DID YOU KNOW?

The 12 days of Christmas begin on Dec. 25th and end on Jan. 5th. While retailers would have us believe that Christmas is only one day, the church celebrates twelve. January 6th marks Epiphany -- the coming of the Wise Men.

ATTENTION KNITTERS

Someone has given me many knitting patterns. There are lots of patterns for children, (all ages) and adults. If you are interested in doing some knitting this winter for your family let me know, and I will be glad to provide you with some patterns.

I also was given a bag of baby wool, assorted colours. If you could use it let me know.

Linda Edel

COIN BOXES

A total of $564.75 was given this year. Big thanks to all who participated towards this project. Proceeds will be shared equally between CLWR and NEST.

Thanks to everyone who rolled their coins!

Linda Edel

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Monetary donations and non-perishable food items are welcome up until Sunday, December 14^th. If you are aware of people or families who could use a hamper, please give their names to Laurel Armstrong.

PRE-PLANNING FOR FUNERAL & CEMETERY

Have any of you considered making your plans ahead of time? Have any of you been “left in the lurch” making arrangements for relatives or family members who hadn’t planned ahead? Whether you’ve been in this situation or not, an opportunity is coming up in the new year to ask questions and think about these things.

We will be having a guest early in the new year who works in the funeral home industry. She will answer any questions you might have and will present some helpful information for you to consider. This will be done informally over coffee following a Sunday service. If there are specific questions you would like her to address or specific topics that you believe would be helpful, please pass those on to Pastor Lynne.

COME HEAR DELIGHTFUL GERMAN CHRISTMAS HYMNS
Friday, December 19^th at Lutheran Church of the Cross on Arlington – FREE
(afternoon or evening... time to be announced in our bulletin or church service)
You will be sure to enjoy such songs as Susser die Glocken nie klingen, Millionen Sterne and Mache dich auf!
A great Advent treat to prepare your hearts for Christmas. (And the price is right – FREE)

SOME SIMPLE ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

For those who are coming and going from the church building on a regular basis, there are some simple things you can do to save both energy and money. Here are a few tips (some more obvious than others):

• If you’re the last one out, turn out all the lights
• Turn off any electric / baseboard heat in the church office or in the entry-way & cloak room.
• Close the outer doors to the washrooms (otherwise the baseboard heaters try to heat the whole building)
• Close the doors on the back stairway
• Turn off the computers & sound system

Pastor Lynne

STAMPS

This is a reminder that we are still collecting stamps for the Bible Society. They are looking more for stamps from other countries or special Canadian stamps but not the regular stamps. Please try not to tear the stamp and to leave a 1/4 inch border around the stamps. If you have any questions ask Betty Gunn.

ALPHA REUNION

A reunion of fifteen people who had attended an Apha Group was held on Nov.1. The morning started with brunch consisting of fruit, scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, casserole, toast, coffee and juice. We sang some gospel songs and watched a video from the Alpha course. We discussed our feelings about the course and how it helped our faith. We talked about how we could continue this growth through perhaps starting a prayer group or the possibility of someone starting another course if there is enough interest.

Bill & Teresa, Bob & Betty

LUTHER VILLAGE NEWS:

A special thank you to everyone who supported Luther Village's fundraising events by purchasing entertainment books or attending the Dinner & Dance.

Betty Gunn

NEWSLETTER ITEMS

Items for the January newsletter can be given to Pastor Lynne by Sunday, December 21^st.

Thank you!

AMAZINGLY COMMON
Allergies, Asthma, and Chemical sensitivities are very common. No doubt we have all noticed signs in our doctor's office, schools, universities, our mother's nursing home, the hospital, etc. reminding us that they are fragrance free zones.
To quote the sign at one nursing home: "Research has shown a fragrance free environment helps reduce breathing difficulties and skin irritations as well as other allergic reactions. Thank you for your sensitivity and cooperation to this request."
People of all ages are sensitive to the volatile chemicals present in perfumes and aftershaves that make them last and spread out. The scents found in soap and shampoos are usually faded by the time one gets to church but when perfumes/aftershaves are applied they cause many people discomfort. Society is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of indoor air quality. As we work to keep our indoor air as clear as possible, people with allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities will benefit, as will we all. We want our church to be a welcoming space where all can breathe easy and be comfortable.
Thank you for your kind consideration in making the worship space comfortable for all.

REGARDING RISK:

"Do not ride in automobiles; they cause 20 percent of all fatal accidents. Do not stay at home; 17 percent of all accidents occur in the home. Do not walk on the street or sidewalk; 14 percent of all accidents occur to pedestrians. Do not travel by air, rail or water; 16 percent of all accidents happen on these.

However, only .001% of all deaths reported occur in worship services. Hence, the safest place for you to be is in church. Sunday school is also relatively safe."

-- Executive Speechwriter Newsletter, 8, No. 1 (1993), 8.