December 2014 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 12
Christmas Wishes
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hen my wife, Cheryl, was a little girl, her piano teacher asked her what she wanted for Christmas. In cute innocence, Cheryl responded, “Anything you want to get me will be just fine.” Her teacher found the response humorous, as did Cheryl’s Mom. Cheryl’s piano teacher did, in fact, get her something for Christmas. At this time of year asking a child, “What do you want for Christmas?” is a good conversation starter. Most of the time the question is not interpreted as it was by my wife. We run very little risk of adding a cute child’s expectations to our shopping list by asking. I neither remember what I received, nor gave last (Sticky—Continued on page 2)
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
www.oakharborfamilybib www.oakharborfamilybible. le.org le.org
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Training the Untrained To Reach the Unreached (Sticky—Continued from page 1)
November 2014
Christmas. I can tell you who gave me what as I contemplate my pos- by Pastor Ron Lawler sessions, but not the occasion on which I received them. My memory lapse may be the cue to the best Christmas. Memories are best when centered on people. The enjoyment of family and friends will Our goal out distance any should be: material gift. to be a blessing, How different not to get would it be this year if our Christblessed. mas “Wish List” was about people? Why don’t we make a list of the people with whom we would like to spend some quality time? For the wishes to be granted, we must adjust our expectations. Our goal should be: to be a blessing, not to get blessed. If we set out to spend time with people so that they can make us feel better, the Grinch will certainly steal Christmas. However, if our goal is to be an encouragement to every person on our list…THEN we can have a very merry Christmas! So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 ESV)
Bill Walsh of The Gospel Coali“We weren't tion. meant to be somebody--we were meant to know Somebody.” - John Piper
As [Paul and Timothy] went on their way through the cities ... the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. - (Acts 16:4-5)
For the past several years The Theological Famine Relief Project As Debbie and I move into of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) November we are rejoicing over has been partnering with our ministry to get quality Bible some very special signs of the study resources into the hands of Lord’s favor that He has given leaders such as those we are us in our ministry recently. As the three photos below show, we equipping in India. As Debbie and I were in Minneapolis last are now very engaged in comonth for the Desiring God Naleading together our local (Lynden) Precept Upon Precept tional Conference, I was able to meet personally for the first time Gospel of John study with 35 with Bill Walsh of TGC who has worked with me for this purpose many times over the years.
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ear friends,
Our India Trainees are Greatly Multiplying the Training They are Receiving From Us
men and women on Wednesday nights. It has been such a great time of growth! It brings such joy to us both as we see the same kind of passionate pursuit for growth in God’s Word being displayed by our friends here locally --- as we see among the church planters in India to whom we give the equipping to engage this same process of Inductive Bible Study! This past month I made a great connection with one of our partners to our ministry to India:
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Bill Walsh at the National Convention
The photo on Page 3 is of my most recent new group of trainees in Hyderabad, India, (taken in September) -– the same men to whom Debbie and I will be giving their next cycle of training the beginning of January. One of these men is named Silas. He has a deep hunger to grow in his own knowledge of God’s Word as well as a passion to then pass that on to other leaders (men who due to their lack of English-speaking skills cannot join our training process). Silas is one of our key “links” to getting the training (GTN—Continued on page 3)
Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
"If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble." — Thomas Watson
(GTN—Continued from page 2)
reproduced on to those other leaders! He is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We invite and encourage you to partner with us as we multiply God’s Word to the nations. If God is leading you to partner with us in any way, as a new monthly supporter or with a special gift to our GTN ministry, please send your donation (payable to Global
Training Network noted for Account #428) or inform us of your prayer support at the address shown below. Donations are taxdeductible and receipts provided.
Great Commission. Dan and Debbie Smythe GTN Office P.M.B. 449 7558 W. Thunderbird Rd. Suite 1 Peoria, AZ 85381
By God’s grace… to the nations. He is bringing great fruit for His glory through your partnership. Thank you for standing with us in this amazing journey toward fulfilling the
Silas’ training resources Silas in my September training in Hyderabad --and then (below) passing it on to other leaders in the weeks following that training cycle!
