December 2019 Newsletter

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December 2019 Our Mission: To fulfill our call to be the physical presence of Jesus Christ... by worshipping God with passion, intentionally growing in faith, proclaiming the gospel with grace, and humbly serving in love.

AT WEDDINGTON

Contents: Page 1:

Christmas 2019

Page 2:

Monthly Reflections

Page 3:

Adult Ministries

Page 4:

Adult Ministries

Page 5:

Adult Ministries

Page 6:

Missions

Page 7:

Pastoral Care

Page 8:

Youth & WCP

Page 9:

Children's Ministry & WCA

Page 10: Music & Arts Page 11: Announcements Page 12: Church Information

Join us this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Christmas Concerts

December 8 Praise & Worship Christmas Concert in the Weddington Sanctuary - 6:00 PM December 15 An Evening of Lessons & Carols in the Weddington Sanctuary - 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:30 PM

5:00 PM

7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services

Praise & Worship in the Family Life Center with the Praise and Worship Bands* Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary* with the Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Brass, and Percussion Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary* with the Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Brass, and Percussion Praise & Worship in the Family Life Center with the Praise and Worship Bands* Traditional Worship at the Bonds Grove Campus Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with Soloists, Organ, Brass, and Percussion

*Childcare available for children ages 4 and under in the nursery wing.

See pages 9 and 10 for more information.

WELCOME TO WEDDINGTON UMC The Weddington UMC family is a vibrant and growing congregation, and we invite you to become a part of this exciting and dynamic church, as we seek to serve as the Body of Christ in our world. God is doing great things in and through this church. We offer a variety of worship styles and ministry opportunities.

We would love to have you join us for worship, ministry, and service. As the church, we are a family. To learn more about WUMC, attend a Meet Weddington session to get to know the staff and learn more about the church. For more information on Meet Weddington see page 11.

Monthly Reflections - Rev. Dr. Terry Moore It's Christmas Christmas is an amazing time of the year. We have gone through the Fall season. The trees have dropped their leaves. Their limbs now look bare. It feels cold outside.

Much of our grass has gone dormant, turning brown for Winter. And then, it’s Christmas. The trees are wrapped with lights. The smell of cider fills the home. Children are excited. Gifts are placed around the tree. Anticipation is in the air. And there is nothing like the music of the season.

It’s Christmas!

This transformation is a reminder of what Christmas really is all about. Life for the people of God felt cold. Our relationship with God felt as if it was fading, going dormant.

It was a dark season. Our relationship with God had been broken. And then, Christmas. God intervened. A bright light was placed in the sky. A star to lead others to this amazing gift. An angel appeared to the shepherds and a choir of angels sang of God’s amazing gift. There was nothing like the music of Christmas. Anticipation was in the air. God is with us. A baby was found in a manger. God was in the manger. It’s Christmas!

Christmas is “Christ’s mass.” It is the celebration of the Christ child. It is the celebration of a loving God who never gives up on us. It is the celebration that God so loves us that God came in human form to share His love with us. It is the celebration that our God so loves us that He would give His life for us. It is the celebration that our God so loves and desires nothing more than to embrace us by His amazing grace.

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Our lives may feel bare and cold at times. Our joy may feel dormant. Hear the good news. God intervenes. A light shines in the darkness. It’s Christmas. It is always Christmas!

For God always loves us and desires nothing more than to embrace us by His amazing grace if we will turn toward his loving arms and receive Him. Music breaks into the silence.

The music of Christmas.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NRSV)

Have a blessed and holy Christmas, Terry Rev. Dr. Terry Moore, Senior Pastor

Adult Ministries Women's Fall Retreat at Lake Junaluska As we gathered at Lake Junaluska in November, God's transforming Spirit was at work in and among the wonderful group of women who attended. It was a special weekend of spiritual encouragement and renewal, passionate worship, prayer, friendship, and wonderful fellowship. We were blessed as our guest speaker, Elizabeth Poplin, reminded us that we are all daughters of an always-present God, who loves us and transforms our lives and stories as we look to the Cross.

A special thank you to Retreat Leader, Gabrielle Andrews, and the team who planned such a meaningful weekend. Thank you for sharing your time, passion, and gifts to make the 2019 Women's Retreat a time of blessing and friendship.

If you are interested in learning more about the annual Women's Fall Retreat or Women's Ministry, please contact Patsy Sorrell.

