901 Bloomfield Street, Roaring Spring, PA 16673

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1 901 Bloomfield Street, Roaring Spring, PA December 4 9:25 am Worship The Receiving of New Members Message Do Not Be Afraid, Mary.. Scriptural Focus Luke 1:26-38 Mary becomes a model of what can happen when we place our lives into the stream of God s love. When we are prompted to change the direction of our lives, can we hear the call of God? 10:45 am Sunday School December 11 9:25 am Worship The collection of food and gifts of money. The money collected will be divided between the local food bank and the Dragon Backpack program. Message Doing the Right Thing Scriptural Focus Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph was a righteous man and wanted to do the right thing. But, through a dream he learned that his life would be forever changed. What can we learn from Joseph that will help us do the right thing? 10:30 am Fellowship Time 11:00 am Sunday School December 18 9:25 am Worship Message Beyond Imagination Scriptural Focus Luke 1:5-24 The story of Zechariah is an opportunity for us to examine our own sense of God s mystery. Christmas is a time of examining our openness and willingness to entertain the holy in our lives. 10:45 am Sunday School December 24 Christmas Eve Worship 7:00 pm A Candlelight Service Sharing the Christmas Story in Scripture and Song December 25 10:00 am Worship (Please note the time change) Message Emmanuel God With Us Scriptural Focus Luke 2:1-20 We will celebrate the gift of God s love found in human form in the person of Jesus. Through the spoken word and the music of the season, we will join the shepherds in proclaiming Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.

2 Christmas Eve Service 7 pm Christmas Eve offers us the opportunity to pause and be open to possibility of God breaking into our often frantic and busy preparation. You are encouraged to invite family and friends to join you for the Christmas Eve Service at 7 pm. This service brings together the beauty of music and the written word as we seek to worship and renew our commitment to God. We will be reminded of the mystery of God s work among us.mary and Joseph who spend the night in a stable, a birth announcement to lowly shepherds, a choir of singing angels and a mother treasuring and pondering what she experienced because of the birth of Jesus. May we be open to the unexpected ways that God works in our midst and then may we seek time to treasure the moment. May God bless you as you celebrate God s call and the journey to the light of the world! Yours in Christ, Pastor Dale Dowdy FINANCE AND FACILITY Income - With only six weeks before year end, we are slowly closing our Giving budget gap with a current projection of $222,500, short of our budget by $11,800 but slightly higher than last year s figure of $213,127. Attendance - Between mid-october and the first week in November Sunday service attendance has averaged 141 continuing the improvements from summer and early fall. Facility - Normal facility maintenance - no significant problems. Dear Friend of Roaring Spring First Church of the Brethren Youth : Print this and present it on 12/4/2016 at Hoss's in Duncansville Hoss's will then donate to Roaring Spring First Church of the Brethren Youth s 2018 National Youth Conference. DISTRIBUTING INVITATIONS ON HOSS S PROPERTY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL DISQUALIFY OUR ORGANIZATION! Thank you for your cooperation! #49275 Please present this when ordering.

3 In Service to our Lord and Church Greeters Deacon Greeters Front Door: Rear Door: Front Door: Rear Door: Acolyte Audio Technician Fellowship Time Don Bookhammer Doug & Maureen Detwiler Keith & Kristen Hall Mitch & Bethann Frederick Avery Smith, Ariadne Madden, Rachel Wagner Travis Russell Generation Hope December 4 December 11 December 18 Organist Darlene Wyland Cathy Petre Darlene Wyland Pianist Brenda Fluke- Garber Cathy Neal Storyteller Betsy Garach Sandy Norris Brenda Fluke- Garber Bethann Frederick Worship Leader Pattie Conlon Jacob Reilly Linda Steele Children s Church Don & Janie Myers Alec Madden Vincent Miller Video Chelsey Dick Nursery Attendant Signe Dellinger Pat Dick Nathan & Brandi Walter Welcome Center Jane Brumbaugh Nancy Forshey Parking Lot Matt May Chuck Russell Greeters Mike Bianconi Bill Hagstrom Flowers Bulletins Memory of Duane Snyder by Ron, Rose & Krista Memory of Sarah Hoover Matt May Joe Price Christmas Eve Barb Wineland Brenda Fluke-Garber Not held Memory of Glenn Claar Memory of Margaret Imes December 25 Barb Wineland Marcia Fleck Dave Crumrine Not held Adam & Cortney Lanzendorfer Mark Garach Dave Imes Memory of Harold W. Smith Christmas Eve Service 7 pm Christmas Day Service 10 am

