ORTH EWS. The Women s Bible Study...

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1 NORTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI Phone: (248) Fax: (248) Website: northcongregationalchurch.org Address correction requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P.A.I.D. Farmington Hills, MI North Congregational Church ORTH EWS December, 2017 Vol. 38 No W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan (248) Fax: (248) Church Website: northcongregationalchurch.org Living Our Vision The Women s Bible Study... invites you to help in their annual support of Heifer International. When you give a Heifer gift, you re making a lasting difference. The women would like to purchase shares in bumble bees and chickens this year. Giving an animal is like giving someone a small business, providing wool, milk, honey, eggs and more. Animal donations can provide families a hand up, increasing access to medicine, school, food and a sustainable lively hood. And, the families who receive your gift become donors also as they pass on the gift to other families in their community. This allows them to help others as you have helped them. Marilyn Fritz is pleased to accept donations through December 12th. The last session for the Women s Bible Study will be Tuesday, December 12th. They will resume their studies on January 2, 2018, and you re invited to join them! We are gathered for worship of God and service to humanity.

2 From the Minister As you will see from this newsletter, December 3rd is the start of Advent, a season of beloved traditions, special charity collections, and many ways to recall and celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into a world that needed and still needs light in the darkness. I m writing this and thinking about the ways we are experiencing the darkness, not just the shorter days but also the challenging and tragic events in our world. Just a few weeks ago, we were shocked when a gunman attacked a congregation at worship. Questions of many kinds have arisen in the minds of North Church members: are we safe? What do we need to do to keep our people safe? How do we respond to such terrible things? These questions and many more are being explored by our Executive Council and church boards, with special sensitivity to the question, How can we balance our need for safety and security with our calling as Christians to be welcoming to our whole world? Christmas is a time of tradition, peace, closeness but it is also the story of a community with no room at the inn, of a child whose first resting place was an animal feeding trough, of a jealous king whose rage caused the child and his parents to flee as refugees to Egypt. In all of these times, God was there. In all of our times, God is here as well. We celebrate the nearness of God to ALL the experiences of our lives as we hang wreaths, collect food for hungry people, buy gifts for needy children and parents, light our candles, sing our songs, and proclaim that Christ is in the world, and is ALWAYS coming into the world. And because of this, WE are called to be light in the darkness, signs of the Kingdom of God right here in the midst of everyday life here on earth. Come join in the festivities and the ministries of Advent and Christmas at North Church, as we proclaim the great good news of this season (and every season!): The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Rev. Dr. Mary E. Biedron Moderator s Notes The holidays are here along with the endless cycle of social calls, parties, potlucks, decorating, shopping, eating, and crowds at every store. It feels overwhelming as I try to juggle work and teens and family commitments and other holiday festivities. This year, the teens at home and I decided we would simplify our holiday season by only doing things that have special meaning. As we talked, I realized how many of our holiday traditions involve our North Church family. For me, the Christmas season officially begins with the MASCOT 3 S White Elephant Party where Tim and Karen Sirovy host a fun evening of food, Christmas games, friendship and, of course, some unique items that have been passed around for years. My family still talks about the one year my older son came to a White Elephant party with me and won some unique apparel. I would be happy to share that story during coffee hour because there is no way I could do it justice in a newsletter blurb. Last year, we split into teams to make snow creatures out of toilet paper and dollar store finds. We have some creative people in the congregation. Very creative. My youngest was the Baby Jesus in the manger for the Living Christmas Card on one of the first Sundays we visited. We treasure the ornaments made at the Christmas Craft Workshop and give them a place of honor on our Christmas Tree. My mom and I have spent special time together at the Christmas Confections put together by the women of North Church. We shop as a family for items to donate to the Mitten Tree and other giving programs at church. The highlight of our Christmas, and one that my non-religious family has respectfully scheduled around, is the youth-led Christmas Eve service followed by a cookie reception. I have marked the seasons of my parenting by how many children are in the service and how many prayers of thanksgiving I have offered up for all the years we lit candles for the singing of Silent Night without burning the pews or ourselves when they were younger. Through these activities, the people at North Church have shown us that we belonged. I invite you to enjoy some of the many activities offered this Advent. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas! Miranda Webster

