THE CHATHAM MESSENGER VOLUME 46 DECEMBER 21, 2016 NUMBER 46

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What did you do last Sunday morning; other than stay in your jammies and look out the window at the ice covered roads? I listened to two Christmas sermons by a couple of our Timothies. I found the first one by googling “Life Point Church”, but had to add “Quincy” because there are a lot of Life Points. Google took me to lifepointqcy.org and I was able to actually see and hear Brett preach a great sermon on the scandalous nature of Christ’s lineage, and how His coming addresses the scandals in our life. When I couldn’t remember what the “Point” was at Jared’s church, Marilyn told me it was Bridge Point. Typing in “Bridge Point Providence” got me to bridgepointechristian.com and I was able to listen to another great Christmas sermon. Jared’s message was “Thrilled or Threatened” and contrasted the reaction of the Three Kings and King Herod to the coming of Christ. He pointed out that in some respects Herod’s reaction showed a better understanding of the life-changing implications of Christ’s coming. I would highly recommend that you check out the websites of our Timothies. And of course you can always go to our website at chathamchristian.org to hear a sermon you missed, or to find out what’s happening if your church paper gets lost in the mail. In fact, if you want to read what I was going to say last week, “For a Merry Christmas”, you can find the transcript on our website. Or you can pick up a copy this Sunday. I’ve been planning on Philippians 2:3-4 being my Christmas text for months now, and so it shall be. Unless of course the forecast once again changes, and heavy snow comes rolling in. And of course I hope weather doesn’t interfere with our Christmas Eve Service scheduled for 7:00. Since we didn’t get to go Christmas caroling last Sunday we’re planning to include congregational carols in the service, along with two solos, two duets, and our traditional candle-light communion service. Lord willing, we’ll celebrate Christmas together this Saturday and Sunday.

God Bless, Rick

46th Annual Christmas Eve Service Carols ~ Specials ~ Communion ~ Candle-Lighting

Christmas Eve 7:00

Worship 176 Offering $4,888.17

Greeters .............................. Duane Carrell Visitors’ Stand ....... Beryl & Jamella Reese Communion Meditation .......... Paul Hunley Rick Polley Ushers .................................. Chad Formea Chuck McLaughlin Jack Ruebush Bob Williamson Scott Bales Duane Carrell

THERE WILL BE NO NURSERY OR SUNDAY SCHOOL

THIS SUNDAY

SERVING THIS SUNDAY-12/25/16

AFFIRMATION OF ELDERS & FINANCIAL PROJECTION

Since we cancelled our services last week due to the dangerous weather, the affirmation of elders and the financial projection for 2017 was postponed. Rather than include a matter of church business in our Christmas morning worship service, the affirmation will take place on January 1st. Those who have expressed a desire to serve as elders are Bill Carroll, Paul Hunley, Chris Luzio, and Jack Stucki. The projected financial need is $278,540, and will necessitate a weekly average offering of $5,255.

The behind the scenes planning for our annual Jr./Sr. High tradition is about complete! For those who have never experienced the evening, it will be a fun filled night on Friday, December 30th packed with tons of activities. We usually get done with everything around 2am and head to the church for the rest of the overnight. This year, our New Year’s Eve Eve will kick off here at CCC around 4pm. So you have an idea of what to bring, below is a tentative schedule for the night/morning. It is subject to change, so expect the unexpected!

THE AMAZING RACE!!! We will break into teams and start the race at 4pm. Everyone needs to bring $15 for this part of the evening to spend around Springfield or Chatham depending on the clues you decipher. The 6th graders won last year, remember that High Schoolers.. :):)

Broom ball at the Nelson Center from 9:00-10:00. Bring a hat, a pair of gloves and $10 as we slip and slide our way around the ice rink.

We have to make a run to Steak and Shake at some point, after Broom Ball seems like the best time. Make sure you have a little extra money for burgers and a shake. No chili please.

Expect the Unexpected!!!!

Around 2am, we’ll be at the church for the rest of the night to play sardines, others games and watch a movie until the sun makes it’s presence known and we head home to sleep. You are welcome to bring some overnight items to the church in case you want to get a couple hours of sleep here.

The event concludes at 7am on Saturday. I’ll have a sign up sheet on the bulletin board this Sunday. In the meantime, think of a few friends to invite, talk to them this week, and sign them up too if they want to spend the night with us. The more the merrier!!

A New Year’s Eve Party to which all in the church are invited has once again been planned to take place at the LSCA Lakeside Lodge. BBQ will be provided, and those coming are asked to bring sides, finger foods, desserts, soda, and games. The party is scheduled to begin at 6:30, and will conclude when the clock strikes midnight in New York City. Hopefully that will enable everyone to arrive at least sort of well-rested for worship and Sunday School the next morning.

The kids look forward to passing the pig around during Junior Worship for offering after we discuss one of our missionaries. He was getting a little fat so we emptied his belly and counted up $171.17 collected during our offerings. Thank you kids!! We sent the money off to Jesse earmarked for the Lisu Bible Fund to continue our support for that important ministry.

High School Students If you are interested in a quick ski trip, keep Monday, January 16th open in your schedule. This year, we have the oppor-tunity to do a one day trip and if it turns out we enjoy this winter sport, we can work on a multi-day trip next year. Snow Star in Andalusia, IL is our clos-est, good option with a variety of ski runs for all skill levels and a big tubing hill for those who want a break from skiing. Please see me on Sunday to discuss the different cost options and let me know if you are considering going!

No Sunday Night Activities There will be no Sunday night activities at the church on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Youth groups and adult study will begin again on January 8th.

Christmas Morning We will gather as usual at 9:15 on Christ-mas morning for worship, including Junior Worship. There will, however, be no Sunday School on December 25th.