E-Prompter - December 8, 2008

On November 30, the first Sunday in Advent, I recommended that members of our congregation make "a searching and fearless moral inventory of our lives" during the Advent season. You may know that the quoted words in the preceding sentence are the fourth step of Alcoholics Anonymous. Allow me to summarize, very briefly, why I believe this is a timely season to make a moral inventory, followed by some brief suggestions about how to do it. Click here to read the rest of this article.

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! December 14 - Luke 1: 5-25, "To Make Ready a People" December 21 - John 3: 16-21, "Into the World" Download your copy of the Alma Church of God Advent Devotional containing perspectives of each day of advent, composed by various writers from our church. Then join our Facebook group and participate in the discussion!

Angel Tree Gifts should be returned and placed under the Christmas tree by next Sunday, December 14th. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Christ's Birthday Offering

Once again this year, we're joining our lives to God's love for the world as we receive a "Christ's Birthday Offering." This year our CBO will go to two vital ministries: the micro-finance ministry of Horizon International and the worldwide ministries of the Church of God. Please click here for the details about this opportunity.

ATTENTION: PARENTS

If your child or children are involved in any of the Alma Church of God Youth or Children's programs, please take a moment to complete this online form. We are asking for your approval to use photos and video taken at events and activities for reporting and promotional purposes. Thank you!

December 11 - Creative Greetings

All are welcome to join this small group this Thursday, December 11 at 7pm and enjoy each others fellowship as you design and create greeting cards to send to church members for various reasons (illness, sympathy, birthday, etc.) and to the men and women serving our country. We meet in the church basement.

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!

Attention Coffee Drinkers

On Sunday mornings, we are now bringing together two of our passions: coffee and justice. During the Sunday morning coffee break at His Place (roughly 9:30 to 9:45) we are serving Just Coffee, organic, 'fair trade' coffee produced by a co-op in Mexico. A good part of a village works to grow, pick, roast and package this coffee. While the coffee is good, the best part is that the proceeds provide a livable wage to those who work hard to provide it. Just Coffee is a bit more expensive than many coffee brands, largely because the co-op insures that workers receive a livable wage. Your donations, which may be placed in a well-marked container next to the coffee pot at His Place,help our congregation to support a village. Enjoy a good cup of coffee and join your life to God's love for the world!

Sara Luneack in Concert - December 13 Songs for the Savior YFC Christmas Tea. 7:00pm December 13 at the Youth for Christ Student Center. Come warm up with hot drinks and warm desserts as you enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and original tunes from singer/songwriter Sara Luneack.

Greeters Needed

Greeters are needed for both services. A sign up sheet is available at the welcome center or contact the church office.

December 12 - January 12

No I.M.P.A.C.T. Activities at His Place

December 21 - Christmas Caroling

All ages welcome to meet at His Place at 6:00pm for Christmas Caroling throughout the area.

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.

February 27-March 1 - 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.

January 10, 2009 Wedding Anniversary Party

Your Healthy Marriage Healthy 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!!

Family News

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.

© 2008 Alma First Church of God. All Rights Reserved.

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

Site by Diane's Digital Design