This is why we do what we do – to pass it on to others
Thank you for investing in Silas --- and “the third generation” he is now training!
Silas with his wife, Phibee, daughters, Susan and Grace, and son Paul --- and then Silas baptizing new believers below
Silas’ training resources are here being used to multiply the training on to others.
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
www.oakharborfamilybib www.oakharborfamilybible. le.org le.org
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OW!!! We feel SO blessed!! Thank you to all of you who have already contributed to our RENT PROJECT campaign this month. See how the Lord has blessed us in the article below... Solar-Powered Audio Bibles An incredible tool to get God's Word to people. One of the amazing tools the Lord is using to get the Word of God into the hands of His people is through the Solar-Powered Audio Bibles. At AIM AIR we have had the privilege of flying hundreds of these hand-held Audio Bibles, which come in numerous tribal languages, out to the people. Shepherds who spend hours upon hours watching their flocks are listening to the Bible in their mother tongue because of these amazing devices. This is an incredible tool that God is using to advance His Kingdom. Jon Michael plays 'George' in 'Our Town'
This weekend the Rosslyn Academy Drama Department has been performing the classic play ‘Our Town’, by Thornton Wilder. Jon Michael has had the privilege of performing in a lead role as George in the show. His hard work over the last 2 ½ months has paid off with three wonderful performances as the whole cast and crew put together an amazing show. Halvorson Move Update With the move scheduled for a second time last weekend, the deal for the 4
house we thought we were going to move into fell through on Monday and we won’t be moving to that specific house. This is frustrating as we have spent a lot of time trying to get into this house, but we are patient to wait on God’s timing and direction. The housing development we were looking at has several other houses available that we will continue to pursue now. Your prayers for us as we continue to look for affordable housing in a secure area with a good landlord are greatly appreciated. Rent Project Update The project has gotten off to an amazing start as pledges and funds totaling $11,600 have already come in toward our goal of $18,000. Completion of this project will pay for the increased cost of living in a more secure area of Nairobi for the next 30 months, before we return to America for 'home assignment' in 2017. We encourage you to prayerfully consider
Aftermath of a Cattle Raid
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xamining the scribbled note, it read, “Gun shot wound to the head, temporary stiches to reduce heavy bleeding.” Looking back at the man lying on the stretcher as we climbed to altitude, the little hand written note didn’t give much detail. I knew cattle rustlers had come into this remote region the night before and the three men’s broken bodies that I was flying back to Nairobi bore witness to their handy work. Reaching altitude, I adjusted the fuel mixture for my cruise setting to home and with the busyness of the departure complete, my mind began to wonder about what a night cattle raid must be like. Confusion, panic, fear, death, pain, and no doubt, bravery must be present in the chilling moments during the defense of a cattle raid. In this remote part of Kenya near the Ethiopian border, cattle raids are all too frequent, as some
participating in this unique event and being a part of the work to which the Lord has called us. To give by check: Make Checks Payable to: Africa Inland Mission (Attach a note with the payment stating: For Dan & Lesli Halvorson, RENT PROJECT Mail to: Africa Inland Mission P.O. Box 3611 Peachtree City, GA 30269-7611) Thank you for considering walking with us in this way as we move forward from the home invasion this summer. You may also contribute electronically to the HALVORSON RENT PROJECT and/or to make a tax-deductible contribution to this project electronically, by going to AIM's secure giving web-site at https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift2/ Our mailing address is: The Halvorsons PO Box 21171 Nairobi 00505 Kenya
unscrupulous families try to increase their wealth through illicit gains. Pressing on toward Nairobi we pass over a green ridgeline, speckled with little bomas where families live far from automobiles and electricity. Little fences encircle the mud homes, allowing animals to stay protected through the night. I give a long steady look at them as we pass by and notice that the man seated behind me with the chest wound is looking too. I wonder what is he thinking as he gazes upon this mountain village. Turbulence begins to bounce our little plane to and fro. I look to the man sitting next to me, concerned about how he is doing. Unable to speak each other’s language, he smiles back, indicating he is fine. I offer him a water bottle, which he appreciates, but I soon realize that he is unable to open it. His left arm appears useless, (Cattle—Continued on page 7)
Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." — C. S. Lewis
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December 2014 AWANA 02 Dec
6:30—8:00 PM 6:30—8:15 PM 6:30—8:30 PM
Cubbies Sparks T&T
07 Dec
6:00—8:00 PM
Trek/Journey
09 Dec
6:30—8:00 PM 6:30—8:15 PM 6:30—8:30 PM
Cubbies Sparks T&T
14 Dec
6:00—8:00 PM
Trek/Journey
16 Dec
6:30—8:00 PM 6:30—8:15 PM 6:30—8:30 PM
Cubbies Sparks T&T
19 Dec
6:00—8:00 PM
Trek/Journey
21,23,28,& 30 Dec
Youth Group Wed. Nights
Backwards Night
7:00-8:30 PM— Bring a friend and encourage others to participate!
Goofy Christmas Games
Jesus' Birthday Annual Awana Auction
Trek/Journey
6 Jan
6:30—8:00 PM 6:30—8:15 PM 6:30—8:30 PM
Cubbies Sparks T&T
Some nights will be small group nights where we have more discussion of topics
Other nights will consist of fun activities worship and a taught lesson
Church Service—Worship with the whole Body at 8:30, 9:50 or 11:00 AM Sunday School is offered at 9:50 AM.
LOOKING AHEAD 6:00—8:00 PM
Sunday Morning
NO CLUBS
4 Jan
6:30 PM—All Youth Dinners in the Foyer
Flashlight Night
December 2014 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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3 Youth Dinner 6:30 PM Sr. High 7-8:45C-6
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Sr. High 7-8:45C-6
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9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. high in C6 21
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. high in C6
28 No Sunday School
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Jr. High 7-8:45 C3
10 Youth Dinner 6:30 PM
9:50 am Sunday School Jr./Sr. high in C6
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Jr. High 7-8:45 C3
Christmas Dinner & Gift Exchange (a $5 or less gift) 6:30 PM
No Youth Groups—Enjoy the Winter Christmas Break!
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31 No Youth Groups—Enjoy the Winter Christmas Break!
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
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s the twinkle lights start to go up. As recipe planning heats up. As we begin the juggling and scheduling for family trips, dinners, gifts. And BEFORE you’re overwhelmed and over it all – stop and read this. For the days we just don’t think we have it in us to pick up one more load of groceries, read one more story, play one more game of Monopoly, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it altogether. For the days we’re sure anyone else would do this job better: host this family more calmly, have a house more presentable. For those days. For those holidays. You know the ones… repeat after me: I shall not wait for my house or my life to be perfect before inviting someone in. I shall remember that big 6
hospitality has nothing to do with the size of my house. I shall not judge my house, my Holidays or my gift wrapping skills by Pinterest’s standards. I shall tell myself that no one ever did actually die of embarrassment from a small or messy space. And that missing out on community is a much worse kind of dying. I shall not compare myself to others’ traditions, decor or gifts, but find my identity in the God who came to *be* the gift to me. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly off key carols. I shall accept that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots. I shall remember that guests will only feel as comfortable in my home as I feel in my own skin. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real. I shall remember that there’s no shame in paper plates if they’re heaped high with delight in each others’ company.
