Worship in the Sanctuary and Sunday School (YouTube)
Sunday, December 15
5:30 pm
Youth Group
Monday, December 16
9:00 am
Lend-a-Hand
Monday, December 16
6:00 pm
AA Meeting
Monday, December 16
7:00 pm
Men’s Study Group
Tuesday, December 17
9:00 am
Yoga
Tuesday, December 17
10:00 am
Men’s Fellowship Group
Tuesday, December 17
11:45 am
Santa Claus in the Solarium
Tuesday, December 17
6:00 pm
Esprit Game Night
Wednesday, December 18
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Rainbow’s End open
Wednesday, December 18
11:45 am
Santa Claus in the Solarium
Wednesday, December 18
6:30 pm
Christmas Sing-a-Long
Wednesday, December 18
6:30 pm
Esprit Zumba
Wednesday, December 18
7:00 pm
Narcotics Anonymous
Thursday, December 19
9:00 am
Yoga
Thursday, December 19
10:00 am
Bible Study
Thursday, December 19
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Rainbow’s End open
Thursday, December 19
2:00 pm
Chair Yoga
Thursday, December 19
5:00 pm
Staff Meeting at Sonja’s home
Friday, December 20
10:00 am
Al-Anon
Friday, December 20
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Rainbow’s End open
Saturday, December 21
9:00 am
Yoga
Saturday, December 21
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Rainbow’s End open
Saturday, December 21
1:00 pm
Cookie Exchange
Saturday, December 21
6:00 pm
Esprit Art Class
Saturday, December 21
6:00 pm
Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 22
8:30 am
Early Worship (Live stream available on Facebook)
Sunday, December 22
10:00 am
Worship in the Sanctuary and Sunday School (YouTube)
Sunday, December 22
1:30 pm
Christmas Caroling at Harbor Point
Sunday, December 22
5:30 pm
Youth Group
Worship with us!
The Third Sunday in Advent | Sunday, December 15, 2024
During worship, we will light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing joy. This candle is often called the “Joy Candle” and serves as a reminder of the happiness and hope that Christ’s coming brings to our lives. It is a moment to pause in the midst of the Advent season’s reflection and remember the joy that God’s promise of salvation brings to the world.
Enjoy a Christmas Cantata
8:30 am or 10:00 am in our Sanctuary
(Sunday School at 10:00 am)
Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-6. Philippians 4:4-7. Luke 3:15-18
Sermon: The Power of Joy! – J.O.Y.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4
Please submit prayer requests here or call Pastor John 508-451-5858 or Mary Anne Farley (774) 487-0719.
Upcoming Event: Festive Christmas Sing-Along Warm up your vocal cords and join us for a Festive Christmas Sing-Along on Wednesday, December 18, at 6:30 PM. This lively evening will feature your favorite holiday songs and plenty of cheer. Come ready to sing, laugh, and enjoy the spirit of the season with friends and family.
Annual Christmas PageantJoin us for the Annual Christmas Pageant on Saturday, December 21, at 6:00 PM. We invite all children and grandchildren to participate in this cherished tradition. Please contact Pastor John at 508-451-5858 to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!
2025 Pledge Campaign Update As of Thursday, December 12, 2024, we have received $217,228. In pledges towards our goal. Thanks to everyone who has returned their pledge cards already. We are close to meeting the goal. Please get your pledge card in ASAP if you have not remembered. Thanks – The Stewardship Team – Jackie and Trace Schrafft, Jack Cotton, Heather Wolfe and Pastor John
Special Giving Opportunity for Members Age 70½ and Older I If you’re 70½ or older, you have a unique opportunity to make a financial gift with special tax benefits. The charitable IRA rollover provision allows you to donate directly from your IRA to your favorite charitable organizations without having the donation taxed as income. This option, known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), not only offers a tax-wise way to support a cause you care about, but it also counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for individuals aged 72 and older.
The gift must be transferred directly from your traditional or Roth IRA.
