From Pastor Carl s Desk By Pastor Carl Billings

Transcription

1 October 2016 From Pastor Carl s Desk By Pastor Carl Billings Now if the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:14b I was going to write on a different subject for my newsletter, but I had numerous people talk to me about the Belong sermon in the Bless, Belong, Believe series and say that it is a sermon than needs to be heard by the whole congregation. So for this month s newsletter I am writing a synopsis of the sermon. When it comes to faith, we take belonging too lightly in our culture. We belong to all sorts of things that are trivial and meaningless. So what does it mean to belong to the Church? It is a serious commitment. It is more on level of a long term contract or wedding vows. Paul makes three things very clear to the Corinthian Church: Belonging to the body is a perpetual affair. Belonging to the body of Christ is belonging for life...god has claimed us and he means for us to be a part of his body. Now if the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. You can t easily cut up your membership card and leave the body of Christ. Christ will not let you go. In fact, leaving the body is always like cutting off your foot or slicing off your ear. As the children reminded us, it is messy and painful. Belonging to the body is a personal affair. Psychologists and other mental health authorities tell us that one of the deepest needs of people is to belong. It is right after food, water and safety. God has created us with need to belong. Church was never meant to be religious entertainment where you come to get your God fix. It means getting to know people, other Christians, and not just in a superficial way over coffee and donuts. Rather, in a deep way, to support one another, to love one another, to speak truth to one another, to forgive one another. That is important. It is that personal aspect that is so important in helping each one of us discover our full life in Christ. It is a little bit like marriage, which is the deepest Christian relationship that I have. I have been married over thirty years and that deep significant relationship has done more to help me to grow up in my faith as we have cried together, rejoiced together, and faced challenges together. The same is true for many of you. That is why, by the way, that leaving is like losing a hand. Belonging to the body is always a personal affair. Belonging to the body is a purposeful affair. God has fashioned you, claimed you as a child and made you a part of his body for a purpose. Here is Paul again, in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. God placed you in this body of a purpose. Now I am talking Big P purpose. You have a lot of purposes, roles and goals in your life but there is also an overarching purpose. As you grow closer to Jesus, as you become more coordinated as a member of the body you discover that purpose. Well that is brief synopsis of the sermon. If want to hear the whole sermon log onto our website and listen. In Hope and Joy, Pastor Carl October 2016 page 1

2 IN THIS ISSUE Pastor Carl 1 Contact Information 2 Vision Statement & Values 2 Pastor La 3 Youth Ministry 4 Children s Ministry 5 20/20 Vision Cottage Mtgs 6 Sisterhood Women 6 Men s Ministry 6 Amazing Grays 6 Learn & Grow 7 Service Opportunities 8 Reflections 9 Financials 9 October Calendar 10 Have an announcement for the bulletin or newsletter? Please Patsy Cesare, Administrative Assistant at Patsy.Cesare@discoverchurchnetwork.org Bulletin Deadline: Noon on Wednesdays Newsletter Deadline: Noon on the 3rd Friday CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION Discover Church st Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN Office Phone: Fax: info@discoverchurchnetwork.org Website: discoverchurchnetwork.org Pastoral Care Phone: Church Office hours: Monday Thursday: 9AM-3PM Friday: 9AM Noon Staff Pastor Carl Billings, Senior Pastor Ext 13 Pastor La Andriamihaja, Associate Pastor Ext 12 Pastor Jonathon Brandon, Youth Pastor Ext 14 Joe Gerber, Worship Director Ext 21 Christy Grigor, Children s Director Ext 18 Jessica Kuhn, Business Manager Ext 10 Sara Brandon, Director of Hospitality Ext 23 Patsy Cesare, Office Administrator Ext 11 Bud Larson, Custodian Discover Church Vision Statement: Inviting all people to discover their full life in Christ Discover Church Values Discipleship is a Priority Inspired by the Living Word Spirit Charged Culture of Forgiveness Ordinary People Serving an Extraordinary God Vision for World Mission Ethnically Diverse Rooted in Our Communities Reaching Out October 2016 Page 2