I shall give my friends the gift of comparison-free friendship. I shall pause between preparations to savor the celebrations. I shall remember that hospitality is about opening the door, not about how fancy the furniture, decor or dishes. I shall treat my family with the same grace I offer my guests. I shall treat myself with the same grace I offer everyone else. I shall leave the dishes and lean into the conversations. I shall not focus on fear of appearances but on fully opening my arms to my friends and family. I shall not be intimidated by how the holidays, the turkey, the tree or the memories “should” be celebrated but love the people I’m celebrating with instead. I shall welcome my kids into the decorations, preparations, and celebrations. I shall remember that I want you here. Whether I’m perfectly ready or not. Just the way you are. Which will likely mean most days, I must open the door just the way I am too. With love from one tired, happy, determined-not-to-beoverwhelmed-by-theholidays mother to another.
Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
(Cattle—Continued from page 4)
perhaps even broken in the raid. I help him with the water, now realizing that none of the men can manage them by themselves as I open more bottles.
"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." — John Barrymore
As we continue on toward our destination, we cross the desert floor and then over another mountain range. My three passengers had brought with them the smell of cattle, sweat, the sun, and the earth. A smell I have become quite used to, being around shepherds. A smell that symbolizes hard work. Approaching the Rift Valley, I see Mount Longonot in the distance, indicating that home is quickly approaching. My senses become overwhelmed this time with a different smell. A very bad smell. I look back to see the man on the stretcher trying to vomit into the airsickness bag, but only partially successful he soils himself. I lean toward my air vent, hoping the fresh air will take away the stench. It does not. I remember my Chief Pilot telling me that he brings liquid peppermint along to combat the acrid fumes of someone vomiting in our little aircraft cabin. I wish I was wise like the chief pilot, but I am not. I suffer, but yet, I am impressed that the deathly ill man made it for a whole two hours without emptying his stomach on the bumpy ride. Not long after, I call Wilson Tower on the radio and let them know we will be there soon, as an ambulance waits on the ramp for our arrival. All four of us are glad the flight is coming to an end, as I taxi toward the ambulance.
A Nationwide Call for Spiritual Awakening
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ear Praying Friends,
Please pray that today’s Christians will “sanctify Christ as Lord” in their hearts and will always be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks [them] to give an account for the hope that is in [them], yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). Paul wrote that “in the last days difficult times will come,” in part because many individuals will not have self-control (2 Timothy 3:1-3).
Pray that the men and women in our church will be dead to selfish desires and will walk under the controlling influence of the Spirit of Christ.
Ruth Hartman PS—Remember our OneCry prayer meeting is Dec 11th at 6:00 PM.
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
I help the chest wound victim put on his sandals as I assist him out of the aircraft. My hands touch his worn and gnarled feet as I work the sandals on. His feet bear the marks of many hard years of watching the cattle through the heat of the day and cold of the night. The ambulance has now left and I am relieved knowing the men are in someone else’s care. I walk back to the airplane surveying the empty stretcher reeking of vomit. The plane is a complete disaster, but it never looked better. God used it to save some of His precious children’s lives and amongst the mess, it sparkles with His love!
www.oakharborfamilybib www.oakharborfamilybible. le.org le.org
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WOW Servants 2014-2015
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e had another successful term of Women of the Word Bible Studies thanks to our faithful WOW workers who made it possible. We are so grateful for their amazing servant hearts! Greeters: Marjorie Kott Susan Cannon Nancy Condliff Set Up: Ron Wilhelm Beverage Prep & Food Set Up/Clean Up: Cindy Minich Deborah Rogers
Meredith Minich Geno Dogans Rose Childcare: Sylvia Rice Ron Wilhelm Jessica Brady Kayla MacIntyre Sarah Newman Hannah Marth Meghan Newman Ellie DuPont Kenyon Sirak Sue Watson Geno Dogan Publicity: Beth Campbell
Worship: lishing company LifeWay Christian Resources, will feature Moore’s dynamic storytelling and passionate Bible teaching. For the first time, the event will feature reserved seating, and is anticipated to be at capacity.
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Women’s Ministry is humbled and blessed by the over 100 volunteers who are serving for the Lord. Thank you so much for all you have done! We look forward in great anticipation to see all the Lord will do!
