Crosswinds Newsletter
November 18, 2020 I Volume 541
A Word from the Pastor
Let’s face it: This has been a tough year for larger public gatherings.  As a church, part of our life is reaching out to the community, and we have been forced to try to reimagine what that looks like with the COVID-19 virus.

The good news is that we have an opportunity in front of us to extend the Good News of Jesus to our community while keeping everyone safe. On December 2nd, we will be hosting an event called “Christmas ADVENTure.” We will invite guests and members to drive through our campus with several stops along the way. At each station, individuals and families will be blessed with unique reminders of the season of Advent. They will be invited to prepare for this sacred season as we celebrate the gift of the Christ-child. We have hosted a few events like it, and each time has been amazing. 

Now, here’s the thing: We could use some more help. As of yesterday, over 300 people have indicated that they will attend, and there are more to come. We want to be ready to meet them with the good news of Jesus. If you are at all interested in serving, please signup by clicking the link below.

Pastor Brady Johnston
In-Person Church Event News
An Update from Pastor Brady
I’ve had a number of people ask me lately if we’re going to continue with in-person worship and events in light of the rise in new COVID-19 cases. As of right now, we do not have plans to go back to online worship exclusively. We are however, watching the number of cases closely along with other indicators such as the status of MISD and our local hospitals. Another factor we must consider is the safety of our staff. We have had to quarantine several staff lately. 

Our hope is that we can be confident that we are able to gather safely this Advent. We are holding this desire to be together in tension with how best to care for our people. Bishop Lowry has urged church leaders to consider steps moving forward, so our Trustees and Administrative Council will be meeting in the next week to discuss these matters. We will keep the church informed following those meetings.  

Pastor Brady Johnston
Advent in a Box
It's almost time for Advent in a Box 2020! This year we'll have 4 weeks of interactive, fun-fulled, faith-infused Christ-centered experience for your family. It's important to turn our eyes to the meaning behind the season and help each other enjoy holiday celebrations built upon the hope and truth of Christ.

In each box, you will find a way to celebrate each week of Advent with a scripture, activities, games, and crafts to do with your family. Everything is provided except for common household items. We have 75 boxes available (at no cost) to our families, please sign up to secure your box. Please note, there is only one box per family allowed. Click on the button below to reserve your Advent in a Box.

Please mark your calendar to pick up your box on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6 - 8 PM at our Drive-Thru Christmas ADVENTure at the end of the event.  
Blood Drive Update
We apologize to everyone who came out for the Blood Drive, to find that the bloodmobile was not here. Yesterday we learned that Red Cross had to cancel due to limited staff. If you signed up with Red Cross, you should have received an email cancellation notification from them. We are sorry for any inconvenience and will let everyone know once we have confirmed the next blood drive.
Pledge Card Reminder
Please remember to turn in your pledge cards this week, if you have not already done so. Pledges help us understand what our budget is for the upcoming year, so that we can plan for ministry and programming. You may still complete an online pledge at Online Pledge Form. Thank you!
Coming this December!
Stay tuned for details!
Worship Together November 22
"Joy and Thanksgiving"
Philippians 4:4-7
8:30 AM Traditional
11 AM Contemporary
Nursery and Early Childhood
Infant Through Pre-K is Now Open
We currently offer Nursery and Early Childhood care (infant through pre-k) during our Sunday morning worship services. If you would like your children to attend, please visit our Creation Kids Webpage to review our entire policy before bringing your children. Elementary age children will need to stay with their family in worship at this time. If you have any questions, please email Keelee Allen at Keelee. Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing our kids and hearing their laughter, insight, and singing in our hallways!
Creation Kids Links:

Stay connected in Creation Kids Children's Ministry! Follow us on our Facebook page, Creation Kids page, and our Instagram page, @creationkidsfumcmidlo, to keep up with resources for connection. For more information, email Keelee Allen.
Junior High and Senior High Youth Group meets Wednesday nights 6:30 - 8 PM in the FLC. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Brady.

Stay connected in FUMC Midlo Youth Ministries! Follow us on our Youth Facebook page, FUMC Midlo Youth (public). Youth and Youth parents, join our private Facebook Group, FUMC Midlothian Youth (private community). For Remind 101 for Youth, text @7b2dff6 to the number 81010.
Weekly Discipleship Video
“The Sermon on the Mount” Series
Week 6 – Matthew 6: 7-15
"A Christian's Prayer"
Matthew 6:7-8
Share what your practice of prayer looks like. What do you pray about most often…and how can you become more intentional?
Matthew 6:9-15
Spend some time looking at it from both the perspective of the whole and each of its parts. What is Jesus trying to say with the entire prayer, and what is He saying thru each statement?
And I have one simple question for you…what can you take away from the model Jesus gave us to practice in your own prayer life? To ask it a different way…what is the biggest takeaway for you in the Lord’s Prayer?
Additional Discipleship Videos are available on our Discipleship Playlist on YouTube as well as our Discipleship Webpage.
WayPoint is a daily guide to help you grow and expand upon the scriptures we are studying. WayPoints are available at Waypoint and FUMC Facebook.
Prayer Requests
New
Hershel Williams - chemo and radiation treatment
Jason & Raquel Westbrook - Jason (COVID)
Bo & Chelsea Hornburg - Bo (COVID)
Baby Jaxon (Hilburn Family)- hospital with test and observation
Jeline Pegram Family - death of Jeline
Laferne & Raymond Cuddy - health issues
Janet Beesley & Family - death of Sandra
Jean Shipley - health issues and lonely
Cathy Kemp - home from hospital

Continuous Prayer
Raymond & LaFerne Cuddy, Karen Wilson, Dorothy Wares, George & Dee Culps, Don Lish, Rodger Keyes, John Lowe, Chelsea Peel, God's Garden Preschool

COVID-19 Crisis, All those who have to make important and wise decisions regarding reopening businesses, churches and all other places.
 
Military
ARMY - Matt Carroll, Tim Kruettner, Harold Barton, Josh Schenck, Austin Lockwood
NAVY - Matthew Price, Andrew Cantrell, Zachary Tucker, Thomas Shirley, Matthew Watford
AIR FORCE - J.D. Culps, Andrew Miller 
MARINES - Collin Johansen, Josh Dunaway,  Seth Allen, Bradley Perez, Elizia Delapaa  
NATIONAL GUARD - Derek Boots

Remember in Prayer
Our world, our country, our community leaders, all our military troops and first responders around the world, our church, our pastors, the staff, church members, visitors, and Midlothian community
Thank You for Your Generosity
Thank you for your generosity! We continue to do great ministry as a church because of you and your faithfulness. We encourage you to continue giving to the church's ministry either by mailing in your financial gifts or giving online by clicking on the button below. Every gift helps us do greater things for God's Kingdom!
Church Staff
Senior Pastor: Rev. Brady Johnston
Executive Pastor: Rev. Dr. April Fehler
Children's Director: Keelee Allen
God's Garden Preschool Director: Michelle Coffin
Traditional Worship Leader: Paul Martin
Contemporary Worship Leader: Jason Westbrook
Organist: Laurie Duke
Administrative Assistant: Mary Beth Mayo
Media Director: Valerie Dick
Facilities Director: Matt Sanders 
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
FUMC Midlothian | 972-775-3993 fumcmidlo.org