December 2^nd begins the New Year in the life of the Church.  Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas.  It is a time when we prepare for the Celebration of Jesus Christ’s birthday.  It is also a time when we remember that Christ has promised that He will come again. During worship we will be singing songs of Christmas, remembering the story of a promised fulfilled by God through the birth of His one and only Son.  We will recount the stories told of Mary and the Angels, Joseph and his dream, the shepherds, the wiseman and much, much more. It is as some would say “the most wonderful time of the year”. We remember that God made the impossible possible.  God become one of us, “Immanuel, God with us.”  That story changed human history permanently. It has changed my life and I know many of your lives.

Besides spending time worshipping God, we also gather with family and friends, attend parties, buy gifts, make gifts, bake cookies, send cards, or sit at home and watch Hallmark movies (ok some watch the Chiefs).  It is a time when we open our wallets and give to those in need.  More importantly, we recognize that we are a blessed people.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously, will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

FPC is inviting you to join in two acts of giving.  First, it has come to our attention that there are some families in our community who do not have the funds for lunch at school each day.  By the end of December, the school lunch initiative will be approximately $300.00 in the hole. The deacons requested that we take a special offering for these children and the session said agreed.  On Sundays, December 16^th and 23^rd there will be envelopes in the bulletin for those who would like to contribute. The second opportunity is to join along with the youth group to provide food for 12 families that have asked for assistance this holiday season through the school. Food will be collected through December 16^th and taken in on the 17^th so the school can distribute it to the families before the Christmas break. You can help by donating non-perishable food items or by volunteering a holiday ham or turkey. Please let Rex or Kandice know if you are able to help.

Each Sunday in your bulletin you will find a weekly devotional and daily reading for the week.  We will list prayer request and praises in addition to some ideas for making new Christmas traditions.  For those who are home bound, you will receive one of these inserts each week.

I also promised a financial update.  That will be in the December 9^th insert.  The session wants to keep you up to date not only on our giving but all the ministries that we are a part of in this community and beyond.

I love you all. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas Season.

Ilona.