December 16, 2016
  Aledo United Methodist Church   
Making disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world
by loving, knowing, and serving our God.
eNews
This Sunday's Message: "The Miracle on 3:16th St."
Luke 2:12-14
The Road Less Traveled
As we make our way through this Advent season, we have been talking about stories, the traditions that shape our families' Christmas celebrations and point us, ultimately, to the real light of the season. I was asked the other day to share my favorite Christmas tradition, and I had to stop and think about it for a moment. I thought of the Christmas Brunch that Melissa has made every Christmas for the past 25 years. I thought about the worship services...

$100,000 Challenge
We are well on our way to meeting the challenge to raise $100,000 above our regular budgeted giving by the end of December.  To date we are approaching $60,000 in additional gifts.  Meeting this goal will not only help us end 2016 financially strong and meet all of our commitments, but also to enter 2017 with healthy cash reserves that will enable us to remain faithful to God's call to mission and ministry, even during those months when we traditionally operate at a deficit.

What can you do?
First, be in prayer for our church family as we strive to follow God's call to ministry and service in our community and around the world.
Second, review your latest statement of giving and make the commitment to fulfill your pledge before the end of December.
Third, consider an additional gift of cash, stock or other investment that will not only help you come tax time, but will help Aledo UMC reach our $100,000 goal.   When you make your gift, designate it for the "$100,000 Challenge."

"A Night of the Father's Love" Cantata
Sunday, December 18, 11:00am
Come hear the sounds of the season as the Chancel and Advent choirs present "A Night of the Father's Love". This will be a Sunday to remember as the story of Jesus is told through narration and song.
Student Ministries Christmas Parties
Sunday, December 18, Jr. High 2:00-4:00pm, Sr. High 4:00-6:00pm
Our Jr. High party will be at the home of Glenn Rogers and Mandy Moody. The Sr. High party will be at the home of Russell and Staci Smith. For more information email
Christmas Services Schedule
Travelers Service, Tuesday
December 20, 6:30pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Saturday, December 24
5:00 pm - Family Service
Children from birth through 6th grade are invited to participate in the Nativity. No rehearsal is needed. Children (with a parent) meet in the Chapel starting at 4:30 for costumes, then sit with family in the Sanctuary until they are directed to go to the Narthex to gather for the pageant. After the nativity is over, children will return to sit with their families.
7:00 pm - Traditional Candlelight Service
11:00 pm - Traditional Candlelight Service
Christmas Day Worship Service
10:30 am - One service (no Sunday School or childcare)
New Year's Day Worship Service
10:30 am - One service (no Sunday School or childcare)

Purpose Weekend
January 13-15, 2017
We are excited to be going back to Arborlawn UMC for Purpose Weekend this year to be in ministry with our friends there. We will be sleeping at Arborlawn UMC all weekend, having worship/small groups, and doing a service project on Saturday. It is a great weekend for kids to refocus on God before the new semester really starts moving. Email  Blake Britt for registration information.
Confirmation 2017
Sundays, January 22- April 19, 4:00-6:00pm
For students 7th-12th grades. Contact Blake Britt for registration information.
Ladies Winter Retreat
January 27-28, Texas Star Ranch
John 15:1-8 tells us that we are NOT simply meant to survive this life but we are to Flourish !  We will dig deep into this passage to discover just what Jesus means and how we can flourish to the Father's glory. Register by January 15th at the Connection Center, Aledo United Methodist Church Facebook page, or here!  Cost is $85-$100 per person.
Reminder
You can drop your completed pledge card in the offering plate this Sunday, put it in the mail, or drop it off at the church office this week.
PRAYERS
In your times of prayer throughout the week, please remember the people named below.

Concerns: Kelly O'Donald's sister, Amy Clinton; Beverly Choat; Brittany Stevens; Sharon Garner's grand nephew, Abram; Phyllis King; Fred & Peggy Holt's cousins, Charlie & Renae Deaton; Blake Britt's father, Rodney Britt; Shannon Daugherty; Jayne Dawson's brother, Stan Huntsinger; Lori Mares; Joan Ward; Tammy Leifeste's grandmother, Esther Baer; Peggy Badlato; Carrie Hester

Special members who are unable to worship with us:  Micki Authier; C.D. and Mattie Graham; Wynell Stevens

Welcome New Members: Wayne, Bethany and Ryan Young; Coby, Jennifer, Callaway and Kadyn Kirkpatrick

Long-term prayer concerns:   Daryl Stanaway's sister-in-law, Sharon Stanaway; Buddy Martin; Robert Hare; Janie Faris; Glenn Rogers' great-nephew, McCrae Trammell; Rita Maddux-Potter; Stella Lee's daughter, Sherroll Shirley; Larry Wicker; Steven Cole's mother, JoAnn Cole; Kikee Kupper's father, Briscoe Dunn; Kathy Mayotte's father, A. Ken Hartle; Connie Dryden; Chase Peysen; Mason Gomez; Gavin Trietsch; Butch Fernstrom; All Military Personnel