A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM. Christmas Eve Celebrations: December 24th 11:00am Worship Service 6:00pm Carols & Communion

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COMMUNITY NEWS E A T O N F I R S T C H U R C H OF GOD D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM This year s Christmas Program will be an interactive Christmas event for the whole family.

1 COMMUNITY NEWS E A T O N F I R S T C H U R C H OF GOD D E C E M B E R A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM This year s Christmas Program will be an interactive Christmas event for the whole family. The church will be transformed into Nazareth and Bethlehem, where guests will be able to experience the sights, sounds, and excitement of the very first Christmas. You and your family can visit shopkeepers in the marketplace, see exotic animals like zebu cattle and camels, meet characters from the Christmas story, create special keepsake crafts, enjoy delicious treats, and end the night with a live nativity and candlelight worship. PLUS each family will receive a free family photo! Again this year, an offering will be taken to support the Preble County Food Bank this Christmas season. Be sure to mark your calendars for this special event, but also invite friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. You can also help us spread the word by putting up a yard sign and sharing the event on Facebook! Christmas Eve Celebrations: December 24th 11:00am Worship Service 6:00pm Carols & Communion Office Hours: 9a-4p Office office@e1cog.com Visit us on facebook Senior Pastor Jonathan Grubbs jonathan@e1cog.com Worship Pastor Liisa Erskine liisa@e1cog.com Youth Pastor Jerry Webb jerry@e1cog.com Pastor Emeritus Jerry A. Reynolds Children s Director Tania Minton kidmin@e1cog Download the Church app Sermon Podcasts available at or on the church app

2 upcoming THE LIGHT COMES! We fear what we cannot see. We stumble in the darkness of our worry and fear. It is easy to allow our lives to be consumed in darkness. Yet there is a Light. It shines through the chaos of our world, and through the confusion of our minds, the Light still shines! God said, Let there be light and that light was the light of the world. This Advent, may we experience that same light. May the light that was present at the beginning of time and was made manifest that night so long ago, continually be present in our lives and in our world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5 NLT) Dec. 3 Light in our Brokenness Dec. 10 Light in our Struggles Dec. 17 Light in our Emptiness Dec. 24 Light of Our World Dec. 31 Light for a New Tomorrow MEN S BREAKFAST Saturday, December 2 7:30a Be part of this great breakfast and time of sharing. KEENAGER S BREAKFAST Tuesday, December 7 9:00am Bob Evans in Eaton All of our senior retirees - come join us for breakfast. NURSING HOME MINISTRY Sunday, December 2pm at Foundations Nursing Center in New Paris. Please sign up at the Welcome Center, online or on the app if you are able to join us in this ministry. BLOOD DRIVE Start your New Year off by being a Lifesaver! Sign up to give blood on Saturday, January 6th, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. here in the church gym. The holiday season is one of the biggest times of need for blood donation. Each person who registers to donate at the blood drive will receive a blue long sleeve donor t-shirt. Sign up at church website, on our app, or at You can also call or text our church blood drive coordinator, Mindy Jones, at to schedule an appointment. WEDNESDAY DINNERS 5:30-6:15 pm The cost is $2.50 per person; $10 max per family. 12/6 - Taco Bar 12/13 - Chili Supper 12/20 & 12/27 - NO MEAL SNOW REMOVAL ON SUNDAY MORNINGS We need volunteers to help clear sidewalks, etc. on Sunday mornings before service. If you are able to help - please sign up online. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Thank you to all who donated a shoebox this year to Operation Christmas Child. We collected over 183 boxes from our church which will be delivered all over the world! CHURCH FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARDS To save postage, bring your church family Christmas cards to church and put them in the marked box in the commons. The cards will then be sorted and laid out in the commons to be picked up. CHRIST S BIRTHDAY OFFERING This offering will be taken on the 4th Sunday of Advent 12/17. Through our giving, we can better equip the church to bring the story of His birth and His presence into the whole world. YEAR END GIVING At the close of this year, as you thank God for His care and blessing, remember that your year-end, tax deductible gifts should be in the office by Sunday, December 31. Contribution statements will be mailed no later than January 31, SUMMER 2018 MISSION TRIP: June 16 23, 2018 Our congregation is connecting with Heart to Honduras to send a group to Quebradas de Agua, Honduras. We will be helping build a home, along with doing evangelism and outreach in the community. This group will be made up of students and adults, and cost for the trip will be $900 which covers your travel, lodging, and trip expenses. Heart to Honduras has worked to forge a connection that transforms communities in rural Honduras by investing in projects designed to empower and equip communities to transcend poverty. And all of it is centered around the church, mindful that community development, to be sustainable, must be holistic equally attuned to spiritual as well as physical needs. If you are interested in participating see Pastor Jonathan to register or get further information. Making a Difference: Feeding Hearts and Stomachs! Christmas Food Boxes November 26 December 18 To help meet a need in the community, we as a Church will once again be filling boxes of food for a Christmas holiday meal. If you d like to help, take home a box (which will have a shopping list attached to it) and return the box filled with all the food one family will need for their Christmas breakfast or dinner. These boxes are available in the narthex and need to be returned to the gym filled with food on Monday, December 18 from 4-6p. If you know of someone who needs food this Christmas season, please contact the Church office with their information.

