December 2024 Newsletter
Dear friends,
Even in the midst of all of this…
Trouble on the news, no peace within,
Still, there is a light in the distance
drawing nearer, drawing nearer
--Christopher Grundy
In this holy season, as we await the coming of God once again into our world as a tiny baby, may we work and pray for the world that God intends. A world of justice and mercy, unity within division, and the deep peace of God’s shalom.
May we look to the light drawing ever nearer to earth to shine on earth as it is in heaven.
Come, Jesus, into our hearts and homes, for you are the Hope of Hopes, Prince of Peace, Joy of Joys and Love of Loves.
In Christ,
Barbara
December Calendar
- Sunday, December 1: Christmas Fun/Pancake Fundraiser for Tenzing
- Saturday, December 7: Men’s Club meets at 8:20 AM
- Saturday, December 7: Fosterians Gathering 12:00 PM
- Sunday, December 8: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House:
- Sunday, December 8: Just Peace Team Meeting
- Saturday, December 14: Drive Through: 1-3 PM
- Sunday, December 22: Christmas Pageant during worship
- Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service at 7 PM
Each Month
- Worship Sundays at 10 AM
- God Time (church school) and nursery care each Sunday
- Filmed worship services filmed on Wednesday afternoon and posted each week on our church Facebook page, website: fostermemorial.org and You Tube
- Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner
- Monthly Drive for outreach: 2nd Saturday, 1-3 PM
- Waving for Peace, Mondays from 3:30-4 PM
Pancake Brunch: December 1 Following Worship: Fundraiser for Tenzing
We are having a pancake brunch on this day to raise funds in support of Tenzing, our sponsored youth who is a Tibetan refugee living and going to school in India. It costs well over $400 a year for sponsorship, so we appreciate everyone’s support through a Free Will offering. Please join us for a delicious brunch, followed by crafts for all ages.
December Outreach
We are collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts unwrapped. The gifts will be blessed on December 8.
Collecting Through December 24, 2024
Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.
We will also be collecting new and gently worn coats and jackets for all ages, to be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and Loaves and Fishes. Thank you for your support!
December Drive Through Collection of Donations
Our next Drive Through event will be on Saturday, December 14 from 1-3 PM in the church parking lot. We will be collecting food for Open Pantry, toys, games, and winterwear (see above). We are so grateful for the response to these events by our church folks and our community friends from all around our area.
Thanksgiving / Stewardship Sunday: Nov. 24
A Stewardship letter will soon be distributed to everyone with a pledge card enclosed for the year to come. On November 24, Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday, we are invited to bring our pledge cards to our morning worship service. For those who cannot be with us, please mail your pledge cards to the church office. Please contact the office if you do not receive a pledge letter by November 15. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.
Our Christmas Pageant
Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 22 during our worship service. Rehearsals begin on December 1 with a full rehearsal after worship on December 15. All children and youth are invited and encouraged to participate.
Caroling on the Steps
On the three Sundays before Christmas (Dec 8, 15 and 22), everyone is invited to gather on the front steps of the church at 9:45AM to sing carols together until 9:55 a.m. All ages are welcome. Optional: Bring mufflers and top hats!! Talk to Biff Simpson for more information.
Christmas Eve Services
Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 PM. This service is designed for all ages. We hope that you can join us.
Pledges for 2025
Our grateful thanks to everyone who made a financial pledge to the church for the coming year. We have pledge cards available in the entryway to the sanctuary. Or you can call the church office at 782-2112 to have a card mailed to you. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.
Eye to the Sky
If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local channels.
For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair or Facilitator. NOTE: A pre-recorded worship service is available for viewing each week.
Waving For Peace
We witness for peace every Monday from 3:30-4 PM. All are welcome! We don’t wave if the weather is bad (heavy rain or snow or ice). We keep an “eye to the sky” especially in the winter months!
Just Peace Team Meeting
Our Just Peace team will have an open meeting on Sunday,
December 8 ,following worship. All are welcome.
Film/Snail Mail Worship Services
We continue to offer pre- recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on You Tube and on our website at
http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos
These videos are also posted on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page. Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week to those without access to the internet. If you would like to be added to the weekly mailing list, please call the church office.
