Our Church Family

Please remember our church family in your daily prayers at mealtimes and during your personal devotions. Continue to remember those young and old with ongoing physical, spiritual, and emotional struggles.

Congratulations to Bill Noordhof with the celebration of his birthday on November 27^th and to Gerald Keitel with his birthday on December 6^th. May God be with you both in a special way.

Remember our missionaries around the world. 

Bethel News

Next Sunday, December 9^th 

We continue our Advent series reading from Isaiah 40:27-31, and Galatians 6:7-10 acknowledging that “We grow Weary.” In the evening we welcome the Parkland Men’s Choir as they lead in Christmas singing.

Praying for each other: 

Just a reminder from the Deacons 

To all who have been invited to the Singles luncheon that we look forward to seeing you next Sunday, December 9^th in the Fellowship hall following the morning worship service.

Congregational Meeting notes: 

We had record attendance at the meeting Thursday night with nearly 50 people there. Pastor Mike gave some added details on the proposal to apply for a summer seminary student. Then Terry Vandenborn presented the budget and after some good discussion it was approved with no dissenting votes. Chairman Peter Prins divided us up into 7 small groups to discuss aspects of the second service at Bethel. After 20 minutes of lively discussion each group reported back and the resulting insights will go to the Worship MLT to work with. The evening was concluded with a time of fellowship.

The Fellowship Ministry Leadership Team 

Will be hosting a potluck supper after the Christmas program on December 16^th. If you would like to participate, please bring along a pan of soup and/or buns to share. You may also bring dessert. Thank you.

Treasure seekers 

are currently looking for some young helpers to assist the teachers with their programs every Sunday. If you are interested in helping out please contact Ann Wildeboer.

On Sunday, December 23^rd

The Treasure Seeker classes will be wrapping Christmas presents for the community Christmas dinner. We invite you to participate in this wonderful project by donating small gift items and/or supplies for wrapping. Please give your items to Ann Wildeboer or if you have any questions or concerns you may contact her at 403-782-2061. Thank you for joining us in this community gift giving.

The Council Christmas Social 

Is planned for Wednesday, December 5^th at the home of Andrew and Carina Tenbrinke. We plan to eat at 6:30 p.m. The only thing that you are asked to bring is an item or a story that has special meaning or fun memories for you. There will be a time of sharing followed by fun and games.

Cadets: 

The next meeting will be Thursday, December 13^th. We are having a combined night with the GEMS. They will be having Father-Daughter night, and we will have Mother-Son night. It is a western theme, so dress western. It will start at 7 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. at the Lacombe Christian School gym. Bring a snack to share. Remember to start collecting bottles & batteries for our fundraiser in early January.

Bethel Youth

Young Peoples 

will have a Bible study today at the Noorts’ after the evening service.

Tuesday Nite Youth 

will meet on Tuesday, December 6^th even though it’s the first Tuesday of the month. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for a time of fellowship. Remember the concession will be open at this time.

Announcements

The Central Alberta Christian High School fall drive 

Is now underway until December 16^th. This year’s goal is $90,000.00. If you need a donation form please contact Ann Oudman, our school secretary at 403-782-4535. During the evenings, you may also contact Pete Walls at 403-588-0856 or Wendy Barnes at 403-885-5187 and they will ensure that you receive a form. Your donations may be mailed to C.A.C.H.S, 22 Eagle Road, Lacombe, AB T4L 1G7: Attention Wendy Barnes or they may be handed in a sealed envelope to the canvasser who called you.

Singing In God’s Ear: 

Our Dutch, English and Afrikaans Christmas “Sing-Along” will be held on Thursday, December 13^th at 2:30 p.m. at First CRC in Red Deer. Tell your relatives and friends about this happy gathering. A collection will be taken for the Salvation Army. Dr. Jack Hielema is the M.C.

Dominican HANDS Trip: 

Do you want to make an impact in the lives of children in Dominican Republic? Not afraid to get your hands dirty? EduDeo Ministries is asking for volunteers to help build additional classrooms to La Esperanza Christian School in Dominican Republic from January 18-28, 2013. The only requirement is a desire to humbly serve. The Lacombe HANDS team will be led by Bernie Kolkman. For more information please contact Bernie at 403-357-6853.

Persecuted Church

Sudan

The threat of genocide looms in Sudan as Christian and non-Arab communities in three regions have been targeted by President General Omar al-Bashir, a notorious leader well known for the systematic slaughter of those who oppose Islamisation. The attempts by the Khartoum government to drive out the 'infidels' from the oil-rich areas in which tens of thousands were killed in 2011, appear to be continuing. Recent aerial bombardments have completely demolished homes and farms, including crops in these predominantly Christian areas. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, acute malnutrition and famine have become widespread, and access to humanitarian aid has been denied. Please pray that these victims of injustice and cruelty will be sustained with supernatural strength and peace, as well as the miraculous provision of food and medical aid. Also pray that the government will cease in its systematic persecution. During these very troubling times, may the Sudanese believers remain faithful and demonstrate Christ to the world through their love and forgiveness.