Lots of good news.

…We raised over $2200 for Week of Compassion for the Philippines. That will become $4400 with a contribution from the Swinford Fund.

…We are very close to owing less than $2500 on our Renovation debt. AMAZING! Thanks to everyone who has stepped up and also to Maxie Swinford for having such a vision for the church in her will.

…Anyone who wants to show their support for Operation Food Basket is invited to walk in the Christmas parade on December 7^th at 5:30. We line up at Bourbon County High School, at about 5 p.m. Anyone who marches will get a t-shirt to wear in the parade as long as they last. Those who have already told me they are walking with us may pick up their t-shirts in advance on December 6^th at the church. The t-shirts will be paid for from the Swinford Fund and not out of OFB funds.

…Eric Horine has written our Christmas play.

…The Bourbon County football team plays in the semifinals of the high school playoffs this Friday at home against Belfry. Hanson Cox and Collin Hertzenberg are members of the team.

…Worship  has planned three trees in the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas. The story of the three trees will be read to us by Kristy Horine on Sunday. Children will bring an ornament to hang on the children’s tree on December 8^th. The Memory Tree will be for friends or family who want to place an ornament or memento on the tree to remember a family member or friend. The idea of the three trees evolved when we realized the huge older tree was getting too heavy and awkward for us to handle. The idea for the story emerged from the storybook by the same name.

…Thanks to Harry and Judy Otte and Don and Paulada Hiles who prepared our month long thanksgiving remembrance. The thanksgiving tree and the video were very touching.

… The Blue Christmas service will be held on December 21^st at 5 p.m. This is not designed to be a sad service. In fact, there is much about it that is uplifting. But the Intent of the service is to recognize that Christmas tends to highlight the trouble and grief known by folks. There is a stark contrast between the “joy” of the season in the festivities we celebrate and the reality of our lives. Come for yourself or to support others who are struggling with often “unsolvable problems."

Let’s prepare to worship together each Sunday during the Advent season and at all of our special services this time of year.

Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff