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Speaking Schedule:
December 15: Pastor McGhee
December 22: Shawn Latham
December 29: Arlene Salt
Happening This Week
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Devotional Corner:
2 Corinthians 9:7: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
The following is one of my favorite Christmas Songs. It was written in 2000 by Newsong and was later turned into a movie. I think it teaches us how we should give to others not because we have to out of obligations to buy Christmas presents, but we should give because we have Jesus in our hearts and his love overflows through us. As you read the words to this song think about a Christmas gift that you gave that not only changed their lives but yours as well. Next Sabbath, I will be asking some of you to talk about those experiences during my message. Spoiler alert you might need tissue as you read this.
Shawn L
The Christmas Shoes
Newsong
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
And I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight
I want 'er to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight
Songwriters: Eddie Carswell / Leonard Ahlstrom
The Christmas Shoes lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, The Bicycle Music Company
Sermon Description:
Have you ever wondered if it is right for a person of faith to sing and talk about Santa as if he was real, when we all know that he is a fake myth? Should we simply throw out our Christmas trees, ornaments, yule logs, socks on the wall, presents, wreathes, and Santa suits and replace them with nativity scenes, creches, Bibles, lambs, and wise men? For many people of faith, celebrating Christmas evokes a conflict of values.
On December 16 we will learn from the Bible and tradition that Christmas is like an iceberg; beautiful and dangerous. Perhaps there is a way to celebrate the beauty without a titanic tragedy. If you listen, you may find out why "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is a more truthful lyric than "Twas The Night Before Christmas."
John McGhee
Dear Friends
I am happy to invite you to be aware that a SS cell group continues. I am working with Mark Everett and others to coordinate this Bible study / fellowship group.
In 14 weeks we cover some basic truths which bind the Seventh-day Adventist Family together. Our textbook will be the Bible supported by the classic work by Ellen G. White, Steps To Christ.
Please see me or Mark Everett with the list of topics. You can also email Shawn Latham at atstar65@me.com for a digital PDF version.
If you want to review some delightful truths, or you would like to bring someone who is inquisitive about what Seventh-day Adventists believe, this may be just what you are looking for.
Warmly,
Pastor John
This Sabbath (December 15) at 6:00 pm at Rita’s home we will be having our MVSDA ladies’ Sock & Christmas Cookie Exchange. Don’t forget your 1 pair of wrapped socks (no more than $10 and NO “stuffings” in the socks) and bring them and 2 dozen cookies with you to the party. Let’s celebrate the joy of Christmas together!
"Ladies Fellowship " The Ladies Fellowship is currently meeting at Anna Marie's Bakery & Cafe, 919 W. Division Street in Mt. Vernon. every Tuesday at 7:00am. Join us for fellowship and discussion.
We've got a Creative Art/Writing Workshop happening every Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the Church, with Andrea Poolman leading this workshop. Andrea graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in philosophy and psychology and has studied art in and out of college. She has also been a volunteer doing creative art with persons of all ages and ethnicity. Andrea's approach is casual and flexible, so we hope that you will be able to join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity.
Wednesday Prayer Meetings at 6:00 pm: Please contact Mark for the location information at 360-840-7457. Come join our family for our weekly prayer time. The church that prays together, stays together!
All men are invited to meet at 7:00 AM each Thursday for Band of Brothers @ Billy's Cafe in Burlington, 316 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington, WA 98233.
Love & Laundry - Our Love & Laundry project continues to thrive providing laundry services almost daily at the Friendship House. If you have any questions or are able to help, please contact Kadeem, Friendship House Volunteer Coordinator, (813) 412-8127 or Arlene (360) 840-3749.
Mailboxes: Please remember to check your box every time you come to church. Each week your bulletin will be in your mail box. Please let Melissa Baskett know if you need a mailbox.
Other Church Announcements
Cup of Fellowship is back! Please see Melissa to sign up or for any questions.
We need socks for the homeless! Men and women -- any size. Can be wool, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll take whatever you can give.
If anybody would like to volunteer for our cold weather shelter, please contact the Friendship House. If you would like to bring prepared food for the residents of the shelter, it would be GREATLY welcomed and appreciated, and you are encouraged to do so; however, if you would like to do more than just drop off the prepared food or other goodies (i.e. hand out your goodies), the Friendship House requests that you contact them in advance so that they can make sure that there isn't duplication of 'goodies' on the same day and that all volunteers are used to the fullest potential. The Friendship House's telephone number is (360) 336-6138. Thank you for helping us help our friends and neighbors in need.
All men are invited to an overnight retreat at Warm Beach February 22 -24, 2019, with guest speaker, Tony Scarpino, from Amazing Facts. Cost is $173/pp, which includes two nights and five meals. The Theme is Leading Your People! Anybody interested should sign up on the sign up sheet in the foyer. To make sure everybody that would like to attend this retreat has an opportunity to do so, we're currently accepting donations to help those that are not financially able. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.
