The Homesteader - January 5,  2017
Are You Ready for Some Road Work?
by Richard "Doc" Wyatt
This article discusses how many people join churches expecting the church and God to put all their worries to rest. However, part of the benefit of joining a church isn't to make all our problems disappear, but rather to share our gifts with God and others in our congregations.  CLICK HERE to read more about why it's necessary to put in the "work" and be active in your church.
Receiving What God Has For You in 2017
by Roy Lessin, Dayspring
This article examines five ways you can use your faith to free you of any spiritual baggage in the new year. These ways include being available, dependent, faithful, grateful, and confident. Most importantly, try to hand your worries over to God and instead live in the moment, appreciating all the blessings that each day brings.  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
 
Give the Gift of Trees this Holiday Season!
Right now in Africa, in Asia, and all over the developing world, people's lives, homes, and livelihoods are being threatened. Those who have contributed the least to global warming are the ones suffering the most. Deforestation is the biggest contributor to global climate change in the developing world, and it is contributing to loss of species and erosion.

Your gift of $25 brings together Christians and Muslims to plant 10 trees in Cameroon. Your gift of $100 supports Buddhist "eco-monks" in their daily forest patrols to stop illegal logging and wildlife poaching in Cambodia, protecting local peoples' land and livelihoods. LEARN MORE HERE. Please submit your donations directly through your congregation. Thank you!
Keep Thinking...
Jesus spent his whole life engaging the people most of us have spent our whole life trying to avoid. -Bob Goff
Eastridge Presbyterian Church Cantata DVD Available
Did you miss the Cantata? Did you enjoy it so much you'd like to hear it again? We will have FREE DVDs available by request. Let the Eastridge Presbyterian Church office know if you are interested!
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