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ST. PAUL’S UCC NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

103 South Second Street

Marthasville, MO 63357

(636) 433-2482

office@stpaulsuccmo.org

www.stpaulsuccmo.org

A Loving Church, Making a Difference in the World

Letter from the Pastor

Yet again, and seemingly impossibly quickly, we have arrived. Advent is upon us once

again and as crazy as it may seem, we have hit my one-year anniversary here with the church.

We’ve been through a lot together over the past year, and I’m truly grateful that I have had the

chance to work here and be the pastor for this church. I thank each, and every one of you for the

work you do, for welcoming me and my family, and for being so willing to step up and do what

is needed for the church. It truly makes my job easier knowing that I have people I can count on

to take care of the church and all its needs.

I feel it is fitting that this falls right at the beginning of Advent as well. I know I’ve

shared with you before, Advent is my favorite time of the year. I know not for everyone, but

I’ve always loved Christmas. I was thinking about why, and I came up with not only is it the

birth of Jesus, but it is also the holiday when I get to see my family. Other than my parents

being in Hermann, my family is pretty spread out over the country. On Christmas, I can

normally count on getting to see at least one relative that I haven’t in a long time, and I always

love getting to see those that I haven’t in a year (or more).

Our church is very much like this. It’s a big family. We do a lot here, both for the church

and for one another. Just like Jesus’ family at his birth, it may not be perfect, but we still come

together and are people that love one another because we are children of God. We have been

called, just like the wisemen and shepherds, to this place, to witness the birth of our Lord and

Savior. We gather because we know something special has occurred and is still occurring here.

I think our key for the Christmas season this year is to treat everyone we encounter as

family. To greet everyone with love, care, and respect. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and

Savior, we look to spread this love and warmth to those around us. So, this Advent season, let’s

take a beat and try to welcome everyone with open arms. Let’s spread the cheer of the season to

everyone we encounter in our lives. And most importantly, let us try to carry this attitude with

us beyond Christmas—throughout the next year.

See you in the pews,

Pastor Jeff

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December Extra Step – Veterans of the Cross Christmas Fund— “We Have Come to Bear the Light of Christ.” For 112 years, the Christmas

Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund—one of four

special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ—have been a way in

which we, as members of the United Church of Christ and the predecessor

denominations from which our denomination was born, share the light and

love of Jesus Christ to those who have so faithfully and selflessly served,

and who now find themselves facing unforeseen financial crises.

CONTENTS Adult Choir .......................................................... 6 Meals on Wheels ............................................... 12 Adult Social Connection ...................................... 3 Nursery ..............................................................5,6 Advent/ Advent Workshop ................................... 4 Offering Envelopes .............................................. 3 Altar Flowers ....................................................... 5 Operation Christmas Child ................................... 7 Annual Reports ................................................... 3 Poem ................................................................... 9 Bible Study .......................................................... 4 Poinsettias ........................................................... 5 Birth, Birthdays, Anniversaries ............................ 7 Prayer List ......................................................... 12 Calendar of Events ............................................ 13 Pregnancy Assistance ......................................... 3 Chili & Stew Supper ............................................ 8 Puzzles ......................................................... 8,9,12 Christian Education ............................................. 8 Quilters ................................................................ 3 Christmas Ornaments ......................................... 4 Services of Worship ...........................................6,7 Church Membership ............................................ 5 Staff/Council Members ........................................ 2 Extra Step ........................................................... 2 Sunday Morning Fellowship ...............................3,6 Helping Hands Ministry ....................................... 3 Trivia ............................................................ 8,9,10 Homebound Church Members .......................... 12 Women’s Guild .................................................... 3 Inclement Weather ............................................ 10 Worship Leaders ................................................. 6 Letter From The Pastor ....................................... 1 Youth Fellowship ................................................. 5

St. Paul’s UCC Staff Pastor Jeff Mueller ................................................................................................................................................ Pastor Susan Miesner (susan@stpaulsuccmo.org) .................................................................................................. Secretary Sally Rohe .......................................................................................................................................................... Organist Sally & Tony Rohe ....................................................................................................................................... Custodians Debbie Garbs ........................................................................................................................ Volunteer Choir Director ........................................................................................................................... Volunteer Youth Fellowship Director Amy Lange, Cathie Schoppenhorst, John Ekstrom, Brenda Daniels, Isaiah DeVore ............................................................................ Volunteer Projection Technicians Robbin DeVore .............................................................................................................. Volunteer Newsletter Editor

