Church Family,

Over the first few weeks of Advent we have really focused on acknowledging the weariness felt through this hard stretch.  All of us are weary of the waiting and hostility that seems to pervade every part of our lives.  In this second part of Advent, however, we are going to also recognize that there is still so much to rejoice about.  There is also joy and love and grace that pervades each part of our lives too–a weary world can still rejoice and indeed there is much to give glory to God about!  This passage of scripture has resonated with me lately as both a comfort and challenge: Philippians 4:8-9“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
The Get Centered Devotional will be released tomorrow morning

Hospitality Crew

I want to give a shout-out to our amazing hospitality crew who is greeting and parking folks at our Windows service.  Katie Baird has been our greeter and has thoroughly enjoyed greeting you and welcoming you to the service. Dave Auble, Pam Auble, Steve Hurd, Rick Painley, Jennifer Burnett and Brian Hurd have all been part of our parking crew this fall/Advent.  They have figured out how to do this in an organized and safe way.  Liz & Paul Meeker have waited after the service to receive your offerings and say “hey” as you head out.  All of these folks have volunteered because they love God, love our church, and are glad to serve.  Each of them, too, are enduring the cold weather!  Our deepest thank you to each of you and to anyone who I have mistakenly forgotten that has helped with this effort! 

MCCC Care Team

You may have been participating or seen them in action already, but if you haven’t, please know that the MCCC Care Team is doing incredible things. They are helping families in grief or crisis with meals and helping hands. They are meeting needs from our community or referring people to where they need to go.  They are an incredibly caring group of people from our congregation who are making a HUGE difference in peoples’ lives on our behalf.  Though they don’t want the recognition…they deserve our gratitude and thanks!  Nora Brant is the chair and the members are: Liz Meeker, Sue Pollard, Cathy Ausperk, Pat Hoskin, Nancy Tafel, Linda Head, Becky Tipton, and Linda Idoine.  
They would always like to.  Are you interested in helping serve?  Making meals or lending a helping hand?   Know of someone who could use some help? Please make your willingness known or join the team! 🙂  Contact Nora Brant.

Christmas Eve Offerings

If you are so inclined, please remember our Regional Church in your end-of-the-year giving.  The Regional Church is in transition and in the middle of searching for a regional minister.  They also are trying to prepare for the possibility of Camp Christian safely opening in 2021.  Write a check to the church with “Christian Church in Ohio” in the memo or go to their website (www.ccinoh.org)Also, if you are looking for a national/global organization to give to, please consider giving to the Week of Compassion (www.weekofcompassion.org).  They are the relief, refugee, and development fund of our denomination and partner with great organizations around the world.  
Thank you, as well, for your extraordinary generosity to our church throughout 2020 and as we prepare for 2021!

Worship Schedule Reminder and 2021 Worship Survey

• Dec 13 – Worship at the Windows/YouTube Live!
• Dec 20 – ONLINE only service (Advent 4 and Children’s Pageant)
• Dec 21 – ONLINE Blue Christmas Service released
• Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Worship at the Windows/YT Live
• Dec 27 – ONLINE only (Nora Brant preaching)
• Jan 3 – ONLINE only (Rick Painley preaching)

In the next week or so I will be sending out an anonymous survey to gather your input/feedback on worship as we go into 2021.  Start thinking about things like… Still unable to meet in the building, would you prefer to keep worshipping “at the windows” and YouTube Live?  Would you prefer the pre-recorded services as we were doing before?  How much difference does it make to you? What suggestions would you have?  Etc. 

Start thinking/praying about that and when we put out the survey it would be great to have your input! 

As always, please reach out to me if you have a need or know of a need the church can help with.  After Christmas, I’m going to take a few weeks off and get recharged.  With Pastor Sarah, our worship team, and the wonderful preachers lined up, we’ll be in great hands.  Looking forward to the gift of continuing this sacred season with you all in such a unique way! 

Peace,
Chad