Bible Teacher and Best-Selling Author
BETH MOORE
in Seattle February 20-21, 2015
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ifeWay Christian Resources is excited to bring well-known Bible teacher and best-selling author Beth Moore to Overlake Christian Church on February 20-21, 2015. Living Proof Live, sponsored by Nashville-based pub-
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Teachers: Carol Haines Marsha Kallander Bev Miller Brittany Rowan Tammy Ostermann Gina Riffel Ruth Hartman Patty Tracy-evening Lynn Adam-evening
Prayer: Judy Abbott
Please Pray for the Christmas Tea Saturday December 6th omen’s Ministry would ask that you join us in praying for the Christmas Tea speaker Poppy Smith as she brings her message. We pray that those women who do not know Christ will be moved to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. We would also covet your prayers for safe travels for Poppy, unity among the many volunteers serving for the Tea, and for our follow up efforts after the Tea.
Marsha Kallander Brittany Rowan Tordie Hayden Marjorie Kott Carolynn Kaetterhenry Tammy Ostermann
Participants are encouraged to reserve seating as early as possible for this lifetransforming weekend. “I am thankful that Beth presents herself as a real person. Not as someone who has ‘arrived,’” says Pam McBride, an attendee from a Living Proof Live event in Knoxville. “Her words of truthfulness and boldness touch my life in so many ways.” The event, which is now in its 18th year, both challenges and encourages women to grow (Moore—Continued on page 9)
Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
Wondering what’s going on in Women’s Ministry? Go to our Facebook page for all the information about classes and events. Women’s Ministry at Family Bible Church
"He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything." — Samuel Johnson
(Moore—Continued from page 8)
deeply in their faith. “We are passionate to serve women who know Christ well but we’re also hoping they will join us shoulder-to-shoulder in the accelerated outreach effort that God is blazing in our souls,” Beth Moore wrote. “We are praying earnestly that women will come bringing the lost and the searching and the broken and the untaught.” Living Proof Live starts Friday, February 20 at 7:00 PM and concludes for the evening at 9:30. It starts back up the following morning at 8:30 and ends at 12:15 PM. Tickets cover both days of the event and cost $69. To register for Living Proof Live, go to lifeway.com/livingproof EVENT DETAILS WHAT: Living Proof Live with Beth Moore WHEN: Friday & Saturday, Feb.20-21, 2015. Doors open at 5:30 PM Friday
WHERE: Overlake Christian Church
9900 Willows Rd NE Redmond, WA 98052
REGISTRATION: lifeway.com/livingproof or 888.695.0888 About LifeWay Women’s Events and LifeWay Christian Resources LifeWay Women’s Events is a trusted source for Biblical events and training. Each year, more than 100,000 women participate in the events held throughout the country. LifeWay Christian Resources, established in 1891 in Nashville, is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, church literature, books, music, audio and video recordings, church supplies and Internet services through LifeWay.com. The company owns and operates 160 LifeWay Christian Stores across the nation, as well as one of the largest Christian conference centers in the country. The company is a nonprofit organization that reinvests income above operating expenses in mission work and other ministries around the world. For additional information, visit www.lifeway.com. About Beth Moore Beth Moore is a speaker and author of best-selling books and Bible studies that are read by women of all ages, races and denominations. Moore is a woman of purpose, preparation, prayer and passion. She is the founder of Living Proof Ministries and speaks to thousands of women who attend her Living Proof Live conferences each year. Her mission is to lead women everywhere into a richer, more ful-
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
filling relationship with the Father through Biblical literacy—guiding believers to love and live God’s Word. Moore loves the Lord, loves to laugh, and loves to be with His people. For more information, visit lifeway.com/ livingproof. About Travis Cottrell Travis Cottrell is a contemporary Christian singer, arranger and worship leader. He uses a blended style of worship in leading churches, student conferences and events such as Living Proof Live with Beth Moore. Recent musical projects include Jesus Saves: Live, which recently was nominated for a Dove award; the 3:16 Worship Musical; The Lamb Has Overcome for Living Proof Live; and the live worship project Alive Forever. He and his wife Angela are also songwriters. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to get away with some girlfriends! Women’s Ministry encourages you to visit the website to book your tickets. There are also several links for hotels in the area. Plan Now to Attend!