3 Stewardship Pledges We have received pledges for 2018 from many of you. Thank you to everyone who has completed an Estimate of Giving card. If you have not yet made an estimate, and intend to do so, please your estimate to Danny Hawkins at NCC.BusinessManager@gmail.com. You may also complete an Estimate of Giving card and drop it in the collection plate or in the church office (extras can be found in the pews, on the Information table and on the Sign-up table). Danny will be following up with s and phone calls in December to confirm we have heard from everyone who intends to make a pledge. Offering envelopes will be available outside Fellowship Hall in December for those who have requested them. Puzzles - If you would like to purchase a puzzle like the ones used for the Stewardship campaign you may contact Debbie. She has the supplier information and the photo used to create our puzzle. MASCOT 3 S Mascot 3 s, is a social group open to all adult members and friends of the church. Please join us once a month for fun, food (always food) and fellowship. December 2nd, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Party, Food and Holiday cheer abound at the Sirovy s Christmas party, featuring games and a white elephant gift exchange. Each participant supplies one wrapped gift. Sirovys determine in what order they will take turns selecting them. The first person opens a wrapped gift. On subsequent turns, each person can open a new present or gets the choice to "steal" another person's unwrapped gift. Gifts are typically inexpensive, humorous items or used items from home. The goal of a white elephant party is to entertain rather than to gain. The term "white elephant" refers to an extravagant but burdensome gift which cannot be easily disposed of, based on the legend of the King of Siam gifting rare albino elephants to courtiers who had displeased him, that they might be ruined by the animals' upkeep costs. Please see the sign up sheet outside Fellowship Hall for additional information. Contact Danny at ncc.businessmanager@gmail.com with any questions or suggested activities.

4 Living Christmas Card Each week in Advent, our Sunday School students will re-enact a scene from the Christmas Story in our beloved Living Christmas Card. Students will be fitted for costumes during their Sunday School class time each week before they go to the tableau. All students will be participating each week. Be sure to bring your camera for the presentations following worship each Sunday! 12/ 3: No Room at the Inn (Luke 2:7) 12/10: Angels Appear to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-14) 12/17: Herod and the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-8) 12/24: Behold the Christ Child (Luke 2:15, Matthew 2:1-2) by students in all grades and the Nursery. Women s Fellowship Knitting Tree Our Advent Knitting Tree is ready and waiting for donations of hats, scarves, gloves and mittens. The clients of the Lighthouse in Pontiac will appreciate your gifts, especially during the cold weather! Christmas Stocking Our Christmas stocking will be hanging in the Narthex. We are happy to accept donations of packages of socks for school-aged children (k-12). We hope to cover the knitting tree and stuff the Christmas stocking as we have in the past...and we know we can do it with your help! We will be accepting donations for both the Knitting Tree and the Christmas Stocking until after New Year s Day, for delivery to Lighthouse in January. Thank you for your generous spirit! Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Sunday, December 3 As we look ahead to the beautiful Advent season, we have many special traditions at North Church. One of these for our Sunday School children is the Christmas Pageant. Our pageant includes scripture readings by the older teens and songs sung by the Children's Angel and Shepherd Choir. There are also tableaus peopled with Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper, angels and shepherds, the wise men, and the star keeper. Please encourage your children to participate in this Christmas program. We want very much to include all the children who are interested. It is absolutely vital that participants be present at the one practice we have after church. This will be on Sunday, December 4th, immediately after Sunday School. We re hoping that practice will start on time and run smoothly. Pageant Sunday December 10th All participants must be in the Sunday School wing no later than 10 a.m. to don their costumes, remove their shoes, practice their song, and read through the scriptures one last time. Children not interested in being in the pageant should sit with their parents in the Sanctuary and then come to Sunday School when the pageant ends. We will have a Happy Birthday Jesus party at that time in the Music Room, and then return to our classrooms. After the worship service, the Sunday School Department will present the Third Sunday of Advent s Living Christmas Card, Herod and the Wise Men in the Link. We do hope your family will participate. Please let us know your intentions as soon as possible by signing the Pageant sign up sheet that will be available by the middle of November. Questions? Please contact Karen Sirovy and mark your calendars!

