Sunday, December 16 5:00 pm Chancel Choir Concert One Glorious, Silent Night Reception follows

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1 The newsletter is online!! If you would like to go paperless, please contact the church at and we will remove you from the mailing list. The Church Office will be closed December 24, 25 and 26. Special Dates to Remember December Sunday, December 2 - Potluck Lunch with Santa Saturday, December 8 - Clothing Ministry Saturday, December 8 - Christmas Musical Dress Rehearsal Saturday, December 8 - Holiday Parade (Bus) Sunday, December 9 - Children s Christmas Program Monday, December 10 - Clothing Ministry Monday, December 10 Evening Circle Celebration Friday, December 14 - Community Dinner Saturday, December 15 - Gingerbread Houses Sunday, December 16 - Chancel Choir Concert Monday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Services December 31 - Praying Church 216 N Main Street Suffolk VA Our Mission is to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing God s grace, love, and forgiveness. Our Mission is to Reach Out to Our Community and Our World. Our Vision: We Worship. We Disciple. We Serve. December 2018 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 33 Suffolk VA Suffolk Christian Church 216 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA invites you to join us for these special Christmas events: Sunday, December 9 11:00 am Children s Christmas Program A Country Christmas Sunday, December 16 5:00 pm Chancel Choir Concert One Glorious, Silent Night Reception follows 216 North Main Street Suffolk, VA Monday, December 24 6:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Program Monday, December 24 11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve and Communion Service visit us on Facebook

2 My Dear Friends, It's Advent time again! And Christmas is close upon us! Pastor s Corner How will we celebrate this year? Of course we have our traditions, which are so very important. And every now and then we might try a new activity or way to celebrate. Rev. Michael D. Halley But one thing, of course, never changes about this season: the coming of Almighty God in the flesh. How will you celebrate the Incarnation? May I suggest a few items? Above all, recover, renew, and reinforce your spirituality. Nothing is more important. Nothing. Then, live your spiritual life out in serving others. Second in importance. Get involved in a ministry. Night Stay, our Food Pantry, our Angel Tree, our Clothing Ministry, Coats for the Community, Meals on Wheels. Or some other ministry that reaches those in need. And undergird it all with prayer. Much prayer. On a personal note, Carmen and I want to thank you for allowing us to share this 23rd celebration of Christmas with you. You are such a blessing to us and we thank God for all of you every day. Love, Michael CONGRATULATIONS!! Alex Joyner Graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Health Sciences. She is currently enrolled in Sentara s School of Nursing! Suffolk Christian Church 216 North Main Street Suffolk, Virginia , (fax) office@suffolkchristian.org website: webmaster: webmaster@suffolkchristian.org Pastor. Rev. Michael D. Halley Music Director. Janet L. Rock Director of Children, Youth & Adult Ministries Priscilla G. Bunch Financial Secretary Dae R. Nixon Secretary..Amy Peterson Organist Mary N. Huber Pianist Carmen B. Halley Handbell Choirmaster Sean C. Bilby Custodian.Aaron Whidbee Security Attendant. Gary Williams Nursery Worker..Julie McBride Webmaster..Pat Hawn Audio/Visual Recorders Jonathan Martin, Edie Matthews, Tom Arthur and Jim Goben Schedule of Services Early Worship Service Sunday, 8:45 am Sunday School Sunday, 10:00 am Worship Service Sunday, 11:00 am Nursery provided for Regular Worship Services and Special Services Holy Communion every First Sunday Emerging Prayer Concerns Doris Cones (Sentara Heart Hospital)... (Obici Hospital) Prayer Concerns Mary Emily Dailey... Dorothy Judkins... Kasey Banton... Rita Redfern... P. J. Fowler... Becky & Jimmy Bradshaw... Bennie Powell... Charles Johnson... Jim Culliton... Julie Maschino & family... Margaret Saunders... Jack & Eloise Byrd... Lynne Garner... Sue Parr... Nita Wyatt... Tom Ashcraft... Tom Atkins... Peggy Hemphill... Mary Emily Dailey... Martha Young... Roy Pope... Margaret Heuberger... Margaret