Last Sunday, November 30th, was a special day at Monticello First UMC. It was the first Sunday, in Advent. We lighted the first Advent candle and sang one Christmas song. It is beginning to feel, and sound, like Christmas. We also have a new nonshedding Christmas tree. Suzanne Arena did an excellent job in selecting a new tree for the church. She also put the tree up before Sunday morning worship. We now have a beautiful new tree. The old tree had done faithful service for a number of years; however, it was profusely shedding “needles” and needed to be replaced. But, wait there is more.

            Suzanne, and others, worked with our youth to create new Chrismons. Creating the new symbols of Christianity for the tree was a fun and meaningful experience for our youth. During the service Suzanne made an interesting, and short, presentation of the newly made ornaments and the youth helped place them on the tree. We have a new Christmas tree full of Chrismons, which are symbols of the Christian faith. This Christmas tree now represents Christ and our Christian faith. When you look at our tree may you also think not only of Christmas, may you also remember Christ! Jesus is the reason for the season. May we never forget Him in the hustle and bustle of this season of merriment, celebration and giving.

            Monticello’s 101st Community Christmas Cantata is at Monticello FUMC on December 14th. There will be two performances, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The singers participating in the cantata have been in the church every Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 3 p.m. They have rehearsed and are still rehearsing for this year’s presentation of Christmas Carols from Around the World. Their dedication to singing the Lord’s praises is amazing. Thanks to Joneen’s work and enthusiasm and the dedication of all the participants this year’s cantata will be an amazing event.

            We will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th. We will sing some familiar carols, read the Christmas story and have a brief Christmas Eve meditation.
We will conclude with lighting candles. Please attend this service and let us worship Jesus on the eve of His birth!

            Gail Cowart, our church secretary and office manager, has resigned her position and concluding her time here on December 14th. Gail has been very devoted to your church during her five years of service to the church and to the Lord. Her length of time with us is actually 8 years (she sang in the choir for 3 years before becoming church secretary). I am reluctant to see her leave us. However, she is ready to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. Please express your appreciation to Gail for her fine work and zealous dedication to the church and the Lord.

            Carol Horton has accepted the position of church secretary. Carol is training with Gail and learning the “ropes.” I believe that few people know all the many things that have to be done to keep the church office, and church functioning. Among those things which have to be done, other than the ones that are obvious to the congregation, are the following: Power Church, Data Services, webpage updates, uploading our worship services to Facebook, CCLI reporting, etc. I am very grateful that Carol has agreed to be our new secretary and office manager. Carol is a very “quick study”. However, there is the “learning curve” which is a part of any new endeavor. We (Carol, Joneen, and Ben) will do the best we can to keep the wheels turning in the church office. I do believe that with the help of God all will be well.

             I hope to see you in church this Sunday. It will not be the same without you. You will not be the same without being in God’s house on Sunday.

 

Grace and Peace, Ben