www.oakharborfamilybib www.oakharborfamilybible. le.org le.org
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hrough the Advent Season we will set aside time in each service for an Advent reflection. Advent is from November 30th to December 24th. You can pick up an Advent Devotional provided at the Kiosk. If you would rather download this year’s devotional selection you can go to www.desiringgod.org and search for “Good News of Great Joy.”
Christmas Eve Service will take place on December 24th at 6:30 PM.
Worship Team rehearsal during the week of Christmas will be on Monday the 22nd.
The ushers are looking for
a few people – especially in the 1st service – to join the team. The usher’s rotation is once a month at the service you attend. If you regularly attend a specific service and would be willing to join the ushers please contact Pastor Brian (360)679-1585.
The Welcome Team will be looking for new workers in 2015. Our current group of Welcome Team workers have been serving at the doors for a number of years and could use some reinforcement. They have been such a great blessing to the church and to the worship department! If you think shaking hands and greeting people as they enter the church is for you please contact Pastor Brian (360)679-1585.
Advent: A Season of Preparation (A short reflection)
the season of advent all together. Even as a Pastor it is quite difficult for me to stop and add one more reading to my day or even stop to briefly prepare my heart and mind for the celebration of Christ’s birth. There are times in life where waiting and preparing for a big event are required, in fact they are forced. While awaiting the birth of a child we have a 40 week waiting period that helps us to prepare for their arrival. In those 40 weeks we tend to paint the nursery, read books to big brother/sister about being a sibling, read new books on parenting, plan the budget accordingly, get the right car seat (the updated one), and even begin to change our daily routine so it is so not hard when the baby arrives. But what about something even simpler? Finding that perfect gift someone’s birthday or for Christmas. We put in months of planning, researching what the person is interested in, if they already have the thing we are trying to purchase, finding the right size or color or model, and then finding the best price, even if it means buying the item months in advance during a huge mega sale. So, when it comes to the celebration of Christ’s birth why has it become so hard to stop for a few minutes each day to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the King? During the Advent season we are not only celebrating the first coming of Christ in Bethlehem but we are also preparing our hearts and minds for the day of His return. This Advent let’s strive to take just a few minutes out of each day to prepare for Christmas. You can do that by reading a daily devotional like the one mentioned above, by lighting an Advent wreath with your kids at home, by reading the Christmas story bit by bit through Advent (found in the Gospels), or by simply taking a moment out of your day to ask god to prepare your heart for Christmas and invite Him into your busy schedule.
