|
Fear Not! An Advent Sermon Series at Hayes Barton UMC
This Advent we are listening again for the words God speaks into every anxious heart: “Do not be afraid.” The Christmas story is filled with people facing uncertainty and surprise, and God meets each one with grace that gives courage.
Join us for Fear Not!, a four week journey through Israel, Zechariah, Joseph, and Mary. Each week we will see how God replaced fear with presence and turned anxiety into hope, and how that same promise speaks into our lives today.
| | Add to the spirit and warmth of Advent and Christmas Eve by sponsoring a poinsettia or luminary. The purchase of poinsettias helps Soroptimist International of Mid-Atlantic with their "Live your Dream" program to help end violence against women and girls. Luminaries are a special way that we remember our church members in the Christmas season. By purchasing a luminary you are also directly supporting youth missions. Visit hbumc.org/advent for these sponsorship opportunities. | | |
Whether you have pledged and already contributed, whether you still need to send the check, or perhaps if you find yourself with the means to contribute something additional and help us finish the year strong, we welcome your gifts by December 31, 2025.
To ensure that any 2025 contributions or prepayments for 2026 are credited to the 2025 fiscal year, please keep the following in mind:
-
Mailed Contributions: Must be postmarked by December 31, 2025.
-
Hand-Delivered Contributions: Must be received at the church office by 12pm on December 31, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding year-end contributions, electronic giving, or stock gifts, please contact Brooks Wicker at 919-832-6435 x1118 or bwicker@hbumc.org.
| | Please sign up to help on Christmas Eve! We are in need of Ushers, Greeters, Communion Servers and Candle/Glowstick Distributors at all 5 services. We are so excited to welcome everyone to worship together on this Holy night. Thank you for serving your church in this special way! Click here to sign up. | | |
This winter, we’re offering three new book and Bible studies beginning Wednesday, January 14 and running through Wednesday, February 11:
-
Esther Bible Study | 4:00–5:30pm, led by Lindsey Nugent
-
Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things | 6:30–7:30pm, led by Pastors Sarah and David & Dianne Jones
-
Parenting & Grandparenting as Prayer | 6:30–7:30pm, led by Pastor Matt
Register here and please note that the signup link includes three tabs at the top — one for each study. We hope you’ll join us!
| | |
As this important ministry continues to thrive, so does our need for faithful servants who feel called to pour into the next generation. Whether you’re gifted in teaching, storytelling, organizing, hospitality, or simply being present, there is a place for you.
Right now, we are specifically in need of:
And please save the date for HBUMC VBS, June 15-18, 2026!
| | Join us this Advent season for a special combined adult Sunday school class as we explore great works of art that illuminate the themes of waiting, hope, and incarnation. No book or pre-reading required, just come ready to reflect, discuss, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. All adults are welcome! The class meets Sundays at 10AM in the Chapel beginning this Sunday, November 30. Questions? Contact Lindsey Nugent at lnugent@hbumc.org. | |
This year HBUMC is partnering with the Methodist Home for Children to provide Christmas gifts for 20 children currently in foster care or the Juvenile Crisis system. A Christmas tree has been set up in the Well with a large selection of Angels. Each Angel has a small tag attached detailing their wish for a gift.
- Angels for girls have a pink tag attached
- Angels for boys have a blue tag attached
- Angels for children’s family members have a yellow tag attached
- Green Angels for those who do not wish to purchase a gift, but rather contribute monetarily for the Methodist Home for Children to use for other Christmas gifts and needs for the children. Checks payable to the Methodist Home for Children (MHFC);
\We are asking church members to select an angel from the tree and purchase 1-2 items from the child’s wish list. A few of our Angels still have connections with family members to which they would like to present a gift. These requests are on a yellow angel. Only one gift item is adequate. Please wrap each gift and return the gift to the Angel Tree in the Well by this Sunday, December 8.
VERY IMPORTANT: It is critical that any gifts have the Angels and their names attached to ensure that your gifts are directed to the correct child when they are delivered to MHFC. Gift receipts should be included with each gift or gift cards to ensure that a gift can be exchanged or returned.
Thank you so much for your generosity and giving this season!
| | New Covenant Groups are launching in early 2026, with several day and time options available. A Covenant Group is a small circle of 5–8 people who meet weekly for one hour to share, pray, and hold one another accountable in following Jesus. If you’re interested in learning more, fill out our Covenant Group Interest Survey today and take the next step in growing your faith in community with others. | |
We are seeking applications for the following positions that support the families and children of Hayes Barton UMC:
- Director of Children's Ministry - Full-Time Position
- Nursery Coordinator - Part-Time Position
Click here to view open positions.
| | This winter our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farmers, the Eatons of Fairport Farms near Oxford, NC, are growing organic produce to be donated to the local Farm to Fridge Program in Granville County. Please support Elvin and Madeline in this effort to provide fresh, nutritious, local food to food insecure individuals in their community by donating in $25 increments. Each $25 donation provides about 5-6 regeneratively grown vegetables. Click here to give now. (Choose CSA-Donations from the drop-down and add “Farm to Fridge” in the Memo box.) | | |
Sunday, December 7th Youth Activities:
-
10am-11am JOY Class & Confirmation will deliver Christmas gifts to our InCrowd together! Parents of youth, please ensure your child has an updated waiver on file if they plan to participate.
-
5pm-7pm UMYF - BBQ, games, small groups, and more! Bring a friend and $10 for dinner.
| | HBUMC Youth are invited to our UMYF Christmas Pajama Party on December 14 from 5-7pm! Wear your favorite Christmas jammies and bring a gift under $10 for a white elephant exchange. Bring a breakfast dish to share. We'll also have a hot chocolate bar! | |
To sign up, please click here! | | |
Prayer Requests
We believe God is present in the prayers we lift up for one another.
To add a name to the prayer concerns bookmark, published each week in the bulletin, please email prayer@hbumc.org. If your prayer concern is confidential, and you want only to share with the pastors, please indicate so in your email. We will keep names on the prayer bookmark for one month, unless otherwise requested.
Please hold these places and people in your hearts this week:
| | |
BIRTHS
Scott “Scottie” Luis Herrmann, son of Michael & Oliva Hermann, grandson of Tom & Tami Nelson: October 31, 2025
MARRIAGES
Julie Royster and Craig McCrary: December 6, 2025
PRAYER CONCERNS
Zack Anstett
Dorothy Ashworth
Bill Collins
Steve Gill
Pat & Bud Gore
Gilbert Hay
Roqia H.
Jim Jones
Jo Ann & Nevelle Jones
Steve Motter
Jim Riggins
Sue Robertson
Gladys Rose
Theresa & Dick Stevens
Victoria Sullivan
Billie Lee Whisnant
| | |
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS
Our Government Leaders
Those Affected by Natural Disasters
Our In-Crowd Members
Peace in Palestine, Israel, Haiti and Ukraine
OUR CHURCH LEADERS
Pastors David, Sarah, Matt, and Claire
Our HBUMC Ministry Team
District Superintendent Alan Felton
Bishop Connie Shelton
| | | | |
