Preschool’s Story of Christmas Never Grows Old (12/8/22)
The Our Father’s Preschool presented their annual Christmas pageant, “The True Story of Christmas.” They inspired all of us to keep presenting our own stories about our relationship with God.
Read More2022 Cantata to Give a Touch of The Messiah (12/18/22)
Our annual Candlelight Christmas cantata will be held on Sunday December 18, 2022. It will start at 4:15 PM. This year, we’ll continue the “every five year” tradition” and present Handle’s Messiah. The production won’t be as large as it was in 2017, but the Touch from Our Messiah-Savior will be as powerful as ever.
Read More2022 Advent Schedule Brings us Home (12/2022)
Advent 2022 will be a time to celebrate “Home”- a chance to come “home” to a closer relationship with our Creator-God. Infused with tradition, this season’s events will warm, inspire, and give all of us opportunities to share God’s love with a needy world.
Read MorePoinsettias Decorate and Remind (12/12/21)
The poinsettia trees will once again adorn the front of our sanctuary. The colorful flowers add to the Christmas spirit,and they remind us of the shoulders on which we are standing. Open this post to access the order form.
Read MoreAdvent Wreath Pre-Prayers for Christmas
The Advent Wreath shouldn’t be stuck in front of the church sanctuary. Keep the light burning day by day as you prepare for the next week’s worship and reflect on the previous week. This post uses excerpts from the Daily Devotions for Advent booklet to guide you through each of the wreath’s four candles.
Read MoreStar Tree Bridges and Brightens (12/12/21)
More than a tradition, the PUMC Star Tree bridges needy families with those who can help purchase Christmas gifts. To participate, register your child. To help, take a star and purchase a gift (by 12/12/21).
Read More2021 Advent Devotionals: Preparation and Reflection
The Advent Devotional booklets for 2021 are available. If you haven’t received a printed copy, you can access the articles electronically by opening this post.
Read MoreChristmas Marketplace Ready to Open (11/13/21)
Plans are underway for our Christmas Marketplace, and we are accepting applications for exhibitors. After a COVID imposed absence in 2020, our Christmas Marketplace will resume this year on November 13. Open this post for more info and for the exhibitor application form.
Read More2020 Cantata to Looks to Jesus (12/20/20)
The circumstances surrounding this year’s Christmas Cantata change the presentation, but not the purpose. This year’s cantata will be a mixture of live music and videos from past years. It will be live-streamed on Sunday 12/20 at 4:15 PM.
Read MoreAdvent 2020 Schedule: Masked but Moving (December 2020)
COVID has turned things upside down, but it doesn’t stop us from preparing for the arrival of Christ into our lives. We have a full but different schedule of opportunities during the Advent season.
Read MorePoinsettias Point to Families (Order by 12/14/20)
Covid doesn’t stop Poinsettias! Orders for our 2020 Christmas Poinsettias are due on December 14 (the 7.5″ posts cost $13 each).
Read More2020 Advent Devotionals Look Forward
“God has something good for you this Advent!” Members of churches in our area have produced a daily devotional guide which will help us discover what God wants to share with us during this journey, and these 27 devotional articles are presented in this website post. Use them to to Lighten your journey through this Advent season.
Read MoreChristmas in July Quarantines the Grinches! (7/26/20)
Sunday 7/26/20 was a day of paradoxes: Christmas in July. A fireplace in an empty sanctuary. Joy and peace in the midst of a pandemic. During this special Sunday, we saw that the “grinches” of this life are too weak to overcome the blessings of our almighty God.
Read MoreChoirs Light the Way for Our 2019 Cantata (12/15/19)
Our 2019 Christmas Cantata, “His Name is Jesus”, was held on 12/15/19. The Theme of the music and narrations was the Names given to Jesus throughout the centuries. The cantata brought us into a traditional celebration, but it also invited us into a deeper level of awe and reverence for our Savior- Jesus.
