Experiencing God Bible Study

As the New Year approaches, it is usually a good time for some self evaluation, especially in our Christan walk. Where are we headed?  Are we growing in the Lord?  Are there areas in our life we want to see God do a mighty work in? 

New Year Resolutions often involve change.  We may want to lose weight, eat better, be more committed, faithful etc.  It all boils down to dedication?  Do we want it enough to commit, be faithful and dedicated.

How about a 13 week study on Sunday nights at our church in our quest to "Experience God".  God has already equipped every believer with the necessary tools to know and do His will - the Holy Spirit and His Word. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God is an amazing study that has been organized around biblical principles which will teach us to: know when He is speaking to us, recognize His activity and work around us, adjust our lives to Him and His ways, identify what He wants to do through us, and respond to His activity and work in our lives. When we recognize where God is working, we can join Him in what He is already doing. Then we will experience God doing through us what only He can do.

This study has challenged and blessed many Christians in their walk with the Lord.  Pray about taking part in this study to get the New Year started off on the right foot - walking with the Lord!

Christmas Banquet

The church Christmas banquet was fantastic this year!  There was food:
f
And presents:

Sweet fellowship:

And lots of fun!

Yes!! We'll Have Church On Christmas!

There will be a special Christmas worship Sunday morning beginning at 10:00 AM.  There is no Sunday School,but we will meet in the church for a time of singing, reading Scripture and partaking of the Lord's Supper.  Service will end by 11:00 AM and there will be no evening service.

Let's plan to make time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas!

Prayer Requests & Activities This Week

Please be in prayer this week for Wayne E.  (Holly Mc.'s father).  Wayne has been in ICU much of last week with some health problems.  We are praising the Lord he is doing better, but still has a ways to go as he recovers.

Also Don S. has been in the hospital undergoing some testing.  The tests came out well, but he continues to need our prayers.

Don't forget about our Christmas caroling on Wednesday.  Children are encouraged to meet at the church at 4:30 PM (with a treat to share)  to prepare treat bags to give out as we carol.  At 5:30 PM, we will leave to go to several houses to spread Christmas cheer with a carol or two.  All are welcome to join us!  Following the caroling, we will meet at the home of Dave and Kathy B. for refreshments and fellowship.  This promises to be a great night!  Hope to see you and yours there.

Church Signs

Spreading Some Cheer

Are you enjoying the Christmas season?  The lights, cheer & festivities?  It is so easy to get caught up in the many activities of the season that we forget there are those who are home bound or cannot get out of the home. The only Christmas cheer they receive is what is brought to them.

Next Wednesday night (December 21), our church will be spreading some cheer to several of our shut ins.  You are welcome to participate and bring some joy as we will meet at the church at 5:30 PM and go to several  homes to sing a Christmas carol or two.  It doesn't matter if you 'cannot sing'!  Your presence shows that you care.

As an added treat, our children will be making treat bags to share.  Please have children at the church at 4:30 PM with a donated snack (cookies, candy etc.) to assemble the bags to pass out.

Following the caroling, we will gather at the home of Dave & Kathy B. for fellowship and refreshments.  You won't want to miss this time of giving and receiving the gift of Christmas cheer.

Children's Christmas Play

Our children have been practicing hard to present a play to the church, complete with sharing the true meaning of Christmas and lots of Christmas songs and cheer!  The play will be December 18 at 6:00 PM.  Spread the word and come hear what comes out of the mouths of our little angels!

**There will be a dress rehearsal/practice Saturday December 17 at 2:00 PM. 

The Digital Story of the Nativity

Homegoing of Mr. Roy

We have been in prayer for Mr. Roy L. for several weeks as he has been battling illness.  Mr. Roy passed away early Wednesday morning.  We are comforted that Mr. Roy is no longer suffering in his body, but are mindful of his family's grief in losing his presence in their lives and home.  Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

Viewing - Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Daniels

Funeral - Saturday at 11:00 AM at Antioch

The church family will be providing a meal for the family following the service.  Your donations of food and help serving the lunch would be greatly appreciated.  This is a beautiful area of service that is a blessing to the family. 

Surgeries Today

There are two from  our church family who are undergoing surgery today.  Please be in prayer for Helen S. as she has some cancerous spots removed from her leg today and also for Cody M. who is having all 4 wisdom teeth removed today.  Please pray for successful surgeries and smooth recoveries.

Prayer Need

Please be in prayer for Ida D. and family.  Ida's sister in law who lived up north passed away.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and we will keep them lifted up in our prayers.  Please also pray for traveling mercies as Bill and Ida will be traveling for the services.

Prayer Needs This Week

You are encouraged to keep Roy L. and family in your prayers.  Roy continues to be in ICU in grave condition.  Please keep Roy and his family in your prayers.

Cody M. will have oral surgery this week.  Please pray for Cody to have a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

As always, there is a list of names on the back of the bulletin.  This long list represents many individual needs in the lives of our church family and friends.  Be encouraged to read this list and be in prayer for those on it.

This week is also the Lottie Moon week of prayer.  A prayer guide was inserted in the church bulletin yesterday with daily prayer needs listed for the week.  If you missed it, follow the link HERE for the guide.  What a great way at Christmas time, for families to pray for missionaries all over the world who are reaching the lost.

The ABCs of Christmas

A is for Animals who adored Jesus in the stable.
B is for Baby Jesus -- a true story -- not a fable.
C is for the Christ Child about whom we love to sing.
D is for December when we hear the joyful bells ring.
E is for the Evening when the proclamation came.
F is for the Flocks and shepherds to whom the angels sang.
G is for the Glory to God, deserved for this blessed birthday.
H is for the stolen Hoop-a-la of "Happy Holiday."
I is for the Inn where there was found no room.
J is for Jesus, born beneath the stars and moon.
K is for the newborn King, the greatest among the least.
L is for the bright Light shining on Him in the East.
M is for the Manger where the Baby lies wrapped in white.
N is for the Noels that we sing on December nights.
O is for the Open heart, I pray you have for Him.
P is for the Presents that we give in honor of Him.
Q is for the Quiet peace around this Babe, so wee.
R is for the Redeemer who came for you and me.
S is for Salvation at no cost to us. It's free.
T is for where He gave His life -- upon that cruel Tree.
U is for Us, the chosen recipients of His love.
V is for His Virgin birth, conceived by God above.
W is for "God so loved the World that He gave His only Son.
X is for the X-tra special, wonderful gift that Jesus has become.
Y is for You to whom He was especially given.
Z is for the Zeal I have to see you headed for Heaven.

Deacon's Christmas Dinner

The deacon's Christmas dinner will be Friday (tomorrow) night at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Lake Park.  All deacons and wives are encouraged to come and enjoy a special time of Christmas fellowship.  Please plan to be at the restaurant between 6:30 - 7:00 PM (ready to order at 7:00 PM).

If you are interested in riding together in the church van, please let Bro. Dave know as soon as possible.