Joining the Story of Jesus
Luke 1:57-80
Speaker: Herb Sawatzky
Worship Planner: Chris Nisbet

Christian Education Hour for all Ages
There are no Christian Education classes today.
Classes will resume January 10, 2010.

Everyone is invited to join Greenwood residents today for their 11:00am morning service. Avon’s children will be presenting a program.

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This Week’s Birthdays…
Dec 20 - Francisco Sawatzky
Dec 22 - Jarret Jantzi
Dec 24 - Marion Callwood, Jane Kuepfer
Dec 25 - Gerald Plett
On your birthday, put coins or pennies in the Penny Power Jar.

This Week…
Tuesday - 6:30pm Volleyball for all ages
Thursday - 6:30pm Christmas Eve Service

Next Sunday:
Worship Planner - Howard Lebold

Office Hours for the coming week:
Herb - Monday to Thursday (morning & afternoon)
Note: Herb will be on holidays December 28 - January 3.
Jane - Wednesday
Brenda - Wed., & Thurs. (9:00am - 12:00 noon)

Avon Notices…

Available below the mailboxes: Avon Reflections

Youth Focus  - Wednesday at 7:00pm. See you there!

Young Adults: There will be a coffee time/light brunch for all Young Adults in the Youth Room on Jan 3 after church. This is an informal “Welcome Home for the Holidays” get together. We hope you’ll be able to join us! RSVP if possible to Suzanne Piper (pipers@execulink.com or 273-7578).

Do you have a digital camera you could donate? The Youth would like to have a digital camera on hand to photograph events throughout the year. Please contact Jane Kuepfer, if you are able to help.

Christmas Eve Service, 6:30pm - If you have a music suggestion, a poem, reading, drama, or some other presentation you would like to share at our Christmas Eve service, please talk to Jeanine Clarke or Herb Sawatzky.

Avon will be accepting non-perishable food items for the House of Blessing during the weeks of Advent, Nov 29 - Dec 20. Please place items in the baskets by the servery.

Prayers: Joys & Requests…

Praise God for Hinke Loewen-Rudgers extended term visa following a challenging application process. Pray for Hinke as she builds connections with churches in the Holy Land.

Please contact the church office (519-273-2261) with prayer requests for the bulletin by Thursday, 9:00am..

Important Update from Finance Committee to Dec 13/09
Actual receipts to Dec 13 (Reg. + Bldg Fund) = $169,656.
Amount needed to cover our obligations for 2009 = $25,940.
We have two Sundays left, today and next Sunday. Next Sunday, Dec 27, Avon will be part of a joint community worship service at Stratford Central Secondary School. There will be one offering taken at the gathering with each Church using their own offering envelopes. The total offering will be sorted and each Church’s envelopes will be passed on to their Treasurer. If anyone finds this confusing and wishes to help reach our goal for 2009, you can bring your special gift to Mel Lichty or George Schroeder by 10AM Thursday morning, Dec 31. Thank you to all of our regular supporters and a special thank you to those who are able to top up your regular offerings.

Homemade Cards created by Ella Paul will be on sale after the Worship Service from now until Christmas. All proceeds will go to sending a child to school in El Salvador.

Ecumenical Service - December 27 at Central High School, 9:15am. No service at 90 Greenwood as Avon will join in this service. You may bring your offering envelopes. A cash offering will go to Meals on Wheels & the Salvation Army. If you are able to help collect the offering, please talk to Herb.

Jewels Pancake & Sausage Meal. Plan to attend on Jan 8th at 4:00pm. Dinner will be followed by table games. Bring your favourite game! Please sign up by Jan 3 on the Jewel’s bulletin board (opposite the MP Room doors).

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast - Jan 9. All are welcome to this time of sharing in fellowship & good food. Time and destination to be announced.

Might you be interested in participating in a Mission Trip in July? Sign the list in the foyer and we’ll keep you posted!

Vehicle Swap! The Dietert family is flying to Florida from Flint, MI and are in need of a vehicle to seat 6 plus luggage. The vehicle will remain in Park & Fly Jan 8-15. For use during their vacation is a Nissan Maxima. If you would be open to making a swap, please call or email them.

SOUP Reminder - Avon’s freezer is filled with containers of chicken noodle soup ready to be shared with friends, family, and neighbours who are sick this winter. Please help yourself, and bless someone with our love and prayers.

Directory Updates:
For changes to the 2009 Directory…please see a printed copy of this week’s bulletin in the literature rack.

Keeping You Connected…

Menno Singers are now accepting registrations to join the mass choir for a performance of Haydn’s Creation in May. Forms are available below the mailboxes.

Opportunities in the Community…

House of Blessing’s 6th Annual Advantage Cards and New “Peak of the Market Recipe CD” are now on sale. Please see details posted beside the Youth Room.

Sara’s Place (a safe transitional home for unwed mothers) is hosting a fundraiser with the Waterloo Regional Male Police Chorus Jan 15, 7pm at Bethel Pentecostal Church. Details and ticket information is posted beside the Youth Room.