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NOVEMBER 2021 |VOLUME 47| ISSUE NO.11
EVANGEL
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF FIRST FREE CHURCH
Live Nativity Makeover: Christmas Fest: a Celebration of Jesus! WR I T T E N BY NANC Y J O D E MONLI N
a Photo Shoot, a Light & Sound presentation, and petting zoo! This year, on Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 we will kick-off our Christmas Fest: A Celebration of Jesus with the Live Nativity being the main attraction!
Hey everyone! Our Christmastime Live Nativity event is back with a new name, a new look, but, of course shouting the SAME MESSAGE. We proclaim the ‘Good News’ that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is born. ‘’For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!” Hallelujah! Remember our first Live Nativity in 2016?
Puppeteers at 2019 Live Nativity To make this event a successful outreach to our community, we need lots of people to serve in various ways: before the event, during the event, and even after the event! On Sunday, November 14, there will be a Live Nativity 2016
light luncheon in the Gym for everyone who wants to serve at our Christmas Fest. At the
Since then, we have added various activities
luncheon we will be casting vision for the
that now make this event much more than
event and providing information and
a re-enactment of the Christmas story. In
opportunities to sign up to serve.
addition to our Live Nativity presentation, we now have a KidZone Carnival, a puppet show,
Live Nativity Makeover, ctd. Here are some of the areas of service. Before the Event: Prepare luminaries Prep gift bags
Two things everyone can do: PRAY and INVITE! Christmas Fest Invitation cards are available for you to give to your friends and neighbors and even a stranger! Many people look for events to attend during the Christmas season and our Christmas Fest is entirely FREE!
Bake cookies Prep carnival games Promotion During the Event: Welcome Team: stationed in each area of activity as greeters to welcome our guests. Giveaway Givers: people to pass out our giveaway gifts. Luminaries: set up and light candles early each evening Refreshments: set up and serve KidZone Carnival: set up and oversee various games Costumes/Make Up: prep actors for Live Nativity Sound & Lighting: help move equipment, set up and tear down each evening Puppet Show: puppeteers (We use a prerecorded script.) Photo Shoot: completing info cards and organize participants Parking Attendants: assist in parking lot coordination Van Drivers: provide transportation to and from event After the Event: Tear Down/Clean Up
Tim Painter at 2019 Live Nativity Are you interested in serving in any listed areas? Please plan to come to our Christmas Fest Luncheon on November 14, immediately following the 10:45 Worship Service and sign up to serve! Questions? Text or call Nancy Jo Demolin for more information at 724-448-7360.
GriefShare Hosts "Surviving the Holidays" WRITTEN BY GEORGE BUCK
The holiday season which unofficially begins
That is what the Surviving the Holidays
somewhere in early November and ends after
Seminar is all about: providing support. This
New Year’s Day can be devastating for those
year through GriefShare, we will be offering
who are grieving. This is a time of year where
the Surviving the Holidays Seminar on
there is lots of hustle and bustle, socializing
Thursday, November 18th from both 10
with family and shopping. We are all
a.m. - 12 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m.
supposed to be in a good mood and festive. If we are fortunate to have a job, some of us are
You’ll learn:
on vacation during this time. How to deal with the many emotions you’ll On Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s,
face during the holidays
lots of normal activities shut down and you
What to do about traditions and other
can find yourself alone with your thoughts
coming changes
and memories of your lost loved one. The
Helpful tips for surviving social events
pain that derives from this can be unbearable
How to discover hope for your future
and totally at odds with the celebratory spirit encompassing you. During the holidays there
Just as important, you will be experiencing
are many quiet moments that leave space for
the seminar with those who are also grieving
the raw power of your loss.
the death of a loved one, and you will realize that you are not alone. You will have the
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're
opportunity to learn and share with others
struggling with the holidays. Reminding loved
who truly understand.
ones that you're having a rough time may be enough, but you also may want to reach out
Our hope is that you will come, and when you
for more support.
do, that you will feel loved and find the support and encouragement you need to make it through the holiday season and beyond. Please come!
Praise & Thanksgiving Service with Pie n' Pudding Fellowship November 21 | 6 p.m.
Mark International Your Calendars Partner Spotlight WR I T T E N BY KI R K ALBR EC H T Senior Achievers |Nov. 9
at 11 a.m. in Fire Place Room
First Free Young Adults | Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Adult Learning Center Wednesday Nights at First Free|
Family News Anniversaries CONGRATULATIONS TO... Thomas & Arlene Barnes for 68 years of marriage on Nov. 8. Randy & Joyce McDonald for 45 years of marriage on Nov. 20.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Births
GriefShare Sessions| Thursday
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
at 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. in Adult Learning Center
Worship Choir Rehearsals | Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ChristmasFest Volunteer Luncheon| Nov. 14 following service White Cross | Nov. 16 at 9 a.m
To Marty & Cathy Kelly on the birth of a granddaughter, Dakota Jo, May 20. Parents are Bill & Marti Andree.
Passings OUR CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO... The Hennon family at the passing of Norma’s sister, Mary Kay Lindeman
in Lower Fellowship Hall.
Memorial Gifts
Student Ministry Dads Breakfast
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED MEMORIAL
n' Bible| Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.
GIFTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE. For Michael Abel
For Tim Greer
Dave & Barb Badstibner
Laurie Bezeck
Worship Choir Rehearsal |
For Edward Callahan
For Irene Jewel
TUESDAY Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Anonymous
Anonymous
No Wednesday Night
For John Dubyak
For Joe Sacramento
Laurie Bezeck
Anonymous
Praise and Thanksgiving Service| Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.
at First Free | Nov. 24 Office Closed (Thanksgiving) |
Laurie Bezeck
Nov. 25 & 26
Irene Zack
Student Ministry Christmas Party | Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Women's Christmas Tea | Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Christmas Fest | Dec. 10 & 11 from 7-9 p.m.
Blue Christmas Gathering | Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve Service | Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Please visit www.myfefc.org for our full and updated calendar. Copyright © 2021 | First Evangelical Free Church. All rights reserved.