Pastor Keith’s Christmas Message

It is Christmas! What a great and Glorious time of year. However, before we get to it, we need to spend time in reflection as to what
makes this time of year so glorious. It is also a good idea to meditate on why as well. The Christ Child comes to save people and reconcile a world
gone completely wrong from the original plan of God. The only salvation is that God decides to provide the means to make it all right. That is a
reason to celebrate for sure. We can't fix what went wrong with the world any more than we can fix what keeps us from saving ourselves. Only by
relying on the Grace of God can we have any hope at all. That grace is personalized in the person of Jesus of Bethlehem. This birth more than any
other in the world is the reason for the joy we share with each other this holiday season. Our salvation is secure in the acts of God for us starting
with the birth of the Christ Child.
Blessed Christmas everyone!
Pastor Keith

Bible Readings

12/4 - 2nd Sunday in Advent
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85
Epistle: 2 Peter 3:8-14
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

12/11 - 3rd Sunday in Advent
Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

12/18 4th Sunday in Advent
Old Testament: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalm 89:1-5
Epistle: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

12/25 - The Nativity of Our Lord
Old Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 2
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-6
Gospel: John 1:1-14

WELLNESS WITH TLC
December 2011

In all our rushing around to buy the perfect gift, here are four gifts that don't cost a cent, and are always appreciated:

The gift of listening. But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listen.
The gift of laughter. Clip cartoons. Share amusing articles and funny stories. Your gift will say," I love to laugh with you."
The gift of a compliment. A simple and sincere "You did a great job!" or " That was a wonderful meal!" can make someone's day.
The gift of solitude. There are times when we want nothing more than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of
solitude to others.

source - The Laughter Prescription

"It was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well" - Charles Dickens

May you all keep Christmas well, and keep well at Christmas -
Bonnie F. Hill RN, M.A.

TRINITY WOMEN'S GUILD/ACTIVE ADULT MINISTRY 55+
NOVEMBER 10th, 2011

The meeting was called to order by Nancy Case. Pastor Less read the devotion "Nature of Hope". Members attending: Roll call showed (8)
members present including Pastor Less. The treasurer’s report was given by Nancy Case in absence of Sally Slack. Balance in Account of
$1,587.97 and a working balance of $621.97. $3,033.49 in Stewart account (CEF).

Under Old Business:.
1. A sign-up sheet has been posted for the Congregation Dinner to be held on December 4th, 2011 after church. Please sign your name and what
covered dish you will be bringing.

Under New Business:
1. Our Christmas Party will be held at the "LEMON LEAF" on December 8th, 2011. We will meet at the church at 11:30 a.m. After Lunch we
will return to the church to exchange Christmas gifts.
We closed the meeting by praying the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Case, President

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I wish all of you in the congregation the Blessings and Peace of this Christmas Season, that can only come from the gift of salvation and forgiveness
granted though the Birth of Our Savior, and His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. In many respects the world around us is troubling and many of us have
experienced hardships economically, emotionally, and physically through the last year. And yet here at Trinity there are many blessings we have received, and I
would just like to mention a few that come to mind.

Our Sunday School is as big as it has ever been, and a vital program of Christian education is underway, led by Terri Bowers and a splendid team of
teachers and volunteers. Andy Bowers has seen to it that our fellowship activities are varied and timely so that we can grow and share with one another regularly.
Rudy Bitter continues to tend the grounds of the church and saw to it that a new paint job, new carpeting, and several plumbing jobs got done. Mark Wiening
provides music through the choir, by selecting hymns, overseeing Altar care, and by helping Pastor Keith make the worship experience we share meaningful.
Gregg Todd will be introducing fresh new ideas in Stewardship to us 2012, as we strive toward our goal of a new church. Stefanie Blyman has kept our Youth
Group active and has the Cookie Walk coming up in December and a Sight and Sound trip planned for next spring. Tony Littlefield has managed the weekly
offerings and deposits, Patti Carter has been our council secretary, and Sara Buckel has served us well as our Business Manager. Roger Mainster, council vice-
president, has filled in for me and is a constant source of advice and support to me.

Many more of you in the congregation do so much mostly behind the scenes, and you are all a blessing to our church. I mention the folks on council
because I work so closely with them and all that they do is so appreciated by me. I reflect on this at Christmas because I feel that they have been giving me gifts
all year long.

We can look ahead to 2012 with the confidence that God will continue to provide. We are meeting budget, able to give to District and Synod missions,
provide funds for several benevolences, and meet the mission tasks God sets before us. I am thankful and blessed to be part of this congregation, in this place,
with you.

Merry Christmas, and love, Denny Herrmann