3 more happenings NEW ONLINE CHURCH DIRECTORY Staying in touch is now easier than ever: 1. Go to your inbox and find a message from Karen Bryant with the subject Create Your First Church of God Account. Open the message and click Create Account. 2. Choose a username and password to create your account, then click Log In. 3. Go to My Profile and review your information. 4. Click on section header Main and add your birthday and anniversary date. Feel free to update any other information at this time as well. 5. Click on the blank user profile picture next to your name and upload a picture of your choosing. Try to make this profile picture a clear, close-up photo where your face is easily visible! If your family members are on the directory as well, click on the Family section header and upload a family photo as well. From there, you can quickly look people up and even print your own directory! If you need help setting up your new account please contact the church office ( or office@e1cog.com). There will be a sign up sheet in the commons for those who would like to have an in house printed directory. (This is NOT a professional directory - but a list of members for you to use.) RIGHT NOW MEDIA Don t forget to sign up for RightNow Media and get access to a HUGE library of faith-based videos (for kids, youth, parents, marrieds, singles ) that you can access whenever on your phone, ipad, computer, or at home on your TV. Contact the church office to get signed up. ATTENDANCE & GIVING FOR LAST MONTH 11/5 S.S. Attn. 130 A.M. Attn. 260 Offering Building Fund / / / Average Weekly Offering: $ 8, Average Offering Needed: $ 9, Faith Promise LOOKING AHEAD TO 2018: An update from Pastor Jonathan A number of years ago Rick Warren wrote a book called The Purpose Driven Church that examined the driving forces behind any church. Sometimes the primary driving forces of a congregation are tradition, or leader personalities, finances, programs, or events. However, Warren states that, what is needed today are churches that driven by purpose instead of by other forces. He goes on to say: Nothing precedes purpose. The starting point for every church should be the question, why do we exist? Until you know what your church exists for, you have no foundation, no motivation, and no direction for ministry. As we begin a new year our pastoral staff and Ministry Board are working to clarify our mission and vision. Here are three areas where we see God moving 1) Focusing on the transformation that Jesus brings to our lives and community: Our desire is to see transformed lives and communities through the love of Jesus Christ! 2) Implementing ministries that intentionally help people: Encounter Jesus Experience community Equipped to be a disciple who is a disciple maker Empowered for service 3) Establish clear milestones or measures that we want to reach: Through the congregational and community assessment process develop three to five specific ministry goals (needs) that we will focus on in the next several years. These three factors clarify our purpose which is centered on the transforming work of Jesus Christ, ministries that are devoted to making more and better disciples, and establishing short-term and long-term goals based upon the needs and concerns of our community. This is why we exist! This is the work and mission that God has for us in the new year!

GET CONNECTED Adult Sunday Boundaries Randy Bryant, Leader Room 205 Feel free to join the group as we learn from each other about how and how much God loves each of us.

