We have a busy holiday season ahead of us. Please keep these dates handy and make plans to join us in worship and serving. There are many opportunities to volunteer both with worship services, special events and helping those in need.
We encourage you to be prayerful throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons, both in offering thanks for our abundant blessings but also for discernment about how to offer your gifts of time and resources. Prayerfully seek discernment about inviting others to join you for fellowship meals and for worship services.
We will prepare the sanctuary and fellowship Hall for the holidays by gathering on Sat, Nov 30 at 9:30am to put up the Christmas trees, hang crismon ornaments, rotate the banners, hang wreaths, etc. We need lots of helping hands for this and all ability levels are welcome and appreciated. Please indicate on the yellow Connect Card or call the church office if you will be able to join us.
Here are additional dates for December:
- Sunday, Dec 1 – Advent Begin
- Wednesday, Dec 4 – 5:30pm – Fellowship Dinner
- Wednesday, Dec 4 – 6:30pm – Service of Light & Tree Lighting
- Saturday, Dec 14 – 11:00am – Ladies’ Christmas Luncheon
- Sunday. Dec 15 – Noon – Christmas Caroling to Shut-Ins
- Wednesday. Dec 18 – 5:30pm – Fellowship Dinner
- Wednesday. Dec 18 – 6:30pm – Holiday Harmonies
- Tuesday, Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Worship 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00pm
- Wednesday, Dec 25 – Christmas Day Worship 10:00am
- Wednesday, Dec 25 – Christmas Day Potluck Luncheon
Angel Tree – we are pleased to be able to support Port in the Storm this holiday season. This ministry works with young men and women who have aged out of the foster system or who are homeless due to a crisis in their family. They offer safe housing, and job skill training . They have approximately 30 residents who we are seeking to bless with new clothing and gift cards. Tags are available to sponsor this weekend in the Gathering Area. Gifts will need to be returned by Dec 8. For more information on this ministry, please visit: www.stfrancisshelter.org/programs/
Wednesday, Dec 4 – Fellowship Dinner followed by the Service of Light & Tree Lighting
Join us in the Fellowship Hall anytime between 5:30 and 6:15 for a soup and salad dinner. This is a great time to invite friends and visit with folks who worship at services other than the one you attend! Please sign up for dinner on the Connect Card.
At 6:30 we gather for Advent Worship with our Service of Light. It is a special way to begin your holiday season and a great time to share with those you love.
Parents Night Out – “Women of the Woods” will be hosting a Parents Night Out on Fri, Dec 6th Parents, come out and take advantage of time to shop or go out for a quiet meal. Drop off as early as 5:00pm – we will feed and entertain them while you are out and ask that you pick them up by 8:00pm. A free will love offering will be received (if you are able) and these resources will benefit the scholarship needs of the upcoming Women’s Retreat. Please use the yellow
Connect Card to reserve your spot! Let us know how many children and what ages and list any dietary restrictions we need to be aware of. Have fun!!
Ladies Luncheon – Dec 14th 11am to 1pm – Women of all ages are invited to our annual Salad luncheon. You are welcome to bring a salad of any kind. We will also do a cookie exchange and you are welcome to bring a dozen of your favorite cookies if you would like to. This year we are also asking everyone to bring one pair of gift-wrapped socks! We hope you will come and bring a friend along. If you have not done so already, please sign up on the yellow Connect Card.
Spread the Joy! – Join us as we go caroling to shut-in and to assisted living facilities to share the good news of the season through song and smiles. Join us on Sunday, Dec 15 at Noon for a quick lunch. We will divide into groups and set out as soon as we can. This will surely bless others but the blessings will be yours as well. Please sign up on the Connect Card.
Christmas Blessings in Peru – As we prepare to celebrate Christmas in the states, we have the opportunity to extend our care, and “show Christ” to those in need. Our Christmas outreach program this year will include providing small gifts, hot chocolate & panettone to approximately 100 children ($10 each) in the community plus the 40 children and 8 seniors housed at the Benefenencia (and orphanage just outside of Tarma). If you would like send Christmas blessings 3,000 miles away, simply mark “Peru Christmas” your check or envelope.
Additionally, Pastor Araujo has sent us a personal request. His daughter is in need of shoulder surgery and requested whatever assistance we can offer to cover the $6,700 cost. If you would like to donate towards this special need, please indicated “Shoulder Surgery” on your check or envelope. Thank you for your continued support of our brothers and sisters in Christ.