December 2008

We normally think of Christmas as a time of giving.  Many in our church did just that in response to our shoe box drive for Mexico.  About 200 shoe boxes filled with toys, candy, crayons, etc. were shipped to Laredo Texas.  A team of 14 from our church arrived on Thursday, December 4, to hand out the shoe boxes to children in Mexico and minister to an orphanage there.  We again joined forces with Stepping Stones Ministries in Laredo and with our missionaries Keith and Carol St. Clair.  A special thanks to all who gave and to those who went!

We thank those at our church who bought presents for our Angel Tree Party on December 14.  Presents were given to around thirty children who have either one or both parents in prison.  The gifts were given by the folks from the church on behalf of their parents.  Tammy Buchanan and Joan Rood headed up this outreach ministry and did a terrific job.  Thanks also to several who came and brought snacks and finger foods for the children and their caregivers to enjoy.  The evening was highlighted by the giving of the presents to the children.  Pray that we may have opportunities to follow up with some of these families who live in our area and are unchurched.

Following our Angel Tree Party, the children of our church presented their Christmas musical, The Fear Not Factor.  We had great attendance for the musical and the kids did a great job telling of the birth of Jesus, in a very unique way.  Thanks for the many weeks of practice under the leadership of Pam Barnes and Michelle Chambers. 

We welcome into our church family Scott, Melissa, David, and Katrina Morrow.  We congratulate Ed and Amanda Matney on the birth of their son, Camden Bryce, and Ben and Jill Obaugh on the birth of their son, Noah.