3 From Pastor La s Desk Pastor La Andriamihaja I don t know when, where or who started the tradition, but among Evangelical type congregations, the month of October is dedicated as Pastor Appreciation month. Although I have nothing against such wonderful tradition and in the past have been greatly blessed by it, this year I d like to turn it around and make the month of October a Church Appreciation month at Discover Church. One of the ways that we will show our appreciation for our church and congregation is by having members and regular participants at Discover Church attend one of the several Cottage Meetings planned throughout the month of October in the homes of some of our Small Group ministry members. By attending a meeting, we ll learn and get excited about what God is doing and will continue to do through our congregation. But most importantly, we ll continue to learn and be challenged to be good stewards of the many blessings God showers upon us. I want to thank the various households who ve stepped up and are willing to host these Cottage Meetings. In addition, I want to thank the Regional Captains of our Discover Neighborhood Small Groups for promoting and asking Small Groups to consider this awesome opportunity to host and show our appreciation to our congregation. I hope to see you at one of these Cottage meetings. Another way to show our love and appreciation to our church is by coming together on Saturday, Oct. 8 th for an All Church Work Day a time when we ll join hands and take care of the wonderful facility and grounds that God has blessed us with. I know that there are many in our congregation who have been waiting for the chance and the opportunity to give of their time, talents and skills, above and beyond their tithe and offerings all for the good of the church and God s Kingdom. Well friends, this is it! Let s come and meet at church on Saturday, October 8 th (9:00 a.m. - Noon), and we ll tackle the long list of things that need our attention both inside and outside of our church facility. So dress accordingly and bring your work-gloves, yard tools (rakes, pruning hooks, chainsaw, etc.), and your tools for housecleaning. Now, it is my hope and expectation that we d continue to show our appreciation of our church beyond the month of October. To that end, I am planning to make these All Church Work Day events happen once a month on the first Saturday of each month (unless there s something pre-scheduled that will prevent it). So on November 5 th, plan to come to the All Church Prayer time in the Sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. and immediately following that we ll go right into the All Church Work Day. See you soon! Peace and Blessings Pastor La October 2016 page 3

4 Youth Ministries Pastor Jonathan Brandon, Director Wednesday Night Small Groups Small groups are for 7-12 grade youth on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm. We have a time for fun and fellowship and then break into groups and focus on sharing life experiences, diving deeper into God s Word and a time of prayer. New Sunday Morning Education Hour 7th 12th Graders, join us for the Education Hour in the youth room. Come check out a brand new format that includes discussion, Bible study, music and fellowship. Here are the topics we will be discussing in October: Jonah: Big Fish, Small Man In this four-week message series covering the story of Jonah, students will have each chapter broken down. There is a ton to learn from the life of this run away prophet, and we can learn about how gracious and compassionate God is at the same time. October 2nd - Week 1: Chapter 1 - God is pursuing us even if we are not pursuing Him, and He calls us to something greater. October 9th - Week 2: Chapter 2 - When we get alone with God, He speaks to us in ways that will change our lives forever. We will look at the confessions of Jonah in the belly of the beast. October 16th - Week 3: Chapter 3 - God is a God of second chances, and when we begin to obey God and His ways, He begins to move in even bigger ways. October 23rd - Week 4: Chapter 4 - We realize that the book of Jonah is not really about Jonah; it s all about God and how great and compassionate He is. October 30th - Guest Speaker Journey Confirmation The Journey Confirmation program will be returning on October 9th from 6:30-8:00pm in the youth room. All 7-9 graders are invited. Friday Night Live Friday Night Live is a monthly fun and fellowship event for 7-12th graders. FNL will be kicked off on October 14. Bring your friends! It s free! Summer 2017 Youth Mission Trip: We are excited to announce that we will be traveling to Mount Hope, West Virginia from July 8th - 16th, Our group will have the opportunity to serve in one of the poorest regions in the state of West Virginia. Through construction based projects ranging from painting, building decks, installing siding and drywall, and re-roofing homes we will minister to local homeowners who are in desperate need of love. The need is evident in this mountainous community and our group can play a huge part in what the Lord is doing next summer in Mt. Hope, WV. The parent information meeting will be at 6:30pm on Wednesday, October 12 the youth room. Info packets are available outside the youth room. For more information about the Youth Ministry at Discover Church, contact Pastor Jonathan at jon.brandon@discoverchurchnetwork.org or (763) October 2016 Page 4

