Making a Difference

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Greetings in the Name of Christ,

It’s hard to believe that the Christmas holidays are almost here. I already see the decorations appearing around my neighborhood. In two weeks, Thanksgiving will be here, and the mad rush to Christmas will begin.

At Stonebridge UMC, we celebrate the season by helping others who are less fortunate. One of the signature ministries is our Angel Tree Christmas program. This year through the Angel Tree, we will adopt over 150 kids from Malvern Elementary School to help with gifts for Christmas. Last Sunday, almost 100 angels were adopted. We have 56 kids left to adopt. The gifts are due back at the church by December 7th.

Here are some other ways we are helping to make a difference in our community…

  • We helped respond to the lapse in the federal SNAP program by providing food for 24 families. This will help bridge the gap as the federal programs get back up and running.

  • The response to the coat drive has been outstanding. This Sunday is the last day to donate new or gently used coats, hats, hoodies, and gloves for the students at Malvern Elementary.

  • We are almost to our goal of collecting 90 loaves of baked bread (pumpkin, banana, or whatever you choose - no nuts, please). Last day for collection is Sunday. Deliver to either kitchen in a disposable pan.

  • We had a great response to the Carter BloodCare drive this past Sunday. Thank you.

Stonebridge United Methodist is an amazing church. We are making a difference in the lives of those around us by striving to live and love like Jesus.

This Sunday, I will be preaching on what makes us the Church. The sermon is titled “Lived in Faith”. We are the beacon of God’s presence in this community. The Apostle Paul says this in his letter to the Roman church, But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Stonebridge UMC is the place where we proclaim the Name of Jesus. In Jesus, we find new life, new direction, and new hope. When we walk through the doors, we know that we will be loved no matter what. We will be accepted for who we are, not what we have done.

See you Sunday!

Pastor John Allen