Read MoreMitten Tree Lights up a Cold Night! (1/1/20)
We’re collecting new knitted items which can be donated to the Camden Neighborhood Center (in early January). If you have some mittens, a scarf, hat, or other knitted item that you’d like to donate, the mitten tree awaits.
Read MoreChrist is Born… For YOU!
The angels told the shepherds, “For unto you is born a Savior.” Who is “You”? Does it refer to Israel? To the Shepherds? Or, could it even refer to Us???
Read MoreFor Unto YOU (Christmas Eve, 2019)
Our 2019 Christmas Eve service was marked by tradition, familiar music, and familiar Bible readings. But the key verse from the sermon challenged us to awaken from the familiar and consider how deeply our Creator-God loves each one of us. “For unto ME is born a Savior…”
Read MorePress Report from Bethlehem! (12/22/19)
In what is becoming a Sunday before Christmas tradition, Rev. Jim Hughes visited PUMC and gave us a first hand account of what happened on that First Christmas. This year, he appeared as Amos, a newspaper reporter who happened to be covering the beat in Bethlehem on that wondrous night. Amos challenged us to go beyond being a casual and impartial observer of Jesus. Become part of the story.
Read MorePreschool Tells the Story of Christmas (12/12/19)
On 12/12/19 and again during our 9:30 service on Sunday Dec. 15, the Pre-K kids of Our Father’s House presented their annual Christmas Pageant; The True Story of Christmas. Over 50 children filled our chancel area and led the congregation with narration, motion, and music.
Read MoreService to Welcome the Longest Night (12/21/19)
December 21 marks the day of the Winter Solstice; the day when our part of the world is tilted as far away from the sun’s direct rays as it can get. It’s the day with the least amount of sun; it’s the night that has the most amount of darkness. For many of us, the loss of loved ones brings an emotional darkness into our lives. The upcoming celebrations of Christmas viciously contrast with our inner pain of never to be repeated memories. The light contrasts with the...
Read MoreChristmas Star Tree to Brighten the Day for Local Kids (12/21/19)
A special Christmas tree is located in our Narthex. Many Christmas Trees adorn our church this time of year, but this tree isn’t just there for decoration. The Star Tree is there to provide some peace for families who can’t afford to give their children Christmas Gifts this year. If you can help,or if you need help, find out more about our Star Tree.
Read MorePUMC Welcomes Parade Viewers (11/30/19)
A special welcome to those who attended the 2019 Santa Parade in downtown Pitman! Here’s an update on what’s happening at PUMC during this special Advent Season.
Read More2019 Advent Schedule Looks Forward to Jesus (12/2019)
Advent is a busy time around PUMC! This post will help you keep track of the many worship, celebration, and service opportunities available to you during this holiday season. Plug in as we look Forward and Within to see Jesus this year.
Read More2019 Advent Devotional Looks Forward
An Advent Devotional booklet has been produced by several area churches, and hard copies are available in our Narthex. An electronic version of the booklet is rendered in this post. Follow these daily articles throughout Advent and look forward to the Christ.
Read MoreWhat Do You Want for Christmas??? (12/24/18)
During our 2018 Christmas Eve Candelight Service, Pastor Jim asked “What do YOU want for Christmas?” Through the music, Word, and Candles, we were all given an experience of being touched by Jesus.
Read MoreJim Hughes Welcomes the Innkeeper to Church (12/23/18)
Sunday 12/23/18, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Jim Hughes gave the messages through drama and song. He always brings a friend to church with him; this time he brought the Innkeeper (a man who made room in his heart for Jesus).
Read MoreChoirs Lead Celebration of “Jesus: No Other Name” Cantata (12/16/18)
Our choirs presented our annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday 12/16/18. The cantata is a Christmas tradition, but the experience led us to worship- Jesus: No Other Name.
Read MoreOur Father’s House Sings the Meaning of Christmas! (12/6/18)
Our Preschool (Our Father’s House) presented their annual Christmas Pageant on 12/6/18. It was a story of innkeepers, shepherds, angels, stars and wise men, but it’s also a story for the here and now that goes deeper than the familiar narrative…
Read MorePreparing the Way for Jesus (Advent 2018)
Can it be December already? Are you ready for Christmas 2018??? We have a full schedule of worship, music, and giving events (plus some food), that will help you get ready for Christmas.