The greeter ministry schedule for December is as follows: Dec 15th Shelia Dodd, Dec 22nd Bob Walton and Shawn Latham, Dec 29th Bob Walton & Melissa Baskett. Please contact Melissa Baskett if you have any questions.
The Deacon and Deaconess ministry schedule for December is as follows: Dec 15th Shelia Dodd Dec 22nd Bob Walton and Melissa Baskett , Dec 29th Shelia Dodd & Bob Walton. Please contact Melissa Baskett if you have any questions.
Please let Melissa Baskett know if someone needs visitation at home or in the hospital. Also let her know if you want a mailbox at the Church to receive the weekly bulletins and other information. To contact Darci please call 360-416-0443 or email her at office@mountvernonsda.com
If you would like to learn more about Jesus Off the Street please contact Ann @ 425-280-7212.
Upcoming Events:
Dec 14th Skagit Adventist Christmas Program
Dec 15th Ladies Sock & Christmas Cookie Exchange
Dec 16th Taste of Eden @ Cedarhome Church
Jan 25-27 Young Adult Retreat @ Sunset Lake Camp
Feb 22nd-24th Men's Retreat @ Warm Beach
Feb 24th Skagit Adventist Academy Auction
Community Announcements
Skagit Adventist Academy Christmas Program, "Starry Nights: The Night Christ Was Born" on Friday, December 14, at 6:30 pm. Light finger food potluck reception to follow.
Cedarhome SDA Church presents “Taste of Eden”, a free vegetarian cooking class, Sunday, December 16, from 11:00-2:00. Classes include vegetarian cooking demonstrations with a great opportunity to sample great dishes and learn more about the food we eat.
SAA ski and snowboard program at Mount Baker Ski area. The program includes discounted lift tickets, discounted equipment rental packages and lessons. Adults are also able to buy discounted tickets and rental packages for the four days. SAA is pleased to include home schooled children and children of church members going to other schools. Please contact SAA for registration forms or call Julie Cotter for questions. DEADLINE TO TURN IN PAPERWORK: Dec. 18.
WA Young Adults: Take the leap and learn how to be an active community member this January 25-27, 2019, at the first-ever Young Adult Retreat at Sunset Lake Camp! Come enjoy Anil Kanda’s energetic approach to the Bible and his deep, provocative insights into life’s toughest problems. Plus, enjoy a weekend filled with community, discussions, music, workshops, and fun! $90/pp Register by January 11, 2019, at https://www.eventbrite.com.
Save the Date: The Skagit Adventist Academy Auction is February 24th at McIntyre Hall on Skagit Valley College campus in Mount Vernon. SAA will gladly accept your donations of new items, experiences, trips, and gift certificates.
Out and About: The Washington Conference has a new weekly newsletter called "Out and About" To view it or to subscribe to the newsletter please visit http://www.washingtonconference.org/
Navigating The Skagit Volunteer Center Website
www.skagitvolunteercenter.org
The Skagit Volunteer Center Website is a great way to respond to the needs of our community. The first step is to create an account, personalize it to what interests you. This flyer will help you get started! It is fast and easy. After you set up your user account, you are free to roam the site and respond to the needs of the community.
Community Action of Skagit County
Ongoing | Skagit County
Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes Skagit County a better place to live. They care about the entire community, and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Skagit Food Distribution Center
Volunteers are needed to help increase nutrition and food security for residents of Skagit County. The Skagit Food Distribution Center serves as a food hub for 14 local food banks.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Food Delivery Driver
- Office Assistant
- Warehouse Assistant
- Volunteer Services Program
For more information about volunteering contact Tracy at tracym@communityactionskagit.org or 360 588-5753.
Volunteer Services Program
Community Action's Volunteer Services program supports safe and independent living for elderly and disabled adults in Skagit County. They need volunteers to help out in a variety of different roles:
- Handyman
- Housekeeping
- Moving
- Transportation
- Wood provision- splitting & stacking wood
- Yardwork
For more information about volunteering contact Robert at robertm@communityactionskagit.org
Skagit Valley Family Radio KTFJ 104.7 FM
Encourage others to listen on air or online. Keep the station in your prayers as they begin producing local programming. Listen for the Health Minute with Dr. Barry Bacon, Dinner with the Doctor, and an upcoming preparedness seminar. Remember, podcasts are always available. www.radiooflife.org.
Help Seniors & Adults with Disabilities Remain in their Homes
Ongoing | Various locations in Skagit County
Community Action's Volunteer services program recruits and coordinates community volunteers to provide direct services for elderly and disabled adults.
Among the services we provide are housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, yard work, transportation, moving assistance, firewood stacking in the winter, minor home repair, and more as we strive to help clients remain living independently in their own homes.
Right now they have a big need for volunteers to help out with, driving seniors to appointments, housework, moving, and small home repairs.
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