Dear Church Family,

It’s good to be back just in time for the holiday season.  I am deeply appreciative to Pastor Doug who was a “switch hitter” these last couple of weeks as he led in worship in the CWS and delivering the message in both services.  If I can use a sports metaphor, which I’m prone to use, it’s good for a church to have a “deep bench.”  Name a champion in just about any sport and I’ll show you they won because they are one or two deep in many positions.  They weather the absences whether it is due to injuries or in the case of 2020, COVID-19!  So, thanks so much Doug!!

December is a month where we highlight the Lottie Moon Global Missions offering.  Please consider giving above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings to the church and give what you can to this vital program that promotes missions around the world.

Finally, we have had an Angel Tree located in the FMC that is “decorated” with “ornaments” made of paper that indicate the gender and age of a child that needs a Christmas gift.  Many of you have already picked up an ornament.  I just picked mine up for a 6 year old girl.  Please ensure you get those gifts in by Sunday, December 20th.

Finally many thanks to Suzie Hicks and Jean Satterwhite for their efforts in ensuring the OCC boxes got distributed and delivered.  I am told we had about 40 boxes delivered for needy children around the world.   And that’s not all.  They were also instrumental in providing several Thanksgiving baskets to needy families.  You guys are true servants of the Lord!

Finally, the Advent and Christmas schedule has been finalized.  As in most things this crazy year it will look much differently than years past.  Judy will be sending out via a separate REALM email the details but here is what it will look like:

  • Sunday, November 29: 1st Sunday in Advent

Regular Sunday morning schedule

  • Sunday, December 6: 2nd Sunday in Advent

Regular Sunday morning schedule

  • Sunday, December 13: 3rd Sunday in Advent

Combined service in the sanctuary at 11am.

  • Sunday, December 20: 4th Sunday in Advent

Regular Sunday morning schedule

  • Thursday, December 24th:  Christmas Eve
    • 5pm – Contemporary Worship Service in the FMC
    • 6:30pm – Traditional Worship Service in the sanctuary
    • Both services will include carols, readings, communion, Christmas message and “Silent Night” candlelighting.
  • Sunday, December 27: Combined service in the sanctuary at

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Church Family News

Prayer Ministry. Here are the opportunities to gather for prayer:

  • Sunday mornings at 9am in the Philathea room with Pastor Frank. We will be praying for our morning worship services as well as for our church.  If you cannot join us, you can call in using the number and code below.
  • Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm via phone. The phone number is:

712-432-8399 and the access code is:  279785#

 

Remember in prayer:

  1. Carrol Ray Schools dealing with pain management.
  2. April Colgan’s daughter, Katie, who is recovering from surgery.
  3. Sherry Brillhart’s brother in the hospital in critical condition.
  4. Margaret Lewis diagnosed with emphysema; at home and utilizing oxygen.
  5. All those in our congregation known and unknown who need prayers for a variety of issues.
  6. All our frontline workers, in and out of our church, who work hard each day serving and protecting us during this pandemic.

I love you all,

Pastor Frank