Those of you who like to read the Bible on your phone might consider the “Our Bible” app. It available on iOS and Android for free at www.ourbibleapp.com. What I love about this app is that it has the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) and the CEB (Common English Bible) translations that we use in worship. This is an inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming alternative to the YouVersion Bible App.
Youth Lock-In
We will be having the Youth Lock-in on Thursday, January 2, 2020. We will be going to “SKYE” in Salina from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and then coming back to the church until 8 a.m. on Friday.
If your child is planning on coming, please let Wendy know by Tuesday December 31, 2019, so we can arrange enough transportation. There is no cost for the youth to attend but will need to provide own money for snack and drink while we are at SKYE. Youth are encouraged to bring snacks, drinks, movies, blanket, pillow, etc. for our time at the church. We will have breakfast Friday morning.
If you have any questions contact Wendy Robinson.
Church Office Hours for New Years
On New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 31, 2019) the church office will close at 12 noon. It will be closed all day on New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2020).
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Everyone! And may the Holy Spirit pour out the blessings of the Christ child upon you. I had a great time at all three services yesterday (although I may have been a little bit “punchy” by the 11:00 p.m. service. Being with God and being with so many of you meant a lot to me. I want to render thanks to our staff and the many people who volunteered to help get it all done. Special thanks to Bill Burwell, Sara Burwell, and Sue Murry, who volunteered at all three services. You went above and beyond.
Livestreaming All Three Services Today
For Christmas today, we plan to livestream all three services via facebook. Regardless of whether or not you have a facebook account, you can watch them here.
Link: https://bit.ly/2SyIoyn
Advent Message from the Bishop
Bishop Saenz issued a message for advent. Due to some technical difficulties we were unable to share the message with the 10:30 worship service. You can watch it below.
Final Contributions for 2019
If you are wanting your contributions to be recorded for 2019 your check must be in the church office by noon on December 31, 2019. Any monies received after that date will be recorded as 2020
Youth Mission Project
Youth are gathering at the church this morning in preparation for delivering groceries to a local Abilene family in need. They purchased $200 worth of groceries for this family with money earned from their fundraisers. Wendy is proud of our youth and you should be too.
Poinsettias Have Arrived
The Abilene High School Horticultural Club has delivered our 40 plus Poinsettias. They look great, even better than last year. We’ll be setting them out in the sanctuary soon.
Christmas Eve Services
We’ll have Christmas Eve Services at 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. We’re a church of open hearts, open minds, and open doors, and everyone is welcome.
Christmas Poinsettias
The list of Christmas Poinsettias in honor and memory of family and friends are listed below. Please let us know of any errors that need to be correct.
In Honor:
The Hoerner and Konrade Families by Angie Hoerner
Our Parents by Kevin and Heather Unruh
Joe and Joanna Clemence, and Eva Boberg by Jon, Cecilia, and Joy Clemence
In Memory:
Chuck and Sandy Heroneme by Mike and Kristy Engle, and Family
Evan and Winnie Engle by Mike and Kristy Engle, and Family
Our Families by Verl and Betty Eckman
Vic and Nadine Viola by Pat Cormack
Ephra and Nell Riffel by Carl and Barb Funston, and Family
Fred and Mae Funston by Carl and Barb Funston, and Family
Walt and Doris Knitter by Jeff and Sondy Knitter; and Family
Mike Piros and Jory Konrade by Angie Hoerner
Orville Oard, Ben and Mable Oard, and Delbert and Pauline Pyke by Mary Jane Oard and Family
Merle and Jane Schnell, and Jesse Robinson by Danny and Wendy Robinson and Family
Ralph Hilton by Judy Hilton and Family
Oliver and Laura Thornton, Iver and Stella Peterson, and Elva Nelson by Les and Marie Thornton
Isaac and Adelaide Longhofer by Ed and Velda Becker
Jerry Sleichter by Sandy Sleichter and Family
Elva Nelson by the Dwight Hoffman Family
Ed and Willametta Hoffman by the Dwight Hoffman Family
Dale Dautel and Carly Gassman by Mark, Anita, Dustin,
Megan, Harper, Emma, Brady, Shauni, and Trace Larson
Uncles Sammy, Gary and Steve by Kevin and Heather Unruh
Larry Miller by Kevin and Heather Unruh
Susan Green by Tray and Jennifer Green
Blanche (Laird) Hansen by Peggy (Sidener) Hansen
Jim and Charolotte Brock, and D.L. and Evelyn Dunham by Darrol and Diedre Dunham
Wayne and Lylas Gugler, Paul Trent, and Alma Gibson by Anna Gugler
Wendell Gugler by Kurt, Todd, Erin, and Nancy Gugler
Neva Heck by Tom and Mary Jo Miles
Bev Schmutz by Tom and Mary Jo Miles
Jack Vowiell by Gregg and Sherri Root
Kenneth and Audrey Root by Gregg and Sherri Root
John and Mildred Edwards by Gregg and Sherri Root
Charlie Rector by Melva Rector and Family
Ron Bolliger by Felix and Mary Bolliger
Thaine, Evelyn and Mark Schafer by Marla Rutz
Henry Boberg by Jon, Cecilia, and Joy Clemence
Mykel Nicole Clemence and Harvey Elsasser by Mike and Sandy Clemence
Kaye Loutzenheiser, Gwynne Pederson, Eric Pederson, and Dan Barthels by the Schwarting Family
Ron Bolliger by Sandy Bolliger
Doris and Rose Rogers by Keith Rogers
Ken Brown by Lavetra Brown
Jones and Keener Parents by Al and Mary Jones
Paula Peterson, Kenneth and Emy Lou Peterson by Lynn Peterson
Church Office Closed Monday
Abilene Schools have cancelled classes for Monday (December 16, 2019) and so the church office will also be closed. Stay warm and stay safe.