December 17, 2006

Emmanuel, (God With Us)

I have been listening to Christmas songs since the day after Thanksgiving. There are many new renditions of the old classics; new songs and they still play Gene Autry singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. One song that I have heard often is “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.” I thought at that time, “Emmanuel. Now that is a word you don’t hear much anymore.”

In Matthew Matt 1:23 we read the words, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” The question should not be “Does God exist?” I really believe that the majority of people believe in the existence of God. What most people really want to know is, “Is God here with me?”

The whole story of the Bible is that God has not deserted us on this planet. He promised to be with Abraham. He promised to be with Jacob. He made His presence known to the nation of Israel in the wilderness.

We read the prophets words in Isaiah 7:14, “…the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Eventually, and as usual, God was faithful to His promise and Jesus was born. Jesus was given the very name spoken by Isaiah: “Emmanuel.” His name reveals who He is. Jesus is God’s living promise that we are not alone in the universe. God is with us in big moments and everyday moments. I know that because that is what His name is: Emmanuel.

Dennis

TODAY is the deadline for helping with the (5) Christmas baskets for families in need. The baskets will be delivered the week before Christmas.

Monetary donations are needed as we are providing a gift certificate to the families with young children so that Christmas presents can be purchased. Monetary donations should be given to Jim Roberts. There is a sign-up-sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer. If you can help provide some of the items please sign up today. Items must be here at the building no later than TONIGHT. If you know of someone, or if you need a basket, please see Jim Roberts.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

An “Open House” is being given in honor of

Sandy and Dennis Russell at their new home:

Address: 1571 Jensen Ranch Road, SM

Date: Saturday, January 6, 2007

Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Respond please to Joyce Niedermann by Wednesday, January 3

The repairs of the electrical problems, which caused the cancellation of the Wednesday evening classes and family meal, have been completed.

PANTRY ITEM DECEMBER

Canned Beans

Before you bring your non-perishable food please check the expiration date on the can or package. Our policy is to collect the food and provide it to those who are in need. When we prepare our Thanksgiving baskets each November we check our pantry and add the remaining pantry items to the baskets. We cannot give away items with expired dates ……Thank you

Travis Moss is doing well following his pacemaker replacement surgery on Dec. 12^th at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara

IN IRAQ: Rodger Martin - Andy Savoy

CONTINUE TO REMEMBER

Craig Morgan - Howard Dunn - Irma Hernandez -– Gordon Herrmann - - Mike & Sharon Zdrojewski - Jean & Paul Maynard–-Dale Morris –- Waneen Wolff - Carol Strutz - Rex Gardner - Linda Ross – Ola Crosby - Jim Vallier (Carl’s father) – Monique Hernandez (cancer) - Norman Light’s sister, Jane (cancer) –Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns)

FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK

ATTTENDANCE:

Sunday AM - 92 Class- 46 PM.-26 Wed-.N/A

FINANCE Budget……..$ 2,785.46

Contribution 8,100.00

YTD Budget. 139,273.00

YTD Contribution 139,932.72

Over/Under (+/-) + 659.72 N/A

Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ

BIRTHDAYS- DEC 2/Verla Hendrix-8/Gloria Lopez - 8/Artie Orozco – 10/Latasha Savoy – 12/Wayne Barbarich - 15/Dan Shepard – 17/Joshua Morgan = 23/Vivian Yip – 23/Bobby Thomas (Jr) – 25/Gordon Herrmann = 26/Rebecca Maxwell – 28/Ethan Shepard – 28/Rene Morris – 29/Ray Hooks – 30/Linda Roberts – 31/Chris Carroll

ANNIVERSARIES – DEC 16/Craig&Erika Morgan 16/Jim&Darlene Savoy - 16/Rick& Gloria Lopez 19/Frank&LindanRoss

WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU

(Serving time 6:00 – 6:40 PM)

Tacos/Rice/Beans/Dessert/Beverage

In order for your notice to be in the bulletin please have your information in the secretary’s slot (in the copy room) no later than Wednesday evening(8 PM) or e-mailed to gardcart @aol.com no later than Thursday Evening.

Contacts:

Church Building......................... 937-3845

Elder.............. Dennis Everson.. 937-3815

Elder.............. Bob Pratt............ 937-5143

Elder.............. Jim Roberts......... 937-1660

Deacon........... Howard Dunn.... 937-3310

Deacon........... Steve Kliest......... 733-0512

Deacon........... Carl Vallier......... 937-0091

Minister ………Dennis Russell.. 937-3712

Youth Minister Vince Surra....... 934-7136

Secretary........ Joyce Gardner..... 928-2307

gardcart@aol.com

Sunday: 9:30 AM……..Bible Class

10:30 AM…….Worship

6:00 PM…Worship/Youth Devo

Wednesday

Family Dinner (See schedule)

7:00 PM…….….Bible Class - (All Ages)

Thursday 10:30 AM……..Ladies’ Bible Class