Bulletin

December 6, 2009

Gathering

Opening Songs

Carols requested by the congregation

Advent Reading

Luke 1:68-79

Advent Candle Lighting

Hymns

WB # 174

Bless'd be the God of Israel

WB # 178

Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Welcome and Announcements

Tithes and Offerings

Hearing the Word

Children's Story

Mary Cooney & Carol Knieriem

Scripture

Luke 1:26-38

Hymn

WB # 180

The angel Gabriel

(younger children are dismissed to the nursery)

Sermon

Saying ‘Yes' To God In Our Families

Responding to the Word

Hymn

WB # 181

My soul proclaims with wonder

Sharing and Prayer

Hymn

WB # 197

Angels we have heard on high

Benediction

Assisted listening devices and large print hymnals are available at the audiovisual desk.

Worship Leader:  Kevin Troyer

Music Leaders:  Wanda Stauffer & Wade Thiessen

Greeters:  Marlin & Betta Kym

Children's Story Next Sunday:  Stan Harder

Drivers Next Sunday:  Wade & Lisa Thiessen

Nursery Today:  Emma & Erin Cooney

Nursery Next Sunday:  Chad & Kathy Boshart

Snacks Next Sunday:  McLey, C & K Boshart

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Today, December 6 - Marlin & Betta Kym Anniversary

Monday, December 7 - Tracy Rocole

Monday, December 7 - John Steinberger

Thursday, December 10 - Adam Steinberger

Friday, December 11 - Ray Kuhns

Calendar

Today, 12:00 pm

Senior High Youth Group

Tues. Dec. 8, 9:00 pm

Third Way Fellowship - UNL

Wed. Dec. 9, 6:30 pm

Be Well Small Group - Stauffer's

Wed. Dec. 9, 6:00 pm

Small Group 3 - City Impact

Wed. Dec. 9, 7:00 pm

Children's Program Practice

Fri. Dec. 11, 7:00 pm

FMC Christmas Program

Thurs. Dec. 24, 7:00 pm

FMC Christmas Eve Service

Record for November 29

Attendance:  81

Offering  $1,631

November Budget  $10,705

November Offerings  $11,155

YTD Budget  $102,768

YTD Offerings  $102,222

Announcements

FMC CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - You are invited to the annual First Mennonite Church Christmas program on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. here at church.  Come for a wonderful reminder of the reason for the season.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE - All children involved in the Christmas play are asked to come to a special rehearsal this Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m.

REFRESHMENTS - Please bring Christmas cookies and other goodies to serve after the Christmas program this Friday.

MOVIE & PARTY - Senior high youth group is meeting today for a Christmas party right after church.  Pizza, movie, and a party at Stauffer's are planned.

CHRISTMAS SINGING - The Sundays of Advent will begin with your favorite Christmas songs.  Come join in the joyous Christmas singing each Sunday morning at 10:40 a.m.

GIFTS OF LOVE - Today is the last day to bring donations for the City Impact Gifts of Love store.  You can still donate by dropping things off at the City Impact office at 27th and R street, or to Wanda Stauffer.  We still need volunteers to help out on Saturday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 15.  Sign up on the bulletin board today.

BUILDING LOAN OFFERING - The last building loan offering of 2009 will be held next Sunday, December 13.  We rely on these quarterly offerings to pay about half of our regular $1,100 monthly mortgage payments and reduce the principal balance.  So far this year our balance has been reduced by $16,571 to $125,398.  Designated contributions to the building fund may be made at any time.

CHRISTMAS EVE - Our family Christmas Eve service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24.  Come for a short, informal celebration of Jesus' birth.

DIRECTORY CHANGE - Marlin & Betta Kym have a new contact information.  Please update your church directory.                       

KEY FOUND - If you lost a key in the church parking lot, it was found.  See David Orr.

ADULT CLASSES - The new quarter of Adult Sunday School begins today.  Three classes are being offered.

1.  Nancy Peters and Glen Riedel are sharing the teaching of the uniform series; the theme this quarter is "Christ the Fulfillment."

2.  Rick Stauffer leads a continuation of the study of the film "Fireproof."  This class will likely continue into the beginning of January.

3.  The past teaches us a lot about who we are today and how we became that way.  We have a shared history that goes back 500 years:  The Anabaptist story.  A fascinating story of radical faithfulness, civil disobedience, romance and torture, industrial successes and political refugees. If you were not born into a Mennonite family, this story applies to you as well, since all of us at one time or another have decided to (or are contemplating if we should) adopt "Mennonite" as part of our identity.  Come share your story about what made us what we are today in a Sunday School class led by Stan Harder. If you have ever wondered why Mennonites act in the "unique" way they do, this class is for you.  This is not a typical history class: No tests and no required textbook (although there is an optional romance novel available).

HABITAT DEDICATION - Habitat for Humanity will be dedicating the home of Tuan Le and his children, Timmy, Tate, Tyler, and Tylin this afternoon.  Many of our members worked to shingle this house back in August.  Everyone is invited to tour the house and participate in the dedication ceremony this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS - You can check out some great books that have been loaned to our church from the conference library.  These books are due back in January.

DAVID MILLER ORDINATION - Bellwood Mennonite Church in Milford, NE is holding a service of ordination this morning for their pastor, David Miller.  Give thanks for his commitment!  Remember David and the Bellwood congregation in prayer.

OUR DAILY BREAD - The devotional booklets, Our Daily Bread, have arrived for this quarter and are on top of the church mailboxes.  Help yourself!

GETTING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS - The Christmas season evokes a full range of emotions.  Samaritan Counseling Center offers services for those dealing with despair, sadness, and grief including those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, or a relationship.  Read the center's monthly article on the bulletin board.  Visit the Center's web site at www.samaritancenter.com or call 483-5117.