Alright everyone lets take a deep breath and have a moment of quiet time before the Christmas frenzy begins. The Christmas season keeps us busy and stressed-out with Christmas shopping, Christmas parties at work, Christmas parties at school, shopping for those special gifts, cooking, baking, and decorating Christmas trees. Then at church we have Advent studies, two Christmas Eve services, Angel Tree, and the Christmas Cantata just to name a few. So how do we keep the “The Spirit of Christmas” this year? I heard someone say years ago that the way, is to drop the last syllable of Christmas and we have the “The Spirit of Christ”. So, I repeat take a deep breath and remember that it is His birth that we are awaiting. May “His Spirit” dwell in us as we anticipate the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Byron
Angel Tree
This year is a little different from Christmases past. It seems like every where you look you see people in need. People are without work, losing their homes, sick and can’t afford their medicine, or their electricity, and sending children to bed hungry. I wish we could fill the needs of all of these people but that isn’t possible.
We can make a difference in the lives of some families by supporting the Angel Tree Project. We will have the Angels ready for distribution on November 27, after each worship service. It is left up to the individual to decide how much you can spend on your Angel. No amount is too small. Don’t feel that you can’t afford to purchase a large gift, every gift comes from the heart, and remember these are people that have nothing.
In addition to supplying gifts, we also will purchase food. Over $1,000 was raised at the Pumpkin Patch by selling hamburgers, hot dogs and chili dogs. This is a great start to such a dire need. But it is justaSTART. Lastyearwespentover$2,000ongroceriesandfed 13 families. If you would like to donate to the groceries, write a check and in the memo section write “ANGEL TREE” and put it in the collection plate.
There is no feeling quite like giving to the Angel Tree. It makes me so proud to see how well this church family is willing to give to those in need. We are certainly the church with a giving heart.
Thanks,
Kathy Lewis
One of the most dramatic and remarkable accomplishments in the first four years of a child's life is the acquisition of language. By the time the average child is 5 years old, he knows about 2,000 words. Also, he can understand and use basic sentence structure in amazing ways - what a feat!
Children need lots of experience using language. They need to hear it and learn to express themselves through it. At Covenant Preschool, not only are they learning words to describe things they see and do, things that tell them how things look and how they feel, but they are also learning words that convey God's love, mercy and grace. In November we learned about the goodness of God and how it comes to us through many different people and in many different ways. This month we will be learning about the birth of Jesus and why he came. Even at these young ages, the children are learning and experiencing what it means to love Jesus and how to express that love through what we say.
We have been blessed to collect canned goods to help two families affiliated with our preschool. The families of our students were very generous and we are blessed because we can pass the blessing on to others. During this season of expression, show your care with actions and with words.
Many blessings,
Kim
Our Mission Possible Agents "rolled" into action November 6th as they participated in the St. Jude Bike-a-Thon here at the church. Agents Cameron Chadick, Mikaila Kinsland, Victoria Kinsland, Evan Keller, Emily Keller, Kate Manuel, Presley Nutter, and Morgan Stokes rode their bikes for the good cause. Great job, agents!
Calling all agents! Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 5th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring your filled Christmas Jars, as we will finish that project and work on Angel Tree projects. We hope to see you at this important meeting.
Mission Possible Kids is a national mission program for kids in first through sixth grades who participate in hands-on mission projects the first Sunday of each month. For more information on this program, contact "Agent Handler" Jennifer Manuel at
jenandwally@earthlink.net.
Marsha McLaughlin - October 24
Oh, wow! It's almost Christmas! For most children, young and old, it is a favorite time of year. Already our children have been practicing for their Christmas program. This year's production is entitled "Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem." You will want to be sure to be here on Sunday, December 12 during the Sunday school hour to see Christmas through the eyes of our children. They are working hard with Mrs. Jennifer Tassin (Thanks, Mrs. Jennifer!). Please come out to show your support. They are the future of our church!
On the same day, Sunday, December 12, we will have a Christmas party for the children and their families. This includes infants through children in 6th grade. Each family is invited to bring some "kid friendly" finger foods to the fellowship hall in the Holley Building. We'll have a visitor to meet the children, sing a few Christmas carols together and enjoy some fellowship time.
And don't forget the regular Sunday afternoon activities - MPKids (grades 1-6) on the first Sunday and Club456 (grades 4-6) on all the other Sundays. Come on and
join in the fun!
Grace and peace,
Kim
Throughout the month of December we will have special Christmas music on Sunday mornings building up to Christmas Eve, including a wonderful lullaby,
"Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head" sung by the ladies of the Chancel Choir. Our Christmas Cantata this year is
"I Hear The Prophet Callin'", which will be at both Sunday morning services on December 12th. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to join you on Sunday morning.
The following Sunday, December 19th, at 10:15am, will be our
Children's Pageant. I know you're not going to want to miss it.
And we'll be having Christmas Handbells and special music from Redeemed also in December. Be sure to come early and get good seats this Advent season as we "Prepare the Way."
God Bless,
Ken