4 GET CONNECTED Adult Sunday Boundaries Randy Bryant, Leader Room 205 Feel free to join the group as we learn from each other about how and how much God loves each of us. Common Ground Matt/Izzy Roberts & Bob/Mindy Brower, Leaders A class for those not too young, yet not too old where we will be studying Follow by Andy Stanley. Come & fellowship with others and learn to FOLLOW Jesus better. Meeting in Family Life Center. Growing in God s Word Roy Bowman, Leader Room 102 Studying: The gospel of Mark Men s Sunday Room 206 Studying: What it means to be a man: God's design for us in a world full of extremes Messiah s Misfits Bryan Scholl, Leader Room 204 Studying: the book of Ecclesiastes. Search for Significance Lynn Morey, Leader Room 103 Studying: SHAPE - these 6 sessions will help you develop your God-given design at home, at work, at church, and in your community in a way that extends God s love to others and enriches your own life immeasurably. Women s Sunday Amy Gevedon, Leader Rm 207 Studying: The Girl s Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs where you will encounter the story of Ruth in a whole new way. Adult Small Groups Mondays 7p in Room This group is studying out of the Old Testament. Facilitator: Joey Williams Tuesdays 6a in the Commons This men s group is studying the book of Mark. Great way to start the day! Wednesdays 6:30p in Room 102 This group is studying Romans. Facilitator: Joel Eck Thursdays 6:30p Home of Gerald & Carolyn Scholl (519 E. Wadsworth) This group is studying what the Bible says about Heaven and Hell. All are welcome! Facilitator: Carolyn Scholl Sundays 6p Home of Murray & Barbi Mann (161 Harry Circle, Eaton) Our group has began a study of the book of Mark. All are welcome to join us. Facilitator: Phyllis Martin SonFlower s NEWS ANNUAL COOKIE WALK The SonFlowers will meet on Thursday, December 7th at 6:30 pm for the Annual Cookie Walk. Please bring 3 dozen cookies and you will go home with 3 dozen assorted cookies!!! We will have a time of fellowship and sharing about your favorite Christmas memory. We will also have our drawing for the Secret Sister program for Forms are available in the Commons. Please give your form to Diana Brower or Stefanie Price if you wish to participate. SECRET SISTERS 2018 All of the ladies of the church are invited to participate in this ministry of caring and sharing with other sisters in Christ. When you choose to be a part of this, you will be given a sister that you will pray for and encourage. We ll be keeping our sisters' a secret; so don t let anyone know who you have. At the end of the program year, we will reveal our sisters. There is an information form for you to complete so your new 'sister' has some basic information about you. The forms will be available today in the Commons and need to be returned to the SonFlowers box in the Commons by Sunday, December 10th. Your new 'sister' form will be mailed to you before December 17th. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Brower or Stefanie Price BAKE SALES The SonFlowers are hosting a Bake Sale on Sunday, December 17th. Proceeds will benefit the Blanket Ministry and World Vision. Please sign up online to donate baked goods or help on Sunday Morning for the Bake Sale. WOMEN - Mark your Calendars!! On Saturday, February 24, 2018, the Eaton First Church of God will be hosting Melody Morris for Women's Journey 2018 from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Melody Morris is co-founder of Faith And Friends Radio, an Internet-based Christian radio station now heard in every country in the world. She serves as co-host and news anchor for New Day with Bill & Melody heard 6 to 9 weekday mornings. She has 23 years of experience in radio and television and over 38 years in management and public speaking roles. She has a marketing and public relations background with a business degree from Wittenberg University. Melody resides in the Dayton area with husband Bob. They have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and not to be overlooked - a Collie and a Newfie. Maggie Reckers will also be blessing us with her artistic talent. Breakfast (starting at 9 am) and lunch will be served. The cost is only $25 when paid by January 31 st. You can register on the church app or website. Mark your calendars and plan to join us on February 24th! If you have any questions, please contact Barb Leeth, Terri Shaffer, or Stefanie Price.

501 Youth OPEN HOUSE IN DECEMBER We re starting a new series called Who Needs Christmas! But seriously, who needs Christmas? Well, as it turns out, maybe we all do.