Church Council Wade Swartz .................................................................................................................................................... President Nick Lange ................................................................................. Vice President/Buildings & Grounds Committee Kay Buhr ........................................................................................................................................ Recording Secretary Gene Ahmann ......................................................................................... Financial Secretary/Historical Committee Rachel Richardson .......................................................................................................................................... Treasurer Harvey Cramer ............................................................................................................................ Missions Committee Terri Ogle ...................................................................................................................Christian Education Committee Brenda Daniels ............................................................................................................. Membership Care Committee Bob Barron .................................................................................................................... Pastoral Relations Committee

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Sign-up sheet is in the lobby.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

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Women’s Guild TUES., DEC. 5TH

11:30am

Labadie, MO To carpool, meet at church

by 11am.

Adult Social Connection

Will break in december, But Meet again on Jan. 12, 2018

For soup & “game Night”

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***************** ***********

MISSION MOMENT Gifts for Pregnancy Assistance Center

recipients are requested. A tree in the lobby

holds gifts tags with suggested items.

When purchasing a gift,

attach the tag to the gift and

return it no later than

Sunday, December 10th.

2018 Offering Envelopes

will soon be in the lobby. Even if you do not use offering envelopes, you still have a

number in our financial system to have your offerings recorded. Please pick up your envelopes when they arrive.

Annual Reports are needed from

all church committees/organizations. Please email them to Robbin DeVore at

robbins2rom@yahoo.com or see that she gets them ASAP to be

included in the annual report.

Quilters meet on

Mondays.

So, invite your quilting friends to stitch

at St. Paul’s! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Contact Audrey Meyer at 433-2210 with

questions or inquiries.

HELPING HANDS MINISTRY The Missions Committee

is looking for someone to lead

this ministry. See Harvey Cramer

with questions or inquiries.

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The theme is “God Isn’t Finished With Us Yet: Major Promises From The Minor Prophets” by James A. Harnish.

—ADVENT WORKSHOP— Sunday, December 3rd

5-8pm Fellowship hall

There will be fun for ALL AGES with holiday crafts,

cookie decorating, dinner, and a hymn sing. We are

looking for volunteers to lead some of these activities.

A sign-up sheet is in the lobby. See Pastor Jeff with

questions or inquiries. COME JOIN THE FUN!

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Dated

Ornament

Series

First in the series (2014)

Second in the series (2015)

Third in the series (2016)

Fourth in the series (2017)

**2017 is now available.** All are $7.50 each.

Be sure to get yours! Get the complete set while supplies last.

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Purchase a poinsettia to decorate the sanctuary for

Christmas in honor or in memory of someone. Sign-up

sheets are in the lobby, along with payment info.

You may take your poinsettia home after Christmas.

Altar flowers:

November 5: in memory of Jeff Bockover, whose birthday was Nov. 1st, by Lynette Woolley.

November 12: in honor of all veterans with thanks for their service, by Amy Lange. *Extra arrangement is in memory of Delvin & Lulu Hasenjaeger’s wedding, 57 years ago today.*

November 19: in memory of Kenneth DeVore and Cornelius & Hertha Berg, whose wedding anniversaries were on Nov. 23rd.

November 26: with all glory and honor to our Lord, by the Women’s Guild. *Extra arrangement is in honor of Bob & Karen Dohrer’s 49th wedding anniversary.*

NOTE: Consider sponsoring the altar flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, a special date,

or just because…Sign-up sheets for altar flowers are in the lobby. The flowers are yours to take with you after the service of worship.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

**Anyone who is interested in joining St. Paul’s UCC should contact Pastor Jeff or

the church office.**

St. Paul’s UCC is looking for a Youth Fellowship Director, or a few individuals who would fill this position in a tag-team manner. If you are interested, please contact a council member.

Nursery Attendant is needed for the

1st Sunday of

each month. Contact

Pat Shacklette

or Terri Ogle to help.

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Services of Worship

9:30am

Pastor Jeff Mueller, Resident Pastor

December 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st

Ushers

Wade Swartz (lead) Patty Thornton Phyllis Sontag Jim Buescher Cindy Buescher

Harvey C. (lead) Ken Painter Maurice Mittler Karla Aholt Ann Jenkins

Gene A. (lead) Russell Kersten Marigene Kersten John Presser Nancy Presser

SEE

BELOW (LOWER LEFT

CORNER) FOR

CHRISTMAS EVE

SCHEDULES

Bob Barron (lead) Maggie Barron Bo Sida Karen Sida Cathie Schoppenhorst

Acolytes Elise Thierbach Addy Engelage Tristan Zeh Bryce Mayer

Readers Karla Aholt Marge Jones Curt Rohe Cathie Schoppenhorst

Greeters Cindy Buescher Karla Aholt

Ken Painter Maurice Mittler

Russell Kersten John & Nancy P.

