December Forward

Hello Methodists of Park County and beyond,

This Sunday I am preaching on one of my favorite passages, Philippians 4:4-7. In The Message verses 6-7 read, “Do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Before you know it a sense of God’s wholeness (peace) will come and settle you down.” This season is fraught with worries and frets alongside the joys and celebrations. There is so much wisdom packed into that little phrase, turn your worries into prayers. As we do, we hold onto the promise that God’s peace will settle us down. “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright.” I don’t think there was much about that night long ago that was silent or calm, but I suspect Mary and Joseph found peace amidst the chaos in the presence of God. May God’s peace, that passes all understanding, calm your heart and settle your worries down this advent season.

December Worship

​Dec. 12th and 19th our worship schedule is 8:00 at Grace, 9:30 at Pine Creek, 11:00 at Holbrook. Zoom is at 9:30. Pick the time and place that best meets your needs. Each week we will explore the wisdom the ancient prophets have for us today. Their words are remarkably relevant to our contemporary life.
Zoom info: Meeting ID# 794 678 137 Passcode: hopelives

Dec. 19th the children will present a Christmas pageant at Pine Creek during the 9:30 service. All are welcome.

Dec. 26th is our Brunch, Songs, and Surprises at 11:00 am. Holbrook will host all of us for a morning of Christmas stories, songs, and food.
 
Christmas Eve

​We will have 3 worship services on Christmas Eve. All three services will include carols, candles, special music, and the Christmas story. I’ve attached a flyer you can give to people to invite them.

Zoom at Noon Meeting ID: 889 6356 7519 Passcode: Christmas
Pine Creek at 5:30 pm
Holbrook at 7:30 pm
 
Mission Corner

• Denton Fire. There was a devastating fire in the town of Denton last week that burned down 25 homes. Many other homes have significant smoke and soot damage. In a small town like Denton a fire impacts the whole community in some way. I’ve been in conversation with our Pastor Margee Smith who is caring for the people there. She shares that the biggest need is cash. If you’d like to give there is a local Go Fund Me account. Our Mountain Sky Conference Disaster Response Coordinator is also in touch with Margee and offering help. We are sending UMCOR Cleaning Kits to help with the clean up efforts. We have also set up a fund through the conference to help. You can donate at www.mountainskyumc.org. Click on the “Donate” button and find the “Disaster Response Fund” under the Conference Designated Funds. Pastor Margee also shared that a group of people from Lewistown came and cleaned up all the schools and churches. What a gift that was to the community! Please keep Pastor Margee and the people of Denton in your prayers as they recover from this fire.
• Salvation Army Kettles. Thank you to everyone who helped ring bells and collect funds at our grocery stores last weekend. We brought in $1341.04!! Livingston is a generous community! The money stays local and is distributed by the Park County Ministerial Association to people in need.

Sermon Corner

• Sermon: Peace in Uncertain Times
• Scripture Luke 3:1-6
• Questions for reflection:
  • Where are you experiencing conflict?
  • What can you do to bring peace to that situation?
  • Is there something you need to repent of?

 
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you!
Pastor Patti
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