Annual Meeting: December 2nd Join us after worship for our annual congregational lunch and meeting. Meeting packets are available with reports. Lunch is potluck- bring something (anything!) to share.

Greening of the Sanctuary- Come help decorate the sanctuary for Advent Saturday, December 1st, 2 pm

Mission planning group meeting, 12/9 after worship.

Christian Education
No Adult Christian Education in December.
No Youth Christian Education 12/23, 12/30

Operation Christmas Child
We will soon know the country of destination for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! We continue to pray that each gift will reach the hands of a child without incident or delay. We pray for those who are tasked with the transpor-tation and distribution of the shoeboxes. Most of all, our hope is that the children will welcome the Greatest Gift of All – Jesus into their lives.
Collecting gifts all year long is one way in which we prepare for our annual shoebox packing party. A suggested gift to purchase will be posted each month, but you are always encouraged to grab a bargain when one pops up! A box is located in the foyer where you may leave your contributions. Please save Christmas cards with religious pictures for January’s gift collection. THANK YOU!

Election of Elders & Deacons
In our tradition our local government is called the consistory. The consistory is made up of the board of elders and board of deacons. Minsters are of a special kind of elder. The consistory has oversight and care of the ministry and the congregation. The mission of the church is accomplished with theses working in harmony.
What do Elders & Deacons do? Under Christ the elders have supervision of the church. They are responsible for matters involving the spiritual welfare of individuals and the church as a whole. Oversight includes celebrating the sacraments, encouraging spiritual growth, and visitation to the sick.
The deacons administer the gifts of the church for those in distress and need- both in the church and world.
Elders and deacons serve the household of God so a basic qualification for an office is for the person to be Christian and demonstrate a life shaped by Christ. An elder should be one inclined towards spiritual discernment, wisdom and grounded in God’s Word. A deacon should be inclined towards compassion and mercy while able to steward the gifts God has given us. Here are a few Scripture passages directed at elders and deacons:
1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-11.
In our church, elders and deacons serve one four-year term at a time. Consistory meets about once a month and each board meets other times. To nominate someone, submit their name on a piece of paper into the box on the foyer table. Their election is confirmed at our annual meeting (12/2) on a single slate. If you have questions, feel free to speak to a consistory member. We are looking to fill two Elder terms (a 2 and 4 year terms) and three Deacon terms (a 1, 2, 4 year term).

Advent Worship
Advent is a season of preparation to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ- as in the Incarnation and in the Second Coming; recalling and anticipation. It is also the beginning of the church year. The season of Christmas is Dec 25^th– Jan 6.

Advent Series: Living in Waiting, Matthew 24-25

1st Sunday, Dec 2^nd: celebrating the Lord’s Supper, Matthew 24:1-44

2^ndSunday, Dec 9^th, Matthew 24:45-25:13

3^rdSunday, Dec 16^th: Youth Christian Education Christmas program, Matthew 25:14-30

4^thSunday, Dec 23^rd: including time of remembrance, Matthew 25:31-46

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 pm, service of readings and carols. Matthew 2:1-12