The total amount of your charitable IRA rollover does not exceed $100,000 per tax year.
The gift must be completed during the applicable tax year.
Certain additional restrictions may apply.
Charitable IRA rollovers have become a popular choice among donors due to their tax advantages and ease of use. For more information, please contact Gary Melville at the New England Foundation at 508-641-5568 or 800-595-4347 (103). If you are making an RMD, kindly notify the church office to expect the distribution, and request that your broker or financial advisor include your name on the distribution.
Bright Promises: Supporting Our Deployed Military PersonnelBright Promises is collecting goods to send to deployed military personnel this holiday season. We are seeking donations of:: Hand warmers, Nature Valley Peanut Butter Granola Bars, Body Wash, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Chewing Gum. A collection box is located in the Solarium. Your generosity makes a difference. Thank you for helping us bring comfort to those serving far from home.
The Outreach Committee is launching the Alternative Giving Christmas campaign on Sunday, November 10th, to support Outreach and Mission opportunities. Do you have people for whom you want to give gifts this Christmas who truly do not need any more things in their homes? How about Alternative Gifts that can be given in their honor? Your donation comes with a Missions Card you can give your family or friend that will support the mission(s) of your choosing! We will finish on Sunday, December 8.
Members of the Outreach Committee will be in the Solarium after both Sunday Services on December 8th to answer questions and provide what you need to participate in these different opportunities that will bless our Local and International Neighbors. If you write a check, please make it payable to “UMCO,” and in the memo section please write the name of the ministry you wish to support or “Alternative Giving.”
We heartily welcome you to join us in celebrating and supporting A Baby Center, CHAMP Homes, HAC (Housing Assistance Corporation through BIC cards), the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (PDF), Miracle Kitchen, Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter, Homeless Veterans, Dress-A-Live Doll, Toys For Tots, plus our International Missions in Sierra Leone, the Child Reintegration Centre (CRC), and Mercy Hospital. Don Douglas is also collecting new socks and hats for homeless Veterans (men & women), as well as new or gently used warm jackets for both genders in the following sizes: M, L, & XL for men, and M & L for women. Feel free to contact Don to find out what he still needs for the jackets.
Rainbow’s End Shop Hours & Donation Information Open: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM Donations: Treasures you no longer need can be dropped off anytime the shop is open until 2:00 PM. We’re excited to offer Inspire T-shirts for sale — $10 for adults and $7 for children. Thank you for supporting the shop, and we look forward to your visit! Note: We’re also in need of newspapers, packing paper, and paper bags to wrap items for our customers.
T-shirts for sale — $10 for adults and $7 for children available at Rainbow’s End!
Anyone interested in speaking, greeting or ushering,please give Mary Anne Farley a call. (774) 487-0719. If you are interested in singing in our choir group, please call Daniel Shinabarger at 857-919-0238.
UMC-Osterville Prayer Shawl Ministry:Meets the 1st Sunday of each month from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM in the Solarium (October to June). All are welcome. Let us know if someone is in need of a prayer.
Book Group is taking a hiatus until Tuesday, January 29, 2025. On that date we will be discussing Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Please check in for suggested reading in the meantime.
Mindfulness Yoga: Thursdays at 2:00 PM. All levels are welcome. Contact Karen Cheromcha at 508-397-7938.
Choir: Interested in joining the choir? Contact Daniel Shinabarger at 857-919-0238.
Children/Youth Choir Rehearsals: After the 10:00 AM service.
PS: If you need help with small jobs at home like moving a piece of furniture changing high light bulbs, replacing smoke detector batteries, please feel free to call the church office to inquire about getting help.
Make Someone’s Day! Wish Them A Happy Birthday!
As we gather together for another month of worship and fellowship, we are also delighted to celebrate the birthdays of our beloved members born in the month of December. It is a time to extend our warmest wishes and share in the joy of their special day. This December, we have the following members celebrating their birthdays: