{"id":20177,"date":"2018-12-01T18:03:56","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T22:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=20177"},"modified":"2018-12-18T19:54:53","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T23:54:53","slug":"preparing-the-way-for-jesus-advent-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=20177","title":{"rendered":"Preparing the Way for Jesus (Advent 2018)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Christmas<\/a>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.<\/span><\/address>\n
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And yet, sometimes we get so bogged down in the parties, shopping and “things we have to do” that we miss the wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/address>\n

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And so this year we offer an opportunity to Slow Down. Plug into the activities that will help you connect with God in this season of Wonder.\"Sanctuary<\/span><\/address>\n
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We’re all busy; even at PUMC we will be busy with a lot of activities this Advent Season. We offer different activities because God speaks to each of us in a way meant just for us. But slowing down doesn’t mean dropping out. Slow down and look for Christ! Our events are places where you might find Christ. Not everything is tuned for everyone. Pray and consider where God may be leading you to spend your precious time this season.<\/span><\/address>\n
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The “Drop Down” boxes below are like gifts. Open the ones which seem to have your name on it. Dig in and enjoy the wonder of seeing Jesus this Christmas season.<\/span><\/address>\n
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===== WEEK 1 =====<\/span><\/h3>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/2: WORSHIP SERVICES<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
During our 9:30 and 11:00 worship services on this first Sunday in Advent, we will light the first candle in our Advent Wreath: The candle of Hope<\/span><\/strong>.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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THURSDAY 12\/6: OUR FATHER'S HOUSE PAGEANT<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
The kids from our preschool<\/a> (Our Father’s House) will present their Christmas\u00a0Pageant<\/a> in the sanctuary at 10:00. All are welcome! Come out to enjoy the innocent enthusiasm of our 2-4 year olds.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

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===== WEEK 2 =====<\/span><\/h3>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/9: WORSHIP SERVICES<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
During our 9:30 and 11:00 worship services on this second Sunday in Advent, we will light the 2nd candle in our Advent Wreath: The candle of Love<\/span><\/strong>.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/9: GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHILDREN'S CHOIR<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
At 4:00 PM the Gloucester County Children’s Choir will present their winter concert in our sanctuary.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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TUESDAY 12\/11: DINER & RCGC CONCERT <\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
At 6:00 PM we’ll have a covered dish dinner, and at 7:30 the College \/ Community Chorus of Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) will hold a concert of songs and carols.\u00a0<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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SATURDAY 12\/15: NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME SINGERS<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
At 5:15 The “Not Ready for Prime Time Singers<\/a>” will meet for dinner and then visit our shut ins. Celebrate the arrival of Christ by sharing with those who are often forgotten.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

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===== WEEK 3 =====<\/span><\/h3>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/16: WORSHIP SERVICES<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
During our 9:30 and 11:00 worship services on this third Sunday in Advent, we will light the 3rd candle in our Advent Wreath: Joy<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/16: WHITE GIFT SUNDAY<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
During the worship service our Sunday Schools will\u00a0 present their “white gift” boxes to support the “love your neighbor” fund.\u00a0<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/16: COOKIE WALK<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
In between the two services, the United Methodist Women will hold one of their famous Cookie Walks!\u00a0 Make a donation to purchase a cont<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/16: CANTATA<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
At 4:15 our choirs<\/a><\/span> will present our annual Christmas Cantata. This year’s cantata is entitled “Jesus No Other Name.<\/em><\/span><\/strong>” At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow…” Celebrate and worship the Name of our King! \u00a0<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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FRIDAY 12\/21: BLUE CHRISTMAS<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
At 7:00 PM a service will be held in the sanctuary for those who have lost loved ones during the past year. More Info <\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

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===== WEEK 4 =====<\/span><\/h3>\n
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SUNDAY 12\/23: WORSHIP SERVICE<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
We will hold ONE service, at 10:15.\u00a0 On this fourth Sunday in Advent, we will light the 4th candle in our Advent Wreath: Peace<\/span><\/strong> And, Rev. Jim\u00a0Hughes<\/span><\/a> will lead the service with a first person musical dramatization.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

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MONDAY 12\/24: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
We will hold two worship services on Christmas Eve: More Info<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
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  • 4:00 PM- Geared to families with young children.<\/li>\n
  • 7:30 PM – Traditional candlelighting service.\n(Opens with “Songs of the Season” at 7:00 PM<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    There are Four Weeks in the Advent Season, and then the first Sunday after Christmas begins the Epiphany season. <\/span><\/p>\n
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    1. Week 1: Sunday Dec.\u00a0 2 through Saturday Dec. 8 <\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Week 2: Sunday Dec. 9 through Saturday Dec. 15<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Week 3: Sunday Dec. 16 through Saturday Dec. 22 <\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Week 4: Sunday Dec. 23 through Christmas Day<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      On Sunday December 23 AND<\/strong> on December 30, we will have ONE service (at 10:15).<\/span><\/p>\n

      Our usual 9:30 \/ 11:00 schedule will resume on January 6<\/span>.<\/div><\/div>\n

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      Although not officially part of Advent, on the evening of Monday December 31, the Sanctuary will be open for silent communion between 6-8PM.\u00a0 Stop by, spend some quiet time in prayer, reflect on the past year, and look towards the year to come.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

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      Prepare by Giving<\/span><\/h3>\n

      The season of advent is marked by music, worship, and celebration.\u00a0 But the love we share for eachother can also be expressed by giving.\u00a0 So throughout the Advent Season we prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Christ by opening our hands to helping those who are in need…<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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      Operation Christmas Child<\/span><\/h4>\n

      This annual effort (organized by Samaritan’s Purse), collects items for children and packages them in shoeboxes.\u00a0 Things like toys, school supplies, and toiletries are collected and then packed into decorated shoeboxes.\u00a0 The boxes are given to needy children around the world.\u00a0 Although part of Christmas and Advent, we’ve already completed our collection.\u00a0 The boxes (93 of them) were on display during our Generosity Sunday, on November 11.<\/p>\n\n\t\t