Christmas 2012
Olive Leaves
December 2012 – January 2013
Pastor’s Article
by Pastor Paul C. Sizemore
December 2012 – January 2013
Pastor’s Article
by Pastor Paul C. Sizemore
For the majority of Americans, royalty is mostly a foreign concept. Yet, many Americans are enamored with the British Monarchy. Prince William and Kate, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge, enjoy celebrity status also here in the USA. Certainly those who watched their Royal Wedding that took place in the Westminster Abbey in London in April 2011 will never forget it.
Some months before their nuptials, however, invitations to the Royal Wedding were mailed out. A short time later, news reports were buzzing with lists of those who received invitations, as well as those who didn’t. Some considered themselves favored! Others considered themselves to be snubbed!
For centuries the people of Israel were awaiting a royal event. It wasn’t the wedding of a prince. It wasn’t a grand social occasion. For those waiting, however, it was the event of a lifetime. It was the birth of the Promised Messiah; the descendant of David who would come to lead and deliver the Jewish nation. You think it would have been an event with even more hoopla than a royal wedding. And yet, strangely enough, when the Savior of the world was finally born in Bethlehem, there was no hoopla, no media frenzy, no grand celebration, and perhaps even more surprising—there was no regal guest list. As a matter of fact, the first group of visitors would have been the last visitors expected to be invited to witness the Savior’s royal birth.
The shepherds’ involvement with our Lord’s Nativity is told in Luke 2:8-20. There we learn that the part they played in our Lord’s Nativity was every bit as unexpected as the part that Mary and Joseph played. Just as the Virgin Mother of our Lord was completely astounded that God should choose her to be the Mother of his Son, so they were shocked that they were invited to be witnesses to this royal event.
The shepherds were on the hillsides of Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Suddenly, an angel appeared to them out of nowhere to share the good news of the Savior’s birth; news that would be good news for them, the angel said, as well as good news for all people! Just as soon as this tremendous birth announcement was made to them, suddenly there was a whole host of the heavenly beings, appearing in the starlit sky, singing to our Heavenly Father a great hymn of praise: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”
When the dust had settled down just a bit, one of those shepherds said to the others: “Well, let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great thing that has come to pass that the Lord has made known to us!” Certainly, these shepherds would never have been included on any human being’s royal guest list. They would have been snubbed and ignored. They were the lowest of the lower class in their society. And yet God met them where they were and revealed the great news of his Son’s birth to them, prompting them to leave everything behind to go and see the Child.
My invitation to all of you, during the Advent and Christmas seasons, is the same invitation as that very surprised and frightened shepherd extended to his fellow shepherds. “Come, let us go to Bethlehem, and see this great thing that has come to pass that the Lord has made known to us!”
Let’s travel there, once again, through a profitable use of God’s Holy Word and blessed Sacraments!”
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A Note from our President
by Bob Massa
The Holidays are a time for family, food, and reflection. We can easily get caught up in the secular activities of parties and special events minimizing the true “reason for the season”! Mount Olive’s Wednesday Advent Services can keep us all focused on why the Christmas season exists. These services prepare us to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and allow us to reflect mid-week on our Christian walk in a non-Christian world.
From Thanksgiving through the New Year the pace of life can be exhausting; however, a perfect way to recharge, reflect and revive is to assemble with our brothers and sisters in Christ at the mid-week Advent Services. The first service is December 5th and besides Pastor’s message, it will include our Pre-school dinner and Christmas program. I encourage everyone to attend this service in particular and the remaining services leading to our traditional Christmas services.
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Board of Elders
by Jerry Garlington
I was glancing at my Facebook account this week, and I saw a posting by one of our members, Carolyn Kibler. She posted the following quote: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) I have a plaque on my home office bulletin board with that same quote. It daily reminds me of the promise I made to God to keep Him first in my life. I was also reminded of the recent Stephen Ministry workshop at Mt Olive, and the excitement I saw on the faces of the attendees about how this ministry could change the whole focus of their personal ministry to God’s children in need.
