Loving, Growing, & Serving Together at Harrison...

A Reflection from Jillianne Booth, Director of Youth Ministry

Shhhh… It’s Advent: A Season to Slow Down, Reflect, and Prepare

Happy New Year, church! Yes, you read that right! This past Sunday marked the beginning of a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. Unlike the secular calendar, the liturgical calendar follows its own rhythm, beginning with the Season of Advent. Spanning the four Sundays before Christmas, Advent not only prepares us for the celebration of Christ's birth but also launches the church's new year. It's a season of anticipation and reflection as we countdown toward the arrival of Jesus. It is a time when we are called to slow down a bit!

And, we all know how hectic this time of year can be. The excitement and anticipation of the season can be so easily overshadowed by our endless shopping lists, multitude of holiday parties, all the cooking we have to do, our travel plans, Christmas cards to mail, and so on. I once had a minister who would often remind us, “Shhhh… it’s Advent.” He had stickers made for the church staff to wear and share and even had a sign made for the church lawn to share that message with everyone driving by! 

What helps you (shhh!) pause, reflect, and prepare your heart for this season? For me, one of my favorite traditions is decorating my home—it’s a tangible way to build excitement and help my family focus on the coming of Jesus. My favorite decorations are my Nativity sets. I’ve actually been collecting them most of my adult life and cherish them so. Some are tiny, some are wooden, some light up. My Willow Tree set that goes on my mantle (my favorite one), I’m still collecting the pieces too!

This Advent, let’s slow down (and shhhh!), challenge ourselves to set aside our assumptions, and approach Jesus with open hearts, ready to encounter Him in unexpected ways. Because, Advent invites us to look beyond our polished assumptions and step into the real, earthy story of God choosing to dwell among us. It’s a story that’s not neat or perfect but filled with hope and grace breaking through the ordinary. Thanks be to God! Shhhhh!

Hope for the Holidays, December 10 at 6:30 PM

Hope for the Holidays is a special worship service for those facing grief, loss, or hardship during the holiday season. It offers a space for reflection, healing, and hope, with comforting prayers, meaningful music, and a message of God’s presence in difficult times. All are welcome to this gentle and supportive service.

Preparing Our Hearts for Advent

Advent is almost here, and we’d love for you to join us on this meaningful journey. Click the graphic below for all the ways to celebrate and connect this season!

Unlikely Advent: Week 1 Recap and a Look Ahead

This week in Unlikely Advent by Rachel Billups, we explored Chapter 1, focusing on Elizabeth and Zechariah. Their story reminds us that even in the midst of doubt or waiting, God is faithful. Zechariah’s silence became a powerful tool for reflection, while Elizabeth’s joy in receiving God’s promise encourages us to trust in His timing. Their journey invites us to find hope in the waiting and faith in the unexpected.

Next week, we’ll dive into Chapter 2, titled Playing the Villain, which takes us to the story of Herod. While Advent is often about hope and joy, this chapter reminds us that not all stories surrounding Christ’s birth are filled with light. Herod’s actions force us to confront the brokenness and power struggles in the world, challenging us to reflect on how we respond to fear and power in our own lives.

Whether you’re part of our Intergenerational Session on Sundays at 10 AM or our Monday Night Group at 6:30 PM, we look forward to continuing this meaningful journey through Advent together. See you next week!

One Hour, One Student, One Big Impact: Tutor Today!

Join Harrison United Methodist in supporting Sterling Elementary students with just one hour per week! 15 Sterling students eagerly await volunteer tutors for the 2024/25 school year! Heart Math Tutoring trains and supports volunteers as tutors to work one-on-one with elementary students to build foundational math skills (counting, adding to 10) and confidence. With the support of an on-site coordinator, volunteers use an easy-to-follow, proven curriculum featuring hands-on activities and games. Volunteers work with the same student(s) all year building a relationship and strengthening skills. Sign up to volunteer and choose either 1:15-2:15 or 2:35-3:35 any day Mon-Thurs.

Serve with Us This Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is a beautiful time to come together and celebrate, and we need your help to make it special. Whether you plan to attend the 4 PM, 7 PM, or 11 PM service, there’s an opportunity for you to serve and be part of the joy we share with our community.

Your presence and willingness to serve help make this season bright for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you for being part of our Christmas Eve celebration!

Fueling Faith: How Your Giving Transforms Lives

Because of your generosity, lives are being transformed at Harrison United Methodist Church. Children are discovering the wonder of God’s love through Sunday Grow Groups and summer camps, where they experience joy, connection, and the foundation of faith. Youth are stepping into lives of service, courageously embracing mission trips and retreats that deepen their relationship with God and others.

These moments of growth and transformation aren’t just numbers—they’re stories of faith being nurtured, friendships being formed, and hearts being drawn closer to Christ.

We invite you to continue being part of these incredible ministries! Join us on December 6 for a Pancake Dinner, where we’ll come together in fellowship to celebrate what God is doing in our church.

You can also walk with us through the Advent season by tuning into Moments of Grace, the youth podcast. This Advent series offers daily devotions to help center your heart and mind on the hope of Christ’s coming. Listen wherever you find podcasts.

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As we continue this new week, let us embrace the joy and grace that comes from being part of our loving community. We have much to celebrate and look forward to, and we encourage you to share this e-newsletter with friends and family who might be searching for a safe space of hope and belonging.