weekly email for Dec 7

To my friends and partners in the Gospel,

We continue our Advent Journey this Sunday with our second Sunday. Two candles will be lit on our wreath reminding us of the coming light of celebration of Christmas Eve and the coming light of Christ's return. I will preaching this Sunday on preparing for the coming of Christ and how John the Baptist invites us to "cross the river Jordan' to a new beginnings in life.  The best way to prepare for Christ's coming is to step forward in faith.

We will also be celebrating the baptism of Kara Grace Gregory at the 11:00 service. We look forward to her big day. Proud parents are Kevin and Kellli Gregory. 

The big event for this Sunday is the annual meeting after the 11:00 service. There will be no meal. The main agenda items are the approval of the 2009 Mission and Ministry Spending Plan(budget) and the election of council leaders. The nominees are Mary King as President, Bob Wells as president, Darla Haygood as Personnel and Policy, Sandee Page at member at large and Joe DeKunder as Financial Secretary. Nominations are open from the floor.

We will also have an update on refinancing, roof replacement, and insurance from Kenny Sanders. 

As with every meeting we will also have a time for "The Good of the Church" when members can celebrate what is going well with our church and make suggestions for improving our congregation's mission and ministry work.  We hope to complete our work in an hour.

I will also at the meeting be showing a 10 minute presentation about our January Stewardship Appeal, "Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share".  This presentation is now available on line at   http://newvinelearning.com/aPLiteFlash/index.swf

The presentation will also be playing in the narthex beginning Dec. 14. I am excited about January.

Don't forget our Christmas Schedule:

Dec. 14, 5:00 Sunday School Christmas Program

Dec 24: 4:00 Family Christmas Eve Service- We will be involving the children in the service, We ask that children bring a bell from home if they can. If not, we will have some to handout. 

             7:30 Our usual Christmas Eve candlelight communion service featuring "Spirit of Peace"

            11:00 Our usual Christmas Eve candlelight communion service featuring our choir. We will also have violin accompanying our carols and our special music. 

Dec 28: ONE SERVICE at 10:00. This will be a lessons and carols service. No communion will be offered since we offered on Christmas Eve.