December 17 and 18
Bulletin for First Church, December 17 and 18, 2022
Bulletin for First Church, December 17 and 18, 2022
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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE<br />
Join us on Monday, <strong>December</strong> 19, 7 pm, at the Downtown Campus of<br />
First Church for a Blue Christmas Service. The Blue Christmas Service is also<br />
called the “Longest Night” service <strong>and</strong> is often held on the evening of the<br />
winter solstice; it’s often associated with the disciple Thomas who struggled<br />
to believe in the resurrected Jesus. Many who have experienced loss<br />
wrestle with faith, especially during darker times that night brings, even<br />
when everyone else seems to be celebrating in conjunction with the holiday<br />
season. For all of the reasons <strong>and</strong> times that we “wrestle” with faith<br />
(loneliness, addiction, loss of relationships, loss of a loved one, grief, <strong>and</strong><br />
so many more), there is One that will bring healing to everything. Jesus.<br />
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER<br />
Christmas Day Dinner is the largest outreach that First Church has throughout the<br />
year. This year we expect to serve approximately 900 people in just a few hours! You<br />
can help in the following ways:<br />
• #loveyourneighbor by donating items for Christmas Day Dinner! The following<br />
items are being collected: boneless hams (8-10 lbs.), large cans of<br />
green beans or corn, Christmas cookies, frozen fruit pies, monetary donations<br />
(Christmas Day Dinner on the memo line). Please bring food donations to the<br />
church office during business hours.<br />
• There are many volunteer opportunities available at Christmas Day Dinner.<br />
You can find sign-up sheets at the welcome center/hub at both campuses or<br />
sign up online at www.butlerfumc.com/christmas.<br />
WHAT’S COMING UP?<br />
• FUSION CHRISTMAS PARTY: Sunday, <strong>December</strong> <strong>18</strong>, 6 - 8 pm. Students should<br />
bring a $10 wrapped white elepant gift <strong>and</strong> wear their ugly sweaters.<br />
• ROOTS LOCK IN: Friday, <strong>December</strong> 30, 7 pm - 7 am, Rt. 8 Campus. Bring a<br />
sleeping bag, pillow, a fun $5 gift to exchange, <strong>and</strong> a snack to share.<br />
• FUSION PARENT VISION NIGHT: Sunday, January 8 at 5 pm, Downtown Campus<br />
• FC GATHERING (including Fusion): Wednesday, January 11, Downtown Campus.<br />
Dinner at 5:30, groups at 6:30.<br />
www.facebook.com/GodsCountryButler<br />
www.facebook.com/CrossfireButler<br />
www.facebook.com/FirstChurchButler<br />
www.instagram.com/firstchurchbutler<br />
www.butlerfumc.com/give<br />
firstchurch@butlerfumc.com<br />
WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND<br />
OUR CURRENT SERMON SERIES: COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS : HOME TO PEACE<br />
THIS WEEKEND’S SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 2:11-<strong>18</strong><br />
In Jesus, God has provided an end to the hostility between Jews <strong>and</strong> Gentiles.<br />
He has made the way for peace between them. Rather than finding identity<br />
in the Law of Moses, or in some pagan practice, God has provided access to<br />
himself for all in Jesus Christ. When we come to Christ, we find the opportunity<br />
for hostility to end, whatever hostility might look like in our lives, because Jesus<br />
connects us to the One who ultimately provides love <strong>and</strong> purpose <strong>and</strong> meaning.<br />
We find peace <strong>and</strong> rest when we find Jesus, because he connects us to<br />
the One who made us. Advent reminds us that when we come home to Jesus,<br />
we come home to peace, because we come home to the Father.<br />
TAKING IT HOME SCRIPTURES<br />
Our readings for the week ahead are:<br />
MONDAY, <strong>December</strong> 19 Rev. <strong>17</strong>; Prov. 26<br />
TUESDAY, <strong>December</strong> 20 Rev. <strong>18</strong>; Prov. 27<br />
WEDNESDAY, <strong>December</strong> 21 Rev. 19; Prov. 28<br />
THURSDAY, <strong>December</strong> 22 Rev. 20; Prov. 29<br />
FRIDAY, <strong>December</strong> 23 Rev. 21; Prov. 30<br />
SATURDAY, <strong>December</strong> 24 Rev. 22; Prov. 31<br />
SUNDAY, <strong>December</strong> 25<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
WANT TO RECEIVE TEXT UPDATES FROM FIRST CHURCH?<br />
A couple of times per week we send out text updates to those that have<br />
signed up to receive texts from First Church. Would you like to receive texts? It’s<br />
easy to sign up! Text the word CONNECT to phone number (724) 246-6816, <strong>and</strong><br />
we’ll take it from there!<br />
DECEMBER <strong>17</strong> AND <strong>18</strong>, 2022<br />
Change in contact information<br />
Name ____________________________________<br />
Address__________________________________<br />
__________________________________________<br />
City_________________________ State________<br />
Phone (_____) _____________________________<br />
E-mail ____________________________________<br />
I attended:<br />
I am a:<br />
6 pm, Saturday<br />
7 pm, God’s Country<br />
9:15 am, Downtown<br />
10:30 am, Crossfire<br />
First-Time Guest<br />
Second-Time Guest<br />
Regular Attender<br />
Member<br />
I heard about First Church from:<br />
My next step is to::<br />
CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
Please place this card in the offering box or<br />
h<strong>and</strong> it in at the welcome center before you<br />
leave. Thank you!<br />
A friend invited me<br />
Social media<br />
I have been watching online<br />
WBUT<br />
Other ______________________<br />
Begin a relationship with Jesus<br />
Join a small group<br />
Serve In ministry<br />
Help First Church as needed<br />
Tell my transformation story
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