year. You did not bring me anything good the year before that. This is your last chance. Signed, Alfred."

Transcription

1 1 December 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters, I came across a collection of letters that children wrote to Santa Claus. Some of them were pretty good. One said, "Dear Santa, you did not bring me anything good last In This Issue year. You did not bring me anything good the year before that. This is your last chance. Signed, Alfred." Pastor Letter 1-3 But my favorite went like this: "Dear Santa, there are three little boys who live at our house. There is Jeffrey; he is 2. There is David; he is 4. And there is Norman; he is 7. Jeffrey is good some of the time. David is good some of the time. But Norman is good all of the time. I am Norman." Let s get cooking 4 Kids 5 Church Greeting 6 Christmas At If you could use one word to describe Christmas, what word would it be? Some Center Hill 7 folks would use words like headache, busyness, expensive, or even bothersome. To many people Christmas is just another day, only a little more expensive and a Youth News 8 lot more trouble. I have heard even Christians use these words to describe the December day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. How sad that an event that Calendar 9 brought so much joy in Heaven should bring so little joy here on earth. Looking Ahead 10 Let s take another approach to the Christmas Season, maybe we could begin this beautiful season of the year with a sense of joy, no matter how broke you are or how busy you are. Joy is like love- it is not merely an emotion, but a decision, and I believe you can be as joyful as you want to be. It s all in where you choose to put your focus. If you really want to have joy this Christmas season, let me suggest three places to focus your heart and mind. FOCUS ON J-ESUS (Gal. 2:20) In my favorite Christmas TV special, Charlie Brown asks if anyone knows what Christmas is about, and Linus recites the story of Christ s birth from Luke 2. Have we forgotten that Christmas is not primarily about us- our family, friends, church, presents- but about Him? One year a Christmas afternoon visitor asked five-year-old Ruth, "Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?" After a moment s hesitation, she answered, "No, but then it s not my birthday!" (Continued on Page 2) Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man--his unspeakable gift of His Son, and the gift of man to God-when we present our bodies a living sacrifice. Vance Havner

2 2 Isn t it easy to get so wrapped up in the celebration that we forget what it is we are supposed to be celebrating? The world does that. It has become politically incorrect to say Merry Christmas- they want us to say Happy Holidays or Merry X-mas. We have the Jewish day of Hanukkah, or the African celebration of Kwanza to compete for the place that belongs to the Son of God. But even without buying into the world s ways, you can forget what Christmas is all about by forgetting Jesus. Christian, focusing on Jesus means that we not only remember the Savior in the manger, but remember the Savior in your heart. Remember that this baby grew up and went to the cross to pay for your sins, that He rose again to give you a new life, and that He lives in your heart today to give you joy! Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. That surely should fill us with joy! FOCUS ON O-THERS (Acts 20:35) Focusing on Jesus should also help us develop the attitude that He told us would bring us joy which we find in: Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Paul quotes Jesus here to point out the joy of generosity. Christmas is the time we celebrate the most wonderful gift God has given us- Jesus. His focus in giving Christ to the world was His love for others, and He gave us an example that we too should be willing to follow. Joy does not come from getting all we can get from others, but in giving all we can give to others. It is this focus on others that will bring us joy. If you and I want to know joy at Christmas, then we must discover the joy of giving. Jesus said whatever you do to the least of these, you do for Him. If you want joy this Christmas, find someone in need, and in the name of Christ, give to them of your time and your treasures. The Bible says that you will find joy there by focusing on others instead of yourself. (Continue on Page 3)

3 3 FOCUS ON Y-OURSELF Yet, there is a sense in which you are to focus on yourself. Your own attitudes determine whether or not you will experience joy this year. You can let worry, stress, unforgiveness, or discouragement rob you of the joy of Jesus. Everyone struggles sometimes, but please understand - attitude is not automatic. You choose to allow these attitudes to rule you. How do I know? Because the Bible commands us not to allow these things to rule our lives, and God would not command us to do what we cannot (in His strength) do. Worry and stress? Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Unforgiveness? Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake hath forgiven you. Discouragement? 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. The fact is, you can be full of faith, or full of doubt- full of the Spirit s joy or full of the world s woe. Consider your thoughts- listen to your words- watch your actions and ask yourself- do I have the joy of the Lord, or am I wallowing in the mud hole of my own tears? I really like this quote: Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man--his unspeakable gift of His Son, and the gift of man to God--when we present our bodies a living sacrifice. - Vance Havner Have a Wonderful Christ-Filled Christmas, Pastor Don and Sister Ann.

4 4 Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts Ingredients: With Pastor Don 1 small wheel of brie (about 6 to 8 inches), chilled 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water 1. Score the side of a wheel of brie all the way around with a sharp paring knife. Cut directly on the "equator" through the rind. Using a long piece of string or dental floss, wrap the string around the brie on the newly made cut. Loop one end of the string over the other (a half knot). Then pulling the ends of the string in opposite directions, cut the brie in half. 2. Press the dried cranberries on one cut side of the brie, and the walnuts on the other. Quickly put the 2 sides back together with the cranberries on top of the walnuts. Press together and stuff back in any cranberries or walnuts that fell out. 3. Roll out a thawed sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place brie in center of pastry. Gently pull up edges to ensure you have enough dough to entirely wrap the brie. You can trim off the corners if there is too much dough. Brush the dough with the egg wash. Fold one edge of the dough over the brie and then the opposite side. Fold over the remaining edges and completely encase the brie. You can trim off excess pieces of dough, if necessary. Flip the brie over so the seam is at the bottom; gently press in the sides to snug the dough against the brie. Brush the top and sides of the wrapped brie with egg wash. 4. If you choose to decorate the brie with cut-out shapes of additional puff pastry, use very cold (almost still frozen) dough to ensure sharp lines. Lightly brush the decorative pieces with egg wash. Place the brie in the freezer for one hour (this is a crucial step; see note below). 5. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the center rack in preheated oven until it is browned and leaking cheese, about 20 minutes. (Only rarely does the brie not leak through, but 20 to 25 minutes is about how long it takes to melt the cheese and brown the pastry.) Cook's Note: Do not skip the freezing-for-one hour step. The crust needs to bake to a golden brown before the brie starts pouring out, so it must be partially frozen when it goes in the oven. If you happen to make it ahead of time, and put it in the oven frozen solid, then I'd lower the temp to 400, and give it an extra 10 minutes or so, or until the cheese is runny.

