As the Father Has Sent Me . . . I Am Sending You

Celebrate Advent this year with a global focus. God’s mission to make disciples of all nations depends on us responding to being sent, just like Jesus was sent.

Resources include:

A video for each week of Advent

A four-week sermon series

Candle lighting liturgy for each week

Advent backgrounds for your worship service

All resources are available here.

Supt. Tolly has requested Pastor Wendy Shuffett to host Advent Zoom meetings open to all conference Pastors and Lay Leaders. 

Advent is an invitation to slow down spiritually and spend time contemplating and reflecting over the gift of Jesus to this world. GOD's risk-taking reaches new levels with the incarnation of Christ. The Three Persons of the Trinity commit their creative and redemptive plan to the free response of a politically, socially, and culturally insignificant young woman in a small village in a war-torn and occupied territory in the Middle East. GOD desires that she become the mother of the Word made Flesh. This has never happened before in human history. GOD reveals His plan to this young woman - a plan that breaks all codes of orthodox religious behavior and conventional wisdom. 

During our time together, we will engage contemplatively with the Annunciation as told in Luke 1:26-38. As we gather together, I recommend that you zoom in from a quiet place and bring your journal. 

Beginning Monday, December 2nd, 6:30-7:30pm and ending on Monday, December 23rd.

Register with Wendy Shuffett at wendyshuffett@gmail.com

Rev. Wendy Shuffett's Bio:

As a spiritual director, I prayerfully journey with others to discern God's presence in their daily lives. An ordained minister with a background in pastoral work, I’ve served in various ministries, including women’s, youth, and children’s ministries. My work extends to co-pastoring a church with my husband and supporting a non-profit dedicated to restorative healing for trafficked individuals. Alongside preaching, I offer spiritual direction to those healing from trauma.

Married for 33 years, I'm a mother of four and a nana of four. I cherish family time, nature, and hosting gatherings. I trained with Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction and am here to help you encounter Christ in everyday moments.

This year, December 3 marks Giving Tuesday, offering a fantastic chance for people and organizations to support our various ministries and their essential efforts. The following ministries will be promoted during Giving Tuesday:

° Bishops' Crisis Response Fund
° Free Methodist World Missions and their One Voice Offering
° ICCM
° Marston Memorial Historical Center & Free Methodist Archive
° Men's Ministries International
° Set Free Movement
° The Center for Pastoral Formation
° The Chaplains Association of the Free Methodist Church

Mark your calendars to visit and bookmark the FMCUSA website around Tuesday, December 3,

to stay up to date on the latest information about the ministries involved and how you can help them continue their critical ministerial work and expand their impact.

Also, Light and Life Park in Florida:

We are announcing an open opportunity for the position of Conference Superintendent overseeing the Gateway Conference of the Free Methodist Church.

We are actively seeking an Ordained Elder who is experienced in leading churches through seasons of change and transition. As a spiritual leader, you will guide the congregations within the 28 churches of the Gateway Conference. Candidates with a focus on leadership development and who value Midwestern culture are invited to apply.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume with no fewer than four references and completed questionnaire responses to allyson.kuczmynda@fmcusa.org by December 6, 2024. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to this impactful role.

Click here for link to job position description and more information on applying

Invitations will be mailed in early November