Dear Disciples of First Christian Church:  < xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" prefix="o" namespace="">

     So many of the words used to describe the Advent Season, -anticipation,      hope, expectation,- describe our church body at this time. Normally when I think about these words and the birth of the Christ child they all have positive attributes. But upon reflection, if I try to put myself into the situation of Mary and Joseph and the birth of this unexpected and unknown child, I realize that they were probably confused, troubled, perplexed and very uncertain and unsure of what was actually happening to them.  Well, that describes us to a tee.  So perhaps the important message this advent season is that we, like Mary and Joseph with all our concerns and doubts, must trust in God to take us to the right place at the right time.  While we must deal with the realities of the needs of our church building and with the uncertainty of who will shepherd and pastor us into our new transformed faith home, may we never forget the ultimate love and joy that came down to earth on that first Christmas Day.  May we be about the work of our church with joyous hymns of praise, confident that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is on this journey with us, just as he was on the difficult journey of Mary and Joseph.  I wish you a blessed Christmas.

In Christian Love and Service,

Pat Dunlop/Board Chair.

 

Fellowship Hour

            The Fellowship Hour (11:30-12:15) is a ministry of hospitality for the entire congregation.  Please share special events and/or a few simple treats with your church family by hosting the Fellowship Hour after the Worship Service.  The 2008 sign-up sheet is on the credenza in the lounge.

            Instructions:  Sign up on the 2008 calendar for the Sunday of your choice.  Prepare or purchase snack items (cookies, crackers, cheese, vegetables or fruit) for about 60 people.  The church furnishes plastic table clothes (in the credenza), plain white luncheon napkins, plastic serving trays, place mats, paper cups, paper plates, powdered and liquid creamer, sugar, and coffee ( Coffee is prepared in the kitchen – fill a large pot with about 36 cups of regular and fill a small insulated pot with decaffeinated coffee and bring to the lounge).  Most of the supplies are in the cabinet to the left of or under the stove in the Lounge.  If you choose to serve a cold beverage or water, ice is available from the ice machine in the kitchen.  You are also responsible for leaving the Lounge and kitchen area clean, returning the table clothes to the credenza and unplugging and returning the rinsed coffee pots to the kitchen.  Ask Mary Hurlocker or Mary Lou Cain if you need help or have questions.

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

This will be the last Courier of 2007!  Publication will resume following the new year!

 

Important Dates:

Amahl and The Night Visitors

December 21st @ 7:30 in the Sanctuary.

 

Christmas Eve:

*Join us for a musical prelude of soloists and strings at 7:30pm before the Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols at 8:00pm.  The service will include communion, lighting the Christ candle and sharing the light-for a perfect ending to advent.

 

Tucci Bennuch:

* All women of the church are invited to attend a (Dutch treat) lunch at Tucci Benucch on Saturday, Jan 12 at 11:30.  Reservations should be made with Mary Hurlocker after Jan 1.  Good food and great fellowship!  If you want to attend and need a ride, let Mary know that, also.

 

 

Advent Thank You!

Thank you to the families who shared in lighting the candles during Advent:  The Swenson-Carlsons, MacWhorters, Rusinak-Whitakers, Dunham-Tuckers and the Currys!