5 5 139 boxes were delivered from our church family this year. Thank you to the Pioneer Club and all that gave. Sunday, December 2 at 11:00 AM during Morning Worship. Invite your friends and loved ones.

6 6 Wishing you and your family... sweet moments to share, meaningful gatherings with those you love, and tender moments of joy! May you feel the wonders of His love this Christmas! Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy be yours in abundance. Merry Christmas, Pam Brumbaugh Each year we are reminded that Christmas isn't just about giving and receiving presents. Yet, if we honestly consider the heart of Christmas, it is, indeed, all about gift giving. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given, by the greatest gift-giver of all, our wonderful God and Father.

7 7 Christmas At Center Hill Ringing the Bell at Walmart on the grocery side. Stop by and say hello and give a buck or two. December 4, 9:00 11:00 AM A REMINDER to the MEN : The Annual Men s Fellowship Christmas Dinner will be held at Cabin Green Golf Course at 6:00 PM on December 6. ATTENTION LADIES: The Annual Women s Fellowship Christmas Party will be held at the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM on December 11. Plan on attending this evening of fun, sharing a meal & enjoying a good time of fellowship! All Church Christmas Banquet Reminder: The Christmas Banquet will be held Friday, December 7 at 6:30 PM at the Fellowship Hall. DON T FORGET TO BRING YOUR DESSERT TO SHARE! Please have your dessert already sliced. We will be taking up a love offering the evening of the banquet to help defray the cost. We hope to see you there!! ~~The Witness Committee Christmas Caroling. Everyone is welcome to be a part this special day of fellowship and spreading some Christmas cheer on Sunday, December 16. We will meet at the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM and set out on our journey to share some Christmas carols. After caroling we will all meet back at the Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Everyone is asked to bring a finger food to share. A Christmas Cantata entitled Mary Did You Know will be presented by the Center Hill Choir on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 11 AM worship service. Please don t miss it! Invite your loved ones and friends to worship with us this Christmas Season.

8 8 Our Youth Meeting Schedule for December will be: December 2 Foundation Study December 9 Activities December 16 Christmas Party at Pastors Home Bring your favorite snack and drink. December 23 No Youth December 30 No Youth God Can Do the Impossible for You The birth of Jesus was not just a difficulty; it was an impossibility. Mary was a virgin. Only God could breathe life into her womb. And just as God caused her to conceive the perfect, sinless Savior -- fully God, fully human -- he can accomplish through you, those things that seem impossible in your life.

9 Advent 4 Church Commission Children s Christmas Meeting Program Pioneer 6:30 PM Club & Youth 6:00 PM Full Board 7:00 PM Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart 9:00 11:00 AM Advent All Church Christmas Banquet 6:30 PM Choir 6:30 PM BS 7:30 PM Men s Fellowship Christmas Gathering Cabin Green 6:00 PM Woman's Fellowship Christmas Party 7:00 PM Pioneer Club & Youth 6:00 PM Choir 6:30 PM BS 7:30 PM Advent Choir Cantata Christmas Caroling 1:00 PM Pioneer Club & Youth 6:00PM 23 Advent 30 No Choir No Bible Study 24 Christmas Eve. 25 Christmas Candlelight Worship 11:00 PM New Years Eve New Years No Choir No Bible Study No Choir No Bible Study God Is With You, Closer Than Ever When you feel most alone, it may be the very moment when you are truly least alone. God is there in your darkest night and coldest wind. He may be so close you cannot see him, but he is there. And perhaps he has chosen this moment to pull you closer to him than you've ever been before.

10 10 Looking Ahead Remember to Mark Your Calendars The All You Can Eat Fundraising Breakfast sponsored by the Men s Fellowship will take place on January 19, February 16 & March 16, 2019 from 7 AM -11 AM. This fine and tasty breakfast is open to the public. Spread the word. Board Reports Are Due Church Board Carry- In Meal & Meeting is Monday, January 7 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All board reports are due in the church office no later than Wednesday, January 2. Thank you for your diligence in getting these reports to the church secretary as soon as possible. Affirmation Vote will take place on Sunday, January 6th during morning Worship Service. Then on January 13th we will hold a Deacon Consecration Service. The Deacon Board along with newly called, Denny & Mardell Blose, Kim Bowser, and Tricia Foster. We would like to say to all those who shared nomination and those who considered the call. Please be in prayer for all of our Deacons. Weather Related Cancellations Just a note to share. In case of bad weather both Choir and Bible Study will be cancelled by 1:00 PM. If you don t receive a phone call from Pam or Pastor Don, please don t hesitate to call the office if you have any questions.