5 Celebrate the joy of of the season at at the Christmas Craft Celebrate Workshop! the joy The of the Board season of of Christian at the Christmas Fellowship and Craft Education Workshop! will The provide Board pizza of Christian and salad Fellowship at at no no charge. and The Education congregation will provide is is invited pizza to to and sign-up salad to to at bring no charge. appetizers The and congregation desserts. is invited to sign up to bring appetizers and desserts. Have your picture taken with Santa! Plan to to make traditional Have your craft picture favorites taken such with as as Santa! cookies, Plan glass to make and plaster ornaments craft favorites and tote and bags also and try also some try try of some the new of of the new crafts. crafts. traditional ter We hope We hope you ll you ll join join us! us! Christmas Craft Workshop Sunday, December 10th Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Crafts: 12:00-2:00 p.m. (Cost varies Crafts: depending 12:00 - on 2:00 craft; p.m. tickets are $.50 each) (Cost varies depending on on craft; tickets are $.50 each) Pilgrim Fellowship Pilgrim Fellowship is a youth group open to all students in grades six through twelve. They usually meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 for a variety of activities including missions, education and recreation. December PF and Church Activities: Sundays, December 3 rd through 24 th Living Christmas Cards December Adopt-a-Family 3 December Pageant rehearsal 10 December Christmas Pageant 10 December Christmas Craft Workshop 17 December, 11:45 a.m. Christmas Eve Service Rehearsal and Christmas Party 24 December, arrive at 6:45 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Retreats The Michigan Conference holds three youth retreats each year at locations around the state. These retreats strive to provide Christian fellowship and education opportunities for our youth, they are: January 26 th 28 th, 2018 for grades 9 12 TBD, usually in March for grades 6 12 Check the Michigan Pilgrim Fellowship website for more information and registration details - You may also contact us to sign up or if you have questions. Danny Hawkins - NCC.BusinessManager@gmail.com Mimi Biedron - NCC.SeniorMinister@gmail.com Church office - NCC.ChurchOffice@gmail.com ( )

6 Holiday Events Reception of New Members Book Group December 13, 1:00 p.m. - My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" by Frederick Backman. From the author of A Man Called Ove, this is the story of a young girl and her relationship with her quirky grandmother, who leaves a legacy of conversations that will help her granddaughter understand life, death, and herself. All are welcome! Tuesday Lunch Circle Join us for lunch each Tuesday of the month, at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Please speak with Susan Lemon if you would like to carpool. December 5 - Scrambler Marie s December 12 - Ginopolis December 19 - Buddy s December 26 - New Mandarin Garden We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Men s Breakfast CLUB A group of North Congregational Church men has been meeting for breakfast at Moe s on Ten (just west of Haggerty) every other Tuesday morning at 9:00 o clock. Join us December 5th and 19th if you are interested in a little lively conversation with your breakfast. Please contact Steve Lange at stephenlange@me.com, and he will add you to their list so you receive updates on their schedule. We will welcome new members into the covenant of North Church during worship on Sunday, December 3rd. If you would like to become a member or an associate member, or have questions about church membership, please contact Rev. Mimi Biedron. As a Congregational Church, we have open communion and welcome all visitors and friends, but we do depend on the members of the church to fulfill offices and ministries that enable us to worship and serve. Flick Chicks With the holiday calendars rapidly filling up, please remember to pencil in the flick chicks movie and dinner on Thursday, December 7th. We will meet during coffee hour on Sunday, December 3rd to pick the movie. All women are welcome; come and join us! LOOKING AHEAD: January 17 - "Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult February 21 - OPEN TO SUGGESTION!! March 21 - "Blood in the Water: A History of the Attica Uprising of 1971" by Heather Ann Thompson S.O.U.L. Annual Holiday Party Saturday, December 16th, 1-3 p.m. at North Church Each year S.O.U.L. invites needy families to their Dreams Do Come True annual holiday party. S.O.U.L. serves hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while children are having their pictures taken with Santa, and receiving their Christmas gifts. If you would like to donate cookies for the children s snack, please sign up outside Fellowship Hall to let us know. Thank you! Christmas Cookies Needed Christmas Eve Reception If you would like to bring in cookies for the Christmas Eve Reception, please sign up at the Information Table. There will be a separate table in front of the stage, with pre-packaged cookies and treats for those in the congregation who have allergies.

