e-newsletter  //  December 18, 2014

Is "Christmas Sunday" the one right before or right after Christmas? In many respects, every Sunday is Christmas Sunday because God's gift of Jesus is what makes our relationship with God and every Sunday of worship possible. I know your holidays can be packed with parties and family events, but make it a point to worship the One whose birthday we celebrate. This Sunday, Christmas Sunday, I will share a message "The Reason for This Season" as the 3rd teaching in our series "Times & Seasons."


On Wednesday, December 24 at 7 pm, we will have one very special Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. Plan to arrive early, closer to 6:30 pm as we are expecting a big crowd and many guests. Our ministry staff will serve hot chocolate while live Christmas music is played on the piano in the foyer. As you find seats early, welcome guests to seats close to you. Our service is for the whole family and will include great worship, a song by our JAM choir kids, reading the Christmas story from scripture, and communion. Use this simple event to help invite your family and friends to focus their Christmas on Jesus and celebrating His birth.


Also, thank you to those who gave and served others through the NOEL Project last weekend. More than 400 kids from 130 families were blessed with the good news of the Gospel, groceries, toys, gloves, and hats. Over 120 individuals volunteered and gave; while 30 public schools and 22 businesses partnered with us. Thank you for thinking of others this Christmas and honoring Christ.
 

Celebrating Jesus as the Reason for this Season, 

 

Steve Wingfield
Senior Pastor
(314) 837-2269
Visiting Missionary
Sunday, December 21, 9:30 am in Stage One
Eric and Melissa Davis have long felt called to serve the Lord overseas and God has given them a vision to serve among an unreached group of over four million people in Guinea Africa. In February 2012, the Davises began ministry training with Pioneer Bible Translators. In September 2013, Eric and Melissa moved to France where they began intense language training for their work in West Africa.

Join Eric as he shares his experiences from the past year in France, future plans for the coming year and what God has been teaching them through it all as they prepare to join the mission field. 
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 pm
This Christmas Eve, invite your family and friends to enjoy a one hour family service. We will celebrate the birth of Christ with music, scripture and communion as a church family. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Come early to enjoy hot chocolate, music and fellowship in the foyer. 
End of Year Giving 
The end of 2014 is almost here and we are thankful for your financial partnership in reaching our community and the world for Christ. God has truly blessed us with so many of you being All In for First Christian. Here is information on how you can still give as we close this year and have your gift credited to the 2014 tax year:

-Give online anytime before midnight on Wednesday, December 31.

-Bring your donation to the church office by Monday, December 29.

-Mail it to the church office (postmarked by December 31).
Mary & Martha Bible Study
Each Thursday, January 15 - February 26, 6:30-9:00 pm
Join us for a great time of mentoring and fellowship. We will be discussing not only Mary & Martha, but who we are in Christ, The Proverbs 31 woman, our husbands, children and hospitality. Each night we will have a 3-course meal, full cooking demonstration and Bible study. Cost is $40 for the entire study. Please sign up at Connecting Point on Sunday. First come, first served. Space is very limited! For questions, please contact Norma Hobbs at busnforgod@hotmail.com.
Communion Preparation
The Communion Preparation Team is looking for additional volunteers to help prepare communion trays. The team serves on a rotating schedule. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and connect with others. Please contact Crys Newsom at crysgn@rocketmail.com or 314-921-8949 with questions.
STATS
December 7, 2014

Worship: 1020
Wed. 12/3: 359
I'm ALL IN Giving: $43,851

Decisions for Christ:
Monica Brady, Korrie Clark, Carolyn Gorris, Rose Smith, and Aaron Wynne*
*Baptized into Christ

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