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 27th
and to Gerald Keitel with his birthday on December 6th. May God be with you both in a special way.
Remember
our missionaries around the world.
Bethel News
Next Sunday, December 9th
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:
Today in your mailbox you will find a prayer card for Andy & Linda Horlings, your missionaries in Nigeria. Please place this card where you will be reminded to keep the Horlings family in your prayers. Letters & emails are greatly appreciated – the addresses can be found on the card. The December Prayer calendar for Classis Alberta North is also in your mailbox. Please take the time to pray each day for the churches, pastors & staff of our classis.
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 9th 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 16th. 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 23rd
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 5th 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 13th. 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 6th 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 16th. 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 13th 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.