There are plenty of opportunities here to serve and to be served. As Elders, we want to minister to the needs of members in our congregation, but we need your help identifying where we can help. You may simply talk to your Elder or pass your needs through Pastor Sizemore or Lay Minister, Bill Boykin. If you are interested in serving, we have plenty of positions open on church boards that could use your help. As we begin the buildup to the Christmas celebration, commit to be involved and choose whom you will serve.
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Board of Trustees
by Geoffrey Griesch
The Mt. Olive Board of Trustees has discussed projects that need the support of the Mt. Olive congregation. The first of these projects is the evaluation of and planning for the eventual replacement of the heating/air conditioning units for the church building. The average useful life of these units is approximately 15 years, and the majority of current units are 10 years or older. The unit for the Wagner House has stopped functioning and is 16 years old, and because the heat exchanger needs replacement, the Voter's Assembly voted to replace the unit using funds from the building fund.
The trustees are also looking into replacement of the windows in the Sunday school rooms and nursery. The current windows are not energy efficient and the rooms lose heated air in the winter and AC air during the summer.
We ask the congregation to prayerfully consider funding these projects by using their Future Building Fund envelopes.
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Altar Guild’s Message
by Susie Hoffman
As we enter the festival half of the CHURCH YEAR, the parament color changes to blue. This color of royalty generates a feeling of hope and anticipation as it leads us to prayerful wonder as we await the birth of our Savior, Jesus.
The blue paraments are rich in meaning. The ROOT OF JESSE promises a coming Savior, (Isaiah 11:1) shown in the stump and sprouting leaves of the pulpit hanging. It is crowned by the CHI RHO a Greek monogram for “Christ”. The THREE CROWNS show us Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King. The CANDLE symbolizes the light of the world come to earth. The ANGELS trumpet “Gloria” to announce the Messiah.
The new CHURCH YEAR cycle begins four weeks before Christmas with the season of Advent, a penitential but forward looking season. The “new” custom of the Advent wreath is “new” only in comparison to older traditions. This tradition came to us by way of Germany and Scandinavia. It’s symbolism reminds us of three things: the evergreen refers to a continuation of life through generations; the circle speaks, as always, of life without end; the candlelight shows us the light of the world, Jesus, the Christ of God, come to earth. On each of the four Sundays during Advent as another prophecy is read and another candle is lit, we move up the ladder of preparation toward our observance of the birth of Jesus.
First: THE PROPHECY CANDLE
The prophets have foretold His coming into the world of sinners.
Second: THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE
Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth for the journey to Bethlehem.
Third: THE ANGELS’ CANDLE
The long-awaited birth of Jesus is announced by the angels.
Fourth: THE SHEPHERDS’ CANDLE
The shepherds journey to the manger to give their gifts of love and worship.
The Christmas season follows as the fulfillment of the Advent hope. It centers in the birth of Christ. The white paraments reflect the gladness, light and joy Christians experience in their response to the birth of our Savior. It lasts twelve days from the evening of December 24th through January 5th. We traditionally remember the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus on the last Sunday in this season.
The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2013, begins the Epiphany Season, as we commemorate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child as told us by St Matthew in Matthew 2:1-12. The Baptism of our Lord is commemorated on the following Sunday. The green of the altar paraments signify the nourishment and growth of our faith-life as we continue to learn more of Christ’s teachings and actions. Our faith continues to grow as we study and meditate on all that Jesus has done for us on His brief earthly life...given to us to ransom us from our sin so we may spend eternity with God.
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LWML (The Olive Branch)
by Carole Mueller, President
The ladies are planning a Christmas luncheon at Gilligan’s, 938 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, on Tuesday December 11th, at 11:30 a.m. Each person is responsible for her lunch ticket. If you would like to attend, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the LWML bulletin board outside the workroom. Last date to sign is Sun., Dec. 9.
We will not be meeting again until January. Our schedule will remain the same: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, with Bible study from 10:00 – 11:00, a brief meeting, and lunch followed by craft/project. Ladies volunteer to lead each Bible study with another volunteer to provide a beverage & dessert. Our 2013 Bible study and activity/craft project will be determined. Suggestions for both are always welcome.