5 Children and Family Ministries Christy Grigor, Director 10:30 Family Service Childcare Volunteers Needed Each Sunday during the Family Service we have around 5-8 children who are checked into childcare during the service. Please consider serving as a helper for this MINISTRY! Children simply play and need supervision. There are no lessons! Contact Christy Grigor by calling the church office, or ing her at: Christy.grigor@discoverchurchnetwork.org. to sign up as a once a month helper. Jesus DID call us to serve one another!!! Family Hayride Saturday, October 15 th will be our annual Hayride at Bunker Stables. Cost per person is $4 and includes a Hayride, campfire style meal of hotdogs, chips and lemonade and S mores. Please sign up at the table outside Faith Hall and pick up a Waiver form that must be filled out per family. Checks can be written to Discover Church and either given to Christy, or in the offering. Please write, Hayride in the memo! This is always SO MUCH FUN! Parenting from the Love of God: Sundays October 30 to November 20th During the Education Hour I will be teaching a class that will equip ANY people with influence over children. Understanding the nature of the Love of God and learning how it is applied to us helps us be better influencers of the children God places in our care. It can also help us be secure followers of Christ! Bring your Bibles and be prepared to learn, talk, share, pray and grow. Upcoming Events: Bunker Park Family Hayride: Saturday, October 15 Roller Gardens Family Skate Night: Saturday, November 12 Children s Christmas Concert: Sunday, December 11 Children s Ornament Party: Saturday, December 17 SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN S MINISTRY CLASSES Nursery, 6 weeks to age 3 A staff that LOVES babies, and special developmental toys for the many stages of interest for babies to toddlers is our strength. Mouthed toys are washed weekly. Special snacks for babies and toddlers, as well as sippy cups are used each week. The highest standards of safety are maintained. Your child will feel loved, safe and cared for. 3 s Class This class is taught by a seasoned veteran and has a wonderful routine. Puppets, plenty of helpers, snacks, activities and a fantastic array of children s toys will initially encourage your child. Nurture, Bible Time, snacks, crafts and play make this a favorite time for our current children. 4 s & 5 s Class This class is for ages 4 years to Kindergarten. Opening activities, Bible Time, group activities, snack time and a craft time are the Sunday routine. Allowing time for our children to play together is also part of the Sunday routine. Children learn the basic foundations of faith in units that last about a month. Boys 1st and 2nd Grade Class Lessons that are a foundation to our faith are taught with a healthy mix of object lessons, activities and teaching that boys of this age can understand. Girls 1st and 2nd Grade Class Lessons that are a foundation to our faith are taught with object lessons, songs, crafts and relational ministry. Combined Boys and Girl's 3rd and 4th Grade Foundational lessons of faith are taught with object lessons, activities and games. More emphasis is put on life application through prayer, discussions and relational ministry. 5th and 6th grades Boys and Girls have their own classes that suit their interests. Both classes are taught by wonderful, seasoned, caring teachers. These classes challenge our 56ers to grow up in the expression of their faith. Couches, tables, and a comfortable environment will welcome your child. For more information about Children s Ministry contact Christy Grigor in the church office at ext: 18 or by at Christy.Grigor@discoverchurchnetwork.org October 2016 page 5

