Month: December 2016

From the Pastor’s Pen-December 2016

I recently saw a Christmas card that has Santa standing in front of his closet in long underwear, gazing at about a dozen red Santa suits.  Right in the middle of the closet is a blue Santa suit, and Old Saint Nick says, “Could this be the year?”  It would be hard to imagine Santa in anything but a red suit!

For most of us, our expectations, especially around this time of year, are often very traditional and unchanging.  But what happens when our expectations are challenged?  When God decided to become a man, he chose to be born as a helpless infant in a cattle stall.    His mother was a peasant girls from a backwater town in Israel.

Who could have possibly imagined that the God of the universe, the living God, would choose to enter human history this way?  Every social and religious stereotype was challenged a that very moment, and still challenges us today!

Thinking through our traditions may mean coming to terms with assumptions that haven’t been proven, dogmatic beliefs that haven’t been tested and values we claim but don’t display  An example is to think about the reason for the season, and whether or not we might want to to find ways to share the joy and meaning of Christmas in the “off season.”

Why not make this season extra special by celebrating the birth of Christ throughout the entire year?  And what better place to celebrate than here at First United Methodist Church in Bennettsville?  Let’s invite someone to church this Sunday and share in the surprising message of God’s great Gift!

Rev. Dr. Mark Johnston

Christmas Music Notes

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The Chancel Choir is looking forward to December 18th!  During the regular 11:00 AM worship service, they will present the most beautiful Christmas selections of the season.  Please plan to be in attendance as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Our Chancel Choir will also be singing for the Christmas Eve candlelight service on Saturday, December 24, 2016, at 6:00 in the sanctuary, and will also have ensemble selections on Christmas morning during the 11 AM church service.

Please plan to attend these meaningful services and invite family and friends to join you. Everyone is welcome at FUMC!

FUMC Children’s Center News-Dec. 2016

This past month has been a busy and fun time for us all.  The three- and four-year olds walked to the Council on Aging to sing fall songs and Trick-or-Treat.  Miss Lea from Fowler Pharmacy came over and brought candy too.  While walking back to the church, we stopped by the Civic Center, the Police department, and Carolina Bank where there were more treats for our bags.

We also enjoyed days filled with books, bubbles, stroller rides, snacks, play, and good friends.

Thanks for the love and support for this program and our children.  God bless you all!

Debbie Polston, Early Childhood Director