First United Methodist Church of Crowley Louisiana
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December 2, 2020

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​Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.”
Then the angel left her.                                                             
                                                
+ Luke 1:38

The angel Gabriel just gave Mary some major news. Even though she was a virgin betrothed to Joseph, she was going to give birth to a son. Not just a son, but God’s son, whose kingdom will have no end. It is incredible news, that sounds impossible. Yet the angel reminds her, “Nothing is impossible for God.” Mary’s response is simple. She accepts and consents saying, “Let it be so.” I imagine at this time, hope blooms brightly in Mary’s heart. She has just encountered an angel of the Lord. 
 
She has not only received news of her pregnancy, but her relative Elizabeth’s as well. Without the modern conveniences of text or skype, Mary had no way to verify that Elizabeth was with child. So, she hurried to Elizabeth’s house to see for herself. She knew that God could do amazing things, but still, it seems, she needed to check. I imagine Mary’s mind is racing every step of the journey. I imagine her heart bursting with hope that it is indeed all true. What a joy it must have been to be received so excitedly by Elizabeth who somehow knows about Mary’s recent news! There must have been concerns about giving birth and parenting the Son of God. She likely knew there would be great heart ache in watching her son, the Messiah, fulfill his calling. Yet her hope, the world’s hope, shined bright. The child, the Son of God was coming.
 
This hope that Mary had, that we have is not a thing that can or cannot be held. It is a practice, a spiritual discipline. This year as we look forward to Christmas, many of us have already decorated for the season. We have hope and are keen to prepare our homes for the joy of Christmas. We practice that hope by decking our halls and hanging lights. We know what’s coming, we’re ready to see it and we act. We’ll never know what Mary was thinking as she raced to see Elizabeth, but this year let us consider this as an act of hope. Mary knew what she would find and raced to her relative to offer congratulations. In all manner of situations, we are comforted by the words, “This too shall pass.” We have hope that it will, and we prepare for when it does. We just need to remember that sometimes hope must be practiced for a really long time. At the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew we read that there are 42 generations from the time of Abraham to the arrival of the Messiah. That is a long time of waiting. Right now, we have barely made 42 weeks of living in a world of pandemic precautions. It feels like an eternity. Still I have hope. Still we plan. This year many plans have fallen through. It is frustrating. Over a long period of time that frustration can drain our hope. Fortunately, hope cannot be stolen so easily. We can practice it anyway. We look for new ways to celebrate and worship and serve. We keep going hoping to see a change soon. 

I wish you the best this Advent and am praying for each of us to find new ways to cultivate and practice hope. With a little self-examination, you might find you have more hope that you thought! Be good to yourself this week. 
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter 

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ANGEL TREE
​
It’s Angel Tree time again and there are still a few unclaimed cards on the tree! This year, Methodist Foster Care has nearly 135 children and youth in their care. Our Care and Share committee is asking the congregation to help fulfill 32 Angel Tree wish cards for these children and youth. 

This year, we have set up one Angel Tree located in Fellowship Hall. On it, you will find unreserved Angel Tree Wish Cards—and a Candy Cane treat for you as a thank you from Care and Share!

On the card, you will find a specific gift title and a picture of said gift. All gifts can be found at Walmart! You will also notice a funny looking code on your card. This code belongs to a specific child, so it is very important that you attach your gift card to the gift you purchase! It is also helpful to include gift wrap/bags/tissue paper with your gift. But, please, do not wrap them.

Please return all gifts to Fellowship Hall by 3pm on December 4th!

Thank you so very much for helping us to bless the children and youth in Methodist Foster Care again this year.

Please call or text Anna Lantz at 384-8754 with any questions.


Christmas in Crowley
TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2020 
Some members of our church will be helping bring a little Christmas cheer during the first week in December at the event,
"Christmas in Crowley." Some will be singing while others will be provided some sweets for the holiday.
Folks will also be able to purchase salsa and jelly to support our youth ministry! 


FOOD NET   
TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2020 
Participating in a food drive is a wonderful way for us to begin this season of Advent.
We hope you'll join us in supporting Crowley Christian Care Center for the Food Net.
Folks will be ready to accept donation at Crowley Christian Care from 8 am to 6 pm. 
Simply bring your donations to
726 West Seventh Street.
All non-perishable items are accepted. Requested Items are:
Rice, sugar, cornbread mix, Mac & cheese, flour, pasta, ramen noodles, peanut butter, canned meats,
boxed dinners, grits, oatmeal, cereal, canned vegetables, and cooking oil. 

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

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As we continue Advent we look another song of the season,
"People Look East." ​


 


Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am


 
Worship in the Sanctuary at 11 am

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​
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!


Get In Touch!

Office Hours
​Monday-Thursday:
​8:30am - 3pm

Telephone
​337-783-6754

Email
​crowleyfirstumc@gmail.com

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1064
Crowley, LA 70527
Sunday Services:
11:00am - Traditional Worship
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