This Week’s Prayers: (Please submit to Church office or write on sheet in Narthex.)
For Hope and Healing: Beth Kerr & Lynn Cummins (friends of Courtney Petrunis, health
concerns); Barbara Keckler (friend of Barb & Chuck Staley); Ildee Scarborough and family
(health and finances); Charlotte Benning (recently hospitalized); Matt Ekey, Jeff Dardenne,
and Joyce Daniel (son & friends of John Ekey).
For Comfort in a Time of Loss:
Member New Address: Charles Sievers, Brookside Rehabilitation, 2630 Woodland Rd,
Abington, PA 19001
Sunshine Member: Loretta and Charles Kleeman, 3445 Davisville Road, Apt. 308A, Hatboro, PA 19040. A card is in the Narthex for all to sign.
This Week
Monday, December 9th
9:30 am Keeping Your Balance
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm TOTAL Class (Hank & Laura’s)
Tuesday, December 10th
10:00 am Willow Grove Academy (The Nativity)
6:15 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Willow Grove Academy (The Nativity)
Wednesday, December 11th
3:00 pm Sung Kwang Pres. Church
7:00 pm Church Council
Thursday, December 12th
6:30 pm Bells of Praise
7:00 pm Naranon/Teen Meetings
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Sunday, December 15th – Third Sunday of Advent
9:15 am Sunday School
10:00 am Coffee Cart & Singing and Ringing
10:30 am Worship
1:00 pm Sung Kwang Pres. Church & Naranon Workshop
5:00 pm Friendship Meal (Christmas Theme)
General Announcements
The Giving Tree will be in the Narthex on Sundays, December 1st, 8th, and 15th. Please bring new gloves, scarfs, mittens, caps, socks and underwear. All sizes – children, youth and adult. These items will be given to those in need.
December’s Friendship Meal is Sunday, December 15th at 5pm. Our Christmas dinner menu will feature ham, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. The sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Please make your ability to be present or to bring food known to Kim Schwalje.
WGUMC Community Nativity Display: Nearly every Christian household has a Nativity depicting the main characters of the Jesus’ birth. It may be in a precious Christmas tree ornament, table top centerpiece, or large mantle display. And often have been handed down or collected at unique times in our lives. Let’s share these stories with one another, and find new insight and inspiration in each. Come and see our community Nativity display – from Dec 1st-Dec 15th in the Chapel – compromised of our collective nativities.
Staff Christmas Gifts: Please see insert in your bulletin for a message from Staff Parish Relations (SPR) Committee about how you can participate in a congregational gift to the staff.
Next Faith and Art Study Groups to discuss Nativity: Following a meaningful discussion of Isaiah’s vision and different depictions of the Peaceable Kingdom, we move on to a study of the Nativity – its characters, setting(s) and why it is important to the different gospel writers to include these details. Come join our lively discussions. Groups meet Tuesday, Dec. 10th at 10am and 7pm in the Chapel. Also, check out and spend time with the many nativities on loan and displayed by our congregation.
The Altar Guild will be decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas. Please join us to help decorate on Friday, Dec. 20th at 9:00 am. Contact Jean Pugh if you are interested.
The Offering Envelopes for 2020 will be in the Narthex starting December 15, 2019. Please stop and pick up yours. To avoid confusion for the counters, please throw away any 2019 envelopes you have left after Dec. 31st. If you would like to have envelopes, please call me at 215-855-6804 or call the office and I will be happy to assist you. Thanks, Barbara Staley, Financial Secretary.
Year End Message from Finance:
As 2019 closes, the financial condition of WGUMC is stable, thanks in large part to generous gifts received over the past year as part of the Revive Our Church campaign. We have received additional revenue this year due to the new leases negotiated in 2018 with Aldersgate and Honeyland. However, 2019 has seen a sharp increase in our expenses, largely due to facility maintenance and repairs, as well as the cost of Pastor’s health insurance. Consequently, we are running a year to date (through Oct 31) deficit of -$17,000 in our General Fund. The Finance Committee thanks the congregation for its long-time support of this church, and asks you to be as generous as you can during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Sincerely, David Kistner, Finance Chair.
Poinsettia Orders: Help us to beautify our sanctuary during Christmas by dedicating a poinsettia. See the insert in the bulletin to place your order. The deadline is December 15th. Plants can be picked up after the Christmas Eve service or after the service on Sunday, December 29th.