Weddington UMC Women's Ministry

Women's Praise & Worship Night Friday, January 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Weddington Campus Sanctuary & Helms Hall The Women’s Ministry team invites all women to start the new year focused on scripture, praise, prayer, and fellowship. Join us January 24 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. in Helms Hall for refreshments and fellowship. At 7:00 p.m. we'll move to the Sanctuary where our very own Praise & Worship Team will encourage us to join them in modeling Ephesians 5:19-20, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

With our eyes fixed on Christ, we are sure to have perfect vision! (Hebrews 12:2)

Adult Fellowship (F4) Night

invites you to

WOMEN'S PRAISE & WORSHIP NIGHT BE THOU OUR VISION Start the new year focused on scripture, praise, prayer, and fellowship!

JANUARY 24, 2020 • 6:30 PM Weddington Campus Sanctuary

Friday, January 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Weddington Campus Hemby House and Children's Wing Join your church friends - new and old - for a fun evening of fellowship on January 4, 2020 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Drop off your children in the Children’s Wing KidCheck area between 5:15-5:30 p.m. and pick up by 7:45 p.m. The children will be served pizza for dinner and enjoy a fun evening. After dropping off your children, head over to the Hemby House for dinner, fun and games, and fellowship between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring a dish to share for dinner and invite your friends to join us. Sign up on the website via SignUp Genius to let us know the dish you’ll be bringing and to register for childcare. The registration deadline is December 30, 2019, so we have an accurate count for childcare. If there are any questions, please contact Misty Baratta at mistyhoover@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing everyone to kick off 2020!

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Adult Ministries Women's Ministry Women's Circles Mary Martha Circle gathers as a group of loving and

caring women in fellowship - supporting each other, growing in faith, and helping to serve the needs in the church and surrounding community.

In December the group will enjoy a Christmas Luncheon instead of a regular meeting. All the ladies of the church and their friends are welcome to join the regular circle meetings on the 1st Friday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Weddington Fellowship Hall.

Contact Mary Revels at revelsmary@carolina.rr.com or Tommie Craig at tommiecraig@carolina.rr.com for more information.

Susanna Wesley Circle (SWC) is a group of women who

wish to grow in faith, experience friendship with Godly women, and serve Christ through various ministries and community outreach. The circle also holds the Weddington Kids Consignment Sale that occurs twice a year (August & March) and raises money to support the church and local missions. We welcome all women who wish to grow in their faith, experience a great fellowship and support system of Godly women, and serve Christ. Our ages typically range from mid-20’s through mid-40’s, many with families.

Our next meeeting is December 6 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Helms Hall and is a Holiday Brunch and a Christmas Wrapping Party for families in need. Free childcare is available.

Lucy Price Circle meets monthly, typically on the second

Tuesday evening from September-May. Our circle seeks to be mission-focused and has projects, activities, and events to help House of Pearls (a Christian transition home), our Monroe Campus Homework Help ministry, a family with special needs, and other mission-oriented opportunities. Our meetings may have a speaker, an activity, and/or a meal. We enjoy having social times, but also want to share the love of Christ by serving others. Join us for one of the following December events: December 3 We will enjoy an evening at the Billy Graham Library with House of Pearls.

December 10 We will enjoy a Christmas Potluck Dinner, gift/ ornament exchange, and be collecting gifts for a family that needs help to be able to celebrate their Christmas.

For more information, contact Carolyn Canzonieri at cpc.canzonieri@gmail.com.

Men's Ministry Men’s Connection Breakfast

The United Methodist Men meet in the Youth Center of the Family Life Center from 7:30-9:00 a.m. twice a month on Sunday for food, fellowship, and to discuss various topics. All men are welcome!

December Date Men's Connection will only meet on December 8. During this meeting we will have election of officers.

Kings & Queens . Sandra McKee The Kings & Queens will meet on Thursday, December 12 at

10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. The Bald Eagles, Karl Wollner and Ken Freno, will present a program of Christmas music. Join us for this special Christmas music, fellowship, and a delicious meal.

Golden Corral Luncheon Wednesday, December 18 at 11:30 a.m. We will leave the Fellowship Hall back parking lot at 11:00 a.m. Contact Sandra McKee if you would like to ride with the group.

