Pastor’s Update
November 23, 2023
‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
Maya Angelou
Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent: There is more to Advent than waiting in anticipation. There is hope. What is the difference between anticipation and expectation? Join me for an in person and online Bible Study beginning Tuesday, December 5 at 6pm.
Topic: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
Time: Dec 5, 2023, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Time: Dec 5, 2023, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Tue, until Dec 19, 2023, 3 occurrence(s)
Dec 5, 2023 06:00 PM
Dec 12, 2023 06:00 PM
Dec 19, 2023 06:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJcvf-Ctpj4tHtesE9cvQQuSjI-MTa0j8jPo/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCrrDMjH9yQtx2ERowqAIqgXe_xiCVagrdYjzq8ADZiUxbFPMsPH4Z-QNKI
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93289585743
Meeting ID: 932 8958 5743
—
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,93289585743# US
+16465588656,,93289585743# US (New York)
*********************************************
The Scripture Reading for this Sunday: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Sermon: This Will Be a Sign to You
Here are the links to the service:
https://www.facebook.com/events/376986344887729/
https://youtube.com/live/7M_bCfBz3f8?feature=share
Erwin First will be hosting its first…
JESUS’ BIRTHDAY BASH: December 16th from 2:00 pm to 4:30pm
(Activites 2:00 – 4:00, then cake with parents fellowship 4:00-4:30)
This event is for kids up to 6th grade and we need volunteers to help us make it a success.
As you know, we are always striving to develop our relationship with our neighbors and this event is a great way to do that. We will have games, activities and snacks for the children and of course we cannot have a birthday party without a cake. There may be other surprises for the kids, but we can’t give out all the details.
Help is Needed!
“LESSONS in CAROLS” Karen Bellimer will be performing!!
Spread the word about this delightful afternoon interactive holiday performance and Erwin first
A festive, seasonal program of scripture readings, choral performances, instrumental performances, a carol sing-along, and children’s Christmas Pageant, featuring a narrator telling the nativity story, with the children dressing as shepherds, angels, the Three Sages, and the Holy Family.
This program is derived from a traditional Anglican Lessons and Carols service beginning in the early 1900s.
The service will be followed by a cookies and beverage reception in Friendship Hall.
NEEDS FOR VOLUNTEERS – OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE at Erwin First, Saturday December 9
Please consider giving the gift of life and donate blood at the Erwin sponsored Blood Drive. They are gifting $10 Amazon Gift Cards to all donors
Anyone one who signs up though Heila to donate blood at this event will receive from Heila, a baked loaf of sweet bread of your choice (banana, pumpkin, or blueberry), including a choice of gluten-free, at the day of the drive.
VOLUNTEERS FOR JESUS BIRTHDAY BASH
We need help from individuals to work in the craft station, music and dance station, storytelling station and registration desk to welcome kids and families.
Please contact Nola or Heila if you would like to help with our efforts to get to know our community and serve families.
Thank you! Pastor Nola
The RESTART Ministry Needs WARMS BLANKETS!
With the winter weather at our doorstep we are looking for new or slightly used blankets, sizes twin and full/queen size blankets.
Mondays: 1 – 3pm at the RESTART headquarters – to help sort and put away donated items, focusing mostly on linens and kitchen supplies.
Tuesdays – picking up and delivering donations. 2 different shifts: 12pm – 4:30pm & 5pm – 6:30 pm
Your help would be so much appreciated!
If interested, call or email Evelyn: 315-857-7634, edisinger235@gmail.com. THANK YOU!
The House of Light Bible Study -Every Friday. Dinner & Fellowship
Volunteers are needed to provide dinner for the group. See Sign-up sheet in Narthex or connect with Dorcas
WESTCOTT COMMUNITY CENTER FOOD PANTRY
We are once again collecting food donations for the community center. You’ll see the large round collection bin in the narthex area. They don’t have particular items to list – they can use anything we provide
Galyn Murphy-Stanley, University United Methodist Church
Executive Director of Interfaith Community Co-op
(See attached for the new updated list of volunteer opportunities.)
IN OUR PRAYERS
Let us remember and pray for those who find themselves in harm’s way: particularly people in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan whose leaders are participating in military conflict. Pray for those around the world who are victims of natural disasters: floods, storms, fires and earthquakes. Pray for the ever-growing populations of refugees around the world, who are driven from their homes. Pray for humanitarian relief efforts around the world. Let us pray that our elected officials and all other leaders may be guided to serve with a spirit of love, humility, and compassion, seeking the welfare of the people above all else. Pray for Pearl (Alison’s daughter) with her continued illness, and all who are struggling. Pray for those who find it difficult to cope during the holiday season, Pray for two of our congregants with ailing parents in other parts of the world; pray for students in college and pray for all our travelers. Pray for Bishop Hector Burgos and the members of the Cabinet; pray for transitions of all kinds; pray for peace and mercy, pray.
UPCOMING DATES
December
Monday, 12/4: United Women in Faith Meeting, 6:30pm (at Erwin)
Tuesday 12/5: In person and Online Bible Study, 6:30 pm
Friday, 12/8: House of Light College Ministry, 5:30 pm (at Erwin)
Saturday, 12/9: RedCross Blood Drive, 9am-2pm (Friendship Hall)
Saturday, 12/16: Jesus’ Birthday Bash, 2:00 – 4:30pm
Sunday, 12/17: Lessons and Carols Holiday Production, 2pm (at Erwin)
Thursday 12/21 Eastern Farm Workers Holiday Food & Toy Distribution
& Friday, 12/22 Preparation (Friendship Hall)
Sunday, 12/24: Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm
Monday, 12/25: Christmas Morning Family Service
Have a blessed week.
Online giving is now available through our website
1. Click on this link:
http://erwinfirstchurch.org/giving/
2. Simply follow the instructions.
NOTE: there is a 1% cost for payments from the donor’s bank account and a 2.9% fee added to credit or debit card transactions. The fee is deducted from the donation: (American Express transactions are 3.5% + $0.30).