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One of my favorite songs is an old one by the Moody Blues from way back in 1969. The title of the song is “Watching and Waiting”. Those are two very promi-nent words found in both testaments of our Bible. It seems the people of God are constantly reminded that we are to both watch and wait. That’s not what we want to hear in the year 2017. For we have become a people who are anything but a people who watch and wait. If you want evidence, just go anywhere near Hanes Mall Boulevard on Black Friday, or for that matter, any day from now until Christmas. No, we have become a very impatient people as time has gone by. But, God urges us to wait patiently. And what we are waiting for is God’s purpose and the ushering in of God’s kingdom. The people of Old Testament times and the people who lived between the testaments, had to wait. They had been told that an ‘Anointed One’, a Messiah, would be coming. They had to watch, and they had to wait. And that time was spent under difficult circumstances. There were invasions of foreign enemies, wars, divisions, exiles and political unrest. Then when that Messiah finally came as prom-ised, not everyone who waited were very good at watching. For too many did not recognize the Messiah, Jesus Christ, when he finally came. So you see, the watch-ing is just as crucial as the waiting. And now, we find ourselves, waiting again. For ever since that first appointed coming of the Christ, we began the process of watch-ing and waiting again. Because Jesus Christ promised to return. The only thing is, he didn’t specify when. Once again, we are between the testaments. This time, be-tween the new and an even newer testament, the culmination of the Kingdom of God. Paul certainly showed that he was one of us, an impatient person. Way back then, he thought Jesus’ return would be soon. His early letters, like 1 and 2 Thessa-lonians, reveal the urgency of watching. In his later letters, he was resigned to wait, just like the rest of us. Jesus said, ‘Wait, for you know not the day nor the hour I will return’. That’s not very good news for us, the impatient. But we did receive a clear message from Jesus as to how we should wait. Be prepared. And there’s that watching part. A prayer I use as a prayer for the close of the day (or, Compline) comes from the Common Book of Prayer, and it goes like this: “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping. That awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.” Notice the wording, ‘watch with Christ.’ Again, as much trouble as we have with the waiting part, it is the watching that is crucial. We watch with an-ticipation and purpose. The watching is how we live as we wait, that ‘being ready’ part. Understand, our period of waiting now is being done under duress also, as was the first time of waiting. We have had periods of war, plagues, divisions, and persecutions ourselves. And, of course, the personal struggles each and every one of us face day in and day out. And that hinders our watching. But we must take heart, and know, that though we wait for the return of Christ, we know that he is with us. Those challenges we face every day we do not face alone. The promise we re-ceive from Christ is that he will be with us always. And so we watch with him. We watch over each other, we watch how we treat one another, we watch how we share the good news of Jesus’ presence and coming again. Advent is a time we are re-minded to watch and wait. It’s the watching that makes the waiting purposeful. Grace and patient peace in Christ, Gary

The Mocks Messenger Mocks United Methodist Church

Church Staff: Pastor: Gary L. Elrod

Director of Music Ministries: Greg Allen Administrative Assistant: Bonnie Russell mocksumc@yadtel.net

Organist: Greg Allen Messenger Desktop Publisher: Bonnie Russell Website: Mocksumc.org

Church Office

Hours

Monday–Wednesday

8:00 am - Noon

December 20th

December 2017

One of my favorite songs is an old one by the Moody Blues from way back

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Mocks United Methodist Men

The UMM will not meet in December and there will not be a breakfast this month due to the busy season. Mark your calendars for January 13, 2018 for our next breakfast! Thank you for your support of the UMM’s projects this year; it is greatly appreciated!

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Mocks Youth

On December 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm we will be wrapping Christmas presents for those who don’t like this task at Christmas. We have a lot of pretty paper, and lots of talent in the group. So bring your gifts to the Fellowship Hall and let us wrap them with love for you.

. December Meeting: Dec. 10th at 3:30 pm in the church basement. Thank you to all for the

continued support of our young adult group and the activities we did this year.

Donnie, Tammy, Tanya

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Prayer Shawl Ministry Scrapbooking

No December Meeting No December Meeting (If you know of someone who would like a shawl, please contact Sue Groce or Nancy Edwards. If you are interested in learning how to do this please let us know.)

Last month Donna Ireland, a UMW nurturing partner visited our group and presented a program on prayer. After her presentation, members made a prayer bead bracelet to help us with praying more effectively. Our bake sale was a success! Thanks to everyone who made purchases of bake sale items. Our profit was around $780.00. This money will be used to support our mission projects. Also, thanks to everyone who made a donation for the shipping costs of Operation Christmas Child boxes. This year the cost of shipping has risen to $9.00 a box. We collected $709.00 which will be sent to

Samaritan’s Purse to be used to cover boxes where the shipping cost was not included. Our December meeting on Sunday, Dec. 3rd will be our annual Christmas lunch with our families. At this time, we will reveal our secret prayer partners. Submitted by Sue Johnson

Mocks United Methodist

Women

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Twisted Sisters Book Club November Review – 3 Stars

In October, Twisted Sisters Book Club read The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt. This book highlights the interesting life of Gloria Vanderbilt and her relationship with her son Anderson Cooper. We all thought the information about Gloria Vanderbilt was very interesting but she seemed to have a sad life. This is a very candid and open look at the real-life mother and son; their desire to know more about each other. In a year long conversation, Anderson and his mother exchanged questions about her life, upbringing, loves, and loss. This will not be a book for everyone, but if you are looking for an open discussion between a mother and son (with some interesting name dropping!), be sure to borrow this book from the church library.

In November, we will be reading Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. Please come join us at Panera Bread in Clemmons on Dec 2nd at 9:00am for our discussion.

In December, we will be reading The Christmas Cookie Club by Anne Pearlman. Come join us! Submitted by Nicole Martin ************************************************************************************************************

Christmas Program – “Just a Little Christmas” Sunday, December 10th Refreshments after - please bring finger foods and drinks to share. Also, need volunteers to help clean up after the refreshments.

Last Practice: Dec. 3 @ 2:00 pm Dress rehearsal: Dec. 8th (pizza @ 5:45)

Thank you to those who have given their time to bring you this special program!

The Jolly 60's met on Tuesday, November 14th. Nancy Hartman led the devotions on “How Do You Keep Your Mind on Course During the Busy Christmas Season?” Nancy Hartman was the only member present celebrating a November birthday. Several items of business were discussed among the group - Family Promise, Storehouse for Jesus, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army on December 2nd, and the Annual Christmas Luncheon. The Jolly 60's and the United Adult Sunday School Class will join together again this year for the Annual Christmas Luncheon and Party on Tues. December 12th at 11:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a covered dish to share and join us to celebrate this most special time of the year.

Merry Christmas!! Submitted by Pat Jones

Submitted by Pat Jones

Girl Scout Troop

December Meetings: Dec. 4th & 18th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm in the Mocks UMC fellowship hall. If you know of anyone that might be interested, contact Ashley Kimel @ 336-488-0064 **************************************************************************************************************

12/3 Carter, Adam 12/8 Whitaker, Jane 12/16 Jones, Pat 12/5 Edwards, Kay 12/11 Tkach, Albert 12/18 Hanks, Barbara Mock, Roger 12/14 Anderson, Susie 12/19 Ellis, Julia 12/6 Allen, Greg 12/15 Hartman, Lucille 12/23 Pfeiffer, Kathy Hartman, Inez Seats, Tammie 12/27 Baity, Sandra **************************************************************************************************************************************

Prayer Concerns

Amina Goodman, Bill Mock, Bill Rummage, Bob & Maxine Bailey, Brenda West Family, Chris Dennis, Dale & Glenda Brown, Danny Smith, Dixie Bell, Dottie Coleman, Eddie & Lucy Hartman, Inez Hartman, Jane Whita-ker, Jeff Rummage, Jim & Marge Adams, John & Anna Hancock, Johnnie Allen, Joyce Butner, Lee &, Nancy Mock, Melanie Boone, Nicole Martin, Pastor Bobby Roberson, Roger & Carol Mock, Scott Burton, Sue Johnson, Susan Sides, Susie Anderson, Tom Adachi, Trenton & Molly Turpin (Jack McCoy’s daughter) and baby son Everett, JT Jemal. Beyond us: For all who feel victimized or threatened by others who use power or intimi-dation to abuse or demean them in any way.

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Storehouse for Jesus: Items needed for December

Roman noodles, Jell-O gelatin & pudding, cookies, saltines, and feminine hygiene products.

Note: If anyone would like to sponsor a child or senior citizen this holiday season, please contact Anne Allen (336-909-1233).

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Family Promise Families @ Mocks: Dec. 3-10th

Christmas Dinner & Party for the families

Saturday, December 9, 2017 5:00 pm - Fellowship Hall

If you would like to join, please fill out form and drop in the Basket in the narthex by Sunday Dec. 3rd. (FORMS ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE BULLETIN)

Name: # Adults: # Children: (Sponsored by the Mission Committee)

2017 Poinsettias – In Honor

Casey, Suzanne & Shelby Doub, William Hockaday & Kaylin Bowers – Ricky & Cathy Hockaday

Richard & Tammie Groce – Sue Groce

Pastor Gary & Sandra Elrod – Jean Phelps

Mark and Eric Eaton & Families – Emily & Don Eaton

Everett Turpin – Jack & Cindy McCoy

Pastor Gary & Sandra Elrod - Bill & Kay Burton

Our Children and Grandchildren - Bill & Kay Burton

Joe & Nancy Brewer – Cindy, Kevin, Dillon & Garrett Byerly

Rusty, Lerisa & Austin Wyatt - Cindy, Kevin, Dillon & Garrett Byerly

Kay & Bill Burton - Rusty, Lerisa & Austin Wyatt

Joyce Ann Robertson – Jack Carter Family

Bob & Betty Potts - Jack Carter Family

Mrs. Cathy Hockaday - Phillip & Anna Carter

Mocks Choir -Terri Miller

Anna & John Hancock and Amber Martin – Nicole Martin

United Adult SS Class & UMW & Twisted Sisters Book Club – Nicole Martin

Allen, Kim, &Taylor Brewer, and Cindy, Kevin, Dillon, & Garrett Byerly – Joe & Nancy Brewer

Papaw & Grammy – Shelby

Pastor & Congregation of Mocks - Pat & Bonnie Russell

Our Children: Debbie, Dale, Nicole, & Amber – John & Anna Hancock

Anna Hancock - John Hancock

Greg Allen & Choir – Mitzi Carter

Jeff Rummage, Sherri Butler & family, and grandchildren – Bill & Edythe Rummage

Mocks Choir - Greg Allen

continued -

Poinsettias – In Memory Jack, Sarah & Jim McCoy and Bill & Fran Stock - Jack & Cindy McCoy

Donna Eaton - Emily & Don Eaton

John Phelps - Jean Phelps

Dickie Groce – Sue Groce

My Parents James & Mamie Shore - Sue Groce

Huston & Ruth Hockaday – Ricky & Cathy Hockaday

Bill Carter – Linda Carter

Lillian Johnson - Jimmy Johnson

Mary & Houston Crater - Anna & John Hancock

Donna Carter - Jeff & Lora Carter, and Shawn Myers

Bill Carter - Jeff & Lora Carter, and Shawn Myers

Our Parents - Bill & Kay Burton

Denise Hanks Bennett - Barbara Hanks

George R. Hanks - Barbara Hanks

Jake Anderson - Susie Anderson

Lucy Phelps - Susie Anderson

Morio Suzuki - Junko Gilbert

Carol & Myrtle Nelson - Nancy Mock

Henry Hartman, Jr. - Tommie, Laine, Dalton & Cody Hartman

Josh Rominger - Denna & Jennifer Rominger

Howard & Sue Williams - Beth and the boys

Phil & Lila Carter and Milton & Lib Carter - Jack & Jane Carter

Wayne & Doris Bradshaw - Jerry Crouse

Mareia Crouse - Jerry Crouse

Joe & Eva P. Jones - Anna Hancock

Kay O. Hancock and Naomi Hancock – John Hancock

Mary Ruth Stroud - Jerry Stroud

Jack Laurence – Mazie Laurence

Nellie A. Mathews - Mazie Laurence

Morris C. Mathews - Mazie Laurence

Chaney M. Mathews - Mazie Laurence

Mont & Faye Davis and Clarence & Sarah Jones – Pat & Vernon Jones

Rosa & John Palmer and Ken & Norma Van Etten – Gail & Terry Van Etten

Herman Eshem – Linda Haney

Helen Eshem - Linda Haney

Allen Bell – Dixie Bell

Please join us as we celebrate Christmas with the singing of those special Christmas

Carols at the morning worship service on Christmas Eve – December 24th.

List your two (2) favorite Christmas Carols to be included:

Please give to an Usher (by Dec. 10th)

Each Sunday School Classes will decide if they will have class on Sunday morning, December 24th.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

Family Promise Families – Wk. Dec. 3-10

7p Choir Practice

9a Book Club @ Panera Jolly Sixties Ring Bells @ Lowes Grocery

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

12 noon UMW lunch after worship 2p Play Practice Family Promise

Family Promise 6:30p Girl Scouts

Family Promise

Family Promise 7p Choir Practice

Family Promise Family Promise 6:30 Play Dress Rehearsal (Pizza @ 5:45)

5p Family Prom-ise – Christmas Dinner & Party

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3:30p Youth 6p Christmas Program

11a Jolly Sixties & Adult SS class Christmas party – covered dish

7p Choir Practice

12-4p Youth sponsored - Gift wrapping – fellowship hall

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

6p Trustees (TBC)

6:30p Girl Scouts

NO Choir Practice

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 10:50a Singing Christmas Carols for Worship

CHRISTMAS DAY

Office Closed NO Choir Practice

31 January 1 7p Choir Practice

Happy New Year!

Mocks United Methodist Church

Corner of Mocks Church & Beauchamp Roads Office: 336.998-5518

PO Box 2122, Advance NC 27006 Emergencies: 336.416-7915

Sunday Worship @ 10:50 am MocksUMC@yadtel.net

Sunday School @ 9:45 am Website: Mocksumc.org

The Mocks Messenger December 2017