Advent 2024 First Connections

fi rs t co n n e c ti o n s STORIES OF LIFE AND FA I T H

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON ADVENT 2024 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 4

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications Team Kevin Burns Paige Hughes Leslie Kring

First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published four times a year by First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080.

Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, TX and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: First Connections, PO Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”

Luke 2:10 Do you believe in angels? It’s a question I am asked from time to time. In the Bible, angels are special messengers sent by God to help people and bring them important news, showing up to protect, guide, and sometimes deliver messages of hope and love. Through the biblical witness, the accounts of many people, and my own personal experiences, I am highly inclined to believe in angels.

Angelic announcements are at the heart of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. They were timely to those who first heard them, and I believe they will be timely for us today. Hearing these bible stories, singing the carols, and learning about Advent and Christmas traditions will shape and mold us with timeless memories. In a world with so much uncertainty, the Christmas story gives us the solid ground of faith, hope, and love.

Invite your friends and family to our special worship services and activities, which culminate in meaningful Christmas Eve celebrations. When we light and lift the candles, it’s as if God has exchanged all our fear and anxiety for peace and serenity. Even if it’s only for a moment, may you experience the gift of God’s presence during this holy season when we once again hear the angels say, “Do not be afraid.”

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint

ADVENT WORKSHOP Sunday, December 1, 2-4pm Cost: $30 per family Join us for Family Worship at 2pm in the Worship & Arts Center followed by time for creating handmade treasures to celebrate the season. fumcr.com/adventworkshop

e h t n i Jo ! w e r C y r o t Fac n the seaso g in t a r b nt cele e Orname orward to h f t t k s o o lo h e e W w munity as m o c r ! u o with VILLAGE ’S A T N A tS Factory a

Park Huffhines

6-9pm on -15, 20-22 3 1 , 8 7 c e D e and Learn mor a shift: r o f p u n ig s / fumcr.com ge santasvilla

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 5PM SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM In this season of expectation, decorations, and parties, the sense of loss can be profound. We look to God for light and comfort, for the Spirit’s presence even in our empty places, and for hope.

PAGEANT · 11AM*

MODERN · 2PM, 4PM *STREAMING ONLINE AT FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

TRADITIONAL · 6PM*, 8PM, 10PM 10PM INCLUDES COMMUNION

ONLINE · ON DEMAND YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

poinsettias A gift in honor or memory of a loved one Beautiful poinsettias will decorate our worship spaces on Christmas Eve. If you would like to make a special gift, you may give online or by using an envelope from a pew or seat back

by December 15. fumcr.com/poinsettias

Your Advent Offering will be given to two dynamic organizations that work passionately to make positive impacts in the lives of individuals and families. You may give online at fumcr.com/givenow

Network of Community Ministries works to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. thenetwork.org

Methodist Children’s Home seeks to equip children, youth, and families by offering hope through Christ-centered relationships and support via a residential program, transition care, parenting education, and foster caregiver support. mch.org

food sing-along gift exchange fun holiday games x-mas sweater contest Bartula Family Life Center Sunday, December 15, 5:30-7:30pm

Market Shares Honor a loved one or make an end-of-year gift to a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of those they serve. Give online by Dec. 31: f u m c r. c o m / m a r k e t s h a r e s

Angel Tree Pick up a tag from the tree in the Shawver Welcome Center and return the unwrapped gift by December 2.

We are blessed to be a blessing.

December 29 Worship Services Traditional 9:45am Modern 11am Online 9:45 & 11am, on demand No Sunday school.

No childcare.

PERIODICALS

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

We invite you to join us for the sights and sounds of the season.

fumcr.com/Christmas