Read MorePreschool Preparing Christmas Pageant! (12/12/18)
The cherubs are getting ready! Our Preschool, Our Father’s House, will host our annual Christmas Pageant on Wednesday 12/6/18 at 10 AM.
Read MorePUMC to Celebrate Christmas in July! (7/22/18)
On July 22 we’re going to celebrate “Christmas in July!” Wear something Christmasy and bring some items for our Operation Christmas Child collection. There will be one service (10:15).
Read MorePUMC’s Biggest Christmas Mysteries Explained!
Christmas surrounds us with a lot of symbols… and mysteries. What’s a Chrismon? Why are the Gifts White? And- why does the cantata always start at 4:15?!? Learn the answers to these three biggest PUMC Christmas Tradition Mysteries!
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 7 of 7
“The Hallelujah Chorus”… this seventh and final chorus in “The Messiah” reminds us that our Gentle Shepherd will lead us into the very presence of God. Life is eternal, heaven is glorious, and God will win. And it’s all because of this “child that was born unto us”…
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 6 of 7
“His Yoke is Easy and His Burthen is Light”… Our countdown to our 12/17/17 presentation of Handel’s Messiah continues. Not only is a King coming, but so is our Shepherd. This sixth chorus reminds us that our Shepherd is “meek and lowly” and will lead us if we follow Him. Commit to Him. Be “yoked” with Him, and you shall find rest “unto your soul.”
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 5 of 7
“Glory to God”… If you were an angel, what would you like to say the most? If you’re anything like the angels that appeared to announce Christ’s birth, you’d shout out “Glory to God!!!” Our countdown to our 12/17/17 presentation of Handel’s Messiah continues by looking at the 5th of the 7 choruses.
Read MoreAdvent 2017 Devotional Helps Prepare the Way!
Members from several local churches have come together to produce a Daily Devotional for this year’s Advent season. The booklets were published in hardcopy form and distributed within the participating churches, but electronic copies of the devotions are presented here. If you want a printed copy, visit or contact one of the participating churches: Trinity United Methodist Church (Mullica Hill) Zion Community Church (Clarksboro) Evangelical UMC (Clarksboro) New Hope UMC (Penns Grove)...
Read MorePUMC to Welcome the Christ in 2017 (December, 2017)
Christmas 2017 is on the way! How are you going to prepare this year? One way is to take advantages of some of our opportunities of fellowship, service, and worship that are scheduled for this Advent Season.
View this post to see our 2017 Advent Schedule.
Countdown to “The Messiah”: Week 4 of 7
“For Unto Us a Child is Born”… Our countdown to our 12/17/17 presentation of Handel’s Messiah continues. In the cantata’s third chorus, the angels appeared to the shepherds saying that they bring “good tidings.” In this fourth chorus, we hear what those tidings are: “For Unto Us a Child is Born”…
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 3 of 7
“O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings”… Our countdown to our 12/17/17 presentation of Handel’s Messiah continues. The third chorus in “The Messiah” brings us to the angels: the ones who brought “Good Tidings” to the shepherds.
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 2 of 7
“And He Shall Purify”… On December 17 2017 our choir will be joined by other local choirs to present Part 1 of Handel’s The Messiah. This will be our annual Christmas Cantata (which will be held at the traditional time of 4:15 PM… in our sanctuary). The Tapestry String Quartet along with our own Sue Crispin will play the accompaniment. Jack Rowland will pull everything together by directing the music. The “Christmas Part” of Handel’s famous...
Read MoreChoirs to Present Handel’s Messiah! (12/17/17)
Our choir will be joined by other choral groups from the area to present Handel’s powerful oratorio, “The Messiah.” It will be held in our sanctuary on Sunday 12/17/17 at 4:15PM.
