Greetings MCCC!

I first want to start off with a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who worked so hard to help Carolin Newell pull off our 4th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar!  From the set-up, to serving, to clean-up it was quite a team effort to make it a success!  And . . . to all who offered up their cooking and baking expertise by providing soups, chili’s, sloppy joe’s, hot dogs, chips,  and many, many pies, your help was so very appreciated by all!  Although the turnout was lower than previous years, everyone had a great time and it was great to get “back in the groove! 

Also, The Smile Team is extending it’s sincere THANKS to all those who helped provide baked goods for our bake sale fundraiser!  We ended up having MORE items than previously thought due to the generosity of our MCCC congregation!  After our sale at the Craft Bazaar and selling the leftovers following worship yesterday, we earned $390!  This will help us continue our “Acts of Kindness” within our church AND our community!  Thanks a MILLION!  If you would like to get involved in helping with the Smile Team, the door is ALWAYS open!

Now to a few reminders:

1. The deadline for contributing to “Staff Donations” is this coming Sunday, December 12th.  Details are in the calendar.
2. Check out the question from the Worship Team, and please text your answer to Pam Auble at (216) 308-7930!  Your answers may be incorporated in the manger scene next Sunday!
3. If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible.  Liz Meeker will need to know whether you are keeping your pledge the same or not. Extra cards are at the entrance of the church, or you can text Liz with your pledged amount for 2022.
4. Chi-Rho and CYF United will host an afternoon Tubing at Punderson on Sunday, Dec. 19th at 2pm.  There will also be a White Elephant Gift Exchange, and a financial collection to support the Work of the Cleveland Christian Home.  Check out the details in the Calendar!
5. Ally Hurd Bozeka is planning our annual Christmas Pageant to be held on Dec. 19th during our regular church service.  Details in the Calendar!
6. Our Blue Christmas service will be Monday, Dec. 20th at 7pm.  It will also be live streamed on YouTube.
7. The 4C’s Food Collection is December 26th.  Please keep the following items in mind while shopping:  Jello, Kleenex, and Dish Soap.

Whew!  That was a LOT!  Now for some food for thought:  As I listened to Chad, Katie, and Liz speak yesterday about “Laying the Foundation,” it made me realize how important that step is. I began to think about the many ways that a strong “foundation” is necessary.  For instance, when you make a pot of chicken noodle soup, you can add as many vegetables and spices as you want, but if the “base”, the “foundation” isn’t prepared or cooked long enough with chicken, the soup will lack in flavor. Likewise, if you are planning to build a treehouse, you need to choose a good, strongly rooted tree as your “base”.  Without a strong “foundation” the tree may not withstand the weight of the treehouse. Even friendships, marriages, family relationships, all require a good, strong “foundation” to survive.   Which brings me around to FAITH.  Is YOUR faith in God deeply rooted?  Does it have a good strong “base”?  When times get tough – as they sometimes do, do you rely on your faith to help you through?   Is your foundation strong enough to sustain you?  If you don’t feel you currently have a strong foundation – the good news is it’s not too late to start!  Perhaps think about the importance of laying or strengthening your “foundation” of faith during this Holy season.  Remember, God’s presence is unwavering – don’t be afraid to ask for His help! 

Blessings to you all!
Sandi