Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

This year, our church-wide Advent study, Advent Conspiracy, begins this Sunday, December 1st, during the Sunday School hour. Pick up your copy of the book in the church office for $10.

Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas? Do you find yourself dreading Christmas a little? This year, take a stand!

Join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be—a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits.

Christmas can still change the world when you, like Jesus, give what matters most—your presence.

Event Guide

As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us in a time of joyful anticipation and reflection as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent is a special journey that brings us together as a community, full of hope, love, joy, and peace.

CLICK TO READ OUR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Devotions

Sign up for daily devotions beginning December 1st to help you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Each reading, from the first Sunday of Advent to Christmas day, is based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer of practice.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THIS DEVOTIONAL

Children's Party

Families with children ages 2 (as of September 1, 2024) through 5th grade are invited to the Ministry Center this Sunday, December 1st, from 10:30–11:30 a.m., to celebrate Advent together. We will enjoy breakfast, crafts, games, and an interactive telling of the birth of Christ.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A Note from Rev. Meg Procopio

Beloved Church Staff and Family,

Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for the way you have loved me back to health. Your cards, texts, calls, meals, and prayers have been a source of strength and encouragement! Your care Is a constant reminder of God’s grace and the power of community. 

I love you,

Meg

2025 Estimate of Giving

Last Sunday, we received 74 responses to God's call on our lives, to step up and give generously from our abundance. Our tentative budget for 2025 is $1,578,720, and so far, with your pledges and other estimated revenue, we are 58% toward that goal!

Why complete an Estimate of Giving card? Just like in your houehold, we estimate our expenses for next year (the missions and ministries of IOHUMC), and we need you to help us know our revenue.

If you have not had a chance to submit your 2025 Estimate of Giving, you can get a card from the office or an usher on Sunday, or you can go online to: https://campaigns.tithely.com/47995-isle-of-hope-united-methodist-church/2025-stewardship-campaign

Wesley Community Center Angel Tree

Once again, IOHUMC will support the families served by Wesley Community Centers through their Christmas Adoption Program. Starting Sunday, December 1, you are invited to take an ornament from one of the trees located in the office hallway or near the back doors of the Ministry Center. Each ornament is numbered & lists the first name, age, and gift wished for by that child.

Please add your name next to the number of the child you have chosen on the “wish list” located beside the tree. Please return the gifts and place them under the tree by December 15, as we will deliver the gifts to Wesley on December 16. Please pray for your child. If you have questions, please contact Julie Vann at jvann@iohumc.com

Giving Thanks

Wesley Community Center celebrated its 75th anniversary at its Annual Dinner Meeting last week. IOHUMC was recognized for the many ways that we work with Wesley to serve families in need in our community. Thank you for sharing your time, your gifts and your talents in the LOVE Walk, the Food Pantry, the Thanksgiving bags, and the Christmas Adoption Program. So many people’s lives have been blessed by your generosity. Thank you!

Special Project for Hurricane Helene Survivors

We are collecting used, clean plastic grocery bags to send to Arden, North Carolina. Volunteers will crochet the bags into mats that will be waterproofing barriers for the “floors” of the tents where many people are living. Please place your bags in the marked bins in the main hallway or the back doors of the Ministry Center. For questions, contact Julie at jvann@iohumc.com

Let's take a Journey on December 8th!

Click here to register by November 30th.

2025 Winter Retreat registration is live!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Other Church News

Lunch Bunch Meeting

Join us for the Lunch Bunch Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, December 11th, at 12:00 PM in the Green House!

Bring a salad to share and enjoy a festive time of fellowship. Our mission focus is The Angel Tree—choose a child and bring a gift to make their holiday special. We look forward to seeing you there!

Good Samaritan Meeting

This Friday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m., the Good Samaritan Circle will be treated to a special Christmas meeting with lunch at Dixie Diffenderfer’s home at 16 Sweetgum Crossing at the Landings. Our church member, Nancy Fuqua, will bring us a very special Christmas message. 

If you are coming, please let Linda Starr (yellowrose01@bellsouth.net) so your name can be left at the gate. Please note the new time, 11:00 am. Everyone is invited. Please RSVP! 

Assistant Director of Traditional Worship

Isle of Hope United Methodist Church is seeking a talented and dedicated Assistant Director of Traditional Worship to join our ministry team. This individual will serve as the principal accompanist, showcasing advanced piano skills and proficiency in organ performance to enhance our worship services. Responsibilities include playing for Wednesday rehearsals and Sunday worship, collaborating with the Director of Traditional Worship to plan meaningful services, and supporting the choir through accompaniment and leadership. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in music, possess basic conducting skills, and demonstrate a solid understanding of vocal techniques. We are looking for someone with a heart for ministry, a commitment to musical excellence, and a passion for enriching traditional worship. If you are ready to make an impact through your gifts, we’d love to hear from you! For more information or to apply, please contact Jared Wilson at jwilson@iohumc.com.

Christmas with Hope Arbor

Celebrate the season in a special way with Hope Arbor! Wear your best festive attire and invite your friends and family to a Christmas Sockhop in the Ministry Center on Friday, December 13th at 5pm, featuring DJ Big Daddy Jack! Please rsvp by 12/7 to Eliza, ebrooks@iohumc.com. See you there!