Smith... Ed & Sherry Roberts... Barbara Griffin... Jene Rountree... Mary Jane & Forrest Cathey... Sara Heuberger... Bobby Johnson... Wanda & Bryan Cadwell... Eddie Hawn... Jenny Smith... Kathleen & Kenny Wilson... Debbie Spivey... Steve Redd... Our Church Family... Unspoken Requests... Military Service Shaun Allen (USNR)... Austin Babb (USA)... Spencer Best (USMC)... Nathan Bresovic (USN)... Derek Causin (USN)... Brandon Gardner (USN)... Robert Hardey (USCG)... Nathan Marsh (USN)... Adam Reckley (USCG)... William Slack (USAF)... Matthew Stroup (USN) Our Missionaries Joyce & Jim White, Scripture Memory Mountain Mission, Emmalena, Kentucky; Supply & Multiply, Haiti (Christine & Chris Surber) Our College Students (Please send corrections and additions to the church office, ) Meghan Babb, Louisiana State University; Rebecca Bangley, Radford University; Kasey Banton, Tidewater Community College; Marissa Banton, South University; Abigail Bilby, George Mason University; Christine Comer, Northwestern University; Neal Davis, Old Dominion University; Tyler Edwards, George Mason University; Olivia Elliott, University of South Carolina; Shannon Griffin, South University; Caitlyn Hannah, Virginia Tech; Katelyn Herek, Tidewater Community College; Ashley Heuberger & Heather Heuberger, East Carolina University; Jacob Holland, Ferrum College; William Keyt, University of Virginia; Stephanie Laine, University of Alabama; Logan Masters, ECPI Nursing School; Diana McBride, Tidewater Community College; Mary Blythe McLaughlin, Greensboro College; Connor Munn, Longwood University; Simon Munn, James Madison University; Sarah Rhodes, Tidewater Community College; Will Rhodes, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Blair Ritter, James Madison University; Grace Smith, Belmont University; Nicholas Smith, Elon University; Emma Wyatt, Virginia Commonwealth University; Will Wyatt, University of Virginia Extended Family & Friends Prayer Concerns Randy Jones (brother of Calvin Jones)... Joshua Johansen (nephew of Scott Johansen)... Grace Ballard (wife of the Rev. Basil Buzz Ballard)... Helen Lowe (grandmother of Josh Worrell)... Dr. Steve Yowell (friend of Gary Munn)... Katie Lackey (niece of Gary Williams)... Darrell & Vickie Furr & family (friends of Shirley Talbert)... Steven Miller & Brian Smullen (friends of Gary Munn)... Phyllis Rush (friend of Shirley Talbert)... Vonita Williams (friend of our food pantry ministry)... Liam Conner (cousin of Vickie Wilson)... Ryan (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Rick Pearce & Family (NC flood victims & nephew of Judy Eure)... Richard (friend of Michael Halley)... Hannah Chase (daughter of Dr. Glenn Chase, DVM, & friend of Wanda Thorsen)... Jennifer McCoy (grand-daughter of June Hood & niece of Judy Eure)... Dianne Alexander (mother of Kirk Alexander)... Jesse Huddleston (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Linda Todd (classmate of Jim Thorsen)... Brian Ringgold (nephew of Beverly & Terry McGahee)... Mary Beth Gooden (friend of Mary Cones Coleman)... Ryan Upton (nephew of Nola Sam Giles)... William (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Deborah Smith (veteran friend of Michael Halley)... Kelly -Grier Ferguson Costin (friend of Sam Remy)... Lorrie (friend of Carman Goben)... Bouaja (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Steve Gilly (friend of Michael Halley)... Calvin Stanley (brother-in-law of Jane Marie & Jim Dailey)... Ashley & Steven Lance (friends of Pat Hawn)... Grace & Duane Lawrence (friends of Gary Munn)... Debra Stacey (veteran friend of Michael Halley)... Jean Brinkley (cousin of Beverly McGahee)... Chris Durand (friend of Michael Halley)... Samantha Bright (grand-daughter of Becky & Jimmy Bradshaw)... Shirley Mutter (friend of June Hood) Prayer of Praise At that time you will say, Praise the Lord and call out his name! Tell everyone what he has done and how wonderful he is. (Isaiah 12:2, ERV) Our Country Pray for all elected and appointed officials in the national, state, and local settings; pray for all uniformed and civil servants who keep us safe and secure. Pray also for the newly-elected officials as they take their respective offices. Skilled Care Concordia Nansemond Pointe: Doris Gardner (aunt of Priscilla Bunch); Autumn Care: Mary Parker; Lake Prince Woods: Chuck Kuehn Assisted Living Lake Prince Woods: Jackie Dudley; Harbor s Edge, Norfolk: Nancy Fulgham; Cedarfield, Richmond: Madelyn Howell; Chesapeake Place: Millie Strickland; Home Bound Everett Bagnell, Margaret Herring, Dorothy Judkins, Jane Pritchard, Vernon Taylor Our Christian Love & Sympathy to: Carman Goben and family, on the death of her cousin, Wayne Kamus, on November 19. The family of Natalie Joan Cones, who died on November 20, Prayer requests will remain on the list as space allows. If you wish to change, add, or delete a request, please call the church office at , or office@suffolkchristian.org.

