December 14, 2025 

Series: What To Expect When You’re Expecting 

Message Title: Expecting Joy Scriptures: Luke 2:8-14 and John 15:9-11 

 

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 

Sunday, December 28 will be a one service Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

 

 

 

The Poinsettias are placed this Christmas by the following: 

- Dean & Karleen VanKeuren placed two poinsettias. One in honor of Jesus’ birth and one in honor & memory of their prayer warrior, Elaine Litecky 

- Cheryl Shookman in honor of her fabulous husband, Larry Perigo 

- Bill Wiebe, who placed two poinsettias “In memory of my loving and dearly missed wife, Barbara.” 

- Marianne Zuidema in loving memory of her husband, Donald, who went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ April 29, 2025 

- Nancy Anderson “In honor of my daughter, Hope Channing Wholey, who went to Jesus October 22, 2016” 

- Marshall & Sharron Clary, “In memory and honor of our beloved parents” 

- Tim & Fae, Dawn & Sammy, David & Patsy placing “Six poinsettias for six years without our mom. They were her favorite and we're pretty sure, she'd approve of us decorating properly in her honor” 

Love Letters Did you ever receive a handwritten letter from Elaine Litecky, often marked “special delivery”? She was known for sharing prayers and scripture this way. In preparation for her Celebration of Life service, we’d love a copy of any of her letters to compile a remembrance book. 

From The Elders “At Christmas, we want to give the church family the opportunity to give monetary gifts to the Ministry Staff. If you wish to remember them in this fashion clearly designate.” 

Victim Advocacy Program Children’s Gifts What joy we had to deliver over 500 toys and 10 bikes to the Sheriff’s Department, following the Christmas party last Sunday evening. The cash and gift cards were used to purchase bike helmets. You should have seen the excitement when they saw how much we were giving!! Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35. Well done, Grace Church! 

Christmas Party Thank you to everyone who served! We appreciate ALL who served in the meal preparations, the cake bakers, the music/sound, the crepe station, the Women’s Ministry cookie team, facilities team, the toys/shirts outreach & hospitality! 

Global Café Hospitality Team We need team members to serve during Sunday morning hospitality. Interested in helping? Contact Dean & Karleen or the church office for information. 

Africa Mission Project with Harvesters Ministries We have launched “The Amaler Church & Ministry Center” project to provide a church facility for a largely unreached people group with the gospel in a very remote Kenyan region. A water well has been installed there and has a very good yield. The building plan includes the church building, toilets & a water supply. Project goal is $75,000. Designate Africa– Amaler. We’re over $21,000. Praise God! 

Did you track your shoeboxes? They are shipping and can be tracked already. Some from Grace Kids are already on the way to Paraguay and hard to reach countries. Pray as God’s love and Gospel are on the way! 

 

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