In This Issue

Five sentences that could change your life this month are simply these:

Jesus Reconciles. Jesus Sets Us Free. Jesus is God With Us. Jesus Brings New Life.Jesus Changes Everything!

It happens that those five sentences are not original—I borrowed them from a devotional book that we will be using this December for preaching, study, reflection, and social action. We’re going to approach the Advent/Christmas Season differently this year and invite all of you to read, study, pray, and prepare right along with us. We will approach the Sunday celebration services and anticipate a truly transformative holy season that can bring renewal, change, and unity—all very much needed in a fractured and often terrifying world like ours. The book is called Sent—Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas.

Do you remember that sweet Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”? Do you recall that line in the carol that goes: “…Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today”? The writer of the book Sent was in Hot Springs about a year ago preaching in one of the sessions of the Arkansas Annual Conference. His name is Jorge Acevedo, and he offered a word of hope even then, as he told stories about the transformative power of God amongst the people of his UMC congregation—many of whom are in 12 Step and other recovery programs. Then more recently in September, many on our church staff got to meet the young Jacob Armstrong when we spent a week at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection near Kansas City, Missouri. He was a guest preacher at the nationwide event. Jacob is also a contributor to Jorge’s book along with 3 other young, vibrant, and very relevant pastors.

But back to the Christmas carol. Acevedo asks, “Where does Christ need to be born in you today?” That’s a powerful question to ask that can, literally, be “unwrapped” all season long. In my relationships, in my attitudes, in my commitment to my church and community, in my devotional life and social witness… where does Christ need to be born anew within me? That’s very much a part of what we’ll be doing in the next five weeks, and I pray you’ll join us. In fact, that carol might very well just be our theme song and prayer. I’m going to try and make it mine—won’t you make it yours too?

p. 3New Bible Studies & Small Groups

p. 4The Miracle of Jesus Workshop

p. 6A Grand/Central Christmas Concert

Sent: An Advent SeriesREV. MICHAEL MATTOX

December 2015

Thursday,December 24

Christmas Eve ServicesHistoric Sanctuary

4:00, 6:00 p.m.Christian Life Center

8:00 p.m.

Bereavement Committee Recipes

Sunday,December 13

Lessons & CarolsIn all 3 services

A Grand Central ChristmasHistoric Sanctuary

6:00 p.m.

Sunday,December 20

Longest Night ServiceHistoric Sanctuary

6:00 p.m.

The Messenger

Our Bereavement Committee appreciates all those who help and cherish the faithfulness our church members have shown to our church and to the families of our congregation. They will be publishing recipes that members have prepared for the family meals and receptions each month.

Lynda Jackson’s Cranberry Bread1 cup oil2 cups sugar3 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla3 cups flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon cinnamon½ teaspoon salt2 cups whole fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried well2 cups finely chopped apples (Granny Smith)1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts)

Beat together oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift flour, soda, cinnamon and add to the oil mixture. Batter will be very thick.

Mix in apples, then cranberries and nuts. Pour into greased loaf pans (5”x8”) or four (3”x5 ½ “).

Bake @ 350 degrees for one hour or until center tests done with a toothpick. Even the four small pans bake for 44-56 minutes.

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DON’TMISS!

The community of Hot Springs is giving back! Oaklawn Racetrack had a food drive in November and blessed our church and other organizations with the food they

collected. We received a lot of food! We thank them immensely for supplying food to the Open Arms Food Pantry. Also, the Dollar General on Airport Road is donating a generous portion of food and other items to the pantry collected until Christmas. This is a community that cares and steps up to the plate when we are in need. Thank you again to both of these for your kindness in helping our ministry!

Our Community Giving Back

The Longest Night Service, a special service of remembrance for those who have lost loved ones, will be Sunday, December 20th, at 6:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary. It is called the “Longest Night Service” because it occurs around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and embodies the feelings of those who are coping with grief. The service consists of hymns, scripture, prayers, and the opportunity for individuals to light a candle in memory of their loved one. A reception will follow downstairs. We would love to have you join us for a meaningful time of remembrance in the midst of our holiday season and to support others who are experiencing a hard time this season.

