What is Happening This Week 11/25-11/28/21
 A reflection on this Thanksgiving Day for all of us! Find the blessings in the gathering of family around the table through conversation and the yummy food! This Day We Say Grateful A Sending Blessing It is a strange thing to be so bound and so released all in the same moment, to feel the heart open wide and wider still even as it turns to take its leave. On this day, let us say this is simply the way love moves in its ceaseless spiraling, turning us toward one another, then sending us into what waits for us with arms open wide to us in welcome and in hope. On this day, in this place where you have poured yourself out, where you have been emptied and filled and emptied again, may you be aware more than ever of what your heart has opened to here, what it has tended and welcomed here, where it has broken in love and in grief, where it has given and received blessing in the unfathomable mystery that moves us, undoes us, and remakes us finally for joy. This day may you know this joy in full measure. This day may you know this blessing that gathers you in and sends you forth but will not forget you. O hear us as this day we say grace; this day we say grateful; this day we say blessing; this day we release you in God’s keeping and hold you in gladness and love. —Jan Richardson Shalom Blessings, Pastor Cheryl Murphy  Advent Countdown Candles are available again this year. You may get one for your family at the Advent Festival this Sunday or pick one up in the narthex. The candles are free to take, but donations are appreciated! 8:30 am Sunday Worship  We are moving 8:30 worship to inside the sanctuary until warmer weather.  10:30 am Sunday Morning Worship In-person and Livestreamed We hope you are joining us either in-person, or for online worship on Facebook Live. We will be on Facebook again this Sunday at 10:30 am. If you have missed any of the services, or do not use Facebook, you may also find them on our website hcumc.org. Sunday, November 28 Scripture: Luke 1:57-80 First Sunday of Advent – Hope Prayers of the People  Please keep the following people in your prayers this week: Sharon Harris; Patsy Taylor; Helma Gentry’s mother; Travis Williams; Mary Harrison; Jonathan Garrett and family; and our friends at Atria Carrollton. Sunday School  Sunday School 9:15 am Kinder to 2nd – Upstairs 3rd to 5th – Upstairs Confirmation – Youth Room Youth – Youth Room Infants to PreK – Nursery For more information or questions, contact Laulie Eckeberger at [email protected] If you are interested in teaching or helping with Sunday School, please sign up HERE.  Children’s Choir 11:30 am to 12:30 pm For K through 5th Education Building Room 206 Led by Melanie Luce. Contact Laulie Eckeberger [email protected] for more information.  Pledge Update for 2022 Thank you to everyone who has already submitted your pledge for 2022! If you haven’t turned in your pledge yet, it’s not too late. Pledges Received: 71 Annual Total $338,784 % of Budget 65% Highlights This Week  Advent Festival Sunday, November 28 4-6 pm HC Covenant Center Bring your family and friends to celebrate the beginning of Advent. We will have crafts, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and fun for everyone! You can pick up an Advent candle and maybe even ride a Christmas train!  Angel Tree November 28 – December 12 Starting Sunday, November 28th, you are invited to take an angel representing a child in need in our area. We are again asking for either Amazon or Walmart gift cards, or you can make a monetary donation to the church which will be used to buy gift cards. You can have the cards mailed to the church, or you can drop them off Sunday mornings at the tree or during the week in the church office. And you can give online and designate “Angel Tree” for your donation.  Office Hours for the Week of Thanksgiving: Wednesday, November 24-Monday, November 29: Church Office and Food Pantry closed. Both the office and the pantry will reopen Tuesday, November 30.  Food Pantry Pantry Hours: Tuesday-Thursday from 10-2 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 12-1 pm. Currently, we need: hearty soups and dog/cat food. The Missions Team thanks you for always being there to support the Food Pantry with your donations, your time, and your prayers. Finances  You may send your checks to: Holy Covenant UMC 1901 E. Peters Colony Rd. Carrollton, TX 75007 Or you may submit your offering electronically through online giving. November Regular Donations/Pledge Payments: GOAL $54,930 Given to Date $18,457 Gather & Give Auction $24,437 TOTAL $42,894 (78%) Five Sundays left in 2021 – We need $83,513 to cover the 2021 Budget.  Online Giving Donate Here. You may set up a regular pledge payment by choosing the Donation Frequency. |