 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FALL NEWSLETTER!Lots of exciting things are happening at Christ Community UMC!
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Resources and Ideas for Susquehanna Conference Disability Awareness Sunday: October 10, 2021 Introduction: This year during Annual Conference, we passed a motion to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on the second Sunday of October! We hope that you will join the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference as we celebrate this special Sunday. There are lots of ways you can be involved! HERE IS AN INSERT YOU CAN PRINT OUT AND PUT IN YOUR BULLETIN TO PROMOTE DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY! What is Disability Awareness Sunday? Disability Awareness Sunday is a special Sunday dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and helping to raise awareness about the disability community. According to The Book of Discipline, every conference is encouraged to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on a date of their choosing. For the last three years, our conference has celebrated Disability Awareness Sunday on the second Sunday of October. According to the CDC, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. The CDC also states that one out of four adults in the US have some type of disability. Statistically, it is highly probable that your church already includes members who have a disability. Many disabilities are invisible. Any person can become disabled at any point in their life. As our congregations continue to age, we will have many more church members experience some form of disability during their lifetime. How Can I Help? One of the biggest ways you can help is by taking a special collection! Donations can be made to Advance #3021054: The Susquehanna Disability Ministries Task Force does not have a budget. Instead, we ask that all donations be made to The Disability Ministries Committee (DMC) of the United Methodist Church. DMC serves the entire global connection of the UMC. They provide grants to help UMC churches and congregations empower people with disabilities. In the past, grants have been used to:
More Ideas for Disability Awareness Sunday Open your pulpit to a person with a disability: On Disability Awareness Sunday (or any time of year!) consider opening your pulpit to a person with a disability. Invite them to preach, lead a prayer, give a personal testimony, or read scripture. People with disabilities bring many unique gifts and graces to the body of Christ. Ask before you grab! If a person with a disability joins you for worship, be respectful of their personal space. Do not talk to a guide dog that is working or touch a person’s wheelchair without asking. Little changes make a big difference. Consider having a few large print bulletins (size 14pt Arial or larger) every Sunday. Make large print hymnals and Bibles available. Always use a microphone when speaking and consider having a hearing loop installed (or perhaps apply to DMC for a grant to get a hearing loop!) Remember that it is possible to have a disability and still live a full and meaningful life. Sadly, throughout history, having a disability has been viewed as a stigma. In the United Methodist Church, we are working to change that. Let’s use Disability Awareness Sunday to empower our laity, advocate for the needs of our church members who are disabled and educate others about the disability community! Planning a Disability Awareness Sunday Worship Service To help assist you with worship planning, here is a CALL TO WORSHIP you could use at your church! LEADER: Let us lift up our many voices and praise the Lord with all our heart. PEOPLE: Though we come together with differing gifts, talents, and abilities, we all sing of God’s glory. LEADER: The Psalms tell us of God’s compassion to those who believe. PEOPLE: Likewise, we seek to be as compassionate and gracious in our community as our Lord is to us. LEADER: Show compassion and love to your neighbors and enemies. PEOPLE: With the Lord’s guidance, there will be distinction in our love and kindness towards others. LEADER: As a community, we can rejoice in the works of the Lord. PEOPLE: For the works of the Lord are many, and we recognize that we are part of God’s wonderful Creation. ALL: Amen (From Virginia Annual Conference, 2017 Source: https://umcdmc.org/worship/disability-sunday-order-of-worship/) Suggested Hymns for Disability Awareness Sunday #89 “Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee” is an inclusive hymn set to a joyful tune from Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th symphony. The composer this tune when he was totally Deaf. #98 “To God Be The Glory,” “#369 Blessed Assurance,” and “#419 I Am Thine (Draw Me Nearer)”: These hymns were written by Fanny Crosby. She was a talented and prolific