CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Sunday, December 24, Sanctuary

• 10:00am, Fourth Sunday in Advent Communion Service
• 5:00pm, Family Nativity Service
• 7:00pm & 9:00pm, Traditional Candlelight Service

We hope you are making plans to celebrate the birth of Christ with us at Aledo United Methodist Church! As the Advent Season approaches, please watch the eNews and Sunday bulletins for information about upcoming events, and mark your calendars for one of our Christmas Eve services.

POINSETTIA SALES

November 5 through November 19

Let's fill the Sanctuary with beautiful flowers for Advent! Poinsettias may be ordered at the Connection Center for $30 (10-inch) or $20 (6-inch) each, through November 19th. Those who purchase plants are invited to take them home after the Christmas Eve services.

HANGING OF THE GREENS AND CHILI COOK-OFF

Sunday, December 2, 5:30pm

Celebrate the beginning of Advent with us! Our annual Deck the Halls Chili Cook-off begins at 5:30pm, followed by the Hanging of the Greens worship service at 6:30pm. Children have a special role during the service, as they will be hanging the Chrismons on the tree! Sign up at the Connection Center to bring chili, bread or a dessert.

**Note** To be judged and eligible for a prize, chili must be at the church between 4:00 and 5:00pm.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 3, 9am-10:30am, MAC

Come enjoy a delicious breakfast, make fun crafts, and of course, visit with Santa! To volunteer, email teresa@aledoumc.org.

ADVOCATS ANGEL PROJECT

This year we will once again be collecting donations of wrapping paper, tape and bows for the AdvoCats Angel Project. Please place items in the marked bin in the Narthex. Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 3rd.

PERRYTON MISSION TRIP

December 11-14

Aledo UMC members are preparing for another trip to Perryton, TX to aid with tornado recovery. If you are interested in going, please sign up at the Connection Center, and be sure to provide your contact info. We have arranged for a special rate at the hotel and will provide tax exempt forms to help minimize the cost. Travel is on your own, and it is not required to stay for the entire trip. Any time you can give will help! This will be an ongoing mission for our church, so if you can't make it this time, there will be another opportunity in the future. Thank you!

FREEDOM HOUSE ANGEL TREE

November 12 through December 3

This Christmas, Aledo UMC will host an Angel Tree for Freedom House, a local organization that reaches out to women and children who have experienced various forms of violence. Beginning November 12, you are encouraged to choose an angel from the tree in the lobby and shop for the item(s) listed. Gifts may be returned to AUMC, unwrapped, no later than December 3rd. Please put all items for each child together in one bag, and attach the corresponding angel. Freedom House staff will make sure parents have them in time for Christmas day! We recommend a budget of $50-$75 per child for elementary-age and younger and $75-$100 each for middle school and older. Feel free to partner with a friend! Thank you!

HOPE & ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sunday, November 19, 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall

When you are dealing with grief, the holidays can seem daunting. Join us for coffee and dessert, as we explore ways to cope with upcoming holidays, celebrate our lost loved ones, and find hope in Christ. Find encouragement at this informal gathering hosted by our Congregational Care team. Contact trudysmith@aledoumc.org for more information.

NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

Sundays, 10am, Gathering Room

Are you looking for a Sunday school class? Come check out Pastor Joel's new class! Whether you're new to AUMC or have attended for years, if you have not yet found your Sunday school class, this is for you! Adults of all ages are welcome.

JAVA & JESUS

Thursdays, 9:00am, Gathering Rm

Drop off the kiddos at school and join us every Thursday for Java & Jesus, a time to meet with other moms and share life! We seek to grow in our faith through fellowship, a shared devotion, and a good cup of coffee! Childcare provided. Contact trudysmith@aledoumc.org for info and to let us know if you're bringing children!

MEN'S DEVOTIONAL BREAKFAST

Mondays, 7:30am, MAC Center



Men, start your week with a brief devotional, led by David Stubbs. Burritos and coffee will be served. This is an opportunity to meet new people and decompress. The goal is for those not retired, to get back on the road by 8:15, at the latest. A donation of $5 is asked to cover the cost.

November 13 - Colossians 1:9-14

November 20 - Isaiah 40:28-31

November 27 - Romans 12:3-8

MANNA ROOM FOOD PANTRY

If you would like to help feed our neighbors, we are currently short of the following items:

Oatmeal (18 oz. canisters)

Cereal (regular, not large size)

Canned tuna

Tuna Helper

Ritz crackers

Canned pasta sauce

Mac and cheese

Canned corn

Canned chili

Vegetable soup

We are very well stocked with all other items.

We appreciate your faithful support of this ministry! Please no glass jars, bottles, or other breakable containers, and we cannot accept items past their expiration dates. Donations may be placed in the marked bin in the Narthex. Thank you!

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR AREAS OF LIFE

Our groups are open to adults in our community who are experiencing daily challenges.

• Alzheimer's Support Group & Kaleidoscope - meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:00pm.
• Cancer Support Group - meets the second Tuesday of each month
• Caring Hearts/Stephen Ministers - offer compassionate and confidential prayer, support, and encouragement

For more information on any of these groups go to our Ministry Page at CLICK HERE.