Family News

Happy Holidays! This is a time for traditional family get-togethers and great food. It is a time for gift giving and receiving. It is a time for football, bowl games, and seasonal skiing. But many families can not experience the same joy that many of us do. Our James class last week discussed the idea of how un-Christian it is to see a need and simply dismiss it with a 'be warm and be filled' attitude. It is so easy to become calloused to real need when you see others take advantage of someone else's generosity. We need to be wise as serpents but innocent as doves, but be careful that you do not translate that into an 'I've been burned before therefore, I will not help again.' Did Jesus offer His grace only to those who never took advantage of Him? The scripture leaves us this admonition, 'To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.' Sometimes we just have to help the needy knowing that some will not appreciate it like they should.

With those thoughts in mind, I would like to hold up to you Kristine Robinson. In addition to working in the Soup Kitchen, she has nearly single-handedly taken on a job of making sure that families can have a more enjoyable Christmas. She has collected food, clothes, and presents delivering them to various families. She is not asking for accolades because just being able to help someone else gives her great joy. Be sure to let her know how much you appreciate her.

Joy is an inside job. It's not about what you receive under the tree nearly as much as what you place under someone else's tree. As the familiar poem says, 'It is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Ask the Lord to make you an instrument of His peace.

Merry Christmas!

Good News

The angels rejoice, and so do we at the baptism of Marilyn McNally last Thursday morning. Several were able to be here to witness her birth into the new life in Christ. Marilyn has been a believer all her life, and exhibited a beautiful spirit of humility and willing obedience as she learned the real meaning of baptism. Her faith in Jesus, her courage, and her determination to please God led her into the water. She is so excited to be a part of the Family of God here at Dalton Gardens. I know all of you will want to get to know this new sister in the Lord.

Tonight there will be a special time of worship and praise and rededication for everyone in the family. We will sing songs about Jesus, have a special Christmas message, and light candles commemorating the birth of Jesus and our commitment to him and his body, the church. Yes, you have a candle waiting to be lit. Be with the family tonight at 5:30 to make the circle unbroken.

During this holiday season, it becomes easier for those around us to feel the joy of giving and receiving. Since the attack of the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon, there has been a renewed awakening toward God and Christians spiritually. My wish is that we all will look for opportunities to talk to our neighbors, acquaintances and family about what the Lord has done for you and your family. Just be honest about how you feel will go a long way toward how they accept your message. God bless the church and each member.

Lamont Petersen

....for a brighter Christmas in Togo

Thanks to many of you for helping Earlene and I send several large packing envelopes filled with things to help David, Becky, Hannah & Elijah have a Merry Christmas in Togo, Africa.

See the latest letter and new pictures on the missions bulletin board in the foyer.

Many thanks to all who made donations for the food baskets. Your kindness will fill a hungry child with joy and contentment! It is not always realized how many families would have been without on Christmas Day. May you rejoice in the thought of bringing this gift to others.

Another Thank You

To the Dalton Church of Christ,

Cheryl and I would like to thank the church family for the love and support you have given to us over the last 8 years. We are grateful for the example of Christians reaching out and teaching. We are also appreciative of the teaching of our children. The Dalton church will hold a special place in our hearts.

We pray that you continue to fight the good fight. If we do not meet again here in this world, I truly look forward to the time when we will meet in Heaven.

God Bless You!

Robert & Cheryl Mullaly

Rob has now joined his family in Canada. We will all miss them, and their work in the church here.

December 23 - Christmas Candle Light Vigil

December 25 - Morning Prayer Breakfast

January 11 - Game Night in the Kitchen

Ralph Crump is improving. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Shari Swaim has begun chemo treatments again. Pray for strength and peace for Shari during this time.

Jennie Brown is now resting at home. Her condition seems to be improving. She covets your prayers and appreciates short visits. Continue to keep Bob and their family in your prayers.

Dan Scott, Jean Grow's brother has a growth in his throat. He will be having surgery soon.

Jimmy Baldwin, 4 month old great-grandson of Edna Miner, will have surgery to remove fluid from his brain.

Susan French is home recovering from Achilles Tendon transplant surgery. Pray for comfort as she recovers. She would also enjoy a call, a card, or a visit.

Mary Harris Grow, Wade Grow's wife, has cancer on her face and is dealing with depression.

Ken Arnold is improving. Keep praying for him. He would love a card or especially a visit.

Jenny Dupey had surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids last Friday. Pray for comfort and healing.

Anita Haman is at home now and still is in need of our prayers for comfort and strength as she deals with a lot of pain from cancer.