6 Stewardship Cottage Meetings 20/20 Vision Cottage Meetings Welcome to 20/20 Vision! Discover Church s new 3 year financial plan. We have a vision for long term financial security and growth as well as short term goals to help us get there! Our 2017 focus will be A Place to Build Your Home, so what better place to share the vision than in the homes of some of our members! We are offering 7 different cottage meetings throughout the month of October to share the details of this stewardship campaign. We hope everyone will attend one of these meetings and discover God s kingdom vision for Discover Church! Please see the list of cottage meeting dates and locations below. Childcare will be available at the two meetings held at Discover Church. Light refreshments will be served at each meeting. Please fill out the registration slip in the bulletin and place it in the offering plate or contact the church office to register. Thursday, October 6 7:00pm Kevin & Debbie Kropp s house th Place N Maple Grove, Mn Friday, October 7 7:00pm Truman & Jean Hansen s house Xavis St. NW Coon Rapids, MN Wednesday, October 12 7:00pm Discover Church childcare available Sunday, October 16 Noon Discover Church childcare available Sisterhood Women s Ministry Holiday Tea and Concert: Join us on Sun, November 20 at 2:00pm at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Maple Grove for a holiday tea and concert. Cost is $15 and includes light sandwiches and desserts. Meet at church at 1:00pm to carpool. To order tickets contact Tarri Nelson at More information is available at the ministry desk. Community Care Groups Life After Loss: This grief group meets on the last Sunday of each month in the Chapel at 10:30am and deals with all kinds of loss, including illness, divorce, and job loss to name a few. Call Nancy at or Bob at with questions. Prayer Shawls: Know of someone who is having surgery, or has other physical or spiritual needs and would appreciate a prayer shawl? These shawls are made with loving care and prayed over for the recipients. Contact Barbara Horn at or contact the church office for more information. Monday, October 17 7:00pm Paul & Vicki Halvorson s house (must be able to walk down stairs) 7212 Morngan Ave N Brooklyn Center, MN Monday, October 24 7:00pm Dave & Rhonda Dalbey s house 9013 Cambridge Ave. N Brooklyn Park, MN Wednesday, October 26 7:00pm Bob & Cheryl Norman s house 1830 Irving Ln. N Brooklyn Center, MN Men s Ministry Thursday Night Bible Study: All men are invited to join us on Thursday nights at 7:00pm for a Bible study, prayer and fellowship. For more info contact Chad Murray at chadderinmn@gmail.com or Weekly Prayer Meeting: Every Saturday morning at 9:00am. All men are invited. Amazing Grays Brunch Bunch: Join us for brunch together on Sunday, October 2nd at 9:30am at Perkins in Osseo. Everyone is welcome! Feed My Starving Children: We ll be serving at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids on Thursday, Oct 6 at 9:15am. Lunch to follow. Sign up on the bulletin board. Harvest Pot Luck: On Thursday, October 20th at 11:00am we will meet in the foyer for a potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share. For more information contact Elaine Sorensen at or Carol Pahl at October 2016 Page 6

7 Opportunities To Learn And Grow Join us for a Bible Study series called Primeval Promises, a study of Genesis 12-50, lead by Pastor Carl on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am in the foyer. All are welcome! EDUCATION HOUR CLASSES SUNDAYS 9:15am Through October 23 The Heart of the Gospel A study of Galatians taught by Pastors Carl & La Beginning October 30 Parenting From The Love Of God Taught by Children s Minister, Christy Grigor And A Christian Response to Confusing Times taught by Pastors Paul and Renee Spaulding Spiritual Gifts Class Discover your God given gifts! Learn how God has gifted you to serve and build up the Body of Christ in this Spiritual Gifts class lead by Sue Schwedler. Get connected with at least one Discover Church ministry where you can serve using your gifts! Cost is $10. To register please sign up at the ministry desk or contact Sue at Different Offerings To Choose From: Offering #1 Wednesdays at 6:30-8:30pm Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 9 & Nov 16 Offering #2 Thursday, Oct 27: 6:30-8:30pm Saturday Oct 29: 9:00am-3:00pm All Church Prayer Every first Saturday of the month at 9:00am Saturday, November 5 Monday Nights In October and Novenber 6-8pm FPU is a 9 week course that will teach you how to get out of debt, create a budget that works for your family s needs and plan for your financial future all from a Biblical perspective. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken this course with great success! Register online by going to SAVVY SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING What Baby Boomers Need To Know To Maximize Retirement Income Thursday, October 6, 4:30pm & 6:30pm Family of God Lutheran Church If you were born before 1954, recent legislation affected some Social Security strategies. Join local Thrivent rep Brett Koopman for a free session for those in or nearing retirement, including info on the new law. The seminar will cover: Social Security and strategies for maximizing your benefits. The ideal time to apply for Social Security. Ways to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits. To register please call or toni.hohenstein@thrivent.com or go to Thrivent.com/ findaworkshop. DISCOVER MEMBERSHIP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 11:45AM Are you interested in membership at Discover? Or maybe you just want to learn more about the church. Come to this informal class where you will discover the information you need. Meet the Pastors and staff and have the opportunity to ask questions. Lunch is provided. Please sign up at the Ministry Desk or call the church office to sign up. October 2016 page 7

