Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
This past Sunday we had some special surprises. Linda Randals joined the church - Yahoo! We enjoyed some very special music from Emily. And, June Greenfield was our guest accompanist and it is a pleasure to welcome her, for June is just one of our church's "extended family."
Speaking of "extended family," after Sunday worship, I headed over to Clovis for a 3PM meeting with their Session. My responsibility to help others within our Presbytery and Synod is part of my ordination vows. They send us their Advent greetings. I will be moderating their next Session meeting on Sunday, March 1st. Please hold them in prayer as they discern how to govern and organize themselves in the absence of a pastor. (it was a windy day for a drive in the country!)
Prayers:
Please hold in prayer - Tom Anderson
Ruth Johnson
Ryan Pottenger (home in Hawaii for the holidays - safe travels!)
For the Peace of Jesus Christ to prevail upon us all
For the family and friends of Jimmy Chavez in their deep grief
For the family and friends of Flip Anaya
For Pizza Hut employees
Our country and for our leaders
People who are alone during this season
Sheila Martinez - heart troubles
Those remembering Ron Wilmot (today is Ron's Birthday)
Persons having trouble making ends meet
Students, families and teachers at end of semester
Our church, seeking to grow and adjust to growing
Health Check: Sometimes it is during the holidays that we feel the greatest need for prayer. That's normal. It can indeed be a lonely time for many people, even if surrounded by the joy of others. It's normal to miss and even grieve more during this time. I hope that if you are having a Blue Christmas, that you call someone, call me or someone else. An impartial counselor is available by calling the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They are a part of US Health and Human Services. <---click this link to learn more.
This Week:
Yoga class meets today at noon.
Session has a meeting today at 4:00PM.
Exercise, Eat and Pray will meet tomorrow and Friday at 10:00AM.
Church Potluck is this Sunday, December 15th. Good Times are ahead!
Friends, I hope that you're getting ready for the next few days! It's getting cold!
Party this Friday evening: There will be a White Elephant Christmas Party at the church at 6:00PM in Fellowship Hall. Please bring a gift to swap, wrapped but unmarked. And, bring a little snack to share. We have so much fun with this tradition!
Cantata on Friday the 20th! Remember that there is also a Christmas Cantata next Friday night at Center Street United Methodist Church. We have a strong Presbyterian presence. Be sure to get there early to secure a seat. The performance begins at 6:00PM!
Christmas Joy Offering: There are envelopes available in the sanctuary. To learn more about the Christmas Joy Offering, or to donate directly online using a card, you can go here: PCUSA Special Offerings Christmas Joy.
This Sunday we light the candle of Joy (the pink one). Let's imagine how to hold the joy of Jesus Christ in our hearts this week. Here is a link to one person's thoughts about the joy of our Savior and how she tries to find joy in our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
Let's find the joy within us, and to witness the joy around us. Remember your greatest memories of your joys, and maybe they can be discovered anew!
May you have a blessed day and week.
Much love,
Rev. Amy
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