One Last Resource...

 A friend of mine attends Colonial Church of Edina.  She passed this link on to me - and I think they have some wonderful devotionals!

I thought I'd share it with you:

http://www.colonialchurch.org/category/adventdaily/

Passing the Peace

Another neat Advent devotional...
http://www.endhunger.org/cgi-bin/mojo.cgi?flavor=archive&id=20111219081323&list=advent

Sunday Recap

Another wonderful Sunday (I love the Advent season...)!

The choir performed their Christmas Cantata - bells, choir, solos - beautifully done!  And a thoughtful, unique program.  Jennifer does a splendid job providing us with magical moments of music!  Thank you, Jennifer, Choir, and Bells!

After worship was our cookie party - a fellowship hall full of amamzing treats!  Cookies, reubans, shrimp, and...  Egg nog!

Such joy filling our spaces - such blessings.

Transforming this Christmas

Another neat devotional resource...  Great for those experiencing challenges and struggles this time of year.

http://www.adventdevotions.net/default.asp

Advent Smartphone App

I'm liking this one!  It's great for kids - little games, stories, videos, etc. for each day of Advent!

(And fun for those of us who are kids at heart!)

“The Journey” Smartphone app is based on the new book by the Rev. Adam Hamilton, but it also functions as a standalone Advent calendar. The app, available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, opens with seven unlocked activities for children. A new one (videos, coloring sheets, puzzles, cards, Bible quizzes) opens daily starting Dec. 1. 

Following the Star

As we take a break from "The Story" until January, I thought I'd post some wonderful Advent resources.

This is a devotional that you do online, piece by piece...  Beautiful and peaceful.

Enjoy!

http://www.d365.org/followingthestar/

Sunday Recap

Ohmygosh!  What a spectacular Sunday!

Pastor Deb was here to present the check from the sale of First UMC's building - a time of honoring the heritage and ministry that the building served in that community and prayerfully passing on the gifts to be used in ministry in our now-merged congregation.  Tears were shed, smiles beamed, and joy was shared at the possibilities of a future together!  (And thank you to Jim T. for the kind words of thankfulness - a shared sentiment from all our hearts, I'm sure.)

The Children's Christmas Program was amazing - beautiful, funny, and so wonderful.  The speaking parts were right on, the solos were perfect, and the little angels were adorable - as always!  (If anyone has pictures they could share - please send them to me!)

After worship, we partied in the Fellowship Hall with a chili lunch, table games, rewards for the picture project, and making new friends.  A lovely way to spend part of our afternoon!

The Holy Spirit was present in joy and laughter today!  A great kick-off to the holiday season!