New in this Issue:

Youth Movie Night Time Change - Dec 23 from 5:00 - 9:00PM
Update on Holiday Services
Nashua Soup Kitchen Needs and MSUMC THIS Sunday (Dec 17th)
New England Conference call to share Daily Prayers

Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

#BePresent this Holiday Season.

Starting Sunday, November 26th

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We're in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah when candles are lit for 8 days to commemorate the dedication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and liberation from oppression. And in many Christian households the candles of the Advent wreath are lit in preparation for the birth of Emmanuel, God-with-us, at Christmas -- already amongst us and born anew. So, at our Interfaith clergy meeting Wednesday morning, we discussed the significance of lighting candles.

We thought about what is the work of lighting one candle. To provide light, certainly, perhaps warmth, ambience. To allow us to follow the way. To focus our prayer or petition for someone -- as I did this week when Shelby called and asked me to pray with her as she recovers from a coma. Lighting a candle can be a sign of hope in a weary time. A commitment to trust in the goodness of creation rather than succumb to the anxiety and fear others promote. It is a practice to bring more light into the world, rather than curse the darkness.

Then what is 2-candle work? Scriptures promise whenever 2 or 3 are gathered in Christ's name, the divine is present. So what is the work to join your light with others, to encourage and support? And then what is the work of 4 candles or 8? The work of the church to remember and retell the stories of the people of faith throughout the generations (THANKS to those who are bringing the characters of Advent alive in worship). What is the work of the faithful in the world to bring light and love and truth to a suffering world?

For ultimately, we light the candles of hope, peace, joy and love to fill us up so that we might be enlightened to bring more hope, peace, joy and love into all of creation.

Blessed Advent,

Pastor Kelly

Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin

Jim Pyle has been showing his gift of presence through his handy work over the last several weeks. We are so grateful for Jim who has worked hard on fixing things for us around the church. He fixed the corn hole boards for the stroll that were broken from last year, a beautiful antique table that we have in the back hallway, and one of the most appreciated organizing projects is the banner hanger shown below that Pam has been wanting for years! This allows each banner to hang individually and makes them easy to store and remove. He has donated his time, skills, and project supplies. We appreciate you Jim for all the gifts you share with your church family!

We've added a morning service on Christmas Eve at 10:30 AM. The service will be informal and not online. We will hold it in the Chapel to keep it comfortable for the smaller attendance. We will STILL hold the 7:00 PM Candlelight service the same evening. We hope to see you that day at either service (or both)!

For those who wish to join the class online, click the button below.

Click Here to Join Class

If you submit a daily prayer, please include your name, church, and state you are from the Granite District. We hope you can take the time to share so others may benefit.

Thanksgiving mailer and 2024 Stewardship cards were sent in the mail last week. There are several ways this year to easily make your 2024 pledge to MSUMC:

Return 2024 Pledge Card from mailer to the church via regular mail
Scan the QR Code below*
Click the link below*

When you fill out the form online, it will only be shared with Financial Secretary.

Click Here to make your 2024 Pledge Online

Click Here for RaiseRight Program

Click HERE for Amazon List

NOTE: Date of Movie night is Saturday, December 23rd

TIME CHANGE: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Get Excited!

After a month off for the holiday season, we are back in business with our Ham & Bean Suppers on Saturday, January 6th. Please join us and spread the word! Special price for all veterans, active duty, and first responders!

We Need You!

Can you help out in the Nursery on Sunday's during Church School and Worship? We Need You! Some volunteers have already stepped up, however, we need more. Many of the current volunteers already have many "jobs" in the congregation and we'd like to get some relief.

Please contact the Church Office if you can volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our littlest disciples.

United Way of Greater Nashua's next "Coffee and Causes" talk for older adults will focus on "Getting Back to Exercise". Speakers from the YMCA of Greater Nashua and the local Hannaford nutritionist will speak about ways to add fitness and healthy eating to your routine in the new year. The talk will take place at the YMCA of Greater Nashua at 10:30am on Friday, January 5th. This talk is geared toward older adults, but all are welcome! Register at the link below or contact United Way at (603)882-4011 or info@unitedwaynashua.org.