Announcements November 2025

Welcome!

Flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in honor of all the family past and

present we are thankful for.

Our church is blessed to have a devoted staff. They give of their time and talents to ensure jobs well done. Our staff

consists of Pastor Jeff McDowell, Music Director, David Peckham, Secretary, Sandy Crane, Parish Visitor, Cindy Ellis,

Custodian, Jamie Olcott, and Lullaby Room, Sarah Woodard. It has been a tradition at this time of year to give these

people a monetary gift to say thank you. If you would like to make a donation for the staff Christmas Giving, please mark

your donation as Staff Gift and put it in the collection plate or turn it in to the office. Your generosity is appreciated.

Your Staff Parish thanks you!

Schedule for December Events/Concerts:

Tonight, Dec. 7, Lessons & Carols at 5pm in the Sanctuary

Dec. 13, Hanging of the Greens, 9 A.M. (You are invited to come and help decorate the tree and church for the season.)

Dec. 16, Crystal Chords Christmas Concert, 6:45 P.M. in the Sanctuary (All are invited)

Dec. 17, United Women in Faith Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall at noon.

Dec. 21, The Longest Night Service, 3 P.M. in the Chapel

Dec. 22, Cocoa with Santa on the Firetrucks, 6 P.M. here at the church

Dec. 19-24th, Living Nativity, These nights after 6pm on the front lawn.

Dec. 24th, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 P.M.

Lessons & Carols: The Churches of St. Mary Our Mother and Horseheads First UMC invite all to attend! Featuring the

combined Church Choirs with Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Timpani, and Bells. The Christmas Story in music and word.

Longest Night Service: When you've lost a loved one, or you feel alone, and want a simple, small Christmas Service

and would like to avoid the crowds of Christmas Eve, come and enjoy the still, small gift of God in Jesus our Lord.

Cocoa with Santa: The Horseheads Fire Department’s Santa Truck will stop by for a festive 15-20 minutes, and

afterward the fun will continue with an extended celebration with Santa in the lobby with photo selfies & snacks for free!

Living Nativity: Our annual tradition of showing the Live Nativity to the public needs your help. Our church family portrays the nativity scene outdoors on the front lawn during the days before Christmas. The time spent with friends and family in the Living Nativity is special. We also send a wonderful message to the community about the true meaning of Christmas. There are many ways to be involved in this tradition of First United Methodist Church. You may want to be a ‘character’, make a donation of cookies, hot chocolate mix or hay bales, or help dress characters. Please look at the sign-up sheets in the narthex and consider how you can be a part of the Living Nativity. If you have any questions, contact Louise McIntosh. (607-398-1065)

Christmas Giving Tree: The Outreach Committee is collecting donations to purchase gift cards for families in need this

Christmas. To participate, take an envelope from the small Christmas tree and return your donation—checks made out

to the church with “Christmas Giving Tree” on the memo line. Envelopes can be placed in the mailbox by the tree, in the

collection plate, or given to Sandy in the office. Donations are needed by Friday, December 12, 2025.

Sisterhood in Grace Christmas Party: Wednesday, December 17, Christmas Luncheon - noon in the Fellowship Hall.

Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED!

POINSETTIA ORDER

It’s time to prepare for the Advent season. The Worship Team will once again be purchasing poinsettias from Joe Thresher. Plants are $10 each. Please fill out the form below and return it to the Church Office or place it in the offering plate. One name per form, please. All orders are due by November 24. Poinsettias will be placed on the altar on December 21 and may be picked up on January 4.

Poinsettia Order Form

Stewardship Moment: 

When we work hard and save wisely, our actions can honor God.

When we share with others and freely give our tithes and offerings to God,

these actions honor Him too. The guiding principle is found in Proverbs 3:9-10:

“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your

increase; so, your barns will be filled with plenty.” In other words, honor God

with your money and with the first part of all your income, then you’ll better

appreciate the blessings He pours into your life. Dr. David Jeremiah

Adult Sunday School: Today, we will be starting a six-week study of the book of Luke today in the large conference

room. All are welcome to join us.

Food Panty Needs:

The Pantry has an on-going need for Bread and Peanut. Any other type of non-perishable food is always welcome.  Thank you for your support!

Karren’s Clothing Cupboard:

We will be closed the week of Christmas and the week of New Years. Will re-open on

January 6, 2026.

Women’s Advent Bible Study:

We will begin The Weary World Rejoices on Wednesday, December 3, meeting for five weeks on Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31 and Jan. 7. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from 10–11 a.m. and 1–2 p.m. (12 participants per class). Books are $10 each. Please sign up on the bulletin board between the front doors by Nov. 19 so books can be ordered.

Questions, call the church office

Big Flats UMC Youth Group:

All youths are invited to join us on 11/23, 12/7, and 12/21 from 3-5pm for a regular youth group meeting, meal, and snacks. 109 Hillview Drive, Big Flats, NY. If you have any questions, please call Cheryl at 570-730-9414.

Youth Summer

Service: Group Week of Hope Community Service at Woodbridge, Va. . Open to all youth entering 6th grade and above. (June 28- July 3 in Woodbridge, VA.) More information will be coming soon.