English Ministry News and Notes 12-23-12

*Merry, Merry Christmas! We pray all of God's wondrous blessings of hope, peace, joy and love to surround you and your families as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

*Christmas Eve Candle Light Service - You are warmly invited to be a part of tomorrow (Monday) evening's special service at 7:00 p.m. The sanctuary will be aglow with the beauty of lights. You are encouraged to bring light refreshments for the fellowship afterwards.

*New Year's Day Hike - You are warmly invited to this annual tradition: kicking off the new calendar year with warm fellowship and time in God's beautiful creation. Hikers will gather at 1:30 p.m. on Jan.1st followed by dinner together. Please connect with Becky to RSVP and for details (meeting point, etc.).

*LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Work Day - The first food pantry work day will be Saturday, Jan. 12th. Great thanks to all those who served over the last year and a warm invitation is extended to all those who have not yet experienced the ministry! Please sign up today!

*2013 Hospitality and Altar Flower Sign Up's - As we roll into the new year, you are invited to consider contributing towards the altar flowers (sign up on annex bulletin board, $10/Sunday) and providing hospitality refreshments (next to refreshment table). Consider working with someone new! Please connect with Laura or Peggy about sign ups.

*Holy Communion will be celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in January (Jan. 13th.) We welcome Burt Yin, certified Lay Servant, to the pulpit on Epiphany Sunday (Jan. 6th).

*Great News - Rev. Martin Odi (former Board Chair of YCVM and current consultant) obtained his visa to travel to the US on Dec. 18th.  Thus we will welcome him to the Bay Area on Jan. 30th - Feb. 4th. This is an answer to prayer!

*Please Note - Pastor Emily will be on vacation from Dec. 24th - Jan. 12th. She will return to the office on Sunday, Jan. 13th. During this time, you are encouraged to connect with Meina Ko, our Minister of Discipleship, for any pastoral care concerns or needs. She can be reached in the office at 510.452.1020 or via email (meinako12@gmail.com). Additionally, the church office will be closed on Dec. 24th and 25th.