The Celebration of Life Service for Alan Gross will be held at Refuge on Saturday, December 6th, at 3:00 PM. Please continue to pray for all who loved Pastor Alan.  You can find his obituary here.

Instead of a formal meal registry, Corri is suggesting that food be dropped off at Carol's, 805 Willman Street, North Versailles, which can be put out for family and friends who stop by. Suggested items include casseroles, hoagies/sandwiches, soups, salads, or take-out gift cards.

Amber and Jesse Hooke will be welcoming a new foster child into their home, starting on December 1st. Please pray for the Hooke family during this time of transition, and consider providing a meal. Register Here.

Our Children’s Ministry December Newsletter will be distributed this Sunday.

We are going to push back our BOLD ladies' lunch in December.  Our next lunch will be held on Thursday, December 11th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Cracker Barrel restaurant located in New Stanton.  If any questions, please contact Patty Sanderson at 724-396-1809.

Our next First Friday event is Friday, December 5th, beginning at 6:00 PM in the upper room on the second floor of the school building. We will be sharing a meal and playing Christmas games! Bring a side dish to share! This night is for ages ranging from 20s to 40s. You are more than welcome to bring your kids! If you have any questions or can attend, please text or call Andrea Milliron at 724-840-5263.

Our next Saturation Saturday will be held on Saturday, December 13th, starting at 6:30 PM. This informal evening of Spirit-filled worship and prayer will be held open house style in the church basement so feel free to show up and leave at any time. If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Sanderson at rsanderson@churchrefuge.com.

Advent is a season designed for stepping away from the often-frantic pace that characterizes this time of year. It offers us an opportunity to embrace a slower rhythm, take a moment to breathe, and refocus on the profound love and goodness of God.  Each year, we plan an activity for families to celebrate the season of Advent.  Advent family devotionals are available in the sanctuary and in the Elementary Room.

Prepare Him Room Virtual Women’s Event – Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. We will also have an optional Christmas decoration and Christmas plate exchange.  Bring your gently used item and leave with a new treasure.  Please reach out to women@churchrefuge.com if you have any questions.

If you took a bag to fill for the Father’s Heart Christmas Outreach, please return the bag by Sunday, November 30

We will be supporting the Father’s Heart Christmas Outreach on Saturday, December 13.  We need 9 people to cook turkeys   If you can cook a turkey, please contact Corri Gross at corriagross@gmail.com. 

We will be providing Christmas Food Baskets again this year to anyone who has a need.  The contents of the basket are for a Christmas meal.  If you or someone you know, would benefit from a basket please contact Kim Hidalgo at khidalgo@churchrefuge.com by December 7 and provide the number of people who will be served by the meal.  Baskets will be available in mid-December.

Our children have begun practicing for their Christmas performance this Sunday during regular class time.  If you have children participating, please try to attend regularly over the next weeks.  This special performance will be held on Sunday, December 14th at 11:00 AM.

On Sunday mornings, our kids are making cards to include with gift bags of socks that we are providing to the residents of a personal care home.  Please join us in praying for encouragement for the residents.

We will deliver sweet treats to our neighbors immediately following the 11:00 AM service on Sunday, December 14.  Please plan to join us as we continue our Christmas tradition.

As we prepare our hearts for the upcoming Advent season, there are 2 incredible opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to experience the Christmas story in a powerful, hands-on way.
 
The Traditional Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, December 6th, from 5-9pm, and Sunday, December 7th, from 5-8pm. This beloved event, for over 50 years, begins at Shield’s Farm Historic Log Cabin. Upon stepping outside, you will walk the field and encounter eight live-action scenes portraying the Christmas story. On the approximately 30-minute guided journey, you will witness Mary and Joseph’s encounters with angels, their travels to Bethlehem, and the Good News being told to shepherds and wisemen, before you rejoice in Christ's birth in a stable.

Live animals, dramatic music, and soft lighting abound at this unforgettable event. Five Delmont churches feature different activities and food. Before / after your Pilgrimage journey at Shield's Farm, you are free to ride the free shuttle buses to participating churches around town to enjoy their hospitality, food, and seasonal entertainment. It’s a beautiful, sacred experience for youth, adults, and older children—a time to slow down, reflect, and truly connect with the reason we celebrate. The Traditional Pilgrimage brings Scripture to life in a moving and memorable way.  Pilgrimage Junior - Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage’s newest event,— a Christmas celebration created just for preschool and elementary-aged children and their families This event will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 3-5pm.  
 
So, what is Pilgrimage Junior?  First—it’s engaging. This is not your typical sit-and-watch kind of event. Pilgrimage Junior is an interactive journey, where children get to experience the Christmas story in a way that is realistic, meaningful, and unforgettable. It's all about bringing the story of Jesus' birth to life for our youngest hearts and minds.  It is also immersive. Families will follow the Angel Gabriel along a paved path, journeying all the way to Bethlehem. Along the way, you will encounter live-action scenes where your children will meet people like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—and hear the story of Christ’s birth. Comfy shoes are recommended for this walk—this is a pilgrimage after all!  Kids will meet lots of live animals; sheep, goats, donkeys, cows, and even camels. There will be petting opportunities during parts of the event, and don’t miss the Mary and Joseph station, where you can take photos with a real donkey—great photo ops for the whole family!  Looking to make your day even more special? Before or after your Pilgrimage Junior experience, families are invited to enjoy extra festive activities designed especially for kids and families!  Stop by Faith Global Methodist Church for a heartwarming “Happy Birthday, Jesus” celebration, complete with complimentary treats and joy-filled fellowship—a meaningful reminder of the true reason for the season.  Then, head over to Trinity United Church of Christ and attend their “Star of Wonder” festival, where kids can enjoy games, prizes, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to also check out the enchanting model train displays - a delight for guests of all ages!

Wondering about parking on the day of the event?  
Guests will park at one of our participating churches in Delmont, where shuttle buses will transport you to the Cabin at Shield’s Farm for your scheduled experience.
Please plan to arrive at the shuttle stop at least 30 minutes before your ticketed time to ensure a smooth check-in and to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the magic!
Together, Pilgrimage Junior and the Traditional Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage offer something for everyone—from young children to adults, from joyful celebrations to sacred reflection.

https://www.delmontpilgrimage.com/
https://www.delmontpilgrimage.com/pilgrimagejunior

Donations can be made Monday-Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Please call the church office at 724-578-5583 before coming to ensure someone will be available to receive your donation.

Volunteers:
ur boutique has been growing and reaching more people. We have also been blessed with increasing donations.  As a result, we need additional volunteers.  We have spots to fill in November.  Please sign up here.  For additional information, please contact Katie Morgan at kmorgan@churchrefuge.com or Amber Hooke at 724-433-7004.

Check out our new app on the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.  
In this app, you can:
 
- Get up to date News and Announcements
- Listen to past sermons
- Engage with your small group
- Follow a Bible reading plan
- Watch the Livestream when available
- Make a secure gift
- Listen to the Refuge Podcast
- Easily share media with your family and friends

All Church Wednesday Nights at 7:00 PM.  We have classes for Preschool through Adults and serve pizza in the school building at 6:45.

Our Men’s Group meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the church basement.  The group is studying the book of Job. All men are welcome to join.  If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Mike Kleinschmidt at mkleinschmidt@churchrefuge.com.

Our Zoom bible study meets on Tuesday nights via Zoom from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. The group is studying 1 Peter.   Don't hesitate to get in touch with Sue Scimio at 724-216-2884 or Leslie House at 412-848-3647.

Our Thursday morning women’s group meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 AM in the church basement.  All women are welcome.  Please contact Kim Hidalgo at 724-493-0628 if you plan to attend or have any questions.

Our Young Adult Women’s bible study meets on Thursday nights from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sanderson’s home, 13500 Lincoln Way, N Huntingdon, PA 15642.  The group is studying the "She Reads Truth" study on the book of Exodus.  Who is invited?  All young adult women in their 20's & 30's (single, married & young moms) Questions?  Patty Sanderson 724-396-1809

Toddlers (ages 2-4) and their parents/caregivers are invited to join us for a Play Through the Bible group. We meet monthly, from 12:30-1:30 pm, in the church school building. Play Through the Bible sessions include an age-appropriate Bible lesson, snack, and craft. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with their toddler for the whole time. There will not be childcare available. For more information, join the Facebook group: Refuge Toddlers - Play Through the Bible or text/call Melissa Sanderson (412) 420-7686.

Our Moms Fellowship & Play group meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 10-12 in the school building gymnasium.  The Moms will be walking through the book "In the Trenches" and fellowshipping together while their children play.  Who is invited?  All moms and their kids!  We are also looking for volunteers to help with childcare. Questions?  Kristen Schall 412-525-3433