Scripture is full of upward gestures toward the divine: smoke from the altar curling heavenward, Moses climbing Sinai, Elijah swept into the sky in fire and wind. Each one reaching toward God. But the Ascension of Christ is something different — not a reaching up, but a going ahead. This week, we consider what it means that Jesus did not simply leave, but ascended as our advocate, carrying our humanity with him into the presence of the Father. And we sit with the question his disciples faced at the foot of that hill: now that he is gone, what are we supposed to do with everything he showed us on the way down? See you Sunday for Worship.

They were walking away from Jerusalem — away from the tomb, away from the rumors, away from the hope that hadn't quite taken hold yet. A stranger fell into step beside them, and they didn't recognize him. They talked with him for miles. They invited him in for a meal. And it was only when he reached across the table, took the bread, and broke it — that they saw who had been beside them the whole time. This week, we sit with the events that happened along the road to Emmaus and ask the questions it quietly raises: How often is Christ walking beside us before we realize it? See you in worship on Sunday.

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.

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!

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?