♦ Sermon: “All in the Family” — The Rev. Keith Cardwell
♦ Scripture: Hosea 11
■ Today is the last chance to purchase a poinsettia to be placed in the sanctuaries on Dec. 15 and 22. Suggested donation is $7 per plant. Please note on check or cash envelope “for poinsettia” and if you wish to offer “in memory” or “in honor” and place in the offering plate.
►Worship service in the chapel, 8 a.m.
♦ Christian education for all ages at 9 a.m.: • Children in room 3 in the annex
Topic: Fruitful living for children. Led by Kathy Menk. • Youth in room 4 in the annex
Topic: “Simon Peter.” Led by Tara Morrow. • Younger adults in the chapel
Topic: Paul’s letters. Led by Andrew King. • Adults in room 2 in the annex
Topic: New Testament. Led by Cheryl Jensen. • Adults in the fellowship hall, “Snacks with Susan and Daryl”
Topic: “Faithful,” an Advent study focused on Joseph.
Led by Susan and Daryl Pichoff.
►Worship service in the sanctuary at 10
• After “Time with the children,” those in preschool and younger may go to the nursery. Those in grades K–4 may go to children’s church.
• Anthem:
“While We Are Waiting, Come” — Chancel choir
♦ Fellowship time at about 11:15 Please join us for light refreshments and conversation
with your Swift family and friends in the fellowship hall.
♦ “Two cents a meal” offering
for snacks for children
♦ Session meets after the service
to welcome new members
Fourth Sunday of Advent
“Flourish Like Grain”
Hosea 14; John 12:23–26
Christmas Eve worship — 6 p.m.
♦ We celebrate the Lord’s Supper. All are invited to the table.
♦ We light candles as we sing “Silent Night.”
First Sunday of Christmas
♦ Pastor Jody Beth preaches
“The Community of the Committed”
Colossians 3:12–17
Swift Church offers children’s church (grades K–4) during the 10:00 service after “Time with the children.” It normally is offered each Sunday except for communion Sundays.
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■Remember the old rugged cross.■
‘Time with the children’ Our 10 a.m. services normally include this segment focused on young worshipers.
Notes and reminders at a glance
■ Rehearsal for the Christmas program is Saturday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. — for all participants..
■ The next food pantry distribution is Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. until noon in the fellowship hall. On Nov. 27, the pantry provided 57 bags with Thanksgiving fixings for 150 people.
■ Handbell choir rehearsals continue on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
■ Chancel choir rehearsals are on Sundays at 9:20 a.m. and 5 p.m.
■ Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew continues on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room 2 in the annex.
■ Hearing assistance devices are available in the sanctuary. Please ask a greeter. Also ask a greeter if you need to know where restrooms are located.
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►Connect with God. ►Connect with other believers.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Never underestimate the power of prayer
No problem you might have
is too big for God to handle.
Because God is with you all the time,
no place is any closer to God
than the place where you are right now.
The peace of Christ be with you— —and also with you. Passing the peace is a deeply theological practice of reconciliation not replicated in secular culture. We greet each other in Christ, laying aside our differences — at least for the hour.
