Newsletter of Little Paint First Church of God

Creekside Connection
December 2011 Volume 2, Issue 5

Christmas Memories
Inside this issue:
Christmas Memories Continued Childrens Christmas Musical Christs Birthday Offering December Calendar J.O.Y. Group Wedding Reception/Shower D.A.I.S.Y. Ministry Update Childrens Ministry News 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4

Thanksgiving is over so it is time to haul out the holly, deck the halls, jingle those silver bells, hang the stockings by the chimney with care, get those chestnuts roasting by the open fire, make a list, check it twice, rock around the Christmas tree, make sure Mommy doesnt kiss Santa Claus, schedule Rudolph to guide the sleigh, find twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. I think you get the idea. I hope amid all the hustle and bustle of the holiday festivities, you will take time to reflect on the blessings God has brought to you in the past Christmases of your life. Each year as we put up our Christmas tree, my mind is taken back to Christmases past. Our tree isnt the fanciest. It isnt color-coordinated or filled with Hallmark collector series ornaments. It is a tree of memories. Thirty-three years of Christmases past for Dianne and me. Our first tree as newlyweds going to Bible college in Houston, Texas, was filled with everything new. We had cheap red and white satin balls and red ribbons with white lights. It wasnt the fanciest, but on a limited income,
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Christmas Memories Continued it suited us fine. Through the years, those satin balls have disappeared from cat and kid attacks. Yet one special ornament remainsthe one that says, Our First Christmas Together, 1978. As I look around the tree, I find other special decorations. One says, Babys First Christmas, 1982. Another one shares the same message except it is dated 1986. Amid these hang a variety of handmade treasures made by little boy hands. Those hands are now mens hands, yet it seems like just last year the boys were putting them on the tree with great pride and joy. Although we havent found this years special ornament, Im sure it will say something like, Grandsons First Christmas, 2011. Along with family memories are ornaments given as gifts from church family in Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana. These remind us of the wonderful blessings of our ministry and the great people we have been privileged to pastor over the years. I hope your Christmas is like minefilled with wonderful memories of love, laughter, childrens and grandchildrens excitement, and Gods blessings. From the White House to your house, we hope this seasons brings you the hope of Christ as a reminder of His blessings on you and an encouragement for the New Year. Pastor Jeff & Dianne

Childrens Christmas Musical

He is the central figure of the Bible. He is the cornerstone of our faith as Christians. Songs have been written about His name, sermons preached on the name of Jesus, and books published expounding the name of Jesus. There is no other name in heaven or on Earth that is as precious, powerful, nor as wonderful as the name of Jesus. Prophets foretold His name many years before He was born and yet, it is as amazing when we speak it today as it was centuries ago. This musical teaches children and adults alike the meaning of the Advent Season, watching, waiting, and longing for the coming of Jesus. Dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a special Christmas party for all children. Invite friends and family to join us Sunday, December 18, 6:00 p.m. as the children present this musical. Following the performance, we will enjoy a church Christmas dinner. (Meat will be provided. Please bring side dishes, salads, desserts and beverages.)

DECEMBER CALENDAR
Sunday, December 4 9:45 a.m.Family Pictures (last Sunday!) 5:00 p.m.Youth Progressive Dinner Wednesday, December 7 7:00 p.m.Annual Business Meeting Thursday, December 8 6:30 p.m.WCG Meeting Saturday, December 10 6:00 p.m.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Christmas Party Sunday, December 11 5:00 p.m.W edding Reception for Clinton and Sarah Blair Monday, December 12 6:30 p.m.D.A.I.S.Y. Christmas Arrangements Workshop Tuesday, December 13 11:00 a.m.D.A.I.S.Y. Deliveries (Group 2) Saturday, December 17 1:003:00 p.m. Childrens Christmas Musical Dress Rehearsal and Christmas Party Sunday, December 18 6:00 p.m.Childrens Christmas Musical and Church Christmas Dinner Sunday, December 25 11:00 a.m.A Christmas Celebration! (No Sunday School or P.M. Service) Wednesday, December 28 No Mid-Week Service (The church office will be c l o se d t h e we e k o f December 26-30)

Christs Birthday Offering 2011

There was no room; no place to stay at the end of the holy familys long and arduous journey. The family wa s lost a mid the busy, overcrowded city. They were forgotten. Someone took pity on their plight and offered the only space available; the meager shelter for the animals. The only comfort for the forgotten family was the forgotten place. In the forgotten place, they made room for the holy. The Messiah was born. The forgotten space became sacred space. Advent, the time of preparation and expectation, is about making room and turning forgotten spaces into sacred spaces. Become co-hosts with Christ and reminding forgotten ones that they too are created in Gods holy image. Make room for the marginalized, oppressed, those at the edges and find sacred relationships. The Christs Birthday Offering is a tool to help our church begin the journey of Advent with prayer, devotion, and celebration. Our church goal for the Christs Birthday offering is $2,000. Begin to pray about what the Lord would have you to give to this offering which will be received Sunday, December 18. Christ deserves our best . . . would you consider making this your most elaborate gift this year?

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Group Christmas Party

The annual Christmas party for the J.O.Y. Group is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. at the church. If you are 50+, consider yourself invited to join the fun! The meat will be provided. Sign up on the sheet in the foyer on Sunday mornings for the dishes you would like to bring.

WEDDING RECEPTION/SHOWER
Join us Sunday, December 11, at 5:00 p.m. as we congratulate linton and Sarah Blair on their marriage. Help us bless them by brining a gift for the money tree and one of your favorite recipes.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

D.A.I.S.Y. Ministry Update

Thus far, D.A.I.S.Y. (Delivering An Inspirational Smile to You), our floral outreach ministry to hospice patients, has delivered 35 floral arrangements. Each week, God has faithfully provided flowers for arrangements, and volunteers have been blessed as they delivered them to those in hospice or nursing home care. A couple changes have been made to help things run more smoothly: Since we have several volunteers, we have formed two groups of volunteers who work alternate Tuesdays. We will deliver arrangements every other week rather than every week. Dates each group serves will be listed in the bulletin each week. Please help us get the word out that we are repurposing flowers used for events to bring a smile to someone!

Childrens Ministry News

Kids For Christ - During the month of December, Kids For Christ will be held during the morning worship hour in place of childrens church. All children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to the fellowship hall for Snow Day. This months focus is on the life of Jesus. Join us as we:

Make some snow Have an avalanche Hear a sticky story Play with some disobedient balloons Hang some praise-y garland Hear the tale of two stars And much more!

Census Time in Bethlehem - Our performance date of December 18, is quickly approaching so it is vitally important that all children who are in the musical be present at all rehearsals. The dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m. Following our rehearsal, we will have a fun Christmas party complete with food, games, and surprises! We will be finished by 3:00 p.m. Space Camp - Beginning in January, children are invited to Space Camp every Sunday night at 6:00. Campers will learn about Gods universe and the awesomeness of our Creator as they blast off, moon walk, and take the space shuttle slide to eternity and beyond! Workers Needed - If you would like to work in our childrens program on Sunday morning, during childrens church, or on Sunday evening, please contact Dianne White. There is no greater joy than to help a child learn more about God and his plan for their life.