7 Adopt-a-Family sponsored by the Women s Fellowship We are celebrating our gratitude for our many blessings by adopting two Farmington area families for the holiday. You may read a short history of their family life when you visit the Adopt-a-Family bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Our first family consists of a single Mom, with her two daughters. Mom works but she has an auto-immune disease that is chronic and affects her breathing. As a result, she is often bedridden. Money is scarce for this family. Our second family consists of Mom and Dad and her three children. With one son in college, money is scare for this family. If you would like to participate, please choose a gift from any of the suggested lists. Write your name on the line next to the gift. Take the corresponding gift tag as your reminder. When you purchase the gift, please ask for a gift receipt. Please include the gift receipt before wrapping the present, and lightly tape the gift tag to the outside of the package. Please do not add bows. Bring your gift to church before or on Sunday, December 17th. The Women s Fellowship will deliver the gifts to Neighborhood House on Monday, so that parents can pick up the gifts before the close of school on Wednesday, December 20th. Gifts may be dropped off in the Missions Room, in Pilgrim Hall. If you misplace your tag, please write the recipient s name and the gift on a slip of paper and attach it to the present. We will replace it with a new tag. If you would like to donate money, please use the envelopes provided on the Adopt-a-Family bulletin board. You may return the money/check to Mary Voisin, or the church office. Checks should be made payable to North Congregational Church. We d like to provide a joyous Christmas for these families and hope you will join in this project with us. The Women s Fellowship Cordially invites all women to attend Christmas Confections Featuring Christmas Carols sung by Brandy Adams, Laurie Meeker, Greg Stinson and Jim Wilking Followed by Dessert in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, December 14, :00 p.m. at North Congregational Church There is no cost for this event, however, it is suggested that each guest bring a package of socks for school aged children (k-12) and/or a donation of a full size hygiene item: shampoo, bars of soap, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes. All items to be donated to the Lighthouse in Pontiac. Please use the sign up sheet outside of Fellowship Hall to indicate yourself, and how many guests plan to attend, or call the church office at 248/

8 North Congregational Church presents Ralph Vaughan Williams FANTASIA ON CHRISTMAS CAROLS Sunday, December 17, :30 a.m. North Congregational Church W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills featuring The Chancel Choir under the direction of Laurie Meeker James Wilking, Baritone Edward McDonald, Violoncello Patricia Butler, Organ Come Worship and Hear This Musical Celebration of Christmas December Food Donations We will be coordinating food donations for three of our ongoing Benevolences this Christmas season: CARES Community Food Pantry (formerly St. Alexander s) in Farmington Hills Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit and Source of Universal Love (SOUL) in Farmington Donations of non-perishable food items that are unopened and not past their expiration date will be delivered to SOUL and the Food Pantry. Monetary and gift card (Kroger, Meijer or Walmart) donations will be divided between the three organization for their use to fill their holiday baskets. Boxing Up Day - Saturday, January 6th After the holidays, we ll need lots of helping hands to take down, clean, tend and store our Advent and Christmas decorations at the church. We ll start at 10:00 a.m. and finish around 1:00 p.m. Come for the whole morning or whatever part you can spare, and enjoy this end-of-the season ritual! Quilting and Sewing Ministry Join us Saturday, January 13, from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We will sew for a variety of worthy causes which may include making quilts for a woman s shelter, veterans quilts, or premature infant quilts. Inexperienced sewers are welcome if you would like to drop in for an hour or two. You may bring your own portable sewing machine, or use one of the machines available that day. Have questions? Contact Lori Rhode, There will be a crock pot of turkey chili for lunch.

