That's right! We're getting ready to start our Christmas Choir again! And soon our halls will be filled with the sounds of voices practicing and learning their music. Remember how much fun we had last year! And to begin the festivities the choir is excited to host their 2nd annual Christmas in August. And you're invited!

   Last year's Christmas Celebrations were such a memorable time in the life of our church. I enjoyed singing all the old carols and learning new ones as we celebrated the love and joy of the season. And, I am so excited about our celebrations this year.

   We will be presenting the plans, music, and schedule of practices for the 2012 Christmas Celebrations on August 26th in the fellowship hall during a luncheon event. So, if you want to be a part of this year's Christmas Choir, you'll want to be there. Besides, it's once again the first Christmas party of the year! Hope to see you there!

   Tuesday Women on Mission will meet on August 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship room. A carry-in pot- luck lunch will be served at the noon hour. Everyone is encouraged to bring a vegetable, a salad or a dessert.

   Rev. Dave Lanham, member of South Gate Baptist Church of Springfield, will be sharing with the group regarding a mission trip earlier this year to the country of Siberia. Brother Lanham is a retired missionary who has worked with New Tribes Mission as well as our International Mission Board workers. His experiences will be a challenge to us as we each continue to preach the "good news" from here at home to the ends of the earth, knowing God is faithful in his provision for us.

   Reports will be given by the nominating committee and mission project plans for the coming year of 2012-2013. Men and women of the church are invited to hear Mr. Lanham, who will speak at about 11:00 a.m.

   On Tuesday, August 28, women will gather in the fellowship room at 9:00 a.m. for a work day. They will be making quilts of various sizes that  will be donated to Grand Oak Mission Center here in Springfield. Each year the women make from 15 to 20 regular size quilts and about 60 to 75 baby/crib quilts. This work is under the direction of Barbara Fisher, chairman.

   The group will also be making salvation bracelets from suede lacing and pony beads. These are given each year to the mission team from Greene County Baptist Association to use on their mission trip to Mexico. Last month our Robb Chandler took about 1,200 bracelets to be used in the area of Guadalajara. They are a valuable entre' into conversation for the plan of salvation with people of all ages. Jean Conrad and Doris Whitcher oversee the making of the bracelets.

   There will be a coffee break and snack at 10:00, but no lunch is served on work days. Women of the church are encouraged to come and share in the work and fellowship of the morning.

    Everyone mark this date: Thursday, August 16th! Prime Timers will host  the 17-member Broadway Baptist Church Ukulele Band in our Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m.