A message from Michael on this Sunday's Advent series:

Howdy! As a reminder, we'll be starting our Advent series this Sunday alongside the Good News class. Our combined classes will be meeting in the Hope classroom (Mezzanine-1 I think) over the next four weeks. Jim Colbert with the Good News class is preparing the lesson for this Sunday's session, which is titled "Miracles Begin as Babies" (something we can all relate to). The scripture reading for the lesson is found in Matthew 1:18-25 for those who would like a sneak peak.

As a former member of the Good News class, I'm especially glad to welcome Jim Colbert and the rest of the Good News'ers to the Hope class for what I believe will be a series of interesting and relevent discussions as we enter the Christmas season. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday. Feel free to pass this email along to others whom you think may be interested in joining us. I hope y'all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

From Laurie regarding Backpack buddies and Advent workshop Dec 2:

I signed us up to help with gifts for the Backpack Buddy program that our church participates in--this is the program that sends food home with needy children. I thought this would be a great way to provide a needed service to our church. There are tags and a flyer that explains the program in our room and this morning Sue Baird is going to come by to describe in greater detail. The church is going to provide about 115 gifts to pack in the backpacks. Our part is to take a tag--boy or girl--and purchase a $10-$15 gift for that child. It should be appropriate for a 3rd-5th grader. We need to bring the toy, wrapped w/tag, back to the church by the first Sunday in December (check the flyer on the definite deadline). I hope you agree that this will be a good service project for Christmas that we can handle. There are other Sunday School classes participating so just take the tag/tags that you will provide and Sue will take the leftover to another class. Tags should be in the classroom if you want to pick one or two up.

Also, I need help with cookies for the Advent Celebration at Church on Wednesday 2nd. If you are willing to provide a dozen cookies for the Polar Express station please let me know. They can be dropped off any time that day in the Atkin Learning Center upstairs kitchen. We will be having cookies and hot chocolate that evening. If I can get away this morning I will pass around a sign up sheet.

Love and Blessings,
Laurie Zuehlke