December 10, 2006

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-8 (Scripture Reader: Wendy Ulferts)
Message Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Message: “The Glory of Hope" (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

Welcome to Unity!

This day and this week as you prepare your hearts for Christmas, may the God of hope fill you with joy, peace, and faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Celebration of Communion

This morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together as the body of Christ. Anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus, confessing him as Lord and Savior of their life is welcome at the Table of the Lord.

Out of the Office

Pastor Steve will be out of the office this week Monday - Thursday to participate in an eccumenical prayer retreat in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He will be back in the office on Friday.

Christmas Program

This coming Saturday, December 16 at 7:00pm and Sunday, December 17 at 5:00pm.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship with Communion
Children will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church
12:00pm: Christmas Program Practice (all cast and crew)

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Cadets at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-12)
7:00pm: Wild at Heart Men’s Adventure
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU
7:00pm: Christmas Program Rehearsal (all cast and crew)

Friday:
9:00pm: Full Dress Rehearsal (following the school Christmas program)

Saturday:
All day Ski Trip - 9th - 12th Grade
4:30pm: Full Dress Rehearsal
7:00pm: Christmas Program

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Adult Sunday School
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
5:00pm: Christmas Program

Life at Unity

Sympathy

Our love and prayers go out to Mary & Jim Layman, Gary & Mandy (Layman) Johnson, Josh, and Cassie in the loss of a mother and grandmother, Alice Woltjer, this past week. Visitation will be today at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar from 6-8pm. The funeral will be at First Covenant Church of Willmar tomorrow at 1:30pm with Pastor Steve and Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Our Love and prayers also go out to Bob and Shannon Stoel and family in the loss of Bob’s grandfather, Henry DeKam, this past week. His funeral was yesterday in Edgerton, MN. May God's sustaining grace strengthen all of you and hold you close in the days ahead.

Facility Use Reminder

If you are going to use the church for meetings, Bible studies, or any other activity, please check with April in the office to make sure space is available and there are no conflicts. We have many meetings and activities throughout the week. Thank you for helping us make good use of the building.

Housing Needed

The Dordt College Concert Choir will perform at First C.R.C. on Sunday, January 14. Hosts are needed to provide overnight lodging, breakfast, and transportation to CMCS the next morning. This is a great opportunity to connect with Dordt students! If you are able to host, please contact Josh & Susanne Mulder or Steve & Angela Zwart.

Adult Sunday School

The final session of this class will be Sunday, December 17 with Pastor Jeff addressing what seminaries are teaching about the interpretation of Genesis 1-2. You are invited to join us for these fascinating discussions.

A Community Concern and Opportunity

Jan (& Lowell) Marcus, from our community, has been approved for a lung transplant and is awaiting a donor [Update: Jan passed away on Friday, December 8]. Some have expressed interest in helping out the Marcus family. Christina Vander Pol, one of our Unity deacons, is willing to coordinate an effort within our congregation to collect donations for the family to help cover expenses. If you wish to designate a gift for the Marcus family, please put that in the memo portion of your check to Unity. We ask that such donations would be collected by Next Sunday, December 17. Thank you!

Youth Group: All day ski trip for 9th - 12th Grade

Saturday, December 16 - If your youth has not given you the permission slip or information they were given please ask them for it or call Kirk Vander Pol.

Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, December 24 - 5:00pm
Christmas Eve Service

No Sunday School or Children's Church
Sunday, December 24
Sunday, December 31

Community Announcements

Open House Bridal Shower

You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Mindy Mulder bride elect of Eric Grannes, Wednesday, December 13, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the home of Mike and Bev Mulder. You may come and go as you please. The couple is registered at Target and Herbergers.

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens will meet for their December meeting on Thursday, December 21, at the community center. We will begin at 2:00pm. We will be entertained with some special numbers, sing some carols and play a few games. Please bring a small plate of goodies or cookies to share with our coffee and tea. Hope to see you there.

CMCS Christmas Program

"Totally Christmas!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades 5-8 on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Through traditional and contemporary choral and band music, our student musicians celebrate the "Joy" of Christmas. All are welcome. Groups are under the direction of Barb Swanson and Michelle Mulder.

2007 Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort

Duane Bonnema is organizing a group of adult volunteers from area churches to lend a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina victims in Gulfport, Mississippi. This group will be leaving on Friday morning, January 12, 2006, and returning 10 to 12 days later. We are looking for additional volunteers, especially those with skills in carpentry, sheet rocking, shingling, and wiring. The projects we plan to complete on this trip are not yet finalized so watch your bulletin for updates. If you are unable to join us, but are willing to help, we are in need of supplies, food, and financial support as well. If you have any questions or can help in any way, please contact: Duane Bonnema or Andy Ypma.