EFCMM Weekly Connection

Second Sunday of Advent ~ December 9

"Joy to the World" is certainly one of our favorite Christmas songs, but have you ever noticed that it's not very Christmas-y? No baby in a manger, no Joseph and Mary, no angels, shepherds, or wise men. That's because it is a rendition of Psalm 98, as seen through the lens of Christ. We can sing with joy because the Savior has come, and he is coming again to reign!

Sunday Night

Youth Group meets at 5:00 PM, CE Center.

Sound System Update

The installation of our new sound equipment began earlier this week. It will be operational this Sunday, but we expect to experience hiccups as we are in a steep learning curve. Your patience is appreciated!

Guest Wi-Fi

As part of our sound system upgrade, our guest Wi-Fi will no longer require a password. To access it, click on "Settings" on your mobile device, then click on "Wi-Fi" and select "EFCMM Guest."

Weather Issues Update

The Advent of Winter came early this year! If inclement weather forces a change in our schedule, we will communicate that to you in several ways:

Text to the mobile phone number you have given us
Email to the email address you have given us
Announcement on our Facebook page: facebook.com/efcmm

Advent Opportunities...

Poinsettias
You are invited to place a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one for the Advent season. Cost is $15 per plant. Order deadline is December 9. Plants may be taken home after our Candlelight Service.

Christmas Gift Outreach
This year’s Christmas gift outreach will benefit Rockford Rescue Mission. Their donations run low in January, so we will collect the following items for them: new/gently used winter apparel and boots (all sizes/genders) and new travel-size toiletries. Please place your items under the Christmas tree at our Birthday Party for Jesus. We will deliver them to the mission after the holidays.

Mark Your Calendars...

Young Family Fellowship Christmas Party
Young couples and families with children (up through high school age) are invited to a Christmas Party on Saturday, December 8, 5:00 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Each home will decorate its own gingerbread house! Bring two types of candies/decorations and a snack to share. Meat balls, drinks and table service will be provided. If you did not RSVP, you are welcome to attend, but there may not be a gingerbread house for you to decorate.

Father-Teen Son Winter Hike
Saturday, December 15, 9:00 AM. Meet at White Pines State Park. Bring your own drink and snacks. Parents/teens, check your email for a map of the hike.

Women's Christmas Brunch
Saturday, December 15, 9:00 AM, at Stronghold Castle in Oregon. All ladies are invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast, gift exchange, special music and more. Cost is $10 per person, payable at the event. Sign up at the table in the foyer. To participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped $5 gift.

Youth Group Christmas Party
Sunday, December 16, 5:00-8:00 PM, at the home of Jim & Kim Kaufman. Food and drink are provided. Bring a white elephant gift to exchange.

Candlelight Service & Birthday Party for Jesus
Sunday, December 23, 6:00 PM. The service will feature music by our Children’s and Adult choirs, a hand mime presentation, and a candle-lighting ceremony. Afterwards, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for cake and punch. Bring your Christmas Outreach gifts and place them under the Christmas tree then.

Next Week At-A-Glance

Ladies' Prayer Circle: 9:30 AM Tuesday, CE Center

High School Girls' Study: 7:00 PM Tuesday, Murphy home

Servant Board Meeting: 7:00 PM Tuesday, CE Center

Mt. Morris Men's Prayer: 6:00 AM Wednesday, CE Center

Hand Mime: 5:00 PM Wednesday, CE Center

Puppet Team: 6:00 PM Wednesday, CE Center

Adult Advent Choir: 7:00 PM Wednesday, Sanctuary

Ladies' Bible Study: 1:00 PM Thursday, Countryside Apartments

Men's Accountability Group: 7:00 AM Saturday, CE Center

Women's Christmas Brunch: 9:00 AM Saturday, Stronghold Castle

Father/Teen Son Hike: 9:00 AM Saturday, White Pines State Park