December 4, 2008
North Star Net News
Transforming lives through Jesus Christ
Greetings!

Well, another week has passed and winter certainly has announced that it is here.  For those of us that love spring....bummer dude!  The one thing I do love about this time of the year is the Advent season.  I hope you agree with me that last week's worship service was a wonderful kick-off to the season, especially the drama that brought us into the time of reflection and lighting of the candle.  We are so fortunate to have such willing talent and I am truly thankful that so many of you freely participate in leading worship.
 
This Sunday we will be continuing our conversation regarding the history of Christmas.  It will be fun for me because we are going to talk about the genealogy of Jesus and I get to read the scriptures since I have been told that I went to seminary to learn how to pronounce all the tough names and to pray at all the meetings I am at.  What is up with that?  Anyway, I hope that you will come and bring someone with you.  This Sunday we celebrate the peace of Advent and I am guessing that a number of us need a message on peace this week.  Please join me this Sunday as we worship God our peace-maker!
 
Jim
Prayer Requests
Karen Burditt
Shena & Jim Coons
Mike & Karen Berry, Natalie Karr's mother and step-father
Trena Chase & Family, Amy Chase's sister-in-law
Art Coons, Jim Coons' grandfather
Kevin Edwards, Greg DeCamp's friend
Bob Granquist, Michelle Smith's friend's father
Amy Wilber, Michelle Smith's stepmother
Stanley & Gladys Kelsay, Pam Laughlin's parents
Phillip Kelsay, Pam Laughlin's brother


The joy I feel is in receiving this beautiful prayer shawl from all of you.  It has helped me in so many ways, especially when I have been sad and worried.  I'm unable to put into words how I truly feel.  I know when I'm wrapped in it, I feel so close to my God.
Bless you all,
Betty Gordon
Christmas Eve Services
In a time of great turmoil politically and economically, we can have true peace in our lives as a gift from the Prince of Peace.  
We are adding a worship service to our Christmas Eve schedule this year.  Please note that we will have a 4pm service that will be an interactive children's worship service with the telling of the Christmas story.  Then we will have a 6pm and 8pm candlelight service.  With the addition of a second candlelight service we will be able to host a number of guests from the local community.  Watch for volunteer opportunities available that evening, especially in the area of Radical Hospitality!  Think about attending one service and volunteering for another. Take this opportunity to invite someone to be a part of it as we experience the Prince of Peace who can deliver us from our restlessness.

Christmas Mania Fundraiser
The youth will offer childcare and/or gift wrapping as a fundraiser on Friday, December 12 from 6-9pm.  Plan now for an evening without the children.  No children?  Plan now to have the youth wrap your Christmas gifts for you.  Sign up in the Great Hall.

Christmas Eve Special Music
You are invited to sing with the band at our 6:00 and 8:00 Christmas Eve services.  Rehearsals will be at 7:30pm on Wednesdays, December 10 and 17, and following the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 21.  If you are interested or have questions, contact Tiffany Droegemueller, 522-9162.

Costumes Needed
If you have any children's costumes that would be appropriate for the Christmas story (angels, shepherds, donkey, camel, sheep, wise men, Mary, Joseph, etc.) you would be willing to lend and/or donate, please contact Laurie Hink, 781-7604 or nschildren@att.net.

Peace C.O.R.P. News
All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to the Christmas C.A.T. on Friday, December 19 at 6:30 pm.

Just a reminder that the youth will not have Sunday school this Sunday, December 7.  Youth are encouraged to worship together with their families.


Blessings
 
North Star Christmas Missions
Watch for a special Net News highlighting our holiday mission projects.  There is also an insert in your bulletin this week.