Week 48

We welcome you to our worship service! Pastor William will lead us in worship this morning. This morning we look forward to witnessing the baptisms of Trevor James and Clara Louise.

This evening: our combined worship service is at 5pm and it will be led by Calvary and located at Grace CRC.

We will be celebrating Lord’s supper on December 18^th in the 10am worship service.

GRACE CHURCH VISION STATEMENT: As disciples of Christ our purpose is to encourage spiritual growth in ourselves, our family, and our church family so that we will be the presence of Christ to all the world around us in all we say and do.

November 27, 2011 – Diaconate: The money collected by the diaconate is used to reach out to our church family and community members. These funds are also used to assist other activities such as Bike Rodeo, Seniors Dinner, and Missionary Support.

December 4, 2011 – Missionary Support: Please pray and give generously to our missionaries: Istifanus Gimba in Mozambique, Dorothy Meyer in Belize, The Heaths in Cameroon, and the Saylors in London, ON.

1. There is a worship service today at Maple City Residence (97 McFarlane) at 2pm.

2. There is a worship service today at Chatham Retirement Resort (Keil Drive) at 3pm.

3. There is a worship service on today at Riverview Gardens (King St. W.) at 2:30pm. Please use the side door on Robertson Ave. Our Young People will be in attendance

· Please come Sunday mornings at 9am and join in prayer for our church and community. We meet in Room #2 (in the lower level)

· Join us for prayer following the worship services in the room at the back of the sanctuary. All requests remain confidential.

· Do you need someone to pray for you? Send your requests through the Prayer Chain: Bill/Grace Dieleman (692-4787), Randy/Alice VanStempvoort (436-0775), or Joe/Hilda Wiersma (354-4673)

AUDIO: AM & PM: Phil

VISUAL: AM: Ken, Braden

FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED: It is important to give food to the poor in our community not only on special holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but throughout the year. We would like to encourage each of you to bring non-perishable food items to the church each month. There is a bin underneath the mail slots that we would like to fill up each month and bring to one of the local food banks: Salvation Army, Outreach for Hunger, and Praise Fellowship. Please help us by bringing non-perishable food items to the church this upcoming Sunday. Let’s make a difference in the lives of those around us!

LIBRARY NEWS: “The Ambition” by Lee Strobel is a desperate quest for redemption in a world of corruption. A down on his luck lawyer is coerced into bribing a judge to fix an upcoming mob trial. He secretly tapes the exchange to protect himself. This is an insider’s tale of power, politics, and payoffs as current as today’s headlines.

REMINDER: Next Sunday is the 1^st Sunday of the month – do you know what this means? You’re right – CADET POP CAN FUNDRAISER SUNDAY. Please bring your pop cans to the church Sunday morning and we will have Cadets on hand to help you.

Church School: On December 18 all students in grade 6-12 are being invited to be part of a Christmas Presentation during the morning worship service. We will be performing a speech called "That's My King!" It's a loud, energetic declaration proclaiming Christ as King! Practice times will be Sunday morning on December 11 and 18 from 9am-9:45. Regular Church School classes will not be happening these mornings to make time for these practices. Everyone is invited to participate, but since we have limited prep time only those who are seriously interested are asked to attend.

Facility Enhancement Update:

At the congregational meeting on Wednesday November 30, the Facility Enhancement Team and Council will be presenting an exciting new proposal for additions and renovations to our facility.

It is important that we have a good turnout at this meeting so we can work together for the future of Grace CRC!

Please plan to come to the meeting to be part of this exciting discussion, receive further information, and offer your input!

A package with plans and details will handed out at the meeting.

Roseanne and Alice would like to go caroling this year. We both don't sing well, so we would like other people to join us. If you can join us on Dec. 22 at 7 pm. we'd love to have you. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex, or call or email us. We'll meet at the VanStempvoort's before we start and plan on having refreshments there when we are done.

Please Note:

RED KETTLE DRIVE: The Salvation Army is asking members of our church to devote two hours of their time to assist them with their annual Red Kettle Appeal.

The Signup Sheet is on the table in the Narthex and although it is a Saturday, let’s ‘put our shoulders under it’ and give it a couple of hours and so fill all the Timeslots. Young people are also welcome to participate accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age (see Students on Poster). There are many spots open still and they desperately need your help. There is no solicitation, nothing more than a friendly smile and sincere thank you. Thank you for your participation.

Fill out the note with your time and location for yourself to write on your ‘to-do’ calendar at home.

DEACON’S SENIOR CHRISTMAS DINNER: will be held on Wednesday December 7^th. Please note this change from the November calendar. If you are a senior you will receive a formal invitation in your mail slot in a couple of weeks.

HELP NEEDED FOR THE SENIOR CHRISTMAS DINNER: The senior dinner will held on Wednesday December 7. If you would like to help that day in preparing the meal (peeling potatoes, making salads, cooking vegetables and manning the kitchen while the deacons serve) please talk to Jackie.

TUESDAY NIGHT: A group of 10-15 Young Adults get together every Tuesday evening at Pastor Jake's home to hang out, study the Bible, and pray together. We are aged 19-30ish, students, employed full-time, single, married, born and raised in Chatham, just moved here this year, members of Grace CRC and friends from other churches. If this is you please join us this Tuesday evening at 7:30. Bring a Bible.

TODAY: Riverview Gardens: The Youth Group is invited to worship with the seniors at Riverview Gardens this afternoon. Be there at 2:15 and bring a cheerful smile and a helping hand as we assist seniors during the worship time.

Coffee House: 7-9pm. Bring a dessert to share. You don't have to be a coffee drinker to join us for this social night at the home of Melina.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2: All Grade 7&8's are invited to a Gym Night at Chatham Christian School on Friday, December 2 from 7:30-9:00pm.