Join us for Christmas at East Heights UMC!
Friday E-News Bulletin
November 26, 2025
The Church Office will be Closed for Thanksgiving: The church office will be closed November 27th and the 28th for Thanksgiving. We will still have our normal service times, 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 30th.
United Methodist Student Day Offering Sunday, November 29th: United Methodist Student Day is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants. You may send a check to the church (indicate Student Day on the memo line) or contribute online.
College Care Packages: Our College Care Packages will be sent the first week of December. If you have a college student you would like to receive a package, please send their address to Paige Nelson at paige@ehumc.org We are also accepting donations for gift cards, postage and other goodies. You may send your donation to the church with College Care Packages in the memo or give on-line at www.ehumc.org/give
Justice Together Prayer Vigil: On Tuesday, December 2 at 8:30 a.m. Justice Together will be hosting a prayer vigil at Wichita City Hall, where clergy and people of faith from across our community will gather before providing testimony and witness as the City Council decides what to include in a proposed 1-cent sales tax. We are hopeful our prayers and urging will encourage our leaders to include their commitment of at least $10 million annually to the affordable Housing Fund made at our 2025 Nehemiah Assembly. All are welcome to attend. If you are interested in carpooling, we are partnering with Grace Presbyterian to take vans downtown, but we need to know how many are wanting a ride! We will be leaving the church around 7:45 to park, walk, get through metal detectors, and so on. Please email Pastor Sam at sam@ehumc.org for more information and to reserve your seat in a vehicle.
Advent/Christmas Mission Giving: Each year, our congregation is asked to financially support one of the following mission opportunities during the season of Advent and Christmas. This years options include, United Methodist Open Door, GraceMed Health Clinic, Youthville/Ember Hope, Jefferson School Partnership. You can also help our church meet the goal of paying 100% of our Mission and Ministry Funds (previously known as “apportionments.”) by the end of the year. Our outstanding balance is $33,457.12 and checks can be made out to East Heights UMC, with “Christmas Mission Giving” on the memo line (designate your option if desired), or you may make your gift on our website through VANCO. You can designate the ministries you wish to support, or if no designation is made, we will divide the gift among the five options. Envelopes will be available at the usher stations at each worship service. Please contact Pastor Sam O’Banion (sam@ehumc.org) or Kent Dick (kent@ehumc.org) for more information.
Second Sunday Snacks is Sunday, December 14th: Stop by the Coffee House to enjoy food and fellowship Sunday, December 14th between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.! If you would like to provide snacks or help serve Second Sunday snacks on January 11th or February 8th, please contact Carolyn Kretzer, cgkretzer@msn.com or 316-882-5080
Cantata on December 7th: Join us Sunday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. for a powerful service of music as our extraordinary Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers, together with pianist Amanda Pfenninger and organist Rob McGregor, present “Gloria: A Cantata of Praise and Promise”. This inspiring musical celebration weaves together stunning works by Vivaldi, Bach, Argento, Thompson, Rheinberger, and more – lifting our hearts toward the hope and promise of the season! Come and experience the beauty and joy of this special worship service and invite a friend – all are welcome!
Clothes Collection for the Klothes Kloset: United Women in Faith will be collecting gently-used clothing and shoes for the Klothes Kloset Sunday, December 14th. The Klothes Kloset is a division of UM Open Door that provides free clothing for infants, children, and adults. A car with an open trunk will be in the southeast section of the church parking lot 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. to collect your bags of items. Thank you for your donations!
Young Adults Last Event of the Year! Come for the community, stay for the laughs, encouragement, and honest conversations about faith and life. Our last date for the year is Sunday, December 7th, 12:15 p.m.: Secret Santa in coffee house at church there will be food provided. Be sure to contact Brianna Fibelkorn with questions at bfibelkorn@usd259.net or her cell, 316-259-4070.
Jefferson Newcomer Gifts: Due to your extraordinary generosity, our Jefferson Newcomer Gift ornaments are gone as of 12 p.m., 11/23! We so thank and appreciate each of you who excitedly participated in this wonderful ministry, but if you missed out and wanted to help it is not too late. New families sign up periodically, so be on the lookout for new ornaments placed on the tree, and you can donate directly to our Jefferson Fund which helps tremendously as well. We, again, thank you so much for your graciously and enthusiastically caring for Jefferson Elementary!
Holy Grounds: East Heights’ Holy Grounds coffee shop exists to create space for connection and conversation. On Sunday mornings, folks grab a drink, sit at the tables or in the comfy chairs, and catchup with friends or welcome someone new. Holy Grounds is run by congregation members, and we’d love to have you on the team – either on a regular schedule or as a substitute. If you enjoy greeting people and serving others, this is a great place to connect. To learn more or volunteer, please contact Deb Lund at (316) 200-5654
Poinsettia’s Are Back: These Poinsettias are a beautiful way for you to give back to the church in honor or memory of your loved ones. The Poinsettias will be on display during our Christmas Eve services and then after that you can choose to take yours home or donate it to our shut-in ministry. Please see the Poinsettia order form attached to this newsletter. You may also find an order form at the entry way of each worship space. Return the form to the church office by Monday, December 15th.
The Trustees are Looking for Volunteers: Winter is upon us, and the Trustees are asking for your help to keep our sidewalks clear and safe for everyone! We are looking for a few dedicated volunteers to join our snow shoveling team on the east side of the building. If you’re able and willing to lend a hand, your support would make a huge difference in ensuring our community can navigate safely during the snowy months. Together, we can create a welcoming environment for all. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Taylor Rohr, our Administrative Assistant, at 316-682-6518 or taylor@ehumc.org Thank you for considering this important service to our congregation.
First Wednesday Meal – December Soup “Pot Luck”: Our First Wednesday Meal will be on December 3rd from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Hedrick Hall. Join us for a cozy soup-themed potluck! Bring a pot of soup – individually or as a group – or bring a side or dessert if soup isn’t your thing. We’ll also have Christmas crafts, games, and cookie decorating. You may use this link to sign up to bring a soup https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CA5AD22A1FAC61-60754994-soup you may also sign up on the sheet located in the Coffee House.
United Women in Faith Christmas Brunch! The United Women in Faith Christmas Brunch/Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 a.m. in Hedrick Hall. All East Heights and Heart of Christ ladies are invited to join us for a delicious brunch and festive Christmas music by The Schwisters. Please RSVP to Lisa Jamis at 316-200-1697 or jamis4@sbcglobal.net
The Living Nativity is Sunday, December 7th: Our drive-thru Living Nativity complete with live animals, Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies will be from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th. Join the youth as they share the Nativity Story along the east driveway of the church.
Save the Date: On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Ritchie Sidener, a docent at the DOC – B-29 Museum and worked on restoring Doc, will speak on the topic of DOC, the History of the B-29, finding and restoring DOC. Bring your lunch and join Not too Old for Fun from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the church dining room. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Please contact Judy Oliver 316-712-1735 with any questions.
Christmas Lights Tour: Not too Old for Fun is sponsoring a Christmas Lights Tour on Monday, December 15th. We will leave from the church parking lot at 6:00 p.m. and return to the church parking lot at 8:00 p.m. Since we are using Triple B’s Express 17 passenger Party Bus, you need to make a reservation no later than December 8. The cost is $22.95 per person payable in cash that evening. This is not a guided tour. Contact Judy Oliver 316-712-1735 to make a reservation or with questions.
Upcoming Youth Ministry Events:
o November 26th – Mission Possible
o December 3rd – Shop for our Adopt-A-Family
o December 6th – Late Night!
o December 7th – The Living Nativity
o December 10th – Christmas Party