Weekly News
Grow in God's grace. Love with all our heart. Serve with all our strength. 
A Word from Pastor Tom
Dear Friends in Christ,
 
What a beautiful, meaningful time of the year to be in worship! I hope to see you this Sunday morning as we continue our Advent series “God with us, Live and In-Person.” Through the music, the prayers, the Scriptures and of course Holy Communion (not pre-packaged!) we will tangibly experience “The Christmas Gift.”
 
Speaking of which, nothing epitomizes beautiful and meaningful more to me than Christmas Eve at First Coppell. Make plans now to attend (with guests, family, etc.) one of four Christmas Eve Candlelight Services:
  • 4pm Family Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary
  • 6pm Traditional Candlelight Communion in the Sanctuary
  • 8pm Modern Candlelight Communion in the Ministry Center
  • 11pm Traditional Candlelight Communion in the Sanctuary
 
While December features its share of festive and inspiring moments (i.e. Coppell Holiday Parade 12/4 – watch for the FUMC Church Bus driven by chief elf Kathy Braem), the season can also be very challenging for those who have experienced the loss of loved ones or friends. For more information about our Stephen Ministry or other pastoral care resources, feel free to reach out to Pastor Sumesh Jacob (sjacob@fumccoppell.org).
 
Whatever you are experiencing this season, I pray that you would know the strength and hope that come from the promise of ‘Emmanuel – God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). May God’s sustaining grace and peace be with you and yours in these days and always.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tom
 
P.S. Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services, will be sharing about their important work this Saturday morning, 7:45-9 am at the Methodist Men breakfast in Wesley Hall.
Sunday
Join us in Worship
this Sunday, December 5
Second Sunday of Advent


The Christmas Gift
John 1:10-13 NRSV
We encourage you as an individual or a family unit to dialogue
more about the sermon through this helpful curriculum guide.
Sunday Check-In
We are no longer asking you to register for worship!
We continue to invite you to check-in either through text at 94000,
Realm Mobile Check-in and eventually the kiosks will be reopened.
We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
You can now check-in to Sunday morning worship using your smartphone?
  1. You must have an account set up on Realm (our church management database). If you do not have an account, click here to create.
  2. Then, download the Realm Connect mobile app from the Apple App Store (Apple IOS) or Google Play (Android).
  3. Then, each Sunday morning you will get a message to check-in. You can select which service and Life Group, plus who in your family is attending.
Start using this Sunday. Questions or help with your Realm account, contact Kay Thomas, kthomas@fumccoppell.org or Bentley Foster, bfoster@fumccoppell.org or by calling 972-462-0471 during office hours.
Upcoming
Men's Monthly Breakfast

Join us this Saturday, December 4 at 7:45 am in Wesley Hall for our monthly breakfast. Guest speaker will be Tracy Eubanks, President of Metrocrest.
Saturday, December 4 at 6 pm

Join us at Coppell's annual kick-off to the holiday season! The lighted parade features beautifully decorated floats built by local groups and businesses, all with twinkling holiday lights! Watch for the top 3 “Best Decorated” floats and pick your favorites as the floats go by. 
First Coppell is participating in the Holiday parade this year! The staff decorated the bus on Tuesday. If you would like to be a part of this fun event, contact Kathy Braem for more details at kbraem@fumccoppell.org.
Camp Pike Christmas Reunion

Good friends and good cheers, it's that time of year! Looking for campers old and young, near and far, to come enjoy a Christmas Reunion. Please feel free to come and go on Monday, December 20, from 5:30 -7:30 pm at George's in Old Town Coppell as we celebrate Christmas with a local Camp Pike Reunion! This event is open to all generations and family members. We look forward to giving good cheer and reuniting this Christmas! 
Christmas Giving Opportunities
Bike Drive For Kids

Christmas is fast approaching and the United Methodist Men (UMM) are holding our annual BIKE DRIVE FOR KIDS again this year! The drive will benefit the Metrocrest Holiday Store, which serves families in Coppell and surrounding communities. Every $100 given will provide a bike and helmet for one child. Donations accepted through December 5.
WAYS TO GIVE
1. Online: Go to FUMCCOPPELL.ORG, select GIVE from the navigation, and then scroll down and select GIVE ONLINE NOW. Enter an amount to give, select Bike Drive from the FUND drop down, enter your email address, and press CONTINUE to enter payment information.
2. Text FUMCC BIKE to 73256 and then following the instructions above to enter amount and payment information.
3. Mail a check (note - BIKE DRIVE) to the church office anytime before December 6 (420 S. Heartz Road, Coppell, TX 75019).
One of FUMC’s favorite and longest running traditions, our Annual Cookie Jamboree in December. Even though we can’t bake and sell this year, the need remains.

