December 2025 Newsletter
Dear friends,
As we enter the Advent season, we are aware of God’s people, creatures and creation struggling for freedom, healing and wholeness. Our Savior Jesus came to earth, born as we are all born, to show us God’s intentions for the world, for justice and mercy, unity within diversity, and the deep peace of God’s shalom. In this holy season, may we focus on the reasons Jesus came to earth and do all that we can to shine God’s holy light of hope, peace, joy and love.
Hear us, God, for we are praying
Hear us, God, for we are laughing in our joy
Hear us, God, for we are crying out to you
Wondering what will be, what will be
Speak to us, God, for we are listening
Speak to us, God, for we are waiting for your voice
Speak to us, God, in our hearts and all around
Show us what can be, what can be –
Chris Grundy
Blessings,
Barbara
December Calendar
God Time (church school) and nursery care are provided.
Following worship, we enjoy a time of refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.
Saturday, December 6: Men's Breakfast at 8:30am
Saturday, December 6: Fosterians Gathering: 1-3pm
Sunday, December 7: T. Roadhouse: 11:30am - 3pm
Saturday, December 7: Christmas Fun after worship
Saturday, December 13: Food Drive Through: 1-3pm
Sunday, December 14: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House
Sunday, December 14: Just Peace team after worship
Sunday, December 21: Christmas Pageant during worship
Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service 7pm
Sunday, December 28: Prayers for the Nation: 4pm
MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, December 6
All men of the church are invited to join on the first Saturday
of the month for breakfast at a local restaurant. We meet at
8:20 AM in the front parking lot. All are welcome and invited to
bring friends!
FUNDRAISER: TEXAS ROADHOUSE :
Sunday, December 7th 11:30am - 3pm
WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 10AM
God Time (church school) and nursery care are provided.
Following worship, we enjoy a time of refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.
FOSTERIANS GATHERING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6: 1-3PM
All women of the church are invited to a fun afternoon. We’ll have a “Yankee Christmas Swap” (bring gifts $5-10 to swap) and collect donations (suggested: $5) for holiday bags to be distributed to our confined members and friends. Please let Judy or Lori know that you are coming or call the church office at 782-2112. Friends are invited too!
CHRISTMAS FUN CRAFTS: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th
During coffee hour on this day, everyone is invited to join in creating special crafts for the season.
GIFT BASKET RAFFLE: NOV 23 - DEC 7
We are having an ongoing Gift Basket Raffle through December 7. Thirty seven different fabulous prizes! You can purchase
Six tickets for $5, or a stip of 25 tickets for only $10! All proceeds will go to help the church. The auction will end on December 7 at 12:30 PM after Christmas Fun crafts!
DECEMBER DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION OF DONATIONS: DECEMBER 13: 1-3pm
We will be collecting food for Open Pantry and winterwear. We are so grateful for the response to these events by our church folks and our community friends from all around our area.
GIFTS FOR GRAY HOUSE
We are collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts
unwrapped. Ideas for teens include blankets, gift cards, and toiletries.
The gifts will be blessed on Dec. 14.
DONATIONS OF WINTER WEAR FOR OUR MITTEN TREE
Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.
COLLECTION OF JACKETS AND COATS
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!
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO OUR VETERANS
We are invited to sign holiday cards to be distributed to the residents of the Holyoke Veterans Home. You may wish to take some home to fill out and return the following Sunday, or fill out cards during coffee hour. This is a small way that we can extend our caring for our veterans. Please see Sandy Moore for further information.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 21, during our worship service. Rehearsals begin on November 30, with a full rehearsal after worship on December 14. All children and youth are invited and encouraged to participate.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 PM on December 24. This service is designed for all ages. We hope that you can join us.
EYES TO THE SKY
If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local TV 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 Sunday after coffee hour and 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!
ANNUAL REPORTS
For everyone writing an annual report, please email reports to the church office by Friday, January 3.
