This Sunday's Sermon

A lot has happened in the book of Isaiah by the time we get to chapter 60. Instead of looking ahead, the prophet gives a call to action: "Arise, Shine! For thy light has come!" And like the travelers described in the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, we are still drawn to that light. On this Epiphany Sunday, we welcome a new year and a new opportunity to follow the light of Christ. We will also be celebrating Holy Communion as this is the first Sunday of the month.

Stewardship Update Merry Christmas White Plains! 2022 has brought many delightful changes to our church. We have finished the first phase of the Heart and Home campaign, and we are holding Sunday School Classes in the lower level of the Christian Life Center once again. Yeah! Attendance at the combined worship service continues to increase, and we now have three refurbished bathrooms in the Office Wing of the church. We give thanks for these many blessings. With only 4 days left in 2022, we are hoping that church families will make every effort to fulfill their 2022 Giving estimates. We understand there are extenuating circumstances for some families that make it difficult to fulfill Giving estimates made a year earlier, but we are hoping that people who can give, will contribute what they can. In addition, if you have not filled out your 2023 Estimate of Giving Cards this year, the church would love to receive an estimate of your planned giving for 2023 (hard copy or online), so it can continue to plan exciting and spiritually uplifting programs for the upcoming year. 

Blessed Wishes to All, Vicki and Dave DeMaster, Stewardship Coordinators for 2022/2023

Things to Remember for Year End Giving As the year draws to an end our business office would like to share some information to keep in mind with your year-end giving intended for credit in 2022. All gifts intended for credit in 2022 must be dated December 2022 and received in the church office by Saturday, December 31, 2022. Mailed gifts must be postmarked by December 31, 2022, and online gifts must be made by December 31, 2022.  All gifts made at worship on Sunday, January 1, 2023, will be considered 2023 gifts. If you wish to donate stock, please go to wpumc.com/stock. Learn more about all the ways you can give at wpumc.com/give

Communion Element Pick Up Online worshipers, don't forget! You can come by the church to pick up your elements this Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. You are also invited to use juice and crackers or bread you have at home. Questions? Contact Lee at (919) 467-9394.

White Plains is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive in the Chapel from 1-6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 4. This event is organized by Camilla Marriott in honor of her sister Sarah Beth's battle with cancer. Please help us get the word out and plan to attend and give to this great cause!

New time for Familia Worship and Luz del Pueblo Sunday School! Starting on January 8th Familia Service will start at 11:00 am and Luz del Pueblo SS will start at 10:00 am. Help us get the word out!

The next Saturday Fellowship Breakfast, sponsored by the United Methodist Men, is January 14. Instead of a breakfast meeting, this month we have partnered with the Glenaire wellness staff to have a Health Fair at the Glenaire facility. The Health Fair will run from 10am to 2pm on the 14th. Over a dozen vendors will be available with information and activities. Everyone is invited! For more information see wpumc.com/breakfast.

Thursday Morning Bible Study is starting a new study "The Gospel of Mark: The Jesus We Are Aching For," by Lisa Harper, that will begin on Thursday, Jan. 12 for seven weeks.

Meetings will be on Thursdays 9:30-11:15 AM. Attendees have the option to either participate in person or virtually via Zoom. This study includes large group gathering with video by Lisa Harper, small group discussion, and study to be completed between sessions. The cost is $16 which includes the cost of all supplies. Payment can be made online or at the first meeting. Register for this study HERE.

Contact Robin or Bruce Cranfill at robincranfill5@gmail.com or becranfill44@gmail.com with any questions. We're looking forward to seeing you in Bible study!

Calling all Lay Leaders! We invite you to take part in Conference-Wide Leadership Training on January 29 (Zoom) 2:00-5:30 pm. Whether you are stepping into a new leadership role or continuing in a role you've held for years, the NC Conference invites you to join us for our annual Conference-Wide Leadership training designed to equip you to serve in your local church as Lay Leader or on the Finance, Trustees, Nominations, or Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee. This year, five 90-minute workshops will be offered across two sessions. All workshops will be recorded and made available within a week or two of the event. Click HERE to learn more and register.

Please note

There will not be a Food Pantry Distribution in January.

Please help us get the word out!

The next

Food Pantry Distribution

is

Saturday, February 12th

at 10 am in the parking lot.

Rain or shine!

wpumc.com/foodpantry

Need to Request A Room Reservation?

Now that the CLC downstairs is open, small groups have the option to reserve rooms for meetings as in we have done in the past. Requests may be submitted at wpumc.com/facility.