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So uth Shore UMC

11525 Big Bend Rd.
Riverview, FL 33579
813-677-9482

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 Dear Friends!  
JOY
The 3rd Week of Advent

          Life around us does not stop but that doesn't mean that we can't. Our lives can be busy and there are so many expectations we put on ourself we sometimes don't know when to stand still, look, and see the miracles all around us. The simply reality that we exist is an incredible miracle we take for granted. Even greater is that we have a loving God who comes to us in the midst of our chaotic lives and says, "there is good news. Peace can be found. I am your peace. I am here." Take time this week, read the story of Jesus, reflect on the devotional below, and breathe in the breath of God. Know His Peace.

         Peace To You,

         Pastor Cory


THIS ISSUE

*Joy                                                            
*What's Happening                                        
* This Month's Challenge                                     
* Did You Know                                                    

JoyJoy
The following is from mikefrost.net

It will soon be Advent, the most beautiful of church seasons, celebrated over the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Marking each Sunday with a reading and the lighting of a candle can be a rich way to prepare yourself and your family for the true meaning of Christmas amidst all the tinsel and commercialism of the season.
You might like to use these four paintings, each from different eras, as stimulus for thinking about the well-known story. Here's how you might do it:
  • Light the candle (you'll need three purple and one rose candle, and a white one for Christmas).
  • Read the Bible text.
  • Take time to examine the picture.
  • Read the reflection below each picture.
WEEK 2 - FAITH
Light the Shepherds' Candle (rose), symbolizing joy
Reading:  Luke 2:8-12
Artwork:  Seeing Shepherds by Daniel Bonnell (current)



I'm pretty sure Daniel Bonnell wants your eye to be drawn to the astonishing sweep of the angelic host, but I love looking at those two shepherds.
Their arms are outstretched, their heads have lolled back, they are lost in exultation and joy.
To be sure, the appearance of a sky-full of celestial beings would have been terrifying. And the first thing the angel has to say is, "Do not be afraid."
But shepherds were tough guys. They slept rough, needing to stay beside their flocks on the hills well outside human society. They had to contend with thieves and wolves, wind and cold and baking heat. They were wild men, hardened, practical, not easily ruffled.
As a result, they were not usually trusted by the general population. In fact, their reputations as raconteurs and charlatans meant their testimony was often considered inadmissible in a court of law. How strange that God should choose so unworthy an audience to announce the birth of the Messiah.
But having allayed their fears, the angel continues, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
Wily shepherds, ready for anything, have never seen anything like this. Who would believe that they should receive so wonderful a message, so lavishly presented!  Great joy? Of course, a message of great joy would be received gleefully by outliers like shepherds. They have nothing, they are outcasts, despised and rejected by society. When they hear, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord," they know they too are included in his kingdom.
On this, the third Sunday in Advent, we light a rose-colored candle rather than the usual purple one. The intention is to depict the delight, the sheer wonder of this moment.
Look again at those blissed out shepherds in Bonnell's painting.
Can you sense their joy?
Can we fully appreciate the excitement experienced by the excluded when a genuine offer of inclusion is presented to them?





December 14th
6:30
Christmas Movie Night
Come Join us for a night of laughter, refreshments, and fellowship. 
 Bring your kids and friends and neighbors for this fun evening of a 
 Christmas Classic.

WEAR YOUR FAVORITE ONSIE/FOOTIE PAJAMAS

Grinch Goodies will be served! Grinch Green Punch; Grinch Popcorn; 
Grinch   Cookies


 
December 16th, both services. Bring family and friends for our Christmas Mini Concert presented by SSUMC Choir.








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POINSETTIA

We are selling Poinsettias to decorate for Christmas Eve. After the services you can take yours home. See Cheri Jackson at the welcome desk on Sunday.
$10 a plant





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Our ministry Backpacks on a Mission needs 
20oz plastic jars of Jelly. 
Please consider bringing to church this Sunday. our Backpack ministry is aiding many children in our community who often go hungry on the weekend. This is                                                           a great way to bless others!


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Thank you for those who have participated in our Angel Tree! We were able to minister to many families! Bless you for your generous spirit.


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B.E.L.L.S Bells
The B.E.L.L.S Challenge
The Goal of our faith is not to simply learn about what Jesus did. We are not called to be 
admirers, but followers. How are you following Jesus?
The purpose of the church is to "alert others to universal reign of God through Jesus Christ"(*) We do this through through our word s and actions. If we believe that the ultimate reign of God in heaven will be one of justice, generosity, community, peace, reconciliation,  forgiveness and so on, then we ought to be living lives that reflect that Kingdom. Below you will find 5 practices that will help you live a life that follows Jesus. Look them over and give it a shot. 

B:    Bless: I will bless three people this week, at least one of whom is not a                                  member of my faith community.
E:    Eat:     I will eat with three people this week, at least one of whom is not a                                 member of my faith community.
L:    Liste:  I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Holy                                     Spirits voice.
L:    Learn: I will spend at least one period of the week learning about Jesus.                                  (read the Gospels, read books about Jesus, etc.)
S:    Sent:  We are a 'sent' people by God, I will journal the ways in which I                                      alerted others to God's reign through actions and words as well as                                opportunities missed, so as to grow in the image of Jesus.

* This quote and these ideas are fully explored in Michael Frost's book "Surprise the World"
THIS MONTHS CHALLENGE coffee

 

 

How's your faith nourishment? 

 

 

Are you communicating with Jesus?

Reading your Bible, spending time in prayer, in a small group with friends, living your faith in community?

 

 

Here is your Prayer/Scripture challenge

 

Scripture Challenge

The Book of Matthew

  1. Pray the A.C.T.S prayer
    1. Adoration: acknowledging God's greatness
    2. Confession: confess your sins to Jesus
    3. Thanksgiving: Give thanks to God
    4. Supplication: ask for God's provision for you and others
  2. Pray: Jesus, reveal your word for me this day.
  3. Read one chapter of Matthew
  4. Note: What verse spoke to you
  5. Note: What does this look like in your life?
  6. Pray: Lord help me live our your word today and show me how to be a part of what you love.
When reading scripture it is good to take your time and absorb it. It is challenging and sometimes confusing. Allow yourself room to be ok with not mastering it in one sitting. Write down your questions, challenge yourself, and allow God to work through the pages.

Read Scripture  (this is a scripture reading plan I have followed for almost two years now)
Get involved  in helping the community

 

DID YOU KNOW? didyouknow

 

WE HAVE AN APP FOR THAT

 

CHECK OUT AND DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

 

Click Here for Apple 

 

Click Here for Android

  

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WE HAVE ONLINE GIVING


 

If you are like me, checkbooks don't exist. 

Online giving has enabled me to stay faithful to what God has called me to be a part of. 

We hope you find this convenient. 

 

Please click the  "Give" badge above to see how you can contribute online.