Longest Night Service

Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas by Jorge Acevedo study books are available to purchase for $11 in the Welcome Center in the Christian Life Center and at the back of the Sanctuary by the Upper Room books.

The Messenger

SERMONSCHEDULE

Sunday, December 6

Sunday, December 13

Sunday, December 20

Unity Service in Sanctuary(10:45)

Rev. Michael Mattox

Sunday, December 27

ConneXion(10:45)

Rev. Zach Roberts

Traditions (8:15, 10:45)

Rev. Michael Mattox

Traditions (8:15, 10:45)

Rev. Michael Mattox

Traditions (8:15, 10:45)

Rev. Zach Roberts

ConneXion(10:45)

Rev. Michael Mattox

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ConneXion(10:45)

Rev. Zach Roberts

Disciple Bible Study (Fast Track Version) Janet and Jim Tarkington Facilitators. Over 400 members of our church have participated in a Disciple Bible Study over the past 15 years. Disciple Fast Track maintains the integrity and principles of the original study, but its modifications can better meet the needs of a hectic world. Participants still receive a thorough introduction to the Bible, but in almost a third less time. Each session is 75 minutes and the course is 24 weeks. The study will take place on Sundays, January 3rd – the end of June, 2016, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., in Christian Life Center room 203.

Henri Nowen’s Spiritual Formation Class Teresa Holt, facilitator. Spiritual Direction Groups are an opportunity to practice and grow deeper in your relationship with God through a very small group with personal sharing and individual and corporate practice. Contemplative (quiet) prayer and ancient practices will be the focus of the 7 weeks.

The groups are limited to 6-8 participants per group. The study will take place on Wednesdays, January 6 – February 24, 11:45 – 12:45 a.m., in Christian Life Center room 201.

Power of a Focused Heart (Women’s Study) Julie Holt , Facilitator. Looking to simplify your life? quiet your mind? find your unique spiritual gift(s) and make a difference? Turn to the Beatitudes! Sometimes teachings from well-known biblical passages are so obvious and preached so often that we overlook other helpful, not-so-obvious lessons. The Beatitudes are celebrated as being the template for humble Christian living. Dig deeper and you’ll also find practical applications for living a simpler yet more spiritually engaged life, especially in this distraction-heavy and frenzied world Thursdays, January 21st, March 17th. 9:00 a.m., CLC 201.

sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn’t matter and start doing what does. Christian Life Center room 201.Revolutionary Parenting How can parents make a lasting impact

in the spiritual lives of their children? To find the answer, acclaimed researcher George Barna investigated the lives of thriving adult Christians and discovered the essential steps their parents took to shape their spiritual lives in childhood. He also learned surprising truths about which popular parenting tactics just aren’t working. Revolutionary Parenting shows parents how to instill in their children a vibrant commitment to Christ. Christian Life Center room 205.

Broken and Blessed is a six-week Women’s Bible study that traces the story of the Genesis family from Adam and Eve through the generations to Joseph, bringing blessing from brokenness. We will see that despite both good and bad traits that were passed down, God worked for good in every generation—determined to transform those within and outside the family bloodlines. The study ends with the story of Joseph, who decided to stop the cycle of previous generations, offering forgiveness and grace to his brothers. Through Biblical teachings, and stories of contemporary families changed and used by God, this study shows us how God can use our own imperfect families to bring blessing in a hurting and broken world. Christian Life Center room 105 (Parlor).

Discipleship MinistriesREV. TERESA HOLT

We care about Your Family! We want to help you and your children…Grow in your relationship with God. Develop friendships that help support you. Discover practices that help keep you family strong! This coming January 3rd, 9:30 a.m. we start the new year with Sunday School small group classes that will help strengthen the family through Christian and Biblical values.

Simplify. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Sound familiar? Today’s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That’s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us

busy but don’t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do. What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your

To Sign up for these classes, contact the Discipleship office tholt@fumchs.com, 601-623-6668, ext 116 or register online at www.fumchotsprings.org and click on adults and then small group Bible studies.

