"A Candle Shouts “Rejoice”
   Did the angel laugh?  Did he chuckle the line, “Do not be afraid” – incredulous that such a response were possible from a ragtag group of shepherds?  This is GOOD news, after all!  News of greatest JOY!  “Fear not is an option,” the angel guffawed.  “Your Savior is at hand!” Join in the angelic mirth!  God is coming!  Hooray!

Partners in God’s Work
   My child, I've often heard your question: This message is my answer. You're concerned about the hungry in the world, millions who are starving ... and you ask. “What can I do?” FEED ONE 

   You grieve for all the unborn children murdered every day ... and you ask: “What can I do?” SAVE ONE

   You're haunted by the homeless poor who wander city streets ... and you ask: “What can I do?” SHELTER ONE

   You feel compassion for those who suffer pain, sorrow and despair ... and you ask: “What can I do?”   COMFORT ONE

   Your heart goes out to the lonely, the abused and the imprisoned ... and you ask: “What can I do?” LOVE ONE

   Remember this, My child ... two thousand years ago the world was filled with those in need, just as it is today, and when the helpless and the hopeless called out to me for mercy, I sent a Savior.

   HOPE BEGAN WITH ONLY ONE!      

Attendance: (last week)
Saturday –** & Sunday – 82

Welcome
   Today we welcome Gary Heckman who is leading us in our worship.  We ask God’s blessings upon his message and upon our hearts that it may take root and bring growth to our faith and Christian life.

This Week
Today
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Council meets
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Choir
Saturday
5:00 p.m.  Praise Worship
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
10:45 a.m. Bible Adventures

Take a Trip
   Next Sunday our Bible Adventures continues.  Our Bible account will be the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80).  We meet after our time of fellowship.

Serving God and Us
Today:
Acolyte: Kira Potter
Greeter: Lou & Patty Basham
Coffee: Laura Nelson & Jane
Usher: Donahoo
Reader: Andy Anderson
Sunday School:
Pre-K-2nd Grade: Malorie & Dallas
3rd—6th Grade: Ed LaSelle
Next Sunday:
Greeter: Glenna/Richard Hoemann
Coffee:  Duane & Nancy Krause
Usher: Effertz
Reader: Jayne Harkins
Sunday School:
   Pre-K-2nd:  Britney & Tieler
   3rd—6th Grade: Jayne Harkins

Altar Flowers – In praise and thanksgiving to God, the chancel flowers are given by Ester Greene and also by Lily Keller for Ron’s Birthday.  We thank them for their kindness and join Lily in saying ‘Happy Birthday’ to Ron.

Newsletters
   Articles are needed for our January issue by December 20.  We are happy to receive them by e-mail.

Planning for Christmas
   This year we hold one service on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. and one service on Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m.

   Our Christmas Eve service includes a celebration of carols.  We will hear of the origin and significance of our favorite Christmas carols.  Our service will include a traditional rite of Candle-lighting.

   On Christmas day our celebration will focus on the “Mysteries of Christmas.”  This service includes the celebration of Holy Communion.

Next Week:
   We conclude our themes of lessons from the Advent wreath candles.  Pastor will focus on the theme of love as we light the fourth of our candles.

Poinsettias
   Today is the final day for orders.  Please use the envelopes in the back of church.