The Homesteader - December 22,  2016
Fix Your Mind
by Rev. Steve Breazier
This article talks about how to handle the discord that seems prevalent in today's society. It discusses how attitudes and viewpoints can be contagious, especially when they are negative. Instead of focusing on all that is wrong or needs to be "fixed," Rev. Breazier invites us to use Advent and Christmas to follow Paul's advice in Philippians 4:8 and "fix your minds on what is true and good and right."  CLICK HERE to read the article.
How to Lead Introduction of First Timers in Church
by EvangelismCoach
Christmas is often a time of new visitors attending church with their family and friends and can be a great opportunity for churches to show hospitality to new guests. This article examines some of the best ways a church can welcome visitors, including introducing your church instead of the visitors, welcoming guests at the front door, and making small talk to learn more about new visitors, among other things.  CLICK HERE to read the article.
Who's Who in the Homestead Presbytery
Chris Hansen
Chris Hansen is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, married for over 10 years to Stephanie.  Proud father of Caden & one on the way! He has worked in a variety of ministry for over 17 years, currently as the Director of The Co-Op 513, a new worshiping community focused on worshiping & serving with Love in the Lincoln area.  In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family & friends, and working with Yellow Ribbon, suicide prevention organization. His favorite bible verse is Galatians 5:13. CLICK HERE to learn more about Co-Op 513.
In this issue
Blessing Opportunity  2 Corinthians 9:7-8
 
Help Provide Survival Kits to Families in Syria
Syrian refugees often do without the promise that peace, food, or shelter will be forthcoming. And after six years of unspeakable violence, they can't be too sure that their world will improve.

Diaconia Connections is inviting you to help them provide survival kits  to families in Syria. Working alongside partners in the Tartus area of Syria, and with the Lutheran World Federation, they will be purchasing and assembling survival kits that are designed to meet the basic needs of a family of five. A donation of only $82 will provide a family with a kit that will last three months. Diaconia's goal is to provide 1,900 families with two kits each. CLICK HERE to learn more about donating. Please donate through your congregation, designating your gift go toward Diaconia's Survival Kits.
Keep Thinking...
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
-Albert Einstein
Prayer Request
Rev. Lynn Davis is hospitalized again at Bryan West with recurring symptoms  that need diagnosis and treatment. Please pray for clarity and answers on behalf of Lynn and his physicians. Thank you for your prayers.
Reading: Luke 1:26-38
 26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her