Weekly Announcement 12/18/2025

Greetings in the Peace of Christ,

Over the past few days, we have been confronted with heartbreaking news of violence and loss across our nation and beyond, the tragic shooting at Brown University, the heartbreaking violence that tore apart a family in Hollywood, and the deaths of U.S. soldiers serving overseas. Such news feels especially heavy during this Christmas season, a time when we long for joy, peace, and hope. We lift in prayer all who are grieving, all who are wounded in body or spirit, and all who feel fear or uncertainty. May we trust that God is near to the brokenhearted and commit ourselves to being people of peace, compassion, and hope in a hurting world.

In the midst of such heavy and heartbreaking news, we are reminded how deeply our world longs for peace, hope, and healing, especially during this Christmas season. At the same time, we give thanks for glimpses of light God places among us. One such moment was the joy we shared last Saturday at our Christmas Family Movie Night. What a wonderful evening it was! Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the event ran smoothly and was filled with holiday cheer. We offer special appreciation to Scott for generously providing snacks, and for stepping in as Santa, and to Kelly for her faithful work behind the scenes. We were blessed to welcome families from Jesús El Verbo, Vine Preschool, and the Scouts, with 60–70 community members joining us.

With grateful hearts, let us now turn to the announcements for the coming week:

Spiritual Nourishment Room Schedule Update

Please note that Spiritual Nourishment Room gathering will not meet for the next two weeks:

Wednesday, December 24 – due to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Wednesday, December 31 – for a quiet observance of the last day of the year

We will resume our gatherings on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Adult Sunday School Schedule Update

We are excited to share that our Adult Sunday School completed the Book of Esther this past Sunday! Congratulations to all for their dedication and participation. Please note that Sunday School will not meet from Sunday, December 21, through Sunday, January 4. Adult Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when the class will begin exploring the Book of Job.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Wednesday, December 24, 5:30-6:30 PM

You are warmly invited to join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 24 at 5:30 PM. Come with your family and loved ones to celebrate the birth of our Savior through music, scripture, and the glow of candlelight. This special service is a meaningful way to reflect, rejoice, and anticipate the joy of Christmas together. We look forward to worshiping with you and sharing the light of Christ on this holy night!

NoVa District Training Day - Saturday, January 17, 2026

Northern Virginia District Training Day returns on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Floris United Methodist Church! We are excited to have great presenters, dozens of powerful workshops, and two different ways to engage with Training Day (In-person or on-line). Pleas

Pastor’s Holiday Break & Pastoral Care

Please note that Pastor Michelle will be on break from December 25 through January 2. During this time, she will also be attending the Asian American Ministers’ Association Retreat from December 28–30. For any urgent pastoral care needs or emergencies while Pastor Michelle is away, Pastor Joe will be on call and available to assist. Please pray for Pastor Michelle to have a restful and renewing holiday, and we thank Pastor Joe for his support during this time. Contact the office for more information.

Church Office Holiday Schedule

Please note that the church office administrative assistance, Kelly, will be on holiday break from December 25 through January 1. During this time, office support will be unavailable. If you need assistance while the office is closed, please contact our ministry team staff: Charlie Painter or Anjana Dayal de Prewitt. Regular office hours will resume on January 6. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a blessed and joyful holiday season.

Weekly Essay

Please read the weekly essay, “Rejoice” by Pastor Joe Prewitt-Díaz.

We wish you a joyful Christmas season and a happy New Year!

Pastor Michelle