Welcome to our worship service on December 17. We hope you enjoy our Christmas cantata. The order of worship is available here.
EMMANUEL’S NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS on December 17
*Today, our Chancel Choir presents The Living Creche: The Christmas Story in Scripture, Legend, and
Song during the morning worship service followed by a fellowship meal in the Social Hall. Heartfelt thanks to
the choir members and other special guests who are participating. Many thanks to the Fellowship Team for
organizing the meal that will follow the service. Please plan to join us downstairs after worship.
*Thanks to everyone who placed a poinsettia in honor or memory of loved ones and made contributions
to our Capital Improvement Fund. The insert in today’s bulletin lists all those being honored and remembered.
Thanks to Janette Mears, members of the Worship Team and assistants who set up our beautiful poinsettia tree.
Poinsettias may be taken from the tree following the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service on Sunday,
December 24.
*Church Family Christmas Cards: TODAY is the deadline for Christmas Cards. Cards will be
distributed next Sunday, December 24. Please see Jeanie Combs if you have questions. PLEASE NOTE: If
you wish to send cards to some of our homebound or nursing/retirement home friends, or to those who do not
worship with us regularly, addresses are available in the church directory or church office for you to mail them.
The church is not able to mail cards that are not picked up. Thanks to Jeanie Combs for organizing this project
for us!
*Habitat Christmas Gifts: If you picked up a red gift tag to provide a Christmas gift for a Habitat
family member, please return your wrapped gift with the red tag attached to either the Narthex tub or the pew
outside Pastor Nancy’s office by TODAY. See Nancy if you have questions. Thanks for your help.
*Thursday, December 21, 5:00 p.m. ~ Longest Night/“Blue Christmas” Service: A Gathering of Hope
and Light: During the busyness and noise of the holiday season, many people struggle this time of year with all the
“festive merriment” due to personal losses and difficulties of all kinds: grief, illness, loneliness, financial stress, or
changing family circumstances. These situations can make the holidays particularly challenging. On the “longest
night” of the year, join us for a sacred time of quiet meditation, prayer, scripture, remembrance and hope.
Participants may bring a photo or a special remembrance of a loved one to place on the memory table if you wish, or
an item that is symbolic of your faith journey at the present time. All are welcome.
*Sunday, December 24, 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship for the 4 th Sunday of Advent.
5:00 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service ~ Join us as we gather for worship on this holy
night. All are welcome.
*Sunday, December 31, 10:30 a.m. ~ A New Year’s Eve Service of Lessons and Carols
4:00-6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Gathering with food, games, fellowship, fun and a blessing of the New Year!
Bring a traditional New Year’s dish (black-eyed peas, cabbage, greens, corn bread, onion dishes, oranges,
grapes, soft pretzels and ring shaped/round cakes (like bundt cakes) or a food tradition from your family.
*2024 Offering Envelopes are available for pick up on the tables located at the back of the Sanctuary.
Names are arranged alphabetically. Offering envelopes are available for anyone who wants them. By using the
numbered envelopes, you will receive a quarterly contribution statement of your giving for tax purposes. Please
contact the church office to be assigned an envelope number and receive offering envelopes.
