December 18, 2025

NOTE: There will be no newsletter during the holiday weeks; however, any important information will be distributed via Constant Contact and/or text message.

I shared this poem last Sunday in my sermon, but found it impactful enough to share it again. Written by Hima Bindu Thota, this poem appeared in the December issue of Sojourners.



The Checkpoints

The empire asked for us to register our identity.

145 kilometers

15 checkpoints.

Every blockade,

Joseph was stopped and frisked,

and I was undressed.

They would ask,

“What good can come from a man 

whose lineage is from Bethlehem?” 

But we persisted.

We would wait for hours,

I would feel the groans,

but they would subside.

We arrived at Checkoint 300,

The other side would be safe. 

But now, the pain did not relent.

I looked to Joseph,

he knew. 

We yelled to the crowd,

they made way,

for they knew.

We pushed to the front.

The soldier,

my age,

looked at me.

He held his “made in USA” weapon tighter.

Joseph soke to him in Hebrew,

“Shalach et ami.”

I writhed in pain. 

The pressure,

fluid dripped from my legs,

clear to bright red,

succumbed to unconsciousness.

I woke up in the cave,

a keffiyeh wrapped around a life, 

my son. 

Cuba Mission Trip

Deadline drop off Sunday, January 18

In addition to the requested items, monetary gifts are also encouraged for Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel, our partner church in Cuba. Any money given will be added to the church’s budgeted gift for 2026. U S Dollars can go a long way in Cuba and will be very helpful to our sisters and brothers there. On your check memo line or PayPal reference please put “partner church”.

Please DO NOT put the word “Cuba”.

Instant soups

Gelatin

(The above are two items requested for the elderly group that meets each week at the church. This will give them a light lunch. A very light lunch!)

Powdered milk

Bar soap

Toothpaste

Disposable razors

Women’s panties in all sizes

Men’s undershorts in all sizes

Men’s socks

AA and AAA batteries

Multi-vitamins

Analgesics

Anti-inflammatories

December 21 at 10:45 am

Advent IV - LOVE

Rev. Jillian Hankamer Preaching

When You're Afraid, Give Me Your Hand

Matthew 1:18-25

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To Stream This Week's Service

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OUR WORSHIP IN SONG

The Opening Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel In the medieval Western church, seven "Great O" antiphons, the basis for this hymn, were sund consecutively on the seven days before Christmas, ending with what is the first stanza of this hymn.

The Middle Hymn: Love Came Down at Christmas Christina Rossetti, author of the more familiar carol "In the Bleak Midwinter," lived a very quiet life in Englad. This text has been described by the noted editor Percy Dearmer as a "gem, where so much is said in so little space."

The Anthem: Love Came Forth at Christmas text by Christina Rossetti, 1855, alt. Music by D.H. Clark.

The Communion Anthem: The Gift of Love arranged by Hal H. Hopson and a paraphrase of first Corinthians 13.



The Closing Hymn: Keep Awaske, Be Always Ready This new text, written to reflect the readings for the first Sunday in Advent, is set to a traditional tune of the season by sixteenth-century Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicholai.

A CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER

By C. Welton Gaddy

from Prayers from Adoration to Zeal



It is almost midnight on Christmas Eve. I am ready for the joyful experience of exchanging presents with family members in the morning. In fact, I still feel some of the excitement that has been associated with this special evening since childhood. But before I lie down to sleep, I need to speak with you, O God.

All the decorations around me are indicative of the season. With every blink, the Christmas tree lights seem to say, "Christmas, Christmas, Christmas." (I must remember to unplug those lights before I go to bed.) Yet, sitting here on the sofa, I see nothing in this room that bears any resemblance at all to a stable. And I'm not sure I have ever seen a real manger. I am wondering what this indicates about the prospects of your Son's coming to me.

I am not a shepherd. At no time during this season have I even donned a robe in order to play one. If I were to hear singing angels, or see them, I would not know what to do with them.

But I do want you to come into my world, into my life. I invite you here and now. I welcome you.

Please come here as you came to Bethlehem. I long for a recognition of your permanent presence. I need the guidance of your wisdom in all my deliberations.

Come, Lord Jesus, be born in me. Live in my house. Abide in my life. Amen.

Our Joys and Concerns

Brandy Keen (19th)

Chris King (20th)

Amanda Proffer (26th)

Charles Carr (27th)

JK Kimble (27th)

Turner Wilson (28th)

Shelby Sheppard (28th)

Charlene Medders (30th)

JANUARY

H. T. Garner (2nd)

This Sunday

9:00 am - Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am - Sunday School

10:45 am - Preludes

11:00 am - Worship Service



Noon - After Church Fellowship

5:00 pm - Youth

Wednesdays

5:30 pm: Craft and Chat

6:30 pm: Choir rehearsal

Coming Up

Sunday, December 21 at 6pm: Chili Supper at the church

Wednesday, December 24 at 6pm: Christmas Eve Service

Monday, January 5 at 7pm: Piatigorsky Concert

Sunday, January 18 at 6pm: Potluck followed at 7pm by Business Meeting



January 29 at 5pm: Family Movie Night

DECEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS

The Alliance of Baptists Offering

Each December Northminster places a special mission emphasis on supporting the Alliance of Baptists. As an Alliance church, Northminster seeks to embody Micah 6:8, Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God. Please make checks payable to Northminster Church and memo line “Alliance.”

The Floral Offering

Given to the Glory of God

Arrangement by Susan Curry