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The Miracle Of Jesus Family Workshop Everyone is invited to The Miracle of Jesus Christmas Event! We will start with a breakfast dinner in the Christian Life Center (a $5 donation per person is appreciated, but not required for the meal). Then everyone is invited upstairs to the Children’s area to experience this unforgettable, multi-sensory family event! The workshop will give you a glimpse of the city of Bethlehem during a Christmas celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Explore the “Bible-times” marketplace in a fully-immersive experience where you will interact with shopkeepers and learn surprising details about Jesus’ miraculous birth. You will love creating crafts and keepsakes at a variety of stations, including the City Gates, Fisher’s Pier, Spice Shoppe, Toy Shoppe, Census Taker’s Office, and the Wool Trader. And a trip to Bethlehem wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the ultimate miracle of Jesus’ birth at The Stable! Come join us on Wednesday, December 2nd from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.! It will be a night to remember!

Kidz ROCK Angel Tree Christmas Wrapping Party We will have a fun night of wrapping presents, eating Christmas cookies, and enjoying spending quality time with family and friends on Sunday, December 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Parents, this will be

a night where we will need YOUR help! Join in the fun with your child and help us wrap up the holidays for children in need in our community. Please be sure to bring any extra boxes, bows, Christmas wrapping paper, or any wrapping supplies that you have on hand! Kids, don’t forget to keep collecting your change and bring it with you for the big change dump! Change this month will go toward the purchase of needed Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer for Langston Elementary. We will have a big surprise for all of you at the end of the year!

W.A.K. & CLUB 45 Registration is now open for the Winter/Spring Semester of our Wednesday Afterschool programs, W.A.K. and CLUB 45! Parents, RE-registration is required for all past participants! Sign up today! They will fill up FAST!!! DEADLINE to register, Wednesday, December 16th. The 2016 Semester begins: Wednesday, January 6th http://www.fumchotsprings.org/#/children/wak-and-club-45

Confirmation class schedule 2016 All students in 6th grade and up who have not been through confirmation are invited to attend Confirmation! This is a vital part of your student’s faith

development, so one or both parents are expected to attend each class with their student. Classes and all scheduled events held during the confirmation process are extremely important. Regular attendance is a priority. If you have any questions about the confirmation process, you are encouraged to contact Rev. Michael Mattox, or Rev. Zach Roberts at the church office at (501) 623-6668.

CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION Wednesday, January 6th 6:00-7:00pmClass #1 - Creation & Sin Wednesday, January 13th 6:00-7:00pm Class #2 – Redemption and the Holy Spirit Wednesday, January 20th 6:00-7:00pmClass #3 – Church and the New Creation Wednesday, January 27th 6:00-7:00pm Class #4 – Way of Discipleship & Salvation Wednesday, February 3rd 6:00-7:00pm*Ash Wednesday Service in Cupp Hall Wednesday, February 10th 6:00-7:00pm Class #5 – Sacraments and Worship Wednesday, February 17th 6:00-7:00pmClass #6 – Renounce, Reject, Repent, Accept Wednesday, February 24th 6:00-7:00pm*CONFIRMATION RETREAT WEEKEND Friday, February 26th— Saturday, Feb. 27th Class #7 – Confess and I Believe Wednesday, March 3rd 6:00-7:00pm Class #8 – P.P.G.S.W. and Going Forth Wednesday, March 10th 6:00-7:00pm*“Confirmation Day with the Bishop” Saturday, March 13th (field trip to Little Rock - vans leave at 8:00am)CONFIRMATION SUNDAY Sunday, March 14th in all 3 worship services

Children’s MinistriesMICHELLE WILKINS

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IN OURPRAYERS

Christian Sympathy goes to...

Dr. Tim, Cindy, Lauren & Benjamin English in the recent death of Tim’s father, Jack English; Rev. Michael & Judy Mattox and in

the recent death of Judy’s uncle, Doug Garrison; Mary Humphreys

in the recent death of her nephew, Davidson Humphreys;

Ted DeWeese in the recent death of his brother, Fent DeWeese;

Ben Burton in the recent death of his brother, Len Burton; Larry

& Elizabeth Alderman in the recent death of their nephew,

John Fuhrman; Stuart Perry & Joy Bennett in the recent death of

Stuart’s wife & Joy’s sister, Diana Perry.

