Happy Holidays from Agape Counseling Associates
Dear Agape Friend,

Wishing you every happiness this Christmas Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being a friend of Agape. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year.
 
All the best to you and your family,
 

Kathy Elliott
Agape Counseling Associates
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Sorcerers, magicians, wise men and global positioning systems.  We search for guidance in many places--from the latest technologies to the oldest superstitions.  The need for help is universal and historical.  Even one of Jesus' disciples, Peter, known for his unsinkable attitude, got in over his head and had to cry out, "Help me, Lord!"  Because of our quest to seek out knowledge, to gain guidance, and to avoid drowning, we create a market for fortune-tellers and advice-givers.

Two thousand years ago a baby arrived with a promise--a promise of guidance and a promise of a response to our needs.
While wise men followed the star to find that baby, we follow the Child to find truth and peace in our lives. 

But what does it mean to follow the Christ-Child?  To follow is to make a choice and to recognize the limits of our own wisdom.  But the willingness to accept the Child's guidance requires abandonment--the abandonment of our self-sufficiency.  This is the faith that is strong enough to wait for help and strong enough to believe that the end result is worth the asking price.

If I am willing to risk believing that He, above all, cares for me and wants to guide me into His abundant life, then ultimately the GPS device in my car is of little long-term value.  I have the Eternal Star that guides my life.

By: Debbie Williams, MS-LMHC
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The following article is excerpted from the November/December issue of Discipleship Journal 2004.

Christmas Parties that Travel
The Christmas season is upon us.  Your calendars are probably filling up quickly with holiday activities.  But before you schedule your usual small-group Christmas party, think about doing something different this year--such as taking your party on the road.

Cheer for Children.  Load up on children's Christmas books, and "invade" (with permission)  the pediatric ward of your local hospital. Read to the kids, and distribute holiday-colored balloons, candy canes, inexpensive toys (yo-yo's, crayons, etc.) If your group talents permit it, lead the children in singing Christmas songs, or present an age-appropriate skit for their entertainment.

Bake-a-thon.  Gather at the home of the group member wtih the biggest kitchen, and spend the day baking homemande bread for a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.  Stick to the hearty, whole-grain loaves that will pack plenty of nutritional punch.  Make a loaf or two to enjoy on the spot as well.

Flower Power.  Take small poinsettias to nursing-home residents.  Spread out, spending time talking to people one on one, and ask them to tell you what Christmas was like in their youth.  The gift of your time and listening ear may be the most precious gift they receive at Christmas.

The Christmas season in insanely busy for most of us.  But before you groan at the thought of adding one of these activities to your calendar remember that these out-reach projects would replace your regular Christmas party.  You're not taking on more-you're just taking your party on the road!
 
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Pastors' Forum:
Pastors, Staff, and Lay Leaders: plan to attend the Pastors' Forum on Thursday, January 21st at 7:30 a.m.  The topic will be, "Church is dominated by Males and Oppresses Females", Chapter 7 from They like Jesus but not the Church, by Dan Kimble . 
Bagels and juice provided for this free event at the Penfield Road office.
 
December Grief:
Debbie Williams will lead a free book discussion Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30pm in the Panorama Alpha & Omega bookstore.  This event is open to the public

TLC I:  is now forming and will meet on Tuesday evenings and Sunday afernoon, January 26, beginning on January 26, 2010.  The follow up course, TLCII, will be offered in early March.  Call for details (585)385-6030.
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Perhaps this Christmas you would like to make a gift in honor of that special family member or friend.  Instead of giving that tie, toy, or trinket, you could give a gift in honor of that person to Agape Counseling.  We will make sure the honoree receives a personal card informing them of your gift.  This is a wonderful way to show you value a friend or relative.

For example, to thank a parent for your upbringing, you could honor them by giving the cost of a family counseling sessions ($105) to a family that needs financial assistance for counseling.

Please contact the Agape office at 585-385-6030 for further information about honoring a friend or family member.