Annual Beach Trip: December 3-5 We depart from the Fellowship Hall back parking lot at 9:45 a.m. During the trip we will see the Alabama Theater and Carolina Opry Christmas shows and do a little Christmas shopping in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Page 4

Bob Warner, speaker for K&Q November meeting, displayed many of his wood carved pieces.

New Winter Bible Studies Women's Study: How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado Day/Time: Fridays at 9:30 a.m. beginning December 6 Location: Hemby House Leader: Gabrielle Andrews In his more than 30 years pastoring, Max Lucado says he has found the hidden secret to lasting joy – giving that joy away to others. With his trademark stories and his connection to people’s everyday struggles, Lucado has found: it is better to forgive than to hold a grudge, better to build up than to tear down, better to include than to exclude, better to seek to understand than to disregard, better to love than to hate. Lucado says many people live as if acquiring more will bring them more joy. He believes this strategy is not working and recommends a very different recipe for happiness: “God’s solution for the ills of society is a quorum of unselfish, life-giving, God-loving folks who flow through neighborhoods and businesses like cleansing agents, bringing in the good, flushing out the bad. They hail from all corners of the globe, reflect all hues of skin. Liberal, conservative, rural, metropolitan, young, old. Yet they are bound together by this amazing discovery: happiness is found by giving it away.” Join us as we dig deeper into God’s Word and consider how we can experience true and lasting happiness.

Dr. Moore's Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Winter Connections Coming Soon!

Dr. Moore's Wednesday Evening Bible Study will resume on January 8 with a new study focus. Details will be available in the Winter edition of Connections, our Adult Ministry guidebook.

The Winter 2020 Adult Discipleship Guide will be available mid-December. There will be new Bible study opportunities and special events designed to help you intentionally grow in faith. Be praying in the weeks ahead about how you can grow in your relationship with God in as we begin the new year.

To learn more or register for any of our Bible Studies, please visit www.weddingtonchurch.org/bible-studies or contact Patsy Sorrell at the church office.

Discovering Why Your Work Matters New discussion topic beginning on January 12 Time: Sundays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. (2x/month) Location: Hemby House Leader: Amy Hasty Group Focus: Discovering Why Your Work Matters For many of us, work is where we spend one-third (or more) of our lives. It’s what we talk about at parties. It’s how we introduce ourselves. It’s often where our social circles and networks originate. In fact, for a lot of us, it’s the reason we live where we live. Work dictates much of the circumstances and rhythms of our lives. So why does Monday morning feel so far from Sunday morning? For many Christians, there is a significant gap between work and faith. The two simply feel unrelated. This Life Group is meant to help bridge that gap. Join us as we begin the journey together in January and consider the interrelatedness of faith and work. For more information, contact amyphasty@gmail.com.

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Missions Local Missions . Rev. Rocío Ávila-Ramírez Room In The Inn In partnership with Urban Ministries, we welcome neighbors from the Mecklenburg area to our Hemby House in which we offer a comfortable space and bed to sleep in, accompanied by a warm and delicious meal. We need your help! There are many ways you and your family can serve. You can set up beds, cook and serve meals, welcome and sit with folks, or be part of the overnight team. We still have several weekends that we are looking for volunteers to serve in December through March. For more information please contact Leah Primm at the church office.

Angel Tree Ministries In partnership with the Union County Christmas Bureau, you can share gifts with children that would otherwise have little to no Christmas gifts this year. It is an opportunity to share the joy and love of Christ this Christmas. We encourage you to pick up an angel from one of the Angel Trees on the Weddington Campus in Helms Hall or the Family Life Center, or from the Bonds Grove Campus. Gifts can be dropped off at church office or placed under the Angel Trees through Wednesday, December 11.

Christmas at the Monroe Campus Christmas Posada The Monroe Campus will have it's traditional Christmas Posada and community caroling on Sunday, December 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the Monroe Campus Fellowship Hall. Join us as we celebrate Christmas at our Monroe Campus!

Christmas Ham Distribution Once again this Christmas, we have received a donation of 200 family-size Boar’s Head hams! On Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. at our Monroe Campus, we will have distribution and pick-up day for the local community. Our partner agencies including Union Crisis Assistance, House of Pearls, Turning Point, and the Union County Shelter will be connecting us with families to receive the ham gift for this Christmas. We will also be walking the community around our Monroe Campus delivering hams door-to-door. If you are able to be God’s hands and feet that day, come join us as we be God’s church! For more information, please contact the church office.