9 CHRISTMAS WREATHS & POINSETTIAS HANGING OF THE GREENS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 POINSETTIA ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN THROUGH Fragrant wreaths and beautiful poinsettias decorate our church each year during the holidays. This year, you may donate a wreath or poinsettia as a memorial, a tribute, or a celebration of the spirit of Christmas. Wreaths will be on display December 2nd - January 6th. Poinsettias will be present from December 17th - January 6th; they may be designated to be given to a shut-in or taken home following the Christmas Eve worship service. The donation for a wreath is $18.00; $9.00 for a poinsettia. Checks should be made payable to North Congregational Church, Flower Fund. Orders will be taken through December 11th. Donations may be made by filling out the form below and returning it to the church office, or mailing it to: North Congregational Church, W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI I wish to place a Christmas wreath poinsettia. I will take my plant on Christmas Eve Please deliver to a shut in. The message should read: DECEMBER 11 A gift from a. Given in memory / celebration of: b. Or, write your own message: Signature Phone

10 Samaritan Counseling Center offers everyone a wish for a happy and safe holiday season! SCC is excited to announce the following additions to our staff: Terri Moor-Jones, M.A., LMFT - Clinician in SCC s First UMC (Northville) office. Shazia Siddiqi, MA, ATR-BC, LPC - Clinician in SCC s Nardin Park UMC (Farmington Hills) office. PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE WORKSHOP This workshop, led by experienced leaders, provides opportunities for couples to identify and explore both strengths and areas of potential difficulties in their relationship. Couples will consider the complexity of marriage, recognize what each individual brings to this relationship, and clarify the expectations both have as they enter into this commitment. DATE: February 17, 2018 TIME: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm LOCATION: First UMC of Birmingham, 1589 W. Maple, Birmingham FEE: $225 per couple. A $125 deposit is required at registration. Please contact SCC s main office at (248) to register. Additional workshops will be held on April 4, June 10 and September 23. For further information, please visit SCC s website, sccmich.org. Samaritan Counseling Center SCC and AMAZON S SMILE PROGRAM PREPARE/ENRICH FACILITATOR TRAINING A one-day training to become certified to deliver and interpret the series of Prepare/Enrich Marital and Premarital questionnaires. With this training participants become certified to use these instruments. Many clergy and churches find these instruments useful in premarital counseling. Therapists often use these instruments when working with couples in therapy. DATE: January 12, 2018 LOCATION: SCC s main office at Nardin Park UMC, W. Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI TUITION: $200 You can find the Prepare-Enrich link for registration on SCC s website, sccmich.org. Help SCC offer hope and healing to our community by using SCC s Amazon Smile page. Amazon will donate.5% of the money you spend with them to SCC when you shop through smile.amazon.com/ch/ for any items you normally purchase on Amazon. There is also a link available on SCC s website (sccmich.org). D E C E M B E R LAY READERS December 03 - Mary Voisin December 10 - Jane Windell December 17 - Mary Voisin December 24 - Matthew Shand December 31 - Sandy Greer COFFEE HOUR HOSTS December 3 Steve Ekizian, Kevin Gromley December 10 Lys Kennedy, Tom Modick December 17 Pat Lanier, Sage Lanier December 24 Sara Lange, Jeff Rockwell Christmas Eve Board of Ushers December 31 Veronica Noye, Julianne Noye January Newsletter Newsletter articles are needed by the 15th of each month. Please your article to Debbie in the church office at ncc.churchoffice@gmail.com. Thanks! GREETERS If you would like to be a North Church greeter on Sunday morning for the worship service, please call Audrey Poese at 248/ December 3 Alice Scott, Bev Stief December 10 Fernandes Family December 17 Doug and Lori Rhode December 24 Tom Modick, Mona Utterback Christmas Eve Kendall Murray, Matthew Shand December 31 Steve and Sara Lange Diaconate Benevolences for the month of December Adopt-a-Family, National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Christmas Fund, Samaritan Counseling Center