Please keep these families in your prayers at this time.

Outreach MinistriesCANDY POIRIER

Ingathering Offering The Outreach Committee would like to thank you for your support in your generous offering to the Ingathering. This will help with many ministries that we are connected to. What a blessing you are to the church and reaching out to the community. If you would like to make a contribution, please mark your check or envelope “Ingathering”.

Ouachita University Festival Of Christmas The OBU “Festival of Christmas” concert is Saturday, December 5th. We will leave the church at 5:00pm in front of the Christian Life Center. The cost is $15 a ticket and we will stop at the Fish Net for dinner before the concert. If you would like to reserve your ticket, please call Candy Poirier at 623-6668 ext. 117.

Coat Drive We are again this year collecting coats for the Open Arms Food Pantry. Coats from children through adults are needed. Please bring them to the Christian Life Center and a box will be there for you to place them in. Thank you for all for your support.

Sent - Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas Children’s Advent Study “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them.” —John 17:18God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This five-week, churchwide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Children 12 and under can participate in this study with games, activities, and crafts.

Don’t Forget These Dates And Times:Wednesday, December 2nd: W.A.K. & CLUB 45 / Kidz Praise 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. (EARLY PICK UP)Wednesday, December 2nd: The Miracle of Jesus Breakfast & Advent Workshop 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Sunday, December 6th: Kidz ROCK Angel Tree gift wrapping event 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9th : LAST WAK & CLUB 45, 3:45-5:30pm Wednesday, December 9th: LAST Kidz Praize Rehearsal 5:30-6:00pm Sunday, December 13th: “A Grand Central Christmas” CONCERT, 6pm (Kidz Praize will be singing in this concert)Sunday, December 20th: Longest Night Service (a service of remembrance) 5pmFriday, December 24th: Candlelight Christmas Eve Services @ 4, 6, & 8pm!

Children’s Ministries cont.

Remind Text Alerts Mrs. Wilkins would like you to join FUMC Hot Springs Kidz on Remind! To receive messages via text, text @fumchskidz to 81010. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, ‘unsubscribe @fumchskidz’. Trouble using 81010? Try texting @fumchskidz to (501) 244-3825 instead. Standard text message rates apply. Or to

receive messages via email, send an email to fumchskidz@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, reply with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

Like Us on Facebook If you haven’t already, please be sure to like us on Facebook on our children’s page, FUMC Hot Springs Kidz, to receive all the latest information about what’s going on in our ministry!

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Traditional Music MinistryTIMOTHY TUCKER

Lessons and Carols Service On Sunday, December 13, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Traditional Worship services, the Chancel Choir will be leading the congregation in an Advent Lessons and Carols service. This is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the

A New AdditionThe hustle and bustle of the city streets of Bethlehem can be heard as Carmi gathers grapes, Gabriel herds sheep, and Daniel plays his flute. The little figurines perform their imaginary daily duties about the city while, unbeknownst to them, the baby Jesus is worshipped by angels and doted upon by Mary and Joseph in the stable just a few feet away. Each villager has a name and each has his or her own story. They are the intricate pieces of a Fontanini nativity that Diana Perry gifted to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs only a few days before her passing.

Diana painstakingly collected all 120 pieces of the 7.5-inch scale crèche over 25 years. She would comb through going out of business sales and even swap pieces with friends in order to create the current magnificent collection. “When I first got it,” Diana said, “I only had enough to put on the fireplace.”

To Diana, the crèche is more than just a set of figurines. “I wanted people to see it wasn’t just a nativity; it’s the whole marketplace,” she said. “It’s so neat to know their lives and what life was like back then.” Diana especially wanted the children to see collection. The crèche can

be a teaching tool for the children of the church, she said.

As Diana passed away in November, we are the recipients of her wishes to explore the world of the Fontanini crèche she so cherished. The crèche will be displayed in both the historic sanctuary and the Christian Life Center this advent season.

