Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, November 28, 2021
My dad was a fireman. His job meant that, on occasion, he would have to work on Christmas Day. I never minded him working on Christmas Day because that meant our house was one of the first stops that Santa Claus made on his delivery route.
Our presents would arrive on Christmas Eve.
We would return from dinner at my grandparents’, and all the Christmas lights would be turned on and presents placed under the tree.
It was joyous.
Now that my kids are older, we have a tradition of opening up presents after I get home from the final Christmas Eve Service at the church. We are usually in bed around 2:00 am.
It is still joyous.
Jamey
Together, What If
Summary and Questions
Sometimes we have to give up on our dreams for God’s dreams to be worked out in our lives.
What are some lessons we can learn from Mary?
Mary did not let her perplexity keep her from obedience.
Mary didn’t let the ordinary get in the way of God’s extraordinary possibilities.
Weekly Prayer
Loving God, you have led us to this time of expectation once again. As your Advent people, we come in need of your love, hope, joy, and peace.
Awaken us from our slumber and alert us to your presence in the world. This past year you have witnessed our anger and frustrations with one another and pure neglect of the welfare of our neighbors.
Forgive us, O God. Come among us now and turn us toward the path where you want to take us.
In this Advent season, we welcome your surprises and embrace the unexpected that we might be transformed into a peaceful, loving community for your sake. Amen.
Favorite Holiday Recipes
Ice Box Fruitcake by David Stovall
I know what you are thinking……fruitcake! Trust me…..Stovall will not lead you astray. I have tasted his fruitcake and it is good!
Click Here for the Best Fruitcake Recipe
Cranberry - Apple Baked Fruit by Susan Daniell
This delicious dish is on the menu for Christmas morning brunch for Susan Daniell.
Cranberry – Apple Baked Fruit
Ingredients
3 cups chopped peeled tart apples
2 cups whole cranberries
1 ½ cup sugar
1 cup oats (regular, not quick-cooking)
Topping1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 stick butter, melted
Directions
Combine apples, cranberries, sugar, and oats. Pour into a greased baking dish. In a bowl, mix topping ingredients (flour, brown sugar, pecans) until crumbly; sprinkle over apple mixture. Drizzle butter over top. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
Note: reduce sugar to 1 cup or even ¾ cup if desired. Can also reduce butter on top.
If you have a favorite recipe to share, send it to me at jprickett@gfumc.com.
Need some Christmas Gift Ideas? What about………..
Click here to order: World’s Greatest Mullet Calendar
or
Click here to order: Visor-ganizer
2022 Mission Offering
If you want to give a gift that makes a real difference, consider supporting the Mission Offering at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Your financial gift to the Mission Offering goes toward funding the missionary support.
Dad Jokes
What do you call an obnoxious reindeer? Rude-olph!
What did the beaver say to the Christmas Tree? Nice gnawing you!
Photo of the Week (photos taken by me)
Favorite Meme of the Week
Favorite Video
Apparently, This Kid is Awesome!
Are you looking for Something to do?
Join us as we participate in the Christmas on Green Street Parade. Email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com for more info.
If you have enjoyed this newsletter, I want to encourage you to like, comment and share it. I will also be publishing a Christmas story and more recipes on Wednesday of each week.
Thanks for the dad jokes…..and gift ideas🤣🤣
I love this newsletter