This year, we completed approximately 37 Chrismons to adorn our two Christmas trees. A sample of the basic angel on high, embellished treflee cross, large new life butterfly, large embellished Latin cross, large beaded ribbon cross, large IXOYC fish are on display in the narthex. One Jacobs Ladder was also completed. I am grateful for these talented ladies who took the time to attend classes, who assembled them during our meetings, and for the hours spent assembling them at their homes. With care, these Chrismons will be in use for many years. Ladies you are to be commended – a job well done by everyone who participated!
Annual Christmas donations taken from the monthly Olive Branch table donations will be forwarded to the following charities: $25.00 – Sharing God’s Love; $25.00 - The Lutheran Hour; $25.00 – LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots.
Please review the flyer on the LWML bulletin board if you are interested in attending the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League’s 35th biennial convention, Thursday, June 27 – Sunday, June 30, 2013.
The first Sunday of each month is designated for LWML mite box collections. Please place your monetary contributions in the large mite box located in the back of the sanctuary. National mission goals & district grant goals are posted on the LWML bulletin board.
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Preschool News
by Krista Bernthal
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the preschool! Hopefully you are planning on coming to our Advent Dinner and Christmas Program on the evening of December 5th. The dinner, chicken potpie, will be served at 6:00. The children will present “Who is Coming to Our House?” at 6:30. Then you can attend the Advent Worship Service at 7:00 in the sanctuary. The free-will offering for the dinner is a fundraiser for the preschool scholarship fund.
While you are out and about during the holidays, be thinking of our Mardi Gras auction coming February 8th. We are already collecting wonderful items for the auction – artwork, sport’s items, gift cards, etc. Bring me your exciting finds when we come back to school in January. You will receive an invitation to the dinner and auction in January – plan on attending this fun event!!
We are still looking for some folks willing to sponsor a CHILD WHO IS ATTENDING ON SCHOLARSHIP. Amounts range from $75-$150 a month. This is a wonderful way to connect with the preschool and provide a valuable service to a child who might otherwise never get the chance to attend a private preschool. Questions? Call Krista Bernthal at 781-7180 or send an email – molp@bellsouthy.net.
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Christian Education
from Katrina Folks
Sunday School - We are buzzing away upstairs!
We don’t know if you read the attendance numbers, but Sunday School ages 3-grade 4 is growing and lively and active! We begin together in a group and review the commandments as they pertain to the story of the week. In November we talked about Reformation and Martin Luther and how he is a hero of faith. We learned about All Saints Day and why we celebrate with the believers that have already gone before us. We talked about the colors on the altar and what they mean. Finally, we end the year with a week-to-week study of Worship. Why do we worship? What does the liturgy mean? Where does the liturgy come from? Why is God pleased with our worship? What is our part in worship?
Parents and grands, ask your little ones what they have learned. Share with them your favorite part of the worship service. Tell them a story about you when you were little in regards to church and Sunday School. Ask them what their favorite Jesus song is; in turn, tell them what song you like best and why. Explain to them how you learned to listen and think about God during the service. Help them to follow along in the liturgy. In this way you are reinforcing what they learn at Sunday School and you are the role model they need. The more you share with them, the more important it becomes to your child.
December 16 we will sing our praises to Jesus along with the adult choir during the late service Cantata. Costumes for the nativity scene will be dispersed during the December 1 practice. Song sheets were sent home in Sunday School. Please review the words with your child and help him or her memorize them. If your child is participating in the nativity scene, please iron items and bring with you on December 16. Please make sure you child is in Sunday School on December 16 for any last minute practice. This Sunday will be a wonderful time for your family to celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ!
Sunday School Offerings
Wow! What more can we say?!? The wonderful response to the fall Sunday School offering project was wonderful! The children and youth offerings will be forwarded to Lutheran Heritage Foundation’s goal to provide French language catechisms and “Children Garden of Bible Stories” to French-speaking Lutheran missions throughout the world. The classes were introduced to the project via a DVD prepared by LHF so the kids could see how their monies would be used. We are proud that our small Sunday School has helped in such a significant way to spread the good News of Jesus Christ. Many books will be purchased and sent to LHF.
