

Thursday, December 6 10:00am Zumba-HH 10:00am Scholarship Meeting-CE10 10:30am HFUMC Brass Quintet-CWC 2:00pm Bible Study with Pastor Jeffrey-HH 5:30pm Worship Committee-COL

Friday, December 7 OFFICE CLOSED 9:30am Flex & Balance-CWC

Saturday, December 8 9:00am Cookies and Crafts with Lorelei

BWR - Beacon Woods Rest. CE - Christian Ed. Bldg. COL - Church Office Lobby CWC - Children’s Worship Ctr FH - Fellowship Hall HH - Howard Hall LIB—Library OCH - Oasis Coffee House SU—Sunnyside Up WC - Worship Center

Please call or send a card to… 12/2 Nancy Hoger 12/3 Willis Cunnagin 12/4 Cindy Sandmann 12/5 Robert Hopper 12/5 Dorothy Strickland

12/7 Jackie Bredlau 12/7 Jim Price 12/7 Heather Yates 12/8 Robert Hopper, III

Corrections: 727-868-6178

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Connections - Faith, Friends, Fun, & Fitness

Heart-to-Heart Women 9:30-11:30a, 3rd Saturday monthly Contact Barb (BJ) Hebda 727-860-4709 Open to all women—faith and friend-ship blend together in a time of Chris-tian fellowship.

Care Givers Support Group 10:30a 3rd Tues of month in CE10 Contact Laura: 727-863-0176 Care for caregivers—a place to laugh, learn, share, and care.

Encouragers Group 10:00a 2nd and 4th Thurs, Rm. CE10 Contact Ruth or Betsy: 727-868-6178 A safe place to share your grief or loss of any kind.

Special Sundays (K-8th) Sundays: 8:45a Children’s Sunday School 10a Children’s Church

Thrift Store Hours: (727-863-6742) Tues-Sat 10:30a to 4:00p Donations appreciated—adult clothing, jewelry, small kitchen items, and some furniture. Volunteers needed, contact Laura, 727-863-0176.

Food Pantry Wed, 9a - 12p, Howard Hall Serving households in zip codes 34667, 34668 and 34669 with food and spiritual nourishment. Donations appreciated.

Hudson Emmaus Men - 8am 3rd Saturday monthly Sunnyside Up Restaurant. Women - 11:30am 3rd Friday monthly Contact Dave Smith 727-247-9242

Exercise with Fran 9:30a Mondays—Flex and Balance 9:30a Fridays—Flex and Balance Contact Office: 727-868-6178 Cost? Bring a canned good for the Food Pantry!

Limitless (6-12th) 8:45a Sundays, Discipleship - Lesson: Covenant 6p Sundays, Youth group—devotion and activity 5:30p Wednesdays, Small Group Where young people encounter Christ in themselves and their world.

Kids Connect with Jesus Wednesdays, 5:30p (K-5th grade) Prayer, music, lesson, craft, snack, sports, board games and fun!

The Encouragers

Zumba

Cub and Boy Scouts Tues., 7pm, Howard Hall Contact: Russ Hagerman 727-364-4782

Prepare young people to make ethi-cal and moral choices by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.