Madison Christian Church The Messenger This community of faith, Madison Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), called by God, led by Christ Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, accepts God’s challenge to: Welcome, Invite, Include, and Nurture all persons in God’s family. Volume 26 December 23, 2014 Number 22 Merry Christmas Christmas Eve Service 6:30 PM With Gratitude and Joy, It is indeed a blessing to serve in ministry at Madison Christian Church. We are thankful for all of you who support our ministries of music, administration, teaching, and preaching. Together we strive to lift up the grace of God and serve in the name of Christ. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we offer our thanks for the generous Christmas gift! Our hearts are full from your outpouring of love and we look forward with joy to serving God at MCC in the new year. Beth, Mark, Jenny, and Megan News and Events Beth’s Schedule Young Adult Retreat Sermon Study/Prep Day: Monday Regular Office Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Day Off: Friday Church Email Communication We are in the process of shifting our email server and the church email addresses are not operational at this time. If you need to contact the church, please call the office (256-837-8182). Our Regional young adult retreat will be held at Camp Chandler January 16-20. The theme for this year is "Agree to Disagree: A Discussion on Moral Dilemmas" and will be led by the Rev. Troy Tatum. Cost is $50 and forms are available in the Narthex. Youthtopia Youthtopia is our Region's winter retreat for youth grades 6-12. It will take place at Camp Chandler January 23-25. The cost is $110 and includes lodging, meals, snacks and T-shirt. Forms are available in the church narthex. Registration forms and fees should be mailed to the Regional Office no later than January 5, 2015 MCC Recycles We are recycling items in an effort to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. Here is a reminder of where recycling stations are located in the church so that you can help us with our efforts. Though we do not have a bin for glass there is one conveniently located next door to the church in the Discovery Middle School parking lot. Aluminum cans & tabs: Plastic bottle caps: Bulletins/Paper: Church Kitchen Church Kitchen Church Entryway Mission Opportunity The first Thursday every month we will be taking food to the New Futures Homeless Shelter for Families. Food must be cooked and ready to serve in disposable containers. We will have a signup sheet for those interested in preparing food each month. Thanks to MCC for participating in this ongoing project. Church Publication Deadline Pecans Pecans are still available for $10 a bag. There are halves, pieces, and chocolate. The Newsletter deadline is January 12. Please submit information to the church office by the deadline for inclusion in the next Newsletter. News and Events Christian Women’s Fellowship The Disciples Women is for all women, young or seasoned. So consider and pray about attending one of these meetings this month. The study comes from the Spring 2014 issue of Just Women “Women of the Bible: Seeking Justice.” Check out the Bulletin Board in the hall by the nursery for more information about CWF/DW. Disciples Men Merry Christmas! Prayer Concerns Nursing Home Valley View: Myra Sharpe Madison Village: Geraldine Carr HarborChase: Jo Wagner Morningside Assisted Living (Cooksville, TN): Jennie Morris Church Family Ray Brown Betty Jo Cloud Marta Smelley Jo Wagner Family and Friends Armed Forces members and families Michael Ballard Tarrill Barnett Sandy Beckett Rosalind Braulick Herman Brinkman Bob Brotherton Tina Clifford family Shann Cloud Karla Crum Becky Deaton Jodi Debarr Pete Dyar Madison Guy Betsy Hamilton Robyn Harmon Dot Kidd Norm Kidd Tyler King Micah Kistler Mandy LaPradd Florence Matos Becky McGehee Janet Neville Anthony Prince’s Father Ray Roland Will Sanders Joe Sparks Bob Tankersley Bruce Tallyn Joe Tallyn Hollie Tersigni (and babies) Yvonne Thompson Gloria Ward Greg Waters Connie White May we also be in prayer and support for caregivers. If you need to add or remove someone from the prayer list, please call or email the church office. Madison Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A church that welcomes and invites you to visit and join us in worship, study, and ministry. Seeks to help meet the spiritual needs of our community. Is committed to including all persons. Supports spiritual growth in one’s journey in life. Supports each other during life’s serious moments and share laughter during joyous times.