3 January 2018 CAPS - $ February 2018 Food Ministry $ March 2018 Haiti Missions $ April 2018 Church Family Assistance - $ May 2018 Children s/youth Camp - $ June 2018 Scripture Memory Mountain Mission - $ July 2018 Supply and Multiply - $ August 2018 CAPS - $ September 2018 Night Stay Ministry - $ October 2018 Food Pantry - $ November 2018 Coats for Community - $325 December 2018 Veterans of the Cross Missions Dimes for Missions - $ Donations to the Food Ministry have been given by the West Memorial Bible Class, Afternoon Circle, and the Evening Circle. Recent events: Haiti Yard Sale - $787.51, Thanksgiving Pie Sales for Haiti Missions - $ Fall Bazaar - $2, Thanksgiving Dinner & Auction - Dinner Sales-$ Auction $1, Donation from Fellowship Committee Fund -$401 Stewardship Report We Are Walking By Faith through Commitment January November 2018 income - $308, January November 2018 expenses - $306, Pledges to date: 74 for $207, In Memory of Donations to the Memorial Fund in memory of Ginnie Richardson have been given by Jack and Billie Harry, Andrew G. Dunn, Jim and Paige Hill, Bill and Mary Ellen Richardson, Martha Elmore James, Aubrey Morgan and Barbel Fetkoter, and Bill and Roberta Powell. Donations to the Sarah Halley Education Fund in memory of David Wayne Halley have been given by Everett and Juanita Bagnell, Mills and Gin Staylor, and W. Richard Savage, III. A donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of Dean Carter has been given by John and Judi Lawson. In Honor of A donation to the Faith Forward Fund in honor of their teachers, Jimmy Judkins, Jim Thorsen, Shirley Talbert, Jim Goben and Alan Garner; and their pianist, Mary Huber, has been given by the West Memorial Bible Class Tithing Envelopes The 2019 boxes of tithing envelopes are available for pickup at the church in the vestibule area of the sanctuary on the second floor. If you are unable to pick yours up, please call the church office ~ ~ and we will be glad to place yours in the mail. If you did not get a box of tithing envelopes and would like a box, please let us know ~ dae.nixon@suffolkchristian.org. Help need for Clothing Distribution Suffolk Christian Church will host a free clothing distribution on Saturday December 8th from 9:00 am. to 11:00 am. and Monday December 10th from 2:00 pm. to 4:00pm. Will be Sorting Monday December 3 rd 6:00 PM Setup will be Friday December 7 th starting at 10:00 am. Help is needed for all the dates, especially on the distribution dates of December 8 th and 10 th. Also needed: Anyone who could distribute flyers or put up signs in areas where those needing this service are likely to see. Contact Deb Munn or epiqure@icloud.com or just show up! 29 th Annual Coats for the Community Drive by Beverly McGahee Once again our church is gearing up for our winter coats distribution. We are already starting to receive donations (indeed, we receive coats all year long!) Suffolk Christian Church members and the community have always been very supportive of this project and we are again asking for your help. Here are the ways: 1. Donate your gently used coats, sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens. Just bring them to church. 2. Consider purchasing a new coat for us. We ALWAYS (especially) need extra large sizes, as large as you can find! 3. We accept cash donations as well. Thank you for your yellow envelope contribution! 4. Help us set up the fellowship hall before distribution. (Date and time TBD) 5. Help us on either/or both distribution days, SAT., JAN. 5 from 9:00-1:00 and MON., JAN. 7 from 2:00-4:00. We guarantee you will leave with a warm feeling. 6. Help with clean-up that Monday afternoon. 7. And most especially, remember to pray for this project the workers, the contributors and the recipients. May the actions of each group truly bring honor and glory to God.

