

December 7
Hope in the Root of Jesse
Romans 15:7-13
December 14
The Coming of the Lord
James 5:7-11
December 21
The Person of the Good News
Romans 1:1-7
December 24
For to Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 9:1-7
December 28
The Word Became Flesh
John 1:1-14

Reverse Advent Calendar
Each day, add an item to a box. On Christmas Eve, donate the contents to our Church for our Food Pantry.
December 1 - box of cereal
December 2 - peanut butter
December 3 - bag of rice
December 4 - boxed potatoes
December 5 - macaroni and cheese
December 6 - canned fruit
December 7 - canned tomatoes
December 8 - canned tuna
December 9 - dessert mix
December 10 - jar of applesauce
December 11 - bag of pinto beans
December 12 - canned pasta sauce
December 13 - canned beans
December 14 - canned corn
December 15 - bagged pasta
December 16 - package of oatmeal
December 17 - canned soup
December 18 - canned chili beans
December 19 - hamburger helper
Save the Date
Sunday, January 4 – "Epiphany Sunday"
This is a day to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the world. It is sometimes
called "Three Kings Day". Our congregation will celebrate by bringing "white" items (e.g. toilet
paper, paper towels, socks…)and place them under the Advent Tree.
Sunday, January 11 – 8:00 a.m. – Upper Room Conversations
This is a time for women to come together to talk about inspirations and questions
stemming from the weekly readings of the Upper Room. All women are welcome. The first
meeting will be Sunday, January 11, 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel. This will be an organizational
time. We can decide times and location then. Hope you join us. Contact Julia Summers for
details.
Sunday, January 18 – Soup Bowl Potluck.
Donations will go toward scholarships. Details coming.
We're continually planning meaningful gatherings and activities for our community. Please remember to check back regularly to stay informed about these events and join in the wonderful experiences we have in store for you.

The Methodist Women's Fellowship at Tulare United Methodist Church is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, friendship, and service. Committed to the principles of faith, love, and compassion, our fellowship provides a supportive environment where women from all walks of life can come together to deepen their relationship with God and each other.
Through regular meetings, prayer circles, and engaging discussions, we strive to uplift and empower one another in our faith journey. Additionally, our fellowship actively engages in various outreach initiatives and charitable endeavors, extending our hands of love and support to those in need within our church family and the wider community. Join us as we continue to grow in faith, serve with love, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.
Back when we used road maps, I had a map of Northern California that ended at Merced, so when I was hired for a job in Corcoran, I did not know where I was going. I had to turn the page to that mysterious Southern California map. I had modern conveniences that Abraham did not have, but there was so much I did not know about where I was going. Like Abraham, I set out by faith, and like Abraham I received an inheritance of unexpected blessings, together with many challenges.
Over and over throughout my life, faith has enabled me to step out into the unknown. At each stop on the way I have joined my local United Methodist church, where I have found support, friendships, meaning and purpose.
Faith is not only about moving to a new city or taking on a new challenge. Faith also means many of the words in our sacred book are commands from our Lord. I was blessed to work nearly thirteen years in a job that allowed me to spend most of my waking hours in obedience to Matthew 25:36c, I was in prison and you visited me. Faith has given me the courage and support to step out into the unknown, and the guidance to know where I was going after all.
-Margaret Lirones

December Birthdays
6 Cheryl Santos
9 Carol Jackson
9 Gerry Soults
10 Linda Day
25 Jim Maxfield
December Anniversaries
15 Greg & Connie
16 Nan & Jim
Congratulations to all the wonderful individuals in our congregation who are celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries this month! May your special day be filled with joy, love, and countless blessings. Wishing you a year ahead filled with happiness, good health, and memorable moments. Cheers to another year of life and growth together in our faith community!