A MESSAGE FROM MISS LAURA

I loved Pastor Erin’s sermon Sunday about getting ready for the birth of Christ - it was very introspective. And, didn’t the intergenerational lanterns look beautiful all lit up in the Sanctuary? If you missed them, you’ll be able to check them out during the Midweek Advent service starting tomorrow night (December 3) and the next two Wednesdays on December 10 and 17 at Noon and 6:30 PM.

I have an activity for the cherubs to do during the evening midweek services that continues the theme of lanterns. So, I’ll see y’all from 5:30-6:30 PM for a "free from shopping, preparing and cleaning up" soup dinner in the Activity Center, followed by a short, but beautiful, Holden service and PrayGround at 6:30 PM.

While the cherubs are enjoying FaithTrek this Sunday, make plans to do some holiday shopping at the annual Gifts of Hope Market happening from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. Meet the 12 partner organizations and causes you can support with your in-person or online shopping (watch for the online catalog premiering in the First Things First e-newsletter tomorrow - December 3!). You can also learn more about the 12 partners from our cherubs and middle and high school youth who had fun making a Gifts of Hope promo video! Take a peek at it below! There will also be brunch in the Activity Center with freewill offering going to the Lincoln Food Bank.

After the 10:45 AM worship service on December14th, an All-Congregational Christmas-themed Talent Show will be held as a fundraiser for the middle school/high school accompaniment trips, as well as summer camp scholarships for the smaller cherubs. Anyone can sign up to share their talent! There’s a $10.00 entry fee per act and a free will offering for the chili and cinnamon roll lunch.

I'll be sending more information soon about the Christmas Eve services, but for now mark the date and times (see the calendar above) on your calendar and make plans to celebrate Christmas at First!

Ms. Laura

P.S. Wanna see a picture of my new dog? I named her Lego because she’s a brick! And yes, she’s wearing a diaper!