4 Congregational Invitation January 13, 2019 The Board of Deacons has invited the Carr Trrouble Band to provide the entertainment for our annual Deacon Dinner. This is a seven member band that plays religious music. They have great reviews and it should be a very special night. We would like to extend an invitation to our congregation to join us for this entertainment. Please mark your calendars for 6:30 PM, January 13, 2019, in the Fellowship Hall and come share this worship of God through music. Upcoming Circle Meetings Afternoon Circle Lunch Monday, December 3 12:00 pm Saints Alive Room Chicken will be provided, please bring your favorite side dish. Evening Circle Monday, December 10 6:30 pm Home of Elaine Abernathy Potluck dinner, Christmas Devotion and Gift Exchange For more information, contact Elaine Abernathy at CARE AND CONCERN The 2019 Care and Concern sign-up calendar for weekly contacts has been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. If you signed up for a week or more in 2018, would you please consider taking a week or more as a contact person in This would be so helpful in having all the weeks filled and would help our Weekly Contact Facilitators, Evelyn Jones and Beverly McGahee, not have to make so many phone calls asking for your help. Or if you were not able to take a week in 2018 but would like to take one in 2019, please contact Evelyn or Beverly or anyone on the Care and Concern Committee. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Report about fabric and yarn requested from Muriel Shumate Several months ago I asked for yarn to make caps and scarves and fabric to make ditty bags for the Portsmouth Baptist Association Port Ministry, for our Hatti ministry, and for the Portsmouth Baptist Associations Migrant ministry on the Eastern Shore. I received a lot of lovely fabric, out of which I made 146 ditty bags. Some of these have already found their way to Hatti, and the rest was to be divided between the Migrant Ministry and the Port Ministry. Upon contacting the one is charge, I found the Port ministry is no longer doing the ditty bags because they have had to give up their trailer at the Port due to the expense of operating it and they now have nowhere to store things. This gives us the opportunity to have more ditty bags for our Hatti ministry. It could be possible to make bags for men and children in addition to the women depending on what the ladies going want to do. If more is not needed for this ministry they will be given to the migrant ministry. A huge bag of yarn was donated. Some of this was not appropriate for men s caps. Baby yarn was sent to ladies knitting caps for premature babies in the hospital. Pastel colors, not appropriate for men, was donated to a lady knitting for a fund raiser at The Church of the Resurrection in Portsmouth, and novelty yarn was sent to Hatti for young people to use for crafts. So nothing is going to waste and is all being used for the Lord s work. I have knitted three sets of hats and scarves and have another in progress. What is not finished for this season will be saved for next year. In addition three boxes of yarn that was donated for our yard sale and not sold was passed on to me. I may be knitting the rest of my life! I will be glad to share with any knitters that would like to participate in this project. As you can see this is a church project and not a project of mine alone. It makes one feel good to know that sitting behind a sewing machine or knitting while I ride to the office is helping to share God s word all over the world, for ships from all over the world come into the Port in Portsmouth, and the hats and scarves are one way to show God s love and to give the minister an opportunity to minister to the sailors. The migrant ministry on the Eastern Shore ministers to the migrant workers who come in the summer to work the crops. Vacation Bible school is held for the children and the ditty bags as well as clothing and other needed items are donated to women and their families. Members of Baptist churches in Portsmouth volunteer their time to work with the migrants led by a minister who is in that location. Each year they have some that find Christ through this ministry. Thank you for donating fabric and yarn for God s work.

