CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Bishop Kennetha’s Advent Study
Migration, Immigration and Beloved Community
Dates: Tuesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 -- 7:00pm
Location: Zoom
All societies are being impacted by global migration, which is surging because of oppression, climate change, and conflict. We know that those who choose to move are in search of survival and a better life. Yet, tragically, immigrants in the U.S. are being demonized, causing some to fear for their safety.
Join us this Advent for a three-week videoconference study focused on global migration, immigration, and beloved community.
We will engage the Bible and our Social Principles as we think and pray about our call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Join Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai and Iowa and Illinois Methodists.
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Taizé Services
Wednesday December 4, 11, and 18 -- 12:10pm
Taizé services will be held in our Chapel on the first three Wednesdays of Advent at 12:10pm. Taizé services have simple chants, silence, and meditation that provides a quiet space for reflection and prayer, drawing our hearts toward peace and a deeper presence with the Divine.

Holiday Sign Creation
Wednesday December 4 -- 5:15pm to 7:00pm
Join us for a meal and to create signs as gifts to be delivered to our Homebound Members for the holidays.
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Childrens Pagent
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday December 8 -- 9:30am
Kids @ Normal first will present their Christmas Pageant at 9:30am Worship! You’re not going to want to miss this hilariously sweet telling of the Christmas story.
Candlelight Carols
Faces at the Manger
Sunday December 8 -- 3:00pm
Please come and sing with joy the carols of Christmas, hear about the "Faces at the Manger" with special music selections.
Sponsored by United Women in Faith
Missions (Image Right)
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Christmas Caroling 
Sunday December 22 -- 2:00pm
Join us for an afternoon of singing and fellowship!

Ladies Holiday Brunch & Mug Exchange
Saturday December 14th -- 9:30am
Fellowship Hall
SignUp Here
Ladies please join us for food and fellowship. We will provide coffee, juice, yogurt, fruit and granola for yogurt parfaits. Please sign up for a dish to share. If you want to participate in the mug exchange just find a mug that lets your personality shine. We will have a fun game to exchange our mugs and play some Christmas trivia.

Ladies Brunch
UMWomen Cookie Sale
United Women in Faith
Christmas Cookie Sale

The United Women in Faith will be selling boxes of Christmas Cookies in the Lounge on December 14 from 10am to 11am, and before the 5pm service.  We will sell before both services on Sunday, December 15.
Please contribute homemade cookies to the sale.  You may bring them to the church lounge on Friday, December 13 between 8:30am to 12:00pm or 1pm and 4pm, or by 8:45am on Saturday, December 14.  Mark them for UWF Cookie Sale. If you can help pack the boxes, please arrive between 8:30am and 9:00am on Saturday, December 14. Cookies will be $15 per box. ALL proceeds will go to UWF/UMW missions.

Questions?  Contact Ginny Riggins at ginnyriggins@comcast.net or 309-825-7942, or Linda Park at park30320002yahoo.com or 309-452-7052.

Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata
The Glory of Christmas by Lloyd Larson
The glory of Christmas comes to life in this inspiring work by Lloyd Larson. Through a blend of familiar carols and original songs you will experience the story of Christ's birth in a new and profound way. Sung by the beautiful voices of the Normal First Chancel Choir conducted by our Director of Music Ministries Nander Novaes.
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Illinois Missions Title
December Advent Theme: Calm & Bright: 200+ Years of Silent Night 
Throughout the month of December, this hymn will be our guide for worship, as we’ll focus each week on a different verse.
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CHRISTMAS MISSIONS

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Christmas Offering

UMCOR Hurricane Relief: Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., bringing catastrophic wind, rain and flash flooding to many states and communities. In response, UMCOR is coordinating with affected annual conferences and supporting their local relief efforts. So far, UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants to the North Georgia, South Georgia, Western North Carolina and Holston annual conferences. Additionally, UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) are coordinating efforts to support the removal of debris, tarping of roofs, and cleaning out of homes in hard-hit areas. Donation Link: https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx

Boys & Girls Club Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Hat & Mitten Tree recipient.

Fairview School: Unit 5 Elementary School where items are given to students in need. Hat & Mitten Tree/Angel Tree recipients

YWCA Labyrinth Program Mission: YWCA Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women offers reintegration services to formerly incarcerated women. The overall vision is to significantly reduce recidivism.

Labyrinth addresses the needs of women released from the Illinois Department of Corrections and McLean County jail who are returning to the community. We help rebuild each woman’s dignity and nurture her growth as she develops the attitudes and skills required for productive, independent living.