Forest Hills United Methodist Church Christmas Fundraiser for its Missionary, Victoria Bowman

Forest Hills United Methodist Church has the privilege of supporting our very own missionary! I don’t know about you, but I have never been a part of a community of faith where “one of our own” would give up the security of a very good job and terrific living conditions to go and minister in a foreign land; especially a place where the climate is unbearably cold in the winter and where English is not universally understood. It seems somewhat surreal - like something one would read or even dream about, but never actually act upon! Victoria Bowman, however, is doing just that! She is answering God’s call to serve as a missionary in Kazakhstan – a country where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been repressed for many years. She is making an initial commitment of five years and hopes to arrive there by next summer. The only thing standing in her way is funding, and our congregation is committed to enabling her to answer God’s call on her life.

One of our most recent endeavors is a fundraiser, utilizing a book written by one of our own members. The history behind the book is quite sweet. Erin McDonough, one of our youth, wrote How Long‘Til Christmas? when she was a student at Crieve Hall Elementary. It was inspired by and dedicated to her little brother, Michael, who, at five years old, could barely contain his excitement for the approach of Christmas day. Illustrated by Crieve Hall students, the book is quite tasteful and includes an engaging text and adorable artwork with beautiful, vivid colors. It is a delightful work!

Copies of How Long ‘Til Christmas would make excellent Christmas gifts for all of the children in your life, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards funding Victoria as a missionary to Kazakhstan. The book is available for a suggested donation of $8 with a $2.00 shipping fee. You may order it through:
Forest Hills United Methodist Church
c/o Linda Williford
1250 Old Hickory
Brentwood, TN 37027
phone: 373-3131 ext. 202

Hillcrest UMC Manger Marketplace, Saturday, December 2, 2006, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

On Sat, Dec 2 from 9-Noon, Hillcrest UMC will host its 4th Annual Manger Marketplace – where you can purchase Christmas gifts that touch the lives of those across the world in need of help.

We have activities that include International Folk Dancers, music from Hillcrest’s choirs, a birthday party for Jesus from 10-Noon for children and much more. Children are invited to bring a birthday present for Jesus that will go to Miriam’s Promise (adoption service for the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church).

Manger Marketplace includes items for purchase from:
SERRV (click to go to the SERRV website)
Thistle Farms (click to go to the Thistle Farms website)
Hillcrest’s Senior Crafters
Heifer International (click to go to Heifer International website)
Fair Trade Coffee, Cocoa & Tea
Habitat for Humanity
The Advance for Christ and His Church
Second Harvest Food Bank
Stained Glass by the Sprys for Katrina Relief
And so much more…

Please join us as we celebrate the gift that God gave to us all.

Ebenezer UMC, New Johnsonville, Hosts "Worship in Spirit and Truth" (WIST) Seminar November 10th and 11th

“Worship In Spirit and Truth”
WIST Seminar

Hosted by
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
New Johnsonville, TN

This Friday and Saturday, November 10th and November 11th

To some people, worship means “A service.” To others, it means "Singing." Some may describe styles of worship using words like “contemporary" or "traditional." But what does the Bible say?

Based on Jesus words to the woman at the well in John 4, the Worship in Spirit and Truth Seminar (WIST) is a team-led weekend renewal event designed to equip participants with a biblical understanding of worship. Incorporating Scripture from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, teachings examine both corporate worship experiences and the lives of individual worshipers. Truths gained from this experience will give your church fresh insight into worship and its importance in and to our daily lives while participants are encouraged to develop a "24/7" lifestyle of worship.

The Seminar begins on Friday evening, with worship at 7:00 PM. WIST will then resume on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, and the day-long event will be completed around 9:00 PM. On Sunday morning, Jonathan Dow, Director of Conferences Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, will lead Ebenezer’s morning worship services at 8:30 AM and at 11:00 AM. The Seminar, a study guide, three meals, and snacks are included in the registration fee of $25 per person.

Topics during the WIST seminar will include:
+ Who do we Worship?
+ Why do we Worship?
+ When do we Worship?
+ How do we Worship?
+ Identifying and overcoming hindrances to Worship

Worship in Spirit and Truth is packed with Scripture, personal testimony and the vital reality of the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

You are invited by Ebenezer United Methodist Church and Rev. Donna Parramore, to attend this life changing Seminar.

Register today by calling Ebenezer UMC at 535-2265 or e-mail to ebenezerumc@waverly.net for additional information.