8 Opportunities To Serve BLOOD DRIVE THE LIFE YOU SAVE By: Paul Halvorson In October 2010, I entered the Bloodmobile in the Discover Church parking lot, planning to donate blood as I had done many times before. Here s my story. The technician looked up and said I would not be able to donate because my pulse rate was too low. I was very surprised, thinking if anything my pulse rate was high. No, she said, having listened twice, my pulse rate was 44 and 48. My annual physical was scheduled in the near future, so I kept daily records of my pulse rate and brought them along to the exam. My doctor was also surprised, saying his testing showed nothing unusual. But a remote monitor worn for 24 hours did. The end result for me was installation of a pacemaker on November 10, As a result, I have a special place in my heart for the Discover Church blood drive. This is a service opportunity that has been coordinated by the Amazing Grays for many years. The next Bloodmobile opportunity will be Sunday, October 23. The coordinators are concerned that participation has been declining. Let s reverse the trend! Sign up opportunities will be available the Sundays before the 23 rd. Let s fill up the time slots! It s a painless (relatively) way to help others, and, in addition, the life you save, well, you know the rest. UNION GOSPEL MISSION ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 7:30am-11:30pm PLEASE SIGN UP ON OCTOBER 16TH THANKSGIVING FOOD BAGS We will be filling Thanksgiving bags for Union Gospel Mission again this year. Starting on Oct 16 you can pick up the shopping list of items needed to the fill bags. You can also make a cash donation and we will shop for you! Last year we collected 515 bags. Our 2016 goal is 600! Help us reach our goal and serve families in need in our community! NEW MEAL MINISTRY We are starting a new ministry that will bless our members with meals in the event of a new baby, surgery or illness. We need volunteers who know how to cook as well as those who don't. It doesn't really matter what you make (or buy) because, when you provide a meal for a family, you are showing them Christ's love and compassion. If you are willing to be contacted when a need arises, contact Sara Brandon at sara.brandon@discoverchurchnetwork.org or sign up at the ministry desk. BROOKLYN PARK CONNECT Brooklyn Park has up to 25 new homes purchased each week. You can be a part of a monthly blessing to our city and new residents in our community. Help us deliver welcome packs from the city of BP that include an invitation to Discover Church! We meet the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30am at Brooklyn Park City Hall. Our next outing is Saturday, October 15. For more information contact Andy & Mary DeMorett: or Dave & Rhonda Dalbey: SATURDAY OCTOBER 8 9:00am - NOON We need your help with some cleaning & maintenance projects inside and outside the building. Many hands make light work so please consider giving a few hours of your morning to help keep the church building and grounds looking great! Sign up at the ministry desk or contact Pastor La for more info. Volunteers Needed For Childcare During 10:30am Service Each Sunday during the Family Service we provide childcare for children 6 wks 5 years old. Please consider serving as a helper for this MINISTRY just once a month! Children simply play and need supervision. There are no lessons! To volunteer, pleasecontact Christy Grigor in the church office or Christy.grigor@discoverchurchnetwork.org. October 2016 Page 8