11 December Calendar (Current version of our calendar can be found on our web site: northcongregationalchurch.org) December 2, Saturday 10:00 a.m. Hanging of the Greens 7:00 p.m. MASCOT³S - Christmas Party at the Sirovys home December 3, First Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship, Communion, Sunday School, NO High School Class Lay Reader: Mary Voisin Reception of New Members Advent Candle Lighters: Pam and Dallas White Living Christmas Card - No Room at the Inn 11:30 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal - Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Teen Bell Rehearsal - Sanctuary December 5, Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast CLUB - Moe s on Ten 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Lunch Circle - Scrambler Marie s 7:00 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal December 7, Thursday Flick Chicks - Movie/Dinner December 10, Second Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship, Children s Christmas Pageant, Sunday School, and High School Class, following the Pageant Lay Reader: Jane Windell Advent Candle Lighters: Margaret and Bob Plummer Living Christmas Card - Angel Appear to the Shepherds 11:30 a.m. Pizza and Salad Lunch - Fellowship Hall 12:00 p.m. Christmas Craft Workshop - Fellowship Hall December 11, Monday Deadline for poinsettia and wreath orders ADVENT December 12, Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study - Library (last session for 2017) 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Lunch Circle - Lunch at Ginopolis 7:00 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal Deadline for Heifer Project donations December 13, Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Book Group - Library 7:30 p.m. Trustee Meeting - Room 3, Pilgrim Hall 7:30 p.m. Diaconate Meeting - Plymouth/Bradford Room December 14, Thursday 7:00 p.m. Women s Fellowship Christmas Confections - Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall December 15, Friday Consent Agenda Minutes/Reports are due December 16, Saturday 1:00 p.m. S.O.U.L. Holiday Party - Fellowship Hall December 17, Third Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship, Special Music, Sunday School, High School Class Lay Reader: Mary Voisin Advent Candle Lighters: Jeff, Lisa and Bella Rockwell Living Christmas Card - Herod and the Wise Men 11:30 a.m. Teen Bell Rehearsal 11:45 a.m. Pilgrim Fellowship - Rehearse Christmas Eve Service / Christmas Party Deadline for Adopt-a-Family gifts - Missions Room, Pilgrim Hall Diaconate cookie assembly and distribution - Bradford Room December 18, Monday 7:30 p.m. Executive Council Meeting - Room 3, Pilgrim Hall December 19, Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast CLUB - Moe s on Ten 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Lunch Circle - Lunch at Buddy s 7:00 p.m. Chancel Bell Rehearsal

12 December 22, Friday Office Closes at Noon December 24, Fourth Sunday in Advent 8:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship, Sunday School High School Class Candle Lighters: Miranda and Brandon Webster Living Christmas Card - Behold the Christ Child 6:30 p.m. Teen Bell Rehearsal 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:45 p.m. Pilgrim Fellowship gathers in the Plymouth Room 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Candle Lighters: Pat, Art and Sage Lanier Christmas Eve Fellowship and Reception in Fellowship Hall December 25, Monday - Merry Christmas! Office Closed December 26, Tuesday 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Lunch Circle - Lunch at New Mandarin Garden December 29, Friday Office Closes at Noon December 31, Saturday 10:30 a.m. Worship and Carols in the Plymouth/Bradford Room Lay Reader: Sandy Greer May you have the gift of Faith the blessing of Hope and the peace of His Love at Christmas and Always. Merry Christmas... from the North Church Staff Mimi Biedron, Laurie Meeker, Patricia Butler, Danny Hawkins, Janice Thornton, Debbie Skindell