Newsletter of

Aloha United Methodist Church

December 2018

….Upcoming Dates….

12/2 ***10:30am Hanging of the Greens worship***12/9 830am Men’s Breakfast – Fellowship Hall 9am UMW Meeting – Fellowship Hall12/10 630pm Leadership – Room 112/24 Christmas Eve12/25 Christmas Day

What is the “Hanging of the Greens?”Many churches hold a service of preparation for Christ's coming, which includes hanging greenery traditionally associated with everlasting life. Greens such as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for everlasting life, holly symbolizing Jesus' death and ivy representing the resurrection are used.

Source: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-the-hanging-of-the-greens

What is Advent?The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical -- from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and

celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

Source: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-advent

Adult Bible Study ResumesThe Adult Bible Study will resume meeting Sunday mornings beginning December 9.  We will take a look at each week's lectionary. Class begins at 9:00, and we will end at 10:00.

Dinner and Auction

Hard to believe Christmas is 2 months away.

SAVE THE DATE: December 1st at 6pm

We will once again have a special dinner, silent auction and oral auction. Tickets will again be $10 and your donations for the auction are needed. I can also use help with setup and cleanup and everything in between. Look for fliers in the next week or so. -Faith Bennett

United Methodist Women

Disaster Relief through UMCOR

You can donate to USA Disaster Response #906170 if you wish to support the work of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Response). They are helping in places that were hit by floods, hurricanes and then the California fires. Just write the number on the notation line on your check.

If you wish to assist the Philippines with relief from two typhoons, use the #982450 for International Disaster Relief category.

If you wish to select a particular project, log onto www.umcor.org, (then support) to locate any relief project you wish. They will accept your online donation, but be sure to indicate Aloha UMC as your church.

Foster Children

We are called upon as a congregation to donate new or nearly new clothing to foster children in our area.

There is a marked box for clothing outside the church office for this mission.

Some foster children will be excited to have clothing to keep them warm during this holiday season.

Call Kay Rich for additional information 971-226-4548. This project will end December 15th.

Family Gifts

UMW and Lois Smith are excited to get you all involved with our annual mission for the Christmas season!!! We are asking for financial donations. All proceeds will go towards gifts and meals that will go to families that have graduated from the Family Promise program and are living in their own homes.

Have you ever wondered how you can help a family have a nice Christmas? Well, this is how! A sign-up sheet will be

circulating around during Sunday services. If you would like to know more information please contact Phyllis Hollingsworth or Lois Smith.

Pastor Brett EmailIf you would like to reach out to Pastor Brett his church-related email is alohaumcpastor@gmail.com.

Directory Changes

Directory changes will be made on the first of the year. If you have any contact information changes please notify the church office before 2019 starts. The first Sunday of the new year the office will print out and release the new directories. Thank you.

Church Mouse

Hey…I’m back. I’m sure you have missed me.

As I was strolling through the Church a couple of Sundays ago, I heard this splendid male voice resonating through the Sanctuary. I peeked in and saw this handsome young man at the podium. I sat and listened for quite some time. My excitement wasn’t contained as I wanted to share this message with my Mrs. Mouse. She was in the “hidey hole” caring for our younguns’. As I hurried out of the Sanctuary, I caught my left leg in the door, “ouch!” I was able to make it back to my “Sanctuary” and the Mrs. Fixed

up my leg with a toothpick and Scotch tape. I am limping along and in a bit of pain BUT!

I would like to welcome Pastor Brett Stuvland and his family to AUMC. However, me and my family are very thankful for all the women who brought us the Message during the past months.

-C.M.