Greetings from Pastor Rob

Christmas Greetings, Ye Loved by God!

Christmases in the Sheild home seems to have gotten easier in these later years. We used to draw names for the adults: our kids and their spouses, AND get presents for all the grandkids. Now it's rare when Deb & I get a present for each other. The adults don't exchange; we just get gifts for the grandkids. Our emphasis is more on a family gathering, which is a pretty good gift. We're thankful that three of our four kids live nearby. 

I hope you can meet with good people over these upcoming holidays. 

Speaking of holidays and getting together, Mike W has an excellent idea. IF you happen to be alone for Christmas Day and would like to be with a family, call Mike. IF you have room and would like to host a single or couple with no place to go on Christmas, call Mike W. He will match people to homes. What a great idea. I'd hate for any of our folks to be alone if they don't want to be. 

What's Goin' On...

*We're still receiving funds for our advent offering to purchase fresh water wells for villages in India and solar powered Bible readers for tribes in Papua New Guinea. Our total so far is $13,225!! Write a check to CCC and put 'advert offering' in the memo line. $2000 bores a well and $35 buys a Bible reader for those who are basically illiterate. Thank you so much for your generosity!

*The newly elected board of Riverside School District is having meet and greets all over our district: This coming Monday they'll meet at the LDS Church on Hwy 2 from 8 to 9am. Monday lunch will be at the No Co Food Pantry, 12:30 to 1:30. Tuesday lunch they'll be at the Backwoods Bar and Grill, 12:30 to 1:30. AND... (drum roll) the new board will be at our church from 8 to 9am on this Tuesday. Come on down! Coffee and pastries will be on hand. Come chat it up with the board and superintendent Ken. I'm glad for the relationship the board has with spiritual leaders and visa-versa. 

*Wednesday the 24th we'll have identical Christmas Eve candle lighting services at 3:30 and 5pm. It's gonna be pretty mellow, with carols, a story and candles. Invite someone!

*Friday the 26th there'll be flag football at Holmberg Park in No Spokane. Dress warm; bring flags (ripped cloths ok) and hot cocoa. Work off some of that Christmas goose with a little exercise.

*New! The Senior Singles will have a game day at the church on January 13, noon to 3pm. Bring games and ideas; soup & bread will be provided. See Karen R or Joyce L for info. 

This Sunday...

Ace, Story Hour and Ambassadors for Christ are all happening as usual at 9. Then in the service, His Song provides Christmas inspiration with harmonies for our service. Then I'll talk about Mary & Joseph bumping into Simeon & Anna in the temple with 8-day-old Jesus. What did these oldsters have to say, prophetically? A mouth full. Check it out.

See you Sunday?

Pastor Rob

p.s. Musings: "There's nothing like the joy on a kid's face when he first sees the PlayStation box containing the socks I got him for Christmas..."

p.p.s. There will be prayer at the church this Monday, but no organized prayer on either Thursday the 25th and the 1st. No organized prayer on Monday the 29th.