PRAYWITH US

Tim Tucker, Mike Lovelady, and all choir members are faithful to use their musical talents to help us praise and worship the Lord during this Advent season. Please support Tim, Mike, and the choir in prayer as they help us bring glory to God through song and music.“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus.” - Charles Wesley

late 19th century. In this service, we listen to seven Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and

the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer. Please join us for this beautiful service.

A Grand/Central Christmas Concert This year’s community Christmas concert, A Grand/Central Christmas, will be on Sunday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The concert will feature all aspects of the church’s music ministry. We hope you will enjoy this evening of fellowship and joyous music!

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Contemporary Music MinistryMIKE LOVELADYA ConneXion Christmas Plan to attend this special Sunday morning at The ConneXion. There will be lots of music, something special for the kids, a special message, and lots of Christmas cheer! This is The ConneXion’s music intensive Christmas service that will feature The Praise Team and several special guests. So come join us Sunday, December 20 at 10:45 in the Christian Life Center for fellowship and Christmas fun!

Christmas Eve at The ConneXion This year’s Christmas Eve at The ConneXion service will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. This service is casual and we even encourage the kids to come in their pajamas and house shoes if they want to, because we always have a special time for them. Have dinner and plan to come to this special Christmas Eve service.

Volunteers Needed We are in need of 3 – 4 volunteers that would like to be on a once-a-month rotation to assist with our Audio/Visual Ministry in The ConneXion service. This is for all youth and adults. Even for those of you who think “I don’t know anything about that,” it’s easier than you think. We will train you and then put you on a once-a-month schedule so that’s it’s convenient for you. Contact Mike Lovelady at (501) 623-6668 ext 107 for more information and to sign up.

Underground YouthLIZ ROBINSON

Angel Tree As the school semester is coming to a close our small groups are wrapping up their first semester bible studies. This has been an amazing first semester of study for each of the nearly 50 students that participate and to end the semester and start the advent season off right each of our small groups adopted at least one angel from the angel trees at First United Methodist church. The youth had a wonderful time shopping together for toys and necessities to brighten a child’s Christmas this year. Oh, how it warms our hearts to give to the children of God during this time and always! Helping others is a part of our Christian discipleship and a part that our youth truly enjoy. During this advent season our small groups will be studying “A different kind of Christmas” by Mike Slaughter. This inspirational study will help youth reclaim the broader missional meaning of Jesus’ birth and experience a Christmas season with more peace and joy than any toy or gadget could ever bring.

Ingathering On Saturday November 21, 2015, 17 students of First United Methodist Church youth attended this years Arkansas Conference Ingathering. What a wonderful time of fun, fellowship and hard work to bring food to those in need! Nearly 200,000 children in Arkansas are hungry, according to the United Methodists of Arkansas. That’s why a few hundred church members

gathered Saturday to fill boxes with sweet potatoes, meal kits, health kits and other supplies for people in need.

“We’ve got 200,000 reasons to be doing this,” said the Rev. Martha Taylor, a spokesman for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

About 400 volunteers packed 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and 40,000 meals in just a few hours Saturday morning at the annual Ingathering of the United Methodist Church at the Arkansas Rice Depot at W. 65th Street in Little

Rock. The Ingathering takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year to help ensure people who are hungry -- those who lack reliable access to adequate food -- have enough to get through the holiday. The food packed by the volunteers, which also includes rice, will go to food pantries across Arkansas, while the health kits and other supplies will be distributed worldwide. The sweet potatoes were provided by the Society of St. Andrew, which gleans fields for leftover crops to give to the hungry. The rest of the food was provided by the 630 United Methodist churches in Arkansas using donated funds.

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SPECIALGIFTS

Child Development Center UpdateLESLEE JONES

Thanksgiving Luncheon CDC children and their families, CDC staff and Board members, and church staff shared a delicious Thanksgiving luncheon on Thursday, November 19th. We are so thankful for the church that so willingly allows us to use the gym for this special occasion for families.

Care for School Age Children During Christmas Break Once again, the CDC invites families who need care for their school age children during

Christmas break to contact me at (501) 318-1377 for more information.

CDC Supports Open Arms Food Pantry CDC families and staff will once again be participating in the December food drive for the Open Arms Food Pantry. Please bring cans to the CDC office!