writer who was blind and wrote many popular hymns. . #114 “Many Gifts, One Spirit”: This hymn can be used as a springboard to discuss including the gifts of all, whatever they are, and extend our ideas beyond the typical thinking of gifts. For more song ideas, visit: https://umcdmc.org/worship/songs/ More Worship Resources for Disability Awareness Sunday You can find all types of resources to help you plan your church’s Disability Awareness Sunday at UMCDMC.org/worship ! There you can find a suggested order of worship, prayers, litanies, printable sample bulletins, suggested scripture readings, and more! CCUMC Puppet Theatre Concludes our exploration of the stories of King David with "David and Bathsheba," Part 1 and Part 2!Since we weren't able to have VBS this year, we decided to do something safe and social distance friendly for the kids! Our wonderful puppet pals acted out the David stories for us. These videos could be viewed at home by kids who were not able to be physically present with us. We also watched these fun and educational videos as the Children's Message on Sunday mornings throughout July and the first Sunday of August. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make these Puppet Theatre Productions! David and Bathsheba pt. 1David and Bathsheba pt. 2Check out our latest edition of the Fish LIne! CLICK HERE to download our summer newsletter!In the photo above, two of our young people model the super hero capes that were created by our Sew Pray Ministry. These capes will be given to local hospitals to remind kids that they are STRONG and that Jesus loves them! Check out our newsletter to learn more about this great outreach. Our newsletter also includes important information about upcoming dates, a pastoral letter, joys and concerns, and more! Christ Community UMC Puppet Theatre!This summer, we have had some very special guests! Each week in July, our puppet pals have acted out the stories of David from the Old Testament for us. You can watch them here! Tune in next week when we conclude our summer series with "David and Bathsheba." David and Goliath: Click here to watch!David Brings the Covenant Box Home: Click here to watch!David wants to build God a Temple. Click here to watch!Tune in next week when we conclude with DAVID AND BATHSHEBA! Happy Spring/ Summer! Check out our most recent newsletter CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD IT!.In this edition of the newsletter you'll find lots of great news: --We have two new communion stewards! --Thank you to everyone who helped with Holy Week Worship! --Congratulations on your retirement, Bishop Park! -- Spring cleaning was a success! -- Rev. Rebecca interviews an author about her latest book on women preachers in Methodist history -- and so much more! 
We hope that everyone is having a blessed Lent! Our Easter Service will at at 11AM at Christ Community (5715 Roselawn Ave. Altoona, PA 16602)  Download Our First Newsletter for 2021! CLICK HERE In this month's newsletter, you will find a letter from Rev. Rebecca, highlights from our ministries and how we served others in 2020, and information about our upcoming Bible Study for the spring! You will also find the script for the Puppet Play that was Presented in honor of the Feast of Epiphany and MORE1 CLICK HERE to download our newsletter! |
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| CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR CHURCH NEWSLETTER |
Dear CCUMC Family,
It is a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Bishop Park has instructed the United Methodist Churches in the Susquehanna Conference to cease gathering for worship for the next two weeks. Public worship is cancelled until April 5, 2020. It is my hope that we will be able to gather for worship together once more on Palm Sunday, but I will continue to keep you updated as the situation develops.
We need God and we need each other. Humans were not made for social isolation. Therefore:
1.) Our church newsletter is now available for download! I would like to say a huge thank you to our EIC for making so many last minute changes to this newsletter. This issue includes the latest updates, a very timely article by Richard Van Scoyoc about what it was like to be quarantined during a measles epidemic, and a piece about an exciting mystery from history that Jeff uncovered.
2.) A written version of the homily will also be posted online each week. I will email out a link when it is available.
3. LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP: Although we cannot gather publicly, we we will worship online. We will be live streaming worship at 11AM each Sunday. You can watch the live stream even if you don't have a Facebook account. The address is facebook.com/cccumc58 . This time of worship will include music that is covered by the public domain and a time of prayer for our world.
4.) DAILY FACBOOK LIVE LENT DEVOTIONALS AT 11AM: Every day at (around) 11AM, I will be live streaming a prayer and short devotional message for Lent. These short videos will be less than ten minutes long and can be found at facebook.com/ccumc58 .
5.) Please feel free to call me. I am available to pray with you over the phone. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. You can also send me a text or an email.
6.) Last, but not least, please consider mailing your offering in to the church office or donating online. You can always donate securely at our website at www.ccumc.us or you can mail a check to the church office at 5715 Roselawn Ave. Altoona, PA 16602. Your offering is used to support our ministry in Altoona and throughout the world. Last year, our offering helped to provide food for hungry families, comfort for children, and support to a young mother dying from cancer. Every donation helps us to share the love of Christ.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. You are a very special congregation. Both you and your sister church (Llyswen) are full of wonderful people and I know we will all get through this together. If Jeff and I can help you in anyway (such as picking up something for you at the grocery store or the pharmacy) please let us know.
May God Bless and Keep You All,
-Rev. Rebecca
Thank you to everyone who donated soup this Sunday for our SOUP-er Sunday Celebration! Donations will be given to the food bank. Click below to download our newsletter. Also, don't miss these other great events here at CCUMC...
| January & February Newsletter |
Tuesday Evenings - Small Group Bible Study at 6PM- Topic- Why does evil exist?
Ash Wednesday Service- February 26th at 6PM
Holy Thursday- April 9th at 7PM at our sister Church, Llyswen UMC (308 Coleridge Ave. Altoona, PA 16602)
Good Friday- April 10th at 7PM
Easter Sunday- April 12th 11AM
Merry Christmas from your friends at Christ Community UMC!
Image: After the Hanging of the Greens, members of Christ Community smile and snap a photo. Thank you to everyone who helped us to decorate the church! Join us for Christmas Eve Worship at 7:30PM
November & December Newsletter
Our newsletter for November and December is now available! Click the following file to download our newsletter as a PDF.
| November and December Newsletter |
Reverse Advent Calendar
What is the Reverse Advent Calendar?
Our mission this year during Advent at Christ Community UMC is the reverse Advent calendar!
It's that time of year again when we are all temped to become swept up in the in the busy rush of preparing for the holidays. During the holidays, we always want more (and I’m just as guilty as the next person). More cookies! More lights on the tree! More decorations! More, more, more!
In contrast, instead of focusing on more of the secular, we should be focusing more on the sacred. More hope! More love! More joy! More peace! And most especially, more Jesus! The reverse Advent calendar helps us to remember to make room in our lives for more of what is truly important. (Thank you, Hope, for this great idea!)
How it Works
Empty boxes can be found in the back of the sanctuary. Please take one with you! Then, using the attached list/calendar, put an item into the box each day of Advent. These items will help local families in need or a local charity. By the end of Advent, you and your family will have filled a box full of items to help people who are in need during this holiday season.
Some items will go to the UM Children’s Home, some to local families, some to Family Services, etc. We are inviting people to bring their boxes back on December 22nd. For the last two days of advent, people have a task to complete instead of putting something in the box. Each week also has a prayer focus.
Making Your Own Reverse Advent Calendar
All you need is an empty box and a big heart for Jesus! The items that are included in a reverse Advent calendar are not meant to be expensive. Many of the items included can be found at a thrift shop or the Dollar Store. Some items may even already be in your pantry!
Click the following link for a PDF version of the reverse advent calendar in grid format: MORE reverse advent calendar 2019
Reverse Advent Calendar List:
Reverse Advent Calendar- December 2019
Week 1: Prayer Focus: More Hope!
Scripture: Luke 2:1-10
December 1st: Granola Bar/ Breakfast Bar (Teen Shelter)
December 2nd: Roll(s) of Paper Towels (Child Advocacy Center)
December 3rd: Roll(s) of Toilet Paper (Child Advocacy Center)
December 4th: New adult sized washcloth(s)- (UMCOR)
December 5th: Deodorant- no aerosol sprays (UM Children’s Home & Victim Services)
December 6th: Pair of old blue jeans (Altoona HUB)
December 7th: Socks for adults or kids (victim services)
Week 2: Prayer Focus- More Peace!
