CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN…& DIVINE FAVOR

Yes, only 23 more “inviting days” until Christmas.  No, I didn’t say “shopping days.”  Shopping is definitely overrated… in case you haven’t gotten God’s memo on that lately. 

I don’t mean to be a Christmas kill-joy.  Quite the contrary.  I want us all to have the greatest joy possible in this season of cosmic joy.

What moved the hearts of heaven’s host of angels to shout out to sleepy shepherds,

“Glory to God in the highest,

            And on earth peace to men on whom

            His favor rests.”  (Luke 2:14)

certainly ought to move the hearts and mouths of people like you and me “on whom His favors rests!” 

Think of it:  the favor of the living God of this universe rests on you. 

We can stumble and fall.  Still his favor rests on us. 

We can forget to talk to Him.  Still his favor rests on us. 

We can get angry with Him, pout and complain about what’s going on in our lives.  Still his favor rests on us. 

Christmas is a special time to SHARE the favor of God that rests on us every day with people who may never have experienced for one day of their life yet what it is to know God’s saving, loving, fatherly favor. 

So as you read about some of the upcoming experiences we have planned this month to better “experience the heart of God in the heart of the city,” be THINKING, PRAYING FOR & TALKIKING TO PEOPLE whom God still wants to receive His Christmas gift of life eternal in Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son. 

LOOK FOR the bulletin inserts on Sundays in December that will contain invitations we can all hand out to friends and family to include them in the life of God’s family at Mosaic this month.  And use those inserts to let people know you would count it a privilege to have them be your guest at any of the many events we’ll be experiencing throughout the month. 

GUYS, GUNS & GRUB      

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 3^rd, all men 16 years of age and older are invited to don your long johns, grab your guns and meet the men of Mosaic Saturday at NOON at the parking lot of Albertsons on North Division at Wandemere .  We will be heading up to the Colville National Forest for some old fashioned bonding time with camp fires and shooting.   

You don't need to own a firearm or have shot before, just have some common sense, a desire for some fellowship, and be personally responsible. If you are not interested in shooting but still want to come along please do.  There will be some trap shooting, rifle target shooting and pistol shooting. 

Our schedule will run as follows(all times after our noon start time are tentative):

 -Noon Meet for lunch/Leaving Albertsons. There are several fast food restaurants nearby as well as the Albertsons deli.  Due to the limited amount of daylight we need to be on the road by noon so if you want to grab food please arrive early.
-1pm Arrive at property
-1:30pm Unload and Set up camp area
-2:00pm Be at gravel pit for target shooting and clays
-4:30pm Shooting ends/Clean Up
-5:30pm Roasting Dinner/Eating
-6:30pm Worship Music
-7:30pm Clean-up
-8:00pm Head home

If you already made your dinner reservation with John Serben, just bring a few bucks to help defray cost, if possible.  If not, bring your own hot dogs, buns or whatever dinner you want to roast over an open fire. 

WHEN WORSHIP CAN BE DIFFICULT

SUNDAY’s time of worship together promises to be one of the most challenging I’ve preached yet this year.  Here’s why.  We’re dealing with a topic that has more pain, regret, guilt, fallout and confusion for more people than just about any other in our culture today.  The passage is I Corinthians 7 and we’ll be dealing with the tough and confusing realities of DIVORCE, SEPARATION and SINGLENESS. 

            Please, don’t stay away if you’ve been divorced…or even feel like you want to be.  God wants to heal His children every chance He gets.  Whether you’re experiencing singleness, marital bliss or matrimonial hell, this week’s word from God is for you. 

MEN’S CONNECTION, Saturday, December 10^th from 8:00-9:30AM

Following our pattern of the second Saturday morning of every month being Men’s Connection, we will be enjoying BREAKFAST again December 10^th at Second Space.  FREE PARKING has been arranged with Diamond Parking (use your Mosaic Pass).  John Serben will be leading our discussion time around the Challenges & Stresses of Giving, particularly during this season. 

WOMEN’S CONNECXTION, Saturday, December 17^th from 6:30-9:00PM @ 3011 S. Lincoln Drive

Not to be outdone by the men, the women are gathering the next weekend at Karen Chipley’s home.  (I think Aaron is going out with the guys.)  Come enjoy a completely relaxing evening with other women.  Wear your favorite sweats, slippers or comfy clothes. There will be a movie for those that would enjoy a movie.  Pat Menke has offered foot massages for anyone that would love to have their feet rubbed.  Sandy Repsold will provide pedicure products if you would like to give yourself a pedicure.  Bring your knitting, craft or project if you would like to work on it.
You’ll be able to relax around two fireplaces while enjoying a cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or wine with friends. There will be cheese, crackers, cookies, popcorn and whatever else we think of between now the 17th!

What an opportunity to get connected with women at Mosaic without any thing to do other than to come!!  Please RSVP to Karen Chipley at 467-8250 or . 

DOWNTOWN GIFT WRAPPING EXTRAVAGANZA, Sunday, December 18^th from 1-4PM

Mosaic will be hosting a gift wrapping center for our friends and neighbors downtown this year.  So plan to bring a sack lunch or grab a bite to eat on Sunday, December 18^th after the second service.  Then we’ll enjoy SERVING THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS from 1-4PM by offering free gift wrapping, Christmas cookies, hot cider and chocolate and Christmas music from 1-4PM. We’re accepting donations of wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and bows from now to then.  Just grab a couple of rolls next time you’re at the store (or cleaning out your Christmas wrap in the closet or basement) and bring them to Mosaic. 

            If you would like to help us get the word out to our downtown neighbors, join us on Monday afternoon, December 12^th, from 2:30-5:00PM as we blitz the residence blocks downtown with invitations. 

CHRISTMAS ADVENT CELEBRATION SERIES:  THE ULTIMATE GIFT

            Starting Sunday, December 11^th, we’ll be launching into our Advent series on Sundays entitled The Ultimate Gift.  Looking at the coming of Christ in the books of Matthew and Luke, here is how we’ll unfold this series:

• December 11—Preparing The Ultimate Gift:  the prophecies and lineage of Jesus
• December 18—Wrapping the Ultimate Gift:  the mystery of the incarnation.
• December 24^th, Christmas Eve (3 & 5 PM)—Giving the Ultimate Gift:  What it meant to God, the Giver
• December 25^th, Christmas Day (11AM only)—Unwrapping the Ultimate Gift:  how to enjoy this amazing gift all life long

The service times for Christmas Eve will be 3 & 5 PM.  Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will only have one service at 11AM, December 25^th. 

That’s all for now.  What a great month God has in store for us! 

Enjoying His favor,

Pastor John