4 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION 12/1 Jim Butler Hunter Keith Linnie Long 12/2 Mindy Wagner Jaelyn Kenawell 12/3 Brady Bolatto Holly Smith Nathan Caldwell 12/4 Meghan Detwiler Amy Hite 12/6 Tammy Fluke 12/7 Megan Witkovsky Coty Thompson 12/8 Don Bookhammer Gary Speck Pattie Conlon 12/9 Marsha Josapak 12/10 Mallory Burns Emily Croft Courtney Frye Mandy Keith December Birthdays 12/11 Valerie Smith Megan Eger 12/12 Destiny Wagner 12/13 Dawn Crumrine Tracy Foor Charles Smith Jr. 12/14 Jaden Myers 12/15 Chuck Russell Denny Albright Hailey Glunt Howard Giordano 12/16 Deeanna Trigona 12/17 Xander Frederick Mike Burket 12/18 Dan Brumbaugh Justin Croft 12/19 Maureen Detwiler Marcia Fleck Bette Frye Bill Sollenberger Brandi Walter 12/21 Nate Detwiler Travis Frye 12/22 Benjamin Smith 12/23 Cathy Neal 12/24 Kristen Hall Caleb Keith 12/25 Lucinda Treese 12/26 Dave Crumrine 12/27 Julie Witkovsky 12/28 Diana Walls Mark Steele 12/29 Bethann Frederick Jeanne Sollenberger Jacob Reilly 12/30 Patricia Brumbaugh Daniel Hoover Justin Mock Allie Stoltz Janis Loucks 12/31 Tom Holsinger Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg is in need of helpers to deliver and pick up large items such as hospital beds and lift chairs for our John's Way Medical Equipment Ministry. What is needed are men with pick up trucks who may be available once a month or every other month. When you are called upon you always have the option to say it does not suit this time, and we will call you another time. Our ministry has grown considerably in the 7 years since it was born and many helpers equals less demand on those who are already helping. If you have questions, or are interested in volunteering, please contact Debbie Byler at For any general requests from our medical equipment ministry please call our main number, Great reading weather, isn't it?? Rattled by the gruesome accidental death of a coworker, Slip Wilson quits his job at a logging camp, and decides to make a clean start in Seattle. But along the way, he rescues a woman and her young niece from their car in the ditch, and his life takes a hard turn. The woman, Ellie Hobbes, is an anarchist with big dreams. But first, she has to take care of that pesky dead body in the trunk of her car... Join us for a discussion about The Big Both Ways on Monday, December 19 th at 10 am in the Parlor. Scott King has requested his membership be transferred to Bedford Church of the Brethren and Harold and Linda Guyer requested theirs be moved to Memorial Church of the Brethren. We send our prayers with them as they continue their life long journey of discipleship with their church families.

5 J O Y Christmas Party December am Fellowship Hall food and entertainment provided Deacons and Undershepherds May pick up fruit baskets and home bags from the Fellowship Hall Friday, December 16 th 6-7 pm Saturday, December 17 9:30 am -10:30 am 12/5 John & Rose Bishop Randy & Diane Guyer 12/12 Tom & Cindy Shaw 12/17 Justin & Mandy Croft 12/22 Joe & Julie Dively 12/24 Tommy & Sandy Smith 12/26 Terry & Marlys Hershberger 12/28 Lee & Holly Metzler 12/31 Todd & Stacey Thompson Haven Claire Jean Thompson November 20, 2016 Deacons at Work Deacons continue with visitation to shut-ins, prayer gatherings and checking with the sick about assistance with meals. Pick up of fruit bags by shepherds will be Friday, December 16 th from 6-7 pm or Saturday, December 17 th from 9:30-10:30 am. 8 am December 17 Altar Flowers And Bulletins The 2017 Altar Flower and Bulletin Chart is posted in the hallway by the mailboxes. Per week costs are $20 for bulletins and $35 for flowers

6 We express our Christian Sympathies to Liz Brumbaugh and family on the loss of her son Daniel; and Rusty Hoover and Betsy Garach in the loss of their mother, both on November 2, With Winter approaching and the need for Pastor Dale to attend evening meetings and events, perhaps we can show our appreciation by having some things on hand for his supper. Place what you would like to share in the box in the large freezer with his name on it, in disposable containers suitable for the microwave. Be sure and check your mailbox each Sunday. Each month, those requesting a paper copy of the newsletter receive it in their mailbox. Others place greeting cards, birthday wishes and other communications in these mailboxes. Everyone is invited to the Alternative Christmas Gift Bazaar at Stone Church of the Brethren, 1623 Moore Street, Huntingdon, on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This year give gifts that have a local and global impact. A large selection of SERRV products, hand crafted items, homemade scones, soups and bread are available for purchase. Come and share the spirit of Christmas free beverages, music and good fellowship for all. Please update your address and phone number with the office by January 6 th for the 2017 Directory. Submissions for the January Newsletter must be received in the office no later than December 15 th. In the event of winter weather snow and ice we encourage you to be cautious and not put yourselves in harm s way. The bulletin is posted on our website each week, or you can contact the church office, and one will be placed in your mailbox. CD s and DVD s of the service are also available upon request. Should Sunday morning worship be cancelled, you will receive a phone call from our automated one call system, so please be sure your correct phone number is on file in the office.