Winter quarter is upon us and we turn to the northeast United States for our next mission project. This quarter our designated offering will go to LCMS Disaster Relief Efforts to help with the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. Perhaps you didn’t know, but LCMS sends teams of volunteers and trained church workers to areas throughout the world following a disaster of this type. They provide medical, emotional, and spiritual care. They help churches rebuild their facilities, individuals their homes, and people their hope in recovering a sense to normalcy where there was despair. Throughout the workers efforts, they share Bible study and prayer with those they help. LCMS is known for its long-term commitment in the area of disaster relief where they still have a presence in Haiti and Louisiana following the historical disasters there. Please support this Sunday School project. We are small, but we are mighty! Keep up the great effort!
Wise Men Still Seek Him
We get a Christmas card with that message each year. How about you? The Education Committee is providing a small Group Bible class each Sunday in December focusing on Advent and the self-reflection we crave during the holidays. Are you tired of the message the world offers each year? Do you yearn for a deeper understanding of the prophecies of the Old Testament as it was revealed in the holy birth so long ago? Join this short-term class on Sunday mornings in the Wagner House led by Katrina Folks which began December 2. Each lesson is self-contained, so don’t worry if you miss one. The Word of God fulfills that which the world cannot complete. Let that Word fill your heart in way you have yet to receive year after year.
January-February Small Group Bible Study
Topics anyone? Teachers anyone? Ideas Anyone? Oh my goodness! It is crazy how fast this year is going and we are supposed have all our plans in place for this newsletter by November 20. However, our current week is focused on Thanksgiving dinner, so… well, let’s just say we are still mulling several ideas over. This much we know. We intend to have another short-term topical Bible study in place beginning in January. What do you think?
If you have anything you would like us to try, let us know. Have you questions regarding worship, Christian parenting, financial concerns, or the Christian response to the kingdom of the left? Let us know. Would you like an in depth catechism study of the Apostles Creeds, let us know. We will research and find something. In other words, nothing is in concrete, yet, but towards the end of December we will finalize plans. Ideas? Let Katrina Folks know.
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Youth Group News
by Vanita Fiedler
Mt. Olive Youth Group gathered together for Bible Study on what it means to “Live Love(d)”. We read and discussed 2 Peter 1:3-7, “For his divine power has bestowed upon us all things that to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who Called us by and to his own glory and excellence. By means of these he has bestowed on us his precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape from the moral decay that is in the world because of covetousness and become sharers of the divine nature. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” and Galatians 5:22-26, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
We will continue to study the elements of Living Love(d) in the book of 1 Corinthians for the next few study groups. In addition to studying Live Love(d), we have planned two servant events for November and December. Thanksgiving Day we handed out care bags to homeless in downtown Columbia, SC with an organization called “The Street People”. And on December 8, 2012 we will be organizing and cleaning at our community pantry “Sharing God’s Love”. It is a joy to witness and be a part of our youth group. They are some amazing people!
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Musical Memos
by Karen Meetze
We invite everyone to attend our presentation of "Holy Night of Miracles", written by Lloyd Larsen and Neil Lorenz, on Sunday, December 16, at 10:30 AM. Join with the choir members, handbell ringers, children, and instrumentalists as we hear in a fresh way the wonderful story of God's miraculous gift of hope. Our prayer is that you will find that the child of hope born on that first Christmas night is still with us and can also live within you, forever!
In the month of January the choir will be taking a much-needed break for a few weeks. But we will still have some special music that we always hope will help you focus on the Lord as we worship Him together.
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Evangelism
by Jon Richter
Go Tell It on the Mountain! (...or wherever we are…)
Each year when we come to our society’s holiday season – our Worship Schedule and our Pastor will remind us at Mt. Olive about the “Reason for the Season”.