So often in our homes and daily lives we miss
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Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
"How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments." — Benjamin Franklin
Omni Bulthuis
Kirk Kallander
Ponce Ramos
Holly Buxton
Larry Ketchum
Rollie Reyes
Joeydino Cabigting
Barry Martin
Gary Rientjes
Joseph Cortez
Caitlyn Martin
Deborah Rogers
Gail Daigle
Sara McGruder
Jack Sladko
Emma Edwards
Althea McLeod
Mira Thomas
R.P. (Bob) Fakkema
Michelle Nannenga
Stephen Thomas
Bachman, Karey
Paula Geist
Robert Olson
Kathy Thompson
Arron Benton
Carol Haines
Noah Ostermann
Bruce Vagt
Tyler Black
Larry Hartman
Bob Palmer
Michelle Wilson
Maggie Brady
Meg Hilkey
Betty Parry
Loretta Young
Dakota Brown
Bob Jones
Dan Peek
PLEASE NOTE: We have received numerous requests to include birthdates (without the birth year) in our birthday lists. We stopped including that information to protect our members’ personal information from possible identity theft. In order to do what’s best for our members and satisfy the desire to send birthday wishes on or close to their actual birth dates we have decided to offer our members the option to opt-out of having your birthdate included in the FamilyGram. If you DO NOT want your birth date (day only) included in our birthday lists, please call me (679-3697) , or send me an email at
[email protected] and we will not include your birth date in our list. - Beth Campbell, Editor
Wendy & Eric Geyer Tammy & Julian Johnson
Ann & Gary Rientjes Rosmond & Gabriel Shaw
Patti & Bob Jones
Janice & Jim Reynolds
Cheryl & Ron Lawler
Deborah & Ron Rogers
Teresita & Antonio Lazada
Roxalee & Larry Whitlatch
Pat & Jim Register
Barry & Ann Woodward
A Christmas Wish for Family Bible Church (To all of you who serve so faithfully, work so hard, pray without ceasing, give so generously... though it may sometimes feel like no one knows what you do or cares…)
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n the middle of the season, all the celebrations, the busy and the beautiful, the happy and the hard… I just wanted to lean in close to whisper today: I’m so grateful for you. You are a gift. Not just this time of year but always too.
I’m thankful for your strengths, your skills, the ways you serve. I’m thankful for the purpose you have in this world that only you can fulfill. I’m thankful that this year you have gotten through the tough times and embraced the joys too. Woo-hoo for you! Can you take a moment just to lean back and let it soak in that you are loved? Close your eyes. Take a sip of hot chocolate. Think about the wonder of a
2760 North Heller Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277
baby in a manger who came because God will never stop pursuing your heart. I’m so glad that journey He has you on has led you right here this year. (FBC is blessed with so many amazing souls who serve and love the Church—I want to take this opportunity to tell you that you are appreciated and loved. It has been a real pleasure to worship with and serve you this year. Thanks to Holley Gerth for putting into words what I feel. - Beth Campbell, Editor) www.oakharborfamilybib www.oakharborfamilybible. le.org le.org
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: AWANA
5
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11 6
A Tired Mother’s Holiday Creed
Missions
2, 3 & 4
Pastor Ron
1
One Cry Prayer Ministry
11
Silver Eagles
8-9
Youth
5
Women’s Ministry
9
Worship
10
Family Bible Church is a non-denominational church. We are located at 2760 N. Heller Road, Oak Harbor. Our Sunday service times are 8:30, 9:50 and 11:10 AM with Sunday School running concurrently. Church office hours are 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday. You can contact us by calling 679-1585. Our FAX # is 679-6144. Email address:
[email protected]. Web location: www.oakharborfamilybible.org. Articles for this publication may be submitted to
[email protected].
IT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH EVERY TUE
6:00 PM
Your Leaders Are Available To Serve You
The Pier—College and Career Elders
EVERY WED
6:30 PM
DEC
4 & 18
DEC
6
Christmas Tea 10:00 AM
DEC
11
OneCry Prayer Group
DEC
12
Children’s Christmas Cantata
DEC
19
Silver Eagles: Time Changed—12:00 Noon
DEC
24
Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 PM.
DEC
25
Christmas Day—Office Closed
Prayer & Praise Meeting—Library
Alan Schell
MOPS
Hayden Watson Treasurer & Children’s Ministries
360-240-0489
Brian Haynes
Adult Education
206-349-7688
Wayne Abbott
Secretary & Missions
360-929-0333
Tyler Black
Small Groups
360-682-5969
LOOKING AHEAD JAN
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1
New Years Day—Office Closed
Chairman & Worship Ministries 360-679-2381
Steve Burt
310-500-8200
Pastors Ron Lawler
Preaching & Teaching
360-675-3653
Dan Potter
Youth & Family
206-604-4439
Brian Haynes
Worship
206-349-7688
Family Bible Church Church— —FamilyGram
