We finished our sermon series on The Shepherds Story. I heard more positives about these lessons than almost anything we have done. No doubt the "special speakers" added to the enjoyment. It was not intended to be silly but a unique perspective of a story we have heard many times over the years. My favorite comments were, "I didn't realize these things about the shepherds." This concept went so well, I am planning to do Esther next... well maybe not. This week will be a one part lesson called, "No Return Policy."
Last night was one of my favorite activities of the year - Christmas caroling. It really isn't about the singing, but the people we are singing with and for. We split up into two groups of about 15 people and hit about 14 or 15 homes. David Brooker headed the "Perfect Pitch" group and I headed up the "Tone Deaf" group. David always has his group on pitch and with beautiful harmonies. Those who were recipients of this group were truly blessed with beautiful music. My group usually began their songs to high or to low (that might have been my fault). We missed the right beat here and there. Sometimes we sang the wrong words, despite having a sheet with the words. But we made up for it with our energy and fun. We always end with "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" as each one in our group hugs the recipient. Two different groups sharing the Christmas spirit in two different ways. It is a beautiful thing. My group also made history by recording three songs on the bus and sending them to Jerry Cutshall, who was too sick to come to the door. What greater gift could we give the guy who has horrible headaches than singing really loud off tune over a mobile device? Seriously, it is such an encouraging night for everyone involved. Here is the picture of us recording for Jerry.
While we were out spreading Christmas cheer, another group was at the building getting everything ready for our Christmas Eve Luncheon. All the tables, decorations, and preparations have been made. Please let others know. It lasts from 11 am - 2 pm. If you want to help serve, come on out. If you lonely or need some companionship, eat with us. We will be serving those who are homeless, financially struggling, emotionally spent, or just in need of a friend. Big smiles and a loving spirit is all that is needed to contribute. This church appreciates Jay and Chris Dean for doing this each year.
Thursday David Paladin and myself headed to Fort Pierce to make some surprise visits to some of our people and Jack Roberts. One visit in particular was to see Carolyn Walker at her beauty salon. We walked in and told her we needed a trim. That is when everything went crazy. I have never seen Carolyn laugh so much in my life. I know David and I are funny looking, but... Although, we discovered a secret life of Carolyn - torturing people. Look at this device we found. She said was used to "curl hair" (yeah right). You tell me, does this look like any curling iron you have ever seen in Wal-Mart? A flame thrower at the top with farming tools.
Seriously, we had a great lunch with Carolyn. Her smile and laughter is contagious and she lifted our spirits more than we did for her.
On Friday, the ministers had a very special lunch for a very special group of people - the office volunteers. When this began, we didn't know if this would work. We mainly wanted them to answer phones, but this group of women (Terrye Swinford not pictured) just continued to learn something new every week. They have become invaluable to David, Joel and myself. Lunch and a gift certificate doesn't come close to their worth. Thank you ladies. By the way, you should see Gaye Stanley put down some ribs. I thought we would have to use a taser on her. Just kidding, that was David and Joel. As you can see, David even had a fireplace going in the background.
Ok, I know it will be Christmas by the time you finish reading this report, so let me wrap this up. Tonight is our Celebrate Recovery. This time of year can be a trigger for many people. If you know of someone that needs help, please tell them about these meetings, beginning at 7. Tuesday night is the weekly service for the people at Horizon Bay at 6. Come out and join them if you don't have anything going on. Remember, NO Wednesday night classes or Sunday night service this week. NO classes on December 31st, but we WILL have a brunch, devotional and a time of prayer for the upcoming year on January 1st at 10 am.
As far as the office this week, the ministers will be in Monday-Wednesday and Friday. We will be checking the voicemail and emails in case we are out of the office at the time. Joel, David and myself would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and safe travels if you are going out of town.
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