The Time is Coming

Even as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we know that Advent is coming. Advent literally means "to come" or "arrival," and it is the 4-week period of time where we prepare and wait for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. How do you prepare? Do you spend time cleaning or writing cards? Do you decorate in a special way? The next four weeks, we'll look at the theme of "Home" and how this season invites us to let home be a place where we find God is with us. Join us this week and the weeks following at 10am on Sundays or anytime on Facebook or YouTube.

Worshiping in person or online

(streaming to both YouTube AND Facebook). 

A special statement: Have you noticed this image before? This image is to convey that our church is FOR the inclusion and safety of ALL persons. We especially stand with those in the LGBTQIA+ community after a mass shooting this past weekend in Colorado Springs that specifically targeted queer persons and those who support them. This church will not allow violent, hateful language or actions here. We will continue to provide a safe space for all persons to be and to belong. - Pastor Michael

SCRIPTURE:

Isaiah 2:1-5

One of the most famous passages of scripture as the prophet Isaiah invites his readers to imagine a time of peace for all people, a time when we "beat our swords into ploughshares."

Matthew 24:36-44

We turn to Matthew over the next year.

We start with an apocalyptic reading that is seeking for hope.

Click Here for the Order of Worship

Join us live at 10am

or online via YouTube 

or Facebook

Prayer

Dear God, we really need a little hope sometimes. Especially in weeks like this. Hope that we make it to wherever we're going for Thanksgiving (even if it's home). Hope that the world will be less cruel. In this week and the ones to come, you remind us that you do not give up on us. Even as we prepare, as we clean out and make room, let us welcome what is to come. Let a new hope be born. Let these weeks declare that you are with us, no matter what may happen. For it is in your presence that our hope rests. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

Nancy Geiger Memorial Nov. 23rd

11am at Knollcrest Funeral Home

The memorial service for Nancy Geiger will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, November 23rd, at Knollcrest Funeral Home (1500 South Meyer Road, Lombard, IL). Our church is invited.

Nov. 27th Christmas Tree Decorating

Children: Please bring a Christmas Tree ornament to church with you on November 27. There will be a tree in the children's corner in the back of the Sanctuary just for your special ornaments!! Ornaments can be store bought or made at home. No glass or breakable ornaments!

December 3rd Jingle Bell Jubilee

On December 3rd, downtown Lombard will transform into a Christmas village with a parade, Santa Claus, and the lighting of a Christmas tree at 5:30pm. Starting around 5:45, our church will be open for the singing of Christmas Carols. Come and stop in as we prepare for the Christmas season together.

 Acolyte Training,

Sunday, December 4

There will be a short information meeting for parents and children 5 and older who are interested in participating in worship as an acolyte. We will meet in the front of the sanctuary following the 10 service. Email Pam Lohman at [email protected]

Website Relaunched

Our website has relaunched. You can encourage a new visitor to our congregation to visit our website to learn more about us. You can also visit https://www.firstumclombard.org/what-s-happening to find this newsletter posted there each week!

Thanksgiving Week

Please note that the church offices will be closed

November 23rd - 25th in observance of Thanksgiving.



If you do have a pastoral emergency,

please call Pastor Michael at 630-747-9047

Women's Book Group: Monday, November 28th, 7pm

This month's book: Bitter Francesca Jakobi

Christmas Sharing

Thank you to all who volunteered to shop for the teenagers we are "adopting" for Christmas gifts through Kids for All. As of now, all of them are adopted! Thank you!

Christian Education Offerings: 

Adults—8:30am on Sundays



How to Heal our Divides by Brian Allain. 

This book contains short essays by some of the most well-known religious writers today.  So far, we have discussed: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 19. Come this Sunday as we explore:

14,18,21,26

Copies of the book are available in the church office.

Children—Deep Blue During Worship 



Community Service Coordinator/Custodian Needed

We are still looking for this position.

Please encourage anyone to apply.

Our church needs someone who can open up the building and supervise our community service workers. These workers often do all of the cleaning and setting up in our church each week. The coordinator would work Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Hours are about 10-12 per week.

Pay is $20 per hour

Please submit a letter of interest to our office by emailing [email protected]

Requirements: dependability, friendliness, and ability to work with others.

There is some inventory tracking involved.

Ability to climb stairs is helpful, as there will be some work on the lower level.

Click below for the full job description.

A LOOK AHEAD TO ADVENT

Advent Candle Lighters Wanted!

Could your "family" volunteer to help us light Advent candles during Advent? Families come in all sizes, so no matter how big your "family" is, we invite you to help us with this special part of worship each week. Email [email protected]

Advent Study

On Wednesday, November 30th, we will begin an Advent Study held in conjunction with First Church of Lombard across the street. This will be held in the evening, at 7pm.

The Advent book we will use is entitled Mary Had a Baby and looks at how African American Spirituals have informed our celebration of Christmas.

Come and join us for this Advent Study Together. We will hold it by zoom. Please email [email protected] for a link.

Blue Christmas/ Longest Night Service



On Wednesday, December 21st, at 7pm, we will join a longest night service in conjunction with First Church of Lombard. Both Pastor Jill and Pastor Michael will lead this service. This contemplative service will give space for all of the emotions we can feel during the Christmas and Advent season.

Christmas Cantata - December 18th

First UMC will hold a Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 18th during worship. Come and join us for an inspiring morning of music and instruments as we celebrate Advent together!