In Memory of John & Kathy (Elizabeth Alderman’s Niece & Nephew) From Clarence & Brenda DurandIn Memory of Lisa McRae (Sister of Blanche Donoho) From Sonny & Jo Gaston, Saints & Sinners Sunday School Class, John & Sue Polk, Ed & Charleen CopelandIn Memory of Don Fulenwider From Ron & Penny Formby, Frank & Liz Fowlkes, Mr. & Mrs. Leland Felix, Jeff & Cynthia PurnellIn Memory of Laurence Adkins From Ron & Penny FormbyIn Memory of Ann Algee From Ron & Penny Formby, John & Karen Poe, Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd CrossleyIn Memory of AnnaBelle Smith From Ron & Penny Formby, Ed & Charleen CopelandIn Memory of Roger Barnes From John & Karen Poe, Janice Carhart, Mr. & Mrs. Leland Felix, Jeff & Cynthia PurnellIn Memory of Bob Messersmith From John & Karen Poe, Jill & Paul Lynch, Thomas & Brenda Hollis, Mr. & Mrs. Leland Felix, Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd CrossleyIn Memory of Lea Etta Sweatt From John & Karen PoeIn Memory of Jack English (Father of Dr. Tim English) From Latt & Terri Bachelor, Guy & Diane Britton

In Memory of Davidson Humphreys From Mr. & Mrs. Clay White, John & Sue Polk, O’Brien-Thornton CircleFrom George & Karen Dooley From Tom & Suzy Both, Jeff & Cynthia Purnell, Erwin & Priscilla Harper CookIn Memory of Len Burton (Brother of Ben Burton) From Latt & Terri Bachelor, Mildred Smith, Bob & Joan Case, Helen SouthardIn Memory of Betsy (Daughter of Irv & Jane Slate) From Seekers Sunday School ClassIn Memory of Warren Miles From David & Rynne BelkIn Honor of Vicki Philipp’s 70th Birthday From Lynn & Jim MonkIn Honor of John & Sue Polk’s 50th Wedding Anniversary From Ed & Charleen CopelandIn Honor of Dot Brown From Donna Ann AllistonIn Honor of Ben & Laverne Burton From Wayne & Jayne RansonIn Honor of Dr. Frances Dalme From Ann LowerreIn Honor of Rosanne Murphy From Ann Lowerre

United Methodist Women ReportNew Legacy Circle Christmas Party The New Legacy Circle will meet Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Cindy English for a Christmas gathering. Cost of the meal will be $10 per person. Also, personal items for Open Arms Food pantry will be collected. Come and celebrate Christmas with New Legacy! All women of the church are invited!

Young Adult Outreach Project The young adult women of the church are meeting December 15 at 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Holy Grounds Cafe for a mission outreach project. We will be collecting candy and putting together Christmas goody bags for the children who come to Open Arms over the Christmas season. A light lunch will be provided. Please feel free to come and go as needed if you would like to be involved.

First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs would like to thank W. Darrell and Shirley J. Meyer for their generous donation to the FUMC Endowment Fund.

In Memory of Davidson Humphreys From Mr. & Mrs. Clay White, John & Sue Polk, O’Brien-Thornton CircleFrom George & Karen Dooley From Tom & Suzy Both, Jeff & Cynthia Purnell, Erwin & Priscilla Harper CookIn Memory of Len Burton (Brother of Ben Burton) From Latt & Terri Bachelor, Mildred Smith, Bob & Joan Case, Helen SouthardIn Memory of Betsy (Daughter of Irv & Jane Slate) From Seekers Sunday School ClassIn Memory of Warren Miles From David & Rynne BelkIn Honor of Vicki Philipp’s 70th Birthday From Lynn & Jim MonkIn Honor of John & Sue Polk’s 50th Wedding Anniversary From Ed & Charleen CopelandIn Honor of Dot Brown From Donna Ann AllistonIn Honor of Ben & Laverne Burton From Wayne & Jayne RansonIn Honor of Dr. Frances Dalme From Ann LowerreIn Honor of Rosanne Murphy From Ann Lowerre

CALENDARHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 13Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMTraditions Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AMConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AMPastors Disciplines Bible Study 5:00 PMKidz Rock 5:00 PMGrand Central Christmas Concert 6:00 PMStraight Talk to Men Class 6:00 PM

Monday, December 14Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Reunion Group 9:00 AMHandbells 11:00 AMYAC 4:00 PM

Tuesday, December 15Methodist Men’s Breakfast 7:00 AMOpen Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PMNew Legacy Circle 5:30 PMStephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM

Wednesday, December 16Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMCovenant Bible Study 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:30 PMWednesday Service 5:15 PMUnderground Small Groups 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:15 PM

Friday, December 18Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 20Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMChapel Communion 9:30 AMTraditions Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AMConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AMLongest Night Service 6:00 PMPastors Disciplines Bible Study 5:00 PMJr. High Underground 5:00 PMSr. High Worship Arts 5:00 PMStraight Talk to Men Class 6:00 PMUnderground Snack Supper 6:00 PMJr. High Worship Arts 6:30 PMSr. High Underground 6:30 PM

Monday, December 21Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Reunion Group 9:00 AMHandbells 11:00 AMUMW Board Meeting 1:30 PM

Tuesday, December 22Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PMStephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM

Wednesday, December 23Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMCovenant Bible Study 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:30 PMWednesday Service 5:15 PMKidz Praize 5:30 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:15 PM

Thursday, December 24Christmas EveTraditions Service (Sanctuary) 4:00 PMTraditions Service (Sanctuary) 6:00 PMConneXion Service (CLC) 8:00 PM

Friday, December 25Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 27Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMUnity Service (Sanctuary) 10:45 AMStraight Talk to Men Class 6:00 PM

Monday, December 28Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Reunion Group 9:00 AMHandbells 11:00 AM

Tuesday, December 29Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PMStephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM

Wednesday, December 30Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMCovenant Bible Study 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:30 PMWednesday Service 5:15 PMKidz Praize 5:30 PMUnderground Small Groups 6:00 PMChoir Rehehrsal 6:15 PM

Friday, December 31New Year’s EvePilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Saturday, January 1, 2016Happy New Year!

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DecemberTuesday, December 1Outreach Meeting 1:30 PM Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PMStephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. 5:30 PMStephen Ministry Supervision Mtg. 6:00 PMGenesis Class 6:00 PM

Wednesday, December 2Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMCovenant Bible Study 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 11:30 PMWAK & Club 45 3:30 PMFamily Event: “Miracle of Jesus”Workshop 5:00 PMWednesday Service 5:15 PMUnderground Small Groups 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 7:00 PM

Friday, December 4Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Sunday, December 6Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMTraditions Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AMConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AMEvangelism Team Meeting 12:00 PMPastors Disciplines Bible Study 5:00 PMKidz Rock 5:00 PMSR High Worship Arts 5:00 PMUnderground Snack Supper 6:00 PMSR High Underground 6:30 PMJR High Worship Arts 6:30 PM

Monday, December 7Pilates 8:30 AMEmmaus Women’s Reunion Group 9:00 AMHandbells 11:00 AM

Tuesday, December 8Rogers – Moore Circle 10:00 AMHelen Wilson Circle 10:00 AMO’Brien-Thornton Circle 10:00 AMWorship Design Meeting 11:00 AMJane Murphy Circle 12:00 PMOpen Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM

Wednesday, December 9 Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMCovenant Bible Study 9:00 AMRomeo 11:30 AMWAK & Club 45 3:30 PMIntercessory Prayer Group 3:00 PMWednesday Service 5:15 PMKidz Praize 5:30 PMUnderground Small Groups 6:00 PMChoir Rehearsal 6:15 PM

Friday, December 11Pilates 8:30 AM

First United Methodist Church1100 Central AvenueHot Springs, AR 71901

“We are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.”

CONNECT WITH US (501) 623-6668 (phone) (501) 623-2293 (fax) www.fumchs.com

Welcome Our New FUMC Members & Baptisms!

Cheryl Cooper (pictured with her

son E.P.)

Helen Griffith Mike (not pictured) & Lisa Wood Baptism of Blair, daughter Sarah & Chris Carpenter, granddaughter of David &

Melinda French