Power in Sisterhood

Dear Friends,
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I have enjoyed digging into our scripture passage for this Sunday. It is the story of Mary and Elizabeth, supporting one another through their unique pregnancies as described in Luke 1:39-55. After the angel told Mary she would have a baby, she hurried to visit her cousin Elizabeth. In a culture that was heaping shame on both of those women, they offered encouragement and care to one another. There is power in sisterhood! We need our sisters as we navigate our way through life. And men, you too, need one another! We would be wise to invest in our friendships. They sustain us in the tough times and increase our joy in good times. I especially treasure the friends I have had since childhood. Who are the special friends in your life? Take a moment to lift them up this week.

Worship
Dec. 19th worship 8:00 at Grace, 9:30 at Pine Creek, 11:00 at Holbrook. Zoom is at 9:30.
Zoom info: Meeting ID# 794 678 137 Passcode: hopelives
This week the children will present a Christmas pageant at Pine Creek during the 9:30 service. Come catch their joy and experience the Christmas story through their eyes. The big question is, “Who will bring Jesus a gift?”
Dec. 26th is Brunch, Songs, and Surprises at 11:00 am. Holbrook will host all of us for a morning of Christmas stories, songs, and brunch.
 
Christmas Eve

We will have 3 worship services on Christmas Eve. All three services will include carols, candles, special music, and the Christmas story. Invite your friends and bring your family.
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. Pastor Margee Smith in Denton shared with me this week that the immediate needs in Denton are covered. They appreciate the outpouring of support and care. The Johnstown UMC in Colorado brought UMCOR cleaning buckets to help them with the clean-up which was greatly appreciated. They continue to see God at work in the midst of this disaster. At some point in the future they will need help as they begin the rebuilding process. We will let you know when those needs arise. Meantime the best way to help is through prayer and financial donations. They are planning an ecumenical prayer service on Dec. 27th.
• Thank you to the Pine Creek women and all those who helped to make goodie bags for the residents of the Livingston Health and Rehab Center. 
• Thank you to all who gave donations to the Warming Center! Methodists making a difference in Livingston!!

Sermon Corner
Last Sunday, the responsibilities of the other half of my job took me to Shiloh UMC in Billings to preach for them and offer support as their Congregational Resource Minister. We had a good morning together. Attached is the sermon I shared with them.

• Sermon: Joy in the midst of…
• Scripture Philippians 4:4-7

 
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you!
Pastor Patti