The hoarfrost was beautiful for a few early hours on Monday.

Additional Thanks

When I mentioned the Deacons’ decorating last week I didn’t know that Billy, Jarik, and Ryken also helped. Thank you again to the entire crew.

Advent Mission Project

Last week at our Advent breakfast we began our collection for our special Advent Mission Project. This year we are raising funds for the transport and processing of all those plastic caps into our benches for the Monarch Waystation. Our goal is to raise $800. We will be collecting throughout the month. Gifts can be sent in to the church office or placed in the offering plates. Mark your gifts clearly “Benches.”  Your generous support will be appreciated.

Mayfield Fellowship Recap

The Mayfield Fellowship had a delightful meeting at Wilma and Rita’s on Thursday, December 13.  Our meal was delicious, our singing of the 12 Days of Christmas was a bit more chaotic than usual, we enjoyed the seasonal story of Old Befana, our collection of books for Court Watch was quite large, and we made our gifts to area agencies and programs. Four larger gifts were given to Adventure Works for their new outdoor preschool program (Peggy is partnering with them on this), Hope Haven, Meals on Wheels, and Safe Passages. If you still have books, please bring them on Sunday. Theresa and Martha will be delivering books this Thursday.

Sunday, December 16 – Advent 3 – Belonging with Joy

Confirmation Walk at 9 am based in the text of Mary’s visit with her cousin Elizabeth. This is an intergenerational walk, and all are encouraged to walk with us. New members, Cary, Jim, and Sue, will join during worship at 10 am. You are invited to bring red, pink, or white poinsettias to add to the decorations in the sanctuary. We will make our last gift bags for Toys for Tots. Bows are also needed for Toys for Tots wrapping. Bring bows to church on Sunday or to wrapping on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Toys for Tots Wrapping

Tuesday, December 18 (9 am – 5 pm) and Wednesday, December 19 (9 am – noon). Check with Dawn to let her know when you can help with our ninth annual wrapping at the Salvation Army. Thank you to Rob Spanton who is helping to coordinate this year’s wrapping.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, December 23 – Advent 4 – Belonging Into Love. If you have more poinsettias you can bring them on the 23rd.

Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship, 5:00 pm – Belonging Inside the Story.  A service of Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight will shape worship.  The refreshment and conversation time after the service will be a Bethlehem (House of Bread) Table. Bring a holiday treat to share. Who might you invite to join us on this holy night?

Liturgists and hospitality hosts are needed beginning December 30. Please sign up on the sheet posted above the sausage freezer in our Gathering Area.

Ask to know what you are born to do.
Follow the compass of joy
(Barbara Marx Hubbard)