Dear Friends,

As we enter the sacred season of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and hope. This is a time of preparation, reflection, and joyful expectation as we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Advent invites us to pause amidst the busyness of our lives and to focus on the profound mystery of God’s love made manifest in the world. It is a season of light in the darkness, a time to rekindle our faith and to open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s grace.

During these weeks of Advent, let us take time to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Let us light the Advent candles, each flame a reminder of the light of Christ that shines in our lives and in our world. As we prepare our homes and our hearts for Christmas, may we also reach out to those in need, sharing the love and compassion that Christ has shown us. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation, the moment when God became one of us, sharing in our humanity and bringing us the gift of salvation. It is a time to rejoice in the good news of great joy that is for all people. As we gather with family and friends, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas and give thanks for the immeasurable gift of God’s love.

May this Advent and Christmas season be a time of renewal and blessing for each of you. May the peace of Christ fill your hearts and homes, and may you experience the joy and wonder of this holy season.

With prayers and blessings,

Pastor Kalamba Kilumba

Dear Bible Study Group,

Kalamba and Kabamba have been called away to Iowa for their son's ankle surgery. This is a follow-up surgery on the veins from a work injury he had this year. Since he will be out this week, he needs to cancel the 10:00 and 7:00 class for bible study on December 5.

Please join us in prayer for Dyese:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of faith and hope, lifting up Dyese as he prepares for surgery on his ankle. We ask for Your divine presence to be with him, guiding the hands of the surgeons and medical team. Grant them wisdom, precision, and steady hands as they perform the procedure.

Lord, we pray for Dyese's comfort and peace, that he may feel Your calming presence and know that he is not alone. Surround him with Your love and protection, and ease any anxiety or fear he may have.

We also lift up his family, especially our pastorand his wife, asking that You give them strength and reassurance during this time. May they find solace in Your promises and trust in Your unfailing care.

We ask for a swift and smooth recovery for Dyese, that his healing process be quick and without complications. Restore his ankle to full strength and function, so he may return to his daily activities with joy and gratitude.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

A Prayer Minister will be available at the

back corner of Dunlap Hall, for at least

15 minutes after the benediction.

Masks will be worn when requested.

Prayer Minister this week is Pat Bennett

“This very day in King David’s hometown a

Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.”

- Luke 2:2 (CEV)

It was the sound of a lawn mower starting up that broke the early morning silence as I sat there on my sister’s patio. When I heard it I thought to myself, “What a difference a day and a thousand miles make.” FYI, it is 1,069 miles to my sisters’s house.

My mower had been put away for at least a month when we departed Fairfield for south Florida just the day before. Snowflakes were falling in the thirty degree temperature as we pulled away from the house. 24 hours later I was enjoying much warmer temperatures and even though a light mist was falling, at least it was not of the frozen kind.

The phrase “What a difference a day makes” comes from a popular song written in 1934 by Maria Grever, a Mexican songwriter. Its original Spanish version was titled “Cuando vuelva a tu lado” (When I Return to Your Side).

All of us have had those “days” that have made differences in our lives but there was one day that changed the course of human history. It happened in a little town called Bethlehem when God “returned to our side” in the form of his son, Jesus. He came to save us, to redeem us.

As I thought about the thousand miles, a measurable distance that separates our house and my sister’s, I was reminded of these words from Psalm 103:12, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Not only will he remove them an immeasurable distance, scripture tells us that he will remember them no more.

What wonderful news that came on that first day of all days, “For unto you a savior is born, Christ the Lord.” I hope you have made him your savior as we approach Christmas this year. And if not, there is no better time than today to believe and receive him. May this be the day that makes the difference in your life.

Blessings,

Dave

When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-39. Our JWUMC vision calls us to “reach, touch, and serve” our neighbors and we do it throughout the year in many ways. At Christmas, there are some special ways we “love our neighbors.”

1.     Christmas Offering. We will be restocking the Pastor’s Emergency Fund. These are some of the urgent needs that “neighbors” request: assistance with rent payments, utility bills (electricity and water), food (especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas), gas, and education fees (such as for books). Our neighbors might be members of our congregation or folks who live nearby. You can put cash or a check in one of the special offering envelopes or send it to the church office. For a check, please write “Christmas Offering” on the subject line.

2.     Angel Wishes. Now in its 14th year, the Angel Wishes program will be assisting 35 families, including 142 people. These are clients of Tri-County S.O.U.L. Ministries who have applied for and been accepted into our Caring Center. These families have a strong Christian faith and are working to become more self-sufficient.  We are asking you to make a cash donation to "Angel Wishes" so we can help these families with something significant. These are not your typical Christmas gifts; the wishes granted are very practical and necessary. Here are a few "Angel Wishes" that have been granted in the past: Duke or water bill, car repairs, doctor or dental work, rent, car loan payment, tires or gift cards for groceries.

For instructions, find the “Wooden Angel” in Dunlap Hall and take a reminder note and Angel Wishes envelope. Any amount is welcome and helpful. 

Checks can be made payable to John Wesley with "Angel Wishes" in the memo line. If you choose to contribute, please get your donation to the church by Sunday, 12/15. You can mail it or put it in the offering plate.

 Volunteers Needed - Call or text Mark Upton at 513-426-1581

Invitation

Church Council usually meets at 7pm the third Tuesday of the month. JW members are always invited to provide input, ask questions, and contribute feedback.

Last meeting for 2024:

Tuesday, December 10 (2025 church budget)

Meetings are held in Room 8 ~ Your presence is always welcome

Boxes Are Due This Sunday

Christmas Box Mission Opportunity

The Living Water Christmas boxes are available in Dunlap Hall. You may pick up a box and fill it for an elementary boy or girl or a teen boy or teen girl. We have 20 elementary boys, 20 elementary girls, 10 teen boys and 10 teen girls. The boxes are labeled and contain an instruction paper and a rubber band.

Hamilton Living Water Ministry, Inc. is a year-round program that promotes Christian values and free of charge to children grades K-12.

Hamilton Living Water Ministry, Inc. is an America Reads,

America Counts and Adopt-A -School site through a partnership with

Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. There is an After School Program, Enrichment and Prevention Programs, Summer Programs and Service Opportunities.

Thank you for helping this mission.

The 9:00 Sunday school class has converted half of Wesley Hall into two pickleball courts.

We have three times reserved weekly for those of you who would like to join us. We're set up for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to noon. You need to enter by the back Wesley Hall door, and ring the doorbell if you do not have a key.

Contact Lu Anne Gerard if you have questions.

For anyone interested in attending Lilly’s debut with the CSYO philharmonic at Music Hall on Dec 8th @2pm - here’s the link to acquire tickets - https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/buy-tickets/csyo-philharmonic-orchestra-concerts/2425/invitation-to-the-dance/

And Dec 7th, 7pm at Fairfield HS Performing Arts Ctr. - something local, both Duhaime sisters will, once again, be performing with the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. BPYO will be presenting Trans Siberian Christmas pieces accompanied by the WCA Ballet dancers. This concert will be donation-based admission.

Anyhow, thanks, always, for your love and support! Hope you can make it to one of these concerts. If not, there will be Spring events as well.

Have a great week!

Joanna

Attention Congregation Members:

We are considering offering AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) classes and would like to gauge interest. If you are interested in participating in these potentially life-saving classes, please reach out to me via call, text, or email by

December 20th. Thank you for your attention and interest!

Ron Gossard, Trustee Chair

Contact Information:

• Email: 53rgossard@cinci.rr.com
• Cell: 513-442-8240

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM

THE JAVA CAFE

If you haven’t visited the Cafe yet, you are missing out on experiencing a wonderful cup of coffee made by our Baristas.

The Cafe not only is serving coffee but also tea, hot chocolate, and water.

We invite you to come in before church and sit awhile and enjoy some conversation with friends while sipping on a warm drink.

On December 15th the Women of Faith are having their Cookie Sale. A cookie or two would taste very good with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

A big thank you to our November Baristas : Darlene Cook,

Ellen Fisher, Linda Osterhaus, Kathy Smith, and a special thank you to Leslie Stoelting for filling in for Kathy. We welcome Kathy back.

The December Baristas are: Nikki and Mike Griffin,

Larissa Waldorf, and Pat Kirk.

Also, a BIG thank you to all those who volunteer throughout the year to work in the Cafe each month. Keeping the Cafe opened would not be possible without our wonderful volunteers.

Hope to see you in the Cafe soon!

You Are Invited!

Join us for a heartwarming celebration of the season with our church cantata, “How Great Our Joy!” 

This special presentation will feature our talented chancel choir, the captivating narration of Eric Christianson, and delightful performances by some of our JW children.

Date: December 15th

Time: During our morning service



Come and share in the joy and spirit of the season with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

4:00 PM – Family Service – This service is geared towards children, youth, and adults alike, and features our Praise Band & Bell Choir

11:00 PM – Candlelight Service – Please join us for a candlelight service celebrating God’s all-reaching Love. We will have Holy Communion, as we celebrate together the birth of the Savior with the family of God.

There aren’t enough thank yous!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came to “deck the halls” of JWUMC last Saturday. It’s difficult to be in charge of an event like that when you can hardly walk. But JWUMC volunteers stepped up to the plate once again. About 15 people came to help prepare our Sanctuary, Narthex and other areas of the church for the Advent season. They decorated trees, hung garland, and wrapped boxes to collect the hats, mittens, scarves and socks

 that will be collected on the Hat and Mitten tree. Thank you, also,

 to the Creative Needles ladies who stepped up to put up the 

Nativity window clings around the building.

Please plan on attending the postponed Chili Cook-off which will be held at our next Fellowship Dinner on January 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 

I hope to see you there! Thanks again, Kim

Volunteers Needed ~ The Village In Forest Chapel

Our mentors are getting just as much out of the experience as the kids!

They’ve shared how rewarding it feels to be part of something so meaningful

and impactful. We would love to enroll more children in our program but we

need more mentors. Do you have one to two hours a week to make an impact?

• Available on Wednesdays evenings 1-2 hrs
• 18 years or older
• Ready to make a difference
• Passionate about our youth

Call Brittany Jackson at 513-405-0112

Prayer Chain Refresher

Please ALWAYS send prayer requests to: prayerchain@jwumc.com

Whether it's day, night or weekends, always send your prayer requests to the address above. From that email address, your prayer request will be sent along to the main prayer chain distribution list by me (Christie) or by Tavane.

Anyone can send a request to the prayer chain. Also, feel free to call the office and we can write down your prayer request and send it out for you.

THIS PART IS VERY IMPORTANT- Please remember, if you just hit "REPLY", your email message will just come back to me (Christie) or Tavane. You need to put the person's email address in the TO section of your reply. We always try to provide that person's email address when we forward prayer chain emails to make it as easy as possible to respond.

If you have any questions about this information, or about the Prayer Chain in general, please contact me at christie@jwumc.com.

Thank you to everyone on the prayer chain for their faith and devotion in praying. You all are a powerful bunch!

Thank you!

Christie Riggsby

Office Manager, John Wesley UMC

"Be A Rainbow In Someone's Cloud"

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