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We welcome you to our worship service!  Pastor William Koopmans will lead us in worship this morning. 

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

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. 

December 11, 2011 – Back to God Ministries: Back to God Ministries International proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, using media that effectively communicates Christ in the “heart language” of those in need of salvation and discipleship.    Their vision is to use media effectively to proclaim the good news to the world. 

1.        There is a worship service today at Copper Terrace (91 Tecumseh St.) at 2:30pm.  The person asked to attend is Evelyn.  Please use the back door.   

·        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.

THANK YOU: Thank you to the people who were involved with decorating the church for the Christmas season; it looks beautiful.  We appreciate all the hard work that went into the displays.  Thank you also to Michelle and Deb who have taken over the decorating position. 

Ø  The meeting was well attended and quorum was confirmed.

Ø  Opening devotions were taken from John Ortberg’s book “If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve God to Get Out of the Boat” with a focus on Matthew 14:25-32.

Ø  The minutes from the May 25^th congregation meeting were presented.  There were no questions with the minutes.

Ø  The Budget for 2012 was reviewed and approved.

Ø  There were several presentations made from Fridays at Grace, Social Events Committee, and Youth.  All of these programs are thriving and growing.  The people involved in these programs were thanked for their work.

Ø  The facility enhancement team presented the proposed changes to the current facilities.  Questions and comments were brought forward and all members received a copy of the plans to take home and review.

Ø  The floor was opened up for any general questions and comments which were very encouraging and appreciative.

Ø  Pastor William gave some closing remarks, prayed and the meeting was closed with a song. 

*NOTE: For those who were not in attendance, there is a copy of the facility enhancement proposal in your mail slots.  If anyone was overlooked, there are a couple of extra copies on the table in the narthex. 

MAIL SLOTS: If you do not have a mail slot and would like to have one (whether you are a member or not) please contact the church office and let Julie know by Sunday December 18^th.  If you currently have a mail slot and do not wish to have it anymore please let Julie know that as well.   

EVERYONE TURNING 70 IN 2012: Please let me know at the church office by December 18^th if you would prefer not to have your birthday acknowledged in the Common Insert.  Thank you. 

THIS IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE 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.  

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. 

2012 VOUCHERS: You can order your 2012 vouchers with the 2012 request form found on the information rack in the narthex.  Cheques need to be postdated for January 2012. 

CHRISTMAS PRAYER ORNAMENTS: Please take an ornament home with you after the Christmas Day service to pray for the people in our church throughout 2012.  There are many to choose from.  Please help yourself. 

LIBRARY NEWS: “House of Secrets” by Tracie Peterson.  A surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood brings back unpleasant memories for Bailee and her two sisters.  One sister believes their silence must end and the truth be revealed.  But they soon come to wonder if they can trust their memories.  

CHRISTMAS CAROLLING: Roseanne and Alice would like to invite you to go Christmas Carolling with them this Christmas on December 22 at 7pm meeting at the VanStempvoort’s place.  This is a wonderful way to spread the joy of Christmas to our neighbours around us.  If you would like to join them please sign up on the sheet in the narthex, or call or email them.  Refreshments will be served at the end of the evening.

   Prayer room ministry:  There will be a brief meeting after this morning’s service for those involved in the after church prayer room ministry.  Let's meet at the back of the sanctuary.

Seniors Dinner: Wednesday, Dec.7th - please return the bottom of your invitations to Doug W's mail-slot today if you haven't already.  If you do not have it with you please phone Doug to let him know whether or not you are able to come.  Thanks... The Deacons 

 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. 

TONIGHT:  

·  Bible Readers Group: 6:30-7:00pm.  Need some encouragement to read your Bible.  Join us as we read together for a 1/2 hour before Youth Group begins. 

·  Youth Group: 7:00-9:00pm.  Never Too Young Discussion Night followed by Christmas Card delivery. Let's spread the JOY OF CHRISTMAS together. The Outreach committee has asked us to partner with them in inviting our neighbours to our Christmas Candlelight Service. 500 Christmas Cards/invitations have been prepared and need to be delivered in our neighbourhood.

·         Bring a loonie or a toonie for Kimberly tonight.  

NEXT WEEK:  

·  Dec 11&18 - 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. 

·  Christmas Party and Spaghetti Dinner!  Bring a wrapped gift (suggested value of $10, no candy) for our gift exchange.