Our annual Christmas Candlelight Service will be held on Sunday December 23 at 11:00 a.m. A quiet, gentle celebration of the Christmas season, this service will be reflective and peaceful. While we focus on the birth of our Savior, we will also celebrate His death and resurrection as we partake of the Lord's Supper together during the service. Come and contemplate the heart of Christmas.

   In addition, we have multiple opportunities to invite our friends to hear the real message of Christmas, including our Christmas Choir presentation Sunday, December 16, the Candlelight Lord's Supper Sunday, December 23, and the brand new family event, Compass Christmas Wednesday, December 19. Our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions will further the goal of making sure every person has the opportunity to hear the Gospel. It's going to be a great season to share the story of Christ with our neighbors and with the world. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through you!                                                                  ~Vaughn Weatherford

Baskets and bags for Christmas!

 Thank you for your tremendous support of the Thanksgiving

baskets. National Heights blessed 23 families with food and other staples. You may now bring donations for the Christmas baskets to the containers at the church entrances. A suggested list is printed below. If you would prefer to give funds for this project, please mark your envelope, "Baskets." The funds given will be used for the meat, produce, dairy and other last minute items that must be purchased.

BASKET ITEMS NEEDED: cake mixes, cookies, cereal, pasta, dried beans, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat and fish, canned milk, pasta sauce, toilet tissue, paper towels, paper plates, hand soap, dish washing liquid, laundry detergent.

CHURCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: On Monday morning, December 17, volunteers (both men and women) are greatly needed to assemble and pack the Christmas food baskets for 23 families...about 70 people. The volunteers will gather at 9:00 and work two hours plus. But if you cannot come for the entire time, come for an hour. You will be blessed working and sharing together in this mission outreach.

 Also that morning 215 Christmas gift bags will be assembled for the students at Fremont Elementary School. These students are kindergarten through grade five. Each bag includes a stuffed animal (6 to 8 inch size), some candy and a box of raisins. The gift bags are delivered to the school for distribution by the teachers later in the week.

Tuesday Women on Mission will gather on December 11 in the church fellowship room to hear Dena Frierson, a Christian worker among the Russian peoples of Siberia. She and her husband are now stateside and living in Springfield. Come and hear first-hand, up-to-date information about International Missions work during this month of December when we emphasize the Lottie Moon Offering for missions. Our church goal is $19,000.

The meeting will begin with a business session at 10:00, led by Judy Divine, president. Reports will be given concerning Angel Tree ministry, Christmas baskets, and other mission activities. Women are reminded to bring any small (6-8 inch) stuffed animals they may have been collecting for the Christmas gift bags for elementary students. An important time of prayer for our missionaries serving around the world will be led by Patti Crocker.

A carry-in luncheon will be served at the noon hour by hostesses Lois Wood and Judy Divine. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting, but especially to hear Dena speak at 11:00 and to share the fellowship meal at the noon hour.