November 26, 2006

BLACK FRIDAY

Were you willing to battle the crowds on Friday following Thanksgiving? My son-in-law and I went to two places looking for their door buster specials. They were sold out of those specials so we went home.

It is called “Black Friday.” Retailers count on this shopping day to see them through the year. They count on this day to take them out of the red, and move them into the black (profit) for the year. It is the biggest shopping day of the year. Some would say that this is the greatest day and others would say that it is utterly insane. This is officially the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

The thought of Christmas resurrects the memories of last years “Christmas Wars.” Do we say “Happy Holiday” or do we say “Merry Christmas?” Stores were boycotted and irate consumers who wanted to hear “Merry Christmas” lambasted innocent clerks who were instructed to say only “Happy Holidays”. Well, the battle lines are being drawn again this year, though maybe a little more discreetly. All that crazy stuff has sure taken the joy out of the holiday.

For many of us, Christ and Christmas cannot be separated. How many times have we heard, or spoke the words ourselves, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” (continued) (Continued) Hmmmm. Join me in a little reflection.

What happens at Christmas? There is a lot of merriment. There are families that get together. There is the exchanging of gifts. However, there are other things that take place as well. Thieves prowl the parking lots looking for the unsuspecting shopper. People bury themselves in debt to buy for everyone on their list. Tempers flare. Courtrooms fill up with silly lawsuits over nativity scenes.

Is this really why Jesus came to this earth? Can it really be said, “Jesus is the reason?” The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

May God help us each to be ambassadors of God’s peace, not only during this season, but each day of the year.

SPECIAL GATHERING

(Followup)

This past Wednesday evening we had an evening of “Prayer, Praise and Pie.” The evening was spent thanking God for answered prayers and for the wonderful blessings that He has given to us. This was a great opportunity to focus on the holiday we call “Thanksgiving” and a beautiful opportunity for great fellowship is available. It was a rewarding evening for those attending.

TODAY

TRAINING FOR SERVICE (4 PM)

WE STILL NEED HELP with Our Annual Christmas Party December 16th from 6-9 pm. This is for everyone - adults, kids, friends, and family.

We are going to have a Gingerbread boy/girl decorating contest, a craft for the kids, maybe sing a few seasonal tunes and EAT!

The sign-up sheet and Christmas flyer are both posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

Let us know if you help with the following:

Decorate
Set up
Make 2 Dozen Plain Gingerbread boys or girls
Organize/Help Kids craft
Bring a Main Dish, Side dish, Salad or Dessert
Clean Up
If you have any questions please call Bobbie Surra 934-7136

GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU

(Serving time 6:00 – 6:40 PM)

French Bread Pizza - Various Toppings

Caesar Salad

Beverage - Dessert

In Our Prayers…

David Carroll’s mother, Evelyn - Stroke

Mary Tolan – Cancer surgery on the 29th

(Mary is Ginger Dunn’s mother)

Craig Morgan – Back injury

IN IRAQ: Rodger Martin - Andy Savoy

Those who are traveling this holiday weekend

CONTINUE TO REMEMBER

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

FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK

ATTTENDANCE:

Sunday AM - 117 Class- 53 PM.-37 Wed-.71

FINANCE Budget……..$ 2,785.46

Contribution 2,940.53

YTD Budget. 130,916.62

YTD Contribution 131,410.08

Over/Under (+/-) + 493.46 N/A

Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ

BIRTHDAYS- NOV 26/David Zeismer - 27/Bertha Colorado – 29/Tammy Martin -30/Ryan Strickland DEC 2/Verla Hendrix-8/Gloria Lopez - 8/Artie Orozco – 10/Latasha Savoy – 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 – NOV 30/Al & Terry Oseguera DEC 16/Craig&Erika Morgan 16/Jim&Darlene Savoy - 16/Rick& Gloria Lopez 19/Frank&LindanRoss

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

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