The children of VUMC will present “Angels, Lambs, Ladybugs and Fireflies” Sunday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the presentation in the gym. We need people to bring refreshments. The sign up board is in the lobby.

The children will sing Sunday, December 8 at the beginning of the 10:45am service. Please support our children as they have worked hard to present this musical in honor of Jesus’ birthday!

If you have not turned in your Commitment card for 2014, please do so by Sunday, December 8. Your completed commitment card will help guide our Finance Team and Administrative Council in making monetary and program decisions for our church for the coming year. VUMC needs you now more than ever, our local community needs you now more than ever, and our world needs you now more than ever. You are invited to place your card in the chest at the conclusion of the service or drop it by the church office. The ushers have extras cards and pens.

We are surely blessed at VUMC to have an outstanding and dedicated staff that maintains our church on a daily basis while ensuring an exciting and spirit- filled service each Sunday. Please look to your heart to identify what each staff member represents and how they enhance your enjoyment and growth in this Christ-filled church; you can show your appreciation by making a financial gift to the staff. Please write your check to VUMC and write "Staff Gift - Account #3510" on the memo line. We hope to collect these contributions by Sunday, December 8, in order to distribute the gifts before Christmas. Look on the back of the bulletin for a complete listing of the staff.

We tend to think of Mary as special... even more special than your average woman. And, maybe she was. I'm sure she was sweet, meek, giving, loving and gentle... How is it that we could even compare? Raise your head today all you that are highly favored by God! (Which is all of us!) He loves you! He looks on all of us with the same indescribable love. He came to earth for us.. and then later died for us. Not for some, but for all. During this season of Advent, may we all proclaim, be born in me!

December 1: Be Born in Me Part I -Hype or Hope Isaiah 2:1-5
December 8: Be Born in Me Part II - Spare Change Matthew 3:1-12
December 15: Be Born in Me Part III - Where Can I Find God?
Matthew 11:2-11
December 22: Be Born in Me Part IV - In This (Strange and Surprising)
Way Matthew 1:18-25
December 29: Is Christmas Over? Matthew 2:13-23 (We will have one
service this Sunday at 10:30am)

VUMC is uniting with Varnell Elementary, other area churches and the Varnell Community Group for the Varnell Community Christmas to provide food and Christmas gifts for area children.

To sponsor a child, pick up a form from the Varnell City Hall after Tuesday, December 3. Plan to spend $50 to $60 per child so every child will receive an equivalent amount. Each child should receive 2 or 3 brand new inexpensive toys, new socks, and undergarments and any specific clothing items listed. All gifts are to be delivered to the city hall by December 12. The Varnell United Christmas will be at VUMC, Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m., and the congregation is asked to come and help celebrate with the families.

Intentional Faith Development refers to all ministries that help us grow in faith outside weekly worship. It also refers to deliberate effort that is high in our priority. I realize that our schedules are very demanding - however, we desperately need to take time for faith development. This is why I am offering a two-week study in November and December, called A Savior is Born. In this study, we will experience the wonder of the first Christmas. The class will be held on Sunday, November 17 and Sunday, December 1 and December 8 from 5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Kids Spot room (#223). A great study for teens and adults! Childcare provided. Reverend Stephen Streett