Murray First eNews // November 13, 2020
Entrusted Resources
November 13, 2020
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8:45 AM // Early Light Worship Service
11:00 AM // Traditional Worship Service
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A message from Pastor Jeff Rudy:

Church family,
 
Having the opportunity to see people in the sanctuary for worship these last couple of months has been one of the best sources of refreshment and excitement for me in the midst of this pandemic. It has added so much to the worship experience especially for us who lead in music, prayers, and preaching. I know a great number of folks are still not at a place of feeling safe to gather in person for their own health or the concern for family members or the community. This is understandable and we are grateful to have the virtual means of staying connected in worship through online and televised means.
 
I’m writing today to just issue another strong word of caution as we continue to keep our doors open to those who feel safe to worship in person. We need to be all the more diligent in our practices of physical distancing and masking. It is so difficult as we’re all having some “COVID fatigue.” But the cases in Calloway County have escalated drastically the last couple of weeks and especially the few days. In the last three days alone, we have seen 100 new cases! The Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s COVID wing is full and they are looking at having to expand it. We know this has happened in nearby hospitals as well.
 
So at the very least, I want to encourage us all to do our part in loving God and neighbor, not just in the church but also in the community, by wearing masks and keeping appropriate distance. Our health care workers need our best efforts along with our prayers as they are on the frontlines of this battle in the community. In addition, I also want to issue a message of encouragement and understanding for worshipping virtually. We will keep our doors open for those who wish to be with us and will gladly greet members and visitors while continuing to practice the measures of masking and distancing in the sanctuary. To date, we’ve had no known cases of congregants who have had or were exposed to COVID-19 while present. That said, if you feel cautious about gathering in person, please join us online or on TV (Murray Electric Channel 15) as we continue in our effort to love God and love people!
 
Peace+
Pastor Jeff
Prayer Requests
Please remember the following people in prayer:
Harold Finn
Gary Hohman
Debbie Lee (friend of Cindy McDaniel)
Peggy Nieschlag
Jan Nutter
Whitney Ragsdale
Warren Toler

Ministry Support Candle:
Be in prayer for Oakton United Methodist Church, Pastor Laura Vincent, and the laity.
HELP Ministry Update
Thanks to all who helped with the Feeding America distribution this week!
 
We are still in need of several Christmas sponsors for the local children we will be helping this year at Christmas. Laker and Tiger Christmas are operating differently this year as they are only taking monetary donations for the Resource Center personnel to take the children shopping. Our goal is $1,500.

Lastly, we are once again collecting donations for the Need Line Christmas Baskets. This year they are asking for 1,000 packages of the brown-and-serve rolls. We will need approximately $1,250 to meet this need. If you are able to give, please note your monetary donation for the Christmas Baskets.
 
We thank you for your continued support of the HELP Ministry and as always, please be in prayer for the HELP Ministry and the families we serve.
Announcements
  • Caring Friends // Send some holiday cheer to our Caring Friends by sending a Christmas card this year. Caring Friends List
  • Financial Information
  • 11/08/2020 Receipts: $14,091.16
  • YTD Receipts (45 week): $597,258.45
  • YTD Budget: $692,307.72
  • Eunice's Food Ministry // We will pack food boxes at Need Line on Wednesday, November 18th at 9:30 am. Come join us in fellowship and ministry.
  • Mountain Mission Truck // The Mountain Mission Truck will be in our area on December 2nd. You can place your items under the awning by the playground starting Sunday, November 29th through Tuesday, December 1st. Urgent needs for stores/customers: Men's winter clothing, children's winter clothing, new toys for Christmas, Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts, socks & underwear, children's shoes, good pots and pans, and good used furniture.
  • Ladies Candlelight Worship Service // Mayfield First UMC is hosting a ladies worship service with featured speaker, Susan Fenwick, on November 19 at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required as space will be limited. Please call or email Mayfield First UMC to reserve your spot (p: 270-247-5678 | e: office@mayfieldfirst.com). The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live at facebook.com/mayfieldfirst. You do not need a Facebook account to watch.
  • Hanging of the Greens Service // Sunday, November 29th during morning worship services // The Hanging of the Greens service tells of the meaning behind the different symbols Christians use during the Advent & Christmas season. It is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the true meaning of Christmas. This year, we will observe the tradition of decorating the sanctuary for the Advent season by including the elements in our morning worship services.
  • Christmas Celebration of Praise // Sunday, December 6th at 8:45 AM // The Christmas Celebration of Praise music program will be performed by the Early Light Praise Team. Music will include a compilation of both traditional and contemporary music to celebrate and proclaim Christ’s birth and the message of Christmas. This service is scheduled to be in-person and will also air LIVE on our Facebook page.
  • Christmas Cantata // Sunday, December 13th at 11:00 AM // This year’s Christmas Cantata will look a little different, but will still honor the tradition of this special service with Christmas music. This service is scheduled to be in-person and will also air LIVE on our Facebook page.
  • Christmas Eve Services // We will offer three worship experiences for Christmas Eve this year. The 3:00 PM service will feature a blend of traditional hymns with modern elements. The 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM will feature traditional hymns accompanied by the organ and conclude with singing by candlelight. Communion will be offered at all three services. All three services are scheduled to be in-person and the 6:00 PM service will also air LIVE on our Facebook page.
First United Methodist Church | 270-753-3812 | 503 Maple Street, Murray, KY 42071
Church Office Hours: M-TH 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM