THANK YOU
Dear Germantown Methodist folks, I receive BLESSINGS daily giving me reminders of God’s continuous caring love. I have been absent from the early morning Sunday in sanctuary fellowship worship services, but the Advent evening services allowed me to attend with much friendly assistance upon arrival – car parking, door greeting/opening, walker care, headset provided all with awareness of God’s presence. Christmas Day I was fortunate, even though I had limited mobility due to hip condition, I was able to visit my local family homes. Christmas evening, while my puppy was happily “opening” her Santa filled stocking, I rested with much joy opening the Holiday greeting cards and reading the messages from you folks sharing though the church mailbox. I am writing this thank you with a very deep heartfelt expression so you all may have the awareness of knowing the importance of your reaching out included to me (very seldom able to be present), as well as to others. Having those cards, providing your evening visits were, indeed, powerful “God be with you” moments. Blessings to all with anticipation and purposeful intent for a Happy & Healthy New Year. Love through our Heavenly Father’s Gift for one another, Diane Hayes and Snuggles
P.S. Don’t forget to sign the new year’s altar flower dated chart – in memory, special person recognitions, anniversaries, “Glory to God”, just because, birthdays, “we love you, Jesus, or personal choice.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2026 Flower Chart: The flower chart for next year is up on the bulletin board. If you are interested in providing flowers for our worship service, pick a Sunday and write your name.
Men’s Breakfast: The next men’s breakfast will be on Saturday, January 17th at 8:30 a.m. It will be at Alleyway Cafe. There is a sign up sheet on the Welcome Desk if you are interested.
Christmas Decorations: Following the worship service today, we will be taking down our Christmas decorations. Remember, due to the mice problem in the barn, all trees and wreaths will be stored in a room downstairs in Fellowship Hall. All plastic containers will go out to the barn. We have 3 new canvas tree storage bags for the 3 trees in the Narthex. If you could give 45 minutes to an hour of your time today, it would certainly be appreciated. THANK YOU!!!! Nancy Wright
Souper Bowl Lunch: On Super Bowl Sunday, the kitchen turns into a simmering stadium as the annual soup cook-off kicks off. Crockpots line the counters like rival teams, each one bringing its own playbook of flavors—hearty chili blitz the senses with a spicy kickoff, creamy potato soup runs a smooth, velvety offense, and chicken noodle delivers a classic, reliable drive straight down the field. As you all do the tasting, the air will be thick with steam, spice, and competition, proving that on Soup-er Bowl Sunday, the real victory is found somewhere between the broth, the bite, and the final whistle. On Soup-er Bowl Sunday, February 8th following Sunday School, grab your crockpot of soup and join us for fellowship, food, and a little healthy competition.
Volunteer Opportunity: LifeWise is a released-time religious instruction program that exists to reach public school students with the gospel during the school day. Under a little-known release time law, students may be released from public school to attend religious instruction, provided the program is held off school property, is privately funded, and has parental permission.
The Valley View program is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 for second graders, and there is still much to prepare before this exciting day.
We are seeking individuals who are passionate about helping connect students and their families to the broader ministry of our local partner churches. There are many ways you can get involved. We are currently looking for prayer partners, team leaders, teachers, van drivers, and volunteers.
CONTACT PASTOR GARY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Donations For St. Paul UMC: We continue to accept household items (no furniture) and clothing in good, usable condition. Items may be placed in the coat closet near the media booth. Please have items labeled “mission”. Our faithful volunteers, Dale White & Don Berger, deliver these items to St. Paul UMC where they are made available to those in need.
C.A.M.P. January/February Wish List: Soup, Crackers, Tuna/Chicken. Personal Care & Cleaning Products are always needed & welcome. If you are able, grab one or two extra items when you go to the store.
Ashram Coming to Germantown
Have you heard the testimonies for youth and adults about the Christian Ashram in West Virginia, checked out a brochure, then thought about attending, but ended up staying home? Well, now you can enjoy your own bed (and bathroom) and experience the Ashram right here!
The first Southwest Ohio Christian Ashram will be held at GMC March 13-14. It will be a time for you to leave you busy life behind to find a new rhythm of life focused on Jesus. At an Ashram, we open our hearts to God and each other and come home refreshed and full of joy. The disciplines we practice at a Christian Ashram can transform the way we live all year long!
It will begin on Friday at 5:30 PM and conclude Saturday by 9 PM. The cost is $40 per adult ($35 for Grades 4-7) and includes four meals. A brochure is on the Welcome Desk. We strongly encourage you to signup. See Gary or Myra for more information.
THREE UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
LADIES BIBLE STUDY: Our next Bible Study is entitled “Heaven” by Jennifer Rothschild.
Heaven. Who goes there? Where is it? What will we do there? Questions like these arise when we consider an eternal future beyond this physical life. How can we know the truth about what comes next? In this video-based study, Jennifer Rothschild explores the subject of Heaven from a biblical perspective. She will separate what’s true about Heaven from what’s based on legend, media depictions, and hopeful guesses. As you walk through the study, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of what God has prepared for His children, but also learn how to live with confidence today as you look forward to the glorious unending that awaits. Don’t just wonder about Heaven—embrace it with a faith that turns anticipation into excitement and peace. Here is the info you need!:
Dates – 2-3-26 to 3-17-26 (7 Weeks) Time – 6:30 to 8:30
Location – GMC Fellowship Hall Book Cost – $25.00
Sign up at the Welcome Desk or by texting or emailing Myra Wheeler at 937-204-5368 or chattymyra@gmail.com. You can also send a Facebook message.
NEW MEN’S BIBLE STUDY!: Hey, the ladies can’t have all the fun! Gary is starting a Men’s Bible Study, also on Tuesdays, beginning at 6:40 PM (sometimes Myra needs Gary to start her technology). This group will meet in the room behind the organ and will study Galatians. Bring your Bible.
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY RETURNS: After taking a break for Dec-Jan, the group picks back up February 4 from 10:30-Noon. Afterwards, those who want to go out to eat. The group will begin a study on Ephesians.
***COME GET INTO THE WORD OF GOD WITH US***