SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 A.M.
Peace Email Connection November 25, 2015
This Sunday in Worship - November 29
First Sunday in Advent
Special 5th Sunday Offering for UM Children's Home

Sermon: Rev. Philip Stubbs from St. Michael's, Nassau -  "Light Up the World with Hope"

Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12 
 
Sermon Preview:  We are not called to be a people of despair.  It's easy to focus on the bad news (both in the media and in our own personal stories), but if we are expectantly focused on God's prophetic promises, we will be rewarded with glimpses of hope and the confirmation that God is at work in amazing ways in this chaotic world and in our own lives.
Advent Worship Series - "Light Up the World"

Advent is a time of joyful expectation: The Messiah, Christ, is coming-coming to be born into this world, fully God and fully human, to save his people.  For those who have walked have in darkness, the great light will shine, bringing healing and new life.  And there is certainly plenty of darkness in this world.  The news bombards us with its horrors and hysteria.  There is plenty of darkness within our personal struggles as well (illness, tragedy, broken relationships and economic uncertainty).  But even in the midst of all this chaos, the hope, love, joy, and peace of Christ will shine if we just let it.
Hanging of the Greens - December 2

Join us on Wednesday, December 2 nd at 6:30 p.m. for a time of worship, song and preparing for the light of Christ that comes into the world in the darkest seasons. Candles, carols, and special music from Peace Youth will lead into a time of sharing in the "Hanging of the Greens," decorating our Sanctuary with the colors and symbols of the Advent season. Bring your favorite Christmas cookie or holiday treat to share at 6:00 p.m. Specialty coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be provided. All ages are welcome!
United Methodist Women (UMW) Christmas Luncheon & Program - December 5

Make plans to attend our United Methodist Women Christmas Luncheon and Program on Saturday, December 5th at 11:45 a.m. Our emphasis will be on Jesus' birth, shepherds and missionaries with song in between. We will find the missionaries in all of us and ask you about your favorite missions and acts of kindness.  There will be a quick meeting to review UMW 2015 and vote in officers for the new year.  Two UMW Mission Recognition Pins will be awarded to women that have stood out for accomplishing so much for missions. After the program you can stay for a little craft, "Make It and Take It" with beads. All women of Peace are invited to join us. Please bring your favorite covered dish to share. 

UMW is a group of women organized for mission and participation in the global ministries of the church.  Several small groups (or "circles") of UMW meet each month. Church-wide unit meetings are held at various times throughout the year for fellowship and study.  Come discover all the ways you can grow, connect, serve and develop lasting friendships at Peace! 
"Gift Share" - December 13

Do you have NEW or GENTLY USED items that you would like to give away for someone to use as Christmas gifts? Then this event is for you! Peace is sponsoring a day of sharing where folks can bring in items and others may take them to give to their families and friends (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). 

On Sunday, December 13, simply bring in gifts to donate ( NO BOOKS PLEASE ) and place them on the tables located on the church portico.  Everyone is then welcome to "shop" in between worship services. This is re-gifting with a purpose, Christmas not focused on money, but only open hearts.  If we have any left over gifts, you may take them home or they will be donated to local charities.  Questions?  Contact the church office via phone 407-438-8947 or email [email protected].
DORKS Christmas Cookie Sale - December 13, 19 and 20

Our Peace Youth "D.O.R.K.'s" (Daughters of the Risen King), will be selling home-made Christmas cookies on the church portico between worship services on  December 13th, 19th, and 20th while supplies last.  The cost is only $5 per dozen and they will be gift wrapped!  Proceeds support the D.O.R.K.'s annual retreat.  For special orders and more information please contact Gigi Sangster 407-932-8000.
Peace Angel Tree Coming in December

Once again during the next few weeks we will be collecting gift cards from those who wish to help families who need an extra hand during the Christmas season.  If you would like to help, please donate small denomination gift cards (as many as you like!) from local retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Publix.  We will distribute them to families who are part of our congregation or recipients of our Meals Assistance Program according to need. 

We have moved to gift cards (rather than actual gifts) in the past couple of years because we believe they give families a sense of dignity (and practicality) in that families can address their own most pressing needs. For every $20 in gift cards you or your family donate, you'll get to decorate an Angel and put it on our Angel Tree!

Remember to record your personal info on the provided envelopes as you submit your cards, so we can issue a donation letter that you may use for tax purposes.  For more information, please contact the Church Office.
Peace Advent Celebrations - Mark Your Calendars Now!

This Advent, take a break from the chaos of the season and join us to remember why we celebrate in the first place.  Come for worship and other interactive events that will help you once again experience the PEACE on earth and goodwill to all people promised by the angels of that first Christmas. These celebrations are open to people of all ages!
 
