December 2024
“A Few Words From Cory Lemke”
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Jesus: The Reason for the Christmas Season!
I love this time of year, the cold nights, the more relaxing evenings, family gathering and spending time with you all as brothers and sisters in Christ.
In fact although I have other times of the year that I enjoy, it is this time of celebrating Jesus birth and remembering Him that makes this one of my favorite times.
I know many people find this time of year difficult, either because of separation from family, conflict, or having lost someone dear to them and it can be a time that can be depressing.
For those who are struggling during this Christmas time, I pray for you and for God’s comfort and His assurance that you are loved, you are His dear kids!
Our world has romanticized the Christmas season, substituting Jesus for Santa and substituting the giving of gifts from God to material presents that do not last.
So to refresh your memory, please go to Matthew chapters 1 and 2 to see the reality of Joseph and Mary as they struggled to come to terms with the situation they found themselves in. Then go to Luke chapters 1 and 2 and read the same story but from a different perspective. You will see the great anticipation of Mary, of the Magi, of the Shepherds and the angels of God as they saw and understood for the first time what it meant for Jesus to come to earth! There are too many occurrences to recount here, but I hope you see the revolutionary movement of God in our world as He began the process of redemption! That is why I love Christmas! Jesus came to redeem our world and that movement is still continuing, in fact it is growing as we see more people in our world coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior!
Simeon an old man and prophet at the temple met Mary, Joseph and Jesus on their way to the temple and said the following as he addressed God in prayer: Luke 2:30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of your people Israel!”
Meditate on that!
Have a Merry Christmas! You are Loved and Cherished as His Kids!
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December Events
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December 14th, Saturday - Parent’s Night Out - Fundraiser for the Preschool. 4pm – 7pm at SWCC.
You can leave your kids with the Preschool staff while you go shopping, date, etc.
We will feed and entertain the kids.
Suggested donation: $20 per family.
If you would like to use this service, let Laura Powell know.
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December 15th, Sunday - Christmas Breakfast - Breakfast served from 8:30 to 10am.
Biscuits & Gravy, Ham & Sausage Links, Egg Casserole, Fruit and Juices.
Please join us for a great time of fellowship.
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December 15th, Sunday – SPLASH (Single People Loving and Serving Him) Pizza and Gift Wrapping Party
Following the Worship Service
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December 17th, Tuesday - Soul Sister’s Cookie Exchange and Staff Christmas Gifts
After Bible Study.
Please bring 4 dozen cookies or candies to share with our group and the staff.
We will use the room next door - so leave your items there when you arrive for Bible Study.
Also, bring a container for you to take home the goodies you select for yourself.
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December 19th, Thursday - SWCC Preschool Christmas Program - 6pm
You are invited to come to see the children and to support our preschool.
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December 21st, Saturday - Sensory-Friendly Visit With Santa - 11am-2pm at SWCC.
Hot cocoa bar Pictures with Santa Take home Goodie Bags
We will have one-on-one time slots available for children with sensory differences to visit with Santa, as well as an opportunity for children to meet with Santa in a small group setting.
To request a time slot, visit: codsn.org/events-and-calendar.
This is a free event. Interpretation available if requested before December 18th. Questions or need help registering? Email: info@codsn.org or call 541-548-8559.
For more information, see the flyer posted in the church.
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December 22nd, Sunday - Children’s Christmas Program during worship service.
Christmas Sunday Worship Service.
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December 24th, Tuesday - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - 6pm
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
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December 29th, Sunday - Nativity Manger Display
This is a time when you can bring your favorite Nativity Manger scene to display and share with our church family.
Come early to set up your manger.. For more information, talk to Teri West.​
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Looking Ahead...
Grief Share Class will be held in February 2025. This is an excellent class study for those who have lost a loved one.
Men’s Retreat will be the 1st weekend in May 2025. More information to come. Mark this on your calendar.
Church annual Campout in July: We are wanting input on where you would like the campout to be. We can go back to Juanita Lake and be in the individual camp area or we can go to Hyatt Lake. Tell Buddy Reno what location you prefer.
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Food Bank items for December
Instant Potatoes Canned or mix gravy Stuffing Cranberry Sauce Olives
Pie crust mix Pumpkin Pie filling Canned sweet Potatoes Roll mixes
(We donated 68 pounds of food and non-food items in September to the food bank)
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A BIG THANK YOU
to all who made our annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Program a great success. We had 100+ people in attendance. There were many “helping hands” helping with both the dinner and program. YOU are greatly appreciated for making this a very special evening.
On January 1st, I am retiring as SWCC’s Special Events Coordinator. I have held this position for 22 years and feel it is time to “pass the torch” on to someone else. During this time, I have also coordinated many of the large events that were serving food – mainly the breakfasts, annual meeting and pastor appreciation lunches, and the Thanksgiving dinner. I will no longer be the “planner” for these events. My body has been saying it is time to slow down. Thank you to all of you who have assisted me with these meals over the years.
I want to thank the pastors and elders for their trust in me to be the events coordinator for SWCC. It is a position I have enjoyed greatly throughout the years.
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Hugs and Blessings to All of You,
Sally Marshall