Adult Bible Study will be meeting in the Lounge during the month of December, from 9:15 to 10:00. On Sunday, December 8th, retiring Pastor Tony Tilford, from Willow Grove Baptist Church, will provide a lesson on “Healthy Grieving at the Holidays.”
On December 15th, choir member Rich Carley will lead us in Christmas hymns and carols. Everyone is invited to attend in celebration of the holiday season.
Christmas Greetings: For anyone who wants to send their holiday greetings to your friends here at church, our Christmas card box is now located at the front entrance of the church.
SAVE PENNIES for the MILK MONEY PROJECT
The Kindergarten-Elementary Sunday School class is saving pennies for the Milk Money Project sponsored by Heifer International during December and January. A little milk money can change a lot of lives in the southern highlands of Tanzania. A daily glass of milk is a treat that few families have the means to provide. Most children don’t get any breakfast at home; the milk is the first thing they get each day. Children don’t receive meals at school. They go the entire day malnourished and that affects their ability to learn. It costs $2.00 for a week for a student to receive milk. Please help by saving pennies and place them in the container in the narthex or in Room 201. A little milk money can change a lot of lives.
Ushers needed for the Christmas Eve Services! If you are planning to be at the Christmas Eve service, this year and are willing to usher please let Bill Dilks or Cheryl DelSordo know. We need 4 ushers for the 7:00 pm service. We ask if at all possible, to be at the church by 6:30 pm.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! During our worship service, on Sunday, November 17, we welcomed seven (7) new members and recognized Rev. Rick Sivers UMC Elders orders in the Upper NY Conference, and location with us at WGUMC. Marilu Skilton served as the WGUMC representative who offered welcome and presented the candidates for membership to the congregation. Pictured from left to right: (front row) Heather Dalton, Debbie Grutzmacher, Judy Lamb and Greg Lamb (back row) Rev. Rick Sivers, Frank Wilhelm, Robert Sanders and Timothy Rouse. Please take time to offer your special welcome over the next few weeks.
For Hope and Healing: Beth Kerr & Lynn Cummins (friends of Courtney Petrunis, health
concerns); Barbara Keckler (friend of Barb & Chuck Staley); Ildee Scarborough and family
(health and finances); Charlotte Benning (recently hospitalized); Matt Ekey, Jeff Dardenne,
and Joyce Daniel (son & friends of John Ekey).
For Comfort in a Time of Loss:
- The family of John Ketterlinus on the passing of his Aunt, Jean Dye, on Friday, November 29th. Condolences can be sent to John and family at 2004 Moreland Road, Abington, PA 19001.
- Janet Sadjian and her extended family, on the passing of her father, Bob MacCord, on Friday, November 29th. Condolences can be sent to Janet and family at 207 Surrey Road, Southampton, PA 18966.
Member New Address: Charles Sievers, Brookside Rehabilitation, 2630 Woodland Rd,
Abington, PA 19001
Sunshine Member: Loretta and Charles Kleeman, 3445 Davisville Road, Apt. 308A, Hatboro, PA 19040. A card is in the Narthex for all to sign.
This Week
Monday, December 9th
9:30 am Keeping Your Balance
6:30 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm TOTAL Class (Hank & Laura’s)
Tuesday, December 10th
10:00 am Willow Grove Academy (The Nativity)
6:15 pm Girl Scouts
7:00 pm Willow Grove Academy (The Nativity)
Wednesday, December 11th
3:00 pm Sung Kwang Pres. Church
7:00 pm Church Council
Thursday, December 12th
6:30 pm Bells of Praise
7:00 pm Naranon/Teen Meetings
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Sunday, December 15th – Third Sunday of Advent
9:15 am Sunday School
10:00 am Coffee Cart & Singing and Ringing
10:30 am Worship
1:00 pm Sung Kwang Pres. Church & Naranon Workshop
5:00 pm Friendship Meal (Christmas Theme)
General Announcements
The Giving Tree will be in the Narthex on Sundays, December 1st, 8th, and 15th. Please bring new gloves, scarfs, mittens, caps, socks and underwear. All sizes – children, youth and adult. These items will be given to those in need.
December’s Friendship Meal is Sunday, December 15th at 5pm. Our Christmas dinner menu will feature ham, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. The sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Please make your ability to be present or to bring food known to Kim Schwalje.