*Hanging of the Greens - Wednesday, December 2 - 6:30 p.m. (Refreshments 6:00 p.m.)

*UM Women's Christmas Luncheon & Program - Saturday, December 5 - 11:45 a.m.

*Family "Come as You Are" Interactive Christmas Around the World - Wednesday, December 9 - 6:30 p.m. (Dinner 6:00 p.m.)

*Traditional Christmas Cantata - Sunday, December 13 - 11:00 a.m.

*Christmas Under the Stars - Wednesday, December 16 - 6:30 p.m. (Dinner 6:00 p.m.)

*Praise Team Christmas Cantata - Saturday, December 19 - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 - 9:30 a.m.

*Peace Youth Christmas Party - Sunday, December 20 - 5:00 p.m.

*Christmas Eve Worship Services - Thursday, December 24  
5:00 p.m.      Children's Service
6:30 p.m.      Contemporary Candlelight Service (Nursery)
8:00 p.m.      Contemporary Candlelight Service (Nursery
9:30 p.m.      Traditional Candlelight Service with Communion  
2016 Stewardship Campaign

By God's grace, and your generous gifts, lives are being changed for the good through the ministry and mission of the church.

I encourage you all to respond prayerfully to God's grace in your lives as we support Peace with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.  Thank you for dropping your E stimate of Giving Card for 2016 in the offering plate this Sunday, bring it by the church office or fill it out online at www.peaceumcorlando.org . 

One of the ways you can beneficially support ministry at Peace is through completing an EFT form (Electronic Funds Transfer) and automate your giving. EFT giving comes straight from your bank account on a regular schedule and amount that you specify.  It's a simple, disciplined approach that also greatly simplifies things for our staff (plus it keeps your giving commitment constant even when you are away).  EFT forms are available in the rear of the worship space, and you can ask a Peace staff member if you have questions.

Thank you for all the ways you serve God! 
- Pastor LeeAnn

*Note: Pledge cards for our current stewardship drive are for commitments towards our 2016 operating (day-to-day) ministry budget.  They do not include Sustaining Our Mission pledges, which you made during the dedicated S.O.M. campaign for a three-year period.
What are Your Spiritual Gifts?

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord."  - 1 Corinthians 12:4  

As a follower of Jesus, exploring and exercising your spiritual gifting is a vital and exciting part of your faith journey.  We have a new online assessment tool to help you discover your spiritual gifts.  Contact Julie Chatfield at [email protected] and she will send you an email link.  Paper copies are also available in the Church Office.

Once you've learned your spiritual gifts, we've made a guide listing opportunities for service here at Peace.  It's now easy to match your gifts and passions with areas to serve. The guide is available on our website and printed copies are in the Church Office.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Needed

Habitat for Humanity
We have a new initiative starting at Habitat Greater Orlando and we need your help! This December we will be surveying the neighborhood around Butler's Preserve to learn how we can improve our services in the Neighborhood Revitalization program. The details are below. You may sign up for one or more of the following shifts by contacting  Katie Kochan at Habitat - [email protected]
 
Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 12th
Morning Shift
8:15 am - Registration
8:45 am - Training
9:15 am to 1:00 pm- Door to Door survey
Volunteers needed: 20

Afternoon Shift
11:15 am - Registration
11:45 am - Training
12:15 pm to 4:00 pm - Door to Door survey
Volunteers needed: 20

Each survey will take approximately 10 minutes. Volunteers will be matched with a partner from your group and will go door to door in an assigned area for about 4 hours. All surveys will take place outside of the home. Volunteers will be trained in community based surveying, including engaging residents and basic safety precautions. The neighborhood is already aware that Habitat volunteers will be coming by in December. All volunteers will be provided with a Habitat t-shirt, and light refreshments and water will be available. At the end of the survey shift, volunteers will meet back at Butler's Preserve.  Thank you for your continued support of Habitat Greater Orlando!
The Past Week in Pictures
45's help decorate the Thanksgiving meal boxes our United Methodist Women donated and prepared for church members and M.A.P. recipients. 
Thank you for supporting Operation Christmas Child 2015!
Peace Youth 4M made backpacks for the homeless.
STAY CONNECTED:

Don't forget you can use our online giving and tithing portal when you are unable to attend worship.  This convenient and secure method of giving is a wonderful way to share the gifts that God gives us--to do the work that God calls us to do, even in our absence.
Peace United Methodist Church | 407-438-8947| Email | Website
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - Noon

The Church Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26/27 for Thanksgiving.  For emergencies over the holiday weekend, please call 407-438-8947 ext. 203 and follow the instructions to reach our Pastor on call.