Come join us Sunday morning at 11:00 for worship. We have adult Sunday School at 10:00. Take a few moments to explore the Visitors link and other links above.
Check out current church happenings below and past events and activities by clicking on the Past Events link above.
The Sanctuary at Advent
The sanctuary has been beautifully decorated for Advent. From the Christmons Tree, the altar pieces, the flowers, and the amazing wall murals, we could not have asked for a more fitting atmosphere to celebrate the coming of Christ's birth. Thanks to Laura, Mollie, Lynn, Debbie, Millie, and everyone else who had a hand in making this happen.
Here We Go a Caroling...
Every year, on a Saturday just before Christmas, members and friends of the church go caroling. This year we sang for the residents at Winchester House and Spring Arbor. We had a great time. When our audiences join in with the singing and then the appreciative applause we receive at the end are just the best gifts we could ever hope for. We have way too much fun and kidding in the cars as we go from place to place. Afterward, we finish up at the church where we enjoy beef vegetable soup, chili, hot dogs, and other goodies. This year not only was Pastor Kathleen with us, but her husband John, the pastor at Strasburg UMC, came with us and accompanied us on the guitar. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this fun and rewarding activity next Christmas.
Annual Christmas Dinner
We had a great time at the annual Christmas Dinner and Program at Relief United Methodist Church this past Saturday evening. As always, the food was delicious. And for the program, we spent the evening with members sharing memories of Christmases from their youth. Members also displayed presents they received and saved from when they were children. We also sang and listened to favorite Christmas songs. It was a wonderful evening, and many members stayed long after continuing to talk about and share more Christmas memories. Thanks to Eunice and Sue for planning the dinner, to Sue for accompanying us on the singing, and to Jeanette and Albert for planning the program.
Volunteering at the Our Family Center
Mission Committee members come together the 2nd Wednesday of every month and volunteer to help with crafts at the Our Family Center. This month the folks there made Christmas Tree tabletop decorations. We also gave everyone gloves and a knit hat. And this week they also prepared a Christmas dinner for everyone there, including the staff. They were so busy getting the food ready and serving it that they didn't have time to take any pictures until it was all over. If you would like to be a part of this community outreach, talk to Elwanda.
Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon
Last Sunday we had our annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner after church at Relief United Methodist Church. We were enjoying the wonderful food and great fellowship so much that we forgot to take pictures of the event. However, we did get a picture of the most important thing about the event that day. We took turkey and dressing and other sides and prepared meals that we delivered to the freege at Abundant Life Church. This is just one of the three outdoor refrigerators in Winchester where food can be placed so that those who are struggling financially can take whatever they need to feed themselves and their families. Thank you, Lynn.
Samaritan's Purse
The Mission Committee continues to be active as members of the church contributed items and the committee put together 32 boxes that will be sent to Samaritan's Purse to be distributed here in the U.S. and around the world.
Blankets!!!!!!!!!
The Mission Team at Relief United Methodist Church has been collecting blankets to give to groups in Frederick County to distribute to those in need. Among the groups we are helping are Our Family in Front Royal, CCAP, Abba Pregnancy Center, and others.
Filling the "Freege"
The Loaves and Fishes program at Relief United Methodist Church, begun by the Witness Committee, was started so members of the church could come together regularly to prepare meals for the "freege." CCAP has installed refrigerators and pantries at three locations in Winchester. The freege — a combination of the words "free" and "fridge" — is an outdoor refrigerator filled with donated food and, along with the pantries, are open 24 hours a day Those who are struggling financially can take whatever they need to feed themselves and their families. If you would like to get involved or just want more information, let Lynn know.
Craft Night
November was the last Craft Night for the year. Folks were working on their latest projects with some working on decorating the fellowship hall for the Thanksgiving luncheon coming after church on November 23. Everyone was enjoying the fellowship and great snacks. As usual, the men got together to work on solving most of the world's problems. Craft Nights begin again on Wednesday, January 14, at 6:00 pm.
