What's happening this month
From the Pastor:
With the arrival of advent, I find myself humming the traditional hymn People Look East. I suspect it’s because this hymn is so often sung at worship services during this season of watching and waiting. The unfolding of the verses tell us to take hope – “furrows be glad, though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there.”
Written by English author and poet Eleanor Farjeon in the early 1900’s, People Look East is the perfect blueprint for navigating advent. The words inform us “make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.” To me this speaks of our physical homes and churches as well as our hearts. How is it we prepare for radical hospitality in welcoming in the stranger? As we set the table, we are reminded to always make room for one more…the guest we have yet to meet. “Love, the Guest, is on the way.” The hymn goes on the say, “set every peak and valley humming with the word the Lord is coming.” Yet again the words guide our preparation for Christmas. In this hectic season it’s a reminder to take time and center on how the anticipated arrival of the Messiah is at the center of our advent season. Slow down, take time to let God in, and be gentle with you and yours. “Love, the Lord, is on the way.”
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share the season of Advent and Christmas with all of you at Grace UMC. Your radical hospitality is a gift to those who enter this faith community as visitors, newcomers and life-long members. May you step into this season of wonder and hope, knowing you are beloved!
In awe and gratitude – Pastor Sue McNicol
Save the Date:
Join us for our annual Charge Conference meetings at Grace UMC. We will hold an abbreviated meeting on Thursday, December 4 at 1 PM with approval of the Pastors 2026 Compensation Package, approval of the 2026 Nominations/Church Leadership structure and report and any other congregational votes that require Charge Conference action.
We will hold an All-Church “Celebration Conference” on Sunday, January 11 following our 10 AM worship service. This meeting covers the following reporting and celebrations: Pastor's Report, Committee Reports, Finance Report/Budget approval, 2026 Goals/Dreams/Projects, Ratification of Charge Conference Votes, etc.
You are invited to attend either or both Charge Conference Meetings as we celebrate the past year and map out our goals and dreams for 2026.