United Methodist Women would like, this year, to provide funds for clothing and Christmas needs to area children and families. We need your help by “baking” and “buying” a virtual box of cookies by December 6!

This year we are asking for monetary donations only, and ask that you consider a couple of things. If you typically bake and donate cookies please consider the cost of your recipe’s ingredients, or if you typically purchase a box (or 2 or 3!) please remember we charge $10 per box.

Cookie Jamboree, is UMW’s largest fundraiser, and we need your help in order to provide for these children. Of course, any monetary donation, large or small, is welcome, and very much appreciated. 

Next year, we plan to return to our Cookie Jamboree In Person.
WAYS TO GIVE
1. Online:
  • Go to FUMCCOPPELL.ORG, select GIVE from the navigation bar and then select GIVE ONLINE NOW.
  • Enter an amount to give, select UMW-Alt Cookie Jamboree from the FUND drop down, enter your email address, and press CONTINUE to enter payment information.
2. Text FUMCC cookie to 73256 and then following the instructions above to enter amount and payment information.
3. Check (note – Cookie Jamboree) to the church office anytime before December 6 (420 S. Heartz Road, Coppell, TX 75019).
Advent and Christmas Eve
Austin Street Center Opportunities

It’s that wonderful time of year again and there is no better way to start your holiday morning then being of service to the homeless. We are looking for approximately 25 volunteers to make 2 casseroles each to help feed the clients at the Austin Street Center on Christmas morning. Casseroles will need to be at the church hot and ready to serve at 6 am Christmas morning. Pans and recipe will be provided. Each recipe makes 2 pans. 

Pans and lids will be handed out after both services on Sunday, December 12. If you are not attending service in person, I will be happy to deliver them to youClick here to signup for providing casseroles. 

There also is a second signup genius for individuals that would like to serve and sing at the shelter Christmas morning. I am asking that you please sign up if you are wanting to serve so we can make sure we have enough people to serve and sing! Click here to volunteer to serve.
 
Thank you so much and have a wonderful holiday season! - Fawn Marshall
Sing-Along Christmas Carols

On December 12 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary we will hold a casual evening of “Sing-Along Christmas Carols”. If you are traveling or just feeling festive, we invite you to come, sing-along your favorite carols and enjoy the music.
 
Any questions? Please email Anastasia Markina at amarkina@fumccoppell.org.
Student Ministry
Click here for the most recent full Student Ministry newsletter.
Student Ministries Weekend Backpack Pack

Students can come up Saturday morning at 10 am in Wesley Hall and do a quick service project together! If you need service hours, this counts! We will be packing weekend backpacks for Coppell Cares. More info and be sure to sign up here.
Christmas Party Sunday Night

Middle and High School Parties this Sunday! Dress festively, bring a silly gift, the goofier the better ($10 limit and try to avoid the gift card), and come for some fun. Need a gift idea? Find some silly socks, see what 5 Below has, see if any funny things have been shoved under your bed, re-gifting is a great plan here! We will have dinner, but no need to bring your $5 unless you want to give $5 towards the Methodist Children's home gifts! Email Christy with any questions.
December 12 & 19

The last two regular Sunday Night Tables are soon. Both will have music and a message about Christmas! Come for fellowship, dinner, and a time to learn together. Friends are always invited!
Missions
Mission of the Month

December funds are designated for Coppell Cares to help families and individuals in our community who have needs driven by financial challenges. We depend totally on donations and faithful people serving from our church. We operate behind-the-scenes working through a school care team and a community care team to uncover and deliver on short term needs. Your gifts ensure this much needed ministry continues to transform the community of Coppell.
 
Make checks payable to FUMC with memo “Coppell Cares” or you can TEXT 2 GIVE. Text to 73256 with subject line as FUMCC. You will receive a link and simply follow the instructions.
 
Questions, contact Rev. Beth Kellner at bkellner@fumccoppell.org.
Care and Concern
Caregiving Heroes

The mission of Caregiving Heroes of FUMC Coppell is to provide support and education to family and friends in our community who are assisting loved ones with aging or other concerns. We do this by providing valuable local resources, understanding and compassionate support.

Click here for the December newsletter
Are You Experiencing the Christmas Blues?
The joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time. But help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you through the holidays and as long as your need persists. For assistance contact Pastor Sumesh Jacob at sjacob@fumccoppell.org. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!