SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 21, 2008

ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK

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Our attendance last week was 212.

Note to the Church family:  Georgina and I plan to celebrate Christmas with my Alabama family, leaving tomorrow (22^nd) and returning on the 27^th for the Sunday service.  We wish all of our Church family a most joyous Christmas.  We are humbled and thankful for your expressions of love to us, and thank you for the gift of money.  Pastor Allen

A beautiful CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE will be held here at 7:00 P.M.  The service will feature an Advent reading, the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, a carol sing, special music and three favorite Christmas stories told by Jan Lumley, Duane Kriesel and Yvonne Calhoun.  One story is about Tico the Leader Dog.  The service will conclude with the lighting of individual Advent candles.  Children of all ages will take a gift from under the Christmas tree.  Invite your family and neighbors to attend this warm service held in honor of Jesus’ birth.

The Church Library is adorned with several MINIATURE NATIVITIES. Stop by to see a sampling of the Kriesel Collection.

SPECIAL THANKS to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers who braved the cold to raise money for their neighbors in Carroll County.  Your efforts will warm the hearts and hearths of many who are unemployed and underemployed all around us.   

WINTER ALERT!  The Calling Tree will call only if Sunday services are cancelled.  Please use your own good judgment in threatening weather, even when services are scheduled.  Be safe!  All weekday church activities and meetings will be cancelled when the Eureka Springs Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

PLEASE turn off your Cell phones during the Worship Service.

The sign-up sheet for USHERS AND GREETERS for the first half of 2009 is available.  Ed Kasner recommends that you should sign up early to get your preference.  Spaces are available for alternate support for those who can't commit to a whole month.  For all those who have helped in the past, I thank you for your assistance.

EDUCATION COMMISSION:  We are seeking new members for the 2009 Commission to plan and carry out programs in both Christian Education and General Education.  Help keep our education building filled with activities to enrich our minds and souls.  Questions or to volunteer--call Joan Hirnisey; 253-6285.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED MEMORIAL/
FUNERAL SERVICE WORKSHEETS.  You may seal them in an envelope and place them in the offering plate or hand them to Church Secretary Nancy Naas.  Thank you for your involvement in this worthwhile exercise.  Nearly 70 persons attended the seven planning sessions. 

NOTICE:  Volunteers are needed to take over cleaning and maintenance of the Cook Center beginning January 1^st.  Current crew is retiring as of that date.  Contact Keith Williamson at 253-5393.

THE UPPER ROOM devotional guides are on the back table.  Please feel free to take one.