Read MoreCountdown to “The Messiah”: Week 1 of 7
“And the Glory of the Lord”… On December 17 2017 our choir will be joined by other local choirs to present Part 1 of Handel’s The Messiah. This will be our annual Christmas Cantata (which will be held at the traditional time of 4:15 PM… in our sanctuary). The Tapestry String Quartet along with our own Sue Crispin will play the accompaniment. Jack Rowland will pull everything together by directing the music. The “Christmas Part” of Handel’s...
Read MoreEntering a Jughandle, Rotary, or Roundabout (12/6/16)
As we approach Christmas, Pastor Jim has been preaching a series entitled “An Advent Road Trip.” This was the 2nd part in that series. Is Christmas just a destination? Buy the gifts, wrap the gifts, take down the tree and move on? Is there something we can take from Christmas; not only from Christmas Day but from the journey to Christmas? The following recording is from the 11:00 service. Click on the play button, then scroll down to follow along… Our scripture...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Christmas Decoded!
We’re all familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” But other than a silly party song where a quartet of friends gets make fools of themselves by squawking like “Calling Birds” (whatever they are), is there any spiritual significance in this song’s lyrics? There are many versions of the origin and meaning of this song, but a spiritual application to each “gift” mentioned in this song can be made. Back when this song was written,...
Read MoreChoirs to Present Annual Cantata: Adore (12/18/16)
For the past gazillion years, the choir or choirs at our church have presented a service of worship through words and music (i.e., Cantata). It’s always been presented on the Sunday before Christmas… at 4:15 PM. Yes, 4:15 PM! No clue where that time came from, but… It’s Tradition! It always happens! And so another Christmas is upon us. Tradition! It always happens! But is that all it is??? Habit? Tradition? Christmas isn’t only a tradition; It’s an...
Read MorePastors Ponderings: Christmas Wishes
Pastor Jim emailed the following devotional on January 5. We’re a bit slow in posting this message, but it’s relevant all year… Greetings Friends: Happy New Year to all! Since we are still in the holy season of Christmas (Epiphany begins January 6), I was trying to think of some way to express greetings to all of you. Below is a poem I actually came across many years ago. I recently found it again and feel led to share it with you. It really sums up what this...
Read MoreJust Believe (12/24/15)
What do you believe? It’s Christmas Eve… God wants to give you a big gift! Not just a package under tomorrow’s tree, but a big lifelong gift. One that lasts. One that makes a difference. Are you ready for it? How do you receive this awesome gift? Pastor Jim’s Christmas Eve sermon helped us revisit the manger in a fresh light. Click the below “Play” button and scroll down to follow along… Our scripture reading was Luke 2:1-20 and Isaiah...
Read MorePUMC Welcomes the Savior! (12/24/15)
On Christmas Eve, we held two services. The first was at 4:00 PM and was geared for families with small children. The 7:00 PM service included the choir, praise team, brass ensemble, and the traditional lighting of candles to the singing of Silent Night. Pastor Jim gave a sermon on Luke 2:1-20 and Isaiah 9:6-7 entitled “Believe.” Here are some pictures from the 7:00 service… most of which are taken from the choir loft. The view of the candles from the loft on Christmas Eve...
Read MoreIt’s All About Jesus!
On December 26 the signboard said: IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS! ‘Twas the Day after Christmas, And all through the house. All the creatures were stirring, scampering like a mouse… There’s stuff under the tree, wrapping paper laying around, cookie crumbs on the dining room table. All sorts of new “Things” to play with, new clothes to wear, fresh things to look at. And there are a lot of new items added to the “To Do List”… gifts to be...
Read MoreChristmas Eve Services (12/24/15)
Christmas is finally upon us! We will celebrate the eve before Christ’s birth with two Christmas Eve services. Family Service, 4:00 PM The fist service will be a casual family service and will be held at 4:00 PM. The service will feature carols and Bible readings. Traditional Candlelight Service, 7:30 PM The second service will begin with our annual “Christmas Band” and the singing of many favorite Christmas Carols and Praise Choruses. The choir will sing and...