5 501 Youth OPEN HOUSE IN DECEMBER We re starting a new series called Who Needs Christmas! But seriously, who needs Christmas? Well, as it turns out, maybe we all do. In this series, we ll discover just how important the Christmas story really is for all of us. Students, we can t wait to have you join us! 501 CHRISTMAS PARTY! On Wednesday, Dec. 20th from 6:30-7:30pm, we will have our student ministry Christmas Party. You won t want to miss a night of fun, food, and celebrating the holiday together. We will have plenty of games and a white elephant gift exchange. Your gift to exchange must be something you already own or spend less than $5 on. Also, please plan to bring a $5 donation or more to put toward our December service project and a snack or dessert to share. Don t forget to bring your friends! SKI TRIP & WORSHIP EXPERIENCE It s time for our annual trek to Perfect North, on January 14th for a day of skiing, snow tubing, and hanging out with some awesome people! Information Packets are available in the youth room or in the Parent Facebook group online. Students and all adults must also attend the Worship Experience, on Saturday, Jan. 13th at 7pm, in order to attend the ski trip. The cost this year will be $65 for skiers, $45 for tubers, and $10 to just hang out with us for the day. Students must be signed up by Dec. 31st to be able to attend. MISSIONS SCRIP GIFT CARDS Gift cards can be purchased or ordered in the commons after Sunday. All purchases benefit our missions fund. LOVE PACKAGES To donate Bibles, books, CD s, videos, etc. to send overseas, please leave items in the container in the commons. COLD WEATHER SHELTER HOST The Preble County Emergency Cold Shelter will be available when the weather is forecast to be at 20 degrees or below from 7p to 7a. Hosts (individuals and couples) are needed to volunteer to stay the night at the shelter. Training will be provided to those willing to supervise. Contact HIT Foundation if you are interested ( or toni@hitfoundation.org). For more info on any of these events contact Tania Minton (kidmin@e1cog.com or ) KID K-MOTION WEDNESDAYS Our schedule will look a little different in the month of December due to Christmas break as well as our church's Christmas Celebration, "A Night In Bethlehem". The schedule will be as follows: 12/6 from 6:30-7:30p Christmas Party 12/13 from 6:00-7:30 Christmas Celebration rehearsals. (If you are not a part of the Christmas program you are still welcome to come and we will have some special activities planned.) 12/20 Christmas Break 12/27 Christmas Break 1/3/18 from 6:30-7:30p Kid K-motion resumes THANK YOU! As 2017 is coming to a close I want to make sure I say a quick thank you to all those that partner with me in ministry here at the Eaton First Church of God. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know. Thank you for giving your time to our kids and in service of our Lord Jesus Christ. May he bless you and your families this Christmas season and throughout the New Year! Tania WORSHIP ARTS MINISTRY A Night in Bethlehem December :00pm Christmas Program Rehearsal Dates For all volunteers (choir, station helpers, hosts, extras) 12/10 Christmas Program Tech Rehearsal, 6:00-7:30 12/13 Christmas Program Full Run-through, 6:00-8:00 12/14 Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal, 6:00-8:00 12/15, 16, 17 Christmas Program at 7:00!

6 December 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 7:30a Men s Breakfast 3 6p Small Group 4 7p Small Group 5 9a Keenagers Breakfast 6 5:30-6:15p Meal 6:30p Kid K-motion Christmas Party 6:30p Youth 7p Choir 7 6:30p SonFlowers Cookie Walk p Nursing Home Ministry 6p Small Group 6p Christmas Program Tech Rehearsal 11 7p Small Group :30-6:15p Meal 6p Christmas Program Rehearsal 6:30p Youth 14 6p Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal 15 7p A Night in Bethlehem 16 7p A Night in Bethlehem 17 7p A Night in Bethlehem *Bake Sale p Christmas Food Box Return 7p Small Group :30p Youth Christmas Party 6:30p Choir Christmas Party **No meal, or Kid K- motion due to the Christmas Holiday a 6p Carols & Communion There will be no meal, youth, Kid K-motion or choir rehearsal due to the Christmas Holiday a Keenagers Breakfast 3 5:30-6:15p Meal 6:30p Kid K-motion 6:30p Youth 7p Choir :30a Men s Breakfast 8:30a - 12:30p Blood Drive

To be the head, heart and hands of Jesus Christ, driven by God's love for our church and the world beyond. NEWS & NOTES.

To be the head, heart and hands of Jesus Christ, driven by God's love for our church and the world beyond. NEWS & NOTES. irwink@woh.rr.com From: Southminster Presbyterian Church Sent: Friday, December 21, 20181:38 PM To: irwink@woh.rr.com Subject: News & Notes for December 21, 2018 To be the head, heart