Meet the First Family of Christmas
As I thought of the family of the month, I thought it only fitting that we showcase the first family of Christmas. This couple is the reason we are all saved by God's grace. They both needed to be present and willing to do what God asked of them. Not an easy task with their situation.
Mary was asked to bear God's son, even though she was engaged to be married to Joseph. She had to tell Joseph that she was going to have a baby that was not his. They were engaged to be married. The ultimate "betrayal". Yet God spoke to Joseph through an angel and explained his important role in making sure that His son was provided for and that Mary, would be protected.
Read about this first Christmas in the books of Luke and Matthew. Listen to the beautiful story and see God's love for you through the many situations that had to fall into place for this blessed event to occur.
It is amazing to me the lengths that the Lord has gone to and goes to each and every day to assure us of His undying love for us. None of us deserve the gift of eternal life or to be loved by such an amazing Lord and yet, He loves us beyond all measure. Take the time to enjoy all the Lord has offered and given you.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Notes from Pastor Lee
“The Lowliness of Christmas”
When we look at the major players in the story of Christmas and its setting we can*t help but determine that God chose for the most part common people and other common details to accentuate the fact that His strength and power are to be found in weakness. Except for the wise men who probably came almost two years after Christmas day, everyone else in this wonderful story are simply ordinary people.
First in this list are the parents of Jesus. Joseph was from Bethlehem and was a simple Jew. Mary was just a peasant girl who probably was at the ripe old age of fifteen or sixteen. While they were godly and holy, the parents of Jesus were not extraordinary by worldly standards.
The Shepherds were also common people who were not highly educated or respected greatly by the world. Yet they were chosen to be among the first to witness the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Eight days later when Jesus was in the temple being dedicated, two godly but simple and devout Jews were privileged to witness the event. Added to the simplicity of the people are a few other things.
The town in which Jesus was born was a small and insignificant place as the prophet Micah had predicted. The environment in which Jesus was born was not exactly fit for a king. The place used to feed animals was his bed surrounded by simple people and animals who witnessed this great event. God indeed is not bound by the kind of expectations we would anticipate for the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. What’s interesting is the attention that someone who was prominent showed but for evil reasons. Herod was threatened by this little boy Jesus and was determined to end his life. There are some who were prominent during history who ended up truly following our Lord. I mentioned the wise men earlier. But the message of the Gospel is seen in the greatest story ever told is that Christmas is for everyone; including a simple teenage mother and shepherds watching sheep.
Jesus is for us too. Not just the salvation he offers but all the benefits of following Him and His Word, the Holy Bible. As we approach the season we call Christmas, where we celebrate the birth of the Christ, let’s make sure that we are not too busy to stop for a moment and think about the greatest story ever told. Let’s also think about how God chose to take the simple and make it profound. Only He can do that. Pastor Lee
Junior Church
"Route 66" is an adventure for Sandy, the children and me. We've moved right along and will reach the book of Esther by the end of the year.
On Dec 20th, we'd like to have refreshments and a small party. If you are able to help set up, serve, provide snacks or clean up, please see us and tell us what you'll be doing.
Just a heads up, Jan 3 is our review Sunday. Children should bring their notebooks so we can see their progress and we'll play games to remind them of what they have learned so far.
Questions? Just ask!
Lori Nester and Sandy Kupres
What's up in Dec. in Youth Ministry?
We are heading into the holiday season and youth group is in full swing. Be sure to put these events on your calendar and let Barb know if you are participating.
* Don*t forget to come to Youth group
on Sunday evenings 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
* Wed from 6:30 to 8:00 PM we meet
for AWANA.
* Sunday mornings 9:00 - 10:00 AM
is Sunday school.
*Dec. 6 - Cookie baking night - we*re going to be baking some cookies to be given away at God's Helping Hands during December. Bring your favorite recipe and some ingredients. Names for our annual Kris Kringle will be distributed and we*ll decorate the youth building. Kris Kringle gifts should be $5.
*Dec. 20 - Our annual Christmas party and Kris Kringle exchange.
COOKIE BAKING FOR GOD'S HELPING HANDS
God's Helping Hands Ministry at our church is looking for cookies to give away during the month of Dec. to the families that visit them.