WGUMC Community Nativity Display: Nearly every Christian household has a Nativity depicting the main characters of the Jesus’ birth. It may be in a precious Christmas tree ornament, table top centerpiece, or large mantle display. And often have been handed down or collected at unique times in our lives. Let’s share these stories with one another, and find new insight and inspiration in each. Come and see our community Nativity display – from Dec 1st-Dec 15th in the Chapel – compromised of our collective nativities.
Staff Christmas Gifts: Please see insert in your bulletin for a message from Staff Parish Relations (SPR) Committee about how you can participate in a congregational gift to the staff.
Next Faith and Art Study Groups to discuss Nativity: Following a meaningful discussion of Isaiah’s vision and different depictions of the Peaceable Kingdom, we move on to a study of the Nativity – its characters, setting(s) and why it is important to the different gospel writers to include these details. Come join our lively discussions. Groups meet Tuesday, Dec. 10th at 10am and 7pm in the Chapel. Also, check out and spend time with the many nativities on loan and displayed by our congregation.
The Altar Guild will be decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas. Please join us to help decorate on Friday, Dec. 20th at 9:00 am. Contact Jean Pugh if you are interested.
The Offering Envelopes for 2020 will be in the Narthex starting December 15, 2019. Please stop and pick up yours. To avoid confusion for the counters, please throw away any 2019 envelopes you have left after Dec. 31st. If you would like to have envelopes, please call me at 215-855-6804 or call the office and I will be happy to assist you. Thanks, Barbara Staley, Financial Secretary.
Year End Message from Finance:
As 2019 closes, the financial condition of WGUMC is stable, thanks in large part to generous gifts received over the past year as part of the Revive Our Church campaign. We have received additional revenue this year due to the new leases negotiated in 2018 with Aldersgate and Honeyland. However, 2019 has seen a sharp increase in our expenses, largely due to facility maintenance and repairs, as well as the cost of Pastor’s health insurance. Consequently, we are running a year to date (through Oct 31) deficit of -$17,000 in our General Fund. The Finance Committee thanks the congregation for its long-time support of this church, and asks you to be as generous as you can during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Sincerely, David Kistner, Finance Chair.
Poinsettia Orders: Help us to beautify our sanctuary during Christmas by dedicating a poinsettia. See the insert in the bulletin to place your order. The deadline is December 15th. Plants can be picked up after the Christmas Eve service or after the service on Sunday, December 29th.
Adult Bible Study will be meeting in the Lounge during the month of December, from 9:15 to 10:00. On Sunday, December 8th, retiring Pastor Tony Tilford, from Willow Grove Baptist Church, will provide a lesson on “Healthy Grieving at the Holidays.”
On December 15th, choir member Rich Carley will lead us in Christmas hymns and carols. Everyone is invited to attend in celebration of the holiday season.
Christmas Greetings: For anyone who wants to send their holiday greetings to your friends here at church, our Christmas card box is now located at the front entrance of the church.
SAVE PENNIES for the MILK MONEY PROJECT
The Kindergarten-Elementary Sunday School class is saving pennies for the Milk Money Project sponsored by Heifer International during December and January. A little milk money can change a lot of lives in the southern highlands of Tanzania. A daily glass of milk is a treat that few families have the means to provide. Most children don’t get any breakfast at home; the milk is the first thing they get each day. Children don’t receive meals at school. They go the entire day malnourished and that affects their ability to learn. It costs $2.00 for a week for a student to receive milk. Please help by saving pennies and place them in the container in the narthex or in Room 201. A little milk money can change a lot of lives.
Ushers needed for the Christmas Eve Services! If you are planning to be at the Christmas Eve service, this year and are willing to usher please let Bill Dilks or Cheryl DelSordo know. We need 4 ushers for the 7:00 pm service. We ask if at all possible, to be at the church by 6:30 pm.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! During our worship service, on Sunday, November 17, we welcomed seven (7) new members and recognized Rev. Rick Sivers UMC Elders orders in the Upper NY Conference, and location with us at WGUMC. Marilu Skilton served as the WGUMC representative who offered welcome and presented the candidates for membership to the congregation. Pictured from left to right: (front row) Heather Dalton, Debbie Grutzmacher, Judy Lamb and Greg Lamb (back row) Rev. Rick Sivers, Frank Wilhelm, Robert Sanders and Timothy Rouse. Please take time to offer your special welcome over the next few weeks.
