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Advent & Christmas
Service & Outreach
FOOD CARDS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
We are also asking for donations of money to purchase food cards for each of the Giving Tree families. You can make checks payable to FCC (memo: giving tree cards) or donate online through FCC website.
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MITTEN TREE
You are also encouraged to bring in new winter hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and socks and place them on the tree before Tues. Dec. 17th to be given out through the SASD elementary schools.
Advent Fellowship
ADVENT DECORATING EXTENDED COFFEE HOUR / KIDS KRAFTS
Sunday, December 1
Join us for a time of fellowship during an extended coffee hour following worship. While the adults and youth decorate the sanctuary, children will have the opportunity to make Christmas drawings in Lucas Hall. We will conclude with singing a few Christmas carols in the sanctuary. We plan to be finished by noon. No need to sign-up - just show up!
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
The church is providing a way to give to families in need during the holiday season. We are working with SASD Social Workers to identify families. Gift tags (items under $30) will be on the Giving Tree starting on Sun. Nov. 24. Participants are encouraged to purchase the gift, wrap it up and return under the tree by Sun. Dec. 15. Make sure to attach gift tag to outside of package so we can identify the family group. Contact church office for assistance in sponsoring a gift. We will be sorting the gifts on Tues. Dec. 17 from 10 am to noon in Lucas Hall and SASD social workers will deliver to families that coming week.
THURSDAY STUDY GROUP
"LADDER TO THE LIGHT"
Thursdays, December 5th-19th
Each Thursday in December, the group will be reading chapters from Steven Charleston’s book “Ladder to the Light.” We will be looking at the Rung of Renewal and the Rung of Transformation. Handouts are available each week – no pre-reading needed. The group gathers from 9:30-10:30 am in the church lounge and on Zoom.
YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY
Wednesday, December 18
All Middle and High School Youth are invited to a Christmas Party (dinner and games) held in the Youth Room from 5:30-8 pm. Subs and drinks provided. Bring some wild/crazy item from around your house for a WHITE ELEPHANT gift exchange. Also please bring a dish to share (desserts, chips or salad). Nancy Engberg, leader.
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Spiritual Growth & Devotionals
KINDNESS ADVENT CALENDAR
Hang this countdown calendar in a prominent place. It provides 24 activities to promote kindness and help you get into the Advent and Christmas spirit. Free copies are available on the Education table and have been mailed to Sunday School families.
“THE MESS IN MESSIAH”
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
Far from a pristine porcelain creche or an immaculate Hallmark story, the Christmas message of "God with us" is messy. The amniotic sac that bursts open, angels interrupt a good night's sleep, crusty shepherds and foreign stargazers intermingle, a family flees political persecution... and there is God, in the flesh. This Advent, sort through the mess to find the message! Join the Stillspeaking Writers' Group and contributors in the daily readings of The Mess in the Messiah. Each day includes a scripture reading, reflection and prayer. Free copies on Education Table.
Spiritual Growth & Devotionals
"THIS IS CHRISTMAS" CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 15 at 10 am
The Choir will be offering a Christmas Cantata “This Is Christmas” by Mary Macdonald during the 10 am worship service. If you would like to join in the singing, please RSVP to Carra Lyn Conger of Music Ministry (cconger@sasd.net). Rehearsals will be held on Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:45 am and Weds. evenings from 7-8 pm. There will be an additional rehearsal on Sat. Dec. 14th at 9 am.
SPONSOR A POINSETTIA FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS ALTAR
On Sunday, Dec. 15 through Dec. 29th, poinsettias will be decorating our altar. We invite FCC folk to sponsor a poinsettia in memory or honor of a loved one. Cost is $15. Sign-up here to sponsor a flower or fill out form on Education Table. Following worship on Sun. Dec. 29th, the Deacons of Membership and Pastoral Care will coordinate the delivery of the poinsettias to homebound/members in need of support.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
"THE UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS"
Sunday, December 22
During the 10 am worship service, the Sunday School children and youth will present a Christmas program - "The Unexpected Christmas." On Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8 & 15, the Sunday School classes will be learning songs, under the direction of Wade Heinen, that will be included in the program. Jodi Bremer will also be coordinating an Orff Instrument group (4th-8th grade) who will share a musical piece as well. The Middle School youth will be the “speakers/narrators” who guide the congregation through the story of Jesus’ birth. The Sunday School classes will portray the various characters in the nativity story. This year, the congregation will be invited to interact with the nativity story – adults will be invited to be spontaneous and join as characters as well.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Tuesday, December 24
Early service at 4 pm will include carols and a “Time with Children.” The FCC Choir will sing.
Late service at 9 pm will include carols and a Christmas message. Music will include soloist and ensembles.
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