From the Business Director…

Wow; what an incredible night of music and song! If you missed last Sunday night‘s Christmas Extravaganza, you really missed something! They really did raise the roof.

As I sat and listened to the choirs and especially the string quartet, oboist, and Timpani drums, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how much they added to the music and atmosphere. As Daniel said in church Sunday morning, Timpani can really dress up a concert! In my way of thinking of things, I would be remiss if I didn’t also remember that all of these things we do to enhance our services so much, cost money… As you reflect on what this (and upcoming) glorious events of music and entertainment means to us and our community, please remember as we go into this advent season that there is a special advent offering available either online or through your regular giving means. We have come a long way since our very successful and exciting Lord’s Acre in finishing up the year stronger than we had predicted, but let’s not give up now! Please prayerfully consider an Advent “second mile” gift this holiday season. For checks or cash envelopes, please denote “Advent” in the appropriate area. Donations received in our Christmas Eve services will be applied to the Advent offering, unless otherwise indicated.

Also, as we come to the end of the year, I want to remind you about a couple of financial housekeeping items:

1. First of all, if you want to get your RMD to us from your financial advisors, now is the time to do it! I must have them in hand before the end of the month, to be included in your 2025 giving. They can be included in your 2025 giving and still be posted as a prepayment for your 2026 pledge. Talk to your financial advisor for more details on this tax-deductible financial opportunity.

1. Secondly, please remember that the end of the month is coming sooner than you realize and any donations that you want to be included for 2025 giving need to be in the church office prior to December 31^st. If they are mailed, they need to be postmarked by December 31^st. Any online giving can be done up through December 31^st. I will post it based on when the credit card company shows the donation was received. Please let me know if you need an updated donation status for your giving to date in 2025.

I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s my wish and prayer for continued prosperity throughout the rest of this year and into next!

Thanx!

Chris Galloway

Business Director

Sunday School Classes, it is up to you if you meet on the two dates above, just please let Deanna know yes or no…so you can have heat/air programmed!

God plants seeds of bold faith, transformative love, and unshakeable hope within each of us – gifts that flourish when we trust and lean into God’s strength and calling. Join us for the Horizon Texas Conference 2026 – Altogether Bold Women’s Retreat on Friday, January 30 beginning at 7:00pm – Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 ending at 12:00pm. The retreat will be Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose, Texas. Housing in local hotels. 

Register by November 30 for Early bird registration fee of $125.00. After November 30th fees will increase to $149.00 per person.

Please click on link below to go to Altogether Bold registration site. In addition please sign your name on the sign up sheet in Wooton Hall to let Teresa Cochran know that you are planning on going to the retreat. Information sheets are located on the Women’s Ministry table in Wooton Hall. 

Scholarships available, see Pastor Fai’ana Prescott-Funanki.

Registration: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/c04fcd01/nxvemeO9T0W0LvQnseiWsA?u=https://htcumc.jotform.com/252648052348056

Prayer Concerns & Sympathy

Please continue to check the Facebook Prayer Page for daily updates or concerns. To be redirected to the Martin UMC Care Team Prayer Ministry page

Click for Martin UMC Prayer Page

Tim Gross, Tomasi Latu, Joe Schneider, Priscilla Shipe, Tina Steffen, Tangikina Piukana, Tongia Family,Rick Weaver

Our prayers and sympathy are

Extended to Toni Turner and family on the death of our beloved Joe Turner-

Services for Joe will be 1.17.26 at 10 a.m.

   Family & Friends: 

Michael Brandenburgh, Katie Copeland, Joy Fowler, Mike Frazier, Sheilah Fowler, James Griffin, JoHanna Hardesty,Joyce Meaders,

Hunter Moore,Steve Parker, Sonia Rosita,

Richene Slayton, Dorothy Standley, Susie Tooley, Betty Weaver, Britney Weaver, Kimberly Wood

Our prayers and sympathy and are extended to Jeff Springer and family;

Edwin Weaver on the death of his wife

  You must have permission from the person for me to publish their names.

Names are removed the first of every month, you may email me to add someone back in