5 The ABC S of God A Congregational Challenge From the Prayer Team, written by Evelyn Jones Have you ever taken a few moments to think about the qualities or characteristics of God? We know that He is awesome, a blessing to each of us and a caring, loving God. The Prayer Team has focused on these attributes over the last few months and expanded our list. Our challenge was to name an attribute which began with a corresponding letter of the alphabet. We found this challenge to be both a learning experience and enjoyable. Our thought Let s challenge the congregation!! Beginning the first Sunday in January, we will have sticky note pads available in the pews. Along the back of the sanctuary, both downstairs and in the balcony, we will have tri-fold boards available with the letters of the alphabet. We will designate certain letters each Sunday and ask you to provide on the sticky note an Attribute of God. Either before the start of the service or immediately following the service, we ask that you place your sticky note on the boards under the corresponding letter of the alphabet. We also ask that if you know a Bible verse that goes with the attribute, that you add that as well. As an example: God is Good He is infinitely, unchangingly Kind and Full of Good Will, Psalm: 34:8 O, taste and see that the Lord is good. At the end of January, we will compile all of the attributes that our congregation has put together and Rev. Halley will share our thoughts during a sermon in February. Through this challenge it is our prayer that each of us can begin to wrap our minds around our awesome Creator and God. We hope each of you will join us. More information and details will be forthcoming during the month of December. ANGEL TREE The tags for our annual Angel Tree have been placed on the tree. When you take a tag off the tree, please put your name and phone # beside the # of your tag. You will need to return your wrapped gifts to the church on Sunday, December 9 th. Please keep in mind that if you do not return your gifts by December 9 th, you will have to deliver your gifts directly to Social Services. If you should have any questions, please contact Priscilla priscilla.bunch@suffolkchristian.org. One Glorious, Silent Night (The Night that Changed Everything) One silent night, One holy night, When all was calm, when all was bright; With no one to kneel and no one to see, Heaven came down and changed everything. Let all the earth receive her King! (lyrics from song One Silent Night (FFH). Please join us on Sunday, December 16 th - 5 p.m. as our Music Ministry presents a special celebration of Jesus birth on that glorious, silent night long ago. Our handbell choirs will present festive, seasonal music and our chancel choir will sing a variety of beloved carols and new melodies inspired by the events of that night. A nursery will be provided and our annual Christmas reception be held in the fellowship hall following the program. Plan now to attend - and bring someone with you! Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! Let earth receive her King! Gingerbread House Party Saturday, December 15 th 9:00 a.m. $5.00 to offset cost of a Gingerbread house, Royal icing, drinks, and snacks. Bring candies, sprinkles, small cookies, etc. to share for decorating the house. Order your gingerbread house by December 10 th. Contact Deb Munn

6 Christian Education News and Events submitted by Priscilla Bunch Children s Church We will not have Children's Church the 1st and 2nd Sundays of December. Children s Church is held in the Children s Dept. on the second floor. It is for Kindergarten through 2 nd grade. It usually is in the bulletin when the children leave the sanctuary during the service. The following members of our church have agreed to teach Children s Church. 