Announcements

Merry Christmas Everyone, I hope this season is filled with Joy, Peace, Laughter, and Love…. Especially Love…. Lots of Love… See you in the New Year, & yes have a Happy New Year!!
~ANNOUNCEMENTS & INVITATIONS as of December 14, 2018~

• Last week’s Christmas Carol Festival was enjoyed by many, including the many who stayed afterward to share the treats. Many thanks to Evelyn for coordinating... to all the singers and musicians who participated... to those who provided for the repast which followed the concert... and those who shared non-perishables and $1000+ with the Food Bank; and pjs for the hamper program too!

Upcoming:
• December 16 ~ Cantata styled Service (music and narration) ~ (Please bring gifts for sharing with Stettler Christmas Hamper Society)
• Light & Hope Service ~ December 16 @ 4:00 p.m. We offer this quiet and contemplative service of hope and healing especially for those grieving a significant loss/change in or for their family this Christmas. Please invite friends and family members.
• Lodge Services ~ Dec. 18th ~ Willow Creek (2:00) and Paragon Place (3:30)
• Drum Circle ~ December 19th, @ 7:30 pm
• Anglican/United Shared Services ~ December 23rd @ Stettler United Church @ 10:30; and December 30th @ St. George's @ 10:00,
• Christmas Eve Candle Light Service ~ December 24 @ 7:00 p.m. @ Stettler United Church (volunteers for special parts, especially to represent the Holy Family, please contact Jan)
• Christmas Service @ Points West Living, December 28 @ 3:30
• December 30th Worship Service ~ Will be held across the street at St. George’s Anglican starting @ 10:00 am, everyone is welcome to attend.
• January 6/19 -- Epiphany Service, with communion

• Thank YOU ~ to the UCW and others for the Christmas gifts, and special seasonal greetings! Christmas Blessings to all, Jan & Michele

• Michele ~ will be on holidays starting December 17th returning January 02nd.

• Our Financial Picture changes a lot this time of year! Here’s the figures as of December 6/18:
o General Fund, income: $157,94 (Budget: $173,155)
o General Fund, expenses: $170,441 (Budget: $193,395)
o Mission & Service Fund $12,816 (Goal = $20,500)

• Zatoun ~ Peace in a bottle Olive Oil, from Palestine~ In Stock! We have Fair Trade Olive Oil for $20/bottle, and the Thyme Spice Mix is $5. These are available for sale after Sunday worship, and in the office during office hours. Please bring exact amount for your purchase, as I do not keep change in the office. https://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/unsettling-goods-peace-box
• 2019 Canadian Church Calendar ~ Available in the office $4.00 each. Please bring the correct change, as I don’t keep any in the office. Thank you.

• January 13th ~ Chili Sunday! The Pastoral Care committee will serve Hot chili and homemade buns/bread after the worship service. This is a fundraiser luncheon.

• Stettler United Church Fundraiser ~ Flow Art Paint Night ~ January 18/19 …$40 tickets in advance (price includes two canvases, instruction from Michele, handouts and all supplies needed. There’ll also be wine, other refreshments and snacks served.) Tickets available from Board members and/or the church office.

• Envelopes ~ Your 2019 envelopes are ready. Big thanks to those of you using your leftovers. If you do not have envelope printed to pick up, please leave your name, envelope #, and amount you want and I will make them for you when I am back, or you can use an envelope and write your number on. Thanks.

• Website Updates: http://www.stettlerunitedchurch.org/news

WIDER CHURCH ~ CHURCH IN COMMUNITY

o 2018 Gifts with Vision ~ New gifts, new hope. The new Gifts with (hardcopy) is pinned to the bulletin board in the CE wing, OR you can look online: https://www.giftswithvision.ca/
o Jan chose https://www.giftswithvision.ca/project/remove-barriers-education as a gift to Stettler United Church, in celebration of Christmas, and the friendship, mission and ministry we share in Christ.
• Old Fashion Christmas Dinner ~ December 21, 5:30 p.m. @ Stettler Community Hall. This is a free dinner for anyone who is alone and/or experiencing unfortunate circumstances. Contact FCSS (403-742-2337 for information about donations or to indicate you’ll attend.
• Canadian Badlands Passion Play ~ Save $63! Our annual Badlands Passion Play Christmas package is now available online at badlandsamp.com/Christmas-sale or call 403-826-2102.
• There is No Silent Night ~ A prayer calling us to meet the Christ-child and change the world this Advent season, by Moderator Richard Bott. https://www.united-church.ca/prayers/there-no-silent-night
• Blog ~ Rev. Norm Seli reflects: In these days of change in the church, imagination must win out over nostalgia… https://www.united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/god-isnt-done-us
• Relief Efforts ~ The United Church is grateful to all those who sent support (over $187,000) to help meet peoples’ needs in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Dominica, and St-Martin, among others. https://www.united-church.ca/news/thank-you-supporting-partners-caribbean
• Winter Stay at Naramata Centre ~ you are welcome to book accommodations in East Court or Orchard Court for a minimum of 3 nights and up to a maximum of three weeks. Lower costs in the winter. Email info@naramatacentresociety.org