THE CURRENT
December 3, 2021
Three Rivers District
United Methodist Church
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How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who
proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.
When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs
of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
Isaiah 52:7-9
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Advent is a season of preparation.
We often see this preparation as we prepare for the event of Christmas with decorating, Christmas programs, gift buying, and Christmas parties. All of these things are good and bring a joy to the this time of the year but the preparation of the Advent season is about a spiritual journey. During the Advent season, we are preparing for the arrival of Christ. Often our focus is on the preparation for the celebration of the arrival of the Christ child and Christmas. But, we also need to be preparing ourselves and the world for the second arrival of Christ. This means a time of introspection as we seek to understand how we are being called to live differently as disciples of Christ and how we are called to witness in the world.
Edward Hays, in A Pilgrim’s Almanac describes Advent and preparation this way.
“Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time.”
It is my prayer in the midst of all that happens this time of the year, that you would experience a time of spiritual growth and new understanding of how Christ is more fully alive in you and this world.
Christmas Blessings,
Rev. Kelly
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Three Rivers December Office Hours
The TR District office will be closed next and and during the holiday week.
The District office will be closed
Monday, Dec. 6 - Monday, Dec. 13
Thursday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Dec. 31.
During these days Rev. Brown and Joy will be working remotely as well as taking some personal time. They will be checking emails and messages.
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We will re-open on Monday, January 3, 2022
regular hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Psalm 100:1-2
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Sounds of the Season
Sunday, December 12 at 4 PM
Grace United Methodist Church invites the community to join them on December 12th for a time of Christmas celebration. Come and enjoy the songs of joy by the choir and instrumentalist. There will opportunity for audience participation and fun. Grace UMC is located at 422 Walnut St, Coshocton 43812.
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Millersburg UMC Soup & Cookie Fund Raiser
Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Millerburg United Methodist Church annual Christmas Country Store is Saturday, December 4th from 10am-1pm. We will offer quarts of homemade soup, and a cookie and candy walk (sold by the pound). Last year's proceeds provided funds to help people with cancer treatments, medications, COVID, and recovery from various medical issues. Please invite your friends and family to support this important event.
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West Union UMC Cookies, Cocoa & Carols
Sunday, December 19 at 3 PM.
West Union invites you to join their indoor festivities. Bring a friend and cookies to share. West Union UMC is located at 13679 Gilmore Rd, Port Washington 43837
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A WORD OF PRE-CAUTION FROM THE DS
As we move into the winter months, be aware that COVID-19 has not disappeared and is still a concern for all of us. Take every precaution necessary to provide a safe place for worship and gathering during this Advent and Christmas season. These precautions may include wearing masks and safe distancing. Remember, you can spread the virus without even knowing you are sick or before you have exhibited symptoms. As you consider safety precautions, offer grace to each other. Expressing anger of frustration with pastors and church leadership about safety precautions does nothing to change the situation. It only creates an atmosphere of anger, hurt, and conflict. We are battling against COVID-19 and not each other. Understand no one wants to worry about masks or distancing any more, but it is necessary to help people feel safe so we can gather together. This is personal for many as we have had family members or ourselves have been impacted by the virus. I have had family members hospitalized and one family member die because of COVID-19. I pray that we will all celebrate the joy of Advent and Christmas in a safe and life giving way. For other suggestions and resources visit the conference website https://www.eocumc.com/coronavirus/index.html
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Advance Special 2022-23 Application Now Available
If you are part of a mission or ministry with ties to The United Methodist Church, you may be eligible to become a Conference Advance Special. Becoming an Advance raises awareness of your mission/ministry throughout East Ohio and creates an easy way to receive donations from churches and individuals. If you have questions, please e-mail Melanie Thomas. Applications are due by January 15, 2022.
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BOTH/AND: To Be Continued December 9: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. webinar
It’s not even Advent yet and Strategic Ministries is sending you a Christmas gift – even more free training! Jason Moore has developed a second part of the Both/And training, which we are offering to you for free. This training focuses on the why and how of continuing hybrid worship as a key part of living out our mission in the world today and in the future. The online webinar from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 will include reasons why BOTH/AND must continue, address the “what if they don’t come back to the building?” question, and more. Like all sequels on the Christmas Netflix loop – you didn’t have to see the first to enjoy the second. All are welcome to attend even if you did not do the first Both/And training. There is no cost to attend but you are asked to register in advance. Learn more and register
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Review Monthly Remittance Statements
The Conference finance team wants to ensure that all apportionment payments are included in the current year so each church gets the benefit of having achieved 100% of its apportionment commitment. The final payment of the 2021 apportionment year must be received on or before January 5, 2022, to be credited as a 2021 payment. Checks received in the EOC lockbox after January 5, 2022, regardless of the postmark date on the envelope, will be counted as having been received in 2022.
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Christ is Alive in Three Rivers District!
- Called and equipped to serve others
- Committed to extend the love of Jesus
- Connected to God and our neighbor
Three Rivers District is bearing fruit that lasts as we are called, committed and connected to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We have a presence on social media and invite you to participate with us.
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Three Rivers District
415 Walnut St, Coshocton, OH 43812
740-622-8880
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