Dear Members and Friends of University United Methodist Church,

Advent has begun and we are preparing to celebrate Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

The Incarnation (“in flesh”) of God is a mystery, but also a profound assurance of God’s care for us and for all the creatures of the earth.  Celebrating the coming of God to earth is more than an historical event.  It is a reassurance that God continues to come to us.  In fact, the scriptures in the early part of Advent are about the next coming of Christ, which is also a mystery, but a promise that God continues to come.

One of the profound ways that people in our culture celebrate Christmas is to reconnect in many ways with those who have played an important role in their lives.  In your letters and emails, your Facebook and MySpace connections, your travels and your phone calls, we hope that you can celebrate with us that God comes to us in many ways through the love of others.  It is fortunate that this reminder of God’s love through others comes just before a new year begins, for it propels us into the future, knowing that we are not alone.

Do join us in celebrating “God with us” this season.  Beginning with the Dec. 6 Baby Shower for Mary of Nazareth and the Dec. 7 Welcome Advent Bell Concert, you can take part in many events to make this season more spiritual and lasting.  We are delighted to once again have a Christmas musical, involving more than 50 children and youth on December  14.  Please use this calendar of Advent/Christmas activities to guide you, and make a special effort to be with our Sunday morning worship celebrations, both at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Our tradition is that our Christmas offering goes to help others, not ourselves.  This year, especially because of the sagging economy, we have chosen two causes close to home.  Mark your special gift as “Christmas” and it will be divided between the MSU Wesley Foundation and the UUMC Good Samaritan Fund.   The Wesley Foundation has been the primary mission of UUMC for 51 years, and it needs extra income to support its program budget for ministry to college students, as well as to maintain its large building, which UUMC members use extensively.  The UUMC Good Samaritan Fund is a confidential source of help for those who cannot pay their utility bills, buy food, or meet other pressing needs.  It should not be surprising to you that we have had extra calls for these funds this year. All funds are dispersed by our pastors directly to those in need.

May your giving this season remind you of the greatest gift of all – the Gift we all share – Jesus Christ.   In Christ’s name, we wish you joy, peace and lasting hope.

 

Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, Pastor                                   John Ross Thompson, Pastor