• Splinters from the Board

Splinters from the Board
The Congregation has accepted the slate of officers for 2008 and we would like to thank all who were able to stay and participate. The Board would also like to give special recognition to Shirley Arnold for all her time and effort spent talking to members about filling the various positions in our church. It took a lot of time and we appreciate all your hard work. Thank you.We are pleased to announce that Bob Williams has been able to hire a second Nursery Worker, Heather Bird, and he reports that she is doing a remarkable job. Now we have two great Nursery workers and Vivien Sanders helps us on Sunday mornings as an emergency substitute.Terry Herder reports from Property that we have rented one of the houses for 6 months with the possibility of a longer lease. Our renter stilI needs window coverings, so Property is looking at various options. There are 21 windows!

The Board wishes everyone a very Merry Christmasand a safe and Happy New Year!

• All Information
• Announcements

An Alternative Worship service will begin on a monthly basis in 2008.

It will begin with food and fellowship and lead toward a more contemplative time of prayer and discernment.

If anyone is interested in being on the support committee for this service (a six month commitment is needed) please contact Pastor Alan.

• Minister's Musings

Minister’s Musings…

Paul writes in Romans 12 the following: Let love be genuine … hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection ..be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer! Contribute the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. At the end of the chapter he concludes: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Many of us are making lists, even checking them twice, to remind us of the way we wish to live in the coming year. New Year’s resolutions are only as good as our resolve to follow them faithfully. How many times I have resolved to lose weight, be nicer, help others, and always increase my obedience to God’s call. My batting average is well below average.

So as this year comes to an end and January is nearly upon us I once again ponder my style for living in the coming year. Oh, I know, I am blessed with a wonderful spouse, great kids and grandchildren, and a wonderful church in.which to serve. I am very fortunate AND very thankful. This all does not remove my need to look at how best to live a life of faithfulness, hope, joy and peace. It only makes it a little more difficult if I neglect to take time to determine how best to follow my call.

The apostle Paul, who never tired of writing words of hope, encouragement, understanding, and always teaching, has once again placed in my life words that echo my hope for the coming year. I will resolve to be ever more hopeful. I resolve to be patient in suffering and more persistent in my praying habit. I will contribute what I can to equip the saints for their tasks and encourage hospitality to all. Most importantly I resolve to not be overcome byevil but to overcome evil with good, grace, love, hope and peace. How about you? What are your resolutions for the coming year? There is still time to make the list and check it twice.

Blessings and peace, Alan