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​Newsletter 2018
One of the complaints that have echoed across the halls of our church this year has been how early the Christmas season was promoted. Some families were still working on selecting candy for the little trick-or-treaters they were expecting to charge their porches and found themselves plodding through Christmas promotions on the way to the candy aisles. It seemed to many of us, myself included, that the Thanksgiving weekend was getting squeezed out. Some of us saw cartoons that depicted an angry turkey telling Santa to wait his turn. I have the tendency to examine an issue from different angles to see if I can understand alternate points of view. As I pondered retailer’s rush into Christmas promotion and an almost eerie silence regarding the Thanksgiving holiday, I tried to look at it from a business point of view. As a retailer with strictly “show me the money” attitude, I would focus my
attention on what boosts sales and pleases my investors (if I answer to any). That means I am going to cultivate a mindset that turns to “what I want to get” instead of “let me be grateful for what I have been given”. Advertising strategy is designed to use language that generates a particular opinion that will affect how we shop. For instance,“Good mothers buy Jiff”. If I am a mother who is concerned with doing the best for my children, such language would encourage me to buy that particular brand of peanut butter because it fits with my desire to be a good mother.
Why do I bring this up? I’m glad you asked. Much of what we are bombarded during this month is designed to nurture the idea that what we give others is an extension of our love. The better the gift, the greater our love. Inversely, that means that what we get demonstrates how much others love us. Just in case you are wondering, “is Vic anti-gift?” let me assure you that is not the case. Just like the guy in the movie, Idiocracy, who said “I like money”, I can say without a doubt “I like presents”. I like getting them and I love giving them. Therefore, this is not an anti-gift rant where I tell anyone not to buy gifts for their loved ones. The point I am trying to make is
that this season is about celebrating the greatest gift any of us could ever get which is a demonstration of the greatest love possible. John 3:16 tells us:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
If we apply the “the better the gift, the greater the love” measurement, we are reminded of the colossal magnitude of our God’s love for each of us. When we do that, any gift we give or any gift we may be given pales in comparison. This month, if you are able to give gifts to your loved ones and friends, be thankful you are so able
to. If you are blessed with a gift from a friend or loved one, be thankful that you have such people in your life.
However, we should not overly stress finding the perfect gift because that gift has already been given. His name is Jesus Christ. To all who reach out and receive that gift, the gift expands to include salvation, forgiveness of sin, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternity with the Father. On top of all that, we are given a new life, participation in His plan, and a celestial purpose which is to share the message of His love.
This month, as we spend time with our loved ones and share in the season’s celebration. Share that what we are really celebrating is a gift that cannot be surpassed, a gift that proclaims the depth of God’s love for each one of us.

Have a wonderful December,
​Vic
From the Corner 
                     by Joe Hagala 

As I sit in the corner of the room listening to the beat of the heart of my yet to be
born granddaughter, I’m reminded of how all of us started this life. I’m also reminded that pretty much the baby comes when the baby comes. There are of course emergencies that require intervention but other than that...it’s a waiting game. And I hate waiting..... so .... I’ve been running errands....food ....Starbucks.... back to the motel...Walmart....phone chargers.....homework (Abigail came with AnnMarie) so we go down to the cafe and I enjoy her
company.

On one of my trips to the store for food, I picked up treats for the nurses and security staff whom I make open the locked doors multiple times for me as I run my errands. They have been great to visit with.

So back to the baby....it’s that time of year when we are also preparing to celebrate another birth....the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can’t imagine the process has changed much.... nor the waiting.... nor the pain.
Technology has changed, made birth...well...better?? I don’t know.... maybe less complicated??? Hmmmm...... not really sure.... but I think it has helped!! But still thinking of The Lord of the Universe , the Creator of all things, going through the process that we all go through, it’s mind boggling that He loves usthat much... that He would come as a Baby, to save us!!!

Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because
he will save his people from their sins."

​John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save
the world through him.

Joe

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT 

  • Erna’s Cards & Care Group, Wednesdays, 2:00 PM 
  • Men’s Breakfast, 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:30 AM 
                           G.A.L.S.
  • Dinner & Devotion - 1st Monday of each month, 6- 8 PM 
  • Women’s Quilting Group - 2nd Monday of each month, 4:30- 8 PM 
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN A HOME GROUP? 
Click here for more information
Please let us know if you have an email address as the newsletter also goes out over email. 
If you have any updated information or anything to add to the newsletter you can 
make the request to the Church Office. 
Sunday, December 9, at 10:30, Taproot Theatre will  be presenting a Christmas play titled,
“Silent Night”. It is a Christmas comedy and it is free. This is a good time to invite all
your friends and family. What a good way to start off the Christmas season​!
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Come join us on Tuesday Nights from 6:00 to 7:30
Meet new friends....have fun....bible study......
Looking forward to seeing you!!
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Men's Breakfast Saturday Dec. 8th
​8:30 AM

  THANK YOU so much to all of you who contribute to the church pantry. People are being blessed by you.

G.A.L.S. Dinner and Devotion 
Dinner & Devotion - 1st Monday of each month, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

CALLING ALL MEN AND WOMEN WHO LOVE TO COOK! 
We know you are out there! Why not submit a recipe or two to share in our newsletter. Just give them to Nanette in the office.
Click the link above to go to the Recipes page.
Puget Sound Christian School is participating in a year-round fundraiser by clipping Box Tops. If you would like to help support our school, bring in your stash of Box Tops, please drop them off at the church office with Nanette or at the school office with Bobby Curts. Every little bit helps!!!