Be an Angel: Adopt a Family.  Angel gift tags with suggested item are in the Garden Room.  Be sure to label each gift with the tag securely when gifts are returned.  Wrapping gifts are an individual decision left up to you to decide,  Gifts need to be brought to First UMC no later that Wednesday December 11.  Thank you for your commitment to helping support local families in need!

Advent Study.  During the 5 weeks of December we look into the book “Sent” to discover what it means to be the hands, feet , head and heart of Jesus.  .  This study will be held in both Iowa Falls and Alden.  Times in Iowa Falls will be 5pm on Sunday evenings in the conference room starting December 1,  9 am Sundays at Alden UMC and Wednesdays on December 4 and 8 at 9:30 am at Alden UMC

Christmas Poinsettias.  Poinsettias  have become a living symbol Christmas.  This Advent help decorate the sanctuary with these beautiful flowers,  Plants may be given in honor of or in memory of a family member or friend or a simply given as a gift .  Please fill out a form found in the  Garden Room, VISITOR  or on LINK TO THE VISITOR-page 5.   

The cost is $11 with payment to First United Methodist with the order form,  All orders must be returned to office by Monday, December 9.  Poinsettia may be picked up after the 10 pm service on December 24.  Plants left after Sunday December 29 will be given away.

Caroling at your Request.  The Middle school B.A.S.I.C are presenting a caroling fundraiser on Wednesday December 11. For a free-will donation you may send holiday cheer to the house of your choice in Iowa falls.  During BASIC time student will go to each house and sing!  There is a sign-up sheet in the Garden room or contact Roxanne Lindquist, Amanda Wood, or Danita Janssen for more information.

Children and Youth Annual Christmas Program.  Preschool through 5th grade students will be singing and acting out the Christmas story, with the middle school and high school students joining them in singing.  Please plan on attending this joyful production on Sunday December 15 at 9 am

Senior High Fireflies will be offering a freewill breakfast following the Christmas program.  Proceeds go toward Sr high activities.

Food Pantry Month in December Help stock the shelves at Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA).  Bring your grocery items, paper goods, and hygiene items and place them in the cart located in the Garden Rom.  Shopping not easy for your?  Cash is always a welcome gift.  Make checks payable to First United Methodist and include “Food Pantry” in the memo line.  As always, we thank your for your generosity’

Community Meals     Please contact Lyn Evans at 641-373-4780 if you can help with this need.  All are welcome to help with the meal.  Food prep begins at 8 am on Wednesday, meal packaging  starts at 4:15pm,  with delivery starting at 5pm , carryouts from 5-5:30 PM and meal service from 5:30-7 pm. 

Chancel Choir will begin regular rehearsals on Wednesdays  at 6:45 under the direction of Cheryl Growden and Barb Shultz accompanist.  New members will be welcomed.  Come and give it a try!

Pledge Plus is a new opportunity to share your gifts and help our church.  This a opportunity to support a specific ministry of the church.  There is a variety of ministries at a wide range of giving levels.  If questions contact a member of the finance team or church office.

Noisy Offerings  Once a month the youth will be collecting change during a noisy offering.  These funds will go into our Youth Fund for such things as summer camp registrations, middle school destination unknown activities, mission project supplies and extra activities throughout the year.  These funds give us opportunity to continue  offering fun and meaningful way our youth can grow their faith outside of the  church.