Stephen Ministry Testimony

"Scleroderma. I had never heard of this word until three years ago when I was diagnosed with this rare, uncurbable autoimmune disorder. Additionally, the type I have is the rarest of rare and has limited skin involvement. So, while I can look healthy and well on the outside, on the inside my body is battling to stay stable. This diagnosis was overwhelming for me and my family; our lives were never going to be the same. We look to our families to give us support during hard times. I know my family loves me and wanted to help, but they were going through their own adjustment period. It was at that point Rev. Ed Briggs approached me about a Stephen Minister.

How could it be possible that someone else in my church was battling this same rare autoimmune disease? I would not want anyone to be diagnosed with this disease, but there is comfort in spending time with someone that knows what you are going through. That is what a Stephen Minister does and is able to do for those who need someone to walk beside them, to support them, to feel understood when the rest of the world just doesn't quite 'get-it.' Every day with this disease is a battle. I'm glad to know on the days I feel this disease is getting the best of me that I have my Stephen Minister to listen and understand my frustration, to support and lift me up, to be my light and hope." -Anonymous To learn more about Stephen Ministry, please contact Rev. Ed Briggs at the church office.

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Pastoral Care Pastoral Care Ministry . Rev. Ed Briggs News and Announcements Winter GriefShare Save the date! GriefShare is beginning on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hemby House. For more information, please contact the church office or Rev. Ed Briggs.

Weddington Christian Counseling Center The holidays can be such a difficult time for some. Loved ones once with us may be gone. Other difficulties and hurts may have come our way as well. Expectations of how to celebrate can be dashed as changes in life take place. The emotions of disappointment and grief may come forth and cloud our usual merriment at the holidays. If you are finding this to be true, you may want to consider seeking the confidential help of Tony Gibson, our therapist at our Weddington Christian Counseling Center. He can be contacted by email at tgibson.wcc@weddingtonchurch.org or by phone at 704-814-4220.

Imerman Angels Want to meet an Angel? Or be one? The Imerman Angels serve anyone touched by cancer, living anywhere in the world. Through our unique matching process, Imerman Angels partners individuals seeking cancer support with a Mentor Angel. A Mentor Angel is a cancer survivor or caregiver who is as similar as possible in age, gender, and most importantly, cancer experience. A Mentor Angel is walking, talking, and living proof that you can survive. The service is absolutely FREE and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any stage, at any age, living anywhere in the world.

These one-on-one relationships give a cancer fighter or caregiver the chance to ask personal questions and get support from someone who has been there before. Mentor Angels can lend support and empathy and help cancer fighters and caregivers navigate the system, determine their options, and create their own support systems.

Frequently, caregivers experience feelings similar to those of the person facing cancer. We connect those caring for or grieving the loss of a love one with a “Caregiver Mentor Angel” who can help provide support and comfort throughout the experience.

Mentor Angels can relate while being sensitive to the experience and situation.

The first step to getting help for yourself or a loved one, or to get involved as a Mentor Angel, is to go the Imerman Angels website at www.imermanangels.org. You can read about the organization, its mission, and the resources available. Our purpose is elegantly simple: no one should have to fight cancer alone. We focus on profoundly impacting those touched by cancer through the delivery of our mission.

If you’re a survivor or if you’ve been a cancer caregiver, consider becoming a Mentor Angel. Mentor Angels like you are recruited from all over the world. Each person registers online or by phone and completes a profile detailing their personal experience with cancer. More than 40 comprehensive criteria are detailed, including demographic information, cancer history, treatment history, and more. All of your information is kept confidential and is never shared with anyone except your cancer match.

Each applicant completes a screening and a training session. Mentor Angels remain in the matching database and will be contacted when a cancer fighter or caregiver seeking support registers for a match. It’s a wonderful way to be the change you want to see in the world.

Be an Angel. For more information, go to the Imerman Angels website or contact Bob Sorrell at bsorrell@imermanangels.org.

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Youth Ministry Youth Ministry . Rev. Meredith Hinton Sunday Night Youth begins at 6:30 p.m. There are

programs for Jr. and Sr. High students, with Bible study and games. Afterward, everyone comes together for worship.

Youth Bible Study Join us on Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center.

Our Fall Retreat was incredible! 122 of us spent the weekend at Look Up Lodge in Traveler's Rest, SC. We focused on Colossians 3 and really took a deep dive into understanding that Christ is our life! The youth played, laughed, and worshiped together. It was a holy and set apart time! We are grateful for our awesome team of adults who help make retreats like this one function so well!