Bo & Karen Sida Cathie Schoppenhorst

Nursery NEED VOLUNTEER Pat Shacklette Stacie Chapman Terri Ogle

Fellowship Walean B./Margaret S. Karen D./Phyllis S. Brenda Daniels Kay B./ Leonard L.

Dec. 24th 9:30AM 7PM

Ushers

Brenda D. (lead) Tony Rohe Curt Rohe Jacob DeVore Diane Freese

Harvey Cramer Nick Lange Brenda Daniels Terri Ogle

Acolytes Isaiah DeVore Isaiah DeVore

Readers Jacob DeVore Jacob DeVore

Greeters Tony Rohe Curt Rohe

Tony Rohe Curt Rohe

Nursery Brenda Roloff NEED VOLUNTEER

Fellowship NEED VOLUNTEER __________

Worship

Attendance:

11-5-2017----85

11-12-2017----61

11-19-2017----67

11-26-2017----81

The Adult Choir

Contact Debbie Garbs or Sally Rohe with

questions or inquiries.

DECEMBER 24TH

Worship Leaders

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DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES OF BAPTISM

3rd: Kendall Lange 6th: Harvey & Tammy Siem 6th: Cheyenne Murrell 5th: Katie Thornton 26th: Norbert & Patricia Shacklette Cierra Murrell 7th: Rachel Richardson 27th: Mike & Kelly Meyer 12th: Caylynn Murrell 8th: Mike Schaller 9th: Sue Berg Jonathan E. Zeh 12th: Janet Buescher 13th: Abbie Thornton Amanda Longsdon 14th: Karen Sida 15th: Laurie Witte Christina Shacklette 16th: Nell Glosemeyer 20th: Walean Bunge 24th: Harvey Cramer 26th: Michael Niemeyer 28th: Edna Lee Kunze 30th: Nicole Meyer Braxton Blackwell

OPERATION

CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thanks to all who participated!

Cullen August Richardson

Grandparents are Bob & Karla Aholt

and Keith & Ann Richardson

Christmas eve Communion Service:

sun., december 24th 9:30am

Candlelight service:

Sun., December 24th 7pm

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DECEMBER CRYPTOGRAM

“__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __,

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __!”

(answer on pg. 12)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P

7

Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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$1174.17

Thanks to all who

helped in any way.

17 24 2 2 11 3 19 12 24 2 6 4 15

17 15 19 19 2 24 7 12 4 19 5 14 1 22

24 7 12 17 24 2 24 8 8 2 11 3 19

21 1 19 5 6 22 17 24 6 15 6 4 15 26 1 5 22 15

N

N

DECEMBER 24TH Sunday School classes will be held for

all classes except the high school class.

CHRISTMAS ANSWERS:

1. a. God with us (from pg. 10)

2. a. Shepherds

3. a. Westward

4. d. The bible never really says

5. d. Less than 2 yrs. old

6. d. He wanted to kill Jesus

7. b. They followed a star

KRINGLE TRIVIA ANSWERS:

1. 9—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,

Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

2. b 3. c 4. d 5. a 6. a

7. c 8. c 9. d 10. a 11. b

12. a 13. c 14. d 15. b 16. d

17. d

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HOLIDAY WORD SCRAMBLE1. LEEHHMEBT __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

2. NLAEG __ __ __ __ __

3. PRESHHED __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

4. SMEEIWN __ __ __ __ __ __ __

5. SRHCIT HLCID

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

6. EAGNMR __ __ __ __ __ __

7. VIITTYAN __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

8. BASLET __ __ __ __ __ __

9. DRABHYIT __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

10. NDAETV __ __ __ __ __ __

11. MITSHRCAS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

12. NTSGIKOC __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

13. SLEEV __ __ __ __ __

14. TRNOT LEPO

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

15. GLSHIE __ __ __ __ __ __

16. DNRREEIE __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

17. SLLNWOAF __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

18. TEEOISMTL __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

19. INSAT CLANIOS

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

20. TRENWI __ __ __ __ __ __

21. CEEBDREM __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

22. GEJNLI SLELB

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Christmas Blessing May your “stockings hung by the chimney with care be overflowing with blessings,

May warm embraces and time spent with family and friends top your “most favorite” list,

In the spirit of giving, may your gifts include love, compassion, empathy, and appreciation,

May your number of acts of kindness exceed the number of packages beneath your tree,

May heavenly angels put a song in your heart,

May the miracle of Christmas shine brighter than all other magic and awe of the season,

May the flame of every candle and ember in your fireplace remind you that Jesus is the light

of the world,

With God’s abundant love, may you be filled with comfort and joy,

And may the spirit of Christmas live in your heart now and in the coming year.