On Dec 6 we are going to do some baking for this ministry. We*ll need chocolate chips, flour, sugar, eggs, margarine, vanilla, baking powder, brown sugar, baking soda, plastic zip lock bags, the loan of mixers, measuring cups and spoons. We*ll also need some bakers to help out and helpers for clean up. Let Barb know what you can donate.
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
(note: Cookie Tasters will be the people who do the work.)
Youth Worship Team
We’ve recently started a youth worship team. Anyone interested in singing is welcome to join us. We*ll be learning hymns, praise songs and worshipping the Lord in song together. We meet at 6:00 PM on Wed and Sun evenings for 1/2 hour of singing. As we learn more music we will be using our gifts to bless others at youth group, church and other events. Our next time to sing at church will be Dec.27th. If you have a piece of music that has brought you closer to God, bring it and share it with us. If you have the ability to play a musical instrument come share that. Let our praises rise!
Christmas Program – Perspective
The children of the drama team are working hard on the presentation for the December 20 service.
Our final/dress rehearsal is Dec 13 after the service. Please pack a lunch if you'd like more than cereal. We'll practice until 2:00. If you're not sure what you should be wearing, please ask us BEFORE the 13th. The children have worked hard and practiced many long hours to bring you this unique look at the Christmas story. Invite your family and friends.
(Adults, if you'd like to sing with the worship team, please join us for this practice. The music is all Christmas carols so you wouldn't be learning any new music.)
Any questions, please ask.
Pam Kindred and Lori Nester
MOPS
Our next MOPS meeting is Dec 3 from 9:30-11:15 AM.
Ladies Ministry
Our ladies Bible study on the book of Daniel will not be held the weeks of Christmas and New Year.
Upcoming Events
We have a concert scheduled on January 24 at 6:30 PM. Chiz Rider, a Christian trumpet player, will be performing. He plays a variety of music styles. He will be playing during the morning service the same day to give us a sample. Please plan to attend and bring a friend.
Dave Moyer
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
2 - Leah Kindred
4 - Carol Lee Stauff, Frank Varaso,
Barbara Littell
6 - Anita Cawthern
7 - Cathy (Lutz) Donton
10 - Marsha Rodgers
11 - Josh Cawthern
12 - Jim & Barb Vogelgesang,
Quinn Edgar
13 - Sylvia Summons, David Reis
14 - Mark Nester
16 - Owen Koch,
Mark & Janet Croneberger
David & Jeanne Koch
23 - Paul & Marlene Koch
24 - Loreen Gregor
27 - Wyatt Jeter
31 - Tyler Cawthern
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
2 - Kim Derstine
3 - Jeff & Anita Steencken,
Chris Edwards
4 - Julie Leary
5 - Jess Leary
7 - Stephen Littell
8 - Pauline Edwards
10 - Dot Pasteur, Allison Bair
13 - Bea Varaso, David Berk
14 - Anita Teter
15 - Sarah Vogelgesang
16 - Norma Segond
18 - Janet Bair
20 - Steve Phillips
22 - Chris & Pauline Edwards
Barb Angstadt
23 - Sandy Kupres, Kevin Bensinger
27 - Maureen Creel
28 - Rod & Virginia Fox
30 Chloe Howell
31 - Anthony Merklinger
(My apologies to Timmy Berg for not including him on the Nov. birthday list. His birthday was Nov. 29 if you'd like to wish him a belated Happy Birthday!!)
Schedules for Grace
Cleaning Schedule
Dec. 5 - Gary and Suzy Billman
Dec. 12 - Keith & Marsha Rodgers
Dec. 19 - Mandi Clauser & family
Dec. 26 - Steve & Robin Howell
Jan. 02 - Dot and Randy Pasteur
Jan. 09 - Jonathan Stickler family
Jan. 16 - Sue Teter & family
Jan. 23 - Jeff & Anita Steencken
Jan. 30 - Stuart & Judy Schappell
*
Ushers for December
John Seltzer, Kevin Bensinger
Dick Manini
Ushers for January
Ken Kistler, Kevin Kistler,
Art Bair, Eric Derstine
Greeters for December
Dick and Joyce Manini
Greeters for January
Anita & Roseann Steencken
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more: "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.**
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.*
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4.. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present..
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20.When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.."
(I took editorial liberty and deleted # 25 in the interest of a family newsletter)
Love, Lori