In December we look forward to our Youth Christmas Party and our Girls' Blanket Making Party. Yay! Advent is here!

Girls' Blanket Making Party Come and spend time with the ladies of the Youth Ministry as we sip hot chocolate, eat yummy desserts, and join in mission together. Come dressed in your favorite Christmas attire! Bring scissors and two pieces of fabric that are two yards in length to make your blanket. Be creative! Contact Rev. Meredith Hinton to learn more.

Youth Fall Retreat

Upcoming Youth Schedule: • No Youth (Thanksgiving Break) - Dec. 1 • Girls' Blanket Party - Dec. 6 at 7:00 p.m.

• Youth Group - Dec. 8 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

• Youth Christmas Party - Dec. 15 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Weddington Christian Preschool . Sherri Martinez, Director During this time of faith and family, may the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart with His love and perfect peace.

Merry Christmas from WCP! WCP Advent Program You’re invited to be blessed by our 4 and 5 year old classes as they tell us through song about the incredible Gift God gave us that first Christmas! Our Bonds Grove Campus Program will be on December 9 at 6:00 p.m., and our Weddington Campus Program will be on December 11 at 11:30 a.m. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Spirit Night - Pizza and Preschoolers! Join WCP and our good friends at Lorenzo’s Pizzeria on Monday, December 9 for an evening of delicious food and no hassle meal planning. Mention “Weddington Christian Preschool” when ordering and our preschool will receive a portion of the proceeds! Lorenzo's boasts outstanding pizza, pasta, salad, and gluten-free dishes. For more menu information, please visit www.lorenzos-pizzeria.com. WCP benefits from both take out and dine-in orders.

Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year will open to our church members on December 15. Please visit our website for important dates, forms, and details. All forms are due to the preschool office by January 23, 2020.

WCP Weddington Campus Tours will be offered on December 10 and January 8, 14, and 29. Please R.S.V.P. to 704-849-7628 or wcp@weddingtonchurch.org to attend, and please be sure to leave a contact phone number. Tours will start at the main WUMC sanctuary entrance near the fountain at 2:00 p.m.

To respect the privacy and security of children and families enrolled at WCP, tours will be offered on the Bonds Grove Campus by appointment only. Please call 704-843-6785 or email BGCPS@weddingtonchurch.org.

Please be sure to ‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest from WCP! Page 8

Children's Ministries Children’s Ministry . Carolyn Nelson Upcoming Advent Event Journey to the Star—A Family Event will take place on Friday, December 6 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Let’s gather to welcome in the Advent season with an evening full of fun! We will enjoy a simple dinner together then create Advent crafts as a family. Next we will watch the movie, The Star, in Helms Hall. You’ll want to bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Pajamas are welcome! The cost is $10 per family and reservations are required no later than Thursday, December 5 through the website.

News and Announcements Christmas Concerts Childcare We will have childcare available for the Praise & Worship Concert on December 8 and the Evening of Lessons & Carols concert on December 15.

Christmas Eve Childcare Nursery care will be provided for children age 4 and under at the 1:00, 2:30, 5:00, and 7:00 p.m. services in the nursery wing.

December 29 Sunday Morning Classes for children in kindergarten through 5th grade will NOT meet on Sunday, December 29. Nursery care for children age 4 and under will be available in the nursery wing.

Nursery Workers Needed Are you looking for a way to earn a little extra money? Do you like children or have a special knack for working with children? Have you considered becoming a nursery specialist? The Ark Children’s Ministry is hiring fun loving, energetic people to work part time in our nursery on Sunday mornings, as well as weekday and evening opportunities.

Duties will include working alongside another provider in: holding, reading to, playing with children 2 and under on Sunday mornings and under Kindergarten age other times. We need patient and gentle people to calm and soothe children who have a hard time being dropped off. We need creative people to play age appropriate games and lead activities that will engage and occupy the children in our care. We expect a safe and loving environment at all times with an emphasis on showing Jesus’ love to the little ones. We want their time in our care to be some of the best time of their week! Candidates must be 19 or older, have at least three references, pass a background check, and receive Safe Sanctuary training. CPR certification is preferred at time of hire and required for ongoing employment. We welcome mom’s to bring a little one with them, while still earning a little extra. If you feel like this is something you could do and have interest in, please contact Susanna Denninger at susiedenninger@gmail.com or Carolyn Nelson.