Read: Luke 2:11-20
December 8th: Small gift for 13 year old girl- Suggestions: nail care set, hair bath bomb, lip balm, books, hair accessories, etc. (local family)
December 9th: Dish Soap (UM Children’s Home)
December 10th: Small toy for five year old boy- Suggestions: cars and trains (local family)
December 11th: Soap/ body wash (Victim Services & UM Children’s Home)
December 12th: Small gift for 16 year old girl (local family)
December 13th: Matchbox or Hotwheels Car (local family)
December 14th: Comb/ Brush (UM Children’s Home)
Week 3: Prayer Focus- More Joy!
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
December 15th: Can of ravioli (Family shelter)
December 16th: Toothpaste (UM Children’s Home)
December 17th: Dryer Sheets (UM Children’s Home)
December 18th: Baby onesie (Altoona HUB)
December 19th: Canned food with easy open lid/ microwaveable cup (Victim Services)
December 20th: Hand/Body lotion (UM Children’s Home)
December 21st: Pack of crackers (Teen Shelter)
Week 4- Prayer Focus: More Love!
Read: John 1:1-14
December 22nd –Pack of crackers (Teen Shelter)
* Please bring your box with any items that you collected to church today! Worship is at 11AM!
December 23rd: Do a kind deed! How do we change the world? One act of kindness at a time!
Christmas Eve- Join us for worship at 7:30PM at CCUMC!
Merry Christmas! – Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Week 1: Prayer Focus: More Hope!
Scripture: Luke 2:1-10
December 1st: Granola Bar/ Breakfast Bar (Teen Shelter)
December 2nd: Roll(s) of Paper Towels (Child Advocacy Center)
December 3rd: Roll(s) of Toilet Paper (Child Advocacy Center)
December 4th: New adult sized washcloth(s)- (UMCOR)
December 5th: Deodorant- no aerosol sprays (UM Children’s Home & Victim Services)
December 6th: Pair of old blue jeans (Altoona HUB)
December 7th: Socks for adults or kids (victim services)
Week 2: Prayer Focus- More Peace!
Read: Luke 2:11-20
December 8th: Small gift for 13 year old girl- Suggestions: nail care set, hair bath bomb, lip balm, books, hair accessories, etc. (local family)
December 9th: Dish Soap (UM Children’s Home)
December 10th: Small toy for five year old boy- Suggestions: cars and trains (local family)
December 11th: Soap/ body wash (Victim Services & UM Children’s Home)
December 12th: Small gift for 16 year old girl (local family)
December 13th: Matchbox or Hotwheels Car (local family)
December 14th: Comb/ Brush (UM Children’s Home)
Week 3: Prayer Focus- More Joy!
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
December 15th: Can of ravioli (Family shelter)
December 16th: Toothpaste (UM Children’s Home)
December 17th: Dryer Sheets (UM Children’s Home)
December 18th: Baby onesie (Altoona HUB)
December 19th: Canned food with easy open lid/ microwaveable cup (Victim Services)
December 20th: Hand/Body lotion (UM Children’s Home)
December 21st: Pack of crackers (Teen Shelter)
Week 4- Prayer Focus: More Love!
Read: John 1:1-14
December 22nd –Pack of crackers (Teen Shelter)
* Please bring your box with any items that you collected to church today! Worship is at 11AM!
December 23rd: Do a kind deed! How do we change the world? One act of kindness at a time!
Christmas Eve- Join us for worship at 7:30PM at CCUMC!
Merry Christmas! – Happy Birthday, Jesus!
CCUMC News
Here at CCUMC we are passionate about sharing God's love with others. We are also excited to go out into the community and the world to help others and to serve God. Check back often to see what's new at CCUMC!
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