Wednesday, Dec. 16th 2020

Weekly Newsletter—December 16

new & upcoming at LUMC!

SEND IN YOUR MESSENGER SUBMISSIONS!

Today is the day to submit your article(s) for the January Messenger, if you haven’t already! Send all contributions to Lauren Lanigan.

CARES ACT TAX DEDUCTION

As part of CARES Act passed earlier this year, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to the church. Additional information on pandemic-related changes to taxes and charitable giving can be found at the IRS website.

DONATIONS FOR FOSTER KIDS

This year, LUMC preschool is collecting new pajamas and underwear (infant–teenage) for foster children here in Johnson County. Last year, they provided items for 1,800 foster children. All new donations are welcome. Drop off in the church or preschool office by December 15.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2

As we celebrate this season of Advent together, we have an all-ages devotional available for you called “In Light & Darkness” from Illustrated Ministry. For each week in Advent there is a scripture, reflection, discussion questions, and coloring pages. You can view and print the devotional online or pick up a copy in the church office during office hours (weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office at (913) 888–5600 or office@lenexaumc.org.

ADVENT OFFERING

This year’s Advent offering supports Hillcrest Transitional Housing. Hillcrest provides working adults who have lost their homes with three months of housing. By participating in the program, the residents are able to become self-supporting and self-reliant. Lenexa UMC sponsors one apartment which costs approximately $7,000 per year. You may give online or by mailing a check to the church office marked “Advent”.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Sunday, December 20 | 7 p.m.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle! It’s a lovely time for a Christmas sing-a-long with you! Please join Liesel Stephens and your church family for a Facebook live Christmas carol sing-a-long! Get your hot chocolate or eggnog ready and tune in as we sing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs! We will have lyrics ready for you to print or read on your device. Celebrate the season with us in song from the comfort of your home on Sunday, December 20 on Facebook Live.

CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN REFLECTION

Thursday, December 24 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Sanctuary will be open on Christmas Eve for those who wish to come for a time of reflection. Christmas hymn recordings will be playing, and communion will be available. We invite you to come by for a time of private worship and prayer. Please wear a mask and socially distance from others in the Sanctuary. The pews will be sanitized throughout the day as people leave. Candles will also be available for you to take home to use for Christmas Eve worship.

ST. MARY’S FOOD KITCHEN

January 1

We have the chance to start out the new year with helping people in need. As no surprise, due to the virus, the kitchen continues to be closed, and they are serving cold lunches in a bag at the door. These consist of a lunch meat sandwich, chips, granola or protein bar, fruit or fruit cup, bottle of water, and a dessert. We just have to drop the lunches off at St. Mary’s, and they will pass them out. They have 700-800 people most days, so this will be a tremendous challenge for us, but one we met in October. We need volunteers that can prepare hopefully 50 lunches each and bring them to the church on the morning of January 1. They will then be transported to St. Mary’s. Please let Tom Bean know if you can help at (913) 888–2446 or threetnkbean@juno.com. We need to know fairly soon if you can so we can be sure we will have enough. Thank you!

MIXED NUTS YOUNG ADULT MISSION TRIP

January 3–9

DESTINATION: Jasper, Texas—

working in Hurricane Disaster Relief

COST: only $125 (a bargain)

OLD ADULTS: Ann Foster, Bruce & Lisa Freeman

Road trip to warmer weather…no planning meetings…great work sites…no note-writing…good eats…no drama! Young Adults ages 18–35: you have to admit that a change of scenery in early January sounds great. Contact Bruce Freeman or Lisa Freeman today to reserve your seat in the SUV. Come mess with Texas with us to help rebuild communities destroyed by Hurricane Laura.

Sunday worship

DECEMBER 20

4^TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

“Peace Came Down at Christmas”

Micah 5:3–5, Luke 2:1–14

Peace and safety are scarce around the world these days. Where do we find peace in this crazy world? Peace that will last and that we can afford? I can tell you with confidence that you can find it in Jesus.

Rev. Ezekiel Koech preaching. Joy Bells Ensemble playing.

join us for

Christmas Eve 2020!

Livestream services at 7 P.M. and 9 P.M.!

In-person services are temporarily suspended for everyone’s safety, but that hasn’t stopped us from worshiping together! We livestream the 9:00 and 10:30 services every week on Facebook, then post the videos on our Online Sermons page later that day.

watch worship live!

Miss last week’s service?

catch up on previous services >

ongoing events & announcements

DRIVE-THRU DINNER’S ON US!

Wednesdays | 5:30–6:30 p.m.

We’re serving you curbside at Dinner’s On Us, our weekly free meal!

Enter the lot on the northwest side of our property and we will serve you from the extensive sidewalk at our west entrance. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors!

menu options:

#1: pulled pork sandwich, chips, and a cookie

#2: PB & J sandwich, chips, and a cookie

Contact Wayne Dothage or Lisa Freeman to volunteer as a server/baker.

FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS NEEDED

The Johnson County Food Pantry is accepting all donations. Please bring donations to the gray bins outside of the church office.

connect with us!

Connect with other members via Facebook—though we may not see each other in person as much, our LUMC community is active online and as welcoming as ever!