7 CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY - The Youth s will once again be providing an IN-CHURCH Christmas card delivery for those persons who regularly attend Sunday morning worship. We will accept cards on the following dates: Sunday, December4 & 11. We WILL NOT BE accepting new cards for delivery on Sunday, December 18. We are once again happy to provide this service to our church to say thank you for your support in the past and in the years to come! December 5 th - We will gather in the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen at 6 pm. We will share a light supper of pizza (please contact Jan in the office so we order enough) and then bake cookies that will be given with the gifts from the Angel Tree Program at the Roaring Spring Department Store. Please bring your cookie dough with you. We will bag the cookies by the dozen at 6 pm on Tuesday, December 13 th. Anyone wishing to contribute cookies please have them in the kitchen by 5:30 pm that night. We hope to have enough to add to the Deacon s fruitbaskets. Special Offering on Sunday December 11 As we approach Christmas, we are reminded once again of God's gracious gift of love found in the baby Jesus, born in a manger. In order for us to have an opportunity to respond to the needs around us, the Witness Team would like to encourage you to plan for an offering of food pantry items and monetary gifts on Sunday, December 11. The gifts of money will be above and beyond your regular giving to the ministry of First Church. We will take a special offering to share with The Scarlet Dragon Packs program and the food bank. The food and offering collection will all take place during worship. The children in our congregation will be invited to help bring all the items and monetary gifts to be dedicated. T WAS THE NIGHT JESUS CAME 'T was the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not one in the house. The Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their head. And Mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took a nap. When out of the east there rose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and lifted the sash. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. The light of His face made me cover my head. was Jesus returning just like He'd said. And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself. In the Book of Life which he held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as he searched for my name, when He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.. The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father above. With those who were ready he rose without sound, while all of the others were left standing around. I fell to my knees but it was too late, I'd waited too long and thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, Oh, if only I'd know that this was the night... In the words of this poem the meaning is clear the coming of Jesus is now drawing near. There's only one life and when comes the last call, We'll find out that the Bible was true after all.

8 Junior Youth Gatherings December 7 & 14 at 6 pm Friday, December pm Assembling Fruit Baskets with Deacons Senior Youth Activities Christmas Card Sorting December 4 & 11 Friday, December pm Assembling Fruit Baskets with Deacons Wednesday, December 28 a night at the movies Volleyball Practice will begin on January 8 th. We will practice from 1-2:30 pm at the Garver YMCA. REMINDER: We follow the Spring Cove School District calendar and winter weather closings. If school is cancelled or there is an early dismissal, we will not hold our nightly events. We do our best to also post this on our facebook page and on our website. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us to-day. Amen.

9 November ~ December 2016 ~ January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9 am Bulletin Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, 9 am Breakfast every time we give, it s Christmas. Dale Evans Fellowship at 6:30 pm Knitting :25 am Worship 10:45 am Sunday School 11:45 am Deacon Prayer Hoss s Quarterly Fundraiser 11 Food Offering 9:25 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship Time 11 am Sunday School 18 9:25 am Worship 10:45 am Sunday School pm Ladies 9:30 am Power Baking of Prayer Cookies 6 pm Relay for Life 6:30 pm Leadership Team :30 am Staff am Book 9:30 am Power of Prayer 6 pm Ladies prepare cookie bags 20 9:30 am Staff 9:30 am Power of Prayer 7 9 am Ladies Aid 1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6 pm Jr Youth 6 pm Venture Club 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 14 9 am Ladies Aid 1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6 pm Jr Youth 6 pm Venture Club 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 6:30 pm Sr Youth Bible Study 21 1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 8 9 am Bulletin 9 am Breakfast Fellowship at 6:30 pm Knitting 6:30 pm Project Vision 15 Newsletter 9 am Bulletin 9 am Breakfast Fellowship at 10 am J O Y Christmas Party 6:30 pm Knitting 22 9 am Bulletin 9 am Breakfast Fellowship at pm Fellowship Hall Reserved 16 5:30 pm Fruit Basket Assembly 6-7 pm Fruit Basket Pick up 17 8 am Men s Fellowship Breakfast 9:30 am 10;30 am Fruit Basket Pick up pm Christmas Eve Service 11:45 am Deacon Prayer am 26 Office Closed 27 Office Closed 28 1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:30 pm Knitting 29 9 am Bulletin am Breakfast Fellowship at 6:30 pm Knitting Christmas is not an event within history but is rather the invasion of time by eternity. Hans Urs von Balthasar

10 FIRST CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Fax: Interim Pastor Dale Dowdy If you wish to be removed from mailing list or correct your address, please contact us through an above means.