Read MorePreschool Shines in Christmas Pageant (12/10/15)
Our Preschool, Our Father’s House, presented their annual Christmas Pageant before an adoring crowd of parents, grandparents, and PUMC members. After a welcome and announcements by Pastor Jim and OFH director Eileen Salmon, the kids took over. They took us through the story of Christmas with short songs and lots of energy. The kids presented everything from the Christ Child, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, magi, angels… and even cows. ...
Read MoreMiddle School Singers Take a Field Trip to PUMC! (12/16/15)
The Pitman Middle School Chorus, under the direction of our own Sue Crispin, presented their annual Christmas concert in our sanctuary on Wednesday December 16. The chorus was about 25 strong, and they presented a selection of familiar secular and spiritual songs. After the concert we all joined together in the Fellowship Hall for a lunch of ham, macaroni / cheese, and of course- cupcakes! During the weekdays, “Sue Crispin” (PUMC Music Director), takes on the role of...
Read MoreChoirs Shine the Light of Christ during Cantata (12/13/15)
Our choirs and praise team presented our annual candelight Christmas Cantata on the afternoon of Sunday December 13. The title of the cantata was “A Light Still Shines.” Here are portions of the forward which is provided in the book: Christmas is a modern day miracle of ancient origin. Two thousand years of human history have not diminished the importance nor the implications of the Incarnation and the joy of that event will resound for millennia to come. As we celebrate the...
Read MoreHow Many Shopping Days Are Left? (12/6/15)
Advent is a time of busy preparation- shopping, writing cards, planning parties… you’re never really ready until it’s all over. On this Second Sunday in Advent, Pastor Jim spoke on Matthew 25:1-13, a parable Jesus spoke about getting ready for His return. As we prepare for Christmas, are we ready for Jesus? Our scripture was from Matthew 25:1-13. The reading is not included in the recording, so open this drop down box and read the scripture before playing the...
Read MoreHow Much Do You REALLY Know About Christmas?
The Greater New Jersey Conference recently sent an email providing several resources about the meaning of Christmas. (Click Here to view) How much do you know about the season we’re celebrating? Check out these articles and videos… then take our Christmas Quiz!!! The United Methodist Church re-designed their website after this post was first published, and the below buttons no longer work. However, you can still view the video and try the quiz. – Chuck ...
Read MoreMake Christ a Presence Among the Presents!
We’re currently in the Advent season of 2015. Much of the hustle and bustle of this season is driven by the need to give gifts. Many of us are consumed with two fundamental questions: “What does ___ want?” “What do I want?” To answer these questions and to prepare for Christmas morning, we run around searching the Internet, ads, and malls. We scratch our heads. We think, “what did I give so and so last year?” “Does she already have one of...
Read MoreStar Tree to Brighten up Christmas for Needy Families (12/13/15)
Last week, during our annual “hanging of the greens,” many lights, garlands, nativities and trees were brought out to remind us of this special season. One of those trees is very special; we call it our “Star Tree,” and it was placed in our Narthex. This Christmas tree is adorned with Yellow stars, and each star bears the name of a child from our town who is in need of our help. To participate in this ministry… Remove a star with the child’s name on it...
Read MorePUMC Marches in Pitman Christmas Parade (11/28/15)
On the Fourth of July, crowds line Broadway and a parade of floats heads north towards our church. On Thanksgiving weekend, a smaller (colder) crowd lines Broadway as a parade of floats heads south from our church. And we joined the parade with a float of our own! It was a warm evening, even if a bit drizzly. But the moisture didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and joy of kicking off the Advent season. As we rolled through the center of town, we sang Christmas Carols and joined with the town...
Read MoreGet Ready for Jesus! 2015 Advent Events (12/2015)
The season of Advent is a gift from God. It’s a special time of the year when families, friends, and churches across dominations join together to celebrate the incarnation… the wonder that somehow God became human and walked this earth in the Person of Jesus. And yet, sometimes we get so bogged down in the parties, shopping and “things we have to do” that we miss the wonder. And so this year we offer an opportunity to Slow Down. Plug into the activities that will...
