December 19th marks the fourth Sunday in Advent. Our reading/scripture pick from today's Worship Service was: 

      For a child has been born for us, a Son given to us; 
      authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named wonderful counselor, 
     mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
     His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace 
     for the throne of David and his kingdom. 
     He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness
     from this time onward and forevermore. 
     The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this. 
                  -Isaiah 9:6-7

As you light the fourth candle: 

      We light this candle as a symbol of the Prince of Peace. 
      May the visitation of your Holy Spirit, O God, 
      make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy...
      O come, O come Emmanuel
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Announcements: 

• Reminder: Tonight we will gather at the church for Christmas Caroling at 4:45 p.m. to carpool. A chili dinner will follow. Most of the caroling will take place indoors, as we will go to the nursing home and other assisted living facilities. All are welcome! 
• The youth will be having a white elephant gift exchange this evening following caroling and dinner. 
• Poinsettias - This year we are inviting members of the congregation to bring a poinsettia to church for the holiday between 12/19 and 12/24. If anyone would like to have theirs shared as a memorial or in honor of anyone, please contact the office by Wednesday, so we can put it in the Christmas Eve bulletin. 
• There will be NO Sunday School on December 26, 2010.
• Christmas Eve Worship Service will be at 7:00 p.m. 
• Our church family was shook with the death of the infant granddaughter/daughter/niece of long-standing members of our church. Please keep this family in your prayers.

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Selected Readings from Sunday, December 19, 2010 Worship Service: 

            Micah 5:2-5a
            Luke 1:26-38

November  28th marks the first day of the 2010 Advent season. Accordingly, the Sunday school handed out wreaths and at-home worship guidelines for the family, and the Advent wreath was up and the first candle lit this morning in church.

First Advent Reading (Isaiah 60:2-3)

For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear to you. Nations shall come to your light, and King to the brightness of your dawn. 

Reading during the lighting of the first Advent Candle

We light this first candle as a symbol of Christ our Hope. May the light sent from God shine in our darkness to show us the way to salvation. O come, O come Emmanuel.  
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Scripture Readings from the November 28, 2010 Worship Service: 

                      Isaiah 2:1-5
                     Matthew 24: 3-27
                     Luke 17:20-21
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Announcements: 

• Items for the newsletter are due Monday morning (11/29) in the church office - preferably via e-mail, if possible. 
  
• Wednesday, 12/1/10 - Christmas Program Rehearsal from  6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
• Friday, 12/3/10 - Ruth Circle will meet at the church at 10:00 a.m.  to go to Red Lodge
• Saturday, 12/4/10 - Hanging of the greens! Bring the whole family to help decorate our church for Christmas. There will also be activities for the smaller children in the church basement. *Lunch will be provided* 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (lunch to follow)
• The Community Thanksgiving meal was a huge success with all who attended going home with leftovers. 
• Next Sunday, 12/5/10, is Community Hope Sunday. Please bring your canned food items to church. 
• Dress Rehearsal for the Christmas Program will be on Saturday, 12/11/10 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We will feed the kids. 
• Sunday, December 12th - CHRISTMAS PROGRAM during church service. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~