Dec 9, 09

SUCH ALOT LIKE ME

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

This year's Christmas Pageant, Such A Lot Like Me, written by Charles and Karen Smith, will be presented to the congregation during worship this Sunday, December 13. The program combines poetry, prose, and song to describe the manger animals' thoughts about the expected new King. Groups of your favorite animal characters create a unique, revolving scenery effect as they rotate around while singing. The children have been practicing very hard. Please show up and support their efforts as well as those of the production crew: Bruce Cusker-Director, Christeen Collins-Assistant Director and costumes, Heather Lucero-settings and Director of Activities, and Tom & Jan Robitaille-lighting and sound. There will be a PAGEANT REHEARSAL on Saturday, December 12, from 9:30-11:00 A.M. with refreshments. If your children are in the pageant, please have them at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & ROOM PICK UP

Sunday Special teachers are needed for December 20^th and for Joint Worship on January 3^rd. It doesn't take much, just an hour of your time. Please call Christeen Collins if you are able to help, 453-5954. Sunday School teachers are needed for our next rotation, Christmas Gospel: Comparison, January 10-31. Also, please call the office if you are able to help in the nursery on December 20 or January 3. Thank you.

"CANS FOR CHRISTHOPER"

We continue to collect aluminum cans in Fellowship Hall as our next fundraiser for Christhoper Mongeopa, our Global Ministries child who lives in the Philippines. We will collect cans through January.

A quote from Rev. Jim's sermon last Sunday: "The wonderful irony of Christmas is that God is not victorious through power and might. God is victorious through a baby and light. Which is to say, God redeems the world through love, not force. The same way God creates the world. God enters the world as a baby because we enter the world as babies, and God is going to join us. God is showing God's love by becoming one of us. The way the Gospel of John tells this is ?The Word became flesh and dwelt among us?full of grace and truth.' (1:14) I tell you, there is no more beautiful text in the Bible than this. "

It's not too late to honor a loved one or just contribute to the beauty of our sanctuary this Christmas season by donating $10 for a live poinsettia or other decorating expenses. Names of those who are honored will be included in our Christmas Eve bulletin. Send checks and names of those to be honored to the church office. Poinsettias will be displayed the whole Advent Season.

LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES

We are looking for a total of 10-12 individuals who will facilitate our Journey of Transformation. The adventure will include six, 5-hour training sessions, perhaps held in Lincoln and most likely Missoula, over a 2-3 year period. Thank you to the half dozen folks who have already volunteered to serve on this instrumental group. The first training session is scheduled to be held on January 23. If you are interested in serving and being a much needed part of this journey, please call Janet Koostra at 727-8443.


	Advent devotionals are in the narthex to enhance your holiday season. There is a devotional from the writings of Henri Nouwen, Living in Hope, for the adults, a family devotional, and a children's as well as youth advent calendar, courtesy of your Worship Board. Pick yours up and enjoy!

Denise Jackson is approaching her last assignment in the Lay Ministry class, and needs 5-10 people to participate in an hour-long Bible Study at her house on Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 A.M. (65Treasure State Drive). She'll be using the Kaleidoscope Bible Study and Mutual Invitation and Respect Guidelines. Snacks will be provided. If interested, please call Denise at 868-1930.

Thank you to our last batch of St. Ann's Kitchen helpers:

Jack & Nancy Armstrong, Jack & Binx Harrison, Del & Pat Johnson, Sharon Kiffe, Don LaBar, Bonnie Lane and Liz Lee. The date for our church is Friday, January 1. Please call Liz Lee if interested in helping to serve, 727-2188.

A FEW OF MY

FAVORITE THINGS?

(as written at the Thanksgiving Potluck, November 2009)

"Recess."

"Feeling loved, welcomed, and supported."

"Fantastic fellowship, marvelous music, magnificent minister."

"I love the people and the spirit that is here."

"Bible Study with Jim and women's Bible Study."

"The music, the choir, fellowship hour."

"Fellowship, friends, food."

Please join us on December 16 as we meet at the church at 5:30 P.M. for Christmas caroling. We will return to the church at 7:00 P.M. for refreshments served by our Fellowship Board. All ages are invited. Tis' the season!

BRRR? Boards were cancelled Monday, December 7 due to weather. Business Affairs will meet on Monday, December 14 at 6:15 P.M. Please check with your Board Chairperson to see if yours has been re-scheduled. Otherwise, Boards will meet on Monday, January 4 at 6:15 P.M.

Lawrence Duncan and Michael Marsolek (from the Drum Brothers) create contemplative music with a variety of instruments from around the world. This special concert event will be held in our sanctuary. Their performances feature a variety of instruments and musical offerings including; didgeridoo, ethnic flutes and other woodwinds, hand drums, harp, and voices. Tickets are available online at www.drumbothers,com or from Planet Earth (116 Central Ave.). They are $12.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door. For ages 10 and up. Bring a pillow, blankets, and dress comfortably!