Robbin DeVore

Fill in the letters in the spaces with the corresponding numbers to solve the message below.

“___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ !” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

24

1 12

14

4

13

21

2

18

16

11

5

20

19

6 17

22

15

8

10

3

23

7

9

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***NOTICE*** Cancelling Worship / Church Activities

due to inclement weather:

In the event that worship or other events must be cancelled, postponed, or the start time be delayed due to inclement weather, communication of such

will be relayed through postings on the following TV Stations:

Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 5, Channel 11, Channel 30

A decision as to whether church services will be cancelled will be made by 8am on any given Sunday.

**Also, be advised that you should always use good judgment before taking unnecessary risks under any inclement weather conditions.**

*********CHRISTMAS TRIVIA: ********* (Answers on pg. 8)

1. What does “Emmanuel” mean? (Matthew 1:23)

a. God with us b. He who is God c. Anointed One d. Son of God

2. Who visited Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus on the night He was born? (Luke 2:15-16)

a. Shepherds b. Shepherds, wise men, and those dwelling in Bethlehem c. Wise men d. Shepherds & wise men

3. The wise men traveled ____________________ to Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1)

a. Westward b. Northward c. Eastward d. Southward

4. How many wise men brought gifts to Jesus? (Matthew 2:1-2)

b. 3 b. None c. 2 d. The bible never really says

5. What was Jesus’ approximate age when the wise men presented Him with gifts? (Matthew 2:16)

a. 6 yrs. old b. 10 yrs. old c. 12 yrs. old d. Less than 2 yrs. old

6. Why did King Herod want to learn more about Jesus’ whereabouts? (Matthew 2:16)

a. He wanted Jesus to heal him b. He wanted to worship Jesus

c. He wanted to ask Jesus to be the heir to his throne d. He wanted to kill Jesus

7. How did the wise men find Jesus? (Matthew 2:9)

a. Directions from an angel b. They followed a star

c. They asked the shepherds where He was d. They asked the King

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*********kris kringle TRIVIA: ********* (Test your knowledge of how much you know about these Christmas classics.)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:

1. How many reindeer does Santa have? (Hint: Don’t forget the one with the shiny red nose.)

a. 8 b. 9 c. 10 d. 12

2. What was the name of the elf that felt like he didn’t belong?

a. Henry b. Hermie c. Harley d. Charlie

3. What did this misfit elf want to be?

a. a doctor b. lawyer c. a dentist d. a pharmacist

4. Which of Santa’s reindeer is Rudolph’s father?

a. Comet b, Prancer c. Blitzen d. Donner

5. Which of Santa’s reindeer was the “flying” coach?

a. Comet b, Prancer c. Blitzen d. Donner

6. What was the name of Rudolph’s buck buddy at the reindeer games?

a. Fireball b. Firecracker c. Crackerjack d. Sparky

7. What is the name of Rudolph’s doe friend that wanted him to walk her home?

a. Candice b. Sharice c. Clarice d. Francine

8. Where did Charlie-in-a-box, the bird that couldn’t fly, the train with square wheels, the gun that shoots

jelly, the elephant with polka dots, and the cowboy who rides an ostrich live?

a. The Land of Broken Toys b. The land of Misplaced Toys c. The Island of Misfit Toys

d. The Island of Unloved Toys

9. What is the snowman’s name that narrates the story of Rudolph?

a. Sonny b. Stan c. Frosty d. Sam

10. Who was the prospector that fell over the cliff trying to save Rudolph and his friends from the

Abominable Snow-Monster?

a. Yukon Cornelius b. Franciscan Felix c. Tuscan Sebastian d. Mountain George

Santa Claus is Coming to Town:

11. What is the name of the baby found on Burger Meister Meister Burger’s doorstep?

a. Christopher b. Claus c. Nicholas d. Christmas

12. How did the Burger Meister Meister Burger break his leg?

a. He stepped on a toy and fell down the steps. b.. He slipped on some new-fallen snow

b. Someone tripped him d. He fell out of bed during a storm

13. What is Mrs. Claus’s first name?

a. Janice b. Tonta c. Jessica d. Teresa

14. What was the name of Kris Kringle’s friend, the penguin?

a. Tapper b. Tipper c. Chipper d. Topper

15. What gift did Kris Kringle give Winter Warlock that brought him to tears and made him start to melt?

a. a snowglobe b. a toy train c. a sled d. a yo-yo

16. How did Santa’s reindeer learn to fly?

a. a magic wand b. wishing on a star c. magic jingle bells d. magic feed corn

17. Name the town where it is illegal for children to have toys? (Hint: home of Burger Meister Meister Burger)

a. Christmastown b. Sternville c. Whoville d. Sombertown (Answers on pg. 8)

c.

