ODCMV Advent FestivalSunday, December 5, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us as our church family gathers to remember and celebrate "the reason for the season" and take with you some ideas and tools to celebrate Advent at home. This is a child-friendly event with fun for all ages. Please feel welcome to join us for the entire time or drop in as you are able.
Festival Activities
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Create a festive item for your home that can both bring cheer and serve as a reminder, pointing back to the REAL gift of the Christmas season.
Potluck Dinner
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Connect with others in the church family as we sit down together to enjoy one another over a potluck dinner. Bring a canned good for a local food bank and a favorite dish to share.
Christmas Carol Sing-along
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us in singing songs of the season and reflecting on the wonder of Emmanuel - God with us!
Contact Judy Lovejoy, jlovejoy@mppc.org.
Child Baptism and Dedication
Instruction Class - Monday, December 6
Baptism/Dedication - Sunday, December 12
On Sunday, December 12, 2010, there will be an opportunity for parents to present their children for baptism or dedication. A church required time of instruction for those wishing to present a child on that date has been scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 6, in our offices at 1451 Grant Rd., Suite 102, Mountain View. Register online or contact Judy Lovejoy, jlovejoy@mppc.org.
Holiday Food DriveSundays in December
The Service Outreach team would like to invite you to participate as we join First Presbyterian Church in collecting food for families and individuals served by our local Community Services Agency. While we have all felt the pinch of the economic downturn, the agencies which serve the neediest among us are trying to meet significantly higher demands with equally diminishing resources. You are invited to help by donating nonperishable food during the month of December. Donations may be dropped off on Sundays in the collection bins near the Christmas tree by the door. Contact Jennie Bader, jsbader@sbcglobal.net.
Operation Christmas Child Update!
Thank you so much for the time and effort you gave toward making Operation Christmas Child a success at Open Door Church Mountain View! This year we collected 288 shoeboxes - meaning a bright Christmas for 288 children!!! Because of you, these children will not only hear the good news of God's love for them through the book enclosed in the box you prepared, but each one will be able to experience His love through the gifts so lovingly chosen just for them! We're told that, this year, boxes from our local area will be distributed in Mongolia, China, Nepal, Panama, Indonesia and the Philippines. Thanks again for your generous spirit of sharing!
Thank you so much for the time and effort you gave toward making Operation Christmas Child a success at Open Door Church Mountain View! This year we collected 288 shoeboxes - meaning a bright Christmas for 288 children!!! Because of you, these children will not only hear the good news of God's love for them through the book enclosed in the box you prepared, but each one will be able to experience His love through the gifts so lovingly chosen just for them! We're told that, this year, boxes from our local area will be distributed in Mongolia, China, Nepal, Panama, Indonesia and the Philippines. Thanks again for your generous spirit of sharing!
Love Technology?
We are in need of anyone and everyone interested in volunteering to help run a variety of tech roles for the weekend services. The areas most needed are lighting and graphics. Training is available, so don't worry if you don't think you have the experience. If you're willing to learn, we're willing to teach. If interested, please contact Dave Swartz, dswartz@mppc.org.
This Month:
Christmas Cookies for Jail Ministry
Collection Dates - Sundays, December 12 and 19
Reach out to those who cannot be with their families at Christmas. Bake cookies and bring them to church with you on Sunday, December 12 or 19, in non-returnable containers with the number of cookies indicated on the outside of the container. Home baked cookies are preferred. Contact Tallis Blalack, 408.569.6910, Tallis@gmail.com.
Mothers Together Christmas Fellowship
Thursday, December 16, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Patti Pierce
God speaks! And He continues to do so, even in the midst of the often chaotic Holiday season. Isn’t it interesting that during the very season of the year when we celebrate God’s most eloquent Word to us, the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ, we find it difficult to make time to actually listen to that Word? This morning provides a place and process for you to discern God’s voice by entering into rhythms of fellowship, silence, solitude, and guided reflection. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends!
Register online. Childcare available with prior reservation. Questions? Contact Joy Reeve-Mitta, joymrm@yahoo.com or Cheryl Trotter, minnie@batnet.com.
Other December Calendar Events
Save the date for the following events coming up in December:
Career Actions Ministry - Saturday, December 4
High School Cheers - Saturday, December 4
Middle School Trolleys - Saturday, December 11
Christmas Eve Services - Friday, December 24
Volunteers for Help One Child Christmas Party
Saturday, December 11, 4:00p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Union Presbyterian Church, Los Altos
Volunteers are needed to help with registration, Santa pictures, crafts, games, dinner preparations, set-up, clean-up and more. This event is a volunteer favorite! Contact Judy Holmes at 650.917.1210 or jholmes@helponechild.org.
Coming Soon:
Bible ExplorersSundays, 9:00 a.m., Starting January 9, 2011
Join the Adventure!
Bible Explorers is an elective Bible study class for 4th and 5th graders, running from January through May. This exciting Bible learning program aims to help children grasp, at their own level of understanding, the importance of God’s word in their lives. Upon completion of the class each student will receive his/her very own Bible at a special graduation ceremony.
Why is this Class important?
Why is this Class important?
A love and appreciation of God’s word is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children! The Bible can be a difficult book for children to read and understand. While this class is not mandatory, all 4th and 5th graders, who have not previously taken Bible Explorers, are encouraged to participate in this unique and exciting program.
What will my child learn?
The purpose of the class is to teach children the skills they need to get the most they can out of the Bible. Mastering these skills will enable your child to:
- Gain a new appreciation and understanding of God’s word.
- See the way God speaks to them personally, through the Bible.
- Get to know Jesus better through reading God’s Word.
How can my child sign up for the class?
Register online at odcmv.org. Note that enrollment in Bible Explorers is limited and advanced registration is required. Also note that Regular, on-time attendance is very important to ensure that your child gains the full benefit of the class. For more information, contact Chris Nicholson, 650.323.8652, cnicholson@mppc.org.
2011 Freedom Summit January 21-22, 2011
Harbor Light Church, Fremont
Register now for this MPPC-sponsored conference against human trafficking. We are partnering with other Bay Area churches to bring freedom and healing in Christ's name to the millions people who are held captive in the Bay Area and around the world. Featuring Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Lt. John Vanek of the San Jose Police Human Trafficking Task Force, Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, and singer Sara Groves in concert. Register at mppc.org.
Ongoing:
Castro Adopt-a-Classroom ProgramOpen Door Church Mountain View’s “Adopt-a-Classroom” program with Castro Elementary is gearing up for the new year. Castro is located in Mountain View and has a large population of English language learners from low-income families. Volunteers in this program are paired with a Castro classroom for the school year to support one or more of a variety of activities such as tutoring, field trips, class parties, pen-pal writing, science experiments, and more! Individuals and small groups are encouraged to sign up. We will match you with a classroom according to interests and time availability. Contact Trina Weller, 650.960.8227, kweller@sbcglobal.net.
Castro Teacher Appreciation
Open Door Church Mountain View would like to continue to provide monthly staff encouragement treats at Castro Elementary this school year. For example, coffeecake and fruit, or a soup & salad lunch for about 40 people. What you do is up to you! If you or your small group would like to sign up to bring a one-time snack or lunch for the teachers and staff, or for more information, please contact Barb Recine, barb@inregister.us.
