December 9, 2020

                    
​For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
​                                                          -Romans 8:24

The second advent candle we light typically represents love. As I planned for Advent, I was sure that this week I would share the scripture of the shepherds tending their flock and say something about the love the shepherds expressed to their sheep. But this year, my eye keeps getting drawn back to that first candle. That candle of hope. After the year we’ve had, we are clinging onto hope. Hope for joy and peace. Hope for the love that came down on Christmas. Hope that things will get better, and fast! 
 
While shepherds were lovingly tending their flock, there was certainly hope among them as well! Terror ran rampant as well, at first. But with the angels’ proclamation there sprung forth a hope as well. A hope that they got to see as they hurried to the stable and a babe in a manger! But was that hope? Romans 8:24 says, “hope that is seen is no hope at all.” So perhaps the hope of the shepherds was short-lived, lasting from the fields the manger. Then again perhaps not. Yes they had seen what the angels told them they would see, but the child had yet to do much but sleep! Baby Jesus’ ministry was still years away. And so as Mary locked away these memories in her heart and the shepherds excited returned to the fields, hope continued to thrive! Hope in Immanuel, God with us. Hope that just as the angels were right about where the child could be found they would be right about what the child would do. 
 
We know the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. While we may not have seen Jesus with our eyes, we have seen lives changed in Jesus’ name. We have experienced enough of Christs love to become disciples. We know following Jesus is difficult and hope can often seem in short supply. Still, we carry the hope of the shepherds who have seen the baby, but have yet to see how the world will be changed by his life. Jesus was just getting started. God’s work is not yet finished. We have ample hope in the work that God is doing, even in the midst of a pandemic. 
 
With two candles lit, I love the reminder that hope is thriving. Hope for a bright and beautiful tomorrow. Claim that hope, my friend, and be good to yourself as we continue to wait and prepare this Advent. 
 
Grace and peace,
 
Pastor Peter 

---

ANGEL TREE
​
This year, Methodist Foster Care has nearly 135 children and youth in their care. Our Care and Share committee is asked the congregation to help fulfill 32 Angel Tree wish cards for these children and youth. 

The gifts we gathered with love and generosity were collected from our church and delivered.
​Thank you for helping us with this ministry this year! 

---

Christmas in Crowley
 DECEMBER 8, 2020 

Up above the Opera House members of our choir could be seen singing carols as folks enjoyed Christmas in Crowley below.

Our church showed up to share cookies and hot chocolate with those who came out to enjoy Christmas in Crowley. 

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

---

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,
"Mary Did You Know." ​

 


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!