December is a very busy time at the Auburn United Methodist Church on 99 South St. in Auburn.

They are offering an Advent Study program this year. It will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday evenings through Dec. 22. Everyone is invited to join in this learning experience about prayer this Advent. Participants will read and discuss “To Pray and Love: Conversations on Prayer with the Early Church” by Roberta C. Bondi. The cost of the book is $15.

Also at Auburn UMC, they have come up with a new and fun way to have Christmas cards delivered to fellow parishioners, while saving money for a worthy cause. Members are asked to bring their cards to church on Dec. 7 or 14 and place them in the mailbox in the Narthex. Then, deposit what would have been spent on postage in the container next to the mailbox. Your cards will be hand delivered to your friends at church, and the postage money saved will benefit the Christian Education Fund. What a wonderful idea.

During the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 14, the children's choir will present its Christmas Cantata, “The Legend of the Christmas King.” As the story goes, Artie, the “fourth wise man,” and his heavenly helper Maggie are on a quest to meet the Christ Child.

They get side tracked along the way and miss the birth, but their kind and giving actions along the way show the spirit of Jesus to others.

Immediately following the Christmas Cantata, there will be a “Cookie Walk.” This means you may purchase a lined coffee can and fill it with any variety of homemade cookies you choose. This is another great idea, and proceeds from this event also go to the Christian Education Fund. Please see Linda English or Nicole Procino for more information on the card exchange or cookie walk.

From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, there will be a Red Cross blood drive at the church.

Mark your calendars, as once again this year, the UMC youth in third through 12th grades will participate in the traditional Living Nativity.

This event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, on the lawn by the church. Be sure to drive up to 99 South St. and enjoy this beautiful living nativity scene for the holidays.

Also Saturday, Dec. 20, the Women of Mission group will serve at the soup kitchen at SS. Peter and John Episcopal Church.

The group is planning for a very festive Christmas event, which will include decorating the tables and handing out holiday favors. They are even planning live music and singing for the soup kitchen that day. Thanks to Barb Loomis for being the soup kitchen coordinator for Auburn UMC.

Then at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, the Membership Care Team will be caroling for some of our local nursing homes. Last year, the residents were so excited when the carolers came to sing.

Sometimes it takes just the smallest things to make people happy. The carolers will enjoy soup, sandwiches, beverages and desserts afterwards. Special thanks to Geri Jackson, Sharon Fehlman and the entire team.

The UMC Christmas Eve service this year will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Everyone is invited to bring your family and friends to come to this candlelight service of lessons and carols and to hear the birth story of the Christ Child.

They will sing carols and hear the beautiful music of the choir and gifted musicians.

Do you have plans for New Year's Eve? Auburn UMC will have a night of celebration to ring in the New Year as an officially merged congregation with Trinity United Methodist Church from East Genesee Street. What a joyous occasion for everyone.

All ages are invited and welcome to bring games, cards and snacks to share. Call

253-0377 for more information.

Also on New Year's Eve, adults are invited to gather in the beautiful, historic Galilee Lodge on Owasco Lake to ring in the New Year with an Adult New Year's Eve celebration. For more information, call

364-8756 or e-mail info@casowasco.org.

Thanks so much to Carolyn Case for sharing the news with us from Auburn United Methodist Church.

Have a great week and remember God loves you so much.

“Kneeling beneath the cross on the south side of Chicago, I felt God's spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth.”

- Barack Obama (The Audacity of Hope)

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com