Indeed we know that “In the fullness of time…” God was working out His Plan to offer us a way to enter His Grace and join Him in an eternal relationship. That way (and truth and life) is Jesus – whom we confess was “conceived by the Holy Spirit” and “born of the Virgin Mary”… What a wonderful story to tell our little ones (and remind ourselves) of the way God planned to bring His Redeeming Love to all of mankind!
As we go about the hustle (and even some stress) of the season, let us not forget the awe of “O Holy Night”, the celebration of “Joy to the World”, the holy focus of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, and the peace and security of “Silent Night”. Remember that we have the privilege not only to Know Him, but also to “Make Him Known” as our Savior and Lord.
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A Stewardship Minute
from David Buck
There is a compelling sentence in an article found in the December issue of Stewardship:
“Let us not be ashamed to have the Lord look not only at our gifts, but also into our hearts.”
Christmas, of course, is basically all about giving. Christians understand that the first Christmas giver was God. As the Gospel of John puts it, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
It is because of that incomparable gift that we Christians are stirred to be givers ourselves. We give because God has given to us greatly and generously. We respond to God’s blessed gift to us by giving back to God through God’s church and Christian institutions that strive to meet the needs of those suffering from various causes. Christmas inspires us to also give to others: family members and friends whom we love and cherish.
We need to remember that we give because God has given to us first. We give because our hearts are greatly appreciative of what God has given to us: our families, our lives, our talents, and so forth. But we give mainly because of the gift God gave us in Christ who saves us, sustains us, and who gives us meaning, hope, and joy as we live out our life’s journey from now to eternity.
Prayer: Loving God, we rejoice in your bountiful gifts to us, day in and day out. We thank you most of all for your matchless gift of Christ our Lord, whose birthday we joyfully celebrate again. In his name we pray. Amen.
Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org
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Stephen Ministry
from Bill & Aresa Boykin
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Christian care is never outdated. God’s command that we love one another is the same now as it was thousands of years ago. How are you showing God’s love to others? Would my gifts and talents be put to good use as a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministry is one way you can show God’s love to others and experience spiritual growth at the same time! Stephen Ministry has been in operation at Mt. Olive for a year! This ministry has been a blessing to individuals, to the Stephen Ministers themselves, to Pastor Sizemore, and to the whole congregation. In order to continue and expand this ministry of care, we are beginning our second Stephen Ministry training class on Monday, January 14, 2013. Take advantage of this opportunity to share the love that God has given you. You will find that being a Stephen Minister not only will be helpful to others, but it will be one of the most fulfilling and joyful experiences that you have ever had. If the Holy Spirit is nudging you toward Stephen Ministry, He will not only empower you to learn and grow, but will ease any fears and anxieties you may have about Christian care!
Application packets are available from Bill and Aresa Boykin, Stephen Leaders, or in the church office. The packet contains more information about Stephen Ministry, the commitment, and the proposed training schedule. Completed applications are due on or before December 9th so that our training group will be in place before Christmas. You can give your packet to Bill or Aresa or slide it under Bill’s office door. For more information, you may call or talk to Bill, Aresa, and our current Stephen Ministers: Shari Selke, Dave Osborn, Connie Cook, Jon & Ellen Richter, Charlie & Twila Sandt.
We ask that every member of Mt. Olive keep Stephen Ministry in your daily prayers:
For Stephen Leaders – as they balance training a new group of Stephen Ministers with teaching continuing education sessions for active Stephen Ministers.
For Stephen Ministers – that they are filled with the love of Jesus as they meet with their care receivers and that they receive Christian care in peer supervision groups and continuing education.
For Care Receivers – that they experience the presence of the Holy Spirit as they meet with their Stephen Ministers, and that others in our congregation will be identified and accept care from Stephen Ministry.
For Stephen Ministry Trainees – that they answer the call to “serve the Lord with gladness!” Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
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Social Ministry
by Shari Selke
I love this time of year! Everyone is rejoicing in God's love for us - the greatest gift ever given - Jesus Christ. What a wonderful blessing to know we are so loved by such a generous God. Out of this great love please consider the needs of those around us and do what God puts in your heart. A card, a prayer, a visit, or something more substantial are all ways to share the joy of our faith in the Lord.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Ameris Bank/Sharing God's Love food drive. 15,000 items were donated to the Irmo Ameris branch, and the bank’s matching monetary donation will be a nice financial gift to help families in our community.
