The Messenger - December 13, 2007
Pastor Neal's NotesAdvent Encounters
Advent is a season in
which we are invited to take the time that's needed to rediscover the
love and grace of God. Thus far, we have offered a number of
special programs to assist you in that quest, but we are not done
yet!
Many people find that worship draws them close to God. If you are one of those people, remember our morning worship December 16 and December 23. Nothing brings calm to a crazy season quite like an hour with our God in church. Even those who are NOT big on worship will usually come on Christmas Eve. So, bring them with you on December 24 at 5:30 or 10 p.m.
Several people find that music draws them close to our God. If you are one of those people, please join us for the Family Christmas Festival at 4 p.m. this Sunday, December 16. We will be listening to a fresh, new take on familiar Christmas Carols by Mark Walberg. Our singers of all ages will participate, and this promises to be a most enjoyable hour.
Other people find that service draws them close to our God. If you are one of those people, please join our youth (and others) who will distribute gifts to needy at 5 p.m. next Wednesday, December 19 down at the Crowne Plaza (formerly, the Sheraton) Hotel in San Pedro. There's nothing quite like Christmas in the eyes of a child.
Still others find that fellowship draws them close to God. If you don't have a place to celebrate on this Christmas day, please let me know. Several families in our church are eager to share this special day with others, and I would love to help you deepen the bonds of friendship with them.
There may only be 2 weeks left till Christmas, but there is still abundant time to meet with God again. Don't miss it!
Dec. Partial Weekly Calendar Highlights The Church in preparation. . .
Friday 14 Tennis & Breakfast 8:15am Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Youth Hangout Christmas Party 7:00 - 9:00pm Contact: Randi Bender
Saturday 15 Chancel Choir rehearsal 9am to Noon Contact: Allan Petker
SonLight & King's Chorus dress rehearsal 9am to 1pm Contact: Lesley Sirianni
Co-Ed Church Volleyball Various Times Contact: Jim Peacock or Erik Larson
Even if you don't play, come on out and root for us! 1st Christian Church 2930 El Dorado, Torrance
That's at the corner of Maple and El Dorado. See you there! <<Map>>
Sunday 16 Adult Sunday School 8:30 - 9:30am Contact: Rupert Loyd
Children and Youth Sunday School Begins During Service Contact: Sue Headley
Worship 9:30am Contact: Pastor Neal or Paul Purdy
>>>15th day of Advent. Third Sunday of Advent.<<<
- Series: Christmas
- Theme: Advent
- Title: "A Dialogue For Discouragement"
- Scripture: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
- Preacher: Rev. Neal Neuenschwander
Remember these are just the Highlights... Call the church office if you need details 310-832-7597
Quick News
Pictures of the Cherub Choir at Candy Cane Lane and of the Gospel Gang Christmas Musical are on the church website.
Starting Saturday Dec.15th Randi Bender is on "Baby Leave." Please contact Karen with Youth concerns or needs.
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Help
Wanted!Worship and Music seeks person (minimum age 17) to care for children during concert on Dec. 16 and Services on Dec. 24.
Please see Eric Langdon or Paul Purdy.
Spot Light on: Youth Christmas Project
This year Youth Ministries is supporting "Hope 4 Kids". This Christmas outreach party will be held at and sponsored by the Crowne Plaza LA Harbor Hotel in cooperation with the US Marine Corps 3rd ANGELICO Toys for Tots. Over 300 children are expected to attend on Wednesday, Dec. 19th from 5 to 9pm.
About Hope 4 Kids:
Hope 4 Kids is committed to providing loving Foster & Adoptive homes for abused, abandoned, and disadvantaged children. We accomplish this by working closely with the local churches and community to locate, equip, and certify quality families and individuals that are excited about caring for children. These families provide a secure, nurturing environment, while assisting in preparing the children for reunification or adoption. In addition we offer on-going training and counseling for children, biological families, foster parents, and adoptive parents in order to facilitate healthy physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Random Fact of the Week
Q: Is the term "Xmas" a secular one?
(Scroll Down For Answer)
A: The first letter of the word Christ in Greek is chi, which is identical to our X. Xmas was originally an ecclesiastical abbreviation for Christ that was used in tables and charts. In the early days of printing, when font sizes were limited and type was set by hand, abbreviations and ditto marks were used liberally. Xmas came into general use from the church!
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Page Last Updated: Sun Feb 3, 2008