|
Greetings!
This is the second week in Advent and by Sunday morning the church will be dancing in Christmas decor! I can't wait to see it!
This busy season hardly feels peaceful as we try to squeeze in the preparations, decorating, baking, and a Christmas gathering or three. But I encourage you to give yourself the gift of a few minutes daily to reflect on the joy and wonderment that this season brings. You'll be glad you did.
As I prepare to head off for a week of vacation, peace is not exactly on my mind! But I, too, will make it a priority to reflect daily on all that is good in this world. It's there... all we have to do is look for it!
Peace be with you,
Patti
|
Don't Miss Hanging of the Greens on Saturday
|
The Hanging of the Greens & Children's Workshop is a BE THERE event! Tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 5th) from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we will decorate
the church for Christmas.
There will be fun for all ages, so bring the whole family. While the church is being "adorned", a Children's Workshop will be
available as well, and the children will have the opportunity to work on several
different Christmas crafts. Following the decorating we will gather for a yummy "Chili
Cook-Off" feast so bring your favorite chili or fixin's.
What a great way to prepare for the birth of our Savior
Jesus Christ!
This photo of Kathy Buechler and the Lange family is from 2007.
|
|
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal on Sunday
|
 The Christmas Pageant in 2008 was a big hit! Moms and Dads, be sure to bring your children to Sunday School in December so they can practice for the upcoming Christmas Pageant! They will have fun practicing songs, speaking parts and getting excited about the upcoming pageant. Then call Grandma and Grandpa! Call your friends and relatives and let
them know the date of the Christmas Pageant is Sunday, December
20th at 4:30 p.m. (and if the Packer game time changes then it will be
at 2:00) Come and see the Christmas Story through the eyes of the
children. Plan on staying after for light refreshments. This request just came in from Pastor Barb:The children in
kindergarten thru grade 12 began rehearsing last Sunday, November 30, and will continue each Sunday during class time. The program will consist of songs, readings, bells, and a skit, and it is important that students be present
in class to rehearse, and that we have commitments from both students and
parents as the parts are assigned.
We are asking three
things of parents:
1. That you will make every effort to have your child(ren)
present for class each week and for rehearsal on Saturday, December 19th at 9:00 a.m.
2. That you e-mail Michelle Lake at Michelle@newhopedepere.com, or Rev.
Barb at bristow1@new.rr.com to let us know if your
child will be present to participate in the program so parts can be assigned.
3. That you will mark your calendar and invite your family, friends and
neighbors to join you for this special event.
|
Sign Up for Caring & Sharing @ Christmas - Only 11 Left!
|
New Hope will be sponsoring food, clothes and toys for families
from Vida Nueva United
Methodist Church and De Pere Christian Outreach
this Christmas. The individual items are
divided so you can choose to purchase clothing, a toy, food or a gasoline card. The gifts are all approximately $20-25, but it is up to you
what you are able to spend. The
child's name, age and clothing size are provided.
A keepsake
ornament is included for your family as a remembrance of the happiness you are sharing
with others this Christmas season.
Be sure to
register the identifying number of your ornament on the sheet so we are able to
ensure that all the children receive gifts.
Cash
donations to the program are also welcome!
Just indicate on your check or envelope the intention of the gift.
Please
return all gifts (wrapped) to New Hope
on or before Sunday, December 13th.
|
Noisy Collection is this Sunday
|
Gather up all your loose change and bring it
with you this Sunday, December 6th for our noisy collection. The children will be passing through the
congregation with metal cans to LOUDLY collect your loose change. Last month's noisy collection totaled $49.00. This is a great way to support our mission projects!
|
Praying In Color Women's Retreat
|
Congratulations to Maryl Hitchcock, who is the winner of the drawing for free attendance at the women's retreat in January. So far we've had over 20 people sign up and we have room for more!
All the details are on our website - be sure to sign up soon!
|
|
|
|
|
Giving & Serving 2010
|
 |
A quick reminder to return your pledge cards for Giving 2010 as soon as possible. Our finance committee will be meeting soon to plan the budget for your approval at the annual Church Conference slated for January.
The Serving 2010 cards are an excellent way to let us know that you'd like to get more involved at New Hope. This is not a closed window of opportunity however, as you can get involved any time throughout the year, but rather it's intended to be a good chance for prayerful reflection and consideration heading into the new year.
|
|
|