Weddington Christian Academy . Adell Keen, Principal The students and staff of WCA wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

December Important Dates • Tuesday, Dec. 3 – S.T.E.A.M. Holiday Event • Thursday, Dec. 19 – Christmas Program and Christmas Parties • Friday, Dec. 20 – Friday, Jan. 3 – Christmas Break Middle School students heading to Hunter Farms to work as a part of their service project Page 9

Upcoming Events Christmas at Weddington Concerts Praise & Worship Concert - Sunday, December 8 Join the Praise & Worship Ministry for an evening of Christmas music and worship on Sunday, December 8 in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary. Join us for fellowship and refreshments in Helms Hall from 6:00-7:00 p.m. then stay for Christmas music and worship from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Invite your friends and neighbors for a great night that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Childcare will be available in the nursery wing.

An Evening of Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 15 Come worship the Baby Jesus, The Christ at The Chancel Choir’s Evening of Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Weddington Campus Sanctuary. Childcare will be available in the nursery wing.

Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale

Fellowship and Fun with WCP

Boy Scout Troop 120 will be selling Christmas trees at the Marvin Campus. Find your perfect Fraser Fir!

Join us for some fellowship and socialization with the preschool families and support Weddington Christian Preschool while having a memorable DIY experience and making something special for your home!

To view prices and order online please visit www.bsatroop120.org/christmas-trees. For questions, please email Mike Bellamy at jmb84unc92@carolina.rr.com.

Thank you for your support of our troops!

Holiday Office Hours Due to the Christmas holiday, the church office will be closed beginning at noon on Tuesday, December 24. The office will also be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26.

AR Workshops of Waxhaw is offering three classes for WCP and will donate a percentage of your project as a fundraiser for WCP. There is something for everyone and no skills are needed! You can sign up directly on one of the links below and choose your project. Need a little inspiration? Visit their website or Facebook page for many project choices and ideas at www.arworkshop.com/waxhaw.

Classes are open to anyone so grab some friends or family, share on your personal social media pages, and let's try to fill all of our classes. December classes will be on December 5 at 7:00 p.m. and December 10 at 9:30 a.m.

Year End Giving What a wonderful year 2019 has been! As the year end approaches some of you may be considering special end of year gifts to the church. All 2019 donations must be paid online, postmarked, or delivered to the church office prior to December 31.

Any 2019 donation received prior to Jan. 1, 2020 will be deposited and posted to 2019 and will appear on your 2019 giving record for tax purposes. If you wish to contribute early for 2020, please mark your donation clearly as 2020.

If you have any questions about your 2019 giving, please contact JoAnn Horstman at the church office. Thank you for your generous support of the many ministries at Weddington United Methodist Church. Through your generosity Christ is made known in our community and around the world!

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Church Announcements Wednesdays @ Weddington Wednesdays evenings are a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry at Weddington Church, and there’s something for everyone!

Fellowship meals are served from 5:00-6:45 p.m. in the Family Life Center (September-May). The cost per meal is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, with a maximum of $20.00 per family.

Reservations are not required, and while we hope you stay to join us for a time of discipleship, that is not required either.

We’re glad to come together mid-week as a church family to break bread together, support one another in life and faith, and continue to build faith-filled friendships.

December Menu

Meet Weddington Sessions

• Dec. 4 - Chicken fettuccini alfredo, breadstick, salad bar, and Italian cake • Dec. 11 - Beef stew, oven roasted green beans, roll, salad bar, and cookies • Dec. 18 - Glazed ham, corn pudding, spinach gratin, roll, and apple pie

Interested in becoming a part of the Weddington UMC family?

As your clergy, program staff, and fellow Christians, it will be our privilege to grow and serve together. We request that anyone interested in membership attend one of our Meet Weddington Church sessions.

Due to the Christmas holiday we will not have W@W dinner on December 25.

Opportunity for Service Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to serve?

We are in need of volunteers to help set up, serve and/or clean-up for the Wednesday night dinners. God calls us all to humbly serve in love, and we are in hopes that you would be willing to volunteer with this important ministry here at Weddington. Please contact our Food Services Director, Kim Veith, by email for more information.

