E-Prompter - November 24, 2008

Perspectives

The theme for our worship in Advent, this season of devotion that leads to Christmas, is "Perspectives ... A Way to the Manger." May our worship, reflection and service prepare us for a transforming celebration of the birth of Jesus!

  • November 30 - Malachi 3: 1-4,
    "Refiner's Fire"
  • December 7 - Micah 5: 2 - 5a,
    "He Shall Be the One of Peace"
  • December 14 - Luke 1: 5-25,
    "To Make Ready a People"
  • December 21 - John 3: 16-21,
    "Into the World"

Pick up your copy of - or download right here - the Alma Church of God Advent Devotional containing perspectives of each day of advent, composed by various writers from our church.


His Place
You're Invited...

When:Wednesday December 3rd 3:30-4:45 (pick up time is still 4:45)
Who:"His Kids" kids 1st-5th graders (families are invited to join their kids)
Where:His Place Family Enrichment Center
How:Kids will be picked up at school as usual.
What:Celebrate the birth of Jesus (games, craft, snack, Christmas carols and skit)

Angel Tree

Angel TreeOur church has once again agreed to sponsor an Angel Tree for the children from the EightCap, Inc. - Early Head Start program. These children are all between the ages of prenatal - 3 years old. Early Head Start is an income-based program; 90% of all children enrolled are from a low income household. The remaining 10% have a diagnosed special need. For some families, the gifts given through this angel tree may be the only present for their child to open. The angel tree with ornaments containing children's names and gift suggestions will be available in the narthex. Gifts should be returned and placed under the Angel tree by Sunday, December 13th. Please make it your goal to help make sure each child on the tree has a gift to open.


December 7 - Showing of the "Nativity Story"

Come and enjoy the "Nativity Story" with your family at His Place while preparing your heart for Christmas. Decorate a Christmas cookie, have some hot chocolate and popcorn and bring a toy or food item to donate to the Salvation Army.

5:00pm-6:00pm Decorate a Christmas cookie

6:00pm-8:40pm Movie time

Nativity Story

Christ's Birthday Offering

Each December we receive a special offering called "The Christ's Birthday Offering." This offering, given above and beyond our general offering, goes to extend the good news of hope that we have through the birth of Jesus. This year our elders have selected two substantial ministries that we will support through the Christ's Birthday Offering. Please click here for the details about this opportunity.


From Sara Hirschman

I am doing two fundraisers to help raise money for my Honduras trip in December
1. Christmas wreaths sales from Harriers. Also included are hearth baskets, and door swags and cemetery easels. All items come with a choice of bow, poinsettias, plaster berries colors and pine cones. The wreaths will be delivered on December 3rd and 4th.

2. Cookie dough and popcorn sales. Cookie dough comes in a three pound cube (makes 4 dozen 1oz cookies). All items are $10 and will be delivered December 11th. There are 12 different flavors of cookie dough and 4 types of popcorn.

If interested please contact Sara Hirschman 989-763-7134 (I usually attend second service.)


Teamagers

Teamagers will meet Sunday, December 7th in the His Place Conference Room. This will be the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. One of our veterans, Larry Brown, will be sharing with us his WWII experiences. We will also celebrate Christ's birth by singing carols accompanied by Sue Messer. We welcome everyone 55 and older. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Hope to see you there!


Come Home to Alma for the Holidays

As part of the "Come Home to Alma for the Holiday" celebration the 2008 Honduras Team is putting on a Baked Potato Meal with homemade pie on Friday, December 12 at His Place beginning at 5:00PM. The cost is $5. A hot dog with chips plate will also be available for $2.50. Before you go out to celebrate in Alma come join with your friends to support our mission work in Honduras and enjoy a delicious meal. It will be warm inside!


Come Home to Alma for the Holidays

The Worship Choir will be singing on December 12, at the "Come Home to Alma for Christmas" event, at the Academy of Performing Arts, 319 N. State Street, at 6:30pm. The choir will be singing special Christmas music, and Kathy Francis' dancers will be dancing to their music. APA is also a drop off for Toys For Tots unwrapped, new toys. Come celebrate the holidays, and this special Alma evening with us!


Library News

Have you checked out the church library lately? Now available for your reading pleasure are the following books:

  • "The Love Dare" by Alex and Stephen Kendrick
  • "Fire Proof" by Eric Wilson
  • "The Shack" by WM. Paul Young.

Upcoming Schedule of Events

Keep up with the upcoming schedule by visiting http://almacog.org/events/ - updated weekly!


February 20-22 - Senior High Winter Retreat

The Senior High Winter Retreat will be held at Warner Camp. The deposit is $25 and is due by January 18. Total cost of the retreat is $75.


Date TBD - Junior High Winter Retreat

The Junior High Winter Retreat will be held at SpringHill Camp. The deposit is $50 and is due by January 25. Total cost of the retreat is $125.


Leadership Summit

Mark your calendars now for our first ever Leadership Summit. Our leadership summit is for all leaders of ministry teams and for anyone considering starting a new ministry. The summit will equip you to guide a team effectively, build community in your team, stay focused on your mission and remain open to the presence and leadership of the Spirit. The leadership summit will be Friday evening, January 9 and Saturday, January 10. More details to come shortly!


Family News

Surprise 90th Birthday Party!
For Donna Pollock on Saturday, December 6th from 2-4pm at the First Church of God located at 200 W Superior Street in Alma. Hosted by her son and daughter-in-law Dave & Dana Pollock. This surprise birthday party will be downstairs in the church basement. If you need assistance entering the lower level or have any questions please call Dave or Dana at 989-763-2108. Please remember this is a SURPRISE so mums the word!

Do you have any family news you would like to share with the church? Whether it is a birth announcement, a milestone birthday or anniversary or the loss of a loved one, anything you would like to share with your church family, we want to hear from you. Please contact the church office or phone 463-3730, or login to our website.


January 10, 2009 Wedding Anniversary Party

Who:All Married Couples
What:2009 Wedding Anniversary Party
When:January 10 at 7:00 pm
Where:His Place Family Enrichment Center
Cost:$5 per couple
Why:Because marriage is worth celebrating!

Your Healthy Marriage Health Church ministry team has planned a party to celebrate your anniversary! Fun, games, prizes, gifts and dessert will be included in the price. Bring your favorite wedding photo featuring you as the bride & groom. Reservations will be taken near the Welcome Center December 7 - January 4. Remember ... Marriage ROCKS!!

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a: 200 W. Superior Street, Alma, MI 48801 | t: 989-463-3730 e: firstcog@gmail.com

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