Believe: The Truth of Christmas- Throughout the corridors of time an invitation can be distinctly heard. A very personal invitation.
Acceptance of this invitation requires nothing on the part of the receiver except that he or she simply come. No gifts can be brought, for the Host has already given more than could ever be imagined. No service can be rendered because the One who issues the invitation is in need of nothing we can offer.
Still, the invitation stands. Listen closely and you can hear it. Not with your ears, but with your heart. Not amid the clamor of your surroundings, but within yourself. It's the invitation of the Savior- for all who will hear and yet, it's just for you. It's an invitation to come and behold Him; to come and worship the King, the Redeemer, the Messiah. Invitations require a response. We either acknowledge or ignore; accept or decline. The choice is now yours.
Just Believe.
Lights of Lugoff Parade Hospitality Table- This year, we have a unique opportunity to participate in the Lights of Lugoff Parade in a different way- we will be setting up a Hospitality Table in the parking lot of the Mid Carolina Credit Union across from our church. We plan to offer hot chocolate, candy canes, and information about St. John's to parade attendees. Our table will be up from 5:00 pm to the end of the parade. If you would like to help with the Hospitality Table in any way, please contact our church office or speak with Rev. Cindy Lister.
Blue Christmas Service- We would like to invite you to St. John's United Methodist Church for a very special service- A Blue Christmas Service. A Blue Christmas Service recognizes that it's okay to not "feel okay", or happy, or jolly, during the holidays. Our hope is that this service provides a safe and sacred space to acknowledge the darkness and complexities of life as we set aside the usual holiday cheer; to be fully present with all gathered here who find themselves in the midst of pain and sorrow and grief; to set down burdens and collectively hold pain.
We offer a Blue Christmas service on December 21st, the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between darkness and light, and to find comfort that God meets all people- wherever they are- even, and especially, in the dark.
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, far from home, suffering from illness, addiction, or estrangement, lonely, struggling financially, or grieving for any other reason, please join us for this Blue Christmas service.
Cookies, Carols, and Cocoa- Gather round for a festive holiday party with cookie swapping, carol singing, and cocoa sipping! Enjoy cookie decorating with Santa’s elves, Reindeer Games for the kiddos, and delicious hot cocoa for all!