Also, your donations to the U.S.O. are greatly appreciated by the many soldiers who will be passing thru Columbia on their travels.
Upcoming Events:
Mt Olive will be adopting a local family this Christmas through Sharing God's Love. We will have more information about our family and what their needs are. This information will be in the church bulletin, but we can pray for them now as we wait.
Sharing God's Love also has urgent need of the following items: jelly, soup, spaghetti sauce/pasta, grits, cereal, pork & beans, canned vegetables & fruit, laundry & dish detergent, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste & toothbrushes, and diapers in every size.
Mark your calendars:
American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Mt Olive on January 12, 2013 - Times to be announced. Please contact Katrina Davis with any questions.
Souper Bowl Sunday is February 3, 2013.
Doing the will of God from the heart. Eph. 6:6
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Announcements & Opportunities
Parish Fellowship Christmas BasketsThe Fellowship Board collected items to make Christmas baskets for our homebound and restricted members which were delivered by our Elders on December 2. There are approximately 15 homebound members.
Hanging of the GreensWe will be "Hanging the Greens" on Saturday, Dec. 8, as we get ready for Christmas. So come on all you tree erectors, bow makers, and garland stringers. We need you! Let's set a new record and get it all done in 2 hours. With lots of hands working hard from 9:00 - 11:00, I know we can do it! Let's deck the halls y'all!
Photos on the Bulletin BoardsHope everyone is enjoying the photos that have been placed on the Mt. Olive bulletin boards! Please feel free to take the pictures of you and your family. Pictures are best if they are shared with others! If anyone has photos of Mt. Olive events, please e-mail them to me at aresaboykin@sc.rr.com so that they can be included on bulletin boards, in the newsletter, or on the church’s Facebook page.
Midweek Bible StudiesPlease note the upcoming changes for our two Wednesday evening Bible Studies: Both Midweek Bible Studies will not meet during December in preparation for Advent. They will resume on January 9, 2013.
One study meets in the church fellowship hall and the Northeast study meets at the home of Bob & Teri Massa. Both Bible studies begin with a meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by the study at 7:00 p.m.
Nursery ReminderThe church nursery is open at during the Sunday school hour and the second worship service from 9:00-Noon for children ages birth to 2 years during Sunday School, and through age 3 during Worship. The nursery is located inside the back entrance of the church, across from the Wagner House. Parents, remember to bring your diaper bag with extra diapers, clothes, sippy cup, etc. Flora Weed is in charge.
February Newsletter DeadlineMark your calendar! The deadline for submitting articles for the February newsletter is January 20th. Also, remember to “like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mtolivesc.
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Worship Service Schedule for Advent
Sundays in Advent 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM
December 2 “Are You Dwelling Securely?”
December 9 “Have You Heard John Preach?”
December 16 “Are You One Who Doubts?” (8 AM)
Christmas Cantata (10:30 AM)
December 23 “Are You One Who Believes?”
Wednesdays in Advent 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM
December 5 “Come On Down”
The Congregation is invited to:
Dinner by the Preschool (6:00 PM)
& Preschool Program (6:30 PM)
Followed by the Advent Worship Service
December 12 “A Witness to the Light”
December 19 “Open to God’s Presence/Presents”
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Monday, December 24, 7:00 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
with Holy Communion
Tuesday, December 25, 10:30 AM Christmas Day Service
with Holy Communion
THE
CHRIST BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM.I am God's child. (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord. (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth. (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation. (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant. (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me. (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Cor. 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good. (Rom. 8:28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple. (1 Cor. 3: 16) I am complete in Christ. (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3) I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker. (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1) I am God's workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven. (Col 1:14) I have been adopted as God's child. (Eph. 1:5)
I belong to God.
Do you know
Who you are?
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you
And be gracious to you.
The LORD look upon you with favor
And give you peace.”
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