Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025

Church News

Advent Devotionals

Pick up your Advent devotional booklets in the front hallway. Adult devotionals are available on the Keeping Current Board across from the church office, and family and children’s devotionals can be found just outside Beth Parr’s office. We hope these resources enrich your Advent season.

A Word from SPR

We are overjoyed to announce that our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Josh Roberts, and his family will be joining us in January. Josh comes to us from Marietta, GA, where he has been faithfully serving in ministry. He and his wife, Loren, met at Josh’s home church, Social Circle UMC, and have been married since 2006. They have two children—James (6th grade) and Izzy (1st grade)—and are excited to make Isle of Hope their new home.

Josh grew up just outside of Athens and is a devoted UGA fan who especially loves football. He also enjoys the gym, cooking barbecue, and—most of all—time spent with his family. There is never a dull moment in the Roberts' household, and we cannot wait to welcome their energy, warmth, and leadership into our church family. We look forward to the ways Josh’s passion for ministry and heart for people will guide us into a new season of discipleship and mission.

Missions

Kairos Prison Closing Ceremony Reflections

All who attended the closing ceremony in November were deeply moved by the powerful ways God is working through this group of men. It was a sacred and humbling experience to witness their growth, their courage, and the hope that continues to take root in their lives. As a church family, we are grateful and proud to support this program and the inmates who pour so much of themselves into it—and who receive so much in return.



We invite you to read a few reflections shared by our church members who attended this meaningful ceremony. Their impressions offer a glimpse into the impact of this ministry and the grace that was felt throughout the day.

READ THE IMPRESSIONS HERE

Wesley Community Centers Christmas Adoption Program

November 30 - December 10

You can help brighten a child’s Christmas by choosing an ornament from one of the Missions Christmas trees, either in the main hallway or outside the Manna Cafe, and purchasing a gift for a child in one of Wesley’s programs.

We only have a few ornaments left, so make sure you get yours this week! For information, contact Julie Vann at jvann@iohumc.com.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

During our Great Day of Service on February 28, we will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to make 30 beds by hand for children who do not have one. We will also provide a Bed in a Bag (includes sheets and comforter) for each of the 30 beds we make.

Look for the SHP ornaments on the Missions Christmas trees (in the hallway and outside the Manna Cafe) to either purchase a Bed in a Bag through the church’s registry (to ensure some consistency) or give a donation to go toward the cost of constructing the beds. Contact Julie at jvanniohumc.com for questions.

Day On The Island Update

Day on the Island could not be a more perfect example of how we live out our Mission & Vision Statement at IOHUMC. Our 2025 Chairperson, Mimi Jones, has already expressed gratitude for the countless hours of so many hands and feet to make this day possible. Now we can confirm it was also successful!

After expenses were paid, we are able to share over $36,000 with mission organizations that make a difference in the lives of so many, both locally and around the globe! Thank you for helping transform the world through Cultivating Community by Uniting in Purpose and Serving in Love.

IGNITE Student & Children's Ministry

THIS SUNDAY!!

SALT Class, you’re invited!

On Sunday, December 14, at 5 pm in the Ministry Center. join IGNITE Student Ministry for a Christmas Crush Dodgeball Tournament and plenty of other games.

Enjoy Breakfast for Dinner, and wear your Christmas pajamas, your ugly Christmas sweater, or just come as you are! Students vs. SALT Sunday School class rematch won't disappoint!

Other Church News

Glad Tidings - Advent & Christmas 2025

This edition of the Glad Tidings is full of holiday information you don't want to miss! From Christmas Eve service times to student parties and more, make sure you don't miss a thing! We can't wait to share this special time of year with you!

READ IT HERE

Lunch Bunch Meeting

Lunch Bunch will hold their Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, December 10, at 12:00 noon in the Tabby House. Please bring your favorite salad and join us for food and fellowship.

We will also be collecting socks and underwear for children—from infants to teenagers—to be given to P.A.C.K., as well as monetary donations for gift cards that the church office can provide to families in need.

Good Samaritan Circle Meeting

The Good Samaritan Circle will have a special Christmas meeting this Friday, December 5th, in the Green House, at 11:00am! Note the different time!!! We will be having brunch and a “Tell of Tales” for our program. That means you are to bring with you a favorite Christmas memory…funny, sad, weird, old, recent…… to share with everyone. Sounds like lots of fun! Everyone is welcome!

Come join the fun at Hope Arbor!

Meet new friends while making a difference in our community. No two days are alike at Hope Arbor, so come see what we’re all about! You can help our friends living with memory loss continue to live a meaningful life. We help with several service projects such as assembling Blessing Bags for the homeless, writing Kairos notes for inmates, packing dog food for senior citizens’ pets, creating notes for PACK, and more!

We are currently looking for volunteers to have fun and serve in a variety of ways! If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Eliza Brooks at ebrooks@iohumc.com or 912-596-8528.

Year-End Gifts - Only a Few Weeks Left!

Over the past 12 months, God has been at work through Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, both in our community and around the world. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute to God’s ministries this year, there’s not much time left!

Click here to make your 2025 charitable contribution. All gifts, online or mailed, are tax-deductible, but they must be postmarked or transacted online no later than December 31st. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the work you enable us to do at IOHUMC!

If you are a member and would like to join the online directory, please email

Meghan Hollamon at mhollamon@iohumc.com to receive an invitation.