THE WIND
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December 2, 2020
Everything Advent & Christmas
November 29 - December 2

This Advent comes at the end of a long year of turmoil. Many of us are ready to collapse from fatigue and let Christmas come as it may. Many of us have had our Christmas tree up since 8pm on Halloween, searching for extra cheer at the end of a difficult year.

No matter where you may fall, you are likely waiting for the world to change! That's really what Advent is all about - leaning into the longing and yearning we have for Christ to come into our world, and to change it for good.

While we are not able to worship physically together, we want to include some things to help us feel more together. Check them out below!
Online Worship
We will be worshiping online through January 10, 2021, at which time we will reevaluate our plans. NOW there are 3 ways to worship online!

FACEBOOK LIVE: even if you don't have a Facebook account, simply click the link to our page at 9:30 AM on Sundays.

ZOOM: Join at 9:15 AM for a time of virtual fellowship before worship.
Click to join by video: us02web.zoom.us/j/86236822821
Call by phone to listen in: 1-312-626-6799
(enter Meeting ID when prompted: 862 368 22821)
You can stay on Zoom to worship with others, or switch to Facebook at 9:30 AM.

WEBSITE: Click to open a bulletin & make your offering! Recordings of worship will posted on Mondays to view anytime on demand.
Advent Candle Lighting

Did you know that lighting a candle each week to mark the passing of time from Advent to Christmas originally began as a home worship ritual?

Gather together 4 candles (of any size or color) for the 4 weeks of Advent and one "Christ" candle for Christmas Eve & the season of Christmas, to make your own version of an Advent Wreath. Then, light the candles with us during online worship!
We Want to See You!
Submit photos of your homemade advent wreath, upload Holiday Hello videos or videos of you or your household lighting the advent candles.
Advent Candle Video
Record a simple phone video of advent candle readings & candle lighting
Holiday Hello
Capture a photo or video of yourself or your household saying Hello (you can even sing a song or share a favorite memory or tradition)
Show Your Wreath
Share photos of your #PolkCityUMC #AdventWreath on social media using these hashtags
Advent Discipleship
From printable devotions to online Sunday School & studies, we encourage you to use these resources to grow your faith this Advent.

Children (K-5th)
Monthly Zoom Sunday School - December 6
10:35-11:15am
"The Meaning Behind Christmas Symbols"
Youth
Zoom Youth Group
Wednesdays at 6:45 PM
Adults
Zoom Advent Study
"Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas"
Mission & Giving Opportunities
  • Drop off new or used, indoor or outdoor Christmas Decorations in the red tub outside the church entrance for residents of Polk City Nursing and Rehab
  • Donate $20 Walmart Gift Cards to provide Christmas gifts for children receiving support from the Comet Cupboard. You can mail it to church (1421 W. Broadway); or contact Mai Golbuff (515-984-9149) or Linda Pennington (515-480-9610) for pick up. We would like to have all gift cards collected by Dec 12th. 
  • Support the Des Moines Area Religious Council's Food Pantry Ministry. Give through our church's online and mobile giving app, or mark "DMARC" in the memo line of your check. Our congregation gave $965 in October, which brings our year-to-date total to $8,265. Find more updates & information HERE.
  • Your giving can help fill the gaps in our congregational operating budget and UMC apportionments. Now, more than ever, your generosity can make an enormous difference. You can make a one-time or recurring gift!
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE
December 20th at 5:00 PM
on Facebook Live
a service to name the people and things we are missing and grieving this year
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP December 24th at 5:00 PM
on ZOOM
gather with the congregation beginning at 4:45 PM; includes
live interactive "Silent Night" candle-lighting
Looking for Help this Winter?
If you or someone you know needs assistance this winter with food, utilities or access to other resources, check the Resource Guide provided by EveryStep Care & Support Services.

Or contact Pastor Melody: [email protected]