We're going to Bethlehem!
(virtually, of course, because it's still 2020) During Advent this year, the congregations of the Orange Cooperative Parish would like to go on a journey together, with Mary and Joseph -- to Bethlehem. From Hillsborough, NC to Bethlehem, Israel it is approximately 6,100 miles. We would like to travel those miles together. Whether you walk, bike, run or skip we hope you will go with us. How will this work? As you go about your daily life, exercising as you normally do, track your miles. We have created an online “tracker” where you can enter those miles. By Epiphany, our goal is, as a Parish, to have exercised 6,100 miles together (but apart)—enough to get us to the Holy City for the birth of Christ. Our goal is twofold: Winter is hard and we will still be in a pandemic. We hope that this will be motivation to get out and get moving (collectively)! We want to encourage a healthy lifestyle in all the ways we can. Secondly, we want to live into our vision to be a missional people by raising money to support one particular organization, The Compass Center for Women and Families (located in Chapel Hill) whose work is especially important in the midst of this pandemic. We have chosen this organization because the COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on numerous ongoing health crises, including housing and violence within the home. We recognize that this pandemic has brought it with it many other stresses for people’s personal lives, and, as a faith community, it is our calling to stand and support the vulnerable. Take a minute to google these two organizations and learn more about the important work they do in our local communities. Our goal is to raise $1/mile. You can raise this however you want - personally contribute or ask others to sponsor you. If you go 20 miles, we hope you will donate $20 or have someone donate on your behalf. If you go 100, even better! How to join the journey: Simply click this click and follow the instructions to join the challenge! After you run, walk or skip, head on over to the link (Challenge Hound) and enter your mileage! The link is live and you can join anytime! The challenge itself will begin on the first Sunday of Advent (November 29). You can join the challenge anytime, but no new participants may join after December 5. I will also be sharing a separate link where we will collect donations, so keep your eyes and ears out for that too! How to donate money: Simply click this link - and share widely and broadly! One of my favorite African proverbs is this: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Bethlehem is a long ways away. So whether you can contribute 5 miles or 50, your miles (and dollars) will help! I believe that -together – we can reach this goal. I also believe, that, together, we can be a light and blessing to our neighbors this season. Pastor Laura |
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Monthly Calendar
Wednesdays Bible Study 10:30am via Zoom
Prayer Team Meeting 3rd Wednesday 6:30pm via Zoom
Food For All is the second Tuesday each month
Prayer Team Meeting 3rd Wednesday 6:30pm via Zoom
Food For All is the second Tuesday each month
The Pleasant Green United Methodist Church is a congregation of Christian believers which exists to serve its God and its community. Our service takes its form in the spreading and sharing of the good news of Christ; in the spiritual nurture of our church family; in ministry to the needs of the whole person (spiritual and physical); and, in providing God’s people a strong Christian fellowship. Further, we are called to be strong witnesses to our larger world community. We gain our strength for these tasks through prayer, corporate worship, Bible study, and fellowship.