Read MoreCaptain’s Log: Stardate Bethlehem (1/4/15)
Pastor Jim’s sermon on January 4 looked forward to the day of Epiphany, which technically occurs on January 6. How do the star and the search for the Messiah speak to us today? Our scripture reading was Matthew 2:1-12. Click the “Play” button to listen to the recording of the sermon and then scroll down and follow along… Matthew 2:1-12 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers...
Read MoreCarols from Around the World (12/28/14)
Pastor Jim’s sermon on the Sunday after Christmas (December 28, 2014) took a look at some of the carols that inspire us during the Christmas season. God calls us to sing and even dance. We’re supposed to be happy! And so these carols aren’t simply traditional songs that bring back memories. They are expressions of our faith. Click the below “play” button to listen to the recording, then scroll down and follow along… The scripture for this...
Read MorePUMC Records “Prepare the Way” Video (12/18/14)
During our Choir Rehearsal last Thursday (12/18/14), The Voices in Praise stepped into the “recording studio” with Lee Whittaker and recorded a rendition of his hit “Prepare the Way.” This song is especially appropriate as we consider the “Colors of Christmas” and how we’ve been reminded that we must constantly prepare our lives and hearts for the arrival of Christ. Not only for His 2nd coming, but also for His ever-available touch on our day to day...
Read MoreStuck in the Middle of a Noisy Christmas?
Can’t wait for Christmas to come and get over with? Does it feel like you’re in the middle of a hectic rush of shopping, phony parties and crazy drivers? When January comes will you look back and be thankful for Christmas, or will you simply return to your normal routine and feel glad that you survived it? The true Christmas touches us when we can honestly celebrate Christ (that’s what Christ Mas literally means, afterall). Christ touches us in the quiet moments. In...
Read MorePastors Ponderings: My Christmas Wish
The following devotional was submitted by Pastor Jim on December 19, 2014… Greetings Friends: Below is a poem I actually came across many years ago. I recently found it again and feel led to share it with you. It really sums up what this season and our lives are all about. I pray that all of us will be blessed. PLEASE READ: Matthew 2:9-11 “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the...
Read MoreOur Father’s House Kids Charm Congregation (12/14/14)
The Our Father’s House presented their annual Christmas Program on Thursday 12/18. But many of us were working and could not attend this weekday event. So, they made a return performance during the 11AM service on Sunday 12/14/14. Here are a few pictures of the kids in action… +++++++++++++++++++++++++ For more information about Our Father’s House, Click Here. ...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: By Being Born, He Let Love Into the World
The following devotional was submitted by Pastor Jim on December 18…Greetings Friends; PLEASE READ: John 1:1-5, 10-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…. He was in the world, and though the world...
Read MoreA Blue Christmas (12/14/14)
On Sunday the 14th, Pastor Jim continued his Advent sermon series on the “colors of Christmas”. This week, his theme was “a Blue Christmas.”Start the audio recording below, then scroll down and follow along. The scripture reading was from Matthew’s account of the birth. Matthew gives Joesph’s perspective, while Luke (last week’s passage) speaks from Mary’s perspective. Pastor Jim read from the New King James version. Matthew 1:18-25… ...
Read MoreA Red Christmas (12/7/14)
Pastor Jim continued his Advent sermon series on the “Colours of Christmas” by looking at things that are red. How can red objects remind us of Christ and help us prepare for Christmas? Click the following “Play” button, then scroll down and follow along… The scripture reading was from Luke 1:26-38. Pastor Jim read from the “Life Application Bible” (which uses the Living Bible translation/paraphrase). Open the drop down box to follow the...
Read MorePUMC Hosts Gloucester County Community Chorus’ Presentation of The Messiah (12/9/14)
The Rowan College at Gloucester County and Community Chorus presented their “Holiday Cheer Concert” in our church on Tuesday night (12/9/14). It was a busy night…. The choir members joined us in our weekly Tuesday dinner, and then we filled the sanctuary to enjoy the concert. During the concert, several of our weekly small groups and studies met as usual, and Narcotics Anonymous held their weekly meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Our sanctuary was full… and so was our...
