Today on this Sunday before Christmas, let’s take a look at gift giving and consider what it all really means. Let’s look back at some of the roots of celebrating Christmas.

Let’s pause and take a look at Nicholas and Jesus!

John 1.9-12 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Martin Luther: “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.”

• Christmas Eve Rehearsal: TODAY, Dec. 22 at 6:00 PM
• Christmas Eve Service:  Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5:00 PM
• Official Board: Wednesday, Jan 8 at 6:00 PM

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Dec 22^nd        Christmas Eve Rehearsal @ 6pm

Dec 22^nd             Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Dec 24^th         Christmas Eve Service @ 5pm

Dec 29^th         Adult Bible Fellowship @ 9-10am

Dec 29^th             Worship Service and Kidland @ 10:30am

Dec 29^th         Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Jan 5^th            Adult Bible Fellowship @ 9-10am

Jan 5^th            Worship Service and Kidland @ 10:30am

Jan 5^th            Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Jan 8^th             Official Board Meeting @ 6pm

Jan 9^th             Ladies’ Breakfast at Kelly’s @9am

Jan 9^th            ARC Blood Drive 12-5pm

Jan 12^th          Adult Bible Fellowship @ 9-10am

Jan 12^th               Worship Service and Kidland @ 10:30am

Jan 12^th          Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Jan 14^th          Men of Community Bible Study @ 7pm

Jan 15^th          Men of Community Bible Study @ 6:30pm

Jan 15^th          Ladies’ Bible Study @ 6:30pm

Jan 19^th          Adult Bible Fellowship @ 9-10am

Jan 19^th          Worship Service and Kidland @ 10:30am

Jan 19^th          Soup and Chili Cook Off @ 11:30am

Jan 19^th          Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Jan 22^nd         Ladies’ Bible Study @ 6:30pm

Jan 23^rd          Ladies’ Book Club @ 6:30pm

Jan 26^th          Adult Bible Fellowship @ 9-10am

Jan 26^th               Worship Service and Kidland @ 10:30am

Jan 26^th          Straight Ahead @ 6pm

Jan 28^th          Men of Community Bible Study @ 7pm

Jan 29^th          Men of Community Bible Study @ 6:30pm

Jan 29^th          Ladies’ Bible Study @ 6:30pm

January Trustees:                      

Kent Cornell

Dan Bennett

Prayer Requests:

Prayer requests are eventually rotated off to keep them current.  To update names, simply request them to be resubmitted.  Also, prayer requests can be added to the church’s private group Facebook page or contact the church office at admin@communitygrace.online. 

We are currently sending out prayer requests by email.  If you or anyone you know is not receiving these, please let me know.  I have found that some of the emails we have on record are not correct.

Christmas Eve Offering

Our Christmas Eve Offering will go to “Hope For Christmas”.  In much of Central Africa-Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon-cattle herders are attacking villages in an effort to displace the farmers and possess their land.   These families come from regions where Encompass’s first missionaries served, so there are many Charis churches in the region.

These families need pretty much everything.  For $60 you can provide a family with the following: a large tarp (rain proof tent), bedding, large water jug, cooking pot, sack of rice, cooking oil, salt, and soap.  But any amount will help these 1,700 families.  You can give anytime by marking your check for “Special Offering”.

Kidland Group Leaders

Urgent Need for Class Facilitators: 

2- and 3-year-old Class

4 yr., 5 yr. and Kindergarten Class

1^st and 2^nd Grade Class

For more info contact Sherri Peeler.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Our next Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, January 9^th from 12 to 5pm.  One volunteer is needed for the 2:30 – 5:15 shift.  Please sign up at “Sign-Up Central” if you are willing to help.

Greeters Ministry

Why not be a part of our church’s “Greeters Ministry”.  First impressions are so important.  Let’s make sure everyone is greeted with the warmest welcome that only Community Grace can offer.  If you would like to be a part of this important ministry, please contact Bob Juday at 814.977.3541.

Men of Community Bible Study

Men, join us for our Men of Community Bible Study.  The study groups meet bi-weekly on Tuesdays (in-person and via zoom) at 7 pm and on Wednesdays (in-person) at 6:30 pm.  Please see Shawn Ritchey for additional info and the “Upcoming Events” calendar for meeting dates.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies’ Book Club will generally be meeting the 4^th Thursday of every month.   The next meeting will be held January 23^rd at 6:30pm and we will be discussing “The Story Keeper” by Lisa Wingate.  If you have any questions, contact Alice Wallace at 574.265.5149. Copies of the 2025 Book Club List are located at “Connection Central” by the side entrance.

Ladies’ Breakfast

The Ladies’ Breakfast meets every 2^nd Thursday of each month at Kelly’s Restaurant at 9 am.  Ladies of all ages are invited to share in a time of fellowship while enjoying a delicious breakfast.  If you have any questions, contact Nellie Howsare at 652.6220.

Church Family Directory

Join our Community Grace Church Family Directory.  Whether you are a member or a regular attender, you are welcome to join.  Pick up your copy of the Church Directory Guidelines at the Welcome Desk in the lobby.

Adult Bible Fellowship

ABF meets from 9 to 10am every Sunday in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs).  Childcare is provided.

Straight Ahead

Students in grades 6^th thru 12^th are welcome to join the fun.  Check out the information and forms on our website regarding upcoming ministry opportunities at communitygrace.online!!

We meet Sunday nights from 6 to 9pm in the Fellowship Hall.  You don’t have to be a member of our church—everyone is welcome and bring a friend!!

Offering Envelopes

If you would like to have envelopes for your gift giving, contact Karen Jones at finance@communitygrace.online.  You can also give online at the church’s website at communitygrace.online.

Lost & Found

There are several items in our lost and found basket.

Check it out, it might be yours!  Lost and found basket is located on the shelf above the coat rack in the lobby.

Mailboxes

Just a reminder to periodically check your mailbox.  Mailboxes are located at the right-side of the front doors.

Food Bank

Want to help your community?  Drop off canned goods, with good expiration dates, in the Food Bank box located in the lobby to the left of the front doors.  We have been collecting canned pears, but any canned goods are welcome.  If you have canned items and cannot bring them in, please contact John Mickle by phone or message at 814.288.9332.  He will gladly pick them up anywhere in Bedford County.  Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Church Directory on Your Mobile Device

Now you can sync our church directory directly to your Apple, Android or Kindle Fire device with a FREE app!  You must be a participant of our Family Directory.  Pick up a form on the “Connection Central” Wall.

RightNow Media

RightNow Media is an online library offering:

      rightnow Media originals

      Book of the Bible Series

      Bible Studies

o   For Women

o   For Men

o   For Youth

o   On Marriage

o   On Parenting

      Popular Kid Shows

And so much more.  Pick up your form in the display rack on the “Connection Central” Wall.

Get Connected

Would you like to receive a phone call, email or text when there is an announcement or prayer request?

If so, fill out the “Get Connected” form located on the “Connection Central” Wall and drop it off in the church office.