December 15, 2024

Greeter(s)                    Lloyd Paullin

Welcome Center           Betty Helpa

Worship Leader            Joe Gallagher

Sound/PowerPoint       Scott Brookes

Nursery                        Casey Brookes

Toddlers                       Kathy Gallagher, Hannah Dobrovolec

Graceland                     Margaret Montgomery, Madison Dobrovolec

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its joy.

–Leo Buscaglia

WE LOOK FORWARD to seeing many of you this afternoon at 4pm for the Family Christmas Program and Dinner.  We’ll enjoy carol singing, a visit from the Magical Man in Red, and a talent show!  The main dish for the potluck dinner is provided.  Cost is $5 (FREE for under 3 yrs).  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share with everyone!

COME ONE, COME ALL!  Are you longing to feel peace?  On December 22, the last Sunday in Advent, we will be looking at the miracle of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of the shepherds who were average, hard-working people like us.  Come hear God’s message for us.  Come feel his peace given to us.  Come and stay for a brief make-it-and-take-it after church.  Each person age 16 and older will receive two turtle doves at the end of the service.  One dove will be for you as a daily reminder of God’s peace.  We encourage you to give the second dove to someone who needs a reminder of your love and friendship or someone you who is struggling to find their way as we celebrate Gods love and mercy for us.  The children will be making angels in Graceland and coloring angels as you decorate your doves.

IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS for 2025 adult Sunday School activities/lessons/topics, please indicate on the bulletin tear slip or email Kelly Gallagher (gallyat717@yahoo.com).

THE ADULT ADVENT STUDY, “An Unlikely Advent”, continues on Sundays at 9:30am through December 22.  The study book is available for purchase for $12.  You can place your money or check in the wooden box on Trish’s desk in the office.  Author Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, King Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds.  Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach us about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.  

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE CHANGE: At a congregational meeting on Sunday November 17, the congregation voted to approve the Board of Christian Education’s recommendation to change our Sunday morning ministry schedule with the goal of increasing participation in our Sunday School program.  The decision to begin worship at 10am, have fellowship 10-10:15am, and Sunday School for everyone 10:15-11am will allow choir members to participate in Sunday School and also encourage families who are present for worship to stay for Sunday School.  These changes in in the Sunday schedule will take place on January 5 2025.  We’ve committed to try this format for 18 months with evaluations/reflection after 6, 12, and 18 months.  If you have questions, see any member of the Board of Christian Education or Pastor David.  

MISSIONS NEWS: Members of the Board of Missions and Harry Jenkins recently packed 128 Christmas bags for the children of the Philadelphia Race Track.  Bags will be distributed at their annual Christmas party.  Many of the items in the bags were donated during our Christmas in July toy drive.  Thank you to our church family for your generous contributions.

UPDATE AND VOLUNTEER REQUEST: Peter Sharpe will begin radiation/chemo treatments tomorrow, December 16.  He’ll be going down to Jefferson Neurosurgery for an 11am treatment each day (M-F) for six weeks and doing the chemo at home.  A sign-up genius has been set up, “Pete’s Allies”, to help with transportation.  The December weeks are full but help with January dates would be greatly appreciated.  Please use this link:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAFAC2DA5F8C52-53815910-transport#/.  January dates are not posted yet but should be up soon.  Many thanks for your help and for your prayers for Pete.

THE WINTER “SECRET PLACE” (December, January, February) is available at the Welcome Center.  Place your $.50 donation in the attached box.

HAVE YOU LOST A HEARING AID?  A hearing aid is in the wooden box on Trish’s desk in the office.  Also, a small pen.  If these items could be yours, please check them out.

COMMUNITY CUPBOARD DONATIONS:  Drop off at 150 N. Main St., Ambler (Tues, Thurs, and Fri, 9am-2pm) or at church during office hours.  Please shop our Amazon Wish List.  Donations requested as of December 11: BBQ sauce, chunky soups, coffee (instant & K-cups), cookies, fruit cup (canned), ketchup, mustard, pineapple (canned), ramen, scalloped potatoes (box), spinach (canned), cleaning sprays, Clorox wipes, conditioner, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent.  No bulk or extra-large size items, please.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE BAPTIST – All activities are in person unless noted.

Sunday, December 15 – Third Sunday of Advent

9:30am – Sunday School, choir

10:45am – Worship

12:15pm – Staff Meeting

1:30pm – Myungsung worship (Room B)

4pm – Christmas Program & Dinner

Tuesday, December 17

7pm – Youth Group

7:15pm – Parenting Together Small Group (Room B)

7:30pm – Presence (zoom)

Wednesday, December 18

11:30am – Midweek Bible Study- Lunch out at Whitpain Tavern

5:30-6:30pm – Girl Scouts (Graceland)

Thursday, December 19

7pm – Trustees (in person, zoom)

Sunday, December 22

9:30am – Sunday School, choir

10:45am – Worship (Graceland 2.0)

1:30pm – Myungsung worship (Room B)

5pm – Student Piano Recital (sanctuary)