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PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Family of Tyler Clines (19 year-old WHS student)—who passed away 11/13/17; family of Mary Jean Harster (mother of Audrey Meyer’s son-in-law)—who passed away; Mabel Eichmeyer—recovering at home from knee surgery; Matthew Rice (10 year-old friend of the Aholts and Sidas)—hospitalized with Ecoli and on dialysis; Wilbert Mertz (Curt Rohe’s godfather)—health issues; Jayden Blix (10 year-old friend of the Swartz’s)—eating disorder; Craig Koon (friend of John Ekstrom)—massive stroke; student of Susie Thierbach—leukemia; Paul Schlotzhauer (friend of the Stegners)—dementia; Mark Jones—health issues; one-year-old grandson of Joyce Marek (friend of Debbie Garbs)—brain tumor; Betty Tameler (Brenda Roloff’s mother)—health issues; Leonard Lutz—health issues; Eldon & Sue Green—health issues; Angela Gray—health issues.

Those Battling Cancer: Denise Hooker, Kristi Warneke, Dana Corver, Connie Burkhardt, Ralph Roloff, Ingrid Carney, Michelle Mueller, James Weatherly, Eric Moritz, Scott Auby, Donnie Kopmann, Jim Grafrath, Ron Palitzsch, Leonard Lutz, Dale Krampe, Tim Palitzsch.

Those serving in the Military: Devon Martin, Caleb & Sarah Murphy, & others seeking to faithfully serve God & Country!

Please remember those who are not always able to worship with us at St.

Paul’s UCC. Remember them in prayer, with a visit, card, or a phone call:

Sue Green Vada Hinnah Rev. Dale & Helene Krampe The Arbors at Victorian Manor Jonesburg Nursing & Rehab Grandview Please send all correspondence to: 308 Cedar Street 201 Grand Avenue, Room 315 105 Rottman Drive Jonesburg, MO 63351 Washington, MO 63090 Marthasville, MO 63357

_________________________________________________________________________________

—Meals on Wheels— If anyone needs or knows of anyone who needs home-delivered meals from the Warren County Senior Center, please contact the center at 636-456-3379. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals. _________________________________________________________________________________

WORD SCRAMBLE (from pg. 9)

1. BETHLEHEM 2. ANGEL 3. SHEPHERD 4. WISEMEN 5. CHRIST CHILD 6. MANGER

7. NATIVITY 8. STABLE 9. BIRTHDAY 10. ADVENT 11. CHRISTMAS 12. STOCKING

13. ELVES 14. NORTH POLE 15. SLEIGH 16. REINDEER 17. SNOWFALL 18. MISTLETOE

19. SAINT NICOLAS

20. WINTER 21. DECEMBER 22. JINGLE BELLS

“HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!”

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CRYPTOGRAM (from pg. 8) “MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT, AND MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES BE WHITE!”

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St. Paul’s UCC Church Calendar—December 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 1st Sunday of Advent Bring A Meal Sunday 9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

5-8pm Dinner/Carols/ Advent Workshop

4 10-4:30pm Quilters

Church Council 5pm

5 Women’s Guild Luncheon

Meet at 11am *********************

6 7 6-7pm Bible Study

8 9

10 2nd Sunday of Advent 9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

11 10-4:30pm Quilters

12

7pm-8pm Food Pantry @CBC

13 14 6-7pm Bible Study

15 16 11am-Noon Food Pantry @ CBC

17 3rd Sunday of Advent 9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

18 10-4:30pm Quilters

19 20 21

6-7pm Bible Study

7pm Adult Choir Practice

22 23

24 Christmas Eve 4th Sunday of Advent 9:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship 7pm Candlelight Service

25

26 27 28 29 30

31 9:30am Worship No Sunday School 10:30am AM Fellowship

Hang your stockings

and say your prayers…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2018 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

good will toward men.” (Psalm 28:7)

13

20

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

22

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