Murray First eNews // November 20, 2020 |
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Entrusted Relationships
November 20, 2020
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In-person worship has been suspended for the next few weeks. Please join us in worship at 8:45 AM or 11:00 AM on Facebook LIVE, Murray First Website, or Murray Electric Cable Channel 15.
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A Note from Pastor Jeff Rudy:
As many of you are aware, Governor Beshear issued a recommendation to communities of faith to suspend in-person gatherings and offer only virtual (online and/or televised) services beginning this Sunday and going through December 13. I immediately began corresponding with the chairpersons of the Church Council, Staff Parish Relations Committee, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Lay Leader, and the staff to get their input while awaiting if there would be an official word from the Purchase District or Memphis Conference offices regarding the new recommendation. While we were in deliberation, our District Superintendent sent out a message expressing the expectation that our churches in the district would follow this recommendation in seeking our best to “do no harm.” Accordingly, we are going to follow this guidance...
...We’re fatigued. We’re in a wilderness. And it is in the midst of a wilderness when the call of the Advent herald, John the Baptist, cries out, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” These days are brutal, but there are signs of hope ahead. Good things are on the way. This pandemic will end. But we must do our part in faith, hope, and love to prepare the way…to welcome Christ into our lives and world and to let his light shine in us. I hope to see you soon!
Peace+
Pastor Jeff
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This Sunday is Commitment Sunday. Completing and returning a Commitment Card expresses your intent and affirms your desire to honor God with your financial generosity. Your financial generosity enables all of our ministries to answer God’s call effectively. You may mail in or drop off your commitment card to the church officer or submit your pledge online.
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Please remember the following people in prayer:
Ev Craig
Harold Finn
Debbie Lee (friend of Cindy McDaniel)
Peggy Nieschlag
Jan Nutter
Whitney Ragsdale
Warren Toler
Christian sympathy is extended to Bob Dunn and family on the loss of Bob's sister, Ann Dunn Crouch. Christian sympathy is extended to Jennifer Cornelison on the death of her aunt, Dorothy Laney.
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Holiday Food Collection
A few small groups in the church have adopted what is called a Reverse Advent Calendar of collecting food items to donate to the HELP Ministry to supplement the Feeding America boxes for the December distribution so families will have more for Christmas. We loved this idea and thought we would adopt something similar called a Holiday Food Collection and share it with all of you. The next food distribution is the second week of December, so we are asking for the boxes to be delivered to the church by December 8th.
Laker and Tiger Christmas
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.
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.
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Caring Friends // Send some holiday cheer to our Caring Friends by sending a Christmas card this year. Caring Friends List
- Financial Information
- 11/15/2020 Receipts: $19,876.16
- YTD Receipts (46 week): $617,692.61
- YTD Budget: $707,692.34
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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.
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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 will air LIVE on our Facebook page and Murray Electric Cable Channel 15.
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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 will air LIVE on our Facebook page and Murray Electric Cable Channel 15.
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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. We do ask that you register in advance for the service time you and your family plan to attend. Registration will open on November 30th.
- Memorials
- In memory of Carl Keeslar by: The Keeslar Family
- In memory of Julie Staudacher by: Bob & Karen Jackson; Liz Conklin; Novella Smith; Tim & Judy Tidwell
- In memory of David Richardson by: James Richardson
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First United Methodist Church | 270-753-3812 | 503 Maple Street, Murray, KY 42071
Church Office Hours: M-TH 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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