I hope this newsletter finds you well and warm. Thanks in advance to all of you who will help decorate the church for Christmas. Advent is always such a humbling and meaningful time for me. There is usually a quietness in my heart while the “busy-ness” of this time of the year spins around me. My focus is on the baby born in the stillness of the night, surrounded by angels, shepherds, animals, Joseph and Mary. I imagine all of creation holding its breath as God made flesh took their first breath as a human male. I encourage you to set aside time every day to consider what we are celebrating, to think about what we are waiting for, and to look for ways to be the Christ in the life of others. We participate in advent every year, decorating, changing our music, our preaching, our focus to the arrival of that baby. This year, while you watch and wait, keep yourself actively waiting by doing small things for others: offering prayers, sending cards, making phone calls… Anything you do to reconnect with others in your families or in our community will extend the love of Christ to this world so desperate for love. This is actually my 12^th Advent with Saint Matthew (10^th since we joined the church). I look forward to every one because I learn something new about my Savior with each passing season. Blessings to all this week. Rest, practice self-care, and join me in anticipating the arrival of that baby! My love to all, Mary

We have been talking about the twins for a few weeks, Jacob finally got the birthright that rightfully belonged to Esau. However, because of Esau’s anger, Jacob had to flee his home and family.

As Jacob was leaving his home and family and traveling to Haran, he grew tired. He found a stone and placed it near his head, and he used it as his pillow. He went to sleep and had a very vivid dream. He dreamed that there was a large staircase that started on the ground and reached into the sky. God appeared in the dream and promised to be with him and bless him and all his descendants.

When Jacob awoke, he knew that God was with him in that place, God came to Jacob when he was tired and scared. Jacob was also scared by his dream. However, God made His presence known to Jacob. Jacob believed that the stone was in a special and holy place. Jacob set up the stone as a sacred pillar. He poured oil on the stone and named the place Bethel. Be with us on Sunday to learn more about the twins.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and I have an inside track to talk with Santa!! He told me he plans to visit St. Matthew kids after our dinner on Dec. 16th! Tell Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa that you just have to be at church to see what goodies Santa may bring you this year. He promised me he would have stockings filled with goodies for all our boys and girls. Hope you mark this on your calendar; the elves will help Santa that evening as well! I am excited!

Blessings

WHAT IS UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY?

United Methodist Student Day was the original Special Sunday founded by United Methodist Church Sunday Schools who collected offerings to help advance education for their children. The fund was originally established in 1872 as the Children’s Fund. Today, United Methodist Student Day Sunday has the same purpose, calling upon the denomination to support their students as they prepare for life by adding knowledge to their faith.

Every year, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. The offering taken on United Methodist Student Day is one opportunity to support these scholarships. Every dollar – yes 100% – received goes towards supporting and educating a new generation of principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. Supporting this Special Sunday is truly an investment in our future.

Currently, there are over 70 scholarships available for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral United Methodist students. Financial support for all General Board of Higher Education and Ministry scholarships come from five primary sources: 63% from endowments; 22% from wills and annuities; 13% from United Methodist Special Sundays and 1% from online gifts and fiduciary income. All donations received empower and encourage our students that we are investing in them and our future.

We are blessed to support thousands of students through scholarships, but we would like to do more. Our funds are limited, and every awards cycle we end up with a large pool of qualified candidates who we are unable to help because there was no money left to give. You can help us change that! Donate now and help more students answer God’s call to higher education.