This Sunday, FUMC is hosting a blended service featuring our Modern Worship band, as well as traditional hymns and music.  Pastor Val's sermon takes a look back at a part of the Christmas story that we missed, but is a significant scene in most children's Christmas pageants.  What part did the Innkeeper play in the birth of Jesus?  This stop on Mary and Joseph's journey marks a turning point in the story. Join us in worship on Sunday, and dive deeper into the role of the Innkeeper.

The Wise Men were foreign dignitaries who traveled from distant nations to worship a baby born in the humblest of places. Their journey reminds us that God's love isn't just for one group of people—it's for ALL the world, no matter where you come from. The Wise Men brought royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing that this child was both a king and so much more. Join us as we explore how God's love crosses every border and calls people from every nation to witness His glory!

This Sunday we're exploring why God chose to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds—the night shift workers who were considered the lowest in society. The good news of great joy wasn't just for the rich and powerful; it was especially for those on the fringes who needed hope the most. God's joy comes through breaking down unfair systems and bringing something new and refreshing to a world that desperately needs it. Join us as we open our hearts to God's grace!

This Sunday, we'll look at Joseph's story. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he had every reason to feel anxious and upset, but God met him right in the middle of his confusion with a message that changed everything. Think about a time when someone walked into a difficult situation in your life, and you felt peace wash over you—that's the kind of peace God gave Joseph. That's the kind of peace God wants us to both receive and share with the world. This Advent season, be agents of peace for others who are struggling with grief, war, or need someone to bring calm into their chaos. See you Sunday!

Come join us on a journey through the Christmas Story. We begin with Mary. When the angel told Mary she would carry God's son, she said yes to God's plan, despite her fears. She had to trust God completely and become a hope for the entire world by bringing Jesus into it. We often use the word "hope" for small things like hoping for good weather, but real hope is much bigger and requires us to take action. Just like Mary, we're not meant to wait for hope to come to us. This Advent season challenges us to ask: How are we saying yes to God's plan and becoming bearers of hope for others?

At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples a clear mission: go and spread the good news of his life, death, and resurrection to everyone. That mission was a call to action that should change how we live day to day. As disciples, we're not called to simply fill church pews, but to actively work toward transforming the world into God's Kingdom. Our job is to create and tend to Kingdom Moments in our daily lives, trusting God to work through us even when we fall short. See you Sunday for the final message in our stewardship series, "More than a Church, a family".