Bill Elliott, Jan Almond's brother, is seriously ill with cancer. He will have surgery on the 18th. Jim's brother, Leonard Almond, has had surgery for colon cancer and is on chemo treatments. Pray for God's blessing on these men, and the families.

Continue to pray for the Togo Team and their families. Keep the work in your prayers, as they visit in the mountain villages around Kara, and begin to teach about Jesus in the Kabiye language.

Pray for Stan Howerton's father who has a spot on his lung, and may be needing surgery soon.

Joshua, 11 month old great nephew of Claudia Moberg is in the hospital with pneumonia.

Continue Praying For....

*Clarence May*Ron Bristow*Mark Mood*Bonnie Myer*Opal Wilson*Shirley Parker*Cooper Family*Don Phelps*Jacob Sandford*Alva Davis*Kenneth Bond*Graham Family*Marian Demas*Jason Hall

There's a sweet card on the bulletin board from Mark Mood. Take a look.

Mike's Memos

I appreciate the parents and teens who have already returned the youth involvement calendars you received last Sunday. If you didn't get one, let me know immediately, and everyone please complete and return yours ASAP. Your input and involvement is critical to the success of our youth ministry in the new year.

Ski Trip January 4th... at SCHWEITZER!

Wouldn't you like to be a part of the group going to spend all day Friday, January 4th. at the beautiful Schweitzer ski resort? All the youth group, their parents and friends, and you too are invited to be a part. But, you'll have to get up pretty early. We plan to leave about 6:30 ...that's AM, in order to get there, get all the equipment, and be ready for the slopes by 9:00! It's gonna be a great time. Come share the fun....even if you just want to sit in the nice, warm lodge, sip hot chocolate and watch the kids come down the hills. It will be a day filled with fellowship and lots of laughs for all.

This study of the meaning of 'Covenant' is a video / discussion series, with Don Rude leading the class. The ladies' and men's 'Experiencing God' classes are continuing, but if you are not already involved with a Wednesday Night Bible Class, this new class is an excellent opportunity for you.

Do you like to play board games, card games, dominos, etc? Be sure and set aside the second Friday of each month for this. We're planning a big turnout and lots of fun and, of course, how could we possibly get together without FOOD? Please bring snacks and drinks; we'll put them all out and nibble as the hunger pangs strike. Please bring any games you like to play. If you are a family with children, come and bring the little ones. Just be sure to bring an activity for them so they will have fun and supervision while you are having your fun.

The first game night will be Friday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the kitchen area. For more information, call Betty Williams, 762-4485.

We need to redo our list of people who are willing to help those in need by preparing meals. If you are willing to serve in this area, please add your name to the list on the kiosk. Even if you think we already have your name down, please sign up to be sure. With many names on the list, you may not be called often, so please consider helping. Many hands make light work. For more information call Kathy Taylor at 765-8263.

Life is a gift, children are gifts, knowledge is a gift, sight is a gift....., but the greatest gift; the very source of life and love came from above. This gift is our reason for living. We count it a joy to share this gift with the children. We pray that we may teach in such a way that the children will also share this indescribable gift with their parents, grandparents, friends, and families....

'.....because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!' 2 Cor. 9:14b, 15

It was a joy to watch the children perform as they did on Tuesday night as they presented 'The Angels' Message.' The Christ that was born into the world must be born in your heart. I see Christ in the children. We are very Blessed!

Teri Dupey

It's hard to believe the time is near,
that soon to come is a brand New Year.

The night will be the biggest yet,
so invite some people you've just met.

Please invite Sally, Sam, Pete and Bill,
to have a great time, you know they will.

You're gonna think your in Mexico,
we'll fill your belly full of taco.

We'll build a big fire, a little one too.
We'll roast a marshmallow before we are through.

After you roast the soft white lip smacker.
We'll get you some chocolate and a gram cracker.

The one fire will be so big and so hot,
that you'll have to find a much cooler spot.

But if it gets so cold that we just can't stand it,
then you know that inside is where we'll land it.

For those who need to stay so nice and warm,
inside of the building is where you will swarm.

Inside we will play a fun game or two,
how about Bingo, will that work for you?

Yes, we're planning lots of fun things to do,
so we could use some help from you.

So if you are thinking that you could help,
just give me a call, or give me a yelp.

Let's get excited, lets get involved,
a great New Year to be resolved.

Help Hot Line:
772-6247 George Wuest
687-5571 Ken Neubauer

Assembly Times:
Sunday:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

Bible Study Groups:

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