WUMC Support Groups NA Fridays, 10:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Room 2

Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564 Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., Monroe Campus Fellowship Hall Contact: Kasei, kaseidelpezzo@gmail.com Saturdays, 8:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564 1st Saturday monthly, 3:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Contact: Nina, nina_michelle7@yahoo.com or 704-499-2564

At Meet Weddington you will enjoy an informal time of fellowship, meet the pastoral and ministry staff, hear an overview of the ministry and mission of the church, and get answers to any questions you may have about Weddington UMC. Free childcare is provided in the Sanctuary building.

Meet Weddington Church sessions are typically held monthly.

Due to the Christmas holiday, we will not have Meet Weddington in December. The next Meet Weddington will be on January 26 at 5:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Family Life Center on the Weddington Campus. To learn more, contact Rev. Amy Hutchison.

AA Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Room 2 Contact: Don, hanssally@aol.com or 704-243-0765

AL-ANON Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Hemby House

Contact: Sarah N. (704) 654-8529; sjn2003@gmail.com or Chris R. (704) 904-6849; cgr1057@aol.com

ACA, Adult Children of Alcoholics Fridays,

6:30 p.m., Room 209. Contact: suzanne.rakoczy@gmail.com

NAMI Family Support Group 2nd Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., Room 214, John and Evann Duncan, 980-313-8712

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:00 p.m, Room 214 Contact: namiunionco@gmail.com

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Sunday Worship Times 8:15 a.m. Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:30 a.m. Praise and Worship (Sanctuary) 10:10 a.m. Acoustic Praise and Worship (FLC) 11:00 a.m. Traditional (Sanctuary) 11:00 a.m. Traditional (Bonds Grove Campus) 6:00 p.m. Bilingual Worship (Monroe Campus) 4:00 p.m. Waltonwood Retirement Community Rev. Dr. Terry Moore, Senior Pastor terry.moore@weddingtonchurch.org

Elizabeth Mitchell, Director of Communications elizabeth.mitchell@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Rocio Ávila-Ramírez, Missions Pastor rocio.avila@weddingtonchurch.org

Ruth Cooley, Executive Assistant ruth.cooley@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Ed Briggs, Minister of Pastoral Care ed.briggs@weddingtonchurch.org

Sandra McKee, Admin. Assistant sandra.mckee@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Meredith Hinton, Youth Minister meredith.hinton@weddingtonchurch.org

Linda Caskey, Financial Assistant linda.caskey@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Amy Hutchison, Evangelism Pastor amy.hutchison@weddingtonchurch.org

Alison Cardwell, Financial Administrator alison.cardwell@weddingtonchurch.org

Rev. Leroy Henry Affiliated United Methodist Clergy

Tonya Tapp, Admin. Assistant tonya.tapp@weddingtonchurch.org

Dr. Reginald Houze, Director of Music & Arts reginald.houze@weddingtonchurch.org

Leah Primm, Admin. Assistant leah.primm@weddingtonchurch.org

Justin Lineberry, Director of Praise & Worship justin.lineberry@weddingtonchurch.org

Adell Keen, WCA Principal akeen@weddingtonchristianacademy.org

Carolyn Nelson, Children’s Minister carolyn.nelson@weddingtonchurch.org

Sherri Martinez, WCP Director sherri.martinez@weddingtonchurch.org

Ashley Goodner, Children’s Ministry Associate ashley.goodner@weddingtonchurch.org

Jamie Edmondson, WCP Assistant Director bgcps@weddingtonchurch.org

Katie Bradshaw, Children’s Ministry AssociateMonroe Campus katie.monroechildcare@gmail.com

Jan Williams, Mother’s Morning Out Director jan.williams@weddingtonchurch.org

Patsy Sorrell, Director of Adult Discipleship patsy.sorrell@weddingtonchurch.org

Mike Carver, Facilities Manager mcar1973@earthlink.net

JoAnn Horstman, Executive Director of Operations Kim Veith, Food Service Director joann.horstman@weddingtonchurch.org kim.veith@weddingtonchurch.org

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Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 - 12:00 p.m.

704-846-1032 Campuses Weddington Campus 13901 Providence Road Weddington, NC 28104 Sanctuary Building and Family Life Center (FLC) Bonds Grove Campus 8215 Bonds Grove Church Rd Waxhaw, NC 28173 Weddington Christian Counseling Center 9914 New Town Road Marvin, NC 28173 Tony Gibson, Counselor, MA, LMFT tgibson.wcc@weddingtonchurch.org Monroe Campus 520 Engleside St Monroe, NC 28110