Read MoreA Green Christmas (11/30/14)
Today was the first Sunday of Advent, and Pastor Jim began a new sermon series looking at the “Colors of Christmas”- tools we use to Look Up and to keep our focus on Christ during this busy season. Click the “Play” button on the following player to listen to the sermon, then scroll down and follow along. The scripture reading was from portions of Luke 21. Open the drop down box to follow along. Pastor Jim read from the Living Bible (or “Life...
Read MorePUMC Kicks Off and Steps Off in Pitman Christmas Parade (11/29/14)
One of Pitman’s finest traditions comes on the Saturday before the first week in Advent. People from all over take part in the annual Christmas Parade, and then everyone heads over to the Hagerty’s to see the opening of their annual Christmas lights display. The parade starts in our parking lot and then continues down Broadway, through the downtown area, and then ends smewhere around Ballard Park. This year, in addition to hosting the parade’s starting point, we entered our...
Read MoreBlue Christmas Service (12/22/14)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. Some of us lost loved ones years ago, but still feel the emptiness. For any of us, the family traditions of the holidays bring back memories of Christmases past. During this holiday season we are especially aware of those who have walked with us and who are an integral part of those memories; but now they’re gone. On Monday December 22 at 7:00 PM we will pause to reflect on loved ones who have passed to eternity. Even as we celebrate the...
Read MoreWhat Are You Giving to Jesus?
A new message was posted on our signboard on Thanksgiving Day (11/27/14): WHAT ARE YOU GIVING TO JESUS? This question looks towards “Black Friday” and the crazy pre-Christmas shopping season. We all have a list of people we want to please on Christmas morning, and we’re all busy trying to write possible gifts next to these names and then to brave the malls and Internet to purchase the gifts. But Christmas (“Celebration of Christ”) is a birthday. Jesus Birthday!...
Read MorePUMC to Distribute Christmas Lawn Signs (11/30/14)
During Advent, we will have the opportunity to give a gentle reminder to our neighbors and passers-by that Christmas is all about Jesus. Santa is Secondary (if at all)!!! Without Christ, there is No Christmas! To us, this may seem totally obvious. But many are too caught up in the world of shopping and holiday celebrations to keep that in focus. Christmas is a time of family and celebration, but it is also a time of humble acknowledgement of what God did to bridge the gap between His...
Read MoreLive Nativity & Birthday Party for Jesus to be Celebrated (12/13/14)
Two popular PUMC Christmas traditions are the Live Nativity and the Birthday Party for Jesus. This year, we’re holding both celebrations together. Come join us on a trip back in time we will be heading to Bethlehem to experience the birth of Christ. From 6:30-8:30PM our live nativity will be open. Drive through! Enter our parking lot via Lambs Road and exit on Broadway. Along the way, get a taste (and smell!) of 1st century Bethlehem as it silently awaits the birth of Jesus. If...
Read MoreGloucester County Community Chorus to Perform Messiah at PUMC (12/9/14)
Our Tuesday night dinner / study will turn into a Tuesday night dinner / concert on Tuesday December 9. After the dinner, the Rowan College at Gloucester County & Community Chorus will present Handel’s “The Messiah” in our sanctuary. The dinner begins at 6:00 PM and the concert is at 7:30 PM. The dinner is $8.00 for adults, and pre-registration is requested (see signup sheet in Narthex). + + + + + + + + + + + + For more information...
Read MoreChoirs Prepare 2014 Christmas Cantata (12/21/14)
Wasn’t it just the Fourth of July?Well, it’s not summer anymore and we’re nearing the wonderful time of the Christmas season. For the past few Thursdays, the Voices in Praise choir has begun to rehearse some of the pieces that will make up our 2014 Christmas cantata. Cantata rehearsals continue to ramp up throughout the month. If you’re interested in joining with the choir to sing in this year’s cantata, drop by on Thursday night. Rehearsals start at 7:00 PM...