9 Reflections October 2016 Devotion II Timothy 4:7-8 Paul felt his time was coming to an end. He wrote to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, finished the race. I have kept the faith." Timothy was, by Paul's admission, like a son to him. He had no one else like him, he said. A very deep friendship and one that was trustworthy and also shared his precious faith. We may be young with many years left. Or old. We don't know when God will call us home. Very important to live each day as if it might be the last! It is especially wonderful when we have an idea of what awaits us. Paul is waiting for the crown of righteousness that he will receive. Not because he is so perfect but because he is loved by the righteous Judge. He also knows that his sins are forgiven by his beloved Jesus. How great to know that a crown is laid up for us, to be received when in fact our work is over and complete.. I am who I am Because of the Great I Am I can do what I can do Because of who I am in Him He knows my every whim He knows my every sin He will always understand He helps you take the land Do what you should do to Him always be true I am who I am Because of Him...The Great I Am By Jean Hansen Dear heavenly father, what a marvelous "lay-away plan." We look forward to receiving such a crown on that Day from You. Praise the Lord! Holy Hugs, Nancy Brown Stewardship and Financials Financial Report through September 25, Annual Budget 943,476 Year-to-Date Budget 707,607 Year-to-Date Offerings 640,668 Year-to-Date Actual Spending 654,905 Year-to-Date Actual Cash Over / (Shortage) (14,237) Simply Giving Electronic Giving Program The Simply Giving Program, endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union, is an auto-withdrawl program. You determine what amount and how often you want to give and your contribution will be automatically transferred to Discover Church. Go to discoverchurchnetwork.org and click on give to set this up, or call the church office for more help. Discover gives 10% of our yearly income toward these missions and ministries: International Student Fellowship YWAM Todd & Vickie Hedgepeth Wycliffe Bible Translators - Chuck & Cheryl Liesch China Outreach Tom & Kathy Lindstrom World Mission Prayer League Jeff & Kathy Dahl Guyanese Outreach Ruth Singh South American Missions Greg Dahl NICO Dinesh Chand Hope Lutheran, Madagascar Realife Church TeamServe Ethopia Disaster Relief Madagascar Seminary Street Level Ministry Teen Homeless Shelter (Avenues) Beacon Interfaith Housing October 2016 page 9

10 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:00 All Church Prayer Mtg 9:30 NCD Workshop 2 8:00 Traditional 9:15 Ed. Hour 10:00 Contemp. 10:00 Amazing Grays Brunch 3 9:00 Quilters 6:30 FPU 4 6:30 Sisterhood Bible Study 5 9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Youth Small Groups 6 9:15 Amazing Grays 7:00 Men s Bible Study 7:00 Cottage Mtg 7 7:00 Cottage Mtg 8 9:00 Men s Prayer Mtg 9:00 Church Work Day 9 8:00 Traditional 9:15 Ed Hour 10:30 Contemp. 6:30 Youth: Journey 10 6:30 FPU 11 6:00 Stewardship Committee 6:30 Sisterhood Bible Study 7:00 Church Council 12 9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Youth Small Groups 7:00 Cottage Mtg 13 6:30 Quilters 7:00 Men s Bible Study 14 7:00pm Youth: Fri Night Live 15 9:00 Men s Prayer Mtg 9:30 BP Connect 6:00 Hayride 16 8:00 Traditional 9:15 Ed Hour 10:30 Contemp. 12:00 Cottage Meeting 17 9:00 Quilters 6:30 FPU 7:00 Cottage Mtg 18 6:30 Sisterhood Bible Study 19 9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Youth Small Groups 20 11:00 Amazing Grays Potluck 7:00 Men s Bible Study :00 Men s Prayer Mtg 23 8:00 Traditional 9:15 Ed Hour 10:30 Contemp. 11:45 New Member Class Blood Drive 7:30-11:30am 24 6:30 FPU 7:00 Cottage Mtg 25 6:30 Sisterhood Bible Study 26 9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Youth Small Groups 6:30 Spiritual Gifts Class 7:00 Cottage Mtg 27 7:00 Men s Bible Study 6:30 Spiritual Gifts Class :00 Men s Prayer Mtg 9:00 Spiritual Gifts Class 30 8:00 Traditional 9:15 Ed Hour 10:30 Contemp. 10:30 Life After Loss 11:30 NSG Large Group Lunch 31 9:00 Quilters 6:30 FPU LONG RANGE DATES: Nov 13: Veterans Recognition Sunday Nov 23: Thanksgiving Eve Service Nov 27: First Sunday in Advent Dec 11: Children s Christmas Program Dec 17: Children s Ornament Party Dec 11-18: Families Moving Forward Dec 24: Christmas Eve Services (2:30pm, 4:30pm, 9:00pm) October 2016 Page 10 Dec 25: Christmas, one 10:00am Jan 1: New Years, one 10:00am Jan 12-15: Men s Via De Cristo Retreat Jan 19-22: Women s Via De Cristo Retreat Jan 25: Annual Congregational Meeting Feb 17-19: Youth Winter Retreat Feb 18: Girls 5th-6th Grade Overnight Feb 24-25: Church Council/Staff Retreat