The Community Church Christmas Season

Sunday, Dec. 10 - The Second Sunday of Advent featuring The Buckthorns , Tom's message "Some Christmas Perspective" and communion. The service begins at 10:00 a.m. - arrive early for a good parking spot and seat! Also, pick up your Corrigan shirts at Coffee Hour.

Monday, Dec. 11 - High School Group to Feed My Starving Children 6:00 p.m. - contact Zach for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 12 - by each Tuesday, our Communication Manager Elliott Delman typically has the video of the prior week's service on our website - check it out VIDEO.

Saturday, Dec. 16 - Christmas Pageant practice - 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel

Sunday, Dec. 17 - Our Annual Christmas Pageant will be held on the Third Sunday of Advent at our 10:00 a.m.service. Music will be provided by the Dancing Bohemian Ukulele Team , with special guest Caitlin McKechney. Tom will offer a brief message.

Sunday, Dec. 17 - All Church Christmas Party from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the lake Bluff Brewing Company. Come join us for beverages, plenty of munchies, laughter, and caroling led by Ken Hall and Elliott Delman! No need to RSVP and no charge, though you are welcome to help offset the costs through our free-will offering buckets! Kids are not only welcome they are encouraged to join us, and many will enjoy going next door to the lobby at Griffith, Grant & Lackie to watch "ELF" and other Christmas movies.

Thursday, Dec. 21 - Longest Night Service at the Gorton Community Center, 7:00 p.m. Zach, Tom, Ken and Lydia Backer, MSW LSW will lead this service of reflection and renewal open to the entire community. All seeking comfort & hope, wholeness and renewal are encouraged to join us for this service featuring contemplative meditations & music.

Sunday, Dec. 24 - There will be no morning service on the 24th.

Sunday, Dec. 24 - Traditional Service of Candlelight and Carols featuring music by Ken Hall & Friends. Tom's sermon is titled "A Christmas Fantasy" and he'll also lead Occasional Choir in "Community Church Hallelujah." Services will be held at 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 31 - New Year Service at 10:00 a.m. will feature a message by Tom, communion, and an opportunity for all to share their hopes and prayers for the coming year.
2018 Annual Fund Update

About three weeks remain in the 2018 Annual Fund, which provides the majority of the money to fund our ministry in the coming year. As of Thursday, December 7th:

• $518,000 2018 Budget
  • $430,000 Annual Fund Goal
  • $355,000 pledges and gifts to date
  • $ 75,000 current GAP
• 118 participants

Thanks to the many, many generous people supporting our ministry in the coming year! If you've not made a gift or pledge to date - please consider doing so. The easiest way to make a pledge? Send a confidential Email to Tom. Thank you!
Seasonal Highlights
Don't miss our first-ever Longest Night Service - on the shortest day of the year - Dec. 21 @ 7:00 p.m.in the Stuart Room at the Gorton Community Center. A perfect opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and to get centered amidst the challenges of the holiday season.

Zach Hancock and Lydia Backer, MSW RSW
have put the service together with assistance from Ken Hall and Tom Dickelman. The Longest Night Service is open to the public and is free-of-charge. Questions? Contact Zach
"Christmas at the Acorn" will feature our own Elliott Delman on Dec. 23 @ 8 pm in Michigan's Harbor Country! For info go to
The Acorn Theater or 269.756.3879.
This program continues through Dec. 31 - purchase a Buffalo Bike that will be given to a deserving person in a developing country - in honor of a loved one if you choose - and the gift will be matched! More info - BIKES.
Thanks for your support! We provided more gifts than ever for the Beacon Christmas Boutique! Keep an eye out for pictures in next week's newsletter - the Boutique is this weekend!
Dec. 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Lake Bluff Brewing Company in downtown Lake Bluff. Free beverages & food (you can pitch in if you'd like to help offset costs), caroling led by Ken Hall & Elliott Delman, and Christmas movies for the kids in the Griffith Grant & Lackie office next door. Join us!
The Dancing Bohemian Ukulele Team will feature a special guest - professional vocalist Caitlin McKechney - when we play & sing Christmas Carols on Dec. 17. And yes, she'll be playing her uke as well as singing! It's all part of the wonderful Children's Christmas Pageant @ 10:00 a.m .