Read MoreDistrict to hold Christmas Parties (12/13/14)
The United Methodist churches in our are are planning some Christmas Parties! No- these won’t be your typical “Office Christmas Party” gatherings where co-workers get drunk and try to be friendly. These “parties” are intended to show the love and wonder of the birth of our Lord and Savior; to show Christmas to kids who otherwise may not even experience December 25 as anything special. Open this post to learn more….
Read MoreOur Father’s House Christmas Program (12/11/13)
Majesty in the Wonder of a Child… Is it any surprise that God choose to come to earth as a child? On Wednesday Dec. 11 the children of Our Father’s House treated family and friends to a musical depicting the glory of the Christmas Story. Kids dressed up as angels, shepherds, and wise men. Choirs, a boy beating a drum, and even an adult narrator presented the familiar story of our Savior’s birth in a fresh and innocent way. About 50 children from our Pre-K classes...
Read MoreBlue Christmas Service (12/17/13)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. For any of us, the family traditions of the holidays bring back memories of Christmases past. During this holiday season we are especially aware of those who have walked with us and who are an integral part of those memories; but now they’re gone. On Tuesday Dec. 17 at 7:30 PM we will pause to reflect on loved ones who have passed to eternity. Even as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we still mourn the loss of loved ones. This service will...
Read MoreLive Nativity (12/22/13)
Join our spiritual journey on Sunday, December 22 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (after the cantata!). Drive or walk through the parking lot to see the biblical story of Christmas being told. Step back in time to see the soldiers, shepherds, wisemen, and the manger with Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. See (or pet) the live animals. Share in this experience that will bring the wonder of the first Christmas to life before your eyes. See the story… and join the story! Our parking lot is clear...
Read MoreChristmas Eve- Two Services! (12/24/13)
We’re having TWO Christmas Eve services this year! 4:00PM Service… This first service will be for children who might find the later hour “challenging.” We will delight in the wonder of a child’s view of Christ’s birth! 7:30 PM Service… The second service will be our traditional one. We will light our darkened Sanctuary with candles and carols. Music will be led by our choirs, and the service will end with the traditional Silent Night....
Read MoreBirthday Party for Jesus! (12/14/13)
Teach your kids that Christmas is Jesus’ Birthday… We invite all children to a Birthday Party for Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 am to 1 pm. This is the perfect way to prepare for Christmas by keeping Christ in Christmas. There will be food, crafts, balloons, and birthday cake. Lunch will also be provided. The cost of admission: One nonperishable food item for the Pitman Food Pantry. This is open to the entire community. Please plan on stopping by to show your...
Read MoreSanctuary Decorated for Christmas (11/24/13)
After our worship services on Sunday 11/24/13, many of us stuck around to help “hang the greens.” The sanctuary and narthex were decorated with the life that is given to us in the miracle of Christmas. It was yet another example of the old adage, “many hands make light work”… pizza doesn’t hurt either! Stringing the Garland Nativity scene in sanctuary Pastor Larry (he does windows too!) ...
Read MoreAnnual Christmas Cantata (12/22/13)
Concert of Carols Our choirs and praise teams will present our 83rd annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday 12/22 at the traditional time of 4:15 PM. The cantata is entitled “Concert of Carols”. The “Christmas Story”isn’t just a “story.” It is redeeming love come to earth in Jesus Christ our Savior. Over the years, musicians have tried to celebrate and capture this message of God’s saving grace come to earth as a babe. Our church “Candelight...
Read MoreOperation Christmas Child (11/14/13)
Got a shoe box? Can you afford to purchase any small toys, school supplies, candy, sunglasses, or other “stuff” that a child could use? Then you can make a huge difference in someone’s Christmas this year!!! In support of “Operation Christmas Child” we are collecting items that can be packed in a shoebox and given to desperately needy children. The program covers more than 100 countries, and is administered by the Samaritan’s Purse organization (led by...
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