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Dear Church Family, I'd like to express special thanks to our children's choirs and Chancel Choir for their excellent Christmas concerts this past week. I deeply appreciate our exceptional music ministry at BUMC. Many of you know that the world is predicted to end this Friday, based on interpretations of an ancient Mayan calendar. However, since Jesus said, "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36), I wouldn't worry too much about it. Instead, we need to be prepared for the end of history by having faith in Jesus Christ, and we need to be working to advance God's kingdom before Christ's return, primarily by serving others in need, as we read in Matthew 25, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Like many of you, I'm still in shock and grief about the recent school shooting. Let us remember to pray for the people of Newtown, Connecticut as they deal with this horrible event. As we approach Christmas at BUMC, I asked Rev. Rachel PeavyhouseFay to tell us about "The Longest Night" service of healing and hope, and Rev. Jeff Wilson to tell us about our Christmas Eve services.
The Longest Night: A Service of Healing and Hope: This Friday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, Congregational Care Ministries will be offering a special Advent worship experience, The Longest Night: A Service of Healing and Hope. While this Advent season can serve to remind us of God's presence in the world, it is also a season that can be especially painful for those of us who are experiencing loss, pain, strife, and grief. This service of healing and prayer will offer us all a time of quiet reflection and spiritual nourishment. All are invited to come and experience the peace and comfort of God with us-Emmanuel! (Rachel Peavyhouse-Fay) Christmas Eve Services: As in the past, BUMC offers five Christmas Eve candlelight and Communion services this year. The contemporary Awakening service is at 2:00 p.m. and the traditional services are at 4:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. All services are held in the Sanctuary. Because historically the 4:00 service is the most attended service, the Chapel is used for an additional 4:00 p.m. service. Childcare for infants up to three years old is provided for all but the 11:00 service, and shuttle buses run from the Synergy lot between 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve gives us the perfect opportunity to show genuine BUMC hospitality to so very many. I encourage you to do these three things on this very special day in our church: (1) Come to the 2:00, 8:00 or 11:00 p.m. services which are the lesser-attended services. (2) Park across the street in the Synergy lot and take one of the door-to-door shuttles. (3) Pay attention to those seated around you. Introduce yourself and warmly welcome those who are guests. (Jeff Wilson) Year End Finances: Thanks again to all of you who have given a generous year end gift, and for those who have turned in your 2013 pledge. To meet all our ministry expenses for this year, including 100% of our United Methodist apportionments, we need an extremely strong ending to 2012. We are also making plans for 2013. So far we have received 926 pledges, for $4,116,732 in total pledges, with an average pledge of $4,446, and pledges continue to come in. As mentioned before, we need about 1,100 pledges to maintain a flat budget for 2013. If you would like to make your pledge online, please click here. If you would like to make your pledge (or coordinate your final 2012 gift) on the phone or by email, please contact Lisa Gray at 324-8201 or lgray@bumc.net. I will not be sending an e-note on Christmas Day or New Year's Day, so the next e-note will be sent out on January 8th. I hope, even in the midst
of the darkness around us, that you will experience the light of Jesus Christ during this sacred holiday season. I look forward to seeing you Friday night at our "Longest Night" service, this weekend at one of our four worship services, and on Christmas Eve at one of our five services. It's a joy and privilege to be your pastor. In Christ's Love and Service,
Martin