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The Informer
 Life at Abilene First
 
 Abilene First Church of the Nazarene                                 December 2016 
From Pastor Dave
    
Season's Greetings FCN Family. Seems crazy to be saying that already.  It is amazing to me how fast time does fly.  We are entering one of my favorite seasons of the year as many of you already know, especially if you've been near my office the other 11 months of the year.  My Charlie Brown Christmas clock plays a Christmas tune at the top of every hour and in between the hourly tune of my clock, you will typically hear the Christmas music playing on my computer as I work.  I am always anticipating the Christmas season.  I believe that is because I feel a change in the atmosphere, people seem to soften up during the season of "good cheer" and you start hearing stories of hope and people blessing people.  I wish that would be every season.
 
This Christmas, share in the magic as we at FCN unwrap four of the most important gifts we could ever receive.  During the season of Advent, we will dive into the meaning of hope, love, joy, and peace  and we will prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of the ultimate gift, Jesus Christ.
   
These four weeks before Christmas are set aside as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration Jesus's birth.  The term advent is a version of the Latin word that means "coming."  But Advent is not just an extension of Christmas; it is a season that links the past, present, and future. Advent offers us the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, to celebrate His birth, and to be alert for His second coming.

One of the basic and main traditions of Advent is the lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath.  A circular evergreen wreath represents God's unending love for us. The lighting of five candles throughout the season represents Jesus's coming to a world lost in darkness.  "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2). As we light an additional candle each week, we get closer to the arrival of the true Light of the world.
 
In a season that is often marked by crazy busyness and chaos, Advent is an opportunity to set aside time to prepare our hearts.  Advent is time we can place our focus on a far greater story than our own - the story of God's redeeming love for our world.
 
No matter what the department stores try to tell you, Christmas is not here yet.  There is an amazing value as well as excitement in patient and expectant waiting.
 
My prayer for myself, my family, and all y'all is that your Christmas Season will be a season of wonder for you as you discover the gifts that Jesus brings at Christmas: hope, love, joy, and peace.
 
Blessings on you and yours this Christmas season.  A line from my favorite Christmas Story; "The Christmas Carol" .... "God Bless Us Everyone."
 
Loving you and Lifting you,
PD  

All-Church Christmas Dinner
   
 

Christmas & New Year Holiday Schedule
   

Youth Department - WYBT1
   
Have you ever given someone a gift and then the next day they give you something bigger and nicer so you feel that you have to give them something bigger and nicer and then they have to give you something bigger and nicer? STOP! When does it end? 
 
I want to ask you to think about the gift God gave us.  This time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus and what we received.  But have you considered what you give back?  I'm not talking about your tithe...I'm talking about your service and obedience and worship.  As we go into this holiday season, my prayer for myself is that am I giving back, I am being obedient to God's will for my life, I am giving Him enough worship, and I am glorifying  the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings.
 
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
 
Your sister in Christ
Sherry
 
Upcoming events:
 
Saturday December 17 th - Youth Christmas party

Children's Department
   
Hello everyone! It's the most wonderful time of year! Christmas! A time to celebrate Jesus's birth and spend time with our families. It's always a joy to watch the kids excitement during the holidays.

We have a low-key schedule this month. We will do a Christmas party during Children's Church on Sunday, December 18 .
 
Children's Caravan will not meet during the Christmas break and will resume on Wednesday, January 4 , at 7:00 p.m.

I'd like thank everyone for showing support and volunteering your time during the year to help the children's department. It's greatly appreciated! We could not do it without you!

Merry Christmas!
 
Carrie Turnbow
Children's Director

Nazarene Missions International
NMI Logo
MONTHLY EMPHASIS FOR DECEMBER-COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES
 
Although I believe we should be compassionate toward those in need all year long, Nazarene Missions emphasizes giving to those in need in December during the Christmas holidays. We will try to bring needs to your attention throughout the month!!  
 
CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE FOR WORLD MISSIONS

Remember, the Memory Tree is set up in the foyer. You can purchase an ornament for $2.00 and write something on the ornament in memory of a friend or loved one. The tree and ornaments are donated so all money raised will go to MISSIONS. You may also place a picture or other memory on the tree. If you want to make more of a donation to MISSIONS that will be great. If you have questions, please see Steve Hastings. We remember our loved ones all year long, but this is a good opportunity to share those memories with your FCN family and support World Missions. 
 
Wishing everyone a very blessed Christmas season!
 
Gayla Hastings
NMI President  

FCN Book Club

FCN Book Club will meet on Monday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Mad        Coffee & More, located at 8049 Hwy 83/84 (the corner of FM 707 & Hwy 83/84).  We will  discuss "Defending Jacob" by William Landay and choosing our next book.  Contact Carol Hehn for more information.  

Men's Basketball
basketball

   
Are you ready for some basketball?  The men of the church will meet on Saturday, December 3, at  6:00 p.m. in the FCN gym for some fun and fellowship.  Bring a friend!  Participants must be at least 14 years of age.  Please contact Robert Hehn for more information.  

   
Disc Golf Outing
   
The monthly Disc Golf Outing will be Saturday, December 3, at Will Hair Park, located on Ambler between North Treadaway and ACU.  We will begin at
9:00 a.m., weather permitting.  Everyone is invited, regardless of age.  There is no need to sign up, we are just going out to have fun!  Hope to see you there! (The weather forecast is rain, so be sure to check the church website for any updates!)
 

Online Sunday Morning Services
 

Our Sunday morning Worship Services can now be found online!  Go to:

 

 http://www.fcnabilene.org/sermons and click on

 

"First Church of the Nazarene on USTREAM"

 
December Calendar

Check out events on the FCN Calendar.  See the events and times listed (they are even color coded)!
 
December Birthdays & Anniversaries

 

Birthdays 

  4   Marvin Wooldridge

  8   Dwight Aston

12   Karalyn King
      Mark Thornburg

20   Renea Thomas

21   Paisley Brooks

27   Freda Bailey
      Ed King
      Pyper Ross

29   Lola Maxwell

30   Sherry Seigman

31   Linda Smith


Anniversaries
 
  4   Mike & Jo Mort

27   Barry & Becky Camarillo


From the Staff and Ministry Leaders of
Abilene First Church of the Nazarene
www.fcnabilene.org
325.677.9429