Assuring God,
The melody of this Advent season lifts our spirits. The beauty of the Incarnation brings us hope. The power of love witnessed in the Nativity overwhelms us. We are so blessed. During these days, O Lord, may our priorities be examined, our commitments reviewed, and our intentions become realities. We pray Your blessings will flow through us to bless others. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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You are invited to bring a family ornament to the church to put on the family ornament tree in the loggia. It will be up and ready this Sunday morning by 9:00 a.m. Be sure to put your name on the ornament so we can see who brought which ornament.
A number of people have ask about the Fred Craddock article on the CNN website so I have included the link again. http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/27/us/craddock-profile/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Since this is the season of gift giving, we are encouraged to consider “alternate” gifts that honor family members and friends, while supporting good causes. Below is a information from Global Ministries. While the Bolenge Hospital in the Congo is not specifically mentioned, one can make a gift there as well. Notice the links. I am particularly intrigued by the “goodshop” website supporting Global Ministries.
Here is the email from Global Ministries:
Dear Friends:
As we enter the Advent season preparing our hearts and minds for the birth of Christ, many among us also are preparing gifts for friends and family. Global Ministries Alternative Christmas Gifts are perfect for lots of people on your list… the person who has everything or the person who wants nothing… friends, relatives, church leaders… a child who expresses concern for others in the world….
Gifts to support the appointment of missionaries and volunteers, or general gifts to Global Ministries are great choices. In addition, each year Global Ministries highlights a variety of specific projects in areas of the world – however, any Global Ministries project, partner, or country may be designated. As with all designated gifts to Global Ministries, 100% of all designated Alternative Gifts are sent for the purpose for which they were designated. This is possible because of the support given by local Disciple and UCC churches through Our Church’s Wider Mission and Disciples Mission Fund.
Gift givers now have the option of sending an “Electronic Card” or “eCard” as a part of making an online Alternative Christmas gift on the Global Ministries website. As you fill out the donation page, you’ll see options for eCards and you can enter the email addresses of those in whose honor you are making your gift. You can even set the date that the card will be sent. Perfect for both the eco-conscious and the procrastinators because gifts can be made anytime and announced to the gift recipient paper-free!
For those who work a little further ahead and like to send a traditional card, Global Ministries can personalize and send a card and photo of the project you have chosen to support if you will provide the gift recipient’s name and address. Gifts can be made online, by phone, or by mail.
For more details, suggested projects, and to give a gift, click here: http://globalministries.org/get-involved/special-giving-opportunities/alternative-christmas-giving.html
If you are purchasing gifts for others on your list, gifts bought online can also support the work of Global Ministries if you first visit GoodShop: http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=847213 Or download and install the GoodSearch/GoodShop toolbar to support Global Ministries: http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/global-ministries-disciples-of-christ-and-united-church-of-christ
A wide variety of online sites provide a percentage of sales back to Global Ministries as a donation, just by you shopping, purchasing airline tickets and etc.
As you sort through all the email messages from retailers offering their “bigger and better deals,” we hope you’ll consider the best deal we think you’ll find… Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy for brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for considering including Global Ministries in your Advent and Christmas celebrations. Blessings!
Tomorrow is the second Sunday in Advent. There will be a Saturday service this evening. Bring a friend and worship God during Advent at Central Christian Church.
The scripture for today is Mark 1:29-34:
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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