WELL….WE ARE OFFICIALLY IN THE FULL SWING OF THE

Christmas Season. This past Sunday morning I began a series entitled,“The Manger, The Staff, and The Gift.” I dealt with the meaning of themanger and a brief look at the Baby in the manger. I want to encourageyou to do your best to be in church every time the door is open this month.Our designated focus for this whole month is “H-I-M.” Our attempt is tomake everything focus on Him. The more you know Him, the more youlove Him, the closer you draw to Him….only makes your life better andfuller. This coming Sunday morning I will deal with “The Staff.”Shepherds always had a staff. It was for the good of the sheep. You’llhave to be here to find out the “rest of the story.” Wednesday night I willbe looking at the “peace” that Christ brings. Isa. 9:6 says that one of thenames of the coming Christ child would be “Prince of Peace.” Exactlywhat does that mean? How else did Christ show or speak peace? Be hereWednesday at 7:00 P.M. to find out!

THIS WEEK-END

we will be doing our Annual Christmas Productionentitled

“HIS STORY.”

What a wonderful experience we have had overthe past 14 or 15 years presenting the Good News of Christ’s birth, life,death, and resurrection. This year will be no different. Although the storynever changes, the presentation of that story is always taking on a newlook and a new sound. This keeps it fresh and alive for both cast andcongregation. If you’ve seen “His Story” before, you’ve never seen it likethis ! Please, please, please….do not allow ANYTHING or ANYONE tokeep you from being at these performances. Most importantly, invite alost friend, neighbor, or family member to attend with you. Theseperformances are FREE and only cost your time and effort to be here.THANKS TO TODD AND VICKIE PORTER for all their hard work,and to all the countless cast and crew who’ve spent hours upon hours of manpower pulling out staging, setting up, building, dressing up,rehearsing, recording, etc. Without all of you, this would not be possible.Please know that I am so thankful for your willingness to do whatever ittakes to reach this harvest field. From the bottom of my heart…….THANK YOU!

DECEMBER 20

during the 10:30 A.M. Service, our Children’sDepartment will be presenting their Annual Christmas Program. Ourchildren are always excited to show their gifts and talents through dramaand singing. I know it will be a wonderful time for all. Special thanks toJonathan and Angela Atkins and to their Children’s Church Staff forproviding this program for and by our children. Make your plans to come join our children as they present the Christmas message.

DECEMBER 22

, which is a Tuesday night, we will have a special“candle light service.” It may not be your typical “candle light” service,but it will be something you don’t want to miss. This service will replacethe Wednesday service for that week. After that, we will be back on ourregular schedule. Thank you for making this change on your calendar.

CLIP AND SAVE…..

As per our church policy, should there be inclementweather on Sunday, we will have only one service at 2:00P.M. We willdo our best to inform you by the phone tree system (please make sure ouroffice has your current phone number), website, and local radio and TVstations. We encourage you to use your best discretion in attending.However, to cut down on any confusion as to what we do, we will followthis policy.

SEVERAL WEEKS AGO

we gave you an opportunity to expresswhether youwanted to use funds at Christmas to provide fruit bags to thecongregation or use the money for benevolence purposes duringDecember. You voted 2 to 1 in favor of helping others. Thank you foryour concern and compassion. Please know that we will do everythingpossible to see that those “truly in need” receive help. Please be remindedthat as you help those in need, you have done it unto the Lord. I know Heis well pleased!

PRAYER LIST:

Sybil Vinson, Bobby Watson, Phillip Pruitt, KayBrandenburg, Pat Chappell, Grace Sloan, Houston & Brenda Cobb,Kaylyn Pearson, Paul Bell, Beatrice Hendley, Miranda Williams, KennyRutter, Harley Hawkins, Norma Green, Carley Hines, Brian Clark,Carolyn Owings, Odell Phillips, Keith Miller, Carolyn Godfrey, MelanieKoon, James Hunter, Teresa Johnson, Mary Sherbert, Lisa Brown, NancyHostettler, Martha Hughes, Abby White, Shut ins and Those in NursingHomes.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT

has coffee, hot chocolate, and gift setsfor sale. See Jason Fowler for details.

ALSO….ZAXBY’S

at Five Forkswill donate 10% of total sales on Tuesday, December 15

, from 5 -8 PMto our Youth Department. Stop by, enjoy a delicious meal, and help ouryouth with this fundraiser effort.

COMMUNITY CANDLE LIGHTING MEMORIAL SERVICE

isThursday, December 17

, at 7:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, sponsoredby Healing Heart Bereavement Support Group. This service is especiallyfor those who have lost a loved one this past year. Everyone is invited.

F.R.E.E.D. 12 Step Addiction Support Group

will meet Tuesday,December 15

at 6:30 P.M.

ALL SENIOR ADULTS….

A Christmas party is planned forSaturday, December 19

. Plan to leave the church at 5:00 P.M. and go toCaptain’s Cap Seafood in North Carolina. This is a Dutch treat meal, andcost is less than $12. Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the mainhallway.

NEW ITEMS IN THE L.M. OFFICE

INCLUDE Pocket Calendars,holiday wrapping paper, cheese ball mix, dip mixes, baked potato soupmix, cheddar broccoli soup mix, and black bean chili soup mix. All aredelicious and easy to make. Cost will range from $2 - $4 each.

“HIS STORY”

Reminders: WEDNESDAY, December 9

, ALL CHOIRMEMBERS please meet in the CLC at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, December10

at 6:30 P.M. ALL CAST AND CHOIR will rehearse the first sevenscenes, and dress rehearsal will be Friday, December 11

, at 6:30 P.M.We will be video taping. Attendance is MANDATORY! PerformanceSaturday, December 12

, is at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, December 13

at6:00 P.M.

CHOIR WILL WEAR

Christmas colors Sunday, December 13

* Greeters - Saturday - Jeanette Bragg and Libby HymanSunday - Marion and Vernell Simmons* Sunday School Greeter - Robert Sloan* CLC Greeter - Paul Lundberg* Head Ushers - Charles O’Shields and Bobby Brown* Usher Team # 3 - Tracy Grant, Buddy Arnold, Lamar Crowe,Clint Letourneau, and Marion Simmons* Finance Committee - Ryan Ballard, Bobby Brown, andSam Garrett* Nursery - Wednesday - Lori CrockerSaturday - Ann Knight and Marilynn SykesSunday A.M. - Ann Knight and Beth ArnoldP.M. - Annette Richards and Sharon Roszkowski* Music - Wednesday - Korey HawkinsSunday A.M. - Brantley BurnettP.M. - “His Story”** Maroon Praise Team