Myers Park Weekly Update
November 24, 2024
The Advent of Good News
Visit our Advent page for everything you need to know about the season.
ADVENT PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
New – Advent Bible Study: The Christmas Story in the Gospel of Luke, beginning December 3 and 4: Join us for our Advent series as we read and reflect on Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. There is no book to purchase. We will read the scripture, pray together, and grow in discipleship through this Advent journey. This three-week series will meet in person and online. Click here for details. Email Dr. Uiyeon Kim at ukim@mpumc.org with any questions.
New – Children’s Ministries’ Advent and Christmas Devotional Booklet: Joy to the World, Children’s Ministries’ 13th annual devotional booklet featuring children’s artwork and devotions from clergy, staff, and ministry friends, is available around the church. One per family, please. Digital versions are on our website. Click here to view the Flipbook edition. Click here to view the PDF version.
New – Advent Labyrinth Opens, December 3, Francis Chapel: During this season of waiting, come to the labyrinth for a uniquely prayerful experience. A special setting and printed materials will be available to guide you in a walk of preparation for Christmas. Please call 704-376-8584 before coming to the church to ensure Francis Chapel is available for your walk. Email Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot at tbarefoot@mpumc.org with any questions.
ORDER FOR ADVENT
New – Purchase a Poinsettia or Wreath to Decorate the Church in honor or memory of a loved one. Poinsettias are $20 each, and wreaths are $30-$50 each. Click here to order online or send a check to the church along with the name of the person you are honoring/remembering. Order by December 13. Dedications will be shared in the December 22 worship bulletin. Email Annie Albini at aalbini@mpumc.org with any questions.
Make-at-Home Advent Wreath Kits Available for Purchase: Each kit has supplies to make one wreath (you supply the greenery), a copy of Children’s Ministries 13th annual Advent and Christmas devotional booklet, and two seasonal activity calendars. Kits are $15. Supplies are limited. Click here to order. Email Betsy Scott at bscott@mpumc.org with questions.
Youth Christmas Tree Sale: Pre-order your North Carolina-grown Christmas tree, wreath, or garland from our youth and help support their summer mission trips to Washington D.C., Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Senior Pilgrimage. Orders will be available for pickup through December 5-7. Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends. Click here to order.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Room in the Inn Returns: Beginning December 4, we will welcome unhoused neighbors into our beautiful hospitality suite on Wednesday nights for a time of rest, nourishing food, and safety. We cannot do this without our volunteers! Family-friendly opportunities are available, and we always need overnight hosts and van drivers. Click here to learn more and sign up.
The Merry Market is an empowering opportunity for parents to select and buy holiday gifts for their children at discounted prices. We partner with ourBRIDGE for Kids and Refugee Support Services, serving families from all over the world. We will serve more than 300 children on December 14, and we cannot do it without your generous donations! Shop from our wishlist to have gifts delivered to the Missions office by November 30. Click here to help sort and price inventory.
Volunteer at Higher Grounds: Each Sunday we welcome volunteers behind the counter to assist our baristas in taking orders, serving coffee and pastry, scooping gelato, and running the register. A 10-minute training is all you need! Email Britt Yett at byett@mpumc.org for the signup link or more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS & SERVICES
New – UMAR Art Sale, December 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and December 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Center of Hope, 1st Floor: Come support our UMAR friends as they display their art and jewelry for sale.
New – Forward, December 1, 4-5 p.m., room H-107: All fourth and fifth graders are invited to attend this monthly ministry in which children grow faithfully in fellowship and deepen their spiritual foundation as they get ready for middle school. Click here to sign up. Email Amy Jo Alspaugh at amyjo@mpumc.org with any questions.
New – Family Movie Night, December 5, 6-7 p.m.: Families, you’re invited to join us for a screening of The Snowy Day. You may pre-order large cheese and pepperoni pizzas (by November 30) or bring your own dinner. Enjoy a warm beverage from our complimentary in-house hot chocolate bar. Bring a blanket for your family to sit on for dinner and the show! Click here to RSVP and order pizza.
Music Ministry Christmas Concert, December 8, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church: Join us for our annual concert, featuring our adult and children’s choirs, youth handbell ensemble, and orchestra. No ticket or reservation is required. Parking is available at First UMC, and shuttles will run from Myers Park UMC to First UMC starting at 3 p.m. The offering will support the Music Ministry’s many activities.
New – Baptism Class, December 8, 9:45 a.m., Francis Chapel: This class will deepen your understanding of this Holy Sacrament and is an essential first step for those preparing for baptism. If you have questions about or want to schedule a baptism, email Peg Broughton at peg@mpumc.org.
New – Discover Myers Park, December 8, 11 a.m., room 108: Join Rev. Jessica Dayson to learn about our church and the beliefs and practices of our denomination. There is no obligation to join, but the opportunity will be available for you. Email Jeanne Poole at jpoole@mpumc.org for details.
New – Service of Hope and Consolation, December 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sanctuary: For those who have suffered loss, the holidays can be especially challenging. Join us in the sanctuary for this service of remembrance and healing.
PASTOR’S PROGRAMS
New – Prepare Him Room: The Bible, the Holy Land and Carols: In case you were unable to join Dr. Howell’s recent presentation in person, click here to watch it on our YouTube channel.
Maybe I’m Amazed Podcast: Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Boris Henderson, Davidson College alum and Senior Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy at Aldersgate, about the impacts of gentrification and displacement in communities. Click here to listen and subscribe.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
Resounding Hope: Prayerfully consider your generosity and commitment to our church’s Operating Fund and Mission & Outreach Fund for the upcoming year. Read Dr. Howell’s letter and return your Estimate of Giving card to the church via mail or submit it online.
Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief: We continue to partner with Montmorenci UMC in Candler, one of the poorest communities in Buncombe County. Click here to learn about additional needs and ways you can help.
Your ongoing generosity to our church Operating Fund and our Mission & Outreach Fund makes it possible for our church family to connect through worship, fellowship and prayer and support our most vulnerable neighbors near and far.
CONGREGATION UPDATES
Kennedy Lane Sellie, daughter of Meredith and Lance Sellie, sister of Holden Sellie, and granddaughter of Lauren and Bob Clark, who was born on November 5.
Eleanor Suzanne Hall, daughter of Lauren and Kyle Hall and brother of Arthur Hall, who was born on August 3.
George Lindsay Dowdy, husband of Christina Dowdy and father of Reed (Jillian), Hamilton (Laken), and Merrill Dowdy, who died on November 14.
Julia Alice Morris Hite, mother of Land Hite (Laura Anne), David Hite (Dace), and Susan Griffin (Tim), who died on November 14.
Diane Hermann Boyd, wife of Don Boyd, who died on November 20.