1 st Sunday No Children s Church; 2 nd Sunday Kim Parr; 3 rd Sunday Sarah Rhodes and 4 th Sunday Diana McBride. Thank you to all of them for their dedication to the children of our church. Beginner s Dept. During the 11:00 am service, Claudia Salmon takes the children (ages 3 5) into the sanctuary. When the children leave for Children s Church, these children leave also and go the Beginner s Dept. located on the 1 st floor. They are given a snack/drink during this time. Any questions, please contact Priscilla Bunch via at Youth Bible Study 4:00 pm December 2 December 9 Children s Sunday School Classes We have a Nursery on the 1 st floor for infants 2 & 3 years of age. Julie McBride is our Nursery Worker each week. The Beginner s Dept. is located on the 1 st floor and is for ages 3 to 5 years of age. Kindergarten through 2 nd grade is located on the 2 nd floor in the Children s Department. The 3 rd 5 th grade class is located on the 2 nd floor also in the Children s Department. Youth (grades 6 through 12 and college age) is located on the 3 rd floor in the Youth Room. Please bring your children to Sunday School each week. We have teachers prepared to teach each Sunday morning. Any questions, please Priscilla Bunch at THE VOICES OF CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS MUSICAL DRESS REHEARSAL Saturday, December 8 th at 10:00 am If your child/youth is in the Christmas Musical on Sunday, December 9 th, please bring them to practice on Saturday, December 8 10:00 am. If you are not sure what your child/youth should wear for the musical, please see Sara. VOICES OF CHRISTMAS WILL BE PRESENTING A Country Christmas With a City Twist-Mas Our children and youth will perform on Sunday, December 9 th during the 11am worship service. We pray this musical will remind us all that no matter our backgrounds or how different our cultures seem, we can confidently embrace our differences all because a baby came into the world! Please try to have your child/youth at the practices. The children will have practice on Saturday, December 8 10:00 am. Thanks for your support and if you should have any questions, please contact Sara Keene. Church wide Christmas Potluck Lunch Sunday, December 2nd The Board of Christian Education will be sponsoring our annual party on Sunday, December 2nd, immediately following the 11:00am worship service. The BoCE will provide fried chicken & beverages. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share with everyone. We will have a special visitor attending after lunch. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside of the church office. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Priscilla priscilla.bunch@suffolkchristian.org. Please make your plans now to attend everyone is invited.

7 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD We delivered 21 boxes to Southside Baptist Church this year. Thank you to everyone who prepared a box this year. I would like to place poinsettias in the church in honor of or in memory of a loved one. They will be ordered by and delivered to the church. The cost is the same as last year, $12.00 each. Deadline to place your order is Monday, December 10. No orders will be accepted after that deadline. In Honor/Memory of: [Circle one] Given by: Please make your check payable to: Suffolk Christian Church and mark it Poinsettias [If mailing, please send to:] Suffolk Christian Church Attn: Cheryl Ashcraft 216 North Main Street Suffolk, VA The Christmas season is approaching quickly and it s time to be thinking about placing your order for Christmas greenery and poinsettias. If you would like to place an order for any of the items listed below, in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please contact Cheryl Ashcraft at Deadline for all orders is Monday, December 10. No order will be accepted after that deadline. Outside Front Wreaths SOLD 2 Upstairs Balcony Wreaths $65 each 2 Inside Front Column Wreaths SOLD 1 Side Foyer Arrangement SOLD 1 Huntboard Arrangement SOLD Piano/Organ Arrangement SOLD Upstairs Foyer Arrangement SOLD 1 Downstairs Newel Post Swag SOLD 2 Wreaths North Entrance Columns SOLD 2 Wreaths North Entrance Doors SOLD 2 Wreaths Iron Gates Front Entrance SOLD 2 Wreaths Iron Gate Walkway $25 each 17 Boxwood Wreaths Outside Windows $25 each North Foyer Arrangement SOLD North Second Floor Foyer Arrangement SOLD Wreath Beside Office Door SOLD Miscellaneous items ( greens, Ribbons, wire, etc.).. SOLD 8:30 a.m. December 17 Articles submitted after that date may not make it into the newsletter. Suffolk s Annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 8 th at 7:00 pm The children and youth will be participating in the parade this year. We will have some walking and some riding the church bus. We will decorate the bus. I will send an to all parents once I attend the participant meeting. I have requested 5 drop off passes. Please let Priscilla know if your child/youth would like to participate as soon as possible Acolyte Festival Washington National Cathedral

