I share the sad news of the passing of Dixie Lemasters, Debbie Chesney's beloved mother. Condolence cards and notes may be sent to Debbie and Gordon Chesney, 111 Tory Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108. The obituary follows.
Since we can't host our Monthly Salad Luncheon due to the coronavirus, the Sewickley UM Church Luncheon Committee is offering takeout meals the first Thursday of the month when the salad luncheon would have been.
The SUMC Education team would like to thank everyone who approved, enabled, encouraged, promoted, and visited our first drive-thru Live Nativity on the church campus in December.
As I write this, I am reminded of watching Linus this past Sunday, at the end of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," repeating the Christmas story from Luke when asked what Christmas is about. Although we will not be gathering together in person this year for our Christmas Eve Services, we still have an opportunity to make a gift to strengthen our Church and its ministries.
For December’s 4th Sunday Collection, the suggested items are pasta sauces and pasta (or canned items like ravioli). The grocery carts are in the hallway so that you can conveniently drop off your donations when the church is open.
Last Sunday, the Chancel Choir and Leap of Faith streamed a live carol sing for our congregation. If you missed it or want to sing along some more, you can catch the video right here!
On behalf of SUMC’s Nurture Committee, we are starting a new program called the “Senior Program.” The program’s goal is to improve the quality of life for the senior members of our congregation.
The cookie walk sale has added to the General Fund support in the amount of $1,590. We were sold out of all cookies and candy in one and a half hours.
Boxes of weekly offering envelopes are available in the office for those who had envelopes in 2020. If you are able, please pick yours up during office hours. If you would like to begin using envelopes, please let Kim Benjamin or Pam Honeychurch know.
The Christmas Eve service will be online at 4 pm on December 24. The current restrictions don’t allow us to gather to worship in person. However, you may join your church family as we carol for the community from the church lawn at 6 pm on Christmas Eve. Dress festively, and wear a mask. We will socially distance and sing for about 20 minutes.
During Christmas Week, on 2 separate days, as a small token of appreciation, SUMC will be providing meals for the nursing staff treating COVID patients at Sewickley Valley Hospital, which like many hospitals is overwhelmed with COVID patients. THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!!
On Sunday, December 20, from 1-3 pm, there will be a drive-through, Live Nativity. The path begins at the intersection of Thorn and Broad, continues to the church parking lot through the driveway on Thorn, and exits from the parking lot to Broad. Experience shepherds, angels, wisemen, and the holy family. Everyone is welcome, and vehicles with children will be provided with a COVID-safe gift of ornaments, crafts, and wrapped candy. Come hear the music, and experience the Live Nativity Scene.
Our January soup choices are Chicken Noodle, Beef Barley Vegetable, and Vegetable Cheddar Chowder, and Sandra’s Hummus. Order by December 20 at this link or call the office. Orders will be available on January 8.
Anyone wishing to have Church Council approval of resolutions to be presented at the annual Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church should present the resolution in writing to either Pastor Hannah or incoming Council Chair, Mitch Hortert, no later than December 31.
We are all probably disappointed as the year of COVID–19 continues. Maybe you are wondering if there is something you can do to boost your own spirit and help spread cheer to others this Christmas and Advent season. Here’s an idea — we can shower others in our church family with Christmas cards. This would allow us to connect and remind those we haven’t been able to see in a while that we are thinking of them.
Our popular Cookie Walk is coming up… Saturday, December 12th, 9–11 am, in the Simpson Room. Last year, we had 32 bakers make over 6,000 holiday cookies to sell about 100 boxes of cookies. Let’s go beyond that this year!
Giving this year is more than $25,000 lower than usual. While we aren’t able to meet for worship in person, the ministries of the church continue. If you are able, please consider giving a year end gift to help close the gap.
Let us help fill your stockings! Rada Cutlery has tons of great products UNDER $15 and lots UNDER $10! Perfect for every cook (and non-cook) on your list. Every purchase made using this shopping link helps the Sewickley United Methodist Women meet their commitment to support local, national, and international missions! Thank you!
UMCOR and its partners are responding to disasters both in the United States and around the world. Please join in prayer for the areas affected and consider a gift to UMCOR Disaster Response (which you may do with your regular offering or via EasyTithe, marking “UMCOR” – if you wish to specify “domestic” or “international”, please do so).
The Fellowship of the Cross would like to thank everyone who contributed to the care packages for the college students and Operation Christmas Child this year.