December 16, 2020

Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God.
                                                                                                                                 -Luke 2:13


“Will you pray for us?”  Those words used to make my heart stop in its tracks as I’m sure it has or does to many of you reading this. We try our best not to panic as it feels like all the words we ever knew slip from our grasp as we open our mouths to speak in front of and behalf of everyone present. In college I appreciated getting more than a two second notice that I would be speaking or praying. That extra time really allowed me to agonize over what words I would use. I remember one college retreat in particular where I would be sharing a devotional during second evening together. I furiously scribbled in a notebook the entire drive to our destination, but nothing was working. We arrived with me feeling defeated, and so I prayed. Curiously enough, this prayer had no words. I just shut my eyes and my heart kind of shouted for help. The reply I received was, “the words will come.” 
 
For the rest of that day and the next, I kept preparing and looking over my notes. I prayed as well, hoping those words would be undeniably delivered to me from on high. They didn’t. But when the time came for my devotional, I spoke, and everything was fine. The words had arrived. Nowadays as a pastor, I’m asked to pray at the drop of a hat. It no longer bothers me because I have grown accustomed to trusting that the words will come. 
 
Recently though, the words do not come as easily. I think it might just be that there aren’t words to describe what we are going through right now. While it doesn’t stop me from praying out loud or writing devotionals, it does take longer to find the words. All I can do is prepare as best I can and trust that the words will eventually come. 
 
When they do, I always receive a spark of joy. Is that joy mixed with relief? Absolutely! It’s like a mini-arrival of a chorus of angels announcing my wait is over. As we begin looking at the story of the first Christmas, the angels arrive to announce the arrival of THE WORD. The Word became flesh and made his home among us (John 1:14). For generations, the Israelites waited and trusted that the Word would come. What joy to hear news that the wait is over!  
 
As our wait for Christmas nears its end, pray for me as I pray for you. Please don’t sweat it if you can’t find the words. Be patient and have hope. In time, they will come. 
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter 

---

POINSETTIA SALE

Poinsettias are placed at the altar during Advent. Historically, these plants are given by church members in honor or memory of someone special in their lives. If you would like to purchase one or more, the cost is $26 each. We will share your loved one's name in online worship and on the screens in worship, and in a devotional. After the Christmas Eve Services, the poinsettias may be taken home.

Please contact the office by phone or email to reserve your poinsettia today! 

[email protected] 
337 783 6754

---

Organ Tune Up

With your generous help, we were able to tune the organ this past week. Thank you for helping us keep it tuned and in good order! 

The next time you are with us in Traditional worship, see if you can
hear the difference!

​
​
Staff Appreciation 

​As this year comes, our congregation provides a special Christmas bonus to the staff of Crowley First UMC. It is a special gift of appreciation for our wonderful staff.  
​
If you would like to contribute to an end of the year Christmas bonus gift to our hard working staff, please mark an envelope the the memo line of a check with 'staff bonus' and place it in the offering plate or send it to the church office. 

Christmas Eve Preparations 

It will come as no surprise that Christmas Eve will look different this year. For starters we will be having two Christmas Eve services.

These services will be held at 4 pm and 5:30 pm on December 24, 2020.

We are asking everyone to call or email the church office to make a reservation so that we know how many folks will be going to each service. This will be immensely helpful as we prepare for a safe and meaningful worship experience. 

We ask that you wear at mask at this service and practice social distancing. 
 
At your convenience, simply email or call the church office to share:
1. How many people you plan to bring 
2. Whether you will attend at 4 pm or 5:30 pm
​
[email protected] 
337 783 6754

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

As we continue Advent we look another song of the season,
"O Little Town of Bethlehem." ​

 


Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am


 
Worship in the Sanctuary at 11 am
​



​
We ask that you wear a mask at these services and observe social distancing.



 Online worship is available each week for anyone uncomfortable in groups, or those sick or symptomatic. The CDC continues to recommend that individuals 65 years or older, people of all ages with medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or a weakened immune system should stay at home as much as possible.

ONLINE WORSHIP
SUNDAYS AT 8:45 AM

Access Online Worship here

Visit our Facebook page for Online Worship Here

Your Support is Needed and Appreciated! 

​You may mail your gifts, tithes, and offerings to:

Crowley First UMC
P.O. Box 1064
Crowley, LA 70527

You can now make a donation to the church by texting 

crowleyfirst

to 888 444 8774

or by clicking the button below

DONATE

Your smart phone will direct you to a page to set up a profile. 
Once that is set up you can give and manage your offerings with ease. 
We are excited to offer this to our members as we continue to find new ways to come together in joy. ​

REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED! 


And you are always welcome at Crowley First UMC!