Happy Anniversary

A special dessert was served at this year's Christmas Dinner. And it came from the family of Huston & Betty James. To surprise this wonderful couple on their 60th wedding anniversary, their children and grandchildren brought a lovely wedding cake to share. We are blessed to have Huston & Betty as members of our congregation and wish them many more years together.

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Christmas Dinner, Dec. 12, 2008

Deep down inside we know that the best gifts don't come from catalogs or shopping malls. They don't come in brightly-colored packages or fancy envelopes and they're not sitting under a tree somewhere...The best gifts come from the heart. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other and say 'You mean a lot to me' or 'I'm so glad you're a part of my life.' A gift like that will never go out of style or be forgotten or be returned for a different size. A gift like that can change the world.

Ron Atchison

The Green Stuff: Christmas Trees
He came into the world. Hebrews 10:5
Recommended Reading Hebrews 10:5-10

In ancient Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was considered a symbol of life amid the bleak darkness of winter. Vikings reportedly cut down evergreens and brought them into their homes as a source of encouragement. In the 600s, Boniface, a British missionary, traveled across Europe using pines as object lessons of eternal life. Even the harsh winter couldn't kill them, said Boniface, who also used their triangular shapes to teach about the Trinity. For centuries afterward, people cut down trees and brought them indoors, creating a celebratory midwinter atmosphere. As an added benefit, the tree's fragrance provided a pleasing aroma during the confining months of winter.

According to tradition, it was Martin Luther who popularized trees as a Christmas symbol of the new life given us by the Christchild, and it was also Luther who wrote a carol that's been sung around Christmas trees for nearly 500 years: "From heaven above to earth I come, / To bear good news to every home."

May all the Christmas trees we encounter this year point our hearts upward toward our blessed Savior!

"Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies?

Who is this Child so young and fair? The blessed Christchild lieth there."

Martin Luther

Thanks to Camilla McKee for contributing this via email. It comes from Dr. David Jeremiah's program, Turning Point

Christmas Memories

Our family tradition has been to have our family dinner on Christmas Eve afternoon, followed by the Christmas story and opening of gifts. Our daughter-in-law, Tammy makes a birthday cake for Jesus. We always take a family picture by the tree. This is such a special time for all of us.

Bob & Camilla McKee

From Marianne Ashby:

My brother, Brian has a sense of humor as was evidenced the time we drove to my mom's for Christmas in Edwardsburg, MI. It usually takes us in the neighborhood of 4 hours. We must have been running a little late. My brother and Sister-In-Law, Annette were already there. This particular time Brian decided to dress up in a "down home" version of Santa as a surprise to us. We were told later that part of Brian's, err, Santa's "beard" kept falling off while he was waiting for us. Guess he had to keep applying the cotton balls on with lemon juice. Imagine our surprise when we got there and were able to sit on Santa's lap! We all had a good laugh over that one!

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."

* Charlotte Carpenter *

"The earth has grown old with its burden of care

But at Christmas it always is young,

The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair

And its soul full of music breaks the air,

When the song of angels is sung."

~ Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop,

wrote 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.

December's Calendar

December's Calendar at Grace

Wed., Dec. 3 - Bible Study, Fellowship & Dessert beginning at 6:15

Our teacher, Kevin Godin, will begin "A Methodical Study of Ephesians"

As usual, a time of prayer will be held following this class and you're all invited to attend

Fri., Dec. 5 at 7:00 a.m. - Downriver Community Prayer Breakfast

Guest Speaker: Dr. Don Bartlette

Sun., Dec. 7 - Communion service with Elder Craig McGlassion

& following the morning service we'll meet in the lower level for a light lunch and decorate the church for Christmas. All are welcome as 'many hands make light work'

Fri., Dec. 12 - Our Annual Christmas Dinner

The cost is $8.00 for ages 5 - Adult; Under 5, free

Please see Everett & Jacque Sollars to sign up or for information

Sunday, Dec. 21 - Christmas Service with Pastor Bill

December 25th - We wish you a very

December Birthdays & Anniversaries

December Birthdays ...

Crystal Hennig - Dec. 10

Tom Colwell - Dec. 13

Bob McKee - Dec. 22

Donny Connell - Dec. 22

JESUS - Dec. 25

Barb Hammons - Dec. 28

James Salewske - Dec. 28

Rob Roelofs - Dec. 29

and Happy Anniversary to ...

Craig & Sandy - Dec. 1

Huston & Betty - Dec. 11

Sam & Chris - Dec. 19

Craig & Wendy - Dec. 27

Pastor Bill & Nancy - Dec. 28

Don & Lynn - Dec. 28

December Nursery Schedule

Nursery Schedule for December, 2008

Dec. 7 - Nancy Connell & Rachel Norman

Dec. 14 - Kelly McKee

Dec. 21 - Harmony King

Dec. 28 - Karen Roelofs

January, 2009

Jan. 4 - Beth Godin

Jan. 11 - Nancy Connell

Jan. 18 - Kelly McKee

Jan. 25 - Rachel Norman

Operation Christmas Child, Pt. 3

Our Thanksgiving Service was held on Nov. 23. Before the service began, members of our congregation each held one or more of the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and a prayer of dedication was given. The boxes were then placed on the altar by those who held them.

After the service, volunteers carried the boxes outside to

Bob & Camilla McKee's van.

Each box was carefully packed and made ready for the trip to the drop-off destination,
Fairlane Alliance Church, in Dearborn, MI

At Fairlane Alliance church, Camilla signs in for Grace Bible Church.

We gave a total of 61 boxes this year. Camilla was told that Fairlane Alliance takes in about 6,000 boxes per year; and another church collection sight takes in about 5,000.

We again thank everyone who was involved in this year's Operation Christmas Child.

A big 'Thank You' goes to Camilla McKee for over-seeing this project once again.

And a big "Thanks" to Joel Ashby for the photography work.