8 Suffolk Christian Night Stay Update Cheryl Griffin This year s Night Stay season begins the end of this month! Suffolk Christian is scheduled to host January and March Please mark your calendars and sign up ASAP so you can get the dates you want! We will have a volunteer training session for our church prior to our hosting in January. The tentative date for this is Sunday, January 13 immediately after church. Please plan to stay for a few extra minutes after the service. I am excited to see what God has in store for our church this year! We have had many people looking for shelter already. These cold nights have been hard on our homeless population. We are definitely seeing an increase in the elderly and children and many are working homeless. Very sad. I can t wait to have a warm, safe place to offer them at night! Please see the article about Christmas week and sign up if you can! Thanks to all of you for your help and support!! The Churchwide Fellowship Committee would like to thank everyone who attended the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and auction. Proceeds from the auction were $1,599, and as you recall these proceeds will be sent to Rick and Cheryl Pearce, nephew of Judy Eure who lost their house and its contents during Hurricane Florence. Churchwide Fellowship will be adding $401 for a total of $2,000 that will be sent to the Rick and Cheryl. Our prayers continue for them as they continue recovering from the flooding. Bread Ministry We continue to pick up Panera's left over bread and pastries on each Monday night. While most of this bread is used for the Food Pantry this is also a wonderful way to remember a church member, friend, or neighbor, etc. If you would like a loaf of bread or some pastries to take to someone who is sick or in need or just to let them know you are thinking of them please contact Cheryl Ashcraft at or cherylashcraft316@gmail.com so it can be saved for you. The items would be available to be picked up on Tuesday morning at the church. Greetings to all Night Stay participating churches! I wanted to update you all on our Christmas week of Night Stay. We do not have a church signed up to host, so we are combining efforts. First Baptist Church has graciously allowed us to use their facilities for this. Each night will be taken by a different church coordinator and volunteers will be needed throughout the week for night shifts, and for providing meals (supper, breakfast and bagged lunches). If your church is hosting one of these nights, please check with your coordinator and see if there is something you can help with. If you can t help on that night, please offer your services for another night. We still need a coordinator and/or church for the nights of the 22 nd, 24 th and 25 th. I m sure Christmas Eve and Christmas night will be our hardest shifts to fill. If you are available to work either of those nights, please let me or your church coordinator know. The first shift is from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. and the second one is from 12:30 a.m. until 7 a.m. If you do not have small children, Christmas eve gatherings, etc., please consider helping on those nights. What are we as Christians demonstrating to our homeless when we can t provide them with a warm, safe place and food because we re too busy decorating, shopping, and preparing for the birthday of Christ? Have we truly lost the spirit of Christmas? When God s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 Bring your family to volunteer for a few hours and make a new Christmas tradition! Remember that our shelter may be the only time that some of our guests will see the inside of a church or feel the love of Jesus. What kind of example of Christ do we want to show them through us and through our church? What kind of example of Christ do you want to set this Christmas? Please consider taking a few hours of your time to give our Suffolk homeless population food and a warm, safe place to stay during one of the holiest seasons of the year. Peace, and God bless you all! Cheryl Griffin CAPS Night Stay Administrator When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because the inn was already full. They ended up spending the night in a stable, a place where animals were kept. There was probably fresh hay on the floor that they used for beds. That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:14