December 19, 2010 Sermon
What if He Had Not Come?: Savior
John Ortberg, Senior Pastor, MPPC
Special Highlight:
Christmas Eve Services
Friday, December 24, 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate with us on Christmas Eve and consider spreading the joy by inviting family, friends and co-workers to join us in celebrating the season! Invitations are available on the back table at church on Sundays.
Two Kid-Friendly Services: The first two services at 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. will be "kid-friendly", with a simple, abbreviated sermon and an interactive Christmas story.
Candlelight Service: The 7:00 p.m. service will feature traditional candles, seasonal music and a Christmas message. Contact Judy Lovejoy, jlovejoy@mppc.org.
This Week:
Special Christmas OfferingSundays in December
The Special Christmas Offering collected at our December worship services and Christmas Eve services will support service projects planned for Compassion Weekend, April 2-3, 2011.
Each year on Compassion Weekend, people from our church community engage in service projects around the Bay Area to serve needs in our local community and around the world.
Look for Christmas Offering envelopes in the backs of the chairs at church. (Additional envelopes are also available on the table as you enter the Fellowship Hall.) Questions? Contact Bennie Ingraham, bingraham@mppc.org.
Holiday Food DriveSundays in December
The Service Outreach team would like to invite you to participate as we join with 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 healthy nonperishable food during the month of December. Look for the “Food Drive” flyer at the Connection Center for specific suggestions and special requests. (No glass containers, please.)
Donations may be dropped off on Sundays in the collection bins near the Christmas tree by the door. Contact Jennie Bader, jsbader@sbcglobal.net.
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 healthy nonperishable food during the month of December. Look for the “Food Drive” flyer at the Connection Center for specific suggestions and special requests. (No glass containers, please.)
Donations may be dropped off on Sundays in the collection bins near the Christmas tree by the door. Contact Jennie Bader, jsbader@sbcglobal.net.
Christmas Cookies for Jail Ministry
Last Collection Date - Sunday, December 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.
This Month:
Sunday Morning Worship on December 26Sunday, December 26, 10:30 a.m. ONLY
Join us for a combined Christmas worship service at 10:30 a.m. on the day after Christmas. No 9:00 a.m. service will be held that day. Note that programs for children and youth will also be on break. Important correction regarding childcare: NO CHILDCARE be available that day. Please forgive the editorial error in last week's edition.
Family Ministries Holiday BreakSundays, December 26, 2010 and January 2, 2011
Our Shepherd's Village Children's program and The Outlet for Middle School will be on break for the holidays on Sundays, December 26, 2010 and January 2, 2011. Important correction regarding Childcare: Childcare for children 3-months through 2-years+11-months will be available on January 2 ONLY. Regular programming will resume on Sunday January 9, 2011. Please forgive the editorial error in last week's edition.
Questions? For Children's Ministry, contact Chris Nicholson, cnicholson@mppc.org or for Student Ministries, contact Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.
Recommendation for DeaconsNominations Due January 14, 2011
During the month of December and early January, we are inviting recommendations for members of our congregation to join our Deacon Team. If you know someone with the gifts of compassion and helps, please go to the Connection Center or mppc.org for the recommendation form. Recommendations accepted until Friday, January 14. Diane Lopez, 650.329.7421, dlopez@mppc.org.
Coming Soon:
New Small Group and Sermon Series
Begins on January 9
On January 9, MPPC will begin a 6-week series entitled "The Reason for God", based on the book and small group study by Tim Keller. This study and sermon series will address some tough questions many people have about God and Christianity. If you're in a small group and would like more information about the study - or if you're not in a small group but would like to join one, contact Jane Sumner, janeesumner@aol.com.
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 Condoleezza 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.
