The February 2017 edition of our church newsletter is now online. To view, click on this link: february-link-schedule17.

The February 2017 calendar for the Community Food Bank is now available. This food bank is available for residents of Barkhamsted and New Hartford. Hours and dates are listed on the calendar below along with a contact phone number if you have any questions.

The January 2017 hours of operation for the Community Food Bank, housed at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, can be found on the calendar below. Some changes have been made to the Food Bank. We are now located on the first floor at the back of the church. No more stairs!! Yea! If you’ve not come to the Food Bank because of it’s location in the basement, please come see us in our new location. It’s much easier to reach.

“Light one candle for peace…” Oh boy, don’t we all need peace in our lives and in our world! Come, Lord Jesus, and give us your peace as we once again await you’re coming. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Light one candle for hope…one bright candle for hope. He brings hope to all the world…He comes! He comes!”

Today is the first Sunday in Advent and it’s a time to reflect, repent of our sins of the past, and to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child. The HOPE of the world is coming…are you prepared?

It was a joy to have so many people join our service this morning to honor our loved ones who, over the past year, have gone to be with the Lord. A candle was lit for each of the 40+ names that were shared; the light of this act of remembrance will be carried in our hearts as we leave this place of worship.

This year the Advent Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:00 pm. This 4-week study will be based on the book by Max Lucado entitled Because of Bethlehem, Love Is Born, and will be led by Rev. Lee Gangaware. Everyone is welcome to attend; contact Emil Klein, at 860-738-9980, to add your name to the class list so a book, costing $7, can be ordered for you.

Advent is the season of preparing for the birth of a special baby…come to class and find out why this little one is so special to us after all.

Here is how the course is described in Cokesbury:

Each year, the Christmas season compels people to ask the Christmas questions. What’s the big deal about the baby in the manger? Who was he? What does his birth have to do with me? Of all the responses to these questions, there is one that stands out from the rest: Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it is like to be a human. When we talk to God about our challenges, our struggles, and our tough times, he understands, because he’s been there. He’s been here.

Because of Bethlehem, we have a friend in heaven. We have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the king on the cross. Because he did, there are no marks on our record, just grace. Because of Bethlehem, we have the promise God is always near us. Always for us. Always in us. We may forget him, but he never forgets us.

No day is accidental or incidental. No acts are random or wasted. Just look at the Bethlehem birth. A king levies a tax. Joseph is forced to travel. Mary, as round as a ladybug, bounces on a donkey’s back. The hotel is full. The hour is late. The event is one big hassle. Yet out of the hassle, hope was born. Christmas reminds us that “everything works together for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28). And long after the Christmas guests have left, the carolers have gone home, and the lights have come down, that promise endures.

Sessions include: God Has a Face (chapters 2, 4) Worship Works Wonders (chapters 5, 6) God Guides the Wise (chapters 7, 8) Every Heart Is a Manger (chapters 11, 12)

The November calendar for the Community Food Bank is now on-line. Simply click on the Food Bank category to your right and you’ll find the information you’ll need.

Here’s another opportunity for you to come to PVUMC and work on your Christmas Shopping! On Friday evening, November 18th, we will be hosting a Pampered Chef Cooking Show. There will be free give aways and some half-priced cookware items as well. Our demonstrator will prepared some delicious food items using Pampered Chef products and recipes AND there will be plenty to share! Spread the news to your friends, family, and neighbors and come join us for a fun evening.

The doors will open at 6:30pm and the program will begin at 7pm. For more information, contact Angela Root at 860-542-7068.

All proceeds will benefit our financially strapped church.

Truly this morning our cup overflows! It was a pleasure to see our Texas friends, Ray and Beth, in our worship service this morning. It’s been awhile since they’ve been east and we were delighted they wanted to spend their Sunday morning with us.

In addition, we welcomed a beautiful little girl into our church family. The baptism of Aleah Grace was witnessed by lots of her family and friends and